30 Best Things to Do and See in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, also known as the City of Angels, is famous worldwide for its top-notch attractions and world-class entertainment. This city offers a wide range of activities suitable for people from all walks of life, which is why over 50 million visitors choose it as a destination every year.

You can visit the Bronson Cave or search for your favorite stars in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Also, don’t miss the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and celebrity home tours. For those seeking adventure, there’s Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm! But Los Angeles offers much more: from whale watching excursions to exploring the Japanese district of Little Tokyo, this city can amaze and enchant visitors at every turn.

The 15 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles

1. Explore the Hollywood Area

The Hollywood Walk of Fame boasts over 2,500 stars dedicated to your favorite actors, from Mama Cass to Ellen DeGeneres, including Christina Applegate and Kirstie Alley. All free. You can spend hours strolling and admiring the stars. Additionally, you can attend the ceremonies for newly awarded stars, also free. Once you arrive at Hollywood Boulevard, don’t miss the TCL Chinese Theatre (Chinese Theatre) and the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. If you have time, you can also try to get tickets to watch live recordings of some TV shows. Just request them in advance.

2. Visit the Famous TCL Chinese Theatre

One of Los Angeles’ most iconic symbols is the TCL Chinese Theatre, originally known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. It is a stunning representation of Hollywood’s golden age. Built in 1927, the building has become a very popular tourist spot. Although it is a regular cinema, it hosts new film screenings throughout the year. Guided tours are available daily.

3. Relax on Malibu Beaches

Malibu is known as the most exclusive beach area in Los Angeles, yet accessible to all. There are many idyllic spots, including Topanga and Malibu Lagoon. Restaurants offer great food with views, such as Nobu and Duke’s. However, booking in advance is always recommended.

4. Visit Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica is one of the best beaches in Los Angeles and is lined with restaurants and shops. The Pacific Park is a lively amusement park with rides, games, and an aquarium. The Ferris wheel is famous for being photographed from below, but the view from the top is spectacular. If you get hungry, stop by one of the many restaurants in the area. Booking is recommended, especially on weekends.

5. Explore Beverly Hills

Indulge in the luxury of exclusive boutiques in Beverly Hills. Admire the famous Rodeo Drive and the luxury cars that cruise along it. If you get hungry, there are plenty of delicious places to stop (including the famous cupcake ATM).

You can also take a tour of the most exclusive neighborhoods of Los Angeles, admiring the architectural style of celebrity homes like Beyoncé. You’ll get to see up close how some of the most famous Hollywood figures live, either by panoramic bus or even helicopter.

6. Visit Little Tokyo

The largest Japanese-American community in North America is located in Little Tokyo, five blocks from downtown Los Angeles. This area, founded in the 1880s, is known for its vibrant culture and shops. Head to Shabu Shabu House, the oldest Japanese restaurant in the area. In front of the building is a tree full of letters and paper mosaics representing prayers and wishes. Alternatively, Marugame Monzo is another excellent restaurant, although it requires a long wait. It’s worth it, just be patient.

Little Tokyo is full of Japanese shops and restaurants. Here you can satisfy all your cravings for Japanese cuisine. It’s the perfect place to taste authentic Japanese foods and delicacies and is an essential stop on any culinary tour of downtown Los Angeles.

7. Stroll along the Venice Beach Boardwalk

If you want a full immersion into the Californian vibe, head to Venice Beach. The boardwalk is full of street performers and locals skating, plus a skate park and outdoor gym. During the day, the area is known for healthy food; the nightlife picks up after sunset. You can also rent bicycles and pedal for miles. Don’t forget to take a walk along the romantic Venice canals.

8. Go to Universal Studios Hollywood

Even if rides are not your thing, there are numerous shows, characters, and attractions to enjoy. The real highlight of Universal Studios Hollywood is the studio tour, which takes you behind the scenes of a real movie studio. Alternatively, you can opt for the Warner Bros studio tour, which focuses more on the production process without rides or other special attractions. It depends on your interests.

9. Hike to the Hollywood Sign

The famous Hollywood Sign is not actually in Hollywood, but the best view is reachable via a hike. The trail is of easy to medium difficulty and about 6 km round trip. You can join a guided tour.

10. Movie Location Tours

I highly recommend taking a movie location tour to admire all the famous places you’ve seen in films. It’s a fun way to learn more about the city, from production houses to spots like the world’s shortest railway.

