Los Angeles is filled with hidden gems to discover and explore, but we tend to overlook the obvious spots without realizing that some of the best the city has to offer, is hiding in plain sight. At these spots, you’ll find a diverse mix of both locals and tourists from all walks of life just going about their business. Read on to find out what to do in Los Angeles, and discover worthwhile attractions, and essential things to do in L.A. at least once in your life!
Edited by Sophie Len and Sofía Delpueche.
1. Take an iconic hike to the Hollywood sign
Experience the Hollywood sign up close and personal! Get ready for an awe-inspiring hike with an expert tour guide. Even if you’ve hiked Griffith Park before, this is an extraordinary tour you’ll surely want to cross off your bucket list — don’t miss out and book your Hollywood sign tour hike here!
2. Catch scenic views of Los Angeles and space at the Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is a must-see in L.A., which is why it’s number one on our list – what better way to get to know a city than to peer out at the fantastic views, including the famous Hollywood Sign? Come day or night, both experiences are different in their own right – telescopes are available to look at the starry sky and several exhibits can be found inside.
Another added benefit is that it’s totally free—you just have to get yourself there. The easiest way is to take the DASH Observatory bus from Vermont / Sunset Metro Red Line Station or get an UBER.
📍Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
3. Wander through centuries of art at The Getty Center and The Getty Villa
You need to ride around the train and explore the living artworks within the gardens of the monumental Getty Center or wander amongst Roman-style columns of the Getty Villa at least once in L.A. These cultural gems exude art and beauty on every level. In addition to the 19-20th century European art that can be found in the museums, the entire premises are an architectural treat to walk around in.
📍Location: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
4. Spend a romantic evening at a Candlelight Concert
We know Los Angeles is full of concerts across the city, but Candlelight Concerts take the music to another level. At these shows, you can find classical renditions of modern music all while in the glow of candlelight. You can find these concerts across the city, check out upcoming Candlelight Concerts here!
5. Visit this cat cafe chosen by celebrities
Crumbs And Whiskers is the cat café chosen by cat lovers in the city, but on top of that, it’s a favorite spot for cat-loving A-listers. Besides bumping into personalities like Paris Hilton or Jackson Galaxy, the best part of this place is that you can relax in the company of felines and, if you and the furry friend hit it off, you can adopt them and give them a forever home.
📍 Location: 7924 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
☎️ Reservations: (323) 879-9413
6. Take photos and listen to jazz at LACMA
You haven’t been to L.A. unless you’ve attempted to capture Chris Burden’s iconic “Urban Light” installation in front of LACMA. Why this is on the list of things to do in Los Angeles? Because here you have over 100,000 artifacts to explore inside the museum. You can even catch live jazz on select dates. Make it a day full of music and art!
📍Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
7. Immerse yourself in cinematic magic at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Hollywood finally has a dedicated place that honors the incredible creative legacy that put this coastal desert on the map. The Academy Museum is the first of its kind in the country and, once again, the impressive structure is just as jaw-dropping as the contents. You can even visit it for free.
📍Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
8. Walk, skate, or cycle around Santa Monica & Venice Beach
While they are two different places, the good thing is that you can see Santa Monica and Venice in under an hour because they’re walking/biking distance apart. With the opening of the new Metro Rail Expo Line, there’s a direct route from Union Station in DTLA to Downtown Santa Monica. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to the Third Street Promenade, where you’ll find restaurants and all the biggest name-brand shops.
During this walk, you’ll pass by Muscle Beach: aka the birthplace of the fitness boom in the US, where there are always people doing incredible gymnastics. You’ve reached the end of the walk once you get to the skate park, stick around for a bit and watch the talented skaters do their thing!
9.Discover the wonders of the Huntington Library, Museum, and Gardens
Only 20 minutes from the heart of our city, you’ll discover one of the most interesting things to do in Los Angeles. And that is, discovering one of the most interesting cultural landmarks in town. The Huntington covers 120 acres of botanical landscaped gardens, it has a library with 7 million manuscripts and more than 400,000 rare books. But that’s not all, here you can also visit a museum with American and European art pieces.
📍Location: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
10. Marvel at luxury without limits along Rodeo Drive
This street name must pop into your head right after Melrose when you think of L.A. right? Known for its luxury brand shops, you can find it in the heart of Beverly Hills, and although not everyone can afford to shop there — you can’t come to L.A. and not check out Beverly Hills!
