la tourist sights

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.

Universal Studios Hollywood

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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.

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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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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. 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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Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More

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from $ 99.00

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from $ 73.00

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from $ 109.00

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

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.

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

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.

The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, though it closes the first Tuesday of the month. The tar pits and the adjoining park are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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 .

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 ship is open daily at 10 a.m. and closes around 4 p.m. (or whenever the final guided tour ends).

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.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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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The 26 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles

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.

Grand Central Market Arrow

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.

The Magic Castle Arrow

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.

Watts Towers Arrow

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.

Griffith Observatory Arrow

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.

Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand) Arrow

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.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Arrow

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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23 of the best things to do in Downtown Los Angeles

Get to know L.A.’s resurgent city center with these quintessential things to do in Downtown Los Angeles

A few decades ago, DTLA never would’ve landed on any out-of-towner itineraries: There simply were’t enough things to do in Downtown Los Angeles, aside from witnessing a once-buzzing city center slump into a mix of stoic postmodern high-rises and vacant storefronts.

These days, it’s a mostly different story—though one that’s been unquestionably impacted by the uncertainties of the past few years. Downtown’s momentum has absolutely slowed down since 2020, when it was arguably just hitting its stride: The area was in the midst of a retail, institutional and architectural resurgence that was turning the area into a more walkable, Metro -friendly destination dotted with museums , superlative restaurants and beautiful buildings . That’s still all true on paper, but it’s definitely not quite as buzzing as it was a few years ago. Still, we think it’s worth getting to know Bunker Hill, the Historic Core and beyond with these things to do in Downtown Los Angeles.

Just a heads up: Though it’s home to L.A.’s biggest cluster of tall buildings, DTLA feels pretty different from most other cities’ downtown areas. For starters, L.A.’s cultural destinations are spread all over the city and not just in Downtown. And as for the neighborhood itself, it likely won’t have the sheen you’d expect from a major American downtown; most blocks aren’t really conducive to family-friendly touristy activities, and some simply don’t feel safe. But we think there are plenty of incredible finds for visitors who arrive with an open mind and a bit of street smarts.

Looking for things to do in the Arts District, Little Tokyo and Chinatown? We’ve included separate guides to those Downtown districts at the bottom of this story.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Downtown Los Angeles

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Things to do in Downtown Los Angeles

1.  see the twisted architecture of the walt disney concert hall.

• Music venues
• price 3 of 4

As the crown jewel of the Music Center, Disney Hall opened in 2003 to rave reviews. The novelty hasn’t yet worn off: Both inside and out, this is a terrific venue. Designed by Frank Gehry, the hall is the home of the LA Philharmonic and the LA Master Chorale, but the schedule is surprisingly varied throughout the year. Take advantage of the free audio tour, or get lost among the many hidden nooks around the hall, including a hidden garden . It’s also suddenly become a bit of a dining destination, with Ray Garcia’s on-site restaurant Asterid  as well as a bunch of José Andrés spots across the street at the Grand LA .

2.  Eat tacos and egg sandwiches at Grand Central Market

• Downtown Historic Core
• price 2 of 4

Even if you’re not there for the food, this century-old spot is 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 from Sarita’s Pupuseria, carnitas from Tacos Tumbras a Tomas and chow mein from China Cafe, as well as food from handsome, trendy eateries like Shiku ,  Sticky Rice , Broad Street Oyster Company ,  Eggslut  and  G&B Coffee .

3.  Gaze into infinity at the Broad

• Art and design

Three words: Infinity Mirror Rooms. Downtown’s persistently popular contemporary art museum has  two of Yayoi Kusama’s mirror-laden rooms (and, thankfully, a reservation system to secure a spot in the most immersive one). Elsewhere in the free museum, Eli and Edythe Broad’s collection of 2,000 post-war works includes artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha, Cindy Sherman, Barbara Kruger and Jeff Koons. Find out more in our complete guide to the Broad —and look out for a building expansion due to open in 2028 .

4.  Channel ‘Blade Runner’ at the Bradbury Building

• Things to do

Walk through the archway entrance of this otherwise nondescript brick building and you’re greeted with a stunning, light-flooded alley of wood, iron and brick. You’ll have to most of your gawking from the ground floor (and half a flight of stairs) as the rest of the building is private office space. History buffs will appreciate its place as Downtown’s oldest commercial building (1893); movie buffs will recognize the zigzagging staircases from the climax of Blade Runner .

5.  Catch classical performances and Broadway musicals at the Music Center

The Center Theatre Group programs two of the halls that make up DTLA’s original cultural complex. At the north end, the Ahmanson Theatre  largely presents touring Broadway fare, while the smaller Mark Taper Forum  infrequently stages a wide range of new dramas. Also part of the Music Center, the grand Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is the home base for LA Opera, as well as occasional concerts and dance events. Last, but certainly not least, the Center also includes its neighbor across the street, the previously mentioned Disney Concert Hall.

6.  Give in to your wanderlust at Union Station

Train travel has gone in and out of fashion, but the last of the great American rail stations is just as handsome as the day it opened: Union Station’s Mission-style exterior opens up into a grand waiting area with marble tiles, faux-wood beamed ceilings and Art Deco touches. Wander through its halls and courtyards and you’ll find a building rich with history, locomotion and—with the eventual arrival of high-speed rail and a new concourse—progress.

7.  Explore by foot with the Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tours

• Walks and tours
• Downtown Financial District
• price 1 of 4

We could fill an entire list with nothing but Downtown’s stunning architecture (unsurprisingly, quite a few of our picks for the most beautiful buildings are in DTLA). Instead, we’ll point you in the direction of the Los Angeles Conservancy’s acclaimed walking tours. Choose between tours of modern skyscrapers or the Historic Core, Art Deco  towers or Broadway’s colorful marquees.

8.  Pack a picnic at Grand Park

The slow, lumbering mission to turn Downtown L.A. into a vibrant cultural hub got a lift when a portion of Grand Park’s 12 acres officially opened to the public in July 2012. Dotted with fountains, picnic lawns, bright pink benches and plenty of nooks from which to sit and people-watch, Grand Park is a bright urban oasis that proves the city has a sense of romance. The park plays host to performances, gatherings and other community events.

9.  Get lost in a labyrinth of tomes at the Last Bookstore

If the Last Bookstore Downtown were really our last bookstore, we’d be in good shape. Currently housed in what used to be an old bank building (complete with marble columns and giant doors), this store is as popular for its stellar book selection as it is for its labyrinth of literary photo ops.

10.  See contemporary masterpieces at MOCA Grand Avenue

The main branch of L.A.’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) houses thousands of artworks crafted from 1940 until now. Spend half an hour or an entire afternoon absorbing contemporary pieces from lesser-known artists, punctuated by sightings of Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock works. And maybe best of all: Since early 2020, admission is totally free.

Looking for things to do in other parts of Downtown?

Downtown arts district.

Little Tokyo

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15 Worthwhile Los Angeles Attractions To Visit At Least Once In Your Life

From The Huntington to the Hollywood Bowl, these Los Angeles attractions are essential stops for both tourists and locals.

As one of the most-visited cities in the United States , Los Angeles is a coveted international destination with some of the country’s best sightseeing. The city is a non-negotiable stop for avid cinephiles , foodies , U.S. history buffs, beachgoers , theme park aficionados, music lovers , comedy fans, and basically any subculture you can think of. No matter your interests or hobbies, be sure to take stock of these Los Angeles tourist attractions on your next visit.

How do you spend a perfect day in L.A.? Well, that depends on who you ask, but we’ve pulled a healthy mix of museums , viewpoints , and neighborhoods that most tourists have on their minds when visiting Los Angeles. If you need more inspiration, consider scrolling through our longer breakdown of things to do in Los Angeles .

1. Griffith Observatory

The grand and imposing Griffith Observatory is perhaps the most famous viewpoint in Los Angeles. Visit for dramatic sweeping views from the Pacific Ocean to Downtown L.A., which are just as impressive day or night. The observatory is completely free to visit , and visitors can stargaze with on-site telescopes, explore rotating exhibits , and see live shows in the Planetarium.

Leave extra time to explore the sprawling Griffith Park , the largest urban-municipal park in the country. It comprises 4,210 acres of both natural and landscaped terrain including three golf courses, the L.A. Zoo, and the Greek Theatre.

🎟️ Tickets : Admission is free to Griffith Observatory

📍Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA

2. Santa Monica Pier

In 1909, the Santa Monica Pier was built as the first concrete pier in the United States and quickly became a popular fishing spot. Within a decade the pier had welcomed several amusement park rides at the behest of entrepreneur Charles Looff. Today it holds the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel , a historic merry-go-round, and even marks the end of Route 66. Consider biking or walking a few miles down the oceanfront pathway to Venice Beach or going shopping at Santa Monica Place.

📍 Location :   200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA

3. Universal Studios

Universal Studios Hollywood is a massive theme park and actively operating Hollywood film studio. Film aficionados jump at the chance to take the world-famous studio tour featuring sets from legendary movies and TV shows, but the entire park is filled with themed lands that cater to the entire family. Plan to spend a full day here, as Universal Studios is one of the most elaborate Los Angeles attractions to visit.

America’s first Super Nintendo World  is the most recent addition to Universal Studios, but you’ll want to leave plenty of time to hit the Jurassic World ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the “Revenge of the Mummy” roller coaster.

🎟️ Tickets : Universal Studios Hollywood

📍 Location : 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City

4. Hollywood Sign

The historic Hollywood Sign is a veritable cultural icon of Los Angeles and California as a whole. It began as a temporary billboard for real estate developer “Hollywoodland,” but with the rise of the Golden Age of Cinema, the sign stayed put and has remained in its position for over a century. The 50-foot-tall letters were replaced with durable steel-enforced alternatives in 1978.

You can see the Hollywood Sign up close via several hiking paths  in Griffith Park , including the Mt. Hollywood Trail, Brush Canyon Trail, and Cahuenga Trail.

📍 Location : Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA

LACMA is one of the most well-known free art museums in L.A. , flanked by the 202 iron lamps that make up Chris Burden’s recognizable Urban Light installation. Head inside to discover a collection of modern and traditional masterpieces.

As the largest art museum in the western United States, LACMA boasts a collection of more than 142,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe. The general public can enjoy free admission on second Tuesdays, and LA County residents get free admission on weekdays after 3 pm.

🎟️ Tickets : Admission is free at LACMA

📍 Location : 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

6. Venice Beach

The eccentric and exciting coastal town known as Venice Beach is a historic Los Angeles attraction visited by up to 30,000 people daily . The two-mile boardwalk stretch is populated by street performers, independent vendors and artists, souvenir shops, and occasional film productions.

Keep your eyes peeled for the world-famous Muscle Beach Gym once frequented by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the charming beach canals and cottages on Dell Avenue, lively pick-up basketball games on the public courts, and some seriously impressive skating in the public skate park. The area taps into California’s surf, skate, and beach culture in a way that’s thrilling for tourists and even locals to witness.

📍 Location : Venice neighborhood, Los Angeles, CA

7. Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl outdoor amphitheater is arguably the most storied and iconic music venue in Los Angeles . The recognizable arched bandshell has backed legendary musicians such as Billie Holliday, The Beatles, and Yo-Yo Ma since 1922.

Listings often include big-name standups and world-renowned musicians, but guests love to attend their popular movie nights where the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra performs live film soundtracks.

🎟️ Tickets : Hollywood Bowl

📍 Location : 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA

8. The Huntington

Visitors who are bent on seeing the fast-paced, glamorous side of the city may undervalue The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. This gorgeous destination is one of the more underrated Los Angeles tourist attractions, but you can’t beat the payoff of a 130-acre garden with 83,000 living plants . Explore 16 bountiful themed gardens , plus fascinating collections of orchids and bonsai trees.

The illustrious Huntington Library is home to over  11 million items dating between the 11th and 21st centuries including the  Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer’s  Canterbury Tales and one of twelve surviving copies of the Gutenberg Bible. Make sure you leave plenty of time to explore the art museum housing over 45,000 pieces of British, European, American, and Asian art.

