Best 20 things to do in Los Angeles, United States
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Welcome to the city of angels, where you can revel in the sunshine, palm trees, and the constant desire to say "dude" like a local. Dive into the LA experience by channeling your inner celebrity and strutting along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fuel up with a mouthwatering In-N-Out burger, then unleash your inner child at Universal Studios and pretend that the minions from "Despicable Me" are your new BFFs. End your day on Venice Beach, where you can watch bizarre street performers, try to keep up with the skateboarders, or simply soak up the California sunshine. Just don't forget your sunscreen, because even the palm trees here get a bit crispy!
Save destination1. Hike in Runyon Canyon Park
2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USA
Welcome to Runyon Canyon Park, where the air is as fresh as a Kardashian's contour and the views are more breathtaking than a celebrity's latest Instagram post. Lace up your hiking boots, because this urban sanctuary in Los Angeles is the go-to spot for both fitness enthusiasts and aspiring paparazzi. Prepare to get lost in a sea of fit bodies, adorable dogs, and the occasional sighting of a reality star trying to shed that last 0.2 ounces of fame.
Learn more2. Relax at Venice Beach
431 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291, USA
Welcome to the infamous Venice Beach in sunny Los Angeles, where relaxation is taken to a whole new level, almost as if it's a competitive sport! Leave your worries at home, because here you'll find an eccentric mix of free spirits, street performers, and even the occasional weirdly talented dog balancing a sombrero on its snout. This vibrant slice of paradise offers sun-soaked sands, palm trees swaying to their own rhythm, and the perfect spot to kick back, soak up the rays, and watch the world go by.
Learn more3. Explore the Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Welcome to the wild side of Los Angeles! Prepare for a roaring good time at the Los Angeles Zoo, where you'll find more creatures than a Hollywood after-party. Stroll through lush habitats that house everything from fierce lions to diva-like flamingos, and witness animal drama that could rival any reality TV show. So, grab your safari hat, bring your best animal puns, and embark on a zoo-tastic adventure through the concrete jungle of LA!
Learn more4. Take a tour of Warner Bros. Studio
3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505, USA
Welcome, my dear travelers, to the magnificent Warner Bros. Studio in sunny Los Angeles! Behold, the realm where movies come to life and dreams turn into reality. Explore this wondrous kingdom, filled with bustling sets, glamorous scandals, and more secrets than a magician's hat! As you venture through these hallowed grounds, prepare to be captivated by the enchanting charms of Hogwarts Castle from the "Harry Potter" series. Marvel at the meticulous attention to detail, as you resist the urge to shout "wingardium leviosa" at the broomsticks, knowing well that your feet will remain firmly on the ground. For all the superhero enthusiasts, fear not! The Batmobile, iconic symbol of Gotham's darkest defender, awaits your eager gaze. Resist the urge to don the cape (tempting as it may be) and instead embrace the opportunity to take a fantastic snapshot, proudly boasting to your friends, "Yes, I did save Gotham City." So, my fellow adventurers, fasten your seatbelts—the tales and spectacles of Warner Bros. Studio await your eager hearts. Be prepared to indulge in Hollywood's wonders, as you uncover the magic behind the silver screen, leaving no popcorn kernel unturned!
Learn more5. Discover the La Brea Tar Pits
5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Welcome to the bizarre world of the La Brea Tar Pits, conveniently placed in the heart of sunny Los Angeles - where asphalt bubbles up like it's auditioning for a bit part in a sci-fi movie. Take a stroll amidst the fragrant aroma of prehistoric petroleum, as you marvel at the pastiche of fossils trapped in the ooey-gooey goodness. Don't worry about changing shoes, because at the La Brea Tar Pits, even your kicks can strut away with a shiny new coat of tar!
Learn more6. Visit the California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA
Welcome, fellow travelers, to the wondrous California Science Center in sunny Los Angeles! Prepare to embark on a scientific escapade where knowledge and entertainment collide like the nerdiest party you’ve ever attended. Not only will you explore mind-blowing exhibits that make your brain do somersaults, but you might just learn enough to outsmart your annoying know-it-all cousin at your next family gathering – double win! So, grab your lab coat and goggles (not really, we don't want you getting mistaken for a mad scientist), and join us on this epic adventure through the marvelous realm of science!
www.californiasciencecenter.org
Learn more7. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art
250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Embark on an adventure through the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, where art aficionados and confused tourists unite under one roof. Discover mind-boggling installations that will make you question the very fabric of reality, or at least make you scratch your head and say, "Well, that's art!" Be prepared to witness bold creations that will leave you either inspired or contemplating a career change to become a contemporary artist.
Learn more8. Explore Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Welcome to the Griffith Observatory, where you can gaze at the stars and pretend you know what you're looking at! Located in Los Angeles, this stunning observatory sits atop a hill, so prepare to climb your way to cosmic greatness. Once you've caught your breath, step inside and prepare to be dazzled by the wonders of the universe, as long as you don't mind sharing those wonders with hordes of selfie-taking tourists.
Learn more9. Enjoy the views at the Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Welcome to Griffith Park, where the views are so breathtaking that they make your Instagram followers question whether you actually took these pictures. This slice of paradise in glorious Los Angeles offers not just scenic vistas, but also a glimpse into how many people in the city avoid traffic by hiking up hills. So, forget about traffic jams and delight in the harmony between smog and sunshine as you gaze upon the splendid views of LA from Griffith Park.
