Los Angeles, United States of America - Things to Do in Los Angeles

Things to Do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Los Angeles, the sprawling metropolis of Southern California, is a city where dreams are made and entertainment reigns supreme. From the iconic Hollywood sign perched in the hills to the sun-soaked beaches of Santa Monica, LA offers an intoxicating blend of glamour, creativity, and laid-back California culture. This diverse city is home to world-class museums, cutting-edge cuisine, and neighborhoods that each tell their own unique story, from the trendy arts district downtown to the upscale boutiques of Beverly Hills. Beyond its reputation as the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles surprises visitors with its incredible cultural diversity, innovative food scene, and year-round perfect weather. Whether you're seeking celebrity spotting opportunities, world-class shopping, pristine beaches, or authentic street tacos, LA delivers an experience that's both larger than life and authentically Californian. The city's car culture and sprawling layout mean every neighborhood feels like a different destination, making each visit a chance to discover something entirely new.

Top Things to Do in Los Angeles

Explore Hollywood and Celebrity Culture

Immerse yourself in the heart of the entertainment industry by walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visiting iconic theaters, and exploring the legendary studios where movie magic happens. Experience the glamour of Tinseltown while learning about the history and current workings of the film industry. Many tours offer behind-the-scenes access to active studios and insider stories about your favorite movies and TV shows.

Booking Tip: Studio tours typically cost $50-70 and should be booked in advance, especially during peak season. Look for operators offering small group experiences (under 15 people) for better access and personalization. Morning tours often provide better celebrity spotting opportunities.

Experience the Beach Culture

Soak up the California sun along LA's stunning coastline, from the bustling Santa Monica Pier with its iconic Ferris wheel to the trendy Venice Beach boardwalk with its street performers and muscle beach. Each beach community offers its own distinct personality, from upscale Manhattan Beach to the artistic vibe of Venice. Enjoy beach volleyball, surfing lessons, or simply people-watching while enjoying the perfect weather.

Booking Tip: Beach tours and activities range from $30-80 depending on inclusions. Book bike rental tours that cover multiple beach communities for the best value. Sunset timing tours (4-7 PM) offer the most Instagram-worthy moments and comfortable temperatures.

Discover Downtown LA's Urban Renaissance

Explore the revitalized downtown core with its impressive skyline, world-class museums like MOCA and The Broad, and the historic Grand Central Market. The Arts District showcases incredible street art and galleries, while Little Tokyo and Chinatown offer authentic cultural experiences. The area perfectly blends LA's historic architecture with cutting-edge urban development.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost $25-45 and are best booked for weekday mornings when museums and markets are less crowded. Look for food-focused tours that include tastings at Grand Central Market. Many operators offer combo tickets with museum entries for better value.

Indulge in LA's Food Scene

Experience one of the world's most diverse and innovative food scenes, from authentic Korean BBQ in Koreatown to gourmet food trucks serving fusion cuisine. LA's culinary landscape reflects its multicultural population with everything from high-end celebrity chef restaurants to hole-in-the-wall gems serving the best tacos, dim sum, and Persian cuisine. The city's food truck culture and farmers markets are legendary.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from $60-120 and typically last 3-4 hours with 5-7 stops. Book tours that focus on specific neighborhoods like Koreatown or the Arts District for authentic experiences. Evening tours often include craft cocktails and provide a more comprehensive cultural experience.

Explore Iconic Neighborhoods and Landmarks

Venture through LA's diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique character and attractions, from the luxury shopping of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills to the bohemian charm of West Hollywood and the artistic energy of Silver Lake. Visit architectural marvels like the Getty Center and Griffith Observatory while discovering hidden gems in areas like Los Feliz and Manhattan Beach.

Booking Tip: Comprehensive city tours cost $70-150 and typically last 6-8 hours covering multiple neighborhoods. Choose operators with comfortable vehicles and knowledgeable local guides who can provide insider access to viewpoints and photo spots. Private tours offer more flexibility for customizing stops.

Getting There

Los Angeles is served by Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the busiest airports in the world, with direct flights from major cities globally. Alternative airports include Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), and Orange County (SNA) which may offer more convenient access depending on your final destination. The city is also accessible by train via Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner from San Diego and San Francisco, or by car via major interstate highways including I-5, I-10, and I-405. Many visitors choose to fly into LAX and rent a car immediately, as having personal transportation significantly enhances the LA experience.

Getting Around

Los Angeles is famously car-centric, and renting a vehicle provides the most flexibility for exploring the sprawling metropolis and its diverse neighborhoods. The Metro system includes buses and rail lines connecting major areas like Hollywood, Downtown, Santa Monica, and LAX, with day passes available for $7. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available but can be expensive during peak hours and events. For specific areas like Santa Monica or Hollywood, walking and electric scooters work well, while bike-sharing programs are popular along the beach communities.

Where to Stay

Santa Monica
West Hollywood
Beverly Hills
Hollywood
Downtown LA
Manhattan Beach

Food & Dining

Los Angeles boasts one of the world's most diverse and innovative dining scenes, reflecting its multicultural population and creative spirit. From Michelin-starred restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs to authentic ethnic enclaves serving incredible Korean BBQ, Mexican street tacos, and Armenian cuisine, every neighborhood offers culinary discoveries. The city's food truck culture is legendary, with gourmet mobile kitchens serving everything from Korean-Mexican fusion to artisanal ice cream. Don't miss the farmers markets, particularly the original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax, Grand Central Market downtown, or the weekend markets in Santa Monica, where local produce meets prepared foods from the city's top chefs.

Top-Rated Restaurants in United States

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Peppermill and Fireside Lounge

4.5 /5
(19043 reviews) 2
bar night_club

Moonshine Grill

4.6 /5
(7161 reviews) 2
bar

The Southern Gentleman

4.8 /5
(4877 reviews) 2

The Guenther House

4.5 /5
(4678 reviews) 2

Canlis

4.6 /5
(2800 reviews) 4
bar

Whiskey Bird

4.8 /5
(2525 reviews) 2

When to Visit

Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, pleasant weather year-round, making it an ideal destination in any season. The best time to visit is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are comfortable, crowds are smaller, and hotel rates are more reasonable. Summer brings perfect beach weather but also peak tourist crowds and higher prices, while winter offers the mildest temperatures and occasional rain, making it perfect for museum visits and indoor attractions. The famous June Gloom phenomenon brings overcast mornings to coastal areas, but afternoons typically clear up beautifully.

Insider Tips

Download parking apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero to pre-book parking in popular areas like Hollywood and Santa Monica, as street parking can be extremely limited and expensive
Take advantage of happy hour specials at rooftop bars and restaurants between 4-6 PM for stunning city and ocean views at a fraction of dinner prices
Visit popular attractions like the Getty Center or Griffith Observatory on weekday mornings to avoid crowds and get the best photo opportunities with clearer air quality

Explore Activities in Los Angeles