Los Angeles is a sprawling city with endless opportunities to explore. From the Beverly Hills mansions to the world-renowned Universal Studios Hollywood, the things to do in Los Angeles are limitless.
Whether you’re looking to spend a day at the beach, explore the museums and urban park, take a day trip to nearby Marina del Rey, or have a perfect tanning session along the coastal lines of southern California, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Los Angeles, be it solo, with your loved ones or even the whole family. This article will give you an overview of the best things to do in Los Angeles.
What Los Angeles is Like
Los Angeles is a stunning metropolis with a population of over 4 million people. It is the second-largest city in the United States and home to world-famous attractions such as the Hollywood Sign, and the Griffith observatory. It is also a major center for the arts, entertainment, media, culture and so much more which is why you’ll never be at a loss for things to do in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is divided into many neighborhoods, every one with its own centers of attraction. Downtown LA is the city’s bustling business district, home to the Staples Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center. Los Angeles never runs out of things to explore, have something or the other to pique everyone’s interest.
1. The Iconic Hollywood
Visiting Los Angeles would be incomplete without a visit to Hollywood. Hollywood, the city of dreams, is home to the humungous Hollywood sign and the Walk of Fame.
The iconic Hollywood sign was built in 1923 and has since served as an identity for the city of Los Angeles as well as for the Hollywood industry itself. Located in Hollywood Hills, it is a great spot for taking pictures and experiencing the atmosphere of the city from a level above. Tourists consider taking a tour of the sign vital among the fun things to do in Los Angeles.
The Paramount Pictures studio tour is also preferred by folks who love to immerse themselves in the world of fiction in the city of Los Angeles. The 2-hour ride lets the visitor immerse in the untold legacy of the world of movies. It has many sets and a prop warehouse.
1.1. Main Attractions at Hollywood
Hollywood Boulevard is another must-visit destination when it comes to things to do in Los Angeles. This iconic street is lined with restaurants, theaters, and stores, with plenty of attractions and landmarks to explore. Do check for available shows at the TCL Chinese Theatre or the El Capitan Theatre for a wonderful experience.
Take a stroll down the boulevard and explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A must in the list of things to do in Los Angeles, this street is shining with more than 2700 terrazzo and brass stars along the 15 Hollywood streets. The five points starts are embedded to honor modern artists across the entertainment industry. These Hollywood streets are proud flagbearers of iconic Hollywood history.
Visitors also take a tour of the Hollywood Forever cemetery, among other things to do in Los Angeles. This cemetery, being the oldest in Los Angeles, is a place where popular celebrities were buried. It hosts regular events like live music for up-and-coming artists.
2. Los Angeles Museums
Los Angeles is home to some of the amazing museums in the world and hence, visiting museums is an important among things to do in Los Angeles. The California Science Center is a great starting point, with interactive exhibits, a wide range of educational programs, and a space shuttle. Set in Little Tokyo, the popular Japanese American National Museum represent the culture, history and heritage of Japanese Americans.
The Getty Center is another iconic museum, with a stunning collection of artwork and a peaceful outdoor garden. One of the largest art museum in the western United States is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The Grammy Museum is another popular attraction, with interactive exhibits and artifacts from the recording industry and is one of the interesting things to do in Los Angeles.
The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles is a great place to explore the history and culture of the region. It is the largest natural and historical museum in the United States. This museum preserves history for approximately 4.5 billion years. The Natural History Museum features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a beloved dinosaur exhibit.
3. Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is an outdoor paradise, with plenty of activities to keep you busy. Griffith Park is one of the best spots in the city to explore, with 4,200 acres of hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views when you want relaxing options among things to do in Los Angeles.
Another great spot is the Santa Monica Mountains, with plenty of hiking trails and breathtaking views of the city and the ocean. The Venice canals are a great alternative if you’re looking forward to a casual stroll in the evening among other things to do in Los Angeles.
If you’re looking for great picks to enjoy your beach time, head to Santa Monica beach or Venice beach. Both beaches offer an array of activities, from swimming to volleyball.
4. Disneyland in California
Visiting Disneyland once is a dream of everyone’s childhood. And one of the most celebrated Disneyland in the world surely becomes a must among the things to do in Los Angeles. This was the first theme park opened by the Walt Disney Company in 1955
With plenty of attractions to choose from, like the forever iconic castle or the Mickey and Minnie caricatures everywhere, kids and adults enjoy this place just equally among all the exciting things to do in Los Angeles. The Disney California Adventure Park is a perfect destination for MCU or other toon-obsessed individuals.
The Walt Disney concert hall, situated in downtown LA is known for its striking silver architecture and is also known as one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world. It houses Los Angeles Philharmonic and is recognized for hosting amazing music performances.
5. Shopping and Food Joints in Los Angeles
California is a shopper’s paradise, with a plethora of stores that will cater to all your shopping needs from the boulevard of Hollywood houses, fancy boutique shops to high-end department stores. Beverly Hills, as its name and vibe, is home to the famous Rodeo Drive which has shops for designer stores and luxury boutiques.
