THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Los Angeles - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Los Angeles

Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles Attractions

Things to Do in Los Angeles

Go celeb-spotting in Hollywood, or behind-the-scenes of your fave movies at Universal Studios. Then, hit the beaches or Griffith Observatory for views for days.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Los Angeles.

Top Attractions in Los Angeles

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.




*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Henry S
    Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Large crowds but still fun. Was able to do a couple rides before lunch. Just make sure to wear good shoes you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
    Written April 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jemlnlx
    Bronx, NY4,790 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely space and spectacular views (in a distance) of both the downtown Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign.

    Parking is a bit rough here...your options including: getting parking in the limited lot right near the observatory or park in the trails leading up to that area...both of these options cost $10 per hour, effective 12pm - 10pm during the week, or 10am - 10pm during the weekend.

    You can also park further away along the trail or in the larger Greek parking lot and follow the trail up the observatory...these options are free.

    You can also take public transportation (Dash Observatory Bus) from Sunset Blvd.. There is also a stop at the lower (free) Greek Parking lot that can take you up.

    Keep in mind that the Observatory area is extremely busy during sunset times...so parking closer to the observatory around that time is very difficult. You best best would be to park in the lower lot and take the shuttle.

    For those who are more active...parking further and hiking to the observatory and Hollywood Sign would make for a lovely, but tiring, day.

    Plan ahead!
    Written April 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paulette H
    Florida18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The art exhibits were wonderful, and the grounds immaculate. It takes time to go through the museum, so make sure you leave enough time to explore. The entrance is free, but parking is expensive, so be forewarned. There are paintings and sculptures by many famous artists at the Getty museum, and it is not crowded during weekdays. You can take your own guided tour with assistance from your own curator box, or from a docent. Lunch at the cafe is extremely expensive- $16 for a chicken sandwich, so maybe eat before you go.
    Written May 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alex S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We did the Engineering and Gun tours - both of which need to be scheduled well in advance. The tours are small group for a reason. You will go through all sorts of spaces well off the beaten path and NOT part of the general admission tour. These were incredibly informative and interesting. You will get a workout going up and down a variety of narrow and steep stairs. That shouldn't dissuade anyone as this is part of life on the ship. Another benefit to the small tour group limit is that you can ask nearly as many questions as you can think of. The docents had an accurate answer for each and every one that our group asked. You'll get something out of these tours even if you aren't a military/ship nut. At the least, you'll get to imagine how 70+ crew manned one turret or how they bunked in some pretty tight places. Truly a great tour experience!
    Written March 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RennieFamilyHolidays
    Middlesbrough, UK304 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I’ve been before so decided to bring my brother as we both love cars and he loves the Delorean so it was a must. I think it was about £20 roughly each which is great price. The good thing is they change the cars so not always the same. Some stunning cars for everyone to see.
    Written April 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Shalone M
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    For the crowds the arena was clean and held at a good temperature. We arrived an hour early and were able to find our seats quickly. The line for the main merchandise store was extremely long.
    Written April 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • myle tan
    Romblon Island, Philippines275 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    You can take a very zoomed in picture at the griffith observatory if you want to. After the sign its nothing else
    Written December 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Grover R
    Pensacola, FL18,131 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the places I had to see on my first visit to trip LA was one of the places I had to take my friends on this trip, the La Brea Tar Pits. While the stories of the pits fascinated me as a child, the visit is for any age. Rarely do you find places where oil makes it to the surface. However, it is even more amazing with that place is such a repository of fossil remains from thousands of years.

    The museum is very interesting with a wall of Saber-tooth Tiger skulls and prehistoric animals. However, the park and grounds are equally interesting with displays to teach the formation of the ponds and the history for prehistoric to 20th century. The first thing you see is pond with decoy mammoths showing the struggle that so many animals faced. As you walk the grounds you will see smaller tar areas fenced and while they don't have creatures, they will have storyboards discussing how for 200 years Los Angeles residents have used the tar pits as a free source of asphalt and tar for roofs and road uses. For me it is both fun and educational. Everyone in our group enjoyed.
    Written April 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Craig
    Wellington, New Zealand9 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice mall in beautiful setting. The connected farmers market is more interesting. Good way to spend a few hours, we had lunch at the Marmalade café which was nice with good friendly service
    Written April 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Grover R
    Pensacola, FL18,131 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of my favorite places on my first trip to LA was Griffith Park so I had to bring my friends. Two of the best things to see in the park are the Griffith Observatory and Mount Hollywood, which is the peak directly opposite the observatory and one of the highest points in the Hollywood Hills, so it has great views of the city. However, Mount Hollywood is not the same peak with the sign, but you do get some great views of the sign hiking between the observatory and the peak. Also parking here, there are public restrooms before you start or when you return.

    It is one of the perfect urban hikes at 2.5 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain. There is also free parking if you go early before the observatory opens. We went on the last morning of our vacation so we could make the hike and get back to our hotel to shower before hotel check out. It is great exercise and the best way to start the day.

    The day we hiked was not as clear as my first visit, so the views were not as crisp. Despite this the clouds and humidity, you still had great views and this time the moisture meant there was more greenery and flower for the hike. In late March the hike was cool but not cold so simply perfect. Everyone in our group of 12 loved the hike with incredible views of the observatory, downtown and the "Hollywood" sign. I cannot recommend this more, both times it was my favorite activity in LA.
    Written May 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Serdar Ö
    Istanbul, Türkiye48 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This building is an architectural monument. Spending time by observing the curves of the exterior walls is something not to miss in Los Angeles. Superb acoustic design of the interior is worth mentioning. I love it. Visit the shop and see the high quality miscellaneous objects to buy.
    Written April 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cavalier1994
    Bethesda, MD129 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There is a certain chill vibe to this beach that is different from its neighbor Santa Monica beach to the north. Still at daytime it felt safe. Lots of people exercising or strolling, just doing their own thing. This beach is about acceptance and tolerance, as long as you go in thinking that way, you’ll enjoy it. For example, there’s a scent of cannabis lingering always. The retail stores (many of them renting bikes or motorized vehicles, incense, tattoo, etc) are eclectic and fun to see but not necessarily to buy. Funny that this is where Barbie and Ken arrived in the movie. The skate park is fun to watch the skills and creativeness in front of you especially when the sun sets. Within a block from the beach there are private parking lots - we paid $10 for 3 hour - but we prob could have found the public parking.
    Written April 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Los Angeles




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