Have you noticed all the lists online lately? Me too! This recent trend has alerted me to the fact that I’m not alone in my love of lists. What’s even more fun than making a list? Crossing things off them, of course! It’s so satisfying!
In a city as vast as Los Angeles, on any given day, there are countless opportunities for tourists and non tourists alike. So many, in fact, it wouldn’t really be reasonable to try and list them all, so for the purposes of this list I’m drawing the line at 50* places.
50 Things to do in Los Angeles* (and Surrounding Areas)
1. DTLA Arts District
Location: 812 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles
The revitalization of Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) is nothing short of amazing, especially the Arts District! Biking, street art, restaurants, shopping and more… I guarantee you’ll love it and with so much to see and do multiple visits are in order!
2. LA Art Tours – Graffiti/Mural Tour
Location: 533 Colyton St, Los Angeles
A walking tour of DTLA is the perfect way to view the city’s vibrant mural and graffiti scene and get the lay of the land. The tours are lead by the artist themselves, and you’ll not only be viewing amazing artistry, but you’ll learn all about the culture and lingo of these incredibly talented locals.
3. Pie Hole
Location: 714 Traction Ave Downtown Los Angeles
Whether you like it savory or sweet you’ll be guaranteed a unique and tasty treat at the Pie Hole, We love the DTLA location, but with 5+ locations throughout the greater LA area you have no excuses! I wish I could show you a photo of the pie, but It never lasts long enough to take a photo!
4. Walt Disney Concert Hall
Location: 111 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles
If you’re a fan of architecture, the symphony, or both then you’ll want to consider a visit to the Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. If nothing else it provides an amazing backdrop for those #Instagood pics!
5. The Broad Museum
Location: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles
If you only have time to visit one museum while in LA, I highly suggest The Broad located in DTLA. Entry to the museum is free, and the collection is top notch! Do keep in mind that advance reservations are required.
6. Little Tokyo
Location: 115 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles
The Little Tokyo district in DTLA is the place to go for authentic Japanese dining, quirky shopping and a healthy dose of kawaii!
7. The Last Bookstore
Location: 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles
When I heard about that cool book seller in Downtown Los Angeles that not only sells books but sells them with flair, I just knew I had to go there! With social media on the rise, the appropriately named, The Last Bookstore, might well just turn out to be the last bookstore!
8. Canter’s Deli
Location: 419 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles
Canter’s, an LA institution, has been serving up their award winning pastrami sandwiches and other deli fare since 1931. Beyond pastrami, other favorites on my list are the Mish Mash Soup, and the High Hat, which is basically a cupcake married to a ding dong! Delicious!
9. Pinks
Location: 709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles
No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without a trip to Pink’s a true LA institution! Famous for it’s chili cheese dog, Pink’s has been in the same spot on La Brea Avenue for 76 years and if the perpetually long line is any indication, it’s not going anywhere.
10. The Getty Center
Location: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles
The Getty Center features American and European art from medieval times to the present. Not only is it considered an architectural masterpiece, but it’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and on a clear day the views of Downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean are spectacular.
11. Griffith Park Observatory
Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles
A visit to the Griffith Park Observatory includes something for everyone! Fabulous views of Downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign, Hiking, The Halls of Space, a planetarium, and a cafe. Entrance to the Observatory and parking are free of charge.
12. La Brea Tar Pits
Location:5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
Are you a history lover? Then you’ll love a visit to the La Brea Tar Pits! It’s hard to believe that at one time Wilshire Boulevard was once the home of dire wolves, saber-tooth cats, and mammoths, but It’s true! Of course that was 50,000 years ago, give or take a few thousand years…
13. LACMA
Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
The largest art museum on the West Coast, it would take multiple visits to see everything LACMA has to offer. Just try and walk by Chris Burden’s Urban lights without snapping a few photos.
14. Peterson Automotive Museum
Location: 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Los Angeles is famous for many things, but one of them is not waking! In fact, just the opposite and as the song says, “Nobody walks in LA!” If you’re a fan of cars, movies, or both, then The Peterson Automotive museum is a perfect for you!
