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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

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Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park free

Griffith Observatory sits on the south face of Mount Hollywood and overlooks the Los Angeles basin. Its location gives visitors impressive views of the surrounding area, which many rave about. But there's more than just a pretty photo-op here. The observatory hosts fascinating exhibitions and features a top-notch planetarium.

Most recent visitors cited the beautiful setting as Griffith Observatory's main draw, though the free entry was certainly a bonus. However, you will have to pay between $6 and $10 to see the planetarium shows. Griffith Observatory is open Tuesdays to Fridays from noon to 10 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. A gift shop and cafe can be found on-site as well. For information about parking, public transportation and other information to plan your visit, check out Griffith Observatory's  website .

The Getty Center The Getty Center free

The Getty Center is one of the most impressive architectural achievements in the United States – and it also contains some of the finest works of art in the world. The circular concrete-and-steel structure was designed by renowned architect Richard Meier, and it houses an abundance of art from various ages and nations. Here you'll find Renaissance paintings, 20th-century American photography, Baroque sculptures, historic manuscripts and more, all housed inside a sprawling, modern campus amid the Santa Monica Mountains. The museum also offers spectacular views of Los Angeles on clear days.

Recent travelers loved the museum for its vast collection and beautiful grounds and views, with some stating that they enjoyed the tram ride to get to the museum. Many visitors suggest taking a guided tour, noting that the volunteer guides were very knowledgeable. Tours of the Getty Center's architecture and gardens are available, as well as a Collection Highlights tour and tours of art in specific eras. Tour times and days vary depending on tour type. Check the Getty Center's website for a complete calendar . Visitors can also download the GettyGuide app for self-guided tours.

Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre free

U.S. News Insider Tip: In this area, you'll find people dressed as celebrities and Hollywood characters, such as Spiderman, Shrek, Marilyn Monroe and Darth Vader. Have some cash on hand as a tip if you want to take photos with any of them. –  Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

One of Hollywood's most iconic and memorable sites, the TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman's Chinese Theatre) opened in 1927 and represents the excess of Hollywood's Golden Age. You can take a 30-minute walking tour of the theater for $16; tours are offered daily at multiple times. Because of this attraction's popularity, it's best to reserve your spot online in advance. This working theater also shows various newly released films throughout the year.

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Santa Monica Pier and Beach Santa Monica Pier and Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't miss trying the classic (and yummy!) funnel cake, a kind of fried waffle topped with powdered sugar and your choice of toppings, such as strawberries, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, whipped cream and ice cream. They are big enough to share. –  Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

West of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica contains one of the most legendary beach scenes in the United States. It also boasts an abundance of great restaurants and excellent nightlife spots. Its more than 3 miles of shoreline are renowned as some of the best in the area thanks to the soft sands, ideal weather and bevy of attractions. "State Beach," as it's known, has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and acted as the backdrop for the popular TV series "Baywatch."

Zuma Beach Zuma Beach free

Malibu has a reputation for excessive wealth and exclusivity, yet all of the town's beaches are public – everyone's welcome. If you're seeking an LA beach spot for sunbathing and swimming, look no further than Zuma. This 1.8-mile beach is far cleaner than those at Santa Monica or Venice Beach .

Malibu's Zuma Beach is considered one of the finest beaches in the Los Angeles area. Locals and tourists laud Zuma for its awesome waves, ample parking and easy access to beachside snacks. Plus, there are a plethora of lifeguard stations and bathroom facilities. Beach wheelchairs and a beach mat (from April to October) are also available.

Sunset Boulevard Sunset Boulevard free

One of the most iconic thoroughfares in the United States, Sunset Boulevard continues to live up to its legend. In the old days, it represented the classic and glamorous Hollywood lifestyle and became the setting of several famous films, including the obvious classic "Sunset Boulevard." Today, the palm-lined street (which connects downtown LA to Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Pacific Coast Highway) retains its cinematic appeal, and the Sunset Strip portion has become a popular nightlife spot. The strip is also home to many classic music venues, including the Rainbow Bar & Grill and The Roxy Theatre .

Recent visitors loved driving along this famous boulevard, adding that gorgeous sunsets can be enjoyed during late afternoon drives. But like other parts of LA, this thoroughfare gets congested with traffic.

The Original Farmers Market and The Grove The Original Farmers Market and The Grove free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Kids will love riding the free, open-air, double-decker trolley that runs through The Grove and connects to The Original Farmers Market. It runs daily from 1 to 8:45 p.m. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Sitting south of West Hollywood is one of LA's most beloved landmarks: The Original Farmers Market. Founded in 1934, this cream-colored facility reels in both residents and tourists with the promise of fresh produce and the aroma of ready-to-eat snacks. You can visit throughout the week, although hours vary depending on the day. Entry is free, but you'll want to have some cash on hand should any of the treats whet your appetite. You can park for free for up to 90 minutes at the market's two lots, provided that your ticket is validated at the market. (Fees apply for parking after the allotted 90 minutes and for non-validated tickets.) For a little help navigating the market, you can also take a guided foodie tour  (one of the best California tours ).

Los Angeles County Museum of Art Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Next door to the La Brea Tar Pits sits the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the linchpin of the Los Angeles museum district. Since its 1965 opening, LACMA has showcased thousands of pieces, from Islamic artifacts to European impressionist paintings to modern art. With constantly shifting exhibitions and unique architecture, LACMA offers a rewarding experience for both serious art buffs and casual travelers.

Currently, the museum is constructing a new building for its permanent collection, called the David Geffen Galleries, which is scheduled to open in 2024. For now, pieces will be on display in the BCAM and the Resnick Pavilion. The Urban Light and Levitated Mass exhibits remain open to visitors. There is a restaurant and grab-and-go eatery on-site. Many visitors appreciated both the indoor and outdoor art exhibits and were impressed with the size of the collection of modern and contemporary art.

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The Broad The Broad free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Two of the most popular exhibits that have blown up on social media are Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Mirror Rooms." You have to book tickets online for timed entry to these exhibits, but they are free and include general museum admission. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad founded The Broad museum in 2015 and the structure made for a stunning addition to downtown Los Angeles. The eye-catching, honeycomb building, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, is home to an expansive collection of contemporary art dating from the 1950s to the present. The collection includes works by Jean Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker and Andy Warhol. In addition to the permanent collection, temporary exhibits showcase new and emerging artists. The museum gets high marks from recent visitors who loved both the artwork and the architecture.

Runyon Canyon Park Runyon Canyon Park free

Just two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon Park is an often-overlooked urban park that offers some great views. The park boasts several hiking trails and is a popular spot for celebrities to exercise. During your hike, you'll see plenty of palm trees. Atop the canyon, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley.

Hikers recommend bring plenty of water and going later in the day since it can get hot on the trails. Some recent visitors lamented the lack of facilities, while others raved about the views.

Paramount Pictures Studios Paramount Pictures Studios

Since 1912, Paramount Pictures Studios has showcased the talents of film's all-time heavyweights, including Mae West, Alfred Hitchcock, Eddie Murphy and Meryl Streep. The notable site has been home to everything from classic television shows like "I Love Lucy" to modern favorites like "Glee" to box-office hits like "Mission: Impossible" and "Titanic." Today, Paramount Pictures is the only remaining film studio in the Hollywood area.

For an authentic Hollywood experience, set aside some time to tour the grounds . On the 2-hour studio tour, a guide will take you around the site's 65 acres in a golf cart, and you'll also be able to hop off and explore sound stages and recognizable studio sets from many current TV shows and movies. Previous visitors praised the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, although some felt the tours offered at Warner Bros. Studio were better. Also, keep in mind the tours' age restrictions. Studio and VIP tours permit visitors ages 10 and older.

Hollywood Bowl Hollywood Bowl free

If you can catch a gig at the Hollywood Bowl , LA's beautiful amphitheater, don't pass it up. Since its inaugural season in 1922, this unique stage, set in the Hollywood Hills, has entertained thousands of fans and hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Wonder, Igor Stravinsky, Madonna, Elton John and Tina Turner.

Many travelers praise the Hollywood Bowl, touting everything from the sound quality to the scenic overlook. Several also add that all of the seats offer great views and suggest arriving early with a bottle of wine and a picnic basket.

Walt Disney Concert Hall Walt Disney Concert Hall free

This Frank Gehry-designed concert hall's curvaceous, stainless-steel façade is an imposing structure in downtown LA. The hall helped revive this particular section of downtown, which was once dominated by mundane office buildings and lackluster entertainment options. Now, nightlife and culture burgeon in the area and the concert hall is at the forefront. Music-loving travelers will want to catch one of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's performances here. (For ticket and price information, visit the Los Angeles Philharmonic's website .)

You don't have to invest in concert tickets to experience this performance venue: You can follow  a self-guided audio tour of the exterior and interior (though the actual concert auditorium is off-limits). Past visitors recommend the free hourlong audio tours; self-guided tours are also offered daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For a full tour schedule, visit The Music Center's website .

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Hollywood Homes Tours Hollywood Homes Tours

Once you've seen where the stars shop, where they eat, where they surf and where they party, you'll want to see where they live. A variety of Hollywood homes tours provide ample opportunities to spot homes owned by the rich and famous. You probably won't see the celebs themselves, but you can snap pics of the homes affiliated with A-listers like Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise, Bruno Mars and Halle Berry. Also, expect to see facades that once housed the likes of Lucille Ball, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. Along with the stars' abodes, buses usually make stops at the Hollywood Walk of Fame , the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive .

Some recent travelers were disappointed because many homes are at the end of long driveways or behind hedges. Be sure to check the weather for the day: Extreme heat or a sudden shower can put a damper on an open-top bus ride.

Rodeo Drive Rodeo Drive free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stop for lunch at the hidden Mexican steakhouse, The Hideaway, on the subterranean level of the Rodeo Collection. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Immortalized by Julia Roberts' "Pretty Woman" shopping spree, Rodeo Drive is an upscale shopping street in Beverly Hills that features world-class designer stores and small private boutiques. The area is popular with wealthy shoppers, sunglass-wearing celebrities and tourists hoping to see fashion icons.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Hollywood Forever Cemetery free

As morbid as it may seem, your best chance of spotting a celebrity in LA is at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Here, you'll find the final resting places of Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille and other stars who once worked at the adjacent Paramount Pictures Studios . Maps detailing the celebrities' gravesites are available at the cemetery's flower shop or on its website . A 2 ½-hour walking tour is also available starting at $25.

Recent visitors described the cemetery's quiet grounds as "peaceful," adding that the grounds are well-maintained. Some recommend doing a walking tour to learn the stories of famous people buried there. The venue also offers cultural events, such as outdoor classic film screenings, concerts and author evenings. Visit their events calendar to find out more.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

You could spend an entire day at this property that includes a research library with 11 million items, an art museum with more than 42,000 pieces and a 130-acre botanical gardens with more than 12 themed gardens. The Huntington opened in 1928 and is a nonprofit that provides humanities scholarships, fellowships, special exhibitions and hosts more than 800,000 visitors a year. Ongoing exhibitions feature items such as Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" manuscript, replicas of Pacific Electric Railway Company's "red cars," rock slab art in the Japanese Garden, contemporary art and so much more. There are also temporary exhibits that rotate regularly. The Botanical Gardens include themed gardens – such as the California garden, jungle garden, rose garden and Japanese garden – botanical living collections and is the site for botanical conservation and research. Most visitors enjoyed touring the gardens the most and said that the gardens alone can be a full-day excursion.

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is open from Wednesdays to Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended from Monday to Thursday and required for weekend visits. Weekday admission is $25 for adults, $21 for students, $13 for youth (ages 4 to 11) and children younger than 4 explore free. Weekend rates are slightly higher. Admission is free the first Thursday of every month; you can snag tickets on the final Thursday of the month prior at 9 a.m. PST. Free parking is available. A variety of guided tours and events are offered; dates and prices vary.  View the online calendar for more information. There are restrooms, a gift shop and dining facilities on the property, as well as a limited number of picnic tables. Picnics in the garden are not permitted. For more information, visit the website .

Angeles National Forest Angeles National Forest

In about a half-hour, travelers can trade busy downtown LA for the serenity of nature at the Angeles National Forest. The almost 700,000-acre forest is an easily accessible place for locals and visitors to hike, bike, ski, ride horses, swim, fish and even camp. Encompassing the San Gabriel Mountains, terrain ranges from desert to dense forest. Perhaps one of the most visited sites is Mount San Antonio (nicknamed Mount Baldy), which is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains at 10,064 feet. There you will find a variety of hikes, from moderate to challenging. Recent visitors loved the views and found the range of trail options perfect for different types of hikers.

Visitors to the Angeles National Forest must purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass. It’s $5 for a daily pass or $30 for an annual pass; the pass is good at other national forests in the area. There are visitor and information centers in different areas of the forest, which offer general information, activities and educational events. Visit the forest's website for specific hours and details.

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La Brea Tar Pits La Brea Tar Pits free

If your kids go crazy for dinosaurs – and really, what kid doesn't? – then a visit to La Brea Tar Pits is sure to be the highlight of their trip. Although the pits look like the set of a cheesy PG movie, hot tar has been bubbling from the earth at this spot along Museum Row in the Miracle Mile for about 50,000 years. And from the gooiest part of LA, more than 3.5 million fossils have been discovered. The adjoining museum houses many of the artifacts found at the tar pits; consequently, it is home to one of the largest collections of Ice Age fossils in the world. Recent visitors said the site was very educational and the amount of fossils was impressive.

You can check out the tar pits completely free of charge, but museum tickets start at $15 for adults and $7 for children 3 to 12; reduced entry fees are available for students and seniors. LA County residents get in free Mondays through Fridays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. All tickets include tours of property facilities like the fossil lab, lake pit and observation pit; some special exhibits will cost extra. Ticket lines can be long, so consider purchasing your ticket online before you arrive. Even if you have to pay to visit, most visitors agree that the exhibits are well worth perusing.

California Science Center California Science Center free

A world of fun and exploration await kids, as well as curious adults, at the California Science Center. In the permanent "Ecosystems" exhibit, museumgoers will learn about everything from islands to rivers to forests across ten different zones via interactive displays. In "Life! Beginning," visitors learn about reproduction, mating and genes. Many recent visitors were impressed with the museum's "Air & Space" section that includes the Space Shuttle Endeavour and the Gemini 11 Capsule. An IMAX theater is also on-site. Recent visitors say the center is wonderful, lots of fun and especially great for kids.

The center is free to visit (including the Endeavour) though special exhibits and IMAX screenings incur a fee. Timed tickets for IMAX and special exhibits are required and can be purchased online . The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking costs $15. You can also take the Metro Expo Line to Expo Park/USC Station and walk five minutes to the center. Visit the center's website for more information.

Dodger Stadium Dodger Stadium

Baseball fans should enjoy a visit to Dodger Stadium, which is home to the LA Dodgers and is Major League Baseball's third oldest continually used park. The stadium is carved into Chavez Ravine and overlooks downtown LA to the south and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, making this ballpark quite unique. If the Dodgers aren't playing when you're in town, you can still see the stadium on a guided tour. Tours of the 56,000-seat stadium last approximately 90 minutes. During the tour, visitors will learn about the stadium's history and may get to go on the field, look at the Dodger Dugout or peek into the Yaamava' Dugout Club (the VIP restaurant and lounge located behind home plate), which houses the team's World Series trophies and various other awards. Additional specialty tours, such as a Jackie Robinson tour, are also offered. Recent tour-goers say the guides are knowledgeable and engaging.

The Dodger Stadium Tour is offered on the hour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (on game days ) or 3 p.m. (on nongame days). Tickets cost $30 for adults and $25 for kids 14 and younger. Specialty tours are also available for varying fees. Parking is $25 in advance and $30 to $50 at the gate, with no in-and-out privileges and no refunds. Tickets to baseball games are seasonal and prices vary.

Greystone Mansion and Park Greystone Mansion and Park free

Greystone Mansion is one of the largest mansions in Beverly Hills and an important landmark for American cinema. The nearly 13-acre parcel of land was a wedding gift from oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son, Ned, in 1926. Construction on the mansion began in 1927 and took almost three years to complete. Greystone now represents a golden age in American cinema. Many films, including "The Big Lebowski" and "Ghostbusters," and television shows like "General Hospital" and "Gilmore Girls" have been shot on these gothic-inspired grounds.

Visitors can walk around the property and self-guided tours of the inside of the mansion are offered monthly. Many visitors say Greystone Mansion has stunning grounds with picturesque views. Travelers describe the park grounds as spectacular and enjoy learning which of their favorite movies and shows used Greystone as a backdrop.

Venice Beach Venice Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Rent an e-bike at the boardwalk and spend the day riding along "The Strand" (aka the Marvin Braude Bike Trail) to the Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy delicious Mexican dishes at MariaSol, which sits at the end of the pier. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Developed in the early 20th century, Venice Beach is modeled – canals and all – after its  namesake city in Italy . Admittedly, the experiment didn't live up to its Italian inspiration, but the neighborhood has become distinctly Californian, embodying the spirit of the wealthy, the alternative and the just plain bizarre. Rather than towering churches and intimate pizzerias, you'll find canal-side mansions near funky boutiques and restaurants.

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Explore the Arts District in Downtown L.A. Explore the Arts District in Downtown L.A. free

If you're looking for a trendy hot spot, heed the advice of recent visitors and head to the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles. Formerly an urban artists' colony in the 1970s, the area is now filled with restaurants, cafes and bars serving creative cuisine and craft cocktails. Popular favorites include Angel City Brewery, Bestia, Girl & the Goat and EightyTwo, a bar that features vintage pinball and arcade machines. The neighborhood is also home to art galleries featuring a variety of genres showcasing inspiring art, art shops and art classes. One example is Art Share L.A., a 28,000-square-foot creative art space featuring community art classes, art exhibits and live performances.

According to past visitors, parking in this area can be challenging. Though there is street parking, it's limited. Travelers advise leaving your car in a public parking garage.

Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Studios Hollywood

One of the most popular attractions in the Los Angeles area, Universal Studios Hollywood features rides and amusements based on some of the most popular scenes and characters from film and television. You can take the tram Studio Tour past the creepy Bates Motel from "Psycho" and get caught up in a high-speed chase with the "Fast & Furious" cast. Kids can shake hands with cartoon favorites like The Minions and Scooby-Doo. Of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is another huge hit, as is Jurassic World – The Ride. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, a new attraction opened in 2023, features a Super Mario-themed ride, interactive games, a restaurant and shop.

If thrills are your thing, there are plenty of hair-raising coasters and rides. On Transformers: The Ride-3D, riders join Optimus Prime in his battle against the Decepticons; meanwhile, youngsters will love the 3D ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (complete with a Minion dance party).

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Abbot Kinney Boulevard free

Shoppers will love this retail mecca that stretches for a mile from Washington Boulevard to Main Street. Located a half-mile inland from Venice Beach , the boulevard features popular chain stores, such as Lululemon, Birkenstock and Warby Parker, as well as local boutique shops, including Ananda Venice, Satine and The Stronghold. In between shopping, stop for a bite to eat at The Butcher's Daughter, Plant Food + Wine or Gjelina. Or, plan your visit for the first Friday of every month, when starting at 5 p.m. dozens of food trucks serve up casual craft meals along the street.

Recent visitors suggested you stroll along Abbot Kinney Boulevard if you're in the Venice Beach area, praising its hip collection of boutiques and restaurants. In addition to the shops and eateries, reviewers also admired the colorful murals and street art. 

Grand Central Market Grand Central Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: For something fun and unique near the market, check out the Angels Flight Railway. Built in 1901, the funicular takes passengers between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. One-way tickets cost $1. – Sharael Kolberg, Contributor, Travel

Grand Central Market, or foodie heaven according to visitors, is located in downtown Los Angeles by the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad . The venue features high ceilings and an open layout, with food vendor stalls offering different cuisines that represent cultures from the Los Angeles area and beyond. The market has been in operation since 1917 and serves everything from coffee and pressed juices to deli fare, egg sandwiches, falafel, tacos and chow mein.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Whether you're interested in the deep sea, dinosaurs, insects or gems and minerals, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County offers hours of exploration of all things related to natural history. Ongoing exhibitions include the impressive Dinosaur Hall (where you can view more than 300 fossils and see 20 life-sized dinosaur skeletons), Nature Lab, Hall of Birds and Visible Vault, which houses artifacts from Aztec, Maya and Inca civilizations. Visitors said that the museum is great for all ages, with the Dinosaur Hall being the most popular attraction. There are also special exhibitions that are on display for a limited time. Kids will love the Dinosaurs Encounters Show that features juvenile dinosaur puppets. The shows are offered Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $6 per person.

Guests can also explore the nature gardens with more than 600 varieties of plants and a plethora of garden wildlife. Free guided tours are available daily. If you want to dive deeper into natural history, special programs are available for children, adults and families. Check the events calendar online for more info.

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Battleship USS Iowa Museum Battleship USS Iowa Museum

A visit to the iconic Battleship USS Iowa Museum includes access to both interior and exterior areas on seven decks. The self-guided tour lets visitors see what life was like on the ship. You'll also view the officer's wardroom, senior officer's cabins, admirals bridge, navigation bridge and crew's quarters. Recent visitors enjoyed the multiple exhibits along the route that tell the story of the Battleship USS Iowa, as well as the U.S. Navy, through artifacts, photographs, artwork and equipment. Kids can participate in the "Vicky the Dog" scavenger hunt to get a more in-depth look at the ship through the eyes of its canine mascot.

The General Access pass is valid for two hours and costs $29.95 for adults, $21.95 for kids 3 to 11 and are free for kids 2 and younger. For an additional fee, visitors can upgrade to a themed guided tour, such as the Gun Tour or Engineering Tour. Past visitors said it is worth paying extra for a guided tour. They also enjoyed their visits overall. While visiting the ship, check out the waterfront views, grab a snack at Vicky's Doghouse Café and pick up a souvenir at the Ship's Store. The ship is open daily at 10 a.m. and closes around 4 p.m. (or whenever the final guided tour ends). Parking is available, with the first hour free and $2 each hour after that, with a maximum of $20 a day.

Shop along Olvera Street Shop along Olvera Street free

Stroll this historic street in Downtown Los Angeles for authentic Mexican culture, music and cuisine. Along the block-long, brick-lined street, you'll find strolling mariachi bands, taco shops, Aztec and Mexican folkloric dancers and vendors selling handcrafted souvenirs, such as pottery, leather goods and traditional clothing. The street also hosts various traditional events throughout the year, including the Blessing of the Animals (Saturday before Easter), Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias (Mexican Independence Day), Dia de los Muertos and Las Posadas.

This Mexican marketplace is part of the El Pueblo Historic Park, the "birthplace of LA," which also includes historic sites, such as Avila Adobe (LA's oldest house), Pico House and the America Tropical Interpretive Center. 

L.A. Live L.A. Live

L.A. Live is the hub of entertainment in Downtown Los Angeles. It's features the Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers basketball teams, the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, as well as the Los Angeles Sparks women's basketball team. It's also where music fans attend world-class concerts by some of the biggest names in the industry. Other entertainment includes the interactive GRAMMY Museum, a Lucky Strike bowling alley and a Regal movie theater, as well as smaller event venues like the Microsoft Theater, The Novo and The Conga Room.

There are more than a dozen eateries to choose from, including Yard House and Katsuya. After a night of entertainment, stay over at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE or The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles.

Petersen Automotive Museum Petersen Automotive Museum

Car enthusiasts will be thrilled with a visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum as it houses a range of impressive cars, from high performance to historic. In the permanent galleries, travelers can try an exhilarating racing simulator, see the “Commutercycle” from the HBO documentary "The Lady and the Dale" and participate in hands-on activities with a Disney "Cars" theme. Featured exhibitions rotate frequently. There are an additional 250 cars that are stored in The Vault. The museum also hosts a variety of events, from exhibition openings to hands-on workshops. Visit its online calendar for more info.

Admission is $21 for adults, $13 for youth ages 12 to 17 and $11 for kids 4 to 11. There is an additional $27 fee for people 12 and older to tour The Vault (children 4 to 11 will pay an extra $10); many visitors say it's worth the fee, but warn that it could take you a half-day to explore. Keep in mind children younger than 4 cannot enter the museum nor the vault. If you're a true car fanatic, consider taking the guided Vault and Workshop tour to see both the Vault and the museum's restoration area. Tickets for this tour are limited and run on Saturdays only. Fees are $150 for individuals 4 and older.

Warner Bros. Studio Warner Bros. Studio

Located in Burbank, California – a city that sits just 5 miles north of Hollywood – Warner Bros. Studio gives visitors a close-up look at iconic movie and TV sets and props, such as the original Batmobiles, costumes from the "Harry Potter" movies and a replica of the cafe featured in "Friends." Travelers will also drive around the studio's 110-acre backlot, where 30 soundstages are used for producing shows like "Young Sheldon," "Bob Hearts Abishola," and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

Previous visitors loved exploring this property and appreciated their "fun and knowledgeable" tour guides. Additionally, many enjoyed getting out of their golf carts to go inside a working set and other buildings used for filming, citing this as the main reason to tour this studio instead of others like Paramount Pictures Studios . But keep in mind, children 7 and younger are not permitted on any tour.

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The 26 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles

By Maxwell Williams

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

Read our full Los Angeles travel guide here .

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

Angeles National Forest Arrow

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

Bradbury Building Arrow

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

The Broad Arrow

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

The Getty Center Arrow

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

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

Hannah Towey

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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17 Things To Do In Los Angeles: Complete Guide To Exploring LA & Southern California

T he vast, sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles is the largest city in California. If that wasn't big enough, the "City of Angels" even ranks as the second-largest city in the US, painting a clear picture of just how seriously big this place is. What LA looked like before Hollywood shot this part of the country to global fame is an entirely different realm; the city and its surrounding regions have undergone a complete transformation into a substantial urban hub filled with a diversity of attractions, neighborhoods, activities, and people.

More notably, the city is famed for being favored by movie stars, hopeful actors, musicians, budding artists (and plenty of surfers), and is thus a hive of the arts and comes with a booming social scene (and a ton of traffic, too) to match its electric, trendy vibe.

While Los Angeles is a place where dreams come true for many, it's not everybody's cup of tea. Some can't get enough of the place; others can't stand it. A lot of people — visitors and residents alike — claim it's far too big and expensive, which does put many off from ever visiting. However, those who know how to plan a trip to LA, where to go, what to do and see, and where to stay will find it's a top destination in California for tourists — not just residents.

When wondering what part of California to visit , Los Angeles always comes top. However, the key to the ultimate LA vacation is to take it at one's own pace and remove the pressure of trying to tick every tourist track off the list. As a place designed for enjoying life's pleasures, from eating and drinking to lounging on the beach and dancing the night away, a getaway to LA will show tourists that life is for living — but only if they go to the right places.

To help aspiring visitors have the time of their lives and experience the unique magic oozing from this city's every nook and cranny, this ultimate guide to Los Angeles, California, goes through everything they'd ever need to know: top LA attractions, where to stay, eat, and how much a vacation to LA costs.

UPDATE: 2023/07/04 09:21 EST BY BARRY JUMA

The Ultimate Travel Guide To Los Angeles & Southern California & Things To Do There

One article can't cover everything Los Angeles has to offer, but this piece certainly tries to cover a huge portion of this destination's wonders. This update places the things to do at center stage, and it's an attempt to do justice to the city of stars. Still, those planning to visit one of the most glamorous cities in the US will be spoiled for choice both within the city and nearby.

Things To Do In Los Angeles

The top attractions in LA range from budget-friendly to high-end purse string pullers. From shopping, partying, hiking, and checking out famous LA landmarks to beach lounging, surfing, and wining and dining, there are so many things to do in LA that visitors could easily spend several weeks exploring and still run out of time.

Still, whether one has a weekend in LA or a few months, these are some of the best things to do in Los Angeles.

Related: 12 Unique Stops To Make On A Road Trip From LA To San Diego

Spend The Day At Venice Beach

Venice Beach is one of the best beaches in California ranked by surf . It's just as popular among swimmers, sports lovers, and beach loungers as surfers, too, which is no surprise, given that it's an all-around eventful stretch of shoreline with a lot going on.

In between all the surgery, skaters, and street performers, visitors can watch entertaining street basketball games, gaze at street art, and eat and drink to their hearts' content at the diverse restaurants lining the beach.

Although Venice Beach is an amazing spot to spend the day, it does get crowded in peak season and on weekends, so it's not recommended for those looking for privacy, peace, and quiet.

Huntington Beach, Playa del Rey, and Redondo Beach are also some of the best beaches in LA. Also, Abbot Kinney Blvd is close to Venice Beach, which offers even more restaurants, bars, shops, galleries, and interesting (and often quirky) businesses to check out.

Plus, Abbot Kinney Boulevard's First Friday event is the best time to go; as its name suggests, it takes place on the first Friday of every month, when food trucks and live music performances move in and create a fun, flamboyant and flavorful atmosphere.

• Tour: Los Angeles Venice Beach walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours
• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: From $84.53 USD per adult

Book this tour

Check Out The Getty Museum

The Getty Museum houses an expansive art collection — its works predominately consist of pre-twentieth-century European pieces along with nineteenth and twentieth-century European and American photography.

Among its many masterpieces by renowned creatives, the establishment even features work by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and many other legendary artists.

First opened in 1997, the museum's exteriors are just as impressive, with its gardens, gorgeous architecture, and stunning city views

• Getty Museum Price : Free to enter (but parking costs $20)
• Closed on Mondays
• Tour : Los Angeles City and Getty Museum Tour
• Duration: 5 hours
• Cost: From $288 USD per adult

Stroll Down Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard is an iconic LA landmark, where street performers put on a constant show and tourists from all over the world stroll along the sidewalks.

This spot is also home to one of the most famous attractions in LA: the Walk of Fame, where over 2,700 celebrities’ handprints and footprints are on show for all to marvel at and take photos.

• Tour: Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood Boulevard Tour
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: From $24 USD per adult

Explore Downtown LA

Downtown Los Angeles has always been a popular area, but in recent years, it's received new additions that have made this part of the city an even busier place with lots to experience.

One such addition is a pedestrian center, which boasts concert halls, theaters, museums, and plenty of new restaurants.

Of course, no visit downtown would be complete without checking out LA's Grand Central Market . Boasting dozens upon dozens of the best food vendors in LA, there are so many options for grub comprising cuisines from all over the world.

• Tour: Downtown Los Angeles Architecture Walking Tour
• Cost: From $35 USD per adult

Visit Griffith Park

Griffith Park offers excellent picnicking and hiking; its lovely trails head to Mulholland Drive and provide beautiful views of the city. However, hikes aren't the only activity popular in this park.

Visitors can enjoy the Autry Western Museum, the LA Zoo, the Griffith Observatory , a golf course, a driving range, and even pony rides.

Spanning 4,310 acres, the park also houses abundant wildlife, including coyotes, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and more to look out for.

• Tour: Griffith Observatory Hike: An LA Tour through the Hollywood Hills
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Take A Tour Of Universal Studios Hollywood

• Universal Studios Hollywood one-day ticket price is $109. The two-day pass starts at $149

Universal Studios Hollywood is the world's only combined movie studio and theme park. The famed Studio Tour is a popular pastime, which only lasts an hour but grants an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse at the Hollywood.

This tour even lets participants see real movie sets from well-known flicks, such as Peter Jackson's King Kong , the plane crash scene from War of the Worlds , cars from Fast and Furious , and the Bates Hotel from Psycho .

As for the amusement park side of the complex, there's Jurassic World, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, numerous special effects shows, and so much more.