🌐 Learn more : The Huntington

📍 Location : 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA

9. Hollywood Walk of Fame

As one of the busiest Los Angeles attractions , the Hollywood Walk of Fame is practically synonymous with the city itself. Since its inauguration in 1958, the legendary landmark has installed over 2,700 stars honoring the crème de la crème of the entertainment industry. Tourists are known to stroll through Hollywood Boulevard to spot their favorite celebrity stars.

The stars are five-pointed terrazzo inlays sporting brass symbols that indicate each respective honoree’s category. Some of the most sought-after stars include Marilyn Monroe, Harrison Ford, and Michael Jackson. If you want to attend a free installation ceremony , make sure to keep an eye on the Hollywood Walk of Fame website.

🌐 Learn more : Hollywood Walk of Fame

📍 Location : Hollywood Blvd from Gower to La Brea, and Vine Street from Sunset to Yucca

10. Getty Center

The Getty Center is a breathtaking free cultural institution in Los Angeles boasting exquisite gardens, city views, and a gorgeous white-tiled complex. Here you’ll find the Getty Museum with massive collections of artworks including Greek and Roman pieces from the Neolithic period and European art dating back to the Middle Ages. Prominent featured artists include Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Pontormo.

Leave plenty of time to explore the 134,000-square-foot Central Garden designed by Robert Irwin as an “evolving work of art” that changes with the seasons. It holds over 500 plant varieties and an eye-catching maze of azaleas.

🎟️ Tickets : Admission is free at the Getty Center

📍 Location : 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles

11. Disneyland

“The Happiest Place On Earth” draws millions of visitors per year, and has wowed crowds from around the world since 1955. Explore over 60 attractions laid out over nine themed lands, all inspired by your favorite Disney classics, including rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain. Make sure you show up totally energized to last all day long and make it to the evening fireworks show over Sleeping Beauty Castle. As one of the most famous attractions in the world, Disneyland is a non-negotiable stop on most tourists’ lists of things to do in Los Angeles.

🎟️ Tickets : Disneyland

📍 Location : 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA

12. TCL Chinese Theatre

Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre, also known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, is a world-famous movie palace hosting highly-anticipated film events nearly every week. It’s been in operation since 1927, and some of Hollywood’s biggest stars are known to frequent the storied movie theater . Even if you don’t have time to catch a film, it’s worth a visit to appreciate the ornate architecture and check out the celebrity handprints and autographs in the forecourt.

📍 Location : 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA

13. Sunset Strip

West Hollywood’s famous Sunset Strip is a 1.6-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard where you go to see and be seen at L.A.’s best bars and nightclubs . From throwing back a few drinks at the famous grungey Viper Room , to catching a comedy set at The Laugh Factory , you’ll find there are plenty of places to have a memorable Sunset Strip experience.

📍 Location : Sunset Boulevard between Marmont Lane and Phyllis Street, Los Angeles, CA

14. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Cinephiles will definitely want to make a stop at the country’s largest museum dedicated to movie making: The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The seven-story building is an exciting visit for ardent film buffs and casual moviegoers alike, with popular temporary exhibitions including a deep-dive into John Waters’ film career and the making of The Godfather .

📍 Location : 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

15. Grand Central Market

No trip to Downtown Los Angeles is complete without a foray into the bustling Grand Central Market, which houses 40 excellent food stalls serving a range of cuisines. The famous food court has been an L.A. landmark since 1917 , and you can still visit popular legacy vendors including China Cafe and Roast To Go.

📍 Location : 317 S Broadway # 18, Los Angeles, CA

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 55 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles (California)

55 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles (California)

How could you begin to sum up a city that is impossible to define? Whether you’re talking about the limitless sprawl of districts and suburbs or the jolting contrast between sun-baked hills and soft beaches, the high culture of its art institutions or the rip-roaring fun of its theme parks, Los Angeles is not easy categorized.

You could spend days buried in superior museums without ever seeing Hollywood , or devote a whole trip to nothing but studio tours and pilgrimages to share-worthy places from TV and movies.

Or you might want to go deeper, and hunt down the best taco truck or discover the next big comedy talent to come out of Silver Lake or Echo Park.

“Walkable” isn’t a word that comes to mind when you think of Los Angeles, but there’s ample opportunity for exercise on scenic hikes in the Hollywood Hills or leisurely bike rides along that string of sandy beaches.

1. Hollywood Sign

Put up in 1923 and originally spelling “Hollywoodland”, a real estate development, the unmistakeable Hollywood Sign was only supposed to last for 18 months.

The arrival of the Golden Age of Hollywood changed all that, and the sign has remained on Mount Lee in Griffith Park ever since, and dropping “land” in 1949. This landmark was rebuilt in steel in 1978 and was last repainted in 2005. One of the easiest vantage points in the basin is the raised patio on the north-east corner of the Hollywood & Highland Center Mall, and there’s another atop the Home Depot parking garage on Sunset Boulevard.

You can go in for an up-close look on a hike at Griffith Park, or park up at Lake Hollywood Park and admire the sign across the canyon.

Suggested tour : Hollywood Sign Small Group Tour in Luxury Van

2. The Getty Center

The main branch of the J. Paul Getty Museum is in Brentwood, surveying Los Angeles from its hilltop roost.

The museum’s founder was petro-industrialist Jean Paul Getty, who left another $661m to the institution when he passed away in 1976. This went towards a spectacular and labyrinthine new complex, the Getty Center, which opened in 1997 after almost two decades of planning and construction.

Linked to its lower car park by a hovertrain, the Getty Center is a multifaceted attraction.

You’ll fall in love with architecture by Pritzker Prize-winner Richard Meier, the ever-changing Central Garden, the Cactus Garden, the outdoor sculpture and the knockout views, not to mention the astonishing art collection within (Medieval times to the present). Allow as long as possible to bask in the illuminated manuscripts, Italian, Flemish and Dutch painting from the 17th to the 19th century, the huge assortment of Impressionist painting and exquisite decorative arts.

Irises by van Gogh (1889) and Rembrandt Laughing (self-portrait, 1628) are not to be missed.

Recommended tour : Private Getty Museum Tour with Expert Guide

3. Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens

Among the world’s great research libraries, the Huntington in San Marino, Los Angeles County, holds more than nine million items, from the 1000s to the 21st century.

For an everyday visitor, the Library Exhibition Hall draws from these enormous reserves, showing a captivating miscellany, from Medieval manuscripts to documents from Abraham Lincoln’s life.

The library is in 120 acres of lush botanical gardens, with magnificent living collections of orchids, bonsai, cycads and camellias.

You can saunter past lily ponds, and through a subtropical garden, desert garden, Japanese garden and Chinese garden.

Don’t ignore the trove of painting, sculpture and decorative arts at the Huntington Art Gallery, with works by Rogier van der Weyden, Gainsborough and American artists like Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper and Andy Warhol.

4. Griffith Park

In 1896 the Welsh mining magnate Griffith J. Griffith presented over 3,000 acres of Rancho Los Feliz to the City of Los Angeles as a “Christmas present”. Since then the park has added another 1,000 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States.

Griffith Park is a rough-hewn wilderness, incorporating a chunk of the Santa Monica Mountains and streaked with trails for walking and horseback riding.

The Los Angeles Zoo is here, and there are two public golf courses (Harding and Wilson), train and pony rides for youngsters, tennis courts, lots of concession stands and picnic grounds.

The Hollywood Sign is in the park’s boundaries, and can be reached on a tough hike.

Just above is a majestic but unmarked 360° viewpoint, taking in both Hollywood and Burbank behind.

On GetYourGuide.com, the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park 2-Hour Hiking Tour is a guided adventure through the park, stopping every so often to let you appreciate the Los Angeles cityscape and give you titbits about the park, the sign and Hollywood’s riveting history.

5. Griffith Observatory

In a second “Christmas present” in 1912 Griffith J. Griffith put up the funds for the park’s Greek Theatre and the Griffith Observatory, which wouldn’t be completed until 1935. Of all the many enduring landmarks in Los Angeles, this three-domed Art Deco monument holds a certain mystique.

The Griffith Observatory is posted on the south face of Mount Hollywood, the highest peak in the park, and the sight of the city rippling in the sun or twinkling at night from Observatory’s terraces are the stuff of dreams.

We can’t begin to list the movies and TV shows that have made the most of this location, but James Dean’s Rebel Without a Cause(1955) is the one that put the observatory’s in the world’s gaze.

The 25-metre, copper clad central dome houses the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, which screens Centered in the Universe, a hi-res trip through time, via discoveries by Ptolemy and Galileo, and space, through the Milky Way, and landing back on the Griffith Observatory’s front lawn.

You can also peer through telescopes and explore more than 60 space-oriented exhibits.

6. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The largest art museum in the western United States, and one of the largest museums of any description in the country, LACMA on Wilshire Boulevard’s Miracle Mile is in a mishmash of seven buildings on a 20-acre site.

The collections are mind-bendingly vast, covering all ends of the earth and from the ancient times to the present.

For the smallest summary there are inventories of Greek, Roman And Etruscan art, American and Latin American art, modern and contemporary art, Islamic art, Asian art, decorative arts, photography and film as well as eye-catching permanent art installations.

If all this leaves you overwhelmed there are some works that you can’t leave without seeing, like Diego Rivera’s Portrait of Frida Kahlo (1939), Mulholland Drive: The Road to the Studio by David Hockney (1980), Titian’s Portrait of Jacopo (1532), The Swineherd by Paul Gauguin (1888) and Chris Burden Urban Light installation at the Wilshire Boulevard entrance.

As of 2019 there were plans to give the campus a bit more uniformity with a massive building designed by Peter Zumthor, with an opening date slated for 2024.

An eccentric neighbourhood and seaside resort, the world-famous Venice is Los Angeles at its most cosmopolitan and independent.

Although gentrification has crept in, the 2.5-mile Venice Beach Boardwalk is still prowled by outlandish characters, and teems with tattoo parlours, cannabis shops, international cuisine, countless street vendors and a big cast of street performers.

The skate plaza and Venice Muscle Beach are two world-famous signatures, as is the snaking Strand trail on the cusp of the massive sandy beach with its constant stream of cyclists and skaters.

Seek out the historic arcaded buildings, harking back to the original development at the start of the 20th century when the tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney created his own version of Italy’s Venice.

The boardwalk is the second most-visited place in Southern California, but will never feel oppressive thanks to the wide-open expanse of sandy beach and the grassy foreshore tufted with palms.

Suggested tour : Santa Monica and Venice 3-Hour Electric Bike Tour

8. Getty Villa

Before the Getty Center there was the Getty Villa, commissioned by J. Paul Getty in the 1970s after the previous gallery on his property in Pacific Palisades ran out of space.

The Getty Villa is down the hill on the same land, looking out onto the Pacific.

The building, completed in 1974, is a reproduction of a lavish 1st-century CE Roman villa: The Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum to be precise.

Reopened in 2006 after a long-term renovation, the Getty Villa holds the Getty Museum’s collections for Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities, spanning 6,000 years up to 400 CE.

The exhibition picks from a gigantic reserve of 44,000 pieces and over the last couple of years has been rearranged in a loose chronological order.

The must-sees are plentiful, and among them are the “The Beauty of Palmyra” funerary relief (190-210 CE), Statue of a Victorious Youth (300-100 BC), the Caeretan Hydria (525 BC) and the ensemble of frescoes from the Villa Numerius Popidius Florus at Boscoreale (1-79 CE).

Book online : Private Getty Villa Tour with Expert Guide

9. California Science Center

In October 2012 the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which took part in 25 NASA missions from 1992 to 2011, rolled through the Los Angeles streets from LAX to the California Science Center.

At the time of writing in 2019 the shuttle was still in a temporary pavilion, and the exhibition, available with a Special Exhibit or IMAX Theater pass, shows off this staggering piece of hardware, along with some of its fittings like the Space Potty, galley, tyres from its final mission and the SPACEHAB Logistics Module, a kind of workshop for astronauts.

Though undoubtedly impressive, Endeavour is just one exhibit at a museum brimming with interactivity, relating ecosystems, world-changing inventions, air and space, how our organs and cells work and showing off a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird outside.

