Los Angeles sprawls across 500 square miles of Southern California. The city offers beaches, mountains, world-class museums, theme parks, and entertainment venues. Whether you have one day or one week, this guide shows you the best things to do in Los Angeles, but withut doubt, the longer you have the more you will enjoy it.
There are free activities to family adventures to romantic spots for couples, you’ll find everything you need to plan your LA trip.
Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
When to Visit Los Angeles
Let’s get started with the best time to visit Los Angeles (LA), even though LA has pleasant weather year-round, timing affects crowds, prices, and your overall experience.
Best Times to Visit
September to November:
- Temperatures: 70 to 85°F
- Lower hotel prices after Labor Day
- Less crowded beaches and attractions
- Clear skies without summer haze
March to May:
- Temperatures: 65 to 75°F
- Wildflowers bloom in hills and canyons
- Moderate crowds
- Good rates before summer spike
Times to Avoid
June through August:
- Peak tourist season
- Hotel prices up 40% to 60%
- Crowded attractions with long wait times
- Marine layer clouds common (May Gray, June Gloom)
December holidays:
- Very expensive
- Major attractions packed
- Traffic worse than usual
1. Griffith Observatory: LA’s Number One Tourist Attraction
Griffith Observatory attracts more visitors than any other LA landmark. This Art Deco building, which has been around since 1935 sits atop Mount Hollywood with absolutely stunning views of the entire city. That alone should not be missed.
Why Visit
It has free admission to the building and exhibits. The planetarium shows cost 7 dollars but general viewing is free.
What you’ll find inside:
- Tesla coil demonstrations
- Foucault pendulum
- Space and astronomy exhibits
- 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope (available for public viewing evenings)
Best Times to Visit
Visit between noon and 3 PM to avoid May Gray and June Gloom morning clouds. Sunset brings crowds, so arrive well before if you want that golden hour light.
Weekday mornings: There are fewer crowds, easier parking Tuesday through Friday: closed Mondays After 10 PM: Arrive by 8 PM to see the telescope.
Getting There
Address: 2800 E Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Parking: This is limited, so best to arrive early or take the DASH Observatory shuttle from Vermont/Sunset Metro station.
Cost: It offers free admission, but 7 dollars for the planetarium shows
2. Getty Center: Free World-Class Art
The Getty Center houses masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Cezanne. The admission is free, but you will have to pay parking costs of 20 dollars.
More great views from the hilltop location from downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean. The architecture and gardens are attractions themselves, and shouldn’t be missed.
Must-see pieces:
- Van Gogh’s “Irises”
- Monet’s “Spring”
- Rembrandt paintings
- French furniture collection
Plan for at least 3 to 4 hours minimum. The gardens alone take 30 to 60 minutes to explore properly, and are well worth the effort.
Getting there: take the tram from the parking structure to the museum complex. The tram ride itself offers great views.
3. Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Santa Monica Pier features a historic carousel, Pacific Park amusement park, and ocean views. The pier and beach are free to visit.
The pier includes:
- Pacific Park (rides cost 5 to 12 dollars each or 32 dollars for unlimited)
- Original 1922 carousel
- Restaurants and food stands
- Fishing areas
- Street performers
The beach below offers:
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Beach volleyball courts
- Bike path (The Strand runs 22 miles along the coast)
- Free summer concerts some evenings
Best time: weekday mornings for fewer crowds. Although sunset brings big crowds, it offers spectacular views not to be missed.
4. Venice Beach and Boardwalk
Venice Beach Boardwalk features street performers, artists, vendors, and the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym. It’s free to explore.
What makes Venice special:
- Street performers doing acrobatics, music, and comedy
- Unique shops selling art and handmade goods
- Skate park with talented skaters
- Basketball courts (often pickup games)
- Muscle Beach (watch bodybuilders work out)…Whilst enjoying a donut!
Don’t miss: walk a few blocks inland to see the Venice Canals. These residential waterways offer a quiet contrast to the boardwalk.
Best time: afternoons and early evenings for the most action. Mornings are quieter if you prefer that.
5. Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
The Hollywood Walk of Fame features over 2,500 stars embedded in sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. It’s free to explore. It runs 15 blocks and you will find stars honoring actors, musicians, directors, and fictional characters.
TCL Chinese Theatre features hand and footprints of around 200 Hollywood stars immortalized in cement. The courtyard is free to view.