Learn more10. Check out the Hollywood Sign
Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA
Make way for the most iconic landmark in the City of Angels: the awe-inspiring Hollywood Sign! Situated atop the sun-soaked hills of Los Angeles, this legendary symbol of Tinseltown is practically begging for your paparazzi-worthy photoshoot. Brace yourself for the hike up, though – it's like climbing Mount Everest, if Everest was made entirely of vowels and consonants. Zoom in with your camera lenses and strike your finest red carpet pose, my friend, for this is where dreams are made, and where selfies become legendary.
Learn more11. Explore the Petersen Automotive Museum
6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Welcome to the Petersen Automotive Museum, where you'll have a wheel-y good time! Here, you'll find a stunning collection of classic cars, so get ready to unleash your inner Vin Diesel or Flo from Progressive. From sleek sports cars that'll make you feel like a racecar driver to vintage beauties that'll transport you through time, this museum has something for every car enthusiast. And don't miss the rooftop restaurant, where you can dine with a view that'll leave you gasping for air – just make sure not to spill your soup on that gleaming vintage hood!
Learn more12. Take a stroll on Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
Welcome to the Santa Monica Pier, where boardwalk meets quirky fun! As you embark on your stroll, prepare for a delightful blend of old-school charm and wacky wonders. Stumble upon carousels, roller coasters, and ferris wheels to make your inner child squeal with delight while you try to keep your ice cream from melting in the California sun. And hey, who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two, trying to blend in with the ever-present sea of parachute pants and fanny packs!
Learn more13. Explore the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
Welcome to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where you can embark on an adventure that will make you feel like you've traveled back in time, minus the uncomfortable corsets and medieval diseases. Get ready to be blown away by one of the largest and quirkiest collections of natural wonders on the West Coast, complete with dinosaurs that have definitely seen better days but still know how to strike a pose. So, put on your explorer hat and prepare to be awe-struck by a museum that will make you feel like a kid in a candy store.
Learn more14. Visit the Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA
Welcome to the Getty Center in Los Angeles, where art meets sunshine and tourists attempt to capture perfect selfies without falling down the iconic tram ride. Prepare your senses for a delightful overload of masterpieces from renowned artists, but don't forget to take a break and grab a slice of their outrageously expensive pizza, as you ponder the unexplainable modern art installations that make you question your own artistic abilities. Oh, and be prepared to become the next paparazzo as you stumble upon famous celebrities trying to blend in among the hordes of confused tourists.
Learn more15. Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Welcome to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where art and culture collide like clumsy pedestrians on the Walk of Fame. Prepare to be dazzled by an eclectic mix of eye-catching exhibitions, making it the perfect spot for selfie enthusiasts looking to fool their friends into thinking they've traveled the globe. From ancient relics to contemporary masterpieces, this museum is more than just an excuse to escape the sweltering LA heat; it's a chance to witness art history like you're starring in your very own overdramatic art movie.
Learn more16. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Boulevard, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Welcome to the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Prepare to tread upon the glitzy sidewalk where dreams are made and famous names are eternally immortalized. Stroll amidst the sparkling stars, ankle-deep in celebrity glory, and revel in the sheer magnitude of ego this one pavement can hold. Be cautious, though, for if you dare to step on the face of a fallen icon, a swarm of zealous film buffs may rise from the cracks, armed with trivia tidbits and an unsettling thirst for revenge!
Learn more17. Relax at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038, USA
Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery offers a unique and surprisingly relaxing experience for thrill-seekers like yourself. Bask in the tranquility as you explore the final resting place of Hollywood's elite, with a colorful array of headstones that could rival any red carpet event. Whether you're getting your zen on or just looking for a dead-good time, the cemetery's serene surroundings and the gossip-filled afterlife will surely leave you dying for more.
Learn more18. Explore the Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA
Welcome aboard the Queen Mary, the grande dame of maritime history, docked right here in Los Angeles. Prepare to be whisked away to a time when bell-bottoms were all the rage and disco was king. This ship is not only a museum but a floating time capsule, where you can indulge in the past while nibbling on a fancy cucumber sandwich and possibly encountering a ghostly companion.
Learn more19. Shop and dine at The Grove
189 The Grove Dr Suite Unit F90-B, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, The Grove is like the ultimate playground for shopaholics and food lovers alike. With row after row of trendy boutiques and delicious eateries, you can indulge in retail therapy while satisfying your cravings for scrumptious treats. It's a place where even the most frugal individuals find themselves uncontrollably reaching for their wallets, and where calorie counting becomes an impossible task in the face of gastronomic temptations.
Learn more20. Experience the Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA
Welcome to the world of movie magic and Universal Studios in Los Angeles! Brace yourself for an outrageously exhilarating experience where you can live out your wildest fantasies and casually stroll alongside dinosaurs. Relish in the thrill of being catapulted into various movie sets - just remember: "tripping over imaginary wires is not considered a cool Hollywood stunt."
www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Los Angeles by plane is to fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) which is located approximately 16 miles from downtown Los Angeles. There are numerous airlines that operate direct flights from various cities around the world to LAX.
Car
Driving to Los Angeles is an option, as the city is well-connected with major highways and road networks. However, traffic in and around Los Angeles can be very congested so it is important to plan your route ahead of time.
Train
There is no direct train service to Los Angeles, but Amtrak provides rail service to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles from various cities across the United States. The Pacific Surfliner route is a popular option which provides scenic views along the coast of California.
Boat
Los Angeles is a major port city and there are several cruise lines that offer sailings to and from Los Angeles. The Port of Los Angeles is the largest port in the United States and is home to several cruise terminals, including the World Cruise Center which is used by many major cruise line companies.
Bus
Taking a bus to Los Angeles is a cost-effective option as there are several bus companies that provide service from various cities to Los Angeles. Greyhound is a popular choice with multiple bus stops within the city of Los Angeles.