Planning a journey to Los Angeles however don’t understand where to begin? Discover LA’s finest hotspots with this checklist of the most effective points to do in Los Angeles. Our pal Jeremy of Travel Freak stays in Los Angeles as well as has actually assembled the most effective points to do in LA from a regional’s perspective. We combined in a few of the leading tourist attractions as well as vacationer locations as well as you have on your own a total Los Angeles overview.
Top Things to Do in Los Angeles
Like with various other huge cities in the United States, preparing a journey to Los Angeles is difficult exactly since there is so much to see as well as experience. In this checklist, you’ll discover a series of locations to go as well as points to do in Los Angeles, from the normal vacationer rides to several of LA’s best-kept keys. Updated by The Planet D group for 2023.
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Below are several of the leading scenic tours in Los Angeles. Don’t neglect to intend in advance when going to LA!
Top Activities as well as Tours in Los Angeles:
Whatever you’re into as well as despite where you’re remaining, at the very least among these alternatives must ignite your passion.
Brimming with society, background, as well as innovative power, you can’t go to the West Coast of the United States without dropping in Los Angeles. And it’s not simply for society marauders—Los Angeles County’s stretching 4,000 square miles is including walks, coastlines, as well as all kind of outside journeys!
Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, as well as the sandy coasts of Southern California – these are the areas every first-timer must see. Let’s beginning with one of the most famous locations in Los Angeles as well as remain to some lesser-known locations. Are you prepared?
1. Snap A Photo with The Famous Hollywood Sign
No journey to Los Angeles is full without a discovery of LA’s the majority of famous site: the Hollywood indication. Sitting atop Mount Lee in the Santa Monica hills, this popular tourist attraction has a lots of seeing alternatives with differing degrees of problem.
If you don’t wish to perspire, you can constantly simply see it from afar driving down Beverly Drive. For a better look, you can direct the Hollywood Hills to the family-friendly Lake Hollywood Park. And if you’re getting ready to do some walking, you can take a ride-hailing solution throughout of Deronda Drive. From the dead end, search for the white archway with the eco-friendly gateway as well as raise the path to the top of Mt. Lee.
Insider Tip: Consider raising to the Griffith Observatory for sundown rather. The Observatory flaunts a variety of remarkable artefacts as well as shows, from the 12-inch Zeiss telescope to the Rebel Without a Cause monolith. However, its greatest draw is the amazing sight – right here, you obtain a clear image of the indication, in addition to front-row seats to the city horizon.
No Los Angeles journey would certainly be full without at the very least driving with Rodeo Drive. A two-mile stretch lined with premium developer brand names like Saint Laurent, Gucci, Prada, Versace, as well as Chanel, Rodeo Drive is the embodiment of design as well as deluxe.
While it’s no more the star hang-out area it utilized to be, it will certainly permanently be engraved right into popular culture many thanks to that notorious buying scene in “Pretty Women”. And while you’re in Beverly Hills, don’t neglect to take a look at various other glitzy locations like the Greystone Mansion Gardens as well as the Beverly Hills Hotel.
If you wish to detect stars, publication a directed scenic tour to see the Beverly Hills estates where you’ll additionally strike Rodeo Drive as well as Hollywood movie studio.
3. Drive Down Sunset Strip
There is absolutely nothing even more quintessentially LA than driving with Sunset Boulevard as the sunlight decreases. And when the day hemorrhages right into evening, Sunset Strip – or the 1.5-mile-long stretch in West Hollywood from Doheny to North Crescent Heights – comes to be abuzz with songs as well as night life.
When the sunlight decreases, the city lights increase at The Roxy Theatre, Whisky A Go Go, as well as the Viper Room have actually housed several of the greatest names in songs. Meanwhile, the Comedy Store as well as the Laugh Factory brag stand-up graduates like Eddie Murphy, George Carlin, as well as Chris Rock.
Book this full-day scenic tour that consists of Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, as well as Santa Monica. You’ll see famous locations like the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Farmers Market, as well as the Griffith Observatory.
