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!
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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