25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles skyline
Downtown Los Angeles skyline at sunset.

Jean-Pierre Lescourret / Getty Images

Los Angeles, "The City of Angels," tops the bucket list of travelers looking to immerse themselves in the California lifestyle. From the star-struck streets of Beverly Hills to the surf-centric beaches of Malibu, Los Angeles County offers a plethora of outings and attractions to fill anyone's vacation itinerary. Quintessential sites like Disneyland make you feel like a kid again, and the boardwalk at Venice Beach allows you to people-watch and take in the wild California scene. After you're done, hop a ferry ride to Catalina Island, where the vibe is less "LA" and more "Italian Rivera," complete with wild buffalo. Or, settle down for a drive along the Malibu Coast. The area's beaches, boardwalks, drives, theme parks, and shopping malls can hardly be tackled in just one trip. Still, we line you out on the hot spots, complete with an insider scoop on things to know before going.

01 of 25

Go to the Beach

The Beach in LA

Christian Hundley / TripSavvy

Los Angeles County contains miles of beaches—all of them open to the public, whether you want to lounge and read a book, surf, or practice yoga. Here you'll find stretches of shoreline lined with volleyball nets, quiet and serene spots, and places to grab a meal or drink with sand in between your toes. Every few miles, a pier juts out into the ocean, (the most notable being the 920-foot pier at Balboa Beach—voted Orange County's best), making conditions perfect for surfers or those wanting a bird's eye view of the coast.

Locals and tourists alike enjoy the simple pleasure of a walk or a run along a Los Angeles beach, especially in the lively South Bay beach towns of Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan Beach. Zuma Beach, in particular, is a quintessential stretch of coastline, with its wide 1.8 miles of extended sand, complete with places to surf, bodyboard, and dive. You'll get a full taste of the Los Angeles lifestyle as you mingle among the active locals, while ogling over their enviable beachfront homes.

Things to consider: Los Angeles' beaches can be foggier than you'd expect, especially during the month of June when temperatures rise inland and pull cool air off the ocean. Also, on a sunny summer weekend, parking can be hard to find near popular spots.

02 of 25

Spend a Day at Disneyland

Disneyland in California

Courtesy of Disneyland

Address
Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
Phone +1 714-781-4636

This Anaheim-based theme park is the original one baby boomers grew up visiting, earning it a top spot on this list. Here, you can wear a funny hat all day and not feel silly. This soul-filled theme park brings out the kid in everyone with its friendly employees and overall fun factor. Plus, it's extremely easy to visit. Unlike other area theme parks, Disneyland doesn't charge extra fees for special attractions, raising your overall cost of admission. Walt Disney's original vision was to create a place where parents and kids could do things together. Most rides are on the gentler side, and they exist alongside shows, parades, and daily fireworks in the summer.

Next door to Disneyland lies Disney's California Adventure Park, a separate park with a growing collection of rides based on animated films. And, Downtown Disney—a shopping, dining, and entertainment area nearby—is where you can stay overnight and pick up memorabilia to take home.

Things to consider: At Disneyland, lines can be long, tickets are pricey, and rides are very tame. 

03 of 25

Drive the Malibu Coast

The beach in Malibu

Christian Hundley / TripSavvy

West of the city of Santa Monica, the beaches face due south, making conditions great for surfing when the swell is up. Hence, the town of Malibu—featured in classic beach-blanket movies and Beach Boys songs—represents the epitome of Southern California beach culture. From a visitor's perspective, the Malibu coastline is beyond scenic. Head north along Malibu Coast Drive and you'll begin to see what the fuss is all about. During the drive on California Route 1 from Santa Monica to Oxnard (which takes a few hours), you'll pass by many trailheads, and don't miss a stop at the Getty Villa Museum, filled with Greek and Roman antiquities.

Things to consider: There's so much to see along this stretch of highway, so be prepared to stop frequently. Luckily, the speed limits allow for split=second decisions, should you heed them.

