This guide contains 200+ things to do, see and eat in Los Angeles, California.
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The beginning of September marks a special anniversary for me.
It has been 14 years since I moved to Los Angeles. When I graduated from college and got my first job, I had no idea of the adventure I was signing in for by establishing myself 3,400 miles away from the place where I was born and raised.
I completely adore this city and will be an honor to spend the rest of days in here. I know things can change from one moment to another. However, nobody can take away from me all the delightful years I have spent here.
I read you can call yourself resident of a place after a year of living there. Yikes! That makes me a long-time resident of Los Angeles!
And, resident I am. I have done almost the impossible to turn every nook and cranny of this city. I still have a long way to go but I believe I have done a good job so far.
Because of that, I have decided to share my Los Angeles “expertise” with all of you. I have put together more than 200 ideas to get you started with the City of Angels.
Table of Contents
Context for Los Angeles
Both the city and the county of Los Angeles are huge. Just to give you an idea, the city covers an area of 469 square miles (1,210 square kilometers) and has a population of about 4 million. Those numbers make it the second most populous city in the United States (after New York City).
The County of Los Angeles is the most populous in the nation. It surpasses the population of 42 individual states (holy moly, think about that for a second!)
With those statistics, something is very clear, you are not going to be able to see Los Angeles in one day (the same way you are not going to see New York or London in one day).
For residents, that is a blessing. We have an entire lifetime to enjoy everything Los Angeles has to offer.
Visitors are in a good spot too. There is a wide range of activities to choose from. If they do not see everything in one trip, there is the possibility of coming back.
Let’s dig in straight into all the exciting stuff you can see, do, eat and enjoy in Los Angeles!
The Classics
These are some of the spots that make Los Angeles famous and unique!
- Hollywood Boulevard
- Hollywood and Highland
- Chinese Theater
- El Capitan Theater
- Rodeo Drive
- Sunset Strip
- Santa Monica Pier
- Third Street Promenade (Santa Monica)
- Venice Beach Boardwalk
- Capitol Records Building
- Queen Mary (Long Beach)
- Placita Olveras (Birthplace of Los Angeles)
- Exposition Park
- Griffin Observatory
- Hollywood Bowl
- Dodger Stadium
- Union Station
- Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Los Angeles City Hall (you can go to the top for free)
Museums
Those who prefer arts and culture have a lot to choose from.
- The Gamble House
- Mission San Gabriel
- Mission San Fernando
- The Huntington
- Japanese American Cultural Center
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
- Museum of Neon Art
- La Brea Tar Pits
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Norton Simon Museum of Art
- Autry National Center
- Bradbury Building
- Getty Center
- Getty Villa
- Pacific Design Center
- Adamson House
- California Science Center (Home of the Endeavour Space Shuttle)
- The Broad
- Museum of Jurassic Technology
- The Grammy Museum
- Museum of Latin American Art
Cool Neighborhoods
These neighborhoods offer modern vibes, trendy eateries and art galleries.
- Arts District (Downtown LA)
- Silver Lake
- Echo Park
- Abbot Kinney Boulevard (Venice Beach)
- West Hollywood
- Los Feliz
- Larchmont Village
- Mid-Wilshire
- 4th Street (Long Beach)
Ethnic Neighborhoods
Diversity is one of the assets of Los Angeles. Get a taste of other countries in these neighborhoods.
- Thai Town
- Little Armenia
- Koreatown
- Chinatown
- Little Tokyo
- Little Ethiopia
- Little Osaka
- Persian Square (Tehrangeles)
- New Chinatown (San Gabriel Valley)
- Japanese Eateries in Torrance
Food, Delicious Food
If you like food (and who doesn’t?), come prepared with your stretchy pants.
