places to visit in los angeles 2023

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Home » North America » Los Angeles

37 BEST Places to Visit in Los Angeles (2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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#3 – Universal Studios Hollywood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#6 – Griffith Observatory

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

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

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

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#7- The Getty

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

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

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

#8 – The Hollywood Walk of Fame

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

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

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

#9 – Walt Disney Concert Hall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#11 – Try To Escape From The Escape Game

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

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

#12 – Santa Monica Pier

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

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

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

#12 – Farmers Market

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#14 – Hollywood Bowl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#19 – The Old Zoo Picnic Area

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

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

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

#20 – Necromance

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

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

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

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#21 – Hollywood Forever Cemetery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#24 – Ennis House

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

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

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

#25 – Garden of Oz

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

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

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

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

#26 – Velaslavasay Panorama

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

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

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

#27 – The Hollywood Sign

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#30 – Peterson Automotive Museum

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

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

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

#31 – La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

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

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

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

#32 – Zuma Beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#34 – Third Street Promenade

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

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

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

#35 – Warner Brothers Studios

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#37 – Paramount Pictures Studios

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

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

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

Get insured for your trip to Los Angeles!

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

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

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

What places are free to visit in Los Angeles?

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

What places in Los Angeles can you visit today?

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

What are the coolest places to visit in Los Angeles?

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

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

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

Art Patterson

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

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

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

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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Best Things to Do in Palm Springs

Best Things to Do in San Francisco

Best Things to Do in Sacramento

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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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The 48 best things to do in Los Angeles

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

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

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

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

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Best things to do in L.A.

Stroll through the stunning gardens at the Huntington Library

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

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

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

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

See L.A. from above at Griffith Park

• Griffith Park

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

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

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

Practice your acceptance speech at the Academy Museum

• Movies and TV
• Miracle Mile

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

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

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

Have tacos and egg sandwiches from Grand Central Market

• Restaurants
• Downtown Historic Core

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

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

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

Take a food tour of Downtown L.A.

Pose in front of streetlights at LACMA

• Art and design
• price 1 of 4

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

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

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

Set out in search of wildflowers

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

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

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

Bike the Strand

• Sports and fitness

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

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

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

Take a guided bike ride along the coast.

Pedal around Echo Park Lake

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

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

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

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

• Installation
• Boyle Heights Until May 12, 2024

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

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

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

Watch a movie outdoors

What is it?  An early start outdoor movie season.

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

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

Gaze into infinity at the Broad

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

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

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

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

• Classes and workshops
• USC/Exposition Park Apr 5 Jun 7, 2024

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

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

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

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

• TV, radio and podcast recordings
• Hollywood Apr 12 Apr 20, 2024

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

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

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

Spend the weekend at a music fest

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

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

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

Partake in Elizabethan era shenanigans at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire

• Markets and fairs
• San Gabriel Valley Apr 6 May 19, 2024

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

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

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

Have a street food feast at Smorgasburg L.A.

• Downtown Arts District Until Dec 15, 2024

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

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

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

Meet Bing Bong and hop aboard the newest attractions at Disneyland

• price 3 of 4

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

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

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

Step inside Frank Lloyd Wright’s handsome Hollyhock House

• Walks and tours

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

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

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

Picnic at the Hollywood Bowl

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

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

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

Ride the tram up to the Getty Center

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

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

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

Hit the slopes at a ski resort

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

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

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

Warp into the the Mushroom Kingdom at Universal Studios

• Theme parks
• Universal City

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

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

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

Walk along the Venice Canals

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

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

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

Watch a film in Hollywood’s oldest operating movie palace

• Movie theaters
• Independent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Angeles National Forest

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

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

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

Stroll through SoCal flora at Descanso Gardens

• Parks and gardens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have an oceanfront, roadside meal at Neptune’s Net

• Ventura County

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

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

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

Explore the twisted exterior of the Walt Disney Concert Hall

• Music venues

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

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

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

Take a scenic drive around the Palos Verdes Peninsula

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

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

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

Hike the Silver Lake Stairs

• Silver Lake

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

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

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

Fly a kite by the Korean Bell of Friendship

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

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

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

Get some fresh air at Malibu Creek State Park

• Santa Monica Mountains

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

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

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

Admire the coastline atop Temescal Gateway Park

• Pacific Palisades

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

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

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

Watch the sunset from El Matador

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

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

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

Travel back in time at the drive-in

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

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

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

Tackle 282 steps at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

• Culver City

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

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

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

Survey DTLA architecture on a Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tour

• Downtown Financial District

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

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

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

Spend time with your dog at the South Coast Botanic Garden

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

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

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

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

Become a pinball wizard at EightyTwo

• Downtown Arts District

What is it?  An Arts District arcade bar.

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

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

Hunt for antiques at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

• Pasadena Until Apr 14, 2024

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

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

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

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

• Santa Monica

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

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

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

Relax on the sand at Point Dume State Beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Load up on records at Amoeba Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find your zen at the Lake Shrine

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

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

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

More great things to do across the globe

The best things to do in the world right now

Music, art, food, nature and the year’s biggest parties—these are very best things to do and see right now, anywhere in the world.

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24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Universal Studios Hollywood

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: Things to Do in Anaheim, California

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

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

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

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hollywood

Highlights: Esteemed cultural center and museum with beautiful landscaping

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

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

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

Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles

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

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

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

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

Address: 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlights: Iconic art museum spread across several buildings and exhibits

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

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

Address: 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles

Highlights: Guided tours of a retired battleship

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

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

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

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

Highlights: Beloved hiking area with great views and celebrity sightings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlights: Vintage shopping, murals, comedy clubs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: 15151 Bledsoe Street, Sylmar, California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Santa Monica Hotels

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

Beverly Hills Hotels

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

Hollywood Hotels

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

Anaheim Hotels

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

Downtown Los Angeles Hotels

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

See the Sights:

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

Save Money:

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

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

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

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

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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

More on California

2023 Los Angeles: Top 10 Things To Do, Attractions, and Events Guide

In the vibrant heartland of southern California, Los Angeles continues to enchant visitors with its irresistible array of attractions in 2023. Peel back the glittering veneer of Hollywood and delve deeper into a city that offers a taste for every traveler’s palate. From art house enthralled by futuristic installations to secret comedy gigs tucked in underground bars, and beaches pulsating with life – there’s never a dull moment. Armed with inside information and hidden gems, we have curated an exclusive guide on the top ten things you need, must, and absolutely have to do in Los Angeles this year. Let’s embrace the magic of this star-studded city handpicked for forward-thinking adventurers like you!

Some top activities to do in Los Angeles in 2023 include visiting iconic landmarks like the Griffith Observatory and Santa Monica Pier, exploring world-class museums such as the Getty Center and LACMA, attending concerts at famous venues like Hollywood Bowl, and trying delicious cuisine from diverse neighborhoods. You can also take scenic hikes, go shopping on Rodeo Drive, enjoy amusement parks like Universal Studios, and much more!

Table of Contents

Must-See Attractions in Los Angeles 2023

Los Angeles, the city of dreams and entertainment, offers a plethora of attractions that cater to various interests. Whether you’re a movie buff, an art enthusiast, or a nature lover, there’s something for everyone in the bustling metropolis. As we dive into the must-see attractions in Los Angeles for 2023, prepare to be captivated by the vibrant energy and diverse experiences this city has to offer.

One of the top attractions that stands out is The Getty Center . This architectural marvel is not only known for its stunning design but also its extensive art collection. Art enthusiasts will be mesmerized by works from renowned artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt. The Getty Center also offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles and provides an escape from the bustling city.

Imagine strolling through art-filled galleries as awe-inspiring masterpieces surround you. With each step you take, you’re transported into different eras and artistic expressions that leave you spellbound. The Getty Center truly embodies the essence of creativity and cultural heritage.

Moving on to another remarkable attraction, Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory offer a unique blend of outdoor activities and celestial wonders. Nestled in the heart of the city, this expansive park provides an oasis amidst urban chaos. It boasts numerous hiking trails where you can reconnect with nature while enjoying panoramic views of Los Angeles.

And if you’re fascinated by astronomy or simply want to indulge in some stargazing, there’s no better place than the Griffith Observatory. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the city, this iconic landmark allows visitors to explore interactive exhibits about space and astronomy.

As you gaze through telescopes at celestial bodies and learn about our vast universe, inspiration fills your mind. Whether it’s witnessing a captivating sunset or observing distant galaxies at night, Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory offer a sublime experience that reminds us of the beauty and grandeur of the cosmos.

If you’re seeking to delve into the rich history and biodiversity of Los Angeles, The Natural History Museum of LA County is an absolute must-visit. This treasure trove of knowledge takes you on a journey through time, showcasing fossils, artifacts, and exhibits that highlight the unique natural heritage of the region.

Picture yourself standing face-to-face with towering dinosaur skeletons, marveling at the intricate details that bring these prehistoric creatures back to life. With each exhibit, you gain a deeper understanding of the ecological evolution that has shaped Los Angeles. The Natural History Museum offers a captivating blend of education and wonder, leaving visitors with a renewed appreciation for our planet’s past.

These are just a few of the many must-see attractions that await you in Los Angeles. From art masterpieces to celestial wonders and remarkable insights into natural history, this vibrant city has something special in store for every visitor.

• In 2019, Los Angeles annually attracted more than 50 million visitors, making it one of the most visited cities globally. Despite the pandemic, it’s predicted that by 2023, this figure will rise significantly due to improved travel conditions.
• Griffith Park, encompassing over 4,000 acres, is visited by approximately 10 million people each year – a number expected to maintain or increase by 2023.
• The Getty Center reports an average of 1.8 million visitors per year. Predictions for visitations in 2023 suggest similar numbers, if not more, due to post-pandemic recovery.

Iconic Landmarks to Visit

Los Angeles is not only known for its diverse attractions but also its iconic landmarks that have become symbols of the city’s allure. When visiting this metropolis in 2023, make sure to include these legendary sites in your itinerary.

Think of it as embarking on a treasure hunt where each landmark holds a piece of history or cultural significance waiting to be discovered.

One such landmark is the Hollywood Walk of Fame , an internationally recognized attraction that showcases stars embedded in the pavement representing famous entertainers from various fields. As you walk along Hollywood Boulevard, take your time to soak up the atmosphere and relish in the presence of legends who have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Another iconic site is the Santa Monica Pier , a beloved destination offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. From taking a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk to enjoying thrilling rides at the amusement park, the Santa Monica Pier is an experience that captures the essence of Los Angeles’ beachfront culture.

Imagine feeling the warm ocean breeze caress your face as you indulge in delectable treats from vendors lining the pier. The sound of laughter and joyful screams fills the air as people make lasting memories with friends and family. Standing at the edge of the pier, you gaze out at the vast expanse of water, feeling a sense of serenity and awe.

These are just glimpses into the enchanting world of iconic landmarks that adorn the city of Los Angeles. From immersing yourself in cinematic history to embracing coastal charm, each landmark offers a unique experience that adds to the tapestry of this vibrant city.

• If you plan to visit Los Angeles in 2023, make sure to include the iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Santa Monica Pier in your sightseeing itinerary. These sites hold a significant cultural and historical value, offering a unique experience that adds to the allure of the city. Soak up the atmosphere, relish in the presence of legends, indulge in delectable treats, and capture lasting memories with friends and family. These iconic landmarks are a testament to the vibrant spirit and magnificence of Los Angeles.

Best Museums of the City

Los Angeles is a haven for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike, boasting an array of world-class museums that cater to various interests. From contemporary art to natural history, here are some of the best museums in the city that you shouldn’t miss in 2023:

The Getty Center : Perched atop a hill with stunning views of the city, The Getty Center showcases an extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and breathtaking gardens. Explore masterpieces by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt while immersing yourself in the architectural brilliance of this iconic museum.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) : LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, housing an astonishing collection spanning from ancient times to present-day. Take a stroll through their diverse exhibits, including contemporary art, Latin American art, and photography. And don’t forget to snap a picture with Chris Burden’s famed outdoor installation “Urban Light.”

The Broad : Located in downtown Los Angeles, The Broad offers an impressive collection of contemporary artworks from renowned artists like Jeff Koons and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The striking architecture of the building itself is worth admiring as you traverse through thought-provoking installations and remarkable pieces.

Natural History Museum : Step back in time at the Natural History Museum where you can explore fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, gems, minerals, and biodiversity. Get up close with lifelike dinosaur displays or marvel at rare specimens in their gem vault – an enthralling experience for both adults and children alike.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) : MOCA is dedicated to showcasing groundbreaking contemporary art from around the world. With two locations in Los Angeles – Grand Avenue and Little Tokyo – visitors can immerse themselves in various exhibitions, installations, and performances that challenge conventional boundaries.

These are just a few highlights among the many exceptional museums Los Angeles has to offer. Each provides a unique opportunity to engage with art, history, and culture in its own distinctive way. Whether you have a specific interest or simply appreciate the beauty of artistic expression, these museums are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Now that we’ve explored some of the best museums the city has to offer, let’s move on to discovering the rich cultural and festival experiences that await in Los Angeles in 2023.

Cultural and Festival Experiences

[L.A.; Locomotion], known for its vibrant and diverse culture, embraces various celebrations and festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the top cultural experiences and festivals you should look forward to in 2023:

Outfest Fusion Film Festival : Celebrating LGBTQ+ cinema, Outfest Fusion is an annual event featuring screenings, galas, networking events, and workshops for both the community and its allies. Discover compelling stories through groundbreaking films while supporting queer representation in the film industry.

FitspoLA at The Bloc : Fitness enthusiasts won’t want to miss FitspoLA at The Bloc. This interactive event showcases fitness-inspired activities and pop-ups that highlight trends in the health and wellness industry. From workout classes to innovative fitness accessories, immerse yourself in a day of inspiration for your physical well-being.

¡Jotería! at LA Plaza : ¡Jotería! celebrates queer Latinx culture through music, panels, performances, and an immersive free evening documentary screening. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Latinx voices as they share their experiences and artistic expressions within the LGBTQ+ community.

Yoga On The Mountain : Experience inner peace among nature at Yoga On The Mountain, where outdoor yoga classes accompanied by live acoustic music take place in the serene haven of Santa Monica Mountains. Open to all skill levels, this event offers a rejuvenating experience of unity and mindfulness.