4. Hit the Beach
From Baywatch to The OC, the coastlines of Southern California have actually functioned as a background for plenty of popular flicks as well as tv programs. And if you’re a web surfer, Los Angeles is heaven. From the city, you’ve obtained simple accessibility to several of SoCal’s significant browse areas like El Porto, Zuma, Topanga, as well as Huntington Beach – the globe’s searching resources!
5. Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice Beach is just one of Los Angeles’ most famous as well as dynamic locations as well as completely factor. It’s an area where the city’s varied society, picturesque appeal, as well as eccentricity merge, making it an extraordinary experience for site visitors.
Venice Beach is recognized for its boardwalk that goes to Santa Monica Beach equally as high as its unwell waves. The Venice Boardwalk, or Ocean Front Walk resembles a microcosm of all points LA, from internet users to road entertainers, suppliers, buskers, skaters, as well as robust guys exercising at Muscle Beach.
For health and fitness fanatics or those that simply wish to witness the phenomenon, Muscle Beach is a historical outside fitness center where body builders display their skills. You’ll additionally discover among one of the most popular skateparks worldwide, the Venice Skate Park.
Inspired by Venice, Italy, the Venice Canals use an extra peaceful experience. The attractive sidewalks along the canals are best for a leisurely walk in the middle of enchanting homes as well as curved bridges, transferring you to a European-esque setup.
From buying as well as eating to the coastline as well as searching, there’s something for everybody. Venice Beach is not simply a coastline, however a location with a heart, where every see seems like a brand-new journey.
6. Santa Monica Pier
For family-friendly enjoyable, Santa Monica Pier is the location to be. It’s obtained a seaside theme park, online songs, a gallery, as well as a lot of dining establishments as well as buy any ages.
Start your see by discovering Pacific Park, the theme park situated on the pier. Ride the popular Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel, referred to as the Pacific Wheel, which uses scenic sights of the Pacific Ocean as well as shoreline. Don’t miss out on various other thrilling flights like the West Coaster roller rollercoaster.
7. Other Los Angeles Beaches
Understandably, if you’re wary of groups, you can go to Will Rogers State Beach rather. Situated in between Topanga as well as Santa Monica in the Pacific Palisades, this three-mile stretch of coastline doesn’t view as lots of site visitors as the others on this checklist.
And if you’re seeking a little bit of journey, there’s Point Dume State Beach, which rests at the end of Malibu on a bluff that protrudes right into the Pacific. Here, you can either swim in the clear blue waters, diving dive beside sea lions, or perhaps attempt your hand at rock climbing.
Insider Tip: Los Angeles’ Mediterranean environment doesn’t alter quite, so any type of day is a coastline day, actually. But if you wish to prevent summertime groups, think about going to from September to November.
8. Stroll Down Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Blvd is rather Los Angeles’ equal to New York’s Times Square. Getting 10s of hundreds of site visitors everyday, it’s the utmost vacationer catch. But it’s famous sufficient to warrant a see!
This is where you’ll discover the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a 1.3-mile pathway birthing the names of thousands of movie as well as television celebrities, supervisors, as well as manufacturers. If you have youngsters in tow, ridicule that can detect their favored stars initially.
Apart from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Boulevard’s obtained various other preferred vacationer destinations – from the TCL Chinese Theatre (initially Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) as well as the Dolby Theatre to historical cinema like the Vista Theatre as well as the American Cinematheque.
9. Grand Avenue
Grand Avenue is typically taken into consideration the city’s social heart beat. With its combinations of arts, design, as well as home entertainment, the opportunity is a crucial location for anybody going to Los Angeles. Don’t miss out on the Walt Disney Concert Hall developed by Frank Gehry where you can go to a performance executed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
The Broad Museum is a Contemporary Art Museum that houses among the even more preferred displays in the city, the Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama. Or you can cross the road to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Be certain to publication appointments ahead of time.
And see to it to quit at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion which held lots of occasions consisting of the Acadamy Awards as well as is currently house to the LA Opera.
