la tourist things to do

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.

Alex Erdekian

Jessica Puckett

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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24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Universal Studios Hollywood

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: Things to Do in Anaheim, California

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

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

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

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hollywood

Highlights: Esteemed cultural center and museum with beautiful landscaping

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

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

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

Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles

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

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

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

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

Address: 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlights: Iconic art museum spread across several buildings and exhibits

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

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

Address: 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles

Highlights: Guided tours of a retired battleship

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

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

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

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

Highlights: Beloved hiking area with great views and celebrity sightings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlights: Vintage shopping, murals, comedy clubs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 15151 Bledsoe Street, Sylmar, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Santa Monica Hotels

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

Beverly Hills Hotels

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

Hollywood Hotels

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

Anaheim Hotels

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

Downtown Los Angeles Hotels

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

See the Sights:

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

Save Money:

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

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

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

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

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Los Angeles

Things to do in los angeles.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Central L.A
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
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• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Universal Studios Hollywood

2. Griffith Observatory

3. The Getty Center

4. Battleship USS Iowa Museum

5. Petersen Automotive Museum

6. Crypto.com Arena

7. Hollywood Sign

8. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

9. The Grove

10. Griffith Park

11. Walt Disney Concert Hall

12. Venice Beach

13. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

14. The Broad

15. Madame Tussauds Hollywood

16. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

17. Hollywood Walk of Fame

18. Dodger Stadium

19. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

20. Venice Canals Walkway

21. The Nethercutt Collection

22. Runyon Canyon Park

23. Universal CityWalk Hollywood

24. Citadel Outlets

25. TCL Chinese Theatres

26. Pantages Theatre

27. Olvera Street

28. Union Station

29. The Hollywood Museum

30. Hollywood Bowl Museum

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

Look no further for fun things to do in LA.

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

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

Hike Griffith Park to see the Hollywood sign

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

Tobiah Lui/Travel + Leisure

Stop at the Griffith Observatory

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

See the art at The Getty Center

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

Stroll through Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens

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

See more modern art at The Broad

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

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

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

See the skateboarders at Venice Beach

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

And stay for the Venice Canals

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

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

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

Christian Hundley/Travel + Leisure

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

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

Find all your favorite celebs along the Hollywood Walk of Fame

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

Explore the Santa Monica Pier

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

Window shop on Rodeo Drive

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

Snag tickets to a show at the Hollywood Bowl

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

Get a few laughs at The Comedy Store

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

Cheer on the home team at Dodger Stadium

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

Eat all the treats at Grand Central Market

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

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

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

Amanda Blackard/Travel + Leisure

Take a free walking tour of the Arts District

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

Shop for unique goods at Melrose Trading Post

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

Learn a new skill with a surf lesson in Malibu

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

Pay respects to Golden Age greats at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

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

Go for a bike ride down The Strand

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

The 25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles

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

Play at the Beach

TripSavvy / Makito Umekita

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

See Stars at Griffith Observatory

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

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

Deep Dive Into Hollywood History

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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

Find Your Favorites on the Walk of Fame

AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

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

Go Behind the Scenes of a Movie Studio

Charley Gallay / Getty Images

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

Step Back in Time on Olvera Street

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

Spend an Afternoon Exploring Venice and its Canals

Courtesy of Los Angeles Tourism

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

Travel the World Without Leaving Town

Barry Winiker/Getty Images

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

Catch a Concert at the Hollywood Bowl

Adam Latham/Hollywood Bowl

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

Amuse Yourself at a Theme Park

Courtesy of Walt Disney World News

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

Feast at a Food Hall

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

Take a Hike

4kodiak/Getty Images

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

Celebrate Taco Tuesday all Week

Courtesy of Madre

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

See Double the Art at Two Getty Museums

Courtesy of The Getty Center

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

Window Shop on Rodeo Drive

Filipe Frazao/Getty Images

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

Chase Down Dinner From a Food Truck

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

Root, Root, Root for The Home Team

Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

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

Stop to Smell the Roses at a Botanical Garden

Courtesy of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

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

Watch a Flick al Fresco

Courtesy of Cinespia

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

Finish an Instagram Scavenger Hunt

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

Sip Made-In-L.A. Spirits

Courtesy of Golden Road Brewing

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

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

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

Make it Animal Style at In-N-Out Burger

Courtesy of In-N-Out Burger

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

See the Watts Towers

Ann Johansson/Getty Images

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

Exercise Like a Local

Courtesy of Beach Cycle

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

Hunt for Street Art

TripSavvy / Amanda Blackard

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

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

Written By: Jeremy Scott Foster

United States

Updated On: February 8, 2024

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

Table of Contents

Top Things to Do in Los Angeles

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

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

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

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

1. Snap A Photo with The Famous Hollywood Sign

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

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

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

2. Go Window Shopping on Rodeo Drive

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

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

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

3. Drive Down Sunset Strip

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

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

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

4. Hit the Beach

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

5. Venice Beach Boardwalk

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

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

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

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

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

6. Santa Monica Pier

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

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

7. Other Los Angeles Beaches

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

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

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

8. Stroll Down Hollywood Boulevard

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

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

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

9. Grand Avenue

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

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

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

10. Go Celeb Spotting at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery

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

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

Planning Your Trip To Los Angeles Right Now?

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

Top Activities and Tours in Los Angeles:

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

11. Get Some Grub at The Original Farmers Market

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

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

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

14. Take an Architectural Tour 

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

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

15. Visit the Getty Center

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

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

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

16. Explore LA’s Secret Stairs

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

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

17. Echo Park

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

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

18. Griffith Park

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

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

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

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

19. Dodgers Stadium

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

20. Silver Lake

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

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

21. Cycle the Strand

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

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

22. Immerse in Japanese Culture in Little Tokyo

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

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

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

23. Feast at The Grand Central Market

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

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

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

24. Catch A Concert at The Hollywood Bowl

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

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

25. Explore Exposition Park

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

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

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

26. Enjoy the Petersen Automotive Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

29. Mulholland Drive

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

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

Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

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

30. Historic Battleship USS Iowa Museum

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

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

31. Long Beach

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

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

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

32. Summit Mt. Baldy

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

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

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

33. Bungee Jump Off the Bridge to Nowhere

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

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

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

34. Go Bouldering in Joshua Tree National Park

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

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

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

35. Go Off-Roading in The Mojave Desert

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

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

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

36. Sail Off to Catalina Island

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

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

37. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

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

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

About Los Angeles

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Planning Resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About Jeremy Scott Foster

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

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2 thoughts on “37 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles in 2024 – By A Local”

This so awesome one I like it so much

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

85+ Best & Fun Things to Do in LA (Los Angeles) in 2024

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85+ Best & Fun Things to Do in LA (Los Angeles) in 2024

Last updated: May 13th, 2023

The best and most fun things to do in LA! From the top attractions to favorite local experiences, written by someone who’s a regular visitor.

As a Californian who visits the LA area at least once per year, what I love most about the city is that there’s always something new to do each time I visit.

It’s a destination that has endless spots to explore–whether it’s famous sights or those quirky and unique places all over the city.

I may not like the gridlock traffic (or drivers) sometimes, but it would be wrong to say that Los Angeles is overrated.

The city is a sprawling metropolis that has a little something for everyone, you just have to know where to look.

To get you brainstorming and excited for your next trip to Los Angeles, I put together a detailed Los Angeles guide full of first-hand knowledge and personal recommendations.

This Los Angeles bucket list draws on my numerous visits to the city over the past 20+ years. I lived in San Diego for five years, and my sister lived in Los Angeles at the same time, so I would visit her a lot. 

And, as I mentioned above, we still visit at least once per year to see family and check out more things to do around the city since there are always new attractions popping up.

All this is to say that this is probably the most comprehensive guide you’ll find to the best things to do in Los Angeles, California on the internet.

And it’s actually written by someone who has a ton of first-hand experience with exploring the city, not AI or someone who has never visited themselves. A somewhat rare occurrence in this day and age. 🙂

Let’s dive in so you can enjoy your time in the City of Stars to the fullest!

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

Get your FREE Los Angeles Mini Guide + a printable checklist with 100+ things to do in the city!

Table of Contents

Universal Studios Hollywood

One of the top things to experience in LA is Universal Studios Hollywood .

Universal Studios Hollywood not only offers up plenty of thrills for a fun family, solo, or couple’s day out, but it’s also very quintessential Los Angeles.

You can see Hogwarts from Harry Potter come to life here (and sip on butterbeer in Hogsmeade), take a tour of famous movie sets, and witness live-action over-the-top performances that will blow your mind.

A few of my favorite experiences at the park include WaterWorld, Hogsmeade at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the Revenge of the Mummy Ride. 

Although it’s another touristy spot in Los Angeles, I personally love visiting Universal Studios Hollywood at any time of year.

My most recent visit was during the holidays last year, and I was able to experience the popular Grinchmas show, complete with fake snow at the end.

Not to mention, sipping on a butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter feels even more magical during the holidays.

That said, I’ve also visited during other seasons, and it has been just as fun.

You can grab your admission ticket ahead of time here so you can bypass the line.

Local tip: Download the Universal Studios App ahead of time for a full list of maps, wait times, and showtimes on your phone.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Walk of Fame is one of the top things to do in California and a must-see place in Los Angeles–you really can’t get more LA than Hollywood! 

It’s boisterous and bustling and not for everyone, but it’s something you should experience at least once, even just for the photo ops.

I’ve been to the Hollywood Walk of Fame a few times now, and I always love the people watching while trying to find my favorite stars.

It might be touristy, but it’s one of the more fun (and free) things to do in Hollywood.

And it’s surprisingly fun to pose in the place where one of your favorite stars stood and was honored with a star ceremony. I posed with the stars of Tom Hanks and Ingrid Bergman the last time I was there.

There are now more than 2,700 terrazzo and brass stars that line the famous Hollywood Boulevard, taking up 15 blocks. That’s a whole lot of famous people.

Local tip: if you’re looking for a specific person’s star, you can use the Star Search on the official website for the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Also, try to avoid the people dressed up in costumes that are always walking along this area of Hollywood. They will take a photo with you and then demand quite a bit of money for it.

TCL Chinese Theatre

While hanging around the famous stars on Hollywood Boulevard, don’t forget to check out another popular sight on Hollywood Boulevard–the TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman’s Chinese Theatre).

When the TCL Chinese Theatre opened in 1927, it was the most ornate and impressive theater in the world. 

You can still watch movies at the theater today, and the interior is historic and looks beautiful. I’ve still only seen the theater from the outside, but it’s on my to-do list to one day watch a movie inside of it.

Even if you don’t have time to go inside, taking a photo outside this well-known sight is still worthwhile.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is one of the most popular Hollywood tourist attractions to experience.

The one in LA is the only Madame Tussauds I’ve been to, and I’d say it’s worth a visit at least once if you haven’t been to a wax museum before. 

Although to be honest, if you’ve been to other Madame Tussauds locations, it might not be as novel. 

Madame Tussaud’s is one of those places to visit in Hollywood if you have a couple of hours to spare and want to pose with wax replicas of your favorite stars.

You may as well get up close and personal with famous people if you’re in Hollywood, right?! When I visited, my favorite experience was posing on top of the T-Birds’ card from Grease while singing Grease Lightning.

You can grab your admission ticket ahead of time here to avoid having to wait in line.

Feeling hungry after your time sightseeing in Hollywood? Read our guide to the best restaurants in Hollywood .

Griffith Observatory

Among the best free things to do in the Los Angeles area is the Griffith Observatory –one of the most visited public observatories in the world!

The Griffith Observatory is also a great place to start a hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign. 

Even if you’re not interested in the hike, it’s worthwhile to visit the Griffith Observatory for the views and the observatory itself.

It’s one of my favorite spots in LA and provides one of the best viewpoints looking out over the sprawling city from the south side of Mount Hollywood.

The first time I visited was the first time I realized just how beautiful of a city Los Angeles can be.

If you’ve ever seen James Dean’s Rebel Without a Cause or La La Land , you’ll know that Griffith Observatory has featured in many Hollywood movies over the years.

And it’s easy to see why once you get up there: it’s naturally stunning and cinematic. 

Honestly, it’s worth it to go up to Griffith Observatory just for the view, but if you’re interested in astronomy, you should visit the inside of the observatory too (especially since it’s free). It’s open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

Inside, you can view exhibits, look through telescopes, and watch live shows at the planetarium. The only thing that costs money is parking and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. 

You can also see the Hollywood Sign from the Griffith Observatory, although it’s pretty small and far away. 

Local tip: I highly recommend taking public transit or using a ride-share app to get to the observatory, especially if you’re visiting on the weekend. 

Public transit up to the park and observatory couldn’t be easier. Just hop on LADOT’s Dash Observatory/Los Feliz bus for 50 cents. The bus runs every 20-25 minutes and conveniently picks up near Hollywood Boulevard. 

If you want to drive, get there early because parking fills up fast!

Griffith Park

For many who visit LA, Griffith Park is where you can see what’s beyond the Earth’s atmosphere at the famed Griffith Observatory. For others, it’s where you can hike to the top of the Hollywood Sign.

But there are so many other activities to do inside Griffith Park besides these two main attractions. 

At more than 4,300 acres and five times the size of New York’s Central Park, Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States today. 

It’s not uncommon to see several different events simultaneously while strolling through it on a given day. 

One of the most popular things to do at the park is simply enjoying an early morning stroll on the many different trails. 

First-time visitors can get directions to the starting points of different hiking trails at the Griffith Park Ranger Station near the main gate. 

If you’re looking for a unique sight, head west off the main trail before ending your adventure near the Bronson Cave. The Bronson Cave was the famed “Bat Cave” in the 60s Batman television series. 

Another unique Los Angeles attraction at Griffith Park is the Old LA Zoo. The Los Angeles Zoo was here before it was abandoned and changed locations to a different area of the park. 

At the Old LA Zoo, you can walk through abandoned animal enclosures (where picnic benches have now been added) and reminisce on what used to be. It’s also a popular place for budding photographers.  

Other popular things to do in Griffith Park include: 

• LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens–the LA Zoo Lights are also definitely worth a visit in December. I went last year, and it was one of the coolest light installations I’ve seen in the city (and I’ve been to a lot).
• The Autry Museum of the American West 
• Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum & Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn
• Bette Davis Picnic Area
• Wisdom Tree on the Cahuenga Peak Trail
• Amir’s Garden
• Griffith Park Train Rides–especially their Holiday Light Festival Train Ride. I went on this last year, and it was so much fun!

Hollywood Sign

Have you even been to Los Angeles if you haven’t seen the Hollywood Sign ?

The Hollywood Sign is one of the most famous Los Angeles landmarks and an attraction most people want to see up close when they visit LA.

A common misconception–that I also had before I visited for the first time–is that you can easily drive up to the sign and snap a few quick pictures and peace out. WRONG.

Let me be the one to tell you that seeing the Hollywood Sign up close is an ordeal and will probably involve a sweaty workout. 

This is because the best way to get up close is to hike to the Hollywood Sign. 

You can tackle a few different trails to get to the sign, or a handful of viewpoints offer unobstructed views if you’re not big on hiking.

For more in-depth info on the Hollywood Sign, you can read our article on the easiest and best ways to get to the Hollywood Sign for more details.

Sunset Strip

Cruising the iconic 1.6-mile Sunset Strip is one of the best things to do in West Hollywood and a Los Angeles hot spot you shouldn’t miss out on. 

The Strip is part of the much larger Sunset Boulevard that stretches for 22 miles, all the way from Hollywood through Beverly Hills and some of the best Malibu attractions. It’s one of the most famous streets in LA.

The Sunset Strip is fun to explore at any time of day, but it’s primarily known as one of the best places to go out at night in LA.

This is where you can check out trendy rooftop bars like SkyBar and Tower Bar or go to a live show at the iconic Viper Room or Whisky a Go Go.

This is also where popular comedy clubs like The Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store are.

Besides the LA nightlife scene, the Sunset Strip features the largest independent book store in LA called Book Soup and Sunset Plaza, a shopping center with over 20 stores.

Tour Famous Movie Locations

Being the home of the film industry, many of LA’s famed landmarks have been the backgrounds in key movie and TV scenes over the years. 

You may be surprised by the number of buildings, restaurants, and street corners that somehow feel familiar on your visit to LA. 

Although there are plenty of tours you can hop on that will take you to some famous spots, it can be fun to do a self-guided tour without the crowds. 

Plan your self-guided tour by researching all the LA movie locations that appeal to your cinematic experience, and go early! 

You only need a car or a TAP card and a smartphone with Google Maps to get around on public transit.

Here are a few top movie locations in the city to get you started. For more, you can check out this article with a list of movie locations by decade. 

Union Station

Union Station is an iconic building in Los Angeles. It has been a set location in many movies, including the sci-fi thriller Blade Runner and The Dark Knight Rises . 

As you walk inside Union Station, you’ll notice the building has an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. The furniture is seemingly from a different era. 

Let’s not forget that Union Station is also LA’s main railway station, so you may end up here anyway if you plan to make a day trip. 

Vacationers can ride on a southbound Amtrak train to experience the Orange County beach scene or go further south to visit San Diego .

Although I’ve mostly been to Union Station when I was getting off a train from San Diego, the last time I was in LA, I visited just to walk around and take in the architecture.

So, even if you don’t have a day trip planned, it can be a fun place to visit.

And it’s also very conveniently located to check out the nearby sights of downtown LA, such as Chinatown, El Pueblo, Little Tokyo, and Grand Park.

Randy’s Donuts

Many movies filmed in Los Angeles have this local food staple in at least one scene. It makes sense; a large donut on top of a small food stand is pretty memorable. 

Randy’s Donuts is especially famous for its appearance in Mars Attack and the Iron Man series. 

Movie watchers love the building’s unique look. Employees are used to the attention as visitors come daily to take photos in front of the business.

Venice Beach Boardwalk & Venice Beach

Walking the Venice Beach Boardwalk is one of the best activities in LA, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

I love Venice Beach because it’s an entirely different side to LA from what you might find in pretty much any other neighborhood.

There are also many fun, free things to do in Venice and tons of delicious healthy eateries.

The Venice Beach neighborhood is a mix of skateboarders, hippies, drum circles, local arts and crafts, hipster cafes, and a lot of people smoking weed. It’s the perfect place to take it all in and people-watch.

The first time I visited Venice, I was a freshman in college, and I just remember the many places offering easy access to medical marijuana cards. This was before weed was legalized in California.

It was a good introduction to the hippie vibes of the neighborhood.

I’ve been back to visit Venice Beach numerous times since and some of my favorite things to do include the following:

• Watching the impressive skateboarders do their thing at the skatepark
• Enjoying an impromptu dance performance
• Eating a healthy vegan lunch
• Buying local handicrafts at the pop-up outdoor markets
• Relaxing on Venice Beach

There are also beach volleyball courts along the three-mile stretch of sand and spots where you can rent surfboards, bodyboards, and skimboards on the beach.

Venice Canals

One of those not-so-secret LA attractions anymore with its popularity on Instagram, the Venice Canals Historic District is still a fun spot to explore just a few minutes from Venice Beach.

The man-made canals were built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney and still attract many Los Angeles locals and visitors daily.

On a nice day, rent bikes and ride along the beautiful canals before heading to The Strand bike path for the best Los Angeles vibes.

Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive

Head to Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive for the polar opposite of Venice.

As you might already know, Beverly Hills (aka 90210) has been a historically upper-class city in Los Angeles for years.

That’s right, this area is actually its own incorporated city.

Rodeo Drive is where you’ll find expensive designer shops, such as Armani, Tiffany & Co, Versace, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi.

In other words, it’s a great place to window shop. 

Even though the stores are a little out of my price range, I always have more fun than I think I will simply walking along the two-mile Rodeo Drive.

Besides the luxury shops, you’ll find palm tree-lined streets, impeccably dressed locals, and tons of souped-up sports cars along Rodeo Drive. 

My favorite place in Beverly Hills that meets my budget? Sprinkles Cupcakes! This is where you can try the best cupcakes of your life. I’m not even joking–they’re SO good.

If you’re wondering what else to see in Beverly Hills besides Rodeo Drive, other places to visit include Beverly Gardens Park, Greystone Mansion, and the Beverly Hills Sign.

Alternatively, one of the best things to do in Beverly Hills to get a good overview of the city is to hop on a tour. This segway tour is an excellent option to start with.

Santa Monica Pier & Santa Monica Beach

There are a lot of fun things to do in Santa Monica. But if you’re wondering what the #1 thing to do is, the Santa Monica Pier is by far this LA city’s most famous attraction.

The pier is over 100 years old and is the official endpoint of the famous and historic Route 66.

More than that, there are tons of things to do in things to do at the Santa Monica Pier.

Two of my favorites are taking in the stunning ocean views and riding the classic amusement park rides at Pacific Park.

At Pacific Park, you can choose from fast food eateries, fresh popcorn, an arcade, a rickety roller coaster, a giant Ferris wheel, and a merry-go-round that has been operating since 1922.

It’s a fun place to go for the whole family. It’s also a fun date night idea in Los Angeles.

Another one of my favorite experiences is enjoying the beauty and energy of the Santa Monica Pier at night.

However, before the sun goes down, take some time to also enjoy Santa Monica Beach, one of the most popular attractions near Los Angeles.  

As the most famous beach in Los Angeles County, Santa Monica Beach has been bringing visitors to its beautiful shores for years. 

Besides laying in the sand, I love hopping on the massive swings near the pier.

Santa Monica Farmers Market

Another one of the most popular Los Angeles attractions is the Santa Monica Farmers Market . 

Unlike the more touristy Original Farmers Market, the Santa Monica Farmers Market is where you can enjoy the local community’s charm.

Locals spend hours purchasing homegrown fresh fruits and vegetables from this market. Many of those items will be the highlighted ingredients at top LA restaurants later in the day. 

You can start your day with a tub of fresh fruit from one of the local farms or a sizzling breakfast burrito filled with chorizo, egg, and black truffles. 

Also, the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market offers its fair share of celebrity sightings. You can spot many of your favorite TV or movie stars shopping at their favorite market stands. 