04 of 25

Chill Out on Catalina Island

Catalina Island

Betsy Malloy Photography

Address
Santa Catalina Island, California 90704, USA

If you want to experience a little taste of the Mediterranean in Southern California, head just offshore to Catalina Island. Technically, you're still in Los Angeles County, but you'll feel as if you've stepped onto the coast of Greece. Things are very different in Catalina than in Los Angeles, especially in the town of Avalon, where you'll see fish being flung from fishing boats and people driving golf carts instead of cars. The real charm of the island is its unpretentious, laid-back ambiance—enough to remind you to relax. This island is worthy of a week-long vacation, however, a weekend trip will provide you plenty of time to unplug, as well

Things to consider: You need to ride a ferry boat to get to the island, requiring advance planning in your itinerary. Also, if you prefer city lights and bustling streets to the sight of Catalina's buffalo in the wild, this quiet escape may not be for you.

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05 of 25

Shop at The Grove

People walking around the Grove

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley 

Address
189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Phone +1 323-900-8080

The energetic atmosphere of this destination earns it a spot on this list, as The Grove, LA's open-air mall, is especially enjoyable in the evening when the tour buses retreat and the locals come out. Here, you can browse the shops of all your favorite designer chain stores, see a movie at Pacific Theaters, an art-deco-inspired theater, and dine alfresco at one of many sit-down restaurants. You can also watch the dancing water fountain, see live entertainment, and ride on top of a double-decker trolley.

Things to consider: Parking can be packed during busy weekends, especially because the lot serves the LA Farmer's Market, as well. That said, plan to spend some money here, so you can get your parking validated.

06 of 25

Brave Roller Coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain outside of Los Angeles

F. Montino / Flickr

Address
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355, USA
Phone +1 661-255-4100

Six Flags Magic Mountain is the place to go to get your roller coaster on. The coaster called "Goliath" starts with a 255-foot drop into a dark tunnel at 85 miles per hour. Tatsu is one of the tallest, fastest, and longest flying coasters on earth. And, Riddler's Revenge is one of the world's tallest and fastest stand-up coasters. This ride also turns you upside down six times! In short—if you're an adrenaline junkie who loves big, fast rides, Magic Mountain is the place for you. Plus, you'll earn bragging rights for surviving some of the most extreme coasters built to date.

Things to consider: The Magic Mountain experience consists of standing in line for a long time, and then taking a short, but exhilarating, ride before you get into another line. Also, there's little to do at Magic Mountain, other than riding roller coasters, especially for young children, and the only way to shorten your wait time is to pay extra for the Flash Pass.

07 of 25

Drop in at Knott's Berry Farm

Knott's Berry Farm

Jeremy Thompson / Flickr

Address
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620, USA
Phone +1 714-220-5200

Knott's Berry Farm started out as a way to entertain folks (with Old West-themed attractions) who were standing in line for Cordelia Knott's fried chicken dinners. Today, Knott's Berry Farm is a thrill-ride-filled theme park. The Knott's experience has a bit of a split personality, with old-fashioned spots, like the Bottle House, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the wildest thrill rides on the West Coast. And while the rides are the main draw here, you can also see live shows at the Camp Snoopy Theatre, splash around at the Soak City Waterpark, and eat at Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. There's also an on-site hotel.

Things to consider: Sadly, either tastes have changed, or Mrs. Knott's chicken dinners aren't what they used to be. Online reviewers give the greasy meals only 3.5 stars.

08 of 25

Say Hello to Hollywood

The Hollywood sign up on the hill

Christian Hundley / TripSavvy

Address
Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Hollywood is actually more of a state of mind than a real place. That said, in Los Angeles, much of the hype centers around Hollywood Boulevard and its intersection with Highland Boulevard. Ever since Sid Grauman built his first movie houses and asked his famed friends to imprint their hands and feet in wet cement outside his Chinese Theatre, the area has been the site of a film fan frenzy. Along the boulevard, you'll find the Walk of Fame, a series of stars embedded in the sidewalk, celebrating hundreds of personal achievements in film, television, and music. Celebrity impersonators prowl the sidewalks, posing for photos with passersby (for a small fee). And if you're lucky, you might get to witness a footprint ceremony, star ceremony, or movie premiere while there.

There's more to Hollywood than just the boulevard, however. Nearby, you'll find the Hollywood Bowl (the best place to catch a summer concert), Paramount Studios, and the Hollywood Heritage Museum (the birthplace of the film industry).

Things to consider: Don't let outdated online guides tell you that Hollywood is dirty and rundown. For the most part, that's a thing of the past. Still, that doesn't mean it isn't crowded and sometimes tacky.

