What’s my favorite thing about living in a popular vacation destination? The number of visitors! I absolutely love it when friends and family come to visit (hint, hint), and not only do I love their company, but it’s the perfect opportunity to be a tourist in my own town! Bonus: All those delicious meals together!
Surfing with friends from out of town!
In my quest to discover new places and roam far, I’d been missing out on great experiences closer to home. Over the past year and a half I’ve been doing my best to remedy that, and featured many of our around town adventures in my previous list, 50 things to do in LA, but since then I have discovered a whole new mess of fun ideas, many within a few miles from my front door, but all within a days drive!
Table of Contents
50 MORE Things To Do in Los Angeles:*
1.The Famous Santa Monica Stairs
Location: 699 Adelaide Drive, Santa Monica
You’ll feel less guilty about all the amazing LA food you’re going to eat if you start your day with a workout. At the top of “The Stairs” you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, and who knows, you might even find yourself working out next to your favorite celebrity…
2. Main Street Santa Monica
Location: Start Between 2nd and Nielson at Strand
Santa Monica’s Main Street, is just a bit off the main tourist path, which neans you’ll find plenty of one of a kind shopping, restaurants, street art, and less tourists!
3. Cookie Good
Location: 2448 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica
Cheeto flavored cookie anyone? Not your thing? Don’t worry Cookie Good, has “normal” flavors too! The cookies here are so delicious we bought a dozen different flavors and took a bite of every single one!
4. Kazu Nori
Location: 120 Broadway #104, Santa Monica
Kazu Nori is small and it’s popular, so get there early, or be prepared to wait. The menu consists of one thing: hand rolls. They’re made to order and to delicious perfection.
5. Patrick’s Roadhouse
Location: 106 Entrada Drive, Santa Monica
Just across the PCH from North Santa Monica Beach, Patricks Roadhouse has been a local and celebrity favorite since 1973. The old time atmosphere is quirky and very family friendly. The portions are huge!
6. Nighthawk Restaurant
Location: 417 Washington Blvd, Venice
You’ll find cereal milk cocktails and other breakfast items with a fun twist at Nighthawk a trendy late night spot just blocks from the beach.
7. Salt & Straw
Location: 1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice
Salt and Straw’s ice cream is delicious, but don’t take my word for it, the ever present line should speak for itself. One reason the line is so long… you can sample as many flavors as you want!
8. Wurstkuche
Location: 625 Lincoln Blvd, Venice
Wurstkuche’s exotic sausages and delicious fries are a savory and popular treat. There is a constant line out the door, but don’t be fooled you’ll find a large amount of communal seating in the back.
9. The Venice Sign
Location: Pacific Ave & Windward Ave
The Original Venice Sign was hung across Windward Avenue at Pacific by Abbot Kinney himself, this current version was installed in 2007. Most often lit with traditional white marquee lights, the Sign changes throughout the year in support of various events and holidays.
10. Hatchet Hall
Location: 12517 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles
With it’s quirky decor, bustling atmosphere and fabulous service dining at Hatchett Hall is sure to please, but it was the rolls that really won me over! I just can’t stop thinking about them!
11. The Venice Canals
Location: Enter the Grand Canal at Washington Blvd and Strongs Drive
The famous Venice Canals! No, not that other city in Italy with canals, these are the ones in Los Angeles! Did you know we have our own?!
12. Sony Studios Tour
Location: 10202 Washington Blvd, Culver City
The Sony Studios Tour is a behind the scenes walking tour located on a working studio lot. You’ll get a chance to visit and see props from TV and Movie sets as well as learn about the magic of movie making. The tour is offered for ages 13 and up.
13. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
Location: 6300 Hetzler Rd, Culver City
We love our excersie in LA, and we love our stairs. It’s even better if we combine them! Try the ones at the Baldwin Hills Overlook where on a clear day you can see all the way to Downtown LA and beyond.
14. Furaibo
Location: 2068 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles
You’ll find Furaibo in LA’s Japan Town, not to be confused with Little Tokyo. They are famous for their Japanese style chicken wings, which are amazing! Bonus: There is parking in the back.
15. Paley Center for Media
Location: 465 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, just one block off of Rodeo Drive, the Paley Center for Media has revolving exhibits that explore the connection between media and society.
16. Beverly Hills Hotel
Location: 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills
The Beverly Hills Hotel opened in 1912, before Beverly Hills was even a city! You can’t miss its iconic pink paint and famous sign, and you don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to enjoy one of it’s many iconic dining establishments!
17. Sprinkles Cupcake ATM
Location: 9631 South Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills
Wait, what? A 24 hour ATM that only sells cupcakes and cookies? Where can I find that? Beverly Hills of course!
18. Sprinkles Ice Cream Shop
Location: 9631 South Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills
While vistiing #17 we discovered that Sprinkles also has an ice cream shop! We couldn’t resist, and I’m so glad we didn’t! This was some incredible ice cream, and the red velvet cones were amazing! You’ll find the Sprinkles ice cream shop just next to the Cupcake ATM.
19. Sugarfina Candy Boutique
Location: 9495 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills
Adults and children alike will enjoy a visit to this sweet spot! Sugarfina was born in LA, but features gourmet and unqiue candies from around the world. They even offer candy tastings!
20. Malibu Country Mart
Location: 3835 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu
The Malibu Country Mart feartures high end shopping, a wonderful playground and delicious dining options! The best part… it’s just a stones throw from the famous Malibu beach!
21. Neptune’s Net
Location: 42505 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
Fish & Chips, motorcycles, and gorgeous ocean views! Need I say more? You’ll find Neptune’s Net just a short drive up the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway.
22. Folk Art & Craft Museum
Location: 5814 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
The Craft and Folk Art Museum is housed in an adorable little building just opposite the Labrea Tar Pits. You can’t miss its cheerful black and yellow design. The exhibitions are revolving and feature current day artists with a unique twist or smaller exposure.
23. The Berlin Wall
Location: 5900 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
Did you know you can view part of the Berlin Wall in LA? The largest remaining stretch of the original Berlin Wall is located just across from LACMA on Wilshire Blvd’s Museum Row.
24. Melrose Avenue Shopping
Location: Between La Cienega and North Highland
One of LA’s most famous streets, Melrose shops you’ll find everything from vintage Dr. Martens to today’s most current and upscale fashion brands. Stroll up one side and down the other and along the way keep your eye out for some of LA’s most popular Insta walls.
25. Fairfax Avenue
Location: Between Melrose and W. 3rd Street
Home to the ultra trendy Supreme and Rip n’ Dip streetwear shops, you’ll also find many other one of a kind shops and galleries, mixed in among this area’s excellent dining choices, which include Canter’s Deli, Prime Pizza, and number 26 on this list, which is so delicious it deserves it’s own spot!
26. Jon and Vinny’s
Location: 412 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles
Excellent food, service and celebrity sightings are what you can expect at Jon and Vinny’s. No wonder it’s consistently listed as one of LA’s top restaurants. Getting a table can be tough, so book ahead, or consider a late lunch when you might even be able to walk right in.
27. The Original Farmers Market LA
Location: 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles
The entire family will love wandering within LA’s Original Farmers Market where you’ll find stall after stall of delicious food items, restaurants, and shops.
28. Dupars Pancakes
Location: 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles
Located inside the Farmer’s Market listed above, Dupar’s has been whipping up their famous pancakes since 1938! They’re an LA institution, and they really are THAT good!
29. Georgetown Cupcakes (Free)
Location: 143 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles
Would you like a free cupcake? Georgetown Cupcakes is giving you one! All you have to do is check out their online fridge cam for the secret cupcake of the day. Tell them the flavor when you walk in and they’ll give each member of your group a complimentary cupcake!
30. Laurel Hardware
Location: 7984 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood
Don’t be fooled by the exterior when you pull up outside Laurel Hardware, one of West Hollywoods most trendy eateries. It may look like an old hardware store from the outside, but the inside is gorgeous and the food is delicious, as are the cocktails.
31. Brothers Korean BBQ
Location: 3680 W 6th St, Los Angeles
Brothers Korean BBQ is our family’s go to for special occasions. The service is excellent as is the food. My favorite part: all the “sides” that come with your meal.
32. The Wiltern
Location: 3790 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
Located at the corner of Wilshire and Western the Wiltern was built in 1931 as a vaudville theater. It was restored to it’s original glory in 1981 and today its a live music venue.
33. Neutra VDL House
Location: 2300 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles
Architecture lovers won’t want to miss a visit to the Neutra VDL House built by the famed Modernist architect Richard Neutra 75 years ago. Tours of the home and garden are available, and are given by architecture students.
