17 Symbols of Los Angeles and Their Meaning

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Did you know that Los Angeles is home to some of the most iconic symbols in America? From movie stars to historic monuments, LA has become synonymous with many shapes and things. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or native Angeleno, dive into this exploration of the popular symbols of Los Angeles so you can appreciate this city’s rich history!

What Is Los Angeles Known For?

Los Angeles is a dream destination for those seeking fame and fortune, but it’s so much more than that. It’s home to rolling hills, stunning coastlines, tons of sunshine, and rich diversity. From being the original home of movie stars and entertainment moguls to beautiful beaches like Santa Monica and Malibu, Los Angeles is a symbol of the glitz and glam of America.

It’s well-known for its bustling nightlife, delicious foodie scene, incredible architecture, events and entertainment scene, and trendsetting fashion. All of these factors make Los Angeles an attractive destination for millions of people each year.

What Is Unique About the City of Los Angeles?

Many things are unique about Los Angeles, from the rich culture and history of the city to the inhabitants that live there today. Originally, immigrants were drawn to the city with a promise of “paradise” – warm weather, ample opportunity to grow delicious produce, and the California Gold Rush that promised riches for those who settled on the west coast.

Since then, Los Angeles has seen the boom of Hollywood and the entertainment industry and today there is a rich mix of people of all different backgrounds and interests. Visitors and new residents alike are drawn to the excitement that LA promises. Many people still move here with the hopes of making it big in the entertainment industry.

Los Angeles is unique for its booming industry including having the largest port in North America and the 3rd largest concentration of wealth in the world.

Nicknames for Los Angeles

“The City of Angels” – Los Angeles translates to “the angels” in Spanish.

“City of Flowers and Sunshine” – Dubbed for its year-round lovely weather and sunny days.

“The City of Fallen Angels” – Sometimes a mistranslation of “Los Angeles,” however it can also refer to the many people that move here hoping to make it big in the industry that either don’t make it or that do and fall from their wealth and celebrity status.

“The City of Broken Dreams” – Refers to the many people who move here with a dream that is not realized.

Is There a Los Angeles Flag?

Yes, there actually is a Los Angeles flag! It has three vertical color strips – green, gold, and red – with the city seal in the center. The flag is supposed to be inspired by and represent Spain (the country that first settled in the city) and Mexico (the country that took over after the Mexican War for Independence).

What Colors Represent Los Angeles?

The colors on the flag are green, gold, and red, and represent Los Angeles. Green symbolizes olive trees, gold represents orange groves and red for vineyards.

I argue gold is the color that most represents Los Angeles. Not only does it clearly symbolize the mineral gold, found in California during the Gold Rush, but it also symbolizes the glitz and glam of the city and its history of wealthy inhabitants and the many stars that are born and thrive here.

What Are Some Symbols and Icons That Represent Los Angeles?

1. Hollywood Sign

A clear icon of LA, the prominent Hollywood Sign stands on the hills above the city and can be seen often as you drive around.

2. The Dodgers’ LA Logo

Part of the popular baseball team’s logo, the overlapping “L” and “A” has become a hand symbol as well.

3. Santa Monica Pier

The giant Ferris wheel sitting at the top of Santa Monia Pier is a popular symbol of LA beaches.

4. A Star / The Walk of Fame

The Walk of Fame is made up of more than 2,500 5-point stars adorned with the names of some of the most influential celebrities throughout entertainment history including actors, musicians, directors, and producers.

5. Hollywood Movie Clapboard

An icon of the movie and entertainment industry.

6. Beverly Hills Sign

The city sign has become a popular symbol of not just the ritzy city of Beverly Hills, but of Los Angeles as a greater entity.

7. Capitol Records Building

This iconic round tower is home to the first West Coast-based record label of note in the United States, founded in 1942 and home to many popular artists including Katy Perry and Paul McCartney.

8. Palm Trees

Found all over the city of Los Angeles and throughout California. Though the palm tree is not actually native to California, it has become a symbol of the state.

9. Avocados

The state fruit and a staple in the diets of many Angelenos. LA is known for its health-conscious scene and organic food craze.

10. Surfers / Surfboards

A symbol of the sport that is popular along the coast of California and especially throughout LA county beaches.

>>> RELATED POST: A Guide to Surfing in Los Angeles

11. Hollywood Bowl

One of the most popular outdoor music venues, the Hollywood Bowl is a symbol of LA entertainment.

12. Griffith Observatory

One of the more popular attractions, the Observatory is a prominent white building that overlooks the LA basin and out to the Hollywood sign.

Symbols On the Los Angeles Flag

13. Lion of Leon and the Castle of Castile

Taken from the Arms of Spain, they represent when LA was under Spanish control from 1542 to 1821.

14. Eagle Holding a Serpent

Taken from the Arms of Mexico to represent when LA was under Mexican rule from 1822 to 1846.

15. Stars and Stripes

Symbolizes that Los Angeles is an American city.

16. The Bear

A symbol from California’s state flag.

17. The Rosary Surrounding the Shield

This symbolizes the important religious background of early California when the Spaniards tried to convert Native Americans to Catholicism and built the missions in an attempt to expand European control.

CONCLUSION: Symbols of Los Angeles

There are a handful of symbols and icons that one would think of in relation to Los Angeles. From popular attractions such as Hollywood’s Walk of Fame to the more literal icons on the city flag, these symbols represent Los Angeles’ unique character, culture, and history.

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