Downtown Los Angeles also offers plenty of shopping opportunities, with the historic Grand Central Market and the Los Angeles Flower Market and is one of the most fun things to do in Los Angeles for all the shopaholics. The Santa Monica Farmers Market also manages to attract a good number of local as well as tourist crowds.
Los Angeles houses some of the best restaurants with great hospitality and ambiance in the world; from high-end eateries to casual cafes, there is a place to satiate every big and small craving.
West Hollywood is for fine dining and trending restaurants and pubs, whereas downtown Los Angeles is for a wide variety of cuisines. The Santa Monica Pier is also a great spot for seafood, with plenty of restaurants and cafes overlooking the ocean, with beautiful patios and even better views.
6. The Parks in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a lot of greens to explore as well; so if you love nature, exploring the California parks is one of the most touristy things to do in Los Angeles. Be it the simple, quaint, and family-friendly parks, or the thrilling forests and wilderness. Angeles national forest is a tourist favorite for weekend camping and getaways as well.
Barnsdall Art Park and its soothing grass lawns are known for giving stunning panoramic views of the city of Los Angeles. The Pacific park in the famous Santa Monica pier is an amazing spot to spend some time with the people you want with thrilling rides and amazing adventures, all in one place.
7. Visit the Amazing Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit when it comes to movie fans. The theme park is home to attractions based on some of the most popular films and television shows, such as The Simpsons and Harry Potter.
A variety of special events such as Halloween Horror Nights and the Christmas Light Show is hosted by the park. It has everything, right from roller coasters, to water rides. Also a dream place for Minion lovers, this is one of the most exceptional theme parks in Los Angeles and definitely a must among things to do in Los Angeles.
The Universal CityWalk is another spot to head to for amazing restaurants, shops, and bars among other things to do in Los Angeles. The nearby Universal City is also home to the Universal CityWalk Hollywood, a 3-mile stretch of restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues.
8. Beachside Activities in Los Angeles
Los Angeles houses some of the best beaches in the world and Santa Monica Beach is one of the most popular spots, with a spectrum of activities to enjoy from. The beach is brimming with amazing restaurants serving delectable food and a spectrum of activities to enjoy from. Manhattan Beach is another great spot, with an array of activities, from surfing to beach volleyball.
The Pacific Coast Highway is another great option for outdoor activities. The highway stretches along the coast and is lined with stunning views of the ocean and plenty of scenic stops along the way. Take a drive down the highway and explore some of the best beaches in the Los Angeles area.
The beachside cities of Santa Monica and Venice coastlines offer a relaxed, sunny atmosphere perfect for a day at the beach. The San Fernando Valley is home to Universal Studios, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the La Brea Tar Pits.
9. Visit the San Fernando Valley
The Valley is home to the Hollywood Hills, with stunning views of the city and plenty of hiking trails. The nearby Santa Monica Mountains offer a variety of outdoor activities, right from hiking to mountain biking. Griffith park proves to be an excellent option for a fun day out, especially if you have young kids to tend to as it is the largest municipal garden in the whole of the States.
Echo Park is another perfect park to explore for unwinding with food accessible nearby. The Echo Park Lake is also located nearby and is known as a perfect place to unwind and witness a sunset strip. The nearby Los Angeles River is another great spot for outdoor activities, with plenty of kayaking and biking trails.
The Runyon Canyon park offers a literally breathtaking hike. The reason for its growing popularity is that you’ll find a lot of pets there to cheer you up as it is a pet-friendly spot. So people with pets don’t need to be disappointed because of leaving their pets at home.
10. Some More Fun Things to do in Los Angeles
- Sunset boulevard in Los Angeles gives us a sneak peek into the cultural life of Hollywood.
- The Museum of Contemporary Art is a great option for people with a taste for art, with a permanent collection of modern art and special exhibitions.
- The Broad is another popular museum, with a collection of contemporary artwork and interactive exhibits.
- The Hollywood Bowl is another great spot for music and entertainment. The iconic amphitheater hosts a variety of concerts and performances throughout the year and is considered one of the best things to do in Los Angeles.
- The Greek Theatre is another popular theatre with a variety of performances.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is a full-of-life city with endless opportunities to explore. From the world of Hollywood to the beachside cities of Santa Monica and Venice Beach, everyone loves the city of angels. With numerous exciting things to do in Los Angeles, this happening city is a bliss to explore. So whether it be a trip with your partner or a fun vacation with family or a celebration for kids at Disneyland, Los Angeles never really disappoints anyone.
Los Angeles has almost everything you wish for, from luxury in Beverly Hills to fun waterside activities, adventure, fun, long drives, fame, and the list would seemingly go on. But we hope that this list would provide you with all the information you need to know about the top things to do in Los Angeles before planning your trip to Los Angeles.
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Last Updated on June 6, 2023 by somya909
