Los Angeles, popularly known as LA, is an iconic city that never ceases to amaze with its exciting mix of glamour, culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend adventure or a tourist on a mission to discover the city’s best places to visit, you’ll find that there’s no shortage of fun things to do in LA.
Head to the West LA area for an entirely different vibe, complete with an eclectic blend of high-end boutiques, incredible eateries, and unique attractions. There’s no need to ponder about what to do in West LA; exploring neighborhoods like Brentwood and Westwood or the Getty Center Museum can keep you occupied for days.
Apart from the usual hustle and bustle of city life, Los Angeles also offers numerous outdoor los angeles activities. For nature lovers, South Los Angeles has some of the best green spaces in the city. Visit Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, one of the best things to do in South Los Angeles, with stunning views of the city, walking trails, picnic spots, and fishing areas.
Another quintessential LA experience is, of course, visiting the numerous sandy beaches. California, especially the area near Los Angeles, is renowned for its stunning coastline. From Malibu to the north and Long Beach to the south, there are plenty of places to visit in California near Los Angeles.
This city truly lives up to its reputation as the entertainment capital of the world, offering a variety of attractions to cater to every interest. The Griffith Observatory, Universal Studios, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier are just a few places that you absolutely cannot miss when compiling your list of the best places to visit in Los Angeles.
If you’re a food lover, then you’re in luck, as the city boasts an incredible food scene. From globally-inspired food trucks and farmers markets to five-star dining establishments, LA has it all. Checking out the city’s vibrant food scene is indeed one of the top things to do in LA.
1. The Getty Center
The Getty Center, renowned for its architecture, gardens, and panoramic views overlooking Los Angeles, is one of the city’s most popular cultural destinations. Home to a vast collection of European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts, as well as illuminated manuscripts, the center is a paradise for art lovers. The extensive collection includes works by masters like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Monet. While admission is free, parking costs $20.
2. Griffith Observatory
Perched high in the Los Feliz foothills, the Griffith Observatory allows visitors to explore the cosmos above Los Angeles. It’s one of the best educational attractions in the city, perfect for families. Here you can gaze through telescopes, explore exhibits, and enjoy live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Admission is free, but planetarium shows charge a modest fee.
3. Universal Studios Hollywood
No trip to LA would be complete without a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, where entertainment comes to life. Enjoy thrilling rides and shows, tour a real working movie studio, and visit LA’s best shops, restaurants, and cinemas at Universal CityWalk. Tickets vary in price but start around $109 for general admission.
4. The Hollywood Walk of Fame
This iconic, star-studded tribute to artists from the entertainment world is one of LA’s most popular attractions. Stretching along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street, the Hollywood Walk of Fame features more than 2,600 stars dedicated to celebrities from film, television, radio, live theatre, and music. It’s open to the public 24/7 and is free to visit.
5. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States and holds more than 150,000 works spanning the history of art from ancient times to the present. It’s renowned for its commitment to celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage and diverse population. General admission for LA County residents is free after 3 pm on weekdays. For others, tickets are $20.
6. Santa Monica Pier
A visit to the Santa Monica Pier is like stepping into classic Southern California – sunny skies, sandy beaches, and the Pacific Park amusement park with its solar-powered Ferris wheel and vintage carousel. Explore the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, enjoy fishing, or watch street performers. Entrance to the pier is free, but attractions and rides have individual costs.
7. The Broad
The Broad is a contemporary art museum featuring works from the collection of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. With over 2,000 pieces of postwar and contemporary art, it’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Admission to the museum and the Broad’s mobile app, which provides a self-guided tour of the collection, is free. However, special exhibitions may carry a charge.
8. The Original Farmers Market
Dating back to 1934, the Original Farmers Market features over 100 vendors, including ready-to-eat foods, grocers, and tourist shops. Whether you’re a foodie in search of LA’s best eateries or a shopper looking for unique gifts, you’ll find it here. Visiting the market itself is free, but bring money to sample the delicious food on offer.
9. The Hollywood Sign
One of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the Hollywood Sign has been standing tall on Mount Lee since 1923. There are various spots around the city to view the sign, like Griffith Observatory. For a closer look, you can hike to the sign. There are several trails, with the Mount Hollywood Trail being the most popular.
10. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
MOCA houses one of the most compelling collections of contemporary art in the world, comprising roughly 7,000 objects created since 1940. Works from artists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Claes Oldenburg are displayed in rotation. MOCA offers free general admission, thanks to a $10 million gift from the president of the museum’s board of trustees, Carolyn Powers.
In conclusion, whether you are into high-end shopping, the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, unique cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, you will find a place to go in Los Angeles, California. So, buckle up and prepare for a memorable adventure exploring the many faces of the City of Angels.
