Looking for places to visit in Los Angeles? Discover what you can do in Los Angeles – We found 15 best tourist attractions and things to do.
With iconic landmarks, a vibrant cultural scene and sunny skies throughout the year, Los Angeles (LA) is one of the most well-known cities in the world.
Hollywood stars, the TV & movie industries, and cultural icons all make LA a famous city.
The city has so much going on that you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore. If you’re after glamour, bustle and excitement, Los Angeles is the place for you.
With so many world-famous sites and attractions to visit, this article is meant to help you decide which places to visit and get the most from LA.
Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
Take a walk through Pershing Square
Pershing Square is a small public park in Downtown Los Angeles.
Formerly named LA Plaza Abaja in 1866, this five-acre park was renamed Pershing Square for General John J. Pershing in 1918. Places to stay in the area
It is decorated with fountains, monuments, statues, a large seating platform, children’s playgrounds, a chess area, a pet area, and an open elevated mayan–style amphitheater.
Pershing Square is a peaceful oasis among the buzzing streets and a perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Enjoy the views from Griffith Park & Observatory
With over 4,210 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States. Places to stay in the area
The observatory is a popular tourist attraction. Griffith Observatory is truly a magical place to visit.
Nestled in the hills overlooking the glittering LA skyline and Hollywood Sign, it’s easy to see why visiting this destination is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles.
The Park offers hiking, bike rentals, pony rides, horseback riding, picnicking, tennis, swimming, soccer, and other ball fields.
Experience The Hollywood Sign
Originally erected in 1923 to promote a housing development called Hollywoodland, the enormous sign is one of the most historic landmarks in Los Angeles and a worldwide symbol of the entertainment industry. Places to stay in the area
The sign is located on Mount Lee in the Beachwood Canyon area of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Today the 45-foot-tall, 350-foot-long sign is in its best condition ever, thanks to the ongoing preservation efforts.
You can spot the Hollywood sign from all over Los Angeles, but some of the best view points to see the Hollywood sign are: Lake Hollywood Park, Griffith Observatory, Bronson Canyon, Hollywood Reservoir or Hollywood & Highland.
People from all across the globe come to see those big white letters. That’s why we consider this experience one of the best things to do in Los Angeles.
TCL Chinese Theatre
The TCL Chinese Theatre is the most iconic movie palace in the world and the third largest commercial movie screen in North America.
The Hollywood landmark hosted many movie premieres, as well as Academy Award ceremonies and numerous events. Places to stay in the area
Visitors can experience the majesty of the theatre and learn about the star-studded history of the historic TCL Chinese Theatres.
The Tour features stories and fun facts about the theatre’s Hollywood premieres, celebrities, and its famous Forecourt of the Stars.
A visit to Los Angeles is not complete without a stroll through Hollywood cinema history.
Take the Mulholland Drive route
Mulholland Drive is a hillside street famous for its breathtaking views of the city and its history of famous residents. Places to stay in the area
It has some of the world’s most expensive homes and plenty of celebrities who live in them, such as Jack Nicholson, John Lennon, Roman Polanski, Marlon Brando, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, and David Lynch.
Every tourist should consider taking this scenic route to enjoy the sights of lavish celebrity homes.
Also, make sure and stop at the overlook right by the Hollywood Bowl – spectacular spot to see the vast city of LA.
Visit Echo Park
Echo Park is a neighborhood in the east-central region of Los Angeles, known for its trendy local businesses, as well as its popularity with artists, musicians, art galleries, independent bookstores, cafes, vinyl shops, organic restaurants, and vintage clothing stores. Places to stay in the area
Centered on the lake and park of the same name, Echo Park is one of LA’s most quickly-evolving neighborhoods.
Echo Park Lake, is perfect for walks on the path around the lake or for enjoying a picnic or a book on the grass.
Also, Echo Park’s shopping and nightlife scene has something to offer for every kind of tourist.
We think you’ll find plenty to love in Echo Park. Visit Echo Park is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Hollywood Forever is one of the world’s most historic places, and the final resting place of hundreds of Hollywood legends. Places to stay in the area
As Los Angeles’ most dynamic cultural event center, Hollywood Forever welcomes visitors to concerts, films, and events each year.
The cemetery is fascinating with lots of interesting things to see. It is full of history and wildlife as well as a colony of very well cared for feral cats and a muster of beautiful peacocks.
The cemetery’s Dia de Los Muertos celebration is the largest outside of Mexico, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Close to Paramount Studios, Hollywood Forever Cemetery offers a walk back in time. It is one of the 20 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles.
Visit The Getty Center
The Getty Center is one of the most impressive architectural achievements in the United States.
Spectacular museum boasts a most impressive collection by such luminaries as Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne, along with the architectural triumph of its six buildings and gardens. Places to stay in the area
The museum sits on top of a hill and visitors flock here not only for its extensive art collection but also for the magnificent architecture.
The entire complex consists of 11 buildings surrounded by beautiful outdoor spaces, fountains and sculptures.
