Facts About Los Angeles: Los Angeles is a beautiful city and is considered the entertainment capital of the world. From boasting the largest and most diverse collection of ice age fossils in the world to being the second-largest city in the USA, Los Angeles offers life-changing career opportunities. Many look up to this destination to pursue their dream education, whereas others find it the ideal spot to pursue a lucrative job.
However, are you aware of the interesting facts about Los Angeles? If you are planning to escalate your academic career in Los Angeles, you should know the below interesting facts about Los Angeles before getting on board!
Table of contents
- What’s in a Name?
- Hollywood has its History in LA
- Home to the Largest Urban Park in the U.S.
- Home to the Largest Ice Age Fossils
- 91 Abandoned Tunnels
- Olympics Once Again
- Los Angeles Has Over 75 Miles of Coastline
- LA Has 284 Days of Sunshine a Year
- The Most Diverse City in the U.S.
- The Traffic Is Legendary (But for a Reason)
- Birthplace of Iconic Sports Teams
- More Museums Than Any Other U.S. City
- Fun Facts About Los Angeles for Students
- FAQs
What’s in a Name?
Los Angeles’s original name will definitely surprise you! The first of our fun facts about Los Angeles is that it was previously called “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles del Río de Porciúncula”, which means “The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels on the River Porciúncula”.
Also, Los Angeles has many, many nicknames. Some of the nicknames that are quite common amongst locals which you will be hearing in student accommodation in Los Angeles include L.A. (the most common name since 1883), La La Land (associated with the LA movie industry), City of Angels (the city’s original name), and The Big Orange (about the fruit grown in the area).
Hollywood has its History in LA
You will be surprised by this fun fact about Los Angeles: Thomas Edison accidentally founded Hollywood! America’s East Coast was the hub of the film industry, and Thomas Edison was the famous collector of patents with over 1000 patents at the time of his death.
Also, there is an interesting fact about Los Angeles that connects the sign of Hollywood to the country. The Hollywood sign was originally Hollywoodland which was a housing development in the Hollywood Hills. The sign that gained its popularity across the globe was just an advertisement for a plot. Later on, the sign became the symbol of Hollywood.
Home to the Largest Urban Park in the U.S.
Here’s a lesser-known but awesome fact about Los Angeles: Griffith Park is the largest urban park in the country. It’s over 4,300 acres of trails, picnic areas, and even the famous Griffith Observatory. If you need a peaceful place to recharge between studies, this is it. Many students go there to jog, hike, or just escape from the busy city life. Plus, the views of the Hollywood Sign and the city skyline are Instagram-worthy!
Also Read: Like these intriguing facts about Los Angeles, Don’t miss to explore Top 5 Outdoor Adventures in Los Angeles!
Home to the Largest Ice Age Fossils
With the most diverse and largest number of fossils and remains the La Brea Tar Pits is home to over 3.5 million Ice Age fossils of more than 600 species. The site contained remains of a mammoth named Zed, giant sloths, sabertooth cats, and American lions. The extinct animals discovered at La Brea Tar Pits were trapped in the asphalt between 11,000 to 50,000 years ago.
La Brea Tar Pits is converted into a tourist attraction that is free and open to the public and if you stay at accommodation for Indian students in USA then you must visit this. It is also an active site in Urban Los Angeles. It is the most diverse and the largest number of fossils and remains from the ice age in the whole world.
91 Abandoned Tunnels
Our next fun fact about Los Angeles is another L.A. curiosity: 91 abandoned underground tunnel networks. There are 11 miles of underground tunnels that emerged as the secret entranceways to speakeasies and underground parties. The tunnels are purposely used, and some of them have been repurposed by the country’s metro system and government officials.
There is an incredible history related to spooky underground tunnels. In 1920, when alcohol was banned in LA, 35,000 gallons of wine were poured into its sewers. If these 91 abandoned tunnels were put together, it would stretch out an incredible 17 kilometres! If you are studying in USA, don’t miss exploring at least one of the most incredible underground tunnels.
Olympics Once Again
Los Angeles has a special history related to the Olympics. It is renowned for hosting the iconic global event of the Olympics twice, once in 1932 and in 1984. One more fun fact is that it is going to host the iconic global event thrice in 2028.
In the whole of North America, Los Angeles is the only city to have hosted the Olympics for a second time! London is the only country on the same list, and Paris will join the list soon in 2024. You will be surprised to know that Brisbane will be hosting the Olympics and Paralympics in 2032. Also, check out our blog to know more facts about Brisbane.
Los Angeles Has Over 75 Miles of Coastline
One of the best facts about Los Angeles is that you’re never too far from the beach. With over 75 miles of beautiful coastline, places like Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, and Malibu are perfect weekend getaways. Imagine finishing a tough week of lectures and heading straight to the beach for some fresh air and relaxation. Plus, these areas have open spaces to read, work on group projects, or simply unwind. And if you’re feeling homesick, the calming ocean views really help.
