16 Top Things to do in Los Angeles (for Tourists & First-Time Visitors!)

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? I’m here to help you decide what to do! 

Of course, with a city as big as LA, there’s so much more to do than what is on this list. With that said, I’ve made this guide specifically for the visitors looking to see the top sights and experience the best of what Los Angeles has to offer. 

I’ve included my recommendations for the touristy activities that are actually worth doing, all from the POV of a California native and LA local of almost 10 years. 

You’ll also find my honest thoughts on the mainstream LA attractions that, in my opinion, aren’t necessarily a must…but you can decide for yourself if you want to check them out!

Seeing the Hollywood Sign, doing a studio tour, hitting the beach, and more…here’s my guide on the best things to do in Los Angeles for tourists (and anyone looking to experience the main attractions in the city!). 

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1. Go on a Hollywood Studio Tour

This is the perfect way to get up close to the movie-making magic of Hollywood, and a really cool activity to add to your Los Angeles itinerary. 

I’ve done both the Paramount Studio Tour and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour (as well as the tour at Universal, but that’s its own thing…more on that below!). 

The Paramount tour is solid, but in my opinion, the Warner Bros. tour is definitely superior. It’s the one I always recommend to out-of-town guests, as it gives a really comprehensive look at the making of some of your favorite films and TV shows. 

The experience starts with a guided tour through the active studio backlot. You’ll learn about the history of the studio, and see filming locations for Gilmore Girls, Friends, Blade Runner, Spider-Man (2002), Growing Pains, and so much more. 

After exploring the backlot, you do a self-guided tour through different exhibits, where you can learn about the different stages of production. You’ll also see recreations of popular TV sets (like the interior of Central Perk from Friends!), as well as costumes and props from the Harry Potter and DC universes (and other popular productions). 

Tour tickets do book up, especially around the holidays and during peak travel seasons. Be sure to book your tickets in advance!

2. Visit Griffith Observatory (and Hike Up for a More Special Experience!)

An LA trip isn’t complete without a stop by Griffith Observatory, a 1935 observatory located in Griffith Park. Good news: admission is free!

You get really amazing views of the city from the observatory. You’ll also spot the Hollywood Sign in the distance! The architecture is beautiful, and the exhibits are really interesting (be sure to watch the Tesla coil in action!).

Fun fact: this is the most-visited public observatory in the world…so yes, it can get crowded (especially during busy LA travel seasons). You can avoid crowds by going first thing in the morning. 

I also highly recommend hiking up to the observatory. The trail itself is really lovely, but hiking also allows you to bypass the parking situation right by the observatory (which honestly can get hectic). 

If you want to hike, you can park on Fern Dell Drive or at the parking lot off Western Canyon Road. You can then walk to the trailhead (near The Trails Cafe) and join the West Observatory Loop Trail. The loop from the trailhead is around two miles long. 

If you do decide to drive up, you can attempt to park at the parking lot right in front of the observatory. If it’s full, you’ll need to park on West Observatory Road. 

There is a parking fee during most daytime hours, but sometimes you can park for free. You can refer to the current paid parking hours for more details. 

Keep in mind that the observatory building is closed on certain weekdays, although the grounds are open daily. If you want to go inside, be sure to refer to the online calendar for the most up-to-date opening information. 

3. See the Hollywood Sign

Of course, you’ll want to see the Hollywood Sign during your trip. 

Keep in mind that it’s very likely you’ll see it as you’re driving around, particularly if you’re exploring the Hollywood and Los Feliz area. As mentioned, you’ll also see it in the distance from Griffith Observatory!

That said, if you’d like a closer look, I recommend heading over to Lake Hollywood Park (and the lookout point on the south end of the park). This park offers some of the best views of the Hollywood Sign, and you also get a really nice vista of the Hollywood Reservoir. 

Much like Griffith Observatory, this park can get busy. There is also only street parking available. If you’re visiting on a weekend or during the busy season, I recommend getting out early. That’s one of my biggest tips for visiting LA…get out before the crowds do! 

If you’re a hiker, you can also hike both in front of and behind the Hollywood Sign via Innsdale Trail and Mt Lee Drive. I really love this 4.5-mile out-and-back trail, because not only do you get a cool view of the sign, but you also get amazing 360-degree views of the city. 

The trailhead for this hike is located right by Lake Hollywood Park. In my experience, the trail tends to be a lot less crowded than the park!