It is a museum with something for everyone: art, modern design, unique gardens, and spectacular city views.
The Getty Center is a fun day trip where anyone can find something to enjoy.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park and one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use. Places to stay in the area
At Universal Studios Hollywood there’s a world of fun-filled adventures that each tourist will love: thrilling theme park rides and shows, a real working movie studio, and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk.
Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family.
Also, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, can be found here. Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts castle, visit the shops of Hogsmeade, and sample fare from some of the wizarding world’s best-known establishments.
Plus experience pulse-pounding rides and attractions that transport you into a world of magical thrills and excitement.
Therefore, don’t miss the chance to visit the world’s largest movie studio and theme park!
The Broad
The Broad is a contemporary art museum in Downtown Los Angeles and home to the 2,000 works of art in the Broad collection, which is among the most prominent holdings of postwar and contemporary art worldwide. Places to stay in the area
The Broad features two Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama, which are immersive installations with LED lights reflecting endlessly inside mirrored spaces.
Also, the museum includes a free-standing restaurant on its plaza, Otium.
The Broad feels like a game changer thanks to the museum’s distinctive design, free admission and post-war art collection.
Exploring the Broad museum must be on your LA bucket list!
Discover Walt Disney Concert Hall
Designed by architect Frank Gehry, Walt Disney Concert Hall is an internationally recognized architectural landmark and one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world. Places to stay in the area
Located on the corner of Grand Avenue and First Street in downtown Los Angeles, Walt Disney Concert Hall is the performance home of the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
In addition to the main concert hall, the 3.6-acre complex includes the garden that is open to the public during operating hours, the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Atrium Hall including a gift shop and cafe, and the W.M. Keck Foundation Children’s Amphitheater.
Walt Disney Concert Hall became a Los Angeles icon and is one of a kind. A trip to Los Angeles isn’t complete without visiting Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Stroll down on Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is probably the most famous star-studded shopping street in the world. Places to stay in the area
Rodeo Drive is a must for any visitor to Los Angeles. A casual stroll down Rodeo Drive will bring you to magnificent art installations and the occasional movie crew.
Visitors will encounter architectural marvels by famous designers like Frank Lloyd Wright and give them the opportunity to explore the European style cobblestone street of Two Rodeo Drive.
Rodeo Drive is one of the highlights of 15 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles.
Sunset Boulevard
One of the world’s most famous streets, Sunset Boulevard offers miles of glitz, glamour, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Places to stay in the area
From scruffy clubs and neon to historic movie studios and beaches, this iconic street captures the very essence of L.A.—a clash of extremes all spread out beneath the California sun.
The most famous stretch is Sunset Strip, located between Hollywood and West Hollywood.
Among the many luxury hotels on the strip, one of the most famous is Chateau Marmont, a legendary hotel with over 90 years of history where many celebrities have stayed.
During the day tourists can visit Sunset Plaza, a mall located in the vibrant shopping area. Book lovers should not miss the iconic Book Soup – L.A.’s largest independent bookstore.
There are many other attraction here. Find the perfect activity in the numerous things to do on the Sunset Boulevard.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection that includes over 120,000 objects dating from antiquity to the present, encompassing the geographic world and nearly the entire history of art. Places to stay in the area
Situated in Hancock Park on over 20 acres in the heart of Los Angeles, LACMA is located between the ocean and downtown. It attracts nearly a million visitors annually. In addition to art exhibits, the museum features film and concert series.
Over the years, LACMA made film a central part of its mission to bring masterpieces of art and culture to the community.
With this much to explore, let your curiosity lead the way and visit LACMA.
Explore Hollywood History at Paramount Pictures
As the longest operating and only remaining major studio in Hollywood, Paramount Pictures is the production site for thousands of notable movies and TV shows. Places to stay in the area
The notable site has been home to everything from classic television shows like “I Love Lucy” to modern favorites like Amazon Prime’s “Jack Ryan” to box-office hits like “Mission: Impossible” and “Titanic.”
The studio lot has expanded since its original construction – it now covers 65 acres with 30 stages and impressive sites like street and neighbourhood backdrops.
Paramount Pictures Studios offers highly sought-after tours to various stages and movie sets where many classic movies were shot.
During your visit, you’ll see where some of the most celebrated motion pictures and TV shows are made.
On the tour, led by an engaging Studio Page, you will visit iconic locations like the legendary Bronson Gate, New York Street Backlot, and the Prop Warehouse.
Explore over a century of Hollywood history at Paramount Pictures. It is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles.
What to Do in Los Angeles
- Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
- Take a walk through Pershing Square
- Enjoy the views from Griffith Park & Observatory
- Experience The Hollywood Sign
- TCL Chinese Theatre
- Take the Mulholland Drive route
- Visit Echo Park
- Hollywood Forever Cemetery
- Visit The Getty Center
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- The Broad
- Discover Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Stroll down on Rodeo Drive
- Sunset Boulevard
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
- Explore Hollywood History at Paramount Pictures