11. Visit the Getty Center

The Getty Center is one of the most prestigious museums in the world, located on the hills of Los Angeles. Besides its extraordinary art collections spanning from antiquity to contemporary, the museum offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and ocean. Surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, the Getty Center is an ideal place not only to admire artworks but also to enjoy a tranquil oasis amidst the vibrant metropolis.

12. Explore the Underground Tunnels

During Prohibition, Los Angeles built underground tunnels extending 18 kilometers, connecting various speakeasies and clubs. These tunnels are covered in graffiti, obsolete vehicles, and dangerous areas. You can also visit the King Eddy Saloon, which operated until the late 1990s. Although not officially open to the public, they are sometimes used as film sets or for other activities. Though less frequented, exploring the tunnels can be an exciting experience. You can access the entrance starting from the Hall of Records on Temple Street.

13. Visit Hollywood Forever Cemetery

This cemetery is the final resting place of many prominent city personalities. Among the most interesting mausoleums are the Greek revival style catacombs of Clark Jr. and the monumental granite monument of Hattie McDaniel. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a place where the deceased rest, featuring beautiful architecture and green spaces. It is also one of the few Los Angeles sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

14. Explore Bronson Cave, Famous Film Set

For cinema and Hollywood fans, Bronson Cave is a must-see. Although it’s not a real cave but a hidden passage filmed to create the illusion of one, it remains a widely used film set even with the low budgets of many movies. Bronson Cave is located in Griffith Park and has been featured in numerous productions, including the 1960s Batman TV series.

15. Discover Astronomy at Griffith Observatory

One of Los Angeles’ most popular sites is the Griffith Observatory, located in Griffith Park. It’s a great spot to get a glimpse of the stars and deepen your astronomy knowledge. The observatory is named after Griffith J. Griffith, an important Los Angeles philanthropist with a huge passion for astronomy. Built in 1935, over the years it has become one of the most visited in the world. It offers exhibition rooms and numerous attractions, including the rare and unique Tesla coil. One of the main highlights is the powerful telescope, capable of accommodating around 600 visitors daily.

Another 15 Things to Do in Los Angeles

16. Get Your Adrenaline Fix at Knott’s Berry Farm

One of the most famous attractions at Knott’s Berry Farm is the recent Calico River Rapids, a must for families and thrill-seekers. Another iconic attraction is the Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner restaurant, famous for its delicious fried chicken. Started as a berry farm, the venue has expanded over time to cover 160 acres of attractions, activities, and a market. Both adults and kids can have fun together on the Kite Flyer or Camp Bus. It’s definitely worth dedicating a day to Knott’s Berry Farm during your stay in Los Angeles!

17. Relax at Echo Lake Park

One of Los Angeles’ most famous spots is Echo Park Lake, known for being featured in numerous TV series and movies. Despite its fame, this place remains very relaxing to visit. The lake was renovated in 2014 and has become a meeting point for physical activities. It also offers boat rentals and the chance to admire beautiful lotus flowers and ducks. The park is full of lush trees and is a beloved spot for couples. Take a walk along the trails or enjoy the sun lying on the grass for a relaxing day.

18. Visit Disneyland

It’s well known that one of the most famous attractions worldwide is in Los Angeles: Disneyland. This park is full of fun and interactive attractions designed to relive childhood magic. Among these, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge stands out, where you can drink blue milk while piloting the Millennium Falcon. The main attraction features Mickey Mouse acting out various scenes from Disney movies amidst a sea of fireworks, battling Disney villains like Maleficent, a huge fire-breathing dragon.

19. Attend a Concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall

Beyond the majestic concert hall, the Walt Disney Concert Hall also houses the Blue Ribbon Garden, a beautiful but little-known area located on the building’s roof. This venue is a must for classical music lovers. It shares spaces with the CalArts Theater, which hosts more experimental and contemporary performances, and the gallery exhibits various interesting artworks.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of the most popular places to attend concerts in Los Angeles. Designed by Frank Gehry, it hosts numerous high-quality classical music performances. However, children under six are not admitted.

20. Watch Sports Events or International Star Concerts at Staples Center/Crypto.com Arena

The Staples Center, now known as Crypto.com Arena, is one of Los Angeles’ most iconic venues for sports events and live shows. Located in the heart of downtown, it is home to the basketball teams Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, as well as the Kings hockey team. It hosts concerts by international stars and other major events, making it a landmark for entertainment in the City of Angels.