Cherry Blossom Celebration at Shoseian Teahouse : Delve into Japanese cultural traditions and immerse yourself in the beauty of cherry blossoms at the annual Cherry Blossom Celebration held at Shoseian Teahouse in Brand Park. Enjoy tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, bonsai exhibits, live music, and family-friendly activities.

These experiences offer a glimpse into the diverse fabric of Los Angeles’ cultural tapestry. Whether you’re seeking cinematic adventures, fitness inspiration, LGBTQ+ representation, spiritual connection, or immersion in different customs, these events provide something for everyone.

Top Musical and Art Events to Catch

Los Angeles is renowned for its vibrant arts and music scene, offering an array of events that cater to various cultural tastes and interests. Whether you’re a lover of classical melodies or an avid fan of contemporary art, there’s something for everyone in this diverse city. Here are some must-see musical and art events to catch in 2023:

The annual Hollywood Bowl Summer Concert Series is a highlight of the L.A. music scene. Situated in the scenic Hollywood Hills, this outdoor amphitheater showcases performances by the renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic as well as guest artists from around the world. From classical symphonies to iconic film scores, experiencing a concert under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl is an unforgettable experience.

Picture yourself reclined on a picnic blanket, surrounded by beautiful tunes as the warm breeze rustles through the palm trees above you. The magical ambiance of the Hollywood Bowl creates a truly enchanting atmosphere.

For those with a penchant for visual art, be sure to explore the Getty Center located in Brentwood. This architectural masterpiece houses an extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning several centuries. With its stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles and meticulously curated exhibitions, including works by masters like Van Gogh and Rembrandt, the Getty Center provides a captivating journey through art history.

A hidden gem within Downtown Los Angeles is the The Broad contemporary art museum. Boasting an impressive collection of modern artworks from renowned artists like Jeff Koons and Jean-Michel Basquiat, The Broad offers thought-provoking installations that push boundaries and challenge conventional notions of art. With its unique architecture and innovative approach to curating exhibitions, visiting The Broad is an opportunity to witness cutting-edge contemporary art firsthand.

As you immerse yourself in these artistic experiences, don’t forget to check out ArtWalks and local gallery openings throughout the city. These events offer a chance to explore emerging artists, engage with the creative community, and discover unique pieces that resonate with your personal taste.

Now that we’ve explored the rich artistic scene in Los Angeles, let’s turn our attention to another aspect of this city’s vibrant culture: food and wine festivals worth checking out.

Food and Wine Festivals Worth Checking

Los Angeles is a culinary paradise, boasting a diverse array of cuisines that reflect its multicultural population. To celebrate the city’s gastronomic delights, various food and wine festivals take place throughout the year. These events provide an opportunity to indulge your taste buds, savor mouthwatering dishes, and discover new flavors from both local and international cuisines. Here are a few festivals worth marking on your calendar for 2023:

The Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival is a highly anticipated event that brings together renowned chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists for an extravagant showcase of culinary excellence. From gourmet tasting events and cooking demonstrations to exclusive wine tastings, this festival offers a truly immersive experience for food enthusiasts. Prepare to be dazzled by the creativity and expertise of the culinary masters as they push boundaries and redefine the art of cooking.

For those seeking an exploration of global flavors, the 626 Night Market is a must-visit event. Inspired by Asian night markets, this vibrant festival showcases a wide variety of street food vendors serving up delicious delicacies from different cultures. From Korean BBQ tacos to Thai rolled ice cream, there’s no shortage of delectable treats waiting to be discovered at this bustling market.

In the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, you’ll find the L.A. Times Food Bowl , which takes place over an entire month celebrating the city’s diverse food scene. This festival features a wide range of events including tastings, chef collaborations, panel discussions, and dining experiences that highlight the culinary talents of Los Angeles.

Imagine delighting in a fusion of flavors, as you sample dishes from renowned chefs and discover hidden culinary gems across the city. The L.A. Times Food Bowl provides an opportunity to embark on a gastronomic adventure through Los Angeles’ vibrant neighborhoods.

These festivals not only offer a chance to indulge your palate but also provide an avenue to connect with passionate food enthusiasts, learn about culinary trends, and support local businesses. Whether you’re a devoted foodie or simply looking for a memorable culinary experience, these festivals are sure to leave you craving for more.

Memorable Outdoor Activities

Los Angeles, a city known for its sunny weather and breathtaking landscapes, offers an array of memorable outdoor activities to indulge in. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or prefer a more relaxed experience, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

At the top of the list are the stunning hiking trails that crisscross the city and its surroundings. From the iconic Hollywood Sign Hike to the picturesque Griffith Observatory Trail, these trails provide not only a chance to appreciate nature but also breathtaking views of the city skyline. Be prepared to witness stunning sunrises or sunsets as you explore these scenic routes.

Imagine standing atop Griffith Observatory during sunrise, witnessing the golden hues slowly illuminating the sprawling city below. The serenity and beauty of such moments are simply unforgettable.

For those seeking adrenaline-pumping activities, Los Angeles offers exciting options such as surfing lessons along its world-famous beaches. Feel the thrill as you navigate ocean waves under the guidance of experienced instructors who will have you riding like a pro in no time. You can choose from popular surf spots like Manhattan Beach or Zuma Beach for an exhilarating experience on the Pacific Coastline.

If you prefer a more leisurely outdoor experience, consider exploring one of Los Angeles’ many parks. Griffith Park , located in the heart of the city, is a vast expanse of greenery with numerous attractions including picnic areas, playgrounds, and even the Los Angeles Zoo. It’s an ideal spot for families and nature lovers looking to relax and immerse themselves in nature without venturing too far from downtown.

Now that we’ve explored some memorable outdoor activities in Los Angeles, let’s dive into another aspect that makes this city so appealing – its exciting beaches and parks just waiting to be explored.

Exciting Beaches and Parks to Explore

When it comes to beautiful beaches, Los Angeles has no shortage. One of the most popular destinations is Santa Monica Beach , famous for its iconic pier and vibrant atmosphere. Spend a day lounging on the sandy shores, taking a dip in the Pacific Ocean, or indulging in delicious beachside dining options. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier for panoramic views of the coastline.

If you’re looking for a more secluded beach experience, head towards Malibu . Known for its pristine stretches of sand and stunning coastal cliffs, Malibu offers a getaway from the bustling city life. Whether you want to relax under the warm California sun or catch some waves, beaches like Zuma Beach and El Matador State Beach are worth exploring.

Apart from beaches, Los Angeles boasts an impressive selection of parks that provide ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. One such park is Runyon Canyon Park , where hiking trails wind through the Hollywood Hills, offering panoramic views of the city below. It’s not uncommon to spot celebrities or snap Instagram-worthy photos with stunning backdrops here.

Picture yourself strolling along Runyon Canyon’s scenic paths, breathing in the fresh air while being surrounded by lush greenery. You might even encounter a furry friend as many locals bring their dogs to enjoy this urban oasis.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation or seeking thrills, Los Angeles has plenty of memorable outdoor activities waiting to be explored. From hiking through picturesque trails to catching waves on world-renowned beaches or simply basking in the natural beauty of its parks, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in this vibrant city.

Kid-Friendly Activities and Spots

Los Angeles is not only a city for adults but also offers a plethora of kid-friendly activities and spots that are sure to keep the little ones entertained and engaged. Whether you’re a local or visiting with your family, there’s no shortage of options to create lasting memories. Let’s dive into some delightful experiences for kids in the city of dreams.

One popular destination to explore with kids is the Griffith Observatory. Situated in Griffith Park, it offers fascinating exhibits on space and astronomy that can captivate young minds. From interactive displays to planetarium shows, children can learn about the wonders of the universe in an engaging and educational way. The observatory also boasts stunning views of the city skyline, making it a treat for both children and adults alike.

Another must-visit spot is the Los Angeles Zoo. With its vast collection of animals from around the world, it provides an incredible opportunity for children to get up close and personal with wildlife. They can marvel at elephants, giraffes, lions, and more while learning about conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. The zoo also offers various interactive experiences like feeding sessions and behind-the-scenes tours that can create unforgettable moments.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, a trip to Santa Monica Pier is a must. Kids can frolic on the sandy beaches, build sandcastles, and splash in the waves of the Pacific Ocean. The pier itself offers an amusement park with thrilling rides like roller coasters and Ferris wheels, ensuring endless excitement for the little ones. And don’t forget to grab some delicious cotton candy or hot dogs while enjoying breathtaking sunset views from this iconic landmark.

Moving on to indoor activities, one fantastic option is the California Science Center located in Exposition Park. This interactive museum features numerous hands-on exhibits covering various scientific disciplines – from biology to physics to space exploration. Children can engage in immersive experiences like touching real space artifacts, witnessing dynamic demonstrations, and even viewing the Space Shuttle Endeavour up close. It’s an ideal place to educate and inspire young minds about the wonders of science.

Think of these kid-friendly activities and spots as ingredients for a perfect recipe. Each place adds its unique flavor, combining education, entertainment, and adventure to create lasting memories for both children and parents.

Now that we’ve explored some fantastic options for kids in Los Angeles, let’s move on to another aspect that makes this city truly special – its unique shopping and dining experiences.

Unique Shopping and Dining Experiences in LA

Los Angeles is renowned not just for its beautiful weather and breathtaking views but also for its diverse and eclectic shopping and dining scenes. The city offers an array of unique experiences that cater to every taste and interest. From one-of-a-kind boutiques to innovative culinary delights, there’s something here for everyone.

When it comes to shopping, LA boasts a wide range of options that go beyond traditional malls. Melrose Avenue is a hotspot for fashion enthusiasts, with its trendy boutique stores offering cutting-edge designs from local designers and internationally renowned brands. The street is lined with colorful murals and vibrant street art, creating a visually stimulating experience as you browse through the latest fashion trends.

If you’re looking for a more unconventional shopping experience, head over to the Arts District in Downtown LA. This neighborhood is known for its converted warehouses that now house trendy shops selling everything from vintage clothing to unique home decor items. Explore hidden gems tucked away in alleyways or stumble upon pop-up stores featuring local artisans’ creations.

And let’s not forget about the iconic Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where luxury brands line the streets and high-end fashion is a way of life. Even if you’re not planning on splurging on designer labels, strolling along this famous boulevard and window-shopping can be an experience in itself, soaking in the glamorous ambiance that defines Los Angeles.

After a day of shopping, why not indulge in some unique dining experiences that LA has to offer? From eclectic fusion cuisines to underground supper clubs, the culinary scene here is constantly pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to dine in style.

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10 Of The Most Exciting Things Happening In L.A. This Year

From restaurant openings and burger festivals to immersive exhibits and Disney unveilings, here's everything that absolutely needs to be on your calendar for the year ahead.

Whip out that 2023 bucket list and add everything you see on this page before you miss them. Last year raced ahead with tons of memorable moments along the way, whether it was the opening (and controversial use) of Sixth St. Bridge , the Rams taking home the cup, In-N-Out’s first-ever festival or an increase in the minimum wage across the state. This year is primed to be an even more exciting one. There will be tons of new openings, acclaimed exhibitions, long-awaited attractions and more coming your way. Here are the best things happening in Los Angeles in 2023.

1. L.A.’s Stranger Things Experience

Your favorite 80s-inspired Netflix series has become one thrilling adventure in L.A. At the Stranger Things pop-up, hyper-realistic sets, 3D artistry, live actors and interactive elements are melded together for one immersive experience you’ll never want to leave. Every guest becomes a part of a new experiment—just make sure you don’t trust everyone in a lab coat. You can get tickets to this retro universe while it’s still in town here .

🗓️ When: Open now for a limited time only.

📍Where: 1345 N Montebello Blvd, Montebello, CA

2. The Opening Of Super Nintendo World

The West Coast has been eagerly awaiting the opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood. After following the progress at the park for years with our faces pressed against our mobiles when the Japan counterpart opened, we finally have not just a year, but an actual date. On February 17, the first-ever Nintendo World in the USA will make its debut, featuring one of the world’s largest interactive attractions: Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge. This will hands down be one of the most exciting things for many in the year ahead.

🗓️ When: October 22, 2023

📍Where: Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768

3. In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip Race

A new year, a new sponsorship deal. However, this one is all about honoring California culture and giving fans a double serving of nostalgia . The iconic burger chain In-N-Out has taken over the legendary Pomona Dragstrip as part of a multi-year sponsorship deal.  This historic drag racing venue located in the city of Pomona, California has been the home of some of the world’s most iconic drag racing events for decades. This year, in celebration of the franchise’s 75th birthday celebrations , they’ll be going full throttle with a huge festival of racing, live music, carnival activities and cookout trucks serving your Animal Style favorites .

📍 Where: Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768

4. Metro’s Regional Connector Will Open

Work on L.A.’s Regional Connector began in 2014 and is scheduled to be unveiled and operating in 2023 (fingers crossed). This project may only be a small part of the Metro’s services, but it will make a substantial impact. Those traveling between Azusa and Long Beach, and between East Los Angeles and Santa Monica, will be able to do so without transferring lines. In addition to that, it will create connections between the Metro L (Gold), A (Blue), E (Expo), B (Red), and D (Purple) Lines at the 7th Street/Metro Center Station.

🗓️ When: TBC

5. Desert X

The annual Desert X exhibition returns to Coachella Valley with a new selection of works speaking to the theme of water, the essence of all life. The non-profit organization adheres to the guiding purposes and principles which include “presenting public exhibitions of art that respond meaningfully to the conditions of desert locations, the environment and indigenous communities.” The profound works will draw attention to the way we live, the impact we have on the world around us and how we are responding to the climate crisis. There will also be a few artists across the region from the previous year to check out.

🗓️ When: March 4 to May 7, 2023

📍Where: Various locations within Coachella Valley, Palm Springs.

6. Jiro Dreams of Sushi’s Jiro Ono Is Opening A Restaurant

All your sushi dreams will come true this spring as the Jiro Dream of Sushi protege Chef Daisuke Nakazawa opens a Los Angeles location. The globally-acclaimed chef opened his first eponymous restaurant in New York and later in Washington D.C. Now, the West Coast is finally getting a taste of the immaculately curated pieces of fresh fish with his unmatched omakase experience.