- Los Angeles Original Farmer’s Market
- Grand Central Market
- Mercado La Paloma
- Smogasburg
- In n’ Out
- Pink’s Hot Dogs
- Randy’s Donuts
- The Pantry
- Cole’s
- Philippe the Original
- The Apple Pan
- Bottega Louie
- Dan Tana’s
- Canter’s Delicatessen
- Langer’s Delicatessen
- San Pedro Fish Market
- Redondo Beach Fish Market
- 626 Market
- SteelCraft
- Cielito Lindo
- Guisados
- Loteria Grill
Restaurants to Spot Celebrities
It is true. We have tons of celebrities hanging around. You may spot one or two at these restaurants. Warning: be prepared to pay top dollar to eat in these.
- Bestia
- Yamashiro
- Osteria Mozza
- AGO
- Nobu (West Hollywood or Malibu)
- The Ivy
- Matsuhisa
- Spago
- CUT
- The Polo Lounge
- Chow
- Gjelina
Festivals and Markets
It is impossible to mention all the events that take place during the year. Here are some of the most popular (but there is something going on every weekend).
- Unique LA
- Artisanal LA
- Artists & Fleas
- Rose Bowl Flea Market
- Melrose Trading Post
- The Roadium
- Long Beach Antique Flea Market
- Scottish Festival (at the Queen Mary)
- Los Angeles County Fair
- Topanga Flea Market
- Downtown Art Walk
- Original Flower Market
- Fiesta Hermosa
- International Surf Festival
- Alpine Village Oktoberfest
Iconic Hotels
These are the places to be if you want to experience Old Hollywood glamour. You do not have to stay in one of these hotels. A visit to the restaurant (s) or lounge would be a nice experience.
- Chateau Marmont
- The Beverly Hills Hotel
- The Hollywood Roosevelt
- Fairmont Miramar Hotel
- The Beverly Hilton
- Millennium Biltmore
- Sunset Tower Hotel
- Hotel Bel-Air
Hip and Boutique Hotels
If you prefer something more modern, here are some option for your stay or for spending an evening.
- ACE Hotel
- The LINE Hotel
- Hotel Indigo
- Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
- Avalon Hotel
- Andaz Hyatt
- W Los Angeles
- Viceroy Hotel
- Palihouse
- Mondrian
Beaches
We have tons of beaches and each local has its favorite.
- El Matador Beach
- Point Dume Beach
- Zuma Beach
- West End Beach
- Leo Carrillo Beach
- Cabrillo Beach (and aquarium)
- Santa Monica Beach
- Beach Cities (El Segundo, Manhattan, Hermosa, Redondo)
Piers (North to South)
Strolling on a pier is a Southern California classic. We have multiple options for sunset watching.
- Paradise Cove (fee to enter)
- Malibu
- Santa Monica
- Venice Beach
- Manhattan Beach
- Hermosa Beach
- Redondo Beach
- Cabrillo Beach (San Pedro)
- Belmont Veterans Memorial
Outdoors
We are not all about skyscrapers, freeways and concrete. We have plenty of outdoor recreation too. As a matter of fact, we love being outside (even in winter).
- Hike to the Hollywood Sign
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area
- Grand Park
- Vasquez Rocks
- Los Angeles County and Botanical Gardens
- California Poppy Reserve
- Malibu Creek State Park
- Point Mugu
- Whale watching cruises
- Will Rogers Historical Park
- South Coast Botanical Garden
- Point Vicente Lighthouse
- Point Fermin Lighthouse
- Venice Canals
- Catalina Island
- Friendship Bell
- Eaton Canyon
- Hollywood Forever Cemetery (movies during summer)
- Gibbon Conservation Center
- Wildlife Learning Center
- Descanso Gardens
- Echo Park Lake
- Horse Riding at Sunset Ranch
- Palos Verdes Peninsula (reserves, trails and parks)
Viewpoints
Here are some viewpoint options in case you want to see how enormous we are.
- Vista Hermosa Park
- Hollywood Bowl Overlook
- Griffin Observatory
- Kenneth Hahn Recreational Area
- Baldwin Hills Overlook
- Ascot Hills Park
- Runaway Canyon Park
- Skyspace LA (U.S. Bank Tower)
Universities
Even our centers of education are beautiful and interesting.
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA, Hammer Museum)
- University of Southern California (USC, buildings have Romanesque Revival style)
- California State University, Long Beach (Japanese Garden, Pyramid)
- Pepperdine Campus (impressive campus overlooking Malibu beaches)
Theme Parks
Here are some options in case you need to pacify your kids.
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Aquarium of the Pacific
- Six Flags (Valencia)
Sports
I am not a sports fan but seems like every other person in here is obsessed with one of the following teams.
- LA Lakers
- LA Kings
- Clippers
- Dodgers
More Fun
Here are some more options for those who want more of life (like me!)
- Piece of the Berlin Wall
- Los Angeles Zoo
- Old Pasadena
- Gondola ride on Naples Island canals
- Rancho Los Alamitos
- Rancho Los Cerritos
- Belmont Shore
- Bixby Knolls
- Downtown Long Beach
- Manhattan Beach (town, strand and pier)
- Rose Avenue in Venice Beach
- Beverly Hills City Hall
- TV Show Tapings
- The Last Bookstore
- Celebrity Tours
- Food Tours
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour
- Paramount Pictures Studio Tour
- Sony Pictures Studio Tour
Getaways
I think Los Angeles has enough to keep people busy for a long time but I know there are some overachievers out there.
- Santa Barbara (95 miles)
- Santa Ynez Valley (128 miles)
- Ventura (66 miles)
- Ojai (82 miles)
- Disneyland (26 miles)
- Knotts Berry Farm (22 miles)
- Newport Beach (43 miles)
- Laguna Beach (50 miles)
- San Diego (120 miles)
- Big Bear (96 miles)
- Palm Springs (106 miles)
- Joshua Tree National Park (130 miles)
- Temecula (84 miles)
Resources
For more information about the city, I recommend checking the following resources. They may help you to get discounts or deals for events and restaurants.
- LA Weekly
- Los Angeles Times
- Time Out Los Angeles
- The Infatuation Los Angeles
- Eater LA
- Groupon
- Yelp
- TripAdvisor
- Travelzoo Los Angeles
- BlackBoard Eats
More of Los Angeles
Check out these more in detail posts about LA.
- You may want to check these fun facts about Los Angeles
- 20 Reasons to Love Los Angeles
- Redondo Beach Pier: What to Do, See and Eat
- Palos Verdes Hikes and Trails
- Things to do in Hermosa Beach
More of Southern California
Residents, how many of these have you visited? Visitors, which of these would you like to experience?
If you enjoyed this post, remember to share it!
Pin me, please!
Great guide Ruth. After being to L.A for only a few days, I never knew there were so many things to do there…..and those cakes look so delicious. 🙂
oh my!!! I did a pretty good plan when I visited LA and I admit that I’ve crossed off the majority or must sees!!
I hope to return one day and explore more!!
Great travelogue here!
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/09/pop.html
Your list is huge. I think it would take me a long time to check it all out. I have been to LA many times and your list gives me new ideas for the next time I visit.
What a great outline. You do love your city. I really haven’t been to LA. Visits to Disneyland and Universal Studios does not count I believe. Which means I will have to start very soon in mapping out details on how to visit this neighbor in the south.
Wow this is amazing, thank you for putting this together!! I still haven’t visited LA since moving to the Bay Area a few months ago, so this will be super helpful when I finally go!
I love your pictures and the list format is wonderfully simple and easy to digest. LA has a lot to offer, but I’m definitely a fan of Santa Monica!
This is a great list! LA has so much to offer and I always find something new to see/do every time I go back! And I do love the ACE Hotel! I need to stay in the one in LA, the one in NYC is awesome!
This really is the Ultimate Guide, Thank for you this. I was just in LA two weeks ago and I wish i had this list. I got a lot done but I only had 4 days. You definitely need 14 years to see it all! lol thanks for this! Definitely going to be sharing with my community.
