Top Things to Do in Los Angeles, the Ultimate Guide
FOMO is real! Do you worry about overlooking something incredible when travel planning? If so, then you’re in luck because this curated list of 100 things to do in Los Angeles California will ensure you create an unforgettable and personalized vacation. Los Angeles California is the second-largest city in the US. LA’s population is 4+ million. The city is diverse. Actors, musicians, artists, stylists, and celebrity chefs coexist with surfers, hippies, and businessmen. You will find a collection of neighborhoods connecting the ocean, desert, and mountains across 469 square miles. This list of the best things to do in LA includes landmarks, attractions, museums, outdoor activities, beaches, where to eat and shop, and where to get the perfect photos for lasting memories. Don’t skip the Plan Your Trip section for when to go, how long to stay, what to pack, how much to budget, where to stay, and how to get around. It’s all here, keep reading for 100 Things to Do in Los Angeles.
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Top 5 Things to Do in Los Angeles
- See the Hollywood sign and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Check out the view of Los Angeles from Griffith Park Observatory.
- Ride the Santa Monica Pier roller coaster.
- Window shop along Rodeo Drive.
- Go rollerblading on the Venice Beach boardwalk.
Must Do Attractions and Activities in Los Angeles
- Ride the Santa Monica Pier roller coaster over the ocean.
- Ride Skyspace, a glass slide 1,000 ft above the city.
- Take a photo of DTLA from the Observation Deck at City Hall or OUE Skyspace Los Angeles.
- Walkthrough the book tower at the Last Bookstore.
- Check out the wrought iron staircases at the Bradbury Building.
- Have an impromptu photoshoot at Union Station.
- Attend the Downtown Art Walk.
- Enjoy the city view from the Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck.
- Stay at the haunted Cecil Hotel, the inspiration for a season of American Horror Story.
- Check out where LA began at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument.
- Take a historic tour of Broadway’s art deco buildings and theaters.
- Wander Angelino Heights admiring the old Victorian homes.
- Take in the view of DTLA from Vista Hermosa Natural Park.
- See a Broadway play at Pantages Theatre.
- Take a free tour of the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
- Explore Chinatown’s temples.
- Visit the mosaic-covered Watts Towers created by artist Simon Rodia.
- See a Lakers Game at the Staples Center.
- Watch a game and eat a Dodger Dog at Dodger Stadium.
- Check out the street art Silver Lake, don’t miss Laurel and Hardy’s famous music box steps.
- Attend the Silver Lake Picture Show.
- Explore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House.
- Pretend to ‘walk the carpet’ at Mann’s Chinese Theater and compare your hands and feet to some of Hollywood’s famous.
- Take a picture with The Four Ladies of Hollywood.
- Tour the Dolby Theater or see a movie at El Capitan Theatre.
- Take a photo of the iconic Capitol Records Tower.
- Shop for records at Amoeba Music.
- Take the Hollywood Scandal Tour.
- Take a picture with your favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Drive up Canyon Lake Drive for a great view of the Hollywood sign.
- Check the public art in LA’s metro, starting with the Hollywood station.
- Watch the taping of one of your favorite shows, get in line early.
- Watch a movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
- Spend the night in the haunted Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
- Take a tour of Paramount Studios or Warner Bros Studio.
- Photograph the Los Angeles skyline from the Griffith Observatory.
- Ride the Griffith Park carousel.
- Check out the graffiti in Griffith Park’s abandoned zoo.
- Spend a day at Universal Studios, and be sure to get a butter beer in Harry Potter’s World.
- See a concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
- Drive up Mulholland to see how the celebrities live and take in the great city views.
- Tour the Stahl House and pretend you live there.
- Catch a stand-up show at Upright Citizens Brigade.
- Make your own cake at Duff’s Cake Shop (Ace of Cakes).
- Take a high-end Cannabis Tour.
- Explore Chateau Marmont and dream of old Hollywood.
- Check out the Guitar Center Rock Walk.
- Hang out at a rooftop pool and listen to music all day, watch for celebrities!
- Take a photo with the Beverly Hills sign and the Spadena House.
- Have a Pretty Women moment at the Beverly Wilshire.
- Take the Hidden Beverly Hills Tour.
- Dance around the Electric Fountain singing the Go-Go’s Our Lips Are Sealed in Beverly Hills.
- Take an open-top tour of star homes.
- Watch the street performers at Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade.
- Watch the Venice Beach Freakshow and stop to have your palm read.
- Work out at Muscle Beach, or watch others work out.
- Jam during the Venice Beach Drum Circle.
- Explore the Venice Canals.
- Check out the homes along Malibu Colony Road.
Best Museums in Los Angeles
- Spend some time admiring the art at The Getty Center.
- Look through the telescope at Griffith Observatory.
- Check out Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room at the Broad Museum.
- Check out the fossils at the La Brea Tar Pits.
