Photographs selected by Allison Scates

Earlier this year, a rash of fires devastated California’s Los Angeles County, home to its namesake city, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Hollywood and other well-known destinations, destroying thousands of homes and businesses, and killing at least 29 Angelenos. But nothing can destroy the spirit of this city where dreams come true. As was true before the fires and now, the region offers a wealth of diversions and scenic spots. Whether visitors and residents alike want to chill on a beach, enjoy street art or just sit in a park amid blue skies and mild temperatures, L.A. has plenty to offer.

To celebrate Los Angeles, check out these 15 photos from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest.

A series of light posts on a sidewalk at night
Since February 2008, Urban Light by Chris Burden has become an unofficial symbol of Los Angeles and is one of the most popular works at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Anatoly Rodionov, 2010
A black and white image of a Aztec woman dancing
An elaborately dressed Aztec dancer from East Los Angeles twirls through the streets at a summer biker festival. Alexander G. Seyum, 2022
A Blur of red lights of LA Traffic
Los Angeles is notorious for its treacherous traffic along its more than 500 miles of freeway. Grant Palmer, 2010
A man feeds birds
A man feeds birds pieces of a PB&J sandwich, drawing a flock toward him, as he sits near Pershing Square. Ghawam Kouchaki, 2023
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Sunlight reflects on the stainless-steel panels of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by architect Frank Gehry. Alberto Mesirca, 2017
A black woman sunbathes in a chair
A young woman lounges in the sun on a beach chair at a Malibu outdoor shopping mall. Siouxsie Whittle, 2015
LA Skyline at night with the moon in background
Like in a scene from a Hollywood movie, a helicopter flies in front of the supermoon rising over the city. Brandon Yoshizawa, 2016
Sunset at Venice
The sun provides just enough light to illuminate the peaceful, still waters of the city’s Venice canals at night.  Karen Goldman, 2015
Roses overlooking a Los Angeles skyline
A palm tree and flowers seemingly stand at attention, reaching toward the sunny blue sky. Deb Leal, 2021
Street art on the side of a building
The woman in this mural is painted in a way that she almost seems to be holding the letters of the building over her fingers like a necklace. Louis Charpentier, 2018
Young girls dance at festival
Young women perform a dance during the Día de los Muertos event within the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, one the largest such celebrations outside of Mexico City. Eric Newnam, 2022
A empty LA street at night
While some parts of Los Angeles always seem alive and bustling with people, other neighborhoods quiet down at night. Justin Emord, 2022
A young kid skateboards at the skatepark at sunset
Venice Beach has been an attraction for skateboarders, body builders, surfers and sunbathers for decades. Sarah Fleury, 2020
LA Street black and white
Vintage signs still grace building marquees in historic downtown Los Angeles, giving the city a timeless feel. Greg Goyo Vargas, 2017

Planning Your Next Trip?

Explore great travel deals

Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs. If you purchase an item through these links, we receive a commission.

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.