Hi, new and prospective Bruins!

My name is Anna. I am a third-year student at UCLA pursuing a major in Cognitive Science with a specialization in computing and a minor in Professional Writing. I am originally from Orange County California, just south of Los Angeles. Though I may have grown up in Southern California, I spent little time exploring LA before moving to Westwood. As I started my first year, I made a bucket list of everything I wanted to explore in the city when I wasn’t in class, and over the last three years, I’ve had an incredible time checking things off. I’m excited to give you the inside scoop on some of my favorite bucket list-worthy LA experiences!

Let’s kick things off with a few classic LA landmarks that top my personal list. If you’ve ever seen La La Land—a movie that truly puts Los Angeles on display—then you’ve already caught a glimpse of the iconic Griffith Observatory. Not only is it home to the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, telescopes, and engaging exhibits, but it also offers one of the most incredible views of the entire Los Angeles Basin. It’s also one of my favorite places to watch the sunset. Another can’t-miss LA experience is attending a Dodgers game. With palm trees surrounding the stadium and a Dodger Dog in hand, it’s a quintessential LA moment. And of course, no LA landmark list would be complete without mentioning the legendary Hollywood Sign. If you’re feeling brave, there’s a hike that takes you up and around the sign. But if you’re short on time (or energy), there’s also a shorter path that leads just below the iconic letters where you can snap a picture.

Speaking of Hollywood, as home to movie studios and celebrities, Los Angeles is widely known as the entertainment capital of the world! As a UCLA student, you have front-row seats to this exciting industry. I’ve signed up to be a free seat filler for tapings of Jimmy Kimmel Live, Jeopardy!, and The Voice. I’ve also had the opportunity to attend movie premieres alongside the stars themselves! The city offers countless other ways to engage in arts and entertainment. On weekends, I love visiting world-class art museums like the Getty–just across the way from campus–or the LACMA. Live performances are also everywhere. I’ve seen my favorite artists in concert at LA venues like the Greek Theatre, Disney Concert Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, and Sofi Stadium. My friends and I even caught the national tour of Mean Girls at the Pantages Theatre.

However, if you’re less interested in the silver screen and more into nature, I have great news: LA provides incredible opportunities to explore the outdoors! With nearly perfect year-round weather, any time is a great time to get outside in Los Angeles. My absolute favorite thing to do in the city is to hit the beach! With buses that shuttle you straight from campus to Santa Monica, laying out on the sand on the weekend is a popular Bruin pastime. If you’re looking for something more active, there are countless scenic hikes all across the city. Two of my favorites include the Culver City Stairs and the Getty View Trail. If you want to opt for something less intense, you can take a picturesque stroll through another of my favorite spots in LA, the Venice Canals.

If you worked up an appetite while hiking, you’re in for a treat—Los Angeles has an incredible food scene that reflects the city’s diverse culture. Whether I’m looking for a gourmet bagel in Brentwood or grabbing lunch at the iconic Grand Central Market, there’s always something delicious to try. Nothing beats the taco stands scattered around the city, or the ramen in Sawtelle Japantown. Truly, if you wanted to explore LA strictly through a food tour, you’d never run out of incredible places to try.

With so much to see, do, and taste, LA is truly a city like no other. While having a friend with a car can be helpful, UCLA’s free universal transit pass means you have the freedom to explore all corners of the city with ease. From the iconic landmarks, vibrant arts scene, nature, or world-class food, there’s always something new to discover on a day off from academics.

Have fun exploring and Go Bruins!