34. Alfred’s Coffee
Location: 3337 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles (Multiple Locations)
If you ask me Alfred’s Coffee has their priorities straight, because, while it may be cliche, as far as I’m concerned nothing happens before coffee! With locations all over town, including a tea room, you’ll be able to get your priorities straight as well!
35. LA Zoo
Location: 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles
We’ve been to over 25 zoo around the world, so I think you can trust me when I say the LA Zoo is fun for the entire family!
36. Greek Theater
Location: 2700 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles
The Greek Theater is located inside Griffith Park and is an outdoor venue. The Theater seats less than 6000, and is a great place to see a show.
37. See a Movie at Hollywood Cemetery
Location: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles
Consider attending an outdoor movie screening at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery! Even if you can’t make it to an organized event you might consider a visit anyway, as the cemetery is the final resting place of many famous Hollywood and musical icons.
38. The Hollywood Bowl
Location: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles
The Hollywood Bowl is located one mile from the famed corner of Hollywood and Highland in… You guessed it, Hollywood! The Bowl seats 17,500 people and is an open-air venue. Getting there can be a challenge, but it’s worth it!
39. Capital Records Building
Location: 1750 Vine St, Los Angeles
The Capital Records Building is a historic landmark, and has been featured in a number of movies and television shows since it’s completion in 1956. Located just north of the famous corner of Hollywood and Vine you can’t miss it’s iconic round shape, which resembles a stack of records.
40. The Bradbury Building
Location: 304 South Broadway at West 3rd Street
Built in 1893, the Bradbury Building is an architectural landmark. While the outside might not seem like anything particularly special, its the inside’s Victorian Era atrium with it’s grandiose iron work, 50 foot ceilings, and open cage elevators that really shine. Fans of the movie Blade Runner, starring Harrison Ford, might recognize the atrium space as Sebastian’s home.
41. Angels Flight Railway
Location: 356 S Olive St, Los Angeles
The newly reopened Angels Flight Railway has been in operation on and off since 1901, and at 298 feet is the world’s shortest railway. The Angels Flight Railway is a treasured piece of LA history, and it has given more than 100 million rides!
42. Grand Central Market
Location: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles
The Grand Central Market opened in 1917 and has been operating continuously ever since. A popular destination for locals and tourists alike, no matter you food tastes you’ll find something for everyone in your group! From Thai sticky rice to cheesecake, a Jewish deli, vegan choices, a cheese shop, Chinese food, produce stands, a butcher shop and so much more. There’s even a PB&J shop!
43. Birdies Restaurant
Location: 314 West Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles
Birdies, is well known in LA for both their donuts and fried chicken, so of course you have to try both! The donuts are baked fresh every two hours!
44. Sweet Tooth’s Walking Tour of DTLA
Location: Start Here
This family friendly dessert walking tour of Downtown Los Angeles includes delicious treats AND iconic sights, Life is short… dessert first!
45. Dodger Game
Location: 1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles
Baseball fans will love a visit to the iconic Dodger Stadium perched on the hill overlooking downtown LA. Be sure to get a Dodger Dog while you’re there! Play Ball!
46. Downtown Los Angeles Sample Sales
Location: 860 S Los Angeles St, Los Angeles
LA’s Fashion District is home to over 1,200 showrooms, representing over 4,500 fashion lines. Many of them hold sample sales on the last Friday of the month. The Cooper Design Space building right in the heart of the Fashion District is a great place to start.
47. Old Town Pasadena
Location: Colorado Boulevard
Old Town Pasadena is a great place to spend an afternoon! There are endless options for food, so you’ll be hard pressed to choose which of the many yummy treats you’ll try while walking around. We picked this taiyaki up from Stray Cat Poke & Dessert!
48. Rose Bowl Flea Market
Location: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena
The Rose Bowl, located in Pasadena, is about 25 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles. It is of course famous for hosting THE Rose Bowl of football fame, which is held on New Year’s Day, but it also plays host to a monthly flea market!
49. Magic Mountain Theme Park
Location: 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia
If thrill rides are your thing, you’ll want to head to Six Flags Magic Mountain for roller coasters galore!
50. Mini Monster Milk Tea
Location: Universal City Walk, Universal City
If you love boba tea (I do!) and cute things, then you’ll want to stop in at Mini Monster! The delicious boba is served in your choice of unique and reusable jars in various fun shapes!
Bonus!
51. Manhattan Beach Pier
Location: Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach has fabulous beaches and a quaint downtown. Its just one of the many wonderful smaller beach cities between LA and San Diego, and definitely my favorite!
