This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mich chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
As your internship starts to draw to an end, keep in mind that the experiences don’t have to stop at your office door. For those who are interning in sunny Los Angeles this summer, the city is booming with vibrant arts and culture, as well as endless must-see attractions. Before you pack your bags and head home for good, make the most of your summer experience and check out these must-do’s.
- Be a Tourist for a Day
Spend a day acting like a tourist – stroll down Hollywood Boulevard, find your favorite stars at the Walk of Fame, and take a picture in front of the Hollywood sign.
- Snag Amazing Bargains at the LA Fashion District
Hunt for the latest trends in clothes, shoes, and accessories at Santee Alley, and you can even bargain for a great deal.
- Visit the Happiest Place on Earth
No trip to Southern California is complete without dropping a visit to Minnie and Mickey at the magical world of Disneyland.
- Take a Ride on the Ferris Wheel at Santa Monica Pier
Spend a romantic day at Pacific Park the way Jack and Rose from the “Titanic” would have if he lived long enough to fulfill that promise.
- Experience Ancient Greece at the Getty Villa Museum
Located in the Pacific Palisades, the Getty Villa replicates beautiful Mediterranean architecture as well as exhibits a collection of ancient Greek and Roman antiquities.
- Window Shop on Rodeo Drive
Stroll along blocks of the region’s most sought after luxury goods, including Louie Vuitton, Chanel, Hermces, Burberry, and Coach.
- Watch Street Performers at Third Street Promenade
From talented musicians to snake charmers to amazing street dancers, Third Street is always bustling with fun and vibrant performers.
- Check Out the View at Griffith Observatory
During the day, you can catch a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign from the observatory. At night, you get an amazing view of the city lights.
- Go to a Free Audience Viewing
Sign up to sit in the audience of your favorite show for free, but make sure you reserve ticket months ahead of time. Some of these shows include Chelsea Lately, The Tonight Show, and Dancing With the Stars.
- Eat In-N-Out
For non-locals, In-N-Out burgers is a Californian must-try. Despite the fast food atmosphere, all of their ingredients are real and fresh.
- Visit the Quirkiest Museum Ever
The Museum of Jurassic Technology houses many unique and bizarre relics, such as a cat’s cradle exhibit, a superstition collection, and wooden chairs shaped like brains.
- Go to a Concert at the Hollywood Bowl
Catch a spectacular show at this modern amphitheater, seating approximately 18,000 people.
- Stalk Celebrities
Take an exclusive peak at your favorite celebrities homes with the Starline Tours.
- Try a Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog
Nicknamed the “heart attack dog,” these popular LA specialties are sold by street vendors everywhere.
- Watch a Movie at the TCL Chinese Theatre
Countless premieres and galas have passed through this iconic landmark. There are also nearly 200 Hollywood footprints and handprints on the concrete of the theater’s forecourt.
- Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Diddy Riese
Located in the heart of Westwood, Diddy Riese is known for its conveniently cheap and mouth-watering ice cream sandwiches. You pick two cookies and a scoop of ice cream at the flavor of your choice, and it totals to only $1.75!
- Walk Down Hollywood Boulevard at Night
The Hollywood nightlife is bustling and exciting. You will find yourself strolling by glitzy lights, packed bars, and perhaps even encounter a glamorous movie party or two.
- Get Cozy with Your Favorite Celebs at Madame Tussauds
Meet your favorite celebrities face-to-face, even if it’s just their wax figure. Madame Tussauds provides an interactive experience that allows you to get close and personal with numerous Hollywood icons.
- Bike from Santa Monica to Venice
There is no better way to enjoy the warm summer breeze than biking along the coastline from one beach to the other. Multiple companies offer bike rentals at a reasonable rate.
- Take a Tour of the Dolby Theatre
Learn about the building that hosts the annual Academy Awards, and stand on the floor that the some of the world’s most famous actors have set foot on.
- Learn Archery for Free
Channel your inner Hunger Game by attending archery lessons at the Pasadena Roving Archers Range on Saturday mornings for free.
- Go Surfing in Malibu
The warm sand, scenic coastline, and laid back waves make Malibu the prime SoCal surfing location.
- Buy Something from a Food Truck
Los Angeles is scattered with an eclectic mix of food trucks all over the city, including taco trucks, hotdog trucks, coffee trucks, and more.
- Add a Bit of Ethnic Flair to Your Summer
Downtown Los Angeles flourishes with multinational culture. You can hear a mariachi on Olvera Street, grab sushi at Little Tokyo, or purchase trinkets at a Chinese gift shop.
- Explore Arts at the LACMA
If you’re an art buff, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art may be worth checking out. It holds more than 100,000 works of art from ancient times to present-day. Also, a notable scene from the Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher movie, “No Strings Attached” was filmed here.
- Go Shopping at the Grove
The Grove is a beautifully built shopping complex with shopping alleys, courtyards, and plazas. Also, don’t forget to stop by Cheesecake Factory for a delicious bite to eat.
- Check Out the Farmer’s Market at Night
Enjoy food, drinks, and vendors at the Sunset Strip Market – one of the city’s only evening markets.
- Spend a Day at Universal Studios
Ride theme park thrillers and visit movie studios to learn about Hollywood’s entertainment industry. Also stop by the Universal Studios City Walk for an evening of cute shops and restaurants.
- Eat Creepy Crawlers at Typhoon Restaurant
Try their selection of toasted scorpions, fried crickets, and silkworm larvae to get the most unique dining experience you will ever have.
- Take a Stroll Through Chinatown
Explore herbal shops, antique stores, and small eateries at America’s first established Chinatown.