Things to Do in Los Angeles, United States of America

Los Angeles, the sprawling entertainment capital of the world, is a vibrant metropolis where Hollywood glamour meets diverse cultural neighborhoods, stunning beaches, and year-round sunshine. From the iconic Hollywood sign perched in the hills to the star-studded Walk of Fame, LA offers visitors a chance to experience the magic of the film industry while exploring world-class museums, trendy shopping districts, and some of the best food scenes in America. The city's unique car culture and urban sprawl create distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality – from the bohemian vibes of Venice Beach to the upscale elegance of Beverly Hills. Beyond its entertainment industry fame, Los Angeles boasts incredible diversity with thriving Latino, Asian, and Middle Eastern communities that contribute to its rich cultural tapestry. The city's proximity to both mountains and ocean provides endless outdoor recreation opportunities, while its innovative culinary scene, led by celebrity chefs and food trucks alike, has made LA a true foodie destination. Whether you're catching a Lakers game, browsing art galleries in the Arts District, or watching the sunset from Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles offers an intoxicating blend of dreams, creativity, and California cool that captivates millions of visitors each year.

Top Things to Do in Los Angeles

Hollywood Studio Tours

Go behind the scenes of major film and television productions with guided tours of legendary studios like Universal, Warner Bros, and Sony Pictures. These immersive experiences offer glimpses of active movie sets, iconic backlots, and prop warehouses while sharing insider stories about Hollywood's biggest blockbusters. You'll walk through recreated TV show sets, see special effects demonstrations, and learn about the movie-making process from industry professionals.

Booking Tip: Book studio tours 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during summer and holidays, with prices ranging from $50-80 per person. Universal Studios tours include theme park access and tend to be more tourist-focused, while Warner Bros and Sony offer more authentic behind-the-scenes experiences with smaller groups.

Beach Activities in Santa Monica and Venice

Experience LA's iconic beach culture along the famous Santa Monica Pier with its vintage amusement park, or explore the eclectic Venice Beach boardwalk with its street performers, muscle beach, and colorful murals. Both beaches offer excellent people-watching, bike rentals, and beachfront dining, while Santa Monica provides upscale shopping at Third Street Promenade. The wide sandy beaches are perfect for volleyball, surfing lessons, or simply soaking up the California sun.

Booking Tip: Beach activities are mostly free, but parking can cost $15-25 per day near the pier - arrive early or use public transportation. Bike rentals cost around $10-15 per hour, and surfing lessons range from $75-120 for group sessions.

Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Sign Viewing

Visit the iconic Art Deco Griffith Observatory for stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles, free astronomy exhibits, and the best vantage point for photographing the Hollywood Sign. The observatory offers public telescope viewing, planetarium shows, and hiking trails through Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in America. The combination of science, spectacular city views, and Hollywood history makes this a quintessential LA experience.

Booking Tip: Observatory admission is free, but planetarium shows cost $7 for adults and often sell out on weekends - book online in advance. Visit during sunset for the most dramatic city views, and allow extra time for parking, which can be challenging on weekends and evenings.

Getty Center Art Museum Experience

Explore world-class art collections spanning from medieval manuscripts to contemporary photography at this architectural marvel perched high in the Santa Monica Mountains. The Getty Center features works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Cézanne, along with rotating special exhibitions, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking views of LA. The museum's modern architecture and outdoor sculptures create an inspiring cultural experience that rivals any major international art destination.

Booking Tip: Admission is free, but parking costs $20 (or $15 after 3 PM). Reserve parking online in advance, especially for weekend visits, as the museum limits daily visitors. Allow 3-4 hours for a comprehensive visit, and consider joining a free guided tour to enhance your experience.

Food Tours and Culinary Experiences

Discover LA's incredible food scene through guided tours of diverse neighborhoods like Koreatown, Little Tokyo, or the Arts District, sampling everything from authentic street tacos to innovative fusion cuisine. These culinary adventures showcase the city's multicultural dining landscape, including visits to legendary food trucks, hidden gem restaurants, and local markets. Many tours also include cooking classes or behind-the-scenes restaurant experiences with renowned chefs.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $75-150 per person and last 3-4 hours, with most including 6-8 tastings that constitute a full meal. Book tours that focus on specific neighborhoods or cuisines that interest you, and inform operators of any dietary restrictions when booking.

Getting There

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary gateway, located about 20 miles southwest of downtown, with extensive domestic and international connections. Other options include Burbank Airport (closer to Hollywood and the Valley), Long Beach Airport (smaller but convenient for beach areas), and Ontario Airport (eastern option). From LAX, transportation to the city center includes ride-sharing ($25-45), airport shuttles ($15-20), the LAX-it pickup area for organized transportation, or the Metro Rail connection via the LAX-it shuttle to the Aviation/LAX station. Driving to LA is popular from other West Coast cities, with Interstate 5 running north-south and Interstate 10 running east-west as major routes.

Getting Around

Los Angeles is primarily a car-dependent city, and renting a vehicle provides the most flexibility for exploring its sprawling neighborhoods and attractions. The Metro Rail system has expanded significantly and now connects major areas including Hollywood, Santa Monica, Downtown, and LAX, with day passes costing $7. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available but can be expensive during peak hours and events. Public buses cover extensive routes but can be slow due to traffic, while bike-sharing programs work well for short trips in beach areas and downtown. Many visitors combine rental cars for longer distances with walking or alternative transport in pedestrian-friendly areas like Santa Monica, Venice, and parts of Hollywood.

Where to Stay

Santa Monica

Hollywood

Beverly Hills

West Hollywood

Downtown Los Angeles

Venice Beach

Food & Dining

Los Angeles boasts one of America's most diverse and innovative food scenes, reflecting the city's multicultural population and celebrity chef culture. From high-end restaurants in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood to authentic ethnic cuisines in neighborhoods like Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and Boyle Heights, LA offers every type of dining experience imaginable. The city is famous for its food truck culture, serving everything from Korean BBQ tacos to gourmet grilled cheese, while farmers markets like the Original Farmers Market and Grand Central Market showcase local ingredients and artisanal vendors. Don't miss iconic LA foods like In-N-Out burgers, pink's hot dogs, authentic Mexican street food, and the city's thriving vegan and health-conscious restaurant scene that caters to the fitness-focused lifestyle.

When to Visit

Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, pleasant weather year-round, making it an excellent destination any time. The best months are April through June and September through November, when temperatures are comfortable (70-80°F), rainfall is minimal, and tourist crowds are more manageable. Summer (July-August) brings perfect beach weather but also peak tourist season, higher prices, and occasional heat waves, while the famous June Gloom can bring overcast mornings to coastal areas. Winter months (December-March) offer the best hotel deals and fewer crowds, with daytime temperatures still reaching 65-75°F, though this is the rainy season with occasional storms that can cause traffic delays.

Insider Tips

Download parking apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find and reserve parking in advance, especially in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica where street parking is scarce and expensive

Take advantage of 'Happy Hour' times at popular restaurants (typically 3-6 PM) to experience high-end dining at more affordable prices, and make dinner reservations well in advance for celebrity chef restaurants

Avoid driving during rush hours (7-10 AM and 4-7 PM) when possible, and always allow extra travel time between destinations as distances can be deceiving in LA's sprawling layout

Things to Do in Los Angeles