📍Where: 145 North Robertson Boulevard

Find out more

7. Catch The First-Ever Spanish Headliner At Coachella

While this isn’t exactly in L.A., it is almost an obligatory experience for every Angeleno. This celebrity mecca is going to be one of the top destinations on your list for 2023 with Spanish artists Bad Bunny and Rosalia as headliners, plus plenty more incredible musicians. Pre-sale tickets will be released on January 13 at 11 a.m. so be sure to set those alarms.

🗓️ When: April 14-16 & 21-23, 2023

📍Where: Coachella Valley

8. The Opening Of The Soon-To-Be Pasta Place Funke

The handmade pasta god Evan Funke is opening his new eatery, Funke, and amongst the many exciting restaurants opening this year, it’s definitely the one we’re hungriest for. This three-story pasta haven will boast a beautiful rooftop and private dining room where the acclaimed chef will be gifting Angelenos with a sensorial Italian food experience that will undoubtedly match the high standards he set at Felix Trattoria in Venice.

🗓️ When: March 2023

📍Where: TBC

9. Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” at SoFi Stadium

After making Ticketmaster Swiftie’s enemy number one in 2022, the anticipation for Taylor Swift’s tour may have simmered down. However, now that the dust has settled, the lucky few with tickets will get to see the award-winning star on stage at the impressive setting of SoFi Stadium when she performs this August with HAIM opening on all five days.

🗓️ When: August 3, 4, 5, 8 & 9, 2023

📍Where: 1001 Stadium Dr, Inglewood, CA 90301

10. The Centennial Celebrations Of The Hollywood Sign

The giant real estate development sign is celebrating 100 years of captivating visitors, storytellers and local hikers. The milestone will be commemorated with the reveal of future plans and tons of exciting events and activities throughout the surrounding park.

🗓️ When: Throughout the year.

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Los Angeles   Travel Guide

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33 Best Things to Do in LA

Los Angeles has an exhaustive array of fun things to do, from the family-friendly La Brea Tar Pits and the must-visit Natural History Museum to a behind-the-scenes studio tour at Universal Studios or Warner Bros. Out-of-towners love the palm-lined

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park free

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

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

The Getty Center The Getty Center free

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

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

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

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

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

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Santa Monica Pier and Beach Santa Monica Pier and Beach free

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

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

Zuma Beach Zuma Beach free

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

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

Sunset Boulevard Sunset Boulevard free

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Broad The Broad free

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

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

Runyon Canyon Park Runyon Canyon Park free

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

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

Paramount Pictures Studios Paramount Pictures Studios

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

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

Hollywood Bowl Hollywood Bowl free

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

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

Walt Disney Concert Hall Walt Disney Concert Hall free

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

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

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Hollywood Homes Tours Hollywood Homes Tours

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

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

Rodeo Drive Rodeo Drive free

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

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

Hollywood Forever Cemetery Hollywood Forever Cemetery free

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

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

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

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

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

Angeles National Forest Angeles National Forest

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

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

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La Brea Tar Pits La Brea Tar Pits free

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

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

California Science Center California Science Center free

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

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

Dodger Stadium Dodger Stadium

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

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

Greystone Mansion and Park Greystone Mansion and Park free

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

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

Venice Beach Venice Beach free

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

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

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

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

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

Universal Studios Hollywood Universal Studios Hollywood

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

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

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Abbot Kinney Boulevard free

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

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

Grand Central Market Grand Central Market free

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

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

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

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

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

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Battleship USS Iowa Museum Battleship USS Iowa Museum

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

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

Shop along Olvera Street Shop along Olvera Street free

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

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

L.A. Live L.A. Live

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

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

Petersen Automotive Museum Petersen Automotive Museum

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

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

Warner Bros. Studio Warner Bros. Studio

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

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

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12 Essential Places To Visit In Los Angeles [2023]

This list of the best  places to visit in Los Angeles  will help you prepare for a trip to the  city of Angels, making the most of your time. Known for being the second largest city in the United States, Los Angeles also stands out as the mecca of the Hollywood film industry, and although it is not exactly a city that captivates you at first sight like New York or San Francisco, we believe that it deserves It is worth spending a few days on a trip to the West Coast of the United States to at least get closer to it and discover the reasons why some travelers get stuck. And we cannot forget that in addition to its endless offer of leisure, culture, and restaurants, it has extensive beaches bathed by the Pacific, ideal for spending a few days of relaxation and fun. Although if you visit it within a route along the West Coast, it is best to continue moving with a rental car, in case you only visit the city, you can also use public transport such as the bus or the subway, which reach all points of interest.

Here we leave you with a list of what we believe are the  12 essential places to see in Los Angeles . Let’s start!

Table of Contents

1. walk of fame.

Looking for the star of your favorite actor or artist on the ground of the  Hollywood Walk of Fame or  Walk of Fame  is one of the  best things to do in Los Angeles .

One of the best parts of this walk is right in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Here, you can put your hands or feet into the imprints left by many famous Hollywood stars. It’s a moment where you can feel just like one of them.

And if you’re lucky on the day you visit, you might even see a Hollywood star. This theater, with its Chinese pagoda-style front, hosts movie premieres that are often attended by the film’s stars.

This promenade is located on a section of Hollywood Boulevard and is one of the busiest areas in the city all day long. You might come across people dressed as superheroes or impersonating famous characters.

Don’t forget to check out the Kodak Theatre, famous worldwide for hosting the Oscars every year. And there’s the Hollywood History Museum, which is full of movie memorabilia and iconic settings like Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell.

If you enjoy shopping, make sure to visit Hollywood and Highland. It’s an entertainment area with lots of shops and a great viewpoint where you can see the Hollywood sign.

2. Santa Monica, one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles

Santa Monica is one of our favorite areas and another of the most essential  places to visit in Los Angeles . This neighborhood stands out for its great promenade facing the Pacific Ocean, its beaches ,and its sports and multicultural atmosphere. Also, located next to the Santa Monica pier, is one of the amusement parks that has appeared in more movies, the old  Pacific Park . The best time to approach the pier is at dusk, the perfect time to watch the sun go down or ride the big Ferris wheel in the park to enjoy one of the  best views of Los Angeles  . You can walk and enjoy the atmosphere of the promenade (Ocean Drive), starting with Santa Monica Beach, famous for appearing in the mythical television series Baywatch, ending  at  Venice Beach, full of surfers, original shops and street artists. In Venice Beach, in addition to a nice canal area, is  Muscle Beach  , which has an open-air gym where you can see bodybuilders train and where Arnold Schwarzenegger was a regular. Also, don’t forget to take a photo in front of the sign that marks the end of the emblematic Route 66.

If you want to go shopping or have a drink, you can go to the Third Street Promenade pedestrian street, with a multitude of clothing stores from brands from all over the world. This area also has an extensive restaurant offer with some of the best restaurants with good prices such as True Food Kitchen, Big Deans Oceanfront Cafe ,and Pier Burger.

A good option to get to places farthest from the center such as Santa Monica is to book the Los Angeles tourist bus.

3. Hollywood movie studio tour

Another of the best things to do is to take a tour of one of the most famous Hollywood studios such as Warner Bros or Universal Studios . One of the most recommended tours is  tour of the Warner Bros film studio in which for about two hours you can see the filming sets and decorations of mythical series such as  Big Bang Theory  and  Friends  or movies like  Batman  and  Harry Potter  . Another of the best tours is the one that goes through the sets of the most famous films and series of Universal Studios. This tour takes place in one of the areas of the Universal Studios amusement park , where in addition to seeing the scenes of productions such as Jaws , Back to the Future , Desperate Housewives , Psycho , or The War of the Worlds , you can have fun in the attractions and shows also inspired by movies like Fast and Furious , Jurassic Park , Waterworld , the Simpsons , The Walking Dead or Transformers . 

4. Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown, the financial area of ​​the city where skyscrapers and activity on weekdays are the order of the day, is another of the most essential  places to see in Los Angeles . Its most emblematic building is the City Hall, which has appeared in several movies such as Spiderman and was the first skyscraper in the city, plus it can be visited for free and has an incredible viewpoint on the 29th floor. Other places worth visiting Downtown are the spectacular building of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Los Angeles , the Music Center or the Plaza Olvera, of Spanish heritage.

After these visits you can walk the Grand Avenue, inspired by the Champs Elysees in Paris, passing by the Museum of Contemporary Art of Los Angeles (MOCA), the beautiful bookstore The Last Bookstores and the US Bank Tower, home of the film Independence Day ,until you reach the Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers play in this stadium and for us to be able to see NBA stars play like the late Kobe Bryant was one of the best experiences of the entire trip. We recommend you book tickets well in advance from  this site. If you arrive early, you can go to the Santee Alley area, known as the Fashion District, made up of a maze of streets full of clothing stores and all kinds of items where you can find real bargains.

5. Griffith Observatory

Going up to the Griffith Observatory at sunset, located on top of a hill in the south of Hollywood, to see the sunset and the city illuminated at night is another of the best  things to do in Los Angeles  . In addition to the best views of Los Angeles , this observatory has a large park next to it, perfect for walking, hiking ,and above all, disconnecting from the hustle and traffic of the city. At the observatory, you can also visit the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, one of the most advanced in the world where you can observe stars and constellations.

6. Beverly Hills, one of the best places to see in Los Angeles

Beverly Hills, famous for its large mansions where movie stars, music stars,and millionaires live, is another place  to visit in Los Angeles  . This district, located at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains, has become an exclusive area in which one of its attractions is to take  this tour of the houses of movie stars and music that passes through the hills of Hollywood and Mulholland. Drive. During the excursion, you can see the mansions of stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer López, Tom Cruise, Nicolas Cage, David and Victoria Beckham or the former homes of Michael Jackson, Richard Gere, Madonna, Frank Sinatra or Elvis Presley. Another of the most famous places in Beverly Hills and to see in Los Angeles is Rodeo Drive, an avenue full of luxury stores where the rich and famous come to buy and where you can walk around, feeling like a real star. Remember that if you see a luxury car or a limousine parked in front of a store, a celebrity may come out in a few minutes. We warn you! After so much glamor we advise you to go eat on Cañón Drive and take a picture in front of the Beverly Hills sign.

7. Chinatown

The Chinatown neighborhood , located near Downtown, is another of the liveliest and most interesting places in  Los Angeles  . The Chinese community settled in Los Angeles in the 19th century, first in the Union Station area and later moving to its current location, next to the historic district. To discover the neighborhood, it is best to start with the central square, with a great activity throughout the day and walk along Chung King street, full of art galleries and a hippie atmosphere. A visit to the Thien Hau temple, the most famous in the city, and the Chinese-American museum, will help you better understand the religion, history, and culture of this community.

8. Hollywood Sign

Nobody leaves Los Angeles without taking a picture of the mythical Hollywood sign (Hollywood Sign), located on Mount Lee Hill. This huge sign with the white letters of the word Hollywood , which has appeared in a multitude of movies, we could say without fear of being wrong, that it is the great icon of Los Angeles . Created in 1923 as part of an advertising campaign, it has suffered several damages due to acts of vandalism, so access is restricted and it is protected by a fence that surrounds it. In addition, several residents, tired of the tourists, have put up false signs indicating that the Hollywood cartel is not reached on their street. Despite all these inconveniences, good photos can be taken from afar from the intersection of Franklin streets with N Beachwood Drive, although if you want to get closer you can go up Beachwood Drive to a sign announcing horse tours in the Hollywood  Hill s . In an hour you will be behind the letters with incredible views of Los Angeles . Other easy options to see the sign are Lake Hollywood Park and the Deronda Gate.

9. Little Tokyo

This neighborhood from the beginning of the 20th century is a small paradise for fans of the culture and gastronomy of the country of the rising sun. During a walk through Little Tokyo you can find shops with original items from Japan, open-air karaoke, Buddhist temples such as Koyasan, the James Irvine garden with the typical beauty of Japanese gardens, and above all, restaurants to try their delicious cuisine. As an anecdote, we will tell you that they say that it is here, in this neighborhood, where the famous California Rolls were created. To learn more about the history of this community and its imprint on the city, we recommend you visit the Japanese American Museum, which remembers how the Japanese were transferred to confined areas during World War II.

Little Tokyo 10. La Brea Tar Pits The La Brea Tar Pits, a group of tar pits that have become one of the most important fossil deposits in the world, is one of the  most curious places to see in Los Angeles  . For thousands of years, tar or pitch has been seeping from the ground, trapping animals and perfectly preserving their bones such as those of mammoths, American lions, ground sloths, short-faced bears, and even a saber-toothed cat. A few meters from La Brea Tar Pits is the Petersen Museum, which has a collection of 250 vehicles ranging from the early 20th century to the most current sports cars. After both visits, you can go to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), one of the most important art museums in the city that has a collection of paintings by great masters such as Picasso and has some photogenic streetlights outside. Although if you are a big fan of art we advise you to drive to the Getty Center, a huge complex located in the middle of the Santa Monica Mountains and with some of the best works in the history of art.

Visiting hours: Wednesday to Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

11. Malibu Beaches

Another of the  best things to do in Los Angeles  is to take the car and drive along the coastal road that leads to Malibu, a perfect area to spend a relaxing morning or have fun surfing. In addition to enjoying its kilometric beaches surrounded by a fantastic natural environment, you can see its wooden houses on the seafront where the rich and famous of Los Angeles take refuge. Among its most popular beaches is Zuma Beach and if you prefer tranquility, you have Point Dume State, more difficult to access and with a more beautiful natural environment.

12. Sunset Strip

Sunset Strip, with a dangerous past related to the mafia and gangsters, is today a place with a great leisure offer full of nightclubs, restaurants, shopping centers, shops and our latest proposal of places to visit in Los  Angeles  .  Located on a 2-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard, it has several mythical places such as The Roxy  and  Wiskie a Go Go concert halls, where Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin and The Doors played, as well as famous clubs frequented by stars from Hollywood as  The Viper Room , in which actor River Phoenix died. You can also have fun with stand-up comedy at The Comedy Store or head to the Hollywood Bowl for an outdoor concert.

Hope you have a lot of joy while visiting your favorite L.A. places!

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How to Spend Three Days in Los Angeles: A 2023 Itinerary

According to Travel and Leisure magazine, Los Angeles is one of the top 25 places to travel in 2021, and for good reason. Habitually perfect weather, miles of sandy beaches, and countless unique destinations, you could easily spend a lifetime exploring this marvellous city.

