Los Angeles is a city full of things to do, from museums, to shopping, to hikes. There’s never a dull moment, if you just know what you’re looking for. A day out is super easy to plan with these top rated tourist attractions in Los Angeles.
If you have just a couple of days to spend or you’re in town for a week or more, you can sink right into these activities, with very little effort. The only issue you’ll face, if any, is getting around, as the traffic can be a bit of a nightmare.
» You might be interested in these 7 National Parks Near Los Angeles and 30 Fun Things To Do In Los Angeles.
» Looking for more help with your Los Angeles trip planning? Check out our full Los Angeles travel guide as well as this useful 2-day LA itinerary. Here’s where to find the best views!
Must-See Attractions in LA
1. Hollywood Sign
The most iconic Los Angeles landmark, the Hollywood Sign is a must-see for any visitor to the city. It sits atop Mount Lee as a representation of the California film industry and it beckons visitors with multiple hiking trails leading up to it, ranging from 3 to 8 miles round trip, leaving from Griffith Park.
The monument was built in 1923 as an advertising gimmick for a housing complex called Hollywoodland. Each letter is made of white-painted sheet metal and stands 50 feet tall. Over the years, it’s been near destruction, but the city just keeps on finding a way to preserve it.
While you’re trekking around the area looking for views of the sign to take a good photo, you can also drive up into the Hollywood hills to see all the luxury houses.
» Try this tour: The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame
Immortalizing the biggest names in entertainment, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles. Walk the same streets as your favorite movie stars at this historic Los Angeles thoroughfare and get a picture of their star on the sidewalk.
If there’s one thing I can say about this attraction it’s that you should set your expectation properly. The old part of Hollywood isn’t what it once was and can be a bit disappointing on first sight.
Near the Walk of Fame, this area is frequented by street performers dressed as various movie characters, musicians, and other entertainers. It’s a unique experience that adds to the Hollywood atmosphere.
3. Griffith Park
Griffith Park is one of Los Angeles’ most popular outdoor destinations, with dozens of things to do. Visitors can enjoy a hike in the hills (this is where the hike to the Hollywood sign begins), a spin on the merry-go-round, a game of golf, and much more.
The park is also home to the Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West, and Griffith Observatory, which offers stunning views of Los Angeles and its surrounding mountains.
» Try this tour: The Best of LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Griffith Park +More
4. Griffith Observatory
This L.A. institution offers stunning views of the city, as well as a variety of educational exhibits on astronomy and science, and a planetarium. The Griffith Observatory is a great place to visit to learn more about the universe. It’s a unique and magical place that you shouldn’t miss. From the observatory, you can get a great view of the Hollywood Sign and the Los Angeles skyline.
The observatory is open to the public every day of the week, and offers free admission. Plan to spend around 2-3 hours looking around.
5. Walt Disney Concert Hall
Home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, this Frank Gehry-designed building is a work of art in itself. It’s considered to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world.
If you can get a ticket to a show, definitely make this your evening plan. You can also just visit the building, which is architecturally stunning. It’s located at 111 South Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles and occupies an entire city block. The building took 15 years to build.
» See upcoming events and get tickets here.
6. Santa Monica Pier & Beach
A classic California beachfront destination, the Santa Monica Pier is a fun place to spend some time. Constructed in 1909, the historic Santa Monica Pier was the first concrete pier on the West Coast and it’s been a focal point of the area ever since. There are tons of things to do in Santa Monica along with some great hiking that will keep you busy for a long weekend for starters.
On the pier, there are rides and games to shops and restaurants. The beach surrounding the pier is lively, with playgrounds, parks, and picnic areas. This is also where you’ll find the original Muscle Beach.
Although Santa Monica Pier and the beach can be quite busy in high season, it’s still worth a visit to see the flashing neon lights on the boardwalk, and to walk along the waterfront. It’s just one of those iconic activities you must do in Los Angeles.
» Try this tour: Private Electric Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beaches
7. Venice Beach Boardwalk
Another classic Los Angeles beach experience, Venice Beach is known for its unique character and eclectic atmosphere. The Venice Beach boardwalk stretches over two miles, along which you’ll find dozens of street vendors and performers, restaurants and bars.
While Venice Beach doesn’t have the same glitzy appeal as Santa Monica, it’s none the less a great place to hangout. If you’re looking for beach activities, swimming, beach volleyball, fishing, and surfing are popular here. The Venice Breakwater is actually an acclaimed local surf spot.
8. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
One of the largest art museums in the country, LACMA houses a diverse collection spanning centuries and cultures.
The museum is housed in a large, modern building, and its galleries are arranged into chronological order to give visitors a sense of the history of art. LACMA’s collection includes works by Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, and many other famous artists.
9. Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is one of Los Angeles’ most famous shopping destinations. This luxury shopping street is home to designer stores, high-end boutiques, and exclusive retailers, like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tiffany, and Gucci.
Rodeo Drive is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors can often see celebrities shopping or dining in the area. The name generally refers to a three-block long stretch of boutiques and shops but the street stretches further north and south.
10. Crypto.com Arena (Formerly Staples Center)
The former Staples Center, now called Crypto.com Arena, is a Los Angeles landmark and the home of four professional sports teams: the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), the Los Angeles Kings (NHL), and the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA). The arena also hosts concerts and other special events.
