Best things to do in Los Angeles
Find out more about those top places in Los Angeles
Ultimate LA Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do, and Places to Visit in Los Angeles
When people think of Los Angeles, they think of bright lights, celebrity sightings, and, of course, Hollywood magic. The second most populous city in the United States, with over 4 million residents, LA is a place that’s as iconic as they come. Whether you’re looking for top attractions, celebrity tours, or just some good old-fashioned sightseeing, Los Angeles should be at the top of your travel bucket list. So grab your sunglasses and sunscreen (yes, it's sunny almost every day), because we’re about to take you on a journey through the best places to visit and things to do in the City of Angels.
Iconic Landmarks and Celebrity Sightings
No trip to Los Angeles is complete without checking out the top attractions that put this city on the map. From the famous Hollywood sign to the glitzy Hollywood Walk of Fame, here’s where you’ll want to head first:
-
Hollywood Walk of Fame: If you’re a fan of the silver screen, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-see. Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard and snap a photo with the stars (literally!) as you pass the names of your favorite actors, musicians, and entertainers embedded into the sidewalk. Who knows? You might even spot a celebrity or two (but no promises, they don’t just pop up)!
-
The Hollywood Sign: Ah yes, the iconic Hollywood sign—no, you can’t climb it (unless you’re feeling super adventurous), but you can get great views from Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the world, and when you see it in person, you’ll understand why. Snap that selfie and make all your friends jealous!
-
The Getty Center: While you’re in LA, make sure to stop by The Getty Center. Not only will you be treated to some amazing art collections, but you’ll also be able to explore beautifully landscaped gardens and take in breathtaking views of the city. Bonus points if you can pronounce all the art jargon like a true intellectual.
Fun and Quirky Things to Do
If you think LA is all glitz and glam, think again! There’s a whole other side to this city filled with quirky museums, hidden gems, and unexpected surprises.
-
The La Brea Tar Pits: Ever wanted to see prehistoric creatures trapped in tar? No? Well, once you’ve checked out the La Brea Tar Pits, you might change your mind! It’s a fascinating site where ancient animals like mammoths and saber-toothed tigers got stuck in sticky tar, and they’ve got a museum that’ll make you feel like you’ve time-traveled to the Ice Age. It’s a great place to visit for anyone who’s ever had an interest in dinosaurs—or just loves a good story of animals being stuck in goo.
-
Venice Beach: For a bit of local flavor, head to Venice Beach, where you'll find eccentric street performers, rollerbladers, muscle beach bodybuilders, and an assortment of funky shops and cafes. It’s the perfect place to visit for people-watching or showing off your own funky style.
-
Griffith Observatory: This is one of the top attractions for those interested in both the stars in the sky and the stars on the silver screen. Located in Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory offers stunning views of the Hollywood sign, along with fascinating exhibits about space. And yes, it’s where they filmed that iconic scene from La La Land, so you can reenact your favorite movie moments, too!
Explore LA's Diverse Neighborhoods
Los Angeles isn’t just about the famous landmarks—it’s also about exploring its vibrant neighborhoods. From the glamour of Beverly Hills to the laid-back vibes of Santa Monica, there’s something for everyone.
-
Beverly Hills: Think luxury shopping, palm tree-lined streets, and pristine parks. Don’t forget to take a stroll along Rodeo Drive for the full celebrity treatment. You might not be able to afford a designer purse, but you can sure look the part while window shopping!
-
Santa Monica: For a more relaxed vibe, head to Santa Monica, where you can ride the famous pier rollercoaster, grab a bite at one of the delicious oceanfront restaurants, and soak up some rays on the beach. It's the perfect place to visit for a chill day by the water.
-
Downtown LA: Explore the urban heart of the city where art galleries, trendy eateries, and rooftop bars await. Don’t miss the Broad Museum, a must-see for contemporary art lovers. You’ll also find cool spots like Grand Central Market where you can sample LA’s best food (think tacos, ramen, and everything in between).
Foodie Heaven: LA's Culinary Scene
Los Angeles isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s also a foodie haven. From gourmet restaurants to street food vendors, there’s no shortage of things to do for your taste buds. Here are a few spots you can’t miss:
-
In-N-Out Burger: Yes, we’re starting with the basics! You can’t visit LA without stopping at an In-N-Out Burger. The secret menu is a must-try, so don’t be shy—get your hands on a "Double-Double" and animal-style fries for a taste of LA’s burger scene.
-
Grand Central Market: If you’re looking for variety, head to Grand Central Market in Downtown LA. It’s a foodie’s paradise with everything from tacos to ramen to gourmet ice cream. You’ll want to bring your stretchy pants, trust us.
-
Korean BBQ: Los Angeles is home to some of the best Korean BBQ outside of Korea. Head to Koreatown to grill your own meats at the table and enjoy the interactive (and delicious) experience.
Conclusion: LA’s Endless Fun Awaits
Whether you’re a movie buff, a food lover, or someone just looking to take in the sights and sounds of a world-class city, Los Angeles has something for everyone. From iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign to quirky attractions like the La Brea Tar Pits, there’s no shortage of places to visit and things to do in this sprawling, sun-soaked metropolis.
So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to experience the top attractions and sights of LA—the city where anything is possible, and the stars really do shine.
-
Hollywood Walk of Fame
One of the most visited tourist attraction in the United State of America, receiving over 10 million visitors annually. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a collection of more than 2,600 five pointed stars made of terrazzo and brass embedded on the sidewalks passing through Hollywood Boulevard to Vine Streets in Hollywood, California. The “stars” are put in place for people who have “recognized” achievement in the entertainment industry especially music and movie, it also features stars of 16 fictional characters.
-
Mulholland Drive
If you are a lover of Hollywood movies, then taking a drive through Mulholland Drive would have memories flooding through your mind. Named after Los Angeles civil engineer William Mulholland, it is a 34-kilometers-long road along the ridge line of the eastern Santa Monica Mountains. There are so many attractions on the Mulholland Drive, which makes it a must for any one touring Los Angeles. Some of its main attractions include the Los Angeles Basin, the San Holly Wood Sign, the Sun Fernando Valley, Santa Susana Mountains, Burbank and University City.
-
Dodger Stadium
The Dodger Stadium is the home of baseball team Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), the team is one of American’s most popular baseball teams. Located in the Elysian Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, the stadium has 56,000 seats. Used as a venue for the 1963 World Series, it is known as the “pitcher’s ballpark” having seen many no–hitters. A visit would take you through the teams dressing rooms and dugouts.
-
The Getty Center
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Richard Meier, The Getty Center is located in Brentwood, Los Angeles. The center is one of Los Angeles major tourist attractions drawing up to 1.8 million visitors yearly. It star attraction is the Getty Museum that has exhibits of artifacts from the 20th century like sculptures, drawings and paintings. The center also consists of Getty Conservation Institute, Getty Research Institute and Getty Foundation.
-
Disneyland Resort
Popular known just as Disneyland, the resort was established in 1955 by the well-known star Walt Disney. Located in Anaheim, the park is separated into two Parks; Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. It features various rides with different Hollywood movies themes, such as Space Captain and Pirate of the Caribbean. A fun place to visit with every member of the family.
-
Hollywood Sign
Arguably America’s most famous landmark, there is hardly any lover of the American entertainment industry that is not familiar with this structure. The 45 ft (13.72 m) sign built in 1923 simply says “Hollywood” and it was designed by architect Fisk Goff. It was initially the “Hollywoodland Sign” before it was changed in 1949.
