When you think about the best cities in the USA, Los Angeles is probably one of the first that comes to mind. Best known as the home of Hollywood, there’s an adventure to be found around every corner in the electrifying City of Angels. From hanging at the beaches during the day to enjoying live entertainment at night, there are so many awesome places to go and fun things to do in Los Angeles.
Whether it’s your first time visiting or your tenth, you should never be using “boring” and LA in the same sentence. To help you fill all your days in the land of sunshine with excitement, this list has you covered.
The 10 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
For the diehard film buffs, the laid back beach bums, the stylish fashionistas, and everyone in between, here are the ten best things to do in Los Angeles for a top-notch experience in the city. Grab your sunglasses and enjoy!
Hit the Beaches
When it comes to beach vibes, it doesn’t get much better than this. The coastal neighborhoods along the shoreline are definitely some of the best places to go in Los Angeles, with each one offering its own unique flair.
Of course, you’ll want to check out Santa Monica. With its infamous pier and iconic boardwalk, it’s an essential stop for anyone visiting Los Angeles. Venice Beach is another must-do, where you’ll find street performers, funky shops, and fantastic ocean views. For the surfers out there or those who want a calmer ambiance, the waves of Malibu are calling your name.
In addition to lounging in the sand or going for a swim, there are a ton of fun water activities in Los Angeles you can embark on from the shoreline, too. Those with a sporty side can rent kayaks for the day or take a surfing lesson with a local instructor.
If you just want to sit back and relax, enjoy a champagne brunch on the water, take a wine and cheese cruise to spot sea lions, or go on a whale watching tour! There are always group options available if you want to meet new people, or you can book a private package for a more intimate experience with friends.
Embrace Your Inner Foodie
The only thing more diverse than people in Los Angeles is the culinary scene. For the foodies of the world, it’s a dream come true. From food carts serving delectable tacos to Michelin-starred establishments, there are tons of delicious places to go in Los Angeles for every budget and palette.
Tacos here are top-notch, so don’t pass up the chance to chow down on some authentic Mexican cuisine. The city also has a big focus on healthy eating, so you’ll find lots of innovative farm-to-table establishments and organic eateries. Otherwise, be sure to check out the restaurants along the waterfront! There are plenty of fantastic places to eat with beautiful ocean views.
Aside from just the food, the buzzing social scene makes the bars and lounges great places to hang out and meet people. Rooftop cocktails while the sun sets are always the perfect way to end a day, or the start of an even better night!
Head to Hollywood
As the most famous neighborhood of all, no list of the best things to do in Los Angeles is complete unless Hollywood’s on it. With over 2,600 brass stars embedded in the sidewalk, the Hollywood Walk of Fame pays homage to the many entertainment industry legends who made their name in the city over the years.
For film buffs and TV lovers, the studio lots are the best places to visit in Los Angeles for a behind-the-scenes look into some of your favorite movies and shows. On the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, you’ll be taken through iconic backlots and soundstages to see Hollywood magic up close. Heading to Universal Studios gives you another golden ticket. In addition to its thrilling rides inside the theme park, you can also explore famous movie sets on the Studio Tour.
Get Artsy
If you enjoy art, history, or science, taking a trip to the intriguing museums is another one of the top things to do in Los Angeles. The outstanding collection at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) spans eras and continents, while the Natural History Museum’s dinosaur exhibitions and gem collection are perfect for nature enthusiasts.
The Broad, which many consider one of the must-do activities in Los Angeles, showcases over 2,000 pieces of contemporary art. The Getty Center deserves special recognition as well, housing a noteworthy collection of European sculptures, paintings, and decorative works.
If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles on a weekend or plan to visit the museums during their prime hours, be sure to get your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
Hike the Mountains
Going for a hike is one of the most popular things to do in Los Angeles for locals and visitors alike. With the sun always shining, there’s no better way to exercise than by getting a breath of fresh air in the mountain range. Some of the hikes are strenuous, but most of the trails are pretty relaxed and more similar to a leisurely stroll up an incline with gorgeous scenery all around.
If it’s your first time in Los Angeles, the hikes I’d recommend most are either the Hollywood sign or Runyon Canyon. You can do the Hollywood hike on your own, or you could also go with a photographer if you want to have amazing pictures to remember your trip with. Among locals, the Runyon Canyon hike is a particular favorite. When you get to the top, you’ll have beautiful views of the city.
There are also equestrian trails for anyone who wants to explore the mountains on horseback! If you’ve never gone horseback riding, there’s no need to worry. Options are available with local companies for riders of any skill level.
Shop ’til You Drop
For the avid shopper, hunting for vintage treasures and designer goods is definitely one of the best things to do in Los Angeles. Depending on your personal style, there are so many terrific areas to check out.
Lined with fashionable shops and high-end stores, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills epitomizes luxury. From Louis Vuitton to Tom Ford, you’ll find all the biggest names in fashion along the strip.
If you’re looking for more unique items and one-of-a-kind gems, you’ll find them at the eccentric shops on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice Beach. Then of course, there’s the chic boutiques on Melrose Avenue. When it comes to bohemian style, this is the place to be.
When you’re looking for a little bit of everything, there are some awesome one-stop shopping centers and places to go in Los Angeles with a wide variety of stores. The Grove is one of the best, offering a delightful outdoor mall experience with plenty of shops and eateries.
Relax and Rejuvenate
In the heart of Los Angeles, relaxation is an art. From luxe spas to beachside yoga, the city offers incredible havens for beauty, health, and wellness. Unwind in style during your trip, whether it’s at a trendy wellness spot or a peaceful park retreat. Los Angeles isn’t just a destination; it’s a sanctuary inviting you to escape the hustle, rejuvenate, and discover a new level of well-being.
Plan a Day Trip
While there are loads of awesome activities in Los Angeles inside the city itself, there are also terrific day trip destinations nearby for a change of scenery. A drive down the Pacific Coast Highway will take you into Malibu, where you can enjoy a day of wine tasting on a vineyard tour. For a getaway in the desert, Joshua Tree National Park is especially popular among locals and visitors alike. Santa Barbara is another wonderful choice, best known for its beach vibes and Spanish architecture.
Enjoy Live Entertainment
As the heart of the entertainment industry, catching a live show is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Los Angeles. The city is bursting with talent, and there are loads of outstanding venues to see a performance in.
For a night of non-stop laughs, head to The Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard. If music is more your thing, the Hollywood Bowl and the Troubadour are legendary for their live music performances. To see Broadway shows and musicals, head to the historic theaters in Downtown LA. For sports aficionados, a Lakers game at the Staples Center or watching the LA Dodgers play at Dodger Stadium is a rite of passage.
With such a broad range of talent in the city, you’ll find amazing places to go in Los Angeles for entertainment of every niche. You can never go wrong with a live show, so check the event calendar and prepare for a fun time!
Watch the Sunset at Griffith Observatory
Perched in the hilltops overlooking the city, you don’t want to miss out on a visit to the Griffith Observatory when you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles. You’ll have breathtaking views of the skyline as the sun dips below the horizon, and there are telescopes available to stargaze through the night sky. You can also visit during the daytime, but the evening hours are especially magical to end your day with a celestial touch. If you’re only visiting Los Angeles for a limited period of time, it’s a wonderful way to kiss the City of Angels goodbye.
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