Places to visit in Los Angeles: Best Attractions and Things to Do

Los Angeles is the city of a thousand faces and attractions; it is both exciting and a bit intimidating at the same time. We are talking about one of the most lively cities to visit with many places of interest, but it is such a huge city that without some tips, you risk missing the best attractions. For this reason, I’ve drawn up a list of the main attractions, hoping it will help you choose what places you will visit in Los Angeles.

Things to do in Los Angeles

Here are all the main attractions of Los Angeles. This is not, of course, a comprehensive list, as it would be impossible to cover everything in a single article, but rather a selection. 

Please note: in this article, I will be considering the attractions of Greater Los Angeles, which includes various neighborhoods, districts, and towns. If you’re also interested in attractions outside of this area, I recommend checking out our article on the best day trips from Los Angeles. If you plan to use Los Angeles as a base for a broader road trip itinerary, I recommend checking out all of our West Coast itineraries.

Hollywood Sign

Nothing is more iconic and representative of Los Angeles than the famous Hollywood sign perched on the hill of Mount Lee, echoing the inseparable bond between this city and the cinema. The Hollywood Sign can be seen from various locations in Los Angeles, but there are specific viewpoints recommended in our guide dedicated to the Hollywood Sign if you want to see it up close.

Hollywood Sign Walking Tour

Universal Studios

This is the theme park Hollywood movie fans will love, where you have access to the most famous movie sets and can relive the most important scenes with special effects. The quality level is so high that it competes with Disneyland for the title of the best theme park in California.

Walking around the movie sets is only part of the fun, as you’ll also find lots of rides, shows, and themed attractions here. I’ve already talked about this in my article on Universal Studios Los Angeles, you can find all the information you need to plan a visit.

Ticket for the Universal Studios

Disneyland

If you are visiting Los Angeles with your children, you can’t avoid a trip to Disneyland, one of the most famous theme parks in the world, where all the main cartoon characters will come to life in fantastic settings. You can enter the wooded house of Winnie the Pooh in Critter Country, go behind the scenes of Disney movies in Fantasyland and even chase Mickey Mouse!

The park (which in turn consists of 2 parks: California Adventure and Disneyland Park) is actually located in Anaheim, Orange County, 25 miles south of LA, and can be a fascinating experience for young and old. Among the most important attractions are Star Tours, Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Read our guide to Disneyland to discover all the details about this park.

Hollywood Boulevard: A Walk among the Stars

Hollywood celebrities are never far from Los Angeles. To catch a handful of stardust, take a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where more than 2,400 characters and celebrities from the entertainment world are immortalized on a sidewalk with symbolic stars.

If you are a movie fan, make sure you go see the most famous hands and footprints near Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, a bizarre place where you can watch interesting screenings and meet many showbiz stars. This is the venue of countless premieres and galas.

Hollywood Walking Tour

Santa Monica

Among the places to visit  in Los Angeles, Santa Monica is another attraction that is hard to overlook. What makes this place famous is, of course, the renowned amusement park on the pier, with its characteristic Ferris wheel, but Santa Monica is also a charming and very fun city with various restaurants, shops, and street artists, as well as a beautiful view of the ocean. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that it is one of the most famous beaches in Los Angeles.

Besides all the iconic elements of beach life in California, you’ll find one of the most famous road signs in America: the end (or start depending on your route) of the legendary Route 66. In addition to the pier (Santa Monica Pier), the other main areas to visit are the bustling Third Street Promenade and Main Street.

For a detailed guide to Santa Monica, make sure you read our article on the things to do in Santa Monica.

Book a tour to explore Santa Monica and other areas of LA

Warner Bros. Studios

If you’ve always wanted to see how Hollywood’s greatest film and television hits are made, a visit to Warner Bros. Studios is definitely for you. You can explore the behind-the-scenes of the major hit shows that are made there and learn the secrets behind a Hollywood production.

Unlike Universal Studios, you won’t find rides here. This is not an amusement park.

Other studios of the same type include Paramount Studios and Sony Pictures Studios. To help you make a choice, you can read our article on which one to choose among the Hollywood Studios.

