Introduction
Los Angeles is a city of diversity, culture, and culinary delights! With so much to see and do, it can be hard to choose what to check out first. To help you make the most of your time in L.A., here’s our ultimate guide to things to do in the city:
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is a popular tourist destination with an excellent view of Los Angeles, including Downtown L.A., Hollywood, and the Pacific Ocean. It is located in Griffith Park on the northeast slope of Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles, California.
For those interested in astronomy or physics this is a must-see! The observatory houses several permanent exhibits about space exploration and astronomy with its main feature being a Foucault pendulum that demonstrates Earth’s rotation relative to its axis (the Foucault pendulum)
Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Where to find it: The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches along Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, with additional stars on Vine Street between Yucca Street and Sunset Boulevard.
- What to do there: Take a selfie with your favorite celebrity (or better yet, one who’s still alive), or just walk around and enjoy all the sights and sounds of this fascinating part of town.
- What to see there: You’ll find plenty of sites worth checking out — including the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars have been held; Grauman’s Chinese Theatre; Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum; Madame Tussauds Wax Museum (which also has locations in New York City, Las Vegas, and London); The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel; Walt Disney Concert Hall; Hollywood Bowl amphitheater…and so much more!
If you have time after visiting these attractions–and even if not–you should put some time aside for dining at one or two restaurants near here too! There are lots available but some good ones include Roscoe’s House Of Chicken ‘n Waffles (if you’re feeling hungry), Mama Dips’ Bar-B-Q Restaurant & Catering(if you’re looking for something quick), In-N-Out Burger(for those who love fast food) or The Hat(for those wanting something slightly fancier).
Pacific Park On The Santa Monica Pier
The Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is a family-friendly amusement park located on the Santa Monica Pier. It has a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, arcade games, and many other attractions that are sure to keep you busy for hours. There is also a bar and restaurant on the pier so you can grab something to eat while enjoying your time in this historic place!
Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
Rodeo Drive is a street in Beverly Hills, California, known for its luxury retail stores. The street was named after the annual Rodeo drive held in the Santa Monica Mountains.
As one of the most famous streets in Los Angeles and America, it has become synonymous with wealth and excess. Many celebrities have been spotted shopping here including Brad Pitt who was seen browsing at Louis Vuitton during a visit to Los Angeles in 2001.
Getty Center Art Museum
The Getty Center is an art museum in Los Angeles, California, in the Brentwood neighborhood. It’s known for its architecture, gardens, and views. The center is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.
The museum was designed by Richard Meier with associate architects Robert Swatt and Kevin Roche J.. Its construction began in 1983 and was completed in 1997 (the official opening date). It overlooks Los Angeles from its hilltop perch above Interstate 405 at a commanding elevation of 1,400 feet (426 m).
Catch A Concert At The Hollywood Bowl
You can catch concerts at the Hollywood Bowl year-round. The summer season runs from July through September, and it’s when you’ll see big names like Paul McCartney and James Taylor perform. In addition to these headliners, there are also lots of smaller shows going on during this time as well.
The fall season runs from October through December with artists like Stevie Nicks or John Legend taking the stage at nightfall. These shows tend to be more intimate than those in summer because fewer people live in LA during the winter months!
Spring brings beautiful weather along with music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach which feature big names like Beyonce or Drake performing their latest hits to live onstage (and sometimes even collaborating).
Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific
Queen Mary is a grand old ship. The world’s largest ocean liner, it was built in 1936 and served as a passenger ship until 1967. Today it’s a museum, hotel, and event venue that also houses an aquarium on board.
Queen Mary has hosted many famous people over the years including President Franklin D Roosevelt, Walt Disney, and Marilyn Monroe (who married Joe DiMaggio aboard). You can tour the entire ship or just focus on certain areas like the engine room or dining rooms where you’ll find restored art deco decor from its glory days as an ocean liner.
The Aquarium of Pacific is located inside Queen Mary’s bowels so it might not seem like much at first glance but once inside this two-story facility there’s plenty for visitors of all ages to enjoy including sharks swimming overhead through large glass windows into their tank; jellyfish floating alongside them; turtles sunning themselves on rocks below while smaller fish swim around them; rays swimming upside down near another tank filled with seaweed; stingrays swimming by as well as sea lions barking loudly at passersby! It is quite remarkable how much life exists within these tanks despite being enclosed within one building.”
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Take a walk along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk is a great place to people-watch, enjoy the sunsets, and get some fresh air. There are plenty of street performers who will entertain you with their acts or just their presence on the boardwalk. If you’re lucky enough to visit during sunset time, it’s even better! Make sure to bring your camera because there is no better way than taking photos at Venice Beach looking over at Santa Monica Bay (and maybe even Catalina Island).
If walking isn’t what you want to do after visiting this area then grab some seafood at one of its many restaurants located nearby–or simply relax in one of their beach chairs while enjoying listening to music from nearby vendors playing instruments such as saxophones or trumpets!
Paramount Pictures Studios
This is one of the most famous movie studios in Hollywood, and it’s right here in LA! The tour takes you through some of their most famous sets, including where they filmed “Men In Black” and “Star Trek”. You can also see where they filmed parts of “Back To The Future”, “Indiana Jones”, as well as many others. It costs $32 per person (tickets purchased at least one day before your visit are discounted). If you want to do more than just this tour, there are multiple other activities available such as taking pictures with props from various movies or even acting out scenes yourself! If you’re interested in going but don’t want to do any extra stuff after your tour, just get tickets for the basic tour only – it’ll still be worth it because these studios are real!
Disney’s California Adventure and Disneyland Park
Disney’s California Adventure and Disneyland Park are two theme parks located in Anaheim, California. The two parks are part of the Disneyland Resort, which is the only place in the world where you can experience both of these parks.
Disneyland Park is an amusement park that was opened by Walt Disney on July 17th, 1955 as an exclusive park for his employees and their families. It has since become one of the most popular amusement parks in Southern California and attracts millions of visitors every year.
Disney’s California Adventure has been open since February 8th, 2001 as part of a larger expansion project called “Disneyland Resort: The Entertainment Complex” which also included Downtown Disney (now known as Disney Springs). This new park features rides based on various movies such as Cars Land or Pixar Pier!
Watch The Sunset at Malibu Beach
The sunset at Malibu Beach is a must-see. The beach is located on the Pacific Coast Highway and is easily accessible from Los Angeles, making it an ideal spot for travelers looking to watch the sunset over the ocean.
Universal Studios Hollywood
The park is home to several attractions, including the world’s first Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The park also has Transformers: The Ride-3D and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, as well as WaterWorld: A Live Sea War Spectacular!
The most popular ride in Universal Studios Hollywood is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which takes you on an adventure through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It’s an immersive experience that will take up to 3 hours to complete!
Beverly Hills Farmers Market On Sunday Mornings
Beverly Hills Farmers Market is open Sundays from 8 am to noon, and it’s located at the corner of Burton Way and Loma Drive in Beverly Hills. The market is open year-round, except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a great place to visit in Los Angeles. There are many things to do, including riding the Ferris wheel, eating at Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co., or watching a show at Pacific Park Amusement Rides.
The pier also has an aquarium with penguins and sea lions, which is free to enter! You can even get married here if you want; there are wedding chapels located on both sides of the pier (which makes sense because they’re right next door).
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is a street in Beverly Hills, California that is home to many high-end designer boutiques. It’s also the most expensive retail street in the United States.
Rodeo Drive was named after its location along Rodeo Creek and not because it’s home to rodeos (which are illegal in Beverly Hills). The first business on Rodeo Drive was opened by Paul Frank who opened his store there in 1945 as well as other notable retailers like Gucci and Tiffany & Co. Today you can find luxury brands such as Chanel, Prada, and Louis Vuitton lining this famous shopping street!
Getty Villa Malibu
Getty Villa Malibu is an art museum, built in the style of a Roman villa. It’s located in Malibu, California, and is part of the J. Paul Getty Trust.
The museum features classical antiquities from Ancient Greece and Rome that are on display as well as rotating exhibitions throughout its galleries every year. You can also enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner at its outdoor pavilion while taking in views of Los Angeles’ coastline below you!
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice Beach Boardwalk is a place where you can walk, eat, shop, and enjoy the sun. It’s a fun place to go with your friends or family. You can also spend time watching artists create their masterpieces on the boardwalk.
The Venice Beach boardwalk is a great place to enjoy the sun and the ocean as well!
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a movie studio and theme park in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County, California. It was founded in 1912 and opened on May 31, 1915, as the world’s first fully-integrated movie studio. Universal has been owned by NBCUniversal since 2004.
