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The 25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles

The almost perpetual promise of palm trees and 80 degrees, sometimes even in the dead of winter, is enough to lure most visitors to Los Angeles. But the Southern California city has far more to offer than fun in the sun between Hollywood history, world-class museums, international cuisine and festivals, stars of the celestial and celebrity varieties, amusement parks, and miles of picturesque hiking. Start planning your next well-rounded adventure with this guide to the top 25 things to do in La La Land.

Play at the Beach

TripSavvy / Makito Umekita

A trip to Southern California, blessed as it is by near-constant good weather, isn't complete without spending some time at the beach, any beach . There are plenty to choose from along the 75 miles of coastline, and they come in all shapes and sizes from wide and bustling with humans to secluded and surfable. There are also endless ways to enjoy them whether you stunt at the skate park in the sand, join a volleyball team in the South Bay, bike the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Path from Pacific Palisades to Redondo Beach, stroll along a pier, surf, standup paddleboard, eat at an oceanfront restaurant like Malibu Farm, The Strand House, or Coast, or ride the world’s only solar-powered Ferris Wheel and go to free concerts in Santa Monica. Or simply throw down a towel, open a book, and chill.

See Stars at Griffith Observatory

Perched 1,134 feet above sea level on Mount Hollywood in Griffth Park, Griffith Observatory is a free observatory, planetarium (the third one in the nation when it opened in 1935), and science exhibition space. More than 8 million visitors have gazed through its Zeiss 12-inch refracting telescope and watched the Foucault Pendulum sway to mark the Earth's rotation. The architectural delight has starred in numerous TV shows and films including "La La Land," "Rebel Without A Cause," and "The Terminator." It's also a great vantage point to look down on the city and out to the Hollywood Sign and the ocean.

It's also a good place to start an exploration of the park. Included within its 4,511 acres are a zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West, the Greek Theatre, train rides, an antique carousel, a golf course, a swimming pool, equestrian/running trails, bike rentals, and a transportation museum with functioning trains.

Deep Dive Into Hollywood History

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Most major cities have museums, parks, restaurants, and cultural offerings. You can find beaches and mountains around the world. But the birth of the movie industry and the old Hollywood glamour associated with it and the rise of celebrity culture are distinctly L.A. For most, hitting a few of the major Tinseltown-related attractions—things like the Walk Of Fame, the hand and footprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre, or the iconic sign—will be plenty. But hardcore movie buffs can and should go deeper by seeing a movie in a historic theater like El Capitan or the Cinerama Dome, going on a studio lot tour, paying respects at famous graves at Hollywood Forever, Forest Lawn, or Westwood Village Memorial Park, hunting down filming locations and celebrity scandal scenes, hopping aboard a bus tour of stars' homes and hotspots, booking the haunted Hollywood Roosevelt, and sipping martinis at Musso & Frank Grill . By fall 2021, the long-awaited Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will make its long-awaited debut.

Find Your Favorites on the Walk of Fame

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It's not often that you have to look down to see a landmark or stars, but this is the case when the attraction in question is the world's most famous sidewalk. The Hollywood Walk Of Fame , located along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine, contains more than 2,600 Terrazzo and brass plaques honoring entertainment's best and brightest in five categories (motion pictures, television, recording, radio, and live theater). The first eight stars were unveiled in 1958 and included Joanne Woodward and Burt Lancaster. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce typically adds two stars a month. Dedication ceremonies are free to attend from the public viewing area. The Chamber's website has a map and directory to help locate personal favorites. Take a picture between Bob Hope and Fred Astaire as this is the location where Richard Gere first solicits Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman."

Go Behind the Scenes of a Movie Studio

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When in the Entertainment Capital of the World, one should stop by a movie studio and learn how the sausage is made. (It's often the best way to ensure a star sighting as even the backlot trams at Universal Studios pass real-life movie and TV shoots.) Paramount Pictures in Hollywood and Sony Studios in Culver City are both historic lots offering tours. All are great but it's hard to beat Warner Bros as it's the most curated for guests. Not only do you get to see stages and outdoor sets, but the deluxe tour also stops in the costume and props departments, a garage full of movie cars, a DC Universe exhibit, a "Harry Potter" exhibit, and the Script to Screen museum where you can sit on the "Friends" Central Perk couch. The tour also includes lunch in the Commissary's Fine Dining Room where studio execs woo actors and directors.

Step Back in Time on Olvera Street

In 1781, 11 Mexican families settled El Pueblo de Los Angeles on what was Gabrieleno/Tongva land. Originally called Wine or Vine Street because of nearby vineyards and renamed Olvera in 1877 to honor the county's first judge, it was the city's cultural and financial center until the turn of the century. In 1926, socialite Christine Sterling started successfully campaigning to save historic buildings (including the 1818 Avila Adobe, L.A.'s oldest still-standing house), close the street to cars, and reimagine it as a tree-shaded, brick-lined Mexican marketplace with painted stalls full of traditional crafts, cafes, and restaurants. Some merchants are descendants of original vendors like the sisters whipping up addictive avocado sauce and crispy taquitos at Cielito Lindo just like their grandmother did in the 1940s. Watch Folklorico dancers and mariachi bands and jump on the walking tour to learn more about the city's first church, firehouse, theater, and hotel. The latter was also the home of Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor of California.

Spend an Afternoon Exploring Venice and its Canals

Courtesy of Los Angeles Tourism

Venice, salty marshlands turned into an Italian-inspired coastal playground by Abbot Kinney in 1905, is now one of L.A.'s most eclectic, hip neighborhoods. There's the beach with its skate park, sunglass vendors, tattoo parlors, dispensaries, both fine and fast dining, and Muscle Beach outdoor gym made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger. There's the Kinney-era canal section —six waterways that create three residential islands connected by nine footbridges—that is a wonderful place to walk or kayak. (There's a free launch but you must supply your own non-motorized watercraft.) Abbot Kinney Boulevard presents a mile of wall-to-wall shopping, street art, food, and people-watching. Many of the boutiques are L.A.-born and independently owned, and some of the restaurants are among the best in the county including Gjelina, Felix, and Plant Food + Wine. First Fridays is a monthly food truck festival.

Travel the World Without Leaving Town

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One of L.A.’s greatest strengths is its diverse population, and the intermixing of cultures has left a mark on almost every aspect of the city including architecture, cuisine, activities, and the development of neighborhoods. Mass migrations resulted in the creation of ethnic enclaves where visitors can immerse themselves by eating, shopping, and attending annual events and festivals like Chinese New Year or Dia De Los Muertos. Many big cities have a Chinatown, but L.A. also has a Filipinotown, Little Persia , historically Mexican and Jewish districts, and neighborhoods that embody Tokyo, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Armenia. L.A. is also home to the largest Korean and Thai populations outside the respective countries.

Catch a Concert at the Hollywood Bowl

Adam Latham/Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Hills have been alive with the sound of music since 1922 when the Bowl, an iconic art deco amphitheater noted for its circular bandshell, opened in Bolton Canyon. The biggest names have graced its stage over the decades including The Beatles, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, and Lizzo. It's also known for hosting jazz and world music festivals and being the L.A. Phil’s summer home. Some performances end with fireworks; most are best started with a picnic. Tables dot the surrounding hills, and you're allowed to take outside food to your seats. If you can afford it, splurge on a box with a pop-up table and gourmet bites curated by James Beard winners Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne. If live music is your jam, there are several other great concert venues across the city including the Sunset Strip's rock clubs and the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall downtown.

Amuse Yourself at a Theme Park

Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

People with kids or kids at heart should put one or more of Southern California's many amusement parks on the itinerary. Closest to L.A. proper is Universal Studios, where the magic of movies like "The Fast & The Furious," "Jurassic Park," and "The Minions" come to life. It's also home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Santa Monica Pier contains Pacific Park , an oceanfront collection of classic carnival rides and games including the aforementioned Ferris Wheel, one of the best places in town for sunset viewing. Adrenaline junkies should go North an hour to Six Flags Magic Mountain , which boasts the region's fastest, steepest, and scariest coasters. An hour in the other direction will deposit you at Knott's Berry Farm , which started as actual fields and roadside fruit stand a century ago in Buena Park, and at the Happiest Place On Earth in Anaheim. To experience everything the Disneyland and California Adventure complex offer including the new "Star Wars"-themed land, budget a couple of days.

Feast at a Food Hall

The Grand Central Market has been feeding Angelenos since 1917. A few farm stands and greengrocers like Chiles Secos, whose moles and dried peppers make great souvenirs, remain but most stalls currently hold quick-service options like Belcampo, Eggslut, Lucky Bird, and Donut Man. Other food halls include  Corporation Food Hall and  Spring Arcade Building  (don’t skip Gelateria Uli). In 2020, Citizen Public Market brought the trend to the Westside when it set up shop in a 1920s Beaux-Arts building.

Take a Hike

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Yes, we have a lot of freeways, parking lots, and shopping malls. But L.A. is also chock full of green space. In fact, the San Fernando Valley and the L.A. Basin are divided by a mountain range, and there are large hilly pockets in Highland Park, Echo Park, and Silver Lake. Hundreds of miles of trails of all intensity levels will land you above the smog, with a bird's eye view of the downtown skyline or the sunset, and at wondrous locations like the original Batcave in Griffith Park, waterfalls, the ruins of the old zoo, a former Nazi compound, eucalyptus groves, the Hollywood Sign, or a secret swing in Elysian Park. Check out our guide to 12 awesome L.A. hikes . Double-check the parking signs and your water supply.

Celebrate Taco Tuesday all Week

Courtesy of Madre

The cardinal rule of California vacations is to eat as much Mexican food as you can. We guarantee there is no place serving up better plates of south-of-the-border specialties (outside of Mexico, of course). It's in the DNA; this used to be Mexico after all and a good portion of the population can trace their lineage to the country only a couple of hours away. But it's also due to the sheer diversity on offer. Choose between fancy sit-down establishments run by celebrated chefs, mom-and-pop operations, food trucks, or stalls set up at closed carwashes. Stick to the classics or try new-fangled creations like Guerrilla's unique vegetarian tacos. More importantly, there are kitchens representing most regions in Mexico. A one-day taco crawl will net you Veracruz-style tamales (wrapped in banana leaves instead of corn husks), Oaxacan goat barbacoa and mole (Madre, Guelguetza), Sonoran carne asada in flour tortillas (Sonoratown), Jalisco-style shrimp (Mariscos Jaliscos), Baja fish tacos (Ricky's), and ceviche and sikil-pac pumpkin dip from the Yucatan (Chichen Itza, Holbox).

See Double the Art at Two Getty Museums

Courtesy of The Getty Center

L.A. has more museums  and performing arts venues than any other U.S city . You can peruse collections of luxury cars, dinosaur bones, neon signs, cowboy art, Native American crafts, bunnies, space race artifacts including an actual shuttle, and serial killers' stuff. Two of the best museum experiences come courtesy of the same fortune, that of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty. The Getty Center sits high above Brentwood, a gleaming white beacon designed by Richard Meier. A tram delivers you up the mountain to the 24-acre campus of manicured gardens, panoramic views, and several buildings full of pre-20th century European works, 19th and 20th-century global art of all mediums, and fine photography. Before this singular show space was completed in 1997, Getty’s treasures lived at the Getty Villa in Malibu, a near replica of a first-century Herculaneum luxury home buried by Vesuvius’ eruption. Replete with stone columns, an amphitheater, frescos, and reflecting pools, the villa is equal in wow factor to the more than 1,300 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities on display. 

Window Shop on Rodeo Drive

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Few street names are more recognizable than Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive . It's the epicenter of elegance, the corner of couture and culture, the concrete manifestation of money and marketing. Fred Hayman opened Giorgio Beverly Hills in 1961 and it lured other luxury retailers like Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels as well as hairstylist-to-the-stars Vidal Sassoon to the gleaming palm-dotted blocks. Now, some 100 of the world's finest brands are there dressing celebrities, catering to needs of shoppers, and providing aspirational window browsing for many. BH is also known for its public art installations, the flagship Spago, shows at the newish Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and its visually stunning City Hall.

Chase Down Dinner From a Food Truck

Trucks specialize in every type of meal from breakfast to dessert and every type of cuisine you crave. Sometimes they even make something totally new as was the case with Roy Choi's Kogi Korean BBQ tacos or the Jogasaki Sushi Burrito. Part of the fun is tracking them down before they sell out of their specials. Some of the finest: Steamy Bun, Cool Haus (ice cream sammies), The Rooster (heavenly breakfast burritos), Compton Vegan, and The Lobos Truck (waffle fry nachos).

Root, Root, Root for The Home Team

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L.A. has recently blossomed into a sports lover's paradise as it now has two NFL teams (Rams and Chargers), two NBA teams (Lakers and Clippers), an MLB team (Dodgers), an NHL team (Kings), two pro soccer teams (Galaxy and L.A. Football Club), and two college powerhouses (UCLA and USC). With new franchises came two gorgeous new complexes, SoFi Stadium and the Banc of California Stadium in Exposition Park. L.A. fans love their teams, but the followers of LAFC might be the most expressive. Their bilingual devotion, complete with chants, dances, and costumes, is magical to witness. A similar obsession occurs between fans and Dodger Dogs.

Stop to Smell the Roses at a Botanical Garden

Courtesy of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

Greater L.A. has no shortage of horticultural displays and public gardens. Reasons to visit most of them extend far beyond super blooms, fish ponds, and tree groves as they also host lectures and fitness classes, house museums and sculpture parks, and stage food festivals and holiday lighting extravaganzas. You can see a Gutenberg Bible, Edward Hopper painting, and 16 themed gardens at the 120-acre Huntington Library . Nearby the Arboretum offers forest bathing, evening yoga, roaming peacocks, and a tropical greenhouse. South Coast Botanic Garden designates hours for dog walking and has integrated an impressive outdoor art collection into the landscaping. Amid Descanso Gardens ' 150 acres are top-notch options for cocktails and dining. They also put on spectacular Halloween and Christmas light shows. Bliss out on a walk through the tranquil Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine. Even the Valley has a formal Japanese Garden with a traditional teahouse.

Watch a Flick al Fresco

Courtesy of Cinespia

The Mediterranean climate means that outdoor screenings and drive-ins can be held comfortably all year-round and in this industry town it's one of the most popular going-out activity options. Angelenos cannot get enough of the artisanal snacks, the themed photo booths, the pre-film DJs, the food trucks, or the classic comedies, family favorites, or scary stories (despite seeing them a million times). They're held on rooftops, at the Santa Monica Airport and schools, at The Rose Bowl, or in parks and parking lots by companies like Rooftop Cinema Club, WE Drive-ins, and Street Food Cinema. But the hottest ticket is always Cinespia, which holds its events at Hollywood Forever Cemetery mere feet from the final resting place of numerous celebrities.

Finish an Instagram Scavenger Hunt

A picture is worth a thousand words, probably more now that we're living during the reign of social media. And if you make the pilgrimage to Paul Smith's pink wall on Melrose and don't post a picture how will your friends know to be jealous of your trip? Shallow, sure but it's also a harmless challenge and a fresh way to see the city. Modern-day totems to check off the list include (but aren't limited to) the LAX building that looks like a UFO, Randy's giant donut in Inglewood, a colorful cocktail at a rooftop bar, the book portal at The Last Bookstore, Chris Burden's Urban Light sculpture at LACMA, a bacon-wrapped hot dog made on a makeshift grill, the Bradbury Building downtown, Angels Flight (you should for sure ride the world's shortest railway while there), and the end of Route 66 sign in Santa Monica, the 70th-floor Skyslide at OUE Skyspace, the L.A. Public Library rotunda, Johnny Ramone's tombstone at Hollywood Forever Cemetary, the David Hockney Pool at the Hollywood Roosevelt, the Sprinkles Cupcake ATM, and the signature palm frond wallpaper inside The Beverly Hills Hotel.

Sip Made-In-L.A. Spirits

Courtesy of Golden Road Brewing

All this touring is bound to work up a thirst and L.A.'s got plenty of homegrown, or should we say homebrewed, ways to quench it. If beer is your go-to drink, check out downtown's Angel City Brewery and Modern Times' Dankness Dojo (100 percent vegan company), Common Space in Torrance, and Glendale's Golden Road Brewing, all of which are expansive hangs with food and music. That barely scratches the sudsy surface. L.A. Beer Hop has a pretty extensive list.

There are actually quite a few craft distilleries in town now as well. Greenbar Distillery offers tours, tastings, and cocktail classes using its 18 spirits and 5 bitters. The Spirit Guild makes its vodka and gin entirely from local clementines and are therefore grain- and gluten-free. Lost Spirits has award-winning navy-style rum and whiskies, a hip gothic vibe, and a restaurant inspired by the Island of Dr. Moreau . Tour and taste at Los Angeles Distillery in Culver City.

There are far fewer options for wine, which is ironic given that the birthplace of LA was next door to vineyards and a winery. Angeleno Wine Co. pays tribute to the former fermented glory and hopes to bring back a little of the luster with its natural wines in unique varietals like Tannat and Alicante. If you want to make a day of it, Malibu, which has an official AVA, is your best bet. Plus, one winery also has an animal safari.

Make it Animal Style at In-N-Out Burger

Courtesy of In-N-Out Burger

In 1948, Harry Snyder opened California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand (now a replica you can visit) in Baldwin Park. Flash forward seven decades and his delicious dream is now an empire with hundreds of locations in six states and a cult-like following. In-N-Out Burger isn’t interested in eastward expansion, so if you want to chow down on Double Doubles you have to head West, and Southern California still has the most locations. The chain is notorious for its (not so) secret menu, which includes items like grilled cheese, the Flying Dutchman, and most famously Animal Style. The first time a burger was prepared this way—mustard-cooked patty with lettuce, tomato, pickle, grilled onion, and extra spread—was in 1961 and now it's a must-try for fast-food fanatics.

See the Watts Towers

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Italian immigrant and construction worker by day Sabato “Simon” Rodia bought a triangular plot of land in 1921 and immediately got started on what are now known as the Watts Towers and several other lesser mentioned works including a bench and birdbaths. All were made by Rodia alone without the aid of machinery or scaffolding using steel covered in mortar and embellished in found objects like tiles, shells, and rocks. The tallest spire is almost 100 feet. They were in danger of being demolished in the late ‘50s after Rodia had moved away and left them to his neighbor, but the community rallied around them and proved they were structurally sound despite having no welded inner armature. The Towers are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Exercise Like a Local

Courtesy of Beach Cycle

Of all the cliches and stereotypes perpetuated about Southern Californians, the one that probably rings the truest for the largest portion of the population is an obsession with fitness and health. Athleisure is a uniform. Cold-pressed juice and avocado toast a food group. A business meeting or a Tinder date while climbing Runyon Canyon totally acceptable. But even the most disciplined and devoted get bored so there's an astronomical amount of ways to sweat in this city. There are gyms and classes dedicated to pilates, parkour, cardio drumming, '80s-themed aerobics, rowing, SurfSet, hula-hooping, Versaclimbers, boxing, HIIT, and indoor rock climbing. There's a trapeze school, spin sessions in the Santa Monica sand, and Sky Zone trampoline parks.

Hunt for Street Art

TripSavvy / Amanda Blackard

As one of the birthplaces of modern American graffiti, the streets of L.A. have long been a showcase for outsider art and boastful tags. Happy to report that buildings, billboards, freeway signs, and even sidewalks still function as impromptu exhibitions, though these days much more of it is sanctioned by the city or commissioned by property owners. Shepard Fairey, the artist behind the Barack Obama "Hope" portrait, founded a gallery (Subliminal Projects in Echo Park). It's fun to wander around contemplating them illegal or otherwise. The Downtown Arts District, Venice, Hollywood, Silver Lake, and Culver City are hot spots for artists like Morley, Nychos, WRDSMTH, David Flores, D*Face, Collete Miller (Angel Wings), Retna, antigirl (Los Angeles hearts), and Tristan Eaton.

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The 26 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles

By Maxwell Williams

Los Angeles: Of course, the weather is nice, the beaches iconic. But it’s a city that's much more culturally inclined than many non-Angelenos give it credit: It’s solidified itself as an international playground for artists, the museums are top-notch, and L.A.'s vastness checks so many boxes. There's spectacular natural scenery, a cemetery that becomes a nightclub, and sports stadiums galore (including many new ones that will play host to the 2028 Summer Olympics.) Of course, there's ample shopping and celebrity spotting, too. Here are our picks for the best things to do in Los Angeles, no matter how many trips they may take to complete.

Read our full Los Angeles travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Angeles National Forest Arrow

With over 1,000 square miles of wilderness and 53 trailheads, it's no wonder Angeles National Forest is one of the most popular day trips for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're hiking, biking, running, boating, or even skiing, there's something for every outdoors-y type here. The drive up Mt. Baldy is pleasant and results in spectacular views from nearly 10,000 feet. The hikes to the Devil's Punchbowl and the Bridge to Nowhere are some of the best full day options in the region.

Bradbury Building Arrow

The Victorian-style atrium of the Bradbury Building, built for gold baron Lewis Bradbury, is filled with architectural flourishes like open-cage hydraulic elevators, marble staircases, and wrought-iron balconies. The massive skylight and  open balconies create a mood that is like no other building; it's both haunting and magical. Culture buffs will know it from appearances in movies like Chinatown (1974), Blade Runner (1982), 500 Days of Summer (2009), and a smattering of music videos and commercials.

The Broad Arrow

Housed in a building with a dimpled façade that many say looks like a cheese grater, the Broad houses the collection of Edythe Broad, who accumulated a formidable cache of contemporary art with her late husband Eli. The collection is more pop than academic, earning it a reputation as a stop on tourists' lists, if only to take selfies in front of Jeff Koons' balloon dog or Robert Therrien's enlarged table and chairs. There are also works from the likes of Ruscha, Warhol, Basquiat, Murakami, and Sherman. A reservation is required and hard to come by due to the museum's popularity, so plan in advance. It's free, and if you hustle, you can see the museum's hits in no time.

The Getty Center Arrow

The Getty has established itself as the nexus of Los Angeles art , and its palatial grounds reflect that. Perched atop a hill in the Brentwood neighborhood of West Los Angeles (with 360-degree views), the Richard Meier architected space is a perfect union of medieval castle and rigorous academia. Floating bridges connect marble buildings, and you're never too far from a burbling fountain. And of course, the garden, built by legendary Southern Californian artist Robert Irwin, is a magical place to reset once you've had art overload. The museum's collection is vaunted. In fact, few collections in the world match up to the mix of ancient and modern. Seeking 2500-year-old Etruscan statues? Van Gogh's Irises? Delicate and rare illuminated manuscripts? 20th century photography from the likes of Robert Mapplethorpe and Walker Evans? The Getty has it all.

Santa Monica Farmers Market Arrow

The Los Angeles area is famous for having a farmers market every day of the week, and the Santa Monica Farmers Market, held on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, is the mother of them all. Taking up several city blocks, the market is lined with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other products and provisions. There are some remarkable splurge items that you won't find other farmers markets; for instance, black truffles, bergamot, emu eggs, and sea urchin. This farmers market has a huge following within L.A.'s restaurant industry.   Some of the city's most famous chefs, including Niki Nakayama of n/naka and Michael Cimarusti of Providence , shop here. You'll also be among locals, many of them regulars, shopping for their home kitchens.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) Arrow

LACMA describes itself an "encyclopedic museum." There are different buildings for different collections, separated by culture (i.e. the Korean Art Galleries, Pavilion for Japanese Art). Though right now, the museum is going through a massive, controversial construction project, which is set to complete in 2024. When it's complete, there will be one large building—the Geffen Galleries, by Peter Zumthor—that will house LACMA's vast collections. The collections, when they come back on view, are world-class. There's a mix of Islamic, Korean, Japanese, Greek, and Mexican art, as well as collections of contemporary art, jewelry, fashion, and design. Chris Burden's Urban Light (rows of street lamps) and Michael Heizer's Levitated Mass (a giant boulder suspended above a walkway), are two of the most popular selfie spots in town.

Venice Canals Arrow

Hidden in plain sight, the canals flow behind adorable bungalows just blocks from Venice Beach . Built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney, it’s not unusual to see herons, egrets, pelicans, and parrots, making it one of the best off-the-beaten-path landmarks in all of L.A. There are a number of bridges perfect for romantic photo ops, and there are enough quiet corners to find your own little patch of bliss. It’s a perfect place to stroll and catch your breath amid the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Arrow

Three museums in one, really, MOCA is a cutting-edge museum with temporary exhibitions by established and emerging artists. Also, it's home to one of the greatest contemporary art collections in the world. The 6,000-piece collection contains prime works by Agnes Martin , Nam June Paik, Jackson Pollock, and Mike Kelley. MOCA has two main buildings: the Grand Avenue building in Museum Row, the Geffen Contemporary in nearby Little Tokyo—start at the Grand Avenue building and then grab lunch in Little Tokyo before taking in the works at the Geffen. The exhibits are what make MOCA crackle; under the watchful eye of director Johanna Burton and a crack team of curators, MOCA has seen blockbuster shows by the likes of Pipilotti Rist, Tala Madani, and Simone Forti.

Rose Bowl Flea Market Arrow

Rose Bowl Flea Market is held on the second Sunday of every month in the parking lot of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, a historic athletic stadium built in 1922. The flea market is a behemoth, the biggest on the West Coast, with approximately 2,500 vendors serving 20,000 visitors each month. It has a little bit of everything, but it's best known for its selection of mid-century modern furniture and vintage clothing. It's best to go with a few things in mind (a coffee table, or a few t-shirts) and a budget. Wear comfortable shoes, bring snacks, and make sure to get cash before going. 

Hollywood Bowl Arrow

The Hollywood Bowl is an icon of the past, and one of the most unique concert-going experiences you can find anywhere. Since its opening day in 1921, the Bowl has seen the L.A. Philharmonic play hundreds of concerts, as well as ballets, jazz concerts, and operas. More recently, it's become a hub for pop stars to perform in front of a regal backdrop with state-of-the-art acoustics. As an amphitheater, the sight lines at the Bowl are almost always unobstructed no matter where you're seated. The sound at the Bowl is always crystal clear, and top notch. Depending on the night, the Bowl is truly a mixed crowd. From those looking for some highbrow entertainment to pop star super fans, the Bowl is for everyone.

Kapowui Surf Lessons Arrow

For anyone who has ever admired the majestic surfers carving up waves, Kapowui is the best crash course out there. Kapowui has one goal: giving nascent surfers the shaka spirit and leaving them stoked to surf a wave. With a list of clientele that includes 5-star hotels like Shutters on the Beach , Kapowui has a reputation for turning even the most knock-kneed landlubber into a verifiable porpoise. The lessons are two hours, and start on the beach in Santa Monica or Venice. Instructors will run you through surfer safety, a physiognomy of the board, and the dynamics of popping up. After the preamble, you hop in the water, and stay out there for the rest of the lesson. Everything you need—the board and a high-end a wetsuit—is included. Kids are more than welcome and you're practically guaranteed to leave ready to go it alone next time

Melrose Place Arrow

Just off Melrose Avenue, Melrose Place is a surprisingly quiet little street that deserves a closer look. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills might be iconic, but let's not forget Melrose Place also had a TV show named after it in the 90s. From Balmain's classic men's looks to Rachel Comey's "cool mom" mules, the Row's edgy elegance, and Zimmerman's Aussie-style festival garb, Melrose Place is a shopping destination that can take care of all of your needs, plus offer a relaxed stroll down a quiet street. Full of stylists, fashionistas, and the occasional celebrity, keep your eyes peeled and grab a bite at Fig & Olive's Melrose Place location, a favorite of Kim Kardashian, Kristin Cavallari, and Halle Berry. The best tip is to show up to Alfred Coffee early to try and sample their seasonal menu to keep you warm while you shop—in winter, it's an Oatnog Latte or a Mint Mocha. Grab a cup before letting that credit card loose.

Wi Spa Arrow

Koreans spend nearly 1.5 billion US dollars on the spa life in South Korea, so when we say this jimjilbang (a traditional K spa) is an iconic Koreatown staple, just know that this spa is probably going to surpass your expectations of what a spa can be. Separated into men's and women's sides, guests strip down, shower, and then hop into one of the treated medicinal tubs (see how long you can stay in the cold one). Then head up to choose a treatment, which costs extra, from the vast menu of body buffs, seaweed massages, and facials. After your treatment, you'll head up to the next floor to the common area, where you can grab a bite at the cafe, which offers healthy Korean soups and noodles, before heading into the multitude of cavernous saunas. There's even a sleep room, a room full of soft leather recliners, and a full gym. Oh and you'll be doing all of this in your comfy Wi Spa shorts and t-shirt, which are provided.

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Not much has changed structurally in the 103 years since Grand Central Market opened, though of course none of the original vendors are around. Today, it is the epicenter of the high-low culture that Los Angeles pulls off so well. The cheaper takeaway spots—the tacos and sandwiches—are just as good as the more ballyhooed counters. It just depends on what you're in the mood for. Villa Morelianas carnitas tacos are as good a Michoacan offering as you can find, while For the Win serve up a classy grass-fed beef burger with onions, cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on a potato bun. Then of course, there is Egg Slut and it's sometimes hour-long line for one of America's most famous breakfast sandwiches. It may seem like the line itself is the point, those sandwiches deliver.

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There are few places in the world quite like the Magic Castle. This mansion in Hollywood serves as a clubhouse for magicians (it's quite hard to become a member), with illusionists, mentalists, and more performing nightly to a crowd required to dress in vintage formal attire. At a small magic club's show, you may see few magicians in the course of an evening, but at the Magic Castle you could see a dozen shows in a single night. You have to be invited by a magician to get in but there’s a secret tip: Find out which magicians are performing the night you’d like to see, and email them a few weeks in advance to see if they’ll get you an invite.

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Somehow both space-age and D.I.Y., the Watts Towers are an awe-inspiring series of 17 interwoven sculptural pillars built from scrap metal and concrete and decorated with found objects like glass bottles, volcanic rock, and ceramic tile. Coming here is nothing like any other museum experience in Los Angeles . Italian immigrant construction worker and artist Sabato "Simon" Rodia built the towers over a 33-year period, from the 1920s through the 1950s. They're considered a prime example of "outsider art," and can be visited for free in the Simon Rodia Historic State Park in the Watts neighborhood in south Los Angeles.

