Los Angeles
Katie Sagal

Ultimate Los Angeles Bucket List

As one of the biggest and most diverse cities in the United States, Los Angeles is a top destination for visitors looking to explore its many wonders. The problem is, there is far too much to see and do for one trip. If you’re hoping to get some inspiration for your itinerary of the best things to do in L.A., our ultimate Los Angeles bucket list is here to help. In no particular order:

LA Bucket List 1-10

  1. Stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Spanning 18 blocks of Hollywood Blvd and Vine St, the Walk of Fame now includes about 2,600 stars.
  2. Spot a celebrity. This one can, of course, be accomplished “in the wild,” but a movie star homes tour can up your chances.
  3. Attend a tv show taping. There are oodles of different shows produced in L.A. at any given moment so you have plenty of choices.
  4. Visit a big theme park. Again, lots of options here, but Six Flags Magic Mountain is a top one, as is the local Knott’s Berry Farm.
  5. Tour a working studio. There are few things as exciting as seeing Hollywood magic at work. Universal Studios is the most comprehensive, but Warner Bros. is excellent, too.
  6. Get inspired by modern art. The Broad is one of the best modern & contemporary art museums around, and it also boasts a striking honeycomb-style exterior.
  7. Hike the Hollywood Hills. You can get much better photos of the Hollywood sign on a hike through Griffith Park.
  8. Scope out the Griffith Observatory. This historic observatory is a unique L.A. treasure. You can easily make this part of your Hollywood Hills hike.
  9. Not had your fill of all things science? Head straight to California Science Center and experience their incredible IMAX movie theatre that takes you on a journey to all four corners of the globe.
  10. Marvel at Roman architecture. The Getty Villa is a beautiful recreation of the Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum, a historic site from ancient Rome. Plus, gorgeous art fills the museum.

LA Bucket List 11-20

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  1. See a real paleontological dig site. The La Brea Tar Pits contained the largest and most diverse collection of prehistoric flora and fauna. There’s a museum component there today.
  2. Pick up some treasures at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. This iconic local flea market is ticketed, but it’s filled with worthwhile goodies that you won’t find elsewhere.
  3. Get a photo with a celeb. A wax one, that is! Madame Tussauds is perfect for striking that ideal photo with your celebrity idol without bothering a real person.
  4. Have a drink on a haunted ship. You can tour the Queen Mary and then pop by their bar for a nice cocktail—potential ghost sightings included.
  5. Walk by the Venice Canals. Find some Italian inspiration in L.A. with a visit to this historic district, in the midst of an ongoing restoration project.
  6. Hang out with some penguins. The Aquarium of the Pacific penguin exhibit features a crawl-in space that will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of their fun.
  7. Check out the LA music scene. From the GRAMMY Museum to the hottest underground concert venues, there are plenty of must-do things in L.A. for music fans.
  8. See the world’s largest animal. The elusive and endangered blue whales are spotted off the coast of Los Angeles during the feeding season. Check out a whale watch to see them up close!
  9. Say hi to a black bear. The Los Angeles Zoo features these amazing American bears alongside many other favorites, from snow leopards to flamingos.
  10. Take a day trip. There are some easy day trips from L.A. to enjoy, from Catalina Island to Venture.

LA Bucket List 21 - 25

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  1. Disneyland California - the ultimate theme park for little kids and big kids alike. Indulge in this whimsical world of characters from the Disney franchise and enjoy rides, rollercoasters, shows and more.
  2. After a long lazy day on the sand and surf, head to Santa Monica Pier and experience the funfair that sits atop the water. The amusement park features rides, shops and dining and even an aquarium
  3. The kids will adore LEGOLAND® California, replete with rides and expriences like Miniland USA where you can check out teeny worlds, or the more daring will love the Dragon Coaster!
  4. Try your hand at indoor karting. At K1 Speed, you'll whizz around 12-laps on one of the most exciting indoor kart racing tracks and cross the finish line a champion! Hitting speeds of nearly 45mph, this is sure to be a thrill ride!
  5. Film buffs rejoice! The sensational Hollywood Museum is home to some of the coolest objects from over 100 years of movie history. Feast your eyes on Rocky’s boxing gloves, Marilyn Monroe’s dresses, Cary Grant’s Rolls-Royce, and more.

Save on Los Angeles Bucket List Ideas

Several of these ultimate Los Angeles bucket list items are free with the Go Los Angeles pass. Pick one up today and you’ll save up to 50% off combined admission to top L.A. attractions.

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