The market’s configuration is a series of large walkways between each stall. You can stroll and shop without feeling other shoppers on top of you during the market’s hectic rush hours. 

Although Silver Lake tends to get more attention these days, nearby Echo Park has become a trendy neighborhood in recent years. 

The neighborhood overflows with colorful street murals, fun bars, vegan eateries, indie live music venues, and a bustling nightlife scene. 

This is a great place to start if you’re looking for a more local perspective of Los Angeles. 

There are many things to do in Echo Park, so you should give yourself at least an afternoon to explore the neighborhood. 

One of the best family activities in Los Angeles (or a fun date) is to rent a paddleboat at Echo Park Lake. 

Paddling around Echo Park Lake is one of the best things to do in the Los Angeles area on a nice day.

Or, if you don’t want to get on the water, there’s also a nice path that goes around Echo Park Lake so you can still soak up the beautiful lakeside setting. 

Once you’re done with the lake, you can choose one of the following activities to explore more of Echo Park:

• Discover the colorful murals around the neighborhood
• Visit the Echo Park Time Travel Mart
• Grab a coffee from Woodcat Coffee Bar
• Peruse the books at Stories Books & Cafe​​
• Explore Elysian Park
• See the Victorian homes in Angelino Heights
• Enjoy a live show at the Echo & Echoplex
• Catch a baseball game at Dodger Stadium ​​

Little Tokyo

I love how LA is so multicultural, and this neighborhood is the perfect example of LA’s melting pot of cultures coming together in one city.

Little Tokyo is a historical neighborhood in Los Angeles and where the largest Japanese-American population in North America Lives.

There are plenty of things to do in Little Tokyo, and spending an afternoon here will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Japan.

There’s a lot to love about this cultural neighborhood.

You can visit the Japanese American National Museum, try some delicious Japanese hotpot or ramen, and shop in the Japanese-owned shops that line the streets. 

It’s also a great place to try something new. The last time I was there, I went to Chinchikurin and tried Japanese okonomiyaki (a savory pancake)–it was delicious!

Lastly, you won’t want to miss singing your heart out at MAX Karaoke Studio in the evening.

Japanese American National Museum

Dedicated to sharing Japanese American history and culture, the Japanese American National Museum goes through over 130 years of Japanese American history.

From home movies made from the 1920s to the 1950s to historic photographs, artifacts, art, and oral histories, this is a thorough museum to visit to learn more about Japanese culture in the US.

Live Theater

You can count on a city like Los Angeles for quality live theater. There are many theaters and performing arts centers to watch a play or musical. 

Some top LA locations include the Geffen Playhouse and the Los Angeles Theatre Center , which produce challenging new plays.

If you’re looking for the classics, head to the Pantages Theater for Broadway shows.

Tickets sell out fast, so be sure to purchase them in advance!

Exposition Park

Exposition Park is a vast 160-acre urban park in the city where you’ll find some of the best museums in Los Angeles, sports facilities, and entertainment venues.

Good museums to visit at Exposition Park include the California Science Center, California African American Museum, and the Natural History Museum.

You can also relax in the Los Angeles Rose Garden or catch a Los Angeles FC soccer game at the Banc of California Stadium.

California Science Center

Located in Exposition Park, the California Science Center is an interactive museum and a great option if you’re looking for free things to do in Los Angeles.

The fun exhibits teach you about human inventions, innovations, and the life sciences. You can also learn all bout the US space shuttle program here, including the retired space shuttle, The Endeavor.

If you’re looking for educational kids’ activities in LA, and you don’t want to spend the ticket price at the Natural History Museum, the California Science Center is a popular museum with the young ones.

Local tip : If you’re looking for more free museums in LA, check when the free museum days are in the city. You can find the complete list here .

Walt Disney Concert Hall

On the list of popular things to do in DTLA, the Walt Disney Concert Hall has been hosting live performances since 2003 when it first opened.

The concert hall is most famous for its modern and unique architecture designed by Frank Gehry, which has made it a great place for photography in LA.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is located in downtown LA and is part of the Los Angeles Music Center Complex.

At the concert hall, you can see a performance by the talented Los Angeles Philharmonic in the winter or simply take a ton of photos from the outside.

One feature that I love about the Walt Disney Concert Hall is the free self-guided tours they offer every day.

I did this last year while I was staying in downtown LA and it was such a cool way to learn more about the history of the building.

It also allowed me to take my time walking through one of the most impressive architectural landmarks in Los Angeles.

All you need is a phone and headphones to do the tour, and then just make sure to check in for the tour in the lobby.

Local tip: Even if you take a tour of the building, you won’t be able to see the auditorium where live shows happen unless you buy a ticket to one of them because of rehearsal schedules.

Warner Bros Studio Tour

See where all the movie magic happens at Warner Bros. Studio . A studio tour is one of the best things to do in Burbank in the San Fernando Valley.

Unlike Universal Studios, which is part amusement park and part movie studio, Warner Bros. solely houses movie studios.

At Warner Bros. Studio, you can tour some of the most popular and oldest movie studios in Los Angeles.

Tours last anywhere from two to six hours and give you a good glimpse of the movie business, TV and movie sets, backlots and sound stages, and memorabilia.

Grab your tickets ahead of time for the original studio tour here .

And Warner Bros. isn’t the only place where you can take a studio tour. There’s also a Paramount Pictures Studio Tour, a Universal Studios tour, and more!

Hollywood Bowl

A fun thing to do in LA at night is to see a show at the Hollywood Bowl .

Located in the Hollywood Hills, the Hollywood Bowl has been a performance venue since 1922 and is one of the top 10 live music venues in the US.

The Hollywood Bowl is where you’ll see LA entertainment at its finest, and seeing a show here is a fun Los Angeles experience.

There’s every kind of music genre that performs on the stage at the Hollywood Bowl. So, whatever your music preference, you’ll probably find a show at the Hollywood Bowl that interests you.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) & Urban Light

Considered to be one of the best museums in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the Western US and attracts around a million visitors annually.

Located on Museum Row, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art was designed by Peter Zumthor and houses over 150,000 pieces of art ranging from ancient times to the present day. The museum also regularly hosts a film and concert series.

Local tip : Don’t miss Chris Burden’s Urban Light, LACMA’s most Instagram famous art installation with 202 vintage street lights.

La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

A visit to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles with kids.

The La Brea Tar Pits is a paleontological site where you can see the remains of saber-toothed tigers, dire wolves, and more. 

Fifty thousand years ago, animals roaming the LA area became trapped in bubbling tar. The adjoining museum exhibits Ice Age artifacts recovered from the pits. 

You can view the La Brea Tar Pits from the outside for free. Admission to the La Brea Tar Pits museum is approximately $15 for adults, with discount rates for children, college students, and seniors (the price depends on the time of the season). 

You can also schedule personal tours of the facility that grants access to the fossil lab, lake pit, and observational pits.

The Getty Center

The Getty Center is a good thing to do in LA for anyone interested in art and architecture, and it’s also one of the more interesting things to do near UCLA.

Take some time while there to enjoy European and American art from Medieval times to the present.

You can stroll through the elaborate gardens, including a cactus garden and a sculpture garden.

And make sure to admire the famous architecture of the Getty Center with a free 45-minute architecture tour .

The Getty Center also provides some of the best views in Los Angeles from the perch of the Santa Monica Mountains, and there are a few restaurants on the property if you get hungry.

These include two cafes, a couple of coffee carts, and one sit-down restaurant (reservations recommended).

If you’re looking for free stuff to do in LA, the Getty Center is an excellent place to start.

The Getty Villa

The Getty Villa is part of the same museum as the Getty Center but a completely different experience and location.

The Getty Villa is situated on the eastern side of the Malibu Coast and is a massive and ornate sight to behold.

At the Villa, the scenery will transport you from Southern California to the ancient world of Greece and Rome while you walk through an elaborate and well-manicured property.

44,000 Etruscan, Greek, and Roman antiquities are in the collection here, dating from 6,500 BC to 400 AD.

Admission is free to The Getty Villa, making it one of the more popular free things to do in Los Angeles, but note that you have to reserve timed tickets ahead of time by phone or the museum’s website.

Also, note that even though it’s free to enter the museum, parking costs $20.

Melrose Avenue

Nestled between lavish Beverly Hills and trendy West Hollywood, the famous Melrose Avenue offers a classic LA experience. 

From Beverly Blvd to Santa Monica Blvd, Melrose is a treasure trove of vintage shops. 

There’s also a plethora of dining options on Melrose. From vegan breakfasts to patio lunches and nice dinners, you can taste a good mix of the Los Angeles food scene here.

And, if you’re looking for something to do in Los Angeles at night, head to the Melrose Rooftop Theater in the summer to catch a movie.

This rooftop bar offers happy hour drink specials before showing a classic film on the big screen. 

Bradbury Building

The Bradbury Building is one of the most beautifully designed buildings in LA, and that’s saying something with the city’s fondness for unique architecture.

If you’re wondering what to do in downtown LA and are into design, photography, or simply cool historic buildings, don’t miss this building.

Like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, it’s one of the best places to take pictures in Los Angeles.

Built in 1893, this five-story office building is most famously known for its unique ironwork and naturally lit atrium of walkways and stairs.

The Bradbury Building is also the oldest commercial building still standing in central LA.

I visited the Bradbury Building the last time I was in LA. It’s a beautiful spot to take a break from the sometimes chaotic nature of downtown LA. Just note that guests are only able to access the ground level.

Local tip: Hop on one of the inexpensive Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tours to learn more about the history of the Bradbury Building and other famous downtown Los Angeles landmarks. Although I loved walking around the ground floor on my own, I wish I’d done this while visiting to learn more about the history of the building.

The Grammy Museum

If you’re a music-lover looking for fun museums in LA, don’t miss out on the Grammy Museum near the Staples Center.

The museum features exhibits about the award show’s long history and past winners.

I’d recommend giving yourself at least two to three hours to walk through the museum.

Also, note that it’s closed on Tuesdays (something I didn’t realize the last time I tried to visit).

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

It might sound creepy to visit a cemetery during a trip to LA, but the Hollywood Forever Cemetery isn’t just any old cemetery.

This is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world and one of the best free things to do in Hollywood.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery was founded in 1899 and is the final resting place for many famous stars, including Johnny Ramone, whose statue plays guitar for eternity over his gravestone.

The cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers 50 acres of peaceful greenery to walk around and pay your respects to those who have passed.

Maybe this is a weird thing to admit, but I actually enjoy walking through cemeteries. I find them peaceful and meditative places.

One unique aspect of the cemetery is that they host regular events and movie nights. Check out their events calendar for a full list of upcoming events.

The movie nights aren’t free, but they’re one of the best non-touristy things to do in the city and a fun thing to do in Hollywood at night.

The Last Bookstore

I LOVE bookstores! The more unique, the better.

And Los Angeles does not disappoint with The Last Bookstore , known as one of the coolest bookstores in the world and one of the more quirky things to do in downtown Los Angeles.

This bookstore sells new and used books and records and showcases local art in a multilevel space that used to be a bank.

The Last Bookstore has become especially popular on Instagram in recent years, but more than just going there for the ‘gram, it’s the perfect place to visit if you love all things books.

On my last visit to LA, I was staying around the corner from it, so, of course, I had to visit.

It was the perfect cozy escape from the unusually cold winter weather.

And honestly, The Last Bookstore was even cooler than I thought it would be with its wide selection of books, numerous book-themed art installations, and maze-like interior.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is an excellent place in Los Angeles to spend a day.

This impressively-designed building is also home to the Geffen Theatre, and you can catch a picturesque view of the LA skyline from the building’s terrace level.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures houses over 13 million movie artifacts, including costumes, movie posters, props, screenplays, and pre-production set design drawings from the Golden Age of Hollywood. 

Highlights in the permanent collection include the robe from The Big Lebowski and Dorothy’s ruby slippers.

You can also find several temporary exhibits that focus on celebrating the movie business and two state-of-the-art theaters that showcase film classics to all paid guests. 

Music Box Steps

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If you’re looking for a unique and weird thing to do in the Los Angeles area, take a nostalgic walk up the “Music Box” steps from the classic Laurel and Hardy movie.

Located in LA’s Silver Lake neighborhood, this staircase connects Vendrome Street (at the base of the hill) to Descanso Drive (at the top). 

The 133 steps became famous in the comedy duo’s movie, The Music Box , where Laurel and Hardy attempt to deliver a piano to a home at the top of this long flight of stairs. 

The movie went on to win the first Academy Award for Best Live Action Short in 1932. A commemorative plaque sits at the staircase’s lower steps. 

Don’t be surprised if you meet other Laurel and Hardy fans preparing to take that epic uphill climb while you’re there!

Runyon Canyon Park

For such an urban area, there’s a surprising amount of Los Angeles nature to explore.

Take Runyon Canyon Park , for example. This 160-acre park in the Hollywood Hills is a popular hiking and running spot for locals.

One of the hikes to the Hollywood Sign starts from here, but more than that, the hikes at this park provide stunning views over Hollywood and Los Angeles as a whole.

As mentioned above, this is a popular spot for hiking in Los Angeles, so don’t expect to have the trails to yourself.

It’s also a dog-friendly park, so you’ll see quite a few happy dogs off-leash and running around.

There are a few hikes to tackle at this Hollywood Hills park; most are a few miles roundtrip with various elevations–perfect for an outdoorsy start to your day.

Local tip: There isn’t much shade at Runyon Canyon, so bring a hat , sunscreen , and plenty of water on your hike.

Descanso Gardens

If you’re fond of botanical gardens, you don’t want to miss out on the 150-acre Descanso Gardens when you visit Los Angeles.

Visit for a relaxing stroll around the world-renowned horticultural displays or come to enjoy one of the many concerts, events, or classes they offer at the gardens.

Traveling with young ones? Check out their events calendar because they also offer unique things for kids.

One unique event at Descanso that I’d highly recommend during the holidays and one that I went to last year is the Enchanted Forest of Light.

It’s full of colorful and interactive light installations that are perfect for a date night or family outing.

Note: Admission to the Descanso Gardens is $9 (or $6 for students or seniors, $4 for children 5-12).

The Japanese Garden

If you’re looking for a peaceful moment in usually-busy LA, head to The Japanese Garden next to Woodley Park.

This 6.5-acre garden is ranked #10 out of 300 public Japanese Gardens in North America, which probably gives you an idea of how impressive it is.

The garden features a Zen meditation garden, a wet-strolling garden, and a tea garden.

It’s the ideal place to take a break from the city and maybe bring a good book to read on a nice day.

Los Angeles Bike Tour

I love a good bike tour to get my bearings in a new city.

There’s something about riding a bike around a city that allows you to get a feel for the local culture (and some exercise while you’re at it).

And, The Ultimate Los Angeles Bike Tour is no different.

It’s one of the best tours in Los Angeles (rated the #1 bike tour in LA!).

It covers 32 miles of Los Angeles adventures and history, from West Hollywood to Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, Santa Monica, Venice, and Marina Del Rey.

Begin your day hob-knobbing with celebrities in Beverly Hills and end up relaxing on Venice Beach or seeing the boats at Marina Del Rey.  

Electric bikes are also available if you don’t want to work up too much of a sweat.

Pacific Coast Highway

One of the top adventures to do in LA is road-tripping on the Pacific Coast Highway. Who doesn’t love driving the coastline on a sunny SoCal day? 

The PCH runs through some of Southern California’s most iconic beach cities.

Your first stop should be the Santa Monica Pier (mentioned above), which opened in 1909.

Santa Monica is a popular beach destination for LA residents, and where you can find the final landmark on Route 66. The benches along the boardwalk are perfect for people-watching on a lazy afternoon.

The next stop I’d recommend on a PCH road trip is Venice Beach (also mentioned above), which some describe as Santa Monica’s older punk rock brother. 

Park your car and rent a bike for the day. Ride on the boardwalk and periodically stop to watch some great street performers.

In addition to the traditional street performers, Muscle Beach’s outdoor workout area is crawling with world-class weightlifters. You might also spot surfers trying to catch waves on the mellow beach. 

Don’t forget to enjoy oysters and other seafood delicacies at small cafes found along the Venice Beach boardwalk.

There are numerous stops you could make along the southern portion of the PCH. If you’re looking for a complete list, read my guide to doing a Pacific Coast Highway road trip .

I’ve also written about the best places to stay and eat along the Pacific Coast Highway because it’s a road trip I’ve taken many times in my 28+ years of living in California.

Malibu Beaches

Zuma Beach is a popular beach in Malibu and slightly less touristy than Santa Monica Beach.

This beach is mainly known for its great surfing and long pristine stretches of sand, perfect for sunbathing and chilling out for an afternoon.

If you go in the winter, you might even spot a grey whale making its annual migration from the beach (so it’s good to bring binoculars ).

Another good aspect of Zuma Beach is the amount of parking. There are eight parking lots with around 2,000 parking spaces.

Aside from Zuma, there are lots of Malibu beaches worth checking out. Point Dume State Beach, which sits on the Northern side of Malibu Bay, is another fantastic spot to whale watch.

And El Matador, along the Pacific Coast Highway, offers stunning cliffside views and pristine waters.

Local tip: the water at Zuma Beach is colder than other beaches around Los Angeles, and it’s known for rough tides and riptides, so be mindful if you go swimming.

Looking to make a day of it in Malibu? Read our guide to the best things to do in Malibu .

Watts Towers Arts Center

The Watts Towers Arts Center is the masterpiece of Sabato Rodia, who spent 33 years creating the 17 interconnected sculptural towers still at the center today.

This monumental work of Outsider Art is the world’s largest single construction created by one individual.

Sabato Rodia was an Italian immigrant and a construction worker.

He built the towers using steel rebar, glass, tile, and porcelain, adorning the outside with found objects like scrap metal and glass bottles.

Public guided tours of the towers happen on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:30 am to 3 pm and Sunday from 12:30 pm to 3 pm.

There are no tours on rainy days but don’t worry; rainy days are pretty unusual in Los Angeles.

Barnsdall Art Park & Barnsdall Gallery Theatre

A great date night idea in Los Angeles is an evening at the Barnsdall Art Park & Barnsdall Gallery Theatre. 

Off the corner of Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard in East Hollywood, Barnsdall Art Park is the community’s lone outdoor venue.

The park is home to several small museums and the famous Hollyhock House. The Hollyhock House is LA’s first commission work by the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 

Wright’s futuristic design incorporates the hollyhock flower, hence that house’s name.

The Barnsdall family donated the home and surrounding property to the city of Los Angeles in 1927.

The back lawn offers the perfect panoramic view of the LA skyline at night.

During the summer, exhibitions at the parks galleries and plays at the theater give local artists a platform to promote their work.

Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market is a food emporium that brings different cultures and cuisines together in one location. 

The 300,000-square-foot retail marketplace houses forty different stalls. Plus, Grand Central Market hosts a weekly bazaar and other cultural events each month. 

This staple of the Los Angeles food scene has been on the ground floor of the Homer Laughlin Building for over a hundred years.

Stop by Grand Central Market to grab lunch or shop for premium grocery items like fine cheeses or specialized spices.

This is another sight that I went to a lot last time I was in LA since I was staying just a couple of blocks away.

The food can definitely be on the pricier side for the portions, depending on where you go, but everything I had was delicious.

I also love how quiet it is in the mornings and how the buzzing atmosphere ramps up during the lunch rush. There’s also a cool Kobe mural in the market that’s worth checking out.

Los Angeles Food Tour

There are many famous places to eat in LA, so taking a Los Angeles food tour to get a “taste” of a few of them is a great introduction.

One tour I recommend is the Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour , an intimate tour of local cuisine in Downtown LA that takes you through some of the top emerging restaurants and bakeries.

Another option is the West Hollywood Food Tour , which visits the five most popular West Hollywood eateries. Plus, you’ll get tips to avoid local tourist traps. 

Or, check out the Little Tokyo and LA Arts District Food Tour to visit one of the booming food locations in Los Angeles and sample food from markets, shops, and food stands. 

Food tours are great because you can really immerse yourself in the neighborhood they’re in.

Not to mention, get a first-hand look at the local food cuisine, and take the guesswork away from new visitors to LA.

It’s also a great thing to do alone in LA because it comes with built-in dining companions!

Angeles National Forest

Only 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles (without too much traffic), Angeles National Forest is seen as the ‘backyard of Los Angeles’ and a popular outdoorsy weekend getaway from the city.

The Angeles National Forest is one of the best places to immerse yourself in nature without driving too far outside LA.

There are 650,000 acres to explore in the forest, so you can bet there are plenty of hiking opportunities–from easy hikes to more challenging all-day adventures.

Catalina Island

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Los Angeles, spend a couple of days on Catalina Island southwest of LA. 

Begin your adventure with a short 45-minute boat ride from the Long Beach pier. The water is so blue that you’ll feel like you’re heading to the Greek Isles.  

Once you arrive, there’s so much to see on Catalina Island.

You could rent a golf cart and travel to the island’s famed Botanical Gardens. 

Or at Descanso Beach Club, you can rent a cabana near the shoreline for the day, take one of their aerial zipline courses, or go snorkeling near the marina.

And a Catalina Island evening wouldn’t be complete without dining at a beachfront restaurant. Avalon Grill is a good option that offers an upscale menu.

I’ve been to Catalina Island twice so far–once for a solo day trip to explore Avalon and once to backpack the Trans-Catalina Trail over five days.

As you can probably imagine, the two trips were very different from each other, but it gives you a good idea of the wide variety of activities you can do on the island.

If you’re looking for more recommendations, check out my guides to Catalina Island hiking , the best beaches on Catalina Island , and camping at Parsons Landing .

Ready for more island adventures in California? Read our guide to the best California islands to visit.

Rose Bowl Flea Market

If you’re in the city on the second Sunday of the month, shop for unique treasures at the Rose Bowl Flea Market.

Located in the historic Rose Bowl Stadium, the Rose Bowl Flea Market is one of the best places to shop in Los Angeles for an eclectic mix of antiques, apparel, crafts, and other random items.

This is one of those fun things to do in Pasadena, and, as the saying goes, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

Just note that there’s an admission price to get into the flea market, starting at $12 per person.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain is a highly-popular amusement park in the LA suburb of Valencia, featuring 19 world-class roller coasters and over 100 different rides.

