Los Angeles is one of the most exciting cities to visit in California, with something for almost every type of traveler. From the Hollywood Sign and famous beaches to museums, theme parks, scenic viewpoints, shopping districts, and outdoor trails, there are countless things to do in LA.
Whether you are visiting Los Angeles for a weekend, planning a family vacation, or spending several days exploring Southern California, you can build an itinerary around the city’s different neighborhoods and attractions.
LA is also changing quickly. In 2026, the city has welcomed new cultural attractions and major visitor experiences, including DATALAND and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.
Here are some of the best things to do in LA on your next trip.
Read More: Top 10 Things to Do in Venice Beach LA | Travel Guide 2026
1. See the Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Los Angeles.
You can see it from several viewpoints around the city, but hiking in Griffith Park provides a more active way to experience the landmark.
For travelers who want photographs without completing a long hike, viewpoints around Hollywood and Griffith Observatory can also provide excellent views.
The Hollywood Sign is especially popular around sunrise and sunset when the surrounding hills and city create a scenic backdrop.
2. Visit Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is one of the best places to combine sightseeing, science, and panoramic city views.
Located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, the observatory overlooks Los Angeles and provides views toward downtown LA and the Hollywood Sign.
You can explore exhibits, learn about astronomy, and spend time outside enjoying the surrounding Griffith Park area.
It is also a good stop if you are planning to see the Hollywood Sign during the same day.
3. Explore Griffith Park
Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in Los Angeles and offers much more than the observatory.
Visitors can hike trails, enjoy viewpoints, explore nature, and visit attractions within the park.
If you want outdoor activities without leaving the city, Griffith Park is an easy place to add to an LA itinerary.
The park also provides opportunities for travelers who want to experience a quieter side of Los Angeles.
4. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most famous attractions in LA.
The sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street feature thousands of stars honoring people from the entertainment industry.
Walking along the boulevard is free, making it an easy activity for travelers on a budget.
While exploring the area, you can also visit other nearby attractions, including the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre.
5. Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the most popular attractions near Los Angeles.
The theme park combines rides, entertainment, movie-themed attractions, and the famous Studio Tour.
In 2026, Universal Studios Hollywood is also introducing Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a new outdoor roller coaster based on the Fast & Furious franchise.
Families, movie fans, and travelers looking for thrill rides can easily spend most of a day at the park.
Because Universal City is north of Hollywood, plan your route before visiting, especially during busy periods.
6. Spend Time at Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica is one of the easiest beach destinations to include in a Los Angeles trip.
You can walk along the beach, relax near the Pacific Ocean, explore the surrounding streets, and visit the famous Santa Monica Pier.
The area works well for both short visits and full afternoons.
For first-time visitors, combining Santa Monica with nearby Venice Beach can create a full Westside beach day.
7. Visit the Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the city’s classic attractions.
It extends over the Pacific Ocean and features restaurants, entertainment, and the Pacific Park amusement area.
The pier is especially popular around sunset, when visitors can enjoy ocean views and take photographs.
It is also an easy place to combine with a walk along the beach.
8. Explore Venice Beach
Venice Beach has a completely different atmosphere from many other parts of Los Angeles.
The famous Venice Beach Boardwalk is lined with shops, restaurants, street performers, and colorful local activity.
You can also explore the beach, watch skateboarders, and walk toward the Venice Canals.
If you enjoy photography, people-watching, and outdoor activities, Venice is one of the most interesting stops in LA.
9. Walk the Venice Canals
The Venice Canals provide a quieter experience compared with the busy boardwalk.
The neighborhood features canals, bridges, homes, and pedestrian paths.
It is a good place to spend a short amount of time taking photographs and exploring one of Venice’s distinctive residential areas.
The canals are also close enough to the beach to combine both attractions in one visit.
10. Visit the Getty Center
The Getty Center is one of the major cultural attractions in Los Angeles.
Visitors can explore art collections, architecture, gardens, and views over the city.
