10+ Best Places in LA for Movie Fans

Published: July 18, 2024

If you’re visiting LA with a movie fan (or if you are one!) there's so much to see and do. From behind-the-scenes tours and museums to the Walk of Fame and real film locations, you won’t be short of things to do in Los Angeles.

Movie buffs head to Hollywood to soak up the history and glamour of the industry. You might even spot a starlet or two along the way. Check out our list of things to do for movie fans including...

Madame Tussauds
Universal Studios Hollywood
Warner Bros Studio Tour
Hollywood Museum
Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Sony Pictures Studio Tour
Dolby Theatre Tour
Griffith Observatory
Union Station
And more!

💰 >> See how you can save up to 50% on Los Angeles attractions

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Fancy brushing shoulders with your favorite actors? Head to Madame Tussauds Hollywood. You’ll get to ‘meet’ stars of the silver screen like Marilyn Monroe, Robin Williams, Zac Efron, and more. Check out the Making Movies area to see what goes on backstage, and see directors Steven Spielberg and Quentin Tarantino hard at work.

Classic movie lovers should head to the Spirit of Hollywood room to get up close and personal with the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Audrey Hepburn. It’s your chance to take a selfie with the movie stars of past and present!

Getting in: Entry to Madame Tussauds Hollywood is included on all Los Angeles passes.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

A trip to LA would be incomplete without a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. See the stars of Hollywood legends such as Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Douglas, Patrick Swayze, and hundreds more. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a public sidewalk and is completely free to walk along.

Or, use your pass and take the Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes tour (more on that below) for a guided tour of the trail. Keep an eye out for your favorite actors and directors and be sure to get that all-important snap.

Getting in: Entry to The Hollywood Walk of Fame is free to see.

Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Take the Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour to see famous LA sights such as TCL Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre, the Walk of Fame, and the Hollywood Sign. Your guide will reveal Hollywood’s secrets and scandals as you explore. Feel like an Oscar winner on the Dolby Theatre’s Awards Walk, and don't forget to place your hands and feet on the prints at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Getting in: Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour is separately ticketed.

Warner Bros Studio Tour

The Warner Bros Studio Tour is your chance to tour a real, working studio to see where the magic happens. Your knowledgeable guide will take you around 110-acre backlot which is home to well-loved shows like The Ellen Degeneres Show and The Big Bang Theory.

Batman fans will be in for a treat, as the studios served as a filming location for the films. Plus, there is a special DC exhibition featuring Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, plus the props used in the films. You’ll even get to see the Batmobile up close!

Getting in: Entry to the Warner Bros Studio Tour is included on all Los Angeles passes.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is a mecca for movie fans, with rides inspired by everything from Harry Potter to Transformers and Despicable Me. Plus, you don’t need to be a fan of roller coasters to enjoy Universal Studios. A visit to this theme park would be incomplete without taking the world-famous Studio Tour.

Take a tram through the historic four-acre studio and see the sets of your favorite movies and TV shows. The interactive tour will even take you through a King Kong 4D ride, through a Jaws set complete with a very realistic shark. Norman Bates of Psycho might even pay a visit... you'll never guess what’s coming next.

Getting in: Entry to Universal Studios Hollywood is only available on the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass.

Hollywood Museum

The Hollywood Museum is a must-see for movie fans. It's home to the largest collection of Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, an exhibition on 20th-century superheroes, and artifacts documenting the portrayal of LGBTQ+ lives on the big screen. The Hollywood Museum features more than 10,000 items over four floors, including costumes, props, scripts, and much more.

Getting in: Entry to The Hollywood Museum is only available on the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

On the Sony Pictures Studio Tour, you will explore a working studio and learn all about its history and secrets. See where the likes of The Wizard of Oz and Spider-Man were filmed and get up close to real Academy Awards. Be sure to keep an eye out for stars working at the studio and don’t forget to take a picture under the famous 94ft rainbow.

Getting in: Entry to Sony Pictures Studio Tour is separately ticketed.

Dolby Theatre® Tour

Every film fan knows that the Dolby Theatre® hosts the most important night of the film industry calendar: the Academy Awards. Take a 30-minute guided tour of the stage and backstage. The Dolby Theatre is 180,000 sqft and has a massive 3,400-seat capacity. You’ll see an Oscar up close and discover where celebrities celebrate their wins. Plus, see photos of Oscar winners such as Grace Kelly and Marlon Brando.

Getting in: Entry to The Dolby Theatre® Tour is included on all Los Angeles passes.

Griffith Observatory

LA is not only home to film sets - countless movies are filmed on location in the city. The Griffith Observatory is one of Los Angeles’ most famous landmarks and features in films like La La Land, The Terminator, Charlie’s Angels, and many more. Griffith Observatory is a must-see attraction for movie fans wanting to visit where the scene of the action.

Getting in: Entry to Griffith Observatory is free.

Union Station

Another real-life location that is always popping up on screen is Union Station. The well-known station features in tons of movies such as Blade Runner, The Dark Knight Rises, and Catch Me If You Can. See Union Station for yourself and try to guess which other movies were filmed there. You’ll be surprised at just how many there are!

Getting in: Entry to Union Station is free.

Save on admission to top Los Angeles attractions with Go City®

Discover our full line-up of Los Angeles attractions including the Hollywood Sign Tour, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, and more.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.

Go City Expert

Go City Travel Expert

Discover {{destinationFullName}} itineraries

Continue reading

Blog

Everything you need to know about Go City’s Los Angeles passes

Three pass types, 40+ attractions, one sunny plan for backlots, beaches and beyond.

Blog

Los Angeles in April

A quintessentially West Coast city, Los Angeles is famed for its laid-back beaches and picture-perfect weather. And whilst those are things are definitely highlights, there’s a lot more to love about the City of Angels. Within its broad city limits, L.A. has a myriad of interesting and cool things to offer for all types of travellers. April is prime time for visiting some of California’s best outdoor attractions since the weather is temperate and balmy. Springtime is also shoulder season, meaning that the city will be less crowded, and you should be able to find cheaper prices for airfare and travel. Still not sure how to make the best out of April in Los Angeles? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! From making a trip to Santa Monica Pier to seeing the iconic Hollywood Sign, these are some of the best things to do in L.A., at least once. How many will you try? See the Sights Of