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Griffith Observatory is an Art Deco stargazing spot atop Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park and one of the most visited observatories. It got it's reputation for a reason: It's rich with exhibit halls (one of which houses a rare, electricity-pulsing Tesla coil), photogenic views of the Hollywood sign, a planetarium that hosts brainy but fun shows about the universe, and, of course, the 12-inch Zeiss telescope. More than 600 guests look through that telescope each night, which the observatory claims makes it the highest trafficked telescope in the world. Emotions range at Griffith Observatory, from the romantic (see: La La Land , when Ryan Gosling waltzes Emma Stone into the stars in the planetarium) to the gleeful (try not to smile in wonder at that Tesla coil) to the odd feeling of insignificance looking up at the universe can give you.

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A mostly flat, leg-friendly ride along the coastline, the Strand is 22 miles each way, and easily doable in a day. With the Pacific breeze against your face, it's one of the most pleasant rides with some beautiful views along the way. You'll pass by Dockweiler Beach in Vista del Mar, famous for its hang gliders, and Manhattan Beach, where you can post up and watch the surfers as they ride the waves. You can start and end your ride at Santa Monica Pier , which is worth a visit in and of itself, and afterward have a bite to eat at one of Santa Monica's many seafood restaurants.

Barnsdall Art Park Arrow

Quiet, big, secluded, and full of art galleries, historic buildings, and a theater, the Barnsdall Art Park is one of L.A.'s best-kept secrets. Start with a tour of the Hollyhock House , the first Frank Lloyd Wright project in Los Angeles; the building has a fascinating history. The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery (LAMAG) and the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, built in the mid-century, play host to excellent exhibitions of contemporary art, plays, and panel discussions. You can also just swing by for a picnic; the park is an ideal setting.

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Home to the graves of silent film stars like Douglas Fairbanks and Rudolph Valentino, you'll also find the tombs of modern celebrities like Johnny Ramone and Kim Fowley. Try and find the memorial to Toto, Dorothy's dog in The Wizard of Oz ; there's also a section of the cemetery where peacocks roam. Nighttime events like movies projected on a mausoleum for an ongoing film series and nightclubby DJ sets are perfect for an al fresco night out on the town.

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens Arrow

Millions of manuscripts, hundreds of thousands of books, tens of thousands of plant species, and thousands of art objects add up to a lot to see here. The Huntington is more than your run of the mill institution—in fact, there are few places in the world quite like it. The area tends draw a crowd of older couples (think: symphony attendees) , but the Huntington has an area that that can be calibrated to suit every group and mood. The Desert Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Japanese Garden are all spectacular enough that if a visitor wanted to just go to one of them it would be enough. The Library or Gallery could be zoomed through, adding on a quick pop over to the Conservatory, where the Carnivorous Plant Bog and the Rain Forest offer educational opportunities for the whole family.

Bob Baker Marionette Theater Arrow

Marionette puppetry is an ancient form of entertainment—they've even found wire-controlled puppets in Ancient Egyptian tombs—so it makes sense that stepping into Bob Baker Marionette Theater would be like stepping into a time warp. Set in a 1920's-era silent movie theater in the Highland Park neighborhood of Northeast L.A., the children's theater playhouse is adorned with red curtains and carpet; when the curtains come up, and the puppets come out, you might be mesmerized that this art form remains practiced by top-notch artists. Many of the marionettes were actually made by Baker himself, who passed away in 2014. Around Christmastime, the puppeteers put on a rendition of the Nutcracker, and there's currently a run of shows featuring Baker's most beloved puppets doing some of the theater's greatest hits in a show called Magic Strings.

Philosophical Research Society Arrow

What's L.A. without a little occult? Founded in 1934 by Canadian astrologer and all-around mystical man of mystery, Manly P. Hall, Philosophical Research Society is something of a tribute to the man himself. The library is chock full of Hall's esoterica accumulated over the years traveling as a mystic, containing some 50,000 books—a treasure trove of knowledge on obscure and rare religions and philosophies (impressive even if you're not about to hold a seance). When Elvis was going through his divine knowledge era, he sent Priscilla to Philosophical Research Society to do some recon; Charles Bukowski was married by Hall himself on the Society's campus; it's a historically protected building and definitely a major hub of mystical activity. Be ready to stare into the abyss of knowledge.

The La Brea Tar Pits & Museum Arrow

The La Brea Tar Pits are pits of, well, tar that has been bubbling up from beneath the earth for tens of thousands of years. They're viewable for free, and the compact La Brea Tar Pits Museum (which does charge admission) exhibits fossils and bones that were preserved when animals became trapped in said tar. It's a major landmark, and one of the most visited tourist spots in all of Los Angeles. The collection of bones is extraordinary. There are spectacular composite skeletons of many extinct species, including Columbian mammoths, ground sloths, dire wolves, North American camels, and, of course, the famous saber-toothed cat. Beyond the skeletons, there are over a million Ice Age fossils to peruse.

Runyon Canyon Yoga Arrow

Runyon Canyon itself is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Los Angeles —an undeveloped public park smack in the middle of Hollywood. It's not the prettiest place on Earth—it's mostly a dirt trail surrounded by scrub brush—though the top offers a nice view of Downtown. A bit further down the hill, near the South entrance to the park, is a small fenced-off area where you'll find donation-based Runyon Canyon Yoga every morning at 10:30 a.m. It's a relaxing counterpoint to the oh-so-crowded trails. The yoga area is in a nook away from the path, so no hiker hordes will disturb your peace. Consensus is that Daniel, who teaches the Saturday class at the park, is one of the best yoga teachers in L.A. 

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24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles

Written by Brad Lane , Joni Sweet , and Lana Law Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The sprawling city of Los Angeles, in Southern California, is filled with year-round attractions and things to do. It has long been known internationally in the film and entertainment industry, particularly for Hollywood , a place that has drawn aspiring actors and actresses from across the country for over a century.

Today, LA is a culturally diverse city with a reputation for being the creative center of America. The thriving culinary scene, incredible shopping, outstanding museums, and fun family attractions are some of the top things to do in California . And with abundant sunshine and moderate to hot weather throughout the year, a suitcase typically includes shorts and T-shirts for almost any visit.

Sunseekers coming to enjoy the warm climate and beaches will find plenty of things to do and interesting neighborhoods to explore. Upgrades to the public transportation network in recent years and the addition of a Metro Bike Share in downtown LA have made getting around and sightseeing easier than ever.

For families, nearby Disneyland and Universal Studios are key places to visit that often warrant repeat visits.

To help plan your sightseeing itinerary, see our list of the top tourist attractions in Los Angeles.

1. Universal Studios Hollywood

2. griffith park and griffith observatory, 3. disneyland resort, 4. hollywood, 5. the getty center, 6. petersen automotive museum, 7. santa monica, 8. natural history museum of los angeles county, 9. california science center, 10. the broad, 11. the original farmers market, 12. los angeles county museum of art (lacma), 13. venice beach, 14. beverly hills, 15. la brea tar pits, 16. battleship iowa museum, 17. runyon canyon park, 18. little tokyo, 19. melrose avenue, 21. long beach, 22. the nethercutt collection, 23. the getty villa, 24. museum of contemporary art (moca), where to stay in los angeles for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to los angeles, map of tourist attractions in los angeles, los angeles, ca - climate chart.

Highlights: Massive amusement park with movie-themed rides and entertainment

Universal Studios Theme Park is known for its mind-blowing rides based on blockbuster movies, but it is also a working movie studio and an attraction everyone can enjoy. The highlight for most is the ever-changing selection of rides, ranging from simulators to roller coasters. Favorite movie and TV-themed rides and sets include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , The Simpsons , Transformers , Jurassic World - The Ride , and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

To save time standing in long lines consider purchasing a Skip the Line: Front of Line Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood . This handy ticket gives you a one-time fast entry to each of the park's rides, attractions, and shows, as well as behind-the-scenes access to select attractions.

When you are tired of the rides, you can check out CityWalk , a three-block entertainment area, with shopping, dining, and theaters. Another option is a guided tour of the studios to explore behind-the-scenes of some of Universal's most popular movie sets. The VIP Experience allows you opportunities to see the sets and areas not open to the general public.

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California

Highlights: Sprawling public park with observatory and many other tourist attractions

Griffith Park , in the eastern part of the Santa Monica Mountains, and covering an area of 4,210 acres, is the largest city park in Los Angeles. It's home to the Los Angeles Zoo , the Griffith Observatory, a planetarium, and a Greek theater. It's also home to golf courses, tennis courts, hiking trails, and a riding center created for the 1984 Olympic Games. And walking trails and scenic drives through the mountains offer views over the city and beyond.

The Griffith Observatory is one of the city's most interesting experience-based attractions, and it's all free to the public. On the grounds are exhibits and telescopes. The main highlight is a look through the Zeiss telescope , used for viewing the moon and planets. You can use the telescopes free each evening the facility is open. Also on-site are solar telescopes used for viewing the sun.

The park and observatory are named for Griffith J. Griffith, who donated the greater part of the parkland to the city in 1896 and willed funds to the city for the creation of the observatory.

Highlights: Massive theme park in Anaheim with Star Wars rides and other attractions

Just outside Los Angeles, Disneyland is California's premier family vacation destination, attracting visitors since the 1950s. Disneyland Park , with rides and experiences in elaborately created theme sets, is what most people picture when they imagine Disneyland. The Disneyland California Adventure Park , created during one of the expansions, holds even more action and adventure, with seven lands based on movie themes.

Relatively new to the scene are several Star Wars-themed rides. They include Star Wars Rise of the Resistance and The Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run. The rides are in the new Star Wars Galaxy Edge area, which is full of shops and restaurants made out to look like the Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu.

Beyond the rides and Disney characters wandering the streets, the resort also offers a full complement of features and services for a complete vacation. Hotels, restaurants, shopping, and all kinds of entertainment options are available at Disneyland Resort.

Anaheim, home to Disneyland Resort, is also worth exploring on a weekend trip. Several outdoor dining and shopping areas extend from the park throughout the city, including the historic downtown core of Anaheim, known as Central City .

Read More: Things to Do in Anaheim, California

Highlights: Hollywood sign, Walk of Fame, shopping, dining

Hollywood is a suburb of Los Angeles and a destination with its own unique history and iconic sites. Hollywood attractions are closely associated with the film industry and the glamour of the silver screen.

The hillside Hollywood sign , Hollywood Boulevard , and the Chinese Theatre are some of the top places to visit. If you're lucky, you might even spot a celebrity or two out for a shopping trip on Rodeo Drive. A fun family activity in Hollywood is finding all your favorite actors' stars among the 2,500 plus on the Walk of Fame .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hollywood

Highlights: Esteemed cultural center and museum with beautiful landscaping

The Getty Center is a huge complex measuring 0.75 square miles and set on 110 acres on a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains. The unique building and the beautiful grounds provide the perfect setting for this impressive museum. Collections include European paintings, drawings, sculpture, and decorative arts, as well as 19th- and 20th-century photography.

The views from the museum grounds out over Los Angeles are incredible. Book a table at The Restaurant and enjoy a casual lunch while soaking up the scenery.

The Getty Center is one of two locations of the J. Paul Getty Museum, created by the late oil magnate, J. Paul Getty. The Getty Villa , set in a recreated Roman country house, deals with art from the Stone Age to the end of the Roman Empire.

Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California

Highlights : Extensive car collection housed in an eye-catching museum building

Car lovers will not want to miss the incredible assortment of vehicles at the Petersen Automotive Museum . Spread over four floors are a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits featuring more than 300 cars and motorcycles, ranging from perfectly preserved items from 1886 right through to concepts for the 21st century.

The museum underwent major renovations and is now one of the most modern institutions of its kind. The exterior façade is an eye-catching architectural masterpiece. For an additional fee, you can sign up for either a 90- or 120-minute guided Vault tour, which provides additional insight into rare and unusual cars.

The museum is also host to a regular series of special exhibits featuring new, old, and unusual cars from the past, along with ones you might see in the future.

Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California

Highlights : Popular beach with pier, promenade, and miles of sand connected by bike path

Santa Monica is a unique destination that is both chic and laid-back, with a population that ranges from surfers, skateboarders, and yoga devotees to techies and business people.

The beautiful stretch of golden sand along the coast and the famous Santa Monica Pier , with its iconic Ferris wheel, are what most tourists come to enjoy, but you can find a variety of experiences in this beachfront city next to LA.

The downtown district of Santa Monica is lively throughout the day and night. Shoppers will find a range of options, from quirky vintage stores to high-end boutiques. Check out the Third Street Promenade for shopping and people-watching, including catching the various street performers.

For a little activity, check out the 26-mile bike path along the waterfront. This lengthy paved path spans nearly the entire Santa Monica Bay coastline, connecting all the best beaches near Santa Monica . A few visitor favorites include Venice Beach to the south and Will Rogers State Beach to the north.

Getting to Santa Monica is now much easier since the opening of the new Expo Metro line, connecting downtown LA to Santa Monica.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Santa Monica, CA

Highlights: Expansive museum with dinosaur skeletons, SoCal history, and seasonal exhibits

While the Natural History Museum has numerous galleries and an extensive permanent collection that covers a range of topics, it is best known for its collection of dinosaurs. The 14,000-square-foot Dinosaur Hall has an awesome display of dinosaur skeletons, including a series of Tyrannosaurus rex fossils, known as the growth series, featuring three full skeletons that range from baby to adult. Also on display are a Triceratops and a Stegosaurus.

The museum deals with the natural history of California and areas throughout the world. Becoming Los Angeles , which explores the past 500 years of history in Southern California, is another must-see exhibit. The Discovery Center and Insect Zoo offers hands-on experiences and is particularly interesting for younger visitors.

Address: 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles

Highlights: Science exhibits on space travel and underwater ecosystems, Imax theater

The California Science Center , open to the public free of charge, is home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour , as well as other major exhibits. Mission 26: The Big Endeavour is currently on display at the Samuel Oschin Pavilion, while the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center is being built.

You can see the space shuttle, as well as artifacts from the space mission, and learn all about it and the people involved in the program.

Other exhibits at the Science Center cover such topics as the living world, technology, and ecosystems. The Ecosystems exhibit features an impressive 188,000-gallon kelp tank, as well as live plants, animals, and fish. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the California Science Center also features special exhibits, for an ever-changing selection of things to see.

Address: 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, California

Highlights : Free contemporary art museum with a massive collection and always-rotating displays

The Broad opened in late 2015 and was immediately an overwhelming success and has remained popular. The museum focuses on contemporary and postwar art , with some large and dramatic installations. More than 2,000 works of art are on display in this unique building, with a "veil-and-vault" concept.

Tickets are free of charge for general admission, but these are often booked out in advance. Standby tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of admission, but this will usually require some wait time in a line, particularly on weekends. Admissions to some special exhibitions do carry a fee.

The museum was founded by Eli and Edythe Broad, who have been long-time collectors of postwar and contemporary art.

Address: 221 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California

Highlights: Open-air market offering fresh produce and local goods every day of the week

The Los Angeles Farmers Market first started in 1934 as a very modest affair that sprung from the hardships created by the Great Depression. At the height of the economic depression, eighteen farmers came together and set up stalls on a piece of open land near Wilshire Boulevard in order to sell their produce direct to the consumer.

This experiment was so successful that the market continued to expand. At that time, it truly was a fruit and vegetable market, but over the years the market has grown to accommodate more and more vendors. Today, the market hosts vegetable and other food stands, as well as restaurants and specialty shops. You can find everything from jewelry and candles to kitchenware and toys.

If you are looking for things to do at night in Los Angeles, the market hosts a variety of entertainment, including free evening concerts on Friday nights in summer.

Address: 6333 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, California

Highlights: Iconic art museum spread across several buildings and exhibits

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art lays claim to being the largest art museum in the western United States , with almost 130,000 pieces spanning from antiquity through to modern times. Of particular note are the outstanding collections of Asian, Latin American, and Islamic Art.

The huge complex consists of a number of separate buildings that have been acquired and renovated over the years. The most recent expansion, known as the Transformation, saw the opening of several new buildings on the western half of the campus, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. The LACMA is next to the La Brea Tar Pits on museum row.

Address: 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California

Highlights: Sunny beach with snaking bike path and bohemian shopping corridor

Venice Beach deserves its reputation as a place to see and be seen, making it perfect for people-watching, although the area definitely has its own unique vibe. This stretch of golden sand and the Venice Beach Boardwalk are always thronged with people walking, cycling, rollerblading, and jogging.

Eclectic shops and street performers of all kinds line the walkway. The Skatepark , also just off the beach, is frequented by some of the area's best skateboarders, and nearby are a number of creative art installations. At the appropriately named Muscle Beach , gym members pump iron in the hot California sun.

Food stalls selling everything from shaved ice to kettle corn and funnel cakes make you feel like you're walking through fairgrounds. You can also find some good restaurants here. This is not a typical family beach, but it's well worth a visit.

Highlights: Chic Golden Triangle of fashion, several public parks, nearby mansions

Beverly Hills borders Los Angeles to the west, encompassing 5.7 square miles tucked beneath the Santa Monica Mountains. And within this small footprint are some of the poshest streets in America, including the world-famous Rodeo Drive .

Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Boulevard, and Wilshire Boulevard converge in Beverly Hills to create the city's " Golden Triangle " of upscale retail and dining. This luxe thoroughfare is worth the visit even without shopping, as the glamour spills out onto the sidewalks with celebrity sightings and luxury cars.

And there are a lot more things to do in Beverly Hills besides shopping and dining. The city is very walkable with several gardens, historic buildings, and public art throughout. Spend some time at Beverly Gardens Park for a sample of these first-class public spaces.

Highlights: Indoor and outdoor exhibits detailing the incredible natural history of the area

In Hancock Park, La Brea Tar Pits offers a unique opportunity to see live excavations of fossils and learn about the process. The Tar Pits were formed 40,000 years ago, when oil seeped through the rock, entrapping passing animals, which would get stuck in the substance. The tar then preserved the fossils throughout the ages, leaving behind an incredible glimpse into another age.

The museum at la Brea Tar Pits (formerly the George C. Page Museum) shows reconstructed fossils of prehistoric animals found at the site, as well as the process of fossil recovery. You can see bones being worked on and learn what takes place behind the scenes, before skeletons are able to be displayed.

The museum displays fully reconstructed fossils of a variety of mammals including mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and others, all dating from between 40,000 and 10,000 years ago. An outdoor area displays replicas of extinct animals.

Plans are in the works for a renovation and new design. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is reviewing plans from architecture teams in the hopes of reinventing this unique attraction.

Address: 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles

Highlights: Guided tours of a retired battleship

The Battleship Iowa Museum is an imposing sight on the waterfront close to the Port of Los Angeles and is a great family activity. You can wander throughout this massive battleship and see what life at sea would have been like for the sailors on board.

Included with admission is a self-guided tour showcasing the history of the ship. One of the highlights is a look at the massive 16-inch guns. Kids enjoy a free scavenger hunt, searching the ship to find the 10 secret locations of Vicky, the ship's dog (displayed on posters or in augmented reality).

For those wanting to really get behind the scenes, for an additional fee you can take the Full Steam Ahead Guided Tour , which allows you access to the inner workings of the ship, including the engine room, boiler room, and the Combat Engagement Center, among other restricted areas. Note that dates and numbers are limited for this tour, and it should be booked well in advance.

Address: 250 S Harbor Blvd., Low Angeles, California

Highlights: Beloved hiking area with great views and celebrity sightings

Runyon Canyon Park is a 160-acre park known for its hiking trails and magnificent views of Downtown Los Angeles . Its convenient location near Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills makes it a popular place with celebrities —if you've seen paparazzi photos of celebs hiking in Los Angeles, they were probably taken at Runyon.

Trails run from 1 to just over 3 miles and range from easy to strenuous. For some of the best views, hit the East Trail from the Fuller Avenue entrance. It passes through two beautiful lookouts: Inspiration Point and Cloud's Rest.

Parking can be particularly tricky on the streets near Runyon Canyon Park, so be sure you leave ample time to look for a spot, or consider using a ride-share service.

Highlights: Japanese restaurants, historic fire tower, wishing tree, gardens

Los Angeles is home to one of just three remaining Japantowns in the United States: Little Tokyo. The petite neighborhood packs tons of culture, cuisine, and color into about five city blocks.

The Japanese Village Plaza is considered the central gathering place. Lit by red and white paper lanterns, this pedestrian-only plaza feels like it was plucked from Tokyo and dropped into Downtown Los Angeles. Check out the Yagura Tower at the First Street entrance—this replica of a rural Japanese fire tower has been greeting visitors for nearly 50 years.

In addition to popular shops, like Nijiya grocery store and the Sanrio Hello Kitty boutique , another major attraction is the wishing tree . People from around the world jot down their hopes and dreams on colorful paper strips, then hang them from the tree's branches in hopes that they'll come to fruition. Reading the notes is deeply touching.

Come hungry—Little Tokyo has some of the best Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles. Slurp ramen noodles at Hachioji , fill up on okonomiyaki (a Hiroshima speciality!) at Chinchikurin , and satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh mochi from the 120-year-old Fugetsu-Do Bakery Shop .

Interested in learning more? Enjoy a more detailed read with our article on Visiting Little Tokyo: Come for the Ramen, Stay for the Culture.

Highlights: Vintage shopping, murals, comedy clubs

Melrose Avenue is one of the city's most famous streets due to its large number of vintage shops with funky storefronts. On the two-mile span from La Cienega Boulevard to La Brea Avenue, you can shop at more than 15 vintage stores , some of which have been adding vibrancy to this street for decades.

The west side of Melrose tends to have higher-end shops, like Decades , which is beloved for its dazzling designer gowns from as far back as the 1930s . Head east and you'll get a lot more bang for your buck at mega vintage shops like Wasteland , American Rebel, and American Vintage. Browsing the racks at these stores feels like digging for wearable treasure, and no matter what your style or budget, you'll likely find a unique piece to upgrade your wardrobe.

Once you find something you love, wear it right out of the store for an impromptu photoshoot at one of the many murals on Melrose. The famous pink wall on the Paul Smith flagship store is popular among the influencer crowd.

Comedy clubs are another highlight on Melrose. Get your laughs with stand-up a t Hollywood Improv or sketch comedy at The Groundlings.

Read More: Vintage Shopping on Melrose: Retro Treasures on Los Angeles' Trendiest Street

Highlights: Beautiful oceanfront city with several public beaches and posh places to visit

The Santa Monica Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, on the far western coastline of LA County. This dramatic backdrop sets the scene for many Malibu attractions and things to do , while beachside mansions and the occasional celebrity sighting help set the tone for Malibu culture.

Exploring some of Malibu's best beaches is one of the best ways to enjoy the city. All are within an hour's drive of Los Angeles, depending on traffic, and each offers a different beachscape to enjoy. From the broad shores of Zuma Beach to the wild landscape surrounding El Matador State Beach, the coastline appeals to both relaxing and adventurous outings alike.

Malibu is also home to several seafood restaurants worth the drive alone. The famous Neptune's Net perhaps has the most notoriety, partly thanks to its roles in movies like Point Break and The Fast and the Furious . Other spots with menus worth perusing include Dukes Malibu and Paradise Cove Beach Cafe.

Highlights: Vibrant city with a long beachfront, several city parks, and family attractions

Long Beach is another community in the Los Angeles area that's easy to spend a day exploring. It borders LA to the south, about 20 miles from downtown, and extends along San Pedro Bay. The miles of beach in Long Beach are common motives for a visit, capped off by a tourist-friendly and attraction-filled waterfront downtown district.

Things to do in Long Beach's waterfront district include a visit to the historic Queen Mary ocean liner , due to reopen in late 2022; the Aquarium of the Pacific ; and exploring the unique shops at Shoreline Village . You can also catch the Catalina Express for a trip to Santa Catalina Island .

And it's not just the ocean to explore in Long Beach. Several of the city's best parks also offer inland attractions, like the historic Bixby Park or sprawling El Dorado East Regional Park. El Dorado East is also home to the lovely Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden , filled with tranquil appeal.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Long Beach, CA

Highlights: Classic antiques with an emphasis on vintage vehicles spanning the last century

If you're a fan of antique, vintage, and classic cars, this is the place to visit. The Nethercutt Collection displays an outstanding array of American and European automobiles from the 1890s to the 1990s. The pristine condition of these vehicles and the variety of models is beyond impressive. The history of the cars and descriptions of their previous owners are displayed with the vehicles.

The museum also showcases a collection of antique furniture and mechanical musical instruments. Outside, you can see a restored steam locomotive and railcar.

Address: 15151 Bledsoe Street, Sylmar, California

Highlights: Stunning courtyard, gardens, and rare art and sculpture collections

The Getty Villa is the other site operated by the Getty cultural institution, located near the ocean in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, just east of Malibu. It's set within a photogenic recreation of a Roman country house with decorative gardens and courtyards.

On display throughout the Getty Villa are ancient artworks and relics, ranging from marble statues to rare coins and jewelry. Different exhibits are found around every corner on the first and second floors of the museum, and in combination with the landscaped settings, expect to spend at least two to three hours exploring the grounds.

Highlights: Downtown museum with satellite locations and ever-changing art on display

The Museum of Contemporary Art ( MOCA ) consists of two separate facilities and is dedicated to works from the 1940s onwards. Pieces from the permanent collection are on display, and regularly changing exhibits feature new works and emerging media.

The MOCA Grand , on Grand Avenue, is the museum's primary facility, with the main galleries, as well as the largest museum store. The MOCA Geffen is in Little Tokyo, in what was formerly a police car warehouse.

Double Negative is another art location associated with MOCA, located in the desert in Moapa Valley on Mormon Mesa near Overton, in Nevada. This land art by Michael Heizer was acquired by the museum and can be visited free of charge.

Santa Monica Hotels

• Shops, fabulous restaurants, blonde beaches, and the famous Santa Monica Pier make this a natural magnet for tourists and locals alike. Easy access to Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive are also a bonus for sightseers. The Viceroy Santa Monica and the eco-conscious boutique Shore Hotel are popular high-end accommodation options, and the stylish Shutters on the Beach exudes all the casual elegance of a family beach house.
• For those seeking a fantastic salt-laced location without breaking the bank, try the Ocean View Hotel .

Beverly Hills Hotels

• Famous for the designer shops along Rodeo Drive, this exclusive celebrity enclave offers some plush hotels in a quieter setting than Hollywood, but still with easy access to all the movie-themed attractions. Top high-end hotels include the famous Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset Boulevard , The Peninsula Beverly Hills , the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel , and the Maybourne Beverly Hills .
• For those seeking the glamour without the price tag to match, the Sonder Beverly Terrace is a great option.
• Farther north, the Hotel Bel-Air pampers guests amid 12 acres of flower-flecked gardens.

Hollywood Hotels

• Star struck travelers headed for the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Bowl , and Universal Studios should stay here in the heart of movie land. Close to Beverly Hills, Hollywood oozes with celebrity glitz and glamor without gauging the wallet. The Hollywood Roosevelt and the Hollywood Celebrity Hotel are both highly rated options in the area.

Anaheim Hotels

• Families headed to the theme parks with the kids in tow usually base themselves here in a whimsical Disney-themed hotel. Popular options include the Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa , an easy stroll from the Disney theme parks.
• Sonesta ES Suites Anaheim Resort Area is a more affordable option with convenient apartment-style accommodation.

Downtown Los Angeles Hotels

• Bristling with new restaurants and art galleries amid the skyscrapers, Downtown LA is finally finding its soul. Sports fans catching a game at the Staples Center, hipsters, foodies, and business travelers often base themselves here and score cheaper hotel rates than at the typical tourist hot spots. Popular quality hotel choices include the luxury Omni Los Angeles at California Plaza near the Walt Disney Concert Hall , and the more modestly priced Doubletree by Hilton .

See the Sights:

• One of the best ways to see Los Angeles is on a Los Angeles City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Tour , which offers a fun overview of the city with maximum flexibility. Enjoy 360-degree views from the open-air bus and hop on or off at more than 50 locations, including Beverly Hills, Hollywood, downtown LA, and Santa Monica. Choose between a 24- or 48-hour ticket.

Save Money:

• If you plan on visiting multiple attractions while you're in the City of Angels, the Go City: Los Angeles Explorer Pass is a great way to save money. This versatile card gives you discounts at top Los Angeles attractions. You can choose between two and seven attractions from a list of 30.

Los Angeles notoriously enjoys warm weather throughout the year. However, the best seasons to visit are the "shoulder seasons," including spring (March, April, May) and fall (September, October, and November). The air is easier to breathe this time of year, and the streets are less crowded with tourists.

June, July, and August are still some of the most popular times to visit Lost Angeles. And for good reason. The hot weather beckons for the beach and the late evenings extend a day of exploring. Expect to pay the highest rates for things like lodging and transportation this time of year.

The winter months, including December, January, and February, are suitable months to visit. Expect slightly colder temperatures that keep most people away from the beach. But, with average daytime temperatures still in the 60s Fahrenheit, it's often a welcomed warm escape from other parts of the country.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Around Los Angeles: If you are spending time in the area and considering exploring outside the city, start your planning with a read through our articles on the Top Day Trips From Los Angeles and the Best Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles . From LA, choices range from hopping a ferry to Santa Catalina Island or heading to the desert for a visit to Palm Springs or Joshua Tree National Park .

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Los Angeles Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Los Angeles takes some getting used to. It’s a love/hate city for most people. When I first visited Los Angeles, I hated it . The city was too big, too vapid, and too expensive.

But, the more I came here, the more I saw that this isn’t a city for tourists — it’s a city for residents. With only a few tourist attractions spread out over a vast distance, it’s hard to “see” LA the way you can easily see NYC, Paris, or London, especially if you don’t rent a car. But this is a city where you come to enjoy life the way the locals do: eat healthy food, go to the beach, go for a run, see a concert, and relax. It’s a city for living .

Once you take the pressure of trying to fit Los Angeles into the tourist box, you see the magic of the city and easygoing lifestyle of the locals. That’s when you fall in love with LA.

