30 Things to do in Los Angeles

Iconic & Hollywood Things to Do in Los Angeles

1. Visit Griffith Observatory

Location / Neighborhood: Griffith Park Best For: Families, couples, astronomy, skyline views Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours Cost / Entry: Free general admission; planetarium shows and parking extra

Start with one of Los Angeles’ most memorable views at Griffith Observatory, set high above the city on the slopes of Mount Hollywood. Explore astronomy exhibits, look through telescopes and take in panoramic views stretching across Downtown LA, Hollywood and towards the Pacific on clear days.

The observatory grounds are also one of the classic places to photograph the Hollywood Sign. Admission to the building is free, making this an excellent choice if you’re looking for memorable things to do in Los Angeles without a large admission cost. Insider tip: arrive during the late afternoon so you can experience the city in daylight, watch sunset and stay as LA begins to illuminate after dark.

2. Hike to views of the Hollywood Sign

Location / Neighborhood: Griffith Park / Hollywood Hills. Best For: Hikers, couples, photographers, active families. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.

Get closer to one of the world’s most famous landmarks on an authorized Hollywood Sign hiking trail through Griffith Park. Routes including Brush Canyon and Mount Hollywood provide different combinations of distance, elevation and views, while the more demanding Cahuenga Peak route takes experienced hikers into the hills behind the sign.

You cannot walk directly up to or touch the letters themselves, but designated trails provide views both towards the front of the sign and across the city from the surrounding hills. Insider tip: start early, carry plenty of water and remain on official trails — temperatures and fire risk can rise quickly in the Hollywood Hills.

3. Spend a day at Universal Studios Hollywood

Location / Neighborhood: Universal City. Best For: Families, teenagers, movie fans, thrill rides. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.

Combine a working movie studio with a major theme park at Universal Studios Hollywood. Ride through film sets on the famous Studio Tour, explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and enter SUPER NINTENDO WORLD for interactive games and Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.

The big 2026 addition is Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor high-speed roller coaster, which opened in September 2026 and features ride vehicles capable of 360-degree rotation. Insider tip: arrive before regular park opening if you have eligible early access, and download the Universal app to check wait times during your visit.

4. Tour a working Hollywood studio

Location / Neighborhood: Burbank / Hollywood area. Best For: Movie fans, teenagers, couples, families. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$$.

Go behind the scenes of film and television production on a Los Angeles studio tour. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood in nearby Burbank is one of the best-known options, taking visitors through working backlots, soundstage areas and exhibitions connected with famous movies and television series.

Studio tours offer a different experience from a theme park because the emphasis is on how productions are actually created, from sets and props to costumes and soundstages. Insider tip: book before your vacation, particularly during school holidays, and remember that working studio access can change depending on filming schedules.5

5. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Location / Neighborhood: Hollywood Boulevard. Best For: First-time visitors, families, movie fans. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.

Walk beneath the palm trees of Hollywood Boulevard and search for famous names along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Thousands of sidewalk stars celebrate achievements across film, television, music, radio and live performance, making the area a classic first stop for anyone interested in entertainment history.

While you’re here, see the handprints and footprints outside TCL Chinese Theatre and continue towards the Dolby Theatre and surrounding Hollywood attractions. Insider tip: look up the location of any specific stars you want to see before arriving — the Walk of Fame covers a much larger area than many first-time visitors expect.

6. See a concert at the Hollywood Bowl

Location / Neighborhood: Hollywood Hills. Best For: Couples, groups, music lovers. Estimated Time Needed: Evening. Cost / Entry: $.

Experience live music beneath the Hollywood Hills at the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles’ famous open-air amphitheater. Its summer season spans orchestral performances, movie nights, rock and pop concerts, jazz and special events, often with the illuminated Bowl shell and surrounding hills forming part of the spectacle.

Performances by the LA Philharmonic sit alongside touring artists and one-off events, giving you plenty of choice throughout the season. Insider tip: check the Bowl’s picnic policies for your concert and consider using a shuttle or park-and-ride service rather than navigating post-show traffic yourself.

7. Shop and sightsee in Beverly Hills

Location / Neighborhood: Beverly Hills. Best For: Couples, shopping, dining, luxury experiences. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; shopping and dining extra.

Spend a few hours exploring Beverly Hills, where palm-lined streets, landscaped neighborhoods and luxury boutiques offer a polished contrast to Hollywood and Downtown LA. Walk along Rodeo Drive, browse designer stores and continue through Beverly Gardens Park for a photograph beside the Beverly Hills sign.

