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Los Angeles City of Angels is an exceptional hybrid of innovation, diversity, and natural beauty. It’s a gateway to the world of entertainment, but it is more than glitz and glamour. There are several things to do in Los Angeles that are full of distinctive experiences, from bohemian Venice Beach vibes to the charm of Art Deco Downtown. Los Angeles is an experience, a place where ambition and creativity wrap endless possibilities, promising unforgettable adventures around every corner. Enjoy the sunny weather year-round and some of the most scenic hikes in California.
10 Best Things To Do In Los Angeles
From popular places to visit to hidden things to see in Los Angeles, explore this commercial side of California.
1. Stroll The Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Photo: Alen Ištoković / Wikimedia Commons
The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches over 15 blocks along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, featuring stars dedicated to more than 2,700 influential figures in the entertainment industry. Dating back to 1960, the site remembers film, television, music, radio, and theatre and is a place that anyone interested in history and pop culture simply cannot miss. Besides the stars, attractions like TCL Chinese Theatre and Madame Tussauds Hollywood abound around the Walk. Sometimes, the Walk hosts ceremonies to unveil stars in official personage or even movie premieres, and even fans get lucky and see some fleeting glamour of Hollywood.
Location: Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles
Top Experience: Star-spotting, street performances, TCL Chinese Theatre
Timings: 24×7
Entry Fee: None
2. Visit Griffith Observatory And Griffith Park
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia Commons
There are many things to do in Los Angeles, which has a mix of nature, science, and amazing views. Griffith Observatory is situated on top of the southern slope of Mount Hollywood and offers views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign. You can even catch a glimpse of the stars with public telescopes and stargazing events. Beyond the observatory, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Its trails cater to hikers of all levels and offer horseback riding, a golf course, and family-friendly attractions like the Los Angeles Zoo.
Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles
Top Experience: Panoramic city views, hiking, stargazing
Timings: Observatory- 12 PM – 10 PM (Tue – Sun)
Entry Fee: None (additional charges for planetarium shows)
3. Soak Up The Sun At Santa Monica Beach And Pier
Photo: Rob Bye / Wikimedia Commons
Santa Monica Beach and Pier is an all-American experience of Los Angeles, offering relaxation combined with fun entertainment activities under studded ocean views. The miles-long sandy beach is a perfect spot for those who love sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The Santa Monica Pier is one of the oldest landmarks and houses Pacific Park. Other attractions are the classic arcade, a 100-year-old carousel, and the Heal the Bay Aquarium, with an educational program for marine life. Explore the Santa Monica farmers market and photograph the Route 66 “End of Trail” sign.
Location: Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Top Experience: Ferris wheel rides, sunset views, beach activities
Timings: 24×7; Pier attractions vary
Entry Fee: None (rides and attractions have separate costs)
4. Find Art At The Getty Center
Photo: Igor Passchier / Pexels
The Getty Centre in Brentwood is one of the architectural marvels in the city. Designed by Richard Meier, the Centre opened to the public in 1997 and has provided an excellent platform for art, history, and sweeping views of the city. It houses European paintings, decorative arts, manuscripts, and photography, offering insights into hundreds of years of artistic expression.
Getty Center has a Central Garden designed by artist Robert Irwin, which features a maze-like azalea pool and walking pathways.
Location: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles
Top Experience: Art exhibits, garden tours, city views
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM ( Tue-Sun)
Entry Fee: None, Parking-$20
5. Go To Universal Studios Hollywood
Photo: BrokenSphere / Wikimedia Commons
Universal Studios Hollywood is an iconic movie studio and theme park of much-replicated things like Hogwarts Castle, Butterbeer, and magical rides like Harry Potter. For dinosaur enthusiasts, the Jurassic World ride is a terrifying water adventure, complete with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and advanced visual effects. The Studio Tour is an insider’s peek at the film industry, with dynamic experiences like King Kong 360 3D and close encounters with Jaws. There are specifically themed areas like Springfield inspired by The Simpsons and Minion Land and rides in Fast & Furious sets.
Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
Top Experience: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Studio Tour, thrilling rides
Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM (varies by season)
Entry Fee: Starts at $109 per person
6. Stroll The Venice Beach Boardwalk
Photo: Blake Everett / Wikimedia Commons
Venice Beach Boardwalk brings very cultural, artistic, and entertaining immersion to the scene, with a great mixture of street performers showing off their talents, from music to acrobatics and magic. Since its long history, this boardwalk stands as a launching pad where many artists make successful careers out of it. Another large hot spot is the Venice Skatepark, which attracts pro skaters from different parts of the United States and offers a thrilling place to see high-energy tricks against the Pacific.
Location: Venice Beach, Los Angeles
Top Experience: People-watching, street performances, bike rides
Timings: 24×7
Entry Fee: None
7. Visit The Los Angeles County Museum Of Art
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia Commons
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the Western United States’ biggest art museum by size, with over 150,000 works spanning different cultures and historical periods. LACMA formed part of the city’s Museum Row after its establishment in 1961, offering the viewer a vast collection that ranges from ancient artefacts to contemporary pieces. Another great attraction of the museum is the Urban Light installation, one of the iconic shows by more than 200 restored street lamps. This outdoor exhibit gives the most unique photo opportunity, particularly at night.
Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
Top Experience: Art collections, Urban Light installation, temporary exhibits
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM (Mon, Tue, Thu-Sun); Closed Wednesdays
Entry Fee: $25 for adults (discounts available for students and children)
8. Hike To The Hollywood Sign
Photo: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos / Pexels
One of the expected things to do in Los Angeles is a hike to the Hollywood Sign, with different hiking trails. These trails have varying levels of difficulty, and the most popular among them is the Brush Canyon Trail, a moderate hike that gives some city-and-sign views. Mt. Hollywood Trail is a less strenuous approach to some of the higher vantage points accessible near the Hollywood Sign itself. The Mt. Hollywood Trail is perfect for families and first-time hikers, as it goes 2.5 miles in each direction and has a 500-foot elevation.
Location: Griffith Park, Los Angeles
Top Experience: Scenic hiking, iconic photo opportunities
Timings: 24×7
Entry Fee: None
9. Shop And Dine At The Grove
Photo: Prayitno / Wikimedia Commons
The Grove in Los Angeles is a must-visit destination, with shopping and dining options available. This outdoor mall combines high-end shopping with a very pleasing atmosphere for leisure and entertainment. With close to 40 luxurious retailers, the place encompasses all tastes, from the luxury of Gucci and Nordstrom to Apple and trendy boutiques such as Brandy Melville and Michael Kors. The Grove has many dining options, ranging from casual to high-end restaurants. Other hotspots include Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, La Piazza, and the quaint cuteness of Sprinkles Cupcakes. Ride the double-decker trolley connecting The Grove to the Original Farmers Market.
Location: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles
Top Experience: Shopping, dining, Farmers Market
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM (varies by store)
Entry Fee: None
10. DTLA Downtown Los Angeles
Photo: Michael J Fromholtz / Wikimedia Commons
Exploring downtown Los Angeles, or DTLA, is an awesome experience that combines history, culture, and all the swishers with dashing charm in a modern city. Start exploring the architectural marvel of Walt Disney Concert Hall. Its metallic, sweeping curves are iconic and house the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Visit the Broad, a contemporary art museum featuring installations and works by Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, and others. Take a walk down Olvera Street, often called the birthplace of Los Angeles. The street is dotted with colourful shops and street vendors, restaurants that celebrate and remind one of the city’s Mexican heritage. After visiting, be sure to stop in at Grand Central Market or relax at the Grand Park.
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
Top Experience: The Broad Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Olvera Street
Timings: Vary by attraction
Entry Fee: None; vary by attraction
Los Angeles is art, adventure, and innovation joined in a destination of their kind. There are many things to do in Los Angeles, from strolling across the Hollywood streets to the popular LA beaches, and every moment here feels like a scene from a movie. Explore the iconic landmarks and a city full of surprises and breathe life into the canvas with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Daisy Gonzales / Pexels
