Visit Los Angeles: Iconic Sights, Sun-Soaked Beaches and Endless Things to Do

From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice, explore the best things to do in Los Angeles, the City of Angels.

Tourism Tickets United States Los Angeles

Neighborhoods

Hollywood, Downtown LA, West Hollywood

Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills

Hollywood or Santa Monica for first-time visitors

Signature Sights

Snap the Hollywood Sign, walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, take in the views from Griffith Observatory, ride the Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel, and stroll Venice Beach before discovering LA’s world-class museums, markets, and dining.

Best Time Windows

Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) bring warm, sunny days and thinner crowds. Summer is ideal for beaches and festivals but busy, while LA’s mild winters stay pleasant and rarely cold, making it a year-round destination.

Getting Around

A car or rideshare is the easiest way to cover LA’s wide-spread neighbourhoods

The Metro rail and bus network links Hollywood, Downtown, and the coast

Allow extra time for famous LA traffic

Food & Nightlife

Tacos, food trucks, sushi, and global street food

Grand Central Market, Koreatown, and Arts District dining

Sunset Strip bars, rooftop lounges, and live music venues

Seasonal Highlights

Spring blooms in Griffith Park and outdoor patios

Summer beaches, festivals, and Hollywood Bowl concerts

Winter award-season buzz and festive lights at The Grove

Side Trips

Disneyland in Anaheim, Malibu beaches

Santa Barbara and the Pacific Coast Highway

San Diego and Joshua Tree National Park

Things to Do in Los Angeles

Hollywood Glamour & Movie Magic

Step into the heart of the entertainment industry along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, pose in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre, and snap a photo of the iconic Hollywood Sign. Tour famous studios, catch a show on the Sunset Strip, and discover the glamour that made Los Angeles world-famous.

Beaches, Piers & Coastal Living

Spend your days where the city meets the Pacific. Ride the Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier, soak up the buzz of Venice Beach boardwalk, and drive up the coast to Malibu's golden sands. Surfing, sunset strolls, and beachfront dining define LA's laid-back coastal lifestyle.

World-Class Museums & Art

Los Angeles is a cultural powerhouse. Admire masterpieces at the hilltop Getty Center, explore contemporary art at The Broad and LACMA, and discover dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum. From the Petersen Automotive Museum to the GRAMMY Museum, there's a gallery for every interest.

Theme Parks & Family Fun

Some of the world's most famous attractions sit on LA's doorstep. Experience the rides and shows at Universal Studios Hollywood, then take a short trip to Disneyland in Anaheim. Add aquariums, the LA Zoo, and interactive science centres for an unforgettable family day out.

Food, Markets & Nightlife

Eat your way through one of America's most diverse food cities. Sample tacos and global street food at Grand Central Market, explore the flavours of Koreatown and the Arts District, then experience LA after dark with rooftop bars, Sunset Strip clubs, and legendary live-music venues.

Los Angeles Neighborhoods

Hollywood

The entertainment capital and the most central base for sightseeing. Hollywood is home to the Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Bowl, and views of the Hollywood Sign. With the B Line subway and Sunset Strip nightlife nearby, it's ideal for first-time visitors.

Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)

The city's revitalised core blends gleaming skyscrapers with historic landmarks. Visit The Broad, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the GRAMMY Museum, browse Grand Central Market, and explore the eclectic streets of Little Tokyo and the Arts District, all within easy reach of Union Station.

Santa Monica

A quintessential SoCal beach town with sandy shores, ocean views, and the famous Santa Monica Pier, complete with its Ferris wheel, Pacific Park, and aquarium. Shop and dine along the Third Street Promenade, then cycle the beachfront path that links the coastal neighbourhoods.

Venice

Bohemian and full of character, Venice is famous for its boardwalk, colourful street murals, and people-watching along Ocean Front Walk. Wander the tranquil Venice Canals, browse boutiques on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and soak up the neighbourhood's free-spirited, creative energy.

Beverly Hills

The most prestigious address in Los Angeles, known for luxury hotels, palm-lined streets, and the world-famous shopping of Rodeo Drive. Admire grand mansions, enjoy high-end dining and spa retreats, and experience the glamour that has long defined the LA good life.

West Hollywood

One of LA's most walkable and vibrant neighbourhoods, West Hollywood (WeHo) is famous for the Sunset Strip, buzzing nightlife, and a lively dining and design scene. Centrally located, it puts the beach, Downtown, and Beverly Hills all within a short ride.

