Los Angeles is a city defined by sunshine, culture, and nonstop entertainment. From iconic Hollywood attractions to coastal escapes and world-class museums, the City of Angels offers endless experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering your hometown, here are some of the best fun things to do in Los Angeles.
Explore Hollywood’s Most Famous Landmarks
Hollywood is synonymous with global entertainment. Start your adventure with the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where thousands of stars honor the biggest names in film, music, and television. Visit the TCL Chinese Theatre for its celebrity handprints, or tour the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards.
For a scenic outdoor experience, hike up to viewpoints with clear views of the Hollywood Sign, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Visit Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park
Set atop Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory provides stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles. Inside, enjoy space-themed exhibits, interactive displays, and public telescopes. Surrounding the observatory is Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and the Los Angeles Zoo.
Enjoy Santa Monica Beach & Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is an essential Los Angeles experience. Ride the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park, play arcade games, and enjoy beachfront dining. Relax along the sandy coastline or take a bike ride along the famous beach path that stretches all the way to Venice.
Experience the Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice Beach showcases LA’s eclectic, creative side. Walk the vibrant Venice Boardwalk, filled with performers, artists, skaters, and vendors. Visit Muscle Beach, one of the world’s most recognizable outdoor gyms, or stop by the Venice Skatepark for exciting action. For boutique shopping and trendy cafés, explore nearby Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Discover World-Class Art at The Getty Center
The Getty Center combines art, architecture, and effortlessly beautiful landscapes. Enjoy European paintings, sculptures, and rotating exhibitions. Wander through garden courtyards and take in breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean from its hilltop location.
Explore Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
Downtown LA blends history and modern culture. Some must-visit stops include:
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The Broad Museum
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Walt Disney Concert Hall
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Grand Central Market
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The Last Bookstore
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Olvera Street, the birthplace of Los Angeles
DTLA offers amazing food, public art, live music, and some of the city’s most architecturally stunning buildings.
Have Fun at Universal Studios Hollywood
At Universal Studios Hollywood, enjoy thrilling rides inspired by blockbuster films and shows. Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and Jurassic World, then hop aboard the Studio Tour to see working sets and special effects.
Take a Scenic Drive on the Pacific Coast Highway
Few drives compare to California’s scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Travel through Malibu and stop at iconic beaches like:
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El Matador Beach
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Point Dume
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Zuma Beach
Enjoy ocean views, coastal cliffs, and laid-back beach towns along the way.
Indulge in Luxury at Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive
For upscale shopping and glamorous scenery, head to Rodeo Drive. Take photos at the Beverly Hills sign, explore stylish boutiques, or enjoy high-end dining in the Golden Triangle.
Visit LACMA & Urban Light
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) features a massive collection of global art. Outside, the iconic Urban Light installation—composed of 202 vintage street lamps—has become one of LA’s most photographed attractions.
Spend a Magical Day at Disneyland (Anaheim)
Just outside the city, Disneyland Resort offers unforgettable rides, shows, parades, and themed lands. Whether you’re returning for nostalgia or experiencing it for the first time, Disneyland remains one of the top attractions in Southern California.
Hike Runyon Canyon
For outdoor lovers, Runyon Canyon provides panoramic views of Los Angeles with trails suitable for casual hikers and fitness enthusiasts. It’s also a popular spot for celebrity sightings.
Explore Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo highlights Japanese culture through authentic restaurants, specialty shops, and historic landmarks. Visit the Japanese American National Museum, enjoy ramen or sushi, and explore unique boutiques and bakeries.
Visit the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
Located in the heart of LA, the La Brea Tar Pits offer a fascinating look into Ice Age history. Watch active excavation sites and explore fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other prehistoric animals inside the adjacent museum.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles is a city filled with endless possibilities—from beaches and museums to theme parks, nightlife, and iconic neighborhoods. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, dining, or culture, LA delivers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. With so many fun things to do, every visit brings something new to discover.
