Best Things to Do in Los Angeles

Griffith Observatory

One of my favourite spots in LA and somewhere I would 100% recommend adding to your itinerary, especially if you want those classic city views. The views from Griffith Observatory are honestly incredible, you can see Downtown LA, the Hollywood Hills and even the ocean on a clear day which I didn’t expect at all. I went up in the late afternoon and stayed for sunset which I think is the best time to go because you get that transition from daytime views to the city lighting up.

Even if you don’t go inside, just being outside on the terraces is worth it, but if you do have time the exhibits are actually really interesting and easy to walk around. It’s also one of the best places to see the Hollywood Sign from a distance without having to hike too much which makes it a really easy stop to add into your day. I would plan to spend at least an hour here, longer if you stay for sunset.

Price: Free entry

Hollywood Sign Viewpoints

Seeing the Hollywood Sign was something I was really excited about before my trip and it’s definitely not as straightforward as people think. You can’t actually see it properly from Hollywood Boulevard which surprised me, so you do need to go a bit out of your way to get the best views. I would recommend heading to places like Lake Hollywood Park if you want a closer view without doing a full hike, or going up into the hills if you want something a bit more active. If you want a really easy option, I’d honestly recommend booking this guided hike which takes you right up for some of the best views. It takes away the stress of figuring out routes and you get those iconic photos without second guessing where you’re going. This is one of those things that’s worth planning properly because it makes such a difference to your experience.

Price: guided hikes start from £25 per person

Runyon Canyon

Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular hiking spots in Los Angeles and a great option if you want to see the city from a higher viewpoint while getting some fresh air. The views from the top are so worth it and you can see right across the city which makes it feel like you’ve actually experienced LA beyond the main tourist spots. It’s quite a social hike as well so expect to see lots of locals, people walking dogs and just enjoying the outdoors which I really liked. If you don’t want to think about routes or timing, I would recommend doing a guided sunset hike like this one because you get the views at the best time of day without having to plan it yourself. I’d also recommend going earlier in the morning or later in the day though because it can get really hot and there’s not much shade. Also don’t forget to bring water and wear trainers because some of the paths are steeper than they look.

Price: Guided sunset hike starts from £18

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of those places you kind of have to see at least once and I’d recommend going in with realistic expectations. It’s busy, a bit chaotic and very touristy but it’s still fun to walk along and spot names you recognise. I liked that it’s all in one area so you can easily combine it with other landmarks like TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre without needing to travel far. If you want to make it more of an experience rather than just walking up and down, I’d recommend doing a guided walking tour like this one so you actually learn more about the area as you go. It’s not somewhere I’d spend hours, but it’s definitely worth stopping by while you’re in Hollywood.

Price: Hollywood Walking and Hiking Sunset Tour start from £18

Universal Studios Hollywood

This is one of those places where I would say plan a full day because there’s a lot to see and do. Universal Studios Hollywood is a mix of rides and behind-the-scenes experiences which I really liked because it’s not just a typical theme park. The Studio Tour was one of my favourite parts because you actually go through real film sets which makes it feel very different to anything else. The Harry Potter area is also really well done, even if you’re not a huge fan it’s still worth seeing. I’d recommend getting there early because it gets busy quickly, especially in peak seasons. If you’re deciding whether to include it, I’d say it’s worth it if you enjoy films or want something a bit different from sightseeing.

Price: Tickets start from around £109

Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood

If you’re more interested in how films are actually made, I would recommend the Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood over a theme park. It feels more behind-the-scenes and less about rides which I personally preferred. You get to see real sets, props and filming locations which makes it feel a lot more authentic. The Friends set was one of the highlights and something I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did. And because it’s a working studio, every tour is slightly different which makes it feel more unique.

Price: Tickets start from £58

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier is exactly what you picture when you think of California, with the Ferris wheel, ocean views and that classic beach atmosphere that just feels like you’re in a movie. I went in the afternoon and stayed through sunset which I would 100% recommend because the lighting completely changes and it feels like two different experiences in one. You’ve got Pacific Park right at the end of the pier with rides if you want to do something fun, but even just walking along, grabbing a snack and taking in the views is enough. The beach itself is massive so it never feels too crowded and you can easily walk for ages along the coastline. It’s also one of the easiest places to slow your trip down a bit because everything feels more relaxed compared to Hollywood or Downtown. I’d plan at least half a day here so you’re not rushing it.

One thing I would really recommend doing here is renting bikes and cycling along the beachfront because the path runs all the way down towards Venice Beach and it’s such an easy way to see more of the coastline without rushing. It’s flat, really scenic and you can stop off whenever you want which makes it ideal if you’re planning a more relaxed day.

Price: Free to visit, bike rentals start from £16

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is loud, busy and a bit chaotic but in a way that makes it really fun to explore. The boardwalk is where everything happens, with street performers, market stalls, artists and people just doing their thing which makes it one of the best places for people watching. I spent a good amount of time just walking up and down because there’s always something happening and it never really feels repetitive. You’ve also got Muscle Beach which is one of the most iconic spots in the area and something you’ve probably seen before without even realising. The skate park right by the beach is also worth stopping at because you’ll usually see people doing tricks which adds to the atmosphere. If you want a quieter moment, I’d recommend walking over to the Venice Canals which feel completely different and are surprisingly calm compared to the main strip.