There’s always a choice of well-curated special exhibitions and of course the IMAX Theater, seven storeys high.

Included in : Go Los Angeles Card: Save up to 50% on Top Attractions

10. Warner Bros. Studio Tour

As opposed to the action-packed Universal Studio Tour, a visit to Warner Bros. close by in Burbank is less about razzle-dazzle and more about the craft of making films and TV shows.

The standard tour lasts between two and three hours and packs in a visit to the Sound stage where the Big Bang Theory is shot, as well as the Archive and Prop House, bursting with props and costume from countless movies including the Harry Potter series and the DC Universe.

The Backlot has jungle, Midwest town, New York and Western sets that will ring a bell straight away, while the Picture Car Vault holds a fleet of cars from Warner Bros. productions, counting several Batmobiles.

A newer attraction is Stage 48: Script to Screen, a self-guided walk through an interactive sound stage, ushering you through the production process and displaying the set from Central Perk in Friends.

Book online : Warner Bros. Studios Hollywood Tour

11. La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum

Over tens of thousands of years until Los Angeles was developed, animals would be trapped and preserved in the tar at what is now Hancock Park by LACMA.

Heavy oil from the Salt Lake Oil Field would seep to the surface, becoming viscous natural tar as its lighter fractions evaporated.

The tar would be covered with a layer of water or dead leaves, waiting to lure unsuspecting mammoths, sabre-toothed cats, bison, horses and dire wolves and preserve them intact.

The pits have yielded some 400 animals and are an ongoing excavation site (there’s a viewing area at Pit 91). The many discoveries are documented at the adjacent George C. Page Museum, which opened in 1977 but has a history going back to 1913. Here you can see some of the remarkable specimens given up by the pits and get to know the science behind the process, while in the grounds are life-sized models of the animals claimed by the tar.

Get tickets : La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum Ticket

12. Venice Canals

At the turn of the 20th century the developer Abbot Kinney conceived a miniature version of Venice’s canals, marketed as the Venice of America.

Replenished by the Pacific through sea gates at the Marina Del Rey Breakwater, these cute waterways were built in 1905 but had become outmoded by the late-1920s and over the next few decades were allowed to fall into disrepair.

The canals were finally revitalised in the 1990s and form a highly desirable and pedestrian-friendly residential neighbourhood, roughly a quarter of the size of the original development.

Just a stone’s throw from Venice Beach you can go for peaceful waterside strolls, cross charming little footbridges and spot ducklings in the water in summer.

As ever, you’ll surely know these waterways from movies, in this case A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).

13. Disneyland Resort

An obligatory day trip whatever your age, Disneyland Resort is two theme parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, linked by the outdoor shopping area, Downtown Disney.

It all began in 1955 with Disneyland Park, overseen by Walt Disney himself.

Fair to say that Disneyland Park is the original modern theme park, divided into “lands” and crammed with rides that have passed into legend, like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

A new land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, designed in collaboration with Lucasfilm, opened in 2019. And, naturally, the Main Street parades are a big part of the fun, especially for smaller visitors.

The newer Disneyland California Adventure opened in 2001 and channels the excitement and adventure of the Golden State.

This park is steeped in the glamour of old Hollywood, and the thrill of Disney’s Marvel and Pixar movies.

Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: BREAKOUT! is a new arrival, featuring the cast from the movies and music hand-picked by director James Gunn.

14. Hollywood Walk of Fame

There are things in every city that locals avoid like the plague, but visitors can’t afford to pass up.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is in that vein, commending actors, musicians, directors, musical and theatrical groups and even 16 fictional characters with stars in the pavement.

A little less than half of all the stars are dedicated to someone in the film industry.

In case you didn’t know, the stars are made of brass and terrazzo and in spring 2019 there were more than 2,600. The Walk of Fame, begun in 1958 with an initial 1,588 honourees, is on 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street.

Some 24 new stars are laid each year, at a cost of $40,000 (payable by the nominee or sponsor), and honourees are obliged to show up to their unveiling ceremony.

The Barrymore acting dynasty is the best-represented single family, with a total of six stars.

15. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Hollywood history permeates the exquisitely decorated Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on the Walk of Fame.

This monument, designed to resemble a Chinese pagoda and guarded by a pair of Ming Dynasty lions, has hosted more than its fair share of premieres since it opened for Cecil B.

DeMille’s The King of Kings in 1927. To commemorate the Star Wars premiere in 1977, the prints of Darth Vader, C-3PO and R2D2 were taken in the concrete forecourt.

This tradition is claimed to go back to 1927, when actor Norma Talmadge slipped in wet concrete here, and over the last 90+ years any hundreds of icons of the silver screen have left their signature and some sort of print.

As with the Walk of Fame you can download a map to help you locate your favourites.

Now officially known as the TCL Chinese Theatre, the cinema seats 932 and in 2013 was fitted with a custom IMAX screen, one of the largest in North America.

Combo Tour : Chinese Theater VIP Tour & 24-hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus

16. Universal Studios Hollywood

In 1964 Universal Studios started offering tours of its studio lot to see sets and props that had already been inscribed in movie and television history at Universal City.

Before long this developed into a fully-fledged theme park.

Almost everything is based on Universal Studios productions, and updated every few years to stay current.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in 2016 and has the Flight of the Hippogriff rollercoaster and the Forbidden Journey, a dark ride through Hogwarts.

A new arrival in 2019 was the epic Jurassic World: The Ride, a “shoot the chute” in the Lower Lot, replacing its Jurassic Park predecessor.

On the Upper Lot, the Studio Tour is still going strong, and entails an hour-long tram ride through sets like Courthouse Square (To Kill a Mockingbird, Back to the Future, Gremlins) and the house from Psycho (1960). On the way you’ll be in famous movies and encounter a couple of mishaps, like a flash flood and an earthquake.

Come on weekdays outside the school holidays to avoid the crowds.

Be sure to book online : Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

17. Pacific Park

The only amusement park on a pier on the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Park is free to enter and has 12 rides.

Inevitably, the Pacific Park and the Santa Monica Pier have appeared in hundreds of movies and TV shows, and like innumerable locations around Los Angeles was rendered in startling detail for the 2013 videogame GTA V.

First taking shape in the 1910s and revived in the 1990s, Pacific Park bills itself as the only admission-free amusement park in LA.

You pay for the individual attractions, among which is the steel West Coaster and the Pacific Wheel, which featured in Steven Spielberg’s 1941 (1979) is the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel.

A word on the pier, which is actually two structures joined together: The long and narrow Santa Monica Municipal Pier is from 1909 and was built to carry sewage pipes beyond the breakers, while the Pleasure Pier was started in 1916 by Charles I.D. Looff, responsible for Coney Island’s first carousel.

18. Rodeo Drive

Every major western city has a street enriched with flagship luxury emporia by brands like Gucci, Cartier and Louis Vuitton.

But Rodeo Drive, namely the three blocks north of Wilshire and South of Little Santa Monica Boulevard is special.

This palm-lined street takes conspicuous wealth to a whole new place, and has also been immortalised by movies, most famously Pretty Woman (1990) when Julia Roberts goes on the mother of all sprees.

For all but the extremely wealthy, Rodeo Drive is more of a visual experience, for window shopping, gawping at Bugattis and Ferraris and wandering the “European-style” cobblestone alley.

Rodeo Drive got its first luxury boutique with Giorgio Beverly Hills in 1967 and in 2003 was given a multimillion dollar makeover with the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style.

At the intersection with Dayton Way this is heralded by the shining sculpture “Torso” by Robert Graham.

Suggested tour : Beverly Hills and West Hollywood: Celebrity Bike Tour

19. Mulholland Drive

Plotted in 1924 and named for the civil engineer who helped build LA’s water infrastructure, Mulholland Drive is a winding two-lane road along the ridgeline of the eastern Santa Monica Mountains.

Memories of countless movies will come flooding back on the way, not least from David Lynch’s namesake film (2002). Lynch believed that you could “feel the history of Hollywood” on Mulholland Drive, and it resonates in the plush homes (some of the most expensive in the world), hairpin bends recalling famous car chases and, of course, the many stunning lookouts.

Mulholland Drive is a thrill to negotiate by car, but you’ll need to go slow to deal with the many blind turns.

Be ready to stop every few minutes and step out to appreciate far-off views of the Los Angeles Basin, the Hollywood Sign, the San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Universal City and the San Gabriel, Verdugo and Santa Susana Mountains.

The most inspiring vistas of Downtown Los Angeles await at the eastern end just above the Hollywood Bowl.

20. The Broad

Bringing added cultural bite to Downtown Los Angeles, the Broad opened next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2015 and was financed by philanthropist Eli Broad.

The cube-shaped building is a head-turning architectural statement by the Diller Scofidio + Renfro firm, with a skin comprising 2,500 rhomboidal concrete panels reinforced by fibreglass.

On three levels, The Broad is vast and covers modern and contemporary painting, photography and sculpture from the mid-20th century to the present.

Broad has put together a reserve of more than 2,000 works by 200 artists, and his foundation makes new acquisitions by the week.

Among the many luminaries are Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Cy Twombly, Ed Ruscha and Jeff Koons, while the museum holds the largest collection of Cindy Sherman works in the world, with 129 pieces as of 2019. In spring 2019 Yayoi Kusama’s roaming Infinity Mirror Rooms installation had a stint at The Broad.

21. Hollywood Bowl

An abiding landmark and wonderful place to watch live music, the Hollywood Bowl is a 17,500-seater amphitheatre resting in the Hollywood Hills with views of the Hollywood Sign to the north-east.

Fred Astaire, Louis Armstrong and the Beatles have all performed here… in fact it would be easier to make a list of the cultural giants who haven’t.

The venue is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, as well as the seat of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra (formed in 1990). The current shell is actually the fifth to have been built at the Hollywood Bowl.

The second and third shells were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, but only stood for a season each in the 1920s.

The fourth shell, by the Allied Architects group lasted from 1929 to 2003, but was often criticised for its acoustics and replaced for the 2004 season.

The Hollywood Bowl’s free museum is in the former Tea Room and is the first building you come to if you enter the site via Highland Avenue, with a permanent exhibition displaying programs and photographs of the venue since its birth in 1922.

22. Greystone Mansion and Park

The oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny ordered this Beverly Hills Tudor Revival mansion, completed in 1928, as a lavish gift for his son, Ned.

At the time the 55-room Greystone Mansion was the most expensive residence in California, costing more than $4m and housing a bowling alley.

Ned Doheny died in a guest room in a murder-suicide with his secretary in February 1929, just four months after moving in.

Ninety years later it is still unclear who killed whom.

The house and its precise formal gardens have belonged to the City of Beverly Hills since 1965, becoming a public park a few years later.

This is a prime shooting location, appearing in a wealth of TV shows and movies, like The Big Lebowski (1998), Ghostbusters II (1989), Spider-Man (2002) and Eraserhead (1977), while the bowling alley was restored for the grim end to There Will Be Blood (2007). The mansion is closed to the public but the gardens and their cypress avenue, balustrades, fountains and clipped hedges are a delight, and open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 with extended hours in the summer.

23. Live Comedy

Being the capital of the movie and television industries, Los Angeles has a hugely productive comedy community, and this has given rise to an absurd amount of live comedy venues.

On a typical night there might be a stand-up showcase hosted by someone you love, or a live recording of a comedy podcast you’re into, or hilarious sketch and improv comedy by people you know from the screen but couldn’t name.

For the briefest overview there’s the Comedy Store (8433 Sunset Blvd), Hollywood Improv Comedy Club (8162 Melrose Ave), the Laugh Factory (8001 Sunset Blvd), The Virgil (4519 Santa Monica Blvd), Largo at the Coronet (366 N La Cienega Blvd) and UCB Franklin (5919) and Sunset (5419). Every Saturday at UCB Franklin and Sunday at UCB Sunset you can catch “Asssscat”, an improv show with a rotating cast of performers from television and movies (Sundays are completely free but you’ll need to show up early and queue).

24. Runyon Canyon Park

You may have gathered by now that the Hollywood Hills are ripe for hiking.

