In a nutshell
- In this guide, we’ll show you the 22 best places to visit in Los Angeles.
- Our personal must-sees include Hollywood with its iconic Walk of Fame and Universal Studios, the Griffith Observatory for the best city views, and the vibrant Venice Beach neighborhood.
- We’ve also included our top tips to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in the city.
- You’ll find all 22 top attractions in Los Angeles and more details about each one throughout this article.
Los Angeles Map of Attractions
Los Angeles is huge and what makes it even trickier is that many nearby cities blend seamlessly into one another. Places like Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Huntington Beach feel like L.A. neighborhoods, even though they’re technically separate cities.
For us, they all belong to the greater Los Angeles area, which is why you’ll find them included in this guide to the best places to visit in Los Angeles.
To help you get your bearings, we’ve marked all our favorite Los Angeles sights on a handy map.
Download our Los Angeles map of attractions as a PDF
Hollywood
Nowhere else in the world have so many blockbusters been filmed as in Hollywood! This district is one of the top attractions in Los Angeles and a must on every visitor’s list.
Still, Hollywood feels less like a single place and more like an idea, so here’s a quick overview of the top sights in Hollywood. We’ll go into more detail on a few of them below.
- Universal Studios
- Walk of Fame
- TCL Chinese Theatre
- Hollywood Sign
- Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre
- Hollywood Boulevard
- Hollywood Bowl
You can easily explore these Hollywood attractions in one day. Just make sure to plan at least half a day for Universal Studios, it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Los Angeles for a reason.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame is without a doubt one of the top attractions in Los Angeles. Around 2,700 celebrities from film, television, music, radio, and theater are honored here with red stars embedded in the sidewalk.
Aside from strolling along its 18 blocks, there isn’t much to do, but it’s an essential stop and one of those places to visit in Los Angeles you simply can’t skip. It’s the perfect spot for that classic L.A. photo.
You can also visit the Walk of Fame easily on a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Los Angeles.
Fun fact: Getting a star on the Walk of Fame doesn’t come cheap, celebrities have to pay a hefty $30,000 for the honor.
Universal Studios
Ever dreamed of stepping right into your favorite movies? At Universal Studios Hollywood, you can!
It’s the only film studio in the world that’s also a full-fledged theme park, and it’s still used for real movie productions. It’s one of the most exciting things to see in Los Angeles, whether you’re a movie fan, thrill-seeker, or both.
You can explore Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, get up close to dinosaurs in Jurassic World, or grab a burger at Krustyland like Homer Simpson himself.
There’s no shortage of movie sets, rides, themed areas, and adrenaline-pumping attractions, easily making it one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles.
Important: Universal Studios isn’t exactly a budget-friendly outing, so make sure to arrive early to get the most out of your day pass. You’ll also save valuable time if you buy your ticket online in advance.
Get your Universal Studios Hollywood ticket here
Book the Universal Studios VIP Experience
Our tip: If you have a Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass for three days or more, Universal Studios admission is already included.
from $109
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is one of the most iconic landmarks and top attractions in Los Angeles. Perched high on a hill in Griffith Park, it offers one of the best views of the Los Angeles skyline and the famous Hollywood Sign. In the evenings, locals and visitors alike gather here to watch the sunset and stay to gaze at the stars.
You might recognize the observatory from a few movies, its bright white Art Deco-style architecture contrasts beautifully with the modern downtown skyline, making it a favorite filming location.
But the real magic happens inside. The observatory features fascinating astronomy exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a massive telescope that lets you look deep into space.
The building and exhibitions are free to visit, making this one of the best value places to visit in Los Angeles. Only the planetarium show has an extra fee of about $7.
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica isn’t technically part of Los Angeles but an independent coastal city just north of L.A., right on the Pacific Ocean.
You’ve probably seen Santa Monica in countless movies and TV shows – especially Baywatch – since the famous Santa Monica Pier often serves as a backdrop. The highlight of the pier is Pacific Park, a lively amusement park with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, historic carousel, game booths, and food stands.
Fun fact: this is where the legendary Route 66 officially ends.
The beach itself is absolutely worth a visit, wide, golden, and with that relaxed, laid-back vibe that makes it one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles. After the beach, take a stroll through town along Third Street Promenade or enjoy ocean views from Palisades Park.
Our tip: Pacific Park is open daily and admission is free.
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is home to the rich and famous, where grand luxury villas line palm-fringed streets and shiny Ferraris gleam in front of manicured driveways. It’s one of the top sights in Los Angeles if you want a taste of Hollywood glamour.
The absolute must-see here is Rodeo Drive, the most exclusive shopping street in the city and one of the top attractions in Los Angeles. The movie Pretty Woman made it world-famous. But if you plan to shop here, be prepared: at Dior, Gucci & Co., the price tags match the zip code.
Mulholland Drive
Mulholland Drive begins right in Beverly Hills and winds its way as a scenic road through the Hollywood Hills. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the city lights slowly start to glow below you.
