Los Angeles CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Los Angeles, California.
1. Universal Studios Hollywood
MOVIE MAGIC AND THRILLS
Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park featuring heart-pounding rides, behind-the-scenes studio tours, and immersive worlds from Harry Potter and Jurassic Park. Visitors can enjoy thrilling attractions and special effects that bring their favorite movies to life. The park combines entertainment with a glimpse into the filmmaking process, making it a must-visit destination for movie enthusiasts.
2. Griffith Observatory
STARS AND CITY VIEWS
Griffith Observatory is an astronomy hub with planetarium shows and space exhibits, providing panoramic city views and photo spots of the iconic Hollywood sign. The vista is particularly stunning at night when the whole of Los Angeles twinkles below visitors. Inside this hilltop landmark, guests can explore a selection of exhibits, including a Foucault pendulum, a Tesla coil, and gaze through telescopes on the roof.
3. The Getty Center
ART AND GARDEN PARADISE
The Getty Center in Los Angeles is an astounding place to spend a day marveling at world-class art and relaxing in beautifully manicured gardens. Visitors take a tram up to this lavish postmodern complex showcasing impressive collections spanning centuries and continents. The architecture itself is a masterpiece, offering breathtaking views of Los Angeles from its hillside perch.
4. Venice Beach
ECLECTIC COASTAL CULTURE
Venice Beach is an eclectic beachfront neighborhood with vibrant street performers, diverse shops, and a famous skate park. Visitors can enjoy people-watching and scenic bike paths alongside picturesque canals that give this area its unique character. The bohemian atmosphere and artistic spirit make it one of Los Angeles' most colorful and entertaining destinations.
5. The Petersen Automotive Museum
WHEELS OF WONDER
The Petersen Automotive Museum showcases a diverse collection of cars, from vintage classics to modern race cars and motorcycles. The museum places special focus on rare movie vehicles and regularly updates its rotating exhibits to keep the experience fresh for returning visitors. Car enthusiasts and casual tourists alike can appreciate the historical significance and artistic design of these automotive marvels.
6. Hollywood Sign Hike
ICONIC LANDMARK TREK
The Hollywood Sign Hike offers scenic trails leading to an iconic landmark with panoramic views and multiple photo spots of Los Angeles. The popular route features a 2-hour hike with diverse pathways suitable for different fitness levels and interests. Hikers are rewarded with a close-up experience of this historical symbol of the entertainment industry and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area.
7. The Grove
UPSCALE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Grove is a sprawling outdoor shopping hub that ranks as one of California's most popular malls. Visitors can board the free double-decker Grove Trolley to The Original Farmers Market where they can enjoy diverse culinary offerings before or after shopping. The beautifully designed space features dancing fountains, upscale stores, and frequent celebrity sightings, creating an entertainment experience beyond typical retail therapy.
8. Crypto.com Arena
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Crypto.com Arena is a vibrant venue hosting basketball games and concerts, known for its lively atmosphere and variety of events. Sports fans can catch the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, or Sparks in action, while music lovers can experience performances by world-class artists in this state-of-the-art facility. The surrounding LA Live entertainment complex complements the arena with restaurants, bars, and additional attractions, creating a complete entertainment destination.
9. The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens
CULTURAL AND NATURAL TREASURE
The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens offers a remarkable collection of rare books, fine art, and specialized botanical gardens. Visitors can explore themed gardens including Japanese, Desert, and Rose gardens spread across 120 acres of breathtaking landscapes. The institution's art collection features European and American masterpieces, while the library harbors rare manuscripts including a Gutenberg Bible and early Shakespeare folios.
10. Grand Central Market
HISTORIC FOOD EMPORIUM
Grand Central Market is a historic downtown food hall that has been feeding Los Angeles since 1917 with an ever-evolving mix of food vendors. Visitors can sample a diverse range of cuisines, from traditional Mexican fare to artisanal ice cream, craft coffee, and gourmet burgers. The market's vibrant atmosphere reflects the cultural diversity of Los Angeles and provides an authentic taste of the city's culinary innovation.
11. Santa Monica Pier
ICONIC SEASIDE AMUSEMENT
Santa Monica Pier features a historic amusement park with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and carnival games at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy fishing off the pier, dining at seafood restaurants, or simply taking in the spectacular coastal views. The pier marks the end of the famous Route 66 and offers a nostalgic seaside experience that has been entertaining visitors for over a century.
12. Walt Disney Concert Hall
ARCHITECTURAL MUSICAL MARVEL
Walt Disney Concert Hall is a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry that serves as home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The building's gleaming stainless steel exterior creates a dramatic sculptural presence in downtown Los Angeles, while the interior offers exceptional acoustics for musical performances. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the building's design, construction, and artistic significance.
13. The Broad
CONTEMPORARY ART SHOWCASE
The Broad is a contemporary art museum housing the impressive collection of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. The distinctive honeycomb-like exterior encloses two floors of gallery space featuring works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, and many other renowned artists. Visitors particularly enjoy the Instagram-famous Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama, which create mesmerizing immersive experiences through light and reflection.
14. California Science Center
INTERACTIVE SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY
California Science Center offers interactive exhibits covering ecosystems, space exploration, technology, and human innovation in a family-friendly environment. The museum houses the Space Shuttle Endeavour, allowing visitors to view the historic orbiter up close. Admission to the permanent exhibitions is free, making scientific education accessible to all visitors while special exhibits and IMAX presentations provide enhanced experiences.
15. Disneyland Resort
THE HAPPIEST PLACE EARTH
Disneyland Resort encompasses the original Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, offering magical experiences for visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain alongside newer attractions based on Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar franchises. The resort combines nostalgic charm with cutting-edge entertainment technology to create an immersive fantasy world that continues Walt Disney's legacy.