25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, also known as the City of Angels, is popular for its world-class attractions and entertainment. There is a wide variety of activities for people from all walks of life to enjoy in this area, so it’s no wonder that over 50 million people visit the city each year.
You can take a tour of the Bronson Cave or go find your favorite Hollywood stars in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. After all, you don’t stop being a fan just because someone crossed over, right? You can also check out the Grauman’s Chinese Theater, or join a celebrity homes tour. If you’re wanting a bit more adventure, there’s always Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm!
Besides the usual activities, there are plenty of other exciting things to do in LA. Some of these include whale-watching trips and experiencing the culture of Japan through the streets of Little Tokyo.
Note: As I used to live in LA people often ask me what’s there to do in LA? The answer is: it depends. I won’t recommend the same things to a family with small kids as to a solo young traveler. I won’t recommend Keep in mind that Los Angeles is huge. Most people visit for only a few days.
How to Get Around LA?
Keep in mind that Los Angeles is often referred as to one area, but in reality, it’s a few cities in one area. Distances are huge and the traffic is heavy, so take this into account when planning your adventures. Where you stay in Los Angeles will make a huge difference as well.
Can you visit LA without a car?
Locals will tell you no, but I navigated Los Angeles without a car for the first year and multiple visits so I’ll tell you that it’s entirely possible.
Not having a car isn’t ideal (especially if you’re planning on continuing to Pacific Coast Highway), but if you can’t drive you don’t need to scrape your dream trip off – there are ways like public transport, uber, walkable parts, hop on hop off buses, and pre-booked transport to places like Universal Studios or Warner Bros.
Best Things to Do in LA: Top 10
1. See Hollywood Area
The Hollywood Walk of Fame boats over 2,500 stars dedicated to your favorite celebrities. You can find stars dedicated to everyone from Mama Cass, and Ellen DeGeneres, to Christina Applegate, Kirstie Alley, and many other Hollywood celebrities.
The best part is this is free to do! And it can keep you entertained for hours. You can also check their website to see when the next ceremony is taking place, and attend a star ceremony; also free!
Once at Hollywood Boulevard, you can see the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre – home of the Academy Awards.
If you have time you might want to get tickets for a live taping of some of the shows. It’s completely free, all you need to do is to apply for it in advance. 1iota is a website to get them at.
2. Experience Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica is one of LA’s best beaches and is lined with restaurants and shops. Pacific Park – a cheerful amusement park with carnival games, rides and aquarium. The Ferris wheel is famously photographed from below, but the view aboard this soaring attraction is spectacular.
If you’re hungry, stop by Ivy at the Shore restaurant for brunch. Bookings are recommended on weekends.
3. Relax at Malibu Beaches
Malibu is well known as the poshest of LA beach areas that are free for anyone to visit. There are plenty of idyllic spots – the best being Topanga and Malibu Lagoon.
If you don’t have a car, you can take a vintage VW.
Restaurants in Malibu are also great – Nobu and Duke’s offer great food with views. Reservation is recommended.
4. Explore Beverly Hills
Indulge in ultimate luxury at exclusive designer boutiques of Beverly Hills. See the famous Rodeo Drive and fancy cars passing by. If you’re hungry there are plenty of cute spots to enjoy (including the infamous cupcake ATM).
Take a tour of LA’s most expensive neighborhoods and admire the architectural styles of the homes that are featured in them. Some of these include celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, Jay-Z, and Queen Bey.
On this tour, you can see first-hand how some of Hollywood’s most famous individuals live. You’ll be riding on an open-air bus that will take you through some of the city’s most prominent landmarks, such as Bel Air and Hollywood Boulevard. Alternatively, you can fly over them with a helicopter.
5. Learn About Astronomy At The Griffith Observatory
One of the most popular places in LA is the Griffith Observatory, which is in Griffith Park. It’s a great place to get a glimpse of the stars and learn more about astronomy. The name of the observatory was taken from Griffith J. Griffith, a prominent philanthropist in LA who was known for his passion for astronomy.
The observatory was first constructed in 1935. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the most visited observatories in the world. It features various exhibition halls and a variety of attractions. One of these is the Tesla coil, which is a rare and incredibly unique item.
One of the most popular features of the observatory is its powerful telescope, which is known to see around 600 visitors per night. As you can see, there’s plenty to check out here.
6. Take a Movie Location Tour
I highly recommend doing a movie location tour to see all the famous spots you have seen in movies. It’s a fun way to get to know the city as well. From movie studios to spots like the world’s shortest railway or the famous Roosevelt Hotel downtown you won’t be lacking places to see.
Read my full review of the Starline movie location tour.
7. Visit Little Tokyo
The largest Japanese-American community in North America is located in Little Tokyo, five blocks from LA’s Downtown. This area was established in the 1880s and is known for its vibrant culture and shopping.