If you’re planning your first trip, you’re probably feeling that mix of pure excitement and maybe a little… overwhelm? I get it. LA isn’t just a city; it’s a massive, sprawling universe of different worlds. It’s home to movie stars, sun-kissed beaches, famous art, and some of the most diverse food on the planet.
When I first planned my trip, my list of things to do in la was a mile long. How do you even begin to explore a place so big? How do you find the real LA, beyond just what you see in the movies?
Well, after spending time exploring its highways, hills, and hidden corners, I’ve put together my personal “must-do” list. These are the 10 experiences that truly capture the spirit of LA for me.
So, if you’re looking for the best things to do in la, consider this your personal guide. Grab your sunglasses (you’ll need them!), and let’s dive into the 10 things to do in los angeles.
From bustling cities to serene landscapes, the USA has something for everyone.
1. Hike to (or near) the Hollywood Sign
You can’t go to LA and not see the Hollywood Sign, right? It’s the city’s most famous icon. But here’s my advice: don’t just look at it from a distance. You have to earn the view.
A hike up into the Hollywood Hills is one of the most fun things to do los angeles has to offer. It’s not just about the sign; it’s about the incredible, panoramic views of the entire city unfolding below you. On a clear day, you can see all the way from the downtown skyline to the Pacific Ocean.
I did the hike from the Griffith Observatory (more on that in a second!), and it was the perfect morning workout. You’re walking on dusty trails, surrounded by nature, and then you turn a corner, and boom… there’s the sign. You feel like you’re on top of the world. It’s a moment that makes you feel the history and the glamour of “Hollywood.”
My Traveler’s Tip: There are several trails. A popular one with great views is the Brush Canyon Trail. Remember to bring water and sunscreen, even if it’s not a hot day. The California sun is no joke!
2. Explore the Griffith Observatory and Park
This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places to visit in la. And the best part? It’s one of the best free things to do in los angeles.
The Griffith Observatory is an art deco masterpiece perched on a hill, overlooking the entire city. I went late in the afternoon. Inside, I explored the fascinating space and science exhibits (it’s a real, working observatory). I even caught a show at the planetarium, which was magical.
But the main event happens at sunset.
I joined the crowd on the lawn and terraces and watched the sun dip into the ocean. Then, one by one, the city lights below began to twinkle on, stretching for miles in every direction. It’s a breathtaking sight and a top answer for what to do in la this weekend for locals and tourists alike.
3. Feel the Magic at Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach
You have to go to the beach. My advice is to combine these two iconic spots, which are conveniently connected by a fantastic beach path.
I started my day in Santa Monica. Walking onto that historic pier feels like stepping back in time. There’s a classic amusement park, little food stands, and people fishing off the end. It’s lively and one of the great things to do in la with kids (or for kids at heart!).
From there, I rented a bike and rode south along the path to Venice Beach. And let me tell you, Venice is an experience. It’s quirky, it’s weird, and it’s wonderful. You have the famous Muscle Beach, where people are lifting serious weights. You have the skaters at the skate park, who are putting on an incredible show. You have street performers, artists, and all kinds of unique shops.
It’s the best people watching in the world. This is one of the most fun things to do in la and shows you the city’s eccentric, creative soul.
4. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Okay, let’s have a real talk about the Walk of Fame. Is it glamorous? Not exactly. Is it crowded and a little chaotic? You bet.
But is it one of those things to see in los angeles that you just have to do once? Absolutely.
My first time, I was genuinely excited to find the stars of my favorite actors. It’s fun to look down and suddenly see a name you recognize. I spent about an hour just wandering, taking it all in. You’ll also see the famous TCL Chinese Theatre, with all the handprints and footprints in the cement.
My advice is to go in with the right attitude. Don’t expect red-carpet glamour. Expect a bustling, slightly gritty, and totally unique tourist experience. See it, check it off your list, and have fun with it.
5. Get Your Art and Culture Fix at The Getty Center
If you need a break from the city buzz, The Getty is your answer. It’s not just an art museum; it’s a piece of art itself.
Getting there is part of the experience. You park at the bottom and take a futuristic-looking tram up the hill. When you get to the top, you’re greeted by stunning white architecture, fountains, and one of the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen.
I spent hours wandering through the galleries, which are filled with everything from European paintings to photography. But honestly, I spent just as much time outside, enjoying the peaceful gardens and the incredible views of the city and the ocean. It’s another amazing free (you just pay for parking) experience.
6. Stroll and Shop on Rodeo Drive
Even if your bank account is more “fast-fashion” than “couture,” you’ve got to experience Rodeo Drive.
This famous street in Beverly Hills is pure luxury. I’m talking about stores like Gucci, Prada, and Tiffany & Co. The window displays are like works of art. I had a “Pretty Woman” moment and just window-shopped, admiring the incredible fashion.
It’s all very glamorous. You’ll see impossibly expensive cars cruising by, and everyone is impeccably dressed. It’s fun to just be in that world for an afternoon, even if you’re just browsing.
7. Go “Behind the Scenes” on a Studio Tour
This is Hollywood, after all! Taking a studio tour is one of the most fun things to do los angeles offers, especially if you’re a movie or TV fan.
I chose the Warner Bros. tour, and it was fantastic. You get to ride in a little tram around the “backlot,” where they’ve filmed everything from Friends (yes, I sat on the orange couch at Central Perk) to Batman. You see the actual sets, soundstages, and prop warehouses.
It’s fascinating to see how the magic is made. You realize that a “New York” street is just a facade in the middle of a California lot. It’s a genuine behind-the-scenes peek that I’ll never forget. Other popular choices are the Sony Pictures or Paramount Studios tours.
8. Taste the World at Grand Central Market
If you’re a foodie like me, you must go to Grand Central Market. This place is a landmark, a bustling food hall in downtown LA that’s been operating for over 100 years.
When I walked in, my senses were on overload. The sights, the sounds, the smells… it’s incredible. It’s a true melting pot of cultures. You can find everything here: amazing tacos, authentic pupusas, old-school deli sandwiches, trendy egg sandwiches, and fresh oysters.
I wandered around for a good 30 minutes just trying to decide. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s delicious. It’s the perfect place for lunch and a real taste of LA’s diverse food scene.
9. Explore the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Looking for something truly unique? How about a museum set in a park of bubbling tar?
The La Brea Tar Pits is one of the most fascinating places to visit in la. It’s an active Ice Age fossil site right in the middle of the city. As I walked through the park, I could literally see (and smell!) the tar bubbling up from the ground.
The museum is fantastic. It’s filled with the skeletons of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves that were trapped in the tar thousands of years ago. It’s amazing to think that all of this was happening right where the city’s “Miracle Mile” is today. It’s a great spot, and especially one of the things to do in la with kids.
10. Wander Through Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey
For my last spot, I wanted something a little more relaxed. I found it at Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey.
This place is a charming, colorful replica of a New England fishing village, right on the water. I spent a lovely afternoon just strolling along the harbor. I watched the sea lions sunbathing on the docks and saw all the beautiful boats, from small sailboats to huge yachts.
It’s not a big, flashy attraction. It’s a peaceful escape. I grabbed an ice cream, sat on a bench, and just enjoyed the ocean breeze. It was the perfect, quiet end to my LA adventure. It’s a great place for a waterfront meal or to just unwind.
A Traveler’s Note: LA vs. NYC
As I was exploring, I couldn’t help but think how different LA is from its East Coast rival. If LA is all about sunshine, driving, and a laid-back vibe, New York City is its opposite: all fast-paced energy, vertical skyscrapers, and incredible public transport. They are two completely different worlds! Planning a trip to the Big Apple is a totally different (but equally amazing) adventure.
My Final Thoughts on the City of Angels
Los Angeles is a city you have to experience for yourself. It’s a place of dreamers, artists, and hustlers. It’s got gritty streets and glamorous hills, and that’s what makes it so special.
My best advice? Rent a car. The city is massive, and public transport can be tough. Be prepared for traffic, but use that time to listen to a great playlist and look around.
This list of 10 things to do in los angeles is your starting point. The real magic will happen when you get lost in a neighborhood, find a random taco truck, or take a drive up the coast.
LA is a city that reveals itself to you one experience at a time. I hope you have an amazing adventure.