Although San Francisco is home to me, I love the food scene in LA. So much to choose from and SF does not even come close to the diverse dining scene in LA. I have the same DTLA mural photo (of the woman) btw:-)
What an awesomely extensive list you’ve put together. I’ve never been to LA, other than the airport, but I’ve always wanted to do the most touristy-cheesy girls trip there, complete with game shows and all. Just have to talk my girls into it! Definitely saving this for later so I can plan better 🙂
This is an amazing guide! Very helpful. I truly appreciate your time and effort in putting these together. I also like the different kinds of attractions since I know every person has different passions.
Oh wow, now this is one incredible list! 🙂 It’s just great to live in a city that has SO much to offer 🙂
Goodness, this list makes me realize just how much I still need to do, and this is only for LA! No way to do all of this in one visit! Pinned & Stumbled! #WanderfulWednesday
Wow! So many things to do!! You especially got me on the food and the viewpoints! Saved the list for later 🙂
Oh wow. It definitely is the ULTIMATE LA Bucket List hehe i was here for about a week a few years ago and did only about 1/10 of your list hehe. Def need to go back to see/do some of the others
I always forget what I was going to say by the time I get to the end of your posts! Short attention span i guess. Anyway i enjoyed it.
This made me miss California. Other great celeb spotting spots – The Grove, Malibu Country Mart.
And now I am craving Chinese Chicken Salad from Chin-Chin.
🙂
Wonderful! I was just thinking about the fact that even though I call Los Angeles home, I will always be a tourist here as there is just SO MUCH GOING ON! I always have fear of missing out because it’s just that great! Fantastic list, which I will be saving for future reference! #farawayfiles
Wow what a list! L.A. has so much to offer and too often does it not get the accolades it deserves…there is so much more to this vibrant city than celebs and Hollywood. My aunt lives there – hopefully I can visit soon! #farawayfiles
You can’t beat a good bit of local knowledge! I’ve never been to LA, but I’ll definitely bookmark this post for when I do visit. The cool neighbourhoods and places to eat, in particular, would be very useful. #FarawayFiles
This is a super great guide. So many things to do and see. I usually avoid LA and spend time in Northern California. You have enticed me to explore LA in more detail. Great photos!
This is perfect as we are heading to LA in December and have been trying to decide what to do. Saving this for later!!
That is an exhaustive list. I had no idea of just how much LA had to offer. I have visited once and mainly hit Beverly Hills and Venice Beach. I can’t wait to come back.
This is perfect. Some friends and I are talking about doing a California/LA Trip for our 35th birthdays in a couple years. It’s a little ways off, but this is giving me some good inspiration and ideas of what to do. I’ll be bookmarking this post and referring back to it for sure.
Such a helpful guide to LA. Definitely on my travel bucket list!
Wow, that’s an amazing list! It must have taken you ages to put it together! I would definitely like to visit all the viewpoints, beaches and restaurants to spot celebrities! Have you ever seen any there?
My brain is spinning after reading all that there is to do and see in LA. I have saved your pin and will definitely go back to review it the next time I go back to LA!
This is a great guide! I am planning a trip next year there, will definitely refer this
I just returned from a quick trip to L.A. It’s one of those cities that I love to hate…except the food is so freaking good. I was lucky this time and got to explore El Segundo, Hermosa, and Manhattan beaches. WIll have to print out this list for the next time I visit.
what a great list!! I have been twice in LA and I have to admit that I don’t really like it. I miss being able to walk and also the public transport 🙁
In our second visit, we treated ourselves to a stay in the Queen Mary, that was really cool!
I had NO idea there was so much to do in Los Angeles! I knew about the beaches of course but museums too? You’ve done a great job convincing me to spend some extra time in LA next visit – and those cakes are persuasive too
I really like how digestible this format is! Seeing all the wonderful places to go and things to eat (many memories from my childhood–Pink’s!) helped me to remember how special that city is. You may also want to add the Huntington Library with its beautiful rose gardens and Hearst Castle. I’ve never been to Hearst, but I’ve heard it’s a must see. Also, my personal favorite spot to eat is Natalee Thai in Beverly Hills or Venice. The BBQ pork is divine.