This travel guide to Los Angeles will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this iconic destination.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Los Angeles

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Los Angeles

1. Take a day trip to Disneyland

Visit the “Happiest Place on Earth” in nearby Anaheim. I love the rides — like Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain — and just feeling like a kid. Don’t miss the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, with its popular Rise of the Resistance ride (it’s worth the price). Other popular rides include the Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Indiana Jones’ Adventure. It’s a magical place! A one-day/one-park ticket starts $104 USD.

2. See Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard has recently gone through some urban renewal and renovation. See the sidewalk street performers and enjoy the Walk of Fame (with over 2,700 celebrities’ handprints and footprints), Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (now known as TCL Chinese Theatre, which features one of the largest movie screens in the country), and much more. You can also hop on a tourist bus to see where the rich and famous live and work.

3. Tour the Getty Museum

The Getty Museum is amazing for four reasons: its impressive art collection, its dramatic Richard Meier architecture, its ever-changing gardens, and the sweeping views of the city. Opened in 1997, the museum focuses on pre-20th-century European art as well as and 19th- and 20th-century American and European photographs. It features work by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and other masters. Visiting here was a highlight of my time in LA. It’s one of the best spots in the city and, if you only see one museum, make it this one. It’s free to enter, however, you have to pay to park ($25 USD). It’s closed on Mondays.

4. Explore Griffith Park

This place is fantastic for hiking, picnics, and hanging around with friends. The hiking trails lead up to Mulholland Drive and provide great views of the city. Griffith Park has many activities, including the LA Zoo, the Autry Western Museum, pony rides, a golf course, a driving range, and an observatory. Think of it like Central Park in New York City but much larger (it spans 4,310 acres versus Central Park’s 843 acres) and much more rugged. There’s also plenty of wildlife here, including mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and coyotes. Guided hikes are available too if you prefer to go with a group.

5. Relax at Venice Beach

Besides the sand and waves, Venice Beach has street performers, surfers, skaters, and intense basketball games (some of the best streetball players in the world can be found here). Wander around, take in the street art, and eat and drink at many of the restaurants that line the beach. Avoid the weekends if you’re heading to the beach as it gets crowded. It’s just one of the best places to hang out in the city.

Other Things to See and Do in Los Angeles

1. tour universal studios hollywood.

Universal Studios Hollywood is the only working movie studio and theme park in the world. Their studio tour lasts one hour and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood, including a visit to the plane crash scene from War of the Worlds, Peter Jackson’s King Kong, the Bates Hotel from Psycho, and cars from Fast & Furious (the tour is hosted by Jimmy Fallon on video). The theme park is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, The Simpsons ride, special effects shows, and a soon to open Nintendo World. A one-day ticket costs $109 USD while a two-day pass starts at $159 USD. Get your tickets in advance here.

2. Party on Sunset Boulevard

Perhaps one of the world’s most famous streets in the world, Sunset Blvd began as a route between the stars’ posh neighborhoods and the Hollywood studios. It runs from downtown to the ocean, passing through the “Sunset Strip” with its beaches and movie studios on its way. You’ll find a lot of high end clubs, restaurants, and bars here.

3. Explore Old Town Pasadena

Historic downtown Pasadena is located just ten minutes from Los Angeles. Its pedestrian-friendly zone is designated as a National Register Historic District and stretches for twenty-two blocks. It’s filled with boutique shops and restaurants and is also a popular nightspot for all of you party animals out there. It’s an eclectic area where people of all ages come to hang out. The Caltech campus is a nice place to explore with its turtle pond and lush gardens. Eaton Canyon Natural Area is nearby and you can learn about the native landscape, plants, and wildlife as you walk through more than 3.5 miles of trails.

4. Shop at the Farmers Market & The Grove

There’s a great farmer’s market here with loads of fresh bread, fruit, veggies, and a delicious food court. Nearby is an outdoor shopping area featuring all the major brands as well as a movie theater. It’s a nice place to spend an afternoon. You can also learn the history of the farmers market while sampling some of its food with Melting Pot Tours (tours are $89 USD). The tour is 2.5 hours and gives you a chance to sample food from nine different vendors.

5. Take a walk on the beach

Los Angeles beaches are a great place to go for a walk, people-watch, or just lounge in the sun. Venice Beach and Santa Monica are two of the most famous beaches. The Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, is also a fun way to spend an afternoon thanks to its carnival-like atmosphere right on the beach (it has several rides, greasy food stalls, and carnival games). Huntington Beach, Redondo Beach, and Playa del Rey are some of the other popular beaches around the city as well.

6. Visit the Huntington Library

This beautifully-designed library in nearby Pasadena includes a Chinese and Japanese garden. Additionally, the library has some incredibly rare and valuable books, including a copy of The Canterbury Tales from the 15th century and a 14th-century Gutenberg Bible (which you can see on display in the Main Exhibition Hall). It’s open 10am-5pm Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesdays) and tickets are $25 USD during the week and $29 USD on weekends.

7. Explore the California Science Center

This kid-friendly attraction has a variety of educational exhibits on topics ranging from ecosystems (complete with forest, river, and island habitats) to space and aviation. The biggest highlight is the American space shuttle, Endeavor, which ran 25 space missions between 1992-2011 for NASA. It’s free to visit but parking costs $15-18 USD and you have to pay extra for special exhibits and IMAX movies (usually $10-20 USD).

8. Go for a hike

Los Angeles has a lot of wonderful hiking and running trails, the most famous being Runyon Canyon. There are some well-marked routes, including a 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) loop and a 2.6-mile (4-kilometer) loop (with higher elevation gain). There’s also a more strenuous 3.3-mile (5-kilometer) hike to the top of the park too. Caballero Canyon (3.4 miles), Fryman Canyon Park (2.5 miles), and Los Liones Trail (3.5 miles) are three other easy trails around the city you can hike too.

9. See the iconic Hollywood Sign

You can hike up to the famous Hollywood sign using trails that are open from sunrise until sunset in Griffith Park. From the sign, you get a sweeping view of Hollywood (which is especially beautiful at sunset with the city lights spread out in front of you). The three trails to get here (from easiest to hardest) are the Mt Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. Expect to spend at least a couple of hours hiking. If you’d rather go with a group, guided hikes from Get Your Guide last 2.5 hours and cost $25 USD.

10. Visit the Grammy Museum

With exhibits, interactive experiences, artifacts and costumes, and numerous films, this museum walks you through the entire music industry and its history as well as the careers of previous Grammy winners. One exhibition showcases some of the most outrageous outfits worn on the Grammy’s red carpet and another houses costumes worn by Michael Jackson. The museum also has regularly rotating special exhibitions about different genres of music and various artists in the industry. It’s not a highlight of the city, but if you’re a music aficionado, it’s one of the best things to do. Admission is $18 USD.

11. Browse The Last Bookstore

This is one of my favorite bookstores in the country (and one of the few remaining big independent ones). They sell books and music records, have art displays, and there’s a cool upstairs area too with books for as little as $1 USD. Located downtown, this space is huge, and you can get lost browsing the shelves for hours. Come here, get a coffee, and buy some books! It’s a must see.

12. Visit LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest museum in the western United States. It boasts a massive collection of artwork including works by Rembrandt, Cézanne, Ansel Adams, and Magritte. There’s also ancient artwork from around the world, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman sculptures. There’s modern art here too, including Michael Heizer’s 340-ton boulder which is wedged over a narrow walkway. Tickets are $28 USD.

13. See La Brea Tar Pits

These natural tar pits are in Hancock Park, where the tar has been trapping and fossilizing animals since the Ice Age. More than 3.5 million fossils have been found here, ranging from small honeybees to giant mammoths. This includes thousands of dire wolves! And scientists are still uncovering fossils here nearly every day of the year. It’s right next to LACMA too so you can do both together. Admission is $15 USD (closed Tuesdays).

14. Explore downtown

Downtown has experienced a complete revitalization in recent years, including a brand-new pedestrian center with museums, concert halls, theaters, and dining options. If you do just one thing here, visit the Grand Central Market. It’s home to 40+ of downtown’s best food vendors, including the original Eggslut. You can find literally any type of food here. I love it. Moreover, the Broad contemporary art museum is free and houses works from famous artists like Andy Warhol. Check out Pershing Square, a five-acre park with statues, monuments, fountains, and incredible views of the area’s architecture.

15. Walk Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Near Venice Beach, this boulevard is chock full of diverse shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. There are all kinds of quirky businesses to pop into and on First Friday (the first Friday of each month), the street gets taken over by live music and food trucks. This is one of the hippest spots in the city. There’s a ton of things going on here and it’s filled with locals at all hours of the day.

16. Visit the Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center

This center is one of the most successful literary arts incubators in the country, with alumni like Tom Waits and Wanda Coleman. It’s housed in Venice’s original city hall and was turned into an art center in 1958. The center is surrounded by a community garden that’s focused on providing an engaging outdoor space for the community. There’s also regular programming here like readings, workshops, and musical performances, as well as a bookstore and archive with over 40,000 books. If you’re a book nerd like me, you’ll love this place!

17. Hang out in Palisades Park

Palisades Park in Santa Monica is a eucalyptus-filled park between the beach area and Ocean Avenue, where you get scenic views over the ocean and of the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s a chill spot to relax and explore. Make sure you stop by the Camera Obscura, an antiquated camera that offers a unique view of the world outside. It’s free to visit and closed on Sundays.

18. Admire Greystone Mansion

Located in Beverly Hills, this is a Tudor Revival surrounded by landscaped English gardens. Also known as Doheny Mansion, the mansion was built in the 1900s as a gift from oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son (the film There Will Be Blood is loosely based on Doheny). It eventually became a public park in the 1970s and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The mansion has a whopping 55 rooms and cost around 70 million dollars (adjusted for inflation), making it the most expensive home in California at the time. The mansion is open to the public on the first Sunday of every month but the grounds are free to visit anytime. It’s a beautiful, relaxing place to go for a stroll or sit with a book when the sun is shining.

19. Enjoy Koreatown

This is one of the most fun spots to enjoy the city’s nightlife. There are tons of tasty BBQ restaurants, lively bars and clubs, and fun karaoke places. It’s a must for foodies though, with over 500 restaurants in the area. The neighborhood was established in the early 1900s by Korean immigrants and has grown into a vibrant part of town that spans over 150 blocks. Don’t miss Dawooljung, the first traditional Korean monument built in the city, and be sure to feast on mouth-watering Korean BBQ while you’re here.

20. Explore Silver Lake

This hip neighborhood is home to cool cafes, trendy shops, vegan restaurants, and boutique galleries. It’s essentially the Brooklyn of LA, named after the Silver Lake Reservoir, which offers a nice 2.25-mile loop where locals walk and jog. You’ll get incredible views of the San Gabriel Mountains along the way. It’s a laid-back spot that most people skip so you won’t be surrounded by tourists! There are live music venues, like Zebulon, where you can catch a show and Sunset Junction is a walkable area along Sunset Boulevard with plenty of interesting shops to check out.

21. Do a Studio Tour

Warner Bros., Universal, Sony, and Paramount all offer studio tours where you can see famous sound stages like the one used in The Wizard of Oz , props from hit movies (like the bench from Forrest Gump ), and so much more. Most tours last 1-2 hours and either involve walking or riding a tram/bus. Prices vary but start around $70 USD per person. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to book in advance. You can get tickets for Warner Bros. here and tickets for Universal here .

Los Angeles Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Prices here vary widely depending on where you stay in the city, though the prices are fairly consistent year-round. Unfortunately, prices aren’t cheap. Dorm rooms start around $30-50 USD per night and go as high as $80 USD. A basic private room with an ensuite bathroom starts around $110 USD per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Only a couple of hostels offer free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices Budget two-star hotels start around $110 USD per night, though most are closer to $150 USD. Expect basic amenities like Wi-Fi, AC, TV, and a tea/coffee maker. Three-star hotels start around $135 USD but most comfortable, nice spots cost between $160-200 USD per night. These generally include free breakfast too.

There are also lots of Airbnb options in Los Angeles. A private room starts around $100 USD per night (but averages double that) while entire homes/apartments start around $165 USD per night.

Food – Los Angeles has lots of food trucks and fast-food options for under $10-15 USD. It’s the city of food trucks and anything and everything can be found here. You can get a hearty crepe or sandwich for around $10-12 USD while tacos go for about $3-5 USD each.

At casual restaurants, most main dishes cost around $25 USD. If you want to splash out on a three-course meal, expect to pay at least $50-60 USD.

For fast food (think McDonald’s), a combo meal is around $12 USD. A large pizza starts around $10-15 USD while Chinese food is $11-13 USD.

Beer is around $8-$10 USD while a latte/cappuccino costs around $5.50 USD. Bottled water is $2 USD.

Some of my favorite places to eat are Jitlada, Cafe Los Feliz, The Butcher’s Daughter, Uzumaki Sushi, Frank & Musso’s, Dan Tana’s, Bay Cities Italian Deli, and Meals by Genet. For drinks, check out No Vacancy, Hotel Cafe, Roosterfish, Firestone Water Brewery, and Good Times at Davey Wayne’s.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay $50-75 USD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking Los Angeles Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Los Angeles, expect to spend around $75 USD per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, using public transportation, cooking your own meals, and free attractions like the beaches and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add $10-20 USD more per day.

On a mid-range budget of $220 USD per day, you can stay in a private room, eat out for most of your meals, enjoy a couple drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting some museums or going to Disneyland for a day.

On a “luxury” budget of $410 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, rent a car to get around or take more taxis, and do as many tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Los Angeles Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Los Angeles can be super expensive. After all, some of the country’s wealthiest people live here! But, thanks to all the food trucks and starving artists, you don’t have to be rich to visit. Here are some ways to save money in Los Angeles:

• Purchase a Go City Los Angeles Card – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, this card provides discounts to 40 museums, tours, and attractions. It’s priced to save you money when compared to buying separate tickets. A two-day unlimited pass is $264 USD while the three-day unlimited pass is $309 USD. You can also build your own pass, with one-day/two-attraction passes starting at $104 USD.
• Get a TAP card for public transit – The TAP card lets you get a one-day pass on the Metro and bus systems for $5 or a seven-day pass for $18. There are several ways to get a TAP card. You can download the app on your phone, get one from a TAP machine in the Metro stations, or buy one of the hundreds of TAP vendors around the city.
• Avoid celebrity hangouts – Hollywood and Beverly Hills are the two areas you can see the most celebrities but also the two areas where you can spend the most money. While they’re fun to explore, avoid shopping and eating there!
• Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. This is especially helpful in big cities like LA, where accommodation is expensive. If you have lots of points, use them here and get free rooms! Be aware that most hotels charge parking fees if you have a car. This post has more information on how to get started with points and miles .
• Stay with a local – There are plenty of Couchsurfing hosts throughout the city who can show you around and let you stay for free. In an expensive and ever-changing city like LA, having a local guide can be extremely helpful! Just make sure to send your requests early since it’s a popular destination.
• Take a free walking tour – This is a great way to learn the history behind the places you are seeing and to avoid missing any must-see stops. Free Tours By Foot has a few interesting walking tours that can show you what the city has to offer. Just make sure to tip your guide!
• Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft are cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared/pool option (where you share a ride with other people) offers the best savings.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your single-use plastic consumption. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter that ensures your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Accommodation is expensive in Los Angeles. Since the city is so spread out, before you book, make sure you have a spot in the location where you want to spend most of your time. Otherwise, you’ll be driving a lot. Here are some recommended places to stay in Los Angeles:

• Freehand Los Angeles
• HI Los Angeles Santa Monica
• Banana Bungalow Hollywood
• Samesun Venice Beach

For more hostel suggestions, check out my complete list of the best hostels in Los Angeles.

How to Get Around Los Angeles

Public Transportation – The Los Angeles Metro involves both rail and bus service. It’s the most accessible and affordable way to get around the city, with tickets costing just $1.75 USD each way.

Get a TAP Card (you can find them at TAP machines within bus or train stations) so you can load a preset cash value onto the card to be used on all buses and trains. You can get a day pass for $5 USD or a seven-day pass for $18 USD. The subway is kind of sketchy though but super convenient if you are staying downtown or in Hollywood. The line from downtown to Santa Monica takes as long as driving because of all the stops.

Flyaway buses go from LAX to downtown and Hollywood for $9.75 USD one-way.

Taxis – Taxis can be hard to flag down, but you can download the Curb app to request one in advance. Everything is meter-based, starting at $3.10 USD and then $2.97 USD per mile.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi.

Bike rental – While I wouldn’t recommend renting a bike if you’re in the middle of the city (traffic is terrible), once you get out to the coast then renting a bike might be a fun way to explore. Expect to pay around $30 USD per day for a rental. There is also a bike share program called Metro Bike Share that offers $5 USD daily rentals as long as each ride is less than 30 minutes.

When to Go to Los Angeles

Summer is the peak season for tourism in LA, with temperatures soaring to 85°F (30°C). Everybody wants to be outside during this time so they head to the beaches, which can get very busy. Attractions get crowded during the summer, especially at family-friendly attractions like Disneyland. Accommodation prices increase, so be sure to book early. On the plus side, it hardly ever rains during the summer.

March-May and September-November (the shoulder seasons) are my favorite times to visit Los Angeles. It’s warm, but there’s no sticky heat and the crowds are less oppressive. Temperatures during these months are between 69-80°F (21-27°C), with very little rain. These are great times to get outside. There are plenty of hiking trails around the area, if you want to get out of the busy city.

December is the coldest month overall, but it’s much cheaper for accommodation if you want to save some cash. Just pack some rain gear if you’re coming in the winter. Expect daily highs around 68°F (21°C).

How to Stay Safe in Los Angeles

Overall, Los Angeles is a safe place to visit. If you stick to touristy areas like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills, you’ll be fine. There are some questionable areas downtown (like Skid Row) as well as nearby South Central, which should be avoided. Avoid Compton too.

Your biggest issue is going to petty crime, like theft and bag snatching. Petty crime has been on the rise over the last couple of years and it’s something you definitely want to watch out for. As a general rule, don’t wear flashy jewelry, wave around cash, and just keep your valuables secure and hidden when you are eating outside. Don’t bring anything valuable to the beach just in case as theft can occur.

Make sure to keep your personal items closed and near you at all times. Hold your purse or backpack in front of you or close to your body. If you’re out at night, keep to well-lit and well-traveled places. If you have a vehicle, keep it locked at all times and don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. There’s a lot of car break-ins around the city.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk around at night intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, I would read one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

Los Angeles also has some pretty unique scams. For example, if you’re approached by someone who says they’re a Hollywood producer, director, or casting agent, they could be legit. However, chances are they’re just trying to scam you into paying fees upfront. Ask for a business card and do your due diligence. Additionally, be wary of people offering Hollywood tours or discounts on open-air bus tours. Do your research and stick to well-known providers to avoid getting ripped off.

To avoid getting ripped off, read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Los Angeles Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Los Angeles Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on United States travel and continue planning your trip:

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23 Best Things to Do in LA, From Art Museums to Markets

Look no further for fun things to do in LA.

Los Angeles, California is what vacation destination dreams are made of. The sunny Southern California city by the sea has something for just about every type of traveler to enjoy. From gorgeous sugar-sand beaches to stunning mountains offering vistas that will take your breath away, to the best shopping streets in the world and some of the most revered museums around, the City of Angels has got it all. Heading there for a trip? Here are 23 of the best things to do in LA.

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Hike Griffith Park to see the Hollywood sign

There's perhaps nothing more iconic in Los Angeles than the famed Hollywood sign. Perched high above the Hollywood Hills, the sign has become a star attraction, making its way into countless T.V. shows and films. See it for yourself by making your way to Griffith Park and hiking up the trail toward the sign. Make sure to stop along the way to snap photos as the trail actually takes you to the top behind the sign, meaning you can't see it in its full glory, but you'll still get a great view.

Tobiah Lui/Travel + Leisure

Stop at the Griffith Observatory

While you're in the area, make sure to also stop at the Griffith Observatory, a public astronomy space that also comes with an epic view of the Hollywood sign. You can take part in a tour at the observatory, check out the stars above via the public telescopes, and see live shows at the planetarium. See all event listings here .

See the art at The Getty Center

Soak in some stellar artworks and spectacular outdoor spaces all in one at The Getty Center . The center, located at the top of the Santa Monica mountains, is home to a rather impressive art collection, including sculptures, paintings, and mixed media. It's a spot where you can also take in some of Mother Nature's artwork by way of epic views outside the museum's patios and garden spaces.

Stroll through Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens

Stop and smell the roses at the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens . The gorgeous space doubles as a garden and research center, with 130 acres of land to roam and art exhibitions, including American and European works. Guests can come to wander independently, take a guided tour, or take part in ongoing chats with experts.

See more modern art at The Broad

Contemporary art fans can see their favorite style by pursuing the works on display at The Broad. Named for philanthropists The Broad houses a massive rotating art collection by artists from around the globe. The museum also offers free admission to help make its works available to the widest possible audience. See what's displayed right now on the museum's website .

Take in more culture at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (otherwise known as LACMA) is a must-see cultural institution on any trip to the city. It is the largest art museum in the western United States and contains more than 149,000 objects, including art, mixed media, artifacts, and much more. Make sure to carve out at least a few hours — if not an entire day — for a visit.

See the skateboarders at Venice Beach

Make your way to the beach, Venice Beach to be exact, to see some of the best skateboarders on Earth take to the skatepark . Bring your camera to snap a few photos of the brave boarders who enter the park to show off their moves for the adoring crowd that gathers every day. (Just don't drop in unless you're really, really confident in your skills.)

And stay for the Venice Canals

While you're on the Westside, stick around and walk over to the Venice Canals , a little slice of Europe right here in California. The neighborhood sits along the canals leading to the ocean and is lined with charming bungalows that will give you serious home envy.

Deep-dive into the industry with a Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Come on. This is Los Angeles. You're obligated to pay homage to Hollywood when you're in town — and there's no better spot to do just that than a Warner Bros. Studio Tour . On the tour, you'll get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how some of your favorite movies were made, as well as an in-depth look at more than 100 years of movie-making history.

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Check out the history at the La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum

More into natural history than movie history? That's OK because just across town sits the La Brea Tar Pits , an "emerging cultural, educational, and entertainment hub in Hancock Park." The site protects 35 million specimens and artifacts and shares them with the public to help them better understand both our past and how we can protect our future, together.

Find all your favorite celebs along the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Lace up your sneakers and head out for a walk down Hollywood Boulevard and Vine to see how many famous names you can spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . With more than 2,600 stars to explore, you're bound to find a favorite or two among the constellation.

Explore the Santa Monica Pier

Get in a little more beach time by heading to the Westside once again, specifically to the Santa Monica Pier . Sitting on one of the most pristine stretches of sand along the California coast, the pier stretches out into the sea and is filled with souvenir shops and cafes to explore, along with its very own amusement park for guests to enjoy.

Window shop on Rodeo Drive

Looking to drop some serious cash on a new bag? Or want to at least pretend you will? Make your way to Rodeo Drive , arguably the most famous shopping street in the world. Home to every high-end designer imaginable, Rodeo Drive is a spot to see and be seen. Shop until you drop, then shop some more.

Snag tickets to a show at the Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl has been the *it* place to catch a musical act since it opened in 1922. It plays regular host to acts like the L.A. Philharmonic, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, as well as events like sing-a-longs to your favorite movies like the "The Sound of Music" and many more. See its entire concert calendar here .

Get a few laughs at The Comedy Store

Sometimes you need a good laugh, and there's no better place to get it than at The Comedy Store. The comedy club, which opened in 1972, hosts both up-and-coming acts and established comics who are all there to make your cheeks hurt from giggling the night away. See The Comedy Store's lineup of comedians and get tickets here .

Cheer on the home team at Dodger Stadium

Put on your blue and white, and take to the stands to root on the home team at Dodger Stadium . The 2020 World Series winners always put on a good show, especially for their hometown fans. Though the players are the star here, the stadium is also home to world-class baseball snacks, including the iconic "Dodger Dog." The stadium even offers a vegan option so everyone can feel included.

Eat all the treats at Grand Central Market

Downtown Los Angeles is home to endless delicious restaurants, but if you're hoping to get a little taste of everything, head to Grand Central Market . The market has been serving the public since 1917 and is now home to both food vendors selling produce and other locally-sourced goods, as well as restaurants like Clark Street Bread, Eggslut, Horse Thief BBQ, and more.

Or load up on groceries at The Original Farmer's Market

Still feeling hungry? The Original Farmer's Market is here to feed you. Like its Grand Central neighbor, The Original Famer's Market has been offering local produce to Angelinos for decades and now also offers delicious bites from restaurants like Trejo's Tacos and The Salad Bar. Want the goods without having to go to the market? Get it delivered here .

Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure

Take a free walking tour of the Arts District

Those on the hunt for more local culture can take in the scenes at the Arts District, a burgeoning neighborhood filled with public murals, galleries, and coffee shops galore. Make your exploration a bit easier by following the Visual Walking Tour map by Discover Los Angeles , which you can download for free.

Shop for unique goods at Melrose Trading Post

If you want to find a fantastic souvenir to remember your trip, make a weekend stop at Melrose Trading Post . The massive craft market features every type of vendor from vintage clothing sellers to furniture makers, jewelry stalls to textiles, and everything in between. The market is open every Sunday and has plenty of food stalls and trucks on hand if you need a snack in between all that shopping.

Learn a new skill with a surf lesson in Malibu

Did you really even visit if you didn't surf while you were in Los Angeles? Hang 10 with the best of them by heading to Malibu for a lesson with Chris "Stingray" Stiegler, aka the Malibu Surf Coach . Stiegler is happy to tailor lessons to your ability level and will even take you to a few hidden, local-only gems so you can paddle out in peace and leave feeling like a real-deal surfer.

Pay respects to Golden Age greats at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Visiting a cemetery may not rank high on the list of "to-dos" in most places, but Los Angeles isn't most places. Yes, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is an active, full-service funeral home and cemetery, but it also hosts regular cultural events and outdoor movie screenings. The cemetery is also the final resting place of people like Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino, and many more, all of which you can pay respects to on a visit. See its cultural events listings here .

Go for a bike ride down The Strand

Get in one more taste of the Southern California sunshine by taking a bike ride down The Strand , a bike path stretching from Will Rogers State Beach in Santa Monica straight past the Redondo Beach Pier. This could add up to a 40-mile round-trip bike and an all-day adventure if you make stops along the way. (Just make sure to pack some water and snacks for the journey.)

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L.A. Bucket List: The 16 Best Attractions in Los Angeles

From renowned museums and iconic landmarks to beachside theme parks and luxe villas, these are the top things to do in Los Angeles.

July 20, 2020

Taking shoreline strolls, going on an outdoor adventure, and enjoying cultural experiences are fabulous ways to viva la vida this weekend and make the most of your time in Los Angeles . Let your inner wild-child loose in L.A.’s amusement parks, discover iconic Hollywood stars, see world-class art , or relax at one of the best beaches in the city . Whatever the occasion, L.A.’s amazing attractions belong on your California bucket list. 

The Top Things to do in L.A.

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1. Santa Monica Pier

Historic Route 66 ends at the Santa Monica Pier , where there is so much for you to discover . Take a ride on the carousel before heading to the aquarium. Are you in the mood to be daring? Check out the trapeze school and fly above the pier before admiring the many talents of Santa Monica’s street performers. Check out Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, too, for an amazing shopping and dining experience. 

2. Venice Beach Boardwalk

This one-mile stretch of shoreline is sure to get your heart beating. The Venice Beach Boardwalk is one of the best places to people-watch. From unique art pieces and street performers to skate and surf shops, the Venice Beach Boardwalk will be a place you won’t forget . If you’re itching for an outdoor workout , head to Muscle Beach (the iconic outdoor gym) or bring your bike for a leisurely ride .

3. Huntington Beach

Known as “Surf City U.S.A,” Huntington Beach consists of five gorgeous beaches, a super chill vibe, and plenty of surfing hot spots . Not really into surfing? Don’t worry, you can rent a private yacht , go fishing, take a tour to Catalina Island, or kayak at your own pace. 

Do you love both surfing and the arts? Huntington Beach is home to the Surfing Hall of Fame and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum . Check out the surfers who made history, and enjoy a surf-inspired concert every Sunday at the Huntington Beach Pier, hosted by the Surfing Museum.

4. Griffith Observatory

Momentarily leave planet earth and head to the glorious cosmos. At the famed Griffith Observatory , you can explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and view the stars through telescopes. Situated on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the observatory is one of the best free things to do in L.A. and boasts a gorgeous view of the Los Angeles Basin and the Pacific Ocean.

5. Griffith Park

Griffith Park is one of L.A.’s most accessible, well-preserved, and beautiful natural wonders. On December 16, 1896, Colonel Griffith gifted the park to the people of Los Angeles. He envisioned this tranquil park as a place of relaxation for the community. It’s now home to plenty of hiking trails with picturesque views, campsites, biking, horseback riding, and more. 

6. Hollywood Sign

Rich in symbolism, this famous sign represents the glitz, glamour, and stardom of Hollywood. The Hollywood Sign is an internationally recognized icon rife with historical significance, so it’s no surprise that it’s a classic stop for selfie lovers and professional photographers alike. For fabulous shots, we recommend hiking through Griffith Park to reach the sign . 

7. TCL Chinese Theatre

Since 1927, this prominent movie theater has been home to Hollywood luminaries, red carpet movie premieres, and exclusive events. To tour the theater, you can purchase VIP tour tickets or movie tickets. Either way, you’ll be gaining new insight into the fascinating world of Hollywood. Located on the sidewalk outside of the theater is the Forecourt of the Stars—aka the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

8. Hollywood Walk of Fame

Honoring luminaries in everything from radio and recording to motion pictures and television, the Hollywood Walk of Fame spans across 15 city blocks and boasts more than 2,690 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars. Here, you can see the names of celebrities from the past and present who have been deemed worthy of eternal fame. Before heading out, take the perfect photo next to your favorite star.

L.A. Amusement Parks

9. disneyland park.

The “Happiest Place on Earth” is home to exciting experiences, delicious food and drinks , a haunted mansion, can’t-miss rides, family-friendly attractions , and so much more. For Stars Wars fans, Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is entirely another world . This intergalactic adventure is super stellar—definitely something you won’t want to miss! (Tip: If you’re a Disney lover and don’t live too far from L.A., you should consider getting the annual pass; it’s a financially savvy way to travel around your favorite park.)

