Los Angeles Attractions: 22 Unforgettable Places to Visit in L.A.

Los Angeles Attractions on the Map

Los Angeles is truly massive! And what’s especially confusing is that many cities here blend seamlessly into each other like neighborhoods — Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Huntington, for example.

Even though they’re independent cities, we consider them an integral part of L.A., which is why you’ll find them in this article too.

To help you get your bearings, we’ve marked all of our Los Angeles places to visit on a map.

The Absolute Classics in Los Angeles

Hollywood

Nowhere else have so many blockbusters been filmed than in Hollywood! This neighborhood is the top attraction in Los Angeles and absolutely belongs on your sightseeing itinerary.

That said, Hollywood is far less tangible than we ourselves had expected. That’s why we’ve put together a list of must-sees in Hollywood. We’ll go into more detail on some of them below.

• Universal Studios
• Walk of Fame
• TCL Chinese Theater
• Hollywood Sign
• Academy Awards at the Dolby Theater
• Hollywood Boulevard
• Hollywood Bowl

You can easily cover these Hollywood highlights in one day. Just make sure to budget at least an extra half day for Universal Studios.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Walk of Fame is without a doubt the most iconic sight in Los Angeles. Here, nearly 2,700 celebrities from film, television, music, radio, and theater have been immortalized with red stars embedded in the sidewalk.

Besides strolling along the 18 city blocks, there isn’t a whole lot else to do — but it’s an obligatory photo stop on any L.A. trip.

You can also reach the Walk of Fame super easily on a hop-on/hop-off tour of Los Angeles.

Fun fact: A star on the Walk of Fame doesn’t come cheap — it costs stars a whopping $30,000.

Universal Studios

Have you ever wanted to live inside your favorite movies? At Universal Studios, you can!

It’s the only film studio in the world that doubles as a theme park while still being used for actual filmmaking. Everyone has a great time here — whether you’re a roller coaster fanatic or just curious about how movies get made.

You can walk through Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, stand next to dinosaurs in Jurassic World, or grab a burger at Krustyland just like Homer Simpson. And there’s so much more — rides, food stands, and adrenaline-pumping experiences on land and water.

Important: Universal Studios isn’t cheap. Get there as early as possible to make the most of your day pass — and buy your ticket online in advance to save time at the gate.

Book a ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood

Book a Universal Studios VIP tour
Our tip: If you have a Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass for three days or more, Universal Studios is already included.

Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is one of the most iconic buildings in Los Angeles. It sits atop a hill in Griffith Park, and from up here you get the most beautiful panorama of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign. In the evenings, crowds always gather to watch the sunset or stargaze afterward.

You might already recognize it from a film or two. The building is snow-white, and its Art Deco style contrasts sharply with the modern Downtown skyline behind it — which is exactly why it’s such a popular filming location.

But the real highlights are inside. The observatory houses astronomy exhibits, a planetarium, and a massive telescope you can use to gaze into deep space.

The grounds and exhibitions are free to visit. Only the planetarium ticket costs $7.

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica isn’t actually a neighborhood of Los Angeles — it’s an independent city to the north of L.A., right on the Pacific coast.

You’ve probably already seen it in a TV show or two, since the Santa Monica Pier is a frequent filming location. The pier’s highlight is Pacific Park: a fairground featuring a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, a historic carousel, game booths, and food stands.

This is also, officially, where the legendary Route 66 comes to an end.

The beach itself is absolutely worth a visit — the vibe is super relaxed, quintessentially L.A. You can also stroll around the city, for example along Third Street or the Palisades Promenade.

Our tip: Pacific Park is open daily and admission is free.

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is the neighborhood of the rich and famous: luxury mansions line the streets, red Ferraris are parked out front, and some of the residents are genuinely world-famous.

The standout in Beverly Hills is without a doubt Rodeo Drive: the most famous shopping strip in all of Los Angeles. Pretty Woman was filmed here too. Just be warned — anyone who wants to actually shop on Rodeo Drive will need to dig deep into their pockets at Dior & Co.

Mulholland Drive

Mulholland Drive starts right in Beverly Hills and is a scenic road winding through the Hollywood Hills. The drive is most beautiful at sunset.

This is also where you’ll pass the famous Hollywood Sign. Fun fact: Originally, the giant letters were part of a marketing campaign for a new residential development called “Hollywoodland.”

You can even hike up to the letters via the Wonder View Drive Trail. From up there, you’ll have an incredible view over Los Angeles.

If you want to learn more about the history of the Hollywood Sign, you can also join a guided tour.

Book a guided hike to the Hollywood Sign

Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard is one of the most iconic streets in Los Angeles. It stretches over 35 kilometers, winding through the dream factory of Hollywood past the Walk of Fame, through the wealthy neighborhoods of Beverly Hills and Bel Air, and finally ending at the Pacific just north of Santa Monica.