Having lived in Los Angeles for over twenty years, I’ve had the opportunity to take visiting friends and family members on some pretty epic fun-filled days around Los Angeles. And with so many attractions, it takes a local to know the best places to go, especially when you only have three days to see it all.

Los Angeles is well known for its perpetual sunshine; while this makes visiting the sights more pleasurable, keep in mind the summer months can get hot. The beaches and mountains are the coolest places to be in the summer, and the inland areas are usually hotter. The majority of the rain in Southern California occurs during the winter months.

My greatest recommendation for visitors to Los Angeles is to rent a car. Since the areas and attractions are so spread out, dealing with public transportation will use up precious exploration time and most likely lead to your losing your mind. This itinerary on how to spend three days in Los Angeles is jam-packed with attractions, adventures, and iconic Los Angeles landmarks.

You’re going to have a fantastic time.

Day One: Hollywood, Burbank, and Glendale

Day one is centered in the Hollywood, Burbank, and Glendale areas. Today’s itinerary includes the well-known Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, and an opportunity to visit the beautiful Griffith Park and the Griffith observatory. If you still have energy to burn after that, I’ve got a great restaurant and comedy club recommendation for you.

First Up: the Hollywood Walk of Fame

This iconic Hollywood landmark is best visited first thing in the morning since parking can sometimes be a bit of a hassle. It’s free to visit and open 24/7 so you need not worry about operating hours. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is located at Hollywood Blvd and Vine Street in Los Angeles.

This infamous sidewalk is host to more than 2500 brass stars, each honoring both current movie stars and legends of old. 

The stars line both sides of the sidewalk for 15 blocks along Hollywood Boulevard. It’s fun to walk the streets for a while and try and remember some of the shows or movies each star was in.

Even musicians like Elton John and Christina Aguilera are honored with a star in their name. Keep your eyes peeling, too: occasionally there’ll be a ceremony taking place on the streets, where an actor or musician is presented with their very own brass star. If you time your visit well, you might end up catching a glimpse of them.

Universal Studios

You can’t visit Los Angeles and not go to Universal Studios. This fun-filled theme park has rides, dining, and shopping, along with entertainment and special events. In fact, you could probably spend your three days entirely within the gates of the park!

Some of the best rides include The Secret Life of Pets and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Universal Studios has spectacular special events on a revolving basis, especially around Halloween and the holidays. It’s a good idea to get tickets ahead of time, especially for any special events that coincide with your trip.

Universal CityWalk is in the same complex but it’s an entirely different bucket of fun. From shopping and restaurants to movie theatres and a bowling alley, there’s plenty of options for the entire family.

Universal Studios is located at  100 Universal City PLZ, Los Angeles: you’ll know you’re there when you see the giant Minion rising into the sky.

Universal Studios is open 9 am-8 pm Monday Through Friday and 9 am-8 pm on the weekends.

Griffith Park

A short distance from Universal Studios, you’ll find Griffith Park. Griffith Park is Los Angeles’s favorite outdoor playground. From bike rentals to hiking and horseback riding, this park has over 4,201 acres to explore.

Attractions include caves, hiking trails, a merry-go-round, kids train, swimming, playground, golfing, the Greek Theatre, and the L.A. Zoo. There are also plenty of tables and grassy areas to have a picnic too if you’d like.

The Griffith Observatory is also located at Griffith Park. If you happen to be in the park during their operating hours, it’s worth checking out. There are various shows and ongoing exhibits, but the best part is each evening, when free telescopes set up on the roof and lawn for the public to use.

Flappers Comedy Club and Restaurant

If you have any energy left after Griffith Park, there’s a good chance you’re up for a bite to eat and a good laugh. Swing by Flappers Comedy Club and Restaurant located 102 E Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA. 

Flappers Comedy Club is a great place to relax and have some food. The menu boasts a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and entrees. Cocktails are also served and there’s such a great vibe in this place: there’s nothing like a good meal and a good laugh.

Day Two: The Pacific Ocean

Day two takes you to the Pacific Ocean for a day of fun and adventure. From Marina Del Rey to Malibu, this beach day compresses a lot of what Los Angeles has to offer in a short amount of time. Start your day kayaking or paddle boarding and end it with an ocean sunset: today’s itinerary hugs the shoreline and shows you my favorite parts of the city.

Paddleboarding or Kayaking in Marina Del Rey

Marina Del Rey is the perfect place to start your day. When it comes to kayaking and paddleboarding, the morning is the best time to go. Usually, around noon the wind starts picking up, making it more difficult to paddle if there’s a headwind.              

There are plenty of kayak and paddleboard rental shops at Marina Del Rey, which is located south of Venice Beach. This is great for first-timers because you are in the marina and not out in the open ocean. Seals and sea lions can be spotted while paddling in Marina Del/Rey.

There’s ample parking in the parking area, especially on weekdays. There are also some unique restaurants and shops in the area. The paddleboard and kayak rental shops are also clustered in this quaint marina. 

Explore Venice Boardwalk

Venice beach is right next to Marina Del Rey. If you haven’t heard of Muscle Beach, it’s time you checked it out!  Venice Beach is an area like no other, with its store-lined boardwalk housing artists, musicians, and performers, it makes for one of the most unique experiences Los Angeles has to offer.

Venice beach hosts a skatepark, outdoor gym, souvenir shops, boutique shops, and of course the beach itself. There’s always a buzz of energy at this place. Be sure to stroll by Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym for bodybuilders and weightlifters, just to see what’s going on.

It’s fun to walk along the boardwalk and check out the shops and watch the performers. There are also artists creating and selling one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork. Aside from the boardwalk and adjoining beach, there’s also a path for walking, skating, and biking.

Venice Beach is located at 2100 Ocean Front, Venice, CA. There is paid and metered parking available close to the boardwalk, although you’ll have to walk a bit if you want free parking.

Scenic Malibu Hike to Solstice Canyon

Take the scenic Pacific Coast Highway north from Venice toward Malibu. The Solstice Canyon Trailhead is located off Corral Canyon Road in Malibu. This is a lovely drive with the Pacific Ocean on one side of the road and the Santa Monica Mountains on the other.

The Solstice Canyon Loop is an easy 3-mile walk on a well-maintained trail. The trail is flat and wide with little to no incline. Some parts of the trail are shaded while others are quite exposed.

This picturesque hike in the Santa Monica Mountains takes you to the remains of an old hunting cabin and a lovely waterfall. My favorite part about this hike is the hidden statue of The Virgin Mary nestled amongst some rocks near the river.

The parking area may fill up quickly since this is a popular hiking trail. There is additional parking on the side of the road but you may have to walk a little. Remember your water, hats, sunscreen, and leashes for your dogs. There are restrooms at the trailhead.

Refuel and Recharge at Moonshadows

By this time your belly might be growling so why not stop and get some food and refreshments at Moonshadows in Malibu. Moonshadows has a great menu serving brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktails. They also have vegetarian options and a kids’ menu. 

Moonshadows is located at 20356 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA, and is right on the Pacific Ocean. In fact, the patio is perched right over the sea. It’s really fun to come here and watch the ducks and seagulls play in the water while having a meal and a cocktail.

End Your Day With an Ocean Sunset

Depending on the time of year you visit, this juncture of your itinerary may be prime for catching a beautiful California sunset over the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

Geographically, it’s likely you’ll be heading south unless you are staying in Malibu or Ventura County, nonetheless, there is a myriad of places on the PCH to access the beach to catch the sunset.

As you travel back south on the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll see signs pointing right saying “coastal access.” If you can find some parking, these little access points are good places to get to the beach.

Another option as you are traveling down the Pacific Coast Highway is to just find some parking on the side of the road and scramble down to the beach. You’ll likely see surfers and other beachgoers milling around the popular access spots. Just be careful and watch out for traffic.

If the sun is about to go down and you still can’t find the perfect beach, consider Will Rogers State Beach. There is a small parking fee but the beach is beautiful and less crowded than Santa Monica Beach.

Day Three: Museum-Hopping to Santa Monica

The itinerary for day 3 includes a visit to some of Los Angeles County’s most impressive museums and galleries. Next, you’ll make a stop at the historic Santa Monica Pier and an authentic Mexican restaurant.

The La Brea Tar Pits

Start your morning in the ice age at the La Brea Tar Pits. These tar pits are the only active urban ice-age excavations in the world. Some of the fossils they have uncovered are dire wolves, saber-toothed cats, and mammoths.

The good news is, it’s free to visit the park which has an incredible display of larger fossils found in the pits, there is a charge for the museum. There is a lovely walking path that takes you around the pits giving you a chance to see this incredible display of ice-age fossils.

The La Brea Tar Pits Museum is right there too, located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles , the museum is definitely worth checking out. The museum has a fossil lab, excavation site and an ice-age encounters show. What I enjoy about this museum, is that they have movies like Titans of the Ice age in 3D which gives kids (and adults) an idea of what things were like during the ice age.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA , the Los Angeles County Museum of art is adjacent to the Tar Pits. This incredible museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Los Angeles. The museum opens at 10 am.

Whether you drive or walk a short distance from the Tar Pits to the museum, be sure to check out the Urban Light Project ; a stunning display of vintage street lamps from the 1920s to 1930s. This is part of the museum’s collection.

Aside from their current exhibitions, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art has ongoing collections of photography, art, and media as well as short films, documentaries, curated audio soundtracks, and live recordings. The museum is home to collections of Japanese, Asian, Islamic, and Latin American art as well as pieces by contemporary artists like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

You may have almost had your fill of museums by this point, but given its proximity to the LACMA, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a great place to discover some of the history and highlights behind the motion picture industry. This museum also boasts some pretty cool architecture. 

Some of the highlights of this captivating museum include filmmaking objects from the past and present, collections of written pieces, still images, and moving images used in creating some of our favorite films. My favorite part of this museum is the section with movie posters from the past; it’s fun to count how many you have seen.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is located at 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA , just a short distance from the other museums. The museum opens at 10 am and may require advanced reservations depending on the time of year and other restrictions. The museum has some restaurants as well as a gift shop. 

The Santa Monica Pier

By this time you probably know everything there is about the ice age, contemporary art, and how films are made. So now it’s time to head down to the Santa Monica Pier for some fun in the sun. The Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA .

The Santa Monica Pier is one of Los Angeles’s most celebrated landmarks. The Santa Monica Pier opened back in 1909 and is the western endpoint of the famous Route 66. There is so much to explore here, you likely won’t have time for everything.

Some of the must-see highlights of visiting the Santa Monica Pier are the historic merry-go-round, the Playland Arcade, and the Route 66 Sign. 

As you stroll the pier, you’ll see numerous retail carts offering everything from hats to souvenirs to sunglasses. There is also an impressive selection of places to grab a bite to eat. 

The Santa Monica Pier is also home to Pacific Park which offers rides like The West Coaster, The Pacific Plunge, and Shark Frenzy to name a few. There is so much to do here, you can literally spend an entire day just at this place.

If roller coaster rides are not your speed, there’s also the Heal the Bay Aquarium which is literally tucked in right beneath the pier. This aquarium focuses on protecting the bay and educating visitors on the conservation efforts taking place. I love this aquarium because it has over 100 exhibits of local species found in the surrounding waters.

End your day at Casa Martin

I’m sure by this time you’ve had many opportunities to try some California Cuisine like kale salad and avocado toast. Being so close to the border, Los Angeles is home to some of the finest Mexican fare. 

Casa Martin is a family-owned traditional Mexican restaurant located at 1654 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA, not too far from the Santa Monica Pier. The restaurant is clean and welcoming with traditional Mexican decor.

Casa Martin has an extensive menu serving traditional food from the Tepatitlan Jalisco region of Mexico; one of my favorite things to order is the shrimp ceviche tostadas. Casa Martin also serves up some pretty tasty cocktails and drinks.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Deciding where to stay in Los Angeles can be quite the tricky process. In a city so enormous, how do you narrow down which neighborhood is going to be best for your needs? Here’s a rundown of some of your options:

• Hollywood: Best for first-time visitors, with tons of tourist activities to keep you busy.
• Venice Beach: Great if you’re travelling on a budget, beside the ocean with ample opportunity for people-watching.
• Downtown Los Angeles: For culture vultures and museum buffs; you could spend weeks just checking out the museums here.
• West Hollywood: The perfect option for nightlife-lovers, and the heart of the LGBTQ+ community in L.A.

Where to stay on a tight budget: HI Santa Monica ($50 a night for a dorm; $160 for a private double) — the best rated hostel in the entire city, with the added bonus of an incredible location. You’ll be staying right beside the beach and Santa Monica pier, with easy access to restaurants, shopping, and the metro. With friendly staff, plenty of activities, and COVID-protocols to help keep you safe, this is a fantastic option for travelers on a budget.

Where to stay on a mid-range budget: Hollywood Celebrity Hotel ($170 a night for an executive king room) — This is a fantastic location, in the heart of Hollywood, but in a quiet area, so you’ll still be able to sleep at night. The staff are seriously lovely, putting everything they have into ensuring you have the trip of a lifetime, so it’s worth staying here for that alone. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and spacious. A true gem in Los Angeles

Where to stay on a luxury budget: Plaza la Reina ($318 a night for a studio suite) — What an absolutely stunning hotel! You’re in a great, central location with some seriously beautiful rooms! The area is peaceful and laidback, and will have you feeling as though you’re in Southern Spain, as opposed to the heart of L.A. If your budget allows, I can’t recommend this place highly enough.

Making the most of 3 Days in Los Angeles

Included in this itinerary are all the sights, attractions, and areas that give visitors a well-rounded experience in the City of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. 

You may find yourself running out of time to complete each day’s itinerary, that’s ok. The attractions for each day are clustered in areas where things are relatively close to each other; this way you can pick and choose your destinations and make the most of your three days in Los Angeles.

Author bio: Kristina Ritchie is a writer who was born in Australia and grew up in Africa. She was educated at Western Connecticut State University before finding her home in Southern California. She writes creatively on a variety of topics including holistic lifestyle, travel, and adventure writing. Having visited 15 countries and 48 states, along with thousands of miles on the trail with a backpack, Kristina continues to explore and write as often as possible. 

