Many things change over the course of time, from technology to trends and everything in between. But one thing seems to remain the same: the popularity of LA tourism.
In fact, Los Angeles tourism saw record-breaking numbers with over 50 million visitors in 2019. According to the LA Times, LA tourism significantly bolstered the area’s economy by bringing in $140.6 billion in spending in 2018 alone.
But how does the city continue to do it? With so many places to visit around the world, there must be something special about the city whose tourism rates and revenue do nothing but grow. Below we have just a few of the many reasons why LA remains a tourist destination.
1. Disney Theme Parks
While Disneyland is technically located in Anaheim, it’s only a short drive from Los Angeles County. LA’s close proximity to one of the world’s most popular theme parks has certainly done wonders for its tourism appeal.
Disney’s California theme parks include Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. These two parks are home to some of the newest and most exciting experiences, such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Pixar’s Pier.
Disneyland is also set to open the all-new Avengers Campus soon, featuring attractions from the popular superhero movies, including Guardians of the Galaxy, Spiderman, Doctor Strange, and more.
And then of course there are the many classic fan-favorite attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and It’s a Small World. It’s no wonder that travelers come from far and wide to visit the original Disney resort. Disneyland may truly be the happiest place on Earth.
2. Cinematic History
When people think of Los Angeles, they often picture the Hollywood sign that’s perfectly nestled in Griffith Park. It’s an appropriate location for the sign, given the rich cinematic history of the area. In fact, the sign itself is an attraction frequently visited by tourists.
But Hollywood has much more to offer tourists than just a large sign to take photos of. As the official birthplace of the American film industry, there are tons of things to do and places to visit.
Visitors have the opportunity to learn all about the industry and its history through the Universal Studios tours. The Universal CityWalk also offers plenty of shops and restaurants, along with the famous Universal Studio theme park.
From there, tourists can stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame that’s bursting with the names and faces of the famous and talented. Hollywood Boulevard offers tons of cinematic attractions, including the Kodak Theatre.
The Hollywood Bowl Museum, the TCL Chinese Theater, and the Hollywood Wax Museum are just a few more cinematic features to add to your list of must-sees.
3. Gorgeous Beaches
With its western coast exposed to the Pacific Ocean, California is known for its gorgeous beaches – both public and private. However, Los Angeles alone has over 75 miles of coastline that feature tons of beaches and water activities.
Even if you’ve never been to the golden state, you’ve likely heard of popular seaside vacation spots like Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Royal Palms State Beach. These beaches, along with 12 others in Los Angeles County, feature breathtaking views, boardwalks, and unlimited loads of sunshine.
Santa Monica Beach is a classic ocean getaway, offering the historic Santa Monica Pier, two miles of sand, and plenty of room to stretch out and tan. Meanwhile, Venice beach provides a livelier approach to beaching and is a huge hub for skaters, musicians, bodybuilders, surfers, and other kinds of street entertainers due to its large boardwalk.
4. World-Class Cosmetic Surgeons
While Los Angeles is known to have some of the best hospitals in the nation, proudly boasting 32 in the area alone, LA is also famous for its world-class cosmetic surgeons. People come from across the world to improve their looks because the city has such a stellar reputation in this area.
Reality shows like Doctor 90210 (featuring Dr. Roberto Rey) have helped to bolster L.A.’s cosmetic surgery market. The city is home to a range of top-notch cosmetic doctors and dentists including Dr. S. Saul Lahijani, Dr. Garth Fisher, and the esteemed cosmetic dentist Arthur Glosman.
Cosmetic surgeries that people seek out in Los Angeles include non-surgical procedures like botox as well as more invasive work such as nose jobs and facelifts. Popular cosmetic dental procedures include porcelain veneers and Lumineers.
5. Celebrity Sightings
From beaches and theme parks to shopping and eating, it seems that Los Angeles has all you need for a fabulous vacation.
But how could we forget to mention all of the star-studded glory that covers LA’s residency?
Perhaps one of the contributing factors to the ever-growing LA tourism rates is the chance that one might bump into their favorite celebrity while strolling down Sunset Strip. After all, the city is home to some of the most famous names like Johnny Depp, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, George Clooney, and Justin Bieber.
Yes, Los Angeles has its faults (the traffic is unbearable and everything is expensive), but when you consider the excitement and the history that the city has to offer, it’s no wonder that so many people flock to this one-of-a-kind urban destination every year.