Los Angeles Neighborhoods Guide - Where to Go & What to Visit for Tourists

By Casey Makovich

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? We highlighted a handful of the top attractions, places to see, and which neighborhoods in Los Angeles to visit during your vacation.

The Beach Communities

Los Angeles County’s 60-mile beachfront boasts a myriad of distinct beach communities stretching from Malibu in the north to Palos Verdes in the south. No trip to L.A. is complete without some time spent exploring the beach communities, so be sure to check them out. Four of the area's most popular beaches are Santa Monica, Malibu, Long Beach, and Venice Beach.

Santa Monica

Image of Water, Waterfront, Pier, Head to Santa Monica to explore its bustling ocean pier, beautiful ocean-front hotels, artsy vibe, and abundant shopping.

Things to Do in Santa Monica

  • Santa Monica Pier: No trip to LA is complete without experiencing the Santa Monica beachfront. Enjoy some classic, ocean-side fun. Take a spin on the thrilling rides at Pacific Park, check out the spot where the iconic Route 66 meets the ocean, explore all things sea life at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, try your hand at fishing, and more.
  • Hop on a tour bus and get the inside scoop on a Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour for a breezy ride up the Pacific Coast Highway and a chance to spot a celebrity.
  • Walk along the iconic Santa Monica State Beach and check out the unique architecture of its beachfront properties.
  • Pick up a souvenir and get some shopping in at the Third Street Promenade downtown.
  • Visit The Getty Center, L.A.’s visual arts mecca and a gorgeous sight in itself designed by Richard Meier with beautiful gardens, open spaces, and one of the best views of the city.

Malibu

Malibu is best known for its celebrity residents and their ocean-side mansions. The 27-mile coastline is considered the most beautiful rural landscape in L.A. Plus, surfers love the big waves. Head to Santa Monica Pier to pick up a guided tour of the celebrity homes and prime real estate.

Long Beach

Image of Boat, Vehicle, Appliance, Device, Electrical Device, Steamer, Watercraft, Water, Waterfront, Yacht, Ship, Famed for a number of top attractions from museums to cruises and beyond, Long Beach is a great family destination. It's located south of Los Angeles and is easily reachable by car.

Things to Do in Long Beach

  • Visit the supposedly haunted and definitely historic vessel Queen Mary, which offers plenty of special seasonal events and tours.
  • Explore the fascinating Aquarium of the Pacific, which focuses exclusively on the marine life of the world's largest ocean.
  • Take a whale watch cruise or harbor cruise to explore the beautiful waters of the Pacific.
  • Indulge your creative side with a visit to the Museum of Latin American Art or the Long Beach Museum of Art.
  • Get your shop on at the Pike Outlets.

Venice Beach

Famous for its Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach is home to some of the most bizarre and eclectic characters in L.A.

Things to Do in Venice Beach

  • There’s nothing like a little people-watching on Ocean Front Walk where you’ll find street musicians, fortunetellers, and hundreds of skateboarders.
  • Visit the world-famous Venice Beach Skate Park and spend some time scoping out the talent.

The Westside and Beverly Hills

Image of Landmark, Hollywood Sign, By Scott Catron (Sunset on HollywoodUploaded by zaui) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The area known as the Westside, located between the beach communities and Hollywood, contains some of the most well-known neighborhoods in Los Angeles such as Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, and the ever-trendy West Hollywood.

Things to Do in Hollywood

Below are few fun ideas, but check out our post on things to do in Hollywood for even more!

  • Take a tour of the famous Dolby Theatre®, the home of the Academy Awards®, and get an insider’s look at this iconic Hollywood institution.
  • Tour the famed TCL Chinese Theatre (home to the world's largest IMAX screen).
  • Snap photos with your favorite celebs (or at least their life-like wax representations) at Madame Tussauds Hollywood and see memorabilia from your favorite movies at the Hollywood Museum.
  • Go behind the scenes on a guided walking tour that hits all the highlights of Hollywood or hop on a bus and see the Movie Star Homes of Hollywood A-listers.
  • Get a workout in with a hike up Runyon Canyon Park for some fresh air and breathtaking views of the city and surrounding area.
  • Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and check out the star-studded tiles along the famous Walk of Fame.

