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The air here practically sparkles with possibility.
Los Angeles truly is the City of Dreams.
It is a place where you can find Hollywood glamor, sun-kissed beaches, world-class art, and incredible food all in one sprawling metropolis.
What makes LA so special is its brilliant mix of entertainment and nature.
You can spend the morning surfing a perfect wave and the afternoon spotting a celebrity chef or hiking to an iconic landmark.
This city doesn’t ask you to pick a lifestyle, it lets you try them all.
Ready to explore the best of the West Coast?
Here are 20 of the very best things to do in Los Angeles for your next trip.
1. Hollywood Walk of Fame
The moment you step onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you feel like you are walking through history.
It is like an enormous outdoor museum.
Thousands of stars line the sidewalks, each one honoring a legend from movies, TV, music, or radio.
You find yourself looking down instead of up.
Everyone searches for their favorite actor or singer among the shiny pink terrazzo and brass.
Finding a big star’s name, like Marilyn Monroe’s or Michael Jackson’s, feels like a real accomplishment.
It is a fantastic spot for a quick photo, but remember to watch where you are going!
You will be surrounded by the lively, noisy energy that makes Hollywood, well, Hollywood.
2. Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Sign
Griffith Observatory
Perched high on Mount Hollywood, the Observatory is a stunning landmark that offers more than just a view.
Admission to the building, which includes all the fascinating science and astronomy exhibits, is free.
You can gaze through powerful telescopes (also free) when the skies are clear and the building is open.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits like the Tesla coil demonstrations, the Foucault pendulum, and the incredible Samuel Oschin Planetarium.
Best Time to Visit:
For that iconic experience, aim to arrive an hour or two before sunset.
This allows you to witness the city in daylight, the gorgeous, famous Los Angeles sunset painting the sky.
Plus the stunning transformation as millions of city lights begin to sparkle far below.
Be warned, this is the most popular time, so plan for traffic and crowds.
The Hollywood Sign
The world-famous, nine-letter landmark is synonymous with the city of dreams, and the Griffith Observatory is one of the very best places to see it clearly.
From the Observatory’s front lawn and the main viewing deck, you get an unparalleled, head-on view of the enormous white letters.
It’s the perfect spot to capture your essential “I was in Hollywood” photo.
For the truly adventurous, several popular hiking trails start in Griffith Park and can take you up closer to the sign.
The most common routes lead you behind the letters, offering a unique perspective looking out over the city.
Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and wear proper shoes!
3. TCL Chinese Theatre
Forget just seeing a famous landmark; this is your chance to literally step into Hollywood history.
Out front, the main attraction is the “Forecourt of the Stars,” a huge collection of cement slabs featuring the handprints of cinema legends.
Seriously, you get to put your hands right where Marilyn Monroe, Tom Hanks, or even Darth Vader’s C-3PO and R2-D2 have left their mark!
It’s a fun and totally free activity to spend an hour comparing your own hands and feet to those of your favorite stars.
Inside, the theater itself is massive and stunning, built like a grand Chinese palace.
If you want a real Hollywood moment, try to catch a movie here.
It truly makes you feel like you are part of the golden age of film.
4. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
If you want a free and total immersion into the world of over-the-top wealth, you have to go to Rodeo Drive.
This famous street in Beverly Hills is all about looking and soaking up the extreme glamour.
My favorite thing to do here is pure, unadulterated window shopping.
These are not your average store displays, the windows at places like Chanel and Louis Vuitton are true works of art, like mini-museum exhibits.
5. Santa Monica Pier & Beach
This spot is a total must-see because it’s the official end of the legendary Route 66, so you can snap that classic photo for free.
The whole atmosphere is like a permanent festival, with amazing ocean views and the sounds of the arcade and carnival rides floating over the water.
To save cash, just stroll the entire length of the pier.
It’s awesome for people-watching, checking out the street performers, and seeing the massive Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel.
If you want some exercise, grab a towel and head to the wide, sandy beach.
Or, for a cool piece of L.A. history, go south of the pier to the Original Muscle Beach to see gymnasts.
6. Venice Beach & Boardwalk
This place is full of raw energy.
I always tell people it is like a three-ring circus set right on the sand.
