There’s always something new to see and do in Los Angeles. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting for the first time, this list of 35 must-do activities will help you make the most of your time in “the city of angels.”
From exploring world-famous attractions to discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your LA adventure today!
1. The Getty Center
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles, The Getty Center is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. With its stunning architecture, world-renowned art collection, and beautiful gardens, it’s easy to see why this is one of LA’s most popular attractions.
You’ll be enamored with Richard Meier’s design, the ever-changing Central Garden, the Cactus Garden, the outdoor sculpture, and the breathtaking views, not to mention the incredible art collection within (Medieval times to the present).
Allow as much time as possible to enjoy the illuminated manuscripts, Italian, Flemish, and Dutch artwork from the 17th to 19th centuries, as well as the large collection of Impressionist painting and fine decorative arts.
Also, take time to enjoy a meal or snack at one of the eateries on site. The views from the restaurants are just as spectacular as those from anywhere else on the property.
Insider tip: To avoid long lines and crowds, plan to visit mid-week and arrive early. Parking is free, but spaces fill up quickly, so take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service that runs every 15 minutes from the parking structure.
2. Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington in San Marino, Los Angeles County, is one of the world’s major research libraries, with over nine million materials dating from the 1000s to the twenty-first century.
The Huntington is a complex of art galleries, gardens, and libraries on 207 acres (84 ha). In addition to the research library, the institution houses an art collection of British and French 18th-century paintings, sculptures, and furniture; American paintings from the late 19th century to 1950; and 17th- to mid-20th-century European art.
The Library Exhibition Hall pulls from these vast holdings for everyday visitors, displaying a fascinating array of items ranging from Medieval manuscripts to records from Abraham Lincoln’s life. The library is set on 120 acres of beautiful botanical gardens, complete with exquisite orchids, bonsai, cycad, and camellia collections.
The extensive gardens include 16 themed landscaped areas, such as a Japanese garden, rose garden, and desert garden, spread across 120 acres (49 ha). Many of the gardens’ plants are rare or unusual specimens. You may stroll through a subtropical garden, a desert garden, a Japanese garden, and a Chinese garden, as well as past lily ponds. A visit to the Huntington is an immersion in art, history, and horticulture all in one amazing day trip.
Insider tip: Admission is free on the first Thursday of every month, but expect large crowds. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking involved.
3. Hollywood Sign
The iconic Hollywood Sign, which was put up in 1923 and initially spelled “Hollywoodland,” a real estate development, was only expected to stand for 18 months.
All of that changed with the onset of Hollywood’s Golden Age, and the sign has stayed on Mount Lee in Griffith Park ever since, omitting “land” in 1949. In 1978, this landmark was reconstructed in steel, and it was last repainted in 2005. The high terrace on the northeast is seen early in the morning or at sunset when the light is good for photography.
These 45-foot (14 m) tall letters originally represented the first letter of each of the 15 towns in the Hollywood Hills. This is why the Hollywood Sign is one of Los Angeles’ most popular tourist attractions, and you can get a great view of it from Griffith Observatory. You can also see the Hollywood Sign from Mulholland Drive, which is a scenic drive that runs along the ridgeline of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Insider tip: For the best photo ops, head to Lake Hollywood Park or Bronson Canyon Park.
4. Griffith Park
Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. Griffith J. Griffith, a Welsh mining tycoon, gave the City of Los Angeles nearly 3,000 acres of Rancho Los Feliz as a “Christmas gift” in 1896. Since then, the park has grown by 1,000 acres, making it one of the country’s largest urban parks.
Griffith Park is a rugged wilderness that encompasses a part of the Santa Monica Mountains and is crisscrossed with hiking and equestrian riding routes. The park also has an array of cultural attractions, including the Griffith Observatory, the Greek Theatre, and the Los Angeles Zoo.
With over four million visitors annually, Griffith Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles. The park is also home to a number of iconic landmarks, such as the Batcave from the Batman TV series, and a spectacular but unmarked 360° vista, which takes in both Hollywood and Burbank behind it, may be found just above.
Insider tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, go early in the morning or on weekdays. Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water as there is a lot of walking involved.
5. OUE Skyspace
The 310-meter U.S. Tower, which was completed in 1989, is the tallest structure in the United States. The Bank Tower is the second-tallest structure in Los Angeles and the fifteenth-tallest structure in the United States.
When OUE, a real estate firm, took over the tower in 2013, it immediately began construction on an observation deck. The result is Skyspace, which opened in 2016.
On the 69th floor, you’ll find an outdoor terrace that has a glass floor and walls. From here, you can see all of Los Angeles stretched out before you. If you’re feeling brave, you can take the “Sky Slide” down to the 68th floor. This is a glass chute that takes you on a nearly vertical journey for almost 400 feet.
This is California’s tallest tower observation deck, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of downtown Los Angeles skyscrapers, Dodger Stadium, the Hollywood Hills, and the Pacific and San Gabriel Mountains in the distance.
Insider Tip: Skyspace is open every day from morning until night, but the hours vary depending on the day. Check the website for more information.
There are so many great things to do in Los Angeles, it’s impossible to list them all!
But these 35 activities should give you a good start on your quest to experience all that this city has to offer. So get out there and start exploring. And don’t forget to come back and let us know what your favorite LA experiences are.
Last Insider Tip: If you’re visiting from out of town, be sure to get a CityPass. This will give you access to some of the best attractions in the city, including the Santa Monica Pier and the Natural History Museum, at a discounted price.
Featured Image Credit: Go City