Restaurants and cafés make it easy to turn the visit into a relaxed lunch or evening out. Insider tip: explore the streets surrounding Rodeo Drive too — you don’t need to shop at designer boutiques to enjoy the architecture, people-watching and atmosphere.

Beaches & Coastal Things to Do in Los Angeles

8. Spend the day at Santa Monica Beach and Pier

Location / Neighborhood: Santa Monica. Best For: Families, couples, beach days, first-time visitors. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; rides and parking extra.

Head to the Pacific for a classic Southern California day around Santa Monica Beach and Pier. Walk along the historic pier, ride the solar-powered Ferris wheel at Pacific Park or simply relax on the wide sandy beach with the Santa Monica Mountains visible along the coast.

Oceanfront walking and cycling paths make it easy to continue south towards Venice Beach if you want to explore both destinations in a single day. Insider tip: stay until sunset, when the pier’s lights begin to glow and the Pacific horizon provides one of LA’s most recognizable evening scenes.

9. Explore Venice Beach

Location / Neighborhood: Venice. Best For: Couples, families, people-watching, beach culture. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.

Experience one of LA’s most distinctive neighborhoods along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Street performers, murals, shops and food stands sit alongside the famous outdoor workout area at Muscle Beach, while Venice Skatepark attracts talented local skaters just steps from the sand.

The atmosphere is energetic, creative and deliberately unconventional, making Venice feel very different from neighboring Santa Monica. Our Los Angeles vacation rentals also include stays around Venice Beach. Insider tip: visit during daylight hours, then head towards Abbot Kinney Boulevard for dinner and shopping.

10. Walk the Venice Canals and Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Location / Neighborhood: Venice. Best For: Couples, photographers, shopping, restaurants. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.

See a quieter side of Venice by walking around the Venice Canals, where footbridges cross peaceful waterways lined with distinctive homes and gardens. The canals were inspired by Venice, Italy, and offer a surprisingly tranquil contrast to the nearby beach boardwalk.

Continue towards Abbot Kinney Boulevard for independent boutiques, restaurants, cafés and galleries. Insider tip: treat the canals as a residential neighborhood rather than a tourist attraction — remain on public paths and bridges and respect the privacy of the people who live there.

11. Get on the water in Marina del Rey

Location / Neighborhood: Marina del Rey. Best For: Couples, families, boating, sunset cruises. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Experience the Pacific from the water in Marina del Rey, one of Southern California’s major recreational marinas. Depending on the season and your group, you can choose from sailing trips, harbor cruises, kayaking, paddleboarding or private boat charters.

The marina is especially attractive around sunset, when yachts return to harbor and the sky changes color over the coast. Our Los Angeles collection includes vacation homes around Marina del Rey, making this particularly convenient for guests planning boating-focused stays. Insider tip: choose a morning paddle for calmer conditions or an evening sailing trip if scenery and sunset are your priorities.

12. Spend a day at Manhattan Beach

Location / Neighborhood: Manhattan Beach / South Bay. Best For: Families, couples, swimming, beach walks. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free; parking extra.

Enjoy a more relaxed coastal atmosphere at Manhattan Beach, where a long stretch of sand meets a walkable downtown filled with restaurants and boutiques. Walk along Manhattan Beach Pier, follow The Strand beside the ocean or simply settle onto the sand for a classic California beach day.

The area feels considerably quieter than central Hollywood while still offering plenty of places for lunch or dinner. Our Los Angeles vacation rentals include homes around Manhattan Beach and nearby El Segundo. Insider tip: stay into the evening for dinner around Manhattan Beach Boulevard after the daytime beach crowds begin to thin.

13. Explore Malibu and the Getty Villa

Location / Neighborhood: Pacific Palisades / Malibu coast. Best For: Couples, families, art, coastal drives. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Getty Villa admission free with reservation; parking extra.

Combine ocean scenery with ancient art at the Getty Villa, set just off the Pacific Coast Highway near Malibu. Designed in the style of an ancient Roman country house, the museum displays Greek and Roman antiquities among courtyards, gardens and fountains.

Admission is free but requires a timed reservation, making it worth organizing before your coastal day. Continue along the coast afterwards for beach views and time around Malibu. Insider tip: reserve your Getty Villa time first, then build the rest of your Pacific Coast Highway itinerary around it rather than risking a long cross-city drive against a fixed entry slot.

