Visiting Los Angeles: 12 Must-See Attractions and Things to Do

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is a sprawling metropolis where Hollywood glamour meets a cultural scene in constant motion. Between its golden beaches lined with palm trees, world-renowned museums, and neighborhoods with radically different vibes, LA can never be reduced to a single identity. Here, you can travel in just a few miles from hiking trails overlooking the ocean to the bustling streets of Downtown, from legendary film studios to authentic taquerias in cosmopolitan neighborhoods. Whether you’re into culture, nature, food, or simply that famous Californian lifestyle, Los Angeles has something to dazzle you around every corner.

1/12The Hollywood Sign and Walk of Fame: At the Heart of the Californian Dream

No trip to Los Angeles is complete without gazing at the world’s most famous nine white letters. Perched on Mount Lee in Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign has towered over the city since 1923 and single-handedly embodies the Hollywood dream. For the best photos, take the Lake Hollywood Park trail or hike up to Griffith Observatory. Then head down to Hollywood Boulevard to walk along the Walk of Fame: over 2,700 bronze stars embedded in the sidewalk honor legends of film, music, and television. Don’t miss the TCL Chinese Theatre with its legendary handprints set in concrete. The Walk of Fame is free to visit and open around the clock.

2/12Griffith Observatory: The Most Breathtaking Panorama Over Los Angeles

Perched in the hills of Griffith Park, this Art Deco observatory is one of California’s most visited landmarks — and admission is entirely free. The 360° panorama stretches from the Downtown LA skyscrapers to the Pacific Ocean on a clear day. Inside, the Samuel Oschin Planetarium hosts immersive shows under a copper dome (tickets from $7), while rooftop telescopes are available to visitors on clear evenings. Arrive at sunset to watch the skyline light up gradually. Parking is free but fills up fast: consider the DASH bus or hiking up from the lower lot in the park.

3/12Santa Monica Pier: The Iconic Seaside Landmark of the West Coast

With its Ferris wheel sparkling against the Pacific and the Pacific Park amusement rides, Santa Monica Pier is far more than a dock — it’s a California icon. Marking the end of the legendary Route 66, it delivers a festive atmosphere at any hour. Stroll along the boardwalk, sample fish tacos from local stands, then step onto the vast beach stretching southward. The sunset from the tip of the pier is nothing short of magical. Just to the north, the Third Street Promenade is packed with shops, restaurants, and street performers. The pier itself is free to enter; expect $5–$10 per ride at Pacific Park.

4/12Venice Beach and Its Boardwalk: The Free Spirit of Los Angeles

Venice Beach embodies the quirky, creative side of Los Angeles. Its oceanfront boardwalk is a non-stop show: street performers, massive murals, skaters shredding the legendary skatepark, and bodybuilders pumping iron at Muscle Beach all share an atmosphere found nowhere else. Wander through the Venice Canals, inspired by their Italian counterpart, to discover a peaceful residential area lined with colorful homes. Abbot Kinney Boulevard, once named “coolest block in America,” is lined with concept stores, trendy cafés, and art galleries. In the late afternoon, grab a spot on the sand for a Pacific sunset. Access to the beach and boardwalk is completely free.

5/12The Getty Center: A Masterpiece of Art and Architecture on the Hilltop

Nestled in the Brentwood hills, the Getty Center is an architectural masterpiece by Richard Meier housing an impressive art collection — and admission is free. A scenic tram ride whisks you up the hill with spectacular views of the city and ocean from the start. Galleries span antiquity to the modern era, featuring works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt. Robert Irwin’s landscaped gardens are an artwork in themselves, with a maze of azaleas at the center of a green amphitheater. A restaurant and panoramic terrace complete the experience. Book your timed entry online in advance, especially on weekends. Parking is $20, or take Metro bus 761.

6/12Universal Studios Hollywood: Dive Into the Magic of Cinema

Part theme park, part working movie studio, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers a one-of-a-kind experience blending entertainment with behind-the-scenes thrills. The Studio Tour tram takes you through legendary film sets from Jaws, Psycho, and Back to the Future. Headline attractions include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World — The Ride, and the terrifying Horror Nights seasonal event. The Lower Lot packs roller coasters and high-tech simulators. Plan a full day. Tickets start at $109 online, with frequent off-season discounts. The adjacent Universal CityWalk offers restaurants and shops with no ticket required.

7/12Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive: Pure Hollywood Glamour

Rodeo Drive is arguably the most famous shopping street in the world. Across just three blocks, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada storefronts compete in elegance under perfectly aligned palm trees. Even without an unlimited shopping budget, the stroll is worthwhile for the architecture and people-watching alone. Don’t miss Via Rodeo, a charming European-inspired cobblestone lane. Just to the north, Beverly Gardens Park and its “Beverly Hills” sign offer the perfect photo spot. Continue up Mulholland Drive for a scenic cruise along the hilltop ridge between Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. Free access, with paid parking in municipal garages (2 hours free on weekdays).

8/12LACMA: An Artistic Odyssey in the Heart of the City

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western United States, housing over 150,000 works spanning 6,000 years of creativity. But it’s the outdoor installation that stops visitors first: Urban Light, Chris Burden’s 202 vintage street lamps, has become one of LA’s most photographed icons, especially at dusk. Inside, collections range from ancient Egyptian art to contemporary pieces, with a remarkable Latin American art section. The campus is undergoing a major transformation with a new building designed by Peter Zumthor. Admission: $20 for adults, free for visitors under 17. Open daily except Wednesdays.

9/12The Broad: Contemporary Art in a Futuristic Shell

Opened in 2015 in the Downtown LA district, The Broad has quickly become one of the city’s most coveted museums — and admission to the permanent collection is free. Its spectacular “veil-and-vault” architecture by Diller Scofidio + Renfro is a work of art in itself. Inside, marvel at masterpieces by Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama, and Andy Warhol. Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room is the must-try immersive experience (reservation required, free add-on slot). Book your tickets online several weeks ahead: free slots go fast. Closed Mondays.

10/12Malibu and the Pacific Coast Highway: The Legendary Pacific Road

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) toward Malibu ranks among the most photogenic road trips on earth. The road winds along spectacular cliffs overlooking turquoise water, with golden sand beaches around every bend. Stop at Zuma Beach for a swim, Point Dume for a hike to the panoramic bluff, and Malibu Pier for a seafood lunch with your feet in the sand. Nature lovers can continue to Malibu Creek State Park, a former filming location for M*A*S*H. Surfers will find legendary waves at Surfrider Beach. Allow at least half a day. A rental car is essential — the drive from Santa Monica takes about 30 minutes.

11/12Grand Central Market and Downtown LA: The Urban Renaissance

Long overlooked, Downtown Los Angeles is undergoing a spectacular revival, and the Grand Central Market is its beating heart. This century-old covered market brings together over 30 food stalls under one roof: Oaxacan tacos, Japanese ramen, house-smoked pastrami, cold-pressed juices, and artisan pastries. Right next door, ride Angels Flight, the world’s shortest funicular, up to Bunker Hill. Don’t miss the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Frank Gehry’s masterpiece with its undulating steel walls, and The Last Bookstore, an independent bookshop housed in a former bank vault. The market is free to enter and open seven days a week.

12/12Runyon Canyon: The Urban Hike With Hollywood Views

Craving nature without leaving the city? Runyon Canyon is the favorite hike of Angelenos. Located between Hollywood and Mulholland Drive, this 160-acre park offers several loops of varying difficulty, from an easy 30-minute stroll to a steep one-hour trail. At the top, the panorama over the Hollywood Sign, the LA basin, and the San Gabriel Mountains is breathtaking. It’s also one of the few parks in the city where dogs can roam off-leash. Come early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds, or at sunset for spectacular golden light. Free access, with street parking in surrounding residential areas (watch for restrictions).