- Learn about the Earth’s history and natural wonders at the Natural History Museum.
- Check out the Urban Light installation and Rain Room at the LA County Museum of Art.
- See the collection of classic and modern cars at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
- Get your selfie fix at Flutter, an interactive art experience.
- Spend some time exploring the interactive exhibits at the Grammy Museum.
- Explore the Museum of Broken Relationships.
- Check out the Guinness World Records Museum.
- Wander the art galleries at Bergamot Station.
- Browse the Greek and Roman art and have Tea by the Sea at The Getty Villa.
- See photos and videos of crime scenes and autopsies at the Museum of Death.
- View Raphael, Rembrandt, Goya, Manet, Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso in the Norton Simon Museum private collection.
- Learn more about the history and culture of the American West at The Autry Museum of the American West.
- See Armand Hammer’s personal collection of Renaissance to early 20th-century European and American art at The Hammer Museum.
- Check out 250+ antique, and exotic vehicles at The Nethercutt Collection.
Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles
- Hike up to the Griffith Observatory for a stunning view of the iconic Hollywood Sign.
- Play in the fountain at Grand Park.
- Paddleboat around Echo Park Lake in a swan boat.
- Check out the Wisdome LA Immersive Art Park.
- Stop in Barnsdall Park for views of DTLA, the Hollywood sign, and the Griffith Observatory.
- Walk the Beachwood Canyon Stairs and explore old Hollywood.
- Take the Mt Hollywood trail to the Hollywood sign, and be on the lookout for rattlesnakes.
- Go for a horseback ride on the trails under the Hollywood sign.
- Hike the famous Runyon Canyon, and be on the lookout for celebrities.
- Stop to smell the roses at Exposition Park Rose Garden.
- Wander through the themed gardens at Descanso Gardens.
- Have a picnic lunch at Greystone Mansion.
- Join the locals walking the Santa Monica Stairs.
- Go swimming at Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica.
- Relax in Palisades Park listening to the ocean’s waves.
- Watch a game of chess at Santa Monica International Chess Park.
- Rollerblade the boardwalk from Venice to Santa Monica.
- Hike Point Mugu State Park.
- Hike from Escondido Falls to Malibu’s waterfall.
- Check out Malibu Creek State Park, where MASH was taped.
- Hike to the Paramount Ranch’s Old Western Set.
- Hike to the Parker Mesa Overlook for amazing views of the coastline.
- Hike through mansion wildfire ruins at Solstice Canyon.
- Hike to the Corral Canyon graffiti cave.
- Take a surfing lesson or watch the surfers at Surfrider Beach or Zuma Beach.
- Spend a day in the sun at Leo Carrillo State Beach or El Matador Beach.
- Go paddle boarding or kayak in Marina del Rey.
- Visit the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens.
Where to Eat in Los Angeles
- Wander the shops and coffee houses of Sunset Junction.
- Grab a donut and take a photo at the iconic Randy’s Donuts.
- Eat a Pink’s hot dog on Melrose and La Brea.
- Have lunch at Smorgasburg in one of 100 food trucks and stalls.
- Buy a snack at the Farmers Market.
- Grab an ice cream at McConnell’s in Grand Central Market.
- Have lunch at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles.
- Eat ramen and check out the public gardens in Little Tokyo.
- Have a French Dip at Philippe the Original and buy some hot mustard as a souvenir.
- Have lunch at Clifton’s Cafeteria.
- Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Millennium Biltmore DTLA.
- Have a burger at the Sunset Grill.
- Shop for picnic supplies at the Fairfax Farmers Market.
- Buy a cupcake from the Sprinkles ATM.
- Have lunch poolside at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
- Eat fish and chips at Neptune’s Net in Malibu.
- Head to Koreatown for Korean BBQ.
- Splurge on dinner made by a celebrity chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago or Cut, Nobu, Maude or Gwen by Curtis Stone, République by Walter Manzke, Bazaar by José Andrés, POT by Roy Choi, Crossroads Kitchen by Tal Ronnen, Gracias Madre by Matthew Kenney, or Mastro’s Steakhouse.
Los Angeles Nightlife: Pubs, Cocktails and Nightclubs
- Have a beer at Angel City Brewery.
- Go bar hopping in Silver Lake.
- Check out the karaoke bars and speakeasies in Koreatown.
- Attend a pool party at The Highlight Room, Upstairs, Mama Shelter, The Standard, or Skybar Mondrian.
- Have a cocktail with a view on the roof of E.P. & L.P. or Perch.
- See the famous clubs that launched many careers: The Whiskey a Go-Go, The Rainbow, The Rocks, and The Troubadour.
- Dance the night away at Exchange LA, Avalon Hollywood, The Mayan Nightclub, Sound Nightclub, or Bootsy Bellows.
Shopping in Los Angeles
- Browse for souvenirs on Hollywood Blvd.