• Tour: Universal Studios Hollywood General Admission Ticket
• Duration: From $109 USD per adult
• Cost: 8 hours

Related: 10 Beaches To Visit In Los Angeles Before Summer Is Over

Go Wild At Disneyland

Located in Anaheim, Orange County, just outside of Los Angeles, Disneyland is the place to be if travelers wish to enjoy being a kid again. Rivaling Florida's theme parks, such as Disney and Universal Studios , this is the West Coast's answer to the biggest amusement parks in the Sunshine State.

The complex packs in so many rides and attractions, with popular rides including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and its Rise of the Resistance ride, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and Indiana Jones Adventure.

While it's around an hour and a half from LA, Disneyland in Anaheim is worth the venture if visitors are searching for some serious family-friendly fun and to let their inner child go wild.

Additionally, if traveling to the park from LAX, a Disneyland LAX shuttle operates the route (costing $85 for the first passenger and $10 for every extra person), affording park-goers the utmost convenience logistics-wise.

• Disneyland Anaheim tickets start at $104

Party On Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard first started life as a commuter route between the star-stuffed neighborhoods and all the film studios in and around Hollywood. Now, it's more than that; it's one of the most famous streets in the world, stretching from downtown to the ocean.

Sunset Blvd passes through the world-famous Sunset Strip, with no lack of movie studios and trendy beaches along the way. This place is a top spot for celebrity spotting, too; simply driving through and keeping an eye out for famous faces is a fun activity in itself.

Visit Santa Monica Pier

Constructed in 1909, The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most famous spots in LA and promises a fun few hours for all the family.

Located right on the beach, this spot boasts a vibrant, energized carnival vibe and is chock-full of rides, food stalls, an arcade, and carnival games, and plenty of shops.

Explore Santa Monica Pier to see precisely why this long-loved spot in Los Angeles has remained a local and tourist favorite for years.

• Address : 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Explore The Historic Old Town Pasadena

The old downtown Pasadena is only around ten minutes from Los Angeles. Extending 22 blocks, the pedestrian area is a National Register Historic District (under the National Register of Historic Places) and offers myriads of restaurants and boutique stores.

It's also fantastic for nightlife and is pretty popular among LA's young people who come for a night out on the town.

Though fashionable youngsters enjoy this area, it's enjoyed by all ages and remains a great hang-out spot, dining destination, and shopping hub.

Related: This Is The Best Beach Route To Skate In Los Angeles

Visit Huntington Library

Situated nearby Pasadena, this library looks elaborately beautiful from the outside and in, with its ornate architecture, sublime interiors, as well as its magnificent gardens — which include Chinese and Japanese gardens (the latter worthy of being one of the most tranquil Japanese gardens in the US to visit in spring ).

Of course, this isn't merely a breathtaking building with exquisite grounds; it's an enriching establishment overflowing with knowledge. In fact, the library houses some super rare, valuable books, one being a copy of The Canterbury Tales from the fifteenth century, as well as a fourteenth-century Gutenberg Bible in the main exhibition hall.

• Huntington Library ticket price: $20 (note that Huntington Library tickets cost $29 on weekends)
• Huntington Library hours: 10 am - 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

Running and hiking trails in LA are abundant; however, one of the most famous among residents and tourists is Runyon Canyon.

This area offers plenty of marked trails, with some of the easiest for beginners, including Fryman Canyon Park (2.5 miles), Los Liones Trail (3.5 miles), and Caballero Canyon (3.4 miles).

View The World-Famous Hollywood Sign

Visitors can hike to the iconic Hollywood sign via Griffith Park trails, which are open during daylight hours from sunrise to sunset.

Three trails (which take around a couple of hours or so) lead hikers to the sign, with the easiest being the Mt Hollywood Trail, followed by the Brush Canyon Trail and the Cahuenga Peak Trail, which are a little more strenuous.

The effort is worth it, though; panoramic views of Hollywood can be enjoyed from the sign — and, for that reason, the best time to visit the Hollywood sign is said to be sunset.

• Tour: The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles--FREE WATERS and PHOTOS
• Cost: From $25 USD per adult

Feed The Mind At The California Science Center

The family-friendly California Science Center is a treasure trove of educational exhibits covering a wealth of different niches. From space and aviation to biology, nature, and ecosystems (with river, forest, and island habitat exhibitions), guests can enjoy feeding their brains and eyes at this fascinating center of knowledge and research.

Although entry is free of charge, special exhibits and IMAX movies do require payment — usually anywhere from $10 to $20.

• California Science Center ticket price: Free (but parking costs between $15 and $20)
• Tour: Hollywood, California Science Center, and the Griffith Observatory from Anaheim
• Duration: 9 to 10 hours
• Cost: From $119 USD per adult

Related: A Flight To The Stars: Take This Celebrity-Themed Helicopter Ride Over Hollywood

Party In Echo Park And Silver Lake

Echo Park, Silver Lake, and the adjacent neighborhood of Los Feliz offer a constant party. These parts of Los Angeles are known for their hipster culture, trendy dive bars, and cool dining outlets that make for an awesome night on the town.

If partying sounds a little too much, though, visitors might enjoy a relaxing paddle boat ride on the lake instead.

Visit The Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The LACMA is the largest museum in the western United States and contains a humongous collection of artworks, including modern art and older masterpieces by coveted artists, such as Rembrandt, Ansel Adams, Magritte, and Cézanne.

In addition, the museum houses ancient works from all across the globe, including Roman, Greek, and Egyptian sculptures.

• LACMA ticket price: $25

Visit The Grammy Museum

Exhibitions, interactive experiences, costumes, movie artifacts, and a roster of films awaits at the famous Grammy Museum, which takes visitors through the entire timeline of the music industry and its history, along with previous Grammy winners' career stories.

• Grammy Museum ticket price: $18

How Much Does A Trip To Los Angeles Cost?

According to ChampionTraveler , the average price for a week spent in Los Angeles is just under $2,000 for a solo traveler, while that total sits at a little over $3,500 for a couple, and $6,700 for a family of four.

On average, hotels in Los Angeles range from $70 to $300 a night, and most vacation rentals are priced at anything from $250 to just over $1000 per night for a full home.

Up next, the following sections offer a deeper insight into the costs of visiting Los Angeles, from hostel and budget hotel prices to food and drink and backpacking estimates.

LA Hostel Prices

The prices of hostels in LA vary, depending on which part of the city visitors stay in. Fortunately, prices don't fluctuate too much throughout the year, but they aren't on the cheap side — yes , even for a hostel.

Dorm rooms in LA range from $30 to $50 as a starting point and can even be as high as $80 to $100 for those on the more upmarket side. A basic private hostel room with an ensuite bathroom is typically priced at around $80 to $120 a night, with most offering free Wi-Fi and a shared kitchen area for self-catering.

LA Budget Hotel Prices

The average budget two-star hotel room in LA costs roughly $100 a night. These rooms are very basic but comfortable, usually including free Wi-Fi, a TV, and air-conditioning.

Airbnb Prices in LA

Travelers who prefer Airbnbs are in luck; there are plenty of Airbnbs in Los Angeles to suit all budgets.

A basic private Airbnb room on the lower end starts at about $85 to $95 a night, while vacation rental homes and apartments can be booked for around $150 to $180 per night at a starting point.

However, these prices can double if booked last minute; therefore, reserving Airbnbs well in advance is a must in order to save big bucks.

Related: Adrenaline Junkies Only: 10 Bold Things To Do In Los Angeles

Food Prices in LA

Los Angeles is a foodie's heaven! Luckily, even for travelers on a budget, it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to get affordable and good street food in LA. This city is where food trucks, street vendors, and unique eateries proliferate, so options are seemingly endless.

Plenty of street grub and fast food options can be found for under $10; for example, hungry visitors can bag a hearty sandwich or a McDonald's for around $10 or tacos for $3 to $6.

As for restaurants, laid-back, casual dining outlets charge around $15 to $20 for a main course, while a three-course sit-down meal will range from $55 to $80, depending on the establishment.

When it comes to drinks, beer costs approximately $8 to $10, bottled water costs around $2 to $3, and coffee will be around $5.

Travelers who don't eat out and prefer to cook instead will find they'll spend between $50 to $90 a week on groceries, which will be enough for essential items like rice, pasta, bread, vegetables, and affordable meats.

Los Angeles Backpacker Budget

Backpacking in Los Angeles is a popular option among travelers exploring the West Coast.

On a low-end budget, travelers can expect to spend between $70 to $80 a day, which should cover a basic hostel dorm room, cooking for oneself (no dining out or drinking), public transportation, and free LA attractions and activities, such as exploring hiking trails and visiting beaches.

Related: Follow These Tips To Have A Non-Touristy Los Angeles Vacation

A mid-tier budget for LA is around $200 a day, which includes more comfortable accommodation in a private hostel room or an Airbnb.

This budget level also enables travelers to dine out for most meals, have a few drinks, utilize a taxi or two, and enjoy some of the pay-for activities in LA, such as attending Disneyland for the day, visiting LA museums, or catching a theater show or a concert.

A high-end budget for LA will be at least $400 a day. For this amount daily, travelers can stay in a hotel, eat and drink out anywhere they please, take taxis or rent a vehicle, and sample all the activities, attractions, and tours in LA they so desire.

Still, this budget is only the low end of the high end; a heftier daily budget will get travelers even greater luxury and experiences.

Where To Stay In Los Angeles

Ultimately, the top LA neighborhoods to stay in truly depends on travelers' preferences, style, what they intend to do and see, their budget, and also each area itself in terms of what it offers.

With those factors in mind, here's an in-depth rundown of some of the most famous neighborhoods and best places to stay in LA, along with accommodation suggestions for each based on three budget levels: budget, mid-range, and luxury.

What Are The Best Hostels In LA?

Before getting into the best places to stay in LA in each neighborhood, knowing some of the top hostels in LA is ideal for backpackers since most are on a tight budget.

For folks looking to stretch their funds without skimping on a good time, checking out the best hostels for backpackers in SoCal (top-rated SoCal hostels, at that) is a wise idea.

Related: The Ultimate List Of Dos & Don'ts When Staying In A Hostel

On the other hand, the following list of top-rated hostels in LA is based on traveler needs and preferences — which one sounds ideal for that dream trip in the City of Angeles?

• LA's best hostel for budget travelers: Samesun Hollywood Hostel
• Best family-friendly hostel: Freehand Los Angeles
• Best hostel in Los Angeles for solo female travelers: HI Los Angeles Santa Monica
• Best hostel in LA for partying on a budget: Banana Bungalow Hollywood
• Best LA hostel overall Samesun Venice Beach

For travelers free from financial constraints, luxury Los Angeles hotels might be more fitting!

What Are The Best LA Neighborhoods To Stay In?

Best place to stay in la for the celebrity experience: beverly hills.

Beverly Hills translates to rich and famous; it's the home of many of the world's A-listers, so it's no surprise some of the USA's most luxurious hotels, mansions, and restaurants bustle in this globally famed neighborhood.

Even if travelers don't stay in Beverly Hills, visiting Rodeo Drive lets everyone feel like a celeb for the day and walk among the one percent; this spot is lined with some of the world's most expensive luxury stores and boutiques, which command a pretty penny but, of course, don't cost anything to look around.

If visitors dream of staying in Beverly Hills — no matter their budget — there are a few options:

• $ Budget : Hotel del Flores (from $109 a night!)
• $$ Mid-range : Sixty Beverly Hills and Avalon Hotel
• $$$ Luxury : Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

Related: 10 Super Unique Los Angeles Hotels To Book

Best Place To Stay In LA For Budget Travelers: Venice Beach

Venice Beach is the beach destination in LA, where miles of wide-open sandy shores beckon sun-chasers and surfers. The area's iconic promenade also makes the place an incredible day out, flanked by shops and stalls selling all kinds of goodies, from food and souvenirs to clothing, trinkets, and gifts.

As one of the top spots in LA for tourists (and residents, too), Venice Beach and its promenade are also stocked with hotels and hostels to suit all budgets and preferences.

With that in mind, the following options offer some of the best accommodations in Venice Beach:

• $ Budget: Samesun Venice Beach
• $$ Mid-range: The Kinney
• $$$ Luxury : Venice V Hotel

Best Place For First-Time Visitors In LA (For The Quintessential Hollywood Experience): West Hollywood

West Hollywood is the epitome of Los Angeles as it's portrayed in the movies.

Most visitors whose experience of LA comes from the big screen will resonate with this part of California, with its famous Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards, the Walk of Fame, movie studios, and streets decorated with palm trees all under the LA sun.

This part of the city isn't the most affordable; however, it's perfect for first-time visitors seeking the signature Los Angeles experience, as it's central to almost anything and everything tourists want to do and see during their vacation. Here are some of the best places to stay in West Hollywood:

• $ Budget : Banana Bungalow West Hollywood
• $$ Mid-range : Ramada
• $$$ Luxury : Andaz West Hollywood

Best Place To Stay In LA For Families: Santa Monica

Nestled by the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica is the perfect family-friendly destination in Los Angeles and is often considered one of the safest areas.

The gorgeous beach makes for the ideal day out, enjoying water activities and sunbathing, while the nearby pier offers even more entertainment, such as stalls and amusement park rides.

Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade is also a fun place to check out; it comprises numerous blocks of pedestrian streets full of restaurants, coffee shops, and all kinds of shops and stalls. The following picks are some of the best places to stay in Santa Monica:

• $ Budget : HI Los Angeles
• $$ Mid-range : Hotel Carmel
• $$$ Luxury : Hotel Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach

Best Place To Stay In LA For The Arts And Culture: Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles (sometimes referred to as DTLA) used to be off the tourist map; synonymous with crime and the home of the infamous skid row, it was a troubled part of the city and remained a no-go for the most part. There wasn't much to do or see in this part of LA, either, which didn't help its appeal.

However, over the last couple of decades, LA's downtown has undergone an overhaul and transformed its reputation. Now, it offers an array of fancy hotels, trendy cafés and restaurants, epic cocktail bars, and popular artistic establishments — such as The Museum of Contemporary Art, the Broad Museum, and the Disney Hall concert venue.

If nightlife, the arts, and culture are of focus, then downtown LA deserves a chance to impress. For those interested, here are some of the best places to stay in downtown LA:

• $ Budget : Little Tokyo Hotel
• $$ Mid-range: Freehand Los Angeles
• $$$ Luxury : The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles and Level Furnished Apartments – Downtown South Olive

Related: 8 Things You Shouldn't Miss When Visiting Los Angeles

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37 BEST Places to Visit in Los Angeles (2024)

What can you say about Los Angeles? It’s the city of angels, known just as much for its tourist vibe as it is for its entertainment and its close connections with the television and media industry. For anyone who’s interested in relaxing in the sun while they watch for celebrities or taking photos at famous movie sites, this is the place to come.

But Los Angeles doesn’t usually appeal to every type of traveler. If you’re not interested in seeing celebrities’ gates or immersing yourself in a culture that seems devoted to appearances and little more, this destination can seem like one to avoid. However, despite the advertisements, there is more to this city than meets the eye. And it’s definitely a place worth visiting if you’re interested in some fun nights out, more entertainment options then you could ever see, and some amazing food.

To help you find the places in Los Angeles that appeal to you, we’ve created this easy guide to this flashy city.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Los Angeles:

These are the best places to visit in los angeles, faq on the best places to visit in los angeles, final thoughts on the coolest places to visit in los angeles.

Hollywood, California is a top destination for tourists and our recommendation for where to stay in Los Angeles for the first time.

• Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Tickle your taste buds with a famous In-N-Out burger
• Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, a quirky and interesting museum

And if you need more inspiration on where to stay in Los Angeles, consider checking out one of the best vacation rentals in the city.

Los Angeles is home not only to many famous tourist attractions (and the hopes and dreams of aspiring young performers hoping to catch their big break), but also an immense metropolis of distinct neighbourhoods that appear to be mini-cities within themselves. Get the low down on where to stay in Los Angeles before delving into the magic below.

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#1 – Venice Beach – One of the more unique places to visit in Los Angeles!

• A place to see a side of Los Angeles that has nothing to do with the movies.
• Soak up the rays and relax.
• Lots of great food options in the area.

Why it’s so awesome : If you get sick of the polished perfection of Hollywood then Venice Beach is another gem of visiting Los Angeles . This is an area that, despite the rush of tourists, holds onto its bohemian vibe and remains stubbornly eccentric. Some would even call it a little crazy. No matter who you are or what you like, this place will welcome you and offer people and attractions that suit your preferences.

What to do there : One of the best things to do in this area is people-watch, and you’ll find no shortage of fascinating and unusual people on the boardwalk. You’ll see everything from bodybuilders to skaters and everything in between. When or if you get sick of that, grab lunch at one of the many great restaurants or cafes in the area. Also, if you like to read then make sure you check out Small World Books for a kooky selection.

#2 – Rodeo Drive – A great place in Los Angeles if you love to shop!

• Made famous in some of the most popular movies and TV shows of all time.
• A great place for designer labels.
• The people watching in this area is amazing.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’ve seen the movie Pretty Woman , then you’ve seen Rodeo Drive. This is the shopping center of Los Angeles for people who enjoy designer everything and high-class, expensive boutiques. Just walking along this street can make you feel as if you’re on the set of a movie. It’s also located in Beverly Hills, which is one of the safest places in LA !

What to do there : Obviously you could drop a lot of cash in this area if you have it spare. You’ll find every prominent label in existence in this street, and none of them are cheap. But if you don’t have the money or any interest in buying designer clothes then it’s great to just window shop in this area. Also, if you enjoy architecture, make sure you check out the nearby Anderson Court, a shopping mall that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

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#3 – Universal Studios Hollywood

• A place where movie lovers can indulge their hobby.
• Great for photographers who want that iconic shot of Los Angeles!
• Kids will love the rides and other attractions.

Why it’s so awesome : Universal Studios in Hollywood isn’t technically a studio for actors anymore, instead, it’s a theme park that celebrates everything to do with the movies. This is the place to come if you love Harry Potter , the Fast and the Furious or any other Universal Studio movie and want to walk in the footsteps of the stars. And it isn’t just for kids either. Apart from rides and shows, they also have bars and restaurants as well as rides that are based on shows that are too scary for kids!

What to do there : There’s no shortage of things to do at Universal . This is a place to take the kids, or a handful of your friends, and just be a child again. Check out the Walking Dead Attraction, watch a movie at the cinema, drink butterbeer at the Harry Potter-themed pub and go on all the rides. And if you’re looking for a little more of a thrill, watch the Water World Show, or try the Revenge of the Mummy ride for some real scares.

#4 – The Broad – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Los Angeles

• A new museum that’s generating a lot of buzz.
• Some truly spectacular displays of light and technology.
• Free admission!

Why it’s so awesome: This is a contemporary art museum with a difference. Not only is it free to get into, which makes it a great place to offset your spending in other places in Los Angeles, the displays are also groundbreaking. Particularly popular are the Infinity Mirrored Rooms, designed by Yayoi Kusama. These are mirrored rooms that reflect LED lights that go on forever, just as they do in space. The display is so popular that there’s usually a wait of hours to get in!

What to do there : Make sure you see the Infinity Mirrored Rooms but don’t miss the other displays either. The museum has several permanent displays as well as rotating ones. So check out what’s on before you go so you know what the must-sees are.

#5 – The Museum of Jurassic Technology – One of the more unique places to visit in Los Angeles!

• A fun and educational place.
• A pseudo-scientific nook in the center of the city.
• If you enjoy things that are quirky, you’ll enjoy a trip to this museum.

Why it’s so awesome : This museum mixes fact with fiction in a way that leaves you wondering which is which. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with the movie, instead, it focuses on scientific wonders both real and imagined. It’s a kooky little place and one that’s a nice break from the movie-obsessed city, so make sure you add it to your Los Angeles itinerary!

What to do there : This is a place to enjoy the oddities and try to work out what’s real and what’s not. There are a lot of weird things in this museum, from minuscule sculptures to bats that can fly through walls, and spending some time here is an exercise in getting your mind bent into a new shape!

#6 – Griffith Observatory

• Get in touch with some real stars while you’re in the city!
• A slightly strange observatory, because the light of the city means you can’t actually see much through the telescope.
• It has several fascinating and educational displays.

Why it’s so awesome : Los Angeles’ light pollution means that you can’t see any stars from the city, which might make an observatory seem a little redundant. However, there’s more than just a telescope at this place. You could easily spend a few hours here exploring the relationship between man and the rest of the universe through the exhibitions, so it’s well worth taking that time to just look around.

What to do there : While you’re there, make sure that you check out the Hall of the Eye and the Hall of the Sky displays. These two displays are connected and are fascinating enough that you probably won’t realize you’re actually learning more about man’s connection to the universe as you watch!

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#7- The Getty

• Great for lovers of fine art.
• One of the best collections of artwork in the world.
• There is art from almost every period in history, so you’ll definitely find something you like.

Why it’s so awesome : You wouldn’t think that Los Angeles would be home to one of the finest art collections in the world and yet the Getty contains just that. You’ll find art by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh as well as a very impressive collection of amazing photographs taken by some of the biggest names in this field.

What to do there : This is the type of collection that you need to take your time with. Make sure you look for your favorite artists but be open to new names as well. That’s the great things about places like this, they open your mind to all kinds of new possibilities.

#8 – The Hollywood Walk of Fame

• Find handprints left by today’s celebrities and old favorites too.
• A great place to take photos.
• One of the most iconic places in Los Angeles.

Why it’s so awesome : Everyone has heard about the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where more than 2,500 celebrities have their names and handprints immortalized in concrete. If you’re a film fanatic, or just want to take a photo next to your favorite star’s handprint, this is a great place to spend a little time.

What to do there: Browse the names. The Walk of Fame is larger than you might think and when you walk along with it, you’ll probably find a few names you hadn’t expected. This iconic spot isn’t as glitzy as it looks in the movies or on awards nights, but it’s well worth a look anyway.

#9 – Walt Disney Concert Hall

• Home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
• A spiky, metal covered building that’s impressive in its own right.
• There are over 250 concerts here a year.

Why it’s so awesome : If you enjoy music and architecture then this venue combines the two interests. The building itself was designed by Frank Gehry and is a spiky, strangely attractive building that juts into the air at seemingly random angles. But even if architecture isn’t your thing, the music here will make up for it. The acoustics are amazing, and the concerts are absolutely first-rate too.

What to do there : Make sure you take a photograph with this building in the background because it would make a quirky and interesting shot. Also, check the local programs to see what concerts are on while you’re in the city. The best of the best play here, and there’s nothing like seeing a great concert in a place that’s designed to get the most from the music.

#10 – TCL Chinese Theater – Cool place to see in Los Angeles with friends!

• A great place to get some photos.
• The building has welcomed some of the world’s biggest stars and it will welcome you too!
• You can see a movie and see where the stars have sat.

Why it’s so awesome : This is the prime spot for movie premiers in Los Angeles, which means that the biggest stars in the world have spent time in this theater. But if this second-hand celebrity encounter isn’t enough, the theater itself is still worth seeing. Its Chinese-style pagodas and temples are both iconic and striking and it’s an important symbol of America’s celebrity culture.

What to do there : You have to buy a ticket to see the inside of the theater but it’s free to just explore the courtyard. This building has become a symbol of celebrity culture and glamor because of its proximity to the Walk of Fame so you can get some great photos while you’re there, so make sure that you bring your camera with you . It’s worth buying a ticket to see a movie though if only so you can say that you’ve watched a movie in the same theater that’s held the world’s biggest stars.

#11 – Try To Escape From The Escape Game

Why it’s so awesome :If you are after something challenging, immersive but totally then then the LA Escape Game may be just what you are looking for. The Escape Game LA features a variety of different rooms which participants (that’s you and your crew) must try to escape from by working as a team, solving clues and completing puzzles.

What to do there : All of their games are designed to be suitable for everybody, from first-time players to experienced escapologists. No matter which one you decide to play, you’re sure to have an absolute blast!

#12 – Santa Monica Pier

• A great place to spend a sunny day eating junk food and riding a Ferris Wheel next to the ocean.
• If you like to people watch, this is a prime location for it.
• In the afternoon, the sunsets are spectacular from this location.

Why it’s so awesome : Sometimes it’s nice to remember that even in Los Angeles, there are places that offer ordinary fun. It isn’t all celebrities and high-end boutiques; the Santa Monica Pier offers the kind of fun that’s best enjoyed with friends or family. There’s a Ferris wheel, cotton candy, and amazing sunsets to enjoy at this location. So, take an afternoon and get reacquainted with things that were probably part of your childhood. It is one of the best day trips to take from LA .

What to do there : This is the place for old school fair activities. Ride the Ferris wheel and the roller coaster before you tuck in to typical fair food such as cotton candy and hot dogs. And stay late in the day because the sight of the sun setting over the Pacific is something that everyone should see at least once.

#12 – Farmers Market

• There’s a real sense of community and connection here that you’ll really enjoy.
• Great food and drink options.
• A prime spot for people watching.

Why it’s so awesome: The Farmers Market was founded in 1934 by a collective of farmers and nothing much has changed since that time. The market is held at 3rd and Fairfax, and it’s where all the locals go to enjoy good food, buy fresh goods, and enjoy a bit of community. There are now more than 85 shops at the market, and you’ll find everything from a barbeque place to a kebab stand there.

What to do there : All you need to do while you’re in this area is eat, drink and watch the people. This area has a laidback vibe that seems to conflict with the rest of the city. But this vibe has also contributed to the strong sense of community that the market has created. So just take your time and relax in the open-air bazaar, explore the many stores, and if you want to do some celebrity spotting afterwards then head down to The Grove shopping area nearby, where stars go to pick up the milk.

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#13 – Disneyland Park – Awesome place to visit in Los Angeles with kids!

• It’s Disneyland!
• Great for kids and adults who remember their childhood.
• You’ll get some amazing photos here and perhaps even see some favorite characters!

Why it’s so awesome : What isn’t awesome about Disneyland? It’s a place that’s dedicated to stories, to dreams, and to letting your imagination run wild. Of course, it’s also dedicated to outrageous prices, crowds, and heat, but you can ignore that for one day to see some of your favorite Disney characters walking around.

What to do there: There’s no end of things to do here with seven lands that are all dedicated to different themes and Disney cartoons. Make sure you try out rides like the epic Indiana Jones Adventure and the Grizzly River Run if you like a bit of a thrill. And if you’re not one for rides, then just stroll down Main Street USA. This is one of the main streets in Disneyland and there’s always something going on there from parades to fireworks and visiting Disney characters. Make sure you keep your camera at the ready!

#14 – Hollywood Bowl

• Made famous in movies and so much bigger in reality!
• Showcases everything from rock bands to the Philharmonic.
• Best of all, it’s completely casual, so take some food and a bottle of wine and enjoy!

Why it’s so awesome : This is a place where you can listen to music while you’re outside under the night sky. The venue plays host to a range of musical styles which are great on their own, but the real draw is the relaxed vibe. Chances are that cramming together in the bleachers and sharing your food with the people next to you will net you some new friends! And that’s what places like this are all about.

What to do there : While you’re in the city you absolutely must see a show at the Hollywood Bowl. And it doesn’t really matter which one either. The whole point of this place is to listen to music while you’re under the night sky. And this goal makes for a really relaxed atmosphere, so take your food and drink and share it with the people sitting next to you to make some new friends.

#15 – Griffith Park – One of the nicer places in Los Angeles to sightsee!

• A nice natural area where you can walk outside of the busyness of the city.
• There are a lot of different routes which will take you to various iconic spots in the city.
• If you don’t feel like walking, you can always go on horseback!

Why it’s so awesome : Chances are you’ll be getting around by car and by public transport while you’re in Los Angeles and sometimes there’s nothing better than taking a break from that and stretching your legs. And when you can do that in a place with panoramic and iconic views of the city, all the better!

What to do there : This park is extremely accessible and popular amongst locals and tourists alike. If you enjoy walking you can make it all the way up Mount Hollywood and be treated to views of the Los Angeles basin and the Hollywood sign. And if you’re a little more adventurous, you can hire a horse at the nearby private stables and take the specially marked trails to the same spots.

#16 – Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

• Has exhibits ranging from the start of art history to the present day.
• A great place for art lovers to spend some time.
• Educational and interesting.

Why it’s so awesome : This art museum has been modernizing of late, with more contemporary displays than ever before. You can see artwork from the ancient past as well as these more modern pieces and it will give you an education on art that you will never forget.

What to do there: This is a peaceful, enlightening place to spend an afternoon. Wander the halls and see through the eyes of some of the greatest artists who have ever lived. With that kind of inspiration, maybe you’ll get inspired to create something yourself!

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#17 – The Museum of Death – Quite the quirky place in Los Angeles!

• A spooky look at the past.
• It’s ideal for people who like to walk a little more on the macabre side.
• Good for anyone who’s interested in true crime.

Why it’s so awesome: This museum doesn’t shy away from the spookiest parts of humanity. It’s devoted entirely to the memorabilia left behind by some of the most infamous serial killers in history and other exhibits to do with murder and death. This is the place where you can look at some of history’s most famous and sadistic instruments of death and be reminded of just how precious life is.

What to do there : If you’ve ever been morbidly curious about crime scene photos or the most famous serial killers in history, you’ll learn about them here. Dahmer, the Manson Murders and original photos from the Dahlia Murders all have a place here. Basically, it’s a museum that will make you thoroughly creeped out about the people all around you.

#18 – The Underground Tunnels of Los Angeles – One of the most underrated places to see in Los Angeles

• Left behind from the days of Prohibition.
• A slightly creepy and sobering look at the past.
• A chance to get a look at a side of Los Angeles that most people never see.

Why it’s so awesome : These tunnels were once service tunnels, but during the days of Prohibition they became a way to transport liquor to speakeasies all around the city. During these long-ago days, the Major’s office ran the show, and people from all walks of life wandered around drinking below the law-abiding portion of the city.

What to do there : It’s an adventure in itself to find these tunnels. You need to go behind the Hall of Records on Temple Street where there’s an almost hidden elevator. The passages below are filled with strange street art, and gated where some areas have become unstable over the years. So remember to stay safe , take some friends with you, avoid the blocked-off areas, and just explore.

#19 – The Old Zoo Picnic Area

• A depressing look at how society treats animals.
• Educational and even important, but not an enjoyable lesson.

Why it’s so awesome : Modern zoos can sometimes be good places where the focus is on education and protecting endangered animals. But this isn’t always the case, and, in the past, it was hardly ever the case. The Old Zoo Picnic Area is a stark reminder of that reality. This zoo was closed in 1966 but some of the cages still remain, a reminder of a past that shouldn’t be forgotten.

What to do there : This is now a picnic area with benches and grills where you can hang out with your friends and have a nice meal. But don’t forget to at least acknowledge the other side of this place. There’s a trail that will take you up from the caves and around to more of the abandoned cages so you can experience just what it was like to be on the other side of the bars.

#20 – Necromance

• The best place to find souvenirs that are a little different than normal.
• Best for people who have a strong stomach.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’re tired of the usual souvenirs then check out this shop. Here you’ll find a wide range of antiques and oddities from medical instruments to stuffed animals. All of the goods in this shop are antiques and you could easily spend an hour or so looking at all the strangeness people have made through the ages!

What to do there : Make sure you buy something to take home. You obviously don’t have to choose something macabre like a Victorian bone saw, but there’s a wide range of goods available, so there will be something that will appeal to you or to someone you know!

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#21 – Hollywood Forever Cemetery

• Surrounded by lush, natural surroundings that are really beautiful considering what they contain.
• In the summer, they have film screenings in the park.
• Lots of olden day stars such as Estelle Getty and Johnny Ramone were laid to rest here.

Why it’s so awesome : This place is a slightly macabre look at celebrity culture and a reminder that nothing lasts forever. Even if you don’t like this lesson, the parks are truly beautiful and are listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, so they’re really worth seeing.