14. Drive the Palos Verdes Peninsula

Location / Neighborhood: Rancho Palos Verdes. Best For: Couples, scenic drives, walking, ocean views. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; parking may apply.

Trade city streets for clifftop Pacific views around Rancho Palos Verdes, where winding coastal roads pass dramatic overlooks and walking trails above the ocean. It’s an excellent choice if you want a quieter coastal experience away from the busy promenades of Santa Monica and Venice.

Spend time at designated viewpoints, follow coastal trails and watch for marine life offshore during migration seasons. Top Villas also offers stays around Rancho Palos Verdes, giving you a scenic alternative to central LA neighborhoods. Insider tip: stay on marked paths and respect temporary coastal closures, as cliff erosion can affect access.

Museums, Art & Cultural Things to Do in Los Angeles

15. Explore the Getty Center

Location / Neighborhood: Brentwood. Best For: Art lovers, couples, families, architecture. Estimated Time Needed: 3–5 hours. Cost / Entry: Free admission with timed reservation; parking extra.

Ride the tram uphill to the Getty Center, where art, modern architecture, landscaped gardens and far-reaching city views come together above West Los Angeles. Collections span European paintings, sculpture, manuscripts, decorative arts and photography, while the Central Garden is a highlight in its own right.

Free admission makes the Getty one of LA’s standout cultural experiences, although a timed-entry reservation is required. Insider tip: allow at least half a day rather than trying to squeeze the Getty between other attractions — the buildings, exhibitions, gardens and views all deserve time.

16. Visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Location / Neighborhood: Museum Row / Miracle Mile. Best For: Movie fans, families, culture, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$.

Explore the art and history of filmmaking at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Exhibitions use costumes, props, production materials, film clips and personal stories to examine how movies are created and how cinema has developed across different eras and cultures.

The museum’s location on Museum Row means you can easily combine it with LACMA or the Petersen Automotive Museum. Insider tip: advance reservations are encouraged, and visitors aged 17 and under currently receive free general admission.

17. See the new David Geffen Galleries at LACMA

Location / Neighborhood: Museum Row / Miracle Mile. Best For: Art lovers, architecture, couples, families. Estimated Time Needed: 3–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$.

Explore the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where the new David Geffen Galleries opened in 2026 as the museum’s major new home for its permanent collection. Designed by architect Peter Zumthor, the sweeping building crosses Wilshire Boulevard and presents art from cultures and periods around the world.

Outside, landmark installations including Urban Light remain among Los Angeles’ most photographed works of public art. Insider tip: allow time for the wider campus as well as the new galleries and combine LACMA with another Museum Row attraction if you want a full cultural day.

18. Explore contemporary art at The Broad

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Los Angeles. Best For: Contemporary art, couples, families, free activities. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2.5 hours.

See postwar and contemporary art at The Broad, the distinctive white-honeycomb museum on Grand Avenue in Downtown LA. Its collection includes works by major international artists, while Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room remains one of the museum’s most sought-after experiences.

General admission is free and walk-ups are possible, but advance timed tickets are recommended. The museum remains open while a major expansion is being constructed alongside it. Insider tip: reserve an Infinity Mirrored Room ticket when monthly tickets are released if this installation is high on your list.

19. Explore the La Brea Tar Pits

Location / Neighborhood: Miracle Mile / Hancock Park. Best For: Families, fossils, science, unusual attractions. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: Outdoor areas free; specialist tours extra.

See Ice Age science taking place in the middle of modern Los Angeles at the La Brea Tar Pits. Natural asphalt has preserved animals, plants and insects here for tens of thousands of years, creating the world’s only actively excavated Ice Age fossil site in an urban setting.

The indoor museum is currently closed for a major renovation, but Hancock Park, the Lake Pit and active outdoor excavation areas remain accessible, with specialist Insider Tours available for visitors wanting a closer look at the research. Insider tip: check current construction information before visiting and combine the outdoor Tar Pits with neighboring LACMA, the Academy Museum or Petersen Automotive Museum.

20. Visit the Petersen Automotive Museum

Location / Neighborhood: Museum Row / Miracle Mile. Best For: Families, car enthusiasts, design. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; Vault experiences extra.

Discover automotive design and Hollywood car culture at the Petersen Automotive Museum, whose striking red-and-silver exterior is almost as memorable as the vehicles inside. Exhibitions range from historic and racing cars to motorcycles, concept vehicles and cars associated with famous films.

