20 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles

Commonly known as “the Entertainment Capital Of The World,” Los Angeles has something to surprise you around every turn.

Whether it’s your visiting Los Angeles for the first time or you’ve explored it many times before, the city always offers something exciting to discover. From lively neighborhoods and iconic landmarks to interesting museums and peaceful beaches, there is no shortage of amazing places to visit in Los Angeles.

If you are planning a trip to LA, follow this guide that covers the top things to do in Los Angeles, to help you make the most of your visit.

Grand Central Market is a historic food market that first opened in 1917. Located in downtown Los Angeles, it features around 40 different food vendors offering a wide variety of dishes. The market reflects the cultural diversity of the city, with options ranging from traditional dishes to modern food trends. Visitors can find a variety of options, including tacos, carnitas, ramen, pizza, and vegan meals. Both long-standing vendors and newer food stalls operate here, making it a lively and popular dining destination.

Spanning 160 acres, the Runyon Canyon Park is a popular outdoor destination that is located near the Santa Monica Mountains and features many hiking trails with different levels of difficulty. The park is popular for its beautiful city views and is often visited by celebrities. It also has a designated off-leash dog area, which makes it a favorite place for pet owners.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of Los Angeles’s most iconic attractions, stretching along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. It features over 2,500 stars set into the sidewalks, each recognizing achievements in entertainment fields such as film, television, music, and radio. Every star includes a symbol that represents the honoree’s area of work. The surrounding area is lively and busy, filled with street performers, souvenir shops, and nearby landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre, which enhance the overall visitor experience.

The Battleship USS Iowa Museum provides visitors with a chance to step aboard a real World War II battleship. The ship, also known as the “Battleship of Presidents,” has hosted three U.S. presidents during its service. Here you can walk through different parts of the ship, such as weapon systems and crew living areas, and also learn about naval life and history through interactive exhibits.

Known as one of the largest parks in the United States, Griffith Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Here you enjoy horseback riding, explore hiking trails, or simply take in the natural beauty of the area. The park also features many popular attractions, such as the Los Angeles Zoo and the Greek Theatre. It is an ideal place for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to escape the busy city environment.

Located in Exposition Park, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is one of the largest natural history museums in the western United States. It holds more than 35 million items, such as rare gems, dinosaur skeletons, and animal exhibits. One of the major attractions is the “Becoming Los Angeles” exhibit, which explains how the city has transformed over the past 500 years.

World-famous as the center of the entertainment industry, Hollywood houses many famous landmarks and attractions. Here you can explore film studios and see places like the Dolby Theatre, where the Academy Awards take place. The area also offers a lively nightlife scene, with bars, comedy clubs, and music venues.

Found just west of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica is a charming coastal city that is known for its amazing ocean views and peaceful beach atmosphere. One of the main highlights is the Santa Monica Pier, which features restaurants, an amusement park, and the historic Looff Hippodrome Carousel. Visitors can also spend time at the beach, explore art galleries, and walk along the coastline.

Opened in 1994, the Petersen Automotive Museum is a popular attraction for anyone interested in cars. The museum features more than 300 vehicles, such as racing vehicles, classic cars, and cars used in movies. One of the main attractions is the display of famous vehicles like the Batmobile. The museum offers multiple galleries and rotating exhibitions that explore the history and innovation of automobiles.

First built in 1923, the Hollywood Sign is one of the most recognized symbols in the world, which is located on Mount Lee. The sign represents the film and entertainment industry and is a must-see place for visitors. There are many hiking trails and scenic viewpoints where people can see the sign up close or from a distance. One of the best viewing spots is near Griffith Observatory, particularly during sunset when the city looks most beautiful.

Opened in 1935, the Griffith Observatory is a beautiful Art Deco structure that is found high on Mount Hollywood. The spot is popular for offering remarkable views across Los Angeles, which makes it a favorite spot for people. Inside, you can find a modern planetarium along with telescopes that are available for public use. In addition to exploring the building, visitors can take hiking trails that lead up to the observatory and enjoy panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles.

Famous for its lively atmosphere, Venice Boardwalk is a beautiful beachfront area that runs along the beach and is filled with street performers, shops, and local artists. Here you can browse through stores selling handmade jewelry, surf gear, and souvenirs. The area also features the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym, where athletes train in the open air, which adds to the energetic and entertaining environment.

Located along Museum Row, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, often known as LACMA, is a large and popular art museum. The museum was established in 1965 and spreads across a 20-acre campus, featuring a huge collection of more than 152,000 pieces of art from around the world. This outdoor display consists of 202 restored street lamps, which are arranged in rows and have become one of the most photographed spots in Los Angeles.

Also known as MOCA, the Museum of Contemporary Art is an interesting place to visit that has the main focus on modern works created from the 1940s to the present. The museum features a large collection that includes sculptures, paintings, photography, and multimedia art. Here you can see works by famous artists such as Jackson Pollock, along with exhibitions featuring new artists. With a variety of entertaining events and activities, the museum offers something for different age groups.

For the most unique experience, head to the La Brea Tar Pits, which is one of the most unusual attractions in Los Angeles and offers an interesting look into the Ice Age. Scientists have discovered fossils of creatures such as saber-toothed cats, mammoths, and dire wolves here. The main attractions include a large Colombian mammoth exhibit and a wall filled with dire wolf skulls, all discovered at the site.

Recognized as one of the largest Japanese-American communities in North America, the Little Tokyo is a historic and culturally rich neighborhood in Los Angeles. Here you can explore peaceful gardens, cultural landmarks, and museums that tell about the Japanese immigrants. The area is also famous for its authentic Japanese food, such as ramen, sushi, and traditional desserts.

Located in the Hollywood Hills, The Hollywood Bowl is a popular outdoor amphitheater which is opened in 1922 and has been entertaining visitors for over a century. The spot is famous for its excellent sound quality and natural setting. It can hold around 18,000 people and hosts a wide range of performances every year. Visitors can enjoy concerts by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, as well as comedy events, pop music shows, and special celebrations like the Fourth of July fireworks performances.

Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Arts District is a creative and lively neighborhood that is known for its colorful street art, stylish cafes, and murals. Visitors can walk around the area to explore galleries, unique shops, and coffee spots. The district has a lively and artistic atmosphere, which makes it an amazing place for photography and casual exploration.

Situated in downtown Los Angeles, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a remarkable and modern music venue which is designed by architect Frank Gehry. The building was completed in 2003 and is famous for its unusual shape, made up of curved stainless steel panels. Its bold and creative design makes it one of the most noticeable buildings in the city. Inside, the concert hall is admired for its excellent acoustics and regularly hosts classical music performances and other events.

Located on Hollywood Boulevard, the TCL Chinese Theatre is a historic and beautifully designed movie palace that is known for hosting film premieres and features one of the largest IMAX theaters in the world. Outside the building, you can also spot the handprints and footprints of famous actors, which makes it a major attraction for movie lovers.

With lots of interesting Los Angeles attractions, there is no shortage of things to explore. From iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and cultural spots like Griffith Observatory, every corner offers a different experience. Whether you enjoy nature, art, food, or entertainment, LA brings it all together in one memorable destination.

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