What to Do in Los Angeles: 15 Unmissable Landmarks and Activities

Welcome to the City of Stars! Los Angeles is one of the major cities in the USA, full of culture, art, iconic views, and lots of fun. Above all, LA is known as the entertainment capital of the world. From glamorous Hollywood to laid-back Santa Monica, artsy Venice Beach, and luxurious Beverly Hills, there’s so much to see! Here at Civitatis, we’ve come up with a list of what to do in Los Angeles with all our favorite must-visits. Ready to explore the City of Angels?

1. Go on a Tour of Los Angeles

If you’re planning to travel to the movie capital but are not sure what to do in LA, a tour of the city is your best option. It’s a great way to begin getting to know this unique and wonderful city.

For those on a budget, we recommend booking a free tour of Downtown Los Angeles. If bus tours are your thing, there are also some great options, like this ‘Best of Los Angeles’ bus tour or this ticket for the Los Angeles sightseeing bus. The world is your oyster!

If you’re looking for a more exclusive alternative, why not go for this private tour of Los Angeles? Explore the city with a guide just for you and your loved ones.

2. Admire the Hollywood Sign

Next on our list of things to do in LA is one of its most iconic landmarks: the Hollywood sign on Mount Lee. First erected in 1923, did you know that this sign originally said “Hollywoodland” as an advertisement for a real estate development?

In 1949, the letters “land” were finally removed, leaving the sign as “Hollywood” to become a symbol of the movie industry. Currently, the letters are 14 meters (46 feet) tall and can be seen from multiple spots in Los Angeles.

A visit to LA wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this landmark, and what better way to do so than with this Hollywood Sign hiking tour? Alternatively, for those looking for transportation only, this transfer to the Hollywood Sign is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the sign from the city center. Truly a must-visit!

3. Stroll Down the Walk of Fame

Yet another essential attraction in Los Angeles is, without a doubt, the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stretching over 2 kilometers (1.3 miles) down Hollywood Boulevard, this star-studded avenue pays homage to the artists who contributed to the movie, television, music, and theater industries. Its construction began in 1960 and features the names of celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, and The Beatles.

By visiting this famous landmark, you’ll get to take photos of all your favorite celebrities’ stars. However, have you ever dreamed of having your own Hollywood star? With this photoshoot activity, take your experience to the next level by personalizing these iconic stars with your very own name on them. What a unique and fun souvenir! Check out all our activities on offer at the Hollywood Walk of Fame here.

4. Visit the Dolby Theater

Also located on Hollywood Boulevard, you cannot leave Los Angeles without a visit to the Dolby Theater. Originally inaugurated as the Kodak Theater, this venue has been home to the Oscars ceremony since 2002. The theater was built specially to host the Academy Awards, combining elegance and technology with a capacity of 3,400 people. So impressive!

If you want to get to know it better, we recommend booking a guided visit to the Dolby Theatre, where an expert guide will provide all the details behind this impressive venue.

5. Get Amazing Views from the Griffith Observatory

Another popular tourist spot in LA is the Griffith Observatory, one of the best places to take in incredible views of the city skyline and the Hollywood sign. This observatory is found in Griffith Park and combines science, history, and culture. It’s the perfect location to learn all about astronomy. Film buffs will also recognise it from Mia and Sebastian’s planetarium date scene in the movie La La Land. So romantic!

 Among the main highlights of the Griffith Observatory are the Zeiss telescope, the Samuel Oschin Planetarium—one of the most advanced in the world—the Foucault pendulum, which demonstrates the Earth’s rotation, and, of course, the Tesla Coil, which showcases concepts of electricity, magnetism, and energy transfer. There are also many fascinating interactive exhibitions about the planets and solar system.

Want to explore this unique site even further? Don’t miss out on a chance to go on a tour of the Griffith Observatory! Incredible views and informative exhibitions await you.

6. Go Celebrity Spotting in Beverly Hills

Welcome to one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Los Angeles! If you’re looking to experience the celebrity lifestyle, Beverly Hills is the place for you. Ready to stroll down the most famous street here? Rodeo Drive is known not only for its iconic palm trees, but also luxury brand boutiques such as Chanel, Gucci, and Rolex.