4. Explore the LA Museums (The Academy Museum, The Broad, LACMA, and The Getty Properties)

There are some really incredible museums across Los Angeles, and I highly recommend adding at least one museum visit to your itinerary. Here’s a look at what you can expect from the most popular museums in the city. 

The Academy Museum

This is one of my all-time favorite museums in Los Angeles, and a must-visit if you want to learn more about filmmaking and the history of cinema. The Academy Museum is huge…you can easily spend two to three hours exploring the building! 

While you’re there, you’ll get an up-close look at Oscar statues, and get to see costumes and props from iconic movies. The museum also has special temporary exhibits focused on different directors, actors, films, and more. 

The Academy Museum is located in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood, which is south of West Hollywood and Hollywood. You can book tickets in advance online, which I recommend doing, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend or during peak travel season. 

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

LACMA is located right next to The Academy Museum, so you can do both together if you want a full museum day! It’s the largest art museum in the western US, and has a collection of over 150,000 pieces that span over a time period of 6000 years.

There have been some major improvements at LACMA recently with the opening of the David Geffen Galleries in the spring of 2026. The space is massive, and in my opinion, the building alone is worth the price of admission! 

Outside (right between LACMA and the Academy Museum), there is also the Urban Light art installation. It features 202 tightly packed restored street lamps, and is a fun spot to snap a photo. 

LACMA tickets can be purchased in person, but I recommend buying them in advance online so that you don’t have to wait in line when you arrive. 

The Getty Center

This museum is one of the most famous Los Angeles attractions, and it’s well-worth a visit! Located in Brentwood, this museum has an expansive art collection, with pieces that span from the Middle Ages to modern times. 

Besides the amazing collection, the modern architecture and beautiful gardens both make the museum worth a visit. Since the museum is located up on a hill, the views of the city are also incredible! 

The Getty Center is free to visit, but you will need to pay for parking. Also note that you need to book your reservation in advance online. 

Note: The Getty Center will be closing temporarily on March 15, 2027 for renovations. It is expected to reopen in the spring of 2028, before the LA Summer Olympics. 

The Getty Villa

There is also The Getty Villa, which is located in the Pacific Palisades, just off the Pacific Coast Highway. I especially recommend visiting if you plan on doing a day trip to Malibu! 

I love both properties, but if I had to choose, The Getty Villa is my favorite of the two. It is designed in the style of a Roman country home, with intricate architectural details and beautiful gardens. The museum is dedicated to Greek and Roman art. 

Much like The Getty Center, admission is free, but you’ll need to pay for parking. Reservations need to be booked in advance online. 

The Broad

Big caveat: I’m not the biggest fan of Downtown Los Angeles, and I generally tell people to skip it, especially if they are visiting LA for the first time. That said, if you love contemporary art and/or find yourself in DTLA, The Broad is absolutely worth a stop. 

The museum is home to more than 2,000 works of art. There are also always interesting temporary exhibits (but note that some require a separate ticket). 

General admission is free, but it is smart to book your timed reservation in advance online, especially if you’re visiting during a busy period. 

If you want to visit the Infinity Mirrored Room (which is really cool!), be sure to get your free reservation in advance, as it does book up. Note that a general admission reservation does not get you a time slot for the Infinity Mirrored Room. You need to book it separately!

Side note: if you do visit The Broad, it’s worth walking across the street to check out the exterior of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The architecture is really fun, and it’s very photo-worthy!

The Getty Villa | LACMA | The Broad

5. Spend a Day at Universal Studios Theme Park

Amusement park fans won’t want to skip Universal Studios! The theme park has amazing rides and attractions, and there are worlds dedicated to Harry Potter, Super Nintendo, and more. 

While you’re there, be sure to do the tram tour of the backlot to get a closer look at the sets of your favorite films and TV shows. 

If you’re visiting Los Angeles in the fall (and are into all things spooky!), I also recommend booking tickets for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal. 

During this evening seasonal event, you can take a ride on the terror tram, explore the incredibly designed haunted houses, make your way through the scare zones, and more. Certain rides are also open during Horror Nights.   

Be sure to book tickets for Halloween Horror Nights in advance, as popular dates can sell out!

6. Relax at the Beach

A visit to LA isn’t complete without some beach time, especially if you’re traveling in the summer or early fall. 

