Things to Do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles spreads across the coast, the hills, and the basin, so the experience changes a lot depending on what you want to focus on. Understanding this helps you choose where to stay and how to plan your days around the city's traffic.
Landmarks & Big Sights
Good for a first visit, when you want the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, and Griffith Observatory without spending the whole day driving between them.
Culture & Museums
Best for travelers who enjoy slower exploration — the Getty, LACMA, The Broad, and neighborhoods with strong cultural character.
Food & Local Experiences
Designed for travelers who want food halls, taco trucks, and everyday LA neighborhood life to be the focus of their trip.
Beaches & Outdoors
Works well for visitors who want beach days in Santa Monica and Venice, hilltop hikes like Runyon Canyon, and coastal cycling.
What to Do in Los Angeles
Six categories that cover the full range of what LA offers, with real prices and time estimates — prioritize by what matters most to you.
Hollywood & Entertainment
Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame (free), tour Paramount Studios ($75+), visit the TCL Chinese Theatre. Universal Studios Hollywood ($109+) is a full-day theme park. Griffith Observatory is free, with the best panoramic view of the city and the Hollywood Sign — allow a half-day for the hill.
Beaches
Santa Monica Pier is the classic — free entry, paid rides and aquarium. Venice Beach Boardwalk has street performers and the famous Muscle Beach (free, any time). Malibu beaches require a car but offer seclusion. Best swimming: Manhattan Beach.
Museums & Culture
The Getty Center (free admission, pay for parking) is world-class — allow 3 hours. LACMA has rotating major exhibitions ($25). The Broad in DTLA ($18, book ahead). The Natural History Museum and La Brea Tar Pits sit in the same Exposition Park cluster.
Food & Markets
Grand Central Market in Downtown is the best food hall in the city — open daily, $10–$20 per person. Smorgasburg LA runs Sunday mornings in DTLA. Farmers markets at Hollywood (Sunday) and Santa Monica (Wednesday & Saturday) are excellent for grazing.
Hikes & Outdoors
Runyon Canyon (free, 30-min loop with city views). Hike the Hollywood Sign trail from Griffith Park for the iconic photo. Topanga State Park for serious hiking without crowds. Cycle the Marvin Braude coastal trail from Santa Monica toward Malibu — flat and spectacular.
Day Trips
Santa Barbara is 1.5 hrs north — wine country, Spanish architecture, harbor. Joshua Tree National Park is 2.5 hrs — otherworldly rock formations and stargazing. Disneyland is 45 min from DTLA. Malibu canyon drives are scenic and free.
What you want to do in Los Angeles directly affects where you should stay. Choosing the right area can cut down on driving, reduce time stuck in traffic, and make the trip feel a lot smoother.
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