10. Disney California Adventure Park

Located next to Disneyland, Disney California Adventure is a popular destination for both older and younger crowds. The kids will enjoy character meet-and-greets as well as a Disney Junior dance party. Take them to Pixar Pier, Cars Land, Pacific Wharf, and Hollywood Land for memories they’ll never forget. Each California-inspired section will be a whole new world to them. 

11. Universal Studios Hollywood

Calling all Harry Potter fans! This place is for you. Enter the mystical Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and explore the mysteries of Hogwarts Castle. Universal Studios has created the ultimate Hollywood experience—thrilling theme park rides and shows, a movie studio, and unforgettable dining experiences at CityWalk. From the WaterWorld stunt show to Transformers: The Ride, you’ll find a fun attraction to match your vibe.

12. Knott’s Berry Farm

This quintessential SoCal theme park began as a small berry farm and quickly grew into a well-loved destination, thanks to boysenberries (the Knott’s Berry boysenberry bite-size shortbread cookies are a must-try). The Old West Ghost Town and famous fried chicken dinners also make this park a well-known landmark. Knott’s Berry Farm is now home to 160 acres of pure fun—there are plenty of fast and furious roller coasters for visitors all ages. The Soak City water park, hotel, and marketplace (where you can purchase anything and everything boysenberry) complete the expansive theme park. It is a fabulous way to spend the day or weekend when road tripping with the family .

13. Six Flags Magic Mountain

Are you an adrenaline junkie? If so, then Six Flags Magic Mountain is the place for you. This extreme park, also known as the “Thrill Capital of the World,” is not for the faint of heart. Adventurers: You’ll be tossed and twirled high in the sky, so make sure your shoes are on tight and get ready to scream your lungs out on the park’s adrenaline-inducing rides.

L.A. Museums

14. The Getty Villa

The Getty Villa , home to 7,000 years of ancient art, is set amid gorgeous gardens and is a must-see for those who love Greek and Roman antiquities. Tour this stunning Roman villa to immerse yourself in luxury, then check out the nearby Getty Center—which features European artworks from medieval times to the present—to continue your cultural experience.

15. La Brea Tar Pits

The La Brea Tar Pits is the only excavated Ice Age site located in the middle of an urban jungle. Between 50,000-plus years ago and today, plants, animals, and insects became trapped and perfectly preserved in the sticky asphalt here. Since the early 1900s, more than 100 excavations have occurred at the La Brea Tar Pits, and many of the fossils found are on display in the on-site museum.  

16. The Broad

If you’re into contemporary art, The Broad is an absolute must. Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Rooms is an intense experience; it feels as though you’re looking endlessly into the depths of your soul while in an entirely different universe. The Broad features numerous other exhibitions, too—including the prized Andy Warhol collection—and general admission is free. The building itself is also very unique , making this cultural institution definitely worth the visit.

With all the cool places to visit in Los Angeles, where will you go first? Let us know in the comments below. 

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The 48 best things to do in Los Angeles

Your essential guide to the best things to do in Los Angeles, from stair hikes to scenic drives and more

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles? We have you covered with the very best that L.A. has to offer. Whether you’re a culture vulture, outdoorsy type or simply a lover of our fine city, there’s more than enough here to keep you busy. Even lifelong Angelenos will find something new to add to their to-do list, between the city’s landmark attractions  that are still accessible, an ever-changing inventory of the  best restaurants in Los Angeles , essential L.A. museums and even some off-the-beaten path secrets. How many of the best things to do in Los Angeles will you try?

April 2024: This month , we’ve added a week of celeb-filled TV show panels and the return of the ren faire. We’ve also refreshed our wildflower info and added in some more outdoor screening series.  If you hurry, you might still catch a glimpse of  Space Shuttle Endeavour in its  ready-to-launch position  from just outside of the California Science Center and elsewhere in Exposition Park—but since it’s due to be covered in scaffolding soon, we’ve otherwise removed that from our list. We’ve also temporarily  removed   Wayfarer’s Chapel , which has shuttered for now due to land movement in the area.

You can also find out more about  how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world , or take a look at our list of the best things to do in the world right now . 

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Best things to do in L.A.

Stroll through the stunning gardens at the Huntington Library

• Things to do
• Event spaces
• price 2 of 4

What is it? A historic library, museum and sprawling gardens that was the bequest of entrepreneur Henry E. Huntington.

Why go? The Huntington’s distinctly themed gardens are easily the most stunning manicured outdoor spaces in SoCal, especially its recently expanded Chinese garden. The library and museum are equally impressive; all require reservations on weekends.

Don’t miss:  An excellent exhibition on under-recognized sculptor Sargent Claude Johnson . In the past year, the Huntington has also renovated its historic tea room  and  rebuilt a 320-year-old house from Japan .

See L.A. from above at Griffith Park

• Griffith Park

What is it?  A 4,000-plus–acre rugged park in the center of the city.

Why go?  The trails, the flora, the views, the howls of coyotes down the canyons at night, the twinkly lights of Downtown in the distance—L.A. may not have a grassy, centralized park, but Griffith’s massive, hilly wilderness makes for a stellar alternative.

Don’t miss:  Even when the Griffith Observatory  is closed (on Mondays), you can still drive or hike up to the grounds of the landmark Art Deco dome to take in the unparalleled views .  Wherever you end up hiking, we highly suggest listening downloading Ellen Reid’s  Soundwalk , a location-based musical composition that transforms as you move about the park.

Practice your acceptance speech at the Academy Museum

• Movies and TV
• Miracle Mile

What is it? A permanent home for the history of moviemaking  that’s finally open .

Why go?  The collection includes the sorts of cinematic treasures you’d expect from the people who put on the Oscars, like C-3PO and the sole surviving shark from Jaws . Oh, and the gift shop  is pretty fantastic, too.

Don’t miss:  The museum’s gallery rotations currently celebrate  The Godfather , Casablanca  and Boyz N the Hood , plus French New Wave pioneer Agnès Varda and documentarian Lourdes Portillo. Plus  a John Waters exhibit  outlines the gleefully filthy films and legacy of the iconic director.

Have tacos and egg sandwiches from Grand Central Market

• Restaurants
• Downtown Historic Core

What is it? A European-style food hall that’s been operating in Downtown L.A. since 1917.

Why go? Even if you’re not there for the food, it’s worth a trip; people from all corners of L.A. mix and mingle among rows of spices, produce and vintage neon signage. Of course, if you’re hungry it’s a great place to get cheap pupusas, carnitas tacos and aguas frescas, as well as food from handsome, trendy eateries like Shiku , Fat + Flour ,  Sticky Rice , Broad Street Oyster Co. ,  Eggslut , McConnell’s and G&B Coffee .

Don’t miss: Tacos Tumbras a Tomas serves the hall’s go-to taco, particularly the carnitas and al pastor.

Take a food tour of Downtown L.A.

Pose in front of streetlights at LACMA

• Art and design
• price 1 of 4

What is it?  Chris Burden’s Urban Light , a piece made up of 202 cast-iron street lamps gathered from around L.A. and restored to working order, that stands outside of the massive museum.

Why go? Yes, snag your streetlight selfies. But you’d be selling yourself short if you don’t venture beyond the photo-friendly installation; LACMA’s collections boast modernist masterpieces, large-scale contemporary works, traditional Japanese screens and by far L.A.’s most consistently terrific special exhibitions. 

Don’t miss:  The museum rolls out an Ed Ruscha retrospective this month, and a few days a week, you can watch Judy Baca paint an extension of  The Great Wall of Los Angeles  from within LACMA’s galleries. Also, if you live in L.A. County, book a reservation for a weekday after 3pm to get in without paying a cent.

Set out in search of wildflowers

What is it?  Patches of poppies and all sorts of other colorful flowers that have already started to—and will hopefully continue—to blanket the region.

Why go?  After L.A.’s wildly wet February , March saw the arrival of colorful carpets of flowers in Anza-Borrego. We haven’t exactly seen a “super bloom” outside of that, but there are a few smaller-but-still-colorful local displays as we patiently wait for poppies to bloom.

Don’t miss:  We’ll be updating our wildflower guide, linked below, regularly throughout the month, so stay tuned for updates—including the status of the much-loved  Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve .

Bike the Strand

• Sports and fitness

What is it? A 22-mile bike path, officially known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, that traces nearly the entire extent of L.A.’s westward-facing coastline.

Why go? It’s the best way to tour the coastline. The path starts at Will Rogers State Beach and winds its way all the way down to Torrance County Beach.

Don’t miss: If you’d rather take the path at a walking pace, you’ll find pedestrian-friendly forks in Santa Monica, Venice and Manhattan Beach.

Take a guided bike ride along the coast.

Pedal around Echo Park Lake

What is it?  A former reservoir turned public recreation area at the center of one of L.A.’s most buzzing neighborhoods.

Why go?  The historic Echo Park Lake in recent years finally became a family-friendly destination worthy of its bold backdrop: the Downtown skyline amid the lotus flower blooms, fountains and the Lady of the Lake statue.

Don’t miss:  You can push your way through the lake in a swan boat ($12 per hour) or stroll around the path that hugs its borders.

Step inside of a long lost art carnival at Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy

• Installation
• Boyle Heights Until May 12, 2024

What is it?  A carnival that popped up in Germany in 1987, went into storage for decades and has now been reborn in a soundstage near the L.A. River.

Why go?  Though you can’t climb aboard the rides here, the atmosphere is magical. The same can be said for the astounding lineup of artists whose works you’ll see inside: a Ferris wheel with drawings by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a carousel crafted by Keith Haring, a mirrored dome devised by Salvador Dalí, swings painted by Kenny Scharf and many, many more.

Don’t miss:  You’ll need a timed ticket throughout the show’s run, which wraps up its run on May 12. You can read more here about our experience at Luna Luna —including why we think you don’t necessarily need to spring for VIP access.

Watch a movie outdoors

What is it?  An early start outdoor movie season.

Why go?  It’s still not as packed as the summer schedule, but alfresco films definitely pick up this month thanks to the return of  Rooftop Movies at the Montalbán , plus nightly screenings from  Rooftop Cinema Club  in DTLA. Look out for Street Food Cinema’s season opener at the very end of the month.

Don’t miss:  New screenings and series are announced all the time, so make sure to check our calendar each week.

Gaze into infinity at the Broad

What is it? A free, contemporary art museum in Downtown L.A.

Why go?  Three little words: Infinity Mirror Rooms. The persistently popular museum has  two  mirror-laden Yayoi Kusama installations (the more immersive of which you can now reserve in advance ). Of course, there’s plenty more to see, from Robert Therrien’s oversized Under the Table  to a half-dozen Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings.

Don’t miss: A collection show of L.A. artists  that was set to debut in the spring of 2020 is finally on display—but only through the first week of April—with works from John Baldessari, Mike Kelley, Barbara Kruger and more.

Dance among the dinosaurs during First Fridays at the Natural History Museum

• Classes and workshops
• USC/Exposition Park Until Jun 7, 2024

What is it?  A monthly after-dark party and lecture series at the Natural History Museum.

Why go?  The first Friday of every month from March through June plays host to a KCRW-presented evening of music, plus guided museum tours, and scientist-led talks.

Don’t miss:  Each month has a different theme, including the Nature of Gender (April), the Plant Clones are Coming (May) and How We Multiply (June).

Geek out with the casts of your favorite TV shows at PaleyFest

• TV, radio and podcast recordings
• Until Apr 20, 2024

What is it?  The Paley Center’s weeklong festival of screenings and panel discussions with the cast and creators of the biggest TV shows.

Why go?  The 2024 lineup, which runs from April 12 to 21 at the Dolby Theatre, includes  Curb Your Enthusiasm , Loki , The Morning Show , Young Sheldon , Avatar: The Last Airbender , Late Night with Seth Meyers , The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and a 25th anniversary celebration of Family Guy .

Don’t miss: The celebs, including Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Tom Hiddleston, Iain Armitage, Albert Kim, Seth Meyers, Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Mila Kunis and Stephen Colbert. 

Spend the weekend at a music fest

What is it? The beginning of a packed few months of music festivals.

Why go?  As Memorial Day is to the summer,  Coachella is to music festival season. It and weekend-after country sibling Stagecoach  mark the start of full-blown music fest season. The sheer size of these two means they don’t have much competition in April, but look out for a staggering 10 nearby fests in May.

Don’t miss:  There’s at least one major local music fest nearly every month from now until the end of the year, so make sure to scope out our full list .

Partake in Elizabethan era shenanigans at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire

• Markets and fairs
• San Gabriel Valley Until May 19, 2024

What is it?   The renaissance fair, which returns to Irwindale in April and May.

Why go?  Even if you’re not a ren fair person, this Sante Fe Dam Recreation Area tradition is astoundingly fun. You’ll find  fully armored joust tournaments and tea parties with the Queen along with beguiling stage acts and delicious edibles and ales.

Don’t miss:  Each weekend has its own theme, including pirates (April 13, 14), cottagecore (Apr 20, 21) and cosplay (Apr 27, 28).

Have a street food feast at Smorgasburg L.A.

• Downtown Arts District Until Dec 15, 2024

What is it?  A Sunday market with dozens of food vendors in the Arts District.

Why go?  The weekly food fest is like an incubator for L.A.’s next big food spot, with more than 80 food and retail stalls at ROW DTLA. You’ll also find the I Love Micheladas beer garden for local brews and micheladas.

Don’t miss: This year’s new vendors include Basket Taco Co., Battambong Barbecue and Taste of the Pacific.

Meet Bing Bong and hop aboard the newest attractions at Disneyland

• price 3 of 4

What is it?  A new hotel, ride and restaurant at Disneyland, the nearly 69-year-old iconic  theme park .

Why go? If you haven’t been recently, there are a handful of new things to check out at the happiest place on earth, including Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, a colorful and clever   ride in Toontown;  Tiana’s Palace , a charming New Orleans-inspired restaurant themed to The Princess and the Frog ; and a  Big Hero 6 -ified makeover of the former Pacific Wharf dining area into the colorful Sanfransokyo. You can also meet Bing Bong and watch Joe play piano at the just-debuted Pixar Place Hotel, which has transformed the former Paradise Pier Hotel into a celebration of the art of Pixar animation. In the spring, look out for the limited-time return of “Wondrous Journeys,” an absolutely dazzling animation-filled fireworks show, as well as the much-loved “Fantasmic!”

Don’t miss: If you haven’t been to the pair of parks in a while, there’s a lot that’s changed—and we’re not just talking about the additions of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge  and Avengers Campus —so we suggest brushing up on some of our essential Disneyland tips first.

Step inside Frank Lloyd Wright’s handsome Hollyhock House

• Walks and tours

What is it?  A 1921, Mayan-inflected Frank Lloyd Wright house atop a hill in East Hollywood.

Why go?  Though the home’s privileged hilltop perch is admirable from the outside, it’s best experienced from within: The exquisite wood detailing, long concrete hallways and geometric furniture are well worth the $7 tour.

Don’t miss: Saturday tours tend to sell out, so make sure to book in advance or try a weekday if you can (Thu–Sat 11am–4pm).

Picnic at the Hollywood Bowl

What is it? A gorgeous and instantly recognizable outdoor amphitheatre that’s been hosting concerts since the LA Philharmonic first played there in 1922.

Why go? Nestled in an aesthetically blessed fold in the Hollywood Hills, the 18,000-seat venue can bring out the romantic in the terminally cynical. It’s the summer home of the LA Phil (and boozy picnics).

Don’t miss: As long as there’s no performance going on (which is most days in the winter and spring), it also doubles as a public park . During the busier summer season, you’re welcome to bring your own food to ticketed shows (and even booze to LA Phil-produced ones).

Ride the tram up to the Getty Center

What is it?  A free hilltop art museum with a rolling lawn overlooking the ocean.

Why go?  From the ocean to the mountains northeast of Downtown L.A., the panoramic views from this artopolis more than compensate for its relative inaccessibility (you need to ride a tram to the museum). So too do the masterpieces on display, particularly its Impressionist paintings and baroque and French decorative arts.

Don’t miss:  Pacific Palisades sister institution the Getty Villa  is absolutely worth a visit, too, and brimming with Greek and Roman antiquities. Both museums require a free reservation.

Hit the slopes at a ski resort

What is it?  Just under a dozen destinations within a day’s drive of L.A. where you can ski or snowboard.

Why go? You can drive for about an hour into the mountains and meet snow in the winter. But burn through a bit of extra gas and you’ll be rewarded with a proper high-altitude wonderland .

Don’t miss: Snow Valley , Mountain High  and the twin slopes of Bear Mountain  and Snow Summit  are all within a three-hour drive from most parts of L.A.

Warp into the the Mushroom Kingdom at Universal Studios

• Theme parks
• Universal City

What is it?   Super Nintendo World , a new Mario-themed land at Universal Studios Hollywood. 

Why go?  The colorful, kinetic land lets you throw shells on an augmented reality-enhanced Mario Kart ride, punch ? and POW blocks for coins, and dine inside an adorable Toad-themed café. It’s the most significant—and greatest—addition to the park since the still-pretty-magical  Wizarding World of Harry Potter .

Don’t miss:  For an extra $20 to $25, you can add on an early access ticket that gets you into Super Nintendo World an hour before the rest of the park opens.

Walk along the Venice Canals

What is it? A series of small canals that run through the beachfront neighborhood—hence the name, Venice.

Why go?  Tucked between the grimy Venice Boardwalk and the posh Abbot Kinney, the Venice Canals offer a completely different side of the famed beachfront neighborhood. Take a stroll through these three canal-lined blocks and you’ll discover an idyllic scene with arching pedestrian bridges, charming (and astronomically priced) beach houses and bunches of ducklings.

Don’t miss:  Though you won’t find boat rentals anywhere along the canals, you can bring your own non-motorized vessel to tour the neighborhood at water level (enter via the launch ramp at Venice Boulevard).

Watch a film in Hollywood’s oldest operating movie palace

• Movie theaters
• Independent

What is it?  A 101-year-old theater built by the same architect as the Chinese Theatre and home to the first Hollywood premiere.

Why go: The Egyptian Theatre is back after a three-year restoration project . Now under the ownership of Netflix, the streamer will hold special events and premieres there on weekdays. But the American Cinematheque, the not-for-profit that first revived the venue in the ’90s, will continue to program it on weekends with excellent cinematic picks and Q&As.

Don’t miss:  It’s not the only old theater to make its return recently: The Vista, now under the ownership of Quentin Tarantino , is once again regularly screening films (and serving coffee in an adjacent shop).

Take your pup to the only off-leash beach, Rosie’s Dog Beach

What is it?  A pooch-friendly paradise in Paradise.

Why go?  The four-acre waterfront spot is the only legal off-leash dog beach in L.A. County. The park is named after the area’s late local canine celebrity, Rosie the English bulldog.

Don’t miss:  The entrance. There are no fences marking the dog-friendly area—though you’ll know you’re in the right spot if you see the signs and colorful “Dogs at Play” sculpture—so you’ll want to stay between Granada Avenue and Roycroft Avenue between 6am and 8pm daily.

See L.A. from 6,000 feet up at the Mount Wilson Observatory

• Angeles National Forest

What is it?  A mountaintop observatory, and a winding, scenic drive to get there.

Why go?  High up in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Mount Wilson Observatory affords terrific views of the surrounding region. Admission to the area is free, but you’ll need to buy a Forest Service Adventure Pass in order to park at the site and its adjoining picnic area as it’s located within the Angeles National Forest.

Don’t miss: First off, make sure the road up there is open as it often closes for large stretches of the winter. Take a self-guided tour of the grounds, or a seasonal docent-led tour ($15) of the observatory on weekend afternoons (same-day tickets are available at the Cosmic Cafe). For late-night stargazing , you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for the pricey but totally worth it ticketed events. And consider securing tickets for a concert inside the dome on select Sunday afternoons during the summer.

Stroll through SoCal flora at Descanso Gardens

• Parks and gardens

What is it?  A hillside botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge that harbors a year-round collection of native flora.

Why go?  This delightful tribute to the horticultural magic of Southern California includes more than 600 varieties of camellia (best seen between the middle of February and early May), as well as groves and hillsides of native plants.

Don’t miss:  There’s always a seasonal bloom to scope out, including—as mentioned—camellias in the winter, and tulips and the Japanese garden’s cherry blossoms in the spring (usually in March or April).

Hike to Eaton Canyon Falls and back in less than an hour

What is it? A 50-foot waterfall located in an easy-to-access canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Why go? Los Angeles is a beautiful place, and it’s not afraid to flaunt it. Case in point: Eaton Canyon. The Pasadena-area park is one of the most accessible and easygoing trails where you’ll truly feel like you’ve slipped into the wilderness.

Don’t miss:   Most easily accessible on weekdays , the Pinecrest Gate is just barely over a mile from the waterfall and cuts out what’s otherwise the most boring part of the hike.

Have an oceanfront, roadside meal at Neptune’s Net

• Ventura County

What is it? A postcard-worthy seafood shack on the Pacific Coast Highway toward the western edge of Malibu.

Why go?  The fried ocean bites and weekend biker crew make Neptune’s Net a unique destination. (Alternatively, dine up the coast with locals at Malibu Seafood , where the long line is worth the wait for fresh fish and seafood, or grab a superlative lobster roll at Broad Street Oyster Co. ).

Don’t miss: Take your food across the street and park in the dirt patch by the water, with views of surfers and kite boarders.

Explore the twisted exterior of the Walt Disney Concert Hall

• Music venues

What is it? A concert hall and home of the LA Philharmonic designed by famed local architect Frank Gehry.

Why go? Cruise along Grand Avenue and you can’t miss the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a twisted metallic explosion of Frank Gehry’s imagination. You can look inside the stunning auditorium on a self-guided tour, but the exterior is also just as exquisite.

Don’t miss:  Climb up the staircase on Grand Avenue, near 2nd Street, and you’ll find  a garden hidden behind the hall . Bring a bagged lunch or a climb along the building’s lustrous exterior. Also, in honor of the hall’s 20th anniversary, you can scope out a half-dozen architectural models (look for them inside in BP Hall).

Take a scenic drive around the Palos Verdes Peninsula

What is it? Ten miles of streets, mostly along Palos Verdes Drive, hugging the coast from the Torrance border to San Pedro.

Why go? The first third of the drive sticks mostly to spectacular real estate a few blocks inland, but after you round Point Vicente, the drive changes dramatically. For a few miles past Terranea, there’s nothing but undeveloped oceanfront hillsides, winding roads and golden-hued bluffs.

Don’t miss:  Take a stroll by the Point Vicente Interpretive Center  for views of the nearby lighthouse.

Hike the Silver Lake Stairs

• Silver Lake

What is it?  Dozens of public, outdoor stairways scattered around Silver Lake’s verdant hillsides.

Why go?  These WPA era staircases are well-suited for a workout or a fitness-included tour of the area. Though some homeowners have tried to prevent open access, make no mistake: These sets of stairs are for public use. You can find an exhaustive list in author Charles Fleming’s Secret Stairs .

Don’t miss: Highlights include the heart-painted Micheltorena Stairs (Sunset Blvd and Micheltorena St) and the Music Box Steps (Vendome St and Del Monte Dr), of Laurel and Hardy fame.

Fly a kite by the Korean Bell of Friendship

What is it?  A mighty metallic bell and pavilion in San Pedro donated by South Korea in 1976.

Why go?  Perched over the Pacific, this grassy spot overlooking the ocean is known for its namesake bell, with an ornately painted hipped roof. The exposed hillside is an ideal spot to fly a kite thanks to persistent winds coming off the ocean.

Don’t miss:  The bell rings only four times each year: Fourth of July, National Liberation Day of Korea (Aug 15), New Year’s Eve and during Constitution Week in September.

Get some fresh air at Malibu Creek State Park

• Santa Monica Mountains

What is it? An 8,000-acre mountainous park that looks unlike anything else in L.A.

Why go?  With dramatic gorges, open pastures, lush forests, hidden pools and jagged peaks, Malibu Creek is simply one of the most stunning spots in Southern California.

Don’t miss: A bit of silver screen history; you can spot remnants of the  M*A*S*H set and splash in the rock pool that was featured in  Planet of the Apes . Consider using your library card to secure a free parking pass .

Admire the coastline atop Temescal Gateway Park

• Pacific Palisades

What is it?  A Pacific Palisades hillside park with multiple viewponts of the ocean.

Why go?  With a variety of terrain, flora and views of the Pacific and city, Temescal Canyon Park is great for trail runners, hikers and dog walkers. You’ll experience vast, breathtaking views that span from Catalina to Downtown and enough varied terrain to keep you and your furry friend going—all the way to the Valley, should you dare.

Don’t miss:  The stop signs. Seriously. They’re photo enforced, and you’ll be sent a $100 fine if you roll through.

Watch the sunset from El Matador

What is it? A small but beautiful state beach in Malibu dominated by rocky coves.

Why go?  Because it’s easily the most scenic stretch of coastline in the region. It’s only accessible via a steep gravelly path from a paid parking lot . But the effort is worth it, whether it’s to watch the waves lap against the rocks or see the sunset.

Don’t miss:  The tide. The beach here is pretty narrow and sand comes at a particular premium when high tide rolls in.

Travel back in time at the drive-in

What is it? About a half-dozen drive-in movie theaters in SoCal that are still going strong.

Why go?  For nearly a year, it was one of the only ways to see a first-run movie that wasn’t on your couch. But even with regular theaters open again, we still think it’s tons of fun and cost effective.

Don’t miss:  Some theaters are only open seasonally while others only screen on weekends, so you’ll want to check the schedule before you drive over.

Tackle 282 steps at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

• Culver City

What is it?  A Westside lookout best known for its 282 steep, concrete stairs to the top.

Why go?  The views from the top offer some of the best views of the region, with the ocean on one side and the Downtown L.A. skyline on the other (set against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains in the winter). Once you reach the summit, sit at the long park bench and take in the 360-degree views.

Don’t miss:  If you’d rather not beat up your knees, take a shortcut and drive up to the top of the hill and park in one of the many empty spaces ($6).

Survey DTLA architecture on a Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tour

• Downtown Financial District

What is it?  Take a fuel-efficient walking tour and cherish Los Angeles’ urban architectural heritage.

Why go?  The Los Angeles Conservancy walking tours take in the city’s top sights and most beautiful buildings , including Downtown’s historic theaters and Art Deco buildings (on a weekly basis) as well as the modern skyline (monthly). Be sure to reserve a place well ahead, because the tours are incredibly popular.

Don’t miss:  The tour of Victorian homes in Angelino Heights (first Saturday of the month) is perfect for Halloween-time.

Spend time with your dog at the South Coast Botanic Garden

• Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates Until Apr 28, 2024

What is it? A once-a-month block of dog-friendly hours at the Palos Verdes botanical garden.

Why go?  To spend some quality outdoor time with your four-legged best friend, of course. One Sunday a month, you can roam the gardens’ 87 acres with your fur baby.

Don’t miss: Nabbing a reservation. You (the human) will need a reservation, while your best friend (the pup) will need to remain on their leash at all times, including in the parking lot.  

Become a pinball wizard at EightyTwo

• Downtown Arts District

What is it?  An Arts District arcade bar.

Why go? If ever there was a bar to geek out in, this one is it. L.A.’s first arcade bar boasts more than 40 classic arcade cabinets and pristinely preserved pinball machines—all fixed with cup holders for endless booze-fueled sessions. An homage to the golden age of arcade games, cocktails here have names like Kill Screen, Zangief and Dr. Mario.

Don’t miss:  Swing by the last Sunday of the month for an open pinball tournament (or join the L.A. Pinball League , which plays on Tuesday nights).

Hunt for antiques at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

• Apr 14, 2024

What is it?  A staggeringly colossal flea market held outside of the Rose Bowl the second Sunday of each month.

Why go?  The sheer size and scale of this flea market means that it encompasses multitudes: new and old, hand-crafted and salvaged, the cheap and the costly. There are plenty of duds, to be sure, but come out early enough and you may go home with that perfect purchase.

Don’t miss:  Stray from the main loop around the stadium; there are rows and rows of old furniture, albums and vintage clothes and accessories that fill the adjacent parking lot.

Achieve your farm-to-table dreams at the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market

• Santa Monica

What is it?  A series of farmers’ markets held every week year-round in Santa Monica.

Why go?  The next time you’re at a restaurant and tempted to ask the waiter where your astoundingly fresh beets came from—don’t. We’ll save you the trouble and answer for you: the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market.

Don’t miss: While the market occurs on a couple of days in various parts of Santa Monica, the best day to go is on Wednesday along Arizona Avenue.

Relax on the sand at Point Dume State Beach

What is it?  One of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches and a frequent Hollywood filming location due to its iconic rock face.

Why go?  If you can’t find a free space along Westward Beach Road or you’re willing to pay for parking, you’ll be rewarded with this wide and rarely crowded patch of sand and surf. As all the parking spots are only steps from the sand, Point Dume is the perfect place to pack a picnic for a beachfront meal as seals and dolphins frolic during sunset—just watch out for those hungry seagulls.

Don’t miss:  An easygoing dirth path climbs from the sand to the top of the point, with tons of yellow wildflowers in the winter and spring.

Look out on L.A. from Los Angeles City Hall

What is it?  A grand, white concrete tower that’s served as L.A.’s city hall since 1928.

Why go?  It’s the cheapest way to take in an elevated view of Downtown and beyond. If you’re ever passing through the Civic Center during weekday public hours, enter on Main Street—then you owe yourself a visit to the 27th floor observation deck .

Don’t miss:  Look for the 1984 Olympic torch near the Spring Street exit.

Load up on records at Amoeba Music

What is it?  A warehouse-sized record store in the middle of Hollywood.

Why go?  Sure, Spotify is great, but anyone in search of that arcane track off of that mid-’80s Tom Robinson album knows it isn’t perfect. Neither is Amoeba, but it is the largest independent record store in the United States, and the variety of music on offer is amazing, the prices are fair and the staff really know their music.

Don’t miss:  Its new address. The shop recently moved from its longtime home on Sunset Boulevard to a spot at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Argyle Avenue.

Step inside the precursor to Disneyland at Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn

What is it?  A model train workshop housed inside of a red barn that used to reside in Walt Disney’s Holmby Hills backyard.