Warner Bros. Studio Ticket

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is the neighborhood of the rich that has been immortalized by hundreds of movies and shows (Pretty Woman, Beverly Hills 90210, and Beverly Hills Cop to name just a few…). Rodeo Drive, which was mentioned earlier, is in Beverly Hills, but there is also more to see (houses of famous people, important streets, museums, parks, colonial-style buildings …). Moreover, it is a green and very pleasant neighborhood to visit.

If you want to get an idea of the various places of interest in the area, take a look at our article about the things to do in Beverly Hills and get ready to see a one-of-a-kind lifestyle!

Book a Segway Tour

Malibu

21 miles of scenic beauty is the slogan that welcomes you to Malibu, and the beauty of its landscapes is exactly what awaits you. Malibu (also spelled Malibù) stretches along the Pacific Coast Highway (or Highway 1), the stunning scenic road that runs alongside the Pacific Ocean, offering sun-drenched beaches, enchanting coves, as well as celebrity homes and several attractions of significant interest, starting with the magnificent Getty Villa. To learn more, here are our recommendations on places to visit in Malibu.

Book a Tour in a Vintage VW with Wine Tasting

Venice Beach

Venice Beach has long been known as California‘s eccentric Mecca. Skateboarders, young radical artists, and bodybuilders will form crowds before your eyes on the spur-of-the-moment. The area was designed in 1905 by a developer (Abbot Kinney) who wanted to recreate a sort of new Venice, with almost 20 miles of canals.

It can be very pleasant to walk on the Venice Boardwalk, a wide promenade from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of L.A. and where you will find many street artists and souvenir vendors. After sunset, however, it is not very safe, so you should leave Venice Beach and head somewhere else!

Do you want to know where to grab a quick snack? I recommend the Figtree Café, located right next to the impressive “Small World Books” library.

For more detailed information, read our article entirely dedicated to what to do in Venice Beach.

Venice eBike Tour

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Downtown Los Angeles is a neighborhood rich in architecturally interesting buildings, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall, strongly desired by Lilian, the widow of Walt Disney, is perhaps the most fascinating example.

Built between 1999 and 2003 by deconstructivist architect Frank Gehry to host concerts by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, this avant-garde building surprises with its unstable geometry and enveloping, disjointed forms.

Nearby, you can find two other interesting examples of modern architecture: The Broad Museum and the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. For more information, feel free to read our guide to the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Walking Tour Downtown Los Angeles

Union Station

Many people are unaware that the Los Angeles Union Station, built in 1939 and designed by architects John and Donald Parkinson, is one of the city’s most significant and enjoyable historical buildings to visit.

The beauty of the building itself, with its clock tower, interior decorations, adorned murals, and numerous cinematic references (Blade Runner fans will have a thrill), are just some of the reasons why it’s worth visiting this true monument of Los Angeles. To learn more, here is our guide to Union Station Los Angeles.

Walking tour Downtown Los Angeles

The Getty Museum

Among all the things to do in Los Angeles, you must definitely visit the Getty Center, which is the envy of museums around the world because of the generous donations received. It houses rich collections and has some impressive works that span over many centuries, from the Renaissance to the present day.

These include some paintings by Rubens, a couple by Gainsborough, and some by Impressionists, including Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, and Van Gogh. The French decorative arts and a photographic collection are definitely worth seeing. And don’t forget to look for Miró’s and Moore’s artwork in the beautiful sculpture garden.

If you’re interested in this type of attractions, you’ll be glad to know that the city is home to numerous museums, ranging from the more traditional ones (such as the MOCA) to the more popular ones (like the Grammy Museum, which celebrates music and its prestigious award), to those dedicated to cinema (Hollywood Museum) and the classic Natural History Museum. It is impossible to provide a complete list, so I refer you to our guide on the best museums in Los Angeles for more information.

Getty Center Guided Tour

Our tip: read the guide on where to stay in Los Angeles to discover the best areas to look for accommodation.

Mulholland Drive

Yes, we’re talking about Mulholland Drive, the most impressive scenic road in all of Los Angeles. Driving at least a stretch of Mulholland Drive is an experience that all lovers of director David Lynch – but not only them – should have. Hidden along this winding uphill road, among parks and viewpoints, are the opulent villas of the Hollywood stars and the most elite VIPs in Los Angeles. In our article dedicated to Mulholland Drive, we tried to map out the must-see attractions on this road.