There’s no other street that captures the spirit of L.A. quite like this one! The palm-lined avenues are quintessentially L.A. — the ultimate Los Angeles feeling.

The most famous stretch is the Sunset Strip, home to many legendary clubs and bars.

Disneyland

A short distance outside of L.A. lies Disneyland in Anaheim — the ultimate dream destination for almost every child, and honestly, for a lot of adults too.

Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Nemo, Alice in Wonderland, and so many more: Disneyland is not just any amusement park. There are countless roller coasters, water rides, food stands, and themed worlds where you can experience your favorite film characters up close.

Our tip: There’s so much to experience at Disneyland — make sure to arrive early in the morning to get the most out of your ticket.

Enjoying a Beach Vacation in Los Angeles

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is the hippest beach in all of Los Angeles. Here you’ll find plenty of street art and graffiti, trendy cafés and restaurants, street performers, and live musicians. It’s the perfect spot to head out for a beer in the evening.

Venice Beach is especially known for its skateparks right on the beach — the quintessential Instagram photo spot in L.A.!

But it’s not all skating here: one stretch is called Muscle Beach, and as the name suggests, you’ll mostly see chiseled bodybuilders in swimwear.

Our tip: A few streets back from the beach you’ll find the Venice Canals. They actually do remind you a little of Venice, and the atmosphere is much more peaceful.

Malibu

Malibu is a truly world-famous beach destination. It gained its fame through TV shows like Two and a Half Men and Baywatch.

Here you’ll find luxurious beach houses, charming cafés, and plenty of palm trees. Life moves a little slower in Malibu than in L.A., and many celebrities have retreated here.

Malibu is especially popular with surfers, as the waves are perfect for longboarders. But it’s just as enjoyable to watch the surfers dance across their boards.

Our tip: The best way to get to Malibu is via Highway One, which offers stunning views of the Pacific and the California coastline.

Huntington Beach

California and surfing — the two just go together. And nowhere around Los Angeles do you feel that more than at Huntington Beach.

Regular surf competitions are held here, where the crème de la crème of professional surfers go head to head. The entire boardwalk is packed with cool surf shops and laid-back cafés. The ultimate surfer lifestyle, plain and simple.

Beyond surfers, Huntington Beach is also a big draw for families with young kids. The beach is really long, with plenty of room to play in the sand.

Los Angeles Highlights for Culture Lovers

Getty Center

Got a rainy day in L.A.? The Getty Center is our absolute top pick.

It’s one of the most well-known art centers in the city, housing over 50,000 pieces — not just classic artworks, but also sculptures, manuscripts, and drawings.

Beyond the art, the architecture is fascinating in its own right — and so is the view. The Getty Center sits on a hill and offers a stunning vista of the Los Angeles skyline. There’s also the Getty Villa nearby, which features beautifully designed gardens.

Our tip: Admission to the Getty Center is free.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Anyone who thinks Los Angeles has nothing to offer in terms of classical culture should make a stop at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Major concerts spanning all genres — from classical to jazz to pop — are held here regularly. It’s also home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

But honestly, the architecture alone makes it worth stopping by. Does it look familiar? No surprise — the Walt Disney Concert Hall was designed by the same architect as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The style is unmistakable.

Our tip: The building is free to visit. If you want to book a tour or a concert ticket, check out the events calendar on the Walt Disney Concert Hall website.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is a fantastic rainy-day option in Los Angeles and particularly well suited for families with kids.

Here you’ll find life-sized skeletons of dinosaurs and mammoths, a pavilion where hundreds of butterflies fly freely, and an exhibit about Los Angeles at a time when the city was completely underwater.

On a nice day, make sure to also check out the colorful gardens — home to lizards, birds, and squirrels.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

With over 130,000 works, LACMA is one of the largest museums in the western USA. It displays art from every corner of the world — including China and Korea — and from every era, from antiquity to contemporary art.

Think art is boring? Don’t worry — not at LACMA. We’re no art experts ourselves, but the museum has plenty of genuinely cool installations that’ll pull you in.

Beyond paintings, you’ll also find photographs, films, sculptures, and light installations. Check the website for upcoming events and film screenings.

Exposition Park

The word park in the name Exposition Park is a little misleading. It’s not a green space with trees — it’s the hub for many sports and cultural venues.

You’ll find several museums here, including the African American Museum, the California Science Center, and the Natural History Museum.

If you’re more into sports, check out BMO Stadium and the Memorial Coliseum.

Discovering the Alternative Side of Los Angeles

Chinatown

Almost every major city in the US has its own Chinatown, and L.A. is no exception. Here you’ll feel briefly transported to another world, where red lanterns hang over the streets and the smell of fried noodles is everywhere.

