Top 15 Things to Do in Los Angeles CA

To make that easier, this guide rounds up the top 15 things to do in Los Angeles proper, spanning iconic sights, cultural institutions, outdoor escapes, and local favorites. Whether you are visiting for the first time, showing friends around, or settling into a new home and exploring your neighborhood, these are the experiences that capture the essence of LA. Here is a quick overview before we dive into the details.

1. Griffith Observatory

Perched on the slopes of Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory delivers some of the best views in the city, including sweeping vistas of the downtown skyline and a clear sightline to the Hollywood Sign. Admission to the building and grounds is free, and the planetarium shows and space exhibits make it a favorite for all ages.

2. Hike to the Hollywood Sign

The world’s most famous sign is best experienced on foot. Trails like the Hollyridge route in Griffith Park lead hikers toward the iconic letters while serving up excellent photo opportunities and city panoramas along the way. Wear good shoes and bring water, especially in warm months.

3. Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stretching along Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame honors more than 2,700 figures from film, television, music, radio, and theater. Pair a stroll past the stars with a stop at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre and its famous courtyard of celebrity handprints and footprints.

4. The Getty Center

Set on a hilltop in Brentwood, the Getty Center pairs a remarkable art collection with striking modern architecture and beautiful gardens. Admission is free, and the views of the city and ocean alone are worth the trip up the tram. It is one of LA’s most rewarding cultural outings.

5. Universal Studios Hollywood

A combination theme park and working film studio, Universal Studios Hollywood offers blockbuster-inspired rides alongside its famous backlot studio tour. Highlights include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a steady stream of new attractions, making it a full day of entertainment for families and movie fans.

6. Santa Monica Pier

This historic pier is a quintessential LA experience, complete with an oceanfront amusement park, an aquarium, classic carnival games, and the western end of Route 66. The surrounding beach and Third Street Promenade add shopping, dining, and people-watching to the mix.

7. Venice Beach Boardwalk

Just south of Santa Monica, Venice Beach buzzes with creative energy. Wander the boardwalk past street performers and artists, watch bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, rent a bike along the path, or explore the charming Venice Canals nearby.

8. The Broad

This contemporary art museum in Downtown LA houses an impressive collection of postwar and modern works. General admission is free, though reserving tickets in advance is recommended. Its mirror-filled Infinity Room is among the most sought-after experiences in the city.

9. LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection spanning from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. The Urban Light installation of vintage street lamps out front has become one of LA’s most photographed landmarks.

10. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

In the heart of the city, the La Brea Tar Pits offer a window into the Ice Age, with tar still bubbling to the surface and fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves on display. It is a fascinating, family-friendly stop on Museum Row.

11. Griffith Park

One of the largest urban parks in North America, Griffith Park offers miles of hiking and horseback trails, the Los Angeles Zoo, the Greek Theatre, and the Autry Museum. It is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the city.

12. Grand Central Market

Open since 1917, this bustling Downtown food hall brings together dozens of vendors serving everything from classic tacos and egg sandwiches to gourmet coffee and global cuisine. It is one of the best places to taste the diversity of LA’s food scene in one stop.

13. Petersen Automotive Museum

Wrapped in a bold red-and-steel facade on the Miracle Mile, the Petersen showcases one of the world’s largest collections of cars and motorcycles. Rotating exhibits feature Hollywood vehicles, racing legends, and groundbreaking design, making it a must for automotive enthusiasts.

14. Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills

For a taste of LA glamour, stroll the luxury boutiques of Rodeo Drive and the palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills. Even window-shopping is an experience here, and the area is ideal for spotting striking architecture and the occasional celebrity.

15. Hollywood Bowl

This legendary outdoor amphitheater has hosted music’s biggest names for a century. Catching a concert under the stars, whether classical, jazz, or contemporary, is one of the most memorable things you can do in Los Angeles during the warmer months.

Tips for Making the Most of Your LA Adventures

• Beat the traffic. Plan visits early in the day and group nearby attractions together to minimize driving.
• Mix free and paid. Many of LA’s best experiences, from Griffith Observatory to the Getty, cost nothing to enter.
• Reserve ahead. Popular spots like The Broad and Universal Studios are smoother with advance tickets.
• Dress in layers. Coastal mornings can be cool even when inland afternoons are warm.

Settling Into Your New City

Few things make a new home feel like home faster than getting out and exploring it. If you have recently relocated to the area, this list is a great starting point for discovering what makes LA special, from your first sunset at the pier to your first hike beneath the Hollywood Sign.

Our local moving company is proud to help residents settle across Los Angeles, Orange County, and the San Fernando Valley, so they can spend less time worrying about boxes and more time enjoying everything the city has to offer. When the heavy lifting is handled with care, and the move goes smoothly, you are free to start making memories in your new neighborhood right away.

Final Comments

Los Angeles rewards the curious. With world-class museums, iconic landmarks, sun-soaked beaches, and a food scene as diverse as its neighborhoods, the city offers a lifetime of things to do for visitors and residents alike. Use the top 15 as your starting point, then let your own discoveries fill in the rest. And if you are planning a move to Los Angeles so you can experience it all firsthand, Simple Moving Company is here to make your relocation simple and stress-free. Call (888) 588-4118 for a free quote, and get ready to explore your new home.