How to Get to Los Angeles

Airport
Train
Bus
Car

Los Angeles is served by Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the world's busiest airports and the main gateway to Southern California. Located around 15 miles southwest of Downtown LA, it offers direct connections across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is a handy alternative for domestic flights. Getting from the airport to the city:

FlyAway Bus Direct service to Union Station in Downtown LA (about 30–45 minutes)
Metro Rail (C & K Lines) Connect via the LAX/Metro Transit Center to the citywide rail network
LAX People Mover New automated train linking all terminals to the Metro Transit Center
Taxi/Rideshare Usually 30–50 minutes to Downtown depending on traffic

Plan your perfect Los Angeles itinerary

Los Angeles in 3 Days

We recommend: Los Angeles in 3 Days

Cover the highlights: Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach
Balance sightseeing, beaches, museums, and neighbourhood exploring at a comfortable pace
Ideal for first-time visitors wanting to experience LA's must-see attractions

Hollywood & Movie Magic

We recommend: Los Angeles Entertainment Itinerary

Explore the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Sign viewpoints
Visit Universal Studios Hollywood and tour the heart of the film industry
Perfect for movie lovers and first-time visitors chasing the Hollywood experience

Beaches, Food & Coastal LA

We recommend: Los Angeles Lifestyle Itinerary

Combine Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach boardwalk, and the drive to Malibu
Explore Abbot Kinney boutiques, beachfront dining, and Grand Central Market
Ideal for travellers seeking a relaxed Southern California beach break

Beyond LA: Southern California Day Trips

We recommend: Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

Discover Disneyland, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Joshua Tree National Park
Combine theme parks, coastal towns, deserts, and dramatic scenery
Perfect for extending your LA trip with memorable Southern California escapes

Art, Museums & Culture

We recommend: Los Angeles Cultural Itinerary

Visit The Getty Center, The Broad, LACMA, and the Natural History Museum
Explore Downtown landmarks, Grand Central Market, and the Arts District
Great for art enthusiasts and culture-focused travellers

Beyond Los Angeles: Best Day Trips & Nearby Escapes

Disneyland (Anaheim)

Just about an hour from Los Angeles, Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is one of the world's most beloved theme parks. Ride classic attractions, explore Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and visit Disney California Adventure for a magical day out for all ages.

Santa Barbara

About 100 miles up the Pacific Coast, Santa Barbara charms with its Mediterranean climate, Spanish-style architecture, and golden beaches. Visit Stearns Wharf, the historic Mission, and stroll the palm-lined waterfront on this classic coastal escape.

Malibu

Only around 33 miles from the city, Malibu offers some of LA's most scenic coastline. Surf the famous beaches, hike the trails of the Santa Monica Mountains, and enjoy clifftop dining with sweeping Pacific Ocean views.

San Diego

Around 120 miles south of Los Angeles, San Diego is famous for its sunny beaches, the world-class San Diego Zoo, historic Balboa Park, and the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter. A relaxed coastal city perfect for a longer day trip.

Joshua Tree National Park

About 130 miles east of LA, Joshua Tree is a surreal desert landscape where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Marvel at twisted Joshua trees and giant boulders, hike scenic trails, and stay for some of the best stargazing in California.

Palm Springs

Roughly two hours east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is a stylish desert resort town known for mid-century modern architecture, palm-fringed pools, and the Aerial Tramway climbing to the cool peaks of Mount San Jacinto.

FAQs About Visiting Los Angeles

What is the best time to visit Los Angeles?

The best time to visit Los Angeles is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is warm and sunny and crowds are smaller. Summer is great for beaches and festivals but busier, while LA's mild winters make it a comfortable year-round destination.

How many days do you need in Los Angeles?

Most travellers find that 3 to 4 days in Los Angeles is enough to cover the main attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach. If you plan day trips to Disneyland, Santa Barbara, or San Diego, consider staying a little longer.

What are the top things to do in Los Angeles?

Some of the best things to do in Los Angeles include walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visiting Griffith Observatory, exploring The Getty Center and The Broad, relaxing at Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, and enjoying theme parks like Universal Studios Hollywood. These showcase LA's mix of entertainment, culture, and coastal living.

Is Los Angeles expensive for tourists?

Los Angeles can be moderately expensive, with costs for hotels, dining, and attractions varying by neighbourhood and season. Many highlights, such as the beaches, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Griffith Observatory, are free to enjoy, and booking attraction tickets in advance can help you save.

What is the best way to get around Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a large, car-oriented city, so renting a car or using rideshare apps is often the most convenient way to get around. The expanding Metro rail and bus network connects Hollywood, Downtown, and the coast, but allow extra time for the city's well-known traffic.

Do I need a car to visit Los Angeles?

You don't strictly need a car, especially if you base yourself in a central, walkable area like Hollywood, Santa Monica, or West Hollywood and combine the Metro with rideshare. However, a car gives you the most flexibility for reaching far-flung neighbourhoods and day-trip destinations.

What are the best day trips from Los Angeles?

Popular day trips from Los Angeles include Disneyland in Anaheim, the beaches of Malibu, the coastal city of Santa Barbara, San Diego, and the desert scenery of Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs. Each offers a different side of Southern California within a few hours' travel.

Which areas are best to stay in Los Angeles?

The best areas to stay in Los Angeles depend on your plans. Hollywood is central for sightseeing, Santa Monica and Venice are ideal for the beach, Downtown LA suits culture and nightlife, and Beverly Hills and West Hollywood offer upscale shopping and dining. First-time visitors often choose Hollywood or Santa Monica.