Things to Do in the Westside and Beverly Hills

  • Check out the Museum of Tolerance, a fascinating institution dedicated to promoting tolerance and understanding.
  • Travel back in time to the Ice Age and check out the world’s largest and most diverse collection of extinct Ice Age animals and plants at the La Brea Tar Pit and Museum.
  • Don’t even think about leaving L.A. without a visit to a working studio. The 2-hour guided Sony Pictures Studio Tour lets visitors step inside the gates and explore the place where movie magic happens.
  • Cruise along palm tree-lined Sunset Boulevard from downtown to the Pacific Coast Highway and make a stop at Rodeo Drive, the famous 2-mile strip of high-end shopping in Beverly Hills.

Downtown

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Microphone, Male, Man, Lighting, Urban, Unlike most cities, Downtown is not the center of attention in Los Angeles but its many attractions make it worth a visit.

Things to Do in Downtown L.A.

  • Visit the GRAMMY Museum®, one of L.A.’s best pop culture museums.
  • Get the best views of the city at OUE Skyspace, an open-air observation deck with a famous glass Skyslide.
  • Shop, dine, and browse through the eclectic Grand Central Market.
  • Participate in popular local events like the monthly art walk.
  • See a show at the Disney Concert Hall, a site to see in itself, designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry.
  • Browse through exhibits at the Japanese American National Museum, located in the heart of downtown L.A.’s Little Tokyo historic district.
  • See if your favorite band is in town or catch a local sports game at the Staples Center multi-purpose sports arena.

The San Fernando Valley

Image of Amusement Park, Fun, Roller Coaster, Person, Nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Fernando Valley is home to lots of entertainment and prime shopping.

Things to Do in San Fernando Valley

  • Be sure to get in a day of theme park fun and thrills at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
  • Visit the impressive historical Mission San Fernando, which was first opened in 1797!
  • Scope out the murals on the Great Wall of Los Angeles.

Glendale & Pasadena

Image of Glove, Book, Comics, Publication, Just north of the city are Glendale and Pasadena, two large cities in Los Angeles County and home to some of L.A.’s top attractions.

Things to Do in Glendale & Pasadena

Save on Attraction Admission in Los Angeles Neighborhoods

While you're out there exploring all that L.A. has to offer, we're sure you'll want to pop into an attraction or two or four. Consider picking up a Los Angeles attractions pass to help you save up to 50% on combined attraction admission versus paying at the gate.

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Los Angeles in February

A quintessential West Coast city, Los Angeles showcases a fantastic mix of urban cool and wonderful natural beauty. There are countless things to do there for all types of travellers - no really, we mean it! Whether it’s viewing world-class art at The Broad or checking out the charming penguins at the Aquarium of the Pacific, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy! February is also a great time to visit since there should be smaller crowds and cooler, more comfortable weather for seeing the sights. We recommend bringing a light jacket, since it temperatures can dip in the evening time. Still need help planning your priorities for things to do in Los Angeles? Then you’ve come to the right place! Have a read through our list of the best things to check out in the City of Angels for February. We promise you won’t be disappointed! Hit the Classics Those looking for art and culture in L.A. won’t have to search very far. As the undisputed cultural capital of the West Coast, Los Angeles is bursting with fantastic museums of all kinds. From the big hitters to small speciality institutes, creative types exploring L.A. will have their pick of some of the best museums in the U.S. of A.. Still, The Broad has got to be one of our favorites for its impressive repository as well as its iconic structure. As one of the most Instagrammable buildings in downtown L.A., the building is well-recognized for its unique honeycomb-like facade and dimpled interior. Inside, visitors can enjoy a fantastic collection of contemporary and modern works, featuring over 200 artists. Highlights include Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog, Andy Warhol’s Single Elvis, and Roy Lichtenstein’s I...I’m Sorry! In addition, the museum is known for housing Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, an immersive and enchanting starfield to capture your imagination. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind cultural experience, this spot is a total must-see. You can’t visit Tinseltown without learning more about its unique creative heritage. As one of the must-see sights in Los Angeles, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of filmmaking. In fact, this spot is actually recognized as the largest museum of its kind in the world. The institute’s incredible collection is comprised of over a whopping 13 million objects, including film reels, props, costumes, and much more. The museum works to cover artefacts from all types of genres and time periods, so there’s a lot to be discovered here. Highlights include Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, the typewriter used to write the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, and the only surviving shark mold from Jaws. In addition to the institute’s permanent collection, the Academy also hosts film premieres. A total dream for cinephiles, this spot is sure to fascinate. Find Fun Activities As the epicenter of the entertainment industry and home to the stars, Los Angeles has countless experiences to offer for pop culture lovers and artsy types alike. If you’re a seasoned visitor to L.A. and are looking for something new past the Hollywood Walk of Fame, we recommend checking out the Grammy Museum for its unique collection dedicated to the history and significance of American music. A fantastic stop for all music lovers, the institute works to provide a great look into the background of the Grammys through engaging and educational exhibits. Though young, the museum’s collection is no doubt impressive, with historical awards, remarkable costumes, and instruments to take your breath away. In addition, there are immersive instrument stations and recording stations to enhance the experience. Visitors can also catch educational talks, concerts, performances and film screenings at the Grammy Museum’s 200-seat theater. As fun as it is interesting, this spot is totally worth the trip. If you’re looking for a fun day trip, why not check out the Aquarium of the Pacific? Opened in 1998, this enchanting aquaspace offers a rich collection of wildlife native to the Pacific. Enjoy underwater life from a collection of over 11,000 animals representing over 500 species. The oceanarium houses everything from colorful reef fish and friendly sea turtles to unique jellyfish and charming penguins. Get up-close encounters with some of your favorite animals, including seals, sea lions, sting rays and even sharks! Enjoy a wide variety of talks, exhibitions and demonstrations and learn more about the natural world. The perfect stop for all nature lovers, this stop works well to provide a glimpse of the underwater world. Try Something Different If you’re looking for something a little bit different, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! Located in Culver City, The Museum of Jurassic Technology seeks to preserve, present and interpret artefacts from the earliest era of the Jurassic Period. Though the institute is small, its collection is well worth seeing, with an impressive mixture of artistic, ethnographic and historic items to be enjoyed. Visitors can expect to see everything from folk remedies from around the world to a room dedicated to the string game of Cat’s Cradle. Don’t forget to check out the institute’s Georgian-style tea room, where you can meet the museum’s founder David Hildebrand Wilson and talk over the collection. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind educational experience, this spot is not to be skipped out on! A Los Angeles wintertime getaway is a unique experience well worth considering. Though the city cools down around this time of the year, it never runs out of exciting things to see and do. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Los Angeles in January