What to do there : If you like classic Hollywood films then make sure you attend one of the summer movie screenings and watch the action projected on the wall of a mausoleum! Just bring a blanket and some food and you can lie out under the stars and enjoy some classic cinema very close to where the stars of it could be buried. Apart from that, the cemetery is home to lots of stunning statues and mausoleums. So, if you’re interested in that kind of artwork then you’ll find lots of interesting examples when you walk around this site.

#22 – Phantasma Gloria – One of the more unique places to visit in Los Angeles!

• If you enjoy unusual art, then you’ll love this!
• By appointment only.

Why it’s so awesome : This is a sculpture that’s designed to capture the light in all its glory. Over 24 feet tall and 50 feet long, the artist has created this web on his property and eventually it will wrap all the way around his yard. It’s made of colored glass, wire, and colored water and will only get bigger over time!

What to do there : This sculpture is a marvel of engineering and inventiveness. It’s open by appointment only on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 and 4, when the sun hits it just right. While you’re there, look closely at the twists of wire and glass, you’ll see dolphins and other shapes within the carefully crafted sculpture and start to understand the intricacy of the artist’s vision.

#23 – Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels – One of the most religious places to see in Los Angeles

• An architecturally unique postmodern building.
• The building is extremely elaborate, with the doors alone priced at over 3 million dollars.
• The lower level contains the relics of an early Roman saint

Why it’s so awesome : This church is spectacular, and for the amount of money spent on its construction it really should be. The archbishop at the time wanted to make a statement with the Cathedral and spared absolutely no expense on its construction. He spent 5 million dollars on a table, 3 million on a single set of doors, and 2 million for the wooden ambo and it shows. The result is an opulent display that really draws attention.

What to do there : If you’re Catholic then this Cathedral would hold great significance. The lower level houses a crypt with more than 6000 church officials, Gregory Peck, and the relics left behind by the early Roman martyr Saint Vibiana. But even if you aren’t Catholic, it’s worth visiting the site just to take in the opulence and rich furnishings of this fortress-like construction.

#24 – Ennis House

• Made famous in movies and TV shows like  Haunted House ,  Blade Runner,  and  Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
• An architectural gem.
• A weird and quirky piece of construction that has to be seen to be believed.

Why it’s so awesome: The Ennis House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 1920s and is a marvel of engineering and architecture. It was restored in the 1970s after rain and earthquake damage and was designated a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument in 1976.

What to do there : Visitors are only allowed into the building on rare occasions so make sure you keep your eyes open during your trip to see if there’s a chance you’ll be able to go inside. But even if you can’t, the exterior of the house is stunning on its own, and if you’re a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer , you’ll probably recognize the building as it was used during the iconic TV show!

#25 – Garden of Oz

• A fantastic place to get a quirky and unique photo op!
• A private garden that’s been turned into a showcase of color and magic.

Why it’s so awesome : This is a private garden in the Hollywood Hills that the owner has turned into a fantastical and whimsical space! Instead of concrete and dirt flower beds, you’ll find mosaics, thrones and fantastical creatures all over this area. It features hundreds of plants, a yellow brick road, and whimsical displays that bring to mind Munchkin land from the iconic movie.

There are also numerous thrones throughout the area, each of them dedicated to someone who’s important to the artist’s life. To that end, there’s a throne for Rosa Parks, the Dalai Lama, Elvis Presley and a friend of the artist who survived the Hiroshima bombing.

What to do there : This garden is on private property and the owner doesn’t give tours, though the neighborhood children apparently all have keys so they can play in the space. But if you’re interested, you can easily see most of the garden from the street and take in the whimsical beauty of the eclectic space.

#26 – Velaslavasay Panorama

• A stunning reminder of the past.
• This is 3D art with a difference!

Why it’s so awesome : If you want to see something truly unique then this is where to come. In the 1700s and 1800s, a new form of media was invented known as panoramic paintings. This was a form of 3D media that fell out of flavor when film and photos came along. Enormous paintings were displayed in circular rooms or on moving rollers to creating a moving landscape for the audience. And this venue is bringing back this old art form, with 360-degree displays that include light and sound.

What to do there : The display at this venue changes frequently so find out what’s on and go to see it. The shows include soundtracks as well as lights to create a truly 3-dimensional experience that has to be seen to be believed. A beautiful reminder of an old art form that deserves a place in today’s art world!

#27 – The Hollywood Sign

• Quite possibly the most famous site in Los Angeles.
• A great opportunity for a photo op.
• Built as a temporary advertisement that has stood the test of time!

Why it’s so awesome : Built-in 1923, the Hollywood sign was meant to last eight months but has become one of the most iconic sights in the city! You can see the sign in countless movies, TV shows, and celebrity photos and you really should own your picture of the sign too!

What to do there : It’s a fair hike up to the sign, around 45 minutes depending on how fast you go, and once you’re up there don’t try to climb or touch the fence that protects the site. Just take photos up there and take in the views. From this high-up landmark, you can see all of downtown Los Angeles, the Santa Ana Mountains and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. And you don’t have to stop at the sign either. If you want even better views, there are steps that go higher that will let you see even further and take in even more of the city.

#28 – Downtown – An awesome place to visit in Los Angeles for half a day!

• A perfect place to take a walking tour of Los Angeles’ architecture.
• You can do a walking tour on your own or there are a number of organized tours available.
• Lots of chances for pictures.

Why it’s so awesome : Los Angeles is a busy, exciting city and the best way to see it is on foot. By taking a walking tour on your own or with a group through the Downtown area you’ll be able to see some cool architecture and buildings that you recognize from the sets of movies and TV shows!

What to do there : Take lots of pictures while you’re wandering around. Los Angeles’s buildings range from Art Deco style to historic theaters and the mix is both interesting and indicative of the city’s history. If you do take an organized tour, make sure you book early as they’re popular, but you’ll also be fine walking around on your own. If you’re a fan of nightlife, then Downtown LA is also your best bet to find a hostel where you can stay close to all the fun.

#29 – Runyon Canyon Park – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Los Angeles

• An often-overlooked slice of nature in the city.
• A great place to get away from the city and breathe in the cleaner air.
• If you enjoy walking, hiking or running then there’s plenty of room here to really stretch out.

Why it’s so awesome : Green spaces in the middle of concrete and stone jungles are like gems in cities like Los Angles and this park is perfectly positioned to give you a break from the rush if you need it. It’s seldom visited by tourists which makes it the perfect place to have a rest before you dive back into the high-tech busyness of the city.

What to do there: There are some great views throughout the canyon. You can see the San Fernando Valley and the Pacific Ocean from selected spots as well as the Hollywood sign. This is a popular spot for the locals to exercise, so while you’re doing some hiking you might just see a celebrity keeping their world-famous body in shape too!

#30 – Peterson Automotive Museum

• A quirky, interesting building that looks great in photos.
• For car lovers of all kinds.
• Includes historical information as well as displays of famous movie cars!

Why it’s so awesome : This strange-looking building is located on the Miracle Mile, which was the first commercial development in the city that was designed for the benefit of drivers. And this museum celebrates that history in fine style. Apart from the historical information you’ll learn here, you’ll also get to see displays of some of the world’s most amazing cars, including the Batmobile!

What to do there : What else? Look at cars! You’ll be able to learn about the industrial process as it is today and as it was in the past and see an entire showroom dedicated to luxury vintage vehicles. If you’re a car buff, this will probably be your version of heaven. And even if you don’t like cars you can explore the driving simulation stations and augmented reality scavenger hunt experience.

#31 – La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

• A slightly quirky but still fascinating place.
• Another iconic location in Los Angeles.
• You’ll get some great photos here.
• Great for kids.

Why it’s so awesome : If your kids love dinosaurs, and what kids don’t, then they’ll love this museum. These tar pits have been bubbling for hundreds of thousands of years and more than a million animal bones have been found in their depths. And a lot of them are on display in the museum for your kids to marvel at.

What to do there : The tar pits are free, so check them out and take photos with your group or kids to mark the occasion. Then, if you’re interested in learning more, make sure you check out the attached museum to explore the creatures whose bones were preserved in the bubbling mess.

#32 – Zuma Beach

• Improve your tan and soak in the vibe of exclusivity.
• The activities here are first-rate so if you enjoy surfing or swimming, make sure you do it here.
• Great for kids and adults, with lots of facilities and lifeguards to make the day comfortable and safe.

Why it’s so awesome : This is Malibu, where everyone is beautiful and movie sets are everywhere and you can explore the same beaches you’ve probably seen in countless movies and on TV shows. Zuma Beach is a great place to explore that natural beauty and exclusive vibe, and it’s considered one of the best beaches in Los Angeles too.

What to do there: This is a beach where you should spend some time just people watching. But when you get sick of that, it’s a great place for activities too. The water is very clean, the waves are great for surfing and there are a lot of shops around where you can get a snack when you get tired of the sun. All in all, this beach makes for a great day in the sun!

#33 – Sunset Boulevard – A great place to visit in Los Angeles at night

• Don’t you want to get a photo on this iconic street?
• Made famous in some of history’s greatest movies.
• A beautiful, palm-lined street that still has great aesthetic appeal.

Why it’s so awesome : If you haven’t seen this street in movies then you probably never go to the theater. This street actually had a movie named after it, which is why people line up to take their picture under the street sign. And even if you’re not interested in that, the street is known for its nightlife and is lined with classic music venues where you can listen to some great tunes while you have a drink.

What to do there: Go there during the day to take your pictures in the sunlit streets and under the sign but also make sure you go there at night. Some of the bars and clubs here are legendary for their musical talent, including the Roxy Theater and the Rainbow Bar and Grill, so make sure you check them out.

#34 – Third Street Promenade

• Get some eclectic souvenirs and other goods here.
• An opening air shopping area with all the popular shops as well as some stranger options.
• Great restaurants in this area.

Why it’s so awesome : If you want to do some shopping in a slightly less touristy place then this shopping center is a good choice. You’ll find all your favorite shops here as well as some more unusual choices such as a toy shop obsessed with puzzles and a rare books shop.

What to do there: Visit your favorite shops while they’re there and available and see if you can get some bargains. Make sure that you have lunch while you’re in the area too, as the restaurants here are the best in the city. But it’s the promenade’s atmosphere that’s the most interesting, with street performers and a noisy, busy atmosphere that’s set up for anyone who wants to people watch.

#35 – Warner Brothers Studios

• A must see when you’re in Los Angeles.
• Home to hit shows and some of the biggest movies.

Why it’s so awesome: If you want to see iconic movie and TV sets and props then you’ll experience all that and more at this landmark venue. The Batmobile, Harry Potter props and shows like The Big Bang Theory and Ellen DeGeneres all have a home here and you’ll get to experience them all!

What to do there : This studio is located 5 miles north of Hollywood and is an easy trip from the city when you have a free afternoon. You can wander the grounds and get a tour guide to show you around. And unlike some other studio tours, when you visit this location you can even walk around working sets!

#36 – Greystone Mansion and Park – A nice quiet place to see in Los Angeles

• A relic from the golden age of Hollywood.
• One of the largest mansions in Los Angeles.
• Shows like  Gilmore Girls ,  Ghostbusters  and  General Hospital  were all shot on these grounds.
• Lots of photo ops.

Why it’s so awesome : If you’ve watched TV in the last ten years then you’ve probably seen shots of this mansion even if you didn’t know where it was at the time. Despite its popularity in the cinema and on TV, this is actually a neglected landmark that’s a quiet respite from the city. So if you’re looking for a little break in a beautiful garden with a koi pond, flowers, and fountains, then this is the place you’re looking for.

What to do there : You can’t go into the mansion, but the grounds are open to visitors. Make sure you have a good walk around and see if you recognize any areas from your favorite shows and take a photo to remember the moment. Apart from that, just enjoy the serenity and beauty of the gardens.

#37 – Paramount Pictures Studios

• The last movie studio still in Los Angeles.
• This studio has showcased some of the world’s best starts.
• Lots of photo ops here!

Why it’s so awesome : If you like movies then taking a tour around a place that makes them is an incredible treat. Some of the set designs from this studio’s most popular shows are still in place so you can walk into the scene and actually experience a part of the movie from the inside. As an added bonus, there are several different types of tours. So, if you like to walk, take the walking tour. And if you’re a little more restricted in what you can do or want to do, the golf cart tours are probably right for you.

What to do there : You can take a two-hour tour around the studio during which you’ll actually get to look at some incredibly famous sets all from the comfort of a golf cart. You can see the set of I Love Lucy , Titanic , or even Mission: Impossible . There’s also an After Dark tour for adults only where you’ll get to see some of the sets that aren’t really suitable for children.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Los Angeles

What are the best places to visit in LA at night?

For some epic nightlife and great parties, check out these places in Los Angeles: – Sunset Boulevard – Venice Beach – Hollywood Bowl

What places are free to visit in Los Angeles?

Check out these free places to visit in Los Angeles: – The Broad – Venice Beach – Santa Monica Pier

What places in Los Angeles can you visit today?

Find out about the best tours, attractions and places to visit in Los Angeles on Klook . Everything that’s on today will be listed there. And if you want a more local experience, check out Airbnb experiences .

What are the coolest places to visit in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is cool in itself, but a couple of places really stand out. Check them out: – Walt Disney Concert Hall – TCL Chinese Theater – Farmers Market

Los Angeles is often seen as a place that’s all surface and flash with nothing underneath and this reputation isn’t entirely undeserved. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t entertainment and food options for almost every taste in this sprawling city. After all, Los Angeles is a city that’s set up to enthrall and amuse, and it does both of these extremely well as you’ll see when working through this list.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Art Patterson

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Thanks Ashley Ryan for sharing this great information! It does not matter if its the first visit of Los Angeles (LA) or living in the city, as one of the most populated places globally has plenty of attractions to engage anyone like Los Angeles. The Broad, Hollywood Sign, Venice Beach Boardwalk, etc are one of the great examples of most attracted places in LA and having a charter bus rental ensures to have the best time on the trip.

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What to Do This Summer: Los Angeles

An indoor masking order hasn’t stopped visitors from enjoying Culver City, Downtown and Venice. Here are suggestions for food, culture and sights, with an outdoors emphasis.

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By Finn-Olaf Jones

In a city adept at producing catastrophe films for entertainment, few scenes were as dystopian as the reality of Los Angeles during lockdown. A little over a year ago, one could zigzag on a bike from sea to downtown on the city’s grand avenues emptied of cars and pedestrians. Even the beaches themselves were voids patrolled by police cars with masked officers.

What a difference a year makes. Los Angeles has awakened from its pandemic slumber with an aggressiveness that begs to make up for lost time. With 62 percent of its residents over 16 years old fully vaccinated, Los Angeles County is above the national average, but a Covid spike, including cases caused by the Delta variant, has resulted in the hospitalization of hundreds of unvaccinated patients. Los Angeles County recently issued an indoors masking order.

Not everyone, including the Los Angeles Police Department, is enforcing this order, but assume that bringing a mask along for all indoor excursions, including public transportation, is a must. Also, note that a lot of businesses, especially restaurants, have social distancing rules.

The party hasn’t stopped — masked or not, Angelenos are out en masse. The once-empty boulevards are now packed with summer traffic, new businesses and public celebrations. Organizers are even restarting the popular CicLAvia Sundays — the first one is Aug. 15 — where city streets are shut down so bikes and pedestrians can take over with food stands, live music and other performances along the route.

The beach-to-city corridor of Venice, Culver City and Downtown is a promising area for experiencing a revitalized Los Angeles. The Expo Line, the light railroad that opened in 2012 (the light blue line on the Metro map), goes through most of these neighborhoods and is a great way to bypass the traffic. Here are some suggestions for enjoying your visit, with an emphasis on the outdoors.

Venice and Marina del Rey

Until recently, generations of diners on the Venice boardwalk have had to settle for burgers, pizza and beach joints. The upside to this informal atmosphere is that most restaurants have ample outside dining, pandemic or not. But culinary sophistication has arrived with the overhaul of one of the most iconic of these restaurants, the Fig Tree , by the siblings Matias and Sophia Moreno-Bunge and the chef Dashiell Nathanson, formerly of Los Angeles’s excellent small plate wine bar AOC .

Inspired by several favorite South American restaurants, the globe-trotting trio stripped down the place to its minimalist core, planted a jungle of flowers, and put together a menu with strong Mediterranean and Latin roots. The offerings are fresh, locally sourced and, unique to the boardwalk, elegant. Diplomacy comes easy when sharing plates of tangy beet salad or squid ink pappardelle, but for desserts such as crispy churros in chocolate sauce: War! Meanwhile, the tables on the patio offer front seats to the theater of humanity that walks, rolls and dances along the boardwalk. Dinner for two with drinks is around $115. On weekend nights seek out the music for the inevitable salsa and samba sessions in surrounding parking lots or massive drum circles on the beach.

For a more relaxed coastal scene, head to Mother’s Beach , a broad swath of sand on the protected waters of Marina del Rey. The marina is bordered by modern condos, parks and cafes — notably the Beachside Restaurant and Bar , which just expanded its outdoor dockside perch for feasting on grilled branzino or octopus with peanut salsa and other fresh seafood. Brunch for two is around $70. Newly lifted beach restrictions mean you can now rent paddle boards and kayaks and drift into the marina’s Zen-like calm and even do sun salutations (paddle board yoga either alone or in guided groups is the norm here), along with the seals and barking sea lions making themselves at home on the docked boats.

For four decades West Los Angeles’ health food cognoscenti flocked to what was once a tiny natural goods market. Now covering a block selling some 50,000 items, many of them the store’s own products, Rainbow Acres Natural Foods became during the pandemic a sanctuary for those seeking supplements and healthy meals. The store offers contact-free shopping and home delivery, but it’s more fun to dig into the daily menu offerings like free-range chicken in soy sauce, organic sunflower oil, garlic and rosemary, or tofu cabbage stir fry with ginger, combined with a seemingly limitless array of cold-pressed juices and smoothies. The market’s outside dining tables are on a busy street, so do what locals do and picnic on nearby Marina del Rey or Venice Beach.

Culver City

Over the last two decades this once-sleepy inland residential community surrounding the anonymous white walls of the enormous Sony Pictures Studios lot has been reconstructed into one of California’s most vibrant, bohemian and creative neighborhoods.

Just a block south of the Culver City Metro station, Platform is an intimate mall featuring cafes and shops centered around a leafy courtyard. Left for dead during the pandemic, Platform is having a renaissance with Los Angeles’s chic denizens flocking to boutiques like Janessa Leoné’s hat and handbag shop (she’s the one who made the signature hat on Taylor Swift’s “Red” album cover) or to munch mesquite-grilled tacos in the Brutalist setting of Loqui .

The pop-up shop Stan Surf Couturier might be Platform’s most dramatic new arrival. Founded by the rising young designer Tristan Detwiler, Stan’s “after-surf wear” (Los Angeles-speak for loosefitting), pieced together from vintage textiles, is starting to crowd the pages of Vogue and other fashion magazines. Mr. Detwiler himself is usually at the counter, sewing together colorful swatches, and ready to give equally colorful histories of every item in the store — from a wool jacket fashioned from a 19th-century Amish blanket to pants made out of a 1980s “French Fryzz” potato sack. His pop-up is currently leased until Aug. 31.

Five blocks east, foodies waiting for the reopening of Jordan Kahn’s double Michelin-starred restaurant, Vespertine , are sating their appetites across the street at Destroyer , Mr. Kahn’s lunch and breakfast cafe. Consisting of a dozen tables and stools arranged on the sidewalk outside a gleamingly white, refurbished, midcentury industrial building, Destroyer offers a simple and inexpensive way to sample Mr. Kahn’s mastery of contrasting favors and seasonal foraging. Unlike Vespertine, which required a lot of advance planning for reservations, one can often just walk in to savor revolutionary dishes like caramel-glazed beef brisket in lettuce wrap, or beef tartar submerged in toasted grains and smoked egg cream washed down with a turmeric ginger latte or a melon kumquat tonic. Brunch is around $35 per person.

The Wende Museum , one of the first museums to reopen in Los Angeles, is another revolutionary spot. The brainchild of the historian, Justinian Jampol, the Wende is a “Citizen Kane”-worthy collection of Soviet Bloc art and design spread out in an elegantly redone concrete armory. In this setting, stripped of their political menace, Eastern European propaganda, household goods and furniture seem futuristic and cool, as if you’ve suddenly found yourself in the lair of a James Bond villain. Even the clench-fisted bust of the German Communist leader Ernst Thälmann seems oddly cheery framed by the museum garden’s palm trees and bubbling fountains. The best souvenir from the Wende’s exotic gift-shop: a stylized 903-page catalog of the Wende’s East German collection, personally produced by the king of art book publishing, Benedikt Taschen, one of the museum’s founders ($90). Entry is free, but online reservations are required. Currently, only 20 reservations per hour are allowed, so there’s plenty of space to spread out.

Downtown Los Angeles

While indoor masking laws have dampened some of Downtown Los Angeles’s interior festivities, the high life has resumed on the neighborhood’s signature roof bars and restaurants. The fashionable and famous throng to the refurbished Upstairs bar at the Ace Hotel, and those who yearn for Mexico City’s ambience head to LA Cha Cha Chá , overlooking the Arts District.

Perhaps the most impressive sky bar, Spire 73 , hardly had a chance to make its mark before the pandemic forced it to close last year. It reopened on July 4, and its 73rd-floor perch atop the Wilshire Grand building makes it the highest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. Lines of fire pits warm up the views of Los Angeles’s light grid dissipating into the distant sea and mountains. The vistas are matched by excellent craft cocktails, including the house version of the old fashioned, made with small batch Elijah Craig bourbon consecrated by dashes of bitters and maple syrup, or a white negroni with lillet blanc standing in for the vermouth. Drink up (and maybe grab a burger), as there’s a $60 minimum per person.

For a smaller, more iconic lift, head to Angels Flight , the tiny tramway built in 1901 to take pedestrians up Bunker Hill in the middle of downtown. After three tumultuous decades of accidents and decay, the tram is fully refurbished and finally running again (masks required). The tram’s two funicular cars, named Olivet and Sinai, take turns going up and down the steep, 298-foot rail. If the tramway looks familiar, it’s because it’s appeared in dozens of movies, including “Kiss Me Deadly” and “La La Land.”

Angels Flight is an especially glamorous ride at night, when downtown’s Art Deco and Beaux-Arts buildings disappear below and you emerge to the hilltop’s modern cityscape, crowned by Frank Gehry’s Disney Hall and the recently reopened Broad Museum . One only pays the dollar fare at the kiosk at the top of the tram, making this one of the best bargains for experiencing a rising Los Angeles.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2021 .

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Best Places to Visit in Los Angeles – 20 Unmissable Attractions

Last Modified: November 13, 2023 //  by  Anda //   5 Comments

It’s hard to know where to begin when visiting a city like Los Angeles. Home to Hollywood – a name synonymous with the American film industry, exclusive neighborhoods, famous theme parks, and world-renowned landmarks, L.A. is a great place to visit at any time of year. But unlike other metropolises around the world, Los Angeles’s attractions and best places to visit are spread all over. If you are coming  from a smaller town, you’ll probably find this sprawl a bit intimidating.

There are countless things to do in L.A., but unless you live here, like I do, you won’t be able to cover them all. Nonetheless, if this is your first time in Los Angeles, I’m sure you are looking for a guide that will give you some perspective on the top attractions and best places to visit during your trip. So let’s get started!

About this Guide

This guide will take you through a few of L.A.’s most famous neighborhoods, like Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, or Malibu. It will also show you some of the city’s famous landmarks, like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Chinese Theater, or Griffith Observatory. It will also give you an overview of the best theme parks in Los Angeles, in case you are traveling with children (or are still a child at heart!)

These are just a few of the popular tourist attractions in Los Angeles that I’ll be covering in this guide. I hope that by the time you finish reading this post, you’ll have an idea about what you’d like to include in your L.A itinerary . But before you go, here is a list of the best accommodation options in L.A.:

Best Things to Do in Los Angeles with Children

Los Angele is home to a ton of amusement parks which account for some of the city’s biggest attractions. And you don’t need to be a child to enjoy them. These parks are fun to visit at any age. Some of them are really unique and representative for the city.

Universal Studios

Universal Studios used to be one of my family’s favorite places to visit in Los Angeles, when our son was growing up. It has plenty of fun filled rides, which can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. But don’t expect tall rollercoasters here. There are rollercoasters, of course, but they are rides filled with fun filled and adventures. Universal Studios is more about rides with stories, stunts and special effects, which is very entertaining.

The Mummy Ride is probably the best rollercoaster you would experience here. A few years ago, they opened the new Jurassic Park ride. I also recommend the Harry Potter ride and the Transformers. Yes, the wait might be an hour long… but its totally worth it!

The park is located in Studio City, 11 miles away from downtown Los Angeles. Admission price is $114/day if you buy your ticket online , vs. $134/day if you buy it at the gate.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

And speaking of rollercoasters, if you are an adrenaline junkie you’ll get plenty of excitement at Six Flags Magic Mountain. The rides are super fun and they accommodate all ages, so everybody will enjoy them. They also have the best stage shows. Our son’s favorite ride was the Hall of Justice, but there are many fun rides to try.

The 262-acre amusement park is located in Valencia, California, 35 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Admission price is $65/day.

Buy a Ski-the-Line ticket to Six Flags Magic Mountain and safe time at the Park.

Disneyland Park

Without a doubt the most popular attraction in Los Angeles for families with children is Disneyland theme park. This is a place that everybody visiting Los Angeles should see at least once. Disneyland represents more than just rides and entertainment; it’s a place that will remind you of your childhood characters.

Mickey Mouse and his cronies, the Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and The Little Mermaid they are all present, waiting to entertain the park visitors with the wonderful world of Disney.

Built in 1955, the Disneyland Resort in California is in fact the original Disneyland. It is also one of the oldest and largest theme parks in the world.

The park is located in Anaheim, 27 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Admission price is $104/day. You can purchase a multiple day pass and save.

Santa Monica Pier & Beach

Just a short 20-minute drive from Downtown area is one of L.A.’s most beloved landmarks: Santa Monica Pier. The famous Santa Monica beach which stretches along either side of the historic Pier is a magnet for beach lovers from all over the world.

But the bustling wooden wharf is where all the action  is. With its shops, small restaurants, arcade, roller coaster and giant Ferris wheel, the historic Santa Monica Pier continues to be the main attraction in Los Angeles for families with kids. Admission is free .

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is one of the best places to visit if you want to takes panoramic photos of Los Angeles. On a clear day, you can also see Santa Monica from up here. The Observatory features space-related exhibits, star shows in the planetarium, and a telescope.

The best time to visit is the late afternoon towards the evening when you can stick around to see the sun setting and the city lights.

Admission to the Observatory building, grounds, and telescopes is free. However, you will have to buy tickets if you want to watch the planetarium show.  Click here to get a ticket with the planetarium show included .

The grounds of the Observatory are very beautiful and fun to visit. And while up here, don’t miss the famous Hollywood Sign. You can catch an unobstructed view of the Sign on the opposite hill, to the right of the Observatory.

Since hiking to the Hollywood Sign is illegal, this is the best spot to observe this iconic landmark. One interesting fact to know is that the Hollywood Sign was’t part of a movie set, as many people believe. It was actually an outdoor billboard for a real-estate development.

Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific sits on a 5-acre site in Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach. The aquarium is a one of the most educational attractions in Los Angeles, home to more than 500 marine species. This is a great place to visit for people of all ages, but especially for the little ones who in contact with touch pools and sensory exhibits.

Here you can see delicate sea horses, playful penguins, otters, and predatory reef sharks. Real marine biologists are at hand to answer questions.

The nearby Shoreline Village and the Queen Mary Hotel and Attraction are both worth visiting. The Aquarium is only 25 miles away from Los Angeles Downtown. Admission prices are: $35.95/adult, $26.95/child, $33.95/senior.

Los Angeles County Arboretum

Peacocks, waterfalls, a haunted mansion, and so much more! If you like parks and gardens, don’t miss the beautiful Los Angeles County Arboretum . This mesmerizing botanical garden has plants from all regions of the globe, grouped by geography. You’ll find Australian, Mediterranean, South American, African, and Asiatic-North American plants.

But in addition to the great variety of gardens, the L.A. Country Arboretum features a Historical Landmark: the Queen Anne Cottage, a significant example of  Queen Anne style architecture.

Los Angeles Arboretum is located in Arcadia, about 20 miles away from the Downtown. Admission prices are: $15/adults and $11/seniors & children.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

It’s hard to imagine that thousands of years ago mammoths and sloths roamed freely throughout what is now urban Los Angeles. And yet, the La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park are living proof of that.

Back in the 1900s, scientists discovered fossils of large animals, plants and insects trapped in the sticky mud of this area.

The museum has fantastic displays of skeletons found here and does a great job explaining how the tar pits were formed. You will also find out why or how the animals died, as well as the procedures for excavating the sites. There is also a path that takes you through the active excavation sites, where you can actually see the gas bubbling up from the tar.

Admission is $15/adults and $12/seniors and students. Click here to get tickets in advance .

Angels Flight Railway

Located in Downtown area is one of Los Angeles’ oldest landmarks: Angels Flight Railway. This 120 years old cable car that takes passengers up to the top of Bunker Hill from the Pershing Square Metro station, is the world’s shortest ride. It takes only 50 seconds!

If you ever wanted to ride the funicular from the movie  La-La Land , here is your chance. The funicular appeared in movies ever since 1918, but more recently it was used to film Ryan Gosling’s and Emma Stone’s characters riding it in the 2016 film  La La Land .

Angels Flight has two funicular cars –  Olivet  and  Sinai  – running in opposite directions on a shared cable. Admission is only $1 each way and the experience is really fun!

TOURS WE RECOMMEND:

Best attractions in los angeles for couples.

Whether you travel with a big family, a group of friends, or just your spouse, Los Angeles has plenty of attractions for everyone. So here are some of the places that you may enjoy as a couple.

Malibu is a must, even if you only have one day in Los Angeles . This is where  the famous Pacific Coast Highway drive  starts. Here is where you’ll see some of the most picturesque stretches of beach in Southern California.

The beaches in Malibu are however very different from the ones in Santa Monica or Venice. They offer a truly laidback experience where you can just lay in the sand and dip in the ocean.

In Malibu you will find surf beaches and stretches of shore with tide pools, caves and strange rock formations (Leo Carillo). Some of them are private, so they allow alcohol on the beach (Paradise Cove), but they are notorious for the huge parking fees.

Getty Center

Getty Center is more than just an art museum. It’s one of the most unique places to visit in Los Angeles composed of numerous galleries that spread out in multiple buildings. The Center holds European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts.

Getty Center sits high up on a hill overlooking the city of Los Angeles and is connected to the parking lot at the bottom by a funicular.

Originally, the Getty Museum started in  J. Paul Getty ‘s house located in Pacific Palisades in 1954. After Getty’s death in 1976, the entire property was turned into a museum – the Getty Villa.

However, the collection outgrew the site and management sought a location more accessible to Los Angeles. And this is how the Getty Center was created. Today the Getty Villa displays only the antiquities collection. The rest of the Getty art collections have been moved to the Getty Center.

Admission is free, though temporarily requires a timed-entry reservation. I recommend getting a self-guided audio tour .

LACMA vs the Getty Center

I sometimes get asked whether I would recommend the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) or the Getty Center. This is a difficult decision to make since they both are outstanding art museums. If you are strictly interested in art, then you should go to LACMA as it has a more comprehensive art collection. However, I would choose Getty over LACMA simply because it also has an outstanding location, beautiful gardens, and more varied art collections.

If you are into art, you should also consider visiting the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena , which has one of the world’s most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. The museum displays European masterworks from the Renaissance to the 20th century, and a collection of South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. 