Most notably, the popular Kingda Ka is one of the world’s tallest roller coasters.

The best day to visit the theme park is a weekday to avoid crowds.

It’s also best to work your way from the back to the front of Six Flags for shorter lines since most people choose rides closer to the front entrance when they enter.

Six Flags is a great summer attraction for the entire family. Admission to this amusement park starts at $64.99 if you buy online.

If you’re looking for an alternative art museum to LACMA that isn’t quite as crowded, check out The Broad .

Founded by philanthropist Eli Broad, this is another popular free museum in Los Angeles.

The museum showcases contemporary art from the 1950s to up-and-coming artists of today and regularly hosts family art workshops on the weekends.

The Broad is home to over 2,000 works of contemporary art, making it one of the world’s largest postwar and contemporary art collections.

Local tip: Even though it’s a free museum, you still need to book a reservation ahead of time online. And any additional exhibits usually cost money and need a separate reservation. This is something I didn’t realize last time I visited, so although I got to see the impressive free galleries, I missed out on Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms.

LA Arts District

The LA Arts District is a great spot to spend a day or evening. 

West of Little Tokyo and east of the Los Angeles River, numerous former industrial warehouses have been transformed into art studios and covered with street art and graffiti. 

The neighborhood is full of art galleries and museums showing fun exhibits and cutting-edge contemporary art. 

You can find influential institutions like Hauser & Worth and The Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles alongside smaller, artist-run spaces.

Head to the Arts District Co-op to take home some handmade pieces from local, independent vendors.

Alongside the street art, micro-breweries, trendy eateries, and gastro-pubs have popped up all over the neighborhood. 

Grab a drink or a bite after an afternoon of browsing contemporary and modern art and street art.

Korean Bell of Friendship

Gifted to LA in 1976 by the Republic of Korea, the Korean Bell of Friendship is a beautiful structure and bronze bell at Angel’s Gate Park.

This spot also provides sweeping views of the Los Angeles Harbor and the Catalina Channel.

If you want to be there for the bell ringing, visit on July 4th, August 15th (for the National Liberation Day of South Korea), September 17th (commemorating Korean Constitution Week), New Year’s Eve, January 13th, or the 1st Saturday of every month at 11:30 am.

Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden is a rich historical resource still owned by the Huntington family. 

Make sure to bring your walking shoes for your day at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden.

It’s a two-mile trail around the 96,000-square-foot San Marino property.

The Huntington Library is home to the world’s largest collection of British medieval manuscripts, unpublished poetry, rare photographs, and copies of classic books. 

The Huntington Family art collection includes European art from the 15th-early 20th Century and American artwork from colonial times to the present day.

And the perfectly manicured garden features 27,000 living plants!

Admission to The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden is $25-$29, depending on if you’re visiting during the week or weekend, but parking is at least free.

Local tip : Weekend and Monday holiday visits require an online reservation ahead of time. Regular weekday reservations aren’t required but are still recommended.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

If you want to enjoy the outdoors and go somewhere known for its breathtaking views, head to Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook .

This urban park is a beautiful place in Los Angeles and offers free exhibits about local conservation and restoration efforts in the area, hiking trails, and great views of downtown LA.

Note: Parking is $2 at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook.

Taco Trucks

Looking for fun places to eat in Los Angeles? LA’s taco truck scene began as a local phenomenon and has since become a staple dining option.  

Although San Diego also has some great options for Mexican food, LA’s taco trucks are right up there as the best places to try authentic Mexican food in California.

These are some of the best taco trucks in Los Angeles to get you started:

• Leo’s Taco Truck (1515 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019, 5525 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028, 2400 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006, and 415 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90026)
• Tacos Los Carnalillos Taco Truck (467 W Vernon Ave #451, Los Angeles, CA 90037)
• Birrieria Los Gonzalez (2524 Maple Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90011)
• El Chato Taco Truck (5300 W Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036)
• Tacos Tamix Taco Truck (1998-1982 S Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90007)
• Taco Zone Truck (2064 Montana St, Los Angeles, CA 90026)

Angel’s Flight Railway

Right in the heart of Downtown L.A., you’ll find the ornate, bright orange archway marking the entrance to the Angel’s Flight Railway, a historic funicular railway.

A funicular is essentially a cable car that runs up and down a steep slope.

This particular funicular opened in 1901 and ran between Hill Street and Olive Street until 1969. It’s operated in its current Bunker Hill location since 1996, using the original, bright orange 1901 cars.

This historic landmark has made numerous film and television appearances, from the original Perry Mason to La La Land , to The Muppets .

You can take a ride on this little piece of history for just $1 every day between 6:45 am and 10 pm.

Universal CityWalk

One of the best things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood is exploring Universal CityWalk .

Universal CityWalk is an outdoor playground for those interested in shopping and various dining options.

There’s also an 18-screen movie theater, including IMAX dual 4K laser projection and an indoor skydiving spot.

It’s one of my favorite places to hang out and grab food and drinks before or after a visit to Universal Studios.

There’s always fun energy at Universal CityWalk. It’s a great spot to find a happy hour, people watch, or simply walk around and enjoy the atmosphere.

Los Angeles Zoo

Founded in 1966, the Los Angeles Zoo is a 133-acre complex that features 270 different animal species and over 800 different plant species in the gardens.

One of the top exhibits at the zoo is the California Condors, a species that almost became extinct in California.

Since 1982, the LA Zoo has worked to bring the California Condor population up and out of near extinction (although they’re still considered an endangered species).

Besides the usual zoo attractions and exhibits, you can experience behind-the-scenes tours with animals at the LA Zoo, and the young ones can attend zoo camp.

This is one of the best things to do in the Los Angeles area with kids because the zoo offers so many interactive experiences for children.

For adults, check out Roaring Nights in the summer to party and dance the night away at the zoo.

During the holidays, don’t miss the LA Zoo Lights. I went to it last year and it’s hands-down the best light installation event you’ll find in LA in the winter.

Whether you’re looking for a good place for a shopping spree or you just want to window shop, look no further than The Grove .

The Grove is a one-stop shop where you’ll find some of the best shopping in Los Angeles (and every type of store imaginable).

There are also a variety of upscale eateries, a 14-screen art deco-themed movie theater, annual fashion shows, and a summer concert series every year.

Los Angeles City Hall & LA Observation Deck

At the top of LA City Hall, the LA Observation Deck is one of the best things to do in the Los Angeles area for free and provides some of the city’s best views.

There’s no need to pay for one of those expensive sky decks in LA; the free LA Observation Deck provides 360-degree views from the heart of the city.

Plus, it’s an excellent excuse to walk through the historic Los Angeles City Hall.

I visited the Observation Deck last time I was in LA, and it ended up being one of my favorite experiences from that trip.

You just have to go through a metal detector and check in at the front desk. They’ll then give you directions on how to take the two elevators up to the top.

I went on a weekday by myself, and I was one of the only people there with some of the best views of downtwon LA and beyond.

If you’re looking for a night of creepy ghost stories, go on a ghost tour in Los Angeles.

The Haunted Hollywood Tour visits glamorous haunted Hollywood locations. During it, you’ll see local crime, accident, and trauma sites that garnered nationwide headlines. 

Another option in Hollywood is the Haunted Hollywood Walking Tour , which visits hotels, theaters, and other haunted landmarks along the boulevard.

Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk

The Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk used to happen every second Thursday of each month and was one of the best free events in Los Angeles, but it has changed since 2020. 

These days, the downloadable guide is available at all times and allows you to explore the art scene in DTLA on your own schedule every day of the week, as long as it’s during business hours.  

It’s a great free way to check out the local art scene and some of the top galleries in the area.

El Pueblo de Los Angeles

El Pueblo de Los Angeles is a historical monument built in 1781, marking where the city of Los Angeles was first founded.

If you’re into history, this is one of the best things to see in Downtown LA.

El Pueblo is on the National Register of Historic Places and takes up 9.5 acres in downtown Los Angeles, showcasing the founding and growth of the city through various historical buildings.

I’d recommend watching the short documentary above for more information on the history of El Pueblo de Los Angeles and its importance to LA as a city.

I visited El Pueblo last year and spent an afternoon taking in the history of the area–there was a lot to see!

Here are a few of my favorite things that I did in the neighborhood (all of which were free):

• Avila Adobe
• Olvera Street shopping
• Plaza Firehouse
• Italian American Museum of Los Angeles–I especially loved their exhibit on the history of Pinocchio
• Sepulveda House
• Our Lady Queen of Angels Church
• La Plaza de Cultura y Artes–this is probably the most informative museum in the area, and I like that it includes art and history in one museum.
• America Tropical Interpretive Center
• Chinese American Museum Los Angeles–I didn’t get to visit this museum since it was closed the day I went, but it’s on my list for next time.

Bob Baker Marionette Theater

A performance at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a fun activity in LA for families.

The longest-running live puppet show in the United States, Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s mission is to educate and celebrate life’s little things. 

In “Hooray LA!”, the legendary puppeteer performers bring the city’s famous people and places to life.

The production features over a dozen hand-crafted marionettes that take you from the 1933 Earthquake to today’s headlines. 

Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park is a sprawling 8,215-acre green space that’s the perfect spot to get away from the city, just 25 miles away from downtown Los Angeles.

Malibu Creek State Park is a prime hiking destination with multiple trails through the Santa Monica Mountains. 

One of the most popular hikes at the park is the Rock Pool and Century Lake Trail, which takes you past the old M*A*S*H TV site and the Planet of the Apes wall.

For a complete list of our favorite hikes at this park and Malibu as a whole, read our guide to the best Malibu hikes .

The Strand Bike Path

If you’re looking for outdoorsy and cheap things to do in the Los Angeles area, consider a bike ride on the Strand Bike Path. 

The 40-mile Strand Bike Path travels through Kings Harbor in Redondo Beach and begins at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades. 

You can stop at the Santa Monica Pier to have lunch before heading south to Manhattan Beach. Afterward, ride to Redondo Beach for dinner near King Harbor. 

Local tip : The Strand Bike Path is especially busy during summer weekends, so it’s better to plan for a weekday ride whenever possible.

Museum of Tolerance

Another essential museum in Los Angeles, the Museum of Tolerance tackles the heavy topics of racism and prejudice worldwide.

There’s a strong focus on the Holocaust at this museum as well, including the life of Anne Frank.

Additionally, the museum talks about the struggles of Latino families in California and general issues of intolerance.

Battleship Iowa Museum

Visiting LA’s iconic landmark, the Battleship Iowa Museum at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, is a fun day out for history buffs.  

The USS Iowa participated in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War.

It’s best known as the “Battleship of President” as it was the main transportation for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s trip across the Atlantic during WWII. 

The battleship served the United States for 50 years before decommissioning in 1990. 

Guests can track the same footsteps as the sailors who served on the USS Iowa in guided behind-the-scenes tours. 

Each tour guide is well-versed in the battleship’s rich history and will show several off-limit locations on the boat. 

Ticket prices range from about $25.95 for adults to $17.95 for kids, with discounts for seniors and military members.

The proceeds help support local education, veterans, and community programs associated with the Battleship Iowa Museum. 

If you’re already making the trek to San Pedro, make a day of it with our guide to the best things to do in Long Beach , which is right next door.

Pink’s Hot Dogs

The iconic Pink’s Hot Dogs has been serving up delicious dogs in Hollywood since 1939.

Stop by any time of the day or night (it’s open until 2 am on weekends for the late-night crowd) and sample one of their creatively-topped menu items.

Chomp into a Martha Stewart Dog topped with bacon, sauteed onions, mushrooms, and nacho cheese, or a Lord of the Rings Dog–aptly named for its onion rings and BBQ sauce embellishments. 

Pink’s Hot Dogs appears in numerous movies, TV shows, and travel books and has a long list of celebrity patrons.

Holyland Exhibition

Note: As of May 2023, the Holyland Exhibition is closed for restorations until further notice. It will reopen in time for the museum’s 100th anniversary in 2024. Check the website for updates.

Any Indiana Jones fans here?

The Holyland Exhibition is a small museum filled with artifacts discovered by the man rumored to be the real-life inspiration behind Indiana Jones: Antonia F. Futterer.

If you love archeology, old artifacts, or Indiana Jones, this museum should be on your list of interesting things to do in LA.

Will Rogers State Historic Park

This park isn’t just named after famous actor Will Rogers; it was also his former estate until his sudden death.

Located just outside the city, Will Rogers State Historic Park offers various activities to enjoy.

Take a tour of the original ranch from Thursday-Sunday or tackle one of the moderate two-mile hikes on the property.

Other options for things to do include horseback riding lessons and tours every day except Monday with Westside Riding School, plenty of picnicking opportunities, polo games, and even movies in the park .

This is one of the best parks in Los Angeles for its sheer variety of things to do.

Note: Parking is $12 at Will Rogers State Historic Park.

Looking for more state parks to visit? Find our complete list of California State Parks here .

Live Taping of a TV Show

Going to a live TV show taping is one of those quintessential rites of passage to have as a tourist in Los Angeles. 

The good news is that most of them are free and relatively easy to score tickets to (assuming you book well in advance). You can check out this site for upcoming show options.

The Original Farmers Market

Foodies unite! The Original Farmers Market is THE place for all your Los Angeles foodie dreams to come true.

This historic Los Angeles landmark has been around since 1934 and offers everything food-related–from food stalls to delicious sit-down eateries and local produce.

There are over 100 gourmet grocers and restaurants to choose from at The Original Farmers Market, so you should definitely come hungry.

The Nethercutt Collection

If you’re a fan of old cars, you can’t miss out on The Nethercutt Collection .

This multi-level antique museum’s main draw is its automobile collection, one of the US’s top five automobile museums.

The museum showcases over 250 American and European cars from 1898 to 1997.

Other museum features include collections of mechanical musical instruments and antique furniture.

Dolby Theatre

Another popular attraction in Hollywood is the Dolby Theatre (formerly known as Kodak Theatre), where the Academy Awards take place each year.

Besides the Academy Awards, other events happen at the Dolby Theatre year-round, from music award shows to concerts and even the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

If you want to dive into the history of this iconic Los Angeles events venue, I’d recommend going on a Dolby Theatre behind-the-scenes tour .

Museum of Jurassic Technology

If you’re looking for cool museums in LA that are all about an eclectic experience, look no further than the Museum of Jurassic Technology .

It’s hard to describe the museum without experiencing it yourself, but let’s just say it’s a love letter to the act of storytelling.

Visit the museum for an overall unique experience and to learn a plethora of random facts.

This is admittedly one of those more hipster things to do in the city, but still worth a visit.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

One of the best parts about this aquarium is that admission is free (just note that there’s a recommended donation of $5 for adults and $1 for children).

Although not as well known and popular as the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey , the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is one of the most popular things to do with kids in LA, or for any marine life enthusiast.

At the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, you’ll find the world’s largest concentration of Southern California marine life.

The aquarium is another Frank Gehry-designed building located in a stunning part of LA, next to Cabrillo Beach Coastal Park.

It’s easily one of the best free things to do in Southern California for the whole family.

The Hollywood Museum

One of those very Hollywood things to do is to head to The Hollywood Museum for a vast collection of all things Hollywood.

Appropriately housed in a historic art deco building, at the museum, you can learn more about your favorite Hollywood legends, films, and TV shows through four floors of memorabilia.

From costumes to props, scripts, vintage collectibles, and photographs, 10,000 authentic Hollywood treasures call this museum home.

Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn

Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn is a model train museum in Griffith Park, just down the road from the zoo on Zoo Drive. 

From the outside, this little museum looks like a quaint, old-fashioned barn. The building is a replica of an identical one that stood in the backyard of Disney’s childhood home. 

Inside, you can view the famed animator’s collection of train memorabilia.

Smorgasburg LA

One of the best things to do on a Sunday in Los Angeles is Smorgasburg LA , which offers an array of delicious foods at its location at the edge of the Arts District.

This sprawling, open-air food market is the largest in the country and operates year-round.

There’s no admission fee, so you can wander around, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells. 

Find every type of cuisine you can dream of in a fun, carnival-like atmosphere. 

Mosaic Tile House

One of those more unique things to do in Los Angeles, the Mosaic Tile House is probably unlike any house you’ve seen.

Over two decades, it transformed from a traditional 1940s house with a white picket fence to a piece of modern art by Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran.

The house is now completely covered in colorful mosaic tiles.

It costs $20 to tour, but if you’re looking for a unique experience in LA and want to support local artists, this is an excellent way to spend an hour in the city.

Note: It’s only open on Saturdays from 1 – 3 pm, and reservations are recommended.

Galco’s Soda Pop Stop

One of those secret places in Los Angeles that’s a favorite with locals, Galco’s Soda Pop Stop is where you’ll find every flavor of soda imaginable.

And when I say every flavor imaginable, I’m not exaggerating–there are 600 flavors to choose from!

The store has been family-owned and operated for over 100 years. It’s the perfect spot to stop for a refreshing soda pop on a hot day.

Drive the Angeles Crest Highway

Seen as one of the most scenic drives in California (and also one of the most treacherous), the Angeles Crest Highway goes through the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County.

The highway is a two-lane road that goes for 66 miles and curves around the San Gabriel Mountains’ rocky landscapes, reaching 7,000 feet in elevation at its highest point.

Because of the high altitude, it’s not unusual for the weather to change dramatically when you start climbing up the mountain.

The road is usually closed in winter due to snowfall and avalanche hazards.

However, it’s stunning to drive during the Los Angeles summer and a great road trip option from Los Angeles if you’re looking for a beautiful drive near the city.

The Original In-N-Out

If you’ve been in California for a hot minute, you probably know that In-N-Out is a big deal here.

The best way to offend a Californian is to claim you like Shake Shack more than In-N-Out. 

Please, just don’t. We take our beloved In-N-Out seriously here.

It’s an essential stop on any California road trip, so it’s no surprise that The Original In-N-Out is a LA attraction in its own right.

It has been serving burgers since 1948 and is still a working restaurant in Baldwin Park.

Eaton Canyon Falls

If you’re craving some outdoor time during your Los Angeles vacation, the Eaton Canyon Falls Trail is an easy, four-mile hike just outside of Pasadena.

The trail takes you to Eaton Canyon Falls, a gorgeous, 40-foot waterfall that empties into a small pool. On warm days, you can even wade in the refreshing waters. 

This hike is a popular local experience in LA, so expect to run into other hikers if you’re there on the weekend.

Topanga State Park

Another park located in the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park is one of the best parks on this list for hiking.

The park offers 36 miles of hiking trails through various terrain and good views.

Most hikes start from Trippet Ranch, and I recommend giving yourself at least a couple of hours, even for the shorter hikes in the park.

A good hike to start with is the Musch Trail to Eagle Rock, which takes around two hours and provides stunning views at the top.

Note: Dogs aren’t allowed on any trails at Topanga State Park, and parking is $10.

All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ

With a decent-sized Korean population in LA, sampling Korean cuisine is an excellent thing to do when you visit Los Angeles.

There are tons of delicious all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ spots around Koreatown and other parts of LA.

Grab lunch or dinner from Hae Jang Chon in Koreatown for the city’s most popular Korean BBQ experience.

Other Things to Do in LA (Honorable Mentions)

• Admire the mid-20th-century architecture at the Eames House.
• Catch a flick at the Electric Dusk Drive-In.
• Go to a midnight showing of The Room –a local and fun thing to do in LA at night.
• Enjoy a First Friday on Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
• Bar hop in Highland Park.
• Go to a baseball game at Dodger Stadium.
• Standup paddleboard in Marina del Rey.
• Shop for vinyl records at Freakbeat Records or Amoeba Music.
• Laugh out loud at a comedy show at The Hollywood Improv, The Comedy Store, or Laugh Factory.
• Rollerskate at Moonlight Rolleryway.
• Watch the sunset at Hermosa Beach.
• Explore Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, Ascot Hills Park, or Franklin Canyon Park.
• Have a picnic with a view at Hermosa Natural Park.
• Wander the 127 acres of flora at the LA Arboretum .
• Marvel at the Natural History Museum, larger than all the other Natural History museums in the Western US. 
• Visit the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust.
• Take the kids to Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum.
• Make a day trip to Disneyland and the Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim. 
• Hike at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park.
• See the California poppies in bloom at Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. 
• Visit Hsi Lai Temple, one of the West’s largest Buddhist temples.
• See how the stars live on a Celebrity Homes Tour. 
• Take a mini-meditation retreat for an afternoon at the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine .
• Do as the locals do, and get a taste of the weekend brunch scene in LA.
• Go for a hike in sprawling Temescal Gateway Park.
• Dine at a celebrity-owned restaurant, like Ryan Gosling’s Tagine or Robert DeNiro’s famed Nobu .
• Dabble in the magical arts at the Magic Castle , a private magician’s club offering classes to the public. 
• Investigate LA’s Underground Tunnels — but beware! They technically aren’t open to the public.
• Check out the Kinsey African American Art and History Collection .
• Spend a day lounging in the sun at Manhattan Beach.
• Walk around LA’s Chinatown neighborhood.
• Admire the facade of the Ennis House , designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
• Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art–another free museum for which you should make reservations ahead of time.
• Ride the Angel’s Flight Railway–one of those quirky things to do in the city that I actually loved experiencing (plus, it saves you from having to walk up a steep hill).
• Explore the sprawling Grand Park.
• Watch a performance at the Music Center.
• Appreciate the architecture inside the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on W Temple St.

Looking for more things to do in Southern California travel tips and bucket list guides? Check out or related articles below!

Where to Stay in Los Angeles (By Neighborhood)

Best Things to Do in Orange County

Best Hikes in Orange County

Best Hikes in Laguna Beach

Best Beaches in Laguna Beach

Best Restaurants in Newport Beach

Best Things to Do in Big Bear

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

9 thoughts on “85+ Best & Fun Things to Do in LA (Los Angeles) in 2024”

Love it! thank you for taking your time to share your experience with us,

Very inspiring list. This makes me want to get my super high heels on, fake *brand name* bag and start being all “LAish”

Thanks, Rebecca! Surprisingly it wasn’t as bad as I remembered it to be with the shallow mentality last time I was there. Perhaps I just hung out in the right places though!