As you stroll through this neighborhood, you’ll get to also explore Beverly Gardens Park, with its beautiful gardens and the famous Beverly Hills sign, visit the historical Greyson, and indulge in high-end cuisine.

Beverly Hills is also a famous hot spot for celebrities. People like Leonardo DiCaprio, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, and many others all own properties here. Find out more on this Hollywood & celebrity homes tour!

7. Relax in Santa Monica

A few kilometers from downtown LA, you’ll find one of the two most iconic spots along the western coastline: Santa Monica. Its sandy beach and calm sea attract both tourists and locals alike looking to relax in the sun, stroll along the seafront, and take part in some water sports. How about a surf lesson on Santa Monica Beach?

Additionally, we recommend heading over to the Third Street Promenade, a pedestrianized avenue perfect for shopping, a walk, or coffee.

The most notable part of the beach is, without a doubt, the Santa Monica Pier, one of the most iconic piers in America. Here, you’ll find Pacific Park, an amusement park with a famous Ferris wheel. Did you know that it’s powered using solar energy?

Shops, restaurants, and snack bars are dotted along the pier, as well as the Santa Monica Aquarium, which hosts free cultural performances. The Santa Monica Pier is unquestionably a great spot to make the most of the Californian sun and Pacific Ocean. An essential visit during your time in Los Angeles!

• Browse all our activities in Santa Monica

8. Wander around Venice Beach

Nearby Santa Monica, also in the Los Angeles area, is Venice Beach, a beach known for its relaxed atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a variety of street art, skate parks, and, of course, the Venice Beach Boardwalk, a seafront promenade filled with shops, street vendors, street performers, art galleries, and stores. Another popular spot here is Muscle Beach, where bodybuilders gather to train.

An additional highlight of Venice Beach is the canals, made artificially with inspiration from Venice. If you’ve arrived at Venice Beach and are feeling hungry, why not go on this Venice Beach food tour? The best way to get to know this spot is through its flavors!

9. Let Loose in Malibu

Another beach in Los Angeles, and perhaps the most famous, is Malibu. Known for its idyllic scenery and luxurious mansions along the seafront, this spot is also home to many celebrities. This is why we’ve added Malibu to our list of things to do in Los Angeles!

By visiting this famous beach, you’ll be able to explore its pier filled with many restaurants, shops, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Sunset is a particularly magical moment to visit! Looking for a truly unique activity? This Malibu VW tour with wine tasting is the experience for you! Alternatively, this Malibu Beach and surf tour also includes transport in a vintage VW camper van. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, we recommend you go paragliding in Malibu. Do you have the courage?

10. Eat Your Way Through the Original Farmers Market

To truly dive into the city’s culture, a visit to its most traditional markets is a must. That’s why we recommend heading over to the Original Farmers Market during your stay in Los Angeles. The vintage architecture with its colorful stalls and retro-style signs gives the market a charming 1930s vibe.

The market was opened in 1934 and is popular amongst locals and tourists alike. Here, you’ll find over 100 stalls where you can try cuisine from across the globe. It’s a true foodie’s paradise! Additionally, you’ll be able to find fresh and homemade products like fruits, spices, sweets, cheeses, jams, and bread. With its lively atmosphere and local produce, this market is the ideal place to visit as a family.

11. Spend the Day at Universal Studios Hollywood

We couldn’t compile a list of the best things to do in Los Angeles without including one of the most iconic theme parks in the world. Combining fun, adventure, and entertainment, Universal Studios Hollywood is also a working film studio.

You can take a tour of real movie and TV show sets and enjoy themed rides from Jurassic Park, Transformers, and more. Harry Potter fans, this is the perfect place for you too! You’ll love exploring Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade at the Wizarding World.

So what are you waiting for? Book your ticket to Universal Studios Hollywood and don’t miss out on a fun-filled day in Los Angeles. You can also opt for an express ticket for skip-the-line access to the park’s attractions.

12. Seek Adrenaline at Disneyland Park® and Disney California Adventure®

“… Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future“. These were the words spoken by Walt Disney himself on the opening day of the world’s first Disney park, Disneyland Park®, in 1955. In 2001, the site expanded with the introduction of a new park, Disney California Adventure®.