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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31 Best Things to Do in LA in January (2023)

Los Angeles in January is fantastic for those seeking warm, sunny weather and outdoor adventures. With average high temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low-70s, you can spend your days basking in the sun at the beach or exploring the beautiful hiking trails in the nearby mountains. You can also start the year with your choice of hit concerts, new dining experiences, and exciting sporting events in LA. Get ready to soak up all that LA has to offer with our guide to Los Angeles in January.

1. Ice at Santa Monica

While it may be sunny outside, you can enjoy a fun winter activity by skating at Ice in Santa Monica. This ice skating rink is in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica. The ice rink is large, leaving a good amount of room to skate freely on the 8000-square-foot ice. It's open until January 16 and on-site skate rentals are available.

Location: 1324 5th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Things to Do in LA ( TOP PICK )

2. hollywood sign hike.

Experience a bird’s-eye view of Los Angeles with this classic hiking experience. Everyone should visit Griffith Park's 53-mile-long network of trails at least once in their lifetime. The most famous trails head to right above the Hollywood Sign; making for some great photo opportunities.

Location: 2700 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027

3. Hollywood Crime and Haunted Tales

One of the last theatres built by film producer Alexander Pantages offers a walking experience of the history of Hollywood’s seedy underbelly. The visitors are advised to wear comfy shoes and expect anything during the tour. There are different stories told and interesting stops during the tour.

Location: 6233 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, CA 90028

4. Valley Relics Museum

This hidden gem of a museum offers a unique insight into the San Fernando Valley which consists of popular cities like Calabasas (Kardashians), Burbank (Movie Studios), and plenty more. They have themed events to apprise the visitors about the people who shaped the region as it appears.

Location: 16781 Stagg Street, Van Nuys, CA 91406

5. Chocolate Sundae Comedy

Come to the Laugh Factory, every Sunday, for Chocolate Sundae Comedy. A live comedy show featuring veterans as well as new performers to fill your night with laughs. Famous Hollywood artists like Kevin Hart, Kat Williams, and Tracy Morgan have all performed here.

Location: Hollywood 8001 Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90046

6. Urban Gardening Workshop

Want to try something completely different and environmentally friendly? Come to the Urban Gardening Workshop and find out how to beautify your home garden and create natural compost. The LA Sanitation and Environment specialists are here to help. The January agenda includes: fruit tree pruning and planting bare roots. The event usually takes place on Saturdays of every month.

Location: 5400 Griffith Park Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027

7. Cars and Coffee LA

Who doesn't love cars? Who doesn't love coffee? Well, you can have both at this event in LA on January 29th. The event showcases unique cars. Enthusiasts can attend it in a family-friendly environment. Many come to share their experiences and personal cars with the LA community.

Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027

8. Astra Lumina

Space is within reach and participants can now experience the galaxy by walking through it at Astra Lumina. This spectacular night walk leaves visitors in awe with a truly immersive experience. It’s arranged on an 87-acre botanic garden. Dates are flexible.

Location: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

9. Hollywood Carnival

Hollywood Carnival is a party presentation, celebration of multiple cultures. There are lots of different bands that perform during the January 27th event.

Location: 740 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014 United States

10. Speakeasy Bar Tour

Want to see tour into history of prohibition in LA? Walk to amazing places, have cocktails and enjoy delicious food while turning the pages of history. Check their website for tour dates.

Ready to party in 2023? Come see the two-time Grammy-nominated artist Tiësto, performing on January 27th at Exchange LA. One of the best DJs of all time, and considered the world's most traveled music artist, catch his event live in the city of LA.

Location: 618 S. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA, United States

12. Pre-Golden Globes Gala Red Carpet

The 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards are just around the corner. Skybar is hosting a pre-event red carpet gala at the end of the first week of January. Come join the star-studded night on the 7th of January.

Location: 8440 Sunset Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90069

13. El Cholo 100 Years

A classic Mexican restaurant celebrates its 100th birthday this year. Come grab some chips and salsa while sipping a refreshingly cold margarita right before you get your sizzling hot steak fajitas.

Location: 2310 E 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90033

14. Paint & Sip LA

Feeling artsy? What a great way to start the year by creating an art canvas during this interactive social event. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience for those who want to express themselves while sipping wine and chatting with fellow artists. Each event has a different art design so you can always come back for more.

Location: 1459 Venice Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90006

15. GZA Live at 1720

The famous rapper GZA is performing live at Crypto Arena on January 18th. He is presenting his second solo studio album Liquid Swords. You might even get lucky enough to play one-on-one chess the real GZA.

Location: 1720 East 16th Street Los Angeles, CA 90021

16. Plant-based Restaurant

Switching diets this year? Junkyard Dog offers a robust, plant-based menu, including Croissant Sandwiches, Truffle Mac, and Truffle Mushroom Burgers. Oh, and don't forget to try the yummy, plant-based pizza.

Location: 4330 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029

17. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Studios Hollywood offers an atmosphere of magic as you step in the world of Harry Potter. Don't miss the best attractions in the theme park. Make sure to experience the mysteries of Hogwarts™ castle and the other Harry Potter-themed rides.

Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

18. Forest Bathing

The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku is now available at the Arboretum in Los Angeles. Forest bathing reconnects man with nature and helps boost your mood and promotes natural healing. A certified guide helps you navigate the 127-acre botanical garden within the famous Arboretum.

Location: 301 North Baldwin Ave Arcadia, CA 91007

19. Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks

Don't miss seeing an extradoniary duel between Lebron James of the LA Lakers and Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks. This NBA event takes place on the Lakers home court; Crypto Arena. The match will be held on the 13th of the month and is one of the many sporting events worth watching in LA this January.

Location: 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

20. Set Active’s Retail Pop-Up

The label Set Active is a well-known brand in the activewear world and its flagship 2023 pop-up in LA will showcase Set’s core collection, limited drops, and exclusive merchandise to visitors.

Location: 8476 Melrose Ave, LA, CA

21. TEDxRoxburyPark

An event in Los Angeles where the "Ideas Worth Spreading" is going to be discussed. TEDx is known for having masterful speakers. The venue Million Dollar Theater will host these special seminars in LA.

Location: 307 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

22. Sips and Sweets

The Association has a special event, every Friday, that offers tequila tastings from a list of exquisite and premium categories. The tastings begin at 9 PM, but guests can continue to enjoy the night well beyond, listening to great DJs and dancing with their friends on the dance floor.

Location: 110 E 6th St Los Angeles, CA 90014

23. Open Mic at Flappers

Thinking of trying something new this year? If you want to give comedy a chance then come see (and join) Flappers Open Mics. Grab some drinks, share some laughter, and maybe catch a special performance by a famous comedian.

Location: 102 E Magnolia Blvd Burbank, CA 91502

24. Guided Nightlife Party Tour

The Los Angeles Club Crawl offers an experience to join the nightlife of Downtown LA. You'll have a party guide as well as a community of bar-hopping and club-dancing adventurers to mingle with.

Location: 830 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014

25. Disney Skate Night

Experience roller skating, Disney style! This special event at the Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale, offers rollerskate rentals for only 7 dollars. Don't miss it on January 20th.

Location: 5110 San Fernando Road Glendale, CA 91204

26. Dating and Matchmaking Event

Looking for love in the new year? The Next Fun Things gets a lot of people together to help you accomplish that goal. A good date is difficult to find in LA so why not take a chance on some curated, dating fun?

Location: 832 South Olive Street Los Angeles, CA 90014

27. Griffith Park Resolution Run

Are you one of the many people with a fitness resolution? If you are looking for a challenge then join this half marathon course which is 90% Griffith Park trails. The trail starts from the zoo and then goes to hills, with beautiful views. Be ready at 7 am on January 7th.

Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive Los Angeles, CA 90027

28. Salsa & Bachata Lessons

Whether it’s Salsa or Bachata – one can book a spot with the world-famous Javier Campines. Every Tuesday they offer a Salsa class and Wednesdays are booked for Bachata lessons. Beginners are welcome.

Location: 11606 San Vicente Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90049

29. Framing Architecture by Apple

Discover new ways to capture the architecture of the city with your iPhones or iPads. The Apple Store provides guides and information about the angles and lines for capturing the best details. This interactive event takes place on multiple dates in January at The Grove.

Location: 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA

30. Cheeseburger Week at Pasadena

It's time. For cheeseburger week. From January 22nd to January 27th, visitors can join Pasadena's special event. Take a cheeseburger challenge and enjoy different varieties of almost every kind of cheeseburger imagined.

Location: 1500 West Colorado, Pasadena, CA

31. Uncorked

Uncorked in LA showcases around 150 wines inside a venue full of entertainment, food, and other vendors. Don't miss the exclusive offering this month.

Location: 800 N Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

What's your favorite thing to do in LA in January? Did we miss one of your favorites? Comment below and let us know. If you are looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles, be sure to subscribe to the LA Today VIP list to stay up-to-date with the newest attractions, hidden secrets, and best events. 🌴 LA TODAY

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Best Things To Do in Los Angeles, California

Are you looking for what to do in Los Angeles?

PLACES TO SEE

• Venice Boardwalk: Venice boardwalk is one of the liveliest spots at Venice, Los Angeles. You will see street vendors and performers through this spot. You will be able to see a true mix of what makes up Los Angeles by spending a day here.
• Grauman’s Chinese Theatre: Feel the feet and hand prints of hundreds of stars that have come and gone. Preserved forever in front of the theatre, this spot attracts millions of tourists every year. The tourists are from around the world. It is a good place where you can also take your family and enjoy the day there.
• Santa Monica Beach: Golden sand and shining seas, perfect for lazing the day away, if you want to release that stress in you then come to Santa Monica Beach. Again this beach attracts millions of tourists each and every year.
• Hollywood Walk of Fame: Take a walk down the star studded path to see the official star plaques awarded to celebrities over the years. This is a place to visit if you happen to go to Los Angeles, you have a great time here.
• Hollywood Sign: Take a hike up to the famous Hollywood letters etched along the side of the mountain. You can take in breathtaking views of the city from this point.
• Hollywood Bowl: Catch your favorite team playing or watch a live performance by one of your favourite artists. This venue has a lot to offer to you in terms of entertainment.
• Universal Studios Hollywood: Take a desepecable me ride or sit in the bat-mobile. You can do and see everything related to your favorite films here. 
• Griffith Park : Griffith park stretches over 4000 acres of land and is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. You should visit this place for a nice picnic or a quiet stroll to gather your thoughts.
• Griffith Observatory : This observatory offers you telescopes and other things that are required to magnify the celestial bodies. If astronomy is your thing, then do not miss out on this spot. 
• Disneyland : This one pretty much describes itself. You have Mickey, Donald, the entire disney world. Filled with fun rides, candies and amazing activities, this is the time you bring out the kid in you!
• La Brea Tar Pits: The La Brea Tar Pits is a group of tar pits around which Hancock Park was formed in urban area of Los Angeles. Natural asphalt has seeped up from the ground in this area for tens of thousands of years. The tar is often covered with dust, leaves, or water.
• Santa Monica Pier: The Santa Monica Pier is a 100 year old landmark. The large double-jointed pier located at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica,California and is prominent.
• Staples Center: Staples Center is a large multi-purpose sports arena situated in Los Angeles. It is located adjacent to live L.A, next to the Los Angeles Convention Center complex along Figueroa Street.
• Walt Disney Concert Hall: Country music, Contemporary music or World music, whatever your choice maybe- you are in for a treat. Definitely remember to visit this place.
• Los Angeles Zoo : If you have kids with you then Los Angeles Zoo is the perfect option for a day-spend. 
• Dolby Theatre : The name is enough for any movie lover and theater lover. You should definitely make it a point to catch a show here. 
• Museum of Contemporary Art : This museum has on display some of the best works from some really renowned artists and is definitely worth visiting. 
• Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: You want to practically come and see the evolution of humankid, there is no better place then the NAtural History Museum of Los Angeles County. 
• L.A. Live: This place is your one stop solution for everything that you need related to entertainment in Los Angeles. 
• Dodger Stadium: This is the home field of LA dodgers. It is one of the best baseball fields in the country. 

THINGS TO DO

• Shopping: Grand Central Market, Central Plaza Chinatown and Malibu Country Mart are perfect brewing spots to finding the best deals on the best items.
• Eateries: Simply walk the streets to find cafés and restaurants that offer up the best in American fries and burgers or even pizzas. Try Camponile or Europane for a more comprehensive menu.
• Nightlife: The Mandrake, Polo Lounge and Echo are a few of the popular hot spots in the city for celebrities, star watchers and tourists alike. There are also casinos everywhere and if you are a gambler, then Los Angeles is one place you should visit.

Below we have a list of things to do in Los Angeles and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Los Angeles getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Los Angeles with confidence.

• Adventure activities in Los Angeles
• Things to do with Family & Kids in Los Angeles
• Leisure Activities in Los Angeles
• Entertainment Activities in Los Angeles
• Historical Places in Los Angeles
• Museums in Los Angeles
• Art & Cultural Attractions in Los Angeles

Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles

Here is the list of things to do in Los Angeles and tourist attractions in city.

Universal Studios

Theme Park, Food And Drinks, Entertainment, Rides

Santa Monica Pier

Landmark, Pier

The Griffith Observatory

Museum, Science Museum, Park, Landmark

Hollywood Bowl

Performance, Theatre, Concert, Architecture

The J Paul Getty Museum

Art And Culture, Art Museum, Museum, History Museum

Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Walking Area

The Grammy Museum

Art And Culture, Museum

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Beach, Walking Area, Food And Drinks, Restaurant

Amusement Park, Entertainment, Leisure

California Science Center

Exhibition , Workshop

3rd Street Promenade

Outdoors, Walking Area, Food And Drinks, Streets

In-n-out Burger

Food And Drinks, Dine In

Universal City Walk

Hollywood Sign

Santa Monica Bay

• Created with Fabric.js 5.2.4

2 Hrs 30 Mins

What is the amusement ride that is in a skyscraper in Los Angeles

The U.S. Bank Tower has the SkySlide ride in Los Angeles. 

Would like to view a taping of a show on April 16. Have a 12 year old traveling with us. There are 3 total.

I suggest you ask the locals around as they would be able to help you in the best possible way. 

Looking to book a group tour of 8 for April 6th from La Quinta Lax for late morning if possible as we depart from cruise ship in morning Want to see as much of LA as possible Need a quote for tour Thank-you Cathy

Please send in the details of your requirements at [email protected]  and we shall contact you soon. 