Car enthusiasts can add a guided visit to The Vault, where additional vehicles from the museum’s collection are stored away from the main galleries. Insider tip: allow extra time if you book The Vault — combining it with all the main exhibitions can turn the museum into a substantial half-day visit.

21. Explore the Natural History Museum

Location / Neighborhood: Exposition Park. Best For: Families, dinosaurs, science, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 3–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; special exhibitions extra.

Come face to face with dinosaurs, gemstones and the natural history of Southern California at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Highlights include its Dinosaur Hall, extensive mineral collection and exhibitions tracing the evolution of Los Angeles and the natural world.

The museum sits within Exposition Park, making it straightforward to combine with surrounding cultural attractions. Insider tip: advance online tickets are recommended, particularly during weekends and school vacations when family attractions can become busy.

22. Explore the Huntington gardens and galleries

Location / Neighborhood: San Marino. Best For: Couples, families, gardens, art and history. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $.

Escape into more than 100 acres of landscaped gardens at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino. Highlights include Chinese and Japanese gardens, desert landscapes, roses and extensive collections of rare books, manuscripts and artworks.

The scale makes The Huntington worthy of a dedicated half-day rather than a quick garden stop. Insider tip: check current gallery closures before travelling and wear comfortable shoes — exploring several major gardens involves considerably more walking than many first-time visitors expect.

Downtown, Food & Neighborhood Things to Do in Los Angeles

23. Eat at Grand Central Market and ride Angels Flight

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Los Angeles. Best For: Food lovers, couples, families, historic LA. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to enter market; food and railway fare extra.

Taste your way through Downtown LA at Grand Central Market, a landmark food hall that has served the city since 1917. Vendors represent a wide range of LA’s culinary influences, giving you the chance to mix tacos, noodles, sandwiches, baked goods and other dishes within one historic space.

Across the street, take a short ride on Angels Flight, the tiny historic funicular climbing Bunker Hill. Insider tip: arrive before the busiest lunchtime period, then continue uphill towards The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall.

24. Visit Walt Disney Concert Hall

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown / Grand Avenue. Best For: Architecture, music lovers, couples. Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to view outside; performances vary.

See one of Downtown LA’s defining architectural landmarks at Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry and home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Its sweeping stainless-steel exterior changes dramatically with the light, while concerts inside range from major orchestral performances to contemporary programs.

Even without a concert ticket, Grand Avenue is worth visiting for the architecture and nearby cultural institutions. Insider tip: combine the Concert Hall with The Broad directly across the street and Grand Central Market a short walk downhill.

25. Explore Little Tokyo and the Arts District

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Los Angeles. Best For: Couples, groups, food, art. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.

Spend an afternoon moving between two neighboring Downtown LA districts with very different personalities. Little Tokyo offers Japanese restaurants, bakeries, shops and cultural institutions, while the Arts District combines converted warehouses with murals, galleries, cafés and creative businesses.

Together they provide a much more local perspective on Downtown than simply visiting its headline museums. Insider tip: explore Little Tokyo around lunchtime, then continue into the Arts District during the afternoon before choosing a restaurant or bar for the evening.

26. Visit Olvera Street and El Pueblo

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Los Angeles. Best For: Families, history, culture, food. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.

Learn about some of Los Angeles’ earliest history around El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument and Olvera Street. Historic buildings, market stalls, restaurants and cultural sites reflect the Mexican and early Californian heritage of the area where the city developed.

The neighborhood is opposite Union Station, making it easy to reach by public transportation and combine with Chinatown or Little Tokyo. Insider tip: take time to explore the historic buildings and interpretation rather than treating Olvera Street solely as a shopping stop.

27. Browse the Original Farmers Market and The Grove

Location / Neighborhood: Fairfax. Best For: Families, couples, shopping, food. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.

Combine old and new Los Angeles at the Original Farmers Market and The Grove. The Farmers Market has brought together produce sellers, specialty food stores and places to eat for generations, while neighboring The Grove adds major retailers, restaurants and an attractive open-air shopping environment.

This pairing works especially well for mixed groups because everyone can choose between food, shopping and simply relaxing outdoors. Insider tip: visit outside peak weekend afternoons if you want a calmer experience and easier parking.

Outdoor, Sports & Family Things to Do in Los Angeles

28. Hike Runyon Canyon

Location / Neighborhood: Hollywood Hills / West Hollywood. Best For: Couples, fitness, city views, dogs. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.

Join locals for an urban hike through Runyon Canyon, where trails rise above Hollywood and reveal views across Los Angeles. The park’s proximity to West Hollywood makes it one of the easiest places to combine a workout with sightseeing, and designated sections are also popular with dog walkers.