What a detailed and fun guide you’ve put together! My daughter lives in LA and it seems we discover something new and enjoyable every time we visit. Your post gives me ideas of where we can explore next time!
I love how organized this is! It helps break down an extremely overwhelming city into categories that I can actually digest. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Very comprehensive and useful list Ruth. I am headed to San Francisco next summer. if we head to LA from there, will definitely fall back on this for things to do.
This is such a great list!! I’m planning a trip to LA next month, and this is so helpful.. especially the list of restaurants! 🙂
Wow, so much to do. We would need more than a day trip to see much of the stuff, in fact, more like a month to do it.
Ah, I love lists like that! I’ve been to LA two years ago and managed to tick off about 30 things! Certainly need to go back and see more!
I’m no native (from Sacramento) but I lived in LA for a time and visit as often as I can and I do love all that the city has to offer! My favorite is to park off of Hollywood Blvd and hike Runyon Canyon in the morning before it gets too hot…I love the views from there!
This is such a comprehensive guide. Makes me want to book a flight to LA to try each and everything mentioned – especially the food. Such gorgeous photos!
maybe one day I’ll need this guide:) #theweeklypostcard
This is an awesome list. If we ever get to L.A. this will be my bible. I loved the orange flowers.
Now that is what I call a list! So many places to explore. I’ll pin it to use for the future.
I visited LA a few years ago and loved it. People had told me to avoid it – it’s too big blah blah but it was everything I had imagined (I had wanted to see the Hollywood sign since I was 7!!) and it is somewhere I want to see more of! Great post -pinning it!!
I done a few of these, but so far from them all. Bookmarking this! Perfect! Thanks 🙂
What an incredibly extensive list, Ruth! I think this is all the resources I need for any future trips to LA 🙂 I’ve only spent a couple of days there – we watched a Big Bang Theory taping and did a Universal Studios tour, super fun. Also watched a Clippers game, which was hilarious because of a heckler sitting very near us. So funny! Clearly I have lots more to see in LA 🙂
I have been to LA countless times since I have family and friends that live there, but still have so much to see. I really want to do more hiking in the area and also go to the Broad Museum. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
This is honestly an amazing list! I would love to make something like this for one of the cities I lived in. I know this took a lot of hard work. It’s probably the best list I’ve ever seen #TheWeeklyPostcard
That is fantastic wish list. I would love to cover it myself.
Amazing list! I went for a few days earlier this year, and only scratched the surface of your list. I love the vibe around LA but didn’t love how much time was spent sitting in traffic to get from one place to the next.
Wow! What a great list. I love your gorgeous photos as well. I have only ever been to LAX but I am planning a trip to LA in the spring.
Incredibly extensive guide! Wish I had found this when I was planning my trip to L.A. I ended up only spending three days there, but seeing all the things I missed, I definitely might have to plan a trip back. I did a lot of the iconic stuff (Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, etc.). I’m especially sad that I missed the viewpoints that you mentioned. They look incredible!
what an awesome post!! I would love to visit LA and do a little bit of a road trip! Have shared this and pinned! #weeklypostcard
I’ve been to LA but haven’t even done a tiny percent of all it has to offer. I guess it’s time for another visit! I’m saving this for my next visit.
Hi Ruth,
Your post made me rethink my opinion about Los Angeles. I’ve been living here for almost 30 years and I still can’t come to terms with the fact that Los Angeles is not a city, but a sprawl. Being born and raised in Europe where the big cities are more concentrated and easier to walk, Los Angeles was a disappointment for me. In time I got used to it now and I don’t think I would be happy to live it, but Los Angeles is definitely not my kind of city. #TheWeeklyPostcard
We’ve done all the states, and have been to all of California but have not been as far south as LA. Isn’t that horrible? We have so much work to do after reading through your well-thought out list! Thanks for the details, we will add this to our bucket list for the states 🙂
Very interesting post, All the Images is very cool and looking beautiful. I really enjoy your post. Your list is cool and that is very helpful for me and others. I am also a traveler and blogger. My best hobby is taking the picture. Can you tell me the place which camera use you make those picture?