Along the way, you’ll spot the world-famous Hollywood Sign, one of the absolute top attractions in Los Angeles. Fun fact: the giant letters were originally built as a marketing stunt for a housing project called “Hollywoodland.”
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, you can even hike up to the Hollywood Sign via the Wonder View Drive Trail, which rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views over Los Angeles, one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles if you love a good viewpoint.
Want to learn more about the story behind this landmark? You can join a local guide and hear all the insider facts on a fun hike.
Join a guided hike to the Hollywood Sign
Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard is one of the most legendary streets in Los Angeles. Stretching for more than 35 kilometers, it runs straight through Hollywood, past the Walk of Fame, and continues into the upscale neighborhoods of Beverly Hills and Bel Air before ending at the Pacific Ocean just north of Santa Monica.
There’s no other street that captures the spirit of L.A. quite like it, the palm-lined avenues, the sunshine, and that unmistakable Hollywood feeling make it one of the must-see places to visit in Los Angeles.
The most famous stretch is the Sunset Strip, lined with legendary clubs, bars, and music venues, a true Los Angeles attraction for anyone who wants to soak up the city’s nightlife and rock’n’roll history.
Disneyland
Just outside L.A. is Disneyland in Anaheim, a dream destination for kids and many adults, too.
Meet Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Nemo, Alice in Wonderland, and a whole cast of beloved characters. Disneyland isn’t just a theme park — it’s an immersive world with countless roller coasters, water rides, food stalls, and themed lands where you can step into your favorite stories. It’s one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles if you’re looking for family fun or a magical day out.
Our tip: There’s so much to see and do at Disneyland, arriving early lets you make the most of your ticket.
from $104
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is one of the most vibrant areas in Los Angeles. Here you’ll find street art, colorful graffiti, trendy cafés and restaurants, street performers, and live music. It’s also a great place to grab a beer in the evening and soak up the atmosphere, truly one of the top sights in Los Angeles.
Venice Beach is famous for its skate parks right on the sand, a must-see for anyone looking for iconic L.A. photos.
It’s not just about skating: the area known as Muscle Beach is where bodybuilders train, showing off their skills in swimwear, an unusual but iconic attraction in Los Angeles.
Our tip: Just a few streets away from the beach are the Venice Canals. They offer a quieter, charming stroll reminiscent of Venice, a peaceful escape from the beach buzz.
Malibu
Malibu is a world-famous beach town, known from series like Two and a Half Men and Baywatch.
Here you’ll find luxurious beachfront villas, charming cafés, and plenty of palm trees. Life moves a little slower in Malibu than in the city, and many celebrities have made it their home.
Malibu is particularly popular with surfers, thanks to waves that are perfect for longboards. Even if you’re not surfing, it’s fun to watch them glide across the water, one of the top sights in Los Angeles for beach lovers.
Our tip: The scenic Highway One is the best way to reach Malibu. The drive offers incredible views of the Pacific and California’s coastline.
Huntington Beach
California and surfing go hand in hand, and nowhere is this more obvious than at Huntington Beach.
The beach hosts regular competitions, where top professional surfers show off their skills. Along the promenade, you’ll find cool surf shops and laid-back cafés, the perfect spot to soak up the surfer lifestyle.
Huntington Beach also draws families with young children. The long, sandy beach has plenty of space to play, making it one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles for a fun day in the sun.
Getty Center
If you’re looking for a cultural highlight in Los Angeles or a perfect rainy-day activity, the Getty Center should be at the top of your list.
It’s one of the most famous art centers in the city, housing over 50,000 works, from sculptures and manuscripts to drawings and classic masterpieces.
Beyond the art, the architecture is stunning. From its hilltop location, you get sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline. Just nearby is the Getty Villa, with its beautifully curated gardens.
Our tip: admission to the Getty Center is free, so don’t miss this top sight in Los Angeles.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Even if classical culture isn’t usually your thing, a visit to the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a must.
The venue hosts major concerts across all music genres, from classical to jazz to pop, and is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
But even without a performance, the building itself is a work of art. Designed by the same architect as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, its striking curves and metallic surfaces are instantly recognizable.
Our tip: the hall is open to visitors free of charge. If you want to take a guided tour or book a concert ticket, check the schedule on the official Walt Disney Concert Hall website.
$15
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles on a rainy day and is especially fun for families with kids.
Inside, you’ll find life-size skeletons of dinosaurs and mammoths, a pavilion where hundreds of butterflies fly freely, and an exhibit showing what Los Angeles looked like when it was completely underwater.
If the sun is out, don’t miss the colorful gardens outside, home to birds, squirrels, and even some lizards. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy nature in the heart of the city.
$15
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
With more than 130,000 works of art, LACMA is one of the largest museums in the western USA. Its collection spans centuries and continents, from ancient Chinese and Korean art to contemporary masterpieces.
Not into art? No problem. Even casual visitors will enjoy LACMA’s interactive installations, sculptures, films, photographs, and striking light displays. Check the museum’s website for film screenings and special exhibitions.
Exposition Park
The name Exposition Park can be a bit misleading. It’s not just a green park with trees, but rather a hub for top museums and sports facilities.
Here you can explore museums like the African American Museum, the California Science Center, and the Natural History Museum.
Sports fans shouldn’t miss the BMO Stadium and the historic Memorial Coliseum, which host major games and events.
Chinatown
Almost every major U.S. city has a Chinatown, and L.A.’s is a must-visit attraction. Step into another world for a while, with red lanterns overhead and the scent of delicious noodles in the air.
Top sights include the Thien Hau Temple, the Dragon Gate, and the Chinese American Museum. For the best food and shopping, stroll down Chung King Street.
Fun fact: Chinatown is home to L.A.’s first-ever street, Olvera Street.
Arts District
The Arts District is a trendy hotspot for creatives and young visitors.
Expect colorful street art around every corner, alternative galleries, small boutiques with handmade products, and a lively scene of cafés, bars, and even craft breweries. The neighborhood has a liberal vibe and offers plenty of healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Los Angeles Farmers' Market
A must-see spot for food lovers is the Farmers’ Market at Fairfax Avenue and Third Street, a true foodie paradise in Los Angeles.
Here you’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, locally sourced meat and fish, and countless restaurants and food stalls serving dishes from around the world. It’s also a great place to shop for unique souvenirs, with many small businesses still producing goods by hand.
Don’t miss the quirky shops, like one devoted entirely to pickles, another offering hundreds of hot sauces, and a candy store that satisfies every sweet tooth.
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon is one of the green lungs of Los Angeles. The park isn’t huge, but it’s a favorite for jogging locals and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a celebrity.
The walking trails are mostly easy and enjoyable, perfect for a casual stroll.
The real highlight is the breathtaking view of the Los Angeles skyline, especially at sunset. The best viewpoints are on the park’s west side, like Inspiration Point, which is easiest to reach via the Fuller Entrance, one of the three park entrances.
Rooftop Bar in Los Angeles: Spire 73
For an even more spectacular perspective, head to Spire 73, a rooftop bar sitting 335 meters high.
Located on the top floor of the Wilshire Grand Center, Los Angeles’ tallest building, the open-air bar offers an unmatched view over the city’s skyline, where every skyscraper lights up the night.
Unsurprisingly, glancing at the prices can make your heart skip a beat. But here, you’re not just paying for a drink – you’re enjoying a beer on the 73rd floor above one of the top cities on the west coast of the USA.
General Tips for Visiting the Top Sights in Los Angeles
Finally, a few practical tips to make your trip planning much easier. Let’s dive in!
#1 Stay in a central hotel
Los Angeles is an enormous city, and the traffic can leave quite an impression. That’s why it’s essential to book a hotel in a central location, so you don’t spend most of your day stuck in traffic.
Keep in mind that hotels in Los Angeles are expensive. Still, we think it’s worth spending a little extra to stay right in the city center, especially for your first visit.
Here are our top three hotel recommendations in Los Angeles:
CitizenM LA Downtown: a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of L.A., perfect for first-time visitors
Palihotel: an affordable yet beautiful hotel by L.A. standards, right in Hollywood
The Kinney: a trendy hotel in the Venice Beach area, just steps from the ocean
#2 Book your Universal Studios ticket online in advance
If you purchase your Universal Studios Hollywood ticket online via GetYourGuide, you often get a second day for free – a great deal if you want to explore more of the park. This offer typically applies when buying from outside the USA.
Booking online in advance is a smart move if you want to make the most of your visit.
Buy your Universal Studios ticket here
Universal Studios VIP Tour
#3 Save time and money with a Los Angeles Citypass
A Citypass lets you pay once and get free or discounted entry to many of the top attractions in Los Angeles. You can often skip the lines at popular sights, which saves both time and hassle while exploring the city.
There are several city passes for Los Angeles, but we think the all-inclusive pass from Go City is the only one that’s truly worthwhile. Here’s an overview of the most important details about the pass:
- valid for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 days
- from 109 dollars
- visit as many top attractions in Los Angeles as you like
- over 35 attractions included
- examples: Universal Studios, hop-on hop-off bus, city tours
Book your L.A. All-Inclusive Pass from Go City
#4 How long should you stay in Los Angeles?
We recommend at least three full days in L.A., which is enough to see the main top sights in Los Angeles.
If you want to explore nearby districts like Malibu, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, or Santa Monica, or just relax on the beaches, you should plan for at least a week.
#5 Is the hop-on hop-off bus worth it?
Yes! If your time is limited, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to get a quick overview of what to see in Los Angeles.
The city is huge and can be confusing, so this is a convenient way to see a lot of things to see in Los Angeles in a short time.
These were our 22 highlights in Los Angeles!
Which of these places to visit in Los Angeles is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments!