The City of Angels is one of the most iconic travel destinations on the West Coast, home to the hand- and footprints of many big-name celebrities in front of the TCL Chinese Theater, the almost endless Walk of Fame, the inspiring Hollywood sign, but also long boulevards lined by sky-high palm trees, movie studios, bright-colored graffitis, and fantastic sunsets over the Santa Monica pier. Whether you’re here for its movie legacy, the celebrities, or the city’s rich history and beautiful vistas, you’ll fall in love with all of LA instantly. Read on as we explore some of the best places to visit in Los Angeles, California - a city that is as electric as it is beautiful.
1. Autry Museum of the American West
Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles tells the tales of the American West history through spectacular and diverse exhibitions and events. Some of the current and upcoming exhibitions include Human Nature, focusing on four of the key California stories – Fire, Desert, Plants, and Salmon, through Native American objects and contemporary photography and artwork; Gold at the (Au)try – a collection of gold-related artwork and artifacts from the area; the California Road Trip – a room filled with breathtaking panoramas and close-ups of California’s most scenic landscapes, including Big Sur, Death Valley, and the California Redwoods.
Autry Museum of the American West
Address: Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Website: Autry Museum of the American West
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 14 USD
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame (from USD 38.0)
Right in the heart of Los Angeles, Hollywood Boulevard is a must-see for movie buffs and celebrities’ followers. Go on a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard and spot the big names along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and pass by some of the most iconic Los Angeles landmarks, including Capitol Records, Chinese Theater, Hollywood Pantages Theater, and Egyptian Theater. Check out the biggest names in the film, television, recording, radio, and live performance industries, and get ready to be surprised by some of the names on the Walk of Fame, like Victoria’s Secret or Bugs Bunny. If you’re a big fan of pop culture and entertainment, this is a stop on your Los Angeles itinerary you can’t miss.
Hollywood History Tour
Duration: 2 hours
3. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Located on Museum Row, next to La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles County Museum of Art is Western United States’ largest art museum, a masterpiece on the outside and the inside. Every year, almost a million people come to explore the museum and discover its collections. Some of the museum’s most iconic collections include the Gods and Goddesses, the Fashion collection with items from 1900 to 2000, Latin American Contemporary Art, and Cherry Blossoms. Starting 2024, a new building, David Geffen Galleries, will host the permanent collection. Until then, the permanent collection galleries will be closed, but the exhibitions in BCAM and the Resnick Pavilion remain available. This is definitely a must-see for lovers of art and culture.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Website: Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu: 11am - 5pm; Fri: 11am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 7pm (closed on Wed)
Price: 25 USD
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4. Runyon Canyon Park
Spreading over 160 acres (65 hectares) at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, in the Griffith region, Runyon Canyon Park is a breathtaking natural oasis loved by hikers everywhere, but also an emerging tourist attraction, as it offers some peace and quiet away from LA’s hustle and bustle, while still overlooking the City of Angels. The park is family-friendly with a children’s play area on site, too. Some of the nearby attractions include Wattles Garden Park and Mansion, Selma and Yucca parks, as well as Runyon Canyon Dog Park.
Runyon Canyon Park
Address: 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Website: Runyon Canyon Park
5. The Broad Museum
As its unique architecture suggests, The Broad Museum is home to the contemporary art collections and exhibits in LA. The museum has free general admission, but some events and exhibitions require an additional charge. Visitors can book their tickets online in advance and skip the lines, or they can stand in line for walk-up admission. The museum is family-friendly, offering a fun and exciting experience for adults and children alike. They offer materials created especially for children, preparing them for artworks they’re about to see. At the moment, two of the Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity MirrorRooms and the Shirin Neshat: I Will Greet the Sun Again exhibition are on display at The Broad.
The Broad Museum
Address: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Website: The Broad Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 11am - 5pm; Thu - Fri: 11am - 8pm; Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
6. California Science Center
If you’re on a family vacation, your children will love exploring California Science Center. Through hands-on experiences, they’ll get to discover the science behind a variety of ecosystems and living things. Take the kids to see the permanent exhibitions, including Air and Space, Creative World, Ecosystems, and World of Life, as well as the special exhibitions, available for an additional charge. They’ll be fascinated to see an educational IMAX movie like Apollo 11 or Superpower Dogs and curious to see the space shuttle available on display in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. This museum is a great option for learning and entertainment wrapped up into one visit.