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09 of 25

Take a Studio Tour at Universal Studios

Taking the Studio Tour at Universal Studios

Betsy Malloy Photography

Universal Studios has a well-earned reputation, and a visit here is especially fun for anyone who loves the movies. The park's Studio Tour was originally created to provide a sneak peek at Universal Studios' sound stages and famous film sets, but it's evolved into a full-fledged park of its own, Hollywood-movie style. The tour offers themed rides (think Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy), an actual studio tour, and a Wizarding World of Harry Potter experience. In short, the tour takes you through a working studio, but with lots of extras created just to entertain you. 

Things to consider: Universal Studios is not in Hollywood proper, but lies in the San Fernando Valley. It's a short drive away from Hollywood at Highland, on U.S. Highway 101.

10 of 25

See the Sunset Strip

Sunset Boulevard at Night

Betsy Malloy Photography

Address
Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, CA, USA

Sunset Boulevard runs from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean and travels through Los Angeles' exclusive neighborhoods. Its most famous stretch is called "The Sunset Strip," a section whose sexy curves, lined with nightclubs and emblematic billboards, make it a visual icon. The Sunset Strip runs through West Hollywood, between Crescent Heights and Doheny Drive, on the north side of the Los Angeles metro area. During the day, this area is quiet, aside from people shopping and hanging out at Sunset Plaza and dining at the area's eateries. At night, the Strip is illuminated in neon lights, making it an easy place to club-hop with sidewalks full of party-goers, and without driving around.

Things to consider: Finding free parking here is not easy. Most clubs and restaurants on The Strip have their own parking lot with a valet, and the only free parking spaces have a limit of one to two hours.

11 of 25

Visit Venice Beach

A mural on Venice Beach

Christian Hundley / TripSavvy

Address
Venice Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Weird, wonderful, and totally Los Angeles, Venice Beach is where you'll find a full-on scene in Southern California. Even the graffiti here is larger than life—and the people-watching is top shelf. On the boardwalk, you'll encounter fortunetellers, artists, hawkers, and street performers mixing with rollerbladers in thong bikinis. And that's only the beginning.

Venice Beach is more than just the sidewalk scene, however. Stroll away from the busy boardwalk and check out the pier for a quiet break, or walk out to the Graffiti Walls and admire the talented outdoor art. It's only a few blocks stroll to the remnants of the old waterways, designed by the developer Abbot Kinney (to replicate the canal-lined Italian city it was named for) and complete with pastel houses and arched bridges. Head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard for boutique shopping and artisan restaurants.

Things to consider: Some people are put off by the grunge and alarmed by the characters they encounter here. Remember, the beach scene is a daytime phenomenon only. Also, parking can be hard to find when it's busy, leaving paid parking lots your only option.

12 of 25

Window-Shop on Rodeo Drive

Shops on Rodeo Drive

Christian Hundley / TripSavvy

Address
Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA, USA

Everyone enjoys a vicarious peek at the rich and famous, and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills delivers an eye-popping dose of it. Here, you're likely to find the most expensive luxury cars parked by the curb, as well as celebrities popping in and out of designer shops. Only a few blocks long, this upscale shopping area is small and runs between Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards.

Most visitors to this section of town enjoy window-shopping at designer stores, including Bijan—rumored to be the world's most expensive store in the world—Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. You can also take a Beverly Hills trolley tour, an excursion that takes you down Rodeo Drive, and gives you a peek at nearby neighborhoods, celebrities' former homes, and famous landmarks.

Things to consider: Crowds here can make it difficult to find a parking spot, and Rodeo Drive is virtually dead after dark, making the best time for people-watching during the day.

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13 of 25

Explore Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier at sunset


Kenny Hung photography / Getty Images

Address
Santa Monica, CA, USA

Considered one of National Geographic's "Top 10 Beach Cities," the walkable town of Santa Monica makes a great stop for those wanting to immerse themselves in beach culture. Most travelers will recognize the iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier, where you can take in an unforgettable sunset. The Pier is also known as the best fishing spot in the city and is home to several shops and restaurants. Catch a street performer on the pier, and then head to downtown Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade, a car-free, open-air shopping district, complete with over 80 designer retailers, a farmer's market, restaurants, and bars. You can also take a tour of the city on foot, or by bike or bus.

