30+ Must-See Los Angeles Attractions To Experience As First-Time Visitors

Planning a trip to Los Angeles, California? This guide highlights the top Los Angeles attractions for your bucket list!

Twenty years ago, we vacationed in LA for two weeks. Moving here wasn’t on our radar then. We were thrilled to visit iconic spots: the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Hollywood Sign, the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s), Rodeo Drive, Venice Beach, and Disneyland. We even took an open-air Hollywood tour, hoping to spot celebrities (we didn’t, but it was fun).

Hollywood was gritty and touristy—nothing like the movies, but a must-see for first-time visitors.

Years later, we moved to Los Angeles. As new residents, we explored LA like tourists, enjoying the landmarks and attractions. When friends visit, we know the best things to do in Los Angeles.

Top Los Angeles Attractions

The Santa Monica Pier is a historic landmark and a top attraction for first-time visitors to Los Angeles. You’ll want to explore Santa Monica and its iconic pier, frequently featured in TV shows and films set in LA.

The pier is home to Pacific Park, an amusement park with a solar-powered Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and various rides and games—a fun destination day or night. The best time to visit is at sunset, allowing you to enjoy the sun setting over Santa Monica Beach before seeing the Ferris wheel light up.

Additionally, you can ride the historic Santa Monica Carousel at the pier.

Top Foodie Pick: Stop by local favorite Bay Cities Italian Deli for a Godmother sandwich and have them on a beach picnic.

Planning to visit multiple sights and attractions? Consider a Go City Los Angeles Pass and save money.

2. Exploring Venice Beach and it’s Canals

Venice Beach is one of the most popular places to visit in Los Angeles. Tourists flock to the Venice Beach boardwalk to soak up Southern California’s laid-back, free-spirited vibe.

The boardwalk is always alive, capturing Venice’s unique spirit. Walking up and down the boardwalk is the best way to enjoy sights and sounds. It’s also a fantastic spot for people-watching, with a diverse mix of locals and tourists.

Check out the original Muscle Beach, the skateboard park, and the quirky shops along the boardwalk. You can even rent bikes and cruise the bike path. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the infamous Venice sign at Pacific Ave and Windward Ave.

While we’re not huge fans of the boardwalk, we love exploring the Venice Canals, one of LA’s unique spots. This picturesque historic neighborhood features man-made canals, charming pedestrian bridges, colorful houses, and lush landscaping.

Abbot Kinney Blvd is another highlight of the Venice Beach experience. Named after the founder of Venice Beach, this trendy street is popular for its boutique shops and fantastic farm-to-table restaurants.

Top Foodie Pick: Grab a coffee and a bite at Bluestone Lane Cafe or stop by Gjusta Bakery.

Read more: Exciting Things to Do in Venice Beach, CA

Tour Ideas:
The Ultimate Venice Beach Experience [book here]

3. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway | Route 1

If you’re in Los Angeles for more than a few days, driving the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) is a must. Of all the things to do in Los Angeles, this is one of our favorites. It’s a beautiful and memorable drive along the coast. We used to drive our old Jeep Wrangler with the top down on sunny days and cruise the PCH.

Start your drive from Santa Monica and head north towards Malibu or Santa Barbara, or go south towards the Southern Coast of California. Either direction offers stunning coastal views and a fun experience.

The Pacific Coast Highway is a road trip you can plan a whole vacation around, with many stops along the coast. Even if you only have a day in LA, it’s worth fitting in this scenic drive, which will take up much of your day.

4. Stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a world-famous Los Angeles attraction featuring over 2,600 stars embedded in the sidewalk, each honoring a celebrity from the entertainment industry. It’s a must-see for first-timers and anyone checking off their Los Angeles bucket list.

These famous stars stretch over three blocks of Vine Street and 15 blocks of Hollywood Blvd. Wear comfortable shoes for this walk!

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a FREE attraction. While in Hollywood, consider visiting Madame Tussauds for a fun, interactive experience with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities.

TCL Chinese Theatre, originally Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, is a historic cultural landmark in Hollywood that opened in 1927. It’s famed for its red-carpet movie premieres and ceremonies—a true symbol of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

In front of the theatre, you’ll find the signature forecourt with handprints, footprints, and signatures of famous actors and actresses. It’s intriguing to compare your own hand and foot size with those of celebrities.

For a more immersive experience, consider watching a movie at the TCL Chinese Theatre. The ticket lets you enjoy a film and includes a self-guided tour of the venue. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance, especially on weekends, as it’s also a popular spot for locals.