This is such a great guide! Going back to LA in January so definitely taking this list along with me. Already planning on Hollywood Forever and the Getty Villa.

Thanks Chelsea! Yay, hopefully you’ll be able to get some unique ideas on what to do with your time in the city. Hollywood Forever & Getty Villa are great places to start with!

Great list! I lived in LA and hated living there, but it is a fun place to visit since you don’t have to deal with the traffic every single day 🙂 Lots of great food & wine to be enjoyed, and Griffith Park is awesome. I’ll have to check out some of the breweries you’ve listed here the next time I visit. And you’re right: there is always something new & exciting in LA!

Thanks Marlynn! I would have to agree with you, I love visiting L.A. but I’m not sure if I would live there myself. The foodie & wine scene is something I haven’t checked out so much in the city yet, I’ll have to make that a priority next time I’m in town.

I’ve lived here my whole life and have never done many of these things…that’s a shame! I need to get on that for 2016!

I think that’s the great thing about L.A. though, there’s always something to do! Even if you’ve liver there for ages. This is as much a list for myself too when I come back to visit, goals for 2016 to be sure.

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72 Best & Fun Things To Do In Los Angeles (California)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: August 11, 2020  - Last updated: October 16, 2023

Los Angeles often called the City of Angels, is a hub for excitement, fame, and fortune.

With famous places like Hollywood to its name and many other similarly enticing tourist attractions and sites, it can be somewhat difficult to figure out where to visit as a tourist here.

That’s why we’ve put together an LA travel guide that is sure to give you some insight into the most intriguing and delightful places the city has to offer.

Here are our picks for the 72 best and fun things to do in Los Angeles, California.

Table of Contents

1. The Getty Center

Ken Wolter / Shutterstock

The Getty Center is one of the top Los Angeles attractions in California.

This institution is known across LA and the country for its prestige in the world and industry of art.

Exhibits and showcases vary across the multitude of buildings that make up the Getty Center and free tours allow you to learn about different aspects of the Center in engaging and informational ways.

The permanent collection at the Getty Center had its biggest headstart from J. Paul Getty’s $1.2 billion gift when he passed away.

The collection consists of Western art dating back to the Middle Ages until now, with an additional collection on the Pacific Coast Highway at the Getty Villa with a focus on European art.

Some iconic original pieces are displayed at these permanent collections.

Other exhibits here include a garden spanning 134,000 square feet, designed by Robert Irwin, often called a living sculpture with a floating labyrinth that houses over 500 species of flora.

There are also lots of temporary exhibits that focus on all sorts of different perfectly curated works.

Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for art reproductions and souvenirs; it’s a must-do for collectors!

Address:  1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, United States

2. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

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The Los Angeles County Museum of Art , also known as LACMA, is a museum that can be defined as encyclopedic.

It consists of a huge 20-acre campus with buildings designed by Peter Zumthor.

As a museum, LACMA is extremely comprehensive in its collection of beautiful and stunning works, and the vastness of its grounds means that guests have lots of options for activities.

LACMA’s permanent collection showcases art from all eras, all the way back to antiques to new, modern works.

All sorts of works from different cultures live on here, including some iconic pieces from old masters and respected artists.

Temporary exhibits also showcase all sorts of collections from different and diverse artists.

LACMA also boasts the Bing theater, which has daily programming, and it hosts classes, incubators, and performance spaces.

You’ll spend a long time walking through LACMA, and even with a whole dedicated day, it’s hard to run out of exciting things to do on museum grounds.

Fun tours, though somewhat high in price, can provide additional information to visitors.

Address:  5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States

3. Hollywood Bowl

Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock

In the summer, the Hollywood Bowl is a Los Angeles treasure.

The outdoor amphitheater is a staple of California tourist places.

It first opened its doors in 1922 and boasts a famous shell shape that makes for great acoustics – which is likely one of the many reasons it grew so popular in the first place.

For the most part, the Hollywood Bowl is one of the best music performance spots in LA, primarily focusing on classical music, though a few modern artists have graced the stage here too.

Film screenings, musicals, and orchestras also play here sometimes.

Seating can be a little difficult and can get expensive, but most consider it well worth the expense!

Address:  2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

4. Walt Disney Concert Hall

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There are few better places to seek entertainment in LA than the Walt Disney Concert Hall , built by Frank Gehry to a sometimes controversial design choice.

The concert hall houses the Los Angeles Philharmonic and provides incredible classical music performances that are fun for the family.

Do note, though, that kids under the age of 6 are not permitted!

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a must-visit for the Philharmonic alone, though most musical performances here make for great perusal.

The concert hall actually shares its space with the Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater, which provides more edgy and experimental shows that are still pretty good viewing, as well as a gallery that has some interesting showcases.

There’s one more thing to note; there’s actually a garden on the roof of the Walt Disney Concert Hall that is known as the Blue Ribbon Garden.

Not many visitors know about it and it’s a beautiful place to go to just to relax.

Address:  111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

5. The Broad

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Almost all of the very best things to do in LA, California are, surprisingly, museums – and The Broad is just one of them!

Despite only opening in the latter part of 2015, the Broad has quite a reputation.

It hosts all sorts of fancy and fun exhibits that lead to extremely long lines and sold-out tickets in minutes to their showcases.

The permanent collection at the Broad consists of 2,000 pieces that are part of Eli and Edythe Broad’s personal collection.

With both parties finding riches in their careers, they purchase early works from up-and-coming artists as well as show off extremely famous works by modern icons of the art world.

As a more modern museum, the Broad isn’t the kind of place you’d go to as an art intellectual, but it’s a great place to take photos – including selfies – and general admission is free, while you need to purchase tickets for certain temporary exhibits.

Address:  221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

Traveling to other parts of California? Why not check out some of the things to do in Berkeley ?

6. TCL Chinese Theatre

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The TCL Chinese Theatre is one of LA’s most popular and iconic places of interest.

It was originally known as the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre when it first opened in 1927 and is a fantastic representation of the Golden Age of Hollywood and its opulence.

Now, the TCL Chinese Theatre is a memorable part of Los Angeles.

Tours of the theater are offered every day and are very popular, so it’s a good idea to reserve a tour time in advance.

The theater also works as an ordinary one, so new films are played in it year-round.

While you’re here, you should also walk through the Walk of Fame right outside!

Address:  6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States

7. Angeles National Forest

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The Angeles National Forest is known as one of the essential places to go for LA, California visitors seeking an active, exploration-filled day trip.

More than a thousand square miles of lush greenery spread across 53 different trailheads make for plenty of fun treks and a lot of ground to cover.

All manner of sports can be participated in at this national forest of Los Angeles.

Running, hiking, boating, biking, and skiing are all possible, and no matter what kind of nature you enjoy, there’s sure to be something for you.

Mt. Baldy provides a stunning panoramic view, the Bridge to Nowhere is an eerie and melancholic stop, the Devil’s Punchbowl offers a unique phenomenon of geography, and Pyramid Lake is nothing short of gorgeous with its unique man-made formation of rocks.

Address:  12371 N, Little Tujunga Canyon Rd, San Fernando, CA 91342, United States

8. Universal Studios Hollywood

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No trip to LA is complete without visiting one of its best spots – Universal Studios Hollywood , one of the top 10 attractions you can find in Los Angeles!

It is packed with amusement rides, scenes and places from popular movies and shows, and character actors that give the whole place a more realistic feel.

Some of the things you can enjoy here are rides and events related to popular culture produced by Universal.

This includes franchises such as Transformers, Despicable Me, Scooby-Doo, Fast and Furious, and Jurassic World.

Expect to see a ton of tourists at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Lines for rides and amusement showcases will be pretty long, so if you’re not willing to wait, you can buy Express passes in advance.

A visit here is far from inexpensive, so be sure you’re ready to front the cost!

Address:  100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States

9. Echo Park Lake

Gabriele Maltinti / Shutterstock

Echo Park Lake is one of the many LA, California sights you may naturally recognize.

That’s because the location has been used in tons of different movies, shows, and similar productions.

The good news is that despite its fame, it remains a very relaxing, down-to-earth location.

Echo Park Lake was renovated in 2014, giving it a new look and a shiny new purpose.

It has now become a bit of a point for meeting, exercising, or having picnics.

The lake offers one of the best opportunities for boating in Los Angeles, and you can rent pedal boats and head through a lake of ducks and lotuses.

The park is truly beautiful, garnering its fame not just for families but for romantic rendezvous.

A fountain helps further set the scene and mood with jets of water that rise an impressive 200 feet upwards and a good number of street food stalls sell delicious snacks in case you need a bite to eat.

Address: 751 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States

10. Venice Canals

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No trip to Los Angeles, California is complete without a visit to the Venice Canals .

Among cute bungalows of quintessential Venetian style, the canals flow through them all, offering a romantic and whimsical view of the beautiful streets.

We have Abbot Kinney, a developer, to thank for the creation of the Venice Canals; in 1905, he built them, and the bridges across them have been standards for fun and romance since then.

Taking a stroll through the Venice Canals is breathtaking, relaxing, and somehow still one of the most fun things to do in LA.

If you’re lucky, you’ll see birds like egrets, parrots, herons, and pelicans flying by.

One of the corners of the canals boasts a children’s park complete with ducks and, potentially, ducklings, so if you’re here with kids, that’s a great spot to head to!

Address: Washigton Blvd. & Dell Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90292, United States

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11. Warner Brothers Studio

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Just like Universal Studios Hollywood, the Warner Brothers Studio is one of those fun Los Angeles attractions that is considered standard fare for any visitors to California.

The studio provides in-depth looks into all sorts of iconic stars of the entertainment world, from TV props to movie sets, including items from Harry Potter, Batman, and Friends.

Visitors can also view an interesting backlot of the studio that spans 110 acres.

30 different soundstages exist here, each one used for producing shows including the Ellen Degeneres Show, Young Sheldon, and more.

Tour guides are all very knowledgeable and have lots of information to share with charismatic and excitable dispositions.

Tours of the Warner Brothers Studio last about three hours and aren’t open to children below the age of 7.

Expect to pay between $59 and $295 per ticket, depending on the age of the person the ticket is for and what kind of access you’re opting for.

Address: 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505, United States

12. The La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

Looking for touristy things to do that you’d be hard-pressed to find outside of LA?

The La Brea Tar Pits & Museum make a pretty good spot to top that list.

The pits themselves are the result of tens of thousands of years’ worth of tar that has bubbled for all that time, and they’re free to feast your eyes on.

Meanwhile, the museum consists of the bones and fossils of animals that were trapped in the pits – which, while morbid, certainly makes for fascinating viewing that explains why this Los Angeles location is so popular.

The bones collection within the museum is a real treat for history nerds.

Composite skeletons exist of species that are extinct now, such as dire wolves, Columbian mammoths, saber-toothed cats, North American camels, and ground sloths.

Fossils, on the other hand, date back to the Ice Age!

A Fossil Lab lets you see how scientists and experts clean and sort out these fossils.

Address:  5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States

13. Korean Bell of Friendship

David A Litman / Shutterstock

The Korean Bell of Friendship is one of the most idyllic tourist spots in Los Angeles, California.

The bell is impressive in appearance, with a green finish – rusted over time – covered along the top by a hipped roof in ornate detail.

Though the paint is fading, there is no denying the beauty of the gift, given by South Korea in 1976, alongside the grassy pavilion it lounges upon.

This LA location is very beautiful, with an exposed bluff that looks out over the ocean along the coast of San Pedro.

It’s a great place to fly kits, relax, and enjoy the view.

Today, the bell is rarely rung, only being set off four times annually: New Year’s Eve, National Liberation Day of Korea, Fourth of July, and Constitution Week.

Address:  3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731, United States

14. Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

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If you’re a bit of an intellectual, the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens are easy to consider a must-do among LA activities.

It was once the private estate of Henry and Arabella Huntington before they converted it into its humble institutional beginnings in 1919.

The institution, as its lengthy name suggests, houses three different types of attraction.

The first is the Huntington Library, which houses over 430,000 books of impressive rarity.

It is a premier research facility not just for Los Angeles, but for the whole country, with British and American works from the 11th century onwards.

The second is the Huntington Art Museum, which are home to a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits.

The art dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries and has quite a few famous masterpieces.

Temporary exhibits are curated flawlessly, only showcasing high-quality works from great artists of all fields.

The final is the 120-acre Huntington Botanical Gardens, which has more than 150,000 flora types.

Succulent plants, roses, bonsai trees, Corpse flowers, orchids, Sumatran flowers, and more are showcased here, though some only arrive with rotating or seasonal exhibits.

Address:  1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, United States

15. Griffith Observatory

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The Griffith Observatory is widely considered one of the top things to do in LA, California.

Designed for sightseeing and stargazing, it sits in Griffith Park on Mouth Hollywood.

It took its name from Los Angeles philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith, a fairly controversial figure with a good interest in astronomy that led to his large donations that helped build the observatory.

The observatory was completed in 1935 and, since then, has gone on to become one of the world’s most visited observatories.

It offers exhibition halls with glorious attractions like the extremely unique and rare Tesla coil, and its planetarium often hosts exciting and fun shows.

Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention its powerful Zeiss telescope that is prized in the astronomy world.

That same telescope sees about 600 visitors per night!

Address:  2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

16. Runyon Canyon Park

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Runyon Canyon Park is one of LA’s best points of interest, which is why it’s such a pity that this urban park is not known as widely throughout the city.

The park is often used by celebrities for their exercise regimens thanks to the many hiking trails flanked by lovely palm trees.

Trails often wind through old estates and mansions that keep an air of Old Hollywood to them, and the hot climate can tire even experienced hikers.

As such, you should make sure that you’re prepared for the hike before you attempt it.

If you walk up to the very top of the canyon, you’ll be treated to a nice view of San Fernando Valley.

Address:  2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States

17. California Science Center

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The California Science Center is the perfect space for excitement, exploration, and education, making it one of the best among the things to see for children and adults!

The center offers free admission, with certain exhibits or shows requiring a fee, and with timed tickets needed for certain peak seasons.

The most popular exhibit of this science center in LA is the Ecosystems showcase.

This showcase is a permanent exhibition that shows off a wide range of different ecosystems across eight zones of habitat types.

Another great exhibit is Creative World, which encourages guests to learn about architecture and transportation as well as the technologies and innovation involved in it.

For space-lovers, the Air and Space showcase is an interesting one.

On display, it exhibits Pete Conrad and Dick Gordon’s Gemini 11 capsule and teaches visitors about the Endeavor space shuttle.

If you’d rather watch a movie screening, there is, of course, an IMAX theater in the science center that plays a mix of informational and interesting films.

Address:  700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, United States

18. Zuma Beach

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Los Angeles has its fair share of beaches, but if you’re willing to travel from it to get, Zuma Beach is among the best.

It’s clean, less crowded, and widely considered the finest location of its kind in the city’s general vicinity.

A mix of tourists and locals enjoy the beach for its great sea and surf opportunities, and it’s also a good spot for sunbathing.

Zuma Beach is about 36 miles from the downtown portion of LA.

Driving through the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll see some interesting buildings, like the Adamson House, Getty Villa, and Trancas Country Market along the way.

The beach itself offers free visits all day long.

Address: 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

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19. Hollywood Sign

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There’s no way that seeing the Hollywood Sign up close and personal shouldn’t be on your bucket list.

It’s the best iconic tourist draw in all of Los Angeles.

It’s the kind of thing that’s cool to see in person no matter what, simply because of how often you’ve probably seen the sign in media and as a standard, staple symbol of the world of fame and fortune.

Originally, the sign read “Hollywoodland” when it was put up in 1923 as a simple advertisement for a new and developing housing project.

It was only really meant to last 18 months, but it stood until the 1970s, getting progressively more damaged in the process.

When one of the letter Os fell, the sign was completely refurbished into how it stands as we know it now.

To get close to the sign, you’d hike for about 45 minutes and get to see a rare rear view of the iconic symbol of celebrity and pop culture.

However, you can’t touch the fence without security carting you off, so focus on the beautiful view from up here of the landscape of the state, the Santa Ana Mountains, the city beneath, and, of course, the ocean.

Address:  Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

20. Hollywood Forever Cemetery

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If you love a little spookiness, then one of the fun things to do in Los Angeles, California is to visit the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

The cemetery was originally opened as Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery in 1899 by Isaac Van Nuys, a businessman, and farmer.

The cemetery is beautifully cared for as a park-type final resting place, packed with greenery and delightful architecture.

After all, there’s a reason that the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is on America’s National Register of Historic Sites – one of few similar LA locations to earn this honor!

The cemetery is the last home to many big names in Hollywood, like Estelle Getty, Cecil B. DeMille, and Johnny Ramone.

Some interesting and well-designed tombs that are fun to respectfully gawk at include the Greek Revival designed catacomb of William A. Clark Jr., the granite monument of Oscar-winning actress Hattie McDaniel, mausoleums of stained glass, and more.

Address:  6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States

Want to go on a road trip around Los Angeles? Here are some fun things to do in Orange County and some of the best things to do in Palm Springs !

21. Paramount Pictures Studios

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You’ve probably already noticed, but a lot of the best and most loved Los Angeles attractions are related to the big and small screen.

Paramount Pictures Studios is yet another one of these LA, California treasures.

It’s also the only film studio that still lives on in Hollywood.

As a company, Paramount has been around since the 1910s and has worked with some of the film world’s greatest stars, including Morgan Freeman and Meryl Streep.

They are behind some pretty famous shows and movies, including Mission: Impossible, I Love Lucy and Titanic.

A two-hour tour (open to those aged 10 and older only) brings visitors through the studios on a golf cart, taking you across 65 acres of land.

You’ll get to see some sound stages and famous sets.

Just make sure you reserve a tour spot in advance.

Address:  5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States

22. The Last Bookstore

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The Last Bookstore is one of the top spots in Los Angeles for bibliophiles, and even if you’re not much of a reader, it’s hard to deny that visiting here is one of the more cool things to do while you’re in LA.

The bookshop is housed in a large building that was once a bank and you can see remnants of the atrium in high ceilings and pillars of marble.

Books in the Last Bookstore are mostly used or vintage, all well-kept, and relatively reasonably priced.

Bookshelves are intentionally disheveled in appearance, placed haphazardly throughout the store, while sculptures made from damaged books add decorative charm.

None of the books are clearly organized, inspiring visitors to go deep-diving for treasure.

If you explore enough, you’ll have fun discovering all the hidden spots in the shop that host even more books.

Address:  453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

23. Grand Central Market

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The Grand Central Market of Los Angeles, California is known as one of the best local tourist spots for foodies.

Located in downtown LA, it’s visited by a mix of guests and locals who browse through stalls offering delicious foods from all sorts of cuisines in an open layout with high ceilings that provide a spacious atmosphere.

Grand Central Market opened its doors more than a century ago in 1917, offering a wide range of food from snacks to meals, with selections from different cultures to tantalize the tastebuds.

The liveliness makes for an exciting experience, even if you’re just there to sample a few quick goodies.

Address:  317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

24. Los Angeles City Hall

The Los Angeles City Hall has been a strong symbol of downtown LA since the year 1928.

As an icon of the city, it’s a must-see for anyone seeking activities within the city.

The City Hall rests in a tall tower of white concrete that offers impressive views of the city from its observation deck on the 27th floor.

There is also an Olympic torch from 1984 near one of the exits.

The Civic Center is only open during public hours, so if you aim to catch a bird’s eye view of the city through the observation deck, make sure you’re going at the right time.

Even if it takes a bit of scheduling, it’s well worth it for the free panorama!

Address:  200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

25. The Ennis House

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A gem of design and architecture, the Ennis House has been a staple for small and big screen productions for years.

You may have seen it in the House on Haunted Hell, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Day of the Locust, and it served additionally as inspiration for the apartment used by the main character Rick Deckard in Blade Runner.

The Ennis House, which has been a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument since 1976, suffered quite a bit from bad weather and natural disasters, but renovations have made it stable and popular again.

It was designed by the one and only Frank Lloyd Wright for Charles and Mable Ennis, with construction completed in 1924.

The house is one of a series known to California as the textile block designs, with a Mayan Revival style that grabs the eye quickly from the best spot in the Los Feliz Hills.

The home is technically a private residence and it isn’t open to the public often, but if you’re lucky, you’ll get there at a time when its current owners allow tourists to take a spin through the inside.

Address:  2607 Glendower Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

26. Watts Towers

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The Watts Towers consist of 17 structures, all interconnected, with the main places of interest among the collection being two that are taller than 99 feet in height.

The structures were put together by a construction worker and Italian Immigrant named Sabato Rodia, who used his free time to slowly build the Watts Towers over 33 years.

Part of the reason that the Watts Towers are popular locations for what to do in Los Angeles is because of their display of non-traditional vernacular architecture, with armatures made from steel rods and pipes, wire mesh, and a mortar coating.

Each tower is supported by frames dotted with tile, glass, and porcelain pieces, and the rest of the towers are littered with decorations of scrap metal, seashells, bed frames, bottles, and ceramic tiles.

Most interestingly, the towers were referred to as Nuestro Pueblo “our town” by Rodia, and he made them without any pre-planned design pattern or special equipment.

He used only tools used by window washers as well as hand equipment, and he used scrap material from his workplace, Malibu Pottery, to decorate it.

Since February 2018, the Watts Towers have been undergoing conservation and restoration efforts, meaning they are closed most of the time.

However, there are guided tours of the perimeter surrounding it, so check out the available times to book a spot.

Address:  1727 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002, United States

27. OUE Skyspace LA Skyslide

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There are fewer ways more fun and exhilarating to get a good view of this city of California than the OUE Skyspace LA Skyslide .

Located on the US Bank Tower, the Skyslide sits on the 70th floor, a thousand or so feet above the solid ground of the city below.

The slide, accessible via a ticket, joins an observation deck and a restaurant called 71Above in drawing visitors that seek the entertainment of an adrenaline rush.

The Skyslide only lasts about 5 seconds, bringing you down from the 70th to the 69th floor, and though it sounds extremely frightening, it can actually feel much more exciting than that.