Things to consider:  On weekends, don't miss out on the free historical walking tour, sponsored by the Santa Monica Conservancy, and, on Thursdays during the summer, catch one of the Twilight Concerts at the beach.

14 of 25

Set Out on Hiking Trails

Hiking trails in Runyon Canyon

GDMatt66 / Getty Images

While most travelers recognize Los Angeles County for its beaches and cities, you can also set out on a hike to experience nature. Some hikes, like the 3-mile Runyon Canyon Loop, offer more of an urban hiking experience, full of people-watching, celebrity sightings, and views of the Hollywood sign. The Temescal Gateway Park offers easy to moderate trails through oak and sycamore forests and along ridgetops with expansive views. The Baldwin Hills Trail takes you out of the urban jungle and up a steep hill to a scenic overlook, which, on a clear day, extends from Santa Monica Bay, across the Hollywood Hills, and toward downtown Los Angeles. The Corral Canyon Loop, located in the only canyon on the west side of the Santa Monica Mountains that remains undeveloped, takes you through hills of sage, with the occasional alder and willow tree, and offers panoramic views of the coast.

Things to consider: Hiking in LA, in general, does not give the avid enthusiast a true wilderness experience. Expect to pass several hikers and bikers along most trails, as well as full parking lots. Get there early.

15 of 25

Visit Iconic Museums

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art


David Livingston /Getty Images

Non-outdoor enthusiasts will have fun in the city proper, as it boasts numerous museums and cultural exhibits worth checking out. At the top of the list sits the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where just the building is a spectacle in and of itself. This museum is the largest art museum in the western United States, housing more than 147,000 objects that span 6,000 years of global artistic expression. Similarly, The Broad contemporary art museum's innovative “veil-and-vault” architectural design will stop you in your tracks. This "lending museum" houses works that go out on loan to museums around the world. Kids and science buffs will love the Natural History Museum's Spider Pavilion, Dinosaur Hall, and outdoor nature gardens. And, the California Science Center claims "fun for the whole family," complete with IMAX movies, an indoor ecosystems experience, and an exhibit on telescopes.

Things to consider: To ease the stress of visiting several museums during your stay, make sure to buy tickets in advance, consider the museum's special exhibits, and look into taking a tour.

16 of 25

Stargaze at Griffith Park and Observatory

Griffith Park and Observatory

AaronP / Bauer-Griffin /Getty Images

Address
Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

Griffith Park, home to the Griffith Observatory and a state-of-the-art planetarium, is the largest municipal park in Los Angeles, spanning 4,210 acres of protected mountains and canyons. Should you choose to put this site on your itinerary, make sure to plan an entire day here, as the park includes 50 miles of trails—including one that takes you to the famed Hollywood sign—and landscaped gardens perfect for a summer day picnic. Inside the observatory, you can attend a show at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, check out the sun through a solar telescope, and enjoy guided talks. Come nightfall, retire to the roof and lawn of the observatory to see the night sky through one of the many public telescopes.

Things to consider: Hikers should note that Griffith Park is a wilderness area, complete with quail, rodents, foxes, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and deer. Bicycles are not permitted on trails here, and dogs must be on a leash at all times.

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17 of 25

Hear Live Music

Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood Hills

Archive Photos / Getty Images

Whether you're a lover of national touring bands, or you like to tuck yourself into a trendy coffee shop to hear up-and-coming acts, Los Angeles shares its music scene with you. Check out Hollywood Bowl, an amphitheater located in the Hollywood Hills, to enjoy touring acts like the Jonas Brothers, Dead & Company, and Steely Dan. Rated one of the top 10 outdoor music venues by Rolling Stone magazine, this is the place to go. Take in a symphony performance from the LA Philharmonic group at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. And, the Greek Theater, an LA icon, hosts both national acts and cover bands. However, if an intimate setting is more your jam, visit the Hotel Cafe to see acoustic performers who are new on the scene.

