Top Things to do in Los Angeles, CA, USA
Los Angeles is a fun city to visit, whether planning a quick weekend getaway or a more extended vacation. There is plenty to see and do, from world-class museums and attractions to unique activities and restaurants.
Go on thrilling rides inspired by your favorite movies at Universal Studios Hollywood, spend a romantic evening at Griffith Observatory, see a movie, stroll through the Farmers Market and relax at natural hot springs or other places to visit in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is the home of Hollywood glamour, glamorous people, fancy cars, and designer clothes. LA is also the home of countless celebrities, where the glitz and glamour never end.
There are plenty of things to do in a city as large as LA. From its beaches to its theme parks, LA has it all. And if you’re looking for something more low-key, there’s always shopping at Rodeo Drive or strolling down Venice Beach.
But even with all it has to offer, there are still some hidden gems in the city. There are places you might not have known about, but they are worth checking out.
The 20 best tourist attractions in Los Angeles, California
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Universal Studios Hollywood™
Universal Studios Hollywood™ is more than a theme park; it’s a movie studio that offers visitors a unique opportunity to “ride the movies” and “experience Hollywood.” With thrilling rides and attractions, behind-the-scenes tours, celebrity encounters, and star performances, plus shopping on CityWalk, Universal Studios Hollywood is your must-see destination for fun with family and friends.
Universal Studios Hollywood™ features an exciting array of attractions based on your favorite films and television series. Walkthrough the world-famous Universal backlot with legendary sets from hundreds of classic movies and TV shows, like Psycho House, Bates Motel, and War of the Worlds. Adventure through some of the most popular attractions ever built for blockbuster films like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Fast & Furious — Supercharged, Shrek 4-D™, The Simpsons Ride™, Jurassic Park — The Ride®, and more.
Tucked into the eastern edge of the San Fernando Valley, Universal Studios Hollywood™ is easily accessible from anywhere in Southern California. This theme park has two halves: a studio tour that takes guests on a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making and a large theme park with rides, shows, and attractions based on some of Universal Pictures’ most popular films.
Disneyland Park™
In Anaheim, California, Disneyland Park™ is a one-of-a-kind amusement park known for its extensive entertainment offerings and even larger crowds. With the slogan “the happiest place on earth,” it’s easy to see why this park is so popular with families.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by many characters dressed in their most acceptable attire. Guests are encouraged to take pictures with these characters and other Disney staff stationed throughout the park. The first thing most guests do upon entry is purchased an autograph book, as this allows you to collect signatures from all of your favorite characters!
The rides at Disneyland Park™ are some of the best around. While there are many roller coasters and thrill rides, there are plenty of carnival games and other fun activities that people of all ages can enjoy. There is even a section dedicated entirely to children under three years old!
While inside Disneyland Park™, don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs. You can find these items near Main Street USA or in one of many gift shops in the park. You can also grab snacks such as cotton candy or popcorn and drinks.
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is a must-see for anyone visiting Los Angeles. Located on the Pacific Ocean, the pier is home to shops, rides, and restaurants, making it a perfect destination for couples or groups of friends. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in California, so you’ll want to plan to avoid heavy crowds during your visit.
The Santa Monica Pier has several concerts and fireworks celebrating Independence Day or New Year.
Suppose you’re looking to eat some food while enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean. In that case, several restaurants are located right on Santa Monica Pier, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., The Lobster Restaurant & Fish Market, and King’s Hawaiian BBQ & Grill. You’ll also find plenty of street vendors selling snacks like popcorn, candy, apples, and souvenirs.
With its iconic Ferris Wheel and the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, Santa Monica Pier is an absolute must-visit when you’re in Los Angeles. This pier is one of the most picturesque sites in Southern California and boasts one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Griffith Park
Griffith Park is a great place to visit! It’s home to the Los Angeles Zoo, the Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood sign. Here are some suggestions if you’re looking for something to do in Griffith Park, Los Angeles.
Griffith Park is a vast park covering 4,310 acres in Los Angeles, California. It’s primarily accessible by car and has its Metro station and bus lines. Many recreational activities are available year-round, including hiking, biking, running, and horseback riding.
The park has a golf course and sports fields for baseball and tennis. The mountain areas are popular for rock climbing. The viewing areas provide beautiful views of the city of Los Angeles. This includes an observation deck at the top of Griffith Observatory and a statement from Mount Lee.
The Hollywood Sign overlooks this park area and is visible from many points on its trails or roads. There is no fee to visit the Hollywood Sign or walk along Beachwood Canyon past it.
Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Bowl is one of the city’s most stunning institutions. Built in the 1920s, the revolutionary shape and design of the bowl have since been used as inspiration for hundreds of other music venues around the world.
The Hollywood Bowl is an arena that hosts various events, including concerts, shows, and plays. There are scores of performances from classical music to rock and pop throughout the year. Many of the events are free or offer free admission.