The studio was founded by Carl Laemmle who built it on his land but later sold it to MCA Inc., which later became Vivendi Universal Entertainment (and then Vivendi SA), before being acquired by General Electric (GE). The current owner is Comcast through its NBCUniversal division; GE retains some control over certain assets due to contractual obligations with Vivendi SA.
Grand Central Market DTLA
Grand Central Market, located in the historic buildings of the former Terminal Market, is a bustling marketplace that offers more than 30 specialty food vendors, restaurants, cafes, and butchers. The market is open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., making it an ideal place to visit during your stay in Los Angeles.
The market was originally established in 1917 and was renovated by architect Frank Gehry in 1999 for use as an entertainment venue under its current name (it was formerly called The Los Angeles Public Market). Today you can find fresh produce at La Flor De Michoacan; handmade pasta at Gjelina; freshly baked bread from Bread Lounge Bakery & Cafe; or fish tacos from Mariscos Jalisco among other delicious options available under one roof!
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is a popular tourist attraction in Los Angeles. It has exhibits, planetarium shows,s and a gift shop. The observatory is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm (except for Thanksgiving Day). The Griffith Observatory is located at 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles CA 90027
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a sidewalk that runs along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. It is embedded with more than 2,500 5-pointed stars featuring the names of celebrities honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to the entertainment industry.
The Walk of Fame was created in 1958 by E.M. Stuart (1880-1962) who was an entrepreneur from New Jersey who owned real estate and also operated a chain of banks throughout Southern California known as Security National Bank which was eventually acquired by Wells Fargo Bank in 1996 (he had previously been awarded a star on January 16th, 1960).
He came up with an idea after reading about plans made by New York City Councilman Fred Brierman Jr., who wanted to build an attraction called “The Hollywood Hall Of Fame” but could not find any investors willing to fund his idea so he asked Stuart if they could work together on this project instead; Stuart agreed provided that all costs associated with installing these plaques were covered by private donations only – which they did successfully raise enough money through various fundraising events held throughout 1959 including one held at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre itself where over $10k worth of coins were donated directly into its cash register which ended up selling those same coins back again later on down the road for even more money than what people paid initially!
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park is a popular hiking spot in Hollywood. It’s a great place to go for a run, hike, or picnic. The park has over 5 acres of land, so there’s plenty of room for you to enjoy yourself!
There are lots of different types of wildlife in the park including birds and squirrels (and even coyotes!). You can also see some beautiful views of Los Angeles from here if you look up at the right time.
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
This museum is the most visited in Los Angeles. If you’re interested in fossils and dinosaurs, this is the place to go!
The La Brea Tar Pits are located in Hancock Park, Los Angeles. The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum was opened on October 15th, 1913 by a group called “The Natural History Society of Los Angeles”. It has been here since then and continues to be one of LA’s most popular attractions today.
Pacific Coast Highway PCH
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the most famous roads in the world. It’s a scenic drive that runs along California’s coastline, connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco. The PCH has beautiful views and plenty of places where you can stop to take pictures, including beaches along the way (like Malibu).
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a full-size replica of the Hollywood Sign, and it’s also home to the world’s largest movie studio. Universal Studios Hollywood is so big that it has its theme park! This means you can visit both parks in one day if you want–and why wouldn’t you? The Studio Tour takes guests behind the scenes at several iconic television shows and movies like Back To The Future II and Jurassic Park III.
You can also get up close with some of your favorite characters by visiting Universal’s CityWalk restaurants such as Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar or Margaritaville Restaurant & Bar (which serves cocktails inspired by Jimmy Buffett). Or go see what all the buzz is about at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum where your favorite celebrity wax figures will be waiting for their photo op moment with everyone from Beyonce Knowles to Rihanna Carter herself!
Walt Disney Concert Hall DTLA
Walt Disney Concert Hall is located in Downtown Los Angeles, an area rich in culture and history. The building itself was designed by architect Frank Gehry, who also designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and Walt Disney Concert Hall’s sister building: The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
The concert hall has been hosting world-class performances since it opened its doors to the public in 2003; it’s home to both the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and Los Angeles Master Chorale (among others). If you’re interested in seeing what goes on behind the scenes at this amazing venue, check out their tours here!