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Walk of Fame is an internationally recognized Hollywood icon. It encompasses over 2,600 five-pointed stars made of terrazzo and brass and embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard. 

The stars – which are given in recognition for achievements in the entertainment industry – bear the names of famous musicians, actors, directors and producers.

What began as a Chamber of Commerce marketing tactic, is today one of Los Angeles’s biggest magnets. It attracts an estimated 10 million visitors each year.

Chinese Theater

Located on Hollywood Boulevard, in Hollywood, the Chinese Theater became famous for being the venue of the  Academy Awards  ceremony from 1944-1946. But most visitors are lured here by the celebrity handprints and footprints in the concrete of the theater’s forecourt. 

The tradition began during the theater construction, when one of the Hollywood legends at the time accidentally stepped into the wet cement outside the building.

Instead of covering the imprint, theater owner Sid Grauman encouraged other celebrities to repeat the “mistake.” And so it all began. The courtyard is usually cluttered with tourists trying to snap a shot of the famous imprints. 

Enjoy a 30-minute walking tour of TCL Chinese Theater with a ticket to see a movie inside it. Click here to get a Chinese Theater guided tour .

Dolby Theater

Right next to the Chinese Theater, also on Hollywood Boulevard, is the Dolby Theater – the current and permanent home of the Academy Awards. Dolby Theatre opened its doors in 2001 as the  Kodak Theatre .

Its façade is at the front of the Hollywood & Highland Center, a nice shopping area with boutiques and souvenir shops.

The Sunset Strip

The famous Sunset Strip is located in West Hollywood, one of the oldest and most fashionable neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Back in the 60s and 70s, West Hollywood became a major gathering place for the unconventional culture, with hippies, musicians and artists flooding the streets. 

Today, West Hollywood is the hottest destination for the entertainment industry with its boutique hotels, celebrity-owned restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. From elite and trendy clubs to low-key casual bars, gay clubs and old school rock’n roll hangouts, you can find something for everyone. Young actors tend to live out here, so this is the most likely place to see celebrities out on the street.

Huntington Library & Gardens

Hidden in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, just a few miles away from  Downtown Los Angeles , lies one of  the best kept secrets in L.A. : the Huntington Library & Gardens. Spread over 130 acres, this marvelous arboretum features 16 stunning theme gardens, a library, an art museum, a tea house and two cafés. 

The Library, which was founded by the railroad and real estate magnate Henry E. Huntington, contains a fine selection of books and manuscripts. There is also a great art collection in one of the buildings.

But the gardens are the most delighting part of this complex. Extending on 207 acres, the Huntington Gardens display more than 14,000 varieties of plants. Many of them are rare and exotic plants. The area is organized in over a dozen smaller gardens, each one with a very unique atmosphere and color. You have a Rose Garden, a Desert Garden, a Herb Garden, a Japanese Garden, a Jungle Garden, and many more. This is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.

Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive is a high end shopping area that stretches between Wilshire Boulevard and Santa Monica Boulevard and encompasses 3 blocks. The street itself –  Rodeo Drive  – is approximately 2 miles long.

Many people expect to see celebrities roaming around with hefty shopping bags on Rodeo Drive. But you’ll probably meet more tourists than locals here. So is Rodeo Drive worth visiting ? Even though chances of spotting celebrities are slim, Rodeo Drive is a very fancy area, full of luxury stores, fancy boutiques and high-end restaurants, that will surely make you feel like a celebrity.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Located on South Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles, Walt Disney Concert Hall is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Its distinctive appearance, with stunning stainless steel curves, makes it easily recognizable.

Since 2003, when it opened its doors to the public, Walt Disney Hall has received worldwide praises for its stunning architecture and extraordinary sound. 

Attending a concert here is a dream-come-true. But if that doesn’t fit into you schedule, you should at least take a guided tour of the hall and the gardens.

Los Angeles Public Library

Also in Downtown Los Angeles you’ll find the L.A. Public Library, which has been designated a Historic Cultural Monument. The building itself is an architectural gem, featuring a tiled pyramid roof and a beautiful garden. Inside the library you’ll find many beautiful spaces, like the Atrium of the Tom Bradley wing, or the stairway outside the Getty Gallery.

But the focal point of the library is the Rotunda, a huge hall covered with elaborate paintings and a gigantic dome ceiling.

Admission is free.

Broadway Historic Theater District

The historic Broadway Theater District stretches along South Broadway, between 3rd Street and 9th Street, in Downtown Los Angeles.

The best way to visit these historic buildings is to take a tour of the Theater District. Walking into these theaters feels like looking through a window into the entertainment industry’s heyday.

What will surprise you is that some of these theaters seem much bigger on the inside than on the outside.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit to Los Angeles

• As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, Los Angeles’s attractions are spread all over the place. That is why, when making your itinerary, it’s important to group them according to their location, in order to save time on the road. Alternatively, you can make the trip more convenient by renting a car .

• One of the best ways to see Los Angeles on your own is the  Los Angeles Hop-on Hop-off Double Decker Bus Tour . Hop on or off at over 45 popular stops spread across 3 different routes and enjoy panoramic view of the city. You can explore Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, and Santa Monica Pier and beaches with a 24- or 48-hour bus pass.

• If you are interested in a guided tour, the 7-hour LA Grand Tour is your best bet. The open bus tour will take you through Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica Beach on an open bus, to show you what Los Angeles has to offer. Stop at 4 different locations to experience the highlights of the city.

A Final Thought

Los Angeles is one the world’s most fascinating cities, so no matter what you choose to visit you’ll have an amazing time. Because there is so much to see and do here, you should plan on spending at least  3-4 days in L.A.  And if you have more time, you can add some day trips or easy  getaways from Los Angeles . There are so many beautiful places around!

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

Neet and Angel apk

January 30, 2024 at 10:10 pm

Wow, I had no idea there were so many amazing places to visit in Los Angeles! As a local, I’m excited to check out some of these attractions I’ve never been to before. Thanks for sharing! 😍

Leslie Smith

August 23, 2022 at 9:16 am

We will be there in a week. I have rented a car. Should I cancel and hop on the bus? This blog is amazing.

August 23, 2022 at 9:42 am

You probably should. If you have a car you can go anywhere you choose to and stay for as long as you want, you won’t need the hop-on-hop-off buss.

July 21, 2022 at 4:38 am

Great blog Anda! With the mindboggling massive volume of land that the city holds, it is no surprise the city has so many attractions Hollywood Bowl, Venice Beach Boardwalk, The Broad, The Hollywood Sign and more. Having a charter bus rental when considering of LA’s tour will be great idea as the professionals are there to plan a perfect vacation for you.

July 21, 2022 at 7:47 am

Yes, that can help too, but most people like to visit L.A. independently, Alvin.

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24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Universal Studios Hollywood

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: Things to Do in Anaheim, California

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

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

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

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hollywood

Highlights: Esteemed cultural center and museum with beautiful landscaping

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

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

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

Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles

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

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

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

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

Address: 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlights: Iconic art museum spread across several buildings and exhibits

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

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

Address: 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles

Highlights: Guided tours of a retired battleship

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

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

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

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

Highlights: Beloved hiking area with great views and celebrity sightings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlights: Vintage shopping, murals, comedy clubs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 15151 Bledsoe Street, Sylmar, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Santa Monica Hotels

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

Beverly Hills Hotels

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

Hollywood Hotels

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

Anaheim Hotels

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

Downtown Los Angeles Hotels

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

See the Sights:

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

Save Money:

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

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

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

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

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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

More on California

Combined Shape .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} SMS Main navigation Things to Do Attractions & Tours Arts & Culture Outdoors & Wellness Shopping Budget Family Hidden Gems Luxury Pet-Friendly Eat & Drink Bars Clubs Dine LA Restaurant Week Restaurants Business Spotlight Find Events Itineraries Where to Stay Celebrate LA Heritage AAPI Heritage Black LA Latino Heritage LGBTQ+ Tourist Information Meetings About LA Tourism Travel Trade Membership Business Spotlight Media Research Careers Today's must read Hidden Gems of Los Angeles Log in Search Search Things to Do Attractions & Tours Top Ten Things You Must Do & Places To Visit In Los Angeles by Discover Los Angeles   Mar 2, 2023 Views of the Central Garden and Pacific Ocean at the Getty Center  |  Photo:  Yuri Hasegawa Share My Next Trip Login Register Activities Beaches Shopping Sports & Recreation Wondering what to do in LA?  Los Angeles offers endless options for memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike. Whether it’s visiting a quiet museum, or attending a boisterous ball game, there are always things to do, interesting attractions and exciting events and places to go in LA.  Read on for ten iconic "must see" places in Los Angeles.

The Oscar Goes to the Academy Museum

Opened in September 2021, the spectacular Academy Museum of Motion Pictures houses more than 13 million objects in a 300,000 square-foot campus designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Renzo Piano. Get up-close to iconic movie props like Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz and "Rosebud" from Citizen Kane . The museum's immersive Oscars Experience transports you to the Dolby Theatre stage - after the standing ovation, you give your "thank you" speech with an Academy Award in hand. Be sure to stop by the Academy Museum Store for exclusive merch and local collabs.

See Van Gogh's "Irises" - Getty Center

Los Angeles museums house some of the world’s most renowned art collections. Throughout the city, you can discover masterpieces like Vincent van Gogh’s Irises , one of the most expensive paintings in history and currently on view at the Getty Center in Brentwood.

Visit a UNESCO Site - the Hollyhock House

Los Angeles is filled with world-famous landmarks and attractions but for an off-the-beaten path treat, visit legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright's creation, designed for client Aline Barnsdall in his self-described “California Romanza” style. The Hollyhock House has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – only the third such site in the entire state of California – and the grounds offer an art gallery, free studio classes for kids, and lush gardens sprinkled with its namesake flower. Check the site for tour information or take a dusky stroll on your own for an unforgettable sunset.

Shop til You Drop - Fairfax District

Shopaholics will find everything they've dreamed of and more in every corner of LA. Whether it’s popular shopping centers like Westfield Century City and The Grove;  Hollywood hand-me-downs  from your film or TV crush; or bargains galore at the Citadel Outlets, something is sure to catch your eye.

Streetwear fans can't miss the Fairfax District (Nocando called it “the Tigris and Euphrates of cool”), with The Hundreds and Golf Wang flagship stores; Supreme, Melody Ehsani and more.

Ride the Ferris Wheel - Santa Monica Pier

From Malibu to the South Bay, Los Angeles is home to some of the best beaches in Southern California. For a quintessential "Endless Summer" experience, a visit to the two-mile-long Santa Monica Beach is a must. Opened in 1909, the historic Santa Monica Pier is a popular destination for the entire family, home to the Pacific Park amusement park, Heal the Bay Aquarium, and a 1922 Carousel that was featured in The Sting . Don’t miss a ride on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris Wheel, where you can enjoy a spectacular aerial view of the coast.

Discover LA Newsletter

10 Unmissable Things To Do In Los Angeles For First Time Visitors

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: October 21, 2020

Los Angeles is the iconic home of blockbuster movie production, sandy beaches, never-ending sunshine and 50 million annual tourists. But in the entertainment capital of the world, it can feel almost impossible to narrow down exactly what you should do when visiting LA for the very first time. This essential list of the 10 best things to do in Los Angeles on your first visit is the perfect place to start planning your trip.

Do you have to tick off all 10 to feel as though you’ve seen Los Angeles? Absolutely not!

Even if you manage 5 out of the 10 on this list, you will get a taste for the world famous City of Angels.

And that way, you have the perfect excuse for a second visit .

Los Angeles Factfile

City : Los Angeles State : California Nicknames : L.A., City of Angels, La-La Land, Tinseltown

Population : 3.9 million (13 million metropolitan) Locals Known As: Los Angelino, Angelino

Famous For : Hollywood, beaches, sunshine, movie stars, sports, museums Body of Water : Pacific Ocean

Annual visitors : 50 million tourists (2019)

How To Get To Los Angeles

Flights to los angeles international airport (lax).

LAX has the second highest throughput of passengers in the United States after Atlanta, Georgia, which makes finding cheap and flexible flight options a walk in the park.

Multiple flights will be available daily domestically in the US, as well as Internationally from many major cities around the world.

We always use Skyscanner flight search engine to find the best value for money flights. Flexibility is the key to saving money on flights, search by month on Skyscanner to find the top deals.

Driving To Los Angeles

• San Diego to Los Angeles – Take I-5 North for 120 miles all the way up to Los Angeles. It doesn’t get much easier! Without incident or worse than usual traffic, the drive should take around 2 hours. However, be prepared for a much longer journey because traffic is well known to be a problem!
• San Francisco to Los Angeles – Take I-5 South for 5 hours 30 minutes. However, the incredible road trip California highway 1 runs along the coast and should not be missed if you have a few extra days.
• LAX to Hollywood – If you hire a car at LAX and drive to Hollywood (the most popular neighborhood for first time visitors) you can expect a drive time between 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic.
• Other Notable Driving Times – Las Vegas: 4 hours, Joshua Tree National Park: 2 hours, Death Valley National Park: 4 hours and Phoenix, AZ: 5 hours 30 minutes.

Getting Around in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is huge, its sprawling metropolis can not be walked like in San Diego or San Francisco. You will need to use other means of getting around LA.

Driving through the city is stressful and time consuming but necessary at times. Consider using the Metro when possible, for example to downtown, Hollywood or Santa Monica.

10 Epic Things To Do In Los Angeles, California For First Time Visitors

Los Angeles is overloaded with amazing things to do for first time visitors, but there are some you simply can’t miss. This is one of the top bucket list US vacation spots and we want you to help you make the most of your trip.

We compiled this list based upon our own experiences when visiting LA and selected only the best.

1. Hike a Dusty Trail to the Hollywood Sign

What is it?

The HOLLYWOOD Sign, the iconic landmark Los Angeles is most known for , is more than just 9 enormous white letters on the dusty hillside of Mt Lee. Hollywood’s ‘biggest star’ is a symbol of what can be achieved by dreamers and believers. There are a number of viewpoints around Griffith Park and Sunset Boulevard but hiking to the summit of Mt Lee is the ultimate way to appreciate the reason this location for the sign was chosen.

Magnificent views over Los Angeles and even the Pacific Ocean on a clear day await you at the summit of Mt Lee. You will get the classic scene: the back of DOOWYLLOH, Griffith Observatory, LA city, mountains and ocean. Clear days are hard to come by but arrive before sunrise for the most amazing blue hues in the sky.

How to visit?

Many traditional hiking trails lead you to the Hollywood Sign, including Hollyridge trail, Brush Canyon trail, Innsdale Drive trail and the one we took – Wonder View trail. Wonder view was regarded as the shortest and most challenging but it is now closed permanently.

You can park on certain residential streets to begin the hikes but many are restricted. You will know where you can park when you see dozens of cars lining the streets. Here’s  more information .

LA’s heat can be relentless. The day we hiked in November was well into the 90’s – as you can see, we were a sweaty and dusty mess!

Take sunscreen and as much water as you can carry.

2. Shop ’til You Drop on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills

Rodeo Drive is the world famous 2 mile stretch of road featuring some of the most expensive designer brand boutiques on the planet. It is synonymous with the rich and famous, luxury sports cars and ‘the culturally elite’.

 Beverly Hills is fabulously manicured and a short drive around the neighborhood will reveal countless properties valued at eye watering sums!

It is impossible not to be intrigued by Beverly Hills thanks to popular culture throughout the last 30-40 years. A walk down Rodeo Drive should be on every Los Angeles itinerary simply because of its notoriety but don’t expect to see celebrities en mass.

A great place to visit is the eccentric Louis Vuitton exhibit on the corner of Rodeo / Santa Monica blvd. There were more security guards and employees than visitors inside the day we looked around.

There are a surprising amount of multi story parking lots in Beverly Hills, so if you’re driving around the city you can park up easily. The closest metro is in Hollywood but that is 3.7 miles away, which means taking a bus is the better public transport method.

Alternatively, you can take a guided ‘celebrity tour’ of Beverly Hills.

If you’re not wearing Gucci shoes with a Dolce & Gabbana shirt, expect to be followed around any store you go inside!

3. Watch a Stunning California Sunset at Santa Monica Pier

Another of Los Angeles’ world famous attractions, Santa Monica Pier has featured in too many movies and tv shows to mention. The pier contains the world’s only solar powered Ferris wheel, arcades, amusement park, aquarium and is popular for sport fishing.

Santa Monica neighborhood is a lovely part of Los Angeles for a slow meander once the sun has set and sand is no longer warm underfoot.

Santa Monica is the most popular beach for tourists on a first time visit to Los Angeles but the neighborhood is more than worth the visit alone. Santa Monica Pier is gimmicky but perfect if you’re traveling with younger kids.

California is blessed with a mediterranean climate and year round epic sunsets. Santa Monica is one of the best places in Los Angeles to watch a beautiful orange sun setting over the Pacific Ocean.

You will find a number of parking lots close to Santa Monica Pier. On weekends and holidays expect these to fill early. A flat fee or hourly rate will apply for parking nearby.

A better option is to take the metro expo line from downtown to Santa Monica. You can begin in Hollywood and change downtown but expect total travel time to be around 1 hour each way.

Walk underneath Santa Monica Pier as the sun is setting to see some awesome sun bursts through dozens of wooden support joists, perfect for photographers.

Planning to drive the Pacific Coast Highway ? Read our guide on the 23 best stops from San Francisco to San Diego on Highway 1 to see the top highlights.

4. Walk to Venice

Venice is a cultural hub known for eccentric arts, its bohemian vibe and Venice beach. The famous beach is complimented by a 2.5 mile promenade, along which you can find street art, basketball courts, coffee shops and muscle beach outdoor gym.

Walking from Santa Monica to Venice in late afternoon is perfect for getting a feel for the real LA, seeing the positive effects of gentrification in a sprawling city and to get out of your comfort zone before heading back to Santa Monica for sunset.

Venice Beach won’t be suited to all travelers visiting Los Angeles for the first time. Personally, we enjoyed walking along the promenade to see the local artwork and didn’t feel unsafe. That being said, the area can be slightly intimidating.

You can take your car to a number of small parking lots or take a bus directly from Union square downtown LA. However, walking from Santa Monica is by far the best way to visit Venice. We saw a tv show being filmed as we walked between the two beaches.

Tip 1 : Hidden behind Venice Beach are a series of picturesque canals with modern houses reflecting in perfectly still water. Don’t miss Venice canals if you walk from Santa Monica to Venice Beach.

Tip 2 : Walk along the promenade to Venice, then return along the beach as the sun gets lower in the sky.

5. Watch a Live Gameshow or Talk Show

Many of America’s most popular gameshows and talk shows are recorded in studios around Los Angeles. These shows need audience members to create the excitable clapping and whooping, which is where you come in! Tickets are usually free and offered to anyone visiting or living in LA.

Take your pick between Jeopardy, Price is Right, Late Late Show with James Corden, Jimmy Kimmel and more.

It’s not everyday you get the chance to sit in the audience of Jeopardy if you enjoy a quiz show, or see your favorite celebrities chatting to talk show hosts. Trust us, this is the only way to guarantee seeing a celeb in LA!

Choose a show like Price is Right and you might end up on stage winning $25,000 worth of prizes. We got last minute tickets to Price is Right but didn’t do enough dancing or make enough noise to get the ‘come on down’ – and we’re fine with that!

Simply search for tickets on any of the game shows or talk shows you prefer. Total time required for game shows is much longer than we anticipated. Expect to spend a good 4-5 hours for one episode of Price is Right. In hindsight, we might have preferred Jeopardy, especially if Ken or James were on!

Loosen your hips, vocal cords and inhibitions to stand more chance of getting down to one of the 4 podiums on Price is Right .

6. Tour a Movie Studio

Who isn’t a fan of TV shows and movies?! When you’re in Los Angeles, one of the things you must do is tour a movie studio. Take your pick between Warner Bros, Universal, Paramount and Sony for the 4 big industry players.

Spend 2-3 hours walking around exterior sets, huge interior lots, exhibits of previous movies and tv shows plus props used in your favorite movies.

Movie studio tours are not the place to go celeb spotting and don’t expect to watch the latest blockbuster being made!

What you will get is an insight into how movies and tv shows are made, from sound and production to sets and costumes. Unless you’re a mega film fan and have vip subscription to IMDb, one tour is enough to get a taste for movie making. Choose wisely!

Choose which studio you would prefer to tour and buy tickets online. Purchasing in advance is a good idea to avoid disappointment on the day. Each tour has parking options but Paramount is the only studio walkable in Hollywood neighborhood.

Here are the websites for each of the 4 tours: Sony | Paramount | Universal | Warner Bros

We chose Warner Bros movie studio tour after reading it was the purest tour for movie and tv show lovers. Friends, Big Bang, DC, Batman and Harry Potter are the main exhibits.

Read our complete guide to Warner Bros studio tour before deciding which Hollywood movie tour to take.

7. Explore Hollywood

Hollywood is tinseltown, it is the glitz and glamour entertainment capital of the world and the heartbeat of Los Angeles.

The Neighborhood of Hollywood is a melting pot of eateries, bars, souvenir shops and gimmicky tourist attractions. At night, Hollywood blvd comes to life in an array of loud noises and bright colors, definitely the best time to explore.

For a first time visit to Los Angeles, Hollywood is one of our top choices for booking a hotel because it is at the heart of things to do in LA.

It’s Hollywood, who is going to LA and not exploring the worlds showbiz capital?!

Most tourists set up base in or around Hollywood, which means bars fill up with people from all continents and makes for great nights out.

During the day, you can’t miss the walk of fame which runs along 15 blocks of Hollywood blvd and contains over 2,500 stars. TCL Chinese theater is where you will find hand and foot prints of the biggest names in movies and next door is the Dolby theater where the Oscars ceremony is held each year.

If you decide to book a hotel in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica or any other part of LA, you can take public transport to Hollywood. Metro (red line) from downtown or Santa Monica and bus from Beverly Hills. Visit in the late afternoon, evening or night to see the action.

Go inside Dolby theater and as you walk through the hall you will see all Oscar best picture winners since the ceremony began on lighted arches.

8. Cruise Around Mulholland Drive

Mulholland Drive is a 21 mile long winding road meandering through the Santa Monica Mountains just North of Hollywood. The name was made famous by David Lynch’s 2001 psychological thriller ‘Mulholland Drive’ and many of Hollywood’s finest call the Hollywood Hills home.

There are mansions around every corner to admire as you pass through Laurel Canyon and Nichols Canyon, some of the most expensive houses in the world.

But the main reason to drive your car around Mulholland’s twisting roads is because you have fantastic vantage points to see LA, the Hollywood Sign and the Pacific on clear days.

You will need your own vehicle for this one. Start by entering Mulholland Drive to the East from Cahuenga Blvd after visiting Universal or Warner Bros. Drive the winding roads and stop to admire the views as you pass over the hills.

Tip 1 : Don’t miss Jerome C Daniel Overlook on the Eastern side of Mulholland Drive. From this viewpoint you can see the Hollywood Sign and with binoculars or a telephoto lens you’ll get great views over the sign and Hollywood bowl.

Tip 2 : Drop back down into Beverly Hills through Benedict Canyon for an efficient day ticking off the best things to do in Los Angeles.

9. Don’t Miss Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory has one of the best locations in Los Angeles on the South facing slope of Mount Hollywood. It offers primetime views over LA city, the Hollywood Sign and the Pacific Ocean.

Inside the Greek style building are science and space exhibits, including a fantastic planetarium show. This is the perfect place to occupy teenage kids!

Many visit simply for the excellent views but we implore you not to miss the awesome exhibits inside. You will find a pendulum demonstrating the rotation of Earth, a Tesla coil and Zeiss Telescope at night.

Entry to the Griffith Observatory is free but you will pay US$ 8-10 to park. This is one hugely popular attraction and it will be busy, but it is absolutely worth it for the planetarium display (costs just a few dollars).

Drive to Griffith Observatory which has limited parking at the designated parking lot or park along Observatory / Western Canyon roads.

Alternatively, take a DASH observatory bus from Vermont/Sunset Metro (red line).

Tip 1 : If you visit on a busy day and cars are parked all the way up the road, try the top first because there may be spaces free. Yep, that’s exactly what we did and we got a spot straight away.

Tip 2 : Early evening is a great time to visit, do the planetarium before watching the sun setting and then look through the Zeiss Telescope at the night sky.

10. We’re Going Downtown Los Angeles

When you’ve had enough of Hollywood and need a bit of history, art or culture head downtown to one of many excellent Los Angeles museums, music venues or eateries.

Downtown LA (DTLA) is diverse, exciting and overflowing with cool hangouts. You can visit Little Tokyo, Chinatown or the Fashion District and eat every type of street food at Grand Central Market.

Have you really been to LA if you haven’t been downtown?!

The Broad is a highly rated modern art museum and next door is Walt Disney concert hall with its mind-bending stainless steel deconstructivism architectural style.

A few minutes walk away is OUE Skyspace, a 1,000 ft tall 360 degree observation platform featuring transparent slide on the outside of the building!

Driving isn’t recommended to get into downtown LA. Instead take a metro to either 7th Street / Metro center, civic center / grand park or union station depending on what you want to do in DTLA.

Plenty of bus routes will run into downtown but the metro will be much quicker without traffic!

If you’re staying in Hollywood – group Santa Monica, Venice and downtown into one day of your LA itinerary. That way you can bunch together the remaining best things to do in Los Angeles North of downtown.

Where To Eat In Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the second largest US city after New York and with over 4 million residents (not including metro area) you can be sure there are restaurants galore!

We’ll break LA down into its most popular neighborhoods and give you our top foodie recommendations for first time visitors:

• Musso & Frank Grill  – Classic American lunch and dinner | Menu
• Salt’s Cure – Healthy comfort food local ingredients | Menu
• Pizzeria  Mozza – Awesome pizza at great value | Menu
• LONO – Tiki bar tropical theme cocktails and food | Menu

Beverley Hills

• Spago – Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant | Menu
• Maude – High end new American seasonal tasting menu | Menu
• The Grill on the Alley  – Steakhouse for everyone | Menu
• The Cheesecake Factory – Perfect alternative for those on a budget | Menu

Santa Monica

• Dialogue  – Very highly rated seasonal food | Menu
• Tar & Roses – Wood, fire, smoke. American small & large plates | Menu
• UOVO  – Pasta made fresh daily in Italy | Menu

Downtown LA

• Nickel  Diner  – Famous tasty comfort food & big desserts  | Menu
• Cole’s French Dip – Epic French dip sandwiches, cocktails, top rated bar | Menu
• Sonoratown – Popular low key, cheap and tasty Mexican food | Menu
• Wurstkuche – German sausages and brewery \  Menu
• Otium  – Contemporary, New American & cocktails  |  Menu

Where To Stay In Los Angeles

With over 50 million tourists visiting each year, you can rest assured there will be no problems finding a hotel in Los Angeles!

Our advice is always to shop around and hunt for the best prices and be as flexible as possible to snag the top deals.

Want to find the perfect hotel for your trip to LA? Read our comprehensive guide to the best hotels in Los Angeles on our hotels site Best Hotels Anywhere .

Personally, we think Hollywood , West Hollywood and Santa Monica are the three best places to book a hotel when visiting LA for the first time.

In the guide we break down hotels in the 5 most popular LA neighborhoods for first time tourists into highly rated cheap, mid range and expensive options.

But if you’re in a hurry, here are our top 3 picks from Hollywood, West Hollywood and Santa Monica.

• Budget – Hollywood Celebrity
• Mid Range – Loews Hollywood
• Luxury – Hollywood Roosevelt

West Hollywood

• Budget – Best Western Plus
• Mid Range – The Charlie
• Luxury – Pendry West Hollywood
• Budget – Santa Monica Motel
• Mid Range – Ambrose
• Luxury – Shutters On The Beach

Want to know our top tips for booking hotels? Here are 15 tips you can use today to help find and book cheap hotels when you travel.

Best Things To Do In Los Angeles Map

Click into this interactive map, zoom in / out and move around to find all the best things to do in Los Angeles, plus where to stay and eat:

Maroon markers – The best things to do on your visit to Los Angeles as listed above

Dark Green markers – All restaurants referenced in the where to eat section

Purple markers – Budget, Mid Range and Top End hotel options in Hollywood

Our Popular Guides From The Southwest

San Francisco – 40 free, cheap and fun things to do in SF and how to plan the perfect 3 day San Francisco itinerary .

San Diego – The 9 best things to do in San Diego with 3 day itinerary.

Death Valley – How to spend the best one day in Death Valley from Las Vegas .

Yosemite – Exactly how to spend a 1, 2 and 3 Day Itinerary in Yosemite National Park .

Joshua Tree – How to plan the perfect Joshua Tree day trip itinerary from Los Angeles .

Las Vegas – The 40 best things to do in Las Vegas , including 20 on the strip and 20 off the strip.

We hope this list of best things to do in Los Angeles for first time visitors helped you plan your LA itinerary!

Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help with planning your visit!

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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The 18 Best Things to Do in Downtown Los Angeles

TripSavvy / Amanda Blackard

Unlike other large cities, many people visit Los Angeles without ever setting foot downtown, preferring to spend their time at the beach near Santa Monica or strolling around Hollywood . And while the downtown area may lack the most iconic attractions that people come to see in Los Angeles, those who venture into this underrated neighborhood know that it's rich with historic  architecture , cultural attractions, and some of the best foodie hotspots in the city.

Here are the 18 best things to do downtown, from visiting historic sites, museums, and watching live theater performances, to strolling around the many iconic districts that help shape downtown into what it is.

Eat Sushi in Little Tokyo

There are only three official Japantowns in the United States, and all three of them are in California. The one in Los Angeles, known as Little Tokyo, is the largest of the three and also a National Historic Landmark. Apart from actually going to Japan, it's one of the most authentic Japanese experiences you can have and the perfect place to pick up some typical snacks, flip through some manga comics, or enjoy a cup of matcha tea.

Perhaps the best time of the day to explore Little Tokyo is around lunch, dinner, or anytime you're hungry. Several local eateries offer traditional Japanese and Japanese-American cuisine, from hot bowls of ramen to the fun-to-eat (and say) shabu-shabu . Also, don't miss out on trying a California roll from any one of the sushi restaurants in the area ⎯ it was invented right in the neighborhood.

Take a Ride on the Tram

It may not have the same global recognition as the San Francisco cable car or the Lisbon tram , but the Angels Flight Railway is still one of the most iconic landmarks in downtown L.A. (and even more so since it appeared in the Oscar-winning Best Picture, "La La Land"). The funicular train has been shuttling passengers one block—albeit one very steep block—since 1901, from Hill Street to Olive Street.

The cost is $1 to ride it one-way, or 50 cents if you have an L.A. Metro pass. You can ride the tram in either direction but enter at Hill Street to ride it uphill and avoid making the steep climb on foot.

Check Out Contemporary Art for Free

If you're into contemporary art, two of Southern California's preeminent museums are not just in downtown Los Angeles, but they're across the street from each other and both are free to enter.

The Broad —pronounced like "brode"—is the newer contemporary art museum that opened in 2015 on Grand Avenue, next to the Walt Disney Disney Concert Hall . Built by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, the 120,000-square-foot museum houses their personal and their foundation's art collection of more than 2,000 works by over 200 different artists, including the museum's most Instagrammable exhibit, the Infinity Mirrored Room by Yayoi Kusama.

Walk out of the Broad and cross the street to enter the Museum of Contemporary Art , which locals just call the "MOCA." The MOCA doesn't have any permanent exhibits, so check ahead to see what's on display at the time of your trip.

