30 best things to do and see in Los Angeles

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

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

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 also attend the ceremonies for new stars, always for 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 in advance.

2. Visit the Famous TCL Chinese Theatre

One of the most iconic symbols of Los Angeles is the TCL Chinese Theatre, initially known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. It is a beautiful representation of Hollywood’s golden age. The building, constructed in 1927, has become a very popular tourist destination. Although it is a regular cinema, it hosts screenings of new movies throughout the year. Guided tours can be booked daily.

3. Relax on Malibu Beaches

Malibu is known as the most exclusive area among Los Angeles beaches, but accessible to all. There are many idyllic spots, including Topanga and Malibu Lagoon. The restaurants offer great food with a view, such as Nobu and Duke’s. However, booking is always recommended.

4. Visit the Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica is one of Los Angeles’ best beaches and is flanked by 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 above is spectacular. If you’re hungry, stop by a restaurant; you have a wide selection in the area. Booking is recommended, especially on weekends.

5. Explore Beverly Hills

Indulge in the luxury of the exclusive boutiques of Beverly Hills. Admire the famous Rodeo Drive and the luxury cars driving through it. If you’re hungry, there are numerous delicious spots to stop at (including the famous cupcake ATM).

You can also take a tour of Los Angeles’ most exclusive neighborhoods, admiring the architectural style of celebrity villas like Beyoncé. You can see up close how some of the most famous Hollywood figures live, aboard a sightseeing bus or even by 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. Visit the 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 though it requires a long wait. It’s worth it, just be patient.

Little Tokyo is filled with Japanese shops and restaurants. Here you can satisfy all your cravings for Japanese cuisine. It is the ideal place to taste authentic Japanese foods and delights, as well as a must-stop on any gastronomic tour of downtown Los Angeles.

7. Stroll Along the Venice Beach Boardwalk

If you’re looking for a total immersion in the Californian vibe, head to Venice Beach. The boardwalk is full of street performers and locals skating, along with a skate park and an outdoor gym. During the day, the area is renowned for healthy food, while nightlife awakens after sunset. You can also rent bikes and pedal for miles and miles. Don’t forget to take a walk along the romantic Venice canals.

8. Go to Universal Studios Hollywood

Even if rides aren’t your thing, there are numerous shows, characters, and attractions to admire. The true highlight of the 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, more focused on the production process without rides or other particular attractions. It depends on your interests.

9. Hike to the Hollywood Sign

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

10. Movie Location Tour

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 get to know the city better, from production houses to corners like the shortest railway in the world.

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, ranging from antiquity to contemporary, the museum offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and ocean. Surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens, the Getty Center is an ideal place not only to admire artworks, but also to enjoy an oasis of tranquility amid the bustling metropolis.

12. Explore the Underground Tunnels

During Prohibition, underground tunnels extending 18 kilometers were built in Los Angeles, connecting various clubs and speakeasies. These underground tunnels are covered with graffiti, obsolete cars, and dangerous areas. You can also visit the King Eddy Saloon, which operated until the late ’90s. Although not officially open to the public, they are sometimes used as film sets or for other activities. Though less frequented, exploring the underground tunnels can be an exciting experience. You can reach 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, with a variety of beautiful architectures and green areas. It is also one of the few Los Angeles sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

14. Explore Bronson Cave, Famous Film Set

For cinema and Hollywood enthusiasts, Bronson Cave is a must. Although it is not a real cave, but a hidden passage filmed to create the illusion of one, this location is still a widely used film set today, despite the low budget of many films. Bronson Cave is located in Griffith Park and has been used in numerous productions, including the 1960s Batman TV series.

15. Discover Astronomy at Griffith Observatory

One of Los Angeles’ most popular spots is the Griffith Observatory, located in Griffith Park. It’s a great place to take a look at the stars and deepen your knowledge of astronomy. The observatory is named after Griffith J. Griffith, an important Los Angeles philanthropist with a great 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 most interesting points is the powerful telescope, capable of accommodating about 600 visitors per day.

