Photo by Matthew LeJune on Unsplash
As one of the most-visited cities in the United States, Los Angeles is a coveted international destination with some of the country’s best sightseeing. The city is a non-negotiable stop for avid cinephiles, foodies, U.S. history buffs, beachgoers, theme park aficionados, music lovers, comedy fans, and basically any subculture you can think of. No matter your interests or hobbies, be sure to take stock of these Los Angeles tourist attractions on your next visit.
How do you spend a perfect day in L.A.? Well, that depends on who you ask, but we’ve pulled a healthy mix of museums, viewpoints, and neighborhoods that most tourists have on their minds when visiting Los Angeles. If you need more inspiration, consider scrolling through our longer breakdown of things to do in Los Angeles.
1. Griffith Observatory
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The grand and imposing Griffith Observatory is perhaps the most famous viewpoint in Los Angeles. Visit for dramatic sweeping views from the Pacific Ocean to Downtown L.A., which are just as impressive day or night. The observatory is completely free to visit, and visitors can stargaze with on-site telescopes, explore rotating exhibits, and see live shows in the Planetarium.
Leave extra time to explore the sprawling Griffith Park, the largest urban-municipal park in the country. It comprises 4,210 acres of both natural and landscaped terrain including three golf courses, the L.A. Zoo, and the Greek Theatre.
🎟️ Tickets: Admission is free to Griffith Observatory
📍Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA
2. Santa Monica Pier
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In 1909, the Santa Monica Pier was built as the first concrete pier in the United States and quickly became a popular fishing spot. Within a decade the pier had welcomed several amusement park rides at the behest of entrepreneur Charles Looff. Today it holds the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, a historic merry-go-round, and even marks the end of Route 66. Consider biking or walking a few miles down the oceanfront pathway to Venice Beach or going shopping at Santa Monica Place.
📍 Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
3. Universal Studios
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Universal Studios Hollywood is a massive theme park and actively operating Hollywood film studio. Film aficionados jump at the chance to take the world-famous studio tour featuring sets from legendary movies and TV shows, but the entire park is filled with themed lands that cater to the entire family. Plan to spend a full day here, as Universal Studios is one of the most elaborate Los Angeles attractions to visit.
America’s first Super Nintendo World is the most recent addition to Universal Studios, but you’ll want to leave plenty of time to hit the Jurassic World ride, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the “Revenge of the Mummy” roller coaster.
🎟️ Tickets: Universal Studios Hollywood
📍 Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
4. Hollywood Sign
Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash.
The historic Hollywood Sign is a veritable cultural icon of Los Angeles and California as a whole. It began as a temporary billboard for real estate developer “Hollywoodland,” but with the rise of the Golden Age of Cinema, the sign stayed put and has remained in its position for over a century. The 50-foot-tall letters were replaced with durable steel-enforced alternatives in 1978.
You can see the Hollywood Sign up close via several hiking paths in Griffith Park, including the Mt. Hollywood Trail, Brush Canyon Trail, and Cahuenga Trail.
Hollywood Sign Tour Express
📍 Location: Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA
5. LACMA
Photo by Joe Byrnes on Unsplash
LACMA is one of the most well-known free art museums in L.A., flanked by the 202 iron lamps that make up Chris Burden’s recognizable Urban Light installation. Head inside to discover a collection of modern and traditional masterpieces.
As the largest art museum in the western United States, LACMA boasts a collection of more than 142,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe. The general public can enjoy free admission on second Tuesdays, and LA County residents get free admission on weekdays after 3 pm.
🎟️ Tickets: Admission is free at LACMA
📍 Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
6. Venice Beach
Photo by Matthew LeJune on Unsplash
The eccentric and exciting coastal town known as Venice Beach is a historic Los Angeles attraction visited by up to 30,000 people daily. The two-mile boardwalk stretch is populated by street performers, independent vendors and artists, souvenir shops, and occasional film productions.
Keep your eyes peeled for the world-famous Muscle Beach Gym once frequented by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the charming beach canals and cottages on Dell Avenue, lively pick-up basketball games on the public courts, and some seriously impressive skating in the public skate park. The area taps into California’s surf, skate, and beach culture in a way that’s thrilling for tourists and even locals to witness.
📍 Location: Venice neighborhood, Los Angeles, CA
7. Hollywood Bowl
Photo by Adam Latham, courtesy of LA Philharmonic
The Hollywood Bowl outdoor amphitheater is arguably the most storied and iconic music venue in Los Angeles. The recognizable arched bandshell has backed legendary musicians such as Billie Holliday, The Beatles, and Yo-Yo Ma since 1922.