Most of the park remains open, although the Runyon Canyon West Trail is currently closed until further notice following fire impacts. Insider tip: check current trail status before visiting, carry water and hike early in warmer weather — there are no restroom facilities inside the park.

29. Watch the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

Location / Neighborhood: Elysian Park. Best For: Families, groups, sports fans. Estimated Time Needed: 3–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Experience Los Angeles sports culture at Dodger Stadium, one of Major League Baseball’s most recognizable ballparks. Set in the hills above Downtown LA, the stadium combines baseball with views towards the surrounding city and mountains.

Regular-season home games generally run from spring into early fall, with food, entertainment and the game-day atmosphere making this enjoyable even if baseball isn’t usually your main sport. Insider tip: allow plenty of time for traffic around first pitch and consider stadium transportation options rather than arriving at the last minute.

30. Take a day trip to Disneyland Resort

Location / Neighborhood: Anaheim. Best For: Families, couples, Disney fans. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.

Make the journey south to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim for a full day of rides, characters, entertainment and immersive themed lands. Disneyland Park combines classic attractions with areas including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, while neighboring Disney California Adventure offers another complete theme park experience.

Anaheim is outside central Los Angeles, so treat Disneyland as a dedicated day trip rather than combining it with Hollywood or coastal sightseeing. Insider tip: check ticket and theme-park reservation requirements before travelling and allow generous journey time, as LA-area traffic can significantly affect the drive.

Seasonal Events in Los Angeles

Lunar New Year

Los Angeles celebrates Lunar New Year during winter, with festivities particularly prominent around Chinatown. Events can include cultural performances, food, community celebrations and the historic Golden Dragon Parade. Insider tip: check the annual event schedule before visiting, as parade dates and road closures vary.

ASICS LA Marathon

The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon returns in March, bringing thousands of runners and spectators together for one of California’s biggest annual running events. The 26.2-mile Stadium to the Stars course begins at Dodger Stadium before weaving through some of Los Angeles’ best-known neighbourhoods and landmarks, with the finish line on Santa Monica Boulevard at Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

LA Pride

Held during June, LA Pride brings parades, music, community events and celebrations to Hollywood and neighborhoods across the city. Los Angeles has played an important role in LGBTQ+ history, and Pride month includes events ranging from large outdoor celebrations to cultural programs. Insider tip: expect major crowds and road closures around the Hollywood parade route.

Hollywood Bowl Summer Season

From late spring into fall, the Hollywood Bowl hosts one of LA’s biggest annual programs of live music. The schedule mixes Los Angeles Philharmonic performances with movie concerts, jazz, rock, pop and fireworks events. Insider tip: check the season calendar well ahead if you want tickets for a major artist or one of the popular summer fireworks concerts.

Halloween Horror Nights

On selected nights during September and October, Universal Studios Hollywood transforms after dark for Halloween Horror Nights, with haunted houses, scare zones and horror-themed entertainment. The event operates separately from a standard daytime park visit. Insider tip: buy tickets early for popular October weekends and check closing times if you plan to visit Universal during the day as well.

Día de los Muertos

Around late October and early November, Día de los Muertos celebrations take place across Los Angeles, honoring loved ones through ofrendas, music, art, food and community gatherings. Events can be found around areas including Downtown LA and Hollywood. Insider tip: look for cultural celebrations rather than treating the occasion simply as a Halloween event — remembrance and family traditions are central to Día de los Muertos.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Choose Hollywood Hills or West Hollywood if movie landmarks, nightlife, restaurants, Griffith Park and Universal Studios Hollywood are high on your itinerary. These locations work particularly well for first-time visitors who want many classic LA experiences within the same broad part of the city.

Stay around Bel Air and the Westside for a quieter luxury setting with convenient access to Beverly Hills, the Getty Center and coastal routes towards Malibu.

For beach-focused vacations, our homes around Venice Beach and Marina del Rey put the Pacific, waterfront dining and coastal activities close at hand. Manhattan Beach and El Segundo offer a more relaxed South Bay setting, while Rancho Palos Verdes is ideal if dramatic coastal scenery and a quieter pace are priorities.

Our Los Angeles vacation rentals range from stylish homes for couples and families to substantial properties designed for larger groups. Selected vacation rentals include private pools, city or canyon views, outdoor kitchens and terraces, home gyms, game rooms and private movie theaters, giving you plenty of space to relax after exploring the city.

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