California dreaming from swaying palms to theme park thrills, Los Angeles is one of America’s most dynamic cities. Visitors flock here for laid-back surf beaches, Hollywood glitter, and world-class museums, but things to do in Los Angeles go well beyond those classic draws. After strolling the Hollywood Walk of Fame, taste local life by eating through Koreatown and Little Tehran, finding accessible nature at Griffith Park, and hopping between hipster bars in Silver Lake.
There's not a bad time of year to visit Los Angeles, but it draws the biggest crowds in summer and over school holidays. Summer sees the tourists flood the beaches and theme parks, so be prepared for crowds. Visit LA in the spring and fall, you won't have to share the beaches and attractions with as many other visitors and the weather is still sunny and warm.
Is it a true LA visit if you don't get stuck in traffic on the 405? Californians love their cars, and the residents of densely packed Los Angeles are no different. The city has seven rail lines, but you'll likely need to supplement with buses, rideshares, or taxis to see more of the spread-out metropolis. Renting a car is often the most convenient choice, just try to avoid rush hour traffic.
The Los Angeles metro area is massive, and many of its popular attractions are outside the city center. It can help to pinpoint where you want to focus your time—sunning at the beach, shopping on Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, hitting the downtown museums, exploring old Hollywood—and base yourself there. To see it all, plan carefully and avoid rush hour driving. Soon, like a true Californian, you'll be comparing routes and driving times like a pro.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone PST (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 128 | Tours 722 | Reviews 33,261 |
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Andrea has been a local of this eclectic city for decades and can navigate her way around LA County without GPS. She knows the perfect spot for a bagel and happy hour drinks.
expand your culinary palette. Los Angeles is full of diverse cuisine—Indian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Armenian, Persian, Mexican, Italian, and the list goes on—so narrow down your cravings and reward your taste buds. Bonus: Many restaurants are open late.
starts with brunch and boba tea at Urth Caffé, and includes thrifting at the Saturday Los Feliz Flea Market, lunch with pastries at downtown's Bottega Louie, a stroll through The Broad contemporary art museum. End things with drinks at Clifton’s.
going to Universal Studios Hollywood especially for its Halloween Horror Nights extravaganza. Or, you can explore the nearby Universal CityWalk shopping center, which doesn’t require a theme park ticket but promises a night of fun with music and food.
plan a night out. Los Angeles is known for its nightlife and fashion-forward atmosphere. So dress up and hit the town—whether for clubbing in West Hollywood, drinks in Downtown LA, or dinner in Santa Monica.
dine at Spire 73—the tallest open-air bar and restaurant in the Western Hemisphere, located on the 73rd floor of the InterContinental in Downtown Los Angeles. Make an evening reservation to watch the city lights illuminate the sky.
is thinking that they’ve seen LA after exploring Downtown and popular tourist stops like Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Don't miss smaller neighborhoods—like Silver Lake, Highland Park, Echo Park, Westwood, and Los Feliz—that many consider the heart and soul of LA.
A 3-day stay in Los Angeles allows visitors to explore many of the city’s top attractions—from theme parks to beaches. First, tour some of LA’s iconic sites such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and Griffith Park. Then, head to Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland®. On the final day, travel west to the water and soak up the sun in Venice Beach and Santa Monica.
...MoreStart a 2-day stay in Los Angeles with some stargazing at the TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman's Chinese Theatre) and a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Located just off Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon Park offers some impressive views of the city as well as a chance to enjoy the California weather. Lastly, head to Venice Beach or Santa Monica to take in the waves.
...MoreGet acquainted with Los Angeles and its famous sites by stopping at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman's Chinese Theatre), and the Sunset Strip. Visit the sets of well-known TV shows at Warner Bros. Studio, or hop on the tram for the popular tour at Universal Studios. Be sure to stop at the historic Santa Monica Pier, too.
...MoreA visit to Los Angeles isn’t complete without a peek at the famous Hollywood sign. The landmark is located on Mount Lee in the Beachwood Canyon area of the Santa Monica Mountains. To get the best view (and photo op), head to Griffith Park, which offers multiple hiking trails that lead to a prime viewing spot. Guided hikes are also available.
...MoreLos Angeles is best known as being the epicenter of the film industry and celebrity culture. Visitors can hop aboard a guided tour of celeb homes, cruising past Beverly Hills mansions and hot spots such as Rodeo Drive. Film and TV studio tours, including ones at Universal Studios and Warner Bros., are also popular tourist attractions.
...MoreVisit some of Los Angeles’ most iconic attractions, such as the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, and Beverly Hills. Then, head to the Santa Monica Pier to get a corn dog and ride the carousel, or swing by the Venice Beach promenade for a bike ride. At night, stop at the Griffith Park Observatory to see a different kind of star.
...MoreDisneyland®—although it’s technically located in Anaheim, California, about 30 minutes from LA. Both visitors and locals alike are drawn to “The Happiest Place On Earth.” Beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy roam Southern California's most popular amusement park, which features classic rides and attractions like Space Mountain® and Pirates of the Caribbean®.
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