Why go?  Walt Disney used to ride his own 1/8th scale live-steam railroad—the “Carolwood Pacific Railroad”—around his backyard until he shifted his focus to a much bigger project: Disneyland . In 1999, the red barn that he used as his workshop was moved to Griffith Park’s Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum. Every third Sunday of the month, you can visit the barn to find a collection of train models and memorabilia.

Don’t miss:  Legendary Disney artists and engineers are known to pop in during open hours.

Find your zen at the Lake Shrine

What is it?  A meditation garden in the Pacific Palisades.

Why go?  Get lost in your thoughts at one of L.A.’s best kept secrets: the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine. Set on a 10-acre site that was used as a film set during the silent era, its lovely gardens offer some increasingly rare assets today: peace and tranquility.

Don’t miss:  A reservation . You’ll need one right now to visit the meditation gardens, which are open for free from Wednesday through Sunday.

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37 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles in 2024 – By A Local

Written By: Jeremy Scott Foster

United States

Updated On: February 8, 2024

Planning a trip to Los Angeles but don’t know where to start? Discover LA’s best hotspots with this list of the best things to do in Los Angeles. Our friend Jeremy of Travel Freak lives in Los Angeles and has rounded up the best things to do in LA from a local’s point of view. We mixed in a few of the top attractions and tourist destinations and you have yourself a complete Los Angeles guide.

Table of Contents

Top Things to Do in Los Angeles

Like with other big cities in the US, planning a trip to Los Angeles is challenging precisely because there is just so much to see and experience. In this list, you’ll find a range of places to go and things to do in Los Angeles, from the usual tourist jaunts to some of LA’s best-kept secrets. Updated by The Planet D team.

Whatever you’re into, and no matter where you’re staying , at least one of these options should pique your interest.

Brimming with culture, history, and creative energy, you can’t visit the West Coast of the United States without stopping in Los Angeles. And it’s not just for culture vultures—Los Angeles County’s sprawling 4,000 square miles is teeming with hikes, beaches, and all sorts of outdoor adventures!

Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, and the sandy shores of Southern California – these are the spots every first-timer should see. Let’s start with the most iconic places in Los Angeles and continue to some lesser-known destinations. Are you ready?

1. Snap A Photo with The Famous Hollywood Sign

No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a sighting of LA’s most iconic landmark: the Hollywood sign. Sitting atop Mount Lee in the Santa Monica mountains, this famous attraction has a ton of viewing options with varying levels of difficulty. 

If you don’t want to break a sweat, you can always just view it from afar driving down Beverly Drive. For a closer look, you can head up the Hollywood Hills to the family-friendly Lake Hollywood Park. And if you’re raring to do some hiking, you can take a ride-hailing service to the end of Deronda Drive. From the cul-de-sac, look for the white archway with the green gate and hike up the trail to the top of Mt. Lee. 

Insider Tip: Consider hiking up to the Griffith Observatory for sunset instead. The Observatory boasts a number of fascinating artifacts and exhibits, from the 12-inch Zeiss telescope to the Rebel Without a Cause monument. However, its biggest draw is the astonishing view – here, you get a clear photo of the sign, as well as front-row seats to the city skyline. 

2. Go Window Shopping on Rodeo Drive

No Los Angeles trip would be complete without at least driving through Rodeo Drive. A two-mile stretch lined with high-end designer brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Chanel, Rodeo Drive is the epitome of style and luxury.

While it’s no longer the celebrity hang-out spot it used to be, it will forever be etched into pop culture thanks to that infamous shopping scene in “Pretty Women”. And while you’re in Beverly Hills, don’t forget to check out other glitzy places like the Greystone Mansion Gardens and the Beverly Hills Hotel. 

If you want to spot celebrities, book a guided tour to see the Beverly Hills mansions where you’ll also hit Rodeo Drive and Hollywood film studios.

3. Drive Down Sunset Strip

There is nothing more quintessentially LA than driving through Sunset Boulevard as the sun goes down. And when the day bleeds into night, Sunset Strip – or the 1.5-mile-long stretch in West Hollywood from Doheny to North Crescent Heights – becomes abuzz with music and nightlife. 

When the sun goes down, the city lights go up at The Roxy Theatre, Whisky A Go Go, and the Viper Room have housed some of the biggest names in music. Meanwhile, the Comedy Store and the Laugh Factory boast stand-up alumni like Eddie Murphy, George Carlin, and Chris Rock. 

Book this full-day tour that includes Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica. You’ll see iconic destinations like the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Farmers Market, and the Griffith Observatory.

4. Hit the Beach

From Baywatch to The OC, the beaches of Southern California have served as a backdrop for countless famous movies and television shows. And if you’re a surfer, Los Angeles is paradise . From the city, you’ve got easy access to some of SoCal’s major surf spots like El Porto, Zuma, Topanga, and Huntington Beach – the world’s surfing capital ! 

5. Venice Beach Boardwalk

Venice Beach is one of Los Angeles’ most iconic and lively destinations and for good reason. It’s a place where the city’s diverse culture, scenic beauty, and eccentricity converge, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Venice Beach is known for its boardwalk that runs to Santa Monica Beach just as much as its sick waves. The Venice Boardwalk, or Ocean Front Walk is like a microcosm of all things LA, from surfers to street performers, vendors, buskers, skaters, and brawny dudes working out at Muscle Beach. 

For fitness enthusiasts or those who just want to witness the spectacle, Muscle Beach is a historic outdoor gym where bodybuilders showcase their talents. You’ll also find one of the most famous skateparks in the world, the Venice Skate Park.

Inspired by Venice, Italy, the Venice Canals offer a more tranquil experience. The picturesque walkways along the canals are perfect for a leisurely stroll amidst charming houses and arched bridges, transporting you to a European-esque setting.

From shopping and dining to the beach and surfing, there’s something for everyone. Venice Beach is not just a beach, but a destination with a soul, where every visit feels like a new adventure.

6. Santa Monica Pier

For family-friendly fun, Santa Monica Pier is the place to be. It’s got a seaside amusement park, live music, an arcade, and plenty of restaurants and shops for all ages.

Start your visit by exploring Pacific Park, the amusement park located on the pier. Ride the famous Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel, known as the Pacific Wheel, which offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline. Don’t miss other thrilling rides like the West Coaster roller coaster.

7. Other Los Angeles Beaches

Understandably, if you’re wary of crowds, you can head for Will Rogers State Beach instead. Situated between Topanga and Santa Monica in the Pacific Palisades, this three-mile stretch of beach doesn’t see as many visitors as the others on this list. 

And if you’re looking for a bit of adventure, there’s Point Dume State Beach, which sits at the end of Malibu on a bluff that juts out into the Pacific. Here, you can either take a dip in the clear blue waters, scuba dive next to sea lions, or even try your hand at rock climbing.

Insider Tip: Los Angeles’ Mediterranean climate doesn’t change very much, so any day is a beach day, really. But if you want to avoid summertime crowds, consider visiting from September to November. 

8. Stroll Down Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Blvd is somewhat Los Angeles’ equivalent to New York’s Times Square. Getting tens of thousands of visitors every day, it’s the ultimate tourist trap. But it’s iconic enough to merit a visit!

This is where you’ll find the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a 1.3-mile walkway bearing the names of hundreds of film and TV stars, directors, and producers. If you have kids in tow, make a game of who can spot their favorite celebrities first.

Apart from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Boulevard’s got other popular tourist attractions – from the TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) and the Dolby Theatre to historic movie theaters like the Vista Theatre and the American Cinematheque.

9. Grand Avenue

Grand Avenue is often considered the city’s cultural heartbeat. With its amalgamation of arts, architecture, and entertainment, the avenue is an essential destination for anyone visiting Los Angeles. Don’t miss the Walt Disney Concert Hall designed by Frank Gehry where you can attend a concert performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The Broad Museum is a Contemporary Art Museum that houses one of the more popular exhibits in the city, the Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama. Or you can go across the street to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) . Be sure to book reservations in advance.

And make sure to stop at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion which hosted many events including the Acadamy Awards and is now home to the LA Opera.

10. Go Celeb Spotting at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Less than 10 minutes away from Hollywood Boulevard is the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the final resting place for some of the biggest names of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Think of it as a more peaceful – albeit macabre – alternative to the busy Walk of Fame. Here, you’ll find the graves of Mel Blanc, Jayne Mansfield, Cecille B. DeMille, Dee Dee, and Johnny Ramone. 

Planning Your Trip To Los Angeles Right Now?

Below are some of the top tours in Los Angeles. Don’t forget to plan ahead when  visiting LA!

Top Activities and Tours in Los Angeles:

• Hollywood Sign Walking Tour (best outdoor activities)
• Celebrity Homes Tour (Most Popular in Los Angeles
• Full-Day Iconic LA Tou r – Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches, and More

11. Get Some Grub at The Original Farmers Market

Once you’re all tuckered out hunting for celebs, make your way to Fairfax and 3rd Street for the OG Los Angeles dining experience.

This historic marketplace has been around since 1934 and has developed into a multicultural hub for foodies. This spot is beloved by both travelers and locals alike and has been visited by countless celebrities, from The Beatles to James Dean. 

12. Visit the Sound Stages of Your Favorite Films and TV Shows

Film and TV buffs will enjoy a tour of some of Hollywood’s biggest studios. At the Warner Bros studio, “Friends” fans can live out their ultimate fantasy with a visit to the Stage 48: Script to Screen soundstage, where a replica of the Central Perk Cafe permanently resides. 

Meanwhile, at Paramount Studios, you can learn about its legacy as the longest operating studio in Hollywood and marvel at its massive New York Street backlot. And for a real blast from the past, you can head to Sony Pictures, which still houses the old Art Deco buildings of the former MGM studio that once stood on the lot. 

If you are a film buff, you can also take a self-guided tour of your favorite filming locations around Los Angeles. Download this app for a GPS-guided app from Downtown LA to Griffith Park as you learn of Hollywood history and see famous shooting locations.

13. Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

LACMA is the largest art museum on the West Coast. Their art galleries include works by the likes of Henri Matisse, Diego Rivera, Pablo Picasso, and Rene Magritte. 

Outside, you can snap a photo next to two epic installations: “Urban Light”, which consists of 202 restored streetlamps from the 1920s and 1930s; and “Levitated Mass” a 340-ton environmental sculpture. 

14. Take an Architectural Tour 

Los Angeles has some of the most unique and acclaimed houses, buildings, and museums in the world. Book a tour and learn about the history behind some of the most celebrated architectural attractions in the city, like:

• Richard Neutra’s Lovell Health House
• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House
• The Walt Disney Concert Hall
• The Broad Museum
• The Richard Meier-designed Getty Center (home of the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Villa, and, the Getty Research Institute)

15. Visit the Getty Center

The Getty Center is one of Los Angeles’ most iconic cultural destinations, renowned for its extensive art collection, beautifully landscaped gardens, and breathtaking views of the city.

Located in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, on a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center features the works of Vincent Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

Admission to the Getty Center is free, but parking is $20 ($15 after 3 p.m.). It’s recommended to check the official website for the latest visiting hours and any special exhibitions or events that might be taking place. The Getty Center is well-regarded for being family-friendly and offering a variety of programming for all ages.

16. Explore LA’s Secret Stairs

During the mid-1900s, Los Angeles had a pretty extensive trolley system, covering over 1,100 miles of track. Though the trolleys are now long gone, you’ll find remnants of them in the network of steep stairs that run through places like Silver Lake, Echo Park Lake, Pacific Palisades, and Beachwood Canyon. 

The latter is a quaint residential community that a range of A-listers and former stars call home. So if you’re one of those travelers who likes hunting for gorgeous houses, this one’s for you. Plus, you get in a good cardio workout too!

17. Echo Park

While in the area, spend some time at Echo Park Lake, the neighborhood’s crown jewel. You can rent paddle boats or just take a leisurely walk around the lake. Rent a swan boat in advance to enjoy a quieter side of Los Angeles

This area is known for its vibrant street art and murals. Take a walk through the neighborhood and discover the colorful and often thought-provoking contemporary art adorning the walls and buildings.

18. Griffith Park

Angelenos know the best part of LA is its abundance of hiking trails, parks, and a ton of other outdoor adventure options.

For a quick urban hike, there’s Griffith Park. Griffith Park is about six times the size of New York’s Central Park and is home to the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, the Bronson Canyon Caves, the Los Angeles Zoo, the Greek Theatre, and a 53-mile network of trails and paths.

Then there’s the Runyon Canyon hike, which is a 3.5-mile hiking trail up in the Santa Monica Mountains. Runyon Canyon is the only park that allows dogs to run off-leash, so if you’re traveling with your pup, don’t miss out on this trail. 

If you’re looking to plan out more intense day trips , there is no shortage of options either – California has 300 state parks! And while camping is still currently off the table, there are still plenty of fun things to do, like.

19. Dodgers Stadium

If you’re a sports fan, head to the nearby Dodger Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Try to catch a baseball game or take a tour of the stadium.

20. Silver Lake

Silver Lake is another vibrant neighborhood located in the central region of Los Angeles that is known for its eclectic atmosphere, trendy shops, restaurants, and artistic community.

The neighborhood is named after the Silver Lake Reservoir, a large body of water that serves as a picturesque centerpiece. The reservoir is surrounded by a walking path popular among residents for jogging, walking dogs, and enjoying scenic views.

21. Cycle the Strand

The Strand, also known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, is a 22-mile bike path that starts at Will Rogers State Beach and passes through the Pacific Palisades and down to Santa Monica, Redondo, Manhattan, Venice Beach, and Torrance County Beach. 

Take a bike ride along this beautiful path. Bear in mind that it’s a laid-back path that sees travelers of all ages and levels. So, if you’re looking to do some sprints, this may not be the trail for you. 

22. Immerse in Japanese Culture in Little Tokyo

Home to the US entertainment industry, Los Angeles is a melting pot of art, talent, and culture.

Little Tokyo is a 135-year-old neighborhood located in Downtown Los Angeles. As the second oldest neighborhood in the city of LA and one of only three official Japantowns in the US, Little Tokyo is a historical, cultural landmark. 

You can learn about the experiences of Japanese Americans throughout history at the Japanese American National Museum, find unique gifts for friends at home at the Bunkado shop, or have homestyle Japanese food on 1st Street. Read more about Tokyo The Best Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

23. Feast at The Grand Central Market

Another must-see in Downtown LA, Grand Central Market is a foodie’s heaven. Come on an empty stomach because Grand Central is brimming with good grub. 

Must-tries include Villa Moreliana’s tacos, Belcampo Meat Co.’s dry-aged beef burger, and Eggslut’s infamous egg sandwiches. For dessert, McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream is the way to go. 

To check out more of the Los Angeles food scene, book this downtown food tour that starts at Pershing Square. Sample foods from the emerging LA food scene as you hear about Hollywood history.

24. Catch A Concert at The Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl is the premier venue for live music in Los Angeles. The massive amphitheater has hosted all kinds of musicians – from Hall and Oates to Lady Gaga – but it’s the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra that gets to call it home. 

The park area used to be open to the public during the day, and visitors could watch rehearsals for free.

25. Explore Exposition Park

When traveling with your kids, it’s important to find destinations that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Here are our top 5 family-friendly things to do in Los Angeles.

If you and your kids are up for a field trip, head over to Exposition Park. The sprawling urban park houses attractions like the Banc of California soccer stadium, the Rose Garden, the California African American Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the California Science Center. 

The Science Center is particularly interesting because it serves as the final resting place for the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the last operational shuttle built for NASA. 

26. Enjoy the Petersen Automotive Museum

If you and your kids share a passion for cars, drive up Wilshire Boulevard and make a pit stop at Petersen Museum. As one of the largest automotive museums in the world, this museum showcases over a hundred vehicles in 25 galleries. 

If you’re a big gearhead, you can pay an extra $20 to get into “The Vault”, an underground parking space where the museum keeps vehicles that have been rotated out of the exhibitions, as well as cars that have never been displayed to the public yet.

Here, you’ll find gems like Steve McQueen’s 1957 Jaguar and a 1998 open-top Cadillac Popemobile. Kids under 10 are not allowed in this area. 

27. Learn About the Ice Age at The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

What makes pits of tar one of LA’s most popular attractions? The La Brea Tar Pits is the only active Ice Age fossil site that is located in an urban setting. Scientists have been digging up fossils from this area for over a hundred years, and all the artifacts from these excavations are displayed at the La Brea Museum. 

Here, kids can learn about prehistory, archaeology, biology, and climate change. Overall, it’s a great place to engage your kids in a fun, interactive, and educational activity!

28. Experience the Thrills of Movie Magic at Universal Studios Hollywood

There is definitely no shortage of theme parks in California. You’ve got Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags, and Legoland, just to name a few. 

But if you and your kids are pop culture nerds, Universal Studios Hollywood might be one of the only theme parks that really brings the magic of movies to life. Some of the park’s main attractions include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Jurassic World ride, and the World-Famous Studio tour. Book your Skip the line Tickets f or Universal Studios in advance to maximize your enjoyment.

29. Mulholland Drive

Another epic drive would be Mulholland Drive , which Jay Leno once described as the “spine of Los Angeles”. With the San Fernando Valley on one side and Beverly Hills on the other, the drive offers spectacular views of the Los Angeles Basin.

“The Snake”, a twisty segment filled with sharp turns, is also a favorite among bikers and car enthusiasts. Unfortunately, much of Mulholland Drive has been closed since the Woolsey fire ravaged the area. 

Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

The greater Los Angeles area is huge and if you have a car and a few extra days, you should make your way to a few of these locations that are within driving distance from downtown. Some require a few days, and others can be done in an easy day trip.

30. Historic Battleship USS Iowa Museum

One of the most notable attractions is the historic Battleship USS Iowa Museum. Moored at the LA Waterfront in San Pedro, this iconic World War II battleship invites visitors to immerse themselves in American naval history through its intricate exhibits and guided tours.

A stone’s throw away is the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, which further chronicles the rich maritime heritage of the region.

31. Long Beach

Long Beach is another Southern California, coastal city located within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. One of Long Beach’s most famous attractions is the Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner that has been permanently docked in the harbor since 1967. It now serves as a hotel, museum, and events venue. The ship is also known for its alleged hauntings and offers ghost tours.

The waterfront area of Long Beach is a bustling spot with a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions. The Rainbow Harbor and Shoreline Village are particularly popular areas to walk around, dine, and enjoy views of the water.

It also naturally has several miles of beaches, which are great for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Belmont Shore is a popular beach neighborhood known for its laid-back vibe, and Alamitos Beach is known for being LGBTQ2s+ friendly

32. Summit Mt. Baldy

Standing at 10,066 feet or 3,068 meters above sea level, Mount Baldy (also known as Mt. San Antonio) is considered the highest peak in Los Angeles County.

There are numerous trails all over the mountain, from the short and sweet Mt. Baldy Notch trail, which is about 3.5 miles one way, to the Mt. Baldy trail, the longest (6.5 miles one way) and the oldest trail that takes you all the way to the summit. From the top, you get gorgeous views of LA. On a good day, you can even see Catalina Island.

In the winter, Mt. Baldy becomes a popular skiing destination as well.

33. Bungee Jump Off the Bridge to Nowhere

The Angeles National Forest covers over 700,000 acres of land, including the San Gabriel and Sierra Pelona Mountains. One of the most exciting things to do here is the Bridge to Nowhere hike in the San Gabriel Mountains. It’s a 10-mile hike featuring river crossings, tunnels, and an awe-inspiring 120-foot-high concrete bridge that leads, well, nowhere, as it’s wedged into the canyon. 

If the hike isn’t exciting enough, you can also bungee jump off the bridge. And if you’re really craving for some adrenaline, you can even arrange for a night jump, where you fall into a pitch-black abyss and look up to a starry night. 

A word of caution, however: always check the weather before embarking on this hike. In the wet season, the area is prone to flash floods. In the summer months, it can be an exhausting trip, as there is virtually no shade out there. 

34. Go Bouldering in Joshua Tree National Park

If you only have time for one or two day trips, make sure one of them is a visit to Joshua Tree National Park. It’s about a 2-hour-and-45-minute drive from Los Angeles, but it’s well worth the visit.

Known as the place where two deserts meet – the Colorado and the Mojave deserts – the park is home to some of the most interesting landscapes this side of the US. Some famous sights include the eerie Skull Rock formation and the 30-foot arch of Arch Rock.

Joshua Tree’s massive rock formations make it a great site for bouldering and rock climbing too. Trashcan Rock, Lizard’s Hangout, and the Blob are some of the best spots for beginners. Read More: 11 Best Hikes in Joshua Tree National Park

35. Go Off-Roading in The Mojave Desert

Mojave Road is a 150-mile historic dirt road that starts at Beale’s Crossing by the Colorado River and ends at Drum Barracks in Wilmington, LA.

You can traverse the entire trail in three days, but make sure you have plenty of food, water, and gasoline with you, as there are virtually no establishments out in the desert. Be sure to bring tools, a spare tire, and emergency supplies as well.

As it is a rough and unmaintained desert road, you will need to bring a 4×4 vehicle with you. 

36. Sail Off to Catalina Island

If you’re up for something a little more laid back, you can book a private charter to Catalina Island . On the trip, you can expect to sail next to dolphins, go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling in Catalina’s coral reefs. 

Catalina Island is an hour-long boat ride from Newport Beach, Long Beach, or San Pedro Beach.

37. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

The city of LA is as much the city of cars as it is the city of stars, with a car culture so enduring that it has shaped the way the city – and its surrounding area – has been designed. As such, LA is one of the best places for travelers to embark on a road trip.

One of the best routes you can take is the drive from Santa Monica to Zuma Beach in Malibu via the Pacific Coast Highway. The highway runs along the Pacific coastline of California , offering one of the most breathtaking views in the world. And while you’re in Malibu, make sure to check out biker’s hangout Neptune’s Net, a world-famous seafood and beer restaurant that sits right by the highway. Read more: The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary and The Best Viewpoints

About Los Angeles

Los Angeles is actually part of Los Angeles County, made up of 88 incorporated cities all in all. LA—also known as the City of Angels—is California’s most populous city, comprising some 80+ neighborhoods. The delineation of these neighborhoods can get pretty contentious, so don’t worry if you can’t find what you’re looking for on a typical map. If you’re lost, it’s best to ask a local!

Your main gateway into Los Angeles is through the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is situated in the beachside neighborhood of Westchester. Head up northwest, and you’ll hit other famed beach towns like Venice, Santa Monica, the Pacific Palisades, and Malibu. 

While LA has adequate public transportation, the best way to get around is by car. There’s a saying that “nobody walks in LA”—with the sheer size of the county and Los Angeles’ thriving car culture, it is pretty much true. No, I take it back—it’s 100% true. Compare car rental prices here.

Whether you’re looking for quick urban hikes, lazy beach days, sick surf sessions, or epic day trips out in the desert, Los Angeles is a dream for most adventure travelers. You’ll never run out of things to do in LA!

• W here to Stay in Los Angeles
• The Best Things to Do in San Diego – A Local’s Guide to the City
• Where To Stay In San Diego – The Best Neighborhoods & Areas
• 28 Things to Do in Sacramento
• 20 Great Things to Do in Monterey, California
• Things to do in Carmel by the Sea, California
• 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors
• 7 Epic Places to Visit in Northern California
• Top 10 Best Places to Camp in California
• 24 Of The Best Beaches in California

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Jeremy Scott Foster

Jeremy has been traveling the world for 10 years. Recognizing that travel is a powerful platform for personal growth, he made it his personal mission to help others recognize just how accessible travel really is. That’s why I started this adventure travel blog. Follow Jeremy on his website TravelFreak / Instagram / Twitter / Pinterest

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This so awesome one I like it so much

That was a really great. Helpful and insightful, as always! Thanks for the data and the supporting information.

60 Things to Do in Los Angeles (California)

Home | Travel | North America | United States | California | Los Angeles | 60 Things to Do in Los Angeles (California)

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There are a lot of things to do in Los Angeles , the heart of California and of the film industry worldwide. When I moved to the United States, LA was one of the cities I wanted to visit the most, so I quickly flew to the West Coast to discover this amazing city.

In LA, you’ll find beaches that have been backgrounds in your favorite TV series and movies, interesting museums, stylish restaurants, shops that have the latest in fashion, and a lot of fun. That’s what Los Angeles is like.

In addition, many celebrities live in LA, such as Jennifer Aniston, David Beckham, Jim Carrey, and Cameron Diaz, so you could run into them at any time. In fact, one of the most popular things to do in Los Angeles is to book a tour to see the luxury villas and mansions of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. This tour and other LA attractions are included in the Go Los Angeles Card , a tourist card that will save you a lot of money if you want to visit different paid attractions. It’s very much worth it!

But it’s not all about the celebrities. In this article, you’ll find the best 60 places to visit in Los Angeles so you can get to know this city in a short time.

1. Universal Studios Hollywood, the best theme park to visit in LA

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the largest and oldest film studios and the best amusement park in Los Angeles . It is also this company’s oldest theme park.

The park has movie-themed areas devoted to Harry Potter and Jurassic World, among others , as well as TV-themed areas for shows like The Walking Dead . In addition to attractions, there are exhibitions and shows throughout the day. I recommend spending at least one full day in the park if you want to get to know it well.

Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids. To avoid long lines and get your ticket at the best price, get it here . Entrance is also included in the Go Los Angeles Card .

2. Hollywood Walk of Fame, one of the best things to do in Los Angeles

The Walk of Fame is one of the most important places to visit in Los Angeles . This sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street is where Hollywood pays tribute to more than 2,000 celebrities from around the world who belong or have belonged to the film, television, music, theater, or radio industry. Each of these celebrities has been honored with their very own star on the ground.

Fun fact: Mickey Mouse got his star on the Walk of Fame during the 50th anniversary celebration of his character; he was the first fictional character to get one. Subsequently, Bugs Bunny, Snow White, and other characters also got theirs.

Between 20 and 30 new stars are added every year to the Walk of Fame , which was named a Historical and Cultural Monument in 1978.

Strolling the Walk of Fame to photograph your feet on the star of someone you admire or your favorite character is something that’s very popular to do in Los Angeles .

3. Hollywood Sign, the most popular attraction in LA

In Griffith Park, specifically on Mount Lee, you will find one of the most important icons to see in Los Angeles : the Hollywood Sign , the most famous sign in LA.

The first sign, which said “Hollywoodland,” was provisionally installed in 1923 to promote a condo that was under construction. However, the rise of the film industry made the place famous, and they decided to modify the sign and leave it up permanently.

To get to Griffith Park, I recommend taking a taxi to Beachwood Drive, where the pedestrian entrance to the park is. From there, you can walk to the Hollywood sign lookout as well as go behind it. Everything is well marked, so there is no way to get lost.

4. Griffith Observatory, one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles

If you’re looking for something to do in Los Angeles at night , I recommend visiting the Griffith Observatory , which is in Griffith Park.

4. Griffith Observatory, the best place for stargazing in Los Angeles

The construction of this park and its observatory was made possible by Colonel Griffith J. Griffith’s desire to make astronomy accessible to everyone. To do this, in 1896, he donated 1,200 hectares of land and the funds to build an observatory, a planetarium, and exhibition spaces. Visiting Griffith Observatory is one of the best free things to do in LA. You can check it schedules here.

Griffith Park also has very interesting trails that offer beautiful views of the city. There are many hiking tours around but I recommend you take the tour we did . It was worthy!

5. Disneyland, the best thing to do in Los Angeles with kids

There are two Disney-themed parks in California: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park , both located in Anaheim, a short distance from Los Angeles. (If you don’t have a car, I recommend booking transport here ). Although the two parks belong to Disney and are next to each other, a pass will only be valid for one of the two parks, except for special tickets. Disneyland is the most popular one, and it has recently opened a Star Wars-themed area.

5. Disneyland, the best thing to do in Los Angeles with children

This park follows the aesthetics of other Disney parks and has several themed areas around the Sleeping Beauty castle. In Adventureland, for example, attractions allude to the adventures of Indiana Jones, or you can visit the Enchanted Tiki Room, which has shows with animatronic figures. Other themed areas are Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square, Critter Country, and Mickey’s Toontown.

If you travel with your family, the amusement parks of Los Angeles are the best option for you. Because of its large size and especially because there are two parks, I recommend spending two days at Disneyland if you like amusement parks and the Disney universe.

6. Hollywood, the place with the most stars in Los Angeles

Hollywood , the mecca of the movies, is the part of the city of Los Angeles that attracts the most visitors. This is where the Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theater are, two places to visit in Los Angeles that you cannot miss.

In addition, I’d like to highlight the Hollywood & Highland , a large complex full of shops and entertainment.

Two other places to visit in Los Angeles that I consider interesting are the Hollywood History Museum , which has a very large sample of objects used in movies, and the Hollywood Forever Cemetery , where hundreds of legends from world cinema and numerous celebrities have been laid to rest.

7. Downtown LA, a place to visit in Los Angeles

Downtown LA is another of the tourist spots of Los Angeles that you should visit. It stands out for its contemporary buildings and for being an important business area.

The City Hall, one of the most famous buildings in Los Angeles, is here, as well as the Disney Center Hall , one of the best concert halls in the world thanks to its excellent acoustics.

You can also take a walk along the pedestrian Grand Avenue and visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Los Angeles , the Museum of Contemporary Art , and the Memorial Coliseum .

Finally, you can end the day in the Fashion District , a few streets where you’ll find the best stores.

8. MOCA, the best thing to do in LA when it rains

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Los Angeles , better known as MOCA, is the only museum founded by artists. It has one of the largest art collections in the world, with around 7,000 pieces, and an innovative style in its exhibits.

If you don’t know what to do in Los Angeles if it rains , visiting MOCA can be an excellent option. Although if you like art, I assure you it is worth it regardless of the weather.

This museum has two locations in the city: MOCA Grand Avenue and The Geffen Contemporary. In addition, it includes Michael Heizer’s seminal artwork Double Negative (1969-70) in the Nevada desert.

9. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, one of the most important theaters in LA

Grauman’s Chinese Theater , located in Hollywood, can’t be left off our list of things to see in Los Angeles . It’s a very important site for world cinema. In fact, it was declared a Historical and Cultural Building in 1968 and has premiered numerous films. It also hosted the Academy Awards Ceremony on three occasions.

On the outside of the building, which is reminiscent of a Chinese pagoda, there are more than 200 famous footprints, such as Samuel L. Jackson’s, Sophia Loren’s, and Marilyn Monroe’s. Also, the three main actors of the Harry Potter saga left traces of their feet, hands, and wands here. And even R2D2 did too!

These footprints are a different type of honor than the stars on the Walk of Fame.

10. Santa Monica, the most famous beach in Los Angeles

Santa Monica is a very popular neighborhood and the place where you can enjoy some of the best beaches in Los Angeles . Among the many attractions of Santa Monica , the most popular ones are Pacific Park and the pier, ideal for sunset strolls. In addition, this area is one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles with kids .

I recommend touring Ocean Drive , which borders the coast, on foot, with skates, or by bicycle. Taking a dip at Santa Monica Beach , where Baywatch and Pacific Blue were filmed, is another great thing to do in Los Angeles.

11. Pacific Park, a theme park you can’t miss in Los Angeles

Pacific Park is an amusement park on the Santa Monica pier and one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles with children .

It has appeared in many movies and series, so it’s very popular. Additionally, I recommend it especially for its views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s an ideal place to spend hours of fun with the little ones.

If you decide to visit Pacific Park , I suggest you go up on the Ferris wheel to enjoy beautiful views of the city. Of course, I recommend doing it at sunset.

12. Beverly Hills, the most glamorous place to visit in Los Angeles

Most celebrities have their mansions in Beverly Hills, making it one of the most luxurious places to visit in Los Angeles . One of its most famous spots is Rodeo Drive , with its bars and luxury shops.

Although I prefer walking around Beverly Gardens Park . I also recommend visiting the Pierce Bros Westwood Memorial Park , where the remains of Marilyn Monroe and Truman Capote rest.

Beverly Hills is also one of the most exclusive places to stay in Los Angeles .

13. Rodeo Drive, the most luxurious place to go shopping in LA

If you’re a fashion lover, you have to visit Rodeo Drive ; if you aren’t, it’s something to do in Los Angeles if it rains or if you want to surround yourself with luxury and glamor for a day. It is a street frequented by rich and famous people because the most exclusive clothing stores in LA are here.

The best brands in the world show the latest fashion on this street. Although these stores are not affordable for everyone, since everything is excessively expensive, I recognize how curious it can be to walk along a street that is so overloaded with elegance, glamor, and luxury.

In any case, Rodeo Drive is another interesting place to visit in Los Angeles to get to know the true essence of the City of Stars.

14. Warner Bros Studios, an interesting tour to take in Los Angeles

Visiting Warner Bros studios is great stuff to do in Los Angeles , especially for those who consider themselves true movie and television lovers. This is where countless series have been filmed, such as Friends and The Big Bang Theory , as well as movies, such as some of those in the DC Universe.

To get to know this famous studio, I recommend you book this tour that will let you in on all the filming secrets and show you sets and objects. In addition, you can walk through Stage 48, where all the stages of the television and film production process are shown.

15. Chinatown, a place to go in LA

Chinatown of Los Angeles is in the downtown area and is one of the greatest tourist attractions in LA.

Take a walk along Chung King Street, which was once an important commercial area where you can now find numerous art galleries. In addition, I recommend visiting Central Square , where there’s always a lot of activity and where summer festivals are celebrated.

Thien Hau temple , dedicated to Mazu, goddess of the sea in Chinese mythology, is another place that you have to visit in Los Angeles .

16. Little Tokyo, the Japanese neighborhood in Los Angeles

Little Tokyo was born at the beginning of the 20th century when the first Japanese arrived in the city. The largest Japanese-American population is concentrated here, and it is a place that is highly appreciated by tourists.

Japan is very well represented in this neighborhood and visiting it is one of my favorite things to do in Los Angeles .

There are many things to visit in Little Tokyo, but I recommend the Koyasan Buddhist temple , the Go for Broke monument in honor of Japanese-American soldiers who fought during World War II, and the Japanese American Museum .

17. The Grove, one of the best things to do at Christmas time in LA

The Grove is an outdoor mall that was built in what was once an agricultural area. Although it is something you can visit in Los Angeles at any time of the year, at Christmas, it becomes a real must. The Grove changes its decorations especially for the holiday, since Angelenos welcome Christmas here.

In addition to shopping at the numerous stores with a wide variety of items, I recommend eating at the Farmer’s Market , where you can find dishes from around the world.

18. Hollywood Celebrity Homes Tour, one of the best fun things to do in LA

If there is a must-do in Los Angeles, it is this celebrity homes tour . On this tour, you’ll visit the most emblematic streets of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, which are the places where celebrities usually have their mansions, and visit the Hollywood Bowl.

18. Hollywood Celebrity Homes Tour, one of the best fun things to do LA

I consider this to be a mandatory tour for anyone who goes sightseeing in Los Angeles .

19. Malibu, the best beach in Los Angeles

The beaches of Malibu are considered the best beaches in Los Angeles, and they also have the best weather. These two factors have made many celebrities choose Malibu as their residency.

If you feel like enjoying the beach , which is one of the best cool things to do in Los Angeles , you can choose among Zuma Beach, Surfrider Beach, Topanga State Beach, and Malibu State Beach. Near Malibu, you can visit the Malibu Creek State Park, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and Paradise Cove, where several films have been shot.

20. Zuma Beach, a popular beach in Malibu

Zuma Beach is famous for appearing in the final scene of Planet of the Apes and some scenes of Baywatch . It is considered one of the best beaches in Los Angeles for its fine sand and crystal clear waters.

I recommend this beach to travelers who want to surf, although it is also perfect for relaxing and disconnecting from the city.

21. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Los Angeles County Museum of Art , or LACMA, is the largest museum in the western United States. It exhibits up to more than 142,000 works representing 6,000 years of art from around the world.

21. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, one of the best museums in Los Angeles

The Islamic art, colonial art, and Japanese art collections are the standouts of the impressive collection offered by the museum.

This museum receives more than one million visitors every year, so I recommend you include it on your list of places to visit in Los Angeles .

22. Urban Light, a place to visit in Los Angeles at night

Outside of LACMA, you can enjoy Urban Light , a work by artist Chris Burden that consists of a set of street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s, which once illuminated the city streets.

22. Urban Light, a peculiar place to visit in Los Angeles at night

In total, there are 202 cast-iron lampposts that have turned on at dusk every day since the installation’s inauguration, in 2008, and then turn off at dawn thanks to an astronomical timer.

A walk to enjoy this unique work is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night .

23. Runyon Canyon Park, the best hikes in Los Angeles

If, like me, you are a hiker, I recommend you go to Runyon Canyon Park . You can find trails of different difficulty levels there.

The Hero Trail is the most complicated one, the Star Trail is medium level, and the Fuller Gate-Runyon Canyon Road is considered an easy one.

If you want to enjoy nature and beautiful views in the City of Stars, Runyon Canyon Park is where to go in Los Angeles.

24. Carroll Avenue, the favorite street of movie lovers in LA

Carroll Avenue is in Angelino Heights , one of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles and one of the places I liked the most.

1329 Carroll Avenue is a beautiful house built in 1887 that served as the set of the Charmed series. At 1345 on the same street, you can find the Sanders house, which served as the background for the Michael Jackson music video Thriller.

25. Surf at Manhattan Beach, the best activity to do in Los Angeles

LA has several beaches where you can surf, one of the best activities in Los Angeles . Of all the places you can do this sport, Manhattan Beach is probably the place to go in Los Angeles if you’re looking for the biggest waves.

Of course, Manhattan Beach is not the best option for beginners. If you don’t know how to surf or don’t have enough experience, you should go to Lagoon State Beach, Topanga Beach, or Venice Beach.

26. Venice Beach, the most creative and artistic place in Los Angeles

During the 50s and 60s, Venice Beach was fashionable because it was home to many artists and poets. Today it is still a special place for culture and also a very creative and artistic place to see in LA.

You can take long walks on the Ocean Front Walk , go to the Venice Beach Recreation Center , where there are volleyball and beach tennis courts, and visit Abbot Kinney Boulevard , where you can go shopping.

In addition to the beach, in this area, you can enjoy street art and the beautiful canals that give this area of the city its name.

27. Sunset Strip, an avenue with a lot of stuff to do in LA

The Sunset Strip is one of the most popular tourist sights in Los Angeles. On this avenue, you’ll find a lot of fun things to do during the day and at night.

During the day, you can visit their shopping centers or have lunch at any of the restaurants. At night, you can go to events and concerts or enjoy the nightclubs and bars.

27. Sunset Strip, an avenue with a lot of stuff to do in Los Angeles

In addition to all of the above, on the Sunset Strip, you can visit the Charles Chaplin Studios , eat at The Viper Room , which belonged to Johnny Depp, or eat at the Rainbow Bar & Grill , where Lemmy Kilmister used to play poker.

28. Santee Alley, the best place for cheap shopping in Los Angeles

Although the city of Los Angeles has mostly luxury stores, if you’re looking for bargains, you can go to Santee Alley . Here, you can buy clothes, accessories, and shoes at a lower price.

Santee Alley is in the Fashion District , where Los Angeles clothing factories are located, and this is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles during the day if you like shopping.

29. Mulholland Drive, one of the best scenic drives in Los Angeles

Mulholland Drive is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the United States. It was built in the 20s to be one of the busiest roads. With 20 miles of meandering asphalt, it is a two-way road adorned with huge mansions.

29. Driving Tour: Mulholland Drive, one of the best experience in Los Angeles

I recommend you stop at any of the lookout points along the way to enjoy unique scenery, one of the best things to do around Los Angeles.

30. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

If you’re wondering what California was like in prehistoric times, I recommend visiting Rancho La Brea . Several tar pits in which animals and plants were trapped during the Ice Age were found there.

The tar preserved the remains of these animals and plants very well, so scientists could study them. They also served as conclusive evidence of the species that inhabited the place.

30. The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, for back to the Ice Age in Los Angeles

In the George C. Page Museum , which is next to the pits, you can see the fossils of these already-extinct animal and plant species.

If you have time, I recommend visiting this place , since it’s something that’s very curious to see in Los Angeles .

31. Getty Center, the best place for art lovers in Los Angeles

Visiting the Getty Center , home of the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Foundation, the Getty Research Institute, and the Getty Conservation Institute, is one of the top things to do in Los Angeles . Works by Leonardo da Vinci, Goya and Rembrandt, among others, are exhibited here. I recommend this place if you’re into art, although visiting it is also something interesting to do in Los Angeles if it rains .

If the weather is good, you can also visit the gardens surrounding the Getty Center , which are spectacular and have a huge variety of plants as well as numerous fountains and streams. You can find art, architecture, and nature all in one here.

32. Dolby Theatre, the most famous theatre in Los Angeles

Formerly known as the Kodak Theater, the Dolby Theater is in front of the Walk of Fame and is mainly famous because this is where the Oscar Awards gala is held.

Concerts and shows are also held here throughout the year, since it has a capacity of 3,400 people. If you aren’t interested in the events they have scheduled, you can visit it by taking this tour . Actually, it is an extraordinary place to visit in Los Angeles. The theater itself is quite impressive.

33. Route 66: End of the Trail sign, a place to visit in LA

The sign that indicates the end of Route 66 , something you have to visit in Los Angeles if you’re finishing the most famous road trip in the United States, is in Santa Monica, next to the monument to Will Rogers. On the poster, it says: “Santa Monica – 66 – End of the Trail”. Truthfully, however, the end of this famous route is between Lincoln Street and Olympic Street.. Of course, everyone, especially tourists, takes a picture next to the sign, thinking that the real ending is there.

For many travelers, the city of Los Angeles is not a final destination, but is instead part of a tour and a mandatory stop for a road trip around the USA .

34. NBA game at the Staples Center, one thing to do in Los Angeles

The Staples Center is home to the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers, as well as being one of the most luxurious and modern multipurpose centers in the world.

The Grammy Awards, hockey games, boxing matches, and NBA games are held here.

If you like sports, visiting the Staples Center is something you have to do in Los Angeles .

35. Huntington Library, one of the most beautiful places to visit in LA

The Huntington Library is in San Marino, just outside Pasadena. The building was the home of tycoon Henry E. Huntington, who built it in 1911. It was his second wife who decorated the mansion with an impressive collection of French and British art.

For their huge collection of books, they had to build a new building, which became a library of great importance. It has a large number of historical documents, first editions, and works of the American West. This is a real wonder to visit in Los Angeles , although what struck me the most were its Japanese-style botanical gardens.

36. California Science Center, an interactive museum you must visit in LA

The city of Los Angeles has many museums, but one I always recommend is the California Science Center because it offers interactive exhibits that bring you closer to science. In addition, the garden is full of interesting things and has several permanent exhibitions.

Ecosystems explains how life is interconnected on the planet, while Creative World is a journey through all the innovations that aim to meet human needs. World of Life, on the other hand, explores the life processes of living beings. The Art and Space exhibits are very interesting too.

This museum is one of those places to visit in Los Angeles that I’m sure you’re going to like.

37. The Broad, a contemporary art museum in Los Angeles (California)

The Broad , a contemporary art museum specializing in temporary exhibitions, is next to the Walt Disney City Hall.

It is one of the things to see in Los Angeles that I recommend to people who are very into art. I also have to say that not only are the collections interesting, but also the architectural design of the building is spectacular.

38. Hollywood Bowl, the most famous amphitheater of Los Angeles

The famous Hollywood Bowl is one of the places you should visit in Los Angeles . It has a capacity of 17,400 people and is used for concerts and sporting events.

It is a symbol of California and its fame has become worldwide after appearing in films, such as A Star is Born and Xanadu ; television series, such as Mozart in the Jungle and The New Adventures of Old Christine ; and in video games, like Grand Theft Auto V .

39. Live Comedy, something fun to do in Los Angeles

There are many comedy clubs in Los Angeles where you can enjoy improv, monologues, musical comedies, and other comedic performances. In fact, attending a live comedy show is something fun to do in Los Angeles.

If you’re interested, the most popular clubs are The Comedy Store, The Comedy Union, The Groundlings, The Improv, iO West, Laugh Factory, Nerdist Showroom, Second City Hollywood, Upright Citizens Brigade, and Westside Comedy Theater.

40. Madame Tussauds Hollywood, an amusing museum to visit in LA

If you’re looking for something to see in Los Angeles with kids , I recommend the Madame Tussauds wax museum . In it, you can see very realistic and carefully detailed wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, Marvel superheroes, and fictional characters of all kinds.

If you haven’t been to a Madame Tussauds wax museum, you should know that they are the best in the world. I haven’t been to the one in Los Angeles, but I went to the one in London and it’s definitely worth it. However, it can be a bit difficult to take good pictures, since there are so many people. Due to its popularity, I recommend you book your ticket in advance.

41. Los Angeles City Hall, another place you must see in Los Angeles

When you first see the facade of the City Hall of Los Angeles it might seem familiar. That’s because this building, which opened in 1928, was used as the headquarters of the Daily Planet in the Superman movies. This fact alone makes it a place to visit in Los Angeles .

In fact, visiting the City Hall is one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles.

42. Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles

The Autry Museum of the American West , in Griffith Park, is one of the most significant places to visit in Los Angeles . It covers the culture and history of the American West.

The museum has seven galleries with permanent exhibitions; the most important is the photographic archive of the newspaper La Raza, which focuses on the Chicano movement of the 60s and 70s.

43. Grand Central Market, the oldest outdoor market in Los Angeles

The Grand Central Market , in the Homer Laughlin building, is one of the places of interest to visit in Los Angeles to learn more about LA culture.

43. Grand Central Market, the oldest market in Los Angeles

In this market, which opened in 1917, you can find a wide variety of food products. In addition, it is the oldest and largest market in the city.

44. Universal CityWalk, an entertainment place to visit in LA

There is a commercial promenade that connects the different theme parks in Los Angeles, the Universal CityWalk . Here you’ll find just about everything: shops, cinemas, nightclubs, and restaurants.

This area gives you access to Los Angeles Universal Studios and offers many entertainment options.

45. OUE Skyspace and SkySlide, the most spectacular attraction in LA

In the US Bank Tower building, you can visit the OUE Skyspace , an observation terrace that is 1,000 feet high and from which you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views. Seeing the sunset from its observation deck is something I really recommend because it’s one of the top things to do in Los Angeles.

The SkySlide , a 45-foot, fully enclosed, all-glass slide is here as well. Do you have the guts to slide down it? It’s not an experience for everyone, but, of course, the views are incredible.

46. Farmers Market, a popular market in Los Angeles

The Farmers Market was inaugurated in 1934, and it used to be the place where farmers sold their products.

Currently, the place has a lot of grocery stores and about 100 restaurants. Nowadays, the Farmers Market is a hub of activity and has become one of the most quintessential places to visit in Los Angeles .

47. Paramount Pictures Studio, the oldest studios in Los Angeles

There are a lot of things to see and to do in Los Angeles , and we can’t skip the famous studios of Paramount Pictures .

Artists such as Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper have passed through these studios and recorded series as famous as NCIS Los Angeles , The Blacklist, and Scream Queens .

If you want to visit Paramount Pictures Studio, you will have to take this tour offered by the studio. The Studio Tour lasts two hours, tells the history of Paramount, and shows you the most famous sets. If you choose to take the VIP Tour, you can visit private areas and get lunch included.

48. Tour Palm Springs from Los Angeles

I recommend Palm Springs out of the places to visit in Los Angeles and its surroundings . This place is known for its golf courses and hot springs. In addition, it has been home to stars such as Barbra Streisand, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley.

48. Palm Springs from Los Angeles, the most interesting tour

If you take this tour to Palm Springs from Los Angeles , you’ll travel by cable car more than 6,800 feet high to reach the cliffs of the Chino Canyon . You’ll also learn more about the desert ecosystem, pass by houses of rich and famous celebrities, and, finally, enjoy shopping at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets , which has more than 130 stores.

49. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, California

If you’re looking for more things to do in Los Angeles , I recommend the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles , which is the largest in the western United States.

It covers 4,500 years of history with its collections, which have up to 35 million artifacts and specimens. The exhibition I found most striking is the Dinosaur Hall , where there are 20 complete subjects and more than 300 fossils. In this museum, you can also enjoy interactive exhibitions and presentations on giant screens.

50. Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most beautiful highways of California

The Pacific Coast Highway is also known as Highway 1 and is one of the most beautiful roads in California. Driving the section of this road called Big Sur is one of the most awesome things to do in Los Angeles.

During your road trip, you can visit Santa Barbara and its vineyards. I also recommend making a stop in Monterrey to learn about the Mexican and Spanish heritage of the area.

This road also takes you to some gorgeous state parks, such as Point Lobos , where there are beautiful trails. You’ll also get to see the famous Bixby Creek Bridge , which is 260 feet high. Additionally, another remarkable stop on this route is SF, so if you decide to visit this city, check the 60 best things to do in San Francisco.

51. Arts District, The place in Los Angeles with the most art and style

Another place to visit in Los Angeles is the Arts District , the favorite place for art lovers. Here, there are numerous art galleries, theaters, bookstores, craft breweries, and restaurants.

In addition, urban art is exhibited on the walls of the old factories, now converted into lofts, art galleries, or shop windows of important fashion designers.

The Arts District is the place where new trends are exhibited and everything about fashion is dictated.

52. Petersen Automotive Museum, another museum you must visit in LA

The Petersen Automobile Museum is another museum to visit in Los Angeles . With a total of 22 galleries spread over three floors, you can see old vehicles, learn about the latest in interactive technology, and enjoy high speed simulators.

I recommend you book the visit to the Vault, an underground warehouse where 100 years of automobile history is explained, in advance.

This is a museum you’ll love, both for its architecture and its fabulous exhibits. If you all things car-related, you can book a guided tour here.

53. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, the best views of Los Angeles

To access the Baldwin Hills panoramic overlook, you’ll have to climb one of the hidden staircases of Los Angeles , which will take you through a path to the top. The most peculiar feature of these stairs is that they’re quite irregular, so tread carefully to make sure you don’t suffer an unfortunate fall.

Once you’ve ascended, you can enjoy a spectacular panorama with the mountains of Santa Monica, the skyscrapers of the city center, and the Pacific Ocean.

Although this is one of the main things to do in Los Angeles at night , it’s also beautiful during the day.

54. Descanso Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens to go to in Los Angeles

Among all the gardens in Los Angeles, the Descanso Gardens , in La Cañada Flintridge, are some of the most beautiful. In this place , you can get lost in a forest of camellias, in a lilac garden, in a garden of wild plants, in a rose garden, and in a Japanese garden.

In the park, you’ll find Boddy House , the original 22-room house of E. Manchester Boddy, the Descanso Gardens Enchanted Railroad, a diesel train that runs through the park, and the Carriage House Art Gallery .

55. Japanese American National Museum

The Japanese American National Museum , one of the tourist sights in Los Angeles where you can learn all about the history of the Japanese who came to the United States, is in the Little Tokyo neighborhood. The museum has a permanent collection of more than 60,000 documents, photographs, and objects.

55. Japanese American National Museum, the history of Japanese Americans

One of the most interesting exhibits is Common Ground: The Heart of Community , which explores 130 years of Japanese-American history.

56. San Diego from Los Angeles, an excursion to do in LA

If you’re looking for unique things to do in LA and surroundings, I recommend taking a trip to San Diego , the city that best conveys the essence of California.

My favorite area is La Jolla Cove , a beach where, with a little luck, you can even see sea lions. Also, you can’t miss Old Town , where you can still see some of the original buildings of the first town that stood here. Other places I recommend visiting are Balboa Park and Coronado Island , where the hotel of the same name is located and which served as the setting for several historical films.

To get to San Diego from Los Angeles, renting a car is easiest, although if you want to avoid driving, I suggest taking this tour .

FIND CHEAP RENTAL CARS IN THE US

57. Lake Hollywood Park, a quiet place to visit in Los Angeles

Lake Hollywood Park , which is adjacent to Griffith Park, is another park of Los Angeles that is worth visiting. This park is very quiet, so it’s perfect for walking and relaxing.

57. Lake Hollywood Park, a quiet place to visit Los Angeles

Most of the visitors that frequent this park are Angelenos. From here, you can see the Hollywood sign , a must-see in Los Angeles .

58. Queen Mary Tour, a haunted and mysterious place in Los Angeles

Rated one of the 10 most haunted places in the world by Time magazine, the luxury transatlantic cruise ship Queen Mary , the subject of many stories and legends, is something you have to visit in Los Angeles .

To visit it, I recommend taking this tour that will allow you to see both the inside and outside of the boat. You’ll also learn about all of the stories that center around this cruise ship, better known as the “Grey Ghost.” Legend has it that the ghosts on the ship include a sailor who died in the engine room, a “lady in white,” and children who drowned in the ship’s pool.

59. Watts Tower, something curious to visit in Los Angeles

In Watts, you can see one of the most peculiar monuments of Los Angeles , the Watts Tower , also known as the Simon Rodia Towers or Nuestro Pueblo.

The towers were built by Sabato Rodia, an Italian immigrant manufacturer of tiles who took 33 years to complete his towers. The monument consists of 17 interconnected towers that were designated a Los Angeles Cultural Historical Monument and National Historic Landmark.

60. Helicopter Tour in Los Angeles

I think that you can get to know a city in many different ways, and one of them is from the sky. If you’re not afraid to fly, one of the most popular things to do in Los Angeles is to take this helicopter tour .

60. Helicopter Tour, the best way to see Los Angeles

The flight lasts one hour and the price of a ticket includes two people. You’ll fly over Downtown LA, Griffith Observatory, Sunset Boulevard, and Beverly Hills. Plus, you’ll enjoy aerial views of the beaches of southern California.

These are the 60 top-rated attractions in Los Angeles I recommend visiting. On the following map, you ‘ll find all the aforementioned sights so you can start planning your trip. In addition, you can download the tourist map of Los Angeles and use it even when you’re offline.

I hope this article helps you plan your trip. Now you know what to do in Los Angeles!

Enjoy the City of Stars!

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Have guests in town? Here are 22 essential L.A. spots for every tourist

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If you live in L.A., you probably know all the best spots in your neighborhood. But when family and friends come to visit, they might want to see something more impressive than the Thai place with the super-cheap happy hour just around the corner from you. That’s where this guide comes in. These are L.A.’s must-see spots: the essential locations to visit if you want to feel like you’ve lived your Hollywood tourist fantasy.

Of course, L.A. County has more world-class beaches, restaurants, museums, botanic gardens and shopping destinations than anyone could see in a year, never mind a vacation. I limited these suggestions to places that offer some unique, quintessentially L.A. experience. And that work for all ages. I also tried to include only places that are open year-round, though I bent that rule for Dodger Stadium and the Hollywood Bowl. Some ultra-popular spots didn’t make the list: We have tons of fantastic museums, but this isn’t meant to be a guide to all of them.

Planning your weekend?

Stay up to date on the best things to do, see and eat in L.A .

Bookmark this guide for the next time someone says, “I’m coming to visit you — what should we do?”

Enjoy and make plans to come back soon.

Santa Monica Pier

The Getty Villa

Venice Beach

Abbot Kinney Boulevard

The Getty Center

Rodeo Drive

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

The Grove & Original Farmers Market

Universal Studios

The Hollywood Bowl

Ovation Hollywood

TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

The Hollywood Walk of Fame

Griffith Observatory

Grand Central Market

The Bradbury Building

Angels Flight

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Little Tokyo

Olvera Street

Dodger Stadium

The Huntington

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42 Essential Things To Do In Los Angeles This Year

Whether you're visiting the city for the weekend or you're a bona fide Angeleno, everyone can agree that the following list is essential to getting a feel of Los Angeles as a city.

Los Angeles is filled with hidden gems to discover and explore, but we tend to overlook the obvious spots without realizing that some of the best the city has to offer, is hiding in plain sight. At these spots, you’ll find a diverse mix of both locals and tourists from all walks of life just going about their business. Read on to find out what to do in Los Angeles, and discover worthwhile attractions , and essential things to do in L.A. at least once in your life!

Edited by Sophie Len and Sofía Delpueche.

1. Take an iconic hike to the Hollywood sign

Experience the Hollywood sign up close and personal! Get ready for an awe-inspiring hike with an expert tour guide. Even if you’ve hiked Griffith Park before, this is an extraordinary tour you’ll surely want to cross off your bucket list — don’t miss out and book your Hollywood sign tour hike here !

2. Catch scenic views of Los Angeles and space at the Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is a must-see in L.A., which is why it’s number one on our list – what better way to get to know a city than to peer out at the fantastic views , including the famous Hollywood Sign? Come day or night, both experiences are different in their own right – telescopes are available to look at the starry sky and several exhibits can be found inside.

Another added benefit is that it’s totally free —you just have to get yourself there. The easiest way is to take the DASH Observatory bus from Vermont / Sunset Metro Red Line Station or get an UBER. 

📍Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

3. Wander through centuries of art at The Getty Center and The Getty Villa

You need to ride around the train and explore the living artworks within the gardens of the monumental Getty Center or wander amongst Roman-style columns of the Getty Villa at least once in L.A. These cultural gems exude art and beauty on every level. In addition to the 19-20th century European art that can be found in the museums , the entire premises are an architectural treat to walk around in. 

📍Location: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

4. Spend a romantic evening at a Candlelight Concert

We know Los Angeles is full of concerts across the city, but Candlelight Concerts take the music to another level. At these shows, you can find classical renditions of modern music all while in the glow of candlelight. You can find these concerts across the city, check out upcoming Candlelight Concerts here !

5. Take photos and listen to jazz at LACMA

You haven’t been to L.A. unless you’ve attempted to capture Chris Burden’s iconic “Urban Light” installation in front of LACMA . Why this is on the list of things to do in Los Angeles? Because here you have over 100,000 artifacts to explore inside the museum. You can even catch live jazz on select dates. Make it a day full of music and art!

📍Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

6. Immerse yourself in cinematic magic at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Hollywood finally has a dedicated place that honors the incredible creative legacy that put this coastal desert on the map. The Academy Museum is the first of its kind in the country and, once again, the impressive structure is just as jaw-dropping as the contents. You can even visit it for free .

7. Walk, skate, or cycle around Santa Monica & Venice Beach

While they are two different places, the good thing is that you can see Santa Monica and Venice in under an hour because they’re walking/biking distance apart. With the opening of the new Metro Rail Expo Line, there’s a direct route from Union Station in DTLA to Downtown Santa Monica. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to the Third Street Promenade, where you’ll find restaurants and all the biggest name-brand shops.  

During this walk, you’ll pass by Muscle Beach:  aka the birthplace of the fitness boom in the US, where there are always people doing incredible gymnastics. You’ve reached the end of the walk once you get to the skate park, stick around for a bit and watch the talented skaters do their thing!

8. Discover the wonders of the Huntington Library, Museum, and Gardens

Only 20 minutes from the heart of our city, you’ll discover one of the most interesting things to do in Los Angeles. And that is, discovering one of the most interesting cultural landmarks in town. The Huntington covers 120 acres of botanical landscaped gardens, it has a library with 7 million manuscripts and more than 400,000 rare books. But that’s not all, here you can also visit a museum with American and European art pieces.

📍Location: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108

9. Marvel at luxury without limits along Rodeo Drive

This street name must pop into your head right after Melrose when you think of L.A. right? Known for its luxury brand shops, you can find it in the heart of Beverly Hills, and although not everyone can afford to shop there — you can’t come to L.A. and not check out Beverly Hills !

📍Location: Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA

10. Watch video game fantasy come to life at Universal Studios

Does this really need any explanation? Universal Studios is one of the most quintessential things to do in Los Angeles, and it’s right in the heart of Hollywood so it’s easy to get to. You can get a guided tour of real-life movie lots and studios , see the re-imagining of Hogwarts where you can buy wands, Butter Beer, and anything else Harry Potter related, and go on a bunch of thrilling rides! On top of that, it recently became home to the first Nintendo World in the USA.

11. See a concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall

You simply cannot leave L.A. until you’ve watched the LA Phil play at the mind-blowing building designed by one of the most famous architects in the world Frank Gehry .

12. Enjoy a memorable night of burlesque

Time travel to vintage entertainment, with shimmering lights, feather boas, sizzling drinks, and spicy humor. One of the best things to do in Los Angeles is, by far, visiting some of the many cabaret and burlesque shows by the legendary Dollface Dames , starring top performers, and showcasing jaw-dropping adult entertainment. If you’re on the lookout for some kinky jokes, acid satire, and impressive dancing, L.A. won’t ever disappoint you.

13. Get a tattoo where celebrities get theirs

We know, there are plenty of tattoo shops in the city. But getting your body art, in the same place where celebrities have gotten theirs, is a whole different story.

Among the ink legends in L.A., there’s a place that stands out and that you should check out if you’re looking to get permanent artwork on your skin. Visiting Shamrock Social Club is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles if you want to feel rich and famous. This is the place where A-list celebs like Adele, David Beckham, and Harry Styles have “decorated” their bodies.

📍Location: 1114 Horn Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

14. Catch an iconic concert at The Hollywood Bowl

The Bowl has been a music mecca since it opened in 1922 and has continued to cement its place as a top music venue in the world with its curated music roster. Whether it’s a centennial celebration, concert, or an immersive theater show, you’ll never be disappointed with a visit to this los angeles area attraction.

📍Location: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

15. Have a movie night at the iconic Chinese Theatre

Located in the heart of Hollywood, the TCL Chinese Theatre stands as an iconic symbol of cinematic history and glamour. With its legendary courtyard adorned with celebrity handprints and footprints, this historic venue offers an unparalleled movie-watching experience infused with star-studded allure.

Watching a film at the Chinese Theatre is more than just a night at the movies, it’s a journey into the heart of Hollywood’s golden age, where every screening becomes a celebration of cinematic excellence and cultural heritage. This is why this is some of the places to visit in Los Angeles you MUST visit.

📍Location: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028.

16. Catch a baseball game at the Dodgers stadium

Dodger Stadium beckons baseball enthusiasts with its iconic status and rich history dating back to 1962. Nestled in the hills of Chavez Ravine, the stadium offers an electric atmosphere, where fans unite to support the Los Angeles Dodgers. With breathtaking views of downtown LA and the San Gabriel Mountains, along with modern amenities and diverse culinary options, Dodger Stadium promises an unforgettable experience for fans of America’s pastime.

📍Location: 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

17. Ride the Ferris wheels at the Santa Monica Pier

Nestled along the vibrant coastline of Santa Monica, the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park stands as an iconic symbol of fun and adventure and one of the best things to do in Los Angeles. Offering unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and the bustling Santa Monica Pier, this towering attraction promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. As one of the most recognizable landmarks in Southern California, riding the Ferris wheel is a quintessential part of any Santa Monica excursion, allowing guests to soak in the breathtaking beauty of the coastline from a unique vantage point.

📍Location: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401.

18. Visit Los Angeles Central Library

The Los Angeles Central Library stands as an architectural marvel and a beacon of knowledge. With its distinctive blend of Art Deco and Egyptian Revival styles, this historic landmark captivates visitors with its grandeur and cultural significance. Exploring the Central Library is a journey through time and intellect, where every corner reveals a treasure trove of books, artifacts, and exhibits waiting to be discovered. Oh, and you can get your L.A. Library Card that will give you access to plenty of free perks!

📍Location: 630 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071.

19. Head down to El Matador Beach for some righteous waves, dude!

Tucked away along the rugged coastline of Malibu, El Matador Beach stands as a pristine oasis of natural beauty and tranquility. Renowned for its towering cliffs, golden sands, and majestic rock formations, this hidden gem offers a breathtaking escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. A visit to El Matador is an immersive journey into the raw splendor of the California coast, where crashing waves make it a must for surfing fans and for everyone looking for things to do in Los Angeles (or near the city).

📍Location: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.

20. Stay on the pulse of cutting-edge creativity at The Broad

Browse around 2,000 works of art, all housed in this groundbreaking building. The Broad is considered to have the world’s best collections of contemporary and postwar art and constantly brings in renowned contemporary artists for temporary exhibitions every few months.

📍Location: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

21. Transport yourself to another Galaxy at Astra Lumina

Astra Lumia is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles. It’s truly a celestial experience combining a peaceful stroll in nature and glimmering lights! The soothing lights, ethereal soundscapes, and the lush nature of South Coast Botanic Garden result in a fairy-tale atmosphere that’s the perfect, illuminated escape for you and your loved one.

There’s nothing quite like the perfect symphony of serenity and celestial wonder that will leave you breathless. Tickets are officially on sale — grab your tickets to Astra Lumina here !

📍Location: South Coast Botanic Garden 26300, Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90274

22. Immerse yourself in creativity in the Arts District

The Arts District has become one of the most popular spots amongst locals and tourists. Its history began back in the 70s when artists started illegally occupying spaces for their studios and has slowly developed as the place to be for creatives. You can find wall art, galleries, breweries, and much more.

📍 Here are some spots we recommend

23. Belt it out with an evening of karaoke in Koreatown

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Step into the neighborhood that never sleeps , where neon-soaked streets are packed with exciting experiences and curiosities. This L.A. neighborhood is a must when it comes to nightlife (yes, that includes karaoke), but also has a vibrant food scene, incredible spas, and tranquil hideouts to discover. Check out our full Koreatown guide here !

24. Spend a Sunday on Melrose Avenue

What’s more L.A., than spending the day shopping on Melrose Ave? Melrose is known for its cool wall art, funky/trendy shops, and great cafes. It’s perfect for a stroll on a sunny day (which is pretty much every day), whether you’re there to go shopping, or just get a coffee.

Check out Melrose Trading Post, a market that happens every Sunday where you can find vendors selling things like antiques and vintage clothes. You may also want to stop by the Insta-famous hot pink Paul Smith wall for that obligatory wall snap.

📍Location: 8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

25. Hop on the trolley at The Grove

The Grove is an outdoor open-plan shopping mall and is within walking distance from Melrose so you can easily combine both into a day of activities. You can find more shops, several food vendors, places for drinks, a cinema and an overall cozy atmosphere.

You should come just before sunset to get the best of both worlds because the vibe is completely different during the day and night. While the twinkling lights and rushing fountains are an experience on their own, you should head to the rooftop parking spot for epic views of the city too.

📍Location: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036

26. Catch top comedians at the Laugh Factory[/trackLink]

The Laugh Factory is a chain of comedy clubs that can be found in Chicago, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Reno, Scottsdale, and of course, Hollywood. It’s one of the most famous comedy clubs , home to some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy today. We recommend going to the event Chocolate Sundaes which is held every Sunday. 

📍Location: 8001 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

27. Get your grub on at Grand Central Market

Sure, there are hundreds of incredible food markets in Los Angeles, but none have featured in as many films as much as Grand Central Market . You might as well get a taste of the city with the delicious offerings while reliving romantic a moment from all your favorite films.

📍Location: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

28. Attend a Sunday afternoon concert at Mt. Wilson Observatory

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Ascend the mountainous landscape for these magnificent Mount Wilson Observatory concerts in the vaulted dome housing the monumental Hooker 100-inch telescope. This year you can enjoy an acoustical banquet of esteemed musicians in the historic temple of science over a mile above the city. 

29. Visit these magical La La Land filming locations

Image courtesy of @filmtourismus

Speaking of films — many come to mind when we think of Los Angeles. One of them being La La Land . To no surprise, you can visit the locations from the film all across the city. There’s nothing quite like exploring L.A. like through the lens of cinema. Get the list of La La Land filming locations here !

30. Watch planes at In-N-Out

While L.A. may offer top-notch dining, In-N-Out has become part of the city’s culture. Getting your favorite order “animal style” while watching planes fly overhead at their location near LAX (in the longest line you’ve ever seen), is an essential thing to do.

📍Location: 9149 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

31. Visit Sinatra’s favorite chocolate store

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Feel like a celebrity while indulging in one of the finest chocolate shops in Los Angeles. If you have a sweet tooth, Edelweiss is a mythical store where you can get only the finest chocolates you can find. This shop is renowned for its mouth-watering truffles, toffees, marshmallows, caramels, nuts, and of course, chocolates!

32. Take in the views from Yamashiro Hollywood

Los Angeles is all about the views and this historic hilltop restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best places to witness the skyline. Dine in an ornate Japanese-inspired setting with delicious food while taking in the sweeping vistas of the twinkling city lights.

📍Location: 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

33. Take the shortest railway in town at Angels Flight

Los Angeles is filled with unique rides and modes of transport, but this is definitely one that you can’t skip. For almost two centuries this charming orange, wooden railway has been carting people between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. It’s one of the cheapest thrills in the city and it’s also a cute date idea .

📍Location: 351 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

34. Catch a Kings game

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Whether you’re a sports fan or not, the buzz of a full crowd in the City of Champion s cannot be missed. It’s fall after all, which means catching a Kings game is a must! 

📍Location: Crypto Arena, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

35. Drive over Sixth St Bridge

The Sixth Street Viaduct connects Downtown Los Angeles with the Boyle Heights neighborhood. Take an evening drive past the 3,500-foot concrete creation and enjoy the glow of the city as a backdrop.

📍Location: E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

36. Take a comedy class at The Groundlings

Some of the greatest actors and comedians have graced the halls and stages at The Groundlings . Will you be next? Whether you’re taking a class for professional reasons or are just looking to get your creative juices flowing — a class at The Groundlings is calling your name. Check out their class listings here !

📍Location: 7307 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

37. Dress Up For A Night At Magic Castle

The Magic Castle is Hollywood’s famed private clubhouse devoted to the art of magic. This alluring châteauesque residence is made up of parlors, hidden rooms, and mysterious illusions that will leave you bewildered.  It’s considered one of the most unusual places on the planet and is one of the classic Los Angeles things to do at least once. While you need to befriend a magician to be invited, it’s well worth the endeavor. 

📍Location: 7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

38. Take a magical night ride on an Echo Park swan boat

Echo Park Lake is a tranquil paradise, during the day — where the signature lotus beds and mesmerizing fountain await you. But at night, the swan pedal boats offer a whimsical adventure on the shimmering water with the city lights as a backdrop. Grab your tickets to the beautiful swan boat on the lake here !

📍Location: 751 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles

39. Feast on local bites at Smorgasburg

The Smorgasburg LA takes place every Sunday at Row DTLA and has become a go-to destination for foodies throughout the city. It features over 100 vendors serving up an incredible selection of both international and local flavors, allowing visitors to sample cuisine from all around the world in one sprawling location. 

📍Location: 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

40. Take a stroll along the Venice Canals

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Strolling over the quaint bridges with vivid sunsets multiplied in the waters below, it would be almost impossible not to find the Venice Canals charming. Each home has its unique style which means you’ll never get tired of exploring. If you’d like to make it a little more adventurous, you could hire a canoe and paddle your way around, or head a little further out and take a gondola ride in Long Beach.

41. Let out your inner child at this carnival-themed VRcade

Hidden in plain sight within L.A.’s thriving downtown arts district — Two Bit Circus is a carnival-themed VRcade that includes a full-service bar and a snack stand stocked with hotdogs, pizza, and hot potato tots galore! The venue even has a cozy lounging area with tons of open seating where you and the crew can set your competitive differences aside and relax. Get your tickets here !

📍Location: 634 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

42. Visit the oldest Mexican Restaurant

Did you know that the city is considered the mecca for Mexican tacos in the country? It is unclear how many actual restaurants, food trucks, and taco take-outs exist in L.A. as the list keeps expanding by the hour. But what we can tell you for sure is that El Cholo is the oldest place in town, a legendary spot for indulging in delicious tacos that has been around since 1923. Serving food and history all together.

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Los Angeles   Travel Guide

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33 Best Things to Do in LA

Los Angeles has an exhaustive array of fun things to do, from the family-friendly La Brea Tar Pits and the must-visit Natural History Museum to a behind-the-scenes studio tour at Universal Studios or Warner Bros. Out-of-towners love the palm-lined

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park free

Griffith Observatory sits on the south face of Mount Hollywood and overlooks the Los Angeles basin. Its location gives visitors impressive views of the surrounding area, which many rave about. But there's more than just a pretty photo-op here. The observatory hosts fascinating exhibitions and features a top-notch planetarium.

Most recent visitors cited the beautiful setting as Griffith Observatory's main draw, though the free entry was certainly a bonus. However, you will have to pay between $6 and $10 to see the planetarium shows. Griffith Observatory is open Tuesdays to Fridays from noon to 10 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. A gift shop and cafe can be found on-site as well. For information about parking, public transportation and other information to plan your visit, check out Griffith Observatory's  website .

The Getty Center The Getty Center free

The Getty Center is one of the most impressive architectural achievements in the United States – and it also contains some of the finest works of art in the world. The circular concrete-and-steel structure was designed by renowned architect Richard Meier, and it houses an abundance of art from various ages and nations. Here you'll find Renaissance paintings, 20th-century American photography, Baroque sculptures, historic manuscripts and more, all housed inside a sprawling, modern campus amid the Santa Monica Mountains. The museum also offers spectacular views of Los Angeles on clear days.

Recent travelers loved the museum for its vast collection and beautiful grounds and views, with some stating that they enjoyed the tram ride to get to the museum. Many visitors suggest taking a guided tour, noting that the volunteer guides were very knowledgeable. Tours of the Getty Center's architecture and gardens are available, as well as a Collection Highlights tour and tours of art in specific eras. Tour times and days vary depending on tour type. Check the Getty Center's website for a complete calendar . Visitors can also download the GettyGuide app for self-guided tours.

Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre free

U.S. News Insider Tip: In this area, you'll find people dressed as celebrities and Hollywood characters, such as Spiderman, Shrek, Marilyn Monroe and Darth Vader. Have some cash on hand as a tip if you want to take photos with any of them. –  Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

One of Hollywood's most iconic and memorable sites, the TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman's Chinese Theatre) opened in 1927 and represents the excess of Hollywood's Golden Age. You can take a 30-minute walking tour of the theater for $16; tours are offered daily at multiple times. Because of this attraction's popularity, it's best to reserve your spot online in advance. This working theater also shows various newly released films throughout the year.

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Santa Monica Pier and Beach Santa Monica Pier and Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't miss trying the classic (and yummy!) funnel cake, a kind of fried waffle topped with powdered sugar and your choice of toppings, such as strawberries, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, whipped cream and ice cream. They are big enough to share. –  Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

West of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica contains one of the most legendary beach scenes in the United States. It also boasts an abundance of great restaurants and excellent nightlife spots. Its more than 3 miles of shoreline are renowned as some of the best in the area thanks to the soft sands, ideal weather and bevy of attractions. "State Beach," as it's known, has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and acted as the backdrop for the popular TV series "Baywatch."

Zuma Beach Zuma Beach free

Malibu has a reputation for excessive wealth and exclusivity, yet all of the town's beaches are public – everyone's welcome. If you're seeking an LA beach spot for sunbathing and swimming, look no further than Zuma. This 1.8-mile beach is far cleaner than those at Santa Monica or Venice Beach .

Malibu's Zuma Beach is considered one of the finest beaches in the Los Angeles area. Locals and tourists laud Zuma for its awesome waves, ample parking and easy access to beachside snacks. Plus, there are a plethora of lifeguard stations and bathroom facilities. Beach wheelchairs and a beach mat (from April to October) are also available.

Sunset Boulevard Sunset Boulevard free

One of the most iconic thoroughfares in the United States, Sunset Boulevard continues to live up to its legend. In the old days, it represented the classic and glamorous Hollywood lifestyle and became the setting of several famous films, including the obvious classic "Sunset Boulevard." Today, the palm-lined street (which connects downtown LA to Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Pacific Coast Highway) retains its cinematic appeal, and the Sunset Strip portion has become a popular nightlife spot. The strip is also home to many classic music venues, including the Rainbow Bar & Grill and The Roxy Theatre .

Recent visitors loved driving along this famous boulevard, adding that gorgeous sunsets can be enjoyed during late afternoon drives. But like other parts of LA, this thoroughfare gets congested with traffic.

The Original Farmers Market and The Grove The Original Farmers Market and The Grove free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Kids will love riding the free, open-air, double-decker trolley that runs through The Grove and connects to The Original Farmers Market. It runs daily from 1 to 8:45 p.m. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Sitting south of West Hollywood is one of LA's most beloved landmarks: The Original Farmers Market. Founded in 1934, this cream-colored facility reels in both residents and tourists with the promise of fresh produce and the aroma of ready-to-eat snacks. You can visit throughout the week, although hours vary depending on the day. Entry is free, but you'll want to have some cash on hand should any of the treats whet your appetite. You can park for free for up to 90 minutes at the market's two lots, provided that your ticket is validated at the market. (Fees apply for parking after the allotted 90 minutes and for non-validated tickets.) For a little help navigating the market, you can also take a guided foodie tour  (one of the best California tours ).

Los Angeles County Museum of Art Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Next door to the La Brea Tar Pits sits the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the linchpin of the Los Angeles museum district. Since its 1965 opening, LACMA has showcased thousands of pieces, from Islamic artifacts to European impressionist paintings to modern art. With constantly shifting exhibitions and unique architecture, LACMA offers a rewarding experience for both serious art buffs and casual travelers.

Currently, the museum is constructing a new building for its permanent collection, called the David Geffen Galleries, which is scheduled to open in 2024. For now, pieces will be on display in the BCAM and the Resnick Pavilion. The Urban Light and Levitated Mass exhibits remain open to visitors. There is a restaurant and grab-and-go eatery on-site. Many visitors appreciated both the indoor and outdoor art exhibits and were impressed with the size of the collection of modern and contemporary art.

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The Broad The Broad free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Two of the most popular exhibits that have blown up on social media are Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Mirror Rooms." You have to book tickets online for timed entry to these exhibits, but they are free and include general museum admission. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad founded The Broad museum in 2015 and the structure made for a stunning addition to downtown Los Angeles. The eye-catching, honeycomb building, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, is home to an expansive collection of contemporary art dating from the 1950s to the present. The collection includes works by Jean Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker and Andy Warhol. In addition to the permanent collection, temporary exhibits showcase new and emerging artists. The museum gets high marks from recent visitors who loved both the artwork and the architecture.

Runyon Canyon Park Runyon Canyon Park free

Just two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon Park is an often-overlooked urban park that offers some great views. The park boasts several hiking trails and is a popular spot for celebrities to exercise. During your hike, you'll see plenty of palm trees. Atop the canyon, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley.

Hikers recommend bring plenty of water and going later in the day since it can get hot on the trails. Some recent visitors lamented the lack of facilities, while others raved about the views.

Paramount Pictures Studios Paramount Pictures Studios

Since 1912, Paramount Pictures Studios has showcased the talents of film's all-time heavyweights, including Mae West, Alfred Hitchcock, Eddie Murphy and Meryl Streep. The notable site has been home to everything from classic television shows like "I Love Lucy" to modern favorites like "Glee" to box-office hits like "Mission: Impossible" and "Titanic." Today, Paramount Pictures is the only remaining film studio in the Hollywood area.

For an authentic Hollywood experience, set aside some time to tour the grounds . On the 2-hour studio tour, a guide will take you around the site's 65 acres in a golf cart, and you'll also be able to hop off and explore sound stages and recognizable studio sets from many current TV shows and movies. Previous visitors praised the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, although some felt the tours offered at Warner Bros. Studio were better. Also, keep in mind the tours' age restrictions. Studio and VIP tours permit visitors ages 10 and older.

Hollywood Bowl Hollywood Bowl free

If you can catch a gig at the Hollywood Bowl , LA's beautiful amphitheater, don't pass it up. Since its inaugural season in 1922, this unique stage, set in the Hollywood Hills, has entertained thousands of fans and hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder, Igor Stravinsky, Madonna, Elton John and Tina Turner.

Many travelers praise the Hollywood Bowl, touting everything from the sound quality to the scenic overlook. Several also add that all of the seats offer great views and suggest arriving early with a bottle of wine and a picnic basket.

Walt Disney Concert Hall Walt Disney Concert Hall free

This Frank Gehry-designed concert hall's curvaceous, stainless-steel façade is an imposing structure in downtown LA. The hall helped revive this particular section of downtown, which was once dominated by mundane office buildings and lackluster entertainment options. Now, nightlife and culture burgeon in the area and the concert hall is at the forefront. Music-loving travelers will want to catch one of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's performances here. (For ticket and price information, visit the Los Angeles Philharmonic's website .)

You don't have to invest in concert tickets to experience this performance venue: You can follow  a self-guided audio tour of the exterior and interior (though the actual concert auditorium is off-limits). Past visitors recommend the free hourlong audio tours; self-guided tours are also offered daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a full tour schedule, visit The Music Center's website .

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Hollywood Homes Tours Hollywood Homes Tours

Once you've seen where the stars shop, where they eat, where they surf and where they party, you'll want to see where they live. A variety of Hollywood homes tours provide ample opportunities to spot homes owned by the rich and famous. You probably won't see the celebs themselves, but you can snap pics of the homes affiliated with A-listers like Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise, Bruno Mars and Halle Berry. Also, expect to see facades that once housed the likes of Lucille Ball, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. Along with the stars' abodes, buses usually make stops at the Hollywood Walk of Fame , the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive .

Some recent travelers were disappointed because many homes are at the end of long driveways or behind hedges. Be sure to check the weather for the day: Extreme heat or a sudden shower can put a damper on an open-top bus ride.

Rodeo Drive Rodeo Drive free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stop for lunch at the hidden Mexican steakhouse, The Hideaway, on the subterranean level of the Rodeo Collection. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Immortalized by Julia Roberts' "Pretty Woman" shopping spree, Rodeo Drive is an upscale shopping street in Beverly Hills that features world-class designer stores and small private boutiques. The area is popular with wealthy shoppers, sunglass-wearing celebrities and tourists hoping to see fashion icons.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Hollywood Forever Cemetery free

As morbid as it may seem, your best chance of spotting a celebrity in LA is at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Here, you'll find the final resting places of Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille and other stars who once worked at the adjacent Paramount Pictures Studios . Maps detailing the celebrities' gravesites are available at the cemetery's flower shop or on its website . A 2 ½-hour walking tour is also available starting at $25.

Recent visitors described the cemetery's quiet grounds as "peaceful," adding that the grounds are well-maintained. Some recommend doing a walking tour to learn the stories of famous people buried there. The venue also offers cultural events, such as outdoor classic film screenings, concerts and author evenings. Visit their events calendar to find out more.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

You could spend an entire day at this property that includes a research library with 11 million items, an art museum with more than 42,000 pieces and a 130-acre botanical gardens with more than 12 themed gardens. The Huntington opened in 1928 and is a nonprofit that provides humanities scholarships, fellowships, special exhibitions and hosts more than 800,000 visitors a year. Ongoing exhibitions feature items such as Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" manuscript, replicas of Pacific Electric Railway Company's "red cars," rock slab art in the Japanese Garden, contemporary art and so much more. There are also temporary exhibits that rotate regularly. The Botanical Gardens include themed gardens – such as the California garden, jungle garden, rose garden and Japanese garden – botanical living collections and is the site for botanical conservation and research. Most visitors enjoyed touring the gardens the most and said that the gardens alone can be a full-day excursion.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is open from Wednesdays to Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended from Monday to Thursday and required for weekend visits. Weekday admission is $25 for adults, $21 for students, $13 for youth (ages 4 to 11) and children younger than 4 explore free. Weekend rates are slightly higher. Admission is free the first Thursday of every month; you can snag tickets on the final Thursday of the month prior at 9 a.m. PST. Free parking is available. A variety of guided tours and events are offered; dates and prices vary.  View the online calendar for more information. There are restrooms, a gift shop and dining facilities on the property, as well as a limited number of picnic tables. Picnics in the garden are not permitted. For more information, visit the website .

Angeles National Forest Angeles National Forest

In about a half-hour, travelers can trade busy downtown LA for the serenity of nature at the Angeles National Forest. The almost 700,000-acre forest is an easily accessible place for locals and visitors to hike, bike, ski, ride horses, swim, fish and even camp. Encompassing the San Gabriel Mountains, terrain ranges from desert to dense forest. Perhaps one of the most visited sites is Mount San Antonio (nicknamed Mount Baldy), which is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains at 10,064 feet. There you will find a variety of hikes, from moderate to challenging. Recent visitors loved the views and found the range of trail options perfect for different types of hikers.

Visitors to the Angeles National Forest must purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass. It’s $5 for a daily pass or $30 for an annual pass; the pass is good at other national forests in the area. There are visitor and information centers in different areas of the forest, which offer general information, activities and educational events. Visit the forest's website for specific hours and details.

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La Brea Tar Pits La Brea Tar Pits free

If your kids go crazy for dinosaurs – and really, what kid doesn't? – then a visit to La Brea Tar Pits is sure to be the highlight of their trip. Although the pits look like the set of a cheesy PG movie, hot tar has been bubbling from the earth at this spot along Museum Row in the Miracle Mile for about 50,000 years. And from the gooiest part of LA, more than 3.5 million fossils have been discovered. The adjoining museum houses many of the artifacts found at the tar pits; consequently, it is home to one of the largest collections of Ice Age fossils in the world. Recent visitors said the site was very educational and the amount of fossils was impressive.

You can check out the tar pits completely free of charge, but museum tickets start at $15 for adults and $7 for children 3 to 12; reduced entry fees are available for students and seniors. LA County residents get in free Mondays through Fridays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. All tickets include tours of property facilities like the fossil lab, lake pit and observation pit; some special exhibits will cost extra. Ticket lines can be long, so consider purchasing your ticket online before you arrive. Even if you have to pay to visit, most visitors agree that the exhibits are well worth perusing.

California Science Center California Science Center free

A world of fun and exploration await kids, as well as curious adults, at the California Science Center. In the permanent "Ecosystems" exhibit, museumgoers will learn about everything from islands to rivers to forests across ten different zones via interactive displays. In "Life! Beginning," visitors learn about reproduction, mating and genes. Many recent visitors were impressed with the museum's "Air & Space" section that includes the Space Shuttle Endeavour and the Gemini 11 Capsule. An IMAX theater is also on-site. Recent visitors say the center is wonderful, lots of fun and especially great for kids.

The center is free to visit (including the Endeavour) though special exhibits and IMAX screenings incur a fee. Timed tickets for IMAX and special exhibits are required and can be purchased online . The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking costs $15. You can also take the Metro Expo Line to Expo Park/USC Station and walk five minutes to the center. Visit the center's website for more information.

Dodger Stadium Dodger Stadium

Baseball fans should enjoy a visit to Dodger Stadium, which is home to the LA Dodgers and is Major League Baseball's third oldest continually used park. The stadium is carved into Chavez Ravine and overlooks downtown LA to the south and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, making this ballpark quite unique. If the Dodgers aren't playing when you're in town, you can still see the stadium on a guided tour. Tours of the 56,000-seat stadium last approximately 90 minutes. During the tour, visitors will learn about the stadium's history and may get to go on the field, look at the Dodger Dugout or peek into the Yaamava' Dugout Club (the VIP restaurant and lounge located behind home plate), which houses the team's World Series trophies and various other awards. Additional specialty tours, such as a Jackie Robinson tour, are also offered. Recent tour-goers say the guides are knowledgeable and engaging.

The Dodger Stadium Tour is offered on the hour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (on game days ) or 3 p.m. (on nongame days). Tickets cost $30 for adults and $25 for kids 14 and younger. Specialty tours are also available for varying fees. Parking is $25 in advance and $30 to $50 at the gate, with no in-and-out privileges and no refunds. Tickets to baseball games are seasonal and prices vary.

Greystone Mansion and Park Greystone Mansion and Park free

Greystone Mansion is one of the largest mansions in Beverly Hills and an important landmark for American cinema. The nearly 13-acre parcel of land was a wedding gift from oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son, Ned, in 1926. Construction on the mansion began in 1927 and took almost three years to complete. Greystone now represents a golden age in American cinema. Many films, including "The Big Lebowski" and "Ghostbusters," and television shows like "General Hospital" and "Gilmore Girls" have been shot on these gothic-inspired grounds.

Visitors can walk around the property and self-guided tours of the inside of the mansion are offered monthly. Many visitors say Greystone Mansion has stunning grounds with picturesque views. Travelers describe the park grounds as spectacular and enjoy learning which of their favorite movies and shows used Greystone as a backdrop.

Venice Beach Venice Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Rent an e-bike at the boardwalk and spend the day riding along "The Strand" (aka the Marvin Braude Bike Trail) to the Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy delicious Mexican dishes at MariaSol, which sits at the end of the pier. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Developed in the early 20th century, Venice Beach is modeled – canals and all – after its  namesake city in Italy . Admittedly, the experiment didn't live up to its Italian inspiration, but the neighborhood has become distinctly Californian, embodying the spirit of the wealthy, the alternative and the just plain bizarre. Rather than towering churches and intimate pizzerias, you'll find canal-side mansions near funky boutiques and restaurants.

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Explore the Arts District in Downtown L.A. Explore the Arts District in Downtown L.A. free

If you're looking for a trendy hot spot, heed the advice of recent visitors and head to the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles. Formerly an urban artists' colony in the 1970s, the area is now filled with restaurants, cafes and bars serving creative cuisine and craft cocktails. Popular favorites include Angel City Brewery, Bestia, Girl & the Goat and EightyTwo, a bar that features vintage pinball and arcade machines. The neighborhood is also home to art galleries featuring a variety of genres showcasing inspiring art, art shops and art classes. One example is Art Share L.A., a 28,000-square-foot creative art space featuring community art classes, art exhibits and live performances.

According to past visitors, parking in this area can be challenging. Though there is street parking, it's limited. Travelers advise leaving your car in a public parking garage.

Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Studios Hollywood

One of the most popular attractions in the Los Angeles area, Universal Studios Hollywood features rides and amusements based on some of the most popular scenes and characters from film and television. You can take the tram Studio Tour past the creepy Bates Motel from "Psycho" and get caught up in a high-speed chase with the "Fast & Furious" cast. Kids can shake hands with cartoon favorites like The Minions and Scooby-Doo. Of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is another huge hit, as is Jurassic World – The Ride. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, a new attraction opened in 2023, features a Super Mario-themed ride, interactive games, a restaurant and shop.

If thrills are your thing, there are plenty of hair-raising coasters and rides. On Transformers: The Ride-3D, riders join Optimus Prime in his battle against the Decepticons; meanwhile, youngsters will love the 3D ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (complete with a Minion dance party).

