Los Angeles does have not very glamourous landmarks, it is conceded. However, unlike San Francisco, we have no need for bridges so...if you took away that, San Francisco wouldn't look so nice without the Golden Gate Bridge, would it? Essentially, the reason we don't have towering buildings or what not is because of the earthquake risk. The 1,019 foot tall Library Tower is the tallest building in a earthquake zone and for up until 1957 the Los Angeles City Hall was the only building that was allowed to break the 13-story rule. This is why Los Angeles does not have any imposing buildings or landmarks, although for historically important structures, I can't say anything for the city's defense. Everything is torn down.