Visit El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument at Olvera Street

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley 

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, more commonly known simply as Olvera Street, is the location of the oldest remaining structure in Los Angeles, the Avila Adobe. However, it's the Mexican Marketplace running up and down the pedestrian street that primarily draws visitors. The Marketplace started in 1930 and was originally conceived as a way to rejuvenate the dilapidated neighborhood by bringing in the charm of old-world Mexico with locals selling their crafts and hosting vivacious fiestas. Nearly a century later, Olvera Street is still one of the most popular attractions in downtown Los Angeles.

It is also the home of the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes , a museum that charts Latino history from the arrival of the first 11 Mexican families who were among the earliest settlers in Los Angeles.

Olvera Street is a one-block pedestrian zone across from Union Station, which is served by the red and gold lines of the  Metro .

See a Show at the Disney Concert Hall

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley

The Los Angeles Music Center consists of a group of original theaters that are home to the city's drama, dance, and opera companies, the most famous of which is the architecturally stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry. It's home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, one of the most celebrated orchestras in the country. The "winter season" of the LA Phil at the Disney Concert Hall typically runs from October to June (in the summer, they play at the Hollywood Bowl ).

Even if you can't make it to a concert or tickets are outside of your budget, it's worth visiting the Disney Concert Hall just to appreciate the building itself. Guided tours of the inside are available for free (or you can choose to wander around yourself) but don't forget about the outside of the building. Gehry designed the hall to be explored from all sides and angles, including the exterior staircases that take visitors right up to the roof.

Feast at the Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market is an indoor public market on Broadway between Third and Fourth streets in downtown. The market has been open continuously since 1917 and has always housed a mix of greengrocers, butchers, delis, bakers, and prepared food vendors. The culinary offerings in the market have always been fresh and local, although they have become more "artisanal and gourmet" compared to its early days. The options today also represent the diversity of the local area, including Thai street food, Salvadoran pupusas, and several flavors from Mexico.

The market is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., but individual vendors may set their own hours. If you're arriving by public transportation, take the red or purple line of the metro to Pershing Square.

Explore the Fashion District in Los Angeles

The Fashion District is a great place to shop for bargain clothes, textiles, and accessories. Previously known as the Garment District, this expansive neighborhood sits in the southern part of downtown L.A. and specializes in retail and wholesale for all types of clothing. One of the most popular areas is a street of outdoor shopping called Santee Alley, where you can find great deals and cheap knock-off brands.

Many businesses are closed on Sundays, so it's not as busy if you want to roam but there's not nearly as much selection. Aspiring designers will also love  The Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandising  (FIDM) at Ninth Street and Grand, just outside the Fashion District, which has a gallery that features costume exhibits from movies and television.

Get Lost in the Downtown Los Angeles Arts District

Even though there's an endless option of art museums and galleries to visit around Los Angeles, none of them offer what you can find in the Downtown Los Angeles Arts District . It's nestled between Alameda Street and the L.A. River on the east side of downtown, and this industrial area has been a flourishing artist community since the 1970s. Most notable are the larger-than-life murals that dominate the walls and are constantly changing. In fact, it's one of the best places to see street art in all of California.

Apart from the murals, the neighborhood also has a high density of studios and galleries that are free to enter. For an immersive experience and a comprehensive history of the Arts District, several companies offer guided tours of the area, such as L.A. Art Tours .

Take a Tour of Los Angeles City Hall

Completed in 1928, the 32-story Los Angeles City Hall was the tallest building in the city until modern building methods allowed taller, high-rise buildings to appear in the 1960s. The building is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and is still home to the mayor and city council office chambers. It is part of the Civic Center district, which also includes county, state, and federal buildings, and has appeared in dozens of TV shows, movies, and video games. You can walk in and explore on your own with the self-guided tour materials available at the information desk on the third floor, but whatever you do, be sure to take the elevator up to the free observation deck on the 27th floor.

Enjoy the Sun at Grand Park

It isn't easy finding refuge in all of the commotion of downtown L.A., but Grand Park is a 12-acre oasis nuzzled in between the skyscrapers. It stretches for over three blocks of tranquil green space, making it the perfect location to escape from a day of trekking around the concrete jungle. At the west end of the park, the restored Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain includes a spouted wading area that is a favorite place to cool off on hot summer days. At night, a light show draws romantic strolling couples and photo enthusiasts. The park also includes 24 botanic gardens inspired by the six floristic kingdoms of the world and plenty of green lawn for playing and relaxing.

Browse Around at The Last Bookstore

The Last Bookstore, at the corner of Fifth and Spring streets in Downtown Los Angeles, has become an international tourist draw. They don't just sell, buy, and trade second-hand books and records at The Last Bookstore. They've created an intriguing combination of quirky art and wide-ranging literature in a really unique space. The bones of the original architecture are allowed to shine through with a painted beamed ceiling supported by classic columns. The second floor wraps around the open first floor with a balcony walkway, keeping your eyes busy with everything going on above and below. Upstairs houses unique art studios and galleries, a knitting shop, and a labyrinth of more books, including the dollar room with over 100,000 books for $1.

There are some overstuffed sofas and chairs around for reading, but you're just as likely to see people pull up a spot on the floor wherever they've discovered treasure among the stacks. The Last Bookstore hosts a variety of events from book signings, author talks, and art openings to comedy shows, music performances, and open mic nights.

Visit Union Station Los Angeles

Museimage / Getty Images

Union Station is still the hub of long-distance and commuter rail transportation in Los Angeles, serving Amtrak, MetroLink, and MTA Metro trains. It's also worth visiting as an architectural landmark, with a gorgeous waiting hall and public areas. The historic station was built in 1939 and is a mix of Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, Art Deco, and modern architectural styles.

Enjoy a Meal at Engine Co. No. 28

Courtesy of Engine Co. No. 28

Housed in an old fire station, Engine Co. No. 28 serves delicious American-styled dishes inspired by old recipes from firehouses throughout the nation. The building was originally built in 1912 and operated as a full-fledged fire station until its closure in 1967. A little more than 20 years later, the station was renovated and opened as a restaurant.

Their specialties include New York steak, meatloaf, a firehouse chili, and a few other American and Southern staples. You can make reservations for indoor or heated outdoor seating through their website, where they guarantee they can put out your "appetite fire."

Catch a Fly Ball at Dodger Stadium

John Liu / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr

If you're itching to catch a baseball game while you're visiting L.A., why not stop in at Dodger Stadium? The stadium itself is iconic, it's the third-oldest continually used stadium in the MLB, and even if you aren't a baseball fan, you've probably caught a glimpse of it in one of its many movie appearances. ("Benny The Jet" Rodriguez became a Dodger and played here at the end of "The Sandlot.")

If you're interested in seeing more of the iconic stadium itself, they offer 90-minute tours that cost just $25 for adults.

Pick Up a Book at the Los Angeles Central Library

Jim Winstead / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr

Considered an architectural landmark, the Los Angeles Central Library (also known as the Richard J. Riordan Central Library) is one of the leading public research libraries located in downtown L.A. Not only is it listed as a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument, but it's also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The main building was built during the mid-1920s and is a beautiful example of the art deco architecture of that period.

Besides the stunning architecture and the flood of knowledge in the building, visitors can also explore the Maguire Gardens on the library's west side.

Visit the California Science Center

ray_explores / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr

If you're looking for hands-on fun for the entire family, what better place to visit than the California Science Center? Open seven days a week with free general admission to four of its main exhibit areas, this is an easy stop on any itinerary.

Become fire safety experts at the "Fire! Science & Safety" exhibit, study where life began and how it changes in the "Life! Beginnings"  exhibit, and live out your astronaut dreams in the "Humans in Space" exhibit.

Their mission is to promote learning and wonder through fun and entertaining experiences, as they believe science is the future.

Explore Music History at the GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live

Mario RM / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Flickr

The GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live is dedicated to its mission—cultivating interest and appreciation for music history. Their exhibits range from appreciating what artists wear on the red carpet with their "On the Red Carpet" exhibit to an immersive experience of their "Mono to Immersive" exhibition, where visitors can experience their favorite artists' sound on the classic gramophone.

Adult tickets are $18, and the museum is open every day except Tuesday.

Admire the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels

Clinton Steeds / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr

Some of the most impressive pieces of architecture are buildings of worship, and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels is no exception. The building was finished in the spring of 2002 and is said to feature virtually no right angles, as the "geometry contributes to the Cathedral's feeling of mystery and its aura of majesty," they state on their website .

Inside, visitors will find stunning stained glass windows in the mausoleum, tall bronze doors, and beautifully done hanging tapestry, the largest amount in a Catholic church in the United States.

National Park Service. "Little Tokyo Historic District." Retrieved April 2, 2021

Britannica. "California Roll." Retrieved April 2, 2021

County of LA. "History." Retrieved April 2, 2021

Arts District LA. "Arts District History." Retrieved April 2, 2021

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71 Best Places to Visit in Los Angeles

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With sunny weather and attractive all year round, California is filled with amusing activities, either for the ones traveling with the whole family, such as the Disneyland Park, or those on a romantic getaway, with lovely gardens and a stunning coastline.

A dream destination for cinema enthusiasts, Los Angeles is the country’s film and television industry hub, with a worldwide reputation as America’s entertainment capital. From the glamorous Greystone Mansion to the Bradbury Building or the Angels Flight Railway, it’ll feel like every city corner was used as a filming location for an iconic production.

Attracting people from all around the globe to admire the extensive collections at The Broad and the Museum of Contemporary Art, or the architectural landmarks at Los Angeles City Hall and Heritage Square Museum, the Los Angeles art scene is outstanding and marvels those who witness it.

Los Angeles is filled with excellent outdoor activities, including great hikes to the Hollywood Sign and the trails at Topanga State Park, but also perfect for those wanting to embrace the big city fast-paced vibe, with plenty of attractions in Downtown LA or in the lively Hollywood Boulevard.

With a rich culture, top-rated museums, fantastic movie studios, thrilling theme parks, vibrant nightlife and incredible shopping streets (along with celebrity spotting opportunities), the diverse City of Angels has something for everyone.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the selection of the best places to visit in Los Angeles . Grab your notebook and start planning your next adventure!

1 – Disneyland Park

Let your inner child play at the happiest place on earth! From exploring a different planet at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to stepping into a fairy tale at Fantasyland, the Disneyland Park is one of the best family activities in Los Angeles, especially with young ones.

The fearless will love the spooky tour across the Haunted Mansion, where creepy ghosts and thrilling scares await; for a little competition, grab a laser and help Buzz Lightyear defeat Zurg at the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters;

For the adventurous, there’s nothing like exploring a cursed temple and feeling your heart racing on every loop at the fast-paced Indiana Jones Adventure ride; and if you need something relaxing in between rides, take the most lovely boat tour around the globe while you hum to “it’s a small world”.

• Disneyland tickets

2 – Griffith Park

Up to 1.625 feet above sea level, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America and has one of the best views of Los Angeles. If you want to feel like you’re a character from La La Land, this is the place to be.

Inside the park can be found the Griffith Observatory, by the south slope of Mount Hollywood and facing downtown. Visitors are welcome to visit the Samuel Oschin Planetarium or to marvel at the sky through the free public telescopes available.

While in Mount Hollywood, one of the park’s highest peaks, take the time to soak in the best views of the city’s skyline and the surrounding mountains.

Hike across the park’s trails while admiring California native plants, and find the best viewpoints to snap the iconic photo of the Hollywood Sign , one of the most famous landmarks in the whole world.

Before leaving the park, consider stopping by the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens to meet the animals (we’ll talk more about it on number #13).

• Griffith Park tours

3 – Dodger Stadium

The massive 56.000-seat Dodger Stadium , a mandatory stop for baseball fans visiting Los Angeles, is among the biggest MLB stadiums (by capacity), only standing behind the RingCentral Coliseum.

Located in Elysian Park and opened in 1962, it is the third-oldest stadium in the US and the oldest one west of the Mississippi River.

Home to the Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers, check their game schedules online before planning the trip to make sure you catch them at the stadium – which will grant you a memorable experience, cheering on the home team and experiencing the stadium’s vibrant atmosphere.

However, even if they’re not playing when you’re in town, guided stadium tours are also available.

4 – Ovation Hollywood

Formerly known as Hollywood & Highland, the prime shopping location in the heart of Hollywood is going through a makeover.

Now called Ovation Hollywood , and even though it keeps a notable reputation among the best shopping centers in LA, it is shifting away from retail and will be reborn as a lively town square.

Not the typical shopping mall anymore, offering plenty of dining options and a great place to socialize, this is a superb attraction for locals and tourists alike.

From the Dolby Theatre, hosting the Oscars and home of the Academy Awards; to the Hollywood Bowl, a premier live music spot in Southern California, and the unique virtual reality experience at ANVIO VR, there is entertainment for everyone.

5 – Grand Central Market

Located in downtown LA, with its doors opening in 1917, the Grand Central Market  carries the legacy as the “largest and finest public market on the pacific coast”, as well as the oldest public market in Los Angeles.

Ever since, the market has kept showcasing the best that California has to offer, such as fresh ingredients, talented chefs and great entrepreneurs, making it one of the best tourist attractions for foodies.

Open from Monday through Sunday, hours vary from vendor to vendor, and it’s worth checking if you’re planning to try something in particular.

Besides the cuisine, the Grand Central Market is a lively and dynamic hub, providing a great gathering place for groups of friends and families by hosting plenty of events throughout the year.

6 – Universal Studios Hollywood

Located in Los Angeles, approximately a 10-minute drive away from the downtown, perfectly mixing a film studio with an amusing theme park, the Universal Studios Hollywood is by far one of the best tourist attractions in Los Angeles and the best one among film lovers.

Expect a day full of action-packed fun, and thrilling entertainment; with all rides and shows, the Universal Studios Hollywood will transport you to a new universe.

On the world-famous studio tour, visitors are able to explore 13 city blocks across the impressive set. For an increase of adrenaline, another of the park’s highlights is the Jurassic World: The Ride, an immersive water ride with iconic dinosaur encounters, ending with a refreshing splash.

The Universal Studios have fun activities for the kids as well, with enjoyment granted at the Kung Fu Panda theatre or the play zone at Super Silly Fun Land.

• Universal Studios Hollywood tickets

See also: Cheap Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets – How to Save up to 30%

7 – Crypto.com Arena

Formerly known as Staples Center, the  Crypto.com Arena is a multi-purpose arena in the heart of Downtown LA, attracting visitors from all over the world, with a top-rated reputation when it comes to sports and entertainment.

With national and international distinction, the Crypto.com Arena is home to the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL); the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA); the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League (AFL).

Hosting over 250 events and welcoming 4 million guests per year, it has received some of the biggest names in the music industry, from Bruce Springsteen to Taylor Swift. Since 2000, it has also held the Grammy Awards Ceremony.

8 – Hollywood Walk of Fame

One can’t mention Los Angeles without the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame – a walk down Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street is one of the greatest things to do in Los Angeles .

Awarding individuals in various fields, such as film, TV, radio, live performance and music, spanning from more than 1 mile, use the “ search for the star ” feature to quickly locate the stars you want to visit. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is worth stopping by, even if it’s just for a photo-op.

Attracting about 10 million visitors per year, with over 2.700 stars, the Hollywood Walk of Fame played an essential role in developing LA’s tourism and became one of the most famous sites in the area.

And even though it may sound cliché, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to pose right next to the star of your biggest idol – in the very same place where they once posed!

If you’re looking for a hotel in the area, consider the Kimpton Everly Hotel , located just a 5-minute walk from the Walk of Fame, with iconic views of the Hollywood Hills neighborhood.

Hot tip: Experience the magic of the entertainment capital with the best Hollywood tours , offering behind-the-scenes looks at famous studios and iconic landmarks.

9 – Petersen Automotive Museum

With an impressive area of 150,000 square feet and displaying a collection of over 400 vehicles, the Petersen Automotive Museum is one of the largest automotive museums in the world and one of the best museums in Los Angeles for motor enthusiasts!

Hosting an array of exciting themed exhibitions, from the luxurious hypercars to the 90’s aesthetic by vintage cars at Pininfarina, not to mention the incredible Vault, featuring over 250 of the most iconic and rare vehicles from all around the world.

After wandering through its walls, sit back at Forza Motorsport and get a taste of what it would feel like to be driving a racing car. Tell your friends to join you on the other simulators and put your skills to the test – who’s the fastest driver?

• Petersen Automotive Museum tickets

10 – J. Paul Getty Museum

With free admission, the  J. Paul Getty Museum is one of the best places in Los Angeles for art and architecture enthusiasts – no wonder why its two campuses attract over 2 million visitors each year.

Divided between the Getty Center and the Getty Villa, the J. Paul Getty Museum comprises a rich collection of art, ranging from the Neolithic and Middle Ages to the present day.

From manuscripts, paintings and sculptures, as well as photographs, drawings and decorative arts, one can spend hours wandering through the Getty Museum walls and falling in love with its beautiful gardens and the architecture masterpiece projected by the Pritzker Architecture Prize awarded Richard Meier.

11 – The Grove

Visiting a shopping mall is probably not at the top of the list for most travelers. However, The Grove is much more than that.

Open seven days a week throughout the entire year and holding the reputation among the best shopping in Los Angeles, The Grove is also one of the best places for foodies to visit, welcoming visitors with fresh ingredients, carefully confectioned in order to provide the most delicious dining experience – with a lot of potential for Instagram-worthy pictures.

With plenty of attractions for the whole family, from the water spectacle happening every hour at the iconic dancing fountain located in the heart of the Grove – built by the same company as the Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas – to the trolley ride between The Grove and The Original Farmers Market, aboard a historic 1950 streetcar. Don’t forget to bring the camera during your visit!

12 – The Queen Mary

With a fascinating history since the very beginning, the glamorous Queen Mary’s construction started in 1930, overcame the Great Depression challenges – which stalled the project – and still turned out to be a groundbreaking technological achievement, forever transforming transatlantic travels.

Queen Mary’s magnitude made Titanic look like a kid’s toy. Boasting five dining areas, lounges, cocktail bars, swimming pools, a ballroom, and even a squash court, along with a small hospital, its reputation quickly grew on both sides of the Atlantic.

After its last sail to Long Beach, in 1967, the legendary vessel was retired and had been calling Southern California home ever since, but it wasn’t the end of its story.

Nowadays is a popular attraction, turned into a floating hotel and hosting plenty of events – including as a wedding venue – as well as housing top-rated restaurants.

This Art Deco style masterpiece can also be visited on a guided or self-guided tour!

• Queen Mary tickets

Hot tip: Check out our selection of fun things to do in Long Beach .

13 – Los Angeles Zoo

Located in Griffith Park lies one of the best things to do in Los Angeles with family. From admiring tigers, koalas and bears to tortoises, snakes and eagles, a visit to the zoo will delight visitors of all ages.

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closing only on Thanksgiving Day and December 25), with the mission of connecting people and animals, the Los Angeles Zoo is home to more than 270 species, 60 of which are currently endangered.

The Zoo is focused on inspiring wildlife appreciation and educating its guests, and hosts several interesting exhibits such as The LAIR (“Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles”), showcasing 60 of the rarest reptiles and amphibians from all over the world that cannot be seen at another zoo; or the Rainforest of the Americas, showcasing an outstanding array of neotropical plants and animals.

Equally important as the wildlife, standing as the foundation of every habitat and playing a fundamental part in its conservation, the impressive collection of plants from all around the world comprises an attraction on its own.

14 – Hollywood Bowl

Since its opening, the vibrant and dynamic Hollywood Bowl has been a prime live music destination in Southern California, welcoming the most iconic artists, from the Beatles to Yo-Yo Ma.

Located in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, it also houses a museum focused on celebrating this major landmark with over 100 years of history and educating its guests on its significant role in the music and entertainment industry.

Those visiting on days when the museum is closed can opt for a self-guided tour across the Hollywood Bowl, suitable for all ages. As you stroll through the building, you’ll find photographic displays and information about its history and architecture.

And, of course, the cherry on top of the visit would be attending a show on the remarkable amphitheater. Don’t forget to check the calendar in advance!

15 – California Science Center

For those that think that science and learning can’t be fun, California Science Center is here to prove them wrong. By stimulating and inspiring curiosity, they’re focused on creating a memorable experience for everyone.

With free admission to the permanent exhibition galleries, this is a great attraction for both kids and adults, with plenty of fun activities, from being a fire danger detective for a day to discovering how all living creatures reproduce and exploring Southern California’s diverse ecosystems.

But one of the highlights is arguably the Discovery Rooms, designed for children up to 7 years old, providing a learning environment and inspiring kids to be creative, explore the world around them, as well as ask questions and find answers for themselves.

16 – The Original Farmers Market

A prime destination among locals and tourists alike, The Original Farmers Market has been a foodie’s paradise in Los Angeles since 1934.

Located next to The Grove, this historical market became a city landmark and popular tourist attraction.

Featuring more than 100 local vendors, it’s the perfect place to grab something ready-to-eat, go grocery shopping, explore trendy shops or delve into Los Angeles’s best cuisine – ranging from traditional American food, to the many immigrant communities’ local dishes, combining plenty of cultures and traditions.

Unlike the other farmer’s markets, this one is open seven days a week, from 10 am to 8/9 pm, on a permanent installation. There’s no excuse not to include it in your Los Angeles itinerary!

17 – Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Holding the most extensive natural collection in the western US and one of LA’s oldest cultural institutions, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County deserves a place on everyone’s bucket list.

Home to more than 35 million specimens and artifacts, save up to 3 hours to wander through the museum – even though one can easily spend the whole day here.

From a time travel at the Dinosaur Hall, that takes visitors on a journey through 300 fossils and 20 mounted skeletons (including an impressive Triceratops fossil with over 65 million years), to one of the world’s most valuable collections of rocks, meteorites, minerals and gems displayed at the Gem and Mineral Hall, showcasing over 2,000 samples from across the globe.

The museum also offers a diverse range of programs for adults, kids or the whole family to keep everyone entertained. Make sure to check their calendar in advance!

• Natural History Museum tickets

18 – The Broad

Founded by Eli and Edythe Broad, who have built one of the world’s most extensive collections of postwar and contemporary art over the past 50 years, The Broad is one of the most iconic museums in Los Angeles.

Located in Downtown LA, this contemporary art museum is home to 2,000 works by more than 200 artists. From Jean-Michel Basquiat to Andy Warhol, Ed Ruscha and Alexander Calder, one can easily spend more than 2 hours admiring all exhibitions.

To make the most of your visit, consider joining a guided tour, and get your camera ready for an Instagram-worthy selfie at the magical Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room!

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, The Broad is a must for all art lovers. General admission tickets are free, but booking them in advance is recommended due to its high demand.

19 – Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

The only amusement park on the West Coast located on a pier, more precisely on the worldwide famous Santa Monica Pier, the Pacific Park is one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles for a fun day with family or with friends.

With 12 thrilling rides, the Pacific Park has something for everyone. Looking for adrenaline? The West Coaster starts with a 50ft climb, offering astonishing views of the Los Angeles Bay, before taking you from one end of the park to another at 35 mph;

Traveling with young ones? They’ll love the feeling of the Frog Hopper’s 15 ft drop; For an all-family attraction, ride the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the iconic Pacific Wheel, for a breathtaking panoramic view 130 ft above the Pier.

And if you need to restore your energy after trying all of the attractions, stop by the many great restaurants at Santa Monica Pier (or grab a quick snack in between rides).

To take your experience to the next level and add extra luxury to it, consider saying at the five stars Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel . Nothing compares to relaxing by the sun, at the 4th-floor pool, with a drink in your hand and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Pacific Park.

20 – La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

With only a few inches deep, who would’ve imagined remains of plants and animals from the past 50,000 years lay on the La Brea Tar Pits’ asphalt?

Considered one of the most famous fossil sites in the whole world, the excavations carried out in the area provide powerful insights on how wildlife and climate change, as well as our climate’s future.

This is one of the most remarkable attractions in Los Angeles for paleontology buffs. After taking a guided tour through the pits, stop by the museum and admire the impressive fossil collection found in La Brea.

With an active laboratory inside the museum, visitors can have a firsthand insight into a groundbreaking research on the Ice Age and how scientists clean and preserve the fossils discovered in the Tar Pits.

• La Brea Tar Pits tickets

21 – Walt Disney Concert Hall

Designed by Frank Gehry, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a top-rated architectural landmark famous globally for its sophisticated concert halls.

Once you step inside the building, you’ll be marveled by the outstanding acoustics. The Walt Disney Concert Hall was carefully projected to connect the musicians with the audience, and their mission was without a doubt a huge success.

From classical music to jazz, feel enchanted with the dynamic and vibrant performance by the incredible Los Angeles Philharmonic, one of the most illustrious orchestras in the world, and marvel at their unique sound.

22 – Griffith Observatory

A symbol of innovation and inspiration, perfectly matching with the city of Los Angeles, open since 1935, the Griffith Observatory located in Griffith Park has become the most visited public observatory in the world.

Welcoming visitors from all around the globe, the Griffith Observatory has something from everyone: from public telescopes to a calendar full of exciting events; besides having the best view of the Hollywood Sign and plenty of astronomy exhibits, this is the place for the curious minds.

Plus, can you find a more unique and memorable experience than exploring the universe, for free, in the heart of Los Angeles?

• Griffith Observatory tours

23 – Six Flags Magic Mountain

Even though this attraction is not for the faint-hearted, Six Flags Magic Mountain promises to be one of the best places to visit in Los Angles for the adrenaline junkies.

Valencia’s incredible 260-acre park features over 100 rides and 19 roller-coasters, holding the world record for most roller-coasters in an amusement park – no wonder they call it the “Thrill Capital of the World”!

From Apocalypse, the 2,850 feet long wooden roller coaster, to Viper, one of the fastest looping roller coasters in the world, reaching a speed of 70 mph, there’s no lack of excitement here!

24 – Hollywood Pantages Theatre

Located in the heart of the Hollywood Boulevard, just a 1-minute walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, lies one of the most popular venues in Los Angeles, the Hollywood Pantages Theatre .

Founded by Edwin Lester in 1938, the Pantages Theatre is famous for its outstanding quality hosting stage musicals and operas.

Broadway fans can catch shows all year round, and once you step foot into the building and start admiring its architecture and stunning Art Deco from the 1930s, it’ll feel like you have just been transported to the very first moment when Broadway was kicking off in Los Angeles.

From Hamilton to Wicked, all of the classics passed through Hollywood Pantages Theatre and there’s no shortage of entertainment.

25 – Hollywood Wax Museum®

You’re in Hollywood, standing in the very same place your favorite stars and pop culture icons once stood. What else do you need? A selfie with them, and the Hollywood Wax Museum can make that way easier than you think.

From Marilyn Monroe to Taylor Swift, this is the opportunity to meet all of your favorite celebrities, or at least the full-size wax figure version of them.

Get creative with the props and costumes available and take your photos to a whole new level. This is for sure one of the most fun activities in Los Angeles!

26 – Dolby Theatre

Located in the Hollywood & Highland shopping mall (also known as Ovation Hollywood) on the lively Hollywood Boulevard, the Dolby Theatre is one of the most famous Los Angeles landmarks.

Dolby Theatre became one of the world’s greatest entertainment venues, welcoming many prestigious artists and hosting the most extraordinary events ever since. From hosting the annual Academy Awards ceremony since 2001, Cirque du Soleil and multiple Broadway productions, to Alicia Keys, Celine Dion and Prince.

While planning a trip to Los Angeles, it’s worth checking their event calendar and grabbing some tickets in advance; it’ll surely be an unforgettable night!

And the best pair for an unforgettable night out in the city, a stay at the historic and luxurious  The Hollywood Roosevelt . Dating back to the Golden Era, the hotel is located right in the heart of Hollywood Boulevard, less than 2 minutes from the Dolby Theatre.

• Dolby Theatre tours

27 – The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

One of the most extraordinary independent research libraries in the world, with an estimated 11 million items from the 11th to the 21st centuries – only displaying a small part of the collection at one time;

An outstanding museum, home to 42,000 objects and covering 500 years of art, divided between European art from the 15th to 20th centuries and American art from the colonial era until today;

A 120-acres botanical garden with 15,000 plant varieties and featuring 16 enchanting themed gardens, from the cactus at the Desert Garden to the beautiful forest at the Jungle Garden;

Not to mention the exceptional selection of rotating exhibits as well. That’s just a short version of how impressive and diverse The Huntington is and how much it has to offer. A place where definitely is something for everyone!

28 – Descanso Gardens

Just a short 20-minute drive from downtown LA, located in La Cañada Flintridge, the  Descanso Gardens are a green oasis perfect for relaxing from the fast-paced city center.

This 150-acre botanical garden is full of wonders: a charming Japanese garden, an impressive rose garden (with 1,600 roses!), a unique camellia collection, just to name a few of its highlights. With something blooming every season, it’s an excellent place for a romantic date in Los Angeles.

And if you think it can’t get better, stop by The Kitchen at Descanso and enjoy a delicious meal made from fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, accompanied by a refreshing drink.

29 – Hollywood Sign

Perched atop Mount Lee lies one of California’s most famous landmarks and a world-class symbol of the entertainment industry, the impressive Hollywood Sign .

There are official viewpoints from where you can get outstanding photos, such as the Griffith Observatory, which not only provides one of the best views but also has free parking.

Even though you can’t climb to the Hollywood Sign itself, you can get a unique view from a helicopter tour – as well as the most memorable experience of flying over Los Angeles.

Another option, especially for outdoor lovers, is to take one of the hiking trails available: the easiest one, the Mt. Hollywood Trail; the moderate Brush Canyon Trail; or the hardest one, the Cahuenga Peak Hike.

Explore at your own pace and take your time to admire the Hollywood Sign and the skyline views unfold as you go. Don’t forget to carry water with you and have fun exploring!

• Hollywood Sign tours

See also: Helicopter Tours in Los Angeles – Which One Is the Best?

30 – El Capitan Theatre

Having started as a playhouse, conquering its place among the leading dramatic stages in Los Angeles, hosting over 120 plays.

It was only in 1941 that the El Capitan Theatre  hosted its first movie, with the iconic world premiere of Citizen Kane, leading to its renovation and transformation into a movie theatre.

Amidst renovations and remodeling, it opened in 1991 under new ownership, from Walt Disney Studios, and the 998 seat theatre has been showcasing Disney motion pictures ever since. Can your trip to LA get more magical than watching Mulan at El Capitan Theatre?

31 – Greystone Mansion and Park

Tucked in the glamorous and charming Beverly Hills lies the Tudor Revival Greystone Mansion . Even if this name doesn’t sound familiar, you have seen this mansion at least once.

The extensive land belonged originally to the oil tycoon Edward Laurence Doheny and was given to his son Ned as a wedding gift.

Not only it is one of the largest mansions in Beverly Hills, but it also represents an influential landmark for the American cinema. From the prestigious Chilton Academy in Gilmore Girls to the luxurious interior of Norman Osborn’s mansion in Spider-Man.

The Greystone Mansion has been a filming location for many productions, resulting in its featuring in numerous movie scenes. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to feel like you’re inside your favorite movie (or tv show)!

32 – Musso & Frank Grill

Proudly passing their legacy through generations,  Musso & Frank Grill  have been delighting Hollywood with the finest American cuisine since 1919.

Carrying the title of Hollywood’s oldest eatery,  usually referred to as “the genesis of Hollywood”, this is one of the best places to try in the area!

Committed to preserving tradition, once you walk through their doors, it’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another decade. The classic ambiance and decor make the experience much more immersive and unique.

In fact, the space itself is so iconic it got featured in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (besides many other movies that used this restaurant as a filming location). Grab a martini and enjoy!

33 – Angels Flight Railway

Open daily from 6:45 am to 10 pm, the small funicular in Bunker Hill has been amusing its visitors with a ride through the world’s shortest railway.