The Getty Center is particularly appealing to travelers who want a break from Hollywood’s entertainment-focused attractions.
Los Angeles Tourism lists the Getty Center among the city’s major arts and cultural attractions.
Allow several hours if you want to explore the galleries, gardens, and surrounding areas without rushing.
11. Explore Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown LA, commonly called DTLA, has a large collection of cultural attractions, restaurants, historic buildings, and entertainment venues.
Some notable places include The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market, Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, and the Arts District.
Downtown is also connected by Metro services, which can make visiting several attractions easier without driving between every stop.
12. Visit The Broad
The Broad is a contemporary art museum in Downtown Los Angeles.
Its distinctive architecture makes it easy to recognize, while the museum’s collection provides another reason to visit.
The Broad can be combined with Walt Disney Concert Hall and other Downtown attractions because several major destinations are relatively close to each other.
Check the museum’s current admission and reservation information before visiting.
13. Explore Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Downtown LA.
You can explore Japanese restaurants, shops, cultural attractions, and historic streets.
The Japanese American National Museum is also located in the neighborhood, although visitors should check its current operating status before planning a visit.
Little Tokyo is a good choice if you want to add food and culture to your Los Angeles itinerary.
14. Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, commonly known as LACMA, is located along Wilshire Boulevard.
It is one of the city’s major art institutions and sits in the area commonly known as Museum Row.
The museum is particularly useful for travelers who want to combine several cultural attractions in one part of the city.
2026 is also an important year for LACMA, with the opening of the David Geffen Galleries.
15. Visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Movie fans should consider adding the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to their LA itinerary.
The museum explores the history and development of filmmaking and is located near LACMA and other Museum Row attractions.
It offers visitors a way to learn more about the movies and filmmaking industry that helped make Los Angeles famous.
16. Explore Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is another popular stop for first-time visitors to Los Angeles.
You can walk around Rodeo Drive, explore upscale shopping areas, and see some of the city’s famous architecture and streets.
Even if you are not planning a luxury shopping trip, Beverly Hills can be a fun addition to a sightseeing itinerary.
17. Walk Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is one of the most recognizable shopping streets in Beverly Hills.
The area is known for luxury stores, elegant architecture, and high-end fashion.
You do not have to shop to enjoy the area. Walking the street, taking photographs, and exploring nearby Beverly Hills are free activities.
18. Visit the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is a famous outdoor entertainment venue located in the Hollywood Hills.
The venue hosts concerts and performances and is known for its outdoor setting.
If you are visiting during an event, check the schedule and ticket information in advance.
For music lovers, attending a performance can be one of the memorable experiences of an LA trip.
19. Explore the Arts District
The Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles is known for murals, galleries, restaurants, cafes, and creative spaces.
It is a good neighborhood to explore on foot if you want something different from traditional tourist attractions.
Street art and changing local businesses mean the experience can vary from one visit to another.
20. Visit the Petersen Automotive Museum
Car enthusiasts should consider the Petersen Automotive Museum on Museum Row.
The museum focuses on automotive history and displays a wide range of vehicles and related exhibits.
It is especially useful for travelers who want an indoor activity during a hot afternoon.
You can combine the museum with LACMA and other nearby attractions.
21. Spend a Day at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Los Angeles is closely connected with the entertainment industry, making studio tours a popular activity.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood provides visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking and television production.
Studio tours are particularly appealing to visitors interested in movies and TV shows.
Los Angeles Tourism lists Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood among the city’s major attractions and studio experiences.
22. Visit the Los Angeles Zoo
Families looking for kid-friendly activities can consider the Los Angeles Zoo.
The zoo provides an opportunity to see animals and spend time outdoors away from the busiest tourist districts.
It can work well as part of a Griffith Park itinerary because the zoo is located in the same broader area.
23. Watch a Los Angeles Sports Game
Sports are a major part of LA culture.
Depending on the season, visitors may be able to watch basketball, baseball, football, hockey, or soccer.