It’s one of those places to visit to reserve for evenings or sunsets since the fog of the morning can somewhat obscure the wonderful view.

Address:  633 W 5th St #840, Los Angeles, CA 90071, United States

28. Underground Tunnels

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The Underground Tunnels were once the coolest part of LA during the years of the prohibition laws.

Spanning 11 miles, these service tunnels led into the basements of fun places like bars, speakeasies, and clubs, which all had unassuming fronts to prevent the suspicion of law enforcement.

Now, though much less traveled, traipsing through the Underground Tunnels is still an exciting experience and one to add to your list of activities.

To get to the tunnels, head behind Temple Streets’ Hall of Records and search for an elevator.

The lift will bring you underground to a world filled with rusty machines, street art, and graffiti, iron gates that keep you away from unsafe spots, and of course, a way into the basement of the extremely famous 1900s King Eddy Saloon that still runs till this day.

Technically speaking, the Underground Tunnels aren’t officially open to the public.

But that doesn’t mean they’re not used for film shoots, as shortcuts by locals, or even as a place to exercise.

Address: 320 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

29. Temescal Gateway Park

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The Temescal Gateway Park is a Santa Monica Mountains park not far from Los Angeles, California.

It’s a popular place to take in some relaxing and invigorating sights, and the fact that it doesn’t draw a huge number of guests means it’s the right amount of populated and quiet for those seeking a little reverie from the hustle and bustle of LA.

The park provides multiple oceanside views, multiple terrain types, and a good variety of flora.

It’s a great place to bring a dog for a walk, too.

The views don’t stop at all, even all the way towards the Valley, though most wouldn’t recommend traveling that far in!

Address:  15601 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, United States

30. Bronson Cave

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Looking for another one of the fun things to do in LA related to Hollywood and the big screen? Bronson Cave is where it’s at – one of the best places to head to in Los Angeles, California for a taste of the mysterious, yet most-talked about places in the US.

Bronson Cave sits in the large wilderness of Griffith Park and, like the rest of the park, it has been used as a movie set many, many times.

Just visit it once and you’ll easily be able to identify it in many a show or movie, including the Batman series of the 1960s, where it served as the Bat Cave.

Interestingly, Bronson Cave is not a cave at all.

It’s a small tunnel into a hill that is filmed at an angle to provide the illusion of a hidden cavern with a dark interior.

Despite the fact that it’s no longer used for bigger budget movies, it’s still a popular filming location.

Address:  3200 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

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31. Lake Hollywood Park

Lake Hollywood Park is known for being the best of the Los Angeles attractions to get a picture of the iconic Hollywood sign at an up-close angle.

As a fun, dog-friendly spot, as many pets as people can often be found here.

There are two hiking paths that are most commonly trekked at this LA, California park.

One brings you to explore the park’s reservoir while the other leads up to the back of the Hollywood Sign, which we talked about earlier.

It’s open all the time, so whether you plan to go now, tomorrow, or far in the future, you’ll have no trouble getting in!

Address:  3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

32. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

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Spanning 58,000 square feet, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is a marvel of beautiful design courtesy of Rafael Moneo, a Spanish architect.

The complex is often referred to simply as the Los Angeles Cathedral and originally started in 2002, when it replaced the earthquake-damaged Cathedral of Saint Vibiana.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is a monument to LA’s patron saint and a Roman martyr from the third century, Saint Vibiana.

The style of the cathedral is rather unorthodox, with a mix of right angles creating a fortress-like appearance and a postmodern style that seems contrary to its religious roots.

In fact, at first, it was widely criticized for being created in such a style.

Still, through the controversy over design choice and cost, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels was built as planned.

Centered on the themes of “journey” and “light”, the aesthetic of the structure is certainly one to behold, so if you’re a design geek looking for what to do in the city, definitely take a trip here.

The wooden ambo, the Spanish alabaster windows, the Rosso Laguna marble table, and the exact 333-foot length make for interesting aspects of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Address:  555 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

33. Venice Beach

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There is no way you can go to Los Angeles, California without going to one of its very best tourist attractions: Venice Beach .

The beach is modeled after the real Venice in Italy and was completed in the early years of the 20th century.

Sure, it doesn’t really feel like you’re being whisked away from LA to Italy, but the spirit and aesthetic of the beach is not one to miss.

Mansions, trendy shops, and fine eateries line Venice Beach, providing a touch of the opulent to what was meant to be whimsical.

The boardwalk is arguably its most popular feature, and plenty of eccentric visitors and beach guests make for great people watching.

Though not exactly perfect for swimming, Venice Beach is great for sunbathing, and as it’s open 24 hours a day, it’s always waiting for you.

Address: Los Angeles, CA 90291, United States

34. Echo Park Time Travel Mart

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The Echo Park Time Travel Mart is a very fun and unique store in LA.

Made by the same company that brought Brooklyn its Superhero Supply shop and San Francisco its Pirate Supply store, the Echo Park Time Travel Mart is one of the best eccentric locations in Los Angeles, especially for families.

The mart sells all sorts of wacky and fake relics from the past and future, ranging from Michael Jordan pogs to Barbarian Repellent, and from Robot Emotions to dinosaur eggs, visiting and exploring is a must-do if you’re into the strange and silly.

Aside from being a funky store, the Echo Park Time Travel Mart is also a literary tutoring center.

Approximately twenty to thirty students arrive every day to receive lessons on expository and creative writing – and that tutoring is a non-profit venture, too!

The shop’s proceeds also all go to that non-profit group’s tutoring and its other ventures.

Address:  1714 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States

35. Barnsdall Art Park

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If you love art, a trip to the Barnsdall Art Park is one of the top things to do in Los Angeles, California.

The park is located on East Hollywood and is usually quiet, making it a fun hidden gem to unearth while you’re in LA.

The secluded park is well-maintained and modern, housing a theater, art galleries, and even historic buildings for you to peruse.

One of the most loved houses on display here is Frank Lloyd Wright’s first Los Angeles project, the Hollyhock House, which was built for Aline Barnsdall, an oil heiress who donated the home to the city when she wound up never using it.

At the Barnsdall Art Park, you can also find the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre and the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery.

Both house contemporary art in all its forms.

If you’re not seeking that sort of activity, you can simply walk around the park or have a picnic there.

Address:  4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

36. California Institute of AbnormalArts

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The California Institute of AbnormalArts is one of the more unusual points of interest in LA, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t top your list.

The events held here are ones commonly referred to as freakshows, consisting of odd musical performances, indescribable live events, and bizarre sideshows.

One of the more interesting draws at the Institute of AbnormalArts is Achile Chatouilleu, a mummified clown still wearing his makeup and costume, lying in a sealed glass coffin.

Other fascinating but morbid exhibits involve bones, body parts (some petrified), man-eating monsters, signs from circuses, and horror movie clips.

That’s why this is one of the unusual places to visit in LA for anyone who likes a little oddity in their life.

Address:  11334 Burbank Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91601, United States

37. Phantasma Gloria

Randyland is a home located in Echo Park, and in front of that home sits the Phantasma Gloria.

The Phantasma Gloria is a piece of modern sculpture art that casts a beautiful spectrum of colors in a fun kaleidoscope of vibrancy and wonder.

The sculpture was made by Randlett Lawrence, simply called Randy, and it’s a bit of a hidden gem as far as places to go in the city of Los Angeles, California are considered.

Using a litany of glass bottles, colored water, and wire, Randy set to work putting together this rainbow.

In the mornings, the refraction of the sunlight from the bottles causes glowing brilliant pinwheels of color, and inside each bottle, you’ll see patterns that appear as dolphins.

Randy is still working on the Phantasma Gloria to this day, always adding in new parts and making changes as he sees fit.

If you’re lucky, you might get to meet the man himself – who is very passionate and excitable about his work – this weekend during your visit.

Do note that he only holds tours on said weekends at certain times.

Address:  1646 Lemoyne St, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States

38. Silver Lake Staircases

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Silver Lake is full of public stairways across its hillsides, and believe it or not, they make for some pretty fun activities for sightseeing in the LA area.

The stairway network spans 2.5 miles and is legally open to the public, though some homeowners try to block some of them off.

These outdoor stairways are great workouts for the fitness-minded, but they’re also beautiful and worth viewing for their aesthetics, too.

The Music Box Steps, made famous by Laurel and Hardy, and the Micheltorena Stairs are some of the more popular, picture-friendly ones you’ll find in your explorations.

39. The Sunken City

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If you’re in the Los Angeles area and willing to head over to San Pedro for some site seeing, check out the Sunken City .

A landslide that took place here, not far from LA, in 1929 led to a whole neighborhood falling into the ocean, with breakneck speeds of 11 inches per day of land movement measured at its worst.

This led to some of Point Fermin Park succumbing to the waves, too.

Locals now call this place the Sunken City.

Foundations of houses, splintered and broken, litter the vicinity, alongside streetcar tracks long since left abandoned, sidewalks twisted and buckled, and streets that see no traffic.

The roads surrounding it are popular for hiking and it has been used in movies and shows.

However, do note that you should not enter the Sunken City itself.

The ruins are extremely dangerous and trespassing is forbidden.

Address: Paseo Del Mar, Los Angeles, CA 90731, United States

40. Petersen Automotive Museum and Vault

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Taking a trip to the Petersen Automotive Museum is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles for car enthusiasts.

The fun museum was founded by Robert E. Peterson, a publisher, and opened in 1994 on Museum Row in LA.

A recent makeover has created a rather impressive transformation in the museum.

Its building is now decorated with a ribbon formation created by a stainless steel shell weighing 100 tons.

Within that building are 25 galleries of automobiles, carefully arranged against backdrops of vivid color and scenery.

Some of the most famous cars here are the 1958 Plymouth Fury “Christine”, the 1915 Detroit Electric Model 61 Brougham, and the 1987 Mana La, which is solar-powered.

But there’s something a little more special at the Petersen Automotive Museum: The Vault.

It costs extra to enter but is a real treat, having only opened to the public in 2012.

It contains more than 250 different vehicles, including many owned by celebrities, from across the globe over 120 years.

The collection includes Steve McQueen’s 1957 Jaguar, Saddam Hussein’s Mercedes-Benz, and even the golf cart of President Clinton.

Address:  6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States

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41. Autry Museum of the American West

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If the name of the Autry Museum of the American West rings a bell, it’s because its founder is Gene Autry, better known as the famous Singing Cowboy.

The museum was opened in 1988 as a dedication to Western America’s history and culture, meaning it speaks not just of LA or California, but all of the west.

The museum is located in Griffith Park, carefully held in a mission-type building.

Seven galleries span throughout the ground floor and lower floor that make up the permanent exhibit.

This exhibit essentially lays out a timeline of the West’s history, from its prehistoric ages, to the times of French missionaries and Spanish conquistadors, and even up to the 20th century.

A more fun exhibit lies in the Autry Museum of the American West’s firearm collection, which is already quite large but is still growing.

It holds the personal items and the weapons of people like Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, and Belle Starr.

There is also the Colt Gallery, focused on Samuel Colt and his revolvers, and the Journeys Gallery, which discusses advancements in Western transportation.

Whether you’re interested in history or not, the Autry Museum of the American West is one of the Los Angeles attractions well worth a trip.

Address:  Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

42. Two Bit Circus Micro-Amusement Park

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The Two Bit Circus Micro-Amusement Park is a great way to get some entertainment in downtown LA without the need for exotic animals, pitching large striped tents, or watching trapeze artists perform daring and dangerous acts.

Rather, it is a unique park that is designed to provide unique experiences to its visitors through the use of immersive technology.

Lounges, games, escape rooms, interactive performances, food, and more lie in wait for you here, whisking you away from the world of Los Angeles and placing you in realms of fantasy and excitement.

You’re spoiled for choice in terms of what to see.

For example, at the Midway, you can play carnival games that have been modernized through the wonders of virtual reality.

Despite its advancements and modernity, there’s a sense of nostalgia about the Two Bit Circus Micro-Amusement Park.

It’s a good throwback to the games of the 80s and a good balance between the world of the old and the new.

While it may not be the most suitable attraction for very young children, it can be a good deal of excitement for the whole family.

Address:  634 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021, United States

43. Garden of Oz

Garden of Oz

The Garden of Oz was never intended to blossom as it is now.

When Gail Cottman, a Los Angeles, California resident, purchased the plot of land that would go on to become one of the city’s top hidden gems, she originally planned only to grow some roses in it.

But her 1991 plan grew into something far beyond a simple patch of flowers!

Cottman hired a man named Manuel Rodriguez as her contractor to build her rose garden.

When the roses were placed among cement, Rodriguez thought the dullness needed some brightening, so he decorated it with beads and tiles.

Cottman, upon seeing his creativity, was reminded of the Wizard of Oz, which was one of her personal favorite films.

This is where she got the inspiration to transform the garden from just roses to a fun and enchanting Land of Oz.

If you are to visit the Garden of Oz, you’ll find a path of yellow tiles (the Yellow Brick Road, of course) winding through flora of all kinds.

A mailbox allows you to send letters to Oz, a Wall of Toys provides a touch of the fun and childlike, and a crystal ball adds more whimsy and mysticism to this already magical place.

Thrones are also scattered throughout the garden, and each one is dedicated to certain famous real and fictional figures, such as Elvis Presley, Rosa Parks, and Dorothy herself.

When we say the Garden of Oz is a hidden gem, we mean it isn’t really one of the city’s tourist attractions.

It is usually not open to the public – though local kids of the neighborhood have the keys! – so you’d have to visit it from the outside.

Even viewing it from the street, though, is quite a treat already.

Address:  3040 Ledgewood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

44. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

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Deemed as one of the most beautiful places to visit in the US , the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is located on the Westside of Los Angeles.

It is perhaps most known among more energetic activities, as there are 282 steps of stairs in a steep configuration.

To get to the overlook, you have to climb them.

Though it is a tiring endeavor, getting to the overlook after all those steps rewards you with must-see views of downtown LA’s skyline and the ocean, one on each side respectively.

The view stretches all around and a long bench allows you to sit and relax as you take in the beauty of it all.

Address:  6050 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, United States

45. Bradbury Building

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The Bradbury Building has a rather unusual backstory: it may never have come to be if not for the use of an Ouija board.

Lewis L. Bradbury, a man who had found success and riches in mining in California, only wanted the very best man to bring to life his dreams of an indulgent building of five stories.

That man, he decided, was George Wyman, who absolutely refused to take the project on.

He only agreed after using a planchette board to speak to his brother, who assured him through the board that this project would be extremely successful.

The impressive and rather regal structure is inspired in large part by a sci-fi novel by Edward Bellamy called Looking Backward, which pictures a utopian society.

Interestingly, the building is not particularly memorable from the outside, but as soon as you enter, you’ll see why it’s among the surefire places to visit in Los Angeles.

The interior of the Bradbury Building features a large courtyard that is breathtaking to behold, making use of natural light and multiple intricate details to relay a vision of magnificence.

It has been used in popular culture and films, including in Blade Runner; there’s something about it that works well with the realm of science fiction.

You’ll have to see it for yourself to understand!

Address:  304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

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46. Valley Relics Museum

Thomas Hawk / flickr

The Valley Relics Museum was founded by one person alone: native Los Angeles resident Tommy Gelinas.

He curates the items found within this treasure of a location and has turned it into one of the best non-profit places of interest in LA.

The place is completely packed with exhibits and showcases, even hanging from the ceiling.

The mission of the Valley Relics Museum is fairly simple: to tell the stories of those who helped build this city and its state into what it is today, as well as how this region helped with the overall development of the country.

Pop ephemera of all kinds, including signages, vintage bikes, restaurant menus, yearbooks, and more, preserve the tales of those who came before.

Address:  7900 Balboa Blvd. C3 & C4 Entrance on, Stagg St, Van Nuys, CA 91406, United States

47. Santa Monica Farmers Market

Gran Turismo / Shutterstock

The Santa Monica Farmers Market near LA, California is one of the most reputable shopping locations in the general vicinity.

Open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the farmers market covers multiple blocks and is completely packed with all sorts of fun goodies and fresh produce.

Each booth is run by a local farm that specializes in something different.

With so many parts of the market and places to see, you’re sure to find something that entices you to purchase it.

Emu eggs, black truffles, sea urchin, and bergamot are among the more exotic offerings up for grabs.

Address:  2640 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States

48. Philosophical Research Society

Philosophical Research Society

Los Angeles has always been a center for the spiritual, the occult, and the mystic.

That might be why the Philosophical Research Society was formed in 1934.

As far as research facilities go, it’s undoubtedly one of the coolest you’ll find, and it’s the best way to get a glimpse into LA’s paranormal roots.

The Philosophical Research Society’s library contains a ton of information regarding rare and unusual philosophies, spiritualities, and religions.

Events and classes give guests a chance to find out more about the esoteric arts, too, so though it is a non-circulating library, you’ll never leave without some food for thought.

Address:  3910 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

49. Greystone Mansion

Yuriy Chertok / Shutterstock

Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills is one of many famous LA, California estates, and it’s one to add to your bucket list of activities if you’re into a mix of history and architecture.

Designed by Hoover Dam architect Gordon Kaufmann, the mansion is rich and luxurious and, at the time it was finished, was the most expensive house to ever be built in Los Angeles and the surrounding state.

The home was purchased by Edward Doheny, the controversial oil tycoon, for his son and his family as a gift in 1928.

Just four months after they moved in, tragedy struck and that same son and his secretary were both found dead from gunshots, supposedly having shot each other for reasons that remain a mystery to this day.

The mansion was then donated by Edward Doheny to the city.

Greystone Mansion then became a National Register of Historic Places entry.

It’s been used in multiple different shows and movies, including MacGuyver, The Big Lebowski, and Gilmore Girls.

Unfortunately, visitors can’t go into the home, but they can freely tour its surroundings.

Address:  905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States

50. The Old, Abandoned Zoo of Griffith Park

Petrinad / Shutterstock

If you’re seeking fun things to do in LA that don’t fall within the realm of traditional sightseeing, you’d be surprised to know that one such spot can be found right in Los Angeles’ famous Griffith Park.

Little remains of 1912’s first Los Angeles Zoo.

It opened with only 15 animals, with more enclosures built a couple of decades later.

The zoo wound up closing in 1966 with the opening of the new city zoo, and all of its remnants still live on in a silent part of Griffith Park.

The former enclosures are now fitted with facilities like grills and benches.

You can sit here for a picnic or walk up the trail to see where the lions’ den once was.

It’s hard to find this place with how large Griffith Park is, but if you stumble upon it, you’ll be glad that you did.

Address:  4801 Griffith Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

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51. Japanese American National Museum

The Japanese American National Museum isn’t just the largest museum of its kind in California but in all of America.

It showcases the history of Japanese-American life and culture, with textiles, artifacts, photos, art, and even footage that retain the wealth of the past.

The museum’s permanent exhibition proves why it’s one of many fantastic LA attractions.

Common Ground: The Heart of Community discusses the experience of Japanese-Americans, dating back to the very first Japanese immigrants in the 1800s.

Documents, oral history, and objects help preserve the life behind these stories.

Meanwhile, temporary exhibits are often fun and exciting, and if you’re lucky enough to catch one this weekend, you may be treated to toy showcases or similar exhibitions.

Address:  100 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

52. Galco’s Soda Pop Stop

A trip to Galco’s Soda Pop Stop can easily be considered one of the most unique things to do in LA.

With big soda brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Fanta taking control of most of the industry, it’s hard to find anything without their names.

Back in the old days, small independent soda makers were commonplace, and that’s a past that Galco’s Soda Pop Stop very much preserves within its walls.

The store is chock full of soda brands from all across the country and even from other countries.

Much of its stock is obscure, with forgotten brands and rare imported products with little-known flavors.

If you won’t be in Los Angeles, you can still sample some goodies from the store thanks to an online shop!

Address:  5702 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042, United States

53. Necromance

Necromance is one of LA’s most unorthodox points of interest for those with a fascination with the morbid and odd.

The oddities in here are mostly one-of-a-kind, and many times, the items you see there will be gone the next time you return.

At its core, Necromance is a shop that sells oddities of zoological, medical, and even creepy varieties.

Bone saws, stuffed animals, preserved skeletons or insects, glass eyes, and more are among the unique antiques you can see here.

There are also strange postcards you can’t find anywhere else in Los Angeles which make for great gifts.

Address:  7220 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States

54. Holyland Exhibition

Holyland Exhibition

The Holyland Exhibition is one of the best smaller things to see in Los Angeles, California – and it truly is small!

The man behind this fun little museum’s creation is Antonia F. Futterer, who is widely regarded as the inspiration for Indiana Jones.

Futterer became ill in the 1900s and had prayers for recovery answered, which led to his strong belief in Christianity.

In 1926, Futterer’s faith led him to make multiple trips to the Holy Land, and this eventually evolved into his goal of finding the Ark of the Covenant.

While he never succeeded in that venture, he did wind up accumulating a rather impressive collection of Christian artifacts from across the world.

Lack of storage led to Futterer’s decision to found the small museum.

Though the Holyland Exhibition has only five rooms, each room is worth it.

You’ll be able to see artifacts dating back as far as 5,000 years, ranging from jewelry to tapestries and from a sarcophagus to mundane oil lamps and bottles.

If you visit the museum, you’ll be treated to complementary Mandel bread, a grape drink, and Damascan apricot fruit leather.

You might even feel like you’re no longer in Los Angeles at all!

Address:  2213 Lake View Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039, United States

55. Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine

Roka / Shutterstock

With the rich neighborhood of the Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, the ten-acre Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine hosts its campus.

The shrine is designated as a natural destination for spiritual enlightenment.

Many celebrities have come here, too, to seek their own break from LA and the world around it.

Paramahansa Yogananda, a famous yogi, founded the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine in 1950.

A mix of green gardens and a serene lake give people a chance to take a break from the sometimes-fun, sometimes-stressful bustle of the city right outside.

Some structures also live on shrine grounds, including an inclusive monument of multiple religions, a tomb of Mahatma Gandhi that is home to some of his ashes, and a windmill that has been turned into a chapel.

Address:  17190 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, United States

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56. Rosenheim Mansion

Rosenheim Mansion

The Rosenheim Mansion was built by Alfred Rosenheim shortly after his move from St. Louis to LA, California.