Particularly worth seeing in Chinatown are the Thien Hau Temple, the Dragon Gate, and the Chinese American Museum. For good Chinese restaurants and cool shops, your best bet is Chung King Street.

Fun fact: Chinatown is home to the very first street ever built in L.A. — Olvera Street.

Arts District

The Arts District is an up-and-coming trendy neighborhood, kind of like Kreuzberg in Berlin. Young, hip, creative — that’s the neighborhood in three words.

Here you’ll find cool street art in the alleys, alternative artist galleries, small boutiques that still make their products by hand, cool cafés, bars, and even microbreweries pouring their own craft beers. The atmosphere is super laid-back, and there are plenty of spots serving healthy, vegan, and vegetarian food.

Los Angeles Farmers' Market

Always worth a visit: the Farmers’ Market at the corner of Fairfax Avenue and Third Street — the foodie paradise of Los Angeles.

Here you’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced meat and fish, countless restaurants and food stands with cuisine from around the world, and great souvenir shopping. The market is dominated by small businesses that still produce their goods by hand.

And there are some truly wild and wonderful shops: one dedicated entirely to pickles, another stocking hundreds of different hot sauces, and a candy store that leaves nothing to be desired.

The Best Viewpoints in Los Angeles

Runyon Canyon Park

Runyon Canyon is one of L.A.’s green lungs. The park isn’t huge, but many locals come here to jog. It sits right above Hollywood, so with a bit of luck you might even run into a celebrity or two.

The hikes are all very moderate — some of them are more of a leisurely stroll, really.

We especially recommend the park for its stunning overlook of the Los Angeles skyline, best enjoyed at sunset.

The best vantage points are on the west side of the park, such as Inspiration Point. The quickest way to reach it is from the Fuller Entrance (one of three park entrances in total).

Rooftop Bar in Los Angeles: Spire 73

Looking for an even more impressive view? You’ll find it at the rooftop bar Spire 73 — at a height of over 335 meters.

The open-air bar is located on the top floor of Los Angeles’ tallest building, the Wilshire Grand Center. From up here, you can see every single skyscraper in the city!

Not surprisingly, the prices are enough to make your heart skip a beat. But you’re not just paying for a beer — you’re paying for a beer on the 73rd floor above one of the top cities on the West Coast of the USA.

General Tips for Your Visit to Los Angeles

To wrap things up, here are a few practical pointers that’ll make planning your trip a whole lot easier. Let’s go!

Stay at a centrally located hotel

Los Angeles is an incredibly large city. The chaotic traffic alone left a lasting impression on us! That’s why it’s super important to find a centrally located place to stay so you’re not spending most of your time sitting on a bus in gridlock.

One thing is clear though: hotels in Los Angeles are expensive. In our opinion, it’s worth spending a little more and staying right in the center.

We’ll make it easy for you — here are our three hotel recommendations for Los Angeles:
CitizenM LA Downtown: a lovely boutique hotel in the heart of L.A., perfect for a first visit to Los Angeles

Palihotel: a beautiful hotel that’s affordable by L.A. standards, located right in Hollywood

The Kinney: a stylish hotel in the hip, trendy Venice Beach neighborhood, right by the ocean
Haven’t found anything that suits you yet? No problem — check out this article:

Book Your Universal Studios Ticket Online in Advance

If you buy your Universal Studios ticket online through GetYourGuide, you’ll get a second day free. This only applies, however, if you make the purchase from outside the US.

So if you want to spend a little more time at Universal Studios, it’s definitely worth buying your ticket online in advance.

Book a ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood

Book a Universal Studios VIP tour

Save Money and Time with a Los Angeles Tourist Pass

With a tourist pass, you pay once and get free or discounted admission to many Los Angeles attractions. You can also often skip the line, saving you a ton of time.

There are several tourist passes available for Los Angeles. We think only the Go City All-Inclusive Pass is truly worth it. Here’s a quick overview:

• Valid for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 days
• starting at $109
• visit as many attractions as you want
• over 35 attractions included
• e.g. Universal Studios, hop-on/hop-off bus, city tours

Book the L.A. All-Inclusive Pass from Go City

How long should you stay in Los Angeles?

Plan for at least three full days in L.A. — though that’ll really only be enough to hit the top highlights.

If you also want to explore places further out — like Malibu, Huntington, Long Beach, or Santa Monica — or simply want to relax on the beaches for a bit, plan on staying at least a week.

Is a Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour in Los Angeles Worth It?

Absolutely! If you’re only in the city for a short time, a hop-on/hop-off bus tour is a great way to get a quick overview of L.A.’s most important sights.

Since the city is so massive and sprawling, it lets you see a lot in a short amount of time.