And the place where Hollywood’s stars take their walks is the 160-acre Runyon Canyon Park.

If you’re on Instagram and follow more than a couple of celebrities you may already know this spot and its vistas like the back of your hand.

Striking out from the gate at the park’s southern entrance on N Fuller Avenue there’s a choice of three trails with varying degrees of difficulty: The Hero Trail (difficult), the Star Trail (medium) and the paved Runyon Canyon Road, which curls up the slope on a shallow gradient to the panoramic lookout at Clouds Rest, and down on the railway sleeper steps on the Star Trail to another overlook at Inspiration Point.

Pay a visit in winter and spring when the sky is clearer.

Also bring a hat, because there’s only occasional tree cover below the palms on the canyon floor.

25. Zuma Beach

In places between Santa Monica and Malibu the beaches can taper to just a few metres across.

Beyond Point Dume and backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu’s Zuma Beach bucks that trend as an archetypal Southern California beach.

Zuma Beach adored for its broad and long (1.8 miles) strip of soft, pale sand and abundant facilities.

Far from the built-up parts of Los Angeles the water quality is as good as it gets, while the boisterous surf attracts body surfers, even if it can get a little rough at times.

From January to April this Zuma Beach is also a prime place to watch the gray whales making the long migration with their calves from the warmer waters off Baja California to their feeding grounds in the Bering Strait.

Related tour : Malibu Beach: Surf Tour in a Vintage VW Van

26. Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tour

Visiting the storied parts of Downtown Los Angeles , you may feel like you’re missing out on a bit of background, not to mention all the intriguing anecdotes these streets have to tell.

The good news is that the Los Angeles Conservancy organises regular guided tours of fascinating locations like the Historic Downtown (every Saturday), the Millennium Biltmore Hotel (every Sunday) and the Commercial District (every Saturday), to name a few.

Also on Saturday you can immerse yourself in the Golden Age glamour of Downtown LA’s Art Deco wonders from the 20s and 30s.

These tours are in high demand and fill up quickly.

27. Petersen Automotive Museum

On Museum Row, this museum was founded by publisher Robert E. Petersen in 1994 and has recently come though a makeover.

This has left the building with a spectacular shell composed of 100 tons of stainless steel in an aerodynamic ribbon formation.

Even more exciting is what’s in store in the museum’s 25 galleries where you’ll be greeted by hundreds of awe-inspiring automobiles, displayed with evocative backdrops.

Some of our picks are the 1915 Detroit Electric Model 61 Brougham, 1958 Plymouth Fury “Christine” and the solar-powered 1987 Mana La.

In summer 2019, the exhibition, Hollywood Dream Machines, brought famous vehicles from Batman (1989), Back to the Future (1985), Blade Runner (1982), Black Panther (2017) and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) together for one unforgettable show.

Pay a little extra and you can go down to The Vault, containing 250+ vehicles spanning 120 years from all corners of the globe, some owned by movie and music heroes like Steve McQueen and Elvis Presley.

Get tickets :   Petersen Automotive Museum Admission Ticket

28. Los Angeles City Hall

Since 1940 an image of the Los Angeles City Hall has been embossed on badges for the Los Angeles Police Department.

This landmark, dating to 1928, has had a lot of screen-time down the years, in the original Dragnet series in the 50s and in 1997’s L.A. Confidential to name a couple.

The City Hall complex has a Neoclassical base surmounted by that unmistakeable Art Deco tower.

Thanks to a city charter that remained in force until the end of the 1950s, the 138-metre tower was the tallest building in Los Angeles up to 1964. Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00, you can go in for free and catch the elevator to the 27th floor to contemplate LA’s skyline (bring a valid I.D. with you).

29. Autry Museum of the American West

The actor and singer Gene Autry (The Singing Cowboy) founded this museum dedicated to the history and culture of the American West in 1988. The attraction is in a mission-style building in Griffith Park, with a permanent exhibition in seven large galleries on the ground and lower floor.

This presents a loose timeline, starting with prehistoric hunter gatherers and leading you through the time of the Spanish conquistadors and Franciscan missionaries, up to 20th-century depiction of the west in books, television and movies.

In the museum’s large and growing collections are firearms and personal effects of Old West icons like Billy the Kid, Belle Starr and Wyatt Earp, as well as a hand-drawn diagram by Earp of his gunfight at the OK Corral in Tombstone.

The Journeys Gallery shows the developments in transport that changed the West in the second half of the 19th century, while the Colt Gallery explores the impact of Samuel Colt’s revolutionary revolver with scores of rare models, some beautifully engraved.

30. Walt Disney Concert Hall

Frank Gehry’s spellbinding concert hall at the Los Angeles Music Center has become a treasured fixture of the cityscape in Downtown Los Angeles since it opened in 2003. Mostly funded by the Disney family, the venue is a tribute to Disney’s contribution to LA’s culture and is the base for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

This swirling stainless steel structure has Douglas fir and oak cladding in its 2,265-capacity auditorium for superlative acoustics, and a giant concert organ that looks like no organ you’ve ever seen.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s main season here is from October to June, before they move to the Hollywood Bowl for the summer.

You can also visit Monday to Saturday for an hour-long audioguided tour, narrated by John Lithgow and with intriguing contributions by Frank Gehry.

The tour also encompasses an interactive exhibition at the Ira Gershwin Gallery.

31. OUE Skyspace

Completed in 1989, the 310-metre U.S. Bank Tower is the second-tallest in Los Angeles, and the fifteenth tallest in the United States.

When the real estate company OUE took over the tower in 2013 it went to work on an observation deck.

OUE Skyspace opened in 2016 on the 69th and 70th floors, with a restaurant above on the 71st.

This is the highest skyscraper observation deck in California, with mesmerising 360° views including downtown LA’s skyscrapers, Dodger Stadium, the Hollywood Hills and the Pacific and San Gabriel Mountains in the distance.

What sets OUE Skyspace apart is the Skyslide between the 70th and 69th floors.

This vertigo inducing attraction is 13 metres long and made completely from crystal-clear glass, promising a few seconds of exhilaration or abject terror, depending on your disposition.

32. Dodger Stadium

The third-oldest stadium in MLB, and the oldest west of the Mississippi, Dodger Stadium opened in 1962 and has the largest seating capacity (56,000) of any baseball stadium in the world.

The most recent of the Dodgers’ six World Series titles came in 1988, but in the 2010s they have been perennial contenders.

Led by star pitcher Clayton Kershaw, the franchise has taken seven West Division titles in the decade up to 2018, but fell just short of the biggest prize in 2017 and 2018. You can get tickets in person at Lot 2 on game days, and sample some of the indulgent food that Dodger Stadium is famous for, like esquites, tacos of all descriptions and the 16-inch “Going Yard” hot dog.

For an inside look at Dodger Stadium, take one of the 90-minute tours (10:00, 11:30 and 13:00), heading down to the field, into the Dodger Dugout and into the Lexus Dugout Club to view the team’s World Series trophies and various individual awards.

33. Grand Central Market

As good a place as any to begin an adventure in Downtown Los Angeles, the cavernous Grand Central Market has occupied the ground floor of the landmark Homer Laughlin Building since 1917. This is hands-down the largest and oldest public market in the city.

In the 2010s the market has turned itself into a trendy dining destination with a revitalisation project, and by welcoming a cosmopolitan line-up of new vendors.

Here to tempt you there’s falafel, Nashville got chicken, wood-fired pizza, an oyster bar, ramen, Salvadorian streetfood, tacos, tortas, tostadas, currywurst, burritos, bento and BBQ, along with speciality food vendors for fresh bread, cheese, spices, Latin dry goods, herbs, fruit and vegetables.

Included in : L.A. Downtown Food Tour

34. The Original Farmers Market

Linked to the posh Grove Mall in the Fairfax District is the permanent Farmers Market, trading seven days a week.

You can use the market as a vibrant shopping amenity, calling in for groceries at the various butchers, bakers, fruit and vegetable stalls, and at speciality food stores for goodies like cheese, charcuterie, wine, olive oil and hard-to-find spices (Dragunara Spice Bazaar). Light My Fire has an assortment of hot sauces from all over the world, while “T” stocks every tea variety you could think of.

And when it comes to casual dining you’ll have to make the impossible choice between sushi, build your own salad, gumbo, pizza, loaded subs, Philly-style deli, churrasco, gyros, barbecue and a whole lot more.

Do the tour : Original Farmers Market Food and History Tour

35. Pacific Coast Highway

Made famous by decades of popular culture, north-south highway hugs California’s coastline for more than 660 miles and can be joined at Santa Monica for a scenic drive to Malibu.

On one side the meandering road is walled by high scrubby cliffs, and on the other is the Pacific in all its unrestrained beauty.

You’ll see sleek residences posted high on the cliffs, surf communities and dozens of beaches, traced by elegant homes and, and many with just a slender ribbon of pale sand at high tide.

When you get peckish there’s an endless choice of seafood-oriented places to stop for a meal paired with those amazing views.

Malibu Seafood is a combined fish market and patio cafe, while Neptune’s Net is an iconic seafood spot, gazing out to the ocean since 1956 and favoured by bikers.

Available tour : California Highlights Express: 3-Day Tour from Los Angeles

36. Sunset Boulevard

Twenty-two miles long, from Downtown Los Angeles to opulent Malibu, Sunset Boulevard is a neat cross-section of the city.

In West Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard encompasses the neon glare of the Sunset Strip, famed for its bright billboards, and a place to dine, drink and catch some live music.

In the 60s, 70s and 80s, every rock scene, from folk rock through punk to hair metal had its time in the limelight on Sunset Strip.

This patch has moved upmarket a little, and the alternative rock scene has migrated towards the Arts District, Los Feliz, Silver Lake and Echo Park.

Sunset Boulevard takes in classic monuments like the palatial Chateau Marmont Hotel.

Here F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dorothy Parker, Billy Wilder and Hunter S. Thompson all spent time producing work at the hotel, while John Belushi died at the Chateau Marmont from an overdose in 1982. Climbing west the road dusts itself off as it bends past the film stars’ mansions and gated estates of Beverly Hills and Bel Air.

Recommended tour : The Sunset Strip Experience

37. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

With roots going back to 1912, the corporation that became Paramount Pictures moved to this 26-acre site at 5555 Melrose Avenue in 1926. The stages where Sunset Boulevard, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Rear Window and Sabrina were shot are still used today.

You can discover them on a two-hour studio tour in a limousine golf cart, in the company of a guide well-versed in the history of the studio.

You’ll see the Prop Warehouse, a new Tour Center and the New York Backlot (several New York neighbourhoods in one place). Tours take place seven days a week and need to be booked in advance.

The best time to choose is between 11:00 and 15:00 when shooting may be happening, and there will be a better chance of spotting someone famous, even if more areas will be shut down for filming.

On weekdays there’s a 4.5-hour VIP Tour, for more of an insider experience when you’ll get to meet archivists and backlot tradesmen.

38. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Founded in 1913, the largest natural history museum in the Western United States was given a spectacular overhaul in the early 2000s.

Strictly speaking the museum has three locations, including the La Brea Tar Pits, but we’re talking here about the anchor at Exposition Park, a Renaissance Revival building with fine terracotta moulding and a colonnaded rotunda.

The crowd-pleasers are Becoming Los Angles, showing you how a small pueblo became an endless metropolis, and a Dinosaur Hall that reopened at double capacity in 2013, displaying the only T. rex growth fossil series, showing a baby, juvenile and full-grown T. rex.

This adult is one of the ten most complete specimens for this dinosaur in the world.

Kids will also be spellbound by the hands-on Discovery Center, while the Butterfly Pavilion, with species from around the United States, is a seasonal treat from March to September.

Book online : Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Tickets

39. Arts District

To the east of Downtown Los Angles, the Arts District is a once decaying neighbourhood of early-20th century warehouses, railroad sheds and factories.

The district was first colonised by artists in the 1970s, and is now a youthful creative hub.

Unlike a lot of Los Angeles the Art District is mostly walkable, and has some of the best street art around, counting more than 100 murals, many that will stop you in your tracks.