Over the past 118 years, the Angels Flight Railway has given more than 100 million rides between Hill Street and Grand Avenue, and for just 1$ you can enjoy one too!

Similar to most of the attractions and landmarks in Los Angeles, there’s no shortage of productions that have made this place its filming location. From its debut in 1918 with Good Night, Nurse!, to 2016 with Ryan Gosling’s and Emma Stone’s ride on La La Land, this is the greatest attraction for your inner cinema enthusiast!

• Angels Flight Railway tickets

34 – Skirball Cultural Center

Dedicated to the Jewish heritage, along with solid values of freedom and equality, everyone is welcome to join Skirball Cultural Center and participate in their enriching cultural experiences.

Considered one of the most vigorous Jewish cultural institutions in the world, the Skirball Cultural Center has also established its place among Los Angeles’s leading cultural venues.

Explore the Jewish history across many lands and civilizations and how it contributed to shaping their values on the Visions and Values exhibition, admire archaeological artifacts at the Discovery Center, and for those with kids, let the young ones explore and interact at the Noah’s Ark.

35 – Hammer Museum

The   Hammer Museum at UCLA explores the power of art and creates something much more complex than just an aesthetically pleasing experience.

With a diverse array of public events, from screenings to talks and performances, besides the many exhibitions, there are plenty of ways to experience art in all kinds of forms.

Delve into the museum great exhibits, from the Armand Hammer Collection, displaying 16th century European and American paintings, sculptures and drawings, reflecting the interests of the museum’s founder, Armand Hammer; to the Grunwald Center Collection, one of the finest exhibitions of drawings, photographs and books in America, dating back to the Renaissance era, containing over 45,000 prints.

Let art guide, inspire and answer all your social, political and cultural questions. This is one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles for the curious minds!

While in the area, consider spending some time exploring Westwood, and maybe establishing your base there, considering it’s one of the best neighborhoods in LA. Plaza la Reina is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a hotel, combining exceptional amenities and services, as well as a lovely private rooftop terrace, perfect for a cocktail with unique Westwood views.

36 – Bradbury Building

Built in 1893, considered the oldest commercial building in the city and operated as an office building for most of its history, this magnificent five-story architectural landmark deserves a place on everyone’s Los Angeles bucket list.

There’s no surprise the Bradbury Building, with its Victorian charm, has been featured in countless films. From Blade Runner to 500 Days of Summer, this popular filming location has probably been displayed in at least one of your favorite movies.

Open daily to the public, it’s worth checking the inside of the building during the daytime to appreciate its beauty with appropriate lighting.

37 – GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live

Enduring legacies and celebrating all forms of music, the GRAMMY Museum is a tribute to the extraordinary musical heritage.

With the mission to make music valued, their interactive and educational exhibits make up an excellent program for the whole family.

Experience walking On The Red Carpet, hear how your favorite artists would sound on a gramophone, admire artifacts from Jackson’s career (such as the iconic sequin gloves);

Use the Culture Shock multimedia exhibition’s screens to learn more about some of the most revolutionary figures in the industry and their stories, discover the history of over 160 music genres (and how they’re all connected) at the Crossroads table and much more!

39 – Autry Museum of the American West

Another great attraction in Griffith Park, the Autry Museum of the American West is entirely dedicated to exploring the history, art and culture of the American West.

With an impressive collection of 500,000 artifacts and artworks, plus the diverse range of public events hosted throughout the year, this is one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles!

There’s no shortage of exhibits to explore, from rare ceramics and the incredible Pueblo pottery to the evolution of clothing – or even the outdoor garden, with over 60 native California plants!

• Autry Museum of the American West tickets

40 – Annenberg Community Beach House

Located on Santa Monica State Beach, where Marion Davies’ 100-room mansion once was, the Annenberg Community Beach House is one of the most unusual places to relax in Los Angeles.

The project has rehabilitated the Marion Davies Guest House and its historical pool, plus the public beach facility offers unique views, fun playgrounds and beach courts.

This 5-acre oceanfront area makes a perfect community destination! Open to anyone with activities to keep the entire family entertained, there’s no better place to refresh from California’s weather!

And for those looking for a venue for their special day, the fascinating beach house promises a memorable day, with a capacity of up to 130 people on wedding ceremonies and 150 on receptions; and offers a charming historical Hollywood style mixed with the coastal California vibes.

41 – Watts Towers Arts Center

Located in Simon Rodia State Historic Park, the iconic Watts Towers were designed and built by the Italian immigrant Sabato (“Simon”) Rodia.

With 17 main sculptures made from steel and wire and then covered with mortar and decorated with tile, glass along other materials, these unique creations were declared a historic monument in 1963.

The internationally renowned Watts Towers Arts Center is one of the best places for art lovers in Los Angeles, with continuous support to artists, their works and development, as well as a strong focus on providing arts education to the community.

The Watts Towers are open to the public, with guided tours available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

42 – California African American Museum

Entirely dedicated to researching and preserving African Americans’ cultural heritage and history, the California African American Museum is one of the best places in Los Angeles for history lovers.

Located in Exposition Park, thanks to its visionary founders and community members along with a strong activism campaign, this groundbreaking museum accomplished the status of the first African American museum to be fully supported by a state.

Located in Exposition Park, housing a permanent collection of over 5,000 artworks, historical documents and artifacts, along with a public library with more than 20,000 books and research materials, it’s hard to believe this outstanding museum has free entrance!

43 – Chateau Marmont

Famous for being either a short or long-term residence for several celebrities throughout the years, the astonishing Chateau Marmont is an excellent landmark in Los Angeles.

Built in 1929, inspired by the French Château d’Amboise in Loire Valley, initially conceived as an upscale apartment building, Chateau Marmont was later turned into a luxurious hotel.

Just like most of Los Angeles’ landmarks and points of interest, Chateau Marmont has made an appearance on multiple Academy Award-winning films, from A Star is Born to The Night Walker.

But if their rates are out of budget – ranging from $500 to $900 a night – you may want to consider stopping by the restaurant. With an intimate indoor dining area, a terrace and a delicious American meal carefully prepared by the chef, it’s still a unique and idyllic experience to have!

44 – TCL Chinese Theatre

Hosting around 50 events per year, from movie premieres to film festivals, the TCL Chinese Theatre has a top-rated reputation, and it’s the most iconic movie palace in the world.

In the heart of Hollywood, holding a notorious reputation for nearly 100 years, no wonder the TCL Chinese Theatre has been receiving the biggest celebrities and presenting the most renowned red carpet and special events since 1927.

While in the area, consider joining a VIP Tour about the theatre’s history for an in-depth learning experience – from interesting stories to fun facts, at the same time you’re standing in the very same place as your favorite celebrities did; it’ll surely be worth it!

• TCL Chinese Theatre tours

45 – Walt Disney Studios

From epic storytelling to top-quality movies, the 95 years of history and the legacy they carry made the Walt Disney Studios  a reference in the film industry worldwide.

Containing a collection of the most respected film studios, from Pixar Animation Studios to Marvel Studios, this is one of the most exciting places to visit in Los Angeles for cinema enthusiasts!

Nostalgic and magical. This is the place where all your childhood favorites came from! Alice in Wonderland, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, just to name a few.

46 – Capitol Records Building

Even though the Capitol Records Building is not open for public visitors, it’s still worth stopping by admiring the stunning 13-story tower building from a distance.

Just a few steps away from Hollywood Boulevard and the walk of fame, designed by Louis Naidorf and built in 1956 in Vine Street, this commercial and entertainment building, famous for its recording studios, became an architectural icon of the city of Los Angeles.

Consider stopping by at night for a better vision of the blinking light perched atop the tower, and admire it while it spells out the word “Hollywood” in Morse code!

Directions in Google Maps

47 – The Museum of Jurassic Technology

Founded by David Hildebrand Wilson and Diana Drake Wilson, the Museum of Jurassic Technology houses a fantastic collection of scientific, historical and ethnographic items.

Attracting over 25,000 visitors per year and housing about 30 permanent exhibitions that vary from a collection of pre-scientific cures and medications to a series of radiographic images of flowers.

Showcasing an intriguing diversity and mixture, this is one of the most unusual places to visit in Los Angeles. To fully understand this place, one has to experience it, it can hardly be described.

48 – Topanga State Park

Located in Santa Monica Mountains, the Topanga State Park is an excellent choice for outdoor’s lovers visiting Los Angeles. Once the fast-paced city starts to feel overwhelming, there’s nothing like a getaway to unwind in nature.

Amidst cliffs and canyons, Topanga State Park features about 36 miles of trails for you to explore and some of the best views of the Pacific Ocean. Its name’s origins go back to the Indian dialect of the tribes that once inhabited this rugged landscape for many years.

Considered the world’s largest wildland within the borders of a major city, expect wildlife encounters, such as deers, and plenty of hiking and mountain biking opportunities!

Walk across wildflowers and oaks, and soak in the views from Parker Mesa Overlook, one of the park’s most incredible viewpoints. Admire the canyons on one side and the shore on the other – and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Catalina Island.

49 – Museum of Tolerance

This groundbreaking museum, the first of its kind in the world, challenges its visitors to confront all forms of intolerance and discrimination presents in our world today.

From an immersive cinematic dramatization of Anne Frank’s room in the secret annex to speakings with holocaust survivors, the Museum of Tolerance has a big focus on the Holocaust’s history, but the exhibitions go way beyond that.

Showcasing California’s segregation history and how it targeted and affected all non-White citizens’ daily lives (from their jobs, housing opportunities and schools), and even a debate forum for visitors to explore actual topics, such as immigration and homelessness, the Museum of Tolerance can be an emotional ride but comprises a profound learning experience, appropriate for all ages.

• Museum of Tolerance tickets

50 – The Hollywood Museum

Housing the most extensive Hollywood collection in the world, with over 10,000 costumes, props, scripts and personal items – just to mention a few examples – the Hollywood Museum needs to be on every cinema enthusiast bucket list.

From Marilyn Monroe’s million-dollar dress to Elvis’ bathrobe, many props from Star Trek, Glee, Harry Potter and much more, this is the chance to get closer to your favorite movies and TV shows!

After admiring all the treasures, head to the lower level and see Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell from Silence of the Lambs.

50 – Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Focused on the film industry, exploring its history and cultural impact, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is one of the most fun places to visit in Los Angeles.

With a collection of over 13 million artifacts, from costumes to props and costumes, this is the first large-scale museum of its kind in the US.

Among the museum’s impressive exhibits, it’s possible to find Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, Mia’s yellow dress from La La Land, and even Alfred Hitchcock’s typewriter used to write the screenplay for Psycho.

It’s also worth checking the exhibitions hosted by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, from learning about the cinema evolution and stories of some of the best moviemakers at the three-floor Stories of Cinema exhibition; to the interactive Oscars® Experience, where visitors have the unique opportunity to simulate being called to the stage and receiving an award.

51 – Travel Town Museum

Tucked at the north of Griffith Park, the Travel Town Museum is a museum entirely dedicated to railroad transportation, especially in Southern California and the Los Angeles area.

Besides housing 40 full-scale locomotives, railroad engines and cars, since 1978, the museum has kept offering their visitors the possibility to take a ride around the Travel Town complex aboard a 16” miniature train.

Learn about America’s incredible railroading past and take a look at the cars and locomotives that are currently being restored at the museum facilities, such as the luxurious “The Little Nugget”, an all-time favorite among the Hollywood crowd or the historic “Southern Pacific Locomotive No. 219” built in 1880.

52 – Hollywood Forever Cemetery

A cemetery is a very unusual place to add to a list of attractions, and stranger it may be to say it’s one of the most visited landmarks in Los Angeles. But truth be told, the  Hollywood Forever Cemetery became a top-rated tourist attraction.

The final resting place of hundreds of Hollywood founders and stars, the Hollywood Forever welcomes visitors from all corners of the world, looking to pay respects to many beloved celebrities.

With its 50-acres of peaceful gardens and green space, it’s hard to imagine this is also one of the most dynamic cultural centers in Los Angeles. There are activities for every taste, from plays to films and screenings happening every summer.

53 – Echo Park Lake

An oasis in the middle of the vibrant City of Angels, the Echo Park Lake is the perfect place to relax for a couple of hours.

Even though the lake is the star of the neighborhood, the Echo Park makes a great attraction itself, with colorful murals, a bunch of local businesses and hipster bars, great live music venues, high popularity among artists and a bustling nightlife scene, it’s one of the best neighborhoods to visit in Los Angeles and worth taking some time to explore it.

But regarding the lake, with picnic tables, walking paths and pedal boats, this natural haven could either make a great family attraction or the perfect spot in Los Angeles for a romantic date.

A lovely green space, a picturesque lake and the glorious skyline in the background, what else do you need?

• Echo Park Lake boat rentals

54 – Celebrate the home of cinema with Rooftop Cinema Club

There’s no place better than Los Angeles to watch a movie on a rooftop. As the home of Hollywood, this city is at the heart of cinema. And how else to celebrate that than with your friends, some cocktails, and a film under the stars?

The Rooftop Cinema Club has set up rooftop movie theaters across Los Angeles, with the Arts District, DTLA and El Segundo venues. Each offers comfortable lounge chairs to relax in, a personal headset and skyline views.

With a movie catalog that ranges across times and genres, you have plenty of options to choose from. The menu is equally impressive, with not just the usual popcorn and drinks available. You can tickle your taste buds with craft beers, kombuchas and special restaurant offerings!

55 – Los Angeles City Hall

One of the greatest architectural landmarks in the city, the Los Angeles City Hall construction was finished in 1928, and the project counted with the participation of three of the best architects in Los Angeles.

The project wasn’t intended to correspond to a specific style or era, but rather to create something unique and hybrid, combining different elements. The goal was clearly successful with a mix of classical designs, from the grand columns at the entrance to the monumental steps; and the Art Deco style top.

Inside, the design and decoration were carefully planned as well, contributing to the building’s eclectic style. Such versatility has caught the attention of many film and television productions, and the Los Angeles City Hall became a popular filming location.

56 – Bronson Canyon

Another great place to visit in Griffith Park, the Bronson Canyon, is an artificial tunnel and one of Hollywood’s most famous filming locations.

Also known as Bronson Cave, it was featured in countless movies and TV shows ever since it was created in the 1920s, with the most famous appearance being arguably the entrance to the Batcave in Batman.

To visit the cave, you must take an easy 2.3-mile loop trail, on the southeast side of Griffith Park. With breathtaking panoramic views waiting for you at the top, don’t forget to pack some food and enjoy a picnic!

57 – Hollyhock House

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the  Hollyhock House  is an architectural masterpiece built in the 1920s.

Located in East Hollywood, visitors can admire this UNESCO World Heritage site, which conquered the title of the first American architecture placed on the World Heritage List.

Named after Aline Barnsdale’s favorite flower, hollyhocks, the house is set around a central courtyard, with one side open to form some sort of theatrical stage.

Like many of Wright’s houses, it has proven to be more of an aesthetic project than an inhabitable residence.

58 – Rodeo Drive

Beverly Hills holds an unbeatable reputation as the home of many Hollywood stars, as well as plenty of rich and famous people and an outrageously expensive lifestyle.

The iconic Rodeo Drive doesn’t fall far from the pattern. Eternalized by Julia Roberts’ iconic shopping spree on “Pretty Woman”, filled with expensive and unique boutiques across a two-mile street, this is one of the most exclusive and luxurious places to visit in Los Angeles – as well as one of the best places to spot celebrities.

Famous for the haute couture fashion and designer stores, with brands like Guess, Prada, Dior, Chanel, Burberry and Rolex, just to name a few, get ready to max out your credit card at this high-end shopping paradise!

After visiting the area where celebrities live, having a sneak peek of their lifestyle and, who knows, maybe spotting some of your idols, why not complete the bucket list by feeling like one of them? If you’re in the mood for some extra glamour, consider a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills .

See also: Hollywood & Celebrity Homes Tours – All you Need to Know

59 – The Fowler Museum

Located on UCLA’s campus, the  Fowler Museum  is focused on exploring global art, from Africa to Asia, the Pacific, and the Indigenous Americas.

Usually hosting between 3 to 6 exhibitions at the same time, the fantastic array of rotating exhibits combined with lectures and cultural events makes this museum worth a visit – plus, its entrance is free!

There’s something for everyone at the museum, from paintings created by the acclaimed Ghanaian artist Kwame Akoto to a European silverware collection containing over 250 items from the 16th century.

And don’t forget to check the program in advance, from discovering the secrets of Peruvian cuisine to hearing from exhibition curators, surely something will spark your curiosity!

60 – Little Tokyo

A perfect example of the city’s multiculturalism, the lively Little Tokyo is one of the best neighborhoods to visit in Los Angeles.

Located in Downtown LA, just a couple of minutes walking from some of the main landmarks, such as The Museum of Contemporary Art and The Broad, Little Tokyo comprises the largest Japanese-American population in North America.

With a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, besides an excellent opportunity to learn about immigrants’ histories, unwind at James Irvine Japanese Garden or Kyoto Gardens;

Try some delicious mochi at Fugetsu-Do Mochi, have dinner at one of the oldest restaurants in the area, Shabu Shabu House or try the best ramen at Daikokuya. This neighborhood is a paradise for the foodies, with plenty of great options to choose from.

• Little Tokyo tours

61 – Museum of Contemporary Art

Proudly standing as the only artist-founded museum in Los Angeles, the Museum of Contemporary Art marvels locals and tourists alike with an impressive collection of approximately 7,000 objects.

Committed to showcasing all forms of art created after 1940, the museum’s highlights include artworks created by Jackson Pollock, a leading artist in the abstract expressionist movement, and Roy Lichtenstein, standing next to Andy Warhol in the lead of the pop art movement.

The museum has free entrance and two locations worth checking: one in Downtown LA, MOCA Grand Avenue (in front of The Broad), and another in Little Tokyo, The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA.

62 – Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

If you want a place to relax from the fast-paced city of Los Angeles and enjoy some outdoor fun with the whole family, the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area has precisely what you’re looking for.

Considered one of the largest urban parks in the region, with over 400-acres, this popular park is located in the Baldwin Hills Mountains, once inhabited by the Tongva people.

Nowadays, it offers plenty of fun activities. There are baseball and soccer fields or basketball and volleyball courts for those looking to practice some sports; there’s a playground area for the kids, picnic areas, fishing lakes, and many hiking trails.

63 – Japanese American National Museum

Dedicated to preserving and sharing the Japanese American culture, covering over 130 years of their history and being considered the first ethnic-based institution of its kind, the Japanese American National Museum is worth a place on everyone’s bucket list.

Located in the heart of Little Tokyo, the distinguished rotating exhibitions supported by historical artifacts, artworks and photographs will take you on a learning journey about the rich Japanese ancestry and culture in the US.

And while in the area, take the opportunity to explore the Little Tokyo neighborhood and get even more immersed in the culture.

64 – Rose Bowl Stadium

Located in Pasadena, right outside Los Angeles’ center (less than 20 minutes driving), the  Rose Bowl Stadium is one of the most famous sports venues and great for a lively and exciting evening out.

Home to the UCLA Bruins, if you’re lucky to catch a football match during your stay, hearing the crowd cheering on the home team will grant you some chills.

If you’re not able to attend a match, check your calendar because every month, on the last Friday, the stadium holds public tours, which are a great way to take a sneak peek into this massive 90,000 seat stadium.

65 – Guinness World Records Museum

One of the most popular indoor attractions in Los Angeles, the Guinness World Records Museum is also one of the most fun places to visit.

Explore some of the most mind-blowing world records ever broken, from the man who made 747 balloon shapes in just one hour, to the guy who swallowed 22 swords simultaneously.

An interactive way to explore the records documented by the world’s best-selling copyrighted book, gather your friends and family to compare your height against the world’s tallest person, or compete on the largest Pac-Man game ever made – who knows if any of you ends up breaking a record!

Consider a combo pass and visit both the Guinness World Records Museum and the Hollywood Wax Museum for some extra fun.

66 – Santa Monica State Beach

Probably one of the most famous beaches in California, one cannot visit Los Angeles without soaking in the sun at Santa Monica State Beach and admiring California’s stunning coast.

Impressively extending for 3.5 miles, this soft sand beach attracts locals and tourists alike and keeps them entertained with a great variety of activities and attractions.

Divided into two areas, north and south of the pier, you’ll find a great variety of things to do, from playing volleyball, surfing, biking and paddleboarding to playgrounds for the young ones and picnic areas.

Santa Monica is also famous for being the end of the famous Route 66 – even though it makes a great starting point as well. After recharging by the ocean, you’re all set to embark on this 2,500-mile adventure!

• Santa Monica tours

67 – The Music Center

Right in the beating heart of the City of Angels, created about 60 years ago, lies one of the world’s most renowned performing art centers and among the largest ones in the US, The Music Center .

With a massive 22-acre campus, the Music Center comprises 4 world-class theatres: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall, all of them offering top-rated performances with a magnificent acoustic.

The campus also has lovely outdoor spaces for visitors to enjoy, such as the Blue Ribbon Garden, Jerry Moss Plaza, and Grand Park.

For those looking for in-depth learning about the space, the Music Center Symphonian Tours offers a 90-minute visit across the 4 theatres, led by voluntary docents ready to explain to you all about the center’s architecture and history.

68 – Heritage Square Museum

Exploring Southern’s California development and showcasing its history through architectural examples, the Heritage Square Museum focuses on interpreting the years between 1850 and 1950.

With Los Angeles’ quick urban expansion in the 1960s, the Heritage Square was founded to preserve architecturally and historically significant buildings from being demolished.

The Museum contains 8 historic Victorian Era structures to educate and illustrate to its visitors what life in Southern California looked like in the 19th century.

From the beautiful Victorian Italianate style of the 1876 Mount Pleasant House, to the unique Longfellow-Hastings Octagon House (with an estimate of only 500 of its kind remaining), or Lincoln Avenue Methodist Church mix between Carpenter Gothic and Queen Anne styles, the Heritage Square Museum is a paradise for architecture lovers visiting Los Angeles.

69 – The Gamble House

Located in Pasadena, just a short 20 minutes ride from Downtown LA, the construction of the iconic Gamble House marked a defining point in the American Arts and Crafts movement.

Considered nowadays as one of the best-preserved and most complete examples of American Craftsman architecture and an essential contribution to South California’s artistic heritage, along with the conservation of its original furnishings and collections, The Gamble House stands with the mission of inspiring and awakening the public’s interest in architecture.

Designed by the architects Greene & Greene, every detail was carefully projected – both on inside and outside. Visitors can better understand the house and its cultural and architectural context with the docent-led guided tours available.

To make the most out of your trip to Pasadena, why not spend the night there? It might not be the first city in California that comes to your mind, but it’s actually filled with history and culture, as well as great restaurants and bars. When it comes to accommodation, it can’t get better than the classic and glamorous Langham Huntington hotel.

See also: Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

70 – USC Pacific Asia Museum

Providing dynamic and innovative educational opportunities and connecting cultures, the USC Pacific Asia Museum , belonging to the University of Southern California, is the only museum in the US entirely focused on exploring Pacific Asia’s heritage.

Impressively displaying over 15,000 artifacts from Asia and the Pacific Islands, the Japanese collection deserves particular highlight: more than 200 rare works, along with paintings and drawings from the Edo (1603-1868) and Meiji (1868-1912) eras, comprise one of the largest collections outside Japan.

Take some time to admire the ceramic collection, showcasing over 1,000 pieces from East Asia, 600 of which are from the Neolithic era; the outstanding Costumes and Textiles collection, exhibiting over 2,500 textiles from the Chinese Ming and Qing dynasties, Imperial Chinese silk robes and Japanese Edo and Meiji periods’ silk kimonos;

And one of the museum’s most unique exhibits, the Jade Collection, containing 150 Chinese artifacts, including a fabulous pair of jade earrings, believed to have belonged to Empress Dowager Cixi, from the Qing dynasty, the last dynasty in China’s imperial history.

71 – Will Rogers State Historic Park

Formerly a ranch belonging to Will Rogers, one of America’s most beloved citizens and one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, the Will Rogers State Historic Park is one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles for nature lovers.

Take the 2-mile Inspiration Point loop trail and soak in the views of Los Angele’s incredible skyline, or adventure through the Santa Monica Mountains along the Rivas Canyon trail.

For those into mountain biking (or the most adventurous hikers), the extensive Backbone Trail National Trail provides a great escape from the city, along with breathtaking ocean views and stunning rock formations.

Open to both children and adults, the Jigsaw Farms provide horse riding lessons, and with plenty of picnic tables and barbecue grills available at the park, this makes for a perfect day out with the whole family.

And of course, one cannot forget the cherry on top of any visit to the Will Rogers State Historic Park, the Ranch House, only accessible through guided tours but also worth checking out.

Looking for a hotel in Los Angeles?

With so many options available, choosing the best hotel for your stay in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming, but worry not; we are here to help.

If it’s luxury that you’re looking for, consider the historical  Bel-Air or the stunning Fairmont Century Plaza  with a rooftop pool.

In the heart of Beverly Hills, both  Waldorf Astoria  (with impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, there’s no better view of Los Angele’s skyline) and  Four Seasons Hotel  make great choices.

Away from the city chaos, the Langham Huntington in Pasadena offers sophisticated rooms and a top-rated restaurant with stunning views of the garden and a world-class menu, serving Australian Wagyu and authentic Kobe Beef.

If you’re planning a getaway to the coast, in the area around Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Marina del Rey, the Loews Santa Monica Beach  or  The Ritz-Carlton definitely stand out and have everything it takes to provide you an unforgettable experience.

For a tighter budget without giving up on comfort and quality, the options range from the  Freehand Los Angeles , with a “home away from home” feeling, to the  Holiday Inn Los Angeles , next to the airport.

Save up to 45% with an attractions pass

Whether you’re planning to tick off as many attractions as possible or just stopping by a few of the best places to visit in Los Angeles, an appropriate attractions pass will be your best friend.

With plenty of popular attractions to choose from, such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, a guided tour to the Dolby Theatre, the LA Zoo, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, GRAMMY Museum… just to name a few, you’ll find a lot of use to the pass!

• Go City Los Angeles pass

Final thoughts

That’s a wrap for the selection of the best places to visit in Los Angeles. We hope you’ve enjoyed the list, and let us know in the comments what you’re looking forward to visiting.

As always, happy travels!

Local Flavor: the best places to eat and drink in Los Angeles

Apr 22, 2024 • 6 min read

Bar Lis in the Thompson Hotel is a great spot for an aperitif and a side of people-watching © Michael Mundy / Bar Lis

At the risk of sounding like a culinary simpleton, I’ve always been a fan of buffets.

It’s not the all-you-can-eat draw, but the variety that appeals to me. Finding pasta, orange chicken and enchiladas in the same place? Pure heaven. I think this is the same reason I love dining in Los Angeles so much. Go to a neighborhood known for its Armenian and you’ll also stumble upon superlative Peruvian plus a nearly century-old steak joint inspired by the South Pacific — all within the same block.

The neighborhood described above is where I live: Glendale. Tourists don’t necessarily flock here — unless they’re shopping at the  Glendale Galleria or the upscale outdoor mall across the street,  the Americana at Brand  — but this stunning area of LA county (technically, it’s its own city) that buts up to  Griffith Park , the  Verdugo Mountains , and the  Angeles National Forest is certainly worth a visit. Because these are my stomping grounds, you’ll find my restaurant guide heavy on Glendale-area spots. But I’m not opposed to the occasional Santa Monica dinner either, especially when it combines Malaysian, Thai and Indian in one place. And you'll also find me in Highland Park for breakfast, downtown LA for lunch and in East Hollywood for drinks. 

Here’s where I eat in Los Angeles…

Ignore everything you’ve heard about not being able to get a good bagel in LA. The cacio e pepe bagels at  Belle’s Bagels in Highland Park would make even a New Yorker weak in the knees. They’re so perfectly chewy and jam-packed with cheesy-peppery flavor, and they often sell out on weekends, so get there before 11am.

You can arrive anytime at  Canter’s , a deli that serves breakfast — thick-cut bacon, challah French toast and huevos rancheros  — 24 hours a day. This iconic spot has been feeding Angelenos since 1931 and has even been a backdrop in episodes of Mad Men , Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage . Another spot to get breakfast all day, something that’s key to my weekends, is the vegan bakery and cafe  Just What I Kneaded in Frogtown. While its breakfast burrito — brimming with soyrizo, tofu egg scramble and avocado — is mouthwatering, the real showstoppers here are the baked goods. The strawberry "pop tarts", often decorated with cartoon characters, are both delightful and delectable.

For a high-quality cup of caffeine in Glendale, I head to  Regent Coffee , where the small shop on Brand Ave is no frills, but the small-batch, bourbon barrel-aged beans are exceptional, as are their seasonal specials at their Eagle Rock branch infused with fresh ingredients and housemade syrups. Grab a fresh cup of brew and a bag of beans for home. For all the frills, there’s  Bloom & Plume Coffee in a historic building with a purple facade about a 10-minute walk from the  Echo Park Swan Boats . Maurice Harris, aka LA’s most stylish florist, is a co-owner, so you can expect bold monochromatic bouquets for sale along with innovative “dranks” like the Channel Orange Latte which tastes like a chocolate and orange Creamsicle.

I often joke that among Glendale residents, the season’s “it” bag is always a to-go sack from  Porto’s Bakery & Cafe  — the Cuban hot spot that constantly has locals clamoring for carry-out medianoche sandwiches (slow-roasted pork, sweet ham, Swiss cheese and pickles) and crispy potato balls. Wander the streets around here and you’ll spot a number of the ubiquitous yellow bags with brown type. When you get to the bakery, don’t worry if you see a line; it moves quickly.

If you’re looking to linger over lunch, head to the 1920s Spanish Colonial  Hotel Figueroa in downtown LA. Visits here are part-culinary excursion, part-art walk. The lobby, which is lined with artwork that’s part of a rotating exhibition, is also home to  Cafe Fig , where even the grilled cheese (served on sourdough with caramelized onions and slightly spicy mustard) feels like a creative endeavor. If it’s Sunday, however, I’m reserving my appetite for  Chifa , a Chinese and Peruvian outpost in Highland Park. It does a dim sum lunch, where you can wash shrimp dumplings down with Inca Kola, only on Sundays.

For a drink pre-dinner or post-shopping,  the 1894 in Pasadena is my go-to. It’s inside Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookstore,  Vroman’s , and, as you might expect, cocktails here are inspired by literature. Whiskey lovers should try the "Pitcher In The Rye", while soju fans will like "Paradise Sauced".  Bar Lis , the rooftop lounge in the  Thompson Hollywood hotel, is less literary, but more of a scene for people-watching — locals get dressed up to perch on striped bar stools and a famous face or two has been spotted here. The decor is Southern California meets the French Riviera, and the Summer Spritzes (Casamigos Blanco, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit, orange blossom water and bubbles) are as appealing as the Hollywood Hills views.

Cobi’s  — a Santa Monica restaurant offering South Asian cuisine, including pork dumplings, wok-tossed veggies and curries (don’t leave without trying the butter chicken) — is worth the traffic. Plus, the homey decor (floral wallpaper, fringed lampshades and mismatched china) makes it feel like a meal at your favorite aunt’s house… if your favorite aunt was an antique collector in Thailand. 

It’s always a party at  Carousel in Glendale, which serves up Middle Eastern feasts with convenient family-style ordering and per-person prices (from $28). When I’ve invited friends here, at least twice they’ve whispered as we entered, “I think this is a private party.” But that’s just the perpetually festive feel at this Lebanese–Armenian restaurant.