Compare your hands and feet to the famous:
- John Wayne
- Judy Garland
- Marilyn Monroe
- Modern stars like Daniel Radcliffe
Tips: arrive early morning (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds. The area gets packed by midday. Watch for costumed characters who will demand tips for photos.
Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
LA offers dozens of free attractions. Here are some of the best ones.
Free Museums and Cultural Sites
The Getty Center offers free admission. With works by Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir, it’s one of LA’s best free attractions and well worth a visit.
Other free museums:
- The Broad (contemporary art, free timed tickets required)
- Getty Villa (ancient Greek and Roman art, free but requires reservation)
- Griffith Observatory
- California Science Center (admission free, IMAX costs extra)
Olvera Street takes you back to LA’s Hispanic roots with souvenir kiosks, restaurants, taco stands, and cultural sites.
Free Outdoor Activities
Beaches: all 75 miles of LA County beaches are free
- Venice Beach
- Santa Monica Beach
- Manhattan Beach
- Malibu beaches
Hiking trails:
- Runyon Canyon (Hollywood Sign views)
- Griffith Park trails (4,210 acres of trails)
- Escondido Falls in Malibu (waterfall hike)
The Strand is a 22-mile paved path from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County Beach. Perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or rollerblading.
Free Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles
Kids don’t need expensive theme parks to have fun in LA!
Free Kid-Friendly Activities
Grand Park in downtown LA offers a children’s playground, open grassy areas, and water installations. The park hosts free entertainment on weekends.
Santa Monica Pier: walking the pier is free. Kids love watching the Ferris wheel and street performers.
Beaches: building sandcastles, playing in waves, and tidepool exploring cost nothing.
Griffith Observatory offers free admission with planetarium shows, telescope viewing, and space exhibits that fascinate children.
Almost Free Options
Angels Flight Railway only costs 1 dollar per ride. This historic 1901 funicular takes passengers up Bunker Hill.
California Science Center: free admission with Space Shuttle Endeavour, but IMAX tickets do cost 8.25 dollars for kids.
Fun Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles
When you’re ready to spend money, these attractions deliver the most value for families.
Theme Parks
- Cost: 109 dollars and upwards for one-day tickets
- Harry Potter World
- Studio tour
- Thrill rides
- Best for kids 8 and older
Disneyland (Anaheim, 30 miles from LA):
- Cost: 104 dollars and upwards for one-day tickets
- Classic Disney characters and rides
- Best for all ages
- Plan full day or multiple days
Educational Fun
- Cost: 15 dollars adults, 7 dollars kids
- Dinosaur skeletons
- Butterfly pavilion
- Hands-on exhibits
- Cost: 15 dollars adults, 7 dollars kids
- Working paleontology site
- Ice Age fossils
- See tar still bubbling
California Science Center:
- Free admission
- Space Shuttle Endeavour
- IMAX theater (extra cost)
- Interactive science exhibits
Cheap Things to Do in Los Angeles
LA doesn’t have to drain your wallet. These activities cost under 20 dollars per person.
Affordable Attractions
Grand Central Market offers food from dozens of vendors. Operating since 1917, it serves everything from coffee to tacos to chow mein. Sample different cuisines for 5 to 15 dollars per person.
The Last Bookstore (downtown):
- Free to explore
- Tunnels made of books
- Art installations
- Old bank vault converted to book displays
Farmers markets:
- Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax (free to walk, food costs vary)
- Hollywood Farmers Market (Sundays, free entry)
- Santa Monica Farmers Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Budget-Friendly Entertainment
Free TV show tapings available for The Voice, The Price Is Right, Wheel of Fortune, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Book tickets online weeks in advance.
Dance DTLA at The Music Center hosts free Friday evening dance parties all summer. Expert instructors teach Samba, Disco, Bollywood, and Hip-Hop.
Things to Do Alone in Los Angeles
Solo travelers will find LA welcoming and safe in tourist areas.
Best Solo Activities
Hiking trails: Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park offer safe, popular trails where you’ll see other hikers.
Museums: explore at your own pace without group consensus. The Getty, LACMA, and The Broad are perfect for solo visits.
Beach time: bring a book to Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach. Both have lifeguards and family-friendly atmospheres.
Coffee shop culture: LA has exceptional coffee shops in Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Venice. Great for working or people-watching.