Graffiti is illegal in the City of Los Angeles, but property owners in the Arts District encourage artists to go to work on their buildings.

Come with your camera ready to explore this revived cityscape peppered with independent galleries, ethical boutiques, loft brewhouses and ultra-hip coffee shops.

40. Santa Monica State Beach

North and south of the Santa Monica Pier, is a gorgeous 3.5-mile sandy beach, recognisable from TV and movies of course, and a blissful place to idle on a sunny day.

North of the pier, the Santa Monica State Beach is tracked by the Pacific Coast Highway and Santa Monica’s famous sandstone cliffs.

From here you can get down to the ocean via the footbridges from the lush Ocean Park and Palisades Park atop the bluffs.

The beach is spotless, in a way that seems impossible in a metropolis, and the water quality is high everywhere except below the pier, even if the ocean is surprisingly chilly.

Dining isn’t a problem either, whether you head for the Ocean Front Walk behind the pier, or back up the bluffs in Santa Monica.

41. Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Hollywood’s answer to Père Lachaise or Highgate is off Santa Monica Boulevard, behind Paramount Studios.

At Hollywood Forever Cemetery you can pay your respects to the leading lights of the Golden Age of Hollywood, and catch a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign.

Among the household names here are John Huston, Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks, Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Rooney.

The cemetery is free to enter (as you’d guess, proper decorum is required), and you can get hold of a map at the entrance.

The caretakers will be happy to give you tips and a bit of background, while the grounds are as scrupulously maintained as you’d hope and roamed by peacocks.

What you might not expect is that Hollywood Forever Cemetery has a busy cultural calendar, with summer outdoor movie screenings, concerts, live podcast recordings, literature events and, on November 2nd, the biggest Dia de Los Muertos event in the United States.

42. The Strand

Officially known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, The Strand is a cycle path extending for 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach at Pacific Palisades to Torrance County Beach.

If you fancy riding this smooth, serpentine concrete trail there’s no lack of places to rent a bicycle, e-bike or electric scooter around Santa Monica, Venice and Playa del Rey.

The path passes along the beach for almost the entirety of the route, apart from a diversion along Washington Boulevard after the Venice Fishing Pier.

The Strand was completed in 1989, despite opposition from beachfront homeowners in Santa Monica, and is the ultimate way to encounter the beaches of Los Angeles.

You’ll share the route with walkers and skaters, so it’s a ride for gentle coasting letting you appreciate the beaches, ocean and sights as you go.

For the perspective of a local you can book the Santa Monica and Venice 3-Hour Electric Bike Tour with GetYourGuide.com.

43. Taco Trucks

In a city nearly 50% Latino and Hispanic, it’s a given that Los Angeles should have a spectrum of cuisines from across the Americas.

Naturally, Mexican food stands out in particular, and most agree that Los Angeles puts other American cities in the shade for tacos.

You can hit the city’s staggering choice of Mexican-style chains, like Poquito Mas, Guisados, Del Taco and Qdoba, or smaller enterprises like Tacomiendo (Culver City, West Los Angeles, Montebello). But in the same way that the Chinese food in New York comes from holes in the wall, LA locals know that the best tacos are taco truck tacos.

Track down Leo’s Tacos Truck, Ricky’s Fish Tacos, Mariscos Jalisco, Guerrilla Tacos, Taco Zone, El Chato and Jorge’s Tacos.

Each truck has its own speciality, be it mesquite-grilled carne asada, rib meat, fried taco shells, chorizo, pastor (kebab-style seasoned pork) or taquitos (deep-fried tacos), so you have no choice but to try as many as possible.

44. In-N-Out Burger

Part of the scenery in Los Angeles for over 70 years, In-N-Out Burger today has more than 340 locations in six states.

There are a few reasons why this fast food restaurant deserves your business over other chains.

Perhaps the best is that In-N-Out Burger pays all its employees above minimum wage, which is surprising as the restaurant has such a reasonable price point.

That menu is also unusually simple: There’s not much more than a hamburger, cheeseburger, Double-Double, fries and shakes.

But you can get creative using the “not-so-secret-menu”, adding extra patties and cheese, removing the bun for the low-carb Protein Style, or going for Animal Style, which has grilled onions and a patty cooked in mustard.

These choices aren’t advertised at any locations, but there are details on the chain’s website.

45. Third Street Promenade

A couple of streets in from the Santa Monica Pier and you’ll be on Third Street Promenade in the middle of Santa Monica’s shopping zone.

The promenade is three open-air car-free blocks, flanked by palms and jacarandas, and with a real diversity of upmarket and mid-market stores, restaurants, bars and movie theatres.

For shopping think Sephora, Abercrombie and Fitch, Urban Outfitters, LUSH, H&M, Apple Store and Banana Republic, with a lot more waiting on the neighbouring streets or at the foot of the promenade on Santa Monica Place.

The development goes back to 1965 and has picked up a reputation for its many street performers.

You’ll come across musicians of every genre and style, as well as dancers, magicians, living statues and clowns, all at neat intervals down the street.

Recently little touches like clusters of Adirondack chairs have started cropping up on the promenade, while Downtown Santa Monica Station on the new-ish Expo Line, connecting this city with Downtown Los Angeles.

46. Universal CityWalk

A separate attraction at Universal Studios, CityWalk is a neon-lit, high-energy promenade for shopping, entertainment and dining.

CityWalk’s linchpin is the 5 Towers, an outdoor concert venue, with regular live music, while street performers are out in force most nights.

Entrance is free, and CityWalk is often thronged on weekends for its AMC Universal Cineplex, and the wide fast food and casual dining options, from Bubba Gump Shrimp Company to Tony Roma’s, Buca di Beppo, Panda Express, KFC, Taco Bell and Subway.

If you’re peckish for a snack there’s Wetzels’ Pretzels, Cinnabon and Ben and Jerry’s, to name a few.

47. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

A California State Park, this viewpoint is to the south-west of downtown, at Culver City.

Parking up on Jefferson Boulevard, there are two routes to the summit: You can navigate the switchbacks on a winding dirt track, or cut straight to the top on the Culver City Stairs.

There are 282 steps in all, so the most direct route to the overlook is also the most gruelling.

The best bet is to use the trail on the way up, enjoying the popcorn flowers and Californian aster in mid-summer, and return on the steps.

At the summit you can contemplate sweeping panoramas of Los Angeles, the Pacific, the Hollywood Hills and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north-west, capped with snow in winter.

48. LA Grand Tour

The public transport system in Los Angeles is far better than its reputation, but is still growing.

So if you’re here without a car an extended bus tour is a great way to pack in as much as of the city as possible.

The LA Grand Tour with GetYourGuide.com is a seven-hour narrated tour of the city on an open bus, for a near-complete introduction to Los Angeles.

The trip begins at Sunset Boulevard, before setting a course for the Santa Monica Pier for a one-hour stop.

You’ll visit the Third Street Promenade, the Farmers Market (one-hour lunch stop) and the Grove.

Afterwards the bus makes the trip up to the Griffith Observatory for a whirlwind visit and to gaze at the Hollywood Sign, before descending to the Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars.

49. Descanso Gardens

This joyful botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge was once part of a 36,000-acre rancho gifted by the Governor of California to Corporal José María Verdugo in 1784. E.

Manchester Boddy, the owner of the Los Angeles Illustrated Daily News, took over the property in 1937 and built himself a mansion, the 22-room Boddy House.

After gaining access to mountain streams on the north side, Boddy started planting ornamental gardens.

In 1942 he enriched these with some 100,000 camellia plants to support two Japanese nurseries in the San Gabriel Valley during internment, and called on experts to develop rose and lilac collections.

The 150-acre gardens are run by a non-profit organisation alongside Los Angeles County, and shines for its 600 varieties of camellias, a five-acre rosarium, woodland streams, meandering paths, Japanese Garden and Tea House, and “Enchanted Railroad” for little ones.

The colour is glorious in spring when the azaleas, tulips, daffodils and lilacs take turns to bloom.

50. Japanese American National Museum

In Little Tokyo is the largest museum in the United States devoted to Japanese-American history, preserving textiles, photography, footage, oral histories and a wealth of art and artefacts.

The Japanese American National Museum was founded in 1992 and in 1999 moved into the sleek Pavilion, designed by Gyo Obata.

The permanent exhibition, Common Ground: The Heart of Community, relates the Japanese-American experience since the earliest immigrants in the 1880s, via hundreds of documents and objects, going into detail on internment during the Second World War.

One moving exhibit is Sadako’s Crane, one of a 1,000 origami cranes folded by Sadako Sasaki, who died from leukaemia aged 12, ten years after the Hiroshima bombing.

In spring 2019 there was a sensational interactive exhibition for vintage Japanese toys, Kaiju vs Heroes.

51. One-Hour Flight for Two Persons

When the best panoramas in Los Angeles require a stiff hike or a drive along a circuitous mountain road you may prefer to see the City of Angles in a manner fitting for a Hollywood star, from the comfort of a plane.

Offered via GetYourGuide.com , this experience is an exhilarating and intimate way to view the Pacific beaches, the skyscrapers of Downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood Hills, the iconic Hollywood Sign, the Griffith Observatory and Dodger Stadium.

One passenger will be free to soak up the views from the back seat, while the other will even be invited to take the controls and try a turn far above this famous cityscape.

52. Lake Hollywood Park

Getting to Lake Hollywood Park, above the Hollywood Reservoir at the west side of Griffith Park is an adventure on Hollywoodland’s tight, zigzagging roads.

But your patience will be paid back with one of the cleanest views of the Hollywood Sign, just by the road on Mulholland Highway.

Maybe because the drive can be tricky, Lake Hollywood Park feels more like a quiet suburban haven than a major sightseeing location, with a children’s playground, grassy field, picnic benches shaded by foliage and a regular stream of local dog-walkers .

53. Celebrity Homes Tour

Everyone is at least a little curious about where and how Hollywood’s biggest stars live.

If you can’t resist finding out more you can either get hold of a map and conduct your own investigation, or let someone else do all the work and take a bus tour.

GetYourGuide.com lists a variety of celebrity home tours , through West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Malibu.

Typically, a Hollywood and Beverly Hills tour will take you up close to around 60 homes occupied or previously occupied by A-listers, while your guide lays on some juicy gossip.

Most tours also involve a few landmarks like the Dolby Theatre, the Playboy Mansion and enduring spots on the Sunset Strip like Chateau Marmont, the Viper Room and the Roxy.

54. Watts Towers

West Coast rap fans will have heard the name “Watts” in plenty of songs, so may know that this neighbourhood has a bit of an edge and is off the tourist trail.

But that shouldn’t deter you from visiting one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.

The Watt Towers are an incredible work of outsider art, by one Simon Rodia, an Italian immigrant and construction worker.

Between 1921 and 1954, and without a plan to speak of, Rodia constructed these strange openwork towers using just his hands, decorating them with ceramic tiles, bottles, mirrors and figurines.

It is thought that the project was an act of atonement, as Rodia had led a pretty dissolute life.

Charles Mingus grew up beside the towers and linked their improvised style to his own work, while the Beatles placed Rodia among the many faces on the cover of Lonely Hearts Club Band.

55 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles (California):

• Hollywood Sign
• The Getty Center
• Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
• Griffith Park
• Griffith Observatory
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
• Getty Villa
• California Science Center
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour
• La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum
• Venice Canals
• Disneyland Resort
• Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Grauman's Chinese Theatre
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Pacific Park
• Rodeo Drive
• Mulholland Drive
• Hollywood Bowl
• Greystone Mansion and Park
• Live Comedy
• Runyon Canyon Park
• Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tour
• Petersen Automotive Museum
• Los Angeles City Hall
• Autry Museum of the American West
• Walt Disney Concert Hall
• OUE Skyspace
• Dodger Stadium
• Grand Central Market
• The Original Farmers Market
• Pacific Coast Highway
• Sunset Boulevard
• Paramount Pictures Studio Tour
• Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
• Arts District
• Santa Monica State Beach
• Hollywood Forever Cemetery
• Taco Trucks
• In-N-Out Burger
• Third Street Promenade
• Universal CityWalk
• Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
• LA Grand Tour
• Descanso Gardens
• Japanese American National Museum
• One-Hour Flight for Two Persons
• Lake Hollywood Park
• Celebrity Homes Tour
• Watts Towers

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

24 Top Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles

By Fiona Fiorentino · Last updated on June 17, 2024

Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the world, and for good reason. The movies, television shows and music produced in the City of Angels are enjoyed all over the globe. While the city’s show-business history and the chance to rub elbows with a celebrity draws many visitors to L.A., the area’s beaches, theme parks and year-round sunny weather are also big attractions.