  • Things to consider: If you're attending an outdoor concert at Hollywood Bowl, come prepared with layers of clothing, in case it gets cold. Also, choose seats close to an aisle, so you can easily get in and out.
18 of 25

Time-Trip in Historic Mansions and Homes

The exterior of the Hollyhock House


Ted Soqui / Getty Images

Los Angeles, "home of the rich and famous," has no shortage of mansions, but the historical ones rank high in architecture appeal. For instance, the Greystone Mansion, a Tudor Revival mansion located on the Doheny Greystone Estate and set among English gardens, has provided the backdrop for scenes from movies like The Social Network (2010), Austin Powers: Goldmember (2002), and The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989). You can make a tour reservation to view the home and grounds. The Hollyhock House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the oil heiress Aline Barnsdall. The house is located in East Hollywood and features an "introverted" exterior, with windows that seem hidden from the outside, and a central courtyard, possibly intended for use as an outdoor theater. You can take a virtual tour of the interior or view the exterior of the house with a trip to the Barnsdall Art Park. The Gamble House, located in Pasadena, features an iconic American Craftsman design, built for David and Mary Gamble of Cincinnati, Ohio, as a winter residence in 1908. You can tour the exterior of this mansion, along with its gardens, through advanced booking.

Things to consider: Most of the historical mansions in the LA area only offer exterior tours, and some you can only view from afar.

19 of 25

Get Fresh Air in L.A.’s Parks

Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles

Barbara Davidson / Getty Images

If you need a break from shopping, dining, and walking about the city streets, take a load off in one of Los Angeles' city parks. Echo Park Lake, located in a historic neighborhood in East LA, was once a drinking water reservoir that has turned into a fishing and boating oasis. Here, you can take a walk on the path surrounding the lake, chill out on the lawn and have a picnic, or rent a pedal boat for a cruise around the lake.

Located in the Baldwin Hills in LA County, Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area contains seven miles of hiking trails, four playgrounds, a basketball court, a fishing lake, a sand volleyball court, two baseball fields, one multi-purpose field, and picnic shelters. This park also hosts various programs, like a junior ranger program, and holds free concerts and a farmer's and flea market.

At The Japanese Garden in the San Fernando Valley, you can sit and meditate or stroll among the waterfalls, lakes and streams, abundant greenery, and stone-carved lanterns. This quiet space represents a traditional Japanese Chisen-Kaiyushiki style (“a wet garden with a promenade") and can be visited Monday through Thursday by reservation only.

Things to consider: Echo Park Lake is known for housing an expansive homeless community, although efforts have been made to clean up park encampments. Additionally, the area of Echo Park has an above-average violent crime rate.

20 of 25

Check Out Downtown LA

A bird's-eye view of downtown Los Angeles


Jerritt Clark / Getty Images

Explore downtown Los Angeles, paying a special stop to the city's Historic Core, located between Hill and Main Streets and First and Ninth Street. Here, you can take a tour of the eclectic neighborhood, stopping by sites like the historic Broadway Theater District, Clifton's Cafeteria, the oldest surviving cafeteria-style restaurant in LA, and The Last Bookstore, known for its must-see interior design.

Don't miss a trip to Little Tokyo, one of only three official "Japantowns" in the U.S., containing traditional restaurants, a vibrant shopping area, and art museums and galleries. It's in this authentic neighborhood that you can taste some of the best ramen of your life at Daikokuya, tour the Japanese American National Museum, and spend no more $1.50 at Daiso, a Japanese version of LA’s 99-Cents-Only Stores. 

The Bradbury Building in downtown LA is an architectural landmark. This five-story office building—built in 1893—houses a skylit atrium of walkways, stairs, and elevators, as well as ornate ironwork. And, L.A. Live is a must-see, all-inclusive entertainment complex where you can attend live shows, movies, play Xbox, visit the Grammy Museum, and eat out, all in one outing.

Things to consider: There is no singular downtown experience, as a stop here can be the most dynamic part of your trip. Spend multiple days downtown or, at least a long weekend, to gain the full experience.

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21 of 25

Go to the Movies

ArcLight Cinemas Los Angeles

AaronP / Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

Each year, the draw of Hollywood lures young wannabe actors to the City of Angles. And, even with the growing competition of film hot spots—think New York and New Orleans—Los Angeles is still a major hub for moviegoers. The DTLA Film Festival in September showcases independent films with an emphasis on diversity. LA Film Festivals feature everything from animated movies to comedies and from sci-fi to horror movies.