It sits atop a hill in Los Angeles’ Country Club Park on a street most refer to as Billionaire Row.

The mansion is one of many places used abundantly in Hollywood productions.

Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Law & Order: SVU, American Horror Story, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Bones have all shot here.

If you tour the building, you’ll get the fun experience of recognizing its key features from the shows you’ve watched: Italian brickwork, exotic wood, a gold-leaf ceiling, Tiffany stained glass, a solarium, and a semi-circular library, among others.

Address: 1120 Westchester Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90019, United States

57. Battleship Iowa Museum

Philip Pilosian / Shutterstock

The Battleship Iowa Museum is located close to LA’s port and is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles, California for families.

As its name suggests, it is a huge battleship that gives you a glimpse into what life is like at sea.

Each admission ticket comes with a self-guided tour and a free, fun scavenger hunt for kids.

An additional fee lets you in on a guided tour that showcases the ship’s engine room, Combat Engagement Center, and boiler room.

Don’t forget to check out the 16-inch guns on the ship; they’re quite impressive and will remind you of the perils that Los Angeles was once prepared to face.

Address:  250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731, United States

58. The Magic Castle

Ryan J. Thompson / Shutterstock

The Magic Castle is one of the more interesting and surreal of LA attractions, an intersection between magic as an artform of sleight of hand and magic as a paranormal source of supernatural ability.

The combination and middle ground of these two activities make the Magic Castle what it is.

It’s worth noting that The Magic Castle is exclusively open only to magician members and associate members of the Academy of Magical Arts, and their guests, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth seeing, even if just from the outside.

The huge castle is impossible to miss when you drive by, even among all the other great Los Angeles, California structures.

If you do get to enter as a visitor, you’ll be able to enjoy good meals and drinks – that is, if you can get past the foyer and through the hidden entry!

If you do make it inside, there are plenty of performances with high production value and impressive magician talent that are a real treat to be an audience to.

Address: 7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States

59. The Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art , or MOCA for short, is a museum featuring the most impressive collection of art of its kind in Los Angeles, California.

Its permanent collection houses 6,000 pieces and its temporary, rotating exhibits are packed with fun and exciting works from all sorts of artists of varying levels of experience and renown.

MOCA has a bit of an intellectual air to it but still provides accessible entertainment to many.

It technically consists of three separate buildings stretched across the city of LA, which gives you plenty to do in terms of where to go.

The guided tours are great for some extra knowledge, the gift shop provides awesome souvenirs and presents, and even the café can be worth stopping by if you like lemonade.

Address: 250 South Grand Avenue; Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

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60. The Museum of Jurassic Technology

Sascha Pohflepp / flickr

The Museum of Jurassic Technology is one of those tourist attractions that you can’t even get near to explaining well until you actually see it for yourself.

The museum doesn’t consider itself so much as an educational resource as a “spot dedicated to the muses”, according to its brochure.

Essentially, The Museum of Jurassic Technology prides itself on sticking to the original meaning of the word “museum” – a place that lets the mind wander and ponder as it muses.

Its collection of exhibits is the most eclectic you’ll find in Los Angeles, California.

Some of the most interesting showcases in the museum are the Garden of Eden on Wheels, which is a micro-sculpture diorama exhibiting trailer park culture that is viewed through the eye of a needle, and the works of Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher.

Don’t expect to get much sense out of this LA museum – it’s all confusing, and that’s what makes it so good!

Address:  9341 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, United States

61. Mosaic Tile House

Mosaic Tile House

We all know how loved Venice Beach is in LA, California, but in that very spot is a rather interesting home known as the Mosaic Tile House .

It’s a must-see for anyone who wants to get a true taste of Venice and be transported away from the city, just for a little while.

The building is a hidden gem and is technically still in progress.

Throughout the house, mosaic tiles in vivid colors provide a kaleidoscope of stunning colors that are a real treat to see.

The home is designed by locals Gonzalo Duran and Cheri Pann, who originally just began their design efforts with the goal of installing unique bathroom tiles over a weekend.

That soon grew into a twenty-year continual effort to add more tiles and beautiful paintings to the home.

Pann, an oil painter, is responsible for creating the original art for the tiles, while Duran breaks them and fixes them across the home.

They’re still working on filling the whole house.

It’s only open to the public for 3 hours on Saturdays, and reservations are typically recommended.

Address:  1116 Palms Blvd, Venice, CA 90291, United States

62. Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn

Logan Bush / Shutterstock

Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn was built behind the great man’s home in 1950 to be a place for Disney to simply relax and think creative thoughts.

It was a station house at first, designed to hold a mini railroad despite looking just like a barn from outside.

Disney spent hours in here with his fellow creatives, dreaming up all sorts of ideas.

Eventually, Disney left the LA home and moved on.

His daughter eventually saved the barn and had it and the miniature railroad within given to the Los Angeles Live Streamers, who have a Griffith Park rail museum and set up the track and rail there.

Meanwhile, Carolwood Barn remains in this corner of California and is one of the most fun and almost whimsical places to visit in Los Angeles.

It is a small museum now and guests can see it just as Disney left it!

Address:  5202 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

63. Chicken Boy

Joe / flickr

It’s hard to believe that such an oddball statue is considered the Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles, but Chicken Boy has become one of the best draws for tourists who like a little strangeness in their adventures.

Chicken Boy is a figure made of fiberglass that stands 22 feet tall in a location along Route 66 – also one of the city’s famous places – on the Future Studio Gallery.

Chicken Boy was originally designed as a part of the Muffler Men lineup of mascots but then became a fried chicken restaurant mascot.

If you don’t know, the Muffler Men were customized statues that once filled Mother Road.

After the Chicken Boy restaurant shut its doors in 1984, Amy Inouye, a local artist, saved the statue from being tossed out and fought to gain custody of it.

She tried to find it a new home, but the task proved difficult, and Chicken Boy stayed in storage for a whopping twenty years or so.

Finally, in 2007, it was finally set up on Future Studio Gallery’s rooftop, and Chicken Boy has become so popular that he even has a birthday (September 1) and is considered an essential part of the city.

Address:  5558 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042, United States

64. Museum of Tolerance

Smart Destinations / flickr

The Museum of Tolerance isn’t exactly a fun place, but for those seeking to educate themselves on prejudice and injustice – especially surrounding the Holocaust – this is one of the places to see in the city of Los Angeles, California that shouldn’t be missed.

The museum first opened in 1993 through the efforts of human rights group Simon Wiesenthal Center.

It not only seeks to provide awareness regarding the Holocaust but also human rights concerns in Cambodia and Latin America.

If you’re not in or even near LA, though, it has an associated museum all the way in New York , too.

Address:  9786 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035, United States

65. Box Canyon

janiegreen23 / Pixabay

Box Canyon is very narrow and very small, with only two ways in.

On its own, it’s never been more than a fun little Los Angeles getaway for a tiny and still relaxing adventure.

But with a little historical context, it becomes one of the best and most fascinating sites to visit in the city.

Why? Well, it is here that a doomsday cult was formed.

The Fountain of the World was a cult set up in 1948 by Francis Pencovic.

The man believed he was from an alien planet called Neophrates and claimed to be Christ’s second coming.

He purchased land in Box Canyon to build a monastery across 25 acres of land, with multiple dorms for approximately one hundred followers.

The cult started to gain positive fame when they fought wildfires in the place, though the internal preachings were anything but of peace.

Pencovic was killed in 1958 when two men, seeking revenge on him after their wives joined him, blew up the monastery with 20 dynamite sticks.

The cult attempted to carry on without its leader but eventually, it died away in the 1980s, leaving a strange legacy that draws visitors to Box Canyon, Los Angeles year after year.

Address: Los Angeles, CA 91311, United States

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66. Bob Baker Marionette Theater

Bob Baker Marionette Theater

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is one of California’s longest-running theaters for puppetry.

The theater is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural landmark that makes for a fantastic visit to check off your bucket list.

The theater is named after one of its founders and an iconic part of puppeteer history: Bob Baker, who performed and helped other puppet performers for more than seven decades.

He was a key figurehead in the push for unions for puppet performers and the marionette theater was used for training for up-and-coming performers.

Baker had quite a prolific list of credits, as well, with his work being featured in Star Trek, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Bewitched, and even A Star Is Born.

If you plan to catch a show at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater this weekend, you’ll be able to sit in a shoebox theater that seats 200 people and spend slightly over an hour watching performances from puppeteer students.

After each show, kids are given free vanilla ice cream!

Address:  4949 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042, United States

67. Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum

Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to do in Los Angeles, look no further than the odd and extremely biased Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum .

The museum is run by the Church of Scientology-funded Citizens Commission on Human Rights, which is the reason behind the museum’s absolutely dismal perspective of the field of psychiatry.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the Church of Scientology’s view on psychiatry, they essentially believe that psychiatry is a form of abuse to human beings.

In fact, members of the church are often forced to sign contracts that they will deny all psychiatric care no matter what.

So, if Scientology is so opposed to psychiatry, why did they make a museum on the subject?

Well, they did so to expose the “evils” of psychiatry and the more questionable portions of its history.

The museum gives visitors vivid tours of the worst that the mental health world ever had to offer, such as insane asylums, lobotomies, excessive drug usage, straight jackets, and shock therapy.

As long as you’re willing to take what you see here with a grain of salt and remember the bias of the curators, it can be pretty fun to view the museum, especially for those with a love of the morbid.

It’s one of the best things to do in LA if you love the strange and eerie!

Address:  6616 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States

68. Pacific Park

littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock

Pacific Park is a pier amusement park, making it the only one of its kind not just in Los Angeles, California, but throughout all of America.

Completely free to the public, it’s a great, low-cost way to have fun among exciting LA attractions.

The theme park first opened in the 1910s and, after closing a few times, was fully brought to glory in the 1990s.

It is relatively small, boasting only 12 rides, but that doesn’t stop its fame due to its free entry and the fact that it has appeared in TV shows, movies, and even video games.

To ride the rides at Pacific Park, you pay to enter individual attractions.

Don’t miss out on the Pacific Wheel, which is the only Ferris wheel on the planet to be powered by solar energy.

Address:  380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

69. Hauser & Wirth

Lee A Wong / Shutterstock

In a building that was once an industrial mill for flour, Hauser & Wirth now lives in the Arts District of LA as an oasis of modern art, books, and gardens.

A great restaurant onsite, a gallery, and a bookstore all make up the best of the stuff to do at this location.

Hauser & Wirth first opened its doors in 1992 and has grown in popularity throughout Los Angeles ever since, allowing it to host workshops, performances, discussions and lectures, and screenings.

All sorts of exhibitions showcase famous works by interesting modern artists.

This is not Hauser & Wirth’s only location, either, as over 75 different estates across the globe share its name and its mission.

Address:  901-909 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

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70. Heritage Square Museum

Ron Reiring / flickr

Heritage Square Museum is an open-air museum situated among multiple Victorian-style structures that are some of LA’s hidden gems of tourist attractions.

Long before it was the bustling city it is known as now, Los Angeles had a much more elegant history.

The buildings of the museum consist of ones built between the 1850s and 1950s, showcasing a classy and sophisticated sense of style and architecture.

In the 1960s, the population boom of the city resulted in most historical buildings being demolished to make way for rapid urbanization.

Some still survive, mostly thanks to a nonprofit organization called the Cultural Heritage Foundation of Southern California.

They created the Heritage Square Museum to house the many architectural and historical parts of the city that would have otherwise been destroyed.

In terms of activities, one building you must check out in the museum is called the Hale House.

Its colors are shocking and almost an eyesore with orange and green paint, but that’s what makes it a great sight.

You can also check out a train depot, a house shaped like an octagon, and a carriage house.

In addition, you can opt to go on a tour, following guides dressed in period-appropriate clothing.

Address:  3800 Homer St, Los Angeles, CA 90031, United States

71. Descanso Gardens

If you’re a nature-lover looking for what to visit in Los Angeles, Descanso Gardens might be one of your best bets for something both laid back and interesting.

Once upon a time, Descanso Gardens was the estate of LA Daily News publisher E. Manchester Boddy – a man with a classic rags-to-riches story.

In his older years, he focused more on his horticultural passions, leading to the careful tending of the 150-acre gardens.

When he became too old to manage the gardens, he sold it as a botanical teaching garden.

Now, the Descanso Gardens is simply teeming with glorious flora.

Bucolic sculptures, designed to look like all manner of woodland creatures, dot the space across beautiful and lush greenery.

A small maze, only three feet high in its hedges, makes for a lot of fun for young kids while allowing adults to easily navigate their way through it.

The maze leads to lots of little surprises and the final reward in the middle of a seating location perfect for relaxing.

Address:  1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, United States

72. Angels Flight

The Angels Flight railway began operations in 1901 to bring travelers to their destination down or up Bunker Hill.

The distance only spanned 315 feet, but the incline was very steep, resulting in millions of people making use of its services and riding the 30-second ride up and down the hill.

It is widely considered the world’s shortest railway as well as, ironically, it’s most traveled.

In 1969, heavy commercialization in Los Angeles, California resulted in the railway being closed down and the trolley carts kept away.

Then, nearly three decades later in 1996, it was finally reopened at a different location, just south by half a block.

Things went well until 2001 when the train experienced a sudden malfunction that resulted in an accident that seriously injured passengers and was fatal to one.

This caused the railway to be closed by the National Transportation Safety Board, citing a design failure.

Eventually, Angels Flight reopened again in 2010, but not before derailment caused it to close in 2013 once more.

Vandals decorated it as time went on before the rail cars were finally restored one last time, opening in 2017.

If you’re looking for what to do in LA that’s fun and full of intriguing history, take a ride on Angels Flight!

Address:  350 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071, United States

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Start Planning Your Trip To Los Angeles

Los Angeles is packed with popular places, and there’s always going to be a lot to do and many fun activities to try out.

Whether you’re heading to the city today, tomorrow, this weekend, this week, or somewhere farther into the future, you can be sure that LA is full of surprises.

Hopefully, this travel guide has shown you all the best spots for sightseeing and beyond that the City of Angels has to offer so you won’t miss out on the best things to do in LA, California.

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

24 Top Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles

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

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

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

Map of Los Angeles

24. California Science Center

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

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

23. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

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

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

22. Hollywood Bowl

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

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

21. Zuma Beach

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

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

20. Madame Tussauds Hollywood

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

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

19. Runyon Canyon Park

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

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

18. Walt Disney Concert Hall

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

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

17. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

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

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

16. The Broad

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

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

15. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

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

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

14. Battleship USS Iowa Museum

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

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

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

13. Petersen Automotive Museum

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

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

12. The Grove & Original Farmers Market

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

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

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

11. Sunset Strip

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

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

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

10. Hollywood Sign

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

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

9. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

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

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

8. Rodeo Drive

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

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

7. Santa Monica Pier

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

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

6. Hollywood Walk of Fame

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

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

5. Universal Studios Hollywood

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

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

4. Disneyland

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

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

3. Getty Center

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

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

2. Griffith Park & Observatory

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

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

1. Venice Beach

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

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

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Pair these L.A. road trips with a hike and a lunch

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In April 2020 — only a month or so into the COVID-19 pandemic — my wife and I were running out of things to do. The novelty of Zoom calls with friends was wearing off. We’d watched lots of movies and TV. We were itching to get out of our apartment, but with the virus still raging, we couldn’t risk being around other people. Then we had an idea: Why not go for a drive?

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For our first trip, we drove the length of Little Tujunga Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest. After that, we were hooked. In the ensuing months, we crisscrossed the Santa Monica Mountains and made trips into Los Padres National Forest and beyond.

My wife bought me a California road atlas, and it became part of our scenic drive ritual: We’d consult its pages for inspiration, looking for two-lane roads and state highways that squiggled through mountain ranges or meandered through deserts. After returning home, I’d highlight our route. Four years after our first drive, the atlas is full of highlights documenting our travels — and there’s still a lifetime’s worth of backroads we haven’t covered yet.

No matter where we go, each drive gives me a deeper appreciation for the incredible range of landscapes in Southern California. And these journeys have led to many rewarding discoveries, from out-of-the-way diners to new trailheads for hiking and biking.

If you’re tired of visiting the same places, it’s time to hit the road. These two trips — all within a three-hour drive of the city — will get you started.

Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument This route traverses winding mountain roads through Los Padres and spits you out near the southern entrance to Carrizo Plain — a vast preserve of native grassland and a hotspot for wildflowers (at least on some years ) and birdwatching . From Interstate 5, take Exit 205 and head west on Frazier Mountain Park Road. This two-lane road changes names several times as it ascends into the San Emigdio Mountains, passing forested slopes and epic canyon views along the way.

After about 42 miles, you’ll meet California 166. Take a right here and then a left on Soda Lake Road to enter Carrizo Plain National Monument. Drive northwest for 35 miles to the parking lot for the Soda Lake Trail, a short boardwalk that gets you up close to the park’s salt-crusted lake. If you plan ahead, you can also book a guided tour of Painted Rock, a sandstone outcrop with Native American rock art.

Hungry? Head back the way you came, take a right on California 166, and drive west 15 miles to the Cuyama Buckhorn , a renovated ’50s motel, restaurant and bar. The eatery’s Santa Maria-style tri-tip is superb, and if you grab a room, you can turn this scenic drive into a full weekend escape .

Volcan Mountain and Julian This route will take you to Julian , a mountain town famous for its apple orchards and delicious pies. From Interstate 15, take Exit 58 for California 79. Take a right on Pechanga Parkway and head south. The road becomes Pala Temecula Road and emerges into a wide canyon with mountains towering on either side. Take a left at Pala Mission Road and continue east on California 76, which hugs the San Luis Rey River before ascending more than 1,000 feet up a chaparral-covered ridgeline.

After some hairpin turns, the road levels off and skirts Lake Henshaw, a picturesque reservoir. Take a right on California 79, and after 10 miles, take a left on Wynola Road. Follow that road for about 3.5 miles, then take a left on Farmer Road to arrive at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Stretch your legs on the Five Oaks Trail , a 1.2-mile path that ascends the western flank of Volcan Mountain and offers sweeping views of the orchards below.

With your appetite revved up, head south on Farmer Road into Julian and make a stop at the Julian Pie Co . Grab a well-deserved slice of apple pie and some apple cider and rest your feet at a picnic table while you chow down.

3 things to do

1. Race plankton in Manhattan Beach In celebration of Earth Day, the Roundhouse Aquarium will hold a day full of educational activities inside and outside its facilities. Highlights include dolphin spotting, a fish feeding, crafts, games, a “shark shack” and, yes, plankton racing. The festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and go until 4 p.m. The event is free, but be sure to register ahead of time at roundhouseaquarium.org .

2. Go gardening in San Pedro Give back to the land by planting native species, removing weeds, mulching and watering the White Point Nature Preserve’s garden with the folks at Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. You’ll also have the chance to enter a raffle and take a guided nature walk. As a bonus, refreshments will be provided by Starbucks to keep you cool and hydrated. The three-hour event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. All volunteers under age 16 should be accompanied by an adult, and all volunteers under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver at the event. Register at pvplc.com .

3. Stretch your legs on Venice Boulevard CicLAvia is back. And this time it’s shutting down a 5.75-mile stretch of Venice Boulevard that connects Palms, Mar Vista and Venice Beach for walkers, joggers, bikers, roller skaters, unicyclers, penny-farthings, pogo sticks — anything as long as it’s completely powered by humans. There will be three local hubs along the route where you’ll be able to partake in family-friendly activities, pump air into your bike’s tires, refill your water bottle and use the restroom. Be sure to reference CicLAvia’s digital map so you can scope out the local businesses you’d like to visit along the way. It all takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information about the event and the area it covers, visit ciclavia.org .

The must-read

The Klamath River in Northern California has turned brown and muddy, but that’s a good thing. As Times writer Ian James reports , it’s a side effect of the largest dam removal project in history, which aims to restore the river to its natural state. Four dams are being removed along the Klamath, and the river is passing freely through tunnels in three of them, draining reservoirs and churning up an estimated 2.3 million tons of sediment that had settled along the bottom of those man-made lakes. Although the turbid water might look ugly, restoration advocates and tribal leaders see it as a sign of healing. The muck is passing out of the Klamath, and new life — everything from salmon heading upstream to native plant seedlings along the riverbanks — will soon take its place.

Happy adventuring,

Want to try birding but don’t have binoculars? Head to the Audubon Center in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and you can borrow a free pair of binoculars (as well as a birding guide, backpack and other gear) to help you spot the 140 species of birds that call the park home.

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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LIST: What to do in LA this weekend, April 19-21

Previewing weekend events: apr. 2024.

Our friends at Los Angeles Magazine joined us to preview this weekend's events here in Southern California.

LOS ANGELES - It's weekend two in Coachella, so you know what that means for Los Angeles …empty freeways, no lines, and according to some local lore, even chirping birds.

But let's be honest, as Angelenos we're used to some of that hustle and bustle. Staying in town doesn't have to mean staying in.

Whether you're a dancing queen or just looking for a fun family outing, here are some Friday through Sunday, Los Angeles events to add to your calendar this weekend .

Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum

This seasonal attraction allows visitors to walk with the butterflies at the Natural History Museum's South Los Angeles campus. Complete with hundreds of butterflies, colorful native plants and plenty of natural light to view the spectacle, the exhibit shows all stages in the butterfly life cycle, including eggs, caterpillars feeding on leaves, and chrysalises. 

With lots of flight space, and a variety of resting spots, this space could have some of the best views in Los Angeles of these amazing insects this weekend.

Reservations are required to visit the pavilion. Tickets for the pavilion are $8 per person in addition to the Natural History Museum's General Admission fee.

Tickets are for a 30-minute time slot in the pavilion.

Click here for more information.

Rooftop Cinema Club

Hit the movies this weekend while still enjoying that LA weather by hitting one of Rooftop Cinema Club's popular screenings.

The downtown Los Angeles rooftop theater will play the following:

Friday, April 19:

• 8 p.m. – "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days"
• 10:45 p.m. – "Friday"

Saturday, April 20:

• 8 p.m. – "Dazed and Confused"

Click here for more information, tickets and showtimes.