Hitting a concert at Hollywood Bowl is a must-do for any Los Angeles visitor. The venue hosts concerts throughout its season, starting mid-May and ending in late September.
Although you can find affordable tickets, one of the best ways to see the Hollywood Bowl is to splurge on box seats. You can bring your food from these special seats, enjoy free parking, and use an exclusive entrance—avoiding lines at the general admission gates. Be sure to grab snacks from Pink’s Hot Dogs, too, as it is a short walk from the venue!
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the Western United States. It attracts nearly a million visitors annually and is one of the most visited art museums globally. The museum holds more than 150,000 works spanning art history from ancient times to the present.
In its origins, LACMA was three separate facilities on Wilshire Boulevard. Today, these buildings are the Ahmanson Building, the Art of the Americas Building, and the Bing Center. In addition, the Ahmanson Building is where visitors will find LACMA’s Peterson Automotive Museum, featuring vintage cars worldwide.
The Art of the Americas Building includes artwork from North America and Latin America; this building also consists of art classes and workshops for adults and children. The Bing Center is home to works by European artists; this building is also where visitors will find Korean art collections and some permanent exhibitions on European decorative arts.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame was created to honor actors, musicians, directors, and others contributing to the entertainment industry. Visitors can find more than 2,600 stars embedded in the pavement here. The first star was placed here in 1958.
The stars are placed at a rate of about two to three each month. Each lead can cost up to $30,000 to install, paid for by either the sponsoring organization or the celebrity. If you are lucky, you can spot someone who just received their star—which happens on special occasions open to the public.
It’s essential to plan your trip to see this attraction; although it is free and open 24 hours a day, it is difficult to find parking nearby unless you want to pay for valet parking at one of the many hotels in this area.
Consider taking public transportation or visiting as part of a more extensive excursion. After all, there’s no better way to start your visit than walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Even better: make this your first stop after arriving in Los Angeles.
Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium is one of America’s most iconic venues and should be a staple on every visitor’s itinerary. Whether you’re a baseball fan or just looking for an incredible experience, this is the perfect place to see it in action.
Dodger Stadium is an institution unlike any other, from the season’s first pitch to the last out of the World Series. With a capacity of 56,000 and five levels of seating from top to bottom, you can be sure that you will have the best seat in the house. With incredible views throughout every level and unparalleled access to the field, your visit is guaranteed to be unforgettable.
The stadium’s iconic blue roof is one of the most recognizable landmarks in LA, with its striking green lights creating a spectacular display during night games. In addition, the stadium’s sun deck and rooftop bar provide fantastic views of downtown LA while utilizing energy-efficient materials.
Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is a popular tourist attraction in Los Angeles and a “living museum” that provides an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages while also helping to preserve the precious natural treasures that are part of our global heritage.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the day in Los Angeles, rise early and head to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens! Nestled in Griffith Park, the zoo’s 93 acres of sprawling land offer room for animal habitats while featuring plenty of activities to keep guests of all ages happy.
Catch daily animal shows and presentations, including Sea Lions at Play, Gorilla Clues, and Show-Down! Birds of Prey. You can catch glimpses of Maned Wolves, Western Lowland Gorillas, Sun Bears, and Galapagos Tortoises in between these shows. These are just some of the animals that make up this zoo’s 1,100 mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles!
Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a place where families, friends, and groups of all ages and interests can have fun while learning more about the beautiful creatures living in Southern California’s waters.
This aquarium offers plenty of things to do as you explore aquatic life. You can get personal with many sea creatures, including dolphins and sharks. You can even swim with some of these animals for an added adventure.
If you’re looking for an educational experience, some exhibits teach the importance of conservation and ways to protect our planet’s oceans. There’s also an outdoor tide pool where kids can learn about marine life.
You’ll discover new depths of fun here at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Some favorite exhibits include Bay Shores, a harbor seal habitat; Rainbow Reef, an underwater tunnel; and seasonal shows like the Festival of Lights, where you can see fish and other animals ready for winter.
Summary
There are many things to do in LA. Tourists can shop at one of the many malls or head to Rodeo Drive. Many museums include the Museum of Tolerance, Jurassic Technology, and the Petersen Automotive Museum. Then, there are sports, including baseball teams like the Dodgers and hockey teams like the Kings. Attractions are also designed with kids in mind: Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, and Knott’s Berry Farm are popular tourist destinations.
Visiting Los Angeles is an experience like no other. However, if you want to know everything about it, you should start by seeing it through the eyes of a child because this city still has a lot in common with the dream factory that makes it famous worldwide.
The City of Angels is a city of neighborhoods where you can find fantastic diversity even in a single block. From sleek skyscrapers to old Spanish missions, one-of-a-kind houses turned into restaurants or art galleries. There are people from all over the world here, speaking every language you can imagine.
