10 Things to Do When Visiting Los Angeles
Are you considering visiting the City of Angels? You are making a great choice, with Los Angeles being one of the most well-known cities in the World for many reasons. So, what LA attractions should you visit?
Over 50 million tourists visit LA annually due to LA having some incredible attractions, food, and culture to explore. However, it can be hard to decide what attractions to prioritize when visiting Los Angeles due to the overwhelming list to choose from!
We have you covered in this post. Read on for ten of the best things to do when visiting LA.
Table of Contents
1. Visit the Griffin Observatory
The Griffin Observatory is often voted one of the best things to do in LA. It is an observatory located in Griffin Park, with incredible views over Los Angeles. It is also a historic spot and movie location, which makes it a great place for fans to relive their favorite movie moments.
You can either hike to the top or take transportation. Visiting during the day is usually quieter. And the best news is that it is a free attraction to visit!
2. Cruise Down the Hollywood Walk of Fame
There are some free LA attractions that you cannot miss, with the Hollywood Walk of Fame being one of them. Feel like the movie stars who have left their legacy along this walk and reflect on their work. A Walk of Fame ceremony costs around $75,000, so enjoy the photo opportunities of this famous site!
It is an excellent attraction to visit during the day, and there are also several shops and other attractions you can also explore while in this area.
3. Relax at the Beaches
It is good to factor in some beach time while in LA to get out of the bustle of the city and enjoy the beautiful Californian coastline. Check out Venice Beach or Santa Monica.
Santa Monica Pier was first constructed in 1909 and is an iconic site to visit just outside the city of LA in Santa Monica. You can easily access Santa Monica and Venice Beach via bus from Downtown Los Angeles. Spend a day or half a day exploring the pier, shops, and beachfront. There are also many restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
4. Visit a Theme Park
If you want an adrenaline boost that isn’t first driving the busy streets of LA, then visit one of the nearby theme parks. Popular theme parks include Disneyland and Universal Studios, which you can spend a day or longer visiting. You can take public transport, rideshare, or drive to these theme parks.
5. Hike to the Hollywood Sign
When people think of Los Angeles, the Hollywood sign often comes to mind. This famous sign sits on the side of Mt. Lee and has become one of the main symbols of LA.
If you want to get closer, take a hike to the summit of Mount Lee, with many trails leading close to the sign. You will also get to enjoy views over Los Angeles, especially if you opt for a sunrise hike.
6. Enjoy the Famous Cheesesteaks
Los Angeles has some of the best food and drinks around, so definitely explore its culinary delights. You should also try some classic American dishes, such as the cheesesteak. Check out the best cheesesteaks located here.
7. Shop or Window Shop Down Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is around two miles long and is one of the most expensive streets in the World. It is a famed shopping district known for its designer labels and boutiques. Wander down this famous road, admiring the many sports cars that will pass and either shop or window shop to your heart’s desire!
8. Check Out the Art
There are many layers to Los Angeles, including its culture. There are many artists, visionaries, and other talented individuals that live in this city. One way to experience the culture is to visit one of the art museums in LA.
The Getty, The Broad, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art are all popular choices. The Getty focuses on visual art and cultural heritage, with gardens and views over LA. The Broad is a contemporary art museum that offers free entry to its permanent galleries.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the Western United States, with over 6,000 years of worldwide art on display. Check out their websites for up-to-date exhibitions and entry prices.
9. Visit the Last Bookstore
If you are a book lover, one of the best things to do in Los Angeles is to visit the last bookstore. It has a famous book tunnel, is filled with local art, and has a huge array of books. Books include rare and collectible options.
You can also enjoy the cafe and check whether any events are happening while you are there.
10. Watch a Live Talk Show or Game Show
If you want to delve deeper into the World of the stars, consider watching a live talk show or game show. Many popular talk shows and gameshows are filmed in Los Angeles, with tickets often being free!
Watching a live talk show or game show is one of the best ways to see celebrities. You may also get to win your own prizes, with many gameshows offering prizes for the audience! Shows include American Idol, Jeopardy, and Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Search online to find tickets available during your visit.
Enjoy the Magic of Visiting Los Angeles
Los Angeles is full of things to do and see. Take the time to research LA attractions and determine what you want to see. Visiting Los Angeles is full of surprises, and you can choose whether to stick to the main tourist trail or delve deeper into its culture.
Try to pace out your itinerary so there is room for changes. Make the most of the nearby hikes and beaches on offer for downtime, so you can fully appreciate the energy of the city.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out our other travel guides for more inspiration!
Last Updated on May 6, 2023