PaleyFest LA: Family Guy 25th Anniversary Celebration

Experience a live table read with character favorites Seth MacFarlane, Mila Kunis, Seth Green and Alex Bornstein, along with a number of the show's producers.

This event will take place at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Friday, April 19.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Magic Market in Pasadena

Wander through Pasadena 's Heritage Square Museum and traditional Victorian houses this weekend at Magic Market's 2024 kickoff event. 

The market includes live music, shopping, vegan food, readings and sound baths. According to the organizer, dressing in costume (such as a fairy, witch or just something whimsical) is highly encouraged.

The market will take place both Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Tickets are $11 and can be purchased at the link here.

Bob Baker Day

Bob Baker Marionette Theater's free annual festival returns for its 10th year at LA Historic Park . The event celebrates the legacy of Bob Baker with shows, puppets, art, food, vendors and "fun for the whole family."

The event takes place Sunday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While the event is free, RSVP is required. For more information, click this link.

Spaghetti & Storytellers Night

The Groundfloor Club asks guests to "gather around the table and share a delicious meal" while a lineup of storytelling cancer survivors, caretakers and family members share their emotional journeys. 

Developed in partnership with the nonprofit organization "A Cause for Entertainment," this evening aims to raise awareness and funds to support women who are facing a breast cancer diagnosis and their families.

This event takes place Saturday, April 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Echo Park .

Tickets start at $30, more information can be found here.

ABBA Night @ Club Decades

Hoping to hit the dance floor with your favorite 70s rock, funk and disco? Look no further than ABBA Night at Hollywood 's Boardner's by La Belle, presented by Club Decades.

This 18+ event will feature the music of ABBA, Saturday Night Fever, Bee Gees, Diana Ross, Fleetwood Mac, Earth, Wind & Fire – and much more.

According to the organizers, dressing the part is encouraged. Suggested attire is 70s, 80s, Goth, Emo, Punk or Alternative.

ABBA Night will take place Friday, April 19 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15.

Goat Yoga in the park

Grab your mat this weekend and meet some new furry friends in the park with Laughing Frog Yoga's "Goat Yoga" series. At this event, guests will have the opportunity to get both their stretches and laughs at the same time.

Located at Marine Park in Santa Monica , this yoga class is also open to children as young as 5-years-old (as long as they're accompanied by an adult).

Goat Yoga takes place Saturday, April 20 at 9 a.m. Tickets start at $45.

17 Fun Things To Do in La Crescenta-Montrose with Kids

By: Author Wendy Kennar

Posted on Last updated: April 20, 2024

Updated for 2024

La Crescenta-Montrose is a neighborhood offering much in terms of family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for shopping options, a new public library to explore, or a different park to play at, you’ll find it in this 3.8-square-mile enclave of unincorporated Los Angeles. 

17 Fun Family-Friendly Things To Do in La Crescenta-Montrose

La crescenta library 2809 foothill blvd., la crescenta, ca 91214.

The La Crescenta Library is a branch of the County of Los Angeles Public Library system. It is the most accessible of the local libraries because it is usually open by 10 a.m. every day except Sunday. Half of the library is dedicated to children, and the space is welcoming for homework or just cozying up on the couch with a book. There’s also a computer section geared toward children as young as two. 

Special library events include dedicated weekly “Story Times”, performances such as magic shows, and various crafting and STEAM activities. 

Mochinut 2864 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta-Montrose, CA 91214

Treat your kids to the food they really want at Mochinut. Located right across the street from the La Crescenta Library, it specializes in mochi doughnuts, Korean corn dogs, and boba drinks. There’s no inside seating, but your kids will probably prefer the grab-and-go experience. You can also pair your visit with a trip to one of the local parks, less than five minutes away in either direction on Foothill Boulevard. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days. 

Two Strike Park 5107 Rosemont Ave., La Crescenta, CA 91214

Two Strike Park is a local family favorite. Here, you can take advantage of the green open spaces perfect for running, games of catch, and picnics. Kids will also like the basketball courts and enormous children’s play structures with age-appropriate designations. 

In case you were wondering about the park’s name, it was inspired by Mr. Dennis Morgan, a popular movie star of the 1940s and 1950s and the honorary mayor of La Crescenta. He believed all children needed somewhere safe to play and that a child who played in the street already had two strikes against him (with the third strike possibly being injured by a car). Mr. Morgan staged several celebrity baseball games to raise the money necessary to build Two Strike Park.

Tickle Tree Cafe 2835 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta, CA 91214

Everyone will find something they like on the menu at the Tickle Tree Cafe. (Isn’t that a fun name?) Parents will most likely gravitate toward one of their many options for caffeine, while kiddos will love their pancakes and french fries. The cafe is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has indoor and outdoor seating. They are located right next to the La Crescenta Libary. 

Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park 3901 Dunsmore Ave., La Crescenta, CA 91214

Bring the kids to Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park and enjoy some time outside in what locals call a “hidden jewel” of a park. There are lots of trees as well as native flora and fauna. Bring some magnifying glasses and go on an adventure walk to observe what you notice.

There is a small children’s play area made up of faux rocks with ropes to climb, but even toddlers will enjoy hopping from stone to stone without having to reach great heights.

A recreation center is attached to the park with a bulletin board with activities for everyone from Tiny Tots to Grandparents. Events like “Everybody Plays” offer drop-in activity sessions in classes like performing arts or sports & fitness for ages 7 to 17. “Tiny Tots” is a weekly program that resembles preschool with morning and afternoon sessions for ages 3 to 5. The cost is nominal. More information on all programs can be found on the website or by calling 818-249-5940. 

Pickens Canyon Park 2391 W. Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta, CA 91214

You won’t find a large play structure at Pickens Canyon Park. Instead, you’ll find thoughtful landscaping, benches, and informational displays about the history of La Crescenta. This 8,000-square-foot pocket park is a great place to go for a leisurely stroll, learn some history, and maybe sit down and read a new (or favorite) book.

Montrose Shopping Park Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA

If you want an authentic slice of Americana, head to Honolulu Avenue in Montrose for some of the most charming blocks in the area. 

The Montrose Association prides itself on prioritizing local businesses over big chains, so outside of the essential Starbucks and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, you will mostly find mom-and-pop shops or independently owned franchise businesses.

The street is packed with stores designed entirely with your children in mind, including Once Upon a Time Bookstore, Toms Toys, and even Bellies, Babies, and Bosoms for when your little ones are still attached to you. (Related: Maternity Shops in Los Angeles )

Once Upon a Time Bookstore is a veritable literary play-place selling books and educational toys. They offer weekly “Story Times” and “Author Readings,” and there is a cat that lives in the store – which some children will find enjoyable and others irritating – literally :). 

Toms Toys has everything from Playmobil to Lego as well as a wide variety of specialty dinosaur and animal figurines. If you make your way to the back of the store, there are coin-operated rides and a train table. Play is encouraged – especially if you make a purchase. 

If you’re looking for activities, Color Me Mine and Drawn2Art have your creatives, Technix Academy has your robots, and Bubble Cuts has your haircuts (which involve sitting in car-shaped seats and watching TV, so no tears).

Color me Mine is open every day but Monday for drop-in ceramic painting and scheduled classes. This is a great all-ages activity. 

Drawn2Art is open every day for scheduled art classes, and will even give you the first one free to try it out. Ages 4 to 7 enjoy a one-hour class while ages 7 and up are there for an hour and a half.

The budding engineer in your life will love the Technix Academy , which also offers a complimentary 30-minute session to try them out. Children begin by building robots and then move into the STEM project of their choosing. Scheduling is flexible. 

The indoor playplace Little Rascals Clubhouse is also open daily from 1 to 8 p.m. unless they have a private party. Call 818-798-2541 before you head out. This is best for toddlers as the space is not very large. 

Honolulu avenue is also home to three different spots for ice cream and frozen yogurt. Choose from Fro-yo Life , Tutti Frutti, and Moo Moo Mia . While Tutti Fruit and Fro-yo Life let you serve yourself and load up on toppings, the hand-crafted quality at Moo Moo Mia is more worthwhile. 

For a more substantial meal, you can’t go wrong with The Black Cow Cafe open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Toasted Cafe for daytime dining until 4 p.m. As the name implies they do thick toasts with toppings quite well. 

On Sundays, you’ll find the street blocked off from traffic for the Montrose Harvest Market; a farmers market offering produce, flowers, collectibles, and prepared foods. There are also periodic events throughout the year, with one of the largest being the “Halloween Spooktacular”, which offers children a safe place to trick or treat from the storefronts of the local businesses.

Montrose Library 2465 Honolulu Avenue Montrose, CA 91020

While technically part of the Glendale library system, the Montrose Library is just down the street from the Montrose Shopping Park and is also located next to a fire station for extra kid fun. 

Hours here vary and it’s not open until 11 a.m. most days, but they do have a rather large childrens and young adult section complete with toys for open play. 

You’ll also find a weekly “Story Time” geared toward children 3 and under which is followed by  “Stay and Play” with toys. Activities for older children include designated “STEAM” or “Art Cart” hours. Check the schedule before you go. 

Outside the Box Enrichment Center 2550 Foothill Blvd La Crescenta-Montrose, CA 91214

Outside the Box Enrichment Center offers early childhood development classes with a focus on sensory experience. These are done in a “Mommy & Me” style so you can explore the world along with your child. Classes are available from infancy until 6-years-old. 

Montrose Park 3529 Clifton Place, Glendale, CA 91208

While technically in the city of Glendale, the name would indicate otherwise, and for local children this is probably the most fun park. There is a large play structure at the top of the hill as well as designated barbecue areas that are perfect for birthday parties. 

When you venture down the hill you’ll find spaces for soccer and two baseball fields. And you’ll be hardpressed to find a kid who isn’t dying to take a tumble in the lush grass from the top of the hill to the bottom. 

Caroline Gelabert-Noh (of Eat Drink LA ) also contributed to this article.

MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles

Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website  WendyKennar.com  where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).

Disclaimer:  MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.

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12 Things To Do In Virginia Beach: Complete Guide To Sandy Shores & City Sights

V irginia Beach is a wonderful travel destination that offers something for everyone. Its miles of pristine beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as surfing, kayaking, hiking, and biking.

This sunny stretch of the Virginia coastline also has many cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, theaters, and historic sites that showcase the city's role in American history. The three-mile-long boardwalk is a popular attraction with many restaurants, shops, and entertainment options for travelers of all ages.

Additionally, Virginia Beach hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Neptune Festival , the Patriotic Festival , and an array of music festivals . Foodies are also in for a treat, as the city is known for its seafood, particularly oysters and crabs, and has many great restaurants serving local cuisine. From food to fun, Virginia Beach has it all.

UPDATE: 2023/12/9 13:11 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Virginia Beach is Worth Exploring

This article has been refreshed with new things to do the next time you travel to Virginia Beach, VA. Whether it's an expansive refuge, public park, museum, or quirky hotel or restaurant, this town has much more than meets the eye. Have fun and safe travels!

Things To Do

For those headed to beautiful Virginia Beach, there are plenty of things to do, see, and experience. From the actual beach to museums, gardens, and restaurants galore, here's an ultimate guide to this charming town.

Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum

One thing to do in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is check out the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum , a historic home located near the main stretch of beach in town. Here, tourists can explore the historic property, showcasing the 1895 property. It's not every day you get to walk into a nearly perfect time capsule while vacationing through the US, so this is a perfect destination for history buffs.

• Address : 1113 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
• Hours : Wednesday - Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM

Entry to the museum is also free, and most people spend about an hour inside.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Something fun to do while visiting Virginia Beach is to see the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge , a habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl and other creatures moving through the area. Here, people can explore the sanctuary, see native plants and animals, as well as supporting a great cause. There will be hiking, biking, and photograph opportunities here, with many guests spending the entire day inside the property.

Since it has over 9,200 acres of marsh, beaches, and untouched natural land, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect experience for visitors of all ages. It's never too early or too late to see how gorgeous nature truly is!

• Address : 4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
• Hours : From sunrise to sunset

Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum

The next thing to do while in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is to check out the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum . Here lies the quaint museum, offering a look into the history of Virginia's maritime heritage, as well as showcasing historical items from land and sea. The United States Coast Guard is heavily important to Virginia and this community, with many facts and displays showcased here.

• Address : 2401 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
• Hours : Wednesday - Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM

For anyone interested in the history of Virginia Beach and its ties to the USA's early days, this is a must-visit destination. Location-wise, tourists can find this small museum on the boardwalk, alongside other shops and eateries. Expect to spend 60 minutes inside.

Mount Trashmore Park

For those wanting to check out a park while in Virginia Beach, Mount Trashmore Park will do the trick. Here sits the public green space, boasting the conversion of a landfill into a beautiful park that is still used and loved today. There is plenty of space to picnic, jog, walk, or hike here, as well as let pets or children run around.

There are sometimes events held here, bringing crowds.

• Address : 310 Edwin Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
• Hours : Open daily from 6:30 AM to 5 PM

Virginia Beach Boardwalk

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a popular three-mile-long oceanfront promenade. It's home to numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The boardwalk was first constructed in 1888 as a way to attract tourists to the area and has since become one of Virginia Beach's most iconic landmarks.

Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy street performers, festivals, and concerts, or rent bicycles and surreys to explore the area. The boardwalk is also home to the Virginia Legends Walk , a collection of bronze statues honoring famous Virginians.

With its variety of shops, eateries, and entertainment options, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the area.

• Address : 2100 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Visit Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a popular destination for visitors seeking to enjoy miles of sandy beaches along the coastline. The most popular and well-known beach area is the Virginia Beach Oceanfront , which offers a wide, sandy beach and a bustling boardwalk filled with restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

Visitors can also explore quieter, more secluded beaches like Sandbridge Beach or the family-friendly Chesapeake Bay Beach , which is great for swimming and water activities.

For those seeking surf conditions, Croatan Beach is known for its clear waters and great waves, while the more upscale North End Beach features luxurious beach houses and quieter, less crowded beaches. Each beach area has its own unique atmosphere and attractions, offering something for everyone.

• Best Virginia beaches : Sandbridge Beach, Chesapeake Bay Beach, Croatan Beach

Try Water Sports

Virginia Beach is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities available for visitors to enjoy on the ocean and other bodies of water in the area. Surfing is a popular activity in Virginia Beach, with waves that are suitable for both beginner and experienced surfers.

Stand-up paddleboarding is a fun and relaxing way to explore the waterways around Virginia Beach while getting a workout. Visitors can also rent kayaks, explore the Chesapeake Bay or other waterways around Virginia Beach, or take a guided tour to learn more about the area's wildlife and ecosystems.

For a more thrilling experience, visitors can take a parasailing tour and enjoy a bird's-eye view of Virginia Beach from above the water or rent a jet ski to explore the ocean at high speeds.

Fishing is also popular in Virginia Beach, with plenty of opportunities to fish from shore or rent a charter boat to explore the ocean.

• Water sports galore : Try renting a kayak or paddleboard in Virginia Beach or fishing.

First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park is a beautiful natural area in Virginia Beach, offering visitors a chance to explore the local ecosystem and enjoy various outdoor activities. The park features more than 2,800 acres of protected land, including beaches, forests, and wetlands, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a wide range of bird species.

Visitors can hike through the park's many trails, go fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, or enjoy a picnic in one of the park's many scenic areas. The park's beaches are also popular for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.

Other activities available at First Landing State Park include camping, boating, and horseback riding. With its beautiful natural scenery and diverse range of activities, First Landing State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Virginia Beach.

• Address : 2500 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
• Hours : Open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a popular attraction located in Virginia Beach, offering visitors a chance to learn about the local marine life and ecosystems. The aquarium features a variety of exhibits showcasing aquatic species from around the world, including sharks, sea turtles, otters, and more.

Visitors can also learn about the Chesapeake Bay and its unique ecosystem and the history of marine science and conservation efforts in the area. The aquarium offers a range of educational programs and interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages, including behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters.

In addition to the aquarium exhibits, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center also features an outdoor nature trail and marshlands, offering visitors a chance to explore the local environment and observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

• Address : 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
• Hours : Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM
• Tickets : $29.95 per guest

With its engaging exhibits and interactive educational programs, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in marine life and environmental conservation.

The Military Aviation Museum

The Military Aviation Museum is a unique attraction in Virginia Beach, offering visitors a chance to explore the history of military aviation and see some of the most iconic planes from World War I and World War II up close.

The museum features a collection of more than 60 restored vintage aircraft, including rare planes such as the Fokker DR.1 Triplane, the Curtiss JN-4D "Jenny," and the Mitsubishi A6M "Zero." Visitors can take guided tours of the museum and learn about the history of each plane and the role that military aviation has played in conflicts around the world.

The museum also features a variety of interactive exhibits and displays, allowing visitors to experience what it was like to fly in some of these historic aircraft. With its impressive collection of vintage planes and engaging exhibits, the Military Aviation Museum is a must-visit destination for Virginia Beach history buffs and aviation enthusiasts.

• Address : 1341 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457
• Tickets : $18.70 per guest

Cape Henry Lighthouse

The Cape Henry Lighthouse is a historic landmark in Virginia Beach, offering visitors a chance to explore the area's rich maritime history and enjoy stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Built in 1792, the lighthouse was one of the first to be authorized by President George Washington and played a significant role in guiding ships into the Chesapeake Bay during the early days of American history.

Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area, and learn about the history of the lighthouse and the local maritime industry through various exhibits and displays.

The Cape Henry Lighthouse is also situated near several other historic sites, including Fort Story and the First Landing Cross , making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the early days of American settlement. With its unique architecture, fascinating history, and stunning views, the Cape Henry Lighthouse is a must-see destination.

• Address : 583 Atlantic Ave, Fort Story, VA 23459
• Hours : Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
• Tickets : $10 per guest

Virginia Beach Winery

The Virginia Beach Winery is a charming and unique attraction located in the heart of Virginia Beach, offering visitors a chance to taste some of the region's finest wines and learn about the local winemaking industry. The winery features a range of wines made from locally grown grapes, as well as from vineyards throughout Virginia and the East Coast.

Visitors can sample the wines at the winery's tasting room, open year-round; it offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy. The winery also features a retail shop where visitors can purchase their favorite wine bottles and a range of wine-related gifts and accessories.

In addition to its tasting room and retail shop, the Virginia Beach Winery hosts a range of special events throughout the year, including wine pairing dinners, live music performances, and educational seminars.

• Address : 1064 Lynnhaven Pkwy #110, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
• Hours : Open daily from 12 to 5 PM (closes at 6 on Saturday and 9 PM Fridays)

Best Time To Visit Virginia Beach

The best time to travel to Virginia Beach is from late spring to early fall (May to September) when the weather is warm and the beaches are open. The peak tourist season is during the summer months of June, July, and August, so expect larger crowds and higher prices during this time.

The shoulder season of May and September can offer slightly cooler weather, fewer crowds, and better deals on accommodations, but the weather is more unpredictable. There may be more rainfall during the months of May, but the sunshine and warm weather flow gracefully into September.

October is the best time to visit for festivals and Boardwalk events , but the weather is somewhat unpredictable. The winter can be quite cold, and many attractions and restaurants may be closed, but if you enjoy quieter beaches and lower prices, it may still be worth visiting. Without much going on at this time, a serene getaway is what any traveler will find during this season.

Related: 10 Reasons To Visit Virginia Beach This Fall Season

Best Ways To Get Around Virginia Beach

There are several ways to get around Virginia Beach:

• Car: Renting a car is a popular option and offers the most flexibility to explore the city and surrounding areas leisurely.
• Bike: Biking is a popular way to get around Virginia Beach, and there are many bike rental shops in the area.
• Trolley: The VB Wave trolley is convenient and affordable for getting around the city's oceanfront area.
• Bus: Hampton Roads Transit operates bus services throughout the Virginia Beach area, with routes that connect to other cities in the region.
• Taxi/ride-share: Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Virginia Beach.
• Walking: Virginia Beach's boardwalk and oceanfront area are very walkable, and many attractions are within walking distance.

The best option will depend on budget, length of stay, and desired sightseeing. Staying in the oceanfront area allows for walking or biking for ease and convenience. Renting a car might be a better choice for exploration beyond the city limits.

Where To Eat In Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach has a dynamic and diverse food scene , strongly emphasizing fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. The oceanfront location means that seafood is a major component of the local cuisine, with many restaurants serving fresh catches of the day.

The city also offers a wide range of international cuisine, including Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, and Mexican food. Visitors can enjoy everything from authentic street tacos to gourmet pizzas to spicy curries.

Bay Local Eatery : This restaurant serves breakfast daily and uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Some of their popular items include the breakfast burrito shrimp and grits.

• Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8 AM - 3 PM | Friday, 7 AM - 3 PM | Saturday & Sunday, 7 AM - 5 PM (Brunch only)
• Address: 2917 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach

Doc Taylor's : This restaurant is located in the heart of the Oceanfront area and serves breakfast all day. They offer classic breakfast dishes as well as unique items like the crab cake benedict.

• Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 7 AM - 2 PM | Closed Monday & Tuesday
• Address: 207 23rd St, Virginia Beach

The Bee and Biscuit : This charming restaurant is located in the Pungo area and specializes in southern-style breakfast dishes like biscuits, gravy, chicken, and waffles.

• Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 7 AM - 2 PM | Closed Monday
• Address: 1785 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach

Commune : This farm-to-table restaurant serves healthy, seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. They offer a variety of salads, sandwiches, and entrées that are perfect for lunch.

• Hours: Monday - Sunday, 8 AM - 3 PM
• Address: 501 Virginia Beach Blvd suite b, Virginia Beach

Esoteric : This restaurant serves globally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. They offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, and small plates that are perfect for a leisurely lunch.

• Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 12 PM - 9 PM | Friday & Saturday, 12 PM - 10 PM
• Address: 501 Virginia Beach Blvd Suite A, Virginia Beach

Waterman's Surfside Grille : This oceanfront restaurant serves seafood and American cuisine with a beach view. Some popular lunch items include the crab cake sandwich and the fried shrimp po'boy.

