Los Angeles County is a sprawling metropolis, encompassing an impressive area of land, around 4,850 square miles! With such a wide expanse of area that LA occupies, it’s no wonder that LA is one of the most vibrant and interesting places to live.
There is never a dull moment in the City of Angels! People in Los Angeles have so many opportunities and experiences in their reach. In this article, learn about LA’s unique identity and all the food, excursion, and music happenings that make this such a fun and iconic city.
A growth story
Los Angeles County was officially incorporated in February 1850 and LA continued to grow and prosper. Today, LA is a sprawling metropolis and recognized as one of the most prominent, fun, and iconic cities in the world. Los Angeles is a major economic and political force that leads the world. LA’s major global presence is in part due to the industry powerhouses in Entertainment, Manufacturing, and Tech.
The Entertainment Capital
Los Angeles, home to Hollywood, is no doubt the entertainment capital of the world. Major studios that can be found in LA include Disney, FOX, Paramount, Dreamworks, NBC Universal and Warner Bros. Artists from all over the world come to LA to make their mark on their medium, whether they’re going into acting, music, or something else creative.
Manufacturing in LA?
LA is actually the largest manufacturing center in the entire U.S according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics! Manufacturing companies in LA source materials to businesses throughout the country and abroad. Many businesses depend on the strength of Los Angeles’ manufacturing economy to conduct their operations.
Tech in many flavors
LA County is also a great home for technology industries such as aerospace companies. More than 300 aerospace companies including NASA JPL, Boeing, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic.
BioTech is also huge in Los Angeles thanks to the research of world-renowned universities like CalTech and UCLA. LA has one of the most innovative and trusted BioTech firms in the country.
These sectors are foundations for much of the economy in Los Angeles and shape the way that Angelenos live their lives. There are entire pockets of communities and ecosystems that these historic sectors have created. Much of the Los Angeles way of life can be attributed to developments in these sectors and goes hand in hand with the future of this great city.
A Unique Diversity
Los Angeles is among the most diverse cities in the country, with the most foreign-born residents. Los Angelenos come from more than 130 countries and speak more than 200 languages. This incredible diversity is a huge factor in LA’s incredible success and will no doubt spur its continued success for a long time to come. Los Angeles’s future is incredibly bright and will be a treat to see come to fruition.
Food Cultures
As one of the most diverse cities in the world, Los Angeles offers an incredibly diverse array of dining options. You can find amazing Mexican food in just about any corner of this large city thanks to the presence of one of the largest Mexican communities in the country. Sit down at Netflix famous Mexican restaurant Sonoratown or make a trip to any of the Leo’s Taco Trucks posted around the city.
Koreatown
One can also make a visit to LA’s historic Koreatown for delicious and authentic Korean food. Venture to Meat Love for some delicious all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ or Sun Nong Dan to try Galbi Jjim or braised beef short ribs! There’s much to try in terms of food, but one will find that Koreatown has a lot more in store for a visitor.
Thai Town
If you happen to be near the Hollywood area then you’re in the right location to get some delicious Thai food! Head over to Thai Town and get some of the best Thai food you can find in the world. Whether you’re looking for something savory, sweet(mango sticky rice!), or spicy Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles).
In addition to that are specialty food places that are iconic to the “LA experience” such as vegan restaurants like Gracias Madre, soul food like Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles, or amazing brunch options like the Doughroom and Blazing Saddles(cowboy themed). There is truly no end to the diversity of food options in the Los Angeles area!
Where can I take a walk in LA?
A Los Angeles experience would not be complete without a walk through some of LA’s most iconic promenade spots. These locations are great for walking around with friends, window shopping, and grabbing a treat.
Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade
Stroll through the bustling 3rd Street Promenade in sunny Santa Monica. Here you’ll be able to feel the breeze of the ocean as you check out any one of the shops and restaurants. Afterward, one can take a short walk over to the Santa Monica Pier and check out the beach!
Rodeo Drive
LA’s glitzy Rodeo Drive features some of the world’s most renowned luxury brands and an ambiance fitting of the City of Stars. One always has a good chance of spotting ultra crazy cars or celebrities at this exclusive location. Definitely a cool place to check out, even if you can’t afford to buy anything there.
The Grove
Located in the Fairfax and La Brea region, the Grove is a uniquely stylish shopping and dining center. Very few things seem to scream “LA” as the Grove does. Even if you’re not up for shopping or a meal, the Grove is a nice place to get some coffee and post up. This yet another location where one has a good chance of spotting the ever-elusive celebrity.
If you really want to experience LA like a local then it’s a must to check out any one of LA’s many monthly and weekly community events like Smorgasburg, which is an open-air food market in DTLA every other Sunday. Or go to First Fridays in Abbot Kinney or Venice where the street is shut down to make room for people to walk around and try a variety of foods served by local food trucks.
