Things to do in Los Angeles

🌴 Los Angeles is a city where centuries of history meet modern life on every street corner. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to discover more, there are endless Things to do in Los Angeles from world famous attractions and guided tours to unique local excursions and immersive cultural activities that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Below, you'll find a helpful breakdown of top Los Angeles attractions, practical travel tips, and curated experiences to help you plan your visit. Book your tickets early, as the most popular tours fill up fast.

Top Attractions in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers endless entertainment from iconic Hollywood landmarks to stunning beaches. Discover world-class museums, historic theaters, and glamorous neighborhoods that define the City of Angels and its legendary lifestyle.

Historical Landmarks

Explore LA's rich history through iconic buildings and cultural monuments

  • Griffith Observatory: Art Deco landmark offering stellar city views and fascinating planetarium shows since 1935
  • Walt Disney Concert Hall: Frank Gehry's architectural masterpiece and home to the LA Philharmonic
  • Union Station: Beautiful 1939 railway terminal featuring stunning Mission Revival architecture

Cultural Sites

Immerse yourself in LA's vibrant arts and culture scene

  • Getty Center: World-renowned art museum with impressive collections and stunning architecture
  • Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Largest art museum in the western United States with diverse exhibitions
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame: Iconic sidewalk featuring over 2,700 stars honoring entertainment industry legends

Modern Highlights

Experience LA's contemporary attractions and entertainment venues

  • Santa Monica Pier: Classic seaside amusement park with rides, games, and ocean views
  • Venice Beach Boardwalk: Vibrant beachfront promenade famous for street performers and colorful murals
  • Hollywood Sign: Legendary hillside landmark and symbol of the entertainment industry

Local Culture & Experiences

Los Angeles pulses with creative energy, from street art in downtown to beachside culture in Santa Monica. Experience the city's diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique flavors, music, and artistic expression.

  • Food Truck Culture: Sample gourmet cuisine from LA's famous food trucks scattered throughout the city
  • Farmers Markets: Visit weekend farmers markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods from local vendors
  • Beach Volleyball: Join pickup games at Manhattan Beach or Venice for authentic California beach culture
  • Rooftop Bars: Experience LA's nightlife scene with cocktails and panoramic city views from trendy rooftops

Shopping in Los Angeles

From luxury boutiques on Rodeo Drive to vintage finds on Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles offers shopping experiences for every style and budget. Discover unique treasures in diverse neighborhoods across the city.

  • Rodeo Drive – World-famous luxury shopping destination in Beverly Hills featuring high-end designer boutiques
  • Melrose Avenue – Trendy street known for vintage shops, independent boutiques, and eclectic fashion finds
  • The Grove – Popular outdoor shopping center with mix of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment
  • Third Street Promenade – Pedestrian-only shopping area in Santa Monica with street performers and diverse shops
  • Arts District – Hip downtown neighborhood featuring local designers, galleries, and unique lifestyle stores

Best Parks & Green Spaces

Los Angeles surprises visitors with abundant green spaces and stunning parks. From hilltop retreats to beachfront paths, the city offers numerous opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities.

  • Griffith Park – One of the largest urban parks in America featuring hiking trails, the observatory, and Los Angeles Zoo
  • Runyon Canyon – Popular hiking spot in Hollywood Hills offering panoramic city views and celebrity spotting
  • Exposition Park – Cultural hub featuring rose gardens, museums, and the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
  • Will Rogers State Historic Park – Former ranch of the famous humorist with hiking trails and Pacific Ocean views
  • Echo Park Lake – Scenic urban lake in trendy neighborhood perfect for paddle boating and picnicking

Hidden Gems & Local Secrets

Beyond famous attractions, Los Angeles hides countless treasures waiting to be discovered. Explore secret gardens, underground bars, and unique museums that showcase the city's quirky and creative spirit.

  • Museum of Jurassic Technology – Bizarre and wonderful museum blending fact and fiction in unexpected exhibits
  • Bronson Caves – Hidden hiking spot and filming location used in countless movies and TV shows
  • The Last Bookstore – Massive independent bookstore in downtown LA with labyrinthine layout and rare finds
  • Watts Towers – Remarkable folk art installation featuring towering sculptural structures made from found objects
  • Barnsdall Art Park – Frank Lloyd Wright-designed complex with galleries, gardens, and stunning city views

Practical Travel Tips for Los Angeles

Navigate Los Angeles like a local with insider knowledge about transportation, neighborhoods, and cultural customs. These practical tips will help you make the most of your visit to the sprawling City of Angels.