If you’re looking for something more casual than attending a performance inside of Walt Disney Concert Hall itself then you should check out Grand Park next door: It’s one of LA’s biggest parks with lots of things going on all year round – from concerts/shows at Nokia Plaza Stage & Lawns Stage or movie screenings at Regal Cinemas LANDMARK Theatre(which also has great views from its rooftop bar). You’ll find plenty of places nearby where you can grab lunch or dinner too!
LACMA Los Angeles County Museum of Art
LACMA is an art museum that houses one of the largest collections in the world. It’s also home to several rotating exhibits and galleries, with everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary paintings by artists like Damien Hirst.
The museum is located in Los Angeles, California, and is open every day except Monday (it closes at 5 p.m.). If you’re planning on visiting LACMA during its hours of operation (10 a.m.-5 p.m.), here are some things you should know beforehand:
Admission costs $15 per adult; children aged 12 or younger get free admission! -Tickets can be purchased online or at the door (but these sell out fast). No matter where your ticket comes from though–make sure it has an expiration date printed on it before going through security screening because otherwise, they won’t let you through without getting another one printed up first thing next time around…which means waiting again in line for another hour at least!
Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Bowl is one of LA’s most iconic venues, and it’s easy to see why. It has a lot going for it: concerts, dinner before the show, picnic on the lawn, and good for kids. But perhaps most importantly for seniors–it’s also good for dogs!
The Hollywood Bowl was originally built in 1922 as an outdoor amphitheater but has since been converted into an indoor arena with a capacity of nearly 18,000 people. The acoustics are considered some of the best in all of Southern California due to its natural setting within Griffith Park which allows sound waves to bounce off surrounding hillsides before they reach your ears as well as give you unobstructed views from every seat in the house (except behind speakers).
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County NHM Los Angeles
- Located in Exposition Park, Los Angeles
- Home to over 30 million specimens and artifacts
- Built-in 1913, originally called the Los Angeles County Museum of History, Science, and Art
Sunset Boulevard West Hollywood, CA, USA.
Sunset Boulevard is one of the most famous streets in the world, and it’s no surprise that this stretch of West Hollywood has become a popular tourist destination. The street is home to some of the most expensive real estates in all of Los Angeles, but it also offers some great shopping and nightlife opportunities for those who want to explore outside their hotel rooms or rental homes.
If you’re looking for some good food while on Sunset Boulevard, try heading to Canter’s Deli for an over-the-top pastrami sandwich or Philippe’s French Dip (if you can handle its long wait times). If seafood is more your thing then head over to Catch LAC at The W Hotel where they serve up fresh fish dishes paired with cocktails crafted by local mixologists.
Visit Hollywood
Hollywood is a district in the central region of Los Angeles, California, notable as the home of the U.S. film industry including several of its historic studios. It’s also known for its connection with celebrities, who live there or frequent it during their public appearances to promote their latest work.
Hollywood was incorporated as a municipality on November 13th, 1903, by a group that included such luminaries as Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and Daeida Baird (who later became known as “America’s Sweetheart”). It was named after its founder: Hylan Ralston Tallyhoppleberry (not actually his real name).
Getty Center
The Getty Center is a museum complex in Los Angeles, California, United States that consists of the Getty Center for Arts and Heritage; the Getty Villa; the Getty Research Institute (GRI); and two satellite locations. The collection features Western art from the Middle Ages to contemporary art as well as traditional handicrafts from around the world. The center has been described as one of the most important museums in America by several critics and scholars.
The J. Paul Getty Trust was established by oilman J. Paul Getty in 1953 with an endowment of US$1 billion ($9 billion today). The trust’s mission is “to further knowledge and promote understanding of art, history, and culture through educational programs at its museums; scholarly research at its library”; conservation of works on paper; acquisition of significant works for its collections; support for artists through grants-in-aid programs. In addition to its headquarters at Wormsley Park in England, it maintains offices throughout Europe:29 including Paris.
The Getty Center lies within walking distance from Brentwood Park. Its museum facilities include two outdoor gardens featuring sculpture by Richard Serra; outdoor cafes overlooking those gardens; three indoor galleries; concert hall seating 1,200 people with acoustics designed by Yasuhisa Toyota.
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is a street in Beverly Hills, California, that is famous for its luxury shops. The street is known for its high-end boutiques and shops such as Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, and Prada.
If you want to see some of the world’s most famous brands in one place then Rodeo Drive is a must-visit!
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is the road that runs along California’s Pacific coast. It’s also known as Highway 1, and it stretches from Leggett to San Luis Obispo. The PCH has many places to stop and explore, like Santa Barbara and Big Sur–but if you’re looking for something more urban, try stopping by one of these attractions:
- Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles – This observatory is located in Griffith Park and offers some incredible views of LA at night! You can also go inside to learn about space through exhibits or watch a planetarium show on topics like “Space Travel” or “The Universe”.
- Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens – This botanical garden has been around since 1919 when it was founded by Henry Edwards Huntington (a railroad executive). Nowadays it houses over 70 acres worth of gardens with over 13 miles worth of walking paths through them all! You’ll find everything from tropical plants indoors as well as desert landscapes outside along with plenty more surprises along the way…
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is an art museum located in Los Angeles, California, United States. It was founded in 1961 and currently has a collection of more than 120,000 objects that range from antiquity to contemporary art.
The museum’s origins trace back to the founding of the Los Angeles Memorial Museum of History, Science, and Art in 1910. In 1931 it became known as the Los Angeles County Museum of History, Science and Art when it merged with what was then called The Exposition Park Museum (which originally opened as The Natural History Museum). In 1965 it became known as simply The Los Angeles County Museum of Art after acquiring other facilities such as those at Exposition Park; then again later on changed its name to LACMA because it wanted “a name that better reflects our geographical location.”
The museum features different exhibits throughout each season including film screenings/lectures or musical performances by artists like David Bowie or Muse (band).
Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90036
Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame is a Hollywood landmark, and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Los Angeles.
In 1958, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce started installing stars on the sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood, California. The idea was to honor celebrities who have made significant contributions to entertainment. At first, there were only two hundred stars, but now there are over 2,600!
It’s free to walk around looking at all these famous faces–and sometimes you can even find yourself standing right next to one!
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is a popular tourist attraction, and it’s free to visit. The observatory has a planetarium, where you can see the stars in their natural environment. You can also see the Hollywood sign from there! In addition to this amazing view of Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory has exhibits about astronomy and space exploration that are worth checking out too.
Farmers Market and Grove Shopping Center
The Farmers Market and Grove Shopping Center is a shopping mall in Los Angeles, California. It is located at the intersection of Fairfax Avenue and Third Street, in the Fairfax District neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Farmers Market and Grove Shopping Center were built on land previously occupied by several older industrial sites including an oil refinery owned by Charles Alexander Mentry (1857-1934). After its demolition in 1967 to make way for this project, Mentry’s house was moved to nearby Hancock Park where it currently serves as headquarters for The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.[1]
Venice Beach Canals Walkway
If you’re looking for a place to walk, jog, or bicycle, this is it. The Venice Beach Canals Walkway is located just south of the Venice Boardwalk and north of Ocean Front Walk (on Windward Avenue). The trail is about 0.7 miles long and runs along several canals that were once used to transport goods around Venice Beach back in its heyday as an industrial port town. It’s also a great place to bird watch–you may catch sight of egrets, ducks, and other waterfowl swimming around!
La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits are a natural trap for animals that fall in. The tar is made of crude oil, which hardens and preserves the bones of animals who have died there over thousands of years. It’s also home to many fossils: it’s estimated that 50-60% of all species found in North America have been discovered at the site!
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum has a fascinating array of exhibits on display, including an excavation pit where you can see what archeologists do when they’re excavating fossils from the earth. It’s also worth checking out their new exhibit called “Ice Age Mammals Come To Life”–it features animatronic models created using 3D scans of actual animals found at La Brea.
Santa Monica Pier and Beach
The Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit attraction in Los Angeles, California. Located on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), it’s known as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Southern California. The pier offers rides, games, and shops that are open year-round. You can also rent bikes or rollerblades during warmer months!
Santa Monica Beach is another great place to spend time with your friends or family while visiting Los Angeles, CA. There are plenty of things to do here including surfing lessons at Muscle Beach Gym or swimming at Will Rogers State Park (which is located right next door).
If you’re looking for an even more adventurous experience than what Santa Monica has to offer then head over to Venice Beach Boardwalk where there will be people playing music on their instruments; artists painting pictures; skateboarders doing tricks off ramps into pools below them filled with water; tourists taking selfies next too famous landmarks such as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre & Walk Of Fame Star Plaques which both sit right next door each other along Ocean Front Walkway between 6th Street & Rose Avenue.
Conclusion
So there you have it, our top 40 things to do in Los Angeles. We hope this list inspires you to get out and explore the city!