Shops and Socialites on Rodeo Drive

Many women dream of strolling on Rodeo Drive like Julia Roberts did in Pretty Woman and go on a shopping spree, but few can afford to buy the unique clothes by the most famous designers on this street. A walk on this famous street can still be an interesting option even without shopping. Also, visit the shops in Anderson Court, a mall designed by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright in 1952. We talked about this famous street in our article: Rodeo Drive Los Angeles.

Small Group Sightseeing Tour

Strolling in L.A.: Olvera Street in El Pueblo and Much More

Those who say you can’t get around Los Angeles without a car are not wrong, and yet there are some nice places to take walks, which, if you plan well, can prove to be enjoyable. Go to Olvera Street, located in the oldest area of Los Angeles, where you can stroll around the stalls of a colorful Mexican market and eat typical dishes accompanied by live music (the area is part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument).

For more information about walking tours, you can contact the Los Angeles Conservancy, which organizes tours of the city’s main tourist attractions, from the historic theaters downtown to the many examples of Art Deco and even modern architecture  (Modern Skyline Walking Tour). Be sure to book well in advance, because these tours are incredibly popular.

Watch an NBA Game

If you are a fan of American basketball, you may already know that Los Angeles is one of the best cities to attend an NBA game. Whether you’re a Lakers fan, a Clippers fan, or just a curious onlooker who doesn’t want to miss the opportunity to experience a unique atmosphere, consider spending an evening in the Staples Center.

If you want to find out more about attending a game and maybe save some money to attend this event, you can read our guide on how to buy NBA tickets in Los Angeles.

Other sports events and matches in Los Angeles

In addition to basketball, there are other local teams you could see. Here are the main teams in the city:

• Football: Find tickets for the Los Angeles Rams or the Los Angeles Chargers
• Baseball: Find tickets for the Los Angeles Dodgers
• Hockey: Find tickets for the Los Angeles Kings
• Soccer: Find tickets for the Los Angeles Galaxy

Enter the TRAVELINUSA code to get a $10 discount on a minimum purchase of $100

Museum of Jurassic Technology

The name can be misleading, since this science museum has nothing to do with Steven Spielberg and Jurassic Park. The Museum of Jurassic Technology is in fact the home of the most curious and unusual technology. The scientific wonders that can be seen in the museum include a bat that can fly through walls, microscopic sculptures, and unique permanent exhibits. At the museum, visitors will experience an intriguing combination of reality and fiction unlike anything else.

Night-time Visit to Chris Burden’s Urban Light

The collections of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA, are housed in a vast 20-acre complex of buildings that were masterfully renovated in 2008. Right in front of the museum, at the BP Grand Entrance, you will find Chris Burden‘s stunning Urban Light, an installation of 202 restored 1920s and 1930s streetlights, which is particularly impressive when viewed at night.

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is an observatory, a planetarium, and an astronomy museum located in Griffith Park, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of downtown Los Angeles and the famous Hollywood sign. Admission is free, but if you want to take a look at the night sky, especially in summer, get in line before nightfall. The Griffith Observatory closes the line after a certain number of people. However, it is worth it to go there to see the building itself and the magnificent view.

Griffith Observatory Hike

Watts Towers

Simon Rodia started building Watts Towers in 1920 using nothing but scrap metal. Gradually, he raised the structure, strengthening it with steel and concrete to avoid instability. In total, there are 17 towers and the two main ones are almost 100 ft tall.

The materials used include everyday objects, such as the green glass of 7-Up bottles or ceramic tiles, as well as jewelry, marble, and shells. The view of this complex gives visitors a sort of eerie feeling.

Bel Air

Less than 20 minutes by car from the upscale Los Angeles (Beverly Hills) neighborhood, you’ll find Bel Air, a luxurious area of star residences, a hill that not only lists some of the city’s most expensive properties, but also a place where you can enjoy a nice drive. You can get a map of the villas and proceed on your own, or, if you are interested in learning more about the villas, stories, and anecdotes about them, you can book an organized tour.

