Things to Do in Los Angeles
32 things to do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles rewards explorers willing to move beyond the obvious. The city sprawls across distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character: you can walk through world-class art at The Getty and The Broad, hike to the Hollywood Sign for valley views, or spend an afternoon getting lost in the Venice Beach Boardwalk scene. Downtown has real energy—the Art Walk draws crowds to galleries and murals, while Grand Central Market buzzes with food stalls and locals.
For culture, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and California Science Center are substantial enough to eat a full day. Street-level discoveries matter here too: hunt for murals in Melrose Mural Alley, browse vintage and independent shops along Abbot Kinney Boulevard, or wander through the Art District's converted warehouses. La Brea Tar Pits tells LA's prehistoric story, and Griffith Park Trails offers hiking without crowds.
The city's real personality emerges in less-visited spots like Homeboy Industries, Los Angeles City Hall's neoclassical dome, and local gems like La Brea Bakery Inc. Koreatown Plaza and Lorena Plaza show where LA actually shops and eats. Set aside time for wandering—the best moments often happen between destinations.
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Hollywood Sign
Must-seeLos Angeles's defining symbol; iconic landmark visible citywide. Essential first-time visit.
Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA - 2
The Getty
Must-seeWorld-class art collection and iconic Meier architecture in a hilltop setting with city views.
1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA - 3
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Must-seeLA's most iconic and energetic beach experience, essential for first-time visitors seeking authentic local character.
Beach pavillion in, 517 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291, USA - 4
Grand Central Market
Must-seeHistoric working market with diverse vendors; genuine local food culture and dining experience.
202 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA - 5
GRAMMY Museum
Excellent music museum with rotating exhibits; essential for music fans, worthwhile for most visitors.
800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA - 6
Griffith Park Trails
Essential urban hiking with Hollywood Sign views and rare LA greenspace.
2715 N Vermont Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA - 7
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Unique natural phenomenon and one of world's richest fossil sites; genuinely one-of-a-kind LA experience.
5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA - 8
Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk
Popular monthly event showcasing DTLA art scene with galleries, street culture, and live performances.
411 Main St Ste. M102, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA - 9
Start of Hollywood Walk of Fame
Iconic LA landmark; essential starting point for Hollywood Walk of Fame exploration.
Hollywood, CA 90028, USA - 10
Hangar 1 LAX
5701 W Imperial Hwy, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA - 11
Lorena Plaza
3401 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90063, USA - 12
La Brea Bakery Inc
15963 Strathern St, Van Nuys, CA 91406, USA Los Angeles City Hall
200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USANatural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USAArt District
Art District, Los Angeles, CA, USAHomeboy Industries
130 Bruno St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USAUSC Village
3201 S Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USAMelrose Plaza
5870 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, USAThe Broad
221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USAThe Grove
189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USALos Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USAVenice Boulevard & Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Venice Blvd. & Abbot Kinney Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90291, USABradbury Building
304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USAMelrose Mural Alley
7767 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, USAKoreatown Plaza
928 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006, USASouth LA Animal Shelter
1850 W 60th St, Los Angeles, CA 90047, USALA Art Framing
2491 W Washington Blvd #1458, Los Angeles, CA 90018, USACalifornia African American Museum
600 State Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USACalifornia Science Center
700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USAVenice Beach
Venice Beach, Los Angeles, CA, USAWatts Towers Arts Center
1727 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002, USAAbbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Things to Do in Los Angeles: FAQ
What are the must-see museums in Los Angeles?
The Getty, The Broad, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and California Science Center are the heavy hitters, each offering something different—from encyclopedic collections to modern art to natural history. The GRAMMY Museum is smaller but specialized if music history appeals to you.
Where should I go for street art and murals?
Melrose Mural Alley is the obvious destination, but the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk and the entire Art District are better for discovering art in context among galleries, studios, and independent shops.
Can I spend a day at the beach in LA?
Venice Beach and the Venice Beach Boardwalk are the most vibrant and walkable beach options. Pair it with wandering Venice Boulevard and Abbot Kinney Boulevard for vintage shops, galleries, and cafes nearby.