California Science Center
Address: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Website: California Science Center
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Griffith Park (from USD 39.0)
One of the largest parks in the United States is Griffith Park, located right here in Los Angeles, in the Los Feliz neighborhood. Spreading on over 4,300 acres (1,740 hectares), the park is home to the Griffith Observatory, where visitors get to enjoy stunning vistas of downtown LA, the iconic Hollywood sign, as well as the endless ocean. The park is a favorite spot for hikers, as it is sprinkled with trails, as well as for nature lovers and travelers looking to admire the City of Angels from afar.
Hollywood Sign Hiking Tour to Griffith Observatory
Duration: 2.0 hour
8. Space Shuttle Endeavour
A highlight for both adults and children when visiting the California Science Center, the Space Shuttle Endeavour is a must-see. The entry to the Endeavour exhibit can be done through the Ecosystems gallery, the visit then continuing to the Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion. The Space Shuttle Endeavour has first been launched in 1992 and has retired in 2011. It has a fascinating story that kids will love hearing, as it is a piece of air and space history.
Space Shuttle Endeavour
Address: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
Website: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
9. The Hollywood sign (from USD 39.0)
There are many viewing points where people can admire the Hollywood sign, either from afar or up close. One of the best of them is, without a doubt, Griffith Park, a moderate hike away from the city. Not only will you get to see the Hollywood sign and get some pretty awesome Instagram shots, but you’ll also enjoy spending time in the outdoors, get the blood pumping in your veins on a somewhat steep hike, and get to check out the Griffith Observatory too.
Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park Observatory Hiking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
10. Venice Boardwalk
It wouldn’t be LA without the ocean waves and golden sand beach, and a great place to soak all that in is Venice Beach. Taking a walk on the Venice Beach Boardwalk bordered by tall palm trees is a unique experience that includes anything from breakdancing or glass-walking performers, street vendors, mimes, musicians, and all kinds of artists. It can get pretty packed during summer months, but it’s still worth the experience, whether you’re people-watching, souvenir shopping, you’re there for the skateboarding, or just to watch live street performers.
Venice Boardwalk
Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Website: Venice Boardwalk
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 7pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm
11. Battleship Iowa Museum
Have a look into some history on your LA visit. The Battleship Iowa Museum is a maritime landmark located in the Port of Los Angeles, and it features a variety of maritime artifacts, including the iconic USS Iowa, the lead ship of the Iowa class of battleships. The museum also hosts various special exhibits frequently, with a focus on aviation and maritime ships. The museum features a Chinese helicopter, the Korean War-era Piasecki HUP Retriever, as well as six different in-flight experiences to choose from.
Battleship Iowa Museum
Address: 250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731
Website: Battleship Iowa Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 28 USD
12. STAPLES Center
Opened in 1999, STAPLES Center serves as an event arena in Downtown Los Angeles. The multi-purpose center is a top choice when it comes to sports and entertainment events, and it is home to the NBA Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, WNBA Los Angeles Sparks, and the NHL Los Angeles Kings. If you’re a sports fan, you’ll love spending some time here, taking in all the action that’s happened within its walls. STAPLES Center is not all about sports though, but about music too. Throughout the years, it has hosted some amazing concerts from Beyonce, U2, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Ed Sheeran, and many more.
STAPLES Center
Address: 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Website: STAPLES Center
13. Watts Towers Arts Center
Watts Towers Arts Center is a unique landmark in Los Angeles, with a somewhat unusual look. The Watts Towers are a collection of 17 interconnected architectural structures, mosaics, and towers. While the Watts Towers Arts Center has been temporarily closed for renovations, tours are still organized outside of the structure, offering visitors a chance to admire the colorful mosaics and part of the structure which make a distinct contribution to the LA skyline.
Watts Towers Arts Center
Address: 1727 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002
Website: Watts Towers Arts Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
Price: Free
14. Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is an outstanding destination for the entire family. The zoo is home to animals from all continents, and a variety of areas, including a rainforest, an Elephants of Asia space, a gorilla reserve, as well as the Angela Collier World of Birds Theater. The botanical gardens include a spectacular Mexican Grove, a Baja Garden, a Ferraro Rose Garden, and a Ginkgo Grove. Adults and children both will learn about a variety of birds, amphibians, and several species of mammals, including chimpanzees, Masai giraffes, gorillas, koalas, and even a two-toed sloth. Spend an afternoon to see the animals up close for a uniquely enjoyable time.