21. Shop at the Original Farmers Market

The Original Farmers Market boasts over a hundred family-run shops and is a great place for food lovers. Before becoming a market, farmers sold their produce directly from their trucks. Before starting shopping at the Grove, be sure to stroll through the market stalls and sample specialties. You’ll find a wide selection of sweets, cheeses, and other products. Don’t miss Nonna’s Empanadas, famous for its delicious empanadas. After exploring the market, take a break at the Tea Shoppe for a good cup of tea.

22. Admire Andy Warhol’s Campbells Soup Cans

The building housing the Broad is itself a work of art, with spaces designed to showcase various art forms. Eli and Edythe Broad founded this institution, collecting numerous post-war works. The structure is known for its unique design, defined as “the veil” and “the vault”. Admission is free, and regular guided tours are available. One of the most famous pieces at the Broad is Andy Warhol’s Campbells soup cans, currently on display. The art museum also houses over 2,000 works of contemporary art from 1950 to today, aiming to inspire and entertain visitors.

23. Visit the Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions is an interactive gallery designed to teach visitors how the human brain and perception work. It’s a wonderful place for both children and adults. It features various 3D illusion artworks, as well as an upside-down house and a giant one. If you’re stressed, the museum allows you to write down your problems on a plate and throw it at a wall. There are many different activities suitable for all family members! So whether you’re on vacation with kids or on an adults-only trip, this destination is definitely not to be missed.

24. Attend an Event at the Hollywood Bowl

One of Los Angeles’ main tourist spots is the Hollywood Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater. Opened in 1922, it features a unique shell-shaped structure known for excellent acoustics. The Hollywood Bowl is a renowned music venue in Los Angeles. It mainly focuses on classical music and hosts various other events, including film screenings and music performances.

25. Visit LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)

LACMA is the largest art museum on the West Coast, with a collection spanning thousands of years including works from all over the world. From ancient sculpture to contemporary art, LACMA is a cultural reference point for art lovers and tourists alike, also offering impactful temporary exhibitions and the iconic streetlight installation called “Urban Light“.

26. Take the Angels Flight Railway

Angels Flight Railway is a historic funicular located in the heart of Los Angeles, famous for being the shortest railway journey in the world. Built in 1901, it has transported generations of residents and visitors up and down the steep hill of Bunker Hill. Today, it represents a charming testament to LA’s history and offers a picturesque way to explore downtown.

27. Stroll on Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a trendy street located in Venice, known for its designer boutiques, upscale restaurants, and art galleries. With a trendy, creative atmosphere, it’s one of the most frequented spots by artists and young people looking for unique pieces and cultural inspiration. Perfect for shopping or just a walk immersed in one of LA’s most artistic neighborhoods.

28. Explore The Last Bookstore

The Last Bookstore is a true paradise for book lovers. Located in a historic building, this shop offers thousands of new and used volumes in a unique vintage atmosphere. Besides books, it hosts artworks and vinyl records and is a meeting point for cultural events. Its unique interior architecture, with arches of books and secret galleries, makes the visit experience even more memorable.

29. Admire Los Angeles from OUE Skyspace

OUE Skyspace offers a 360-degree view of Los Angeles from the city’s tallest skyscraper, the U.S. Bank Tower. Located over 300 meters high, the attraction allows you to admire LA’s skyline and, on clear days, even the ocean and surrounding mountains. For the bravest, the SkySlide is a transparent glass slide that lets you “fly” down the side of the building, offering a unique adrenaline experience.

30. Explore Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard is one of Los Angeles’ most legendary streets, stretching from downtown to the coast. Full of nightclubs, restaurants, and entertainment landmarks like the Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go, Sunset Boulevard has a long history linked to cinema and music. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture and lights.

Getting Around Los Angeles

It’s important to keep in mind that Los Angeles is often considered a single area but is actually composed of several cities. Distances are huge and traffic is heavy, so this should be considered when planning transportation. Also, the area you choose to stay in will make a big difference.

Can you visit Los Angeles without a car? Locals will say no, but it’s absolutely doable, though not ideal (especially if you plan to travel along the Pacific Coast Highway). There are alternatives like public transportation, Uber, walkable areas of the city, tourist buses, and pre-arranged transport for places like Universal Studios or Warner Bros.