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15 minutes readContents
- Explore Santa Monica Pier
- Catch a thrill at Universal Studios Hollywood
- Griffith Observatory
- The Getty Center
- Go shopping at The Grove
- Relax at Venice Beach
- Visit the Hollywood Sign
- Snap a picture at the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Catch a game at Dodger Stadium
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
- Take a stroll through Sunset Boulevard
- Experience tranquility at the Huntington Library
- Reflect at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
- See LA from above at Griffith Park
- Grab a picnic and watch a movie at Cinespia
- Visit the happiest place on Earth
- Explore Hollywood history at the Academy Museum
- Step onto a Hollywood set at the Warner Bros. Studios
1. Explore Santa Monica Pier
Where to stay: Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites
Before we jump into the typical LA recommendations you’ll find on most tourist guides, it’s worth touching on Santa Monica. Just 30 minutes from Malibu, this part of LA is one you’ll have seen in countless movies and TV shows. Beloved by tourists and California locals alike, the Santa Monica Pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks in LA, featuring its iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Beloved by tourists and California locals alike, the Santa Monica Pier is one of the most recognizable landmarks in LA.
Photo by Matthew LeJune on Unsplash
Santa Monica is worth at least a day trip during your visit to Los Angeles, or you can even do it as an add-on to your vacation. If you want a traditional fairground experience, you’ll feel right at home at Santa Monica Pier with its recently upgraded rollercoasters, game arcades, and classic amusement park food, including funnel cakes.
While the pier will be busy with tourists, there are plenty of other spots to explore, including the Third Street Promenade and South Beach Park, perfect for a family-friendly day out.
2. Catch a thrill at Universal Studios Hollywood
Where to stay: Sheraton Universal Hotel
While Orlando is often seen as the home of theme parks in the United States, California has plenty to entertain thrill seekers on the East Coast. Universal Studios Hollywood offers rides and experiences for some of the most popular entertainment IPs, including Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Mario Kart, and Despicable Me.
Universal Studios Hollywood offers rides and experiences for some of the most popular entertainment IPs.
Photo by Philip White on Unsplash
While you’ll find stores and restaurants to explore in CityWalk, the theme park itself is divided into an upper and lower lot. If you’re visiting with kids, take advantage of the “child swap” option to ensure no one misses out on getting onto the thrill rides.
Planning a visit during the spooky season? Grab a ticket to Halloween Horror Nights if your party includes guests who are at least 13 years old.
Pro tip
Download the Universal Studios app ahead of your visit to take advantage of digital tickets and mobile ordering for cafes and quick service restaurants.
3. Griffith Observatory
Where to stay: The Adler, a Hollywood Hills Hotel
No visit to LA is complete without a trip to the Griffith Observatory, located on the lower side of the Santa Monica Mountains. It offers some of the best panoramic views of Los Angeles, whether you want to catch sunrise, sunset, or the beauty of the city in its daily life. What makes Griffith Observatory so famous is its Zeiss Telescope, installed in 1935, one of the most popular telescopes in the world. Over seven million people have used it to gaze at the stars above.
It offers some of the best panoramic views of Los Angeles, whether you want to catch sunrise, sunset, or the beauty of the city in its daily life.
Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash
Sunset is when you can expect the busiest crowds with noon to 3pm offering great views of the city without the tourist crowds. Even if you’re only planning to go to Griffith Observatory for the views, take at least 10 minutes to go inside and explore the astronomy exhibitions. If you enjoy the great outdoors, there are almost 70 trails around Griffith Park, perfect for adding to your trip to Griffith Observatory.
4. The Getty Center
Where to stay: Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel
If you’re looking for free things to do in Los Angeles or if you’re an art fan on a budget, spend an afternoon at The Getty Center. Make sure to book your free reservation in advance for a timed entry. The museum is closed on Mondays, and the Getty Villa may close early on certain days due to private events.
You’ll find everything from medieval art to modern architecture at The Getty.
Photo by Bernardo Ferrari on Unsplash
You’ll find everything from medieval art to modern architecture at The Getty, with on-site restaurants and shops, perfect for spending at least half a day at the site. Keep an eye on the museum’s calendar to see the latest performances, courses, events, and movie screenings.
5. Go shopping at The Grove
Where to stay: Palihouse West Hollywood at Beverly Hills
If you’re heading to Los Angeles with a shopping list, you’ll find the most popular retailers – along with a selection of luxury and independent brands – at The Grove. This open-air shopping complex is home to over 50 different retailers, from Diptyque to Sephora and Barnes & Noble, along with an array of restaurants, cafes, and a movie theatre.
If you’re heading to Los Angeles with a shopping list, you’ll find the most popular retailers.
Photo by Veronica Ascencio on Unsplash
The Grove hosts almost daily events, from a kid’s club to pilates in the park, brand activation events, and movie experiences.
6. Relax at Venice Beach
Where to stay: Sandbourne Santa Monica, Autograph Collection
Want to feel like an LA local? Head to Venice Beach. It’s a great option if you want a more laid-back day in the middle of your vacation, from indulging in street food to renting an e-bike to ride along The Strand between Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier.
It’s a great option if you want a more laid-back day in the middle of your vacation.
Photo by Leo_Visions on Unsplash
The area is also popular with surfers and skateboarders, while the open-air gym attracts fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders.
You can get from central LA to Venice Beach in less than 30 minutes by car, perfect if you’re renting a vehicle or heading to California on a road trip.
7. Visit the Hollywood Sign
Where to stay: The Hollywood Roosevelt
No trip to the City of Angels is complete without taking a visit to the Hollywood sign. The iconic sign is 15-metres tall and 137-metre long and can be accessed from either Burbank Peak Trail or Griffith Park.
No trip to the City of Angels is complete without taking a visit to the Hollywood sign.
Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash
If you don’t want to make the climb up to the Hollywood sign, there are lots of other spots nearby that will give you the perfect backdrop from a photograph, including the Hollywood Reservoir, Lake Hollywood Park, Mulholland Highway, and Mulholland Drive.
8. Snap a picture at the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Where to stay: Dream Hollywood, by Hyatt
Whether you’re a fan of Old Hollywood or 21st-century blockbusters, you’ll find the names of your favorite entertainers immortalized in this iconic location. There are over 2,700 name plaques located along Vine Street and Hollywood Boulevard, with new additions being added regularly.
There are over 2,700 name plaques located along Vine Street and Hollywood Boulevard, with new additions being added regularly.
Photo by Meg von Haartman on Unsplash
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a celebrity having their star placed on the Walk of Fame. Expect tourist crowds in the afternoon, and make sure to take a picture of the iconic Chinese Theatre as you walk by.
9. Catch a game at Dodger Stadium
Where to stay: Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
If you’re a sports fan, you’re probably contemplating squeezing in a game at Dodger Stadium into your LA itinerary. You can expect an exciting – and a little rowdy – atmosphere for home games.
The Dodger Stadium has hosted almost 150 million fans since it opened and is a quintessential part of LA life. If you’re not able to catch a game, you can also book a stadium tour or visit the team store, which is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, including on game days.
10. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Where to stay: Hotel Figueroa, an Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Our travel guides are never complete without mentioning at least one museum, and this guide is no exception! If you’re traveling with kids or like to add interactive experiences to your itinerary, you’ll want to stop by the Natural History Museum of LA County. You can easily spend hours at this museum with exhibitions and collections focusing on everything from marine life to dinosaurs and minerals.
One of the current main attractions is Dinosaur Hall.
Photo by Lee Hari on Shutterstock
One of the current main attractions is Dinosaur Hall, an award-winning exhibition that explores the age of the dinosaur with 300 fossils and 20 mounted skeletons. It’s included as part of your museum ticket, along with the Hall of Birds, Visible Vault, and Nature Lab.
The museum is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm, with general admission tickets costing $18 for adults and $7 for kids over 2. You can also add on extra experiences, like the T.Rex 3D film, Oceans Encounters, and “Animals Alive!” to your general admission ticket. You’ll also find new exhibitions being added to the museum, with current special exhibitions including “Fierce! The Story of Cats’ and ‘LA Underwater.”
11. Take a stroll through Sunset Boulevard
Where to stay: The Beverly Hills Hotel
When you think of Sunset Boulevard, you’re probably imagining the golden era of Hollywood. This famous LA location has become synonymous with Old Hollywood glamour, thanks to the movie and musical of the same name. If you’re a cinephile, you’ll want to take a detour to Sunset Boulevard to soak up the atmosphere.
This famous LA location has become synonymous with Old Hollywood glamour.
Photo by Alex santiago on Unsplash
There’s plenty to do in this area, including visiting historic hotels and indulging at celebrity-approved restaurants. Sunset Boulevard is 22 miles long, so it’s a good idea to have a list of places you’d like to focus on in this area. It’s highly walkable for a self-guided tour or exploring the area as part of a group.
12. Experience tranquility at the Huntington Library
Where to stay: Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles
Visiting a library might not sound like the most exciting way to spend your vacation, but this isn’t a normal library. The Huntington also includes an art museum and botanical gardens.
Considered a world-renowned cultural and educational institution, The Huntington was founded in 1919 to foster learning, inspire creativity, and offer transformative experiences for diverse audiences. The library has over 12 million items, dating from the 11th to the 21st century, while the art museum features over 50,000 artworks from over 2,000 years.
Tickets are cheaper from Monday to Thursday, with higher prices over the weekend and during peak seasons. If you’re visiting during the summer or holiday season, book your tickets online in advance.
13. Reflect at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Where to stay: Hollywood Volume, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
One of the most unique experiences you’ll have in LA is visiting the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Admission to the grounds is free, but you’ll need to pay for tickets to any special events (more on that later!). The Hollywood Forever Cemetery has become a popular spot with tourists who want to pay respect to legendary celebrities and movie stars, from Judy Garland to Tyrone Power and Burt Reynolds.
One of the most unique experiences you’ll have in LA is visiting the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Photo by Alizada Studios on Shutterstock
You can tour the cemetery by yourself or buy a map at the shop near the main entrance. Guided tours are offered daily by private guides and are a great option if you’re a cinephile, movie historian, or in a time crunch.
14. See LA from above at Griffith Park
Where to stay: The Aster
Griffith Park has already been mentioned a few times in this guide, but it deserves a spot of its own. This park is over 4,000+ acres in size and sits at the heart of Los Angeles.
This park is over 4,000+ acres in size and sits at the heart of Los Angeles.
Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash
It’s a great option if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city with plenty of hiking routes to explore, even when Griffith Observatory is closed. The region of Griffith Park covers several major attractions, including the Los Angeles Zoo and the Hollywood Sign.
15. Grab a picnic and watch a movie at Cinespia
Where to stay: Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
It’s rare that the same spot ends up on our travel guides twice, but there are two very different experiences to be had at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. While it’s one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles, opening in 1899, it’s also home to Cinespia, which hosts outdoor film screenings. If you’re visiting Los Angeles because of your love for all things Hollywood, you’ll want to make a point of catching a movie here.
If you’re visiting Los Angeles because of your love for all things Hollywood, you’ll want to make a point of catching a movie here.
Photo by IMAGEPIXIES on Shutterstock
Make sure to stop by The Grove or your favorite fast-food restaurant to pick up treats for your picnic and get ready to watch a classic movie in one of the most unique places you’ll likely ever be.
Movies are screened year-round, although you’ll see a busier schedule in the summer months. Upcoming movies for autumn 2025 include “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and “Scream Halloween Party.”
16. Visit the happiest place on Earth
Where to stay: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground
Every theme park fan must visit Disneyland Park at least once. The OG of Disney theme parks, Disneyland is more than just an amusement park. Currently celebrating its 70th anniversary, Disneyland has two parks: the original Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park. While on-site hotels can be expensive, there are dozens of more affordable hotels located within walking distance or a quick Uber ride away.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance and research add-on options, like the queue-jumping Lightning Lane passes, ideal if you’ve only got one day to visit the parks.
There’s something at Disneyland for guests of all ages, from interactive dining experiences to character meet-and-greets, along with an immersive Star Wars land. Some of the newest additions to the theme parks include Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a rework of the original Splash Mountain, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
The OG of Disney theme parks, Disneyland is more than just an amusement park.
Photo by Steven Beyer on Unsplash
If you’re taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disneyland or feel like splurging, a VIP tour is one of the best ways to experience the parks. You’ll be walked right to the front of the line for every attraction with reserved viewing for all the fireworks and parades.
Whatever way you’re experiencing the Disneyland Parks, you’ll want to make the most of your day by planning ahead and wearing your comfiest shoes. There are thousands of vlogs on YouTube with insider advice on how to structure your day at Disneyland and beat the tourist crowds.
17. Explore Hollywood history at the Academy Museum
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Wilshire by IHG
Do you get excited for the Oscars every year? Maybe you’re someone who makes it their mission to watch every nominated movie, so you can tell your friends exactly who is going to win each category. If this sounds like you, make sure to include the Academy Museum in your LA itinerary. Opened in 2021, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum in the U.S. devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking.
Opened in 2021, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum in the U.S. devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking.
Photo by Chizhevskaya Ekaterina on Shutterstock
A brand-new exhibition has just opened to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws, running until July 2026. The museum hosts film screenings daily, often with a special guest, alongside workshops themed around specific movies and genres.
18. Step onto a Hollywood set at the Warner Bros. Studios
Where to stay: SpringHill Suites Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown
Have you ever dreamt of stepping onto a film set? Whether you’re a fan of classic TV shows like Friends or have always wanted to be an actor, the Warner Bros. Studios tour is one of the most exciting experiences in LA.
The Warner Bros. Studios tour is one of the most exciting experiences in LA.
Photo by clement proust on Unsplash
You’ll get to explore the 110-acre backlot in Burbank, including 30 different soundstages that were used for popular shows like “Young Sheldon.” Unlike similar tours at other studios, you’ll get to see working sets and even have the chance to visit a replica of the Central Perk café from Friends.
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