If you’ll be visiting Santa Monica during your trip, Santa Monica State Beach is one of the most popular beaches in LA. It’s spacious (it’s a 3.5 mile stretch!) and easy to access if you are staying in Santa Monica. This is also where the famous Santa Monica Pier is located. 

I also particularly like Will Rogers State Beach. It’s located just north of Santa Monica State Beach, in the Pacific Palisades.

Another option is to drive further up the Pacific Coast Highway to explore the beaches of Malibu (one of my favorite places to visit in Southern California!). 

Some excellent beaches include Zuma Beach (a super expansive beach with lots of space) and El Matador (a smaller, very pretty beach known for its massive sea stacks and caves). If you’re planning a beach-focused trip, you can even consider spending a couple days in Malibu! 

South of Santa Monica, there’s great, spacious beaches like Dockweiler State Beach in Playa del Rey/El Segundo and Manhattan Beach. These beaches might be a bit of a drive depending on where you decide to stay in LA, but are great options if you find yourself further south! 

Santa Monica State Beach | Zuma Beach | El Matador

7. Shop (or Window Shop) on Rodeo Drive & See the Beverly Hills Sign

For a bit of glitz and glam, make your way over to Beverly Hills. Even if you’re not planning on making a purchase, it’s fun to stroll down the world-famous Rodeo Drive. 

On this road (and the surrounding streets), you’ll find luxury brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Valentino, as well as other popular stores like Lululemon, Guess, H&M, and Diptyque. If trying an Erewhon smoothie is on your Los Angeles bucket list, there’s a location right on N Beverly Drive.

For those planning on visiting Los Angeles during the holidays, Rodeo Drive also has really fun and festive holiday decorations!

While you’re there, you can walk over to the very beautifully landscaped Beverly Hills Garden Park, which is just on the opposite side of Santa Monica Boulevard. This is where you’ll find the famous Beverly Hills Sign. 

8. See the Walk of Fame & the Hollywood Sights (If You Want!)

I’ll be super honest…this is one of those Los Angeles activities that I’m not really a fan of, and I typically tell friends and family to skip it (unless they really want to go!). 

This part of Hollywood gets very busy, and it can feel very touristy. It doesn’t have the glitz and glam that people associate with Hollywood. 

That all said, I completely understand that many visitors want to check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the other local sights (especially if they are visiting for the first time)! There is a lot of cool history to the area, so it is interesting to see.  

If you decide to visit, I recommend getting there earlier in the day, before it gets too busy. You can find parking at the garage at the Ovation Hollywood shopping center (also known as Hollywood and Highland). 

This is right by the center of the action, where you can see Hollywood Stars on the Walk of Fame. The Dolby Theater (where the Oscars have been held for many years) is also in this center.  

Right down the street is the TCL Chinese Theater, where you can see the cement hand and footprints from major movie stars and entertainment greats, including Mary Pickford, Marilyn Monroe, Cecil B. DeMille, Gene Kelly, and more.

Across Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll also see the famous El Capitan Theatre. This theater dates back to 1926, and is owned by The Walt Disney Company (so lots of Disney movie premiers are hosted there!). 

If you want to see a lot of LA’s most iconic spots but want more of a guided experience, I recommend booking the two-hour Hollywood & Beverly Hills sightseeing open-air bus tour. Sure, it’s a bit touristy, but it’s highly rated and a great way to see a lot of LA in just a few hours! You’ll drive by the Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theatre, the Sunset Strip, the Beverly Hills Hotel, Rodeo Drive, and much more. You’ll also drive down the famous Mulholland Drive.

9. Visit the Santa Monica Pier

Visiting Santa Monica Pier is another activity that I don’t love, particularly during the summer and on weekends. As you can probably guess, it gets super crowded! 

That said, it is one of the more popular things to do in Santa Monica, and it can definitely be nice to stroll down the pier when it’s less busy. 

The views of the coastline from the pier are beautiful, and you can also spot Muscle Beach just south of the pier. This iconic oceanside workout space dates back to the 1930s. 

Another cool thing about Santa Monica Pier is Pacific Park, an oceanfront amusement park located right on the pier. Take a ride on the ferris wheel for a picture perfect view of the coast!

Much like with the Walk of Fame, if you are traveling during peak season and want to visit the pier without the crowds, I recommend getting there early in the day!

