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7 things to do in Los Angeles to make the most out of your holiday
One fine day, you step out of the airport, the California sun warming your face, and take a deep breath. Ahh, the smell of beaches and fun—and maybe just a hint of Hollywood. Welcome to Los Angeles, a city where the stars live and dreams come to life.
But don’t worry—we’re here to load you up with insider tips that will make you feel like an LA local. Buckle up, because LA is about to take you on one wild ride! Read on for our list of the most amazing things to do in Los Angeles.
1. Hollywood Walk of Fame, stroll among the stars
Imagine walking down the street and literally stepping on the names of the biggest legends in entertainment history. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is like a red carpet that never ends—except instead of celebrities, you’ll mostly find tourists, street performers, and the occasional superhero impersonator.
You can’t leave Los Angeles without experiencing this iconic landmark. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves movies, television, and celebrity culture and one of the best things to do in Los Angeles.
- Address: Hollywood Boulevard, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Price: Free
- Why Visit? Because it’s your chance to walk among the stars—literally! A must-see for movie lovers—find your favourite stars, snap iconic photos and feel the magic of Hollywood!
- Recommended For: Movie and pop culture fans, families, and anyone who wants that perfect Instagram story.
- What to Expect: The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, featuring more than 2,700 stars from film, television, music, and theatre. Expect crowds, random street performers and souvenir shops selling everything from t-shirts to knockoff Oscars.
- Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or late at night to avoid the tourist stampede and actually see the ground beneath your feet.
2. Griffith Observatory, views and star gazing
You probably haven’t seen anything like this in your lifetime. People have always looked at the sky and wondered what is really out there. If you ever wanted to feel like an all-knowing astronomer or just get an unbeatable view of LA, Griffith Observatory is your spot.
Perched atop the hills, it offers a stunning perspective of the city, a close-up of the Hollywood Sign and a chance to stargaze through massive telescopes. There’s a fantastic daily programme of events, as well as other special events for amazing astronomical events like lunar eclipses.
Plus, you can stand where James Dean had his famous Rebel Without a Cause moment.
- Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
- Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 12:00 – 22:00, Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 – 22:00; Closed on Mondays
- Price: Free (Some exhibits and planetarium shows may have a fee)
- Why Visit? Because looking up at the stars, and at LA from above, is simply sublime.
- Recommended For: Science nerds, photographers, and anyone who enjoys a good sunset.
- What to Expect: Stunning city views, interactive space exhibits, and telescopes for public use. You can also pretend you’re in La La Land and reenact that one scene (you know the one).
- Insider Tip: For the best experience, hike up to the observatory via the Griffith Park trails. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Hollywood Sign along the way. And it’s a great way to burn off those extra calories (California has the best chiffon cake)!
3. Santa Monica Pier – Classic Seaside Entertainment
The Santa Monica Pier is where childhood nostalgia meets beachside bliss. With a Ferris wheel that lights up the night sky, classic arcade games and enough fried food to make your gym trainer concerned, this is an LA staple you can’t skip.
Whether you’re taking in ocean views, or watching street performers put on impromptu shows, this pier is a guaranteed good time.
- Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States
- Opening Hours: Open daily, hours vary by attraction
- Price: Free to enter; rides and attractions have varying costs
- Why Visit? Where else can you ride a Ferris wheel, eat a churro, and possibly spot a YouTuber filming their latest prank video?
- Recommended For: Families, couples, and anyone looking to relive their childhood dreams.
- What to Expect: Pacific Park, a small amusement park with a solar-powered Ferris wheel, arcade games, and endless amounts of people-watching opportunities. Plus, the beach is right there for when you inevitably drop your ice cream and need to sit down to process it.
- Insider Tip: Visit at sunset for an extra magical experience and the best photo ops.
4. Universal Studios Hollywood – Movie Magic and Excitement
Welcome to the only place where you can battle dinosaurs, dodge Decepticons and drink butterbeer (Harry Potter’s favourite)—all in the same afternoon. If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood is more than just an amusement park; it’s an interactive Hollywood experience.
From behind-the-scenes studio tours to adrenaline-pumping rides based on blockbuster hits, this is where movies come to life, and your childhood dreams become reality.
For the ultimate thrills, our top picks are Revenge of the Mummy and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey!
- Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
- Opening Hours: Varies by season; check website for details
- Price: Starts at $75 per day
- Why Visit? Because pretending to be in a blockbuster movie is way more fun than real life.
- Recommended For: Movie lovers, thrill-seekers, and anyone who secretly still wants to be a wizard.
- What to Expect: Themed attractions based on Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and The Simpsons, plus the Studio Tour, where you can see actual film sets.
- Insider Tip: Arrive early and head straight to the most popular rides (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge) before the lines get crazy. Also, download the Universal Studios app for real-time wait times and show schedules—it’ll save you tons of time!
5. Hollywood Sign – The Iconic Los Angeles Landmark
If there’s one sight that screams “Welcome to LA,” it’s the Hollywood Sign. Sitting high in the Hollywood Hills, this legendary landmark has been a symbol of the entertainment industry for nearly a century. This is your sign to plan your visit to the iconic sign.
- You can also see the sign from Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory, or the Hollywood & Highland Center.
- Address: Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (Hiking trails accessible during daylight hours)
- Price: Free
- Recommended For: Hikers, photographers, and anyone who wants an iconic LA moment.
- What to Expect: Multiple hiking trails lead to different viewpoints, each offering breathtaking city views.
- Insider Tip: The Brush Canyon Trail is a great route for an up-close look without the crazy crowds.
6. The Getty Center – Breathtaking Art and Architecture
Perched on a hill with sweeping city views, the Getty Center is where art, architecture and nature collide.
Aside from the incredible views, this marvellous museum offers art, design and impeccable gardens. With masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt, you might even feel inspired to pick up a paintbrush – until you remember stick figures are your artistic limit.
- Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
- Opening Hours: Tuesday–Friday & Sunday – 10:00 –17:30 ; Saturday -10:00 – 20:00 , Closed on Mondays
- Price: Admission is free, and requires a timed-entry reservation.
- Why Visit? Because it’s the only place where you can see world-class art, stunning gardens and colourful views of LA all in one spot.
- Recommended For: Art lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys art galleries.
- What to Expect: Beautifully curated galleries, modern architecture, and gardens so picturesque they might convince you to start gardening.
- Insider Tip: Take the free guided tour to know more about the story behind everything art.
7. Runyon Canyon – Hike with a View
If you want an easy hike with stunning city views, Runyon Canyon is the perfect spot. It’s not just a great workout; it’s also a prime location for celebrity spotting—Hollywood locals love to hit these trails!
- Address: 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States
Opening Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
Price: Free - Why Visit? Where else can you hike, get panoramic views and maybe see a movie star jogging by?
- Recommended For: Hikers, dog lovers and fitness enthusiasts.
- What to Expect: On clear days, several scenic trails with breathtaking views of LA, the Hollywood Sign, and even the Pacific Ocean.
- Insider Tip: The Fuller Gate entrance offers the best route for first-timers—it’s scenic and not too steep. Perfect for a morning workout!
Useful Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip to Los Angeles
LA is exciting and full of surprises—but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re doing. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with some tips that’ll make your trip smoother than a Hollywood movie montage.
- Hop on our Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Trying to navigate LA’s layout can feel like solving a never-ending maze. Skip the stress, ditch the parking nightmares, and hop aboard our Hop-On Hop-Off Hollywood and Los Angeles bus. With fun rides to all the major attractions, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!
- Stay Hydrated and Use Sunscreen: The California sun may look pretty in pictures, but it’s also a merciless beast. Drink water, slather on that SPF, and save yourself from turning into a lobster.
- Book Tickets in Advance: Universal Studios, museum exhibits, and popular tours sell out fast. Booking early will save you from endless queuing.
- Watch the Sunset at Griffith Observatory: For an unforgettable view of LA bathed in golden light, head to Griffith Observatory at sunset.
- Eat Everything in Sight: LA’s food scene is legendary. From taco trucks to high-end Michelin restaurants, make sure you bring an appetite (and stretchy trousers).
- Explore Beyond Hollywood: While Hollywood is a must-visit, don’t forget about Venice Beach, Malibu and Downtown LA. Each area has its own unique vibe and experiences waiting to be discovered.
- Have a Flexible Itinerary: LA is full of surprises—you might stumble upon a film shoot, a pop-up event or an incredible street performance. Leave some room in your schedule for spontaneous adventures.
Looking for things to do in Los Angeles?
Get ready, because this city is a playground for dreamers, foodies and adventure seekers. All you really need for LA? A solid pair of sunglasses (it’s always sunny) and an appetite for adventure (and tacos, always tacos). So go explore, soak it all in, and let the City of Angels work its magic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For jaw-dropping views of LA, head to Griffith Observatory—the panoramic cityscape (especially at sunset) is unbeatable. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike up to the Hollywood Sign for a picture-perfect shot.
Absolutely! LA is an art lover’s paradise. LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) is a must-visit, featuring everything from classic masterpieces to contemporary installations
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are the best times to visit LA. The weather is warm but not too hot, plus the crowds are smaller.
For a fun-filled day with kids, start at the Los Angeles Zoo, where little explorers can meet lions, feed giraffes and even spot red pandas! it’s a wild adventure they won’t forget. Need an easy way to explore without tiring out little legs? Our Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is perfect! Sit back, enjoy the ride, and jump off at family-friendly stops like Santa Monica Pier for classic boardwalk fun or Griffith Park for a picnic for the best city views.