While you’d expect Middle Eastern food in Glendale, which is known for its Armenian population, you might be surprised by the neighborhood’s top-notch Peruvian.  Lola’s Peruvian Restaurant offers authentic ceviches and saltados (stir fries) plus sides of yuca fried to crispy perfection. Across the street, tiki-decorated  Damon’s , which has been around since 1937, will transport you to the South Pacific for a prime rib roast (Friday to Sunday only) and fruity cocktails — peruse the menu with a mai tai in hand.

Bar Chelou is perfectly situated next door to the  Pasadena Playhouse for a post-show drink. For martini lovers like myself, I recommend the Olivette (gin, St-Germain, dry vermouth and bitters). If you’d like a bite, the place is also a full-service restaurant (self-described as a “weird kinda-French bistro”), but the dedicated lounge area, surrounded by tropical plants, means you can wander in for only a cocktail. Another favorite spot of mine is  Lolo Wine Bar in East Hollywood. Take your pick from the extensive wine list — I’m always a fan of a natural orange — and settle into the candle-lit, couch-lined bar area. Finally, if you’re looking to cut loose,  Zebulon in Frogtown is an indoor-outdoor, not-too-cool-for-school dance spot with live music and themed DJ sets, like '80s nights and “indie sleaze dance parties.” Boogie for a song or two, then pull up a barstool or hang outside in the beer garden-style portion of the venue to enjoy the LA night air.

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20 Places to Visit in LA That Locals Love

Locals tell us you'll find a wonderful variety of places to visit in Los Angeles. The city is famous for its urban sprawl, which means it offers tons of distinct spots to explore. With some local insight, we created this list of 20 places to visit in Los Angeles. 

Why see Los Angeles like a tourist when you could see it like a local ? Our trip planners are LA locals who will introduce you to a new side of their hometown. Learn more . 

• The Last Bookstore
• Griffith Park / Griffith Observatory / The Hollywood Sign
• The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
• Cole’s/Philippe’s (dueling inventors of the French dip sandwich)
• Grand Central Market
• Echo Park / Silver Lake / Los Feliz
• Rose Bowl Flea
• Venice Beach / The Venice Canals
• The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)
• Angeles National Forest
• The Original Pantry Cafe
• The Hollywood Bowl
• Tiki Ti Tiki Bar
• The Groundlings Theater / Melrose Avenue
• Highland Park Brewery
• Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook / Culver City
• Dockweiler Beach
• The San Gabriel Valley

#1: The Last Bookstore

Book-loving locals tell us that the Last Bookstore is a can’t-miss LA destination. Housed in the shell of an old downtown bank, the cavernous first floor is filled with books and records. And every nook and cranny, including the bank’s original vault, is stuffed to the gills with books—some of which are arranged by color or stuck together to create whimsical arches. 

#2: Griffith Park / Griffith Observatory / The Hollywood Sign

Griffith Park is home to two of the most recognizable LA landmarks: the Griffith Park Observatory and the Hollywood sign itself. See a different side of this popular attraction —our local trip planners tell us that the two landmarks are linked by miles of rugged hiking trails that will make you feel miles away from the city. You may even encounter some Los Angeles wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and hawks! 

Don’t try to drive all the way up to the observatory; there’s rarely parking, but there is a $0.50 shuttle that departs from the base of the hill. Alternately, you can hike up using the steep (but enjoyable) Boy Scout Trail.

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#3: the los angeles county museum of art (lacma).

LACMA (pronounced lack-ma) sits on a sprawling campus next to the La Brea Tar Pits and on what is known as Museum Row.

Locals tell us it's the largest art museum in the western United States and its varied collections provide a little something for everyone. Don’t miss “Urban Lights,” an enchanting outdoor installation of 202 antique cast iron street lamps open 24/7.

You can get into LACMA for free on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. 

#4: Cole’s/Philippe’s (dueling inventors of the French dip sandwich)

Los Angeles claims to be the original home of the French dip sandwich , and two downtown restaurants are still duking it out for the title of who did it first.

Locals say the sandwiches themselves are delicious messes: French rolls stuffed with roast beef and dipped in a hearty jus . Philippe’s claims to have invented them in 1918; Cole’s claims to have done so 10 years earlier. There’s no solid proof either way, so you’ll just have to try them both. 

#5: Grand Central Market

If you’re downtown and need a bite to eat, locals suggest checking out Grand Central Market . Open since 1917, this open-air market is home to a wealth of dining options, from Filipino food to classic deli fare.

Get personalized recs to help navigate the food options here—our trip planners tell us that  Eggslut , Golden Road Brewing , and Kismet Falafel are popular choices. They can suggest their favorite spots for you. 

#6: Echo Park / Silver Lake / Los Feliz

Stretching from Dodger Stadium all the way to Sunset Junction, the adjacent neighborhoods of Echo Park, Silver Lake, and Los Feliz offer a dynamic selection of boutiques, cafes, and trendy restaurants.

Well-loved by LA's hipster crowd, the area is experiencing an exciting renaissance which makes them a neat spot to explore—especially if you're looking to get off the beaten path . Our trip planners suggest eating noodles at We Have Noodles , some delicious Mediterranean food at Mh Zh , or delicious beef rolls at Pine & Crane .

These days  LA is very safe , and neighborhoods like Echo Park and Silver Lake are no exception.

#7: Rose Bowl Flea

If you’re lucky enough to be in LA on the second Sunday of the month, locals suggest heading out to Pasadena’s famous Rose Bowl Stadium for the county’s premier flea market—locals say it's full of trendy treasures. 

The massive market encircles the famous stadium and spills out into its parking lots. From vintage clothing to quirky furniture to art and jewelry from local artists, Rose Bowl Flea is packed with gems.

#8: Venice Beach / The Venice Canals

The Venice Boardwalk is home to some wild shops—and wild characters. Performers and artists line the boardwalk vying for your attention, right across from a lively spread of surf and souvenir shops. 

The area can be touristy (and overwhelming—there's  so  much to see) so get local advice about where to start . Our trip planners recommend checking out the skatepark, "Muscle Beach", and the beautiful homes along the Venice Canals . 

#9: The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)

The world-famous ocean views from the cliff-hugging Pacific Coast Highway are  incredible . 

Locals suggest stopping at Point Dume State Beach for a walk around the bluffs—they’ve made appearances in countless movies including The Big Lebowski (RIP, Donny). And don’t forget to look for dolphins, whales, and seals playing in the surf below!

#10: Angeles National Forest

Locals say that taking a hike in Angeles National Forest is a cool, unexpected activity in Los Angeles . It requires some planning to get there (that's what our trip planners are for!) but any hassle is well worth the effort. This massive park is  stunning . 

Our trip planners say the easiest way to explore the park is by driving up to Mount Wilson Observatory—even during the day, the site is impressive, and you can always venture out into the wilderness via several nearby hiking trails.  

The Cosmic Cafe will also help you refuel before you head back down into civilization.

#11: The Original Pantry Cafe

Los Angeles has a thing for old-school diners (we’ve all seen Pulp Fiction ). Locals say that a great place to get a classic diner meal is at The Original Pantry Cafe , which has been open since the 1950s!

Locals note that you'll find a line out the door on weekend mornings, but that's ok—our trip planners say the food here is best enjoyed long after the sun sets (and after you’ve had more than a few of LA’s excellent craft beers ).

The Old Pantry Cafe is cash-only and open 24 hours a day. 

#12: The Hollywood Bowl

The iconic Hollywood Bowl is an incredible place to take in a show.  Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, this giant amphitheater has great acoustics for an outdoor venue, and the events calendar has something for everyone. 

Most events at the Hollywood Bowl allow you to bring in a cooler full of food and alcohol to stuff under your seat and enjoy during the show, but check the website first. Some shows have restrictions.

#13: Tiki Ti Tiki Bar

Los Angeles is one of several cities on the West Coast we can thank for (re)popularizing the tiki bar over the past decade or so. Nestled into a tiny plot of land next to the Church of Scientology’s production studio, Tiki Ti is perhaps LA’s most iconic tiki spot. Family-run, this place serves up fruity, boozy classics from Wednesday–Saturday.

Order a “Uga Booga” and watch what happens.

#14: Koreatown

Unsurprisingly, you'll find some fantastic Korean BBQ places here. A lot of them! So get some local tips about where to go. Our trip planners will recommend their faves. 

And Koreatown never seems to sleep! When you’re done eating, locals suggest burning off a few calories at Shatto 39 Lanes (an old-school bowling alley that’s open until 3 AM on the weekends) or at one of the neighborhood’s innumerable karaoke spots.

#15: The Groundlings Theater / Melrose Avenue

While Second City Comedy Club and UCB Los Angeles might be the most widely-known comedy theaters in LA, locals tell us that  The Groundlings Theater is perhaps the most underrated.

You can catch a show any night of the week! Afterward, our trip planners suggest wandering west down Melrose Avenue for some of the best vintage shops in the city.

#16: Highland Park Brewery

Locals tell us you'll find  tons  of great breweries in Los Angeles, but  Highland Park Brewery in The Hermosillo  comes highly recommended. For a chill night, enjoy some local ales here! You'll also find tons of food trucks along York Boulevard and Figueroa Street. 

Try Tacos La Estrella  before tucking into your beer!

#17: Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook / Culver City

LA’s west side is very flat (whereas the east side is super hilly)—so finding a great view here can be a challenge. Locals say that the  Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook offers a solution. If you’re willing to walk 282 stairs up a hill, you’ll be treated to a view of everything from the ocean to downtown LA, and all the way to the San Gabriel Mountains (on a clear day, that is). 

After all that exercise, head into downtown Culver City : a surprisingly walkable part of town with plenty of outdoor seating.

#18: Dockweiler Beach

Locals tell us that Dockweiler State Beach is famous for being the only place in LA County where it’s legal to have a bonfire.

Translation: it’s the place for a beach party, LA style! The beach is home to 70 fire pits; they’re first-come, first-serve—locals suggest getting there early and bringing lots of wood / s’mores ingredients.

#19: The San Gabriel Valley

The San Gabriel Valley, just east of the city itself, is famous for its absolutely delicious Chinese food.

Locals say that if you only have time for one restaurant, though, make it Chengdu Taste in Alhambra, and dig into the huge menu of Sichuan classics—all packed with the mouth-numbing peppercorns the cuisine is famous for.

#20: Sushi Row

Sushi Row is a stretch of Ventura Blvd in the San Fernando Valley famous for its high concentration of delicious sushi restaurants.

The options are endless, so see what locals say about a place that will fit your style and budget. Our trip planners say that  LA’s travel prices aren’t too bad, and you can find surprisingly affordable quality sushi. 

Looking for more info?

For more on LA travel, check out: 

• Los Angeles Travel FAQ 2024
• Where To Stay in LA: Neighborhood by Neighborhood
• 10 Tips for Budget Travel to Los Angeles
• 35 Incredible Things to Do in Los Angeles 2024
• LA Travel: The Dos and Don’ts
• Transportation in LA: What to Know

Where to Stay in Los Angeles: A First Timers Guide to The Best Places

Written By: Sara Oprasic

United States

Published On: April 16, 2024

Los Angeles is a fantastic city and definitely the most popular tourist destination on the West Coast. It’s a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, but trying to find a hotel in LA is similar to looking for a needle in a haystack. With more than 1,000 hotels to choose from, how on Earth can you settle on just one? With my help, of course! This detailed guide on all the best hotels in Los Angeles compares all the most popular destinations in LA to help you find the best city area and hotel room for you.

Best Places To Stay In Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a very big city that encompasses several smaller areas that are also cities by definition. Beverly Hills is not part of the city of LA administratively, but it is such an iconic part of the area that everyone disregards the technicalities. And it’s one of the best places to stay in LA, even if it’s technically a different city. 

LA is massive, and choosing the right place to stay can make or break your trip. Consider which attractions you’re most interested in and how you plan to get around, and then decide on the appropriate area. If you want to party like a rockstar, make it West Hollywood or Santa Monica if you enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the sounds of the whooshing waves. I’ve got a few more suggestions, so let’s get into all the top places to stay in Los Angeles. 

West Hollywood

The bustling West Hollywood is an excellent area of LA for first-time visitors. It’s known for live music venues and clubs where the party never stops. This is by far the best part of LA for nightlife, whether you want to rock out with up-and-coming bands at Whisky a Go Go or laugh until your stomach hurts at The Comedy Store. 

West Hollywood is also known for the Sunset Strip, a vibrant neighborhood along Sunset Boulevard. That’s precisely where you’ll find most of the area’s best bars and clubs, but also some of LA’s best hotels. 

Consider staying here if you’re looking for mid-range or high-end hotels with premium service and excellent amenities. This isn’t the best area of LA for budget stays, but it offers more options than neighborhoods like the Beverly Hills or the Hollywood Hills.  

Luxury: The West Hollywood Edition

The West Hollywood Edition is a luxury hotel on Sunset Boulevard. Featuring a rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an excellent spa, the hotel is truly a top choice for a lavish stay in LA. The guest rooms at The Edition are all extra large and decorated with contemporary, LA-style furnishings, which means a lot of white furniture with warm wooden accents. 

Every room at this fabulous hotel offers an ensuite bathroom, a desk, a seating area, and a flat-screen TV. All the guest rooms have walk-in showers, while the larger suites offer both a shower and a bath. The hotel offers rooms on lower and higher floors, and I must point out that the rooms on higher floors have some of the best views of LA. 

Mid-Range: The Charlie West Hollywood

The Charlie West Hollywood is a four-star hotel set in a house that Charlie Chaplin once called home. As far as unique stays go in LA, this is one of the best options. The hotel is also within walking distance of Melrose Avenue, where you’ll find some iconic LA sights like the Pink Wall and the Hollywood Improv. 

The Charlie offers spacious suites, all featuring a bathroom and a kitchen. Every suite also has a desk, a seating area, a TV, and a coffee maker. Guests have access to a dishwasher in their room and the hotel’s laundry room. Everyone staying at The Charlie gets a private terrace, and guests can also use the shared garden space. 

Mid-Range: Hotel Ziggy Los Angeles

Hotel Ziggy is a nice hotel with excellent rates for Sunset Strip. And it’s a hotel you won’t regret booking, which I can’t say about some of the other, cheaper hotels in this area Trust me on this one. 

In addition to the premium location, this boutique hotel offers medium-sized rooms with comfortable beds and private bathrooms. Every guest room has a desk, seating area, and a TV. All guests at the Ziggy Hotel are welcome to make use of the saltwater pool and 24-hour gym. Some of LA’s best clubs and live music venues are just a short walk from this hotel, so definitely consider staying here if you want to experience this aspect of life in Los Angeles. 

Budget: Banana Bungalow West Hollywood Hotel & Hostel

The Banana Bungalow is one of the very few true budget options in West Hollywood. I originally wasn’t going to include it because its cleanliness ratings don’t meet my very high standards, but I figure you should be aware that the option exists, especially if cleanliness isn’t your pet peeve. Beds at this hostel are as low as $35 per night, with breakfast included, which is possibly the lowest rate in LA. 

Guests can also enjoy free coffee and tea all day long at this property, which is pretty cool. Billiards, foosball, and table tennis are available in the common spaces, so there’s plenty of opportunity for mingling and entertainment. The hostel’s cheapest option is dormitory beds, but it also offers a double room with a private bathroom. 

Pros of Staying in West Hollywood 

• Excellent nightlife
• Very LGBTQ+ friendly
•  Great for luxury hotel stays 

Cons of Staying in West Hollywood 

• The hotels aren’t cheap 
• Limited public transport 
• A crowded neighborhood

Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles is probably my favorite area of LA for a first visit. It’s one of a few walkable neighborhoods in the city with enough attractions that you can stay busy for a couple of days. Book a hotel in Downtown LA if you don’t have a car to get around because many interesting sights are within walking distance, plus the neighborhood has great public transport connections to other parts of the city. 

Ride the Angels Flight Railway, discover the modern art displayed at The Broad, see the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, and get something to eat at Grand Central Market. Downtown LA is the undisputed heart of the city with music arenas, historic movie theaters, and high-rise buildings. 

This part of LA offers various hotels in every price range, and it’s one of the best city areas for a budget stay. It’s also the best part of the city to truly understand the divide between the vastly wealthy and the poor; just a few blocks from the high-rise office buildings and lavish hotels is Skid Row, the neighborhood with the largest population of homeless people in the US. Keep this in mind when exploring the Downtown, and stay away from the more dangerous neighborhoods, especially at night. 

Luxury: The Ritz Carlton

There are many luxury hotels in Downtown Los Angeles, but few are as fabulous as The Ritz Carlton . It’s one of the tallest skyscrapers in the neighborhood and one of the priciest hotels in the city, so there’s hardly a better option for a true luxury stay in LA. The hotel features very spacious rooms and suites, all of which are equipped with private bathrooms, TVs, desks, and seating areas. 

If you’re going to book a room at this hotel, make sure it’s on one of the higher floors. All the rooms at the Ritz Carlton have huge windows, but only the ones on the higher floors offer sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline. As for the other amenities, this luxury hotel boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa center, and several restaurants. 

Mid-Range: Omni Los Angeles Hotel

Omni Los Angeles is a nice four-star hotel with an excellent location in Downtown LA. It’s situated right next to the Museum of Contemporary Art and just a few steps from the Angel’s Flight Railway. Book a room at this hotel if you want to be within walking distance of some of the best landmarks in Downtown Los Angeles, but also just a couple of minutes from the Grand Park metro station. 

The Omni offers an outdoor swimming pool, three restaurants, a bar, and a nice spa and wellness center. All the guest rooms are spacious and feature ensuite marble and granite bathrooms. Desks, seating areas, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers are also included in every room. Try to get one of the high-floor rooms for sweeping city views from the comfort of your bed. 

Budget: Freehand Los Angeles

The Freehand Los Angeles is probably my favorite option for budget travelers. It’s a four-star hotel with fantastic private rooms, as well as mixed dormitories. Travelers can book a single bed in a larger dormitory and spend a night in the heart of LA for less than $70. Yes, that’s still a bit steep for a budget stay, but the hotel has a rooftop pool with a sprawling pool deck that offers fabulous views of Los Angeles. 

Also, the bigger dormitories have two ensuite bathrooms, which is twice as many as you get in most hotels. Smaller, female-only dormitories are available, and they’re only a little pricier per night. The hotel is only a five-minute walk from the 7th Street metro station, which can take you to the iconic Holywood Walk of Fame in under half an hour or even all the way to Santa Monica in under an hour. It’s worth noting that the private rooms are much pricier, so only the dormitories are a true budget option in this part of LA. 

Pros of Staying in Downtown Los Angeles

• Walkable area
• Affordable hotel options 
• Lots of attractions and landmarks 
• Great public transport connections to the rest of the city 

Cons of Staying in Downtown Los Angeles

• Quite far from Hollywood and Beverly Hills 
• Very busy during the day 
• Not all areas are tourist-friendly 

Beverly Hills

Few places in this world are as well-known and legendary as Beverly Hills. The posh LA city is known around the world for Rodeo Drive, the iconic shopping street lined with luxury fashion stores. Beverly Hills is the synonym for wealth and opulence, and as such, it caters to a very niche group of travelers. 

In other words, if you’ve got money to burn, you’ll absolutely love it here. But if you’re trying to visit LA on a budget, I do not recommend staying at Beverly Hills at all. The neighborhood is nice and generally quite safe, but it’s also one of the most expensive areas in LA. There are no true budget hotels here, only cheap mid-range hotels and very old hotels that are very much falling apart. 

Beverly Hills offers iconic LA landmarks and locations, plus it’s pretty close to West Hollywood and Hollywood. It’s a good base for a more thorough exploration of LA, especially if you want to stay in a more quiet part of the city. Just remember that everything here is very expensive. 

Luxury: The Beverly Hills Hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel is one of the best five-star hotels in this upscale area. It is on Sunset Boulevard, so it is just a short drive from The Strip and Rodeo Drive. Come here if you want to have an epic vacation in Los Angeles and enjoy some much-deserved R&R. Everything about this hotel screams luxury, from the high-end furniture to the vast ensuite bathrooms with double sinks. 

The Beverly Hills Hotel suites are in a league of their own, but it’s the bungalows that offer the authentic Hollywood experience. They’re inspired by their most famous guests, and you can usually tell which movie stars inspired the bungalows from the decor. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool and a full-service spa, as well as three restaurants.  

Luxury: Beverly Wilshire

We’re talking about Beverly Hills, so of course, I had to include two luxury hotels. Beverly Willshire offers the best shopping location in the area because it is only a few feet away from Rodeo Drive. It overlooks the Rodeo Drive Steps, and all that stands between this hotel and the best shopping in Los Angeles is a street crossing. 

This is a Four Seasons hotel, so everything about it is top-notch. The rooms are large and modern, with private bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows. The beds are extremely comfortable, and every room features a desk, a seating area, and a TV. All guests are welcome to use the hotel’s outdoor pool and can enjoy dinner at the hotel’s Michelin-starred steakhouse with a menu created by Wolfgang Puck. 

Mid-Range: The Beverly Hilton

The Beverly Hilton is the best option for a mid-range hotel in Beverly Hills. The four-star hotel features large rooms with comfortable double beds and roomy private bathrooms. All the guest rooms are equipped with a desk, couch, and flat-screen TV. Terraces with views of Downtown LA are reserved only for specific rooms. 

The Beverly Hilton offers a swimming pool, restaurant, fitness center, and several entertainment spaces. The hotel has many other facilities that make it a great place to stay, in addition to the superb location. Guests can play outdoor chess, visit the beauty salon, or just hang out at the hotel lounge. 

Budget: Maison 140 Beverly Hills

Maison 140 Beverly Hills is one of the most affordable hotels in this area. The rooms go for around $200, which is as cheap as it gets in Beverly Hills. The hotel is in need of some updating, but it’s in pretty good condition. All the rooms are decorated with somewhat tacky furniture, which is a bit of a nod to Parisian Inns from the previous century. 

The guest rooms are medium-sized, with large ensuite bathrooms and lots of decorations throughout. Every room features a desk and TV, and all guests get access to free Wi-Fi. However, the hotel lacks other facilities, as there is no restaurant, pool, or gym on the grounds. 

Pros of Staying in Beverly Hills

• The best part of LA for luxury hotel stays 
• High-end shops and restaurants 
• One of the safest areas of LA

Cons of Staying in Beverly Hills 

• Worst area for budget travelers 
• Fewer tourist attractions 
• Far from Downtown LA 

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a small city on the coast, situated west of central Los Angeles. It’s a more peaceful area near LA with easy beach access, a small amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier, and more affordable hotel rates. If you want to experience a different kind of Los Angeles and stay close to the beach, Santa Monica might just be perfect for you. 

The small city is connected to Downtown LA by metro and bus, and you can be in the heart of Los Angeles in less than an hour. From there, you’re only 20-30 minutes away from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and all the tourist sights that might interest you. And if you have a car in LA, you’re just a 20-minute drive along Santa Monica Boulevard from the center of all action. 

Santa Monica is also much closer to the airport than central LA, making it my top choice for shorter stays in Los Angeles. You’ll be able to beat the traffic more easily, and Uber will be significantly cheaper than if you were to travel to the airport all the way from the center of Los Angeles. 

Luxury: Shutters On The Beach

Shutters On The Beach is a fantastic five-star hotel located on Santa Monica Beach.  The hotel is also within walking distance of Venice Beach, as well as all the top attractions in Santa Monica. The beachfront hotel offers a fantastic outdoor pool, two restaurants, and a great spa center. Everything about this hotel reminds me of a huge country house, which I think is the perfect vibe for a relaxed vacation. 

Both restaurants are on the beach with lovely panoramic views. As for the guest rooms, they’re all spacious with extra-large and comfortable double beds. Every room has a spacious private bathroom, TV, a seating area, and a coffee machine. Some superior rooms have balconies that overlook the beach, and they’re the best option if you want to experience the best Shutters offers. 

Mid-Range: Viceroy Santa Monica

Viceroy Santa Monica is an excellent hotel for travelers who want to stay close to the beach. The rooms are contemporary but with lots of colorful accents that make them feel cozy and homey. Every hotel room features a spacious private bathroom, a desk, a small lounge area, and massive windows with stunning views. 

The Viceroy has two outdoor pools lined with cabanas. It’s the perfect setup for a relaxed day spent sipping cocktails by the pool. For meals, the hotel offers a restaurant with eclectic furniture indoors and a sprawling outdoor terrace. Overall, if you enjoy staying in design hotels where everything is carefully thought-out, and the staff is extremely professional, you will not be let down by the Viceroy Santa Monica. 

Budget: HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel

HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel is one of the cheapest hostels in the LA area. If you’re on a very tight budget and are looking to spend as little money as possible on accommodation, this is one of the best options. The hostel is mere steps away from Santa Monica Beach and Palisades Park, plus it’s within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier. 

The metro station is also very close to the hotel, and it offers direct access to Downtown LA. Everything at the hostel is squeaky clean, which is the most important thing for me. Guests can choose to stay in single-sex or mixed dormitories, which can have 4-10 beds. A private room with an ensuite bathroom is also available, and it’s well worth the money if you’re traveling with at least three other people. The hostel also offers a lounge area, a TV room, and a garden that all guests are welcome to enjoy. 

Pros of Staying in Santa Monica

• Best for beach vacations 
• Cheaper than Downtown LA and Hollywood 
• A safe area for tourists 
• Closer to the airport 

Cons of Staying in Santa Monica

• Quite far from the city center
• Fewer landmarks and attractions in the area 
• Crowded with tourists 

Culver City 

Culver City is a great area of LA for a very specific group of travelers. If you’re excited to come to the City of Angels for its moviemaking history, you really should consider staying in Culver City. It is a little farther away from Hollywood and Downtown LA than most people like, but it has so many interesting things to see that you don’t even have to venture into Los Angeles proper to have a good time. It takes just 45 minutes to reach the Downtown area by public transport. 

Culver City was the center for film production in the 1920s, and would later become equally important in television production. It was the home of MGM for the better part of the previous century, and it’s still the headquarters for Sony Pictures Entertainment and National Public Radio West. 

Tour the Sony Pictures Studio to see where the Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy are filmed, and then catch a movie at the historic Culver Theater. The city also has a buzzing gastronomic scene with loads of top-notch eateries and nice cocktail bars. Oh, and staying here is significantly cheaper than staying in LA proper, so it’s great if you want to save some money. 

Luxury: The Culver Hotel

The Culver Hotel is one of the best hotels in Culver City. It is a four-star hotel situated right next to the Culver Theater. The location can hardly get any better, especially since the hotel is less than a mile up the street from Sony Pictures Studios. Also, the hotel is set in a historic building, which was erected way back in 1924.

The rooms at the Culver Hotel exude vintage luxury. Every room has an ensuite bathroom, a desk, a small seating area, and a coffee maker. The hotel offers in-room spa services to all the guests, which is pretty amazing. There’s a restaurant on-site as well as a fitness center, but no pool. And that’s probably the main reason why this hotel doesn’t have a five-star rating. 

Mid-Range: The Shay

The Shay is a Hyatt hotel, in a similar price range to the Culver Hotel. It’s situated on the northern edge of Culver City, directly opposite the Culver City light rail station. You can be in Downtown LA in under 30 minutes from this hotel, which is awesome for sightseeing. The Shay Hotel offers large rooms with modern furnishings and two on-site restaurants. 

Every guest room includes an ensuite bathroom, a desk, a TV, a coffee maker, and a seating area. I really like the decor of the rooms; it is contemporary, but there are plenty of colorful accents that make the rooms actually feel warm and cozy. The Shay also boasts a fitness center and a rooftop pool with a cocktail bar. Oh, and there are chairs in the pool, which is by far my favorite little detail about this excellent hotel. 

Budget: Travelodge by Wyndham Culver City

Travelodge by Wyndham is a good option for travelers on a tighter budget who don’t want to stay in hostels. This hotel offers affordable double rooms and studios at reasonable rates. All guests have access to a private bathroom in the room, as well as a desk and a seating area. There’s also a coffee machine in every room. The beds are big and comfortable, plus the hotel is in a pretty peaceful area of Culver City, so you’ll get a good night’s sleep. 

Also, the Travelodge Hotel is just a 20-minute walk from Sony Pictures Studio, and it’s close to several bus stops that can help you get to Downtown LA in under an hour. There’s a restaurant on-site and a vending machine for drinks, but it’s worth noting that the hotel doesn’t have a fitness center, spa, or pool. 

Pros of Staying in Culver City: 

• Hotels and restaurants are affordable
• Easy access to Downtown LA with public transport
• Great for movie lovers 

Cons of Staying in Culver City: 

• Fewer tourist attractions than in LA proper
• Traffic jams can make the journey into LA last a while 
• Fewer hotel options 

Silver Lake

Silver Lake is a trendy area of LA that has been consistently growing in popularity. Nowadays, it’s known as the hipster part of the city, which means one thing: craft coffee shops in Galore. If you’re anything like me and can’t resist a good cup of coffee, I think you might just love it at Silver Lake. 

This neighborhood is also mostly residential, with very few hotels. But that’s not a bad thing at all; Silver Lake is generally a more peaceful part of LA, which is considered perfectly safe for both locals and tourists. 

Stay at a hotel in Silver Lake, and you’ll be roughly half an hour from both Hollywood and Downtown LA. The neighborhood also borders Los Feliz, from where you can easily hike to the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory. Overall, it’s a good place to base yourself for exploring the touristy sights in LA, especially if you prefer being away from the crowds and noise of the busiest tourist centers. 

Luxury: The Paramour Estate

The Paramour Estate is a sprawling luxury property in the heart of Silver Lake. Featuring opulent guest rooms, suites, and cottages, this is one of LA’s premier estates for anyone who wants to feel like a movie star for a couple of days. It’s possible to rent the entire property, but I can’t even imagine how much that would cost. So, it’s great that you can also rent individual rooms at The Paramour Estate. 

All the rooms and suites are adorned with luxurious decor and equipped with designer furniture. There’s a pool on the grounds that guests are welcome to enjoy, and the entire estate is just a few minutes from the Silver Lake Reservoir with beautiful nature and relaxing walking trails. 

Mid-Range: Silver Lake Pool & Inn

Silver Lake Pool & Inn is a four-star hotel with modern and spacious rooms. The hotel is on Santa Monica Boulevard, roughly an hour’s walk from both the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so you’re still pretty close to all the top tourist attractions in Los Angeles. The rooms are clean and beautifully decorated, with spacious ensuite bathrooms and lots of warm wooden decor. 

There’s an outdoor pool at this inn, which is a tad small but still very nice. Guests can relax on the loungers by the pool and enjoy LA’s endless sunny days or hang out at the on-site coffee house to see why Silver Lake is locally known as a hipster’s paradise. There’s an Italian restaurant at this hotel for delicious dinners, but it’s worth noting that the inn doesn’t offer a fitness center or a spa. 

Budget: Comfort Inn Los Angeles 

Comfort Inn Los Angeles is an affordable place to stay on West Sunset Boulevard. It’s only half an hour from the city center by public transport, and a bus stop is directly across the street from the Inn. Also, this small hotel includes breakfast with every nightly rate, which starts at just $130 for a double room. That’s insanely cheap for LA, so consider this hotel if you’re on a tight budget but you would prefer not to share a bathroom with strangers. 

The Comfort Inn rooms are medium-sized and include ensuite bathrooms. The furniture is a little outdated, but nothing is falling apart, and the place is clean. Every room includes a TV and a microwave, as well as a desk, minifridge, and small seating areas. Granted, it’s a pretty small TV, but I wouldn’t count the inches for this price. 