Major venues around the city include Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium, BMO Stadium, Crypto.com Arena, and Intuit Dome.
Checking the sports schedule before your trip can help you find a game that fits your itinerary.
24. Explore Malibu
Malibu is a great option if you want to experience the coastal side of Los Angeles.
The area is known for beaches, ocean views, scenic roads, and hiking opportunities.
A Malibu day trip can be combined with other Westside destinations depending on your schedule.
If you enjoy photography and coastal scenery, leave some extra time for stops along the way instead of treating Malibu as a quick drive-through destination.
25. Discover New LA Attractions in 2026
Travelers visiting Los Angeles in 2026 have several new attractions to consider.
DATALAND, located at The Grand LA in Downtown, opened in 2026 and focuses on AI-generated art and immersive experiences.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opened in Exposition Park on September 22, 2026. The museum focuses on visual storytelling and includes galleries, theaters, a library, restaurant, cafe, and public spaces.
These additions make 2026 an especially interesting year for travelers interested in art, technology, and culture.
Best Free Things to Do in LA
Los Angeles can become expensive quickly, but you can still build a budget-friendly itinerary.
Some activities that can be free or relatively inexpensive include:
- Seeing the Hollywood Sign
- Walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Exploring Venice Beach
- Walking the Venice Canals
- Visiting Santa Monica Beach
- Exploring Griffith Park
- Walking around Beverly Hills
- Exploring the Arts District
- Visiting Little Tokyo
- Watching the sunset along the coast
Always check current admission policies because some attractions may require tickets or reservations.
Best Things to Do in LA With Kids
Families have many choices in Los Angeles.
Some popular options include:
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Los Angeles Zoo
- Santa Monica Pier
- Griffith Observatory
- Griffith Park
- Aquarium and marine attractions around the greater LA area
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
For families, it is usually easier to plan one major attraction and a few nearby activities each day instead of crossing the entire city multiple times.
Best Things to Do in LA at Night
Los Angeles also has plenty to do after sunset.
You can:
- Watch a concert at the Hollywood Bowl
- Explore Hollywood Boulevard
- Have dinner in Downtown LA
- Visit L.A. LIVE
- Enjoy the nightlife around West Hollywood
- Watch a sporting event
- See the city lights from Griffith Observatory
- Walk around Santa Monica Pier
Check event schedules before your trip because concerts, sports, and special events can change throughout the year.
How Many Days Do You Need in LA?
For a first visit, 3 to 5 days gives you enough time to experience several major areas without trying to see everything at once.
A three-day trip could focus on:
Day 1: Hollywood and Griffith Park
Day 2: Santa Monica and Venice Beach
Day 3: Downtown LA, museums, and Beverly Hills
With five days, you can add Universal Studios Hollywood, Malibu, studio tours, additional museums, or a longer beach day.
Tips for Visiting Los Angeles
Plan by neighborhood
Los Angeles is spread across a large area. Group attractions that are close together to reduce driving time.
Check traffic
Travel times can vary significantly depending on traffic. Avoid planning too many attractions on opposite sides of the city on the same day.
Use Metro when practical
LA’s Metro system can be useful for connecting several major areas, particularly Downtown and other central destinations. The E Line connects Downtown LA with Santa Monica, while the B Line connects Downtown with Universal City.
Reserve popular attractions
Universal Studios, studio tours, concerts, and some museums may require advance reservations or tickets.
Wear comfortable shoes
Many LA attractions involve walking, especially beaches, outdoor neighborhoods, museums, and sightseeing areas.
Final Thoughts
There is no shortage of things to do in LA. From the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory to Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Universal Studios Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Downtown LA, and the city’s museums, you can create a trip around almost any interest.
For a first visit, focus on a few neighborhoods rather than trying to cover the entire city in one day. This gives you more time to enjoy each destination and reduces time spent in traffic.
And if you are visiting in 2026, consider adding newer attractions such as DATALAND and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art to your itinerary alongside LA’s classic landmarks.