19 Fun Facts About Los Angeles | Before Fire |
Los Angeles is a city filled with dreams, diversity, and a whole lot of sunshine. It’s a global hub for entertainment, culture, and innovation. But beyond the glitzy Hollywood signs and stunning beaches, there’s a wealth of quirky and lesser-known facts about LA that even many locals might not know. So, if you’re a fan of this sprawling city or just curious about its unique vibe, here are 19 fun facts about Los Angeles that will surprise you!
1. The Hollywood Sign Wasn’t Always a Landmark
The famous Hollywood sign originally read “Hollywoodland” and was erected in 1923 as a real estate advertisement. It was meant to be a temporary installation, but after being restored in the 1970s, it became the iconic symbol we all know today.
2. Los Angeles Has the Largest Thai Population Outside of Thailand
LA’s Thai Town in the Hollywood area boasts the largest concentration of Thai people outside of Thailand. It’s a cultural hub where you can find amazing Thai food, traditional markets, and festivals year-round.
3. The City of Angels Isn’t Just One City
Los Angeles is actually a city and a county! The county of Los Angeles is one of the most populous in the U.S., with 88 cities within it. So, when someone says they live in LA, they might not necessarily mean the city proper.
4. It Has More Miles of Coastline Than Any Other U.S. City
LA is known for its stunning beaches, but it might surprise you that the city has more miles of coastline than any other U.S. city—75 miles in total! From Venice to Malibu, the options for beach lovers are endless.
5. Los Angeles Is Home to the World’s First Ever Drive-In Theater
In 1933, the world’s first drive-in movie theater was opened in LA, providing the perfect way to watch a flick under the stars—without leaving your car. The tradition continues to this day in various locations!
6. The LA Basin Was Once Home to Giant Ground Sloths
Before LA became the urban sprawl we know today, it was home to prehistoric creatures like giant ground sloths, saber-toothed cats, and mammoths. Fossils of these creatures have been found throughout the region, and the La Brea Tar Pits still showcase some of these amazing discoveries.
7. The First Ever Electric Traffic Light Was Installed in LA
In 1920, Los Angeles became home to the first electric traffic light. The innovation helped manage the increasing traffic as the city grew and became more populated.
8. LA’s Street Names Are Like a World Map
Los Angeles’ streets are named after cities from around the globe. You’ll find streets named after Paris (Paris Avenue), Berlin (Berlin Street), and even Cairo (Cairo Street). It’s like a mini world tour without ever leaving the city!
9. The LA Dodgers Were Originally From Brooklyn
Before the LA Dodgers moved to California in 1958, they were based in Brooklyn, New York. The relocation sparked the Dodgers’ strong fan base in LA, and they remain one of the city’s most beloved teams.
10. It’s Possible to Ski and Surf in One Day
Thanks to LA’s proximity to both the mountains and the coast, it’s entirely possible to ski on the slopes of Big Bear in the morning and surf the waves at Malibu in the afternoon. Only in LA!
11. The LA Public Library Holds More Than 6 Million Items
The Los Angeles Public Library is an incredible resource, holding over 6 million books, manuscripts, and other materials. It’s one of the largest library systems in the U.S., with a stunning central library located in the heart of downtown LA.
12. Los Angeles Has Its Own “Hollywood Walk of Fame”
While many people know about the Hollywood Walk of Fame, fewer realize that it spans over 15 blocks! There are over 2,600 brass stars embedded in the sidewalk, honoring celebrities from all fields of entertainment.
13. Los Angeles Was Originally Called “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles”
When Spanish settlers founded Los Angeles in 1781, it was originally named “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles,” which translates to “The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels.” It was later shortened to Los Angeles.
14. LA Is the Home of the Original “Fast Food”
While McDonald’s may have popularized fast food, the original fast-food restaurant concept started in Los Angeles. The first drive-thru restaurant, In-N-Out Burger, was founded in 1948, and it still has a loyal following to this day.
15. The City Hosts the Largest Street Fair in the U.S.
The Los Angeles County Fair, which takes place annually in Pomona, is the largest street fair in the country. It draws millions of visitors every year with rides, concerts, and incredible food.
16. Los Angeles Has Over 300 Days of Sunshine Per Year
If you’re a fan of sunshine, LA is the place to be! With an average of 300 sunny days a year, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those who love a bit of Vitamin D.
17. It’s a Mecca for Musicians
From the famed Sunset Strip to the legendary Apollo Theatre, Los Angeles has been home to some of the world’s greatest music venues and a launching pad for countless music careers. Think about it—this is where rock legends, pop stars, and jazz greats come to make their mark.
18. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Has the Largest Collection of Art in the U.S.
LACMA is not only one of the largest museums in the country, but it also holds an immense collection of over 140,000 works of art, spanning everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary installations. It’s a must-see for any art lover!
19. Los Angeles Is a Leading Film Industry Hub…But It Almost Wasn’t
Hollywood’s rise to fame might not have happened if not for a single move in the 1900s: in 1910, a group of film studios moved to California to escape Thomas Edison’s patent control in the East. That decision helped solidify Los Angeles as the heart of the global film industry.