Solo Dining
Grand Central Market: sit at communal tables, try multiple vendors, no awkward solo dining stigma.
Food halls: The Original Farmers Market and Eataly at Westfield Century City work well for solo eaters.
Counter service: LA’s taco trucks and casual spots make solo dining normal and enjoyable.
Things to Do in Chinatown Los Angeles
LA’s Chinatown on Cermak Avenue offers authentic restaurants, cultural sites, and unique shopping.
Chinatown Highlights
Thien Hau Temple:
- Free to visit
- Dedicated to Mazu, goddess of the sea
- Beautiful Taoist architecture
- Chinese New Year celebrations with lion dancers
Central Plaza:
- Shops selling tea, herbs, and gifts
- Restaurants serving dim sum and Cantonese food
- Street food vendors
- Photo opportunities with traditional architecture
Chinatown Gateway: iconic entrance arch, perfect photo spot
Best Eats in Chinatown
Dim sum restaurants: order from carts, try multiple dishes for 3 to 8 dollars each
Noodle shops: hand-pulled noodles, soup bowls for 8 to 15 dollars
Bakeries: Chinese pastries and buns for 1 to 3 dollars
Best time to visit: lunch through early evening. Some restaurants close by 8 PM.
Things to Do for Couples in Los Angeles
LA offers romantic settings from beaches to hilltop views.
Romantic Activities
Sunset at Griffith Observatory: watch the city lights come on from the observatory lawn. Free and romantic.
Beach picnic: pack food and watch sunset at El Matador Beach in Malibu. Dramatic rock formations create stunning backdrops.
Getty Center gardens: stroll through carefully designed gardens with mountain and ocean views.
Santa Monica Pier at night: ride the Ferris wheel after dark for lit-up views of the coastline.
Date Night Ideas
Rooftop bars: many downtown hotels have rooftop bars with skyline views. Drinks cost 15 to 20 dollars.
Dinner in Little Tokyo: explore Japanese restaurants and dessert cafes. Romantic and unique.
Concert at Hollywood Bowl: outdoor amphitheater with picnic tables. Bring your own food and wine.
Walk Venice Canals: quiet residential area with charming bridges and houses. Free and peaceful.
Things to Do at Night in Los Angeles
LA comes alive after dark with entertainment, dining, and views.
Evening Entertainment
Griffith Observatory stays open until 10 PM. The night views of LA are particularly stunning, and you can use the telescopes to view the moon and planets.
Universal CityWalk: free to walk around, features restaurants, shops, and street performers. Open until midnight most nights.
Third Street Promenade (Santa Monica): pedestrian shopping area with stores open until 9 or 10 PM. Street performers entertain in evenings.
Downtown Art Walk: second Thursday of each month. Galleries stay open late, food trucks, live music. Free event.
Nightlife Districts
West Hollywood (WeHo): famous nightclub scene, Sunset Strip venues, rooftop bars
Downtown LA: Arts District bars, rooftop lounges, speakeasy-style cocktail bars
Santa Monica: beachfront bars, Third Street Promenade area, live music venues
Late-Night Food
Grand Central Market: open until 10 PM most nights
Food trucks: Korean BBQ trucks in Koreatown, taco trucks throughout the city
Kogi BBQ: famous Korean-Mexican fusion truck, check website for locations
24-hour spots: Original Pantry Cafe (downtown), Canter’s Deli (Fairfax), Mel’s Drive-In (Hollywood)
Must-See Tourist Attractions Beyond the Basics
Once you’ve covered the major sites, explore these attractions.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Theme park and working film studio.
Highlights:
- Studio tour (backlot, movie sets, special effects demonstrations)
- Harry Potter World (Hogsmeade village, rides, butterbeer)
- Jurassic World ride
- Transformers 3D experience
Cost: 109 to 169 dollars depending on date Time needed: full day (6 to 8 hours) Tip: buy tickets online for discounts, arrive at opening
LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
Los Ageles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western United States.
Collections include:
- Ancient art from Egypt, Rome, Greece
- European paintings
- Contemporary art
- Urban Light installation (Instagram famous lamp posts outside)
LA County residents get free admission after 3 PM on weekdays with valid ID. LACMA also hosts free Friday night jazz concerts from March to November.