10. Go Celeb Spotting at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Less than 10 mins far from Hollywood Boulevard is the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the last relaxing location for several of the greatest names of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Think of it as an extra serene – albeit macabre – alternate to the hectic Walk of Fame. Here, you’ll discover the tombs of Mel Blanc, Jayne Mansfield, Cecille B. DeMille, Dee Dee, as well as Johnny Ramone.
11. Get Some Grub at The Original Farmers Market
Once you’re all faded searching for superstars, make your means to Fairfax as well as third Street for the OG Los Angeles eating experience.
This historical industry has actually been around considering that 1934 as well as has actually become a modern center for foodies. This area is precious by both tourists as well as residents alike as well as has actually been seen by plenty of stars, from The Beatles to James Dean.
12. Visit the Sound Stages of Your Favorite Films as well as TELEVISION Shows
Film as well as television aficionados will certainly appreciate a scenic tour of several of Hollywood’s greatest workshops. At the Warner Bros workshop, “Friends” followers can endure their utmost dream with a check out to the Stage 48: Script to Screen soundstage, where a reproduction of the Central Perk Cafe completely stays.
Meanwhile, at Paramount Studios, you can discover its tradition as the lengthiest running workshop in Hollywood as well as admire its large New York Street backlot. And for an actual blast from the past, you can head to Sony Pictures, which still houses the old Art Deco structures of the previous MGM workshop that when depended on the great deal.
If you are a movie lover, you can additionally take a self-guided scenic tour of your favored recording places around Los Angeles. Download this application for a GPS-guided application from Downtown LA to Griffith Park as you discover of Hollywood background as well as see popular capturing places.
13. Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
LACMA is the biggest art gallery on the West Coast. Their art galleries consist of jobs by the similarity Henri Matisse, Diego Rivera, Pablo Picasso, as well as Rene Magritte.
Outside, you can break a picture beside 2 legendary installments: “Urban Light”, which includes 202 brought back streetlamps from the 1920s as well as 1930s; as well as “Levitated Mass” a 340-ton ecological sculpture.
14. Take an Architectural Tour
Los Angeles has several of one of the most distinct as well as well-known homes, structures, as well as galleries worldwide. Book a scenic tour as well as discover the background behind several of one of the most popular building tourist attractions in the city, like:
Richard Neutra’s Lovell Health House Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House The Walt Disney Concert Hall The Broad Museum The Richard Meier-developed Getty Center (house of the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Villa, as well as, the Getty Research Institute)
15. Visit the Getty Center
The Getty Center is just one of Los Angeles’ most famous social locations, renowned for its comprehensive art collection, perfectly designed yards, as well as spectacular sights of the city.
Located in the Brentwood community of Los Angeles, on a hill in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center includes the jobs of Vincent Van Gogh as well as Rembrandt.
Admission to the Getty Center is totally free, however car park is $20 ($15 after 3 p.m.). It’s suggested to examine the main site for the most recent going to hrs as well as any type of unique exhibits or occasions that could be occurring. The Getty Center is well-regarded for being family-friendly as well as providing a range of programs for any ages.
16. Explore LA’s Secret Stairs
During the mid-1900s, Los Angeles had a quite comprehensive cart system, covering over 1,100 miles of track. Though the carts are currently lengthy gone, you’ll discover residues of them in the network of high staircases that go through locations like Silver Lake, Echo Park Lake, Pacific Palisades, as well as Beachwood Canyon.
The last is a charming household area that a series of A-listers as well as previous celebrities call house. So if you’re one of those tourists that suches as searching for lovely homes, this’s for you. Plus, you enter a great cardio exercise also!
17. Echo Park
While in the location, invest a long time at Echo Park Lake, the community’s crown gem. You can lease paddle watercrafts or simply take a leisurely stroll around the lake. Rent a swan watercraft ahead of time to appreciate a quieter side of Los Angeles
This location is recognized for its dynamic road art as well as murals. Take a go through the community as well as find the vivid as well as typically provocative modern art decorating the wall surfaces as well as structures.
18. Griffith Park
Angelenos understand the most effective component of LA is its wealth of treking routes, parks, as well as a lots of various other outside journey alternatives.
For a fast metropolitan walk, there’s Griffith Park. Griffith Park has to do with 6 times the dimension of New York’s Central Park as well as is house to the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, the Bronson Canyon Caves, the Los Angeles Zoo, the Greek Theatre, as well as a 53-mile network of routes as well as courses.
Then there’s the Runyon Canyon trek, which is a 3.5-mile walking path up in the Santa Monica Mountains. Runyon Canyon is the only park that enables canines to run off-leash, so if you’re taking a trip with your dog, don’t lose out on this path.
If you’re wanting to plan much more extreme excursion, there is no lack of alternatives either – California has 300 state parks! And while outdoor camping is still presently off the table, there are still a lot of enjoyable points to do, like.
19. Dodgers Stadium
If you’re a sporting activities follower, head to the close-by Dodger Stadium, house of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Try to capture a baseball video game or take a scenic tour of the arena.
20. Silver Lake
Silver Lake is an additional dynamic community situated in the main area of Los Angeles that is recognized for its diverse ambience, stylish stores, dining establishments, as well as creative area.
The community is called after the Silver Lake Reservoir, a huge body of water that works as a stunning focal point. The storage tank is bordered by a strolling course preferred amongst locals for running, strolling canines, as well as appreciating panoramas.
21. Cycle the Strand
The Strand, additionally referred to as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, is a 22-mile bike course that begins at Will Rogers State Beach as well as goes through the Pacific Palisades as well as to Santa Monica, Redondo, Manhattan, Venice Beach, as well as Torrance County Beach.
Take a bike trip along this attractive course. Bear in mind that it’s an easygoing course that sees tourists of any ages as well as degrees. So, if you’re wanting to do some sprints, this might not be the path for you.
22. Immerse in Japanese Culture in Little Tokyo
Home to the United States show business, Los Angeles is a fusion of art, skill, as well as society.
Little Tokyo is a 135-year-old community situated in Downtown Los Angeles. As the 2nd earliest community in the city of LA as well as among just 3 authorities Japantowns in the United States, Little Tokyo is a historic, social site.
You can discover the experiences of Japanese Americans throughout background at the Japanese American National Museum, discover distinct presents for buddies in the house at the Bunkado store, or have homestyle Japanese food on first Street. Read much more concerning Tokyo The Best Things to do in Tokyo, Japan
23. Feast at The Grand Central Market
Another must-see in Downtown LA, Grand Central Market is a food lover’s paradise. Come on a vacant tummy since Grand Central is teeming with great grub.
Must-attempts consist of Villa Moreliana’s tacos, Belcampo Meat Co.’s dry-aged beef hamburger, as well as Eggslut’s notorious egg sandwiches. For treat, McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream is the means to go.
To take a look at even more of the Los Angeles food scene, publication this midtown food scenic tour that begins at Pershing Square. Sample foods from the arising LA food scene as you find out about Hollywood background.
24. Catch A Concert at The Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is the premier location for online songs in Los Angeles. The large amphitheater has actually held all sort of artists – from Hall as well as Oates to Lady Gaga – however it’s the Los Angeles Philharmonic band that reaches call it house.
The park location utilized to be available to the general public throughout the day, as well as site visitors might enjoy wedding rehearsals totally free.
25. Explore Exposition Park
When taking a trip with your youngsters, it’s important to discover locations that can be taken pleasure in by the entire family members. Here are our leading 5 family-friendly points to do in Los Angeles.
If you as well as your youngsters are up for a day trip, head over to Exposition Park. The stretching metropolitan park homes tourist attractions like the Banc of California football arena, the Rose Garden, the California African American Museum, the Natural History Museum, as well as the California Science Center.
The Science Center is especially intriguing since it works as the last relaxing location for the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the last functional shuttle bus constructed for NASA.
26. Enjoy the Petersen Automotive Museum
If you as well as your youngsters share an interest for autos, increase Wilshire Boulevard as well as make a rest stop at Petersen Museum. As among the biggest auto galleries worldwide, this gallery showcases over a hundred lorries in 25 galleries.
If you’re a large gearhead, you can pay an added $20 to enter “The Vault”, a below ground garage where the gallery maintains lorries that have actually been turned out of the exhibits, in addition to autos that have actually never ever been shown to the general public yet.
Here, you’ll discover treasures like Steve McQueen’s 1957 Jaguar as well as a 1998 open-top Cadillac Popemobile. Kids under 10 are not admitted this location.
27. Learn About the Ice Age at The La Brea Tar Pits as well as Museum
What makes pits of tar among LA’s most preferred tourist attractions? The La Brea Tar Pits is the just energetic Ice Age fossil website that lies in a city setup. Scientists have actually been excavating up fossils from this location for over a a century, as well as all the artefacts from these excavations are shown at the La Brea Museum.
Here, youngsters can discover prehistory, archaeology, biology, as well as environment adjustment. Overall, it’s a terrific location to involve your youngsters in an enjoyable, interactive, as well as !
28. Experience the Thrills of Movie Magic at Universal Studios Hollywood
There is absolutely no lack of amusement park in California. You’ve obtained Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags, as well as Legoland, simply among others.
But if you as well as your youngsters are popular culture geeks, Universal Studios Hollywood could be among the only amusement park that actually brings the magic of flicks to life. Some of the park’s piece de resistances consist of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Jurassic World trip, as well as the World-Famous Studio scenic tour. Book your Skip the line Tickets for Universal Studios ahead of time to optimize your pleasure.
29. Mulholland Drive
Another legendary drive would certainly be Mulholland Drive, which Jay Leno when referred to as the “spine of Los Angeles”. With the San Fernando Valley on one side as well as Beverly Hills on the various other, the drive uses amazing sights of the Los Angeles Basin.
“The Snake”, a twisty section full of doglegs, is additionally a favored amongst cyclists as well as auto fanatics. Unfortunately, a lot of Mulholland Drive has actually been shut considering that the Woolsey fire ruined the location.
Best Day Trips from Los Angeles
The better Los Angeles location is significant as well as if you have a cars and truck as well as a couple of additional days, you must make your means to a few of these places that are within driving range from midtown. Some call for a couple of days, as well as others can be carried out in a simple field trip.
30. Historic Battleship USS Iowa Museum
One of one of the most noteworthy tourist attractions is the historical Battleship USS Iowa Museum. Moored at the LA Waterfront in San Pedro, this famous World War II battlewagon welcomes site visitors to submerse themselves in American marine background with its detailed displays as well as directed scenic tours.
A rock’s throw out is the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, which additionally narrates the abundant maritime heritage of the area.
31. Long Beach
Long Beach is an additional Southern California, seaside city situated within the better Los Angeles city. One of Long Beach’s most popular tourist attractions is the Queen Mary, a retired sea lining that has actually been completely anchored in the harbor considering that 1967. It currently works as a resort, gallery, as well as occasions location. The ship is additionally recognized for its claimed hauntings as well as uses ghost scenic tours.
The beachfront location of Long Beach is a dynamic area with a range of dining establishments, stores, as well as tourist attractions. The Rainbow Harbor as well as Shoreline Village are especially preferred locations to walk, eat, as well as appreciate sights of the water.
It additionally normally has numerous miles of coastlines, which are fantastic for swimming, sunbathing, as well as water sporting activities. Belmont Shore is a prominent coastline community recognized for its easygoing ambiance, as well as Alamitos Beach is recognized for being LGBTQ2s+ pleasant
32. Summit Mt. Baldy
Standing at 10,066 feet or 3,068 meters over water level, Mount Baldy (additionally referred to as Mt. San Antonio) is taken into consideration the greatest optimal in Los Angeles County.
There are many routes throughout the hill, from the brief Mt. Baldy Notch path, which has to do with 3.5 miles one means, to the Mt. Baldy path, the lengthiest (6.5 miles one means) as well as the earliest path that takes you completely to the top. From the top, you obtain lovely sights of LA. On a great day, you can also see Catalina Island.
In the wintertime, Mt. Baldy comes to be a prominent winter sports location too.
33. Bungee Jump Off the Bridge to Nowhere
The Angeles National Forest covers over 700,000 acres of land, consisting of the San Gabriel as well as Sierra Pelona Mountains. One of one of the most interesting points to do right here is the Bridge to Nowhere trek in the San Gabriel Mountains. It’s a 10-mile walk including river crossings, passages, as well as a stunning 120-foot-high concrete bridge that leads, well, no place, as it’s wedged right into the canyon.
If the walk isn’t interesting sufficient, you can additionally bungee embark on the bridge. And if you’re actually desire for some adrenaline, you can also schedule an evening dive, where you come under a pitch-black void as well as admire a stellar evening.
A word of care, nevertheless: constantly examine the climate prior to starting this walk. In the damp period, the location is susceptible to blink floodings. In the summertime, it can be a tiring journey, as there is basically no color around.
34. Go Bouldering in Joshua Tree National Park
If you just have time for a couple of excursion, see to it among them is a check out to Joshua Tree National Park. It’s concerning a 2-hour-and-45-minute drive from Los Angeles, however it’s well worth the see.
Known as the location where 2 deserts fulfill – the Colorado as well as the Mojave deserts – the park is house to several of one of the most intriguing landscapes this side of the United States. Some popular views consist of the creepy Skull Rock development as well as the 30-foot arc of Arch Rock.
Joshua Tree’s large rock developments make it a terrific website for bouldering as well as rock climbing up also. Trashcan Rock, Lizard’s Hangout, as well as the Blob are several of the most effective areas for novices. Read More: 11 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park
35. Go Off-Roading in The Mojave Desert
Mojave Road is a 150-mile historical dust roadway that begins at Beale’s Crossing by the Colorado River as well as finishes at Drum Barracks in Wilmington, LA.
You can go across the whole path in 3 days, however see to it you have a lot of food, water, as well as fuel with you, as there are basically no facilities out in the desert. Be certain to bring devices, an extra tire, as well as emergency situation materials too.
As it is a harsh as well as unmaintained desert roadway, you will certainly require to bring a 4×4 lorry with you.
36. Sail Off to Catalina Island
If you’re up for something a bit much more laid back, you can reserve a personal charter to Catalina Island. On the journey, you can anticipate to cruise beside dolphins, go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, as well as snorkeling in Catalina’s reef.
Catalina Island is an hour-long watercraft trip from Newport Beach, Long Beach, or San Pedro Beach.
37. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
The city of LA is as much the city of autos as it is the city of celebrities, with a cars and truck society so withstanding that it has actually formed the means the city – as well as its surrounding location – has actually been developed. As such, LA is just one of the most effective locations for tourists to start a trip.
One of the most effective paths you can take is the drive from Santa Monica to Zuma Beach in Malibu by means of the Pacific Coast Highway. The freeway leaves the Pacific shoreline of California, providing among one of the most spectacular sights worldwide. And while you’re in Malibu, see to it to take a look at bicycle rider’s hangout Neptune’s Net, a world-famous fish and shellfish as well as beer dining establishment that rests right by the freeway. Read much more: The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary as well as The Best Viewpoints
About Los Angeles
Los Angeles is really component of Los Angeles County, composed of 88 bundled cities overall. LA—additionally referred to as the City of Angels—is California’s most populated city, making up some 80+ areas. The delineation of these areas can obtain rather controversial, so don’t fret if you can’t discover what you’re seeking on a normal map. If you’re shed, it’s finest to ask a regional!
Your major entrance right into Los Angeles is with the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is located in the beachside community of Westchester. Head up northwest, as well as you’ll strike various other renowned coastline communities like Venice, Santa Monica, the Pacific Palisades, as well as Malibu.
While LA has sufficient public transport, the most effective means to navigate is by auto. There’s a claiming that “nobody walks in LA”—with the large dimension of the area as well as Los Angeles’ flourishing auto society, it is virtually real. No, I take it back—it’s 100% real. Compare auto leasing costs right here.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking fast metropolitan walks, careless coastline days, unwell browse sessions, or legendary excursion out in the desert, Los Angeles is a desire for the majority of journey tourists. You’ll never ever lack points to do in LA!
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