You will see every kind of person here. Watch the sidewalk artists paint amazing murals.
Listen to musicians play lively music.
You can also stop by Muscle Beach to see the serious bodybuilders lifting weights outdoors.
The ocean breeze is wonderful, and the people-watching is truly the best part.
It’s a classic, must-see California experience.
7. Malibu Beaches
Malibu is all about dramatic natural beauty, where the Santa Monica Mountains tumble right down to the Pacific Ocean.
Instead of one long strip, Malibu is a collection of beautiful, distinct coves and expansive shores, each with its own character
El Matador State Beach is famous for its rugged, dramatic cliffs, huge rock formations, and sea caves.
It is a stunning spot, especially at sunset, and an incredible place for photography.
8. Runyon Canyon Park
This spot is an absolute must-do.
Forget the crowded beaches, you get a real sense of L.A. from up here!
I’ve done the loop countless times, and every visit feels like a true Hollywood moment.
Start your morning with an energizing walk up the steep fire road.
You’ll be sweating, but the reward is worth it.
When you reach the top, the panoramic view hits you: the entire city sprawls beneath you, from the Downtown skyline to the famous Hollywood Sign.
On a clear day, you can even spot the Pacific Ocean.
It’s also the best place for people-watching in the city.
You’ll see fitness gurus running by, hopeful actors taking photos, and, yes, a celebrity or two walking their dogs.
9. The Getty Center
My best advice is to treat a visit here like a whole day trip.
It’s more than just a museum, it’s an experience from the moment you arrive.
First, you park at the bottom of the hill and take the fantastic, futuristic, cable-driven tram up to the center.
That ride alone offers amazing views as you glide high above the freeway and trees.
Once you step out, you are surrounded by that dazzling travertine marble, which seems to glow in the L.A. sunshine.
Don’t rush straight to the art, even though Van Gogh’s Irises is inside!
Take time to explore the Central Garden.
It’s a living work of art with its changing plants and the maze of azaleas.
10. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA, is the largest art museum in the western United States and a central feature of Los Angeles’s Museum Row.
It’s most famous for its stunning outdoor installations, particularly:
Urban Light:
An iconic, free-to-visit public art piece by Chris Burden featuring 202 restored antique cast-iron street lamps from the 1920s and 30s.
It’s lit from dusk till dawn and has become an unofficial symbol of the city and a very popular photography spot.
Levitated Mass:
Another monumental outdoor sculpture by Michael Heizer, consisting of a 340-ton granite boulder suspended over a 456-foot-long concrete trench that visitors can walk underneath.
11. Broad Museum
The Broad is a major contemporary art museum.
It’s located in Downtown Los Angeles.
Philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad founded and also financed the museum.
I stepped into The Broad Museum in downtown LA, and wow, it’s like walking into a modern art wonderland.
The honeycomb-like exterior grabs your attention right away, but inside, it’s all about the art.
I wandered through rooms filled with bold, colorful pieces by artists like Basquiat and Warhol.
The Infinity Mirrored Room by Yayoi Kusama was a total trip, standing in that glowing, endless space of lights felt like floating in a dream.
The museum’s free general admission makes it easy to pop in and get inspired.
It’s a must for anyone who loves art that challenges and excites
12. Walt Disney Concert Hall
Walt Disney Concert Hall is a must-see!
Designed by Frank Gehry, this iconic building is like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
The stainless steel exterior glistens in the sunlight, and the curves are so dramatic they’ll make you wonder how they stayed upright.
But it’s not just about looks, the acoustics inside are sublime.
I caught a performance by the LA Philharmonic, and the sound quality was breathtaking.
Even if you’re not attending a show, take a guided tour to explore the hall’s unique architecture and learn about Walt Disney’s vision.
Trust me, the photos will make your friends green with envy!
13. Universal Studios Hollywood
Oh, man, Universal Studios Hollywood is an absolute blast and a must-do for a traveler like me.
It’s not just a theme park, it’s like actually stepping onto a movie set, which is so cool!
The main event is definitely the Studio Tour, where you ride a tram through real, working film sets.
We saw some iconic spots from Psycho and Jaws.
But you have to hit the Lower Lot for the thrills!