Listings often include big-name standups and world-renowned musicians, but guests love to attend their popular movie nights where the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra performs live film soundtracks.
🎟️ Tickets: Hollywood Bowl
📍 Location: 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Photo by Rex via Unsplash
Visitors who are bent on seeing the fast-paced, glamorous side of the city may undervalue The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. This gorgeous destination is one of the more underrated Los Angeles tourist attractions, but you can’t beat the payoff of a 130-acre garden with 83,000 living plants. Explore 16 bountiful themed gardens, plus fascinating collections of orchids and bonsai trees.
The illustrious Huntington Library is home to over 11 million items dating between the 11th and 21st centuries including the Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and one of twelve surviving copies of the Gutenberg Bible. Make sure you leave plenty of time to explore the art museum housing over 45,000 pieces of British, European, American, and Asian art.
🌐 Learn more: The Huntington
📍 Location: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA
9. Hollywood Walk of Fame
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As one of the busiest Los Angeles attractions, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is practically synonymous with the city itself. Since its inauguration in 1958, the legendary landmark has installed over 2,700 stars honoring the crème de la crème of the entertainment industry. Tourists are known to stroll through Hollywood Boulevard to spot their favorite celebrity stars.
The stars are five-pointed terrazzo inlays sporting brass symbols that indicate each respective honoree’s category. Some of the most sought-after stars include Marilyn Monroe, Harrison Ford, and Michael Jackson. If you want to attend a free installation ceremony, make sure to keep an eye on the Hollywood Walk of Fame website.
🌐 Learn more: Hollywood Walk of Fame
📍 Location: Hollywood Blvd from Gower to La Brea, and Vine Street from Sunset to Yucca
10. Getty Center
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The Getty Center is a breathtaking free cultural institution in Los Angeles boasting exquisite gardens, city views, and a gorgeous white-tiled complex. Here you’ll find the Getty Museum with massive collections of artworks including Greek and Roman pieces from the Neolithic period and European art dating back to the Middle Ages. Prominent featured artists include Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Pontormo.
Leave plenty of time to explore the 134,000-square-foot Central Garden designed by Robert Irwin as an “evolving work of art” that changes with the seasons. It holds over 500 plant varieties and an eye-catching maze of azaleas.
🎟️ Tickets: Admission is free at the Getty Center
📍 Location: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles
11. Disneyland
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“The Happiest Place On Earth” draws millions of visitors per year, and has wowed crowds from around the world since 1955. Explore over 60 attractions laid out over nine themed lands, all inspired by your favorite Disney classics, including rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Space Mountain. Make sure you show up totally energized to last all day long and make it to the evening fireworks show over Sleeping Beauty Castle. As one of the most famous attractions in the world, Disneyland is a non-negotiable stop on most tourists’ lists of things to do in Los Angeles.
🎟️ Tickets: Disneyland
📍 Location: 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA
12. TCL Chinese Theatre
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Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre, also known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, is a world-famous movie palace hosting highly-anticipated film events nearly every week. It’s been in operation since 1927, and some of Hollywood’s biggest stars are known to frequent the storied movie theater. Even if you don’t have time to catch a film, it’s worth a visit to appreciate the ornate architecture and check out the celebrity handprints and autographs in the forecourt.
TCL Chinese Theatre Tour + Los Angeles Panoramic Bus Tour
📍 Location: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA
13. Sunset Strip
Photo by Han Lei Photo on Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED
West Hollywood’s famous Sunset Strip is a 1.6-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard where you go to see and be seen at L.A.’s best bars and nightclubs. From throwing back a few drinks at the famous grungey Viper Room, to catching a comedy set at The Laugh Factory, you’ll find there are plenty of places to have a memorable Sunset Strip experience.
📍 Location: Sunset Boulevard between Marmont Lane and Phyllis Street, Los Angeles, CA
14. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
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Cinephiles will definitely want to make a stop at the country’s largest museum dedicated to movie making: The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The seven-story building is an exciting visit for ardent film buffs and casual moviegoers alike, with popular temporary exhibitions including a deep-dive into John Waters’ film career and the making of The Godfather.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
📍 Location: 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
15. Grand Central Market
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No trip to Downtown Los Angeles is complete without a foray into the bustling Grand Central Market, which houses 40 excellent food stalls serving a range of cuisines. The famous food court has been an L.A. landmark since 1917, and you can still visit popular legacy vendors including China Cafe and Roast To Go.
📍 Location: 317 S Broadway # 18, Los Angeles, CA