*to help you make the most of your LA visit I’ve tried to group everything by neighborhood.
* As fast as we “check things off” we think up more fun and interesting ideas, so stay tuned for EVEN More Things To Do in Los Angeles coming soon…
*Be sure to check official websites for operating hours and ticket prices.
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Would you like directions to all these fabulous places? Why not take me with you! You can download this and other fun hilarystyle articles using the GPSmyCity app!
California Globetrotter
Omgosh HIlary, you’ve outdone yourself again!! This is amazing and some is slightly absurd but awesome!! I want to do it alllll! Although, I’m not sure how I feel about a Cheeto flavored cookie haha #CityTripping
Hilary
Thank you! It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it! The cookie was surprisingly delicious, not too cheetoish, but just the right amount! Ha ha!
Phoebe | Lou Messugo
Such a fun list with so many amazing places to eat. I never knew there as a piece of the Berlin Wall in LA, that’s wild! #citytripping
Hilary
The food options here are endless, I’ve hardly scratched the surface! Not only a piece of the Wall, but the largest piece outside of Berlin. Fascinating!
MummyTravels
Wow this is quite a list – I sometimes find it’s having visitors which spurs me in to explore, love getting insider tips from someone who lives in the city though. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Hilary
Thanks! Yes, visitors are a great inspiration, and living in a popular destination means lots of inspiration! I’ll be exploring London soon…. any tips?
Travelynn Family
What a fantastic list! I love exploring news places on our doorstep. Although I wish a few more friends and family would cone and visit us in Bangalore – not quite as popular as LA 😉 #farawayfiles
Hilary
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed it! I admit we are spoiled for the amount of visitors here in LA. 😉
Ladies What Travel (@LadiesWTravel)
Now this is my kind of guide – lots of cool and quirky spots that aren’t the big tourist sights, when I make it back to LA I’ll def be checking this back out! 😉 #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Yes! I love looking odd the beaten path! There is just so much to discover. Hope you get to visit soon!
Allison
Donuts and fried chicken? That’s an interesting combination. But seriously, this is an awesome list. I love local travel because you get to find out so much about the place you live. #farawayfiles
Hilary
Well, we didn’t acutally eat them in the same bite… I once tried a burger donut and it wasn’t aweseome. Both were delicious, just not together. We spend a lot of time touristing in our own town! I feel like it keeps us from just doing the same old same old week after week.
carolyneddie
Hi,
my daughter spent the summer at Manhatten beach so recognize that one. Think I have only hit one of the other fifty. Great post and great resource. Well done!
Hilary
Thank you! Manhattan Beach is a wonderful place! How fun for her!
Lisa Marie
Those are some really great tipps – especially for people who’ve been to LA a couple of times or just want to experience the city off the beaten path! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Thank you! There are so many amazing things to discover here in LA its practically a full time job, but I’m up for the task!
Jacki L
Wow, this is quite an impressive round up! So many good sounding sweets has left me hungry for cupcakes, donuts, ice cream and more! #farawayfiles
Hilary
Yes, with so many delicious treats available I’ve definitely had to up my excersise game since moving to LA!
oregongirlaroundtheworld
You keep showing us sides of Los Angeles that I never knew existed! I MUST see a show at the Hollywood Bowl and a Dodger game! Happy to see old town Pasadena made the list – that’s my husband’s hood!
Hilary
We love Old Town Pasadena! I love a trip to the ballpark, and of course I’m always up for a show! The best part about LA there’s always something going on!
vdaltonbanks
I have wanted to go to LA for so long and this makes me want to go even more!! I’m based in London (which by the way is amazing at Christmas, you’ll love it!) so it’s a very big trip over to LA. But have pinned this for when I do! #farawayfiles
Hilary
I hope you get to come here soon! I’m pretty excited about my upcoming London trip! Wondering… any suggestions for must-sees while we are there?
Janet
I know my family would be in their element thanks to all the ice-cream options! I would like the studio tour. #Farawayfiles
Hilary
The studio tours are so fun! Learning about all those behind the scenes movie secrets!! There is SO much ice cream!
beatravelling
Wow, this is quite the list, but super! Thanks!
Hilary
Thank you!
Shelley Jarvis
You took me right back to my college days. The Rose Bowl, The Hollywood Bowl, Manhattan Beach. I went on my first date in college at Magic Mountain and my second date (same guy) to the Greek. 2 years ago we were lucky enough to spend the summer in Malibu with friends. We were regulars at Malibu Country Mart. When I come back for a visit this summer – I am heading to Chin Chin for Chinese Chicken Salad! Thanks for the lovely memories. #farawayfiles
Hilary
So glad to bring back those fun memories! We had that salad just the other day! Delicious!
