The most popular Los Angeles destinations to visit in 2018

The new year is a great time to discover everything Los Angeles has to offer, from great restaurants to Hollywood landmarks. Based on anonymized trip data, these were seven of the city’s most popular destinations at the end of 2017.

This restaurant is a spin-off from the New York hotspot of the same name. The menu is a glorious mix of seafood, sushi, and other Asian influences, and is a favorite among foodies looking for bold flavors. Take advantage of the city’s great weather by enjoying your meal on the 340-seat retractable rooftop, which offers views of downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills. There is also an extensive wine and cocktail menu.

Where: 8715 Melrose Ave

This members-only club is part of the global Soho House franchise. Rather than focusing on wealth and status, it instead cherishes a “creative soul.” The majority of its members work in creative industries including the arts, fashion, and advertising. Once you become a member, you can take advantage of the entire space, which features a Middle Eastern restaurant and a “club within a club” that offers late-night drinks and food. A membership to Soho House West Hollywood will also get you into any Soho House around the world.

Where: 9200 Sunset Blvd

This Tinseltown landmark allows you to see Hollywood stars belonging to your favorite celebrities. Most of them are located on Hollywood Boulevard, but Vine Street also hosts three blocks of stars. If you’re looking for a particular star, you can head to the official website to find its exact location. If you’re lucky, you might even be in the area when a celebrity’s star ceremony is taking place. This is a great attraction for the whole family, and entirely free to enjoy.

Where: Hollywood Blvd & Vine St

Get ready for a jam-packed day of rides which allow you to experience your favorite movies and television shows first-hand. Simpsons fans will enjoy Springfield U.S.A., a virtual reality roller coaster which allows riders to soar across the city of America’s favorite cartoon family. Don’t miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which features Hogwarts Castle and exciting attractions which take visitors deep into a world of magical thrills. Take a studio tour to discover how Hollywood films are made.

Where: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City

This arena is home to the Los Angeles Lakers and three other professional sports teams, including the NHL’s Kings. It also hosts a range of concerts and events throughout the year, and has welcomed the world’s best singers and performers during the annual GRAMMY Awards. There’s always something happening, so be sure to check the arena’s official website for a schedule of events. A wide range of food and drink options are on offer, from pizza to tacos. Wash it all down with a beer from Golden Road Brew House.

Where: 1111 S Figueroa St

This urban park offers a wide array of museums, sports facilities, and recreational areas, including the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Science buffs will enjoy the California Science Center and the Natural History Museum, while the African-American Museum is both educational and highly enjoyable. The rose garden is a beautiful place to visit, offering more than 20,000 rose bushes. This is a great place to spend the day, offering a variety of options for the entire family.

Where: 700 Exposition Park Dr

This outdoor shopping complex feels like a city unto itself, with cobblestone walkways, restaurants, and a 60-foot dancing fountain. The stores include both mid-range and luxury brands. Traveling around the area in a double-decker trolley is half the fun. Once you’ve finished shopping, watch a film at the art deco-inspired movie theater on site. The complex is an interesting mix of American and European architectural styles, and a very Los Angeles thing to do.

Where: 189 The Grove Dr

Whether you enjoy great shopping or delicious cuisine, Los Angeles is ready to impress. Make 2018 the year you take advantage of everything Tinseltown has to offer.