Los Angeles Zoo
Address: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Website: Los Angeles Zoo
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 22 USD
15. Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is not just one of the top live performance venues in Los Angeles, but in the entire United States. The amphitheater was first opened in 1922 and has hosted some of the biggest names in music ever since. To name a few of the bands and singers who have performed here, we should include The Beatles, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, but also modern names like Kanye West, Jennifer Hudson, Dave Matthews Band, and Andrea Bocelli. If you’re not lucky enough to catch a live concert there, you can also just visit the amphitheater and learn about its history.
Hollywood Bowl
Address: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Website: Hollywood Bowl
16. Olvera Street
As you’ll walk in the historic district of LA, you’ll discover the narrow brick-lined Olvera Street, a Mexican Marketplace that will immediately transport you back in time, on the streets of “Old LA.” Olvera Street dates back to the 1930s when it was created to preserve the trades and traditions of early California. Today, visitors will be delighted with the smell of tacos and coffee, mariachi music, and different kinds of live street performances. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs, Mexican art, as well as pottery and leather goods.
17. Little Tokyo Historic District
Los Angeles is not just one of the biggest cities on the west coast, but also a multicultural one, with districts like Chinatown, Koreatown, or Little Tokyo, where immigrants have settled and created their communities. Little Tokyo Historic District is a historic Japanese district that dates back to 1885 and that’s not at all far from the downtown area. Here lies the biggest Japanese-American population in North America. Travelers come here for authentic Japanese food, jazz clubs, but also to wander around the many well-manicured Japanese gardens. To dip your toes into a one-of-a-kind cultural experience, spend some time in this area.
18. Angels Flight Railway
Located in downtown Los Angeles, in the Bunker Hill district and only steps from the Grand Central Market, the Angels Flight Railway is an interesting landmark that the entire family can enjoy. It consists of a 298 feet (90 meters) long railway with two funicular cars, one going up, one down. Open every day, including weekends and holidays, and operating at a very reasonable price, it’s an excellent thing to add to your bucket list while in LA.
Angels Flight Railway
Address: 350 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Website: Angels Flight Railway
Opening hours: 6:45am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 1 USD
19. Sunset Boulevard
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic boulevards in Los Angeles, Sunset Boulevard stretches from Downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Coast Highway. The boulevard will take you to downtown attractions, the upscale residential avenues of Beverly Hills, and ultimately connect you with the Pacific Coast Highway, making for one of the most spectacular coastal drives. Some of the must-stops along the way include In-N-Out Burger, the Sunset Tower Hotel, and The Comedy Store.
20. Paramount Pictures Studio
Los Angeles is home to the most iconic Hollywood studios and Paramount Pictures is one of them. Here, you’ll step foot inside one of Hollywood’s most beloved studio, discover its history, tour the sets, the prop warehouse, and explore popular filming locations. Some of the biggest movies created by Paramount Studios include the iconic Mean Girls, Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible, the Book Club, but also TV series like For the People and Grace and Frankie. Who knows, you might even catch a celebrity sighting.
Paramount Pictures Studio
Address: 5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Website: Paramount Pictures Studio
Opening hours: 9am - 3:30pm (daily)
Price: From 60 USD
21. Melrose Avenue
Melrose Avenue, another one of LA’s staple boulevards, is filled with amazing wall art created by talented artists. The best way to see all of them and take some epic shots for your Instagram is to park somewhere on Melrose Avenue and move from one to the other by foot, as they are located within walking distance from each other on both sides of the street. Other attractions on or near Melrose Avenue include the Melrose Trading Post, the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, and the Grove. Enjoy a low-key afternoon strolling around and admiring the lively art.
22. Universal Studios Hollywood (from USD 209.0)
Universal Studios in Hollywood is one of the most exciting and fun amusement parks in the United States, packed with rides and attractions for the entire family to enjoy. As soon as you enter the “universe,” you’ll find yourself immersed into a land of minions and Simpson characters. You’ll get to join Harry Potter on his adventures, go behind the scenes on an exciting studio tour, and see where some of your favorite movies and TV shows have been filmed. With lots of dining and shopping options on site, you have everything you need inside the park - you’ll completely lose track of time.