📍Location: Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA
11. Watch video game fantasy come to life at Universal Studios
Does this really need any explanation? Universal Studios is one of the most quintessential things to do in Los Angeles, and it’s right in the heart of Hollywood so it’s easy to get to. You can get a guided tour of real-life movie lots and studios, see the re-imagining of Hogwarts where you can buy wands, Butter Beer, and anything else Harry Potter related, and go on a bunch of thrilling rides! On top of that, it recently became home to the first Nintendo World in the USA.
12. See a concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall
You simply cannot leave L.A. until you’ve watched the LA Phil play at the mind-blowing building designed by one of the most famous architects in the world Frank Gehry.
13. Enjoy a memorable night of burlesque
Time travel to vintage entertainment, with shimmering lights, feather boas, sizzling drinks, and spicy humor. One of the best things to do in Los Angeles is, by far, visiting some of the many cabaret and burlesque shows by the legendary Dollface Dames, starring top performers, and showcasing jaw-dropping adult entertainment. If you’re on the lookout for some kinky jokes, acid satire, and impressive dancing, L.A. won’t ever disappoint you.
14. Get a tattoo where celebrities get theirs
We know, there are plenty of tattoo shops in the city. But getting your body art, in the same place where celebrities have gotten theirs, is a whole different story.
Among the ink legends in L.A., there’s a place that stands out and that you should check out if you’re looking to get permanent artwork on your skin. Visiting Shamrock Social Club is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles if you want to feel rich and famous. This is the place where A-list celebs like Adele, David Beckham, and Harry Styles have “decorated” their bodies.
📍Location: 1114 Horn Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
15. Catch an iconic concert at The Hollywood Bowl
The Bowl has been a music mecca since it opened in 1922 and has continued to cement its place as a top music venue in the world with its curated music roster. Whether it’s a centennial celebration, concert, or an immersive theater show, you’ll never be disappointed with a visit to this los angeles area attraction.
📍Location: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
16. Have a movie night at the iconic Chinese Theatre
Located in the heart of Hollywood, the TCL Chinese Theatre stands as an iconic symbol of cinematic history and glamour. With its legendary courtyard adorned with celebrity handprints and footprints, this historic venue offers an unparalleled movie-watching experience infused with star-studded allure.
Watching a film at the Chinese Theatre is more than just a night at the movies, it’s a journey into the heart of Hollywood’s golden age, where every screening becomes a celebration of cinematic excellence and cultural heritage. This is why this is some of the places to visit in Los Angeles you MUST visit.
📍Location: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028.
17. Catch a baseball game at the Dodgers stadium
Dodger Stadium beckons baseball enthusiasts with its iconic status and rich history dating back to 1962. Nestled in the hills of Chavez Ravine, the stadium offers an electric atmosphere, where fans unite to support the Los Angeles Dodgers. With breathtaking views of downtown LA and the San Gabriel Mountains, along with modern amenities and diverse culinary options, Dodger Stadium promises an unforgettable experience for fans of America’s pastime.
📍Location: 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
18. Ride the Ferris wheels at the Santa Monica Pier
Nestled along the vibrant coastline of Santa Monica, the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park stands as an iconic symbol of fun and adventure and one of the best things to do in Los Angeles. Offering unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and the bustling Santa Monica Pier, this towering attraction promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. As one of the most recognizable landmarks in Southern California, riding the Ferris wheel is a quintessential part of any Santa Monica excursion, allowing guests to soak in the breathtaking beauty of the coastline from a unique vantage point.
📍Location: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
19. Visit Los Angeles Central Library
The Los Angeles Central Library stands as an architectural marvel and a beacon of knowledge. With its distinctive blend of Art Deco and Egyptian Revival styles, this historic landmark captivates visitors with its grandeur and cultural significance. Exploring the Central Library is a journey through time and intellect, where every corner reveals a treasure trove of books, artifacts, and exhibits waiting to be discovered. Oh, and you can get your L.A. Library Card that will give you access to plenty of free perks!
📍Location: 630 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071.
