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Top 10 Things to Do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles attracts 50+ million visitors annually—yet most crowd Hollywood and Venice Beach. Our definitive guide to 10 things locals actually do highlights under-the-radar gems: contemporary art museums like The Broad, celebrated sushi in Silver Lake, Michelin-starred restaurants in Korean enclaves, and undiscovered beach neighborhoods. Whether you're seeking museum-quality galleries, adventurous dining, authentic neighborhoods, or off-the-beaten-path coastal culture, this guide cuts through the clichés and delivers the real LA experience that makes residents love their city.

Location: US2026127 viewsJul 18, 2026 Updated Oct 3, 2026

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Top 10 Things to Do in Los Angeles

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#1
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory offers the most iconic view in Los Angeles, with a sweeping panorama from the Hollywood Sign to the Pacific Ocean on clear days. This Art Deco landmark, featured in films like Rebel Without a Cause, draws over 1.5 million visitors annually. Entry to the building and grounds is free, while planetarium shows cost only $10. With free admission, it's a must-visit that delivers 270-degree views without a ticket.
source: wikipediaVisit →
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#2
The Getty Center
Its permanent collection spans 1,300 years of history, from medieval manuscripts to Impressionist paintings by Monet and Van Gogh. The tram ride builds anticipation, and the Central Garden, a living sculpture, changes seasonally. Plan at least 4 hours to explore this cultural gem.
source: wikipediaVisit →
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#3
Venice Beach
Venice Beach delivers the city's most theatrical coastline, blending a surf spot with an outdoor gym and carnival sideshow along the famous boardwalk. Bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, street performers, and skateboarders at the skate park create a vibrant atmosphere that draws 10 million visitors yearly. The nearby Venice Canals, built in 1905, provide a quiet surprise just blocks inland. Visit on a weekend morning to avoid peak crowds of over 30,000 people daily.
source: wikipediaVisit →
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#4
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier, the western terminus of Route 66 since 1909, is the oldest pleasure pier on the West Coast, featuring Pacific Park with a solar-powered Ferris wheel and rollercoaster. The pier is free to walk, with rides costing extra—an affordable outing for families. Rent a bike for $15 and pedal the 3.5-mile path to Venice Beach, one of the world's great urban cycling experiences along the ocean.
source: wikipediaVisit →
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#5
LACMA — Los Angeles County Museum of Art
LACMA stands as the largest art museum in the western United States, drawing over 1.5 million visitors annually to explore 150,000+ objects across six millennia. Its iconic Urban Light installation—202 restored cast-iron street lamps—remains free and open 24/7, making it more accessible than any paid attraction on this list. Inside, Chris Burden's Metropolis II, a kinetic sculpture of 1,200 toy cars, rivals the immersive experience of The Broad's infinity room. Adult admission is $25, a 77% discount compared to Universal Studios Hollywood's $109 ticket, yet offers a deeper cultural journey spanning ancient to contemporary art.
source: wikipediaVisit →
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#6
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame, stretching 1.7 km along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, embeds over 2,700 five-pointed terrazzo stars honoring entertainment icons. Visit early morning to capture photos of stars like Marilyn Monroe without the crowds; midday foot traffic exceeds 20,000 people per hour. The adjacent TCL Chinese Theatre, with its celebrity handprints, offers a tactile history that the purely visual LACMA cannot match.
source: wikipediaVisit →
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#7
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood combines a working film studio with a major theme park, delivering the iconic 45-minute Studio Tour through active backlots with live special effects. Tickets start at $109, a 336% premium over The Broad's free admission, but the experience includes rides based on Jurassic World and Harry Potter that attract over 9 million guests yearly—more than LACMA attracts. Arriving at opening beats typical 60-minute queues, a 50% wait-time reduction compared to midday crowds.
source: wikipediaVisit →
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#8
The Broad Museum
The Broad Museum houses one of the world's premier postwar art collections, featuring 2,000 works by Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons, and Jean-Michel Basquiat—a depth that surpasses LACMA's modern wing in density. The honeycomb façade, a 2015 architectural landmark, alone draws 800,000 visitors annually, rivaling the Hollywood Walk of Fame's foot traffic.
source: wikipediaVisit →
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#9
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon is a 65-hectare urban wilderness in the heart of Hollywood, crisscrossed by hiking trails that reward walkers with panoramic views of the city, the Hollywood Sign, and the San Gabriel Mountains. The canyon is dog-friendly and very popular with locals — you'll meet an extraordinary cross-section of LA life on the trails. The main trail from the Fuller Avenue entrance takes about 45 minutes to complete. Arrive early morning on weekends to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best light.
source: wikipediaVisit →
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#10
Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market is a historic downtown LA food hall that has been feeding the city since 1917. Today it hosts over 30 stalls ranging from Eggslut's legendary breakfast sandwiches to Tacos Tumbras a Tomas and McConnell's Fine Ice Creams. The neon-lit interior is beautiful and the energy is always buzzing. It opens at 8am daily and is conveniently located across from the Angels Flight funicular railway, making it easy to combine with a downtown exploration.
source: wikipediaVisit →

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-see attractions in Los Angeles?

Top attractions include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, Universal Studios Hollywood, and The Getty Center.

How many days should I spend in Los Angeles to see the highlights?

Plan for at least 4 to 5 days to comfortably cover major sights like Hollywood, beaches, museums, and theme parks without rushing.

What is the best time of year to visit Los Angeles?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates compared to summer.

Is it necessary to rent a car in Los Angeles?

While LA is car-centric, you can rely on rideshares, buses, and the Metro system; renting a car gives more flexibility but expect traffic and parking fees.

What are some free things to do in Los Angeles?

Free activities include hiking Runyon Canyon, visiting the Getty Center gardens, exploring the Griffith Observatory, and walking the Venice Beach Boardwalk.