Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles - The Ultimate Tourist Guide for Your Trip

By Casey Makovich
Published: July 18, 2024
Los Angeles sunset

Los Angeles is more than just a party in the U.S.A. Once you've hopped off the plane at LAX, you'll soon discover that it's a modern, trendsetting city with diverse residents, a rich global culture, varying landscapes, excellent eats, and circa 300 days of sunshine a year.

Whether you're traveling with kids in tow, planning a romantic getaway, meeting up with friends, or going solo, our travel guides have all the information you need to get into the Cali mindset and plan a memorable trip. From Hollywood thrills and outdoor activities to cultural explorations, Los Angeles has it all.

So, here are some resources and helpful tips to help you enjoy Los Angeles.

L.A

Popular Los Angeles attractions
 

  • Universal Studios Hollywood - The Entertainment Capital of L.A, it includes a full-day, movie-based theme park, and Studio Tour plus Universal CityWalk®, an entertainment, shopping, dining complex, and much more.
  • Madame Tussauds Hollywood - Enjoy a carefree time posing with the lifelike Hollywood personalities on display at this iconic attraction.
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood - Go behind the scenes at a Hollywood studio and ee how your favorite movies & TV shows are made.
  • Hollywood Museum - The official museum of Hollywood has the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world.

Head over here for more Los Angeles attractions to see during your trip.

How long are you visiting the City of Angels?

Whether you're visiting Los Angeles for 24 hours or staying an entire week, we've put together sample itineraries that include all of the most popular things to do in the city. From all-around-town tours to popular theme parks and activities, these itineraries give you the best LA experience based on your length of stay.

L.A

Who's coming to L.A. with you?

No matter who you're traveling with, there are a ton of fun things to do in Los Angeles, particularly for families. We've put together a list of top attractions and activities geared to young kids and teens to help you plan your trip.

What type of L.A. activities are you into?

Whether you're planning on checking out all the top museums or you really just want to go behind the scenes and see the 'movie magic,' our LA locals put together a few 'best of' lists to help you decide what's worth adding to your itinerary.

Theme parks in L.A

Which parts of Los Angeles are you interested in visiting?

Explore Los Angeles by neighborhood to make the most of your time sightseeing. We've highlighted a handful of top attractions and places to see by neighborhood in LA so you can maximize your time in each location.

What time of year is your L.A. trip?

Los Angeles is a great city to visit year-round and offers a different experience to travelers with each season and type of weather. Check out our lists of things to do in the city throughout the year to make the most of your itinerary and experience unique, calendar-based LA happenings.

What's the best way to get around Los Angeles?

L.A. is easy to navigate and there are tons of taxis and shared ride services available.

Car: Renting a car is the most popular option for travelers. 

Public transportation: the Metro Bus and Rail system is a convenient and affordable way to get around Los Angeles. Consider getting a Metro Day Pass for unlimited rides on the day of purchase.

Tip: get the free moovit app for point-to-point trip planning and real-time updates for both subway and bus routes. 

Taxis: taxis are available and easy to hail down and shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available and easy to use. 

Hop-on hop-off tours: a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (an included attraction option) is a great way to get acquainted with the city and see some popular attractions.

Where should you stay in L.A?

There are plenty of great places to stay in the area. Below are a handful of hotel suggestions located near popular tourist attractions and fun things to do.

  • Hollywood Historic Hotel
  • Hilton Checkers
  • Hollywood Le Bon Hotel
  • Sheraton Grand Los Angeles
  • Hollywood Hotel-The Hotel of Hollywood
LA at sunset

Where are the best places to go shopping in L.A?

In between sightseeing, try and find time to pick up some souvenirs. Here are a few popular areas to get some shopping in.

  • Citadel Outlets
  • Macy's
  • The Grove
  • Santa Monica Place
  • Rodeo Drive

Where to eat in Los Angeles

Go on a tour of Los Angeles’ foodie scene with our top picks for family-friendly places to eat in Los Angeles.

We’ve included top picks for every appetite so you can sightsee while you taste your way through Los Angeles’ culinary destinations.

Dining in LA

Fun info from an L.A. local
 

  • The Hollywood sign originally said “HOLLYWOODLAND” – its intended purpose was as a billboard marketing a housing development.
  • Los Angeles is built on the third largest oil field in the country.
  • There are more cars than people in L.A.
  • Los Angeles has the largest number of female-owned businesses in the country.
  • Beverly Hills was originally a Lima bean ranch.

Share your adventure with us

Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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friends on an night out
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LA With Friends: Your Ultimate Adventure Guide

Ready to take on Los Angeles, but not sure where to start? From the sun-soaked beaches of Santa Monica to the glitzy backlots of Hollywood, this city is home to day-brightening activities that pack in adventure, laughter, and tons of Instagrammable moments—especially when you bring your friends along for the ride. Whether you want to cheer together at a baseball game, bike the boardwalk, snap selfies with A-list wax figures, or eat tacos at sunset, LA is your playground. Let’s break down the experiences and attractions that make every group get-together unforgettable in the City of Angels.  Our favorite things to do in LA with friends include:  Universal Studios Hollywood  Highlights of Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour  Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour  Natural History Museum  Knott's Berry Farm  Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour  GRAMMY Museum  The Hollywood Museum  Heal the Bay Aquarium  Highlights of Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour: Ride the Coast in Style  A group that pedals together, stays together—especially in LA’s coolest coastal neighborhoods! The Highlights of Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking takes your squad from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, through lively Venice Boardwalk, and into hidden beachy corners with colorful murals, quirky street performers, and panoramic Pacific vistas.  Why do we always recommend this tour? First, it’s active—enough for a guilt-free ice cream after, but totally doable for all fitness levels. You’ll weave past Muscle Beach (flex those biceps with your friends for a photo op), marvel at skateparks, and roll into “Instagram alleyways” lined with ever-changing graffiti art. Along the way, the guide doles out tidbits about LA’s creative history, famous residents, and beach bum legends.  With the ocean breeze in your hair and friends beside you, it’s impossible not to feel that sunshiny, carefree California energy. Stop for snacks at the pier, grab a group selfie with the sunset in the background, and finish up with sandy toes and full hearts. If you want to extend the fun, keep your bikes a bit longer with Unlimited Biking’s rentals and explore Abbot Kinney’s boutiques or Third Street Promenade’s shops. It’s a group day that absolutely sings summer, any time of year.  Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour: Star-Spotting With Friends  Let’s be honest—star-spotting and Hollywood dream-chasing is so much better with friends. The Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour offers a breezy double-decker ride past the city’s most extravagant zip codes: Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, and Hollywood. The guide’s stories are half-glamour, half-gossip, and always entertaining—you might finally find out who really lives behind those immaculate hedges.  The best part? You all get to act like tourists together, snapping photos where Hollywood legends hang out and competing to see who can spot the swankiest mansion or coolest classic car. There’s plenty of time for dramatic group selfies under the palm trees and in front of Insta-famous spots like the Hollywood sign and Rodeo Drive.  Insider tip: The open-top bus feels like your own private sightseeing party, with a soundtrack of clever stories and movie trivia. It’s a laid-back way to cruise LA’s legendary streets with none of the usual parking drama. After, your group can wander Sunset Strip or hit a cafe—maybe Alfred for their signature iced vanilla lattes. Whether you’re a die-hard film buff or just here for the ride, this is Hollywood fun at its finest.  Natural History Museum: Time Travel With Your Crew  Sometimes you just need a break from sun and surf to step into another universe, and LA’s Natural History Museum is the perfect place. This isn’t your average dusty museum—it’s vibrant, interactive, and packed with hands-on experiences that will have your group exploring together. Wander through halls of towering dinosaurs (the T. rex trio is easily one of the best group photo ops in town), get up close with ancient gems and glowing minerals, and uncover mind-boggling fossils together.  The museum’s standout is its seamless way of mixing the “wow” of natural science with cool stories and creative, immersive exhibits. The sprawling Nature Gardens outside make for a great post-museum hang or even an impromptu picnic after you’ve checked out the butterflies. And did we mention the special exhibitions? Whether it’s dioramas of prehistoric LA or live animal encounters, there's always something to keep the group curious and engaged.  If your friends are craving an afternoon where you all laugh, learn, and compare awkward photos in front of a woolly mammoth, a visit here delivers. Bonus: Exposition Park’s beautiful grounds are next door, so stroll on over and enjoy one of LA’s favorite green spaces as you recap your favorite discoveries.  Knott’s Berry Farm: Thrills, Nostalgia, and Legendary Fried Chicken  Just a short road trip southeast lies one of California’s most iconic theme parks, and your whole group will thank you for adding Knott’s Berry Farm to your itinerary. Known for a clever mix of wild rides, old-school Americana, and Peanuts-themed nostalgia, there's something here for every friendship dynamic. Grab a map and let the adventure begin.  Are you a brave bunch? Test your nerves on Silver Bullet, GhostRider, or HangTime. Prefer to keep things a little more mellow? The Calico Railroad and Timber Mountain Log Ride promise plenty of laughs without any white-knuckle moments. Wander Ghost Town to discover quirky shows and try your hand at gold panning, or ham it up in a Wild West group photo.  Here’s the not-so-secret must-do: Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. This legendary spot has been around since the 1930s, dishing out juicy fried chicken, fluffy biscuits, and homey berry pie. It’s comfort food perfection, best devoured family-style with your favorite people. End the day grabbing berry jams at the Marketplace and agreeing: the theme park joy never gets old.  GRAMMY Museum: Feel the Music With Your Besties  For crews with playlists as varied as LA traffic, consider a stop at the GRAMMY Museum in Downtown LA. This spot hits all the right notes for music fans, with immersive exhibits, interactive mixing stations and glittering displays of Grammy outfits and instruments. Everyone in your group can geek out over different genres—rock, pop, hip-hop, and even classical are all here, and there’s always something new thanks to rotating exhibitions.  What sets this museum apart for friends? You can actually make (and giggle through) your own music videos, test your music trivia knowledge in digital games, and belt out your favorite tunes at singalong booths. The fourth floor, with its wall of classic red carpet looks and legendary artists’ memorabilia, is a selfie wonderland.  After you’ve rocked out, the museum’s central downtown location puts you steps from LA Live (check for live events or games), and near restaurants like Broken Spanish, famous for tamales and seriously good cocktails. Altogether, it’s a cultural highlight that’s as celebratory as your favorite playlist on road trip day.  The Hollywood Museum: Glitz, Glam, and Behind-the-Scenes Gold  Located in the historic Max Factor Building, The Hollywood Museum is one of those under-the-radar stops that surprises every friend group. Inside you’ll find four floors packed with real movie props, elaborate costumes (including the infamous Marilyn Monroe dresses), and dazzling makeup rooms from Hollywood’s golden age.  Every friend crew can find something to love, whether it’s the eerie dungeon level with classic creepy movie sets, or the wall of Lucille Ball memorabilia for old-school TV fans. Costumes from superhero flicks? Check. Oscar-winning scripts? Absolutely. Rare photography and tiny behind-the-scenes details? All here.  There’s an infectious, nostalgic energy that will get even movie skeptics reminiscing about their favorite on-screen moments, and the building’s art deco architecture is an experience all its own. Top it off by walking Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame just outside—the Museum makes the perfect launching pad for downtown Hollywood discoveries, from sipping milkshakes at Mel’s Drive-In to hunting for that perfect celebrity star.  Heal the Bay Aquarium: Discover Underwater Wonders Together  Down at the Santa Monica Pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium delivers just the right mix of marine discovery and beachside fun. This charming spot lets friends of all ages get hands-on with tidepool animals, meet rescued sea creatures, and learn how to help protect LA’s magical coastline.  Why does it hit the mark for groups? First, it’s compact—no getting lost, plenty of time to see everything, and always nearby the pier’s arcades, food stalls and amusement rides for extra post-aquarium fun. With friendly staff and plenty of interactive exhibits, you’ll find yourself swapping sea star trivia, snapping fisheye selfies, or debating which local shark looks friendliest.  Besides, finishing up your visit with a classic funnel cake or a ride on the historic carousel is peak Santa Monica. Want to extend the aquatic fun? The nearby Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach (also available with your pass) is a larger option, perfect for an all-day group outing.  Ready to Make Group Memories in LA?  Making the most of LA with friends isn’t about ticking off a list, but about finding the experiences that get you laughing, sharing wide-eyed awe, and heading home plotting your next LA adventure together. Whether you’re thrill-seeking, sea-gazing, music-loving or simply here for the tacos and sunsets, you can craft a trip that matches your group’s vibe perfectly. LA’s best memories are always meant to be shared—so round up your favorite people and let the city surprise you.    Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do in Los Angeles in the Morning or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes.    Step up your sightseeing with Go City®      We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 
Palm Trees in LA
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24 Hours in LA: Your Ultimate City Adventure

Short on time? Discover LA’s must-sees, eats, and hidden gems in just one day.
teens hanging out in la
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Epic Teen Activities in Los Angeles You Can’t Miss

Los Angeles has a reputation for red carpets, palm trees, and movie magic, but when you’re traveling with teens, you need more than just famous streets and celebrity spotting. Fortunately, LA is a city that knows how to keep every energy level—and every attention span—engaged. Whether you’re here for the surf, the snacks, the theme parks, or just unbeatable people-watching, there’s seriously something for everyone, especially teens. In this guide, we’ve pulled together the absolute best things to do with teens in Los Angeles. Think hands-on science, wild rides, famous filming locations, and the kind of experiences that get Insta-approval. If your family’s ready to chase after big thrills, tasty treats, and West Coast sunsets, you’re in the right place.  Our top things to do with teens in LA include:  Universal Studios  Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood  Knott's Berry Farm  California Science Center & IMAX  Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Ride  The Grammy Museum  Griffith Observatory  Whale Watching & Dolphin Tour  Battleship IOWA Museum  Heal the Bay Aquarium  Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Step Into Your Favorite Stories  If your teens are into behind-the-scenes moments, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a must. Here, you don’t just see where the TV and movie magic happens—you step right into it. Walk through real sets from classics like Friends and modern hits like Gilmore Girls or the DC Universe. Batmobiles, soundstages, props from Harry Potter, and super-immersive DC exhibits fill the tour.  What makes this special for teens? It’s interactive. Pose on the real Central Perk couch, get sorted into a Hogwarts House, and see costumes from Wonder Woman and The Flash up-close. Knowledgeable guides share the gossip and fun facts, and there are tons of hands-on experiences, from sound mixing to green-screen photos. The energy here is creative and fun; expect plenty of “Wait, this was filmed here?!” moments. Plus, the on-site Starbucks is a favorite for a well-earned treat when you’re done.  Knott’s Berry Farm: Classic Thrills and Wild West Vibes  Looking to max out the adrenaline? Knott’s Berry Farm delivers rollercoasters, water rides, and an infectious Wild West atmosphere. Teens looking to prove their thrill-seeking credentials will love GhostRider (one of the tallest and fastest wooden coasters in the West) or Xcelerator, which rockets from zero to 82 mph in under three seconds. If coasters aren’t their speed, there are plenty of other options, from the spinning La Revolución to more laid-back boardwalk games.  The park’s Ghost Town brings an old-word LA flavor with staged outlaw standoffs and craft demos, and live shows offer a breather in between the rides. Hungry? Teens never say no to Knott’s famous fried chicken and their legendary boysenberry funnel cake. There’s also plenty of Instagram gold with quirky Peanuts-themed rides and street performers. Knott’s offers classic amusement park vibes with just the right edge for teens.  California Science Center & IMAX Movie: Interactive Exploration  Sometimes you want to swap cotton candy for curiosity, and that’s where the California Science Center shines. The hands-on exhibits are all designed to keep restless minds engaged, whether your teens are budding astronauts or science skeptics. Climb inside a real space shuttle—Endeavour sits here in all its glory—or learn about deep-sea explorers, wildlife, and human biology.  The highlight for most teens is the IMAX Theater. Blockbuster documentaries and stunning nature films play in giant-screen format, making even reluctant learners stop scrolling and look up in awe. The vibe is friendly, busy, and full of “a-ha!” moments. With free general admission (and a modest fee for IMAX films), it’s budget-friendly too. After you explore, there’s a beautiful rose garden outside for an easy lunch or a photo stop.  Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Ride: Beaches, People-Watching, and Retro Fun  Nothing says LA like its beaches. But instead of just lounging, grab a pair of wheels and cruise between Santa Monica and Venice Beach with a bike rental or guided ride. The boardwalk vibes are unbeatable: street performers, skateboarders, and mural artists create a living backdrop that’s pure California cool. Stop at Muscle Beach for a flex (or a selfie), grab a cone at Perry’s Café, or shoot hoops at the legendary Venice Beach courts.  The pier at Santa Monica offers classic amusements, including an Instagram-worthy ferris wheel and old-school arcade, while Venice is famous for its wacky shops and colorful murals. This experience is high-energy, electric, and fun, with the Pacific as your soundtrack. Don’t miss Abbot Kinney Boulevard for edgy boutiques and Poke-Poke for a killer snack stop. For full summer vibes with minimal hassle, this bike ride is an LA must.  Griffith Observatory: LA Views and Stargazing  You know you’re in LA when you’re watching the sun slip behind the Hollywood sign with your teens. Head up to Griffith Observatory for some classic SoCal scenery, unbeatable city views, and science fun that won’t bore anyone. The building itself has starred in plenty of movies, and the planetarium shows are fun, fast-paced, and just the right blend of eye-opening and awe-inspiring.  Nighttime is especially great for teens who are slightly nocturnal: peer through public telescopes and meet local astronomy geeks happy to answer every burning question about black holes. If you’re feeling energetic, trek the gentle trails around the observatory first, then settle in to watch the city lights and snap a few skyline selfies. Grab a bite at the on-site café, which has great salads, big cookies, and a relaxed terrace.  Whale Watching & Dolphin Tour: California Wildlife Adventure  If your teens love animals—or you just want to do something wildly different—a Whale Watching & Dolphin Tour is a splashy favorite. Leaving from Newport Beach, tours glide down the Pacific coast with a good chance of spotting dolphins leaping beside the boat, sea lions soaking up the sun, and, depending on the season, gray or blue whales making their migration.  The guides keep things lively with fun facts, and deck seating gives everyone a spectacular front-row seat. The ocean air, sea spray, and surprise visits from marine life make this an adventure teens remember long after the trip. Pro tip: bring extra layers (the wind can be cool) and film the dolphin pods—they’re pure social media gold. After your cruise, there are great lunch spots at the marina for fish and chips or Baja-style tacos.  Battleship IOWA Museum: Life at Sea, LA-Style  Docked in San Pedro, the Battleship IOWA Museum gives your action-loving teens a tangible piece of American history—with a side of serious cool factor. Clamber around the decks where sailors once steered this massive ship through global events, check out the Captain’s Quarters, and brave the gun turrets for some dramatic family photos.  What really hooks teens is the tech: hologram guides, interactive missions, and exhibits that let you test your skills at everything from radar to coding Morse code. The vibe is hands-on, adventurous, and surprisingly immersive, with plenty of nooks to explore and trivia to collect. Plus, with the LA Waterfront nearby, you’re steps away from trendy seafood restaurants and fun shops—perfect for rounding out a day at the port.  Heal the Bay Aquarium: Responsibility Meets Discovery  Under the Santa Monica Pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium offers a slice of marine magic in a compact space. Dedicated entirely to Southern California sea life, this aquarium feels intimate and interactive—perfect for teens who care about the planet and want to understand their impact. Tidepool touch tanks let everyone get hands-on with starfish, urchins, and small sharks, while massive tanks showcase the ocean’s weirder, wilder creatures.  The educators make everything personal, with demos about plastic pollution and all the odd facts teenagers love (did you know octopuses can fit through holes the size of their eyeballs?). Heal the Bay also offers beach cleanup days if your crew is up for doing good. Afterward, you can savor hot dogs and churros on the pier or hang out on the beach—it’s teen-friendly, wallet-friendly, and fun.  Wrapping Up Your LA Teen Adventure  From film studios and theme parks to wild ocean adventures and hands-on science, Los Angeles serves up experiences that guarantee zero yawns and plenty of memories, whether your teens are thrill-seekers, music obsessives, or low-key beach lovers. In a city this packed with energy and color, every day holds the promise of something new—and with these picks on your itinerary, your LA trip with teens is sure to be legendary.    Looking for more Los Angeles inspo? Discover the best free things to do near Madame Tussauds and our deep dive into Knott’s Berry Farm.  Step up your sightseeing with Go City®      We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 

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