30 Things to Do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a vast metropolis known worldwide for its connection to the entertainment industry, beautiful beaches, and sprawling urban landscape. It’s a city of dreams where diverse cultures blend, offering endless possibilities for exploration, from celebrity spotting to mountain hikes; you’ll discover an amazing array of activities, including plenty of exciting free things to do in Los Angeles that let you soak up the California sun without spending a dime. Navigating LA requires some planning due to its size, but the rewards are iconic sights and unique local experiences.
This city offers a dynamic mix, from the glitz of Hollywood to the relaxed vibe of its coastal communities and the rich collections within its museums. Whether you seek thrills at a theme park, artistic inspiration, or simply a spot on the sand, Los Angeles provides a backdrop for unforgettable adventures. Here are thirty ways to experience the best of this famed Californian city.
Hollywood Glamour & Studio Magic
Dive into the heart of the entertainment world with these iconic Hollywood experiences. Feel the history and maybe even glimpse some movie magic.
Stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. Find the stars honoring celebrities from film, television, music, and more embedded in the sidewalks.
Visit the historic TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Admire the theatre’s unique architecture and see the famous handprints and footprints of movie legends in its forecourt.
Get a great view of the Hollywood Sign from designated spots like the Griffith Observatory or Lake Hollywood Park. Seeing this iconic symbol is a must-do photo opportunity.
Spend a day at Universal Studios Hollywood, a working movie studio and theme park. Enjoy thrilling rides based on popular movies and take the famous Studio Tour.
Go behind the scenes at a real working studio with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. Explore outdoor sets, soundstages, and exhibits featuring props and costumes from beloved films and TV shows.
Take the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour for another look inside Hollywood history. See historic locations on the lot and learn about the studio’s legendary past and present productions.
World-Class Museums & Art
Los Angeles boasts an impressive collection of museums covering art, history, science, and culture. Many offer stunning architecture alongside their exhibits.
Explore The Getty Center, perched on a hill with incredible architecture, gardens, and city views. Its extensive art collection includes European paintings, decorative arts, and photography (free admission, parking fee applies).
Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the largest art museum in the western United States. See its diverse collection spanning art history and geography, including the famous Urban Light installation outside.
Discover contemporary art at The Broad in Downtown LA. This museum features an impressive collection of post-war art housed in a striking building (free general admission, reserve timed tickets online).
Journey through natural history at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in Exposition Park. Explore exhibits on dinosaurs, gems and minerals, and California history.
See automotive history and design at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Its unique architecture houses floors dedicated to iconic cars, Hollywood vehicles, and the evolution of the automobile.
Look to the stars at the Griffith Observatory, located in Griffith Park. Explore fascinating space and science exhibits and catch a show in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium (exhibits are free, planetarium shows have a fee).
Sun, Sand & Coastal Views
Experience classic Southern California beach culture along LA’s famous coastline. Each beach town offers a different vibe, from lively piers to relaxed shores.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere at Santa Monica Pier & Beach. Ride the Ferris wheel, play arcade games, enjoy the wide sandy beach, or bike along the path.
People-watch along the vibrant Venice Beach Boardwalk. See street performers, skateboarders at the skate park, Muscle Beach athletes, and browse quirky shops.
Find dramatic coastal scenery at El Matador State Beach in Malibu. This picturesque beach is known for its sea stacks, caves, and stunning sunset views (parking fee or find limited free parking on PCH).
Take a walk on the Malibu Pier, enjoy ocean views, and perhaps dine at one of its restaurants. It offers a classic California pier experience with a touch of Malibu chic.
Visit Manhattan Beach Pier & Strand, known for its clean beach, beautiful homes, and the Roundhouse Aquarium at the end of the pier. Walk or bike The Strand pathway for great coastal views.
Parks, Hikes & Outdoor Escapes
Escape the urban sprawl in LA’s numerous parks and hiking areas. Enjoy nature, city views, and outdoor recreation.
Hike the trails within Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. Choose from easy walks to more challenging climbs, offering fantastic views of the city and the Hollywood Sign.
Trek up Runyon Canyon Park for panoramic city views and a good workout. This popular spot near Hollywood attracts locals and visitors alike for its accessible trails.
Wander through the beautiful Exposition Park Rose Garden near the Natural History Museum. Admire thousands of rose bushes in bloom, offering a peaceful and fragrant escape (free access).
Relax at Lake Hollywood Park, offering a grassy area with a prime, close-up view of the Hollywood Sign. It’s a great spot for picnics and photos away from the main tourist crowds.
Explore Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge, a beautiful botanical garden. Discover its specialized areas, including a Japanese garden, oak forest, and the largest collection of camellias in North America.
Neighborhood Vibes & Local Markets
Explore LA’s diverse neighborhoods and markets to get a taste of local life and flavors. Each area offers its own unique character.
Check out the street art in the Downtown LA Arts District. Wander through the streets and alleys to discover impressive murals and galleries (free to explore).
Sample diverse foods at Grand Central Market in Downtown LA. This historic market features vendors selling everything from tacos and pupusas to oysters and gourmet coffee.
Visit The Original Farmers Market & The Grove for a mix of old and new LA. Enjoy classic food stalls at the historic market and modern shopping and entertainment at The Grove next door.
Window shop along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. See luxury boutiques and designer stores on this world-famous street, even if you’re just browsing.
Step back in time at Olvera Street, known as the “birthplace of Los Angeles.” Explore this Mexican marketplace with traditional crafts, food stalls, and historic buildings.
Free Sights & Architectural Wonders
Some of LA’s most recognizable sights can be enjoyed for free. Admire unique art installations and iconic buildings.
Take photos at the Urban Light installation outside LACMA. This collection of restored vintage street lamps has become a popular LA landmark, especially beautiful when lit at night (free access).
Admire the stunning architecture of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the LA Philharmonic. Walk around the building’s striking stainless steel curves designed by Frank Gehry (free exterior viewing).
Peek inside the Bradbury Building in Downtown LA (lobby access permitted during business hours). Marvel at its unique Victorian court with open cage elevators, wrought-iron railings, and skylit atrium (free lobby viewing).