LA Has 284 Days of Sunshine a Year
If you’re from a region with unpredictable weather, this is one of the best facts about Los Angeles. With 284 days of sunshine a year, you can enjoy outdoor activities almost every day. You won’t have to worry about rain ruining your plans, which is perfect for exploring the city, attending festivals, or studying in the park. The warm, sunny climate can make your daily routine feel brighter and more positive, which definitely helps during stressful study periods.
Also Read: Having fun reading these unique facts about Los Angeles? Be sure to check our blog on 5 Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles!
The Most Diverse City in the U.S.
Moving abroad can make you wonder if you’ll fit in. But LA makes it easy. It’s one of the most diverse cities in the world, with people from over 140 countries and over 200 languages spoken. There are many South Asian communities, cultural events, and restaurants where you’ll feel right at home. Whether it’s attending a Diwali celebration or finding your favourite street food, you won’t feel alone. This is one of those facts about Los Angeles that truly matters to international students.
The Traffic Is Legendary (But for a Reason)
Yes, you’ve probably heard that LA traffic is intense. And it’s true! But the good news is that public transport is improving. Students can use Metro buses, light rails, and even bike-sharing programs. Many universities offer shuttle services, too. And here’s a tip: pick accommodation near your campus to avoid spending hours commuting. Understanding this fact about Los Angeles will help you plan smarter and save time (and money).
Birthplace of Iconic Sports Teams
If you’re a sports fan, you’ll love this fact about Los Angeles. The city is home to major teams like the LA Lakers (basketball), LA Dodgers (baseball), and LA Galaxy (soccer). Game nights are exciting, and students often go together to watch matches. It’s not just about sports—it’s a social event where you can bond with classmates and feel part of the community. Plus, student discounts for tickets are common!
More Museums Than Any Other U.S. City
One of the most underrated facts about Los Angeles is its incredible museum scene. With over 100 museums, you’ll never run out of things to explore. Famous spots like The Getty Center, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and The Broad often have free admission days or student discounts. Whether you’re into history, art, or science, museums are a great way to learn beyond your textbooks and enjoy a day out on a budget.
Fun Facts About Los Angeles for Students
Here are some of the fun facts about Los Angeles that show that there’s always something exciting happening. Whether it’s cultural events or unique hangouts, LA is a city that never lets you feel bored or left out. Now that you know some cool facts about Los Angeles, here are a few more fun ones that make LA extra special for students:
- LA has the largest number of small theatres in the U.S. – Perfect if you love live shows, comedy, and plays.
- It’s home to the biggest historic Chinatown in America – Great for exploring culture and delicious street food.
- There’s a museum entirely dedicated to selfies! – Yes, the Museum of Selfies exists. Grab your friends and your phone!
- LA loves fitness – From outdoor yoga in parks to hiking groups, it’s easy to stay active while making friends.
- Farmers’ markets are everywhere – You can shop fresh, local, and organic, which is perfect if you like to cook your own meals on a budget.
I know moving abroad can feel scary, especially when you’re unsure what to expect from a huge city like LA. But once you settle in, these facts about Los Angeles show why it’s such a great place for international students. From sunny weather and beaches to cultural diversity and endless career opportunities, LA has so much to offer.
FAQs
One of the most interesting facts about Los Angeles is that it has more cars than it has people making it one of the busiest cities in the world.
The ‘Hollywood’ sign was originally ‘Hollywood Land’ and was initially intended to advertise a piece of land.
Los Angeles is the first country to host the Olympic games for the third time.
Los Angeles has the third-largest oil field in the country. In the year 1923, it almost accounted for 1/4th of the oil production in the entire world.
Los Angeles is the busiest city in the world, having more cars than people.
Los Angeles covers about 1,302 square kilometers. It’s the second-largest city in the U.S. and has over 4 million people. The city is very spread out, so public transport or a car can help you get around easily.
Yes! You can visit places like Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame for free. Many parks and outdoor spots also offer beautiful views and great student hangouts.
Los Angeles is very diverse. Apart from English, you’ll hear Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and Tagalog. This mix of cultures makes it easy for international students to feel welcome and find a taste of home.
Another interesting fact about Los Angeles is its amazing food scene. You can try everything from Mexican tacos to Korean BBQ and vegan dishes. The city is perfect for food lovers who enjoy trying different cuisines.
Most parts of Los Angeles are safe, especially student areas near universities. Like any big city, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid unsafe neighborhoods, and follow local advice to enjoy the city comfortably.
Thus, we hope that through this blog on interesting facts about Los Angeles, you now have some quirky information about the country. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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