More information can be found in our article on visiting Bel Air.

Movie Star Homes & LA Tour on eBike

Sunset Strip

The part of Sunset Boulevard that connects Hollywood to Beverly Hills is called the Sunset Strip, a 1.5-mile stretch where West Hollywood’s social life converges, including VIPs, trendy boutiques, historic clubs, nightclubs, and exclusive hotels.

You can see the Sunset Strip as you drive by, or you may choose to stop at a coffee shop to catch a glimpse of some movie stars going shopping or go to see a concert or a play in some of the clubs that have made entertainment history. All the tips to discover the secrets of this famous street can be found in our article on visiting the Sunset Strip.

Small Group Sightseeing Tour

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Can a cemetery become a tourist attraction? In some cases, it happens, such as in Key West, New Orleans, or Washington, D.C., where Arlington Cemetery is located. And Los Angeles is no exception.

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery owes its popularity to housing the graves and cenotaphs of many Hollywood stars, celebrities, and important figures. Some examples? The famous actor Rudolph Valentino and Johnny Ramone, member of the band Ramones. Here is our guide to visiting Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Map of  the Places to Visit in Los Angeles

Here are all the things to see in and around L.A. on an interactive map.

What to visit in Los Angeles based on the available days

As you may have understood from this selection of attractions, Los Angeles requires an itinerary of at least 3 or 4 days to fully enjoy. If your goal is a comprehensive visit, you may need even more time, such as 5, 6, or 7 days.

Keep in mind that amusement parks like Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland typically require a full day each, so you might find yourself having to choose between the two (personally, I would opt for the former, but it’s a subjective preference).

If you only have 24 hours available, you face the second great dilemma: what to see in Los Angeles in one day? Is it better to prioritize a visit to some attractions in the city while sacrificing one of the major theme parks, or should you enjoy Universal Studios or Disneyland without getting even a minimal idea of what the City of Angels has to offer?

There is no definitive answer to this question; it all depends on your preferences and budgetary considerations (admission tickets to theme parks are not cheap). However, for this very reason, I believe that Los Angeles requires at least a 2-day visit to get a sense of the city while enjoying one of its two flagship attractions.

So, what to see in Los Angeles in two days? What are the must-see attractions? Assuming one day will be allocated to a theme park, you have 24 hours remaining. What should you do? Dedicate them to the most representative and iconic attractions of the city. Just as you cannot visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower, you cannot grasp the spirit of Los Angeles without strolling along the Walk of Fame, admiring the famous Hollywood Sign, for example from the beautiful Griffith Observatory, and finally concluding with a visit to Santa Monica, the quintessential destination for those seeking the classic California beach experience.

Having three or more days to explore Los Angeles will allow you to leisurely discover its fascinating neighborhoods, buildings, and surroundings. To plan your itinerary based on the number of days you’ll be staying, we have written a dedicated article: “How many days to visit Los Angeles? Itinerary for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days up to 1 week.”

How to save money on attractions and optimize your time

The attractions listed above are just a taste of the infinite possibilities offered by this city. For a more comprehensive overview of all the things to do in Los Angeles, take a look at this complete list. After reading this list, you might feel overwhelmed: so many things to see! Will I have enough time? Will I spend too much?

There are two solutions that could greatly simplify your visit planning and help you save significantly. The first is to purchase a Los Angeles Pass, and the second is to take advantage of organized tours. There are various types available, from guided tours of bars and local venues to whale-watching tours off Newport Beach. We have extensively covered this topic in our article on tours in Los Angeles.

If you prefer to have complete autonomy, don’t forget to check out our tips on getting around in Los Angeles. Also, you can use the city as a base for your road trip or explore the fascinating surroundings of Los Angeles outside the metropolitan area.

Lodging near Places of Interest in Los Angeles

In order to choose the area that best suits your needs, I refer you to our in-depth analysis of where to stay in Los Angeles, with recommendations for accommodations in different areas. 

If your plane lands in the city, instead of booking the hotel and plane separately, it may be more convenient to opt for the flight + hotel solution, which usually results in significant savings. To check the prices of the packages, take a look at this page.

Our tips for lodging in Los Angeles