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Things to do in Los Angeles

Things to do in  Los Angeles

Welcome to Los Angeles

From its sun-kissed beaches to the star power of Hollywood, the Southern California metropolis of Los Angeles is known for its celebrity culture, mild weather, and breadth of experiences. Los Angeles visitors who look beyond the bright lights of Hollywood find an increasingly multidimensional destination, a city offering an incredible array of cuisines, historic architectural landmarks including Griffith Observatory, and a wealth of outdoor opportunities such as hiking, surfing, and horseback riding. Whether you’re drawn to the beach, nearby amusement parks, or celebrity-spotting opportunities in Beverly Hills, the City of Angels never fails to make an impression—or steal the show.

Top 15 attractions in Los Angeles

#1
Hollywood Sign

Hollywood Sign

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One of LA's most distinguishing icons, the famous Hollywood Sign proudly stands on Mt. Lee (Mount Lee) in the Hollywood Hills, overlooking Los Angeles and the California movie industry it has come to symbolize. This LA landmark first appeared on its hillside perch in 1923 as an advertising gimmick for a real-estate development called Hollywoodland. Each letter stands 50 feet (15 meters) tall and is made of sheet metal painted white.More
#2
Hollywood Walk of Fame

Hollywood Walk of Fame

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Only in Los Angeles are stars so common that they can even be found on the sidewalk. Studded with more than 2,600 brass stars across 18 city blocks, the Hollywood Walk of Fame features names of celebrities in mini monuments. See if you can spot the stars of your favorite motion pictures, TV shows, live theater, and more.More
#3
Griffith Park

Griffith Park

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Griffith Park is one of the largest city parks in North America, covering a vast 4,310 acres (1,744 hectares). An oasis in the urban sprawl of Los Angeles, this green space caters to visitors of all ages and interests with attractions such as the Los Angeles City Zoo, the Griffith Observatory, and the iconic Hollywood sign.More
#4
Venice Beach

Venice Beach

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Known for its free-spirited vibe, Venice Beach is a happening, upscale outlier of Los Angeles, fronted by the iconic Venice Boardwalk, officially known as the Ocean Front Walk. Encounters with pickup basketball teams, fortune tellers, and roller skating sunseekers are pretty much guaranteed—especially on hot Southern California summer days. Beyond the sand, visit the skate park, the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym, and Abbot Kinney Boulevard, featuring trendy restaurants, stylish boutiques, galleries, and cafés.More
#5
Sunset Strip

Sunset Strip

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The legendary 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) stretch of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood known as the Sunset Strip extends east–west from Beverly Hills to Hollywood, laid end to end with celebrity-studded music venues dating back to the heyday of rock and roll, comedy clubs, boutiques, restaurants, hotels, and cocktail bars with stellar views of the surrounding city.More
#6
Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood

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One of the world's oldest continuously operating movie studios, Universal® Studios Hollywood presents an entertaining mix of thrill rides and live action shows, plus a tram ride. The large California theme park cleverly integrates the shows and rides with behind-the-scenes presentations on movie-making.More
#7
Santa Monica Beach and Pier

Santa Monica Beach and Pier

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Set along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica has two claims to fame: the Santa Monica Beach and pier. At Santa Monica Beach, miles of sand host playgrounds, parks, picnic areas, staffed lifeguard stations, and the original Muscle Beach. Nearly 8 million visitors frequent the area each year, most of whom follow the boardwalk to the Santa Monica Pier, whose neon-lit arch and ferris wheel are instantly recognizable from film and TV.More
#8
Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive

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One of the most famous shopping districts in the world, Rodeo Drive attracts a well-heeled crowd of label lovers who exercise their credit cards at designer shops like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tiffany, and Gucci. Between the elegant storefronts, luxury cars, and swaying palm trees, it’s a Hollywood movie scene come to life.More
#9
TCL Chinese Theatre

TCL Chinese Theatre

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Peek into old Hollywood on a visit to the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. This quintessential California landmark, featured in movies since 1927, is still a favorite location for star-studded red-carpet premieres. A recent upgrade to the theater’s seats and IMAX 3D equipment enhances the experience while keeping the theater’s original charm.More
#10
Solvang

Solvang

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Just over the hill from sunny Santa Barbara lie the Santa Ynez Valley and the small, Danish-style town of Solvang. Founded in 1911 by a group of Danish teachers, Solvang (Danish for “sunny field”) is now a bustling hub of activity, ripe with wine-tasting rooms, a fairy-tale-esque downtown, and all sorts of quirky shops.More
#11
Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk

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Universal CityWalk is the 3-block entertainment epicenter of Universal Studios Hollywood—the place to be after a day at the theme park for dining, shopping, and live shows (including Howl and the Moon). Visitors here will find 30 restaurants, a multiscreen movie theater, 30 shops, indoor skydiving, and a live concert venue.More
#12
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (LA Coliseum)

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (LA Coliseum)

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Dating back to 1923, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (LA Coliseum is one of LA’s most storied sporting venues. A National and State Historic Landmark, the 78,000-capacity stadium has seen more major sporting events than almost any other athletic arena. It’s also home to the University of Southern California’s Trojans football team.More
#13
Hollywood

Hollywood

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From the Hills to the Sign, the Los Angeles neighborhood of Hollywood has become synonymous with the entertainment industry—and, often, its glamorous appeal. Match your handprints and footprints to those of Hollywood stars on the Walk of Fame; look out for celebs in Tinseltown; and visit famed theaters, such as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre—now the TCL Chinese Theatre—and the Egyptian.More
#14
Los Angeles the Grove

Los Angeles the Grove

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One of Los Angeles’ most popular shopping destinations, The Grove is an open-air retail and entertainment complex. Stretching across 575,000 square feet (53,419 square meters), the mall hosts dozens of shops, restaurants, and even a movie theater. A trolley serves the complex—ride it for fun or just to rest your feet.More
#15
Dolby Theatre

Dolby Theatre

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Since it opened in 2001, the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood has become best known as the annual home of the Academy Awards, but the 3,400-seat theater—where the grandeur of an old European opera house meets the high-tech capabilities of the Dolby company—also hosts concerts, TV specials, comedy shows, movie premieres, and many other events.More

Trip ideas

Ways to Beat the Crowds in Los Angeles

Ways to Beat the Crowds in Los Angeles

Top Hiking Spots Near Los Angeles

Top Hiking Spots Near Los Angeles

Top activities in Los Angeles

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
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Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

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2810
From
HK$555.16
Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More
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Swan Boat Rental in Echo Park

Swan Boat Rental in Echo Park

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490
From
HK$88.50
The Best of LA Tour: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Griffith Park +More
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DeLuxe Los Angeles Private Tour

DeLuxe Los Angeles Private Tour

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21
From
HK$6,178.82
per group
Private Luxurious Tour of Los Angeles
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Grand City Tour of Los Angeles

Grand City Tour of Los Angeles

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339
From
HK$675.85
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

Recent reviews from experiences in Los Angeles

star-5
FUN!
Lili_A, Aug 2022
Hollywood and Celebrity Homes Bus Tour
I am a Los Angeles resident and it was great to see my city in a way I wouldn’t have a chance to when I am driving myself.
star-5
Boris was a great guide,...
SandrineSophie_T, Jul 2022
Classic Convertible Car Tour of Los Angeles
Boris was a great guide, the car was amazing, a convenient and fun way to see Los Angeles!
star-5
Fantastic tour guide!
Rachael_T, Jun 2022
Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of the Best of Los Angeles
We felt the longer tour fave you more of an opportunity to see more of what LA has to offer.
star-5
Hop on hop off tour Los Angeles
KATIA_S, May 2022
Los Angeles Hop-On Hop-Off Double-Decker Bus Tour
I booked the 48 hours tour and got to visit all three routes (Hollywood, downtown LA and Santa Monica).
star-5
A deff add on to an IT for LA
Alissar_S, Mar 2022
Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open-Top Bus
Our driver tommy was so funny and so friendly with all of us we got to see everything that we had wanted and all the celeb homes were cool to see !
star-4
Fascinating walking tour in the heart of DTLA
Ruben_S, Feb 2022
Old and New Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tour
Was really hoping to see inside some of the movie palaces, hotel lobbies, and Bradbury Building.
star-5
Outstanding tour!
Edward_K, Jul 2022
Grand City Tour of Los Angeles
She was able to point out celebrities’ houses & gave great recommendations about areas to visit as well as to avoid & shared useful recommendations for restaurants & bars.
star-5
Want an excellent Los Angeles overview? Then go with this tour!
Kevin_S, Jul 2022
Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More
It was our first visit to the city so we wanted to see as much as we could in the short amount of time available to us.
star-5
Our First Time Visit
Chris_W, May 2022
5-Hour Limo Tour of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Venice and Malibu!
We got a chance to see many areas in Los Angeles and were able to get out at several places to take pictures and shop for souvenirs.
star-5
Peaceful an oasis of serenity
Kenny_F, Jan 2022
Swan Boat Rental in Echo Park
My boyfriend Picking water flowers for me Being so close to the ducks The waterfall and the views of Los Angeles downtown city high rise buildings Everything was really beautiful and peaceful The swans were really big So can literally jus float and sit in the back for a romantic evening with your significant other
star-5
Enjoying the view and...
Terri_G, Oct 2021
Hollywood and Celebrity Homes Bus Tour
I would recommend to friends visiting Los Angeles looking for things to do.
star-5
Great Tour
DAVID_G, Aug 2021
Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More
Great Tour to see Main Areas of Los Angeles Tour Guide was Very Informative and Fun Personality My Wife ,Teen Son and I enjoyed the tour
star-5
Great trip
Marla_C, Aug 2021
Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour by Open-Top Bus
Definitely check it out when you come to visit Los Angeles
star-5
Viator Tours...Awesome Experience!!!
Rickey_E, Jun 2021
Grand City Tour of Los Angeles
She gave very good information about one of my favorite places to visit.
star-5
Excellent tour and customer service!
Cliff_W, Nov 2020
Los Angeles Half-Day Tour - Downtown, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, Farmer's Market
I was able to see a lot of Los Angeles.
star-5
Griffith Park Historic Hollywood Hills Hike
Safiyyah, Mar 2020
Griffith Observatory Hike: An LA Tour through the Hollywood Hills
The hike was awesome, challenging and worth every step up to see the panoramic view of Los Angeles.
star-5
The Great tour
April_A, Dec 2019
2-Hour Hollywood Bus Tour
I really enjoyed it and I live in La my sisters came to visit from carolina and they enjoyed it he showed me some places I didn’t even know was here I recommend for everyone
star-5
Amazing! Jeff picked me up at the...
Yuki, Aug 2017
Privately Customized Tour of Los Angeles
Jeff picked me up at the hotel and based on what I was expecting to see in Los Angeles, he designed a tour to cover all my interests.
star-5
This is a great way to see Los...
Michael_B, Sep 2017
Los Angeles Hop-On Hop-Off Double-Decker Bus Tour
This is a great way to see Los Angeles for a first time visitor.
star-5
Awesome! Covered a lot of ground and...
Peter_L, May 2016
Privately Customized Tour of Los Angeles
Would recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see LA.
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All about Los Angeles

When to visit

Head to Los Angeles in summer for the quintessential SoCal experience, complete with sunshine and beach days. Though you’ll be sharing the shores with the masses, an endless stream of events, including LA Film Festival, is worth the summer crush. Cool, but not cold, winter temps make December through February a great alternative for the crowd-averse.

Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
PDT (UTC -8)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English

A local’s pocket guide to Los Angeles

Andrea Manokian

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Andrea has been a local of this eclectic city for decades and can navigate her way around LA county without her phone’s GPS. She knows the perfect spot for a warm breakfast bagel, the best place for happy hour drinks, and the most reliable vet in town.

The first thing you should do in Los Angeles is...

expand your culinary palette. Los Angeles is full of diverse cuisine—Indian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Armenian, Persian, Mexican, Italian, and the list goes on—so narrow down your cravings and reward your taste buds. Bonus: Many restaurants are open late.

A perfect Saturday in Los Angeles...

starts with brunch at Urth Caffé (their boba teas are a must); includes thrifting for goods at the Los Feliz Flea Market (every Saturday from 11 am - 5 pm); lunch with dessert at Bottega Louie in Downtown Los Angeles (their pastries are a work of art); a stroll through The Broad (a contemporary art museum); and ends with drinks at Clifton’s (open until 2 am on Saturdays).

One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...

going to Universal Studios Hollywood especially around their Halloween Horror Nights extravaganza which is spooky fun for locals and tourists alike. Or, you can explore the nearby Universal CityWalk Shopping Center, which doesn’t involve a theme park ticket but also promises a night of fun with an ambience of music and food.

To discover the "real" Los Angeles...

plan a night out. Los Angeles is known for its nightlife and fashion forward atmosphere. So put on an outfit that authentically expresses yourself and hit the town—whether it be clubbing in West Hollywood, drinks in Downtown LA, or dinner in Santa Monica (Elephante is a delicious option)—there is always something to do, especially at night.

For the best view of the city...

dine at Spire 73—the tallest open-air bar and restaurant in the Western Hemisphere—appropriately located on the 73rd floor of the InterContinental in Downtown Los Angeles. Make sure to make a reservation in advance as this place does get busy, and aim to go at night to watch the city lights illuminate the sky.

One thing people get wrong...

is thinking that they’ve seen the bulk of Los Angeles by simply exploring Downtown Los Angeles, and popular tourist cities such as Hollywood and Beverly Hills. But there are plenty of neighborhoods within Los Angeles County such as Silver Lake, Highland Park, Echo Park, Westwood, and Los Feliz that many locals consider the heart and soul of all things LA.

People Also Ask

How can I spend 3 days in LA?

A 3-day stay in Los Angeles allows visitors to explore many of the city’s top attractions—from theme parks to beaches. First, tour some of LA’s iconic sites such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and Griffith Park. Then, head to Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland®. On the final day, travel west to the water and soak up the sun in Venice Beach and Santa Monica.

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How can I spend 2 days in LA?

Start a 2-day stay in Los Angeles with some stargazing at the TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman's Chinese Theatre) and a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Located just off Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon Park offers some impressive views of the city as well as a chance to enjoy the California weather. Lastly, head to Venice Beach or Santa Monica to take in the waves.

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What should I do on my first trip to Los Angeles?

Get acquainted with Los Angeles and its famous sites by stopping at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman's Chinese Theatre), and the Sunset Strip. Visit the sets of well-known TV shows at Warner Bros. Studio, or hop on the tram for the popular tour at Universal Studios. Be sure to stop at the historic Santa Monica Pier, too.

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What should you not miss in LA?

A visit to Los Angeles isn’t complete without a peek at the famous Hollywood sign. The landmark is located on Mount Lee in the Beachwood Canyon area of the Santa Monica Mountains. To get the best view (and photo op), head to Griffith Park, which offers multiple hiking trails that lead to a prime viewing spot. Guided hikes are also available.

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What is Los Angeles most known for?

Los Angeles is best known as being the epicenter of the film industry and celebrity culture. Visitors can hop aboard a guided tour of celeb homes, cruising past Beverly Hills mansions and hot spots such as Rodeo Drive. Film and TV studio tours, including ones at Universal Studios and Warner Bros., are also popular tourist attractions.

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What is there to do in Los Angeles for a day?

Visit some of Los Angeles’ most iconic attractions, such as the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, and Beverly Hills. Then, head to the Santa Monica Pier to get a corn dog and ride the carousel, or swing by the Venice Beach promenade for a bike ride. At night, stop at the Griffith Park Observatory to see a different kind of star.

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What is the most visited place in LA?

Disneyland®—although it’s technically located in Anaheim, California, about 30 minutes from LA. Both visitors and locals alike are drawn to “The Happiest Place On Earth.” Beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy roam Southern California's most popular amusement park, which features classic rides and attractions like Space Mountain® and Pirates of the Caribbean®.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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