15 More 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 alike. Another iconic attraction is the Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner restaurant, known for its famous fried chicken. Originally started as a berry farm, the venue has expanded over time to cover 160 acres of rides, activities, and a market. Both adults and kids can have fun together on the Kite Flyer or the 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 having been featured in numerous TV series and films. Despite its fame, this place remains a very relaxing spot to visit. The lake was renovated in 2014 and has become a meeting point and a place for physical activities. It also offers the chance to rent boats and admire beautiful lotus flowers and ducks. The park is full of lush trees and is a favorite destination for couples. Take a walk on the trails or enjoy the sun lying on the grass for a relaxing day.

18. Go to Disneyland

It’s well known that one of the most famous attractions in the world is located in Los Angeles: Disneyland. This park offers fun and interactive rides designed to bring childhood magic back to life. Among them stand out Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which lets you drink blue milk while piloting the Millennium Falcon. The main attraction stars Mickey Mouse acting in various scenes from Disney movies amid a sea of fireworks, clashing with Disney villains like Maleficent, a huge fire-breathing dragon.

19. Attend a Concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall

Besides the majestic concert hall, the Walt Disney Concert Hall also houses the Blue Ribbon Garden, a beautiful but little-known area located on the rooftop. This venue is a must for classical music lovers. It shares space with the CalArts Theater, which features more experimental and contemporary performances, and the gallery displays 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 many high-quality classical music performances. However, children under six years old are not allowed.

20. Attend 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 for ice hockey. 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 has over one hundred family-run shops and is a great place for food lovers. Before becoming a market, farmers sold their crops directly from trucks. Before starting your shopping at Grove, be sure to take a stroll through the market stalls and taste the 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, you can take a break at the Tea Shoppe to sip 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 display various types of art. Eli and Edythe Broad founded this institution, collecting numerous post-war artworks. The structure is known for its unique design, called “the veil” and “the vault.” Entrance is free and regular guided tours are available. One of Broad‘s most famous pieces is the Campbells soup cans by Andy Warhol, currently on display. The art museum also hosts over 2,000 contemporary artworks from 1950 to the present, 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 your problems on a plate and throw it against a wall. There are many different activities suitable for all family members! So whether you are on vacation with children 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 open-air amphitheater. Opened in 1922, it features a distinctive shell-shaped structure known for providing excellent acoustics. The Hollywood Bowl is a renowned musical stage in Los Angeles. It mainly focuses on classical music and hosts various other events, such as film screenings and musical 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 and including works from all over the world. From ancient sculpture to contemporary art, LACMA is a cultural landmark for art enthusiasts and tourists, also featuring impactful temporary exhibitions and an iconic streetlamp 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 citizens and visitors along the steep Bunker Hill. Today it represents a fascinating testimony to LA’s history and offers a picturesque way to explore downtown.

27. Stroll Along Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a trendy street located in Venice, known for its design boutiques, upscale restaurants, and art galleries. With a trendy and creative atmosphere, it is one of the most frequented places 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 arranged in a unique vintage atmosphere. Besides books, it hosts artworks and vinyl records, and is a meeting point for cultural events. Its distinctive interior architecture, with book arches and secret galleries, makes the visiting 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 brave, 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. Rich in nightclubs, restaurants, and historic entertainment spots like the Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go, Sunset Boulevard has a long history connected 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 is important to keep in mind that Los Angeles is often considered a single area but is actually made up of several cities. The distances are vast and the traffic is heavy, so it is important to take this into account when planning your movements. Additionally, the area you choose to stay in will make a big difference.

Is it possible to visit Los Angeles without a car? Residents will say no, but it is absolutely doable, although not ideal (especially if you plan to continue along the Pacific Coast Highway). There are alternatives such as public transport, Uber, walkable parts of the city, tourist buses, and pre-booked transport to places like Universal Studios or Warner Bros.