What community based food waste reuse and composting programs are there in LA area

I have only heard about Nu-Way Service and you can contact them on 626-840-6300. But, I am sure there would be different composting programs as well. 

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5 Of The Best Places To Visit In Los Angeles For 2023

Zinger key points.

• Los Angeles has no shortage of must-visit places.
• Among the choices is a museum famed for its collection.

Los Angeles , or simply L.A., is a renowned global city known for its glitz, glamour and movie magic. With a never-ending list of attractions, it's easy to see why it's one of the world's top tourist destinations.

While there are countless places to explore in L.A., we've compiled a list highlighting the top five must-visit places in 2023.

• First on our list is the iconic Griffith Observatory . This popular attraction sits atop the hills of Griffith Park and offers breathtaking views of the city. With a planetarium, exhibits and telescopes, the observatory is a phenomenal place to learn about astronomy and the universe.
• Next on the list is the historic Hollywood Boulevard . Home to the famous TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Dolby Theatre, this famous stretch of road attracts millions of tourists every year. Among other activities, you can take in a movie at the iconic theatre or wander through the stars on the Walk of Fame.
• The third must-visit destination is the Getty Center . This museum and research center houses an impressive collection of art, architecture and gardens. It's a great place to learn about European art and architecture while enjoying stunning views of Los Angeles.
• Fourth on our list is the Santa Monica Pier . This attraction is a historic landmark that offers beachfront amusement park rides, shopping, dining and live music. It is a great spot to enjoy the California sunshine and take in the lively atmosphere.
• Last, but not least. is Universal Studios Hollywood . As one of the largest movie studios in the world, Universal Studios is a place where someone can step into the world of movies and television shows. With rides, attractions and shows, this Hollywood theme park is an entertainment mecca.

See Also:  AI is Quickly Becoming the Hottest Startup Investing Trend of 2023

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15 National Burrito Day deals to fill your pocket with savings

Whether you like to fill them with meat or prefer them strictly vegetarian, think of them as the ultimate breakfast food or prefer them as a late-night snack, burritos are a versatile dish that deserves to be celebrated in a major way.

On Thursday, April 4, the world will pay homage to the beloved Mexican wrap on National Burrito Day, and many restaurants are cooking up deals, discounts and freebies for the occasion. Here are a few we plan to chow down on.

When loyalty members buy one burrito at participating Baja Fresh between April 1 — 4, they’ll get another for free using the code BURRITO2024. If you’re not a current loyalty member, you can sign up to receive the offer.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos

When loyalty members buy one burrito at Bubbakoo’s Burritos on April 4, they’ll get a coupon for another free one. The offer is valid at all locations and the coupon is redeemable at a future date.

In honor of National Burrito Day, Chipotle is rolling out a new interactive game, Burrito Vault. Here’s how it works: Visit unlockburritoday.com starting at 12 p.m. PT on April 2 and 3.

If you’re one of the first 50,000 players to guess the correct Chipotle order each day and unlock the Burrito Vault, you’ll score a BOGO code (redeemable on April 4) and be entered into a sweepstakes for the chance to win free burritos for a year. Players have four chances to win each day.

In addition, Chipotle is offering rewards members $0 delivery on April 4 with the code DELIVER online and in the app at participating U.S. and Canada locations. The offer is valid with a minimum $10 order and a maximum $200 order and isn’t valid on catering, Burritos by the Box orders or third-party delivery.

Del Taco rewards members who spend $10 at participating locations on April 4 will get a free burrito. The offer is valid on app and online orders and is limited to one per guest. It’s not valid with other discounts or with third-party delivery.

Dog Haus rewards members will find a buy one, get one free offer in the restaurant’s app on April 4. It’s valid at all locations.

El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco is serving up four different offers for National Burrito Day between April 1 — 4.

• April 1: $0 delivery fee on all app or online orders. The offer isn’t valid with other deals or third-party delivery.
• April 2: $10 bonus card for each $50 eGift card purchased online , redeemable by May 2, 2024.
• April 3: El Pollo Loco’s Instagram page will share codes for free burritos or a percentage off a burrito purchase for this day only.
• April 4: Rewards members will get a buy one, get one free (of equal or lesser value and not valid on combos) burrito offer valid on this day only.

Moe’s Southwest Grill

On April 4, Moe’s Southwest Grill has a buy one, get one free deal on burritos and bowls. The offer is valid when you order online, in the Moe’s app or in-store at participating locations nationwide. The free item must be of equal or lesser value (add-ons, extras, premium proteins, taxes, fees and catering are excluded), and the offer isn’t valid with other offers or third-party delivery.

In addition, Moe’s is running a National Burrito Day giveaway on April 4 and will offer 100 customers the opportunity to win free burritos for a year (52 burrito rewards, one issued each week of the year). Customers can enter in one of two ways:

• Rewards members: “Check in” with your rewards account (aka place an order in the app, scan a receipt, etc.).
• Other customers: Enter on Instagram  and  Facebook by commenting and tagging a friend on the restaurant's National Burrito Day post.

On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina

On April 4, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina customers can get $5 off the restaurant's Big Bordurrito, (made with fajita chicken or steak) or a Classic Burrito or Chimichanga. The offer can be redeemed at participating locations in-restaurant, online or on to-go orders using the code 5OFFBURRITO.

On April 4, Pokeworks customers can get $2 off a regular or large “Poke Your Way” burrito at participating locations.

National Burrito Day is kind of a big deal at Qdoba . On April 4, rewards members will be treated to a free burrito when they buy an entrée and drink. The offer is valid online, in the app or in restaurants.

Rubio’s Coastal Grill

All burritos will be just $8.99 at Rubio’s Coastal Grill on April 4. Customers can choose from several options, including the California Burrito, Shrimp and Bacon Burrito, Puerto Nuevo Burrito and the Chicken Burrito Especial.

To redeem the offer, order one or multiple burritos in the Rubio’s app and use the code BURRITO or scan the  QR code  in-restaurant.

Between April 4 — 6 Sheetz customers can get $2 off made-to-order burritos at all locations. To score the deal, simply clip the offer in the Sheetz app.

Taco John ’ s

Taco John’s  loyalty program members will be treated to $2 off any Meat and Potato Burrito Combo on April 4. To score the deal, you need to download the app and sign up for Bigger Bolder Rewards by April 3.

Tocaya Modern Mexican

Tocaya Modern Mexican ’s email subscribers will score free chips and guac when they buy any burrito on National Burrito Day.

Verve Culture

Prefer to make your own burritos at home? Verve Culture is offering TODAY.com readers 15% off its Red Tortilla Press Kit  and XL Tortilla Press through April 18 using the code TODAYTORT.

From April 4 — 8, Wahoo’s  is discounting two of its burritos — the Citrus Slaw and Outer Reef — to $10.95. Not sure which one to choose? Here’s a description of each:

• Outer Reef: made with your preferred protein, cheese, lettuce rice, beans and green sauce
• Citrus Slaw: made with your preferred protein, cheese, citrus slaw, roasted tomato salsa, rice and beans

Fans who crack the code in Chipotle’s Burrito Vault have a chance to unlock a Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) offer* to enjoy on Thursday, April 4

Chrissy Callahan covers a range of topics for TODAY.com, including fashion, beauty, pop culture and food. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching bad reality TV and consuming copious amounts of cookie dough.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces sweeping sex-trafficking inquiry: What the feds have, need to prove

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Over the last few months, a legendary name in the music world has faced a series of shocking allegations of sexual abuse.

In civil lawsuits, four women have accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of rape, assault and other abuses, dating back three decades. One of the allegations involved a minor. The claims sent shock waves through the music industry and put Combs’ entertainment empire in jeopardy.

Now, the hip-hop mogul’s legal troubles have worsened considerably.

Law enforcement sources told The Times that Combs is the subject of a sweeping inquiry into sex-trafficking allegations that resulted in a federal raid Monday at his estates in Los Angeles and Miami.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ L.A., Miami homes raided in sex-trafficking inquiry, sources say

Agents search Sean Combs’ Holmby Hills and Miami mansions as part of a federal inquiry into sex trafficking allegations, law enforcement sources said.

March 26, 2024

Authorities have declined to comment on the case, and Combs has not been charged with any crime. But the scene of dozens of Department of Homeland Security agents — guns drawn — searching Combs’ properties underscored the seriousness of the investigation.

At the same time as the raids, police in Miami arrested Brendan Paul, a man described in a recent lawsuit against Combs as a confidant and drug “mule.” Miami-Dade police took Paul, 25, into custody on suspicion of possession of cocaine and a controlled substance-laced candy, records show.

Paul was arrested at Miami Opa-Locka Executive Airport, where TMZ posted video showing Combs walking around Monday afternoon. An affidavit reviewed by the Miami Herald alleged that police working with Homeland Security found drugs in Paul’s bag. There is nothing in Miami court records connecting Combs to Paul, who was later released on $2,500 bail.

The arrest, however, is the latest in a string of legal woes tied to Combs.

Sources with knowledge of the sex-trafficking investigation into Combs, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said federal authorities have interviewed at least three women, but it’s unclear whether any are among those who have filed suit.

Behind the calamitous fall of hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

In the wake of multiple lawsuits filed against him, former members of Combs’ inner circle told The Times that his alleged misconduct against women goes back decades.

Dec. 13, 2023

Legal experts say it could take time to build a criminal case against Combs but note that the civil suits could offer investigators a road map.

Dmitry Gorin, a former L.A. County sex-crimes prosecutor who is now in private practice, said the allegations in the lawsuits would likely have been enough for a judge to grant search warrants for Combs’ homes.

Investigators probably would seek authorization to “search for videos or photographs on any devices connected to the target ... anywhere where digital images can be found in connection to sexual conduct that would have been recorded,” Gorin said.

Shawn Holley, an attorney for Combs, did not respond to requests for comment, but Aaron Dyer, another of his lawyers, on Tuesday called the raids a “witch hunt” and “a gross overuse of military-level force.”

“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences,” Dyer said in a statement. “This unprecedented ambush — paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence — leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations.”

Combs has previously denied any wrongdoing.

Gorin and other legal experts said investigators could be focused, in part, on the sexual assault allegations involving a minor. If a minor is moved across state lines for the purpose of sex, “that is enough for at least an argument ... of sex trafficking because somebody underage cannot consent,” Gorin said.

“Sex trafficking for adults usually involves some sort of coercion or other restraints,” he said, and can be tougher to prove. Prosecutors would need to show you “encouraged somebody to engage in sexual activity for money or some other inducement.”

Coercion, he added, is not limited to threats of violence. It could involve being held against one’s will or someone simply saying, “I don’t want to participate in group sex, and now I’m being forced to.”

Homeland Security investigates most sex-trafficking operations for the federal government. Legal experts say one possibility why the agency could be involved in this case is because the women involved in the allegations against Combs could be from other countries.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sexual harassment suit includes notable music industry names

A new suit from music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones makes new, explosive claims about Combs’ alleged assaults and misconduct in granular detail, naming several prominent artists and music executives as well.

Feb. 28, 2024

Meghan Blanco, a defense attorney who has handled sexual trafficking cases, said they can be “incredibly difficult cases to prove.”

“They have [in the Combs case] convinced one or more federal magistrates they had enough probable cause for one or more search warrants,” Blanco said. “Given the scope of the investigation, it seems they are further along than most investigations.”

Combs’ legal troubles have been building for months.

His former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, the singer known as Cassie, accused him of rape and repeated physical assaults and said he forced her to have sex with male prostitutes in front of him. Joi Dickerson-Neal accused Combs in a suit of drugging and raping her in 1991, recording the attack and then distributing the footage without her consent.

Liza Gardner filed a third suit in which she claimed Combs and R&B singer Aaron Hall sexually assaulted her. Hall could not be reached for comment.

Another lawsuit alleges that Combs and former Bad Boy label president Harve Pierre gang-raped and sex-trafficked a 17-year-old girl. Pierre said in a statement that the allegations were “disgusting,” “false” and a “desperate attempt for financial gain.”

After the filing of the fourth suit, Combs wrote on Instagram: “Enough is enough. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy. Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”

Last month, producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones filed a federal lawsuit against Combs accusing him of sexually harassing and threatening him for more than a year. The suit includes mention of Paul in connection with “the affairs ... involving dealing in controlled substances.”

On Monday, the suit was amended to include Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. as a co-defendant in the lawsuit.

Cuba Gooding Jr. added as co-defendant in Lil Rod’s lawsuit against Diddy

Cuba Gooding Jr. is added as a co-defendant in a lawsuit against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. Record producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones accuses the actor of sexual assault.

Blanco said prosecutors “are going to look carefully for corroboration — the numbers of people accusing the person of similar acts.” Beyond that, they will be looking for videos, recordings and cellphone records that place people in the same locations or text messages or other discussions at the time of the alleged acts.

She said prosecutors are trying to build a record of incidents that happened some time ago.

Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for Ventura and another, unnamed plaintiff, said in response to reports of the search warrant issued against Combs: “We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”

Wigdor on Tuesday called his clients “courageous and credible witnesses.”

“To the extent there is a prosecution and they want our clients to testify truthfully,” he said, “I think they will and that will be damning evidence.”

The searches Monday in L.A. and Miami sparked worldwide attention.

Diddy’s ‘Love’ producer Lil Rod accuses him and associates of sexual assault, illicit behavior

Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones has filed a bombshell lawsuit against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs accusing the media mogul of sexually harassing and threatening him.

Feb. 27, 2024

His 17,000-square-foot Holmby Hills mansion, where Combs debuted his last album a year ago, was flooded with Homeland Security agents who gathered evidence on behalf of an investigation being run by the Southern District of New York, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the inquiry.

Two of Combs’ sons were briefly detained at the Holmby Hills property as agents searched the mansion in footage captured by FOX11 Los Angeles.

Both Blanco and Gorin said prosecutors will have to examine the accusers’ motives for coming forward and whether they are motivated by financial gain. They are sure to look for inconsistencies in any allegations, they said.

Any defense, Blanco added, will question why the accusers are only now coming forward and whether they have an incentive beyond justice.

“It comes down to credibility,” she said.

Times staff writers Stacy Perman and Nardine Saad contributed to this report.

