Check out our collection of the top 20 things to do in Los Angeles
As the second most populous city of the United States, Los Angeles is filled with both people and spectacular tourists attractions. Nicknamed as the “City of Angels”, Los Angeles is a large and important hub for culture, business, media and fashion, among many others. The city is famous not only for Hollywood, which most people know it by, but for many other interesting places that should not be missed if you visit the city. For this, we have collected the top 20 best things to do in Los Angeles, so that you can find even more fun things to do.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
As one of the most iconic symbols of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is visited by millions of people every year. The Walk of Fame is the side walk along 15 blocks with around 2500 terrazzo and brass stars on the ground, each for movie stars, studios, directors and other kinds of artists. It’s an interesting way to commemorate people, to say the least.
2. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
Probably one of the most famous movie theatres, the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre located at the Walk of Fame is a popular tourists attractions, because it has been the location for many big premieres, including the original Star Wars. A large amount concrete markings can be found here as well, each having the hand or leg prints of famous actors and directors awarded there. Some people printed other things as well, like ice skates, a revolver, the hoofprints of a horse, the wands of the main actors from Harry Potter, and many more. This theatre is certainly one of the best things to do in Los Angeles for those who love movies.
3. Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre
Close to the Chinese Theatre, the Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre was actually the first one. And not only the first of its type, but also the site of the very first Hollywood premiere, for the movie Robin Hood. Since then, numerous premieres were held here. The theatre has a larger theare and a smaller one, which is names after the famous director, Steven Spielberg.
4. Sunset Boulevard
The Sunset Boulevard is a famous boulevard that is loved for its cinematic appeal, and has appeared in many movies as a location. The long boulevard is active both day and night, and has many shops, including numerous gitar shops, and of course lots of restaurants and night clubs.
5. Roxy Theatre
The Roxy Theatre is a nightclub located at the Sunset Boulevard, and it has been the location for a large amount of famous recordings and musical performances. For this reason, many fans of these artists and bands come here. These include Guns N’ Roses, Ariana Grande, Sum 41, Red Hot Chili Peppers, System of a Down and Linkin Park, among many others.
6. Getty Center
The Getty Center is a museum is Los Angeles that is very varied in its collection. It has everything imaginable, including paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, decorative art, photography, and many more. Their style is also as varied, since there are baroque, renaissance, byzantine, modern and so on. Since the building was built in a modern architectural style and on top of a hill, it can be considered a work of art on its own.
7. Runyon Canyon Park
The Runyon Canyon Park is a hilly are known for providing marvelous view of both Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, and its popular for tourists and citizens alike. Some famous celebrities are also known to like hiking in this area. The place is excellent for reacreation and if you want to take a break from the urban jungle of Los Angeles.
8. Venice Beach
Named after the Italian city, Venice Beach is very popular for beachgoers and everyone who likes to take a swim, sunbath or just walk right next to the ocean. The walkway of Venice Beach is always filled with people, restaurants and shops.
9. Hollywood Bowl
If you like music, then this place is definitely for you. The Hollywood Bowl is a famous and popular amphitheater. Large musical performances were held here by people including The Beatles, Madonna, Elton John and the Rolling Stones. A museum and a Hall of Fame can also be found here, and they are dedicated to the history of the amphitheater and those that performed there.
10. Universal Studios Hollywood
Arguably one of the most popular places in Los Angeles, especially for tourists who come with their children, but not just for them. The Universal Studios Hollywood offers excellent and fun themed parks and rides from major movies, both old and new. These include the Jurassic Park, Jaws, Simpsons, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, Transformers, Harry Potter and much more. Long lines await visitors, but these are definitely worth the wait. For people coming with their children, this place is high on the list of things to do in Los Angeles.
11. Greystone Mansion and Park
Located at Beverly Hills, the Greystone Mansion and Park is famous as a setting for many movies. The building itself was built in a Tudor Revival architectural style, and a very beautiful and distinct building compared to the other parts of Los Angeles. The park is even more wonderful with its large variety of flowers and fountains. This area was used in movies such as Spider-Man, X-Men, The Big Lebowski, The Bodyguard and for many TV series in at least one episode.
12. Rodeo Drive
The Rodeo Drive is a street in Beverly Hills, and is very well known as a street filled with upscale and luxurious shops. Celebrities and wealthy people come here to buy fashionable and pricey clothes for themselves. Even if you don’t want to do shopping here, it’s still worth a visit just to see the beautiful street itself, and to perhaps do some window-shopping.
13. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is, just like its name suggests, an art museum, and probably the largest in the western part of the United States. The museum houses around 150 thousand works of art, ranging from the ancient times to the present. Different architectural works can be found in the gardens as well.
14. Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Serving as a location for the famous series, Baywatch, the Santa Monica Pier and Beach is a very popular beach area of Los Angeles. It is perhaps the most well known and beautiful beaches of the United States. The sand of the beach is soft and the weather is almost always great, so the beach is perfect for those who want to take a break. The Santa Monica Pier is also popular and stands out at the beach with its ferris-wheel and excellent shops and restaurants. Although these can be a bit pricey, the admittance to the beach and the pier is free, so it is not that inconvenient.
15. Hollywood Forever Cemetery
The Hollywood Forever Cemetery may not be a happy place, but it is still beautiful in its own way. The cemetery is known as the final resting place for many famous actors, directors and other personalities. The cemetery is like a quiet oasis inside the busy city of Los Angeles. Coming here and paying respect for the great movie personalities that have been laid to rest here is popular among fans of their works.
16. Griffith Park
The Griffith Park is popular for not only the view of the city from up here, but as an observatory with a great planetarium and exhibition. The park located here is filled with possibilities for hiking, cycling or just having a stroll or a picnic. Waterfalls and lagoons can also be found here, for those that would like to take a quick swim. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden is located here as well. However, the most recognizable part of the Griffith Park is the legendary Hollywood Sign on the face of the mountains, visible from many locations throughout Los Angeles.
17. Farmers Market
The Farmers Market is a popular area for those that like the more traditional markets. The place is full of groceries, ready-to-eat food stalls, produce markets and some other shops for tourists. The market not only has American cuisine from local farmers, but Latin American and Asian foods as well.
18. The Grove
Located next to the Farmers Market and on some of its old parts is the The Grove. This place is more contemporary compared to the Farmers Market, but is just as popular. Many restaurant chains, other food venues and commercial places can be found here, as well as a movie theatre and lot of events.
19. Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is part of the four concert halls of the Los Angeles Music Center. It’s the most distinct in its architectural style, and has been praised by many people for it, though those who don’t like modern arts may not like it as much. Many large concerts and performances are held throughout the year, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Going to the performances is not necessary, as there are great tours available inside the building for visitors.
20. Paramount Pictures Studios
For the real Hollywood experience, the Paramount Pictures Studios is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles. The studio is not only famous for being one of the largest studios on filmmaking history, but as one of those that offer tours of their studios. The guided tours that take you around in a cart is especially fun, as the guides may ask the visitors of their favorite movies and show them specific areas and buildings where those movies where (partially) shot. World-famous movies like the Titanic, Gladiator, Star Trek, Forrest Gump and many others all used this studio for some or most their scenes.
For other cities where famous movies were filmed see this page. Or if you want to visit more great amusement parks like the Universal Studios, check out our collection of the top 10 amusement parks.