15. Chandelier Tree
Location: 2811 W. Silver Lake Drive, Los Angeles
The Chandelier Tree, created by, Silver Lake resident and artist, Adam Tenenbaum is a magical piece of art which is located in his front yard! The tree’s restored chandeliers have been collected over time through donations, swap meet purchases and film sets. #instala
16. Hurry Curry of Tokyo
Location: 2131 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles
If you’re looking for a unique Japanese cuisine experience Hurry Curry of Tokyo located in Japantown is the place! Get the White sauce I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
17. Surf Lessons
Location: Santa Monica/Venice
Why not give surfing a try?! No matter if you’ve never been on a board before, sign up for a lesson and you’ll be popping up in no time! If I can do it, so can you!
18. The Grove
Location: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles
If shopping is on your list, check out The Grove, not only is it home to many trendy shops and restaurants it also boasts one of America’s tallest Christmas Tree’s!
19. The Hollywood Sign
Location: Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA 90068
One of the most iconic signs in the world, no trip to LA would be complete without at least a quick view of the Hollywood Sign. There are a number of viewing spots around town. One of which is the Griffith Park Observatory located in… Griffith Park.
20. Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Location: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
The Hollywood Forever Cemetery, isn’t just the final resting place, of some of film and music’s most celebrated stars, Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone, Judy Garland, and Douglas Fairbanks to name a few, but it’s also a fun and quirky place to see an outdoor concert. Check the official website for the current season’s offerings.
21. Hollywood Walk of Fame
Location: Hollywood Boulevard between Gower and La Brea, Los Angeles
Everyone should visit The Walk of Fame, which runs 1.3 miles along Hollywood Boulevard between Gower Street and La Brea Avenue, at least once. There are more than 2,500 stars along the Walk and you’ll be sure to recognize a few of your favorites!
22. Mann’s Chinese Theater
Location: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles
If you’re already in the area visiting #21, make the most of your time and visit Mann’s Chinese Theater too! Attempting to fit my feet and hands into the many celebrity prints, which have been pressed into the courtyard floor is always a fun activity.
23. Santa Monica Beach Bike Path
Location: Santa Monica
The 22 mile long paved path stretching from the Pacific Palisades to Torrance is perfect for biking, running, skateboarding or just plain walking! Along the way you’ll find playgrounds, bike rentals, ice cream shops, burger joints and shopping.
24. Street Art Walk
Location: Santa Monica
Go on an art walk! Santa Monica is loaded with street art just waiting to be discovered! The photo above, located at Sidecar Doughnuts on 7th and Wilshire Blvd, is a piece by Bumblebeelovesyou, a local artist, and a favorite of mine! Other fun areas with a lot of street art are Main Street and Pico Boulevard, both of which are also loaded with fun shops and restaurants!
25. Sidecar Doughnuts
Location: 631 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica
Sidecar Doughnuts is our favorite donut shop on the Westside, and we’ve tried a few. Sidecar’s doughnuts are always fresh, tasty, and popular, so be prepared for a long line, and because your first choice will most likely sell out before you make it to the counter, choose a second. Don’t worry they’re all good!
26. Santa Monica Pier
Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
Yes, it’s very touristy, but everyone should visit the Santa Monica Pier at least once! Not only does it boast the only over water Roller Coaster in the world, but it also has an adorable little aquarium and an old fashioned carousel!
27. Santa Monica Beach
Location: Santa Monica
Santa Monica is the perfect family beach. It has everything you need for the perfect beach day! Soft warm sand perfect for sandcastle building, a pier complete with amusement park, and tons of nearby shopping and dinning!
28. The Original Muscle Beach
Location: Santa Monica
Just south of the Santa Monica Pier you’ll find the original Muscle Beach, which features loads of gymnastics equipment, the Chess Park and easy access to the Carousel. My boys and I have always enjoyed trying out all the equipment.
29. Tongva Park
Location: 1615 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica
Tongva Park is a lovely traditional park just south of the Santa Monica Place Mall on Ocean Avenue. Along with unique play structures, you’ll find beautiful gardens, fountains, and lovely ocean views.
30. Third Street Promenade
Location: 3rd Street between Wilshire Blvd and Broadway, Santa Monica
I’m always up for a stroll and some shopping! Just a short walk from the beach you’ll find world class shopping, restaurants and entertainment at the Santa Monica Place mall and on the pedestrian friendly Third Street Promenade.
31. Montana Avenue
Location: Montana Avenue, Santa Monica
Located just one mile north of Downtown Santa Monica, you could spend all day wandering in and out of the boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants located on Montana Avenue!