Universal Studios Hollywood: Ticket with Easy Cancellation
23. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (from USD 18.0)
While the Natural History Museums in New York City and Washington, DC, are the most popular on the east coast, the one in Los Angeles is the largest on the west coast. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is home to spectacular collections of fossils, live plants and animals, minerals, and gems. It’s an attraction for the entire family, where everyone can learn about different species, discover artifacts, and explore 4.5 billion years of history.
Los Angeles Natural History Museum Admission Ticket
Duration: 3 hours
24. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum (from USD 15.0)
Located on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is an unusual attraction that you shouldn’t miss. It consists of a group of tar pits that are thousands of years old, and around which the Hancock Park was formed. Today, visitors get to marvel at these bubbling tar pools that harbor a variety of Ice Age specimens, including ground sloths, mammoths, and saber-toothed cats. Then, inside the museum, visitors will see all kinds of well-preserved fossils.
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum Admission Ticket in Los Angeles
Duration: 2 hours
25. Getty Center (from USD 375.0)
Known as one of the largest art organizations in the world, Getty Center is located in Los Angeles and is home to Getty Museum and other programs that are part of the Getty Trust. Getty Center impresses with spectacular architecture, stunning art, and lush gardens. Immerse yourself in art masterpieces, including modern photography and sculpture and French and Italian paintings.
Los Angeles: Private Getty Museum Tour with Expert Guide
Duration: 1.5 hour
26. Beverly Hillls (from USD 59.0)
When in LA, going on a tour to spot some of the most iconic celebrity houses is a must. A great place to start is Beverly Hills, one of the favorite places for music and movie artists to live. There are more than 40 celebrities that own houses in Beverly Hills, including Mila Kunis and husband Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Aniston, and Jessica Alba. Afterward, get a glimpse of how it’s like to be a celebrity and go shopping (or at least window shopping) along Rodeo Drive.
Hollywood Celebrity Homes and Rodeo Drive
Duration: 4 hours
27. Petersen Automotive Museum (from USD 16.0)
Whether you’re a movie aficionado, a car lover, or maybe both, Petersen Automotive Museum is a spectacular family attraction. The museum hosts the biggest sci-fi vehicle exhibit in the world, with an impressive collection of over 150 vehicles and 25 exhibits. With permanent and temporary collections, expect to see some of the Hollywood dream machines, including the Bat Mobile and the futuristic car from Back to the Future, as well as the iconic Pontiac Aztek that was used in the Breaking Bad TV show.
Petersen Automotive Museum Skip-the-Line Admission Ticket
Duration: 1 day
28. Original Farmers Market (from USD 68.0)
The Farmers Market in Los Angeles is one of the city’s historic landmarks. It dates back to 1934 and is a gem when it comes to various food experiences. Visitors will get to buy fresh produce and check out different cafes, bakeries, gourmet groceries, and food stalls. Make sure you stop by Michelina Artisan Boulanger for freshly baked bread and pastries, or head to Itty’s Cheese for a variety of locally sourced Californian cheeses and jams.
Los Angeles Farmers Market Small-Group Food Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
29. Dolby Theater
The iconic Dolby Theater, nestled on the Hollywood Boulevard, transforms itself every year as it becomes home to the Academy Awards and many other famous award ceremonies and shows. The theater is quite impressive, especially when on a tour you’re taken on the stage, and you get a view of the entire theater, or when you go backstage, recreating the Winner’s walk. Although the tours are short, they’re packed with information, and you’ll even get a scoop of behind-the-scenes celebrity gossip.
Dolby Theatre Admission Ticket and Tour
Duration: 30 minutes
30. Hollywood Wax Museum (from USD 25.0)
Right in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, on Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood Wax Museum features wax replicas of some of the world’s biggest celebrities. Get ready to take photos with life-like versions of your favorite actors, including Sandra Bullock, Morgan Freeman, and many more. Afterward, continue your Hollywood journey with a visit to The Hollywood Museum, a walk along the Hall of Fame, as well as a visit to the Dolby Theater. It is definitely perfect for a jam-packed day in this entertainment capital.
Hollywood Wax Museum Admission Ticket In Los Angeles
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Los Angeles: the City of Angels, palm trees, and Hollywood glam
There’s something unique when it comes to Los Angeles, its vibe, and its atmosphere. From jaw-dropping sunsets, endless boulevards delimited by tall palm trees, and spectacular street art, there’s something in Los Angeles you’re not going to find anywhere else. Make sure you check out our list of the best places to visit in Los Angeles, California.
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