10. See the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the Canals, & Abbot Kinney

It’s worth heading down to Venice Beach to see the sights, especially if you’re planning on spending time by the water during your trip. 

One of the most famous attractions in the area is the Venice Beach Boardwalk. It’s personally not my favorite place to hang out, but it is vibrant and full of activity. 

You’ll see street performers and vendors selling their goods, as well as skaters at the Venice Beach Skatepark (which is located right in the sand!). It’s also worth taking a look at the public art walls right by the skatepark. 

From the boardwalk, you can stroll up Windward Avenue to see the Venice Sign. 

Another highlight worth checking out is the Venice Canal Historic District. The man made canals date back to the early 1900s, and it’s a really nice area to stroll through. It’s also very photo worthy…be sure to snap a shot on one of the bridges!

While you’re in the neighborhood, I recommend strolling down Abbot Kinney (my favorite area of Venice!). It’s been dubbed the coolest block in America, and is a great spot to do some shopping.

There are also some amazing restaurants and cafes on Abbot Kinney. I especially love The Butcher’s Daughter (a vegetarian eatery, and one of my favorite vegan-friendly restaurants in LA!) and Intelligentsia Coffee. 

By the way, you can easily see the best of Venice and Santa Monica in one day! 

The Grove is a high-end and very popular outdoor shopping and entertainment complex that is located just north of LACMA and The Academy Museum. If you want to do some shopping while in town, this is the place to do it!

On the west end of The Grove is The Original Farmers Market, which opened in 1934. It has a cool, old-school vibe, and is home to produce stalls and specialty food stores, as well as some great eateries.  

The Original Farmers Market is a fun place to grab a casual bite to eat before or after a few hours of shopping. I especially like Singapore’s Banana Leaf (get the curry noodles!). 

13. Be an Audience Member for a Live Taping

Los Angeles is, of course, an entertainment city, and there are constantly game shows, sitcoms, and other special events being filmed that need studio audiences. 

If you have an interest in being an audience member for a live taping, I recommend browsing through 1iota and On Camera Audiences to see what shows are happening during your visit. 

You’ll find tickets for competition and game shows (like Dancing with the Stars and The Price is Right), sitcoms, late night shows, live events, and more. 

Tickets are in most cases free, but you should request them in advance to ensure you get a spot. There are different rules and regulations for each showing, so be sure to read the fine print so that you know what you’re signing up for! 

14. Grab a Bite at Grand Central Market (& Pop By The Bradbury Building and Angel’s Flight While You’re There)

As mentioned above, I’m not a big fan of DTLA. That said, if you find yourself downtown (like if you decide to visit The Broad), it’s definitely worth stopping inside Grand Central Market. 

This food hall has been in operation since 1917, and is home to tons of great restaurants and bars. A couple of my favorites include Ramen Hood and Villa’s Tacos.

There are also two cool landmarks on either side of Grand Central Market. 

On one end is Angels Flight Railway, which you may recognize from the movie La La Land. The funicular originally opened in 1901, and takes passengers on a short ride from Hill Street up to Grand Avenue (making it the world’s shortest railway!). 

You can ride Angels Flight for a small fee. It’s not necessarily a must-do, but I’ve done it before, and it is cool to ride it and see the inside of the car!

On the opposite end is the Bradbury Building, which has appeared in many films, including Blade Runner, 500 Days of Summer, and Chinatown. This building, which was built in 1893, features a light-filled, Victorian-style interior, complete with iron railings and beautiful marble stairs. 

Public access is limited to the ground floor when it’s open, but it’s still worth popping inside to see the architecture! 

15. See a Show at the Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl, which opened in 1922, is one of the most famous venues in LA. It’s a really fun place to catch a show if there’s something interesting on when you’re in town. 

Take a look at the upcoming shows, and you’ll see that there’s truly something for everyone. The venue hosts orchestral performances, comedy shows, popular bands and musicians (I’ve seen Tame Impala and Khruangbin!), and more. 

16. Explore The Huntington Gardens in Pasadena

If you love botanical gardens, you have to visit The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena. 

The property spans over 130 acres and has 16 themed gardens. It’s one of my favorite places to visit on a sunny day! The rose garden is beautiful, and I’m a huge fan of the desert garden and the Chinese Garden. 

When you need to take a break from being outside, there are also gallery spaces throughout the property. The Huntington has a collection of nearly 50,000 art works, with pieces from America, Europe, and East Asia.