Los Angeles is an exciting and extraordinary city with its unique own flair. A popular West Coast destination, L.A. is known for presenting a vibrant mix of urban and nature attractions to choose from. It’s the perfect amalgamation for those who want to see a little bit of everything. From quaint seaside towns to must-see sights and remarkable cuisine, Los Angeles has much to offer everyone. One of the best things about travelling during January is that it is off-peak season for California, meaning that there should be fewer crowds and better chance of finding great deals on accommodation and flights. Still not sure where to start? Don’t worry! This is how to get the best out of the city, from the beach to the city. Take note of the ideas that pique your interest and start planning your dream West Coast vacation today! Hit the Classics Though California is known for its sunny weather, Los Angeles can get a little milder in the wintertime. Still, just because the city cools down during January doesn’t mean you’ll be running out of options for interesting things to do - in fact, far from it! Luckily, Los Angeles is brimming with things to do when it comes to spending the day indoors. Standing out for its one-of-a-kind repository and breathtaking architecture, the Getty Center tops the list as one of our favorite visitor locations in the area. Located atop a hillside in the Brentwood area of L.A., the institute provides spectacular 360-degree views of the cityscape. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy one of the finest art collections in the Western Hemisphere. Highlights include Van Gogh’s Irises, Rembrandt van Rijn’s joyful self-portrait Rembrandt Laughing, and the Center for Photographs. After seeing the art, step outside to take in the museum’s meticulously well-curated gardens. The perfect spot for all creative types, this spot is well worth the visit. As the epicenter of the film industry and home to the stars, it only makes sense that Los Angeles presents a myriad of cool things to do for cinephiles and pop culture lovers alike. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour provides an exciting look into one of the oldest film studios in the world. Experience the magic of Hollywood and learn more about the artistry, technology and hard work which goes into all of your favorite films and TV series. Highlights include the iconic Central Perk set, props and costumes from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and soundstages used to create the Big Bang Theory. Along the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a friendly and professional guide to explain some of the interesting behind-the-scenes details and answer any questions you may have. This tour lasts about two to three hours, we strongly recommend wearing your comfiest shoes. Whilst you’re in Hollywood, we also suggest checking out some of the other cool visitor attractions in the area, like the Burbank Town Center, the Gordon R. Howard Museum and the Burbank Aviation Museum. Find Fun Activities When the weather is a little dull, a trip to the aquarium is a great idea for a day out. From bright topical fish to delightful penguins and gentle manatees, the Aquarium of the Pacific pretty much has it all. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, this spot is highly revered for its massive and impressive living repository. The aquarium features over 11,000 animals across over 500 species - so you know that there’s plenty to see here! Take a trip through an underwater world of color and learn as you go through a broad collection of engaging and educational exhibits. For those who like to get in touch with nature, this spot also offers hands-on exhibits where you can touch crabs, turtles, stingrays, and even sharks! Both exciting and fascinating, this spot is the perfect place to unlock that sense of childlike wonder. If you love food like we do, you definitely won’t want to miss out on our next stop. Located just downtown, Grand Central Market has been drawing in visitors from near and far since opening way back in 1917. From herbs and spices to fresh Cali produce and unbeatable ramen bowls, this place really hits the spot. Don’t miss out on warm handmade pupusas or fresh raw locally-sourced oysters, all washed down by a large glass of craft beer in the adjoining beer garden. Although the main draw of this spot is most certainly the food, that’s not all there is to do here. Visitors can also choose to browse whilst they eat, with a wide array of local crafters and artists choosing to trade here. We especially love this spot for its small kiosks punting speciality pantry items, so be sure to check those out. With its delicious eats and vibrant atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better place to grab food in the city. Try Something Different For those looking for something a little different, we’ve got you covered! Offering and thoroughly engaging day out, the Petersen Automotive Museum is well-recognized for its fantastic collection of unique, rare and historic vehicles. Set along Los Angeles’ Miracle Mile, the museum instantly stands out for its sleek wavy steel cutout construction and sweeping roofs. Inside, there are 25 galleries with over 350 vehicles on display, so you know that there’s a lot to see here. The museum features three themed floors; history, industry and artistry, highlighting the cultural impact and application of the automobile. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or an engineering geek, this spot is sure to wow! No doubt, Los Angeles is one of the most exciting visitor destinations in the U.S. of A.. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to the city, you’ll never be short of new things to see and do. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Riders at the top of the drop on the HangTime rollercoaster at Knott's Berry Farm, LA.
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Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison LA

You’re never far from a thrill ride in California, where adrenalin junkies, rollercoaster riders and log flume aficionados are spoiled for choice thanks to the abundance of great theme parks. Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland are two of the oldest in the state. Indeed, Knott’s dates all the way back to the 1920s when a solitary stand hawking berry pies, jams and preserves planted the seed for the multi-million-dollar amusement park that stands on the exact same spot today. We took a deep dive into these two magical worlds in our comparison of Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland in LA. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland: A Short History California's Disneyland needs no introduction. The original and (many would say) still the best, it’s the only Disney park to have been designed and constructed under the watchful eye of Walt himself. Since opening in 1955, this Anaheim stalwart has been the dream ticket for wide-eyed kids around the world, so it’s little wonder that even after all these years it remains one of the planet’s most-visited theme parks, regularly topping 18m visitors in the pre-Covid era and outgunned only by its younger Disney sibling, Florida’s Magic Kingdom, in the world rankings. The souped-up 21st Century Disneyland contains no less than nine themed zones across 100+ acres, with over 50 attractions to explore, and a whole host of characters to meet: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald, to name just a few. The charming old Disney Railroad ferries enchanted visitors around the park, covering around 1.2 miles and saving you a small fortune in shoe leather. Quirky fact: Walt Disney secretly kept a private apartment inside Disneyworld, and it’s still there today. Look out for a light in the window above the fire department on main street to see if the maestro’s spirit is in residence. Knott’s Berry Farm operates on a slightly smaller scale, but still packs a punch with nearly 50 rides across its 57 acres. And, oh boy, that boysenberry pie. From its humble beginnings as a roadside berry stand a century ago, Knott’s has expanded organically over the years, adding Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant as well as several shops and other attractions by the 1940s, including a ghost town, which is still there (though somewhat modernized) today. By the 70s, Knott’s Berry Farm boasted a log ride, bumper cars and a steeplechase rollercoaster. And the rest, as they say, is history. Today, it’s a fully fledged theme park, chock full of thrill rides and other fun attractions. And yes, you can still tuck into a classic fried chicken dinner or sweet, sweet slice of boysenberry pie – though perhaps not immediately prior to boarding the frankly terrifying HangTime rollercoaster. Quirky fact: when the Knott family sought to sell the park in the late 1990s, they ruled Disney out as a potential buyer because of concerns the park would become unrecognizable from their parents’ original vision. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison: Thrill Rides The cash injection that followed the sale of Knott’s Berry Farm to Cedar Fair in 1997 saw a rapid increase in the number of thrill rides in the park. And, nearly three decades later, there are stacks of great options for the adrenalin fiends among you. Chief among these is the Xcelerator (pictured above), the name of which alone will have most shrinking violets running for the bumper cars and spinning teacups. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be catapulted 20 stories high, reaching speeds up up to 82mph in a little over two seconds, now’s your chance. Definitely not for the faint of heart, it’s joined by the likes of the HangTime coaster with its stomach-churning 96-degree drop, and the epic GhostRider: the tallest and longest wooden rollercoaster in the West. Disneyland’s slightly more child-friendly focus means fewer adrenalin-fueled rides, but there are still a good few here that will get your pulse racing. Case in point: golden oldie Space Mountain has really stood the test of time. Debuted way back in 1977, this pimped-up sci-fi coaster tears through dark tunnels with flashing lights and a booming soundtrack that will make your hair stand on end. The Indiana Jones Adventure is another hair-raising dark ride that allows you to step into the shoes of the famous hat-wearing octogenarian archaeologist before hurtling through terrifying tunnels at a velocity no OAP should ever have to endure. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison: Water Rides If you don’t come away from your theme park adventure with a drenched shirt and the souvenir photo to prove it, can you really say you’ve been to a theme park? Calico River Rapids forms part of the Ghost Town zone at Knott’s Berry Farm and sees riders spin and splash down the river in family-friendly six-seater dinghies. The Timber Mountain Log Ride is an altogether wetter affair, and the park’s most popular attraction. Ride through a 330-foot long mountain before enjoying (or should that be enduring?) a 42-foot free fall and early bath. Knott’s also has a separately ticketed water park (Knott’s Soak City) that’s open between May and September. Disneyland has a number of sedate boat rides, including the Jungle Cruise and cute Storybook Land Canal Boats, but it’s Splash Mountain you came for, right? Don’t be fooled by the relatively gentle start, with its kid-friendly Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear storyline: there’s an inevitable drop towards the end that comes with a near-cast-iron guarantee of a soaking. Exit to the sounds of animatronic characters gleefully singing ‘Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah’ at you as you wring out your shirt. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison: Family Rides Both of these titans of the theme park world are ostensibly geared towards kids, though Disneyland definitely has the upper hand here, both in terms of pester-power, instantly recognizable characters and child-friendly attractions. In fact, the vast majority of rides and attractions here have no height restrictions, and many are even suitable for babies and toddlers. You’ll find these in every single zone, but particularly Fantasyland, which you’ll recognize straight away from the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle at its entrance. Inside, expect more nostalgic adventures based around your childhood favorites, including a cute flying Dumbo carousel, the Mad Hatter’s spinning teacups, and a meet and greet with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends in Pixie Hollow. Camp Snoopy is Knott’s Berry Farm’s main children’s zone, with kid-friendly coasters, miniature trains and carousels, primarily designed for children 36” and over. There’s also a chance to meet Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Some other attractions around the park, including the Calico Mine Ride, the Merry-Go-Round and Knott’s Bear-y Tales have no height restrictions and are great for families. Fast facts: Knott’s Berry Farm Tickets An All-Inclusive attraction pass from Go City includes general admission and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in LA. Buy a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass to access as many attractions as you like in that time period, including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, LA Zoo and Natural History Museum. You can also book tickets direct via the Knott’s Berry Farm website. Opening Hours The park generally opens daily at 10AM. Closing times vary by season. Check the calendar on the Knott’s Berry Farm website for the most up-to-date information. Getting There Knott’s Berry Farm is at 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 9062. There’s paid parking on site, or you can take a train to nearby Buena Park Metrolink station. More info on transport options here. Fast facts: Disneyland Tickets Browse ticket options and book direct on the Disneyland website. Opening Hours Hours vary throughout the year but Disneyland usually opens between 8AM and 10AM and closes between 10PM and midnight. View the calendar here. Getting There Disneyland is at 1400 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Get info on Disney-themed paid parking here. The park is also served by the Metro Express Line 460 bus from downtown LA and elsewhere, and there’s a Greyhound station about half a mile from the park, which connects to thousands of bus stations across the US. Save on attractions in Los Angeles Save on admission to Chicago attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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