Experience Los Angeles like a local when you’re studying abroad

Explore the of Angels as a student studying at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, with a strong creative streak running through its core. LA’s famous entertainment industry, the year-round sunshine, gorgeous beaches and youthful energy gives the city a dynamic edge, and sense of fun. Here are some of the cultural highlights of this exciting mega city.

Tinseltown

This is the nickname for Hollywood and there’s a certain Tinseltown glamor you can find here. It’s home to the famous Hollywood Bowl, which is a stunning setting for a live concert in the summer. Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street and look down at the Hollywood Walk of Fame stars embedded in the sidewalk. See a movie at TCL Chinese Theatre, which has hosted many glamorous premiers. In front of this cinema palace is the Forecourt to the Stars, where you can see celebrity handprints and autographs. For a magnificent view of the famous Hollywood sign, put your hiking boots on and hike the Griffith Park hiking trails for the best views.

Beaches

UCLA is close to some of the best beaches in LA. So whether you’re up for a swim, surf, walk along the promenade, or sunset meal on the pier, Los Angeles has plenty of beach life. The closest beach to campus is Santa Monica Beach, which is a long expanse of clean beach. Here you have surf waves, a bike trail and Santa Monica Pier. Visit the pier’s famous amusement park and hang out at the restaurants and bars here. Venice Beach is filled with quirky stores, street performers and skateboarders along the boardwalk. Muscle Beach is here too. If you’re a volleyball fan, go to Manhattan Beach, and if you’re a Baywatch fan, Will Rogers State Beach was the main filming location, which is also a great swimming spot.

Music

The city has long been a center for the music industry where bands come to record albums, live venues help launch rock careers, and festivals bring stars to the stage. Get a taste of LA’s eclectic music legacy from the Beach Boys and The Doors to N.W.A and Snoop Dogg and visit Amoeba Music in Hollywood. Visit the GRAMMY Museum to learn about famous Grammy winners and learn about the creative process of making records. For live music, head to the iconic Sunset Strip and follow in the footsteps of rock gods and hang out at Whisky a Go Go, The Roxy, the Viper Room and the Troubadour.

Sports and Recreation

With year-round sunshine comes the opportunity to take part in every sport and recreational activity imaginable. So, it’s not surprising LA is a city full of avid sports fans. You can watch the Dodgers, the Lakers, the Rams or the Ducks play at a stadium, or find courts, nets, fields and pitches all across the city. Ride the Sullivan Ridge mountain bike trail, go surfing at the beach, skate the bowls at Venice Beach Skate Park, or roll a bowling ball at a vintage LA ten-pin bowling alley like Highland Park Bowl. In LA, there’s always something sporty happening.