With so many events going on at the arena, you’ll likely find something to grab tickets to while you’re in town. The arena is located amongst many of Los Angeles’ best restaurants, so you can make a night of it by going out for dinner before your game or concert.
11. Chinatown
A vibrant and historic Los Angeles neighborhood, Chinatown offers a wealth of shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in Los Angeles because it feels like you’ve found something unique.
Traditional Chinese restaurants, dim sum restaurants, bakeries, specialty grocery stores, and gift shops are all housed in pagoda-style buildings with red lanterns out front, making it feel like a little slice of China in the midst of the concrete jungle. Additionally, there are dimly lit bars, little art galleries, and the Taoist Thien Hau Temple.
If you’re looking for great food beyond the Chinese offerings, check out the iconic Philippe the Original, known for its French dip sandwich.
12. Universal Studios Hollywood
One of the world’s oldest continuously operating movie studios, Universal® Studios Hollywood presents an entertaining mix of thrill rides and live action shows, plus a tram ride. The large California theme park cleverly integrates the shows and rides with behind-the-scenes presentations on movie-making.
A must-do for movie and TV fans, Universal Studios Hollywood is both a working studio and a theme park with rides based on popular films and TV shows. Enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, along with The Simpsons, Jurassic Park, and The Secret Life of Pets.
13. The Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is one of the world’s most famous concert venues. The bowl is an amphitheater that seats over 18,000 people, and it has been host to some of the biggest names in music, including the Beatles, Barbra Streisand, and Bruno Mars. The Hollywood Bowl is also a popular Los Angeles landmark, and its iconic design is recognized around the world.
» See upcoming events and get tickets here.
14. The Getty Center
The Getty Center is a Los Angeles landmark that is home to the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Getty Research Institute. This world-renowned art museum features two decorated courtyards and expansive gardens.
The museum is one of the world’s largest art museums, with a collection that spans centuries and cultures, from the Middle Ages to today. The Getty Center is also home to a large garden and an observation deck that offers stunning views of Los Angeles and its surrounding mountains.
Admission to The Getty Center and the Getty Villa Museum are free, but you do need a timed entry ticket, which you can get on their homepage.
15. The Grove
The Grove is a Los Angeles landmark that is home to some of the city’s best shopping and dining. The Grove is a popular destination for Los Angeles residents and tourists alike, and visitors can find stores like Apple, Tiffany & Co., and Burberry here.
The Grove also has a large movie theater, as well as plenty of restaurants to choose from. Grab a quick Umami Burger or sit down for a more sophisticated Italian meal at La Piazza. It’s just shopping, but elevated, and it’s a chill activity for a day out in Los Angeles.
16. Peterson Automotive Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum stands as a mecca for car enthusiasts, showcasing an extensive collection of automobiles that chronicle the evolution of automotive influence over the years.
Located on Wilshire Boulevard, this museum is not just about cars; it’s about the stories behind them, the people who built them, and the culture they’ve created.
The striking exterior, with its unique stainless-steel ribbon design, is a work of art in itself. Inside, visitors can explore multiple floors of exhibits featuring more than 100 vehicles – from classic models to futuristic concept cars.
The museum also offers interactive exhibits, making it a dynamic destination for families and car aficionados alike. Whether you’re a motorhead or just curious about the impact of cars on society and popular culture, the Petersen Automotive Museum is a must-visit destination in LA.
More Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles
If this list wasn’t enough for you, don’t worry there’s more! I mean, there are literally dozens of things to do in Los Angeles, but we’re trying to give you only the very best so you don’t have to make decisions. Just go and have fun.
- Universal Studios Hollywood: A film studio and theme park with attractions and rides based on famous movies, offering a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making.
- Disneyland Resort: Located in nearby Anaheim, this iconic theme park is a world of its own, with rides, attractions, and entertainment based on Disney characters and stories.
- The Getty Center: Home to a vast collection of artworks, sculptures, and decorative arts from various periods, set within a modern architectural masterpiece with stunning gardens.
- The Broad: A contemporary art museum in downtown LA, housing a significant collection of post-war and modern art.
- TCL Chinese Theatre: An iconic Hollywood movie palace known for its celebrity handprints and footprints in the forecourt.
- Dodger Stadium: A must-visit for baseball fans, offering games in a classic setting with views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
- LA Live: An entertainment complex in downtown LA, featuring music venues, nightclubs, restaurants, a bowling alley, and a movie theater.
Best Hotels for Tourists in Los Angeles
When visiting Los Angeles, choosing the right hotel can enhance your experience in this dynamic city. Here are two of the best Los Angeles hotels that I recommend for tourists. They’re in the best places near top sights.
- Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel:
- A member of Design Hotels is in the city center.
- On the Travel + Leisure best new hotels list.
- Walk to a number of the top attractions downtown.
- Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza:
- Luxury spa hotel, walk to The Broad and Walt Disney Concert Hall
- The hotel has a stylish design, a terrace, and several dining options.
- The hotel has great reviews.
Los Angeles is a city with plenty to offer visitors. From world-famous tourist destinations like Hollywood and Rodeo Drive, to lesser known but equally fascinating attractions like The Grove, there is something for everyone in Los Angeles. If you’re looking for a fun and interesting vacation destination, Los Angeles should be at the top of your list.
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.