Quick answer: The LA essentials are the Griffith Observatory (free), the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a studio tour, Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, the Getty Center (free entry), LACMA’s Urban Light, Downtown (The Broad, the Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market), Malibu, Universal Studios or Disneyland, and a hike to the Hollywood Sign.
LA rewards you for picking one area per day. Here are the 20 best things to do, grouped by area.
Hollywood and the hills
- Griffith Observatory: free entry, with Hollywood Sign and city views. Sunset is magical.
- The Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre.
- A Hollywood Sign hike: the Mount Hollywood or Brush Canyon trails.
- The Warner Bros. or Paramount studio tour: the real working lots.
- Universal Studios Hollywood: the Studio Tour and Super Nintendo World. See tickets.
Westside and the beaches
- Santa Monica Pier: the Ferris wheel and the end of Route 66.
- The Venice Beach Boardwalk, the canals and the skate park.
- The Getty Center: free admission (parking is charged), with gardens and views.
- The Getty Villa in Malibu: free with a timed reservation.
- Malibu: El Matador and Zuma beaches on the Pacific Coast Highway.
- Beverly Hills: Rodeo Drive.
Museums and Downtown
- LACMA and the Urban Light installation, plus the La Brea Tar Pits next door.
- The Broad: free contemporary art (reserve ahead).
- The Walt Disney Concert Hall: Frank Gehry’s steel curves.
- Grand Central Market: LA’s food hall.
- The Arts District and Little Tokyo.
Food and day trips
- Tacos: from street trucks to Michelin-starred taquerías.
- Koreatown: Korean BBQ and late-night karaoke.
- Disneyland in Anaheim, about an hour away.
- A Pacific Coast Highway drive to Malibu, or further to Santa Barbara.
Compare LA studio tours, theme park tickets and food tours.
Tips
- Plan each day by area to beat the traffic.
- Reserve the Broad, the Getty Villa and the studio tours ahead.
- Don’t leave valuables in your car.
More Los Angeles guides
- Los Angeles travel guide
- Los Angeles itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Where to stay in Los Angeles
- Universal Studios Hollywood tickets
- LAX to Downtown, Hollywood and Santa Monica
- Best time to visit Los Angeles
FAQ: Things to do in Los Angeles
What is free to do in Los Angeles?
The Griffith Observatory grounds and building, the Getty Center and Getty Villa (you pay for parking), The Broad, the beaches, the Walk of Fame and many hikes.
What is LA best known for?
Hollywood and the film industry, its beaches, celebrity culture, its food scene and year-round sunshine.
Is Universal Studios Hollywood worth it?
Yes, for film fans and Super Nintendo World. Go on a weekday at opening.
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