Los Angeles greets you with an electric mix of sunshine, palm trees, and creative energy. It’s a city where on any given morning you might hike a canyon trail with sweeping skyline views, and by afternoon be strolling a sandy beach as the Pacific sparkles. In LA, world-famous landmarks sit alongside neighborhood taco trucks and art murals, a blend of glamour and gritty authenticity that invites exploration.
The following guide will highlight Los Angeles’s most iconic and worthwhile experiences for every type of traveler, from movie buffs to beach lovers.
TL;DR
- Plan by area: Hollywood/Griffith, Westside beaches, Downtown/Arts District, Malibu/Valley.
- Best seasons are March to May and September to November for clear skies and lighter crowds.
- Must-see picks include Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, the Getty Center, Venice Boardwalk, and The Broad.
- A car is handy; Metro and rideshares work if you stay near stations and group sights by neighborhood.
- Expect strong food options everywhere: tacos, Korean BBQ, sushi, and great markets.
- Budget mid-range about $250 to $300 per person per day; watch parking, taxes, and tips.
- Add Malibu or Disneyland/Universal as dedicated day plans.
Related Reads:
- The Traveler’s Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles
- Best Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles
- Hidden Gems and Local Secrets in Los Angeles
Overview
Sprawling and dynamic, Los Angeles stands out as one of the world’s most diverse cities – a place where culture, nature, and entertainment intersect. It’s home to renowned museums, eclectic neighborhoods, and 75 miles of sunny coastline.
You’ll find high-end art galleries mere miles from surf beaches, and global cuisines served in the glow of Hollywood’s studio lights. LA’s mix of creativity, cultural variety, and outdoor beauty is hard to match. One moment you’re touring a film studio, the next you’re hiking with ocean vistas or browsing a lively farmers’ market.
This list blends the city’s famous attractions with essential local experiences to give you a true feel for its character.
Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign
Perched atop Griffith Park, the art deco Griffith Observatory is both an architectural gem and a gateway to the stars. Since opening in 1935, it’s become the most-visited public observatory in the world , featured in classic films from Rebel Without a Cause to La La Land.
By day, you can explore free astronomy exhibits and peer through telescopes; by night, join crowds on the terrace marveling at the twinkling Los Angeles skyline. The Observatory’s hilltop perch also offers one of the best vistas of the Hollywood Sign, that towering 450-foot-long symbol of Tinseltown dreams.
Though you can’t hike right up to the letters, you can trek nearby trails or simply snap photos from the Observatory lawn. For the fullest experience, time your visit for sunset – watching the sky glow behind the Hollywood hills is pure LA magic.
Santa Monica Pier and Beach
If you crave classic California vibes, head west to Santa Monica’s famous pier and broad sandy beach. The Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, now buzzes with old-school fun – there’s a vintage carousel, arcades, and Pacific Park’s Ferris wheel spinning over the ocean.
In fact, the brightly lit “Pacific Wheel” (the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel) has appeared in hundreds of films and TV shows, emblematic of LA’s seaside charm. Families and couples stroll the wooden planks enjoying cotton candy and street performers, while anglers cast lines into the Pacific below.
At the pier’s end, look for the Route 66 “End of the Trail” sign, marking the terminus of America’s legendary highway. Adjacent Santa Monica State Beach offers 3.5 miles of golden sand to sunbathe, play volleyball, or hop on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail – a paved path that winds south to Venice Beach.
Try renting a bike or rollerblades and cruise the coastline with salty breezes on your face. As evening falls, the pier’s lights blink on and locals gather to watch the sunset paint the ocean in pinks and golds. It’s a quintessential LA experience. (For more beach options across the city, see Best Beaches in Los Angeles.)
The Getty Center
High in the hills above West LA, the Getty Center offers a serene blend of art, architecture, and panoramic views. A tram carries visitors from the base up to Richard Meier’s stunning modernist campus, a $1.3 billion complex opened in 1997 and celebrated for its travertine stone buildings and geometric design.
Walking into the Getty feels like entering a mountaintop oasis: perfectly manicured gardens (the Central Garden is a living artwork in itself) and terraces reveal sweeping views of Los Angeles – from downtown to the ocean on clear days. Inside the galleries, you’ll find European masterpieces and antiquities; highlights include Impressionist paintings and notable works like Van Gogh’s Irises.
The Getty draws about 1.8 million visitors each year, yet it never feels too crowded thanks to its spacious layout. To make the most of your visit, join a free architecture or garden tour to appreciate subtle details, and pause at the outdoor café for a coffee with a view.
The museum is free (you just pay for parking), making this hilltop treasure an accessible must-see. Allow a few hours to wander, and don’t forget your camera – every corner of the Getty is picture-perfect.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
If Hollywood is LA’s polished facade, Venice Beach is its colorful, bohemian soul. This beachfront neighborhood has long been a haven for artists, oddballs, and free spirits, and nowhere is that on display more than along the Venice Boardwalk.
The wide pedestrian walkway (technically Ocean Front Walk) is a constant carnival of sights: tattooed street performers juggling or playing electric guitar, vendors selling everything from paintings to hemp jewelry, and people on roller skates weaving through the crowd.
Muscle Beach – the famous open-air weight pen where bodybuilders pump iron – sits here, carrying on a tradition from the 1960s. Nearby, skateboarders carve up the skate park while surfers catch waves at the Venice Breakwater. “This lively beach draws crowds to its busy boardwalk, where street performers and colorful characters make an appearance”, creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts energetic and eccentric.
Take your time strolling and you might see a man painted gold posing as a statue or a band of drummers pulsing out a rhythm at sunset. Venice’s graffiti-adorned walls and spontaneous drum circles make it clear: this isn’t your average beach.
For a quieter detour, wander inland to the Venice Canals – charming residential waterways a few blocks away. But for pure people-watching and SoCal counterculture, the boardwalk is unbeatable.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
In the heart of LA’s Miracle Mile district, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) stands as a world-class cultural institution bridging eras and genres. Spread across a park-like campus, LACMA houses more than 150,000 works – from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary installations – making it the largest art museum in the western United States.
Many visitors are drawn first to the museum’s exterior, where Chris Burden’s Urban Light installation welcomes you: 202 vintage streetlamps arranged in a grid, a wildly popular photo spot especially when illuminated at night. Step inside the galleries and you can tour a vast timeline of art history.
One moment you’re gazing at European oil paintings or Japanese kimonos, the next you’re in a hall of modern sculptures or viewing avant-garde photography. Don’t miss Levitated Mass outside – Michael Heizer’s famous 340-ton boulder poised above a walkway, an only-in-LA piece of art you can literally walk under. LACMA attracts nearly a million visitors annually yet still feels comfortable to explore at your own pace.
Plan around 2–3 hours here (more if you’re an art lover). Adjacent attractions like the La Brea Tar Pits and Peterson Automotive Museum can easily round out a day on Museum Row. Before you leave LACMA, return to Urban Light after dusk – standing among those glowing lamps, you’ll feel the quiet magic of Los Angeles nightlife in the making.
The Broad and Downtown Arts District
Downtown Los Angeles has undergone a cultural renaissance, and nowhere is this more evident than at The Broad museum and the surrounding Arts District. The Broad is a striking contemporary art museum known for its honeycomb-like exterior (“the veil”) and its impressive collection inside.
Opened in 2015, The Broad houses nearly 2,000 works of postwar and contemporary art, including pieces by Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, and Yayoi Kusama. Admission is free (though you should reserve tickets in advance), and it has quickly become a hotspot – both for the art and the experience.
Many make a beeline to Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, an immersive installation that’s pure Instagram gold. Even the stairways and peek-a-boo windows in the museum’s design make the visit fun. Right next door is the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Frank Gehry’s metallic architectural marvel – a perfect photo op as you stroll Grand Avenue.
A few blocks away, the Downtown Arts District offers a grittier, authentic slice of LA creativity. Former warehouses are now edgy galleries, craft breweries, and cafés adorned with bold murals. Take a street art walking tour or simply wander Traction Avenue and its side streets to discover ever-changing graffiti art and trendy boutiques.
This area is great for an evening out – perhaps start at a gallery opening, then dine at a fusion food truck or an artsy café. The Broad and the Arts District together showcase LA’s modern creative pulse, from high-end art institutions to vibrant urban street culture.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Part working film studio, part thrill-packed theme park, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers the quintessential LA entertainment experience. Billed as “The Entertainment Capital of LA,” Universal is one of the oldest continuously operating Hollywood studios – and you can still take the iconic Studio Tour to explore its backlot and soundstages.
On the tram tour, you’ll wind through historic movie sets (think Jaws and Back to the Future) and encounter staged thrills like an encounter with King Kong or a flash flood on a Old West street.
Beyond the studio magic, the park offers rides and shows that immerse you in your favorite films: join Harry Potter in a Quidditch match at the beautifully recreated Hogwarts Castle, outrun dinosaurs on Jurassic World – The Ride, or fly with the Transformers in a high-tech 3D adventure.
Between attractions, you can enjoy CityWalk just outside the gates – a lively promenade of shops, restaurants, and neon lights that’s free to access. Universal Studios is hugely popular (it welcomed roughly 8–9 million guests in recent years), so plan accordingly: arrive early, consider purchasing a skip-the-line Express Pass on crowded days, and use the single-rider lines when available.
The park is compact enough to cover in one full day. By night, you might even catch a glimpse of real sets lit up on the hills, reminding you that you’re in the heart of movie-making land. For film fans and families alike, Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-do that brings Hollywood’s magic to life right before your eyes.
Runyon Canyon Park
When locals need a break from city bustle, they often hit the trails – and Runyon Canyon is one of their favorite urban escapes. Tucked just above Hollywood, this 160-acre park in the Hollywood Hills is a playground for hikers, joggers, and dog-walkers (expect plenty of happy pups off-leash on the trails).
Don’t be surprised if you recognize a face or two; Runyon’s proximity to celebrity neighborhoods has made it a known spot for casual star sightings, but the real star here is the view. “The trails offer breathtaking views of downtown LA, the Hollywood Sign, and beyond — perfect for capturing stunning photos.” From the main trail’s high points (like Clouds Rest or Inspiration Point), you can survey the entire Los Angeles Basin, with the skyline, Griffith Observatory, and even a distant glint of ocean all in sight on clear days.
The hike itself can be as easy or challenging as you choose – there are a couple of loop options ranging from a mild 1.5 miles to a more vigorous 3+ mile route with steep sections. Mornings are busiest with locals getting their workouts in; go early to avoid the midday heat and to snag street parking near the Fuller Avenue or Vista Street entrances.
Bring water, wear sunscreen, and join the flow of Angelenos enjoying a slice of nature in the middle of the city. By the time you descend, you’ll understand why a Runyon Canyon hike (with a post-hike smoothie in hand) is practically a Los Angeles ritual.
Sunset Boulevard and the Walk of Fame
No trip to LA is complete without a taste of its old-school Hollywood glamour – and you’ll find it strolling Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame and cruising the legendary Sunset Strip. Start in Hollywood at the Walk of Fame, where more than 2,700 brass stars are embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Blvd (and 3 blocks of Vine St).
As you walk, you’ll literally be stepping over the names of entertainment icons from Charlie Chaplin to Beyoncé. It’s touristy, yes, but delightfully so: you can pose with your favorite celebrity’s star, snap a photo with costumed characters (ever wanted a picture with Marilyn Monroe or Spider-Man?), and see the handprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre’s forecourt – impressions left by movie legends in concrete.
This area is bustling day and night, filled with souvenir shops, neon marquees, and the ornate Dolby Theatre (home of the Oscars). It’s a bit gritty around the edges, but that’s part of Hollywood’s charm.
When the sun sets, head to Sunset Boulevard, particularly the iconic stretch known as the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. This mile-and-a-half section of Sunset Blvd is lined with legendary music venues and clubs that have been rock ’n’ roll epicenters since the 1960s. You’ll pass the Whiskey a Go Go (where The Doors played early gigs), The Roxy Theatre, and the Viper Room – venues dripping with music history and still hosting live bands most nights.
Giant billboards tower overhead, advertising the latest albums or HBO shows, and classic spots like the Rainbow Bar & Grill recall the Strip’s glam-metal heyday. Even if you’re not into the nightlife, an evening drive down Sunset Boulevard – with its glittering signs and palm-lined curves – is a cinematic experience.
For a low-key option, stop at a sidewalk café on Sunset Plaza to people-watch over dinner. Whether you’re searching for Hollywood ghosts or just soaking up the vibe, Hollywood Blvd and Sunset Blvd offer a window into LA’s past and present allure.
Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)
Though it’s technically outside Los Angeles city, Disneyland is often a non-negotiable on Southern California itineraries – and for good reason. Located in Anaheim about an hour’s drive from downtown LA, Disneyland Park is the original Disney theme park that opened in 1955 under Walt Disney’s vision, earning its nickname as “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
Stepping through its gates on Main Street USA, you’re transported to an idealized small town before turning a corner to see the charming Sleeping Beauty Castle sparkling at the hub.
The park’s themed “lands” deliver all the nostalgia and adventure you’d expect: you can pilot the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, scream down Splash Mountain (enjoy it before it’s reimagined in a new theme), take a boat through Pirates of the Caribbean, or spin in a teacup in Fantasyland.
Right next door is Disney California Adventure, a second park celebrating California’s landscapes and Disney/Pixar stories – if time permits, it’s worth visiting for attractions like the Cars-themed Radiator Springs Racers or the Avengers Campus for Marvel fans.
A visit to Disneyland is a full-day (or multi-day) affair. To maximize fun, arrive when the park opens and use Disney’s Genie+ system or grab Lightning Lane passes for popular rides like Space Mountain. Expect crowds, especially in summer and around holidays, but the park is efficient at spreading out guests across its many rides, shows, parades, and eateries.
In the evening, Disneyland’s entertainment is pure enchantment – from the nightly fireworks above the castle to spectacular shows like Fantasmic! along the Rivers of America.
Despite the drive and ticket price, many travelers find that letting out your inner kid at Disneyland is well worth it. It’s a place of shared memories and classic Americana that continues to captivate all ages.
Malibu Coastal Beauty
For a breather from city hustle, set your sights on Malibu – the famed beach community that stretches along the Pacific coast northwest of LA. Malibu is synonymous with scenic beauty: imagine 21 miles of coastline where rugged mountains meet the sea, lined with golden beaches and exclusive homes tucked behind bougainvillea and gated driveways.
Driving the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) through Malibu is a highlight in itself. Roll down the windows, feel the ocean breeze, and stop at overlooks where waves crash against cliffs (the viewpoint at El Matador State Beach, with its sea caves and rock arches, is especially stunning).
If you’re up for some sand time, Malibu offers a mix of beaches: Zuma Beach is broad and family-friendly with excellent surfing, El Matador Beach features photogenic rock formations perfect for sunset photos, and Surfrider Beach near the Malibu Pier is a historic surf spot where you can watch longboarders glide along the waves.
Speaking of the pier, Malibu Pier is an attraction of its own – a modest white pier hosting the Malibu Farm café at the end, where you can enjoy organic brunch or fresh juice with a panoramic ocean view.
Malibu moves at a slower pace than LA proper. Spend an afternoon here picnicking or beachcombing, and you may spot dolphins off the shore or even a celebrity taking a low-key beach walk. For a bit of nature beyond the sand, consider a short hike in the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu (Solstice Canyon’s trail leads to waterfall ruins, and Escondido Falls is lovely in wetter months).
Keep in mind that public access to some beaches is tucked between private properties, so do a little research to find entry points. Also, parking along PCH can fill up on weekends – arriving early is wise. Whether you’re catching waves, savoring fresh fish tacos by the water, or just cruising the coast, Malibu offers a refreshing taste of California’s coastal allure, far removed from Hollywood’s lights.
Insider Tips
- Timing is Everything: Los Angeles is notorious for traffic and crowds, so plan your day strategically. Arrive at popular spots right when they open (Griffith Observatory around noon for easier parking, theme parks at rope-drop) or later in the evening for a different perspective. Weekday mornings generally mean fewer people at museums and trails, while sunsets are prime time at beaches and the Griffith Observatory (come early to claim a good spot).
- Getting Around & Parking: LA is a driving city, but parking can be a mixed bag. In busy areas like Hollywood or Santa Monica, consider using rideshares or public transit to avoid steep parking fees. If you do drive, read street signs carefully – some neighborhoods have permit restrictions or street cleaning. At beach lots, have some cash for the day rate. And don’t underestimate distances; grouping attractions by area will save you hours on the road.
- Stay Safe & Respectful: Tourist zones are generally safe, but be mindful of your belongings in crowded spots like the Walk of Fame or Venice Boardwalk. It’s okay to politely decline the many CD peddlers or costumed characters seeking tips in Hollywood. When hiking, stick to marked trails and watch out for wildlife (yes, there are occasionally coyotes or rattlesnakes in the hills). Always carry water – LA’s dry heat can sneak up on you, even during a city stroll.
- Dress in Layers: The city’s microclimates can surprise visitors. A day that’s hot in the Valley or downtown might be breezy and cool by the coast. Bring a light jacket or hoodie for evenings, especially if you’ll be near the water or up in the hills (Griffith Park gets chilly after dark). Comfortable shoes are a must too – you’ll be walking more than you think, whether along Rodeo Drive’s shops or from one exhibit to another at LACMA.
- Explore Like a Local: Some of LA’s best experiences aren’t official “attractions” at all. Consider browsing a local farmers’ market (the Original Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax near The Grove is a classic), catching an outdoor movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in summer, or seeking out a hidden gem hike or coffee shop in a neighborhood you’re curious about. The city’s true flavor often lies in these everyday pleasures that visitors can easily enjoy alongside residents.
Planning Your Visit
Los Angeles is vast, but with a little planning you can tackle its highlights efficiently. It helps to think of the city in districts or clusters of sights. For example, Hollywood and Griffith Park form one cluster: you could start a day hiking to the Hollywood Sign or exploring Griffith Observatory, then head down to Hollywood Boulevard for the Walk of Fame and maybe a studio tour at nearby Warner Bros. or Paramount (if interested).
Another day might focus on the Westside: begin at the Getty Center in Brentwood, then make your way to Santa Monica for an afternoon on the pier and beach, continuing into the evening at Venice Beach’s boardwalk scene. If you’re a theme park fan, dedicate a full day to Universal Studios Hollywood, or drive out to Disneyland in Orange County – trying to squeeze either of these into a half-day will leave you rushed.
Downtown Los Angeles and its surrounds can form yet another rich itinerary. Spend a morning admiring modern art at The Broad and the architectural marvel of Disney Concert Hall, have lunch in nearby Little Tokyo or the historic Grand Central Market (for a plethora of food choices), then explore the Arts District’s murals and perhaps the free museums in Exposition Park (like the California Science Center) if you have time.
Alternatively, a downtown day could include a visit to L.A. Live and the Grammy Museum for music fans, or a tour of historic theaters on Broadway for architecture buffs.
To escape the urban pace, allocate time for the great outdoors that ring the city. Malibu’s coastal drive can be paired with a beach day, as mentioned, or head to Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park for accessible hikes and city views. Planning a weekend? You might do Hollywood/Griffith on Saturday, beaches on Sunday, and sprinkle downtown or studio visits in between.
Also consider thematic groupings: an art-themed trip might link LACMA, The Broad, and the Getty across different days. A family trip might prioritize the California Science Center, the LA Zoo (in Griffith Park), and kid-friendly beaches like Santa Monica and Venice with their amusements.
Remember, you won’t see everything in one trip – and that’s okay. Prioritize what excites you most, leave some flex time to discover unexpected spots, and know that you can always catch what you missed next time.
Final Reflection
Los Angeles is a city that continually reinvents itself while staying true to a distinct California spirit. Where else can you find such a melting pot of creativity, culture, and coastline all in one place? One day you’re walking in the footsteps of movie stars along Hollywood sidewalks, and the next you’re savoring tacos in a neighborhood where dozens of languages mingle.
It’s this ability to mix glamour with down-to-earth diversity, to offer both the thrill of a film studio tour and the simple joy of a Pacific sunset that makes LA so unique. By exploring its top attractions, you’ve sampled the highlights of a vast, lively mosaic.
Keep that sense of adventure as you continue your travels, and you’ll find that Los Angeles rewards the curious. After all, every corner of this city has a story waiting to be told, and you’re now part of its ever-evolving tale. Happy exploring, and we at The Traveler hope this guide helps launch many memorable LA experiences with plenty more to come in your return visits.
FAQ
Q1. What is the best time of year to visit LA?
A: March to May and September to November for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Q2. Do I need a car to see the highlights?
A: Helpful but not required if you stay near Metro lines and group sights by area.
Q3. How long should I plan for this list of highlights?
A: Three days for a sampler, five days for depth, seven days for day trips.
Q4. Is Griffith Observatory free?
A: General admission is free; planetarium shows require a ticket.
Q5. How much time do I need at the Getty Center?
A: Plan 2 to 4 hours including the tram, galleries, gardens, and views.
Q6. What is the easiest Santa Monica parking option?
A: City garages near Third Street Promenade or beach lots; check posted daily max rates.
Q7. When is Venice Beach least crowded?
A: Weekday mornings; weekends see peak foot traffic midday to sunset.
Q8. Is The Broad free?
A: Yes with a timed ticket; special exhibits may cost extra.
Q9. Universal Studios or Disneyland for one day?
A: Universal for film studio + rides close to LA; Disneyland for classic Disney and parades in Anaheim.
Q10. Are LA beaches swimmable year-round?
A: Yes, but water is cold in winter; warmest late summer. Swim near lifeguard towers.
Q11. What is a realistic mid-range daily budget?
A: About $250 to $300 per person including food, transport, and attractions.
Q12. Any safety basics for tourists?
A: Use normal city awareness, avoid leaving valuables in cars, and stay in busy areas at night.
Q13. Best viewpoints for the Hollywood Sign?
A: Griffith Observatory areas and Lake Hollywood Park for classic angles.
Q14. One great day trip from LA?
A: Malibu for coastal drives, beaches, and short hikes with ocean views.