Getting Around

Transportation options for navigating LA's vast metropolitan area

  • Rent a car for maximum flexibility, as LA is designed around automobile travel
  • Use Metro Rail and bus system for eco-friendly travel to major attractions and neighborhoods
  • Allow extra time for traffic, especially during rush hours from 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM

Where to Stay

Choose accommodation based on your interests and planned activities

  • Stay in Hollywood for entertainment attractions and nightlife access
  • Choose Santa Monica or Venice for beach activities and coastal dining
  • Consider Beverly Hills or West Hollywood for luxury shopping and upscale experiences

Cultural Etiquette

Blend in with LA's laid-back yet image-conscious culture

  • Dress casually but stylishly, as appearance matters in this fashion-forward city
  • Be patient with service industry workers who may also be pursuing entertainment careers
  • Respect filming locations and crews, as you may encounter movie productions around the city

Featured Los Angeles Excursions & Tours

Discover Los Angeles through expertly guided tours that reveal the city's secrets, from celebrity homes to historic neighborhoods. Choose from walking tours, bus excursions, and specialized experiences tailored to your interests.

  • Hollywood Celebrity Homes Tour: Explore Beverly Hills and Hollywood Hills to see where famous stars live and work
  • Downtown LA Walking Tour: Discover the historic core and modern renaissance of LA's rapidly evolving downtown district
  • Venice Beach and Santa Monica Tour: Experience the iconic beach culture and boardwalk entertainment of LA's coastal communities
  • Studio Tours at Universal or Warner Bros: Go behind the scenes of major film and television production facilities

Book studio tours and popular celebrity home tours in advance, especially during peak season and weekends.

Interactive Los Angeles Map

Navigate Los Angeles efficiently with our interactive map featuring must-see attractions, dining hotspots, and transportation hubs. Plan your route to minimize travel time between destinations.

  • πŸ“ Top attractions
  • 🍽️ Restaurants
  • 🏨 Hotels
  • πŸš‡ Transport hubs

Use the map to identify attraction clusters and plan efficient daily itineraries across LA's sprawling geography.

Real Visitor Reviews

Hear from fellow travelers who have explored Los Angeles and discovered its many wonders. Their experiences and recommendations will help you plan your perfect LA adventure.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Amazing diversity and energy"
Los Angeles exceeded my expectations with its incredible diversity of neighborhoods and experiences. From the glamour of Hollywood to the laid-back beach vibes, every area has its own unique character. – Sarah M., Canada

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Perfect weather and endless activities"
The year-round sunshine made every day perfect for exploring. We loved the mix of cultural attractions, beautiful beaches, and amazing food scene. Definitely need more than a week to see everything! – James T., United Kingdom

⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great for families"
Our kids loved Disneyland and Universal Studios, while we enjoyed the Getty Center and beach time. Traffic can be challenging, but the metro system worked well for many attractions. – Maria G., Spain

FAQs: Los Angeles Tours & Activities

Q: What's the best way to book tickets for major attractions in Los Angeles?

A: Purchase tickets online in advance for theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios. Many museums offer timed entry tickets that help avoid crowds. Studio tours should be booked at least a week ahead during peak season.

Q: When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?

A: Los Angeles enjoys great weather year-round, but spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be busy and hazy, while winter brings occasional rain but milder tourist seasons.

Q: How do I get around Los Angeles without a car?

A: Use the Metro Rail system to reach major destinations like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and downtown LA. Ride-sharing services are convenient for shorter trips. Many beach areas and neighborhoods are walkable once you arrive.

Q: How many days should I spend in Los Angeles?

A: Plan at least 4-5 days to see major attractions like Hollywood, beaches, and museums. A full week allows time for theme parks, studio tours, and exploring different neighborhoods. Two weeks lets you experience LA like a local.

Q: Do I need to book restaurant reservations in advance?

A: Popular restaurants in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and trendy neighborhoods should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead. Casual dining and food trucks typically don't require reservations. Weekend brunch spots can get very busy.

Q: What should I know about LA's tipping culture?