At Disneyland, also known as the Happiest Place on Earth, you’ll find the Main Street USA, inspired by the architecture of 19th-century American cities. If you’re lucky, you might even bump into some of your favorite characters and princesses!

In addition, the park is divided into different themed areas, including Adventureland, featuring attractions inspired by forests, Tomorrowland, with futuristic rides, and Fantasyland, home to Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. For fans of Jedis and lightsabers, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a particularly popular attraction, offering a complete immersion into that galaxy far, far away…

Disney California Adventure®, on the other hand, pays homage to the world of Disney animation. You’ll find attractions inspired by Pixar movies like Cars, Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and many more.

Book your ticket to Disneyland Park® or Disney California Adventure® here! Without a doubt a must-visit during your time in LA.

13. Find your Favorite Movie Set at Warner Bros. in Hollywood

Warner Bros. is unquestionably, one of the most iconic movie and TV studios in the world. Opened in 1923 by the Warner brothers, it is known for its classic box office successes such as Casablanca, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and Batman.

But, why is Warner Bros. in Hollywood worth visiting? Simply because it’s one of the most immersive experiences in the film world. When you visit, you’ll be able to explore real-life sets from shows like The Big Bang Theory, Gilmore Girls, and Friends. You can even relive your favorite moments from the series at the Central Perk Café set.

You’ll also get to see exhibitions dedicated to the world of the highest-grossing films, Jack Warner’s office, the Prop House, James Dean’s apartment, and the Animation Building, where the Looney Tunes characters were created. Sound fun? Don’t miss out on this Warner Bros Studio tour in Hollywood.

14. Explore the Museums in Los Angeles

For those who enjoy museums, Los Angeles does not disappoint! The City of Angels has a great variety of museums with a diverse range of themes and exhibitions. With a Go City Los Angeles Explorer Pass or the Go City Los Angeles All Inclusive Pass, you’ll have free admission to some of them as well as other attractions in the city.

The main museums in Los Angeles are as follows:

Art Museums

• The Getty Center: a collection of European art, sculptures, and photography.
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): this is the main art museum on the USA’s west coast. Its exhibitions range from ancient to contemporary pieces.
• The Broad: has a focus on contemporary art.
• Hammer Museum: forming part of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), this museum combines history and art. Admission is free.

Science and History Museums

• Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: one of the most important museums in the USA, featuring exhibitions about dinosaurs, fossils, and California’s history. Grab tickets here!
• California Science Center: an interactive museum dedicated to science and technology which is also home to the space shuttle Endeavour.
• Rancho La Brea: an archeological site where mammoth fossils, saber-tooth tigers, and other animals have been excavated and studied. Book tickets to the Rancho La Brea here.
• USS Iowa: this US Navy warship has a variety of historical items and areas that tell the ship’s journey and life onboard during its years of service. Find tickets to the USS Iowa Museum here.
• Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum: get to know the life of one of the most controversial presidents in US history. Buy your tickets here.

Cultural and Themed Museums

• The Grammy Museum: narrates the history of the music and artists who have received Grammy Awards.
• Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: a museum dedicated to the history of cinema. Buy tickets to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures here.
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Hollywood: a quirky and fun museum exhibiting peculiar objects and unexplained phenomena.
• Museum of Illusions: this interactive museum contains many optical illusions and 3D art.
• Madame Tussauds de Los Angeles: a wax museum filled with realistic replicas of cinema, music, and pop culture celebrities. Find tickets for Madame Tussauds Los Angeles here.

15. Enjoy Alternative Activities in Los Angeles

Last but not least on our list of what to do in Los Angeles is to take part in the many unique experiences available in LA.

How about a helicopter tour of Los Angeles from Burbank or from Long Beach? For an even more distinctive activity, we recommend this zero-gravity experience. So exciting! If fast cars are more your speed, you can opt for this Ferrari driving activity in LA. These are bound to be unforgettable experiences!

There you have it! Finding what to do in Los Angeles can be difficult as there is so much on offer, but these are some great places to start. Discover more activities and experiences to enjoy in Los Angeles and plan your trip with the options you like best. Happy exploring!