Love this Ruth. Of course there is so much more to LA than Hollywood, Venice Beach and Disneyland. There is such a diversity of activities but my favourite is the Getty Museum. What a treasure trove. Bookmarked for a future visit to the city of angels! #FarawayFiles
You’re a local! Fourteen years – wow – I haven’t lived somewhere for fourteen years in a row – ever! Fabulous list – lots I’ve done and many I need to still tick off. My husband grew up in Pasadena and my in-laws lived in Redondo Beach – so I know those areas pretty well. I love Santa Monica and prefer the beaches to the city. Fab list – thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles
This is really helpful. LA is so big, it can be hard deciding where to start! When I took the girls to Los Angeles for the first time, I struggled with what to show them – wanting to give them a taste of quintessential Los Angeles. (Or, at least, what makes the city special to me.) As you said – impossible in just a couple of days. Looking through your list had me hitting myself for not including so many great spots. Obviously, we need to go back! Thanks for sharing with #WeekendWanderlust and #TheWeeklyPostcard!
It’s amazing how many things there are to do in this one big city! I spent a fabulous few days in LA in the 90s. Clearly I need to go back and explore more. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Oh my, LA has got everything – cool hotels, museums, great food and beaches too. No wonder you are still there, Ruth!
#farawayfiles
Congratulations on your LA anniversary! Wow, I knew there was a lot to see and do but this is a huge list, it’s amazing! I love the diversity of the ethnic and cool neighbourhoods and food glorious food! I may have to stay away from the top dollar celebrity spotting ones until I win the lottery 😀 Pinned for when I visit, thank you for this! #feetdotravel
Uhhh! What a great guide to LA.
We were there this last Summer for a couple of nights and had no idea what to do. Pretty much all we did was Venice beach and drove the Malibu Highway 🙁
I’ll bookmark this for next time.
~bibi
Hi! Your photos are very beautiful. Thanks for your infornation.
What an amazing guide…I am going to send it to my brother who lives in Santa Barbara. I have been to LA a couple of times but never really explored the destination…Will do it next time
Really nice post and I am glad I covered some of these. Though I loved Venice beach as well. That was my one of fav spots.
Wow, just WOW!Seems like you wrote the best LA guide ever! Thank you so for this, it’s just great, such an interesting and useful resource!
Reminds me of a really sketchy experience I had going on a bus to Santa Monica beach! This is one phenomenally MEATY post! I wish I’d read this before I went to LA last year – but now I know! Going to bookmark this comprehensive bad boy xxx
What a great list! I live in OC and come to LA often for day trips. I’ve done many things on your lists, but also haven’t even heard of some. Looks like a trip to LA is in my future!
Wow, this is such an informative post and full of ideas! I really wish I’d read it before I visited (my first time) 2 years ago as I ended up a bit lost not really knowing where to go due to the huge size of the city! I’m sure I will be back again so will take note of your tips!
Happy 14th Los Angeles Anniversary! I’m glad that you’ve loved it so much over all of that time. It can be tough moving to a place that might be very different to your home town or what you’re used to. This is such a great comprehensive list! I can’t believe there is so much to see and do in LA. So far I’ve been there twice and have loved aspects of it both times.
Oh wow, LA seems rather nice from this. My only memory of it was a poor experience in LAX and I’m like wellll… let’s never pass through that airport ever again. 🙂 Maybe I’ll arrive by land next time.
cool post and great things to see.love the pics
What a list! Hope you manage to check every single one off it! #citytripping
Wow! That IS a comphrensive list! Thank you for sharing! Have pinned. #citytripping
Awesome list Ruth! I’m pinning it for when we go next year! Thanks for linking #citytripping
Great post! So many awesome ideas 😁 makes me want to go back to LA and explore some more!