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Abbot Kinney Boulevard free

Shoppers will love this retail mecca that stretches for a mile from Washington Boulevard to Main Street. Located a half-mile inland from Venice Beach , the boulevard features popular chain stores, such as Lululemon, Birkenstock and Warby Parker, as well as local boutique shops, including Ananda Venice, Satine and The Stronghold. In between shopping, stop for a bite to eat at The Butcher's Daughter, Plant Food + Wine or Gjelina. Or, plan your visit for the first Friday of every month, when starting at 5 p.m. dozens of food trucks serve up casual craft meals along the street.

Recent visitors suggested you stroll along Abbot Kinney Boulevard if you're in the Venice Beach area, praising its hip collection of boutiques and restaurants. In addition to the shops and eateries, reviewers also admired the colorful murals and street art. 

Grand Central Market Grand Central Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: For something fun and unique near the market, check out the Angels Flight Railway. Built in 1901, the funicular takes passengers between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. One-way tickets cost $1. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Grand Central Market, or foodie heaven according to visitors, is located in downtown Los Angeles by the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad . The venue features high ceilings and an open layout, with food vendor stalls offering different cuisines that represent cultures from the Los Angeles area and beyond. The market has been in operation since 1917 and serves everything from coffee and pressed juices to deli fare, egg sandwiches, falafel, tacos and chow mein.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Whether you're interested in the deep sea, dinosaurs, insects or gems and minerals, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County offers hours of exploration of all things related to natural history. Ongoing exhibitions include the impressive Dinosaur Hall (where you can view more than 300 fossils and see 20 life-sized dinosaur skeletons), Nature Lab, Hall of Birds and Visible Vault, which houses artifacts from Aztec, Maya and Inca civilizations. Visitors said that the museum is great for all ages, with the Dinosaur Hall being the most popular attraction. There are also special exhibitions that are on display for a limited time. Kids will love the Dinosaurs Encounters Show that features juvenile dinosaur puppets. The shows are offered Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 per person.

Guests can also explore the nature gardens with more than 600 varieties of plants and a plethora of garden wildlife. Free guided tours are available daily. If you want to dive deeper into natural history, special programs are available for children, adults and families. Check the events calendar online for more info.

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Battleship USS Iowa Museum Battleship USS Iowa Museum

A visit to the iconic Battleship USS Iowa Museum includes access to both interior and exterior areas on seven decks. The self-guided tour lets visitors see what life was like on the ship. You'll also view the officer's wardroom, senior officer's cabins, admirals bridge, navigation bridge and crew's quarters. Recent visitors enjoyed the multiple exhibits along the route that tell the story of the Battleship USS Iowa, as well as the U.S. Navy, through artifacts, photographs, artwork and equipment. Kids can participate in the "Vicky the Dog" scavenger hunt to get a more in-depth look at the ship through the eyes of its canine mascot.

The General Access pass is valid for two hours and costs $29.95 for adults, $21.95 for kids 3 to 11 and are free for kids 2 and younger. For an additional fee, visitors can upgrade to a themed guided tour, such as the Gun Tour or Engineering Tour. Past visitors said it is worth paying extra for a guided tour. They also enjoyed their visits overall. While visiting the ship, check out the waterfront views, grab a snack at Vicky's Doghouse Café and pick up a souvenir at the Ship's Store. The ship is open daily at 10 a.m. and closes around 4 p.m. (or whenever the final guided tour ends). Parking is available, with the first hour free and $2 each hour after that, with a maximum of $20 a day.

Shop along Olvera Street Shop along Olvera Street free

Stroll this historic street in Downtown Los Angeles for authentic Mexican culture, music and cuisine. Along the block-long, brick-lined street, you'll find strolling mariachi bands, taco shops, Aztec and Mexican folkloric dancers and vendors selling handcrafted souvenirs, such as pottery, leather goods and traditional clothing. The street also hosts various traditional events throughout the year, including the Blessing of the Animals (Saturday before Easter), Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day), Dia de los Muertos and Las Posadas.

This Mexican marketplace is part of the El Pueblo Historic Park, the "birthplace of LA," which also includes historic sites, such as Avila Adobe (LA's oldest house), Pico House and the America Tropical Interpretive Center. 

L.A. Live L.A. Live

L.A. Live is the hub of entertainment in Downtown Los Angeles. It's features the Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers basketball teams, the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, as well as the Los Angeles Sparks women's basketball team. It's also where music fans attend world-class concerts by some of the biggest names in the industry. Other entertainment includes the interactive GRAMMY Museum, a Lucky Strike bowling alley and a Regal movie theater, as well as smaller event venues like the Microsoft Theater, The Novo and The Conga Room.

There are more than a dozen eateries to choose from, including Yard House and Katsuya. After a night of entertainment, stay over at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE or The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles.

Petersen Automotive Museum Petersen Automotive Museum

Car enthusiasts will be thrilled with a visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum as it houses a range of impressive cars, from high performance to historic. In the permanent galleries, travelers can try an exhilarating racing simulator, see the “Commutercycle” from the HBO documentary "The Lady and the Dale" and participate in hands-on activities with a Disney "Cars" theme. Featured exhibitions rotate frequently. There are an additional 250 cars that are stored in The Vault. The museum also hosts a variety of events, from exhibition openings to hands-on workshops. Visit its online calendar for more info.

Admission is $21 for adults, $13 for youth ages 12 to 17 and $11 for kids 4 to 11. There is an additional $27 fee for people 12 and older to tour The Vault (children 4 to 11 will pay an extra $10); many visitors say it's worth the fee, but warn that it could take you a half-day to explore. Keep in mind children younger than 4 cannot enter the museum nor the vault. If you're a true car fanatic, consider taking the guided Vault and Workshop tour to see both the Vault and the museum's restoration area. Tickets for this tour are limited and run on Saturdays only. Fees are $150 for individuals 4 and older.

Warner Bros. Studio Warner Bros. Studio

Located in Burbank, California – a city that sits just 5 miles north of Hollywood – Warner Bros. Studio gives visitors a close-up look at iconic movie and TV sets and props, such as the original Batmobiles, costumes from the "Harry Potter" movies and a replica of the cafe featured in "Friends." Travelers will also drive around the studio's 110-acre backlot, where 30 soundstages are used for producing shows like "Young Sheldon," "Bob Hearts Abishola," and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

Previous visitors loved exploring this property and appreciated their "fun and knowledgeable" tour guides. Additionally, many enjoyed getting out of their golf carts to go inside a working set and other buildings used for filming, citing this as the main reason to tour this studio instead of others like Paramount Pictures Studios . But keep in mind, children 7 and younger are not permitted on any tour.

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23 fun things to do in Los Angeles for every type of traveler

A visit to Los Angeles may seem overwhelming. The city is vast and full of cool things to see and do. Since it's one of the top destinations on the planet and the airport (LAX) is the third busiest in the world, it can be difficult to figure out where to start.

Fortunately, the City of Angels has scores of attractions and plenty of entertainment that will appeal to travelers with all different interests and tastes. Here are just 23 of our favorite Los Angeles sights to help you chart your course.

For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter .

Fun things to do for the Instagrammer

If you're traveling with teens, or maybe you're just always on the hunt for your next great viral moment, LA has tons of great spots where you can pose for Instagram photos.

Murals on Melrose Avenue

Melrose is peppered with fantastic street murals, many of which have been specifically designed with social media in mind. Start around the 8200 block of Melrose, where the much-photographed pink wall at the Paul Smith store is located. From there, you can pretty much walk in either direction and find dozens of vibrant backdrops.

Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign

One of the most easily recognizable areas of LA, and famous for appearing in movies (including a dreamlike dance scene in "La La Land") the Griffith Observatory is an Art Deco masterpiece perched on a hill overlooking the city. If the views and excellent planetarium shows aren't enough, visitors can walk down the street for an up-close view of the Hollywood sign.

Beverly Hills

You know that photograph of a person standing on palm tree-lined street with the Hollywood sign in the background? Sure, there are a lot of palm trees in LA, but this one is iconic. You can find your perfect backdrop at South Windsor Boulevard between 4th and 5th Streets in Beverly Hills.

Fun things to do for the starstruck

Los Angeles is synonymous with celebrities, and many visitors come here hoping to see some of their favorite stars in real life. It's not as easy as it might seem, unless you're willing to camp out and wait for a star sighting. But there are a few alternatives that come close.

Related: Getting to Los Angeles on points and miles

Warner Bros Studio Tour

Many of film studios offer tours for the visiting public, and we like the Warner Bros Studio Tour best. It's a working studio backlot with movies and TV crews filming all the time, include favorites like "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." The studio has a really great guided bus tour that takes you past storefronts and houses from many favorite series. In addition, several interactive display areas keep fans entertained for hours. Visitors can tour the prop warehouse, see the famous Central Perk coffee house from "Friends"and walk the red carpet for their own Academy Awards moment.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Believe it or not, this is a great place to spot celebrities coming or going to their next fabulous destination. Hanging out in the public departure or arrival entrance areas can pay off big since many stars fly commercial airlines on a regular basis. This requires patience and an eagle eye, of course, but it's not uncommon to spot a celebrity at LAX. (Tip: Look for the people wearing sunglasses inside the terminal and accompanied by a phalanx of handlers all wearing black.)

Related: 18 time-saving travel hacks for LAX

Hollywood Boulevard

It's not often you'll see a celebrity on Hollywood Boulevard, but it does bring out famous people at certain times. When a celebrity gets his or her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame , there's a ceremony and unveiling with the star and their celebrity friends. Also, film debuts often take place at the movie theaters along the boulevard, and the stars of these films and other celebrities always attend. These dates are typically published in advance, and fans can go early and stake their territory near the red carpet.

The Dolby and TCL Chinese theaters

Home to the Academy Awards, the Dolby Theater is located within the Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood. Of course, if you're not interested in joining the throngs of fans outside on Oscars night, you can visit throughout the year and get a taste of the action. Just around the corner is the famous TCL Chinese Theatre (Grauman's), best known for the handprints and footprints of movie stars in the pavement out front.

Fun things to do for shoppers

Whether you're into high fashion of funky streetwear, Los Angeles has a store for you.

Related: Why these 20 Los Angeles restaurants should be on your radar

The Grove Shopping Center

A mega shopping mall full of stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, The Grove is a spectacle. Some visitors come to Los Angeles specifically to visit The Grove — and hopefully spy a celebrity while shopping. If nothing else, it's s fun place to eat, enjoy the water fountain show designed by the same folks who created the dancing fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas , and see a film at the 14-screen movie complex. The Grove shopping center even has a historic replica of LA's former streetcars.And it's not a bad place to shop, either.

Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood has long been a hot spot for fashion finds. What started as a collection of secondhand stores and up-and-coming designers has now become the spot to see and be seen. Start at Fred Segal for great men's and women's fashions in a department store-like setting, and walk along Melrose Avenue in either direction to visit trendy shops, bistros, tattoo parlors and designer boutiques.

Third Street Promenade

Located in Santa Monica just blocks from the pier and beach, Third Street Promenade is a popular destination for both visitors and locals. Years ago, the city closed Third Street to traffic for several blocks, which allows shoppers to stroll around freely. Outlets from many popular retailers are well represented here, peppered with great restaurants, surf shops and live street performers.

Rodeo Drive

The Grande Dame of all shopping streets, Rodeo Drive has been home to luxury retailers for decades. Here, visitors can find the likes of Harry Winston, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Coach and many more designer brands. Rolls Royces, Maseratis, Bentleys, Range Rovers and the occasional Lotus fill the parking spots. Fashionably dressed women and men shop as if money is no object, and visitors can participate — or simply walk around and take in the scenery. For a break, walk to the end and have a nice cocktail at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel: location for the filming of "Pretty Woman."

Fun things to do for beach bums

Whether you're seeking a Baywatch experience or a casual bike ride down the boardwalk, LA's beaches are among the most iconic in the world.

Santa Monica

The beaches of Santa Monica are wide, clean and incredibly popular. There's so much to see and do at Santa Monica Beach in addition to lounging on the sand and surfing the waves. The most photographed location in LA, the Santa Monica Pier , offers an amusement park at the end with a famous Ferris Wheel and other rides. Nearby, an outdoor play area is home to a constant rotation of athletes, tightrope walkers, gymnasts and more, who practice amazing feats on the sand. Rent bikes and cycle down the boardwalk, borrow a board and surf the waves or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Venice Beach

The canals of Venice, Italy have been recreated in this beachside enclave of homes, shops and restaurants. More creative and bohemian than its neighbors along the coast, Venice Beach has a wide boardwalk constantly filled with colorful personalities. Street musicians are common, and vendors sell all sorts of crafts and goods while weightlifters flaunt their strength in the sand. Wild and fun, but probably not the best spot for little kids, Venice Beach feels like San Francisco's Haight Ashbury with a burnished Southern California beachside flair.

Home to the rich and famous, Malibu Beach is lined with amazing homes, but not as easy to get to as others — it's a drive north along Highway 1 and then a scramble for parking. The beaches here can be very nice, particularly the wide stretch of Zuma Beach that's very popular. If you go, arrive before 11 a.m. for the best beach blanket location and a shot at parking.

Will Rogers State Beach

North of Santa Monica and south of Malibu, Will Rogers State Beach is located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of LA. We love this beach because it's often less crowded than its neighbors and offers sand volleyball courts, a playground, restrooms and more. If you're looking for less of a scene, this is the beach for you. Locals prefer beaches like this one where many tourists are not.

Fun things to do for thrill-seekers

Some would say Los Angeles is thrilling enough, and yet there are still more adventurous activities for travelers who crave more. Some of the most famous amusement parks and thrill rides in the world are located in LA, and guests can hardly escape without visiting at least one.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Both a film studio and theme park, Universal Studios Hollywood is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and some of the most exciting rollercoasters in California. Their studio tour incredibly entertaining, and the rides here appeal to visitors of all ages. At the more thrilling end, Jurassic Park: The Ride is pretty hair raising, as is Revenge of The Mummy. Tamer options include Flight of the Hippogriff, Despicable Me and more.

Disneyland is an experience like no other. Technically in Anaheim (about a 40-minute drive south of LA), Disneyland is everything for everyone. All the famous characters come to life here. New to the park this year is Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge , a land devoted to the movie phenomenon. Galaxy's Edge is home to new thrill rides and a collection of themed activities and outlets.

Knott's Berry Farm

Just up the road from Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm is a fun-filled amusement park with some pretty awesome rides. Not for the faint of heart, the thrill rides here are enough to make your head spin. Ghostrider, Silver Bullet, Xcelerator and Hang Time are all sure to elicit shrieks of delight. While here, make sure you have a slice of Knott's famous boysenberry pie.

OUE Skyspace and Glass Slide

OK, this experience is like nothing our family has ever done. Located atop one of the highest skyscrapers in Downtown Los Angeles, the glass Skyslide runs along the outside of the building. That's more than 1,000 feet and 73 stories in the air, suspending riders in solid glass with a view to the street below as they slide. The experience was more than a bit unnerving, but we did it and survived. A number of other interactive exhibits at OUE Skyspace can keep visitors entertained for hours. Plus, the views of LA from the observation deck here are unmatched.

Fun things to do for culture hounds

Los Angeles is known for its dedication to the arts, and became what it is today largely because it's the center of the entertainment universe. More than that, Los Angeles is home to some of the most interesting arts and culture venues in the world.

Related: 5 of the best-value points hotels in Los Angeles

The J. Paul Getty Museum

With striking architecture and an imposing site on a Pacific Palisades hilltop, the J. Paul Getty Museum houses a world-class collection of masterpieces, antiquities, photographs and more. Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Monet, Picasso and others all grace the walls at The Getty. The galleries here are voluminous, and a visitor could spend an entire day at this museum. Take some time to stroll around the gardens here too, as they're peaceful and impressively landscaped.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

LACMA has become one of those places visitors must visit when they come to LA. Not only is it an architectural beauty, but the collections here are beyond impressive. The largest art museum in the West, LACMA offers a breadth of works spanning from ancient to modern times. It's also home to one of LA's most iconic Instagram spot, "Urban Lights" by artist Chris Burden, a dense collection of vintage streetlights installed close together.

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)

Over recent years, Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) has evolved and come into its own. The Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall was a game changer here, as was the Staples Center , where visitors can catch a sporting event or see top-billed musicians in concert. LA Live is a must-see in this area for a concert, movie or play and a great meal. The Grammy Museum is a fantastic collection dedicated to the music industry, and The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is home to the LA Philharmonic Orchestra. Add the historic Ahmanson Theater and the Mark Taper Forum to the mix for stage productions, and DLTA hits all the marks.

Bottom line

With so many fun things to do in Los Angeles , a weekend getaway may simply not be enough time. In order to take advantage of all the amazing activities and attractions, you'll want to spend a week or more — or, at least, be prepared to plan a return trip!

Tourism in Los Angeles: From the Hollywood Hills to the Beach

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Tourism in Los Angeles is big business, but why? Find out in this article all about tourism in LA….

The geography of Los Angeles

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Los Angeles, a dynamic metropolis known for its year-round sunny climate, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks, plays a significant role in global tourism.

As the United States’ second-largest city, it offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from Hollywood’s glitz and glamour to the historic downtown’s architectural wonders. This article aims to dissect the multifaceted nature of tourism in Los Angeles, assessing its economic impact, examining its attraction portfolio, and evaluating the potential challenges and opportunities present within this vibrant urban landscape.

It is essential to grasp this understanding as tourism serves as a critical engine driving Los Angeles’ economic growth and cultural exchange, thereby shaping its local socio-economic landscape and global image.

Los Angeles is located in Southern California , on the west coast of the United States. It is the largest city in the state of California and the second-largest city in the United States, with a population of over four million people . Los Angeles is known for its Mediterranean climate, diverse geography , and sprawling urban landscape.

The city is situated on a coastal plain bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north. The Los Angeles River runs through the center of the city, and there are several other rivers and creeks in the area. The city’s coastal plain is relatively flat, with low-lying hills and valleys in some areas.

The San Gabriel Mountains, which are part of the Transverse Ranges , form the northern boundary of Los Angeles. These mountains rise to an elevation of over 10,000 feet and are a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and rock climbing.

To the east of the city, the San Fernando Valley is a large suburban area that is home to a number of smaller communities. The Santa Monica Mountains run along the western edge of the San Fernando Valley and separate it from the Los Angeles basin.

The Los Angeles basin is the heart of the city and includes downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and other neighborhoods. The basin is bordered by the Santa Monica Mountains to the west and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, and is home to a wide range of urban and suburban environments.

The tourism industry in Los Angeles is a major economic driver for the city and the surrounding region. With its warm climate, beautiful beaches, diverse cultural attractions, and entertainment options, Los Angeles is a popular destination for travellers from around the world.

The city is home to many iconic attractions, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Griffith Observatory, and the Getty Centre. Los Angeles is also known for its beaches, such as Santa Monica and Venice, and its famous amusement parks, such as Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland.

In addition to these popular attractions, Los Angeles has a rich and diverse cultural scene, with world-class museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city is also a hub for the film and television industry, with many famous studios and production companies located in the area.

The tourism industry in Los Angeles is supported by a wide range of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transportation providers, and retail shops. These businesses offer a variety of services and experiences to visitors, from luxury accommodations to budget-friendly options, from fine dining to street food, and from guided tours to self-guided exploration.

The tourism industry in Los Angeles is a vital part of the city’s economy and a key contributor to its cultural and social fabric. The industry is constantly evolving and adapting to new trends and technologies, and is committed to providing visitors with unforgettable experiences that showcase the best of what the city has to offer.

Here are 10 key statistics about tourism in Los Angeles:

• In 2019, Los Angeles welcomed a record-breaking 50 million visitors, generating $24.7 billion in direct spending.
• The tourism industry in Los Angeles supports over 547,000 jobs , making it one of the city’s largest employers.
• The majority of visitors to Los Angeles come from within the United States, with the top international markets being China , Mexico , and Canada .
• The hotel occupancy rate in Los Angeles is 79.1% in 2019, with an average daily room rate of $183.
• The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the fifth busiest airport in the world and serves over 87 million passengers per year.
• The top attractions for visitors to Los Angeles include Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, the Getty Center, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• The tourism industry in Los Angeles is the second largest in the United States, after New York City.
• In 2019, the Los Angeles Convention Center hosted over 200 events, including the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) and the LA Auto Show.
• The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is the official destination marketing organization for the city and is responsible for promoting tourism and driving visitation to the region.

Los Angeles is home to a wide range of popular tourist attractions , from world-famous theme parks to iconic landmarks and cultural institutions. Here are some of the most popular:

• Disneyland: This beloved theme park in Anaheim, just outside of Los Angeles, is a must-visit for families and Disney fans of all ages.
• Universal Studios Hollywood: This theme park and movie studio offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry, as well as thrilling rides and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows.
• Hollywood Walk of Fame: This iconic stretch of sidewalk on Hollywood Boulevard is lined with stars honoring celebrities from film, television, music, and other fields.
• Griffith Observatory: Perched atop a hill in Griffith Park, this observatory offers stunning views of the city and the night sky, as well as interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
• Getty Center: This art museum and cultural institution houses a vast collection of European and American art, as well as stunning architecture and gardens.
• Santa Monica Pier: This historic pier in Santa Monica is home to an amusement park, aquarium, restaurants, and shops, as well as beautiful ocean views.
• The Broad: This contemporary art museum in downtown Los Angeles features works by some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and Yayoi Kusama.
• Venice Beach : This bohemian beach community is known for its eclectic boardwalk, street performers, and colorful murals.
• The Hollywood Sign: This iconic symbol of the movie industry is visible from many parts of the city, and visitors can get up close for great photo opportunities.
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): This art museum in the Miracle Mile district features a wide range of art from around the world, as well as special exhibitions and events.

Popular types of tourism in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers a diverse range of tourism options, catering to a variety of interests and preferences. Here are some of the most popular types of tourism in Los Angeles:

Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the world, with numerous TV and film studios, theme parks, and music venues. Visitors come from all over the world to see the studios, attend tapings, and visit theme parks such as Disneyland and Universal Studios. Film tourism is popular here.

Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, with numerous museums, galleries, theatres, and cultural events. Visitors can explore the art and history of the region at institutions such as the Getty Centre and LACMA, or attend festivals and cultural celebrations throughout the year.

Los Angeles boasts a beautiful coastline with numerous beaches, including Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach, and Malibu Beach. Visitors can relax in the sun, swim, surf, or take part in water sports and other beach activities.

Los Angeles offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking in the mountains and canyons, biking along the beach, and exploring parks and gardens such as Griffith Park and the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens.

Los Angeles is a culinary hotspot, with a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences many people enjoy culinary tourism experiences here. Visitors can sample everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, and explore local neighbourhoods known for their food scenes, such as Korea town and Little Tokyo.

Los Angeles is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from high-end designer boutiques to vintage shops and flea markets. Visitors can explore the city’s many shopping districts, such as Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and the Fashion District downtown.

Los Angeles is home to numerous professional sports teams, including the Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, and Rams. Visitors can attend games and events at world-class venues such as the Staples Centre and Dodger Stadium, making this a popular sports tourism destination.

Impacts of tourism in Los Angeles

There are many positive and negative impacts that result from the tourism industry in Los Angeles. It is important that these are managed effectively in order to maximise the benefits of tourism and minimise the negative aspects associated with tourism. Lets take a look at what these impacts are.

Tourism plays a significant role in the economy of Los Angeles, generating billions of dollars in revenue and supporting thousands of jobs. Here are some key economic impacts of tourism in Los Angeles:

• Job Creation: The tourism industry in Los Angeles supports a large and diverse workforce, including hotel and restaurant staff, tour operators, and retail workers. According to the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, tourism directly supported over 543,000 jobs in the region in 2019.
• Revenue Generation: Tourism is a major source of revenue for Los Angeles, generating over $36 billion in visitor spending in 2019. This spending supports a range of businesses and industries, including hotels, restaurants, transportation, and retail.
• Tax Revenue: Tourism also generates significant tax revenue for the city and state. In 2019, visitors to Los Angeles paid over $3.3 billion in state and local taxes, which helps to fund public services and infrastructure.
• Small Business Support: Tourism supports a range of small businesses in Los Angeles, including boutique hotels, independent restaurants, and local tour operators. These businesses benefit from the influx of visitors and the revenue generated by tourism.
• Economic Development: The tourism industry also drives economic development in Los Angeles, supporting the construction of new hotels, attractions, and infrastructure. This development creates new jobs and helps to further stimulate the local economy.

Tourism is a vital part of the economy of Los Angeles, providing significant economic benefits and supporting a range of businesses and industries

Tourism in Los Angeles has a number of social impacts, both positive and negative. Here are some key social impacts of tourism in Los Angeles:

Positive Impacts:

• Cultural Exchange: Tourism in Los Angeles brings people from all over the world, allowing for cultural exchange and interaction. Visitors can learn about local culture, history, and traditions, while residents can share their knowledge and experiences with visitors.
• Community Pride: Tourism can also foster a sense of community pride among residents. When visitors appreciate and enjoy the local culture, history, and attractions, it can make residents feel proud of their city and its offerings.
• Job Creation: Tourism also supports job creation and economic development, which can have positive social impacts by reducing unemployment and poverty rates, and providing opportunities for local residents to improve their standard of living.

Negative Impacts:

• Overcrowding: The large number of tourists in popular areas of Los Angeles can lead to overcrowding, which can negatively impact residents and visitors alike. Crowded attractions, traffic congestion, and long wait times can create frustration and stress.
• Cultural Erosion : Tourism can also lead to cultural erosion, as the influx of visitors can change the local culture and traditions. This can be especially problematic if visitors do not respect the local culture or if development to support tourism replaces local heritage sites.
• Rising Costs: Tourism can lead to rising costs of living in popular areas of Los Angeles, making it difficult for local residents to afford to live in the city. This can lead to gentrification and displacement, as low-income residents are forced to move to less expensive areas.

Tourism in Los Angeles can have both positive and negative environmental impacts. Here are some key environmental impacts of tourism in Los Angeles:

• Conservation: Tourism can support conservation efforts in Los Angeles by promoting awareness and funding for the protection of natural areas, parks, and wildlife habitats.
• Sustainable Practices: Many tourism businesses in Los Angeles are implementing sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption, waste, and water usage. This can have a positive impact on the environment and help to reduce the carbon footprint of tourism.
• Environmental Education: Tourism can also provide opportunities for environmental education and awareness-raising, such as eco-tours or educational exhibits at museums and attractions.
• Congestion: The large number of tourists visiting popular areas in Los Angeles can lead to congestion and traffic, which can have a negative impact on air quality and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Water Consumption: Tourism can also place a strain on water resources in Los Angeles, particularly in areas with limited water supplies. The high demand for water in hotels and attractions can lead to overuse and depletion of local water resources.
• Waste Generation: Tourism can generate large amounts of waste, particularly in areas with high levels of visitor traffic. This can lead to littering, pollution, and strain on waste management systems.

Required budget for travelling to Los Angeles

The required budget to visit Los Angeles will depend on a variety of factors, including the length of your stay, your travel style, and the activities you plan to do. Here are some estimated costs to help you plan your trip:

• Accommodation: The cost of accommodation in Los Angeles can vary greatly depending on the neighbourhood and type of accommodation. A budget hotel or hostel can cost around $50-80 per night, while a mid-range hotel or Airbnb can cost around $100-200 per night. If you’re looking for luxury accommodation, expect to pay upwards of $300 per night.
• Transportation: Los Angeles is a sprawling city, so you’ll likely need to use public transportation or rent a car to get around. The cost of public transportation varies depending on the mode of transportation and the distance traveled, but a single ride on the metro costs $1.75, while a day pass costs $7. A rental car can cost around $30-50 per day, plus the cost of gas and parking.
• Food and drink: Los Angeles has a diverse culinary scene, and the cost of food and drink can vary greatly depending on where you eat. A budget meal can cost around $10-15, while a mid-range restaurant can cost around $20-30 per person. If you’re looking for upscale dining, expect to pay upwards of $50 per person.
• Activities: Los Angeles has plenty of free and low-cost activities, such as visiting the beach, hiking in the hills, or exploring museums. However, some activities, such as visiting theme parks or attending concerts, can be quite expensive. Expect to pay around $100-200 per person for admission to major theme parks, while concert tickets can cost upwards of $50.

Overall, for a budget traveler, a daily budget of $100-150 would be reasonable for basic accommodations, food, transportation, and some activities. For a mid-range traveler, expect to budget around $200-300 per day, while luxury travellers should budget upwards of $500 per day.

Now that we know a bit more about tourism in Los Angeles, here are 10 frequently asked questions along with their answers:

What are the top tourist attractions in Los Angeles?

Some of the top tourist attractions in Los Angeles include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory, and the Getty Centre.

What is the best time to visit Los Angeles?

The best time to visit Los Angeles is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, Los Angeles can be visited year-round due to its pleasant climate.

What is the best way to get around Los Angeles?

The best way to get around Los Angeles is by car, as the city is sprawling and public transportation can be unreliable. However, if you’re staying in the downtown area, you can easily get around using the metro or bus system.

What are the best beaches to visit in Los Angeles?

Some of the best beaches to visit in Los Angeles include Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Malibu Beach.

What are some family-friendly activities to do in Los Angeles?

Some family-friendly activities to do in Los Angeles include visiting Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, the California Science Centre, and the Los Angeles Zoo.

What are some free things to do in Los Angeles?

Some free things to do in Los Angeles include visiting the Griffith Observatory, the Getty Centre, the California Science Centre, and hiking in the hills.

What are some popular shopping destinations in Los Angeles?

Some popular shopping destinations in Los Angeles include Rodeo Drive, The Grove, the Beverly Centre, and the Third Street Promenade.

What is the nightlife like in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Some popular neighbourhoods for nightlife include Hollywood, Downtown LA, and West Hollywood.

What are some cultural attractions to visit in Los Angeles?

Some cultural attractions to visit in Los Angeles include the Getty Centre, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and the Japanese American National Museum.

What are some popular food and drink destinations in Los Angeles?

Some popular food and drink destinations in Los Angeles include Grand Central Market, The Original Farmers Market, the Sunset Strip, and Korea town for Korean food.

As you can see, tourism in Los Angeles is big business, but it is also very important that tourism here is managed effectively and that sustainable tourism practices are employed.

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