Pros of Staying in Silver Lake

• Accommodation is more affordable
• Safe area for tourists
• Very close to Hollywood and Downtown LA 

Cons of Staying in Silver Lake 

• Few tourist attractions in the neighborhood
• Not many hotels to choose from 
• Quite far from Beverly Hills 

Best Areas To Stay in Los Angeles FAQ’s

What is the best area to stay in Los Angeles? 

The best area to stay in Los Angeles is either West Hollywood or Downtown LA. Either area offers easy walking access to famous landmarks and attractions, as well as good public transport connections to the rest of LA. 

Should you stay in Downtown LA or Hollywood? 

It is better to stay in Downtown LA than in Hollywood. Downtown LA is walkable and offers many hotels in every price range, while Hollywood is generally overpriced, dirty, and a tourist trap. 

Where should I go for the first time in LA? 

You should go to Downtown LA, West Hollywood, or Beverly Hills for the first time in LA. Either place is great for a first visit to the City of Angels and offers a chance to discover unique city landmarks. 

What is the safest area in Los Angeles for tourists?

West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills are generally considered safe for tourists. Downtown LA is also mostly safe, but tourists should avoid some areas (like Skid Row) that are known for a very high homeless population. 

Where Not To Stay In Los Angeles

You might not like hearing this, but Hollywood is one of the worst areas of LA for a hotel stay. The neighborhood is dirty and crowded, with overpriced hotels and restaurants. It’s the most touristy part of Los Angeles, and most of it is just a massive tourist trap. Plus, the top attractions there are the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Paramount Pictures Studio, both of which you can visit without staying in the neighborhood. 

Instead, stay in West Hollywood or even Silver Lake. Both areas are relatively close to Hollywood so you can access the top tourist sights without a car. Silver Lake is a nice residential neighborhood with walking access to the Griffith Observatory and hiking trails that lead to the Hollywood Sign, so it’s a top choice if you want to experience the hiking culture of LA. 

Other areas to avoid are Compton and West Adams, both of which have a high crime rate and are known for high police activity. Instead, consider Culver City, Santa Monica, and even Venice Beach if you’re okay with being farther from central LA. You’ll get better hotel rates and more enjoyable surroundings, but you’ll still stay in a safe part of the city. 

Also, consider Hotel Bel Air if you’re fine staying outside central LA. It’s one of the best luxury hotels in the entire city and a place where you, too, can feel like Holywood royalty. Plus, it’s actually not too far from popular tourist attractions; both the Getty and Beverly Hills are less than a 10-minute drive from the iconic hotel. 

Why We Love Los Angeles

We love Los Angeles because the city promises glitz and glamour, and it delivers! It’s the best city in the world for celebrity sightings, whether you’ll catch them shopping on Rodeo Drive or heading to work in Hollywood . 

LA is a great city to visit because it offers something to everyone. If you’re into beaches and surfing, you can have the best time at Santa Monica and Venice Beach. But head to West Hollywood to experience some of the best nightlife in California and discover the city’s many clubs, live music bars, and comedy clubs. 

This fabulous city is also a top destination for hiking and nature excursions. More than a dozen state parks, forests, and recreation areas can be easily visited on day trips from Los Angeles , plus there are countless trails in the hills above the city.  

Plan Your Next Trip to California With These Resources

• 16 Best Cities in California
• 24 Of The Best Beaches in California
• 15 Best Hikes in California – Inspiration to Get Outdoors
• 12 Interesting and Cool Facts About California
• The Ultimate California Road Trip Itinerary

Travel Planning Resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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1 thought on “Where to Stay in Los Angeles: A First Timers Guide to The Best Places”

Very informative article! Thanks for sharing.

New challenge unlocked: hiking with a newborn. How to keep your baby safe on the trails

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Last week, my wife and I embarked on a special outdoor adventure. By the numbers, it wasn’t that impressive — a 2.3-mile, 300-foot “hike” up to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook . It took an hour from start to finish. Much of the route was paved. But it was a major milestone for one very important reason: It was our first hike with our newborn daughter, Emma.

In the days before this short but important trip, some pressing questions bounced around my head. Would Emma put up a fight as I wrestled her into the BabyBjörn carrier? Would she wail the whole way up the hill? Would she spit up all over me? (It wouldn’t be the first time.)

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I was also skeptical about how enriching a hike could be for a 2-week-old infant. Emma can barely see. After nine months in the womb, just lying in her crib must feel like visiting another planet — would she even notice the difference between indoors and outdoors?

To calm my nerves, I spoke with Dr. Rebecca Dudovitz, a pediatrician with UCLA Health. I was relieved to learn that babies, even those as young as Emma, appreciate time outside just as much as adults do.

“It’s a great way to stimulate their development with new senses and sounds, smells, things to look at,” said Dudovitz.

Outdoor time offers a host of benefits for babies. In addition to sensory stimulation, it exposes them to common allergens, which reduces their risk of developing allergies later in life, and it’s actually safer than spending time in crowded indoor places — they’re less likely to catch a virus from another person. Perhaps most importantly, going outside can calm a fussy newborn (and their exhausted parents).

“It can be a useful strategy, especially at the end of the day when everybody’s tired and cranky,” said Dudovitz.

Dudovitz also gave me a few tips to ensure our hike was a success. Rule No. 1 is to keep babies out of the sun, as a newborn’s skin is sensitive and sunscreen isn’t approved for use until they’re 6 months old. (Long sleeves and a sun hat are required equipment.) She recommends staying away from places with mosquitoes; if you can’t avoid bugs, you can pre-treat baby clothes with Permethrin to ward them off. Finally, pay close attention to heat and cold as babies can’t regulate their temperature as well as adults can (feel your child’s torso to gauge their temperature).

Armed with that info, my wife, Emma and I headed out for our first hike. It was a perfect Southern California day, the kind that makes you wonder why anyone would choose to live elsewhere. Warm sunshine spilled down from a deep blue sky, and a fresh breeze rolled in from the ocean as we trekked up the hill from the parking lot.

All around us, the chaparral was lush and alive with blossoms. Mounds of bush sunflowers glowed in the afternoon light, and here and there I noticed patches of coast morning glories, their delicate white cups streaked with purple. Amid the blooms, sagebrush branches stood out with their wispy pale green leaves. I touched them as we passed and savored their sweet, earthy scent. When we reached the top of the overlook, we could see for miles in all directions — the Santa Monica Mountains rising in the distance, the broad blue plane of the Pacific Ocean, and the skyscrapers of downtown L.A. poking up to the east. It was beautiful.

What did Emma think of it? Hard to say. She slept the entire time, stirring only when I took off her hat to snap photos. I think she opened her eyes for 30 seconds total. Even so, my wife and I enjoyed the excursion, and I’m calling this inaugural family hike a success. Next time, maybe Emma will be awake to hear, smell, see and feel all of it too.

3 things to do

1. ID plants and potluck in Topanga Canyon

Go for an all-levels plant identification stroll in the mountains of Topanga with Herb Club LA . The 2.5-mile walk will last about an hour and is open to everyone (even leashed dogs). Afterward, the group will be holding a “late Earth Day celebration” at the dreamy local Topanga shop the Well Refill for a tea meditation and potluck featuring herbal sodas and vegan chocolate. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes for the hike, and — if they plan to take part in the potluck — to bring vegan dishes and reusable plates, cups and utensils to minimize waste. The event is free (with donations accepted) and kicks off Sunday at 11 a.m. For more information visit eventbrite.com .

2. Bike, walk, skate or scoot in SGV

Ditch the car on Sunday and experience what it’s like to roam freely on five miles of streets in Alhambra, San Gabriel and South Pasadena. Active Streets: Mission-to-Mission , presented by Metro Los Angeles and hosted by San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG), is a car-free celebration packed with live music performances, pop-up booths from local businesses and community organizations, and free games and activities. Walk, bike, skate or scoot through any part of the route — or conquer the whole thing, if you choose. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you’re a San Gabriel Valley resident, you can borrow a classic GoSGV electric bike for $50 by filling out this form . Active Streets was formerly known as 626 Golden Streets — with the Metro “Gold” line becoming the “L” and then the “A,” the name changed.

3. The Earth Day celebrations continue

Though Earth Day happened on Monday, the L.A. celebrations are still going strong. On Saturday, you’ll find guided nature hikes and storytelling at the Chatsworth Nature Preserve , a seed swap at Barnes Park in Monterey Park and the Teen Climate Fest at Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific . You can also get your gloves dirty on Saturday at the Madrona Marsh in Torrance, which is hosting a habitat restoration event . Pre-registration is required and participants should wear closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen and water.

The must-read

Here’s a fun idea for getting outside and exploring Los Angeles: Go on a walking tour of the city’s bridges. For The Times, writer Adam Markovitz highlights nine spans all around L.A. that are worth checking out, including quaint walkways over the Venice Canals, the historic Shakespeare Bridge in Los Feliz and the new 6th Street Viaduct over the L.A. River. Whether you’re in it for the architecture or looking for some new views of the city, these bridges won’t disappoint.

Happy adventuring,

A recently published book, “ Places We Swim California ,” will get you excited to jump in the water this summer. It highlights over 60 swimming spots all around the state (including several in SoCal) and features road trip itineraries for discovering unique California beaches, rivers and hot springs.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

Sign up for The Wild

We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.

Michael Charboneau is a freelance writer covering gear and the outdoors, and he’ll be writing The Wild newsletter for the next few months. He has written for a variety of publications, including Men’s Journal, Runner’s World and InsideHook, and he lives in West L.A. When he’s not writing, he can be found running, hiking and biking around Los Angeles and its mountains.

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Conde Nast named this MA island one of the best places in the world to travel to this May

Looking for a world class trip without having to leave New England in the next few weeks?

There's an option, and one that just so happens to be a favorite spot of President Joe Biden.

Conde Nast Traveler recently released its list of the 13 best places in the world to travel in May, and a popular New England destination made the list, alongside places like Zambia, the Cyclades, and Sicily.

May, they said,  "is one of our favorite times to roam the world because the weather is usually ideal no matter where you go—whether in the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern, and the crowds are much thinner than during the summer months when most families and their kids are off for holidays."

What New England spot landed on the Conde Nast Traveler list?

Nantucket was ranked at number five for the best places in the world to travel in the month of May, according to Conde Nast Traveler.

Why did Conde Nast Traveler say this destination is great in May ?

The Conde Nast Traveler website stated, "So much more than just a summer town,  Nantucket  is a beauty in every season. But there are a few perks to visiting in May - namely, beating the summer influx of tourists. You won’t have to dodge quite as many crowds as you bike and sail your way around the island, and you can score some unobstructed views of the three million daffodils that bloom here in late April and early May."

Other tips from Conde Nast Traveler

If you go to Nantucket in May, Condé Nast recommended adding the following to your itinerary:

• Eat seafood at the many restaurants on the island.
• Try the oysters at  Cru  (open for the season in May) or Atlantic halibut at  Dune .
• Plan your visit around the  Nantucket Wine Festival , a four-day event happening from May 15-19, 2024.
• Stay at  The Wauwinet , a five-star hotel on the island that allows visitors some quiet isolation.

Biden visits: President Biden often goes to Nantucket for Thanksgiving

What other spots made the list?

Other places on the Conde Nast Traveler list include:

• Zambia, Africa;
• The Cyclades, Greece
• Holland, Michigan
• Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
• Machu Picchu, Peru
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Healdsburg, California
• Sicily, Italy
• he Hamptons, New York
• Puebla, Mexico
• Nova Scotia, Canada
• Greenville, South Carolina.

Fun facts about this destination

The following are facts from the Nantucket Historical Association:

• While it's a tourist destination now, in the beginning sheep had the run of the island. "At the beginning of English settlement on Nantucket , most of the island was one unfenced common for the grazing of livestock, mainly sheep."
• It used to be that people used the moon to predict the weather. "In the days before modern weather forecasting, Nantucketers anticipated bad weather around the time of an underground moon. The  Inquirer and Mirror ’s 12-month calendar not only indicated the phases of the moon throughout each month but the dates on which an underground moon would occur. "
• Collecting seaweed is a right of the townspeople. "In 1904 a committee making recommendations for the management of the Cliff Bathing Beach included: 'The right to collect seaweed from the beach, subject to the direction of the Cliff Bathing Beach Commissioners, shall be reserved to the town’s people.'"
• "The first golf course was the Nantucket Golf Course on the north shore along Cliff Road." It was built in 1897, with a permanent clubhouse being built in 1899.
• One of the first industries on Nantucket  was silk, with the whaling industry taking off later that century.

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Mister Romantic , is a captivating vaudeville production where the illustrious John C. Reilly embodies a character on a unique mission: to discover love, in any form, at every performance. Conceived as a beacon of positivity in a tumultuous world, Reilly's brainchild is dedicated to nurturing empathy and affection among its audience members. Since its debut in early 2023, this heartwarming show has consistently drawn sold-out crowds across Los Angeles and throughout California.

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Watch CBS News

Lyrid meteor shower to peak tonight. Here's what to know

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 22, 2024 / 7:26 AM EDT / CBS News

Look up, astronomy fans: The Lyrid meteor shower is set to peak overnight Sunday into Monday, according to NASA.

The moon will be in its waxing gibbous stage as the full moon nears, which will make it difficult to see meteors. Even in ideal conditions away from city lights, only a few meteors per hour are expected to be visible to the naked eye. 

"For a dedicated observer, it may still be worth spotting members of one of the oldest known meteor showers – the Lyrids have been observed for 2,700 years," NASA wrote in a post . 

When and where to see the Lyrid meteor shower

The best time to see the meteor shower is overnight Sunday into Monday. EarthSky recommends viewers go to country locations where the sky is as dark and clear as possible. Viewers should try to place themselves in the moon's shadow to watch. 

"If you can block out the sight of the moon, yet still have some sky left for seeing meteors, you might see some of the brightest Lyrids blaze past in the bright moonlight," EarthSky reported. "Remember, even one bright meteor can make your night!"

The Lyrids are known for surges that can bring up to 100 meteors per hour, but viewers are unlikely to see that many this year because of the bright moon, EarthSky notes. Viewers may see 10 to 15 Lyrids per hour in a dark sky with no moon. 

What are meteor showers?

Meteors — space rocks that enter Earth's atmosphere — streak through the sky every night. During meteor showers, which happen several times a year, many meteors hit Earth's atmosphere over a short period of time. As the meteors speed through Earth's atmosphere, they leave behind streaks of light caused by glowing, hot air. 

While most meteors burn up as they fall, some survive the trip and reach Earth. Those are considered meteorites.

Look up — what else can you see in the sky this spring?

Astronomy fans can check out the Pink Moon this month as April's full moon rises. April's full moon will reach peak illumination at 7:49 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, but it will appear full from Monday morning through Thursday morning, according to NASA . The Old Farmer's Almanac details specific moonrise times for different ZIP codes across the United States. 

The Eta Aquariids meteor shower is estimated to peak Saturday, May 4 through Sunday, May 5. NASA notes these meteors are known for their speed. There will not be much moonlight interference during the Eta Aquariids meteor shower. 

May's full moon, the Flower Moon, reaches peak illumination on May 23. 

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

More from CBS News

Doomed Mount Everest climber's final letter to wife revealed

Ex-cop accused of murder, abduction dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound

Was your mortgage loan application denied? 9 steps to take

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The 15 best day trips from Los Angeles

Experience everything that SoCal has to offer with these day trip from Los Angeles to stunning nearby beaches, wineries and small towns

L.A. is great and all, but sometimes you need a change of scenery. If you only have one day to spare, consider one of these quick day trips from Los Angeles to some amazing nearby destinations. Luckily, living in L.A. means it’s an easy (well, depending on traffic) and often  scenic drive  to SoCal’s best beaches , small towns, wineries and gorgeous desert landscapes—all within three hours of the city. Oddly enough, taking advantage of the ease with which you can get  out of L.A. is easily one of the best things to do  in L.A.

From wine tasting in Santa Barbara and  vintage hunting in Palm Springs to  camping  in Joshua Tree or feeling the sand between your toes in San Diego, you’re sure to find a short trip (as opposed to a longer road trip ) worth taking on this list. 

RECOMMENDED: The best weekend getaways from L.A.

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Top day trips from Los Angeles

1.  Coronado

2 hrs by car There’s a reason Coronado has topped lists of the country’s best beaches: Its wide shores never feel overcrowded, the soft, fine-grained sand is easily walkable and the weather is practically perfect. Just a quick ferry ride or bridge drive from San Diego, this wealthy peninsula has the feel of a resort town with the amenities that come from being near a major city.

The beachfront grounds of the regal, red-roofed Hotel del Coronado  are a must-visit, even if you can’t foot its pricey room reservations. Back in town, stop into hole-in-the-wall diner Clayton’s Coffee Shop for a quick meal or MooTime Creamery for frozen treats. Coronado is also home to a sizable naval base, and while you can’t exactly visit, you can spot fighter jets coming in for landings and submarines surfacing off the coast.  —Michael Juliano

2.  Ojai

1 hr 20 mins by car Ojai is a not-so-hidden gem close enough to L.A. for a day trip, but with a unique, relaxed feel that’s worlds away from busy city life. Start early with a decadent, hearty breakfast at Bonnie Lu’s , then stroll the town’s quaint main street; the antique shopping is great here, but relatively new school shops like Summer Camp are also worth a stop.

Tour an olive farm or a citrus grove, then grab an organic lunch at Farmer & the Cook . Alternatively, grab a a bite to go and explore the nearby trails in Los Padres National Forest , just north of town. If the weather is right, swimming holes abound along the Sespe Creek.

Back in civilization, check out Bart’s Books , an outdoor bookstore housed in an actual house (sans roof), or head up to Meditation Mount   (reservations required)  for incredible views, especially the famed “pink moment” at sunset.

Swing back to the center of town to explore its many wine tasting rooms, or grab a beer and a bite at Ojai Beverage Company . Chief’s Peak, the bar at Ojai Rancho Inn (where you should stay if your trip runs long), is a hip spot for an after-dinner drink; you’ll find more old-timers—and regular live music—at Deer Lodge down the road.  —Kate Wertheimer

Discover the best things to do in Ojai

3.  Santa Barbara

1 hr 50 mins by car Santa Barbara is a scenic and worthy vacation destination regardless of your starting point, but we’re fortunate enough to have relatively easy access (granted that the L.A. traffic gods are working in our favor).

Stearns Wharf is a go-to spot to see the Pacific, and nearby is State Street, filled with tons of shops and people-watching opportunities. And the Wharf isn’t the only place to see the water: Butterfly Beach, a relatively private spot, is situated next to the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel and faces west for ideal sunset-watching views.

Grab lunch at La Super-Rica Taqueria —famous for being one of Julia Child’s favorite eateries. The lines tend to be on the ridiculous side, but it’s worth the wait for novelty’s sake alone.

If you’re traveling with family, spend a few hours at the Santa Barbara Zoo   (reservations required) . Otherwise, grab a glass of Pinot Noir at one of the many tasting rooms along the Urban Wine Trail   (hours and status vary by winery) ; the spots are located in downtown Santa Barbara, steps from the Amtrak station, and source grapes from local vineyards.  —Seth Kelley

Discover the best things to do in Santa Barbara

4.  Laguna Beach

1 hr by car Forget what you know from a certain unfortunate MTV reality show: Laguna Beach is an easygoing oceanfront city graced with lush vegetation, tidepools and a picturesque rocky coastline.

Main Beach is the spot of choice for downtown sunbathing, but you’ll find pristine, less crowded beaches at tide pool-filled Treasure Island, camper-friendly Crystal Cove or hidden Victoria Beach with its weathered, castle-like turret.

Walk the city’s downtown area to find a mix of shops, galleries and restaurants; many eateries cater to the well heeled, so we suggest bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy on a bench at the hilltop Heisler Park. Do, however, follow the smell of fresh waffle cones onto the enchanting Peppertree Lane for a scoop from Gelato Paradiso .

It’s not just about the beach here; you can explore the reservation-only Hortense Miller Garden  or thousands of acres of hillsides and canyons to find hiking trails, nature centers and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center   (closed through fall 2024) , a sea lion rescue. Summertime typically sees the arrival of two festival favorites: Pageant of the Masters , a live stage interpretation of classical paintings, and Sawdust Art Festival , an open-air artisan market that transforms into a Christmas village in late fall. There’s only one road in and out from the 5, so bring some patience during rush hour—alternatively, take the scenic route and follow Coast Highway through Newport Beach.  —Michael Juliano

5.  Solvang

2 hrs by car After Danish immigrants grew tired of Midwestern winters, they began to make their way west and eventually settled in the pastoral Santa Ynez Valley. Though you won’t find many Danes in Solvang anymore, you will find wooden windmills, rural houses and a replica of Copenhagen’s Round Tower. The post-WWII structures are as touristy as they are charming; walk around town to find an assortment of Christmas shops, Hans Christian Andersen and Little Mermaid keepsakes, and sort-of-Danish bakeries.

Solvang’s downtown area is dotted with breweries and pancake cottages, including local standbys Solvang Brewing Company   and Paula’s Pancake House —and an increasingly impressive new culinary scene . For a bit of history on the area, make sure to stop by the humble Elverhøj Museum .

For a more offbeat adventure, head to the outskirts of town to  OstrichLand , which feels like the Jurassic Park of the ostrich and emu world. If you’re visiting in early January, make sure to schedule your trip around the annual Christmas tree bonfire . —Michael Juliano

6.  Balboa Island

1 hr by car, 5 min ferry

Visitors to Balboa Island in Newport Beach can enter the man-made island by driving onto it via Marine Avenue, but it’s far easier—and more fun—to park your car on the Balboa Peninsula and take the Balboa Island Ferry for a quick and scenic five-minute trip across the water.

The first order of business: getting your hands on one of the island’s famed frozen bananas (make the Bluth family proud). Choose from rivals Sugar N Spice or Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop; both claim to be the originators of the chocolate-covered frozen treat.

Take a jaunt around the 1.6-mile boardwalk surrounding the island, passing by multi-million dollar homes and streets named after gems, before strolling down Marine Avenue, the island’s main artery. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants ( Wilma’s Patio is a staple), boutique shops, art galleries and the Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society .

Of course, there’s plenty to do out on the water, too: kayaking, parasailing, paddle boarding and the like. If you’ve got kiddos tagging along, the Balboa Fun Zone on the peninsula hosts a Ferris wheel and plenty of arcade games.  —Erin Kuschner

Discover the best things to do in Newport Beach

7.  Los Alamos

2 hrs 20 mins by car Once a major stagecoach stop, this small, easy-to-miss town looks stuck in the past with its Old West style—but behind the facade are trendy treasures waiting to be discovered. Inside Bob’s Well Bread Bakery is a hip, stylish setup serving artisan breads—including gluten free options—croissants, sandwiches and more. Exploring antique shops and art galleries can easily fill a day here, just be sure to call ahead, as some places are only open on weekends.

A big draw of the Los Alamos area is its wine tasting—this is Santa Barbara County, after all—which can be done at Bedford Winery  and other local tasting rooms. Before you leave town, make a pit stop at  1880 Union , an event space with an authentic stagecoach saloon, or spend the night at the Victorian Mansion Bed and Breakfast . For being a single stoplight town (we haven’t actually counted, but you get it), there’s a bevy of delicious places to eat, such as  Full of Life Flatbread (known for its occasional A-list diners) and the destination-worthy Bell’s .  —Stephanie Morino

8.  San Juan Capistrano

1 hr 30 min by car, 1 hr 25 min by train A piece of California history and a quaint old town make San Juan Capistrano an off-the-beaten-path day trip with a lot of charm and a little learning. If you take Amtrak there, the train will drop you off right where you want to be—just a couple of blocks from a good cup of coffee at Hidden House Coffee .

From there, you can tour Mission San Juan Capistrano , founded in 1776 and arguably one of the mission chain’s prettiest links. The mission used to be known as a migratory destination for swallows in February, but the famous birds have been spotty in recent years. If you have your heart set on getting up close with some animals, check out Zoomars   (reservations recommended) , a petting zoo for kids of all ages (read: adults love it, too). It’s a historic ranch where you can also pan for gold like the California miners did. You’re also near Los Rios Historic District , which has some historic homes and museums that are perfect for a walking tour.

When you get hungry, you have several options: Heritage Barbecue serves remarkable Texas-style smoked meats,  Ramos House is a romantic spot known for great food and huge Bloody Marys on the weekends and  Five Vines is a nearby wine bar with snacks and sandwiches. If you want to catch a later train, head over to Swallow’s Inn , the local dive bar, where bras hang from the ceiling and bands play late into the night. You’re still within stumbling distance of the train station.  —Sara Fay

9.  Oak Glen

1 hr 30 mins by car

Though you can visit Oak Glen year-round, the best time to head to this picturesque town to the east is September through November. The five-mile loop of orchards, ranches, shops and restaurants is a necessity for any New England transplant looking for fall foliage, and the town’s most popular activity— apple picking —is a nice alternative to canvassing L.A.’s farmers’ markets.

Many of the orchards, like Willowbrook Apple Farm  (opens Labor Day weekend), offer a cider press to make your own cider, which you can pair with a cinnamon roll or apple dumpling from Apple Annie’s Restaurant & Bakery . Stop by the Turquoise Pueblo  on your way back to L.A. for some beautiful handmade Native American jewelry.  —Erin Kuschner

10.  Solana Beach

2 hrs by car, or 2 hrs by train

If you want to spend a day in San Diego, you can either try to go big (the San Diego Zoo! Balboa Park!  Padres game! All in one day!) or go small-town and spend a chill day in a cool oceanfront neighborhood. The beach towns north of San Diego—no, we’re not talking about Pacific Beach—are the stuff of the Beach Boys lyrics.

In Solana Beach, you’ll find laid-back vibes and beaches that aren’t completely overrun. It’s easy to get there from L.A. via Amtrak, and it’s a perfect way to day-trip because all the spots you’ll want to hit are within walking distance of the station.

Start at  the Naked Cafe for a beach-y brunch, then, either head down to the beach at Fletcher Cove or cruise along the Cedros Design District for window shopping, brewery hopping and people watching. There’s also a mix of cute boutiques, surf shops, restaurants, taco spots and bars along South Coast Highway. If it’s racing season, the Del Mar Racetrack  isn’t far—it would be either a long walk or a short car ride.

Before you catch the train back up to L.A., you have several good options for dinner near the tracks: Station Sushi is a solid locals’ spot for classic and creative rolls, Bangkok Bay  has some of the best Thai food we’ve ever eaten and Pizza Port is known for being a last-slice-and-beer-before-Amtrak place. It’s directly across a pedestrian crosswalk from the train station, and has been slinging pies and pouring pints for three decades.  —Sara Fay

If the San Diego Zoo caught your eye, book a ticket and spend a day with the animals.

11.  Temecula

When hoofing it to Napa and Sonoma isn’t an option, Temecula is your next best destination for a day of wine tasting. Before sampling the grapes, stop by quaint Old Town Temecula, where you can pay a visit to the Temecula Valley Museum  for a historical walking tour.

Then it’s down to business; the heart of Temecula’s Wine Country includes more than 30 wineries, which you can bounce between at your own leisure (don’t drink and drive, folks!) or take a guided tour from one of the many wine tour companies in the area. Taste your way through the 70-acre Wilson Creek Winery and the red-focused Monte De Oro Winery   before heading to Maurice Car’rie Vineyard  for an educated tasting and a loaf of the vineyard’s famous sourdough bread, oozing with brie.

Just down the road, Magical Adventure Balloon Rides encapsulates another popular Temecula activity: riding in a hot air balloon. We can’t think of a better way to end your day in Temecula than by sailing over the town’s vineyards at sunset with a glass of Champagne in hand. —Erin Kuschner

12.  Palm Springs

2 hrs by car Known for its ultra-fancy resorts and legacy of celebrity residents, Palm Springs is worth at least a weekend, if you can afford the time. Still, if you’re limited to 24 hours, make the desert city a choose-your-own-adventure day trip.

Start with brunch at Cheeky’s , and trust us that it’s worth the wait. If you’re in the mood to exercise, check out Indian Canyons , made up of three separate canyons (Palm, Murray and Andreas) that each offer hiking trails and fantastic views of the diverse landscape. Another of the best ways to see Palm Springs is on the Aerial Tramway , which helps visitors escape the heat of the desert with a scenic ride to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains.

If relaxation is your goal, shop at the outlets in Cabazon, or just get a massage and sit by the pool. The Palm Springs Art Museum  is small but displays works from incredible artists including Picasso and Warhol. For dinner, try reservations at Sandfish  for superb sushi and Japanese whiskey.  —Seth Kelley

Discover the best  things to do in Palm Springs

13.  Big Bear

2 hrs by car; access may be limited during the winter This mountain town is home to some of L.A.’s closest ski slopes in winter, but don’t discount a summertime trip, when a dip in a mountain lake is the best way to keep cool. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to tour the water, and keep an eye out for the white-domed Big Bear Solar Observatory perched at the water’s edge on the north shore. The hiking here is also plentiful and offers some amazing views.

If you’re a bit more adventurous, stop by Bear Valley Bikes and rent a mountain bike; there are fire roads for beginners and lots of technical, downhill single track for more seasoned riders.

Back in town, check out the Bowling Barn  and the Alpine Slide , both of which are a blast with or without kids in tow. For a drink with the locals, head to karaoke night (which is pretty much every night) at Murray’s Saloon , the town’s self-proclaimed “five star hole in the wall.”  —Kate Wertheimer

Discover the best things to do in Big Bear

14.  Joshua Tree

2 hrs 15 mins by car You’ll find Joshua Tree National Park on our shortlist for perfect day trips, road trips and weekend getaways from L.A. That’s for good reason: the magical desert spot—with its gnarled, ancient namesake trees, picturesque cacti and giant boulders—should be on every traveler’s bucket list, no matter how much time they have to spare.

Watch rock climbers scale mini-mountains at  Hidden Valley campground (first-come, first-served) or try some scrambling yourself at Jumbo Rocks . If you visit in spring, head south to Pinto Basin for a chance to see colorful wildflowers in bloom.

On the drive out, plan for a pit stop at the Cabazon exit, where you can explore the famed dinosaur park from Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (and even, for a fee, climb inside the three-story T. Rex for a photo op in his mouth). Shop for cacti at multiple roadside marts on Twentynine Palms Highway, or hang a left at Pioneertown Road for a stop at Pappy & Harriet’s , which boasts a ghost town, small inn and great live music.

Another worthwhile detour is Landers, home of countless alien sightings and new-age sound baths at the  Integratron   (reservations required) . In the town of Joshua Tree, take your pick from a few tasty restaurants, including Crossroads Cafe   to rub elbows with locals. There are some good thrift shops around here, as well as the kind of quirky public art; be sure to check out the World Famous Crochet Museum , as well as prolific artist Andrea Zittel’s A-Z West tour.  —Kate Wertheimer

Discover the best things to do in Joshua Tree .

15.  Salton Sea and Slab City

3 hrs by car This day trip isn’t for everyone; but if you’re a fan of things decrepit, forgotten and way off the beaten path, head south to Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea. A popular vacation spot in the ’50s and ’60s, these days all that’s left of the once-booming seaside town are photo-worthy ruins and a lot of dead fish.

The Ski Inn remains; stop by for a drink or a greasy bite and decorate a dollar bill to hang on the wall or ceiling. Continue on to Niland, made famous by artist Leonard Knight’s Salvation Mountain , a giant folk art monument made from adobe, straw and thousands of gallons of paint (you may remember it from Into the Wild ). Beyond is Slab City, a former marine training base that now exists as a squat for campers, transients and desert dwellers who’ve created a community complete with a library, skate park and live music stage, “the Range.” If you’re respectful and friendly, folks may share their hot spring and swimming hole secrets, so bring a bathing suit—or do as the locals do and go in your birthday suit.  —Kate Wertheimer

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