Things to Do in Los Angeles
LA rewards the prepared traveler. This guide covers what to prioritize across six categories — from free beach days and hilltop hikes to world-class museums — with realistic time estimates and the tips that actually matter.
What to Do in Los Angeles
Six categories that cover the full range of what LA offers — 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. Griffith Observatory is free and has 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 are 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.
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 star gazing. Disneyland is 45 min from DTLA. Malibu canyon drives are scenic and free.
Outdoor Activities
Runyon Canyon (free, 30-min hike with city views). Topanga State Park for serious hiking without crowds. Kayaking at Marina del Rey ($20–$30/hr). Cycling the Marvin Braude coastal trail from Santa Monica to Malibu — 22 miles, flat, spectacular.
Ready to book Los Angeles activities?
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and activity passes — compare prices and book in advance.
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