Discover Los Angeles: Top Attractions and Activities
Los Angeles, the heart of Southern California, is renowned for its year-round attractions, including the film and entertainment industry epicenter, Hollywood. The city's cultural diversity fuels a thriving culinary scene, exceptional shopping, outstanding museums, and family-friendly destinations like Disneyland and Universal Studios.
Visitors flock to LA for its warm climate and beaches, while families often return to its famous theme parks.
For a curated list of must-see spots, check out the top tourist attractions in Los Angeles.
Also see: Where to Stay in Los Angeles: Best Areas & Hotels
1. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Theme Park is both a working movie studio and a theme park featuring rides from famous movies and shows like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Transformers. To avoid long lines, consider a Skip the Line: Front of Line Pass. Don't miss CityWalk for shopping and dining, or take a guided studio tour to see exclusive behind-the-scenes areas.
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California
Official site: http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
2. Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory
Griffith Park, the largest city park in Los Angeles, offers the Los Angeles Zoo, hiking trails, and the iconic Griffith Observatory—free to the public. The observatory features exhibits, telescopes, and stunning city views.
Official site: www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithPK/griffith.htm
Private guided tours in Los Angeles
3. Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort, a short drive from LA, offers the classic Disneyland Park and the newer Disneyland California Adventure Park. The resort is complete with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Official site: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/
4. Hollywood
Hollywood is famous for the Hollywood sign, Hollywood Boulevard, and the Chinese Theatre. Visitors can explore the Walk of Fame and possibly spot celebrities.
5. The Getty Center
The Getty Center, set in the Santa Monica Mountains, houses European art, modern photography, and offers panoramic views of Los Angeles.
Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California
Official site: http://www.getty.edu/
6. Petersen Automotive Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum showcases an extensive collection of cars and motorcycles, from antiques to modern vehicles.
Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California
Official site: https://www.petersen.org/
7. Santa Monica
Santa Monica is known for its beach, the iconic Santa Monica Pier, and vibrant downtown. The area is accessible via the Expo Metro line or by car rental.
8. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The museum is famous for its dinosaur exhibits and offers a look into California's natural history.
Address: 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles
Official site: https://www.nhm.org
9. California Science Center
Home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the California Science Center offers free admission and features exhibits on technology, ecosystems, and more.
Address: 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, California
Official site: http://californiasciencecenter.org/
10. The Broad
The Broad houses contemporary and postwar art with free general admission, though special exhibitions may have a fee.
Address: 221 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California
Official site: http://www.thebroad.org/
11. The Original Farmers Market
Starting in 1934, the Farmers Market has evolved into a bustling spot with food stands, restaurants, and specialty shops.
Address: 6333 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, California
Official site: http://www.farmersmarketla.com/
12. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, featuring diverse collections from around the world.
Address: 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California
Official site: http://www.lacma.org/
13. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere, street performers, and the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
14. Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is famous for luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive and its upscale atmosphere.
15. La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits are a prehistoric site where visitors can see live excavations and learn about the fossilization process.
Address: 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
Official site: http://www.tarpits.org/
16. Battleship Iowa Museum
The Battleship Iowa Museum offers a glimpse into naval life and history with self-guided tours.
Address: 250 S Harbor Blvd., Low Angeles, California
Official Site: https://www.pacificbattleship.com/
17. Malibu
Malibu's stunning beaches and seafood restaurants make it a popular destination.
18. Long Beach
Long Beach features a waterfront district with attractions like the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
19. The Nethercutt Collection
The Nethercutt Collection is a treasure trove for antique car enthusiasts, displaying a wide range of classic vehicles.
Address: 15151 Bledsoe Street, Sylmar, California
Official site: http://www.nethercuttcollection.org/
20. The Getty Villa
The Getty Villa showcases ancient art in a recreated Roman country house setting.
21. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
MOCA focuses on contemporary works from the 1940s onwards, with two locations in Los Angeles.
Official site: http://www.moca.org/
Where to Stay in Los Angeles for Sightseeing
For beachfront stays, consider Santa Monica with options like The Viceroy or the Shore Hotel. Beverly Hills offers luxury at The Beverly Hills Hotel, while Hollywood has the The Hollywood Roosevelt. Families visiting Disneyland might prefer the Disneyland Hotel. Downtown LA is great for business travelers and sports fans, with hotels like the Omni Los Angeles at California Plaza.
Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Los Angeles
See the Sights: A Los Angeles Hop-on Hop-off Double Decker Bus Tour is a flexible way to explore the city's highlights.