These events only happen on the first Friday of the month so if you miss it, you’ll have to wait until the following month! LA also has many different flea markets where one can find unique items, one is sure to find things of note even if they’re not looking for anything in particular.
Beach Excursions
Los Angeles is blessed with sunshine and warmth 300+ days of the year. So it’s no secret that Angelenos love to go to the beach to take advantage of the temperate weather. LA has many beaches along its coast, each of them with a unique culture worth exploring and finding out about!
Venice
Eccentric and lively by most standards, Venice Beach is one of the coolest beaches you can go to in the world. The boardwalk within Venice Beach is an especially interesting place to walk around with odd people and cool sights to be seen. If you’re around at the right time, groups of people put on free shows on the boardwalk where they do all sorts of things!
Santa Monica
Santa Monica is the quintessential West Coast city. It has everything: great weather, chill people, and an inviting, albeit packed, beach. The Santa Monica Pier has to be one of the most multicultural places in the country, the way you’re liable to hear 10 different languages walking down it. There are few beaches with a character like Santa Monica Beach’s.
Will Rogers State Beach
Located just north of Santa Monica Beach is Will Rogers State Beach. This is a great spot for people looking for a quiet and leisurely beach experience. It’s also very well maintained and has great amenities such as sand volleyball courts for those looking to get a sweat in. Will Rogers is definitely a local favorite for avid beachgoers.
Malibu Beach
Malibu is an out of the way beach that is popular with surfers and drifters. The beaches there are very quiet and relaxing. Malibu is kind of a little far, about a one hour drive so it’s definitely recommended that one plans for it if they’re going to head out over there.
Museums/Art
For those who are more inclined towards the arts then LA has plenty of options to sate their appetite. Whether it’s a world-renowned museum or a pop-up art installation, Los Angeles has it all.
The Getty Center
This is a museum located in West LA just off the 405 just before the valley. Sitting on a tall hill, the Getty is an architectural work of art itself. And within its walls are some incredibly current and riveting art pieces and displays. The Getty offers a solace away from the bustle of the city to comfortably enjoy some of the finer things in life.
LACMA
Located in Mid-City, the LA County Museum of Art seems to a spot that’s on the bucket list of every tourist to the city, domestic or international. This is probably because of the fixtures of light poles just outside that provide an excellent backdrop for photos! Those who choose to venture inside will find that equally photo-worthy scenes are to be found.
Hammer Museum
This iconic museum in Westwood is a cornerstone of the community there. With displays and projects from local artists, this museum remains tied to the community and remains effortlessly relevant. This museum always has a great run of collections throughout the year. The Hammer, associated with UCLA, is a testament to the importance of public service and patronage.
An interesting venture – Griffith Observatory
Located on a hill at the edge of Griffith Park is the Griffith Observatory, a facility where visitors can discover the stars and learn more about the cosmos. Locals and those visiting love to hike up the trail to this great facility and enjoy the views.
Music
As the entertainment capital of the world, there’s no way LA wouldn’t have a popping music scene. From indie artists to chart toppers and lowkey venues to massive stadiums, Los Angeles has it all when it comes to music. The amount of musical talent in this city is absurd and not going to change anytime soon as artists from around the world flock here to produce and collaborate. People in Los Angeles have a giant array of options to choose from when it comes to enjoying live music experiences.
The Shrine
This venue is a longstanding part of the live music scene in LA. The Shrine hosts a diverse collection of artists throughout the year and seats up to 6300 people so it can definitely be a bit more intimate than other locations. The Shrine is a great place to catch artists that are on the come up and products of Los Angeles.
The Forum
This place is yet another great event venue that hosts some pretty amazing shows and artists. This one is on the bigger end and tends to host more high ticket artists and items but it is still very accessible for the community. The Forum has been open since the late 1960s and has faithfully served Los Angeles ever since. It will be sure to continue to be an important place for music and community happenings for many years to come
These are all things that the participants of M Accelerator have enjoyed and expressed as being a valuable part of their Los Angeles experience. Based in Los Angeles, M Accelerator is an institution that offers those seeking an hands-on startup program an excellent opportunity to develop solid business management skills and learn innovative design tools. M Accelerator’s primary offering is a 4-12 week Startup Program that will give you the tools and resources to develop your entrepreneurial skillset under the instruction of highly experienced mentors and advisors. Throughout the program, participants will gain incredible, transformative experiences, skills and knowledge that will hone your passion for intrapreneurship.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself in one of the premier business ecosystems in the world and find out what kind of growth is in store for you. Contact us at apply@maccelerator.la