Wendy Maes
I was thinking about one or 2 days in LA but that seems far to little. #Farawaytravels
Hilary
Oooh! Well… if you only have one day I have an itinerary for that, which hits many of the highlights, but if you have the option, I’d at least give myself 3 – 5 days, not including Disneyland!
Christine @afamilyday
Wow, so many places to satisfy my sweet tooth. I’ll have to remember about the Berlin Wall too, I’m in a quiz team and that’s the kind of question that might come up! Enjoy your Christmas trip to London, make sure you go down Carnaby Street to view their lights. #farawayfiles
Hilary
A quiz team! How fun! I’m defintiely going to Carnaby and I can’t wait!
katherinefenech2017
I’m sold on Sweet Tooth’s Walking Tour of DTLA to begin with! There’s so much to do in LA outside of the usual ultra-touristy things that you read about. Great post! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Thank you! That was a very fun and sweet day! I’m not opposed to touristy, but it’s nice to step off the path now and again!
Amanda Afield
That dessert tour sounds amazing!! As does the cupcake vending machine. Not too sure about the Cheeto cookie though. #farawayfiles
Hilary
Believe it or not the Cheeto cookie is pretty tasty, in fact I wished it would have been a bit more cheetoish! ha ha!
Angie
Oh my goodness. I’ve never spent more than a couple of days in LA as part of a stop over, I can see I have been missing out. So many great ideas, particularly the food related ones!
Angie
I forgot the hash tag #Farawayfiles and to say I loved your great photos too!
Hilary
Thank you!
Hilary
Oh my gosh! LA is the second biggest city in America! There is SO much to do here I’ve been actively trying to see it all for more than a year, and have hardly scratched the surface… come back and give us another chance, you’ll love it!
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Wowzers! What an exhaustive list, and I can’t believe it’s the second one! 🙂 Isn’t it great when family or friends come into your hometown to visit? I admit I’m the worst for touristing in my own city, so it forces me to see and do a lot more when we have visitors. Not sure if I’ll ever get to LA again (since we live way over in Seoul) but any resto in K-Town, and those free cupcakes would def be on my list. 🙂 #farawayfiles
Hilary
Yes, LA is far from Seoul, but never say never… 😘
Ruth
I have gotten so used to many things to do in Los Angeles! Every weekend feels like an adventure. There are lot of places I need to check out from your list. I like when I get visitors too. I try to show them places beyond the “usual.” I think they are better off that way. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Yes! We are spoiled for choice aren’t we?! There are still so many things I have yet to explore, though I do have some favorites I like to revisit!
Clare Thomson
Wow. So many incredible foodie experiences to be had in LA. No wonder they’re always working out. It must be so hard to live there if you’re one of those people who only ever eat white egg omelettes! There’s so much more to LA than I ever imagined. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Yes we live in a foodie town for sure, but don’t worry there are plenty of gourmet egg white omelette places here too! Ha ha!
mymeenalife
This is such a fun list! I love how you made a goal to see more things in your own city and you’ve clearly stuck to it! You’ve got some really unique photos of some of the places, too. I’d love to do so many of these – especially those Venice Canals, which are so picturesque! Great post. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Thank you! Yes, we do like to have fun and we can’t always be traveling so we pretend we are tourists! The Venice Canals are LOVELY! especially at Christmas time!
Annette @ A French Collection
Wow, what a list! The sample sales at the Cooper Design Space building will now be on my itinery if I return to LA. #FarawayFiles
Kathleen (Kat) (@katpegimana)
Wow, lots of food and sweet shops, haha! I never knew that the Venice Canals is actually real, saw it in a movie once and had assumed it was set up specially in a studio or something for the movie. Cool! #FarawayFiles
fifi + hop
I’ve done the Santa Monica stairs! And hated every moment of it. I am not a stairs person. But glad I tried! I haven’t been to the Sugarfina in NY yet, but was just on Sur La Table’s website and saw that they have a champagne gummy bear. Yum. Great post! #farawayfiles
Elizabeth (Wander Mum)
Awesome list Hilary! Am pinning for next year when you’ll have some more visitors in town 😀 #citytripping
Hilary
In the meantime I’ll keep working on even more fun ideas!