La Brea Tar Pits
The tar pits offer a distinctive glimpse into ancient natural history with tar still bubbling to the surface.
Active paleontology site in the middle of the city. Scientists still excavate Ice Age fossils here.
What you’ll see:
- Tar pits bubbling
- Life-size mammoth statues
- Observation pit where researchers work
- Museum with fossils and reconstructed skeletons
Cost: 15 dollars adults, 7 dollars kids, free for LA County residents with ID
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills features high-end designer shopping. Window shopping is free along this famous street.
Three blocks of luxury stores:
- Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton
- Tiffany & Co.
- Designer boutiques
Two Rodeo is a faux cobbled walkway where tourists and shoppers mingle. Anderton Court, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, houses Givenchy’s West Coast flagship.
Best time: afternoons for people-watching, but expect crowds. Early mornings are quieter.
Best Things to Do with Family in Los Angeles
These attractions work for all ages.
Family-Friendly Museums
California Science Center (free):
- Space Shuttle Endeavour
- Ecosystems exhibit
- Interactive science demonstrations
- IMAX theater
Natural History Museum (15 dollars):
- Dinosaur hall
- Gem and mineral collection
- Butterfly pavilion (seasonal)
- Nature gardens
Outdoor Family Activities
Griffith Park:
- 4,210 acres to explore
- Hiking trails for all skill levels
- Playgrounds
- Merry-go-round
- Pony rides
- Travel Town Museum (free train museum)
Beaches:
- Santa Monica Pier rides and games
- Venice Beach for street performers
- Manhattan Beach for calmer waters
- Malibu Surfrider Beach (watch surfers)
Unique Experiences
Disneyland in Anaheim is Southern California’s most popular amusement park. There are more rides and attractions than you can see in a day, so many families attend for multiple days.
- 300+ cars and motorcycles
- Modern and classic vehicles
- Interactive exhibits
- Special vault tours available
- Working studio backlot
- See sets from Friends, Big Bang Theory
- Sound stages
- Prop and costume departments
- Better for kids 8 and older
Planning Your LA Trip
Getting Around
Rental car: most convenient for exploring different areas. LA sprawls significantly.
Metro: trains and buses connect major areas. 1.75 dollars per ride. Buy TAP card for convenience.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft widely available. Downtown to Santa Monica costs 25 to 40 dollars.
Where to Stay
Santa Monica: beach access, pedestrian-friendly, restaurants and shops. Hotel range: 150 to 400 dollars per night.
Downtown LA: central location, Metro access, walkable to museums. Hotel range: 100 to 300 dollars per night.
Hollywood: tourist area, Walk of Fame nearby, good Metro connections. Hotel range: 120 to 280 dollars per night.
Budget Planning
Free day in LA: 0 dollars (plus 15 to 20 dollars for parking if driving)
Budget day: 50 to 80 dollars per person (cheap eats, one paid attraction)
Mid-range day: 100 to 150 dollars per person (nicer meals, multiple attractions)
Luxury day: 200+ dollars per person (fine dining, VIP experiences)
Safety Tips
Tourist areas are generally safe. Use normal city awareness:
- Keep valuables secured
- Stay in well-lit areas at night
- Use rideshare instead of walking alone late
- Avoid empty beaches after dark
Best Apps for LA
Google Maps: navigation and public transit directions Metro LA: plan bus and train routes SpotHero: find and book parking in advance Yelp: restaurant reviews and recommendations
Making the Most of Your LA Visit
As you can see, there is so much to do in LA! So where do you start?
It is probably best to start with the free attractions: Griffith Observatory, Getty Center, beaches, and the Walk of Fame. These give you a great LA experience without spending money. (Always nice)
Add one or two paid attractions based on your interests: theme parks for families, museums for culture lovers, studio tours for entertainment fans.
Explore different neighborhoods: each area has distinct character. Don’t just stay in one zone.
Allow time for traffic: LA traffic is real. Add 30 to 60 minutes buffer time for trips across the city.
The best things to do in Los Angeles cover every interest and budget. From world-class museums to stunning beaches to entertainment landmarks, you’ll find activities that match your style. Use this guide to plan your perfect LA adventure.
If you find you you enjoyed this adventure, then it may be worth taking a look at another future option “Your Complete Guide to Vacationing in Chicago: What You Need to Know“, it might just be your next great adventure!