Top Foodie Pick: Grab a slice at Joe’s Pizza.

In the heart of Hollywood stands the Pantages Theatre, a historic movie palace that opened in 1930. It’s a popular venue for live theater productions, concerts, and other events today. We’ve seen many productions here, including Mama Mia.

If you’re staying in Los Angeles for a few days, check out what’s playing at the Pantages. It makes for a fantastic night out in LA and is a perfect opportunity to see a Broadway show. Pair it with dinner and drinks for a complete experience.

What we love most about the Pantages is its preserved beauty. As you walk in, take a moment to admire the architectural details of this historical landmark. Designed by architect B. Marcus Priteca, the theater features an opulent Art Deco-style interior with intricate murals, chandeliers, and ornate detailing.

Top Foodie Pick: Make reservations for a pre-dinner meal at the legendary Muso and Frank Grill.

El Capitan Theatre, a Hollywood landmark currently owned by Disney, was built in the 1920s by the same developer as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Egyptian Theatre. Disney took ownership in 1989 and restored this historic venue.

El Capitan is unique because it exclusively showcases Disney movies and events. A highlight of this theatre is its in-house organ, the “Mighty Wurlitzer.” Disney occasionally hosts special events where you can hear this organ accompany films or participate in sing-alongs, making it a delightful experience for the whole family.

We once attended a showing of a Star Wars movie here, complete with a pre-show lightsaber display. After the movie, we explored a downstairs exhibit featuring costumes from the film. It was fun and memorable.

Top Foodie Pick: Sundae’s at Ghirardelli’s right next door is a must.

The Hollywood Bowl is a beloved Los Angeles attraction among locals. It offers a quintessential LA experience, especially during warmer days. Locals flock here for musicals, concerts, sing-alongs, and firework shows, all hosted in this iconic venue.

This open amphitheater boasts a stunning backdrop of the Hollywood Hills. On a clear day, and from the right spot, you can even glimpse the Hollywood sign.

What truly sets the Hollywood Bowl apart is its relaxed, festive atmosphere. Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal with family and friends outside the theater before the show starts. During the performance, sip a bottle of wine and snack under the gorgeous Los Angeles sky.

You don’t need the best seats at the Hollywood Bowl to have the best time. Even the seats at the back provide a fabulous experience, allowing everyone to enjoy the ambiance and the performance.

Foodie Pick: Head to the famous Pink Hot Dogs for a late-night snack.

9. See the Hollywood Sign

Seeing the Hollywood Sign is one of the top Los Angeles attractions. This iconic landmark, perched in the Hollywood Hills, was originally constructed in 1923 as a promotional advertisement for a real estate development. Over time, it has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the entertainment industry and Los Angeles.

Driving around Hollywood and the surrounding areas, you’ll catch glimpses of the Hollywood Sign.

Want to get closer? One of the best ways is hiking the Brush Canyon Trail, a 6-mile trek. At the top, you’ll get a back view of the sign and stunning views of Los Angeles.

The Griffith Observatory is a must-visit for some of the best views of Los Angeles. With its 180-degree vistas, you can see the Hollywood Sign, Downtown LA, and more. Inside, the fun continues with a planetarium that’s worth exploring.

Entry to the grounds and the observatory is FREE, but parking and planetarium shows have additional charges.

The best time to visit is at sunset, though it’s also the busiest. You might need to park off-site and take a shuttle or opt for an Uber to get dropped off near the entrance.

Do you love theme parks? Universal Studios Hollywood is one of my favorites because it’s just the right size for a fun day in Los Angeles. You can enjoy thrilling rides and get a peek behind one of the oldest movie studios.

We have an annual pass and visit almost every month. Here are our top things to do at Universal Studios:

• Get into Super Nintendo World.
• Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• Ride the Simpsons Ride and share a Lard Lad Donut and other Universal Studios snacks.
• Take a Back Lot Studio Tour with favorite attractions like King Kong 3D, Jaws, and Earthquake.
• Don’t miss the new and improved Jurassic World ride.
• Check out CityWalk and dine at the new Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.

Top Foodie Pick: There are many great snacks inside the park, but you can also head out to City Walk and eat at one of their many restaurants anytime.

Read More: Top Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood

12. Explore Griffith Park

Just as New York City has Central Park, Los Angeles has Griffith Park.

Spanning over 4,000 acres, Griffith Park is a treasure trove of attractions and recreational activities. It offers hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. Notable Los Angeles landmarks within the park include the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Greek Theatre, LA Zoo, and more.

Griffith Park is a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. With plenty of family-friendly activities, you could spend a week exploring all that Griffith Park offers.

Here are some top things to do:

• Spend a day at the LA Zoo.
• Visit Travel Town Museum and enjoy a miniature train ride—especially magical during the holidays.
• Attend a concert or event at the Greek Theater.
• Pack a picnic and relax in one of the many scenic spots.
• Hike the Mount Hollywood Trail or explore other park trails.
• Discover the Old Abandoned LA Zoo for a unique adventure.

13. Experience Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive

Beverly Hills is known for its luxury, with some of the world’s most expensive real estate and sprawling mansions. Famous from the “90210” era, the city offers much more to explore.

Key landmarks include the Beverly Hills Hotel, with its iconic pink exterior, and Greystone Mansion and Park, which is free to visit.

Rodeo Drive, at the heart of Beverly Hills, is a high-end shopping destination made famous by films like Pretty Woman, Clueless, and Beverly Hills Cop.

Top Foodie Pick: The Original Sprinkles cupcake shop and check out their Cupcake ATM. Make dinner reservations at one of LA’s classic restaurants, Lawry’s Prime Rib.

14. Cruise Down Sunset Blvd

Driving down Sunset Boulevard is a quintessential Los Angeles experience. This iconic street stretches 22 miles from Downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean, passing through famous neighborhoods and landmarks.

Sunset Boulevard takes you through the heart of Hollywood, where you can see the Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre. The street is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with bars, clubs, and restaurants like Mel’s Drive-In, The Rainbow Room, and Carney’s. Don’t miss the famous Chateau Marmont Hotel, a celebrity favorite since 1929.

Featured in countless movies and TV shows, Sunset Boulevard embodies the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. As you drive, enjoy the iconic sight of palm trees lining the boulevard, creating a classic LA scene.

The Original Farmer’s Market, a historic LA spot, has existed since 1934. It began when landowners invited farmers to sell fresh produce from their trucks, and it has since grown into a permanent fixture in the Fairfax District.

This market features a cluster of boutiques, grocers, repair shops, and food stalls open year-round, rain or shine. It’s a popular local spot for lunch and dinner, offering plenty of variety. We love stopping by Monsieur Marcel’s for their delicious macarons.

If you’re hoping to spot a celebrity, visit during the early morning on a weekday. The market is less crowded then, and we often see one or two celebs during that time.

Top Foodie Pick: Many great foods stand at the farmer’s market. Our favorites are Pampas Grill Churrascaria and Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market and Bistro.

Adjacent to the Original Farmer’s Market, The Grove is a popular outdoor shopping and entertainment complex that opened in 2002. It’s a top place to visit in Los Angeles and a local favorite.

The Grove is more than just an outdoor shopping mall; it’s a vibrant community hub. Beautifully designed with dancing fountains, garden seating areas, and picnic spots, it often features live music and events. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing, especially when it’s not crowded. Even though we’re not big on shopping malls, we enjoy the occasional stroll through The Grove.

Our favorite time of year at The Grove is Christmas. The holiday season transforms it into a magical place for all ages, making it one of the holiday highlights in Los Angeles.

What to do at The Grove?

• Enjoy the dancing water fountains set to music.
• Catch live entertainment and activities in the courtyard.
• Ride the Grove Trolley.
• Take your little one to American Girl.
• Watch a movie at the Pacific Theater.
• People-watch—you never know when you’ll spot a celebrity.
• Shop at various stores, including the Apple Store, one of the most beautiful in the complex.

The LACMA Urban Lights installation is a popular Los Angeles spot to see. Located outside the museum’s entrance on Wilshire Boulevard, this permanent art installation features 202 restored street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s, once used to light up the streets of Los Angeles.

Urban Lights has become a symbol of LA, featured in movies, TV shows, and music videos, including No Strings Attached and La La Land. It’s a fantastic spot for photos, especially when the lamps are lit at night.

While there, consider visiting the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the heart of Museum Row in Miracle Mile. The museum offers free admission on the second Tuesday of each month, or you can purchase tickets in advance.

From April to November, locals gather at Smidt Welcome Plaza behind the Urban Lights to enjoy free jazz concerts by top musicians. When we worked nearby, we loved walking over to spend a lovely evening with coworkers and music.

Top Foodie Pick: Check out the food trucks across the street.

Located in Museum Row in Miracle Mile, the La Brea Tar Pits offer a unique glimpse into science and history. For over 10,000 years, tar has seeped up from the ground here, leading to the excavation of countless prehistoric fossils.