20. Head down to El Matador Beach for some righteous waves, dude!
Tucked away along the rugged coastline of Malibu, El Matador Beach stands as a pristine oasis of natural beauty and tranquility. Renowned for its towering cliffs, golden sands, and majestic rock formations, this hidden gem offers a breathtaking escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. A visit to El Matador is an immersive journey into the raw splendor of the California coast, where crashing waves make it a must for surfing fans and for everyone looking for things to do in Los Angeles (or near the city).
📍Location: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265.
21. Stay on the pulse of cutting-edge creativity at The Broad
Browse around 2,000 works of art, all housed in this groundbreaking building. The Broad is considered to have the world’s best collections of contemporary and postwar art and constantly brings in renowned contemporary artists for temporary exhibitions every few months.
📍Location: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
22. Transport yourself to another Galaxy at Astra Lumina
Astra Lumia is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles. It’s truly a celestial experience combining a peaceful stroll in nature and glimmering lights! The soothing lights, ethereal soundscapes, and the lush nature of South Coast Botanic Garden result in a fairy-tale atmosphere that’s the perfect, illuminated escape for you and your loved one.
There’s nothing quite like the perfect symphony of serenity and celestial wonder that will leave you breathless. Tickets are officially on sale — grab your tickets to Astra Lumina here!
📍Location: South Coast Botanic Garden 26300, Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90274
23. Immerse yourself in creativity in the Arts District
The Arts District has become one of the most popular spots amongst locals and tourists. Its history began back in the 70s when artists started illegally occupying spaces for their studios and has slowly developed as the place to be for creatives. You can find wall art, galleries, breweries, and much more.
📍Here are some spots we recommend
24. Belt it out with an evening of karaoke in Koreatown
Step into the neighborhood that never sleeps, where neon-soaked streets are packed with exciting experiences and curiosities. This L.A. neighborhood is a must when it comes to nightlife (yes, that includes karaoke), but also has a vibrant food scene, incredible spas, and tranquil hideouts to discover. Check out our full Koreatown guide here!
25. Spend a Sunday on Melrose Avenue
What’s more L.A., than spending the day shopping on Melrose Ave? Melrose is known for its cool wall art, funky/trendy shops, and great cafes. It’s perfect for a stroll on a sunny day (which is pretty much every day), whether you’re there to go shopping, or just get a coffee.
Check out Melrose Trading Post, a market that happens every Sunday where you can find vendors selling things like antiques and vintage clothes. You may also want to stop by the Insta-famous hot pink Paul Smith wall for that obligatory wall snap.
📍Location: 8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
26. Hop on the trolley at The Grove
The Grove is an outdoor open-plan shopping mall and is within walking distance from Melrose so you can easily combine both into a day of activities. You can find more shops, several food vendors, places for drinks, a cinema and an overall cozy atmosphere.
You should come just before sunset to get the best of both worlds because the vibe is completely different during the day and night. While the twinkling lights and rushing fountains are an experience on their own, you should head to the rooftop parking spot for epic views of the city too.
📍Location: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036
27. Catch top comedians at the Laugh Factory[/trackLink]
The Laugh Factory is a chain of comedy clubs that can be found in Chicago, Las Vegas, Long Beach, Reno, Scottsdale, and of course, Hollywood. It’s one of the most famous comedy clubs, home to some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy today. We recommend going to the event Chocolate Sundaes which is held every Sunday.
📍Location: 8001 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
28. Get your grub on at Grand Central Market
Sure, there are hundreds of incredible food markets in Los Angeles, but none have featured in as many films as much as Grand Central Market. You might as well get a taste of the city with the delicious offerings while reliving romantic a moment from all your favorite films.
📍Location: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
29. Attend a Sunday afternoon concert at Mt. Wilson Observatory
Ascend the mountainous landscape for these magnificent Mount Wilson Observatory concerts in the vaulted dome housing the monumental Hooker 100-inch telescope. This year you can enjoy an acoustical banquet of esteemed musicians in the historic temple of science over a mile above the city.
30. Visit these magical La La Land filming locations
Image courtesy of @filmtourismus
Speaking of films — many come to mind when we think of Los Angeles. One of them being La La Land. To no surprise, you can visit the locations from the film all across the city. There’s nothing quite like exploring L.A. like through the lens of cinema. Get the list of La La Land filming locations here!
31. Watch planes at In-N-Out
While L.A. may offer top-notch dining, In-N-Out has become part of the city’s culture. Getting your favorite order “animal style” while watching planes fly overhead at their location near LAX (in the longest line you’ve ever seen), is an essential thing to do.
📍Location: 9149 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
32. Visit Sinatra’s favorite chocolate store
Feel like a celebrity while indulging in one of the finest chocolate shops in Los Angeles. If you have a sweet tooth, Edelweiss is a mythical store where you can get only the finest chocolates you can find. This shop is renowned for its mouth-watering truffles, toffees, marshmallows, caramels, nuts, and of course, chocolates!
33. Take in the views from Yamashiro Hollywood
Los Angeles is all about the views and this historic hilltop restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best places to witness the skyline. Dine in an ornate Japanese-inspired setting with delicious food while taking in the sweeping vistas of the twinkling city lights.
📍Location: 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
34. Take the shortest railway in town at Angels Flight
Los Angeles is filled with unique rides and modes of transport, but this is definitely one that you can’t skip. For almost two centuries this charming orange, wooden railway has been carting people between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. It’s one of the cheapest thrills in the city and it’s also a cute date idea.
📍Location: 351 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
35. Catch a Kings game
Whether you’re a sports fan or not, the buzz of a full crowd in the City of Champions cannot be missed. It’s fall after all, which means catching a Kings game is a must!
📍Location: Crypto Arena, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
36. Drive over Sixth St Bridge
The Sixth Street Viaduct connects Downtown Los Angeles with the Boyle Heights neighborhood. Take an evening drive past the 3,500-foot concrete creation and enjoy the glow of the city as a backdrop.
📍Location: E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
37. Take a comedy class at The Groundlings
Some of the greatest actors and comedians have graced the halls and stages at The Groundlings. Will you be next? Whether you’re taking a class for professional reasons or are just looking to get your creative juices flowing — a class at The Groundlings is calling your name. Check out their class listings here!
📍Location: 7307 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
38. Dress Up For A Night At Magic Castle
The Magic Castle is Hollywood’s famed private clubhouse devoted to the art of magic. This alluring châteauesque residence is made up of parlors, hidden rooms, and mysterious illusions that will leave you bewildered. It’s considered one of the most unusual places on the planet and is one of the classic Los Angeles things to do at least once. While you need to befriend a magician to be invited, it’s well worth the endeavor.
📍Location: 7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
39. Take a magical night ride on an Echo Park swan boat
Echo Park Lake is a tranquil paradise, during the day — where the signature lotus beds and mesmerizing fountain await you. But at night, the swan pedal boats offer a whimsical adventure on the shimmering water with the city lights as a backdrop. Grab your tickets to the beautiful swan boat on the lake here!
📍Location: 751 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles
40. Feast on local bites at Smorgasburg
The Smorgasburg LA takes place every Sunday at Row DTLA and has become a go-to destination for foodies throughout the city. It features over 100 vendors serving up an incredible selection of both international and local flavors, allowing visitors to sample cuisine from all around the world in one sprawling location.
📍Location: 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
41. Take a stroll along the Venice Canals
Strolling over the quaint bridges with vivid sunsets multiplied in the waters below, it would be almost impossible not to find the Venice Canals charming. Each home has its unique style which means you’ll never get tired of exploring. If you’d like to make it a little more adventurous, you could hire a canoe and paddle your way around, or head a little further out and take a gondola ride in Long Beach.
42. Let out your inner child at this carnival-themed VRcade
Hidden in plain sight within L.A.’s thriving downtown arts district — Two Bit Circus is a carnival-themed VRcade that includes a full-service bar and a snack stand stocked with hotdogs, pizza, and hot potato tots galore! The venue even has a cozy lounging area with tons of open seating where you and the crew can set your competitive differences aside and relax. Get your tickets here!
📍Location: 634 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021
43. Visit the oldest Mexican Restaurant
Did you know that the city is considered the mecca for Mexican tacos in the country? It is unclear how many actual restaurants, food trucks, and taco take-outs exist in L.A. as the list keeps expanding by the hour. But what we can tell you for sure is that El Cholo is the oldest place in town, a legendary spot for indulging in delicious tacos that has been around since 1923. Serving food and history all together.