32. Menotti’s Coffee
Location: 56 Windward Ave, Venice
Get the Spanish Latte! I promise you won’t be disappointed when you taste this delicious coffee concoction! Seriously, what are you waiting for? Go there! Then take your coffee for a walk along the beach!
33. Venice Beach Ocean Front Walk
Location: Ocean Front Walk, Venice
Like the sign says, I ❤️ Venice, and not just for the cheap sunglasses and great people watching! No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without a visit to the great weird that is Venice!
34. The Wee Chippy
Location: 1301 Ocean Front Walk, Venice
Located just off Ocean Front Walk at Venice Beach, the Wee Chippy is a walk up fish and chips joint, owned by a Scottish fellow. The fish is great, but the chips are easily the best I’ve ever had. Anywhere!
35. Venice Beach
Location: Venice Beach, Venice
There’s nothing like the beach in Southern California, and when you throw in everything else that Venice has to offer you’ve got nothing short of paradise! Don’t forget your sunscreen!
36. Venice Beach Skate Park
Location: 1500 Ocean Front Walk, Venice
Skateboarding as we know it originated in Los Angeles, so it makes sense that there’s an awesome skatepark right on the beach. Grab your wheels and drop in for some fun, or be a happy spectator either way, all are welcome!
37. Venice Art Walls
Location: Ocean Front Walk, Venice
Just next to the Skatepark you’ll find the Venice Art Walls, where every Saturday and Sunday you’ll find them transformed by professional and amateur street artists alike! Feeling creative, grab a can and join the fun!
38. Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Location: Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice
One of the hottest streets in town! Many of today’s most sought after fashion brands have stores on Abbot Kinney, not to mention the many trendy bars and restaurants to choose from. #favoriteplaces
39. Rose Avenue
Location: Rose Avenue, Venice
Completely transformed in the past few years, Rose Avenue, is definitely worth a visit. Lined with one of a kind boutiques, restaurants and markets, there’s a little something for everyone!
40. Malibu Farm Pier Restaurant
Location: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
Stay cozy inside on a stormy day or eat out when the sun is shinning, either way the Malibu Farms Pier Restaurant is the perfect little breakfast spot! Locals only! Just kidding, but do check this place out if you’re looking for something a little less touristy.
41. The Getty Villa
Location: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades
Located on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, the Getty Villa is dedicated to the antiquities and features 7000 years of ancient art. Even if antiquities aren’t your thing, The Villa itself is a site to see.
42. Zuma Beach
Location: Zuma Beach, Malibu
The drive to Zuma, along the Pacific Coast Highway, is spectacular in itself, and when you get there… Sun, sand, and surf. Need I say more?
43. Solstice Canyon
Location: 3455 Solstice Canyon Rd, Malibu
Hiking options in Solstice range from easy to difficult, making this a great destination for families and pets! There’s a waterfall, gorgeous views, and even an architectural landmark, all waiting to be discovered.
44. The Beverly Hills Sign
Location: 9439 N Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills
You’ll know you’re in Beverly Hills when you see THE Sign! A lovely and iconic place to take a photo!
45. Rodeo Drive
Location: Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
First timer or resident, there’s something special about a stroll down Rode Drive.
46.The Love Wall (Wall Hopping)
Location: 8549 Higuera St, Culver City
The Love Wall located at Smash Box Studios in Culver City is just one of the many popular wall murals throughout Los Angeles. Your trip to LA is made all that much more colorful when you include one these fun pieces of street art in the background of all your social media posts! #instala
47. Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Location: 3400 W Riverside Dr, Burbank
Los Angeles, is the home of movie magic, which also makes it the perfect place to find out how all that magic happens! During your visit to the Warner Bros Studio Lot you’ll get behind the scenes peeks into many of your favorite television shows and movies both old and new!
48. Universal Studios Theme Park and Studio Tour
Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
Universal Studios is not just a theme park, but a working movie studio as well! We love the Studio Tour, which is full of fun surprises, and of course there’s Butterbeer!
49. Disneyland Theme Park
Location: 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
They don’t have call it the Happiest Place on Earth for nothing! Yes, it’s crowded, yes, it’s expensive, and yes, despite those things I absolutely love the Magic Kingdom. Checkout my tips and tricks for a successful visit to Disneyland.
50. Huntington Library and Gardens
Location: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino
The Huntington Botanical Gardens, has something for everyone! Museums, a library and acres of beautiful and unique gardens, including a fabulous children’s garden!