In front of the museum, there’s a tar lake that bubbles and emits a distinctive smell. It’s oddly fascinating to watch; you might even see tar oozing through the cracked asphalt while walking around the grounds.

• Visiting the grounds and tar pits is FREEE.
• Admission to the museum requires a paid ticket. Advanced tickets can be purchased on their website.
• Los Angeles County residents enjoy free museum admission from 3-5 pm.

Located on the corner of Wilshire Blvd and Fairfax Ave, the Petersen Museum is a must-visit for those passionate about cars and modern architecture. As one of the largest automotive museums in the world, it features 25 rotating exhibitions with over 150 vehicles on display, making it a paradise for car enthusiasts. Additionally, the museum underwent a stunning facelift in 2015, transforming its facade into one of the most interesting sights on Miracle Mile, which architecture lovers will surely appreciate.

The Petersen Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and tickets must be purchased in advance on their website.

Fun Fact: I worked close to the Petersen Museum and Museum Row for many years. Watching the museum’s transformation was exciting—it literally revamped the entire corner of Wilshire and Fairfax.

Fellow foodies, Grand Central Market is a must-visit in Los Angeles. This bustling 30,000-square-foot emporium has been a part of the city since 1901.

The market is filled with fantastic food stalls offering various cuisines and other retail shops. Take your time to walk around and explore before deciding what to eat. If you see a long line at one of the stalls, it’s likely because the food is excellent and worth the wait—typical for Los Angeles.

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and see where Angelenos love to grab a bite. We have a few favorites, but you can’t go wrong with any choice. Some of our top picks include Eggslut, Sarita’s Pupuseria, and Villa Moreliana.

Visitor Information:

• Hours: Open Monday through Sunday from 8 am to 9 pm.
• Parking: Available at 308 South Hill Street.

Grand Central Market | | Google Map It

21. Bradbury Building

Right across from Grand Central Market, you’ll find one of Los Angeles’s most beautiful architectural structures, the Bradbury Building. As a National Historic Landmark, it’s the oldest remaining commercial building in the city, retaining its magic since 1893.

The Bradbury Building is one of our favorite architectural structures in Los Angeles. While its exterior may seem unassuming, the interior will dazzle you. You’ll find ornate ironwork, intricate marble staircases, brick walls, caged elevators, and stunning skylights. The level of detail is truly impressive.

This historic building has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including Blade Runner and 500 Days of Summer.

• You can typically view the building from the first floor, though sometimes access to the second floor is allowed.
• Visiting the Bradbury Building is free.

For a more in-depth experience, consider taking a walking tour with the LA Conservancy. The tour covers historic Los Angeles and its landmarks every Saturday and costs $25 per person. Register and book a tour here.

Angel’s Flight is a significant piece of Los Angeles history that continues to captivate visitors and locals alike. This historic railway offers a unique ride up and down Bunker Hill, one of the steepest inclines in Downtown Los Angeles, connecting Hill Street and Grand Avenue.

Known as the world’s shortest railway, Angel’s Flight was originally built in 1901 and spanned two blocks. Its charm and historical significance have made it a popular location for films and TV shows, and it has been featured in the HBO MAX series Perry Mason and the movie La La Land.

• Cost: $1 each, and souvenir round-trip tickets are sold for $2.

Top Foodie Pick: Hit up Grand Central Market before or after, as it is within walking distance.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is another architectural icon in Downtown Los Angeles. Known for its unique and stunning design, the concert hall features curved stainless steel walls that shimmer in the sunlight.

This is one of those spots in Los Angeles where you must get out and walk around to appreciate its beauty truly. There’s nothing quite like it in LA. The concert hall is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year.

Visitor Information:

• Self-guided tours are usually available for FREE (unless you’re a group of 14 or more) from Mon-Sat, 10 am to 2 pm.
• Concert and Event Ticket Info

24. Visit Malibu, A Coastal LA Gem

Malibu, a coastal city in Los Angeles County, is one of LA’s top places to visit. Known for its sparkling blue waters, rolling hills, and beautiful sunsets, Malibu offers a relaxed, laid-back vibe. However, weekends can be busy, so exploring on a weekday is best.

Popular Things to Do in Malibu:

• Enjoy brunch on the beach at Paradise Cove.
• Visit popular beach spots like Zuma Beach and Matador Beach.
• Go wine tasting at Malibu Wines.
• Hike the Solstice Canyon Loop.

25. Explore the Getty Center

Another fun and educational attraction in Los Angeles is the Getty Center. This renowned museum houses an impressive collection of art by famous artists like Van Gogh and Monet and serves as a research institution and conservation program.

Spend the day enjoying the art, then stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens and grounds. The best part? Admission is always FREE!

A Dodger game is a great way to mingle with locals and experience one of LA’s iconic stadiums, regardless of whether you’re a baseball fan. Check if your home team is playing against the Dodgers during your visit.

If you’re visiting Los Angeles outside of baseball season, Dodger Stadium still has plenty to offer. The stadium hosts concerts, festivals, and local events in the off-season, so be sure to see what’s on the schedule during your stay.

Top Foodie Pick: A dodger dog! Tip: get the grilled one.

27. Experience the Best Studio Tour in LA: Warner Bros Studio Tour

This is by far the #1 studio tour in Los Angeles. We’ve done them all, but the Warner Bros Studio Tour stands out as the most fun, educational, and worth the cost. This tour is a must if you’re a movie buff or interested in TV show production.

The tour lasts about 2-3 hours. One of the exciting aspects of the Warner Bros tour is that each group gets a slightly different experience, depending on filming schedules and other factors on the lot.

We’ve toured Warner Bros multiple times and each visit offered something new. Highlights include seeing the FRIENDS set, the Two and a Half Men set during its final seasons, and walking around Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. Posing at Central Perk from FRIENDS is a favorite memory—we even have a photo of us sitting on the couch with Central Perk mugs.

The guides are phenomenal, friendly, and knowledgeable, improving the experience. Just be sure to follow their guidelines for a smooth and enjoyable tour.

Book Tickets and Reserve a Time

Paramount Studio is another iconic and classic production studio in Hollywood. It offers a fantastic tour experience and is the longest-operating studio with the only active backlot in Hollywood.

The Studio Tour lasts two hours and guides you through famous backlots and soundstages. You’ll learn about Paramount’s rich history and why it remains a cornerstone of Hollywood today.

For an even more immersive experience, consider the 4.5-hour VIP Studio Tour. This option includes everything in the standard tour, an insider experience, and a gourmet lunch.

This Hollywood tour is a must for movie enthusiasts. We did it a couple of times years ago and even attended a Christmas party on a soundstage, which was a cool experience walking through the lot.

29. Book an Intimate Studio Tour at Sony Pictures

Sony Pictures in Culver City offers a fantastic studio tour experience. The 2-hour walking tour lets you explore the backlot on foot, providing a more intimate experience. If you prefer a more comprehensive visit, you can book the VIP tour—a 3-hour guided golf cart tour that includes lunch. This option combines the convenience of a golf cart with a deeper dive into the studio’s workings.

30. Visit Disneyland Park and California Adventure

Disneyland—the Happiest Place on Earth—is a one-day trip from Los Angeles that you should fit into your visit. Located in Anaheim, it’s a beloved destination for locals who love to visit Sleeping Beauty’s Castle every chance they get.

Disneyland in Anaheim differs from Disney World in Florida. It’s smaller, with fewer rides and attractions, making it ideal for one to two fun days. Who doesn’t love to visit Mickey and Minnie? It’s a delightful surprise for Disney lovers and children alike.

If you want to stay overnight, I recommend the Grand Californian Hotel, connected to California Adventure. This hotel makes getting through security in the morning and into the theme park easy.

Best Time to Visit: Our favorite time to visit Disneyland is in the fall for Halloween and holidays. It’s truly magical during these seasons!

Disneyland Tips:

• Download the Disneyland app.
• Book your tickets and reserve your dates in advance. Opt to pay extra for Genie+.
• Make restaurant reservations in advance. Our favorites include Blue Bayou, Carthay Circle, and Steakhouse 55.

Read more: Fun Amusement Parks and Theme Parks in Los Angeles, CA

More Must-See Attractions in Los Angeles

This list could go on forever, but here are some other attractions and places to visit in Los Angeles that you can add to your itinerary:

• Spend the day at the Natural History Museum.
• Have fun at Six Flags Magic Mountain Amusement Park.
• Visit the Museum.
• Hike with locals at Runyon Canyon Park for a great view of the Santa Monica Mountains.
• Check out the Broad Museum (free admission).
• Eat at Pink’s Hot Dog Stand.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO CALIFORNIA, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:

• Los Angeles Day Trips to Take
• Fun Theme Parks in Los Angeles, CA
• What to See and Do in Downtown LA