Price: Free

Abbot Kinney Boulevard

If you want a break from the busy beach areas, I would definitely recommend heading over to Abbot Kinney Boulevard because it feels like a completely different side of Venice. It’s much more relaxed and is filled with independent boutiques, cafés and restaurants. I came here for a slower afternoon and it ended up being one of my favourite parts of the day because it just felt really easy to explore. The street itself is really nice to walk down and has that typical LA aesthetic with palm trees and cool storefronts. If you’re planning your day, I’d pair this with Venice Beach so you get a mix of both sides of the area. It’s also a really good spot if you’re looking for somewhere to eat that feels a bit more elevated than the beach food options.

Price: Free to explore

The Broad

I actually added The Broad to my itinerary because it was free, but it actually ended up being one of my favourite stops in LA. The building itself is really striking and easy to recognise, and inside it’s surprisingly easy to walk around even if you’re not massively into art. There’s a mix of modern and contemporary pieces, including works from artists like Andy Warhol and Basquiat which makes it feel quite varied. The Infinity Mirror Rooms are probably the most popular part so if that’s something you want to see, I’d recommend booking ahead because they do sell out. It’s also in a really good location so you can easily combine it with other Downtown spots in the same day.

Price: Free and would recommend booking tickets in advance

Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market is a place I recommend to everyone because it’s such an easy win when it comes to food. There are so many options all in one place which is perfect if you’re travelling with a group or just don’t know what you’re in the mood for. You’ve got everything from tacos and ramen to pastries and coffee so it works for any time of day. It’s also really easy to pair with other Downtown attractions like The Broad or even a quick stop at Angels Flight Railway which is right nearby. I’d recommend going slightly outside peak lunch times if you can because it does get busy.

Price: Food prices start from $8–$15

LACMA Urban Light

Urban Light is one of the most photographed spots in LA and actually lives up to the photos. The installation is made up of over 200 vintage street lamps lined up in rows which makes it look really striking, especially in the evening when they’re all lit up. I went around sunset and stayed until it got dark which I would definitely recommend because you get two completely different looks. It’s right outside Los Angeles County Museum of Art so you can easily combine it with a museum visit if you want to do both. Even if you’re not planning to go inside, it’s still worth stopping by just for photos. You also need to reserve a timed-entry ticket ahead of you visiting, so make sure you do that if you want to tick this off your list.

Price: Free

Rodeo Drive

You’ve probably seen Rodeo Drive so many times in films before you even visit LA, and it does feel exactly how you’d expect. It’s very luxury and definitely leans into that classic Beverly Hills image (yes I am thinking Pretty Woman). Even if you’re not planning to shop, I still think it’s worth walking through just to see it for yourself. The streets are lined with designer stores like Chanel, Dior and Gucci, and everything just feels very put together. It’s also a really easy area to explore because everything is close together so you don’t need loads of time here. I’d combine it with a visit to the Beverly Hills sign so you can tick off both at the same time.

Price: Free to explore

Beverly Hills Sign & Lily Pond

The Beverly Hills Sign is a classic LA photo spots and it’s actually a really nice place to stop for a bit. It sits in Beverly Gardens Park with a small pond and greenery around it which makes it feel a lot calmer than the surrounding streets. It’s a great spot to take photos, walk around and just enjoy a slower moment in your day. It’s also really close to Rodeo Drive so it makes sense to do both together.

One of the easiest ways I’d recommend seeing it for the first time is actually doing a guided tour so you don’t miss the key areas and you get the context behind what you’re seeing. I did the Hollywood and Beverly Hills Celebrity Homes Open-Air Bus Tour and it’s such a good way to cover a lot in a short space of time, especially if you’re short on days in LA. The route takes you through Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Hills and past famous celebrity homes while also stopping at key viewpoints like the Beverly Hills Sign for photos.

Price: Open-Air Bus Tour tickets start from £33

Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard is more about the experience of being there rather than one specific stop. It stretches across a huge part of the city and passes through different areas like Hollywood and West Hollywood which all feel slightly different. I’d recommend either driving part of it or planning stops along the way rather than trying to see it all at once. The Sunset Strip section is probably the most well-known with music venues, billboards and nightlife spots that have a lot of history behind them. It gives you a good sense of how big LA actually is because the scenery changes quite a lot as you go along. It’s not something you need to dedicate loads of time to, but it’s worth including in your route when moving between areas.

