Los Angeles is a city built for exploration. From world-famous attractions to hidden neighborhood gems, the city offers endless opportunities for adventure, culture, food, and fun. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering your home city, here are some of the best fun things to do in Los Angeles.
Visit the Icons of Hollywood
Hollywood is the entertainment capital of the world, and it remains one of LA’s most visited districts. Start your trip with a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where more than 2,700 stars honor actors, musicians, and celebrities. Stop by the TCL Chinese Theatre to see Hollywood’s most famous handprints and footprints. For incredible panoramic photos, head to viewpoints featuring the legendary Hollywood Sign, a symbol of Los Angeles recognized across the globe.
Explore Griffith Observatory & Scenic Griffith Park
Located high in the hills, the Griffith Observatory offers sweeping views of the city skyline, the ocean, and the Hollywood Sign. Inside, you’ll find engaging exhibits about space, astronomy, and exploration. The surrounding Griffith Park—one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.—features hiking trails, picnic areas, the Los Angeles Zoo, and peaceful natural landscapes perfect for outdoor recreation.
Enjoy Santa Monica’s Beaches & The Famous Pier
Santa Monica Beach is one of California’s most recognizable coastal destinations. The Santa Monica Pier features Pacific Park’s roller coaster, arcade games, restaurants, and live performers. Rent a bike or electric scooter and cruise along the beachfront path, relax on the sand, or explore the nearby Third Street Promenade for shopping and dining.
Experience Venice Beach’s Unique Culture
Venice Beach offers an energetic mix of surfers, artists, musicians, skaters, and local vendors. The lively Venice Boardwalk is full of character, making it one of LA’s most unique experiences. Watch skaters at the famous Venice Skatepark, stop by Muscle Beach, or explore the stylish shops and cafés along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, often called one of America’s trendiest streets.
Discover Art & Architecture at The Getty Center
Perched on a hilltop with scenic views, the Getty Center blends world-class art with modern architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. Inside, explore European paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and rotating exhibitions. Outside, enjoy peaceful terraces and a vantage point overlooking the entire city.
Wander Through Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) combines historic charm with modern attractions. Highlights include:
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The Broad Museum
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Walt Disney Concert Hall
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The Last Bookstore
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Grand Central Market
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Olvera Street
From artistic installations to global street food, DTLA offers something for every taste.
Discover Movie Magic at Universal Studios Hollywood
Perfect for families and thrill-seekers, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers immersive attractions inspired by blockbuster films. Explore themed lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, enjoy thrilling rides, and experience the famous Studio Tour, which showcases working sets and behind-the-scenes effects.
Drive the Scenic Pacific Coast Highway
Few activities define the Southern California experience like driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. Take in beautiful coastal views, sandstone cliffs, and sparkling ocean waters. Popular stops near LA include:
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Malibu Pier
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El Matador Beach
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Point Dume
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Zuma Beach
It’s one of the most picturesque drives in the country.
Shop, Dine, and Explore Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills offers luxury, charm, and iconic photo ops. Walk through Rodeo Drive, home to high-end boutiques and designer stores. Visit Beverly Gardens Park and the Beverly Hills sign, or enjoy elegant restaurants and cafés throughout the Golden Triangle area.
Explore the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
LACMA houses global works of art, from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. Outside, don’t miss Urban Light, an installation of restored vintage streetlamps that has become one of LA’s most Instagram-worthy attractions.
Spend a Day at Disneyland Resort
Just outside the city in Anaheim, Disneyland Resort offers magical attractions, themed lands, parades, fireworks, and immersive rides. Whether you’re experiencing it for the first time or reliving childhood memories, Disneyland remains one of the most beloved destinations in Southern California.
Hike Runyon Canyon for Beautiful City Views
If you’re looking for outdoor fun, Runyon Canyon offers accessible hiking trails with panoramic views of Los Angeles. It’s a favorite among locals and celebrities, and it’s one of the best places to appreciate the city from above.
Explore Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is a vibrant neighborhood celebrating Japanese culture through food, shops, museums, and community events. Visit the Japanese American National Museum, enjoy sushi or ramen at authentic eateries, and browse specialty shops offering art, ceramics, snacks, and more.
Visit the La Brea Tar Pits & Page Museum
Located in the heart of LA, the La Brea Tar Pits is an active Ice Age excavation site. See tar still bubbling from the ground and explore fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other prehistoric creatures inside the museum.
Final Thoughts
Los Angeles is a city filled with endless adventure—beaches, mountains, museums, theme parks, nightlife, food, and vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, excitement, culture, or exploration, LA offers experiences that make every visit unforgettable. With so many fun things to do, the City of Angels truly has something for everyone.