Of course, there are tons of great venues to check out, too. ArcLight Hollywood (temporarily closed) once featured cushy, reclined seating, state-of-the-art sound, and an in-house, upscale cafe bar. They aired first-run, indie, and foreign movies, and hosted video premiers. Right next door on Sunset Boulevard sits the historical Cinerama Dome, the first concrete geodesic dome in the world, built in 1963. And Cinespia, located in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, projects classic movies on a mausoleum wall once a week during the summer.

Things to consider: Both ArcLight Hollywood and the Cinerama Dome venues are currently closed, but a plan to reopen them soon is in the works.

22 of 25

See Famous (or Soon-to-Be Famous) Comedians

The Laugh Factory in Hollywood


AaronP / Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

For lovers of comedy, there's no shortage of clubs in Los Angeles. Many of the popular spots are located on the Sunset Strip, with more laid-back venues located in and around the city. The Laugh Factory is one of the more notable clubs that hosts celebrity comedians. Known for its iconic neon sign on the Sunset Strip, this high-profile haunt is rated the "#1 Comedy club in the country" by USA Today. Similarly, The Comedy Store, founded by comedian Sammy Shore (Elvis Presley's opening act), his wife Mitzi, and comedy writer Rudy DeLuca in 1972, is a favorite tourist club. Inside, the Original Room stage is considered one of the best rooms in the country, hosting former performers like David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Jim Carrey. For a low-key option, visit The Groundlings, an improv school and theater in Melrose Avenue that relies heavily on audience participation.

Things to consider: You’ll need to spring for VIP tickets to be guaranteed a seat at The Laugh Factory. And, the Comedy Store has a two-drink minimum, so if rowdy crowds aren't your thing, go elsewhere.

23 of 25

Take a Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Street view of Warner Brothers Studios

FG / Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

Address
Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, CA, USA

Go backstage by touring Warner Bros. Studios, one of the oldest film studios in the world. This tour highlights over 100 years of Warner Bros. history, takes you by the water fountain and bar set from the television series "Friends," as well as the set from "The Big Bang Theory." You also get to play in the interactive sound stage, check out superheroes and supervillains, and see how the magic happens in the Harry Potter movie. Afterward, stop in the store to grab your favorite fan gear. The tour takes about two to three hours, depending on which experience you choose: the Studio Tour, the Classics Tour, or the Deluxe Tour.

Things to consider: An additional parking fee will be added to your tour price, and you cannot take photos of the sets or the sights while on the tour.

24 of 25

Eat Specialty Food at The Original Farmers Market

Specialty butcher store

Revolu7ion93 / Getty Images

Address
6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Phone +1 323-933-9211

The Original Farmers Market (once a simple farm stand located on a rural dairy farm) is a great place to people-watch. With food choices galore, including 100 gourmet grocers and restaurants, foodies flock here looking to indulge in a taste of LA's history. Now surrounded by the city, this one-stop food market delivers meat, poultry and dairy items, produce, baked goods, spices, and desserts. It also houses several sit-down restaurants, for those looking to sample anything from American to French to Brazilian cuisine. Lastly, the market contains shops that sell housewares, clothing, jewelry, and magazines and books. Attend a fall harvest festival here, or stop by Friday evenings to hear live music from local bands.

Things to consider: If you're looking for a traditional farmer's market experience, filled with produce stalls from local farmers, visit one of Los Angeles' many other farmer's markets instead. This market is more of a shopping mall.

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25 of 25

Take Your Dog for a Walk at Rosie's Beach

Surfers and dogs on the beach


Amanda Edwards / Getty Images

Address
5000 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA
Phone +1 562-570-3100

If you need to find a place for your dog to run, leave the concrete jungle and head to Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach. This 4-acre stretch of coastline lies between Roycroft and Argonne Avenues and provides pooper scoopers and bags in dispensers (although you're encouraged to bring your own). This beach is the only legal dog beach in LA where your dog is free to roam off-leash and mingle with other four-legged friends. Nearby showers allow you to wash saltwater from your dog's fur after a frolicking play session in the ocean.

Things to consider: Rosie's Dog Beach can get crowded with dogs of all types. If your dog is aggressive or very timid, it's best to avoid this spot altogether.

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25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles