Los Angeles is one of America’s most energetic cities which has relaxed surf beaches, Hollywood glitter, and world-class museums. You can visit the Natural History Museum for a behind-the-scenes studio tour at Universal Studios or Warner Bros. You will love the palm-lined streets, star sightings, and eclectic vibe. Here are the best things to do in Los Angeles, California:
1. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park
Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park – is one of the biggest city parks in North America covering an ample 4,310 acres of natural, chaparral-covered terrain that makes it a good place to hike, play, and picnic. A haven in the urban drape of Los Angeles with green space caters to visitors or tourists of all ages. The park has more than 50 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, soccer fields, and
more. You will find a diversity of attractions like the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Hollywood sign, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the observatory. You can rent bicycles and tour the park on two wheels. Griffith Observatory sits on the south face of Mount Hollywood and misses the Los Angeles bay. It gives visitors or tourists a majestic view of the surrounding area which many ramble about. The observatory hosts bewitching exhibitions and facets a top-notch planetarium. It is open on Tuesdays to Fridays from noon to 10 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 10
pm.
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame – is one of the staples of Los Angeles where stars are so common can be on the sidewalk are scattered with more than 2,600 brass stars over 18 city blocks which facets the names of celebrities in mini monuments and have left their handprints and signatures along the sidewalk. Many visitors or tourists visit this place whether by foot, car, minivan, or bus sharing a historical narrative and scandalous secrets of the film industry.
3. The Getty Center
The Getty Center – is one of the most spectacular architectural achievements in the United States and contains some of the most excellent works of art in the world. The circular concrete-and-steel structure was designed by renowned architect Richard Meier and houses plenty of art from various ages and nations. Inside the center were four permanent pavilions, an exhibition space, and the adjoining Getty Research Institute. The West Pavilion’s performer pieces are a perennial crowd-pleaser especially Van Gogh’s Irises while the South Pavilion facets French decorative arts and the East Pavilion is outdone only by the baroque room recreations. You can visit the garden surroundings of the center which is spectacular and has an enormous diversity of plants along with countless fountains and streams. It is located just north of Santa Monica near the UCLA campus.
4. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood – is one of the largest and most famous attractions in Los Angeles that offers a combination of live-action shows, exciting rides, and behind-the-scene tours like movie-themed areas ardent to Harry Potter, War of the Worlds, Psycho, and Jurassic Park, TV-themed areas for shows like The Walking Dead. There are plenty of hair-raising coasters and rides. Children can shake hands with their favorite cartoons like Minions and Scooby Doo. The new attraction
opened in 2023 is Super Nintendo World which features a Super Mario-themed ride, a restaurant, a shop, and interactive games. The studio is located in Universal City just northwest of Hollywood and the Hollywood Bowl. There are facilities inside the studio like restrooms, food, beverage, and gift shops.
5. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) – is the pillar of the Los Angeles museum region that opened in 1965 and flaunted thousands of pieces, from Islamic artifacts to European impressionist paintings to modern arts. The museum offers a rewarding experience for both serious art fanatics and casual travelers. It exhibits up to more than 140,000 works representing 6,000 years of art from around the world. Many travelers and visitors appreciate the indoor and outdoor art exhibits and are also impressed with the size of the collection of modern and contemporary art. You can also find a restaurant and grab-and-go eatery onsite. The museum is open from 11 am to 6 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, from 11 am to 8 pm on Fridays, and from 10 am to 7 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It sits on Wilshire Boulevard in the west of Los Angeles.
6. Angeles National Forest
Angeles National Forest – is a treasured day trip to remember that spans over 1,000 square miles of wilderness with 53 trailheads making it popular for most locals and tourists alike and is sure to leave anyone in awe of the gorgeous and breath-taking scenery. You can do hiking, running, biking, boating, camping, horse riding, fishing, or even skiing. The forest is easily accessible for all as there’s something for every outdoor type available. The terrain ranges from desert to dense forests encompassing the San Gabriel Mountains wherein you must visit Mount Baldy, it is a pleasant atmosphere accompanies the drive there and it is the highest peak in the mountains at 10,064 feet, offering a magnificent, beautiful view of mother nature’s beauty. The best full-day option is the hikes to the Devil’s Punchbowl and the Bridge to Nowhere along with a 28-mile Gabrielino National Recreation Trail that offers a myriad of hikes, from moderate to challenging which is perfect for experienced and new hikers.
7. Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Bowl – is an icon of the past, historic of Los Angeles with an astounding outdoor amphitheater that is one of the most unique venues you’ll find that will give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they boast the quality of their music and sound backdropped with a scenic overview. Set in the Hollywood Hills, the Bowl has seen various artists perform on its stage since it opened in 1921, from the Los Angeles Philharmonic playing hundreds of wondrous concerts like The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Madonna, and Tina Turner to ballets, jazz concerts, and operas. It has become a center for pop stars to perform in front of a regal backdrop with high quality, state-of-the-art acoustics, and sound with an ideal view of the stage no matter where one is seated. The on-site Hollywood Bowl Museum showcases the Bowl’s history with unique, special exhibits featuring artists who have performed at the venue as well as memorabilia and programs regarding the Hollywood Bowl’s history.
8. The Orginal Farmer's Market
The Original Farmer’s Market and the Grove – it is the most beloved landmark that sits on the south of West Hollywood has been founded in 1934 and has been of service ever since providing fresh produce and mouth-watering meals that will keep one wanting. The cream-colored facility enchants both residents and tourists with the allure of fresh produce and the aroma of said produce incorporated into ready-to-eat snacks and there is no entrance fee. It is highly recommended to visit the itinerary if ever one would be in Los Angeles. But if one favors a more contemporary shopping experience, The Grove is just adjoining the market wherein a massive commercial and entertainment complex that houses one’s favorite shopping haunts, as well as a myriad of dining venues and movie theaters along with a plethora of special events.
9. Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard – is one of the most iconic passageways in the United States that is legendary and it continues to be as it represents the elegance and spectacle of the classic Hollywood lifestyle which became the setting of various prominent films, like the classic “Sunset Boulevard”. Up to now, the palm-lined street keeps its rustic, cinematic appeal especially well-loved when driving along this thoroughfare in late afternoons as the sunset adds to the alluring backdrop of the Sunset Boulevard makes. The Sunset Strip portion has become a famous nightlife spot for night lovers which is home to many classic music venues, such as the Rainbow Bar & Grill and The Roxy Theater.
10. Venice Beach
Venice Beach – is known for its free-spirited vibe that is a happening, fashionable aberration of Los Angeles, overlook the iconic Venice Boardwalk which is known as the Ocean Front Walk. You will encounter fortune tellers, basketball teams and roller skating sunseekers. You can stroll on the beach to take the nonconformist boardwalk and its dazzlingly colored murals, funky shops and street performers as well as the Sunday afternoon drum circle. Try the hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore the beach and can rent bikes or roller skates. It is situated about 15 miles southwest of central Los Angeles and the beach is open 24 hours for free. The beach offers several shops, cafes, and restaurants. The different facilities that are available in the beach are picnic tables, parking lot, restrooms and if you need a wheelchair just inquire the lifeguard.