Price: Free

Day trip to Malibu

I always recommend people don’t skip Malibu when they’re in Los Angeles because it shows you a completely different side of the city. It’s known for its beaches, celebrity homes and long stretches of coastline that feel a lot more relaxed compared to central LA. One of the easiest ways to see it properly without worrying about driving is by doing a guided tour like this Malibu Celebrity Homes, Beaches and History Tour. It takes you along the Pacific Coast Highway with stops at some of the most iconic viewpoints along the way including Malibu Pier, Point Dume and stretches of coastline you would honestly miss if you were just trying to figure it out on your own. Malibu is quite spread out so having someone explain the history and take you directly to the best photo stops makes a big difference especially if it’s your first time visiting.

Price: Malibu tour starts from £67

Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue is full of street art, vintage shops and independent boutiques which makes it a really fun place to just walk around. I liked that it didn’t feel too touristy and had a bit more personality compared to some of the other areas. You’ve also got loads of cafés and places to stop which makes it easy to spend a few hours here without planning too much. The Paul Smith Pink Wall is also here which is one of the most popular photo spots.

Price: Free to explore

Bel Air

Bel Air is one of those areas in Los Angeles where everything suddenly feels quieter, greener and a lot more private, and it’s mainly about the experience of driving through rather than stopping anywhere specific. The roads wind up into the hills and you’re surrounded by huge gated homes hidden behind trees and long driveways, which makes the whole area feel very different from the rest of the city.

What I actually like about including Bel Air in a route is that it naturally connects with Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills, so it works really well as part of a wider loop rather than a standalone stop. If you want to take it a step further, this is also where seeing LA from above completely changes your perspective, the helicopter tour over Beverly Hills, Hollywood and Bel Air gives you that full skyline moment where you can actually understand just how spread out everything is.

Price: Free, helicopter tours start from £147

City Hall Observation Deck

The City Hall Observation Deck is a place I’d honestly say gets overlooked so often in LA. You go up and suddenly you’ve got this full panoramic view across Downtown and on a clear day you can see way further than you expect. It feels like a bit of a hidden moment because most people don’t even realise it’s open to the public, so it never feels busy in the way other viewpoints do. It’s a really easy add-on if you’re already in DTLA and you don’t need loads of time here, it’s more of a quick stop that still feels worth it. The whole experience is super simple, you just go up, take in the view and then you’re done. And the best part is that it’s free to go up, but if you’re driving you’ll usually end up in a nearby paid garage which is normally around $10–$20 depending on how long you stay.

Price: Free, parking around $10–$20 nearby

Angels Flight Railway

Angels Flight is a short ride up and down Bunker Hill and it’s over in minutes but it still feels fun because it’s so historic and different from everything else nearby. I’d treat it more like a quick experience you just add into your Downtown route rather than something you go out of your way for. It also connects really easily with other DTLA stops so it fits naturally into a walking day. Tickets are $1.50 each way and it’s very quick to do.

Price: One way ticket costs $1.50

The Last Bookstore

The Last Bookstore is a great spot, even if you’re not a big reader it’s still worth going because it’s more like a space you explore properly. I liked how big it is and how there are little corners everywhere so you keep discovering new bits as you walk through. The book tunnel is probably the most famous part but the whole place has that creative Downtown energy that makes it fun to just slow down for a bit. It also a great place to get pictures/videos which I loved!

Price: Free

Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo was one of my favourite areas in Downtown because it just feels completely different the moment you step into it. It’s really easy to explore, you can just wander in and out of shops, grab snacks and take your time. There are Japanese supermarkets, matcha cafés, dessert spots and little stores that make it feel really fun to explore even if you’re only there for an hour or two. It also feels more local than touristy which is always nice when you’re travelling.

Price: Free

Bradbury Building

The Bradbury Building is genuinely one of the most striking interiors in Downtown and it feels like stepping into a completely different time period. The ironwork, staircases and glass ceiling make it feel incredibly detailed and cinematic, which makes sense because it’s been used in a lot of films over the years. It’s a very quick visit but it leaves a strong impression because it looks so different from everything around it. Again, it was also easy to just pop in while walking through Downtown rather than needing a full plan for it.

Price: Free

Figueroa Terrace & Centennial Street

This viewpoint has such a strong LA skyline moment and it feels instantly familiar even if you’ve never been before. The framing of the city from here is really open, especially around golden hour when the light starts hitting the buildings and everything feels a bit softer. It’s a residential area so it’s important to keep it respectful and quiet, and it’s more of a quick stop rather than somewhere to hang around for a long time. Parking is usually street parking and free, but it can be limited depending on the time of day.

Price: Free

Echo Park

Echo Park has such a relaxed energy compared to the rest of LA and it’s a nice break from constant sightseeing. The lake is the main focal point and it’s really peaceful to walk around, especially if you just want something slower in between busier days. You’ll see people renting pedal boats, sitting with coffee, walking dogs or just enjoying the space without rushing anywhere. Parking can be a bit hit or miss because it’s popular, but street parking is sometimes available and paid lots nearby are usually around $5-$15.

Price: Free

I hope this guide on the best things to do in Los Angeles has helped you plan your trip and gave you a few new ideas to add to your itinerary.

Check out my other Los Angeles guides here:

• Los Angeles Guide for First Timers
• Los Angeles Monthly Guides