- Window shop on Rodeo Drive and take a picture with Robert Graham’s Torso.
- Shop in downtown’s Fashion District, Toy District, or (my favorite) Jewelry District.
- Check out the boutiques along Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
- Wander the stalls on the historic Olvera Street, the birthplace of LA.
- Do some shopping and watch the street performers on the Santa Monica Third Street Promenade.
- Browse the vintage stores on Melrose Avenue.
- Shop at upscale stores at The Grove and catch a glimpse of the famous dancing fountain.
- Hunt for treasures at the Rose Bowl Flea Market or Arts District Flea Market.
Day Trips from Los Angeles
- Take a day trip to Santa Catalina Island and explore the island on a golf cart.
- Spend a day in the desert at Joshua Tree National Park.
- Head up the coast to the gorgeous city of Santa Barbara.
- Go wine tasting in Temecula Valley.
- Spend a day in sunny San Diego.
Festivals and Special Events Held in Los Angeles
- Watch the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game (January 1), or tour the floats the day after.
- Be part of the crowd for the Academy Awards (Oscars) (February/March).
- Attend the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (April).
- Join the festivities of the LA Pride Festival and Parade (June).
- Attend the Hollywood Christmas Parade (November-December).
Be sure to check the Los Angeles California Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Plan your Trip to Los Angeles California
Why Visit Los Angeles
Los Angeles had approximately 46 million visitors last year. People are drawn by Los Angeles. Los Angeles is also full of history, museums, fun attractions, and great shopping.
How Many Days in Los Angeles is Enough
3 days is Los Angeles is enough to experience the city. Add another day if you plan to attend a special event or wish to take a day trip.
Is Los Angeles Safe for Solo Travelers
LA is huge, 502.7 square miles. It begins with the beaches of Orange County up to Malibu and as far east as San Bernardino. Safety will depend on where you are. According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall risk of travel in Los Angeles is medium for pickpockets and scams but high for mugging. Check their website for more information about the specific area you plan to visit.
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles
The best time to visit Los Angeles for beach weather is Late July through the beginning of October. Spring remains cold and foggy (May–early July). Winter brings rain and possible landslides along the coast. Crowds thin in August and September after children return to school and family vacations have ended.
How to Get to Los Angeles
Los Angeles Airport (LAX) is the world’s third busiest airport and averages 1,500 flights a day. You should have no problem finding a flight to LAX. John Wayne Airport (SNA) is an international airport in Orange County. It is best to fly into John Wayne if you are planning a family vacation in Anaheim. If your main destination and accommodation is in LA, the drive from John Wayne into the city can be horrible. Be sure to check flights to the Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). Most of the major airlines fly into Burbank, it is less crowded, and convenient and tickets are often less expensive.
How to Get Around Los Angeles
The best way to get around and explore Los Angeles is by car. The sites you will want to see are spread out and ride share is expensive. An Uber from the airport to Hollywood can cost $50-$95. Consider the Fly Away Shuttle Bus and purchasing a hop on/hop off bus tour if you are completely against driving in LA.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
The best hotel for the value is Mama Shelter in West Hollywood. The bonus is the rooftop! Note the property caters to the LGBTQ+ community. If you have rented a car, stay in one of the beach communities but know the drive into the city will take time due to traffic. Check hotels in Hermosa Beach.
What Should I Budget for Los Angeles
According to Budget My Trip, the daily cost of travel is $258 per person per day. As always, the cost is based on your travel style. Check their website for more information.
What Should I Pack for Los Angeles
There is a lot of concrete in Los Angeles and concrete heats up quickly in the sun. Pack comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing in the summer. You will need a jacket in the Spring and Fall and a heavy coat in the Winter. Otherwise, pack for your activities: beach gear, casual for sightseeing, dress up for celebrity restaurants or nightclubs.
Are There Any Romantic Things to Do in Los Angeles
Perch, The Little Door, and Nobu Malibu are a few of the best restaurants for a couple’s night out. Also consider taking a gondola ride through the Venice canals, catching an outdoor movie, or watching a performance at the iconic Hollywood Bowl.
Things to Do in Los Angeles with Young Children
Besides the obvious Disneyland, families will want to consider visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific, Los Angeles Zoo, Santa Monica Pier, and Discovery Cube Los Angeles.
Things to do in Los Angeles with Young Adults
Young adults will enjoy California Adventure, Universal Studios, the Downtown Arts District, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Hollywood homes and hotspots tour, or a surfing lesson.
Things to do in Los Angeles for free
Be sure to add some of the free activities in Los Angeles to your schedule. Consider the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Blvd, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach Boardwalk, or the Getty Center and Broad Museums.
What are the popular neighborhoods in Los Angeles?
So many neighborhoods, so little time! It will be important to map your interests because LA is so spread out. The most popular neighborhoods in LA are Downtown, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Silver Lake, and Venice Beach.
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