Living here gives us access to all the amazingness that LA has to offer, however, our family, like many others, often struggles when it comes to deciding how to spend our free time. lucky for us, Los Angeles also happens to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, so hopefully, now that we’ve got this handy list all our problems, and maybe yours, will be solved!
* As fast as we “check things off” we think up more fun and interesting ideas, so stay tuned for 50 More Things To Do in LA coming soon…
*Be sure to check official websites for operating hours and ticket prices.
Pin for later:
The Wild Wayfarer
This is such a good list! I wish I had something like this to go by before I visited there!
Hilary
Thanks! I guess you’ll just have to come back!! 😊
joylovestravel
I love a list too Hilary and this is a great one. We’ve never been to LA – only passed through the airport in transit but I would love to visit and tick off all of these!
Hilary
Let me know when you’re coming, I’ll be your personal guide!
joylovestravel
Thank you – I hope I can take you up on that some day!!
California Globetrotter
Ah perfect! I’ve been collecting stuff for things to do in Cali for our future return. We hope that we can do a 3 week road trip from south to north Cali. I want to show my German husband my home! I grew up in Cali, went to uni in Anaheim, have family in central Cali and my dad lives in NorCal. So I’m from the whole state haha! Pinned! #CityTripping
Hilary
Yay! I’m so glad this will be useful! I lived in the Bay Area for 8 years, so I get what you mean about being from the whole state!
Emma AKA Size15Stylist
Thank you for your fab list.. One of my friends is heading out there in the summer so I’m forwarding your post. I also now really, really need to explore Santa Monica!
Hilary
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed it! Yes, Santa Monica is pretty awesome! Of course I live here, so I might be a little bit biased… 😉
MummyTravels
What a great list – it’s so easy to think LA = Hollywood… which it does, of course, but there’s so much more to discover too. Some great tips as well that most tourists might not know about or think to add on the list. Having seen your street art photos, that definitely has to come near the top of mine. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Hilary
Thanks! It’s definitely so much more than Hollywood, not that I don’t like Hollywood too, but it’s always nice to dig deeper!
fifi + hop
What an amazing list, you’ve outdone yourself! Definitely sharing this with my aunt. Last time I was in L.A. we saw the concert hall which was beautiful. The observatory – is that the one from La La Land?
Hilary
Thanks, it took a few months to complete this one. ha ha! Yes, thats the one in LA LA Land! The shot of the skyline is taken from the observatory! One of these days I’ll get to see that view at night!
katy@untoldmorsels
Love your passion for your city! I fell in love with LA slowly. Once you uncover the layers beyond the Hollywood exterior it’s such a cool city. My favourite place is the Getty Centre. So beautiful. Hope to see you in LA soon so I can try these all out Hilary! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
I do love it here! Funny, when I lived here the first time, I didn’t have nearly the passion for it that I have now. I guess I’ve learned to see things in a different way in the past 16 years… The Getty is pretty great! I used to work there… I would LOVE to see you here in LA! Say when! xx
menerokasite
I love the Chandelier Tree and the Graffiti tour. I’m going to LA next year, so this is really helpful. Thank you!
Hilary
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed it! There is certainly a lot of unique fun to be had here!!
Wandermust mummy
We go next year so useful #farawayfiles
Hilary
Great! Let me know if you need any additional information…
Upeksha
Great list! I visited LA a few years ago and did a fraction of the things on your list. Pinning it in anticipation of my next visit to LA (hopefully before too long). #theweeklypostcard
Hilary
This list took half a year to complete so don’t be too hard on yourself! 😉 btw, these are sorted by neighborhood not in order of fun!
galanda23
Your post made me smile. I live in L.A. and I don’t find any of these places attractive. You know what they say: the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Hilary
Wow! I can imagine that some of the more touristy things might not appeal, but not even one of these appeals? Well, I guess it’s a good thing it’s such a giant and diverse city! I’m currently working on 50 more things… I’d love to hear what sort of things do interest you since I’m always looking for fun new ideas!!
Edith Rodriguez
Such a great list! We’ve been on a mission to do as much as we can in the city but still have more to cross out. Hopefully we cross out the Huntington Library soon! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Hilary
Ooh! I love the Huntington! This list was sorted by neighborhood rather than ranking…. the Huntington is fabulous! I love the Japanese, Chinese and cactus gardens!
Hilary
Thank you!! I’d love to hear some of your favorite ideas for things to do!
Anisa
Wow this is such a comprehensive list, so many great ideas for my next trip to LA. I think next on my list is Solstice Canyon. I have pinned for future reference. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Hilary
I’m so glad you found some fun ideas! I’m hard at “work” on 50 more things… stay tuned!
Clare Thomson
Wow, so many great things to do in LA! I LOVED Venice Beach but found it so weird that nobody walked anywhere in LA. I’d love to spend longer in the city, visit the museums and the Warner Bros Studios – I have to go to Central Perk one day! Fabulous share for #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Venice Beach is easily in my top 3 places in all of LA! I find myself there a minimum of three times a week! I usually ride my bike there, which isn’t driving, but it isn’t exactly walking either… 😉
Liz
This is such a comprehensive list and so many things I didn’t know yet. Thanks a lot, I have already saved this for my next trip to LA!
Hilary
Yay! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Tracy
What a comprehensive list! Such great ideas and ones I will keep on the back burner for my next trip to the west coast!
Kristi Evans
Great list! LOVE LA!!
natalie
It’s so funny, I grew up in southern California, but really have never spent much time in LA. There so much to do and see there, great list!
Hilary
This is my second time living here and this time I’m taking full advantage!!
Campfires&Concierges (@leighlwilson)
What a great list – so many things to do! I have never really been to LA, but someday I am going to plan the cheesiest most touristy visit ever!
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Hilary
You’ll love every minute!
oregongirlaroundtheworld
I clearly have many things to tick off the list – as I haven’t even done half of those on all my visits to LA! We love Santa Monica – fab list. Pinning for later! #FarawayFiles, Erin
Hilary
So glad you found some fun ideas! Keep in mind that if/when you do find your way here again, that you have a built in tour guide at your disposal!
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels
I’ll be heading out to LA this summer, so this list is very timely! I’ve been before but there are so many things on this list I’d love to see (and eat!).
Hilary
I’m so glad it will be useful! It’s such a vast city with so much to offer, it’s nice to have ideas!
RobRob @TravelLatte(.net)
OMG – Pinks! So many great places in this list; definitely makes me a little nostalgic for the city. It is one of my favorite places to just drive around and see. Great list. But yeah – 50 More definitely in order. And probably 50 more after that! 😉 Looking forward to seeing them on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Hilary
Don’t worry, I’m hard at work on the next 50! 😘
Lyvly Bee
Once again, you literally hit all the best spots to visit in Los Angeles. However, I am going to have to add in Salt & Straw Ice Cream, because no LA visit is complete without ice cream under the hot sun. I also just came out with a my favorite hiking trails in LA. You should definitely check it out and maybe do a post on your favorite trails! I’d love to compare 🙂
https://blog.belyvly.com/2017/05/24/la-hiking-trails-on-mountain-terrain/
Hilary
Thank you!! Don’t worry, Salt &a Straw is featured in my museum of ice cream post and in my next LA post too!! I love the salted malted cookie dough! I’ll check out your post!!
Lyvly Bee
Yes! I can’t wait to read them 🙂 and you can’t forget the roasted strawberry and toasted white chocolate flavor 😍 I’m already hungry just thinking about it!
Mary {The World Is A Book}
What a great list! I used to live in LA during my college years and my husband grew up in the Hollywood area so we still go quite often as a day or weekend trip from San Diego. We’ve done a lot of these and I have quite a few to add to my list and to cross off within the next few months. Thank you!
Hilary
I’m so happy you’ve found some fun new ideas! I’m always open to new ideas myself, so if you think up anything you don’t see here, I’d love to hear about it!
sue davies
Nice post. Lots of great things. I especially like the street art photos and tours of DTLA and Santa Monica. Are you on insta? There is @streetartchat and they repost a lot of street art photos.
Hilary
Thank you! Yes, I follow that account!
Sally
I have just come across this while trying to make an itinerary for September. This will definitely take up some of my 10 days in LA before I go to SF. Love this list
Hilary
Glad it came in handy!! You can also check out 50 MORE things to do in LA!
Rv
I would love to visit Disneyland.
Hilary
It’s truly the happiest place on earth!
Bella
Great post. The culture in Miami is amazing. Loved every aspect. It was such a nice visit.
Bella
https://dygreencard.com/