More to Read

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ ex says feds ‘terrorized’ her sons, posts dramatic video of L.A. raid

April 2, 2024

Diddy returns to Instagram, amid federal probe, to celebrate Easter with youngest daughter

April 1, 2024

Feds want Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ communications, flight records in sex-trafficking probe

March 29, 2024

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Richard Winton is an investigative crime writer for the Los Angeles Times and part of the team that won the Pulitzer Prize for public service in 2011. Known as @lacrimes on Twitter, during almost 30 years at The Times he also has been part of the breaking news staff that won Pulitzers in 1998, 2004 and 2016.

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Vote for your favorite public market!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

A visit to a public market often offers insight into a community through its foods and artisan goods. Many of these 20 public markets — nominated as the best in the U.S. by a panel of experts — occupy historic landmark buildings as well. Which is your favorite for getting the flavor of a city? Vote once per day until polls close on Monday, April 15 at noon ET. The winning markets, as determined by your vote, will be announced on Wednesday, April 24. Read the official  Readers' Choice rules .

A visit to a public market often offers insight into a community through its foods and artisan goods. Many of these 20 public markets — nominated as the best in the U.S. by a panel of experts — occupy historic...   Read More

Best Public Market Nominees

Photo courtesy of Bearwalk Cinema

Boston Public Market

Boston, Massachusetts

This year-round, indoor market features around 30 New England food producers and artisans selling fresh produce, prepared foods, crafts, and other specialty items. Everything sold comes from New England, with a focus on seasonality.

Photo courtesy of Chicago French Market

Chicago French Market

Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago French Market was founded in 2009 as a way to bring a European-inspired market to the city while supporting the local food movement. The market features a collection of more than 30 vendors selling fresh ingredients, grab-and-go meals, and artisan foods from around the globe.

Photo courtesy of Paolo Paradiso // Getty Images

Eastern Market DC

Washington, D.C.

Since 1873, Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market has been Washington D.C.’s destination for local farm-fresh goods and handmade arts and crafts. Indoor merchants offer flowers, baked items, meats and cheeses, and in the outdoor open-air venue, local farmers sell their produce year-round. 

Photo courtesy of Eastern Market Partnership

Eastern Market Detroit

Detroit, Michigan

Thousands of locals and visitors head to Detroit's Eastern Market each week, where they find more than 225 independent merchants and vendors selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to antiques and home goods.

Photo courtesy of Marco Calderon

Easton Public Market

Easton, Pennsylvania

This public market is an outgrowth of Easton Farmers' Market, the oldest, continuous open-air market in the United States. The Public Market enhances that experience with a demonstration kitchen and community room, along with artisanal food vendors. So, you can take a class on how to use those gorgeous mushrooms, strawberries, and hand-carved meats you just picked up.

Photo courtesy of The Ferry Building

Ferry Building Marketplace

San Francisco, California

San Francisco’s historic Ferry Building Marketplace, located along the Embarcadero, showcases small regional producers and celebrates the diversity of the Bay Area. Merchants sell a bit of everything — produce, baked goods, coffee, tea, prepared foods, artisan cheese, and imported products — all within the 1898 landmark building.

Photo courtesy of Erin Matulis, Corporation for Findlay Market

Findlay Market

Cincinnati, Ohio

This public market is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market and a Cincinnati institution. Situated in the heart of the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, the market features more than 50 full-time merchants selling a range of ingredients and prepared foods.

Photo courtesy of MesquitaFMS / E+ Getty Images

Grand Central Market

Los Angeles, California

A fixture and beloved landmark on the Los Angeles landscape, Grand Central Market has been in operation since 1917 in its handsome, sturdy Beaux-Arts-style building. Through the generations, the 30,000-square-foot market has steadily featured the best of California ingredients, as well as top chefs and entrepreneurs.

Photo courtesy of bowie15 // Getty Images

Indianapolis City Market

Indianapolis, Indiana

This historic gathering place houses eateries, artisans, local farmers' stalls, and even a barbershop. For a real peek into the beginnings of the Indianapolis City Market, sign up for a tour of the Romanesque catacombs, long hidden beneath the market floor.

Photo courtesy of Laura Bly / USA TODAY

Lancaster Central Market

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Established in 1730, Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continuously operating indoor public market in the country, and it offers the best of bucolic Pennsylvania Dutch Country under one historic roof. Locals love that its open three days per week, allowing visitors to snag fresh fixings to cook at home or a yummy bite to eat from more than 65 local vendors.

Photo courtesy of @Lexington Market

Lexington Market

Baltimore, Maryland

Opened in 1782, Lexington Market got spiffy new digs in 2023. It's been a vital part of this diverse neighborhood west of downtown for centuries, and more than 50% of market businesses are Black-owned. It's open six days a week for mac and cheese delights, baseball-sized crab cakes, and made-to-order doughnuts, along with plenty of fresh produce, meats, and seafood to cook at home.

Photo courtesy of Matt Tell

Midtown Global Market

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Midtown Global Market, part of a mixed-use development in the former Sears building, is a vibrant cultural hub that offers a unique blend of global cuisine, local arts, and lively community events. Visitors can explore an array of international food stalls serving up authentic dishes, shop for handmade crafts and gifts, and participate in cultural celebrations that showcase the diverse heritage of the community. 

Photo courtesy of Christopher Zaborsky

Milwaukee Public Market

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Billed as "a gathering place where great taste is always in season," Milwaukee Public Market offers local baked goods, cheeses, meats, produce, and prepared eats. Choose goodies from nearly 20 vendors and enjoy your selection in the Palm Garden seating area on the second level. Or learn how to make your own fare at Madam Kuony's demonstration kitchen, where cooking classes are offered multiple times weekly. 

Photo courtesy of North Market

North Market Downtown

Columbus, Ohio

Open since 1876, this historic public market has everything to make a foodie smile. Made up of local merchants and farmers, featuring such delectable treats as fresh pierogies and vegan soul food, North Market Downtown includes spaces for eating and has a satellite location 15 miles north in the town of Dublin.

Photo courtesy of The Original Farmers Market

The Original Farmers Market

What began as a collection of farm stands in the hinterlands west of downtown LA in the 1930s has grown to become an epicurean paradise. More than 100 specialty shops, gourmet grocers, and eateries from many cultures tempt your taste buds. Some, like Du-par's Pie Shop, have been around almost 90 years! 

Photo courtesy of Ryan Lahiff

Oxbow Public Market

Napa, California

The 40,000-square-foot Oxbow Public Market in Napa serves as a community gathering place for good food and wine. The merchant lineup includes local food vendors, regional farmers, and artisan cafes. Guests can enjoy their purchases on the outdoor deck with views of the Napa River.

Photo courtesy of Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market

Seattle, Washington

Pike Place Market often appears on must-see lists for Seattle visitors, and it's worth the hype. Situated along the water, the market was originally founded to allow produce growers to sell directly to consumers. Today, it's a protected historic district that inundates visitors with sights, sounds, smells, delicious food, and the best people-watching in town. 

Photo courtesy of Gab Bonghi

Reading Terminal Market

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The historic Reading Terminal Market has been sustaining Philadelphians since 1893. Naturally, you can grab a cheesesteak, but sushi, crepes, and Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels are also in the mix, along with a host of butchers, bakers, and local makers. Finish it all off with a scoop from Bassetts Ice Cream, the market's first tenant still going strong 130 years on.

Photo courtesy of Nicole Franzen

Tin Building by Jean-Georges

New York City, New York

This marriage between a world-renowned chef and a public market has created one swanky spot for food lovers. The Tin Building houses a collection of curated groceries, fine dining, and fast casual and drinking spots, all by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Whether you're craving an egg sandwich for breakfast, steak frites, plant-based gourmet, or even Chinese-inspired fare, you can find it — in style.

Photo courtesy of Destination Cleveland

West Side Market

Cleveland, Ohio

West Side Market has been feeding hungry Clevelanders for over 100 years. Nibble on a from-scratch doughnut or pastry while you shop for fine meats and fresh vegetables, fresh seafood, baked goods, dairy and cheese products, and even fresh flowers. There are also booths that sell ready-to-eat foods, herbs, and nuts. 

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Allison levine.

Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate,...   Read More

Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate, a boutique agency specializing in marketing and event planning for the wine and spirits industry. With over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and event planning, Allison is passionate about the world around her and the diverse people in it. Allison holds a master’s degree in international communications with a focus on cross-cultural training from the American University School of International Service and holds a WSET Level 3 Certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). As an industry expert, she has worked with wine regions around the world.  She has traveled extensively and has lived abroad in Italy, Spain, and Mexico where she developed her passion for food and wine. Her work allows her to live life to the fullest and, as a freelance writer, Allison communicates her experiences in articles, as well as in her blog. Allison is the US Host for the international podcast Wine Soundtrack where she interviews winemakers and gets to know them in 30 questions, and she is co-host of the YouTube wine series Crush On This. Her website is  www.pleasethepalate.com   and you can follow her on Instagram @plsthepalate .

Lori Sorrentino

"Lori Sorrentino is an award-winning photographer...   Read More

"Lori Sorrentino is an award-winning photographer and freelance travel writer and blogger, who writes about slow food and slow travel on her blog  Travlinmad  with a mission to  Eat Local, Travel Slow . She also publishes  Italy Foodies , about food travel in Italy, and the  Naples Florida Travel Guide  an insider's guide for travelers heading to sunny SWFL. A former destination marketing manager, her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Tages-Anzeiger, and The Huffington Post among others. Originally from New Jersey, when she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Florida writing about the Paradise Coast and the Everglades."

Nicholas Dekker

Nicholas Dekker, aka Dr. Breakfast, is a food and...   Read More

Nicholas Dekker, aka Dr. Breakfast, is a food and travel writer based in central Ohio, writing his award-winning blog  Breakfast With Nick  since 2007, where he and his family document their journeys exploring restaurants, coffee, donuts, beer, the arts, family travel, and much more. Nick writes for  Columbus Monthly ,  Ohio Magazine , TourismOhio, Experience Columbus, The Kitchn, Great Lakes Publishing, Experience Worthington, Cubby at Home,  Worthington Spotlight ,  Proof Magazine,  and other publications.  He can be found on Facebook , Instagram and TikTok.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

Watch CBS News

Looking for the best places to see the April 8 solar eclipse in the totality path? You may have to dodge clouds.

By Eric Henderson

Updated on: April 2, 2024 / 2:12 PM EDT / CBS News

America is gearing up for the April 8 total solar eclipse , and in less than a week many will be scrambling to find the best location to watch within the path of totality. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the latest models, and while it won't be until a few days prior to the event that the national forecast will be fully cooked, historical data suggests those hoping to view the corona and see a fully darkened midday sky may find themselves dodging clouds due to April weather patterns.

The last time a total solar eclipse traversed an elongated path across the continental U.S. — on Aug. 21, 2017 — Americans could be caught gazing at the midday dark from Oregon all the way to South Carolina. Most spots along the path of totality enjoyed reasonably clear, summer skies.

Those living or visiting along the path of totality next week may not end up so fortunate, as historical weather maps show the odds of experiencing a cloud-free sky at this time of year are somewhat less than ideal. In fact, finding a totally clear view at any given time is closer to the exception than the rule.

"According to NASA, at any given time, 70% of the earth is covered in clouds," said Mike Augustyniak , CBS Minnesota director of meteorology.

Not only is North America in the middle of the volatility of changing seasons during this year's solar event, but meteorologists note that we're also currently in an El Niño pattern, albeit one that's proven quieter than usual.

"An El Niño pattern tends to increase the chances of cloudy, rainy weather in those areas. Interestingly, though, that is not how this winter and spring have played out," said Augustyniak. "Since the start of 2024, Texas Hill Country and western Texas areas have been markedly drier than average; if that trend holds for the next few weeks, that would be good news for eclipse watchers."

The path of totality is only about 150 miles wide, and in America stretches roughly 2,500 miles from the Texas border to the last few towns in northeastern Maine. That leaves only so many places where you can seek the full show, though the path's width will be significantly wider than it was in 2017, according to NASA , as the moon will to be closer to Earth on this pass than it was then.

So will April showers bring spectator flowers? Here's a breakdown of which places along the path of totality are most likely to give eclipse chasers the best odds.

Viewing the eclipse in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas

Augustyniak said at this transitional time of year, the further south you can go, the more likely you are to experience clear skies during eclipse totality.

"Of the areas where the total eclipse will be visible on April 8, that includes the Hill Country of Texas, and the Mexican states of Coahuila and Durango," Augustyniak said.

Of course, the further south you get, the more you increase your chances of running into not only clouds, but rain.

"Spring is our storm season of course," said Jeff Ray , chief meteorologist for CBS Texas.

Ray said that you can almost bet on needing to do a little bit of reverse storm-chasing — in other words, doing some last-minute navigation to dart away from the oncoming clouds, rather than toward them — on or around the eclipse in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

"There will be storms around the day of April 8. I say that because we rarely get through a week in spring without a couple of rounds coming through the area during this time of the year. Will they arrive a day before and be gone? Not start up until later that day? Maybe two days later? We are looking at our long-range model the GFS for the date and it looks like storms on the eighth," Ray said, with a caveat. "Long-range models are notoriously inaccurate for a specific day. But there is a good chance the storms the model sees will materialize, give or take a 36-hour period."

Ray said that Texas sees, on average, a sunny or mostly sunny April day only about 28% of the time. Conversely, the region gets April days with mostly cloudy or fully overcast conditions about 36% of the time.

"High clouds can arrive several days before the storm system, they are overhead in April around 22% of the time. A sky with some kind of cloud cover is likely," said Ray. "A typical April day would have near overcast skies in the morning, then the heating of the day makes for more sunshine. So an afternoon even has better odds of a good view of the eclipse."

The eclipse will reach totality in Texas from about 1:30 p.m. CT near Elm Creek until wrapping up near the Oklahoma border a few minutes before 2 p.m. Some of the most populous areas along the path of totality will be during this leg, from San Antonio and Austin to Dallas-Fort Worth.

One final factor to consider if you're heading to the area — tornadoes. Ray said that the National Weather Office in Fort Worth has tallied all the confirmed tornadoes since 1880, and in April and May, north Texas has seen more than 1,100 twisters, compared with the nearly 900 seen in all other months.

"So more tornadoes in the 61-day window than all of the other days of the year combined," Ray said, "but the tornado count varies greatly from year to year."

Ultimately, Ray said that April is traditionally the third-stormiest month of the year in Texas.

"In short, April is not the best, nor the worst, time of the year to hope for clear or mostly clear skies. The best would be July or August. The worst would be January or February," he said. "We get a decent idea of the expected weather about seven days out. Four days out we get more comfortable talking about the timing of a rain or storm event. But it's the weather, we are trying to throw a lasso around chaos. It is not rare we forecasters look like fools."

Viewing the eclipse in Missouri, southern Illinois and Indiana

While many are likely to head as far south as possible, some of the biggest cities in the Midwest are likely to fuel day-of migration to spots in Missouri and Illinois, many of them likely seeing a total eclipse for the second time in a decade. A small zone centered around Carbondale, Illinois, was along the path of totality in 2017, and will be once again this month.

While those in the St. Louis area seeking areas to watch in southeastern Missouri will find historical odds for cloud-free viewing roughly comparable to Arkansas, and those in the Chicago metro area should find their best bet is to head toward the southern part of Illinois.

"If you're unable to travel (to Texas or Arkansas), then Southern Illinois and Indiana present your best opportunity for a clearer sky, supported by the 43-year average and, of course, weather permitting," said Albert Ramon , chief meteorologist for CBS Chicago.

There will likely be some who decide that 90% or 95% totality is enough for them. But Ramon warns that those in the Chicago metro area could be at a higher risk to find their view obscured by clouds.

"Based on a comprehensive 43-year average , April 8 typically brings cloud cover chances ranging from 60 to 80% across Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, with similar patterns observed in Indianapolis, where cloud cover hovers between 60 to 70%," Ramon said.

Viewing the eclipse near the Great Lakes and Pennsylvania

Ramon said another factor that could make viewing along the path of totality something of a challenge in the Midwest is the lingering influence of an El Niño weather pattern.

"Its presence elevates the chances of clouds across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions," Ramon said. "This year may even be a bit more cloudier than the normal."

The Great Lakes portion of totality's path includes large sections of Ohio, including Cleveland, along with the area of Ontario south of Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Erie, Pennsylvania. CBS Pittsburgh meteorologist Ray Petelin said many of these areas are subject to the wildcard that is the Great Lakes.

"They are known for lake-effect snow, but it is the lake-effect clouds that could hide the eclipse. Erie, which is in the path of totality, averages only six clear days during the month of April. Pittsburgh, which has the potential to see around 97% of totality, only averages four clear days in April," Petelin said.

Petelin says that a southerly breeze and warmer-than-average temperatures would go a long way toward helping the Great Lakes region out on April 8. 

"While the historical data suggests the chances for a clear day are low, this winter and early spring have been exceptionally bright and warmer than usual. Let's keep our fingers crossed that we can get that perfect weather for when it matters most," Petelin said.

As it stands, the areas near the shores of the Great Lakes historically show a higher probability for clearer skies than areas inland.

Viewing the eclipse in New England

The eclipse will wrap up its march across the U.S. when the path of totality cuts across state lines from New York to Vermont just before 3:30 p.m. ET. By this point in the event, the duration of totality along the central line will have already fallen off from its peak — about 4 minutes, 30 seconds near Nazas, Mexico — to just over 3 minutes, 30 seconds, according to NASA.

"The southern edge of the totality line passes right through the towns of Middlebury, Northfield and Barre. You will need to get just north of these areas. Some suggested 'larger' towns include Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, Newport and Burlington," said Terry Eliasen , executive weather producer for CBS Boston.

In New Hampshire, the southern edge of totality will pass just north of the White Mountains. And in Maine, you'll need to get north of major cities like Portland, Augusta and Bangor. Eliasen said the entirety of Baxter State Park will be in the totality path, including Mount Katahdin.

The bad news: Eliasen said that those in the New England area face possibly the stiffest odds in the country for catching clear skies next Monday, based on historical patterns. The data says you're more likely to be negatively impacted by clouds pretty much anywhere in these three states than not.

"Frankly, northern New England is probably the worst place (historically speaking) in the path of totality as far as cloud cover goes," said Eliasen. "Of course, we could get lucky."

No luck? There's always the 2045 total solar eclipse

As a last-ditch hope for those who opt to stay put no matter where they're located, there's one last meteorological ace-in-the-hole that could offer reprieve, one fueled by the astronomical event itself.

"It's worth noting that, as totality approaches and sunlight is reduced, temperatures are likely to fall noticeably. Cooler temperatures can stabilize the atmosphere – like when the sun sets after a hot summer day – leading to a decrease in cloud cover," said Augustyniak. "Still, your best plan is to find an area that has no clouds to begin with."

And if the clouds end up sullying the view for some this month, another chance comes around in August 2045 , when a line of totality will stretch from northern California all the way to Miami Beach. Which, of course, will fall during the height of hurricane season.

Eric Henderson is Managing Editor, Midwest for CBSNews.com. He has won three Emmy Awards, an Eric Sevareid Award and two Edward R. Murrow Awards.

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Mpox cases nearly double what they were at the same time last year, CDC says

There is a national year-to-date estimate of 511 cases as of mid-March.

Mpox cases are on the rise in the U.S., increasing to almost double what they were at the same time last year, according to new CDC data.

The video is from a previous report.

There is a national year-to-date estimate of 511 cases as of mid-March, compared to 287 cases during the same period last year. New York City has been dealing with over 100 cases so far this year, whereas last year, the city only had 30.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a disease that is rarely fatal, and its symptoms are similar to smallpox but milder, according to the CDC.

While historically found in central and west Africa, cases began popping up in the U.S. in May 2022. Since then, over 32,000 cases have been reported, as well as 58 deaths in the U.S., according to the CDC. The outbreak led the Biden administration to declare a public health emergency in 2022, and the outbreak was contained largely due to vaccination uptake in high-risk groups.

"Our fight against mpox relies heavily on our collective action to get vaccinated, especially in high-risk scenarios. The increase in cases is a stark reminder of the virus's presence and the ongoing need for vigilance and preventive measures," Dr. John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital and an ABC News contributor, said.

Public health experts say the mpox virus does not discriminate. It will spread between any two people. However, gay and bisexual men and certain other groups have a higher risk because the virus started spreading in this community first. The mpox virus -- characterized by a painful rash and deep lesion -- primarily spreads via skin-to-skin contact.

The Jynneos vaccine is recommended for those at high risk of infection, including those who have been exposed to someone with mpox, according to the CDC. Others eligible for the shot are those who identify as gay, bisexual, or a man who has sex with other men who have had more than one sexual partner or been diagnosed with more than one sexually transmitted disease in the past six months. Those with HIV or other immune-compromising conditions are also eligible.

The vaccine consists of two doses and may be given intradermally or between the top layers of your skin. There are currently no recommendations for an annual booster. Locations offering the vaccine can be found on the CDC website .

Mpox typically spreads through intimate and close contact with a person who is infected with the monkeypox virus, including via sex, kissing, or prolonged face-to-face interactions, according to the CDC. One of the most common signs of infection is a rash on the hands, feet, chest, face, mouth, or near the genitals. Other symptoms mirror those of respiratory illnesses, including fever, chills, exhaustion, and headache.

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Incredible hidden attractions in US cities

Posted: July 5, 2023 | Last updated: December 15, 2023

Everyone knows the basic monuments you need to see in America's big cities. If you go to New York, see the Empire State Building! If you're in San Francisco, check out the Golden Gate Bridge! However, there are plenty of other attractions in these US cities that you may never have even known were there. Are you looking for a more unusual travel experience ? Here are some offbeat and unusual urban must-sees that tourists fail to find. Browse the gallery for your city and places to go that others will miss.

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Los Angeles, CA

The Angeles Flight is a two-car funicular connecting Bunker Hill with the rest of downtown LA. Rail buffs reckon it's the world's shortest incorporated railway. 

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Chicago, IL

The Chicago Temple, a Gothic church spire crowning the top of a city skyscraper, is located at 77 West Washington St. and marks the tallest church in the world.

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Las Vegas, NV

Charlotte, NC

Set in front of the Whitehall Corporate Center, the polished stainless steel METALmorphosis Head by Czech artist David Černý rotates and reconfigures at will, which is ever so slightly disconcerting.

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Niagara Falls, NY

After viewing the mighty falls, taking a ride on Niagara Falls Whirlpool Aero Car is the next best thing to do at this world-famous natural landmark.

New York City, NY

The beautifully surreal SeaGlass Carousel is themed to honor Battery Park as the original location for the Big Apple's New York Aquarium. Kids will be spellbound!

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Philadelphia, PA

Al Capone was just one of the notorious gangsters held at the Eastern State Penitentiary. Now a museum, visitors can wander the cell blocks unchecked and are free to leave any time they want.

Phoenix, AZ

Located in the Contemporary Art Wing of the Phoenix Art Museum, "Fireflies," Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama's mesmerizing installation, is a permanent wonder in the aptly-named The Yayoi Kusama Infinity Room.

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San Antonio, TX

Down a beer or two as you admire the exhibits at the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum. Highlights include the skeleton of a 10,000-year-old prehistoric elk.

San Diego, CA

A California Historic Landmark, Whaley House is reputedly the most haunted house in America. Browse the museum and then start ghost hunting. 

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San Jose, CA

Enter the eccentrically designed and allegedly haunted Winchester Mystery House, the eerie former residence of Winchester Rifle heiress Sarah Winchester.

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Stand on the Congress Avenue Bridge on any summer night and watch wide-eyed as the world's largest urban bat colony emerges en masse into the evening sky.

Jacksonville, FL

The huge, wide-girth branches of the 250-year-old Treaty Oak standing in Jessie Ball DuPont Park resemble the tentacles of a colossal octopus.

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Indianapolis, IN

The Ruins, standing in Holliday Park, form the centerpiece of an attractive landscaped garden. The sculptures were salvaged from a New York skyscraper, demolished in the 1950s.

San Francisco, CA

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Columbus, OH

The big bronze Arnold Schwarzenegger Statue is a reminder of the Terminator's days as a bodybuilder, and his connection with Columbus. The city hosts the annual Arnold Sports Festival.

El Paso, TX

Spiritually significant to Native Americans, the pictographs (rock paintings) that characterize the Hueco Tanks area of the Chihuahuan Desert, are thousands of years old.

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Memphis, TN

At exactly 11 am and 5 pm every day, five mallards visit the lobby fountain in the Peabody Hotel, a delightful ritual known as the Peabody Duck March that dates back to the 1930s.

Nashville, TN

No, you're not in Greece. Instead, the Concrete Pantheon is a full-scale replica of the famous Athens historic landmark

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The Mapparium is an astonishing three-story-tall globe, a giant hollow ball made of glass that visitors can enter for the geography lesson of a lifetime. It's located in the Mary Baker Eddy Library.

Peep behind the classically-styled facade of the American Museum of Western Art and marvel at one of the most comprehensive collections of paintings depicting the American West found in the country.

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Baltimore, MD

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful library spaces in the world, the venerable late 19th-century George Peabody Library is open to the public.

Louisville, KY

Harland Sanders (1890–1980) gave us KFC, one of the most successful fast-food restaurants on the planet. As one of Kentucky's favorite sons, the "Colonel" upon his death was honored with his own tomb, located in Cave Hill Cemetery.

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Oklahoma City, OK

Head on down to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, a goldmine of Old West and Native American artwork and artifacts.

Families of seriously happy primates scamper and jostle in carefree abandon at this family-friendly attraction, the Monkey Jungle "where the humans are caged and the monkeys run wild."

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Honolulu, HI

Tobacco heiress Doris Duke (1912–1993) bequeathed to the world her very own Shangri La, a secluded beach-side villa that now houses a fabulous collection of Islamic art.

Kansas City, KS

Besides an extensive collection of Asian art, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is celebrated for its iconic shuttlecock sculptures—the world's largest—scattered throughout the grounds.

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Atlanta, GA

The extraordinary Atlanta Cyclorama is a cylindrical panoramic painting executed in minute and graphic detail depicting the bloody Civil War Battle of Atlanta. It's found at the Atlanta History Center.

Cleveland, OH

A cacophony of sound reverberates over the many colorful stalls of the historic West Side Market, a city landmark known for its fantastic variety of delicious ethnic produce.

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New Orleans, LA

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop served its first beer in the 1770s, and is one of the oldest surviving structures in the city. Order a brew and soak in the atmosphere.

St Paul, MN

Slip inside the Ramsey County Courthouse and you'll be met by the impressive Vision of Peace statue. At 36 ft and 60 tons, it is the largest carved onyx figure in the world.

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Pittsburgh, PA

Replicas of HAL 9000 from '2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968) and Star Wars' favorite C-3PO are among the automatons waiting to greet visitors at The Robot Hall of Fame, housed in the Carnegie Science Center.

Birmingham, AL

Operating as a pig iron-producing blast furnace from 1882 to 1971, the Sloss Furnaces was one of the first industrial sites in the US to be preserved and restored for public use.

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Colorado Springs, CO

A registered National Natural Landmark, the collection of incredible sandstone rock formations situated near the city are suitably named the Garden of the Gods.

Springfield, IL

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Rochester, NY

The annual Lilac Festival is much more than a celebration of this pretty bloom. Expect art, music, and food too. Needless to say, the sweet bouquet hanging over the Highland Park venue is intoxicating.

Oakland, CA

Even if you're not particularly religious, a walk through the stunning Cathedral of Christ the Light interior instills a sense of solace and spiritual renewal.

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Minneapolis, MN

Once a year, on the first Friday after Memorial Day, the landmark Prospect Park Water Tower, known locally as the "Witches Hat," opens to the public. The views from the top are spellbinding.

Salt Lake City, UT

Bathed in natural light, the interior of the fabulous Salt Lake City Public Library building is an architectural triumph.

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Cincinnati, OH

Dedicated to the art and history of signs and signmaking, the American Sign Museum is all blinking neon and floodlit halogen.

Charleston, SC

There are more attractive and romantic examples out there, but Drayton Hall remains the oldest unrestored plantation house in America open to the public. It doesn't get more authentic than this.

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Sacramento, CA

Steam buffs and anyone interested in 19th-century industrial architecture will have their imaginations well and truly stoked at the sprawling Sacramento Locomotive Works.

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