• Hours: Monday - Thursday, 11 AM - 10 PM | Friday - Saturday, 11 AM - 10:30 PM | Sunday, 9 AM - 10 PM
• Address: 415 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach

Terrapin Restaurant : This award-winning restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. They offer a variety of entrées, including steak, seafood, and vegetarian options.

• Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 5:30 pm (last seating 8:45 PM)
• Address: 3102 Holly Rd #514, Virginia Beach

Steinhilber's Restaurant : This historic restaurant has served classic American cuisine since 1939. They offer a variety of seafood and steak dishes, as well as a famous relish tray that comes with every meal.

• Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 4 PM - 9 PM | Friday & Saturday, 4 PM - 10 PM
• Address: 653 Thalia Rd, Virginia Beach

Blue Seafood & Spirits : This popular Virginia Beach restaurant serves fresh seafood dishes and handcrafted cocktails in a modern and upscale atmosphere. The restaurant also offers happy hour and outdoor seating options.

• Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 4 PM - 9 PM | Closed Sunday & Monday
• Address: 2181 Upton Dr #420, Virginia Beach

Drinks and Nightlife

Virginia Beach has a vibrant nightlife scene with many options for drinks and entertainment.

For a beachside bar and grill, The Shack is a popular option. They serve various drinks and pub fare and often have live music and events. Waterman's Surfside Grille is another oceanfront restaurant with a lively bar scene, various drinks, and American cuisine. For a traditional Irish pub experience, Murphy's Irish Pub is a great choice. They serve a variety of beers, spirits, and pub fare and often have live music and events.

For a unique brewery and music venue experience, check out The Bunker Brewpub & Cadence Hall . They serve a variety of craft beers and host live music and events in their Cadence Hall.

Commonwealth Brewing Company is another popular brewery and taproom with a lively atmosphere, food trucks, and weekend events. For cocktail lovers, the Tarnished Truth Distilling Company is a great option. They serve a variety of spirits, including bourbon, whiskey, and gin, and offer tours and tastings.

Where To Stay In Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach has many great accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some popular areas to consider when choosing where to stay:

The oceanfront area is the most popular place to stay in Virginia Beach. It offers easy access to the beach, the boardwalk, and many restaurants and attractions. There are many hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in this area.

Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront (Mid-Tier Option)

• Price Range: $$
• Why You Should Book: This hotel features oceanfront rooms with private balconies, an indoor pool, a rooftop bar, and several dining options.

The Cavalier Virginia Beach, Autograph Collection (Luxury Option)

• Price Range: $$$
• Why You Should Book: A luxurious hotel with an iconic historic building, this property offers oceanfront rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, and fine dining options.

The Oceanfront Inn (Budget Option)

• Why You Should Book: This affordable hotel offers comfortable rooms with ocean views, a private beach, and an outdoor pool. It's located in the heart of the oceanfront area, making it easy to access all the nearby attractions.

Boardwalk Resort Hotel and Villas (Mid-Tier Option)

• Price Range: $ - $$
• Why You Should Book: This all-suite hotel offers oceanfront rooms with kitchenettes, a rooftop pool, and a boardwalk location near many attractions.

Related: 10 Oceanfront Resorts Worth Booking In Virginia Beach

Sandbridge is a quieter, more residential area of Virginia Beach, located south of the oceanfront area. It's popular for its wide, uncrowded beaches and vacation rental homes. Check Airbnb and VRBO for stellar rental options.

Town Center

The Town Center area is a newer development that offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's located inland, away from the beach, and is a good option for those looking for a more urban experience.

Westin Virginia Beach Town Center (Luxury Option)

• Why You Should Book: This hotel offers modern, upscale rooms, an indoor pool, a full-service spa, and on-site dining options.

Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Town Center (Mid-Tier Option)

• Why You Should Book: This hotel offers comfortable rooms with microwaves and mini-fridges, an indoor pool, and an on-site restaurant.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites (Luxury Option)

• Price Range: $$ - $$$
• Why You Should Book: This hotel offers spacious suites with separate living areas, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.

Related: North Vs. South Virginia Beach: What's The Difference & Which Is Better?

Chesapeake Bay

The Chesapeake Bay area is located north of the oceanfront and offers a quieter, more natural setting. It's popular for its calm waters, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

The Founders Inn and Spa (Luxury Option)

• Price Range: $$$$
• Why You Should Book: This hotel offers colonial-style rooms, an indoor pool, a full-service spa, and several on-site dining options.

Turtle Cay Resort (Mid-Tier Option)

• Why You Should Book: This resort offers spacious suites with full kitchens, an indoor pool, and two outdoor pools with a waterfall and a swim-up bar.

Beach Quarters Resort (Budget Option)

• Price Range: $
• Why You Should Book: This resort offers one- and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and on-site amenities, including indoor and rooftop pools, a hot tub, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

Campgrounds

Virginia Beach has several campgrounds near the beach, offering a more affordable accommodation option.

First Landing State Park (Budget Option)

• Why You Should Book: This park offers 200 campsites, including cabins, RV sites, and tent sites. It's located on the Chesapeake Bay and has access to hiking trails, biking trails, and a beach.

Virginia Beach KOA (Budget Option)

• Why You Should Book: This campground offers RV and tent sites, cabins, and cottages. It features amenities such as an outdoor pool, a dog park, and a jumping pillow.

Holiday Trav-L-Park (Budget Option)

• Why You Should Book: This campground offers over 1,000 RV and tent sites, cabins, and cottages. It features amenities such as an outdoor pool, a game room, and a convenience store.

When choosing where to stay, consider factors such as location, budget, and amenities. It's also a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability and the best rates.

Tips For Visiting Virginia Beach

When planning a trip to Virginia Beach, here are some things to know before booking and departure.

The weather in Virginia Beach is generally mild but can vary throughout the year. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy. June through August are the best months for the beach, but they bring the largest crowds and the highest prices.

Beach regulations

There are rules and regulations for using the beaches in Virginia Beach, including restrictions on pets, alcohol, and beach equipment. Read up on the rules before traveling.

Virginia Beach can be busy during peak tourist season, so be prepared for heavy traffic and crowded parking lots. Staying close to or on the shoreline can ensure hassle-free beach days.

Food and drink

Virginia Beach is known for its seafood but has many other great dining options. The area also has plenty of bars, breweries, and nightlife establishments.

Attractions

Virginia Beach is more than a beach. The city has many attractions, including museums, historic sites, and outdoor activities away from the golden sands.

Events and festivals

Virginia Beach hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, so check the calendar to see what's happening each month.

How To Spend A Perfect Day In Virginia Beach

Start the day with a walk or jog on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a scenic promenade with stunning ocean views and plenty of restaurants and shops to explore. For breakfast, stop by a local cafe or restaurant like Bay Local Eatery or The Bee and the Biscuit for a classic southern breakfast dish like biscuits and gravy or shrimp and grits.

Next, head to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, where you can see over 10,000 animals and explore interactive exhibits and educational programs. For lunch, try one of the boardwalk restaurants like Waterman's Surfside Grille or Mahi Mah's Seafood Restaurant and sample local specialties like seafood platters or she-crab soup.

After lunch, take a hike or bike ride at First Landing State Park, where English colonists first landed in 1607. The park offers over 19 miles of hiking and biking trails and a beach. In the late afternoon, visit the Military Aviation Museum, which features vintage aircraft from World War I and II and other military aviation exhibits.

For dinner, head to one of the city's top-rated restaurants, like Terrapin Restaurant or Catch 31, and try local specialties like crab cakes or rockfish. Finally, end the day by watching the sunset at Cape Henry Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse that offers stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. While there's plenty more to do in Virginia Beach, this itinerary is a great taste of the city's history, culture, and natural beauty in just one day.

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21 of the best things to do in Downtown Los Angeles

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

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

These days, it’s a mostly different story—though one that’s been unquestionably impacted by the uncertainties of the past few years. While Downtown still has some growing up to do, it’s in the midst of a (somewhat slowed down) retail, institutional and architectural resurgence that’s turning the area into a more walkable, Metro -friendly destination dotted with museums , superlative restaurants and beautiful buildings . Get to know Bunker Hill, the Historic Core and beyond with these things to do in Downtown Los Angeles.

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

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

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Downtown Los Angeles

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Things to do in Downtown Los Angeles

1.  See the twisted architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall

• Music venues
• price 3 of 4

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

2.  Eat tacos and egg sandwiches at Grand Central Market

• Restaurants
• Downtown Historic Core
• price 2 of 4

Even if you’re not there for the food, this century-old spot is worth a trip; people from all corners of L.A. mix and mingle among rows of spices, produce and vintage neon signage. Of course, if you’re hungry it’s a great place to get cheap pupusas from Sarita’s Pupuseria, carnitas from Tacos Tumbras a Tomas and chow mein from China Cafe, as well as food from handsome, trendy eateries like Shiku ,  Sticky Rice , Sari Sari ,  Broad Street Oyster Company ,  Eggslut  and  G&B Coffee .

3.  Gaze into infinity at the Broad

• Art and design

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

4.  Channel ‘Blade Runner’ at the Bradbury Building

• Things to do

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

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

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

6.  Give in to your wanderlust at Union Station

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

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

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

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

8.  Pack a picnic at Grand Park

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

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

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

10.  See contemporary masterpieces at MOCA Grand Avenue

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

Looking for things to do in other parts of Downtown?

Downtown Arts District

Little Tokyo

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36 Hours in Toronto

By Ingrid K. Williams April 11, 2024

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By Ingrid K. Williams Photographs by Eugen Sakhnenko

Locals may insist (politely, of course) that Toronto doesn’t belong atop any traveler’s wish list, but don’t fall for that Canadian modesty. Proudly multicultural with an outstanding art scene, fantastic food and a patchwork of diverse neighborhoods to explore, this sprawling city — Canada’s most populous — has more to offer than one could possibly digest in a single weekend. But that’s enough time to sample the local smorgasbord, from the many new restaurants and shops to the latest art exhibitions and a newly revitalized landmark theater. Anyone in town for Hot Docs , North America’s biggest documentary festival, which begins on April 25, will find plenty of reasons to roam beyond the downtown core, from the beaches in the east to drinking and dining hotspots that have sprouted in some unexpected places in the west.

Recommendations

• Trillium Park , west of Toronto’s inner harbor, is relatively crowd-free despite having an outstanding view of the downtown skyline.
• Sunny’s Chinese , a popular restaurant hidden inside a mini-mall in the Kensington Market neighborhood, serves fun plates like Hong Kong-style French toast with black-sesame jam.
• The Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto is currently hosting “Greater Toronto Art 2024,” the second installment of its triennial.
• Cry Baby Gallery is an art space with a cocktail bar hidden behind a curtain in the back.
• Massey Hall , a landmark theater, reopened in 2021 after a three-year renovation and modernization project.
• Evergreen Brick Works is a cultural community center with a popular year-round farmers’ market.
• The Gardiner Museum is dedicated to the artistry and craft of ceramics.
• The Philosopher’s Walk winds through the leafy St. George campus of the University of Toronto.
• The Bata Shoe Museum has an unexpectedly fascinating exhibit exploring the history of what we put on our feet.
• The Beach (also called the Beaches), on the eastern edge of the city, is a neighborhood abutting Lake Ontario with sandy shorelines and a wood-plank boardwalk.
• The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is a sprawling gallery surrounded by acres of pristine woodland.
• Zaal Art Gallery has paintings, sculptures and fashion from contemporary Iranian artists.
• Patois is a festive restaurant serving Caribbean-Asian dishes like jerk chicken chow mein.
• Bad Attitude Bread is a plant-based bakery with specialties like vegan Cheddar biscuits with Old Bay seasoning.
• Milky’s , a cool cafe, brews up specialty drinks like a spiced maple syrup latte.
• Taverne Bernhardt’s is a cozy neighborhood bistro featuring local produce and rotisserie-style chicken.
• Bowie , a vibey bar beneath a laundromat, offers great people-watching behind an unmarked entrance.
• Bathurst Local is a laid-back bar with a maze of private karaoke rooms.
• White Lily Diner is an all-day restaurant serving comfort food, with produce supplied by its own Ontario farm.
• Easy Tiger Goods is a sunny boutique that sells cute made-in-Toronto ceramics.
• Issues Magazine Shop stocks rare print titles.
• Etc Home , a home décor shop, sells hand-crocheted coasters, embroidered tote bags and more.
• A solid option downtown, the Ace Hotel opened in 2022 in a newly constructed building designed by the Toronto firm Shim-Sutcliffe Architects. Beyond the lobby framed by soaring concrete arches, the hotel features 123 cozy guest rooms as well as a restaurant and a rooftop lounge. Rooms start at around 499 Canadian dollars, or around $367.
• In the trendy West Queen West area, the Drake Hotel is a longtime favorite for its cultural events, concerts and art-filled interiors. With the addition of a new five-story wing, which opened in 2021, the property now has 51 rooms in addition to a popular lounge, cafe and rooftop terrace. Rooms start at around 360 dollars.
• On vibrant Dundas Street West in Little Portugal is the family-run Ode , which opened in 2021 with eight private guest rooms, each designed in collaboration with a different local artist. Rooms start at 260 dollars.
• Look for a short-term rental in the Trinity-Bellwoods neighborhood, which is surrounded by great restaurants, shops, bars, bakeries, breweries and the popular Trinity Bellwoods Park .
• It's easy to get around Toronto by public transportation — there are subways , buses and streetcars — and on foot . You can also find taxis and use ride-hailing apps , including Lyft and Uber, and there are bike-share stations throughout the city (a day pass is 15 dollars). From Toronto Pearson International Airport, the UP Express train takes 25 minutes to arrive at Union Station downtown. Even closer is Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, a regional hub on the Toronto Islands that is connected to downtown by ferry and a pedestrian tunnel.

Trillium Park

Trillium Park , which opened in 2017 just west of Toronto’s inner harbor, remains relatively uncrowded despite having an outstanding view of the skyline. From Queens Quay West, it’s an easy half-hour walk to the park along the popular Martin Goodman Trail. Or rent a bicycle from one of the many bike-share stations and pedal along the lakeshore. After admiring the view of the iconic CN Tower across the water, head back toward downtown, stopping at nearby Inukshuk Park , with its 30-foot-high Inuit stone formation, and at the Toronto Music Garden, a grassy waterfront park where live performances take place during the summer.

Down the hallway of a nondescript mini-mall, a small handwritten sign on a door indicates you’ve found Sunny’s Chinese . Since opening in the eclectic Kensington Market neighborhood in 2022, this buzzy spot has packed its mint green booths with crowds hankering for a spicy, family-style feast. On a recent visit, highlights included the spinach-and-chrysanthemum-stem salad (12 Canadian dollars, or about $9), fiery dan dan noodles (19 dollars), and what a server said “pays our rent”: the sublime Hong Kong-style French toast layered with black-sesame jam and oolong-infused condensed milk (14 dollars). Couldn’t nab a reservation? Try for a last-minute table at nearby Patois , a festive Caribbean-Asian restaurant with a flaky Jamaican-patty sandwich (12 dollars) and jerk chicken chow mein (27 dollars).

Massey Hall

In 2021, Torontonians applauded the reopening of Massey Hall , a landmark theater, after a three-year renovation and modernization project. For over a century, this downtown concert hall has hosted top international performers, including Charlie Parker, Aretha Franklin, Gordon Lightfoot and Jon Batiste. The revitalized theater is now part of a larger performing arts complex, the Allied Music Centre , with a new music venue and recording studios in an adjacent building. But one thing that hasn’t changed: the famously excellent acoustics. To hear for yourself, check the calendar for upcoming events, which include concerts by the Black Crowes, the indie-rock group Waxahatchee and the Canadian singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn.

Grange Park, just south of the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Saturday farmers’ market at Evergreen Brick Works

A former quarry and brick factory have been repurposed as Evergreen Brick Works , a cultural community center northeast of downtown. People flock here on Saturdays for the year-round farmers’ market, which reflects the diversity of the city itself. In addition to the usual market stalls — local cheeses, produce, fish, meat and bread — many vendors sell prepared foods that include Persian baklava , Swedish pastries and Tibetan momos (try the beef ones doused with hot sauce; 11.50 dollars for five). Seating is available between the historic brick kilns, but in fair weather, grab your food to go and explore the trails snaking through the surrounding forested ravines.

Many visitors prioritize the best-known museums, but that would mean missing niche standouts like the Gardiner Museum , which specializes in the artistry and craft of ceramics. Inside, explore ancient figures from Mesoamerican cultures and contemporary sculptural vases depicting polar animals by the Inuit ceramicist Roger Aksadjuak (admission, 15 dollars). Afterward, stroll along the Philosopher’s Walk, a nearby path through the leafy St. George campus of the University of Toronto. Then continue to the Bata Shoe Museum , another oft-overlooked institution, where an unexpectedly fascinating, two-floor exhibit traces the history of what we put on our feet (admission, 14 dollars).

Issues Magazine Shop

Little Portugal is packed with quirky independent shops and galleries, many conveniently clustered along Dundas Street West. Start at Easy Tiger Goods , a sunny boutique that sells pastel taper candles and cute made-in-Toronto ceramics. Peruse the rare print titles at Issues Magazine Shop , then shop for hand-crocheted coasters and embroidered tote bags at Etc Home . Consider investing in an artwork at Zaal Art Gallery , a cavernous space that opened last October showcasing paintings, photographs, sculptures and fashion from contemporary Iranian artists. Later, continue farther down the street to Bad Attitude Bread , a vegan bakery, for an Old Bay-seasoned Cheddar-flavored biscuit (5 dollars), and to Milky’s , a cool cafe nearby, for a spiced maple syrup latte (6.50 dollars).

An excellent primer on what’s happening in the city’s art scene is now on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto , in a former factory building in the Lower Junction Triangle neighborhood. The current exhibition, “Greater Toronto Art 2024,” is the second installment of the museum’s triennial and features a range of artworks, performances and installations, including photographs by the American-born artist June Clark of her adopted home of Toronto in the 1970s and ’80s; a site-specific greenhouse installed by the Brooklyn-based Canadian artist Lotus L. Kang; and a series of sculptural drawings, traced from an heirloom Persian rug, from the Iraqi-born Canadian artist Sukaina Kubba (through July 28; admission, 14 dollars).

Roast chicken and local produce are the winning formula at Taverne Bernhardt’s , a cozy neighborhood bistro on a quiet lane south of Dundas Street West, where date-night couples sip wine at the pewter-topped bar and groups of friends encircle tables along a soft leather banquette. The short seasonal menu recently included tender roasted carrots with herbs and tahini (20 dollars), in addition to the crisp-skinned, rotisserie-style chicken served on a platter with thick-cut fries, coleslaw and pickles, toasted sesame-seed buns, and a side of gravy (37 dollars). And for dessert, there’s a heaping swirl of soft serve in changing flavors, like Earl Grey (14 dollars).

Exploring Toronto’s nightlife could mean ice bathing at Othership , a sociable sauna downtown, or sipping a white stout at Blood Brothers Brewing in the revitalized northwestern warehouse district. But you needn’t venture that far after dinner to find appealing options, if you know where to look. It’s a short walk from Bernhardt’s to Cry Baby Gallery , a white-walled art space where a curtain in the back hides a moody cocktail bar serving spicy mezcal margaritas (the best is the passion-fruit version, 20 dollars). Even closer is Bowie , a vibey, mirrored lounge that opened last year beneath a laundromat. It offers great people-watching and pink Paloma cocktails (16 dollars), and is accessible via an unmarked entrance (down the alley, below the neon bow-tied mouse sign). Later, visit Bathurst Local , where a laid-back bar leads to a maze of private karaoke rooms, each more colorful than the last.

People strolling in the trendy West Queen West area.

The ocean may be hundreds of miles away, but you can still start the day with a walk on the beach. On the east side of the city, an easy streetcar ride from downtown, the neighborhood abutting Lake Ontario is known as the Beaches (or the Beach, depending on whom you ask ) because of its long, sandy shoreline. Head down to the water to join locals walking their dogs through the sand. From the easternmost edge, it’s a leisurely half-hour promenade along the wood-plank boardwalk to Woodbine Beach, the widest stretch of sand lapped by the lake’s calm waves.

When hunger strikes, hop back on the streetcar headed west to the White Lily Diner , an all-day restaurant in the Riverside neighborhood serving its own brand of comfort food. One must-order is the cheesy patty melt, served with poblano relish on house-made bread (23.25 dollars), which comes with a side salad of crisp greens from the restaurant’s own White Lily Farms , northeast of the city. This snug locale has only five counter seats and seven Dijon yellow booths, so there’s often a wait. But I’d happily queue for even a single bite of the fluffy buttermilk griddle cakes with maple syrup (16.25 dollars).

McMichael Canadian Art Collection

Yes, it’s a trek to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection , a sprawling gallery surrounded by acres of pristine woodland, about 17 miles northwest of downtown. But there’s no prettier place to become acquainted with some of Canada’s most influential artists: Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, a collective of landscape painters who rose to fame in the early 20th century with their romantic depictions of Canadian nature. Admire the rural landscape paintings, including glacial mountains by Lawren Harris and placid lakes by A.J. Casson. Then visit galleries dedicated to contemporary Canadian works, including those by Inuit and First Nations artists, such as the brilliantly colorful paintings of Norval Morrisseau . Not keen on splurging for a car ride? There’s an equally edifying collection of Canadian art — minus the sylvan setting — at the Art Gallery of Ontario downtown (admission to the McMichael, 20 dollars; to the AGO, 30 dollars). (The AGO is temporarily closed because of a workers’ strike.)

More From 36 Hours

Have a weekend to explore a destination we’ve got the perfect travel itinerary..

Paris: A different side of the French capital reveals smaller museums, under-the-radar spots in Montmartre and a diverse performance scene .

Montreal : Climb a mountain, wander the waterfront and enjoy a smoked-meat sandwich  in a city with a surprise around every corner.

Cartagena: With a limonada de coco in hand, explore two walkable neighborhoods over a weekend  in this coastal Colombian city.

Glasgow:  Take in Gothic architecture, green riverside walks and a global banquet  in Scotland’s largest city.

Chicago:   ​​ Cycle miles of urban trails, tour a restored Frank Lloyd Wright masterwork and catch golden hour  along Lake Michigan.

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