The Jurassic World ride is insane, you get totally soaked on that final drop.
And now with Super Nintendo World, it’s like living inside a video game, grabbing a Power-Up Band and literally punching blocks.
Don’t forget to grab a Butterbeer in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
It’s the best way to spend a full day in LA, running around and feeling like you’re part of the action.
14. Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Forget a history lesson, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is like being a VIP guest on a working Hollywood lot.
I felt so legit riding in the little tram, zipping past sound stages where major movies and TV shows are being filmed right now.
Our guide was super funny and had all the behind-the-scenes tea.
The best part is walking onto the iconic backlot sets.
We saw the actual town square from Gilmore Girls!
As a huge TV fan, standing on those spots was a surreal moment.
Then you get to the interactive part.
I got to pose on the couch in the Central Perk set from Friends and got sorted into my Hogwarts house.
It was seriously cool and a perfect way to see how the magic is made before it hits the screen.
You’ll learn a ton and get some epic photos.
15. Disneyland (Anaheim)
Disneyland in Anaheim, California, is Walt Disney’s original theme park and a legendary Southern California experience.
The resort features two main parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park
As a young adult, you’ll love the immersive experiences like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and the thrill rides.
The nighttime entertainment, especially the fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle and the World of Color show is world-class.
To make the most of your day, download the Disneyland app for ride wait times and use the Genie+ service to skip long lines.
The park blends nostalgic charm with modern thrills, making it a truly “Happiest Place on Earth” experience.
16. Downtown LA
Strolling through Downtown LA was like diving into a vibrant, buzzing hive of energy.
I started at the historic Grand Central Market, where the aroma of fresh tacos and ramen pulled me in.
The streets are a mix of old-school charm, like the Bradbury Building’s stunning ironwork, and sleek skyscrapers that light up at night.
I hopped on the Angels Flight railway for a fun, quick ride up the hill.
The artsy vibe at MOCA and the bustling energy of Pershing Square made it clear why DTLA is the heart of the city.
It’s a place where every corner tells a story.
17. The Art District
Wandering through the Arts District in LA felt like stepping into a living canvas.
The streets are splashed with vibrant murals, every wall seems to tell a different story, from bold political statements to historical designs.
I popped into a cozy coffee shop, Angel City Brewery, and sipped a cold brew while soaking in the creative vibe.
The galleries, like Hauser & Wirth, had me lost in thought-provoking exhibits, and the converted warehouses gave the whole area a gritty, authentic edge.
Stopping by a food truck for a gourmet taco sealed the deal.
This place is a haven for anyone craving art and soul.
18. Little Tokyo
My visit to Little Tokyo was like a quick trip to Japan without leaving LA.
Walking down First Street, I was greeted by colorful lanterns and the savory smell of fresh sushi from spots like Sushi Gen.
I popped into the Japanese American National Museum, where the exhibits on local history hit me right in the heart.
Grabbing a mochi donut from Mikawaya was a sweet highlight.
The small plaza with cherry blossom trees felt so serene, like a little oasis.
It’s a compact neighborhood, but every shop and bite packs a punch of culture.
19. The Grove & Farmers Market
Okay, I’m kind of obsessed with The Grove.
It feels less like a mall and more like a perfect little town square.
I love grabbing an iced coffee and just walking around, watching the old-school trolley roll by.
The fountain show is super cute, and the whole place has this happy, energetic buzz.
And then you have the Farmers Market right next door.
The second you walk in, the smell hits you, a mix of fresh donuts, grilled food, and flowers.
I always get lost in the little aisles trying to decide what to eat from all the amazing stalls.
It’s the best spot to just hang out, eat some great food, and soak up that classic LA vibe without any pretension.
20 Melrose Avenue murals & shopping
Melrose is basically an open-air art gallery where you can also shop.
I spent a whole afternoon just walking down the block, and every few feet there’s a new, incredible mural painted on a building wall.
My camera roll was full by the end of it.
It’s this constantly changing canvas of color and creativity.
But it’s not just about the photos.
The shopping is just as unique.
I found the coolest little vintage stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques tucked between the art.
You won’t find the same stuff at a regular mall here.
It’s the perfect place to find a unique outfit and get an amazing Instagram picture at the same time.