A world-class collection of museums, arenas and theaters means that art lovers, history buffs and sports fans will find plenty to love about the tourist attractions in Los Angeles as well.

Map of Los Angeles

Outdoor enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either. This something-for-everyone destination boasts a wealth of natural attractions and outdoor activities. From impromptu volleyball games on the beach and camping getaways in the nearby mountains to whale watching and sailing on the blue Pacific, there’s always something fun and exciting to do in sunny Southern California.

24. California Science Center

Located in Exposition Park, the state-of-the-art California Science Center is packed with interesting and educational exhibits. While some sections focus on animals from various ecosystems, others instead look at energy, transportation and even outer space.

Since being founded in 1951, the massive museum has expanded enormously and now contains amazing aircraft and space shuttles. While the Endeavour is undoubtedly the standout sight, its World of Life and Creative World galleries are equally impressive to peruse. It also regularly hosts temporary exhibits and has an IMAX theater where you can watch educational films.

23. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

The last remaining film studio of the ‘Big Five’ still left in Hollywood, Paramount Pictures is a treat to tour around with its recognizable stages, costumes and memorabilia. After having entered through its famous double-arched gate, you’ll get to visit and explore iconic sets from TV shows and blockbuster movies.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll whizz around the sprawling studio on golf carts, stopping off here and there to see sets from Sabrina and Breakfast at Tiffany’s or even watch a shot being filmed. Offering a fascinating look into the world of Hollywood and how TV shows and movies are made, the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour is definitely well worth going on when in town.

22. Hollywood Bowl

One of the most renowned and revered live music venues in the States, the Hollywood Bowl is nestled amidst the rolling Hollywood Hills. Carved into the hillside with the world-famous Hollywood Sign appearing far off in the distance, it hosts countless concerts each year with operas, orchestras and musicals also taking place on its hallowed stage.

Built in 1922, the huge outdoor amphitheater is certainly a special place to enjoy a show with big names like Cher, Queen and The Beatles all having played beneath its distinctive set of concentric arches. Thanks to its superb sound quality, sight lines and spellbinding setting, the Hollywood Bowl is one of the most memorable places you could ever catch a performance.

21. Zuma Beach

If it’s sun, sea and sand you’re after then you’ll definitely want to head to picture-perfect Zuma Beach. Located in Malibu about an hour’s drive west of L.A., its sun-kissed sands curve gently along the ocean, overlooked by the majestic Santa Monica Mountains.

Very popular with locals and tourists alike, it offers all kinds of fun outdoor activities with excellent fishing and beach volleyball, as well as sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Aside from enjoying its clean waters, visitors can stroll peacefully along its broad sands with the beautiful beach having appeared in numerous films, TV shows and adverts over the years.

20. Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Madame Tussauds Hollywood is home to a huge collection of wax figures of famous celebrities from all different eras. One of the city’s top tourist attractions, it lies along Hollywood Boulevard and has rooms full of movie stars and pop icons, plus exciting VR experiences.

Only opened in 2009, it now contains over a hundred remarkably life-like wax models with replicas of Barack Obama and Leonardo DiCaprio appearing next to Taylor Swift, Snoop Dogg and Spider-Man, among others. After having snapped photos with all of your favorite celebs, you can head to its theater and watch a thrilling 4D Marvel Universe film.

19. Runyon Canyon Park

While its stunning scenery offers a welcome respite from the hum of downtown, Runyon Canyon Park actually lies just a couple of blocks off bustling Hollywood Boulevard. Due to its setting amidst the Hollywood Hills, celebrity sightings are common with epic old mansions and estates also dotted about its scenic confines.

Besides hiking about its hills, visitors can stop by Rock Mandala – an arresting public art piece – or head to Inspiration Point or Clouds Rest for phenomenal panoramas over Los Angeles. Although its hot, dry climate can make hiking tough, the park is well worth visiting for its wild look and feel. Snakes, lizards, deer and coyotes can sometimes be spotted, too.

18. Walt Disney Concert Hall

Another of the city’s unique and impressive music venues is the striking Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to both the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale. Due to its incredible architecture, acoustics and acts, do check out its packed schedule of events when in town.

Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, its shiny stainless steel structure and flowing facade stand out delightfully against the drab buildings of downtown. Just as appealing is the concert hall’s elegant auditorium that features a lovely layout with its ‘vineyard-style’ seating guaranteeing guests great views of the stage and even better acoustics.

17. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

As it boasts an astonishing collection of artworks, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art really is a must-visit for art aficionados. The largest museum in the western United States, its sprawling site covers a huge part of LA’s Miracle Mile neighborhood, with photos and paintings, carvings, ceramics and sculptures on show.

Since being founded in 1961, its captivating collection has swelled to over 150,000 items with some sections focusing on ancient Greek and Egyptian artifacts, and others on Islamic art, Renaissance paintings and contemporary Latin American pieces. While perusing its endless galleries, visitors can expect to see masterpieces by Degas, Magritte and Rembrandt, among countless others.

16. The Broad

While the Los Angeles County Museum of Art covers millennia of art history, The Broad instead focuses on contemporary and postwar artworks. Another recent addition to Downtown Los Angeles, it opened in 2015 with its eye-catching ‘honeycomb-like’ exterior making for a striking sight.

Aside from taking in its attractive architecture, there are thousands of interesting artworks and installations to enjoy. Amongst its fabulous photos, paintings and sculptures, you’ll spy brilliant works by Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman and Jeff Koons and others. Temporary exhibits showcasing new and upcoming artists are regularly displayed on its lobby floor.

15. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Offering a close-up look at the glitzy world of Hollywood, the renowned Warner Bros. Studio can be found just to the north of LA in neighboring Burbank. On tours around the humongous site, you can see iconic sets from TV shows and films with incredible props, costumes and memorabilia also on show.

One of the oldest film studios in the world, it contains enormous outdoor sets that depict locations, like New York and a mid-western town, with soundstages for The Big Bang Theory and Pretty Little Liars too. Besides stopping off at recognizable places, such as the ‘Central Perk’ from Friends, guests can see Batmobiles, ride broomsticks from Harry Potter and tour interactive exhibits on the DC Universe.

14. Battleship USS Iowa Museum

Now protected as part of a museum, the hulking great Battleship USS Iowa Museum is permanently moored in San Pedro Bay. While wandering about its decks, bridges and cabins, visitors can learn all there is to know about life at sea and also delve into the massive ship’s fascinating past.

Built in 1943, the Iowa served during the Second World War, Korean War and Cold War and was impressively awarded eleven battle stars over the course of her career. Finally decommissioned in 1990, it has an interesting Combat Engagement Center to explore, as well as engine rooms, boiler rooms and officers’ wards.

Besides being known as the ‘Mighty I’ and ‘Big Stick’, it also earned the nickname the ‘Battleship of Presidents’ as over the course of the decades it not only hosted Roosevelt and Reagan but George H.W. Bush, too.

13. Petersen Automotive Museum

Also located in LA’s Miracle Mile neighborhood you can find the fantastic Petersen Automotive Museum which contains an amazing and extensive collection of cars and motorcycles. Its sparkling showrooms and countless classic cars take you on a whirlwind journey through the history and evolution of the automobile industry.

One of the largest museums of its kind in the world, it now occupies a magnificent modern building that sports a stainless steel exterior that glints in the sun. In total, the museum now has over 300 cars and motorcycles in its collection. Lavish limos and Rolls-Royces appear alongside fast Porsches, Ferraris and sleek, shiny cars that appeared in famous films or were owned by well-known celebrities.

12. The Grove & Original Farmers Market

The Grove & Original Farmers Market is one of LA’s most loved landmarks. It lies in West Hollywood and has hundreds of superb shops, stands and stalls to peruse that sell everything under the sun.

Since 1934, the Original Farmers Market has been very popular with locals and tourists alike due to its endless array of coffee stands, ethnic eateries and stalls selling fresh food, artisanal products and souvenirs. Right next to it is The Grove; a huge retail and entertainment complex that has chain stores, restaurants and a massive movie theatre for guests to enjoy.

With so many eateries and establishments to stop by, it really is one of the best places to shop, dine and go out in the city.

11. Sunset Strip

The undoubted star of LA’s nightlife scene, however, is the Sunset Strip renowned for its restaurants, music venues and nightclubs. The most famous stretch of Sunset Boulevard – one of the city’s main thoroughfares – is bordered by boutiques and blingy billboards with pretty palm trees towering overhead.

Over the decades, the happening area has been the favorite hangout of mob bosses and Marilyn Monroe to massive rock stars and glam metal bands. Due to its iconic look and fabled venues, Sunset Strip has also featured in numerous films, TV shows and even video games over the years.

In addition to simply taking in its lively yet laid back ambience and seeing all the sights, you can also check out famous venues, such as the Comedy Store and Whisky a Go Go.

10. Hollywood Sign

Originally erected to advertise real estate in the Hollywood Hills, the Hollywood sign has come to represent the glamour and excitement of the movie industry. Virtually every visitor to Los Angeles wants to snap a picture of the iconic Hollywood sign, but getting a close-up shot isn’t easy.

Nowadays, the 45-foot (14-meter) high letters perched on Mount Lee are blocked off by barriers and protected by a security system. While the sign is visible from all over Tinseltown, the best places to park and take pictures are at the Griffith Observatory, Lake Hollywood Park and the Hollywood and Highland Center shopping mall.

9. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

A pool of black tar in the middle of a green city park is an unexpected sight in Los Angeles, but the famous La Brea Tar Pits have provided a treasure trove of archeological finds for the nearby George C. Page Museum. Excavations of the prehistoric site have resulted in one of the largest collections of Ice Age fossils in the world.

The oldest of the approximately 100 tons of bones hauled out of the pits date back 38,000 years. Complete skeletons of animals like saber-toothed cats, dire wolves and mastodons are on display in the museum. In the Paleontology Laboratory, visitors can watch scientists working on the latest finds.

8. Rodeo Drive

Tucked away in a 16-square-bloock area known as the Golden Triangle in the exclusive neighborhood of Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is L.A.’s most famous shopping street. While few come to buy the high-priced designer clothing and accessories sold in the luxury shops, Rodeo Drive is nevertheless a tourist hot spot.

Window-shopping is irresistible on this avenue of haute couture, and there’s always the chance of spotting a celebrity shopping for the latest styles. The mini-mall at Two Rodeo Drive always attracts attention. With its “faux-European” architecture and cobblestone street, it looks more like a theme park than a mall.

7. Santa Monica Pier

The world-famous Santa Monica Pier is actually two piers in one. With its bait shop and pier-end restaurant, the longer section built in 1909 is characteristic of most Southern California piers. It’s the shorter adjacent pier constructed in 1916 that most attracts visitors.

The elevated plaza linking the two piers is home to an old-fashioned amusement park with a vintage roller coaster, a wooden carousel and one of L.A.’s most recognizable landmarks, a solar-powered Ferris Wheel that sparkles with an ever-changing LED light show every night. There’s a small aquarium, a trapeze school and an array of tasty eateries at the pier too.

6. Hollywood Walk of Fame

The idea of memorializing celebrities with stars embedded into sidewalks was conceived in the 1950s as a way to keep the glamour of Hollywood alive. More than 2,500 stars have been added since the first permanent installation at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Gower Street in 1960. Operated by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the program has been a huge success.

Each year, around ten million visitors stroll along the mile-long stretch of sidewalk in search of their favorite actor, singer, musician, director or television personality. Closely associated and right in front of part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is the famous Chinese Theatre, which has seen some of Hollywood’s most glamorous movies stars and premieres.