A: Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 15-20% for services like taxis and hair salons. Valet parking typically costs $5-15 plus tip. Many services expect tips, so budget accordingly for your stay.

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Popular Tours & Activities in Los Angeles

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Our Studio Tour brings you closer than ever to the entertainment you love. You’ll explore one of the busiest working studios in Los Angeles with one of our expert Tour Guides. Explore iconic backlot sets and sound stages. Learn how movie magic comes to life at Stage 48: Script to Screen, from classic Hollywood costumes to green-screen technology used to create special effects. Dine in our expanded Central Perk CafΓ© and shop in our Friends Boutique, complete with costumes from the hit show on display. The Grand Finale lets you step into the movies with recreated sets from the DC Universe where you can encounter Superheroes and Super-Villains. Then swish and flick your way through Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and be sorted by the enchanted sorting hat.

From USD 79 β€” β˜… 4.593761 (5642 reviews)

Los Angeles Bubble Planet Immersive Interactive Experience

Bubble Planet invites guests into a whimsical, immersive world where bubbles come to life through more than ten interactive environments designed to spark wonder, imagination, and play. Each themed space offers a unique sensory experience blending light, color, sound, technology, and creativity. Explore dreamlike landscapes filled with oversized bubbles, giant inflatable spheres, immersive lighting effects, digital projections, and surreal environments that transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary worlds. Journey through interactive installations, playful illusions, sensory experiences, giant ball environments, and selfie-worthy moments around every corner. Designed for visitors of all ages, Bubble Planet creates unforgettable experiences for families, couples, friends, and curious explorers alike. Option to select our VIP ticket which includes GA Entry Ticket + VR Experience + souvenir gift

From USD 31.9 β€” β˜… 3.5454545 (22 reviews)

Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More

This 7.5 hour guided tour - by LA-natives - is perfect for families, couples and all ages! Our routes are carefully curated to visit the most welcoming and visitor-friendly parts of Los Angeles. Discover the area’s most iconic sights and landmarks including Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Dr., the Beverly Hills sign, iconic Farmer's Market at the Grove, The Griffith Park Observatory for a perfect selfie of the Hollywood Sign; the Hollywood walk of fame Grauman's Theatre, The Kodak Theatre, Sunset Strip, celebrity spotting and much more. Entertaining, friendly, informative and hilarious guides! Hotel pick-up and drop-off available for select tour options. We have private tour options as well!

From USD 99 β€” β˜… 4.861132 (6625 reviews)

Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach

The price you see is the price you pay, no hidden fees or surcharges. We are the top destination for whale watching in Long Beach and Los Angeles. Our custom built high speed vessels can cover waters north to Santa Monica and south to Newport Beach for maximum range coverage resulting in maximum marine life sighting success. Our fleet of state of the art vessels adhere to strict safety codes and regulations, ensuring you and your friends and family enjoy a wonderful experience out on the water. All whale watching excursions embark under the guidance of highly trained captains not only equipped to man your boat, but also to provide informative narration of the wildlife you might encounter. Marine life we encounter includes: Gray Whales (November-April), Blue Whales (may-November), and year-round we can see Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, Orcas, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, rare Marine Birds, and much more!

From USD 38 β€” β˜… 4.6287217 (571 reviews)

Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Tour by Open Air Bus

Your Ticket to The Hollywood Hills on this Interactive Sightseeing Tour on an Open Air Bus with a Fun Driver Guide. Your Drive Guide will take you past Hollywood, Mulholland Drive, Celebrity Homes, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and more! Keep your cameras ready for great photo opportunities, and you may spot a Celebrity! Your Driver Guide will take you through Hollywood to The Hollywood Hills. You will get great views of The Hollywood Sign and The City of LA as you cruise down Mulholland Drive. You will pass by Celebrity Homes and Filming Locations on your way to Beverly Hills. When you get to Beverly Hills, you will get a 10-15-minute stop at The Beverly Hills Sign for pictures and a restroom break. We will finish with Rodeo Drive in West Hollywood and take the Sunset Strip Back to Hollywood. This is a two-hour tour with traffic permitting. Now offering a departure from Santa Monica, with stops @ Beverly Hills, Hollywood Sign Viewpoint, and Hollywood Walk of Fame. (3.5 Hours)

From USD 30.81 β€” β˜… 4.8111215 (3219 reviews)