5. Universal Studios Hollywood

Home to one of the oldest still-operating film studios, Universal Studios Hollywood is a sprawling complex in the San Fernando Valley best known for its family-friendly theme park. Many of the park’s rides and attractions are centered on blockbuster movies, offering an immersive experience for fans of films ranging from “King Kong” to “Waterworld.”

Behind-the-scenes studio tours are available as well. The complex also includes Universal CityWalk, an outdoor shopping center where visitors can catch live performances, see a movie or watch celebrities.

4. Disneyland

Located around an hour’s drive from Downtown Los Angeles in Orange County, Disneyland was the first of Walt Disney’s chain of theme parks. It’s been the star tourist attraction in the city of Anaheim since 1955. Adjacent to the original park is the relatively new California Adventure, which features rides and attractions inspired by the Golden State.

“Park hopper” tickets give visitors access to both parks. The meticulously maintained amusement parks are laid out in themed areas ranging from Tomorrowland and Fantasyland to Hollywood Land and Cars Land. Costumed performers wander the parks, offering children once-in-a-lifetime encounters with their favorite Disney characters.

3. Getty Center

The oil magnate Jean Paul Getty was considered one of the richest men in the world when he established the J. Paul Getty Trust in 1953. Today, the world’s wealthiest art institution funds several institutions, including the stunning billion-dollar Getty Center perched high atop L.A.’s Brentwood Hills.

A sleek hover-train funicular whisks visitors up to the museum where an extraordinary collection of artwork from the Middle Ages to the present awaits, including masterpieces like van Gogh’s “Irises,” Monet’s “Wheatstack” and “The Abduction of Europa” by Rembrandt. Outside, sculpture-ornamented gardens offer panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin.

2. Griffith Park & Observatory

One of the largest municipal parks in the United States, Griffith Park offers a welcome escape from L.A. traffic. In addition to acres of hilly trails and green spaces, the park is home to a broad array of fun-filled attractions, from the Los Angeles Zoo to the outdoor Greek Theatre.

It’s also the location of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Griffith Observatory. Built in 1935, the beautiful Art Deco complex boasts dozens of engaging exhibits, an out-of-this-world planetarium and multiple telescopes available for public use. A visit to the observatory at dusk offers views of stars emerging in the sky above and the twinkling lights of the city below.

1. Venice Beach

Tobacco magnate Abbot Kinney gets the credit for transforming a marshy stretch of shoreline south of Santa Monica into the “Venice of America.” In 1904, Kinney turned a series of drainage channels into scenic canals and constructed a Venetian-inspired arcade on the beach.

While the canals remain one of the community’s top tourist attractions in Los Angeles, most visitors head for the beach’s world-famous boardwalk where eccentric street performers compete with shops, stalls and food stands for attention. The beach’s volleyball courts, skating plaza and body-building Muscle Beach area are crowd-pleasers as well.

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Ultimate Los Angeles Bucket List (101 Things to Do in LA)

• California / In the City / Los Angeles / North America / USA

Visiting Los Angeles? Use this bucket list to plan your trip.

We lived in LA last year, and while we didn’t think it was a place we wanted to settle down, we still loved that there’s always something to do in LA (and eat). We’ve still been staying in LA one week out of every month since we moved to Las Vegas. The funny thing is (and I’m sure most people who live in LA agree) when we lived in LA, we didn’t want to drive anywhere. Now that we moved away, we’re exploring much more of the city. Now that we’re coming in from out of town, our friends are also more likely to meet us too.

Just like our  Las Vegas bucket list  that we’re quickly checking off, we created one for LA with a mix of both touristy and off the beaten path activities.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: May 16, 2024

− − Content Menu

• 101 Things to Do in Los Angeles

Tourist Attractions

• Entertainment + Shows
• Outdoors + Beaches

Shopping + Food

• 101 Things to Do in LA Map
• Where to Stay in LA

Planning Checklist

101 things to do in los angeles – your ultimate la bucket list.

We’ve broken up the bucket list into a few different categories: tourist attractions , museums , entertainment , outdoors , and shopping + food .

Union Station

(DTLA) The largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States.

Griffith Observatory →

(Griffith Park) Our favorite view in the city.

Disneyland →

(Anaheim) The O.G. of Disney theme parks.

Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood

(North Hollywood) Tour the iconic studio.

Angel’s Flight Railway

(DTLA) The world’s shortest railway! It’s right across from Grand Central Market.

Hollywood Sign →

(San Pedro) Allow yourself at least 2-3 hours for the round-trip hike. Lake Hollywood Park gives you the best view without hiking)

Hollywood Walk of Fame

(Hollywood) Take a picture with your favorite celebrity’s sidewalk star. You may be disappointed if you expect this to be glamorous, but it’s an iconic part of LA.

MULHOLLAND Drive

The road made famous by many movies.

LA County Fair →

(Pomona) Various competitions (culinary, DIY, etc) and classic fair rides.

Six Flags Magic Mountains

(Valencia) Pulse-pounding thrill rides. We’ve heard the X2 rollercoaster is crazy scary.

See More: 39 of the Best Food at Disneyland You Need to Try

The Queen Mary

(Long Beach) 1930’s ocean liner turned hotel and tourist attraction.

LA City Hall Observation Deck

(DTLA) Beautiful 27th-floor observation deck.

Paramount Studio Tour

(Hollywood) Go on a studio tour!

Hollywood Bowl Overlook aka Jerome C. Daniel Overlook

(Hollywood Hills) Great view of the iconic venue.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

(Culver City) Breathtaking views.

Warner Bros Studio Tour

(Burbank) Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the oldest film studios.

Chateau Marmont Hotel

(Hollywood Hills) Popular amongst celebrities. Modeled loosely after the Château d’Amboise in France’s Loire Valley

Universal Studios Hollywood / Universal City

Allow at least 30 minutes for parking and security.

The Getty Center

(Westside) Admission is always free, but parking isn’t. Be sure to check out the view from the gardens.

Getty Villa

(Pacific Palisades) Over 44,000 Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities to check out.

HUNTINGTON Library Art Collections and BOTANICAL Gardens →

(Pasadena) Art Collections and Botanical Gardens. One of my favorite LA experiences is the afternoon tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room .

Los Angeles County Museum of Art / LACMA

(Mid-Wilshire) This is where you’ll find the Instafamous “Urban Light.”

DTLA Art Walk

(DTLA) Take a guided walking art tour of galleries and exhibits.

Santa Monica Camera Obscura

( Santa Monica ) Take a guided walking art tour of galleries and exhibits.

Bergamot Station Arts Center

( Santa Monica ) Served as a railroad station for the Los Angeles and Independence Railroad. Free parking and free admission.

GIbbon Conservation Center →

(Santa Clarita) Home to more than 40 highly endangered gibbon apes.

Wildlife Learning Center

(Sylmar) Small animal center, great for young kids and families.

Museum of Jurassic Technology

(Culver City) We loved the micro mosaics and 3D x-rays.

Watts Towers Arts Center

(Watts) Public art sculpture that is a California Historical Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.

Aquarium of the Pacific

(Long Beach) Check out one of their VIP animal encounters.

Grammy Museum of LA Live

( Santa Monica ) Full of music history, hands-on and interactive exhibits. You can even record your own tracks.

See More: 7 Fun Things to Do in Santa Monica If You’re a First Timer

La Brea Tar Pits aka Page Museum

(Mid-Wilshire) Faux mammoths trapped in tar pits.

Korean Friendship Bell

(San Pedro) Huge bronze bell housed in a stone pavilion.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles

(Exposition Park) Largest historical museum in the western US.

Carolwood Barn

(Griffith Park) Model train museum with memorabilia from Walt Disney’s life.

Night Gallery

(DTLA) We love their unique art expos and events.

(DTLA) Contemporary art museum.

California Science Center

(Exposition Park) The West Coast’s largest hands-on science center.

Museum of Neon Art

(Glendale) Dedicated tot he preservation, collection, and interpretation of neon art.

Petersen Automotive Museum

(Mid-Wilshire) One of the world’s largest automotive museums with a unique architectural exterior.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

(Miracle Mile) Learn more about the history, science, and culutral impact of the film industry.

MOCA Museum of Contemporary Art

(DTLA) Only artist-founded museum in LA.

Bates Motel by Vincent Lamouroux Projection at Sunset Pacific Motel

(Silver Lake) Quick stop to check out the exterior.

See More: 25 Free Things to Do in LA

Entertainment and Shows

Show taping.

Check out any of the talk show’s live tapings.

Magic Castle

(Hollywood Hills) You need a magician friend to invite you.

TLC Chinese Theatre →

(Hollywood) World Heritage Site.

El Capitan Theater →

(Hollywood) The venue for a majority of the Walt Disney Studios’ film premieres.

Hollywood Bowl →

(Hollywood) a public park when there are no performances (usually Winter and Spring).

Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre →

Alternative comedy troupe founded by Amy Poehler and other comedians.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

(Hollywood) Lots of community events, live music, and summer movie screenings.

Crypto Arena (Formerly Staples Center) →

(DTLA) For a Lakers Game.

Dodger Stadium →

(Elysian Park) If you’re not going to a Dodgers game, they also run stadium tours.

The Room at the Landmark Westwood

(Westwood) Tommy Wiseau occasionally shows up in person. Bring plastic spoons. (I would recollect them afterward and reuse them.)

Vineland Drive-In Theater

(City of Industry) Old school drive-in with concessions.

Whisky a Go Go

(West Hollywood) Vibrant nightspot with live rock bands and other musical performances.

Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater

(Highland Park) The oldest children’s theater company in LA.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

(DTLA) Even the exterior is amazing!

Lucha Vavoom Burlesque Show

(DTLA) Lucha libre meets burlesque.

See More: Best Filming Locations in Burbank California

Outdoors and Beaches

Leo carrillo state beach →.

(Malibu) Dog-friendly, with many tide pools for kids to play in.

Redondo Beach

(Redondo Beach) Grab seafood and take a seaside walk.

Zuma Beach →

(Malibu) Beautiful white sand and very few rocks.

Eaton Canyon Trail, Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park

(Pasadena) 40 ft. waterfall and views of the San Gabriel mountains and Santa Monica mountains.

Point Mugu State Park →

(Malibu) Overwhelmingly beautiful ocean views.

Betty B Dearing Trail to “the Rainforest” →

Moderate hike to see hidden green plants against a small creek and a walkable makeshift bridge.

Sunken City

(San Pedro) Aka the “Atlantis of California”

Venice Beach

(Venice) Outdoor skate park, BoHo boutiques, and trendy restaurants.

Venice Canal Historic District

(Venice) Man-made canals built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney.

Runyon Canyon Park →

(Hollywood Hills) Avoid going in the afternoon, since you’re exposed to a lot of sun.

Old LA Zoo →

(Griffith Park) Free to visit, you can even picnic up there.

Cave of Munits and Castle Peak Hike →

(West Hills) Short hike to the caves, be cautious of some steeper parts and prickly plants.

See More: 37 Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles

Silver Lake Meadow

(Silver Lake) Come for a peaceful stroll or a picnic in the meadow.

Hermosa Beach

(Hermosa Beach) Clean pier, limited fishing allowed. Great neighborhood bars.

Descanso Gardens

(Pasadena) Admission is free every third Tuesday of the month.

El Matador State Beach

(Malibu) Beautiful beach with stunning formations.

Point Vincente Lighthouse

(Rancho Palos Verdes) Historic lighthouse, not open to the public, but can be seen from shore.

Exposition Park Rose Garden

(Exposition Park) 7-acre sunken garden that is known as one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

Echo Park Lake

(Echo Park) Rent a paddle boat.

Pacific Park, Santa Monica Pier

( Santa Monica ) Oceanfront Amusement Park!

South Coast Botanic Garden

(Palos Verdes) Every third Sunday of the month you can bring your pets.

Bike the Strand

22-mile bike bath that follows the coastline. Pedestrian-friendly spots can be found in Santa Monica, Venice, and Manhattan Beach.

Wisdom Tree

(Hollywood Hills) Find the trail map here .

Adored Color

(Corona) Before you shop, get a Korean color analysis by certified professionals, so you know what colors work best with your skin tone. I’m a true Spring, and Jacob is a true Autumn.

Farmers Market DTLA

(DTLA) Fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy prepared foods in a historic marketplace.

Grand Central Market

(DTLA) Been here since 1917. Our favorites were the For the Win burgers and the strawberry donut from Donut Man, my favorite West Coast donut.

Last Bookstore →

(DTLA) Check out their amazing tunnel of books.

(West Hollywood) Featuring over 60,000 books, authors, and celebrity events in a small storefront on the Sunset Strip.

Tons of stores, dining, and pop-up shops.

Rodeo Drive

(Beverly Hills) Did you know that a lot of designer stores have personal VIP rooms in the back where they bring you all the clothes? The Dior one is amazing! They wouldn’t tell me the minimum spend, but we’re guessing it’s 100k+.

Millennium Biltmore REndezvous Court

(DTLA) Afternoon tea on Saturdays and Sundays. Call ahead for reservations.

Langham Huntington Pasadena

(Pasadena) Stunning building with great restaurants. The Royce was delicious!

Amoeba Music

(Hollywood) Largest Independent Record Store

Melrose Trading Post →

(Fairfax) Sunday open-air market where you’ll find antiques, vintage goods, and collectibles.

Rose Bowl Flea Market

(Pasadena) Second Sunday of every month.

Wacko Soap Plant

(Los Feliz) Art space, gift shop, and other interesting goods.

Brennan’s

(Marina Del Ray) Turtle races on Thursdays.

Original In-n-Out Replica

(Baldwin Park) Check out a replica of what started In-n-out.

(Hollywood) Popular filming site where you can dine.

Citizen Public Market

(Culver City) Food hall with great bites.

Third Street Promenade

( Santa Monica ) Shopping and restaurant district.

Smorgasburg

(DTLA) Huge open-air food market.

Randy’s Donuts

(Inglewood) The big donut is iconic.

Map for the Ultimate Los Angeles Bucket List

Best Places to Stay in Los Angeles

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
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• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Southwest travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Save money on attractions with Go City .

What’s the first thing you would do if you visited LA? Anything I’m missing on this list?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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This Post Has 2 Comments

Thanks for sharing. I’m travelling to LA this summer. Is the sea warm enough to swim around June or July? Cheers, Tom

Hey, Tom! The water is generally pretty cold, but since it’s so hot out during the summer, it’s definitely bearable. :) Hope you enjoy it!

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Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue w/ Big Boi

THIEVERY CORPORATION

Hamilton (OPENING NIGHT)

Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago: Heart & Soul Tour 2024

USC Football vs. Utah St. (HOME OPENER)

Fireworks Finale Boyz II Men

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Usc football vs. wisconsin, ucla football vs. oregon.

Randy Newman's FAUST: The Concert

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Los Angeles is home to renowned museums, unique hotels, diverse experiences and 75 miles of sunny coastline. The best way to discover LA is by exploring all of the vibrant multicultural neighborhoods.

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Maps of Los Angeles: Tourist Map of LA, California

Home | Travel | North America | United States | California | Los Angeles | Maps of Los Angeles: Tourist Map of LA, California

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . You can get a  5% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

Are you looking for a map of Los Angeles ? When traveling, I always carry a map with me so I don’t miss any important tourist spots. To help you plan your trip, I’ve compiled the best maps of Los Angeles (California) in this post.

In this article you will find 10 maps of LA that you can print out or save on your smartphone to check anytime:

Los Angeles tourist map

• Interactive map of LA
• Map of the main attractions in LA

Los Angeles street map

• Map of Los Angeles neighborhoods

Los Angeles metro map

Los Angeles road map

High-resolution map of LA

United States map

• Map of LA for downloading

With the tourist map of Los Angeles below, you can get a very general idea of the main points of interest in the city and where they are located.

Interactive map of LA (California)

The interactive map of Los Angeles that you will find below has all the tourist attractions in Los Angeles and surroundings . Did I forget any? You can leave a comment and I’ll add it as fast as I can.

At the end of this article, you can download the kml file of this map, so you can check it anytime during your trip, even if you’re offline .

Map of the main attractions in Los Angeles

Here is a map of the main attractions in Los Angeles so that, even if you don’t have too much time to get to know the city, you can see the must-see places quickly and efficiently.

The street map of Los Angeles below will help you avoid getting lost in the city and figure out quickly where you are.

Los Angeles Neighborhood Map

I’m sure you’ve heard of many neighborhoods in Los Angeles, such as Beverly Hills, Bel-Air or Hollywood, but do you know where they are? With the map of neighborhoods of Los Angeles that I include here, you can quickly locate them.

If you want even more information, we’ve written an article on the best neighborhoods to stay in LA that you may find interesting.

A metro map of Los Angeles is an essential tool for getting around big cities like LA. You can click on the Los Angeles metro map to zoom in.

This LA road map will allow you to move around the city or get in and out of it with no problems. You can also travel the Pacific Coast Highway, a beautiful scenic drive.

If you’re afraid of getting lost in the city, don’t worry. With this high-resolution map of LA, you can zoom in and find any point.

Thinking to yourself, where is Los Angeles on a map ? Check out this map of the United States.

Map of Los Angeles for downloading

You can get the kml file of this map of Los Angeles for downloading so you can check it at any time, even when you are offline. To use it, install the Maps.me and Dropbox apps on your smartphone.

First, save the kml file that you have downloaded in Dropbox and open it from your phone using Maps.me so that all the places we’ve indicated on our interactive map are downloaded.

And that’s all! With these maps of Los Angeles, you already have everything you need to plan your trip to the City of Stars.

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Welcome to Los Angeles

Los Angeles Tourist Attractions

Amusement Parks, Shopping Centers and Malls, Hollywood, Things to do near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Free Tourist Activities, Sightseeing, Tourist Attraction Links, Museums, Outdoor Activities and Los Angeles Travel Guides.

Shopping in L.A.

Los Angeles is a world-class premium shopping destination. You'll find a variety of stores to suit every taste and budget, among different types of shopping venues. This list of Los Angeles-area malls, shopping districts (such as the Grove and Third Street Promenade) and open-air markets is organized by location. It includes factory outlets and farmers markets.

Attraction Tickets

Find admission tickets for tourist attractions, amusement parks, tours and more in Los Angeles and San Diego. Buy tickets online for places like Universal Studios, Disneyland, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Aquarium of the Pacific, StarLine Tours and other Southern California attractions.

Guided Tours of Los Angeles and Hollywood

A huge list of guided tours in Los Angeles, including tours from Hollywood Boulevard, Walking Tours, Private Tour Guides, Tips on taking a guided tour and more! This list includes company names, website links, pictures of the vans and phone numbers!

Los Angeles Sports Teams and Venues

Los Angeles hosts a number of world-famous sports teams, including professional organizations like the Dodgers and the Lakers, as well as college teams such as the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans. See the list of Venues for links to sports centers such as Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Staples Center.

Los Angeles Information

How to get Free Visitors Guides from local visitors bureaus, as well as vacation brochures and publications from travel companies and attractions. There are also lists of tourist bureaus, plus more links to government offices and Los Angeles venues.

Hotels in Los Angeles

View recommended hotels near LA International Airport (LAX), Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Beverly Hills, beach cities, West LA and other tourist destinations. There is a list of hotels near Metro Red Line train stations, where the rates are lower. You can find early booking discounts and multi-night discounts when you make reservations online. There are options ranging from budget motels all the way up to 5-star luxury hotels and resorts.

LAX Layover Activities

Some ideas on what to do during an extended layover at Los Angeles International Airport. Includes Shopping, Beaches, Hollywood, Downtown, Museums and more.

Los Angeles Dining Guides

A list of dining guides, restaurant locators and reservation services. This is not a list of restaurants, but a list of some of the best online dining guides for Los Angeles.

Hollywood attracts millions of visitors each year who travel there to pay homage to their favorite stars and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a few famous personalities. Sometimes they're lucky! On these pages you'll find famous Hollywood landmarks such as the Walk of Fame (stars on the sidewalk), the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Bowl and more. There are links to the Hollywood tourist sites such as the landmarks, as well as attractions like Hollywood and Highland entertainment center and Madame Tussaud's showcase of celebrities.

Amusement Parks

Southern California is home to a number of world-famous theme parks, including Universal Studios, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, Sea World, LEGOLAND, San Diego Zoo and many more. This list covers Los Angeles, Anaheim and San Diego.

Universal Studios Hollywood

The second most popular theme park in L.A. (behind Disneyland/California Adventure). The world-famous movie studio and theme park featuring movie studios, tours, attractions, rides, restaurants and more. Get a behind-the-scenes look at special effects techniques. See what life's like on a movie back lot. Universal Studios is a another "must see" attraction, because it's a movie studio tour and a world-class amusement park all rolled into one package. Universal Studios is just minutes from Hollywood Boulevard and Downtown Los Angeles, by car or via subway train.

Southern California's most popular amusement park, with about 19 million visitors in attendance during 2019. In the same year, Disneyland's sister park, California Adventure, drew around 10 million visitors.

Knott's Berry Farm

Amusement park near Disneyland in Orange County that features an old West theme, along with modern rides, entertainment and dining.

Los Angeles Events

Los Angeles events listings and calendars. Includes links to websites with large listings of events, as well as events by ethnicity and special interest.

Los Angeles Transportation

Information on bus and train routes and schedules. Public transportation in Los Angeles is much better than you think! You might not have to rent a car if you use the Metro Trip Planner to find the best location to rent a hotel.

Beverly Hills

Although it only spans 5.7 square miles, this little city is a world-class destination, attracting millions of visitors each year who are hoping to take some of its glitz and glamour home with them. Visitors from around the world frequent Beverly Hills in droves, searching for stars and frequenting its chichi stores, boutiques and eateries. Living up to its illustrious reputation, the city offers an exceptional selection of five-star hotels.

Santa Monica

L.A.'s most popular beach, Santa Monica offers ocean sights and activities, shopping, people watching, street performers and more. The most famous attractions are the Santa Monica Pier, the Third Street Promenade and the newly renovated Santa Monica Place mall.

Attractions in Malibu including oceanside restaurants, museums, beaches, wineries that have tasting rooms and more.

Marina del Rey

Tourist attractions near Marina del Rey in Los Angeles. Includes Fisherman's Village, High-end Restaurants on the Marina, Venice Beach near Washington Boulevard, Mother's Beach, Burton W. Chace Park, Marina del Rey WaterBus, Free Summer Concerts and more. Marina del Rey is the beach destination that is closest to L.A. International Airport (LAX).

Downtown Los Angeles

Tourist attractions in downtown Los Angeles, plus information on how to go on free guided tours. See Disney Hall plus the Performing Arts Center, MOCA museums, Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, the Jewelry District and other popular sites.

Things to do in Long Beach near Shoreline Village (including Aquarium of the Pacific), downtown Long Beach, sightseeing near the Queen Mary, San Pedro attractions near Long Beach and more.

TV Show Tickets

Find out how to be in the studio audience for game shows, attend free TV talk shows or even be in a movie! Some game shows choose participants from the audience. One website recruits people to be extras in movies.

Most Popular Tourist Attractions

Most popular pages: Tourist Attractions, Hollywood, Disneyland, Shopping and more.

Los Angeles Photo Gallery

Pictures of Los Angeles, including Universal Studios, Beverly Hills, Transportations, Hotels, Santa Monica, Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Southern California, Hollywood Sign, Outside of LA, and others.

Five-Day Tourist Itinerary

This 5-day Tourist Itinerary includes major Hollywood and Los Angeles attractions and is designed to maximize your vacation time. You will hit the ground running with a Grand Tour of Los Angeles, and you will keep busy every day. Rental car is not required , because the Itinerary focuses on guided tours and attractions near the Red Line train. You can skip the driving hassles and use the extra money to have more fun!

L.A. Tourist Word Puzzles

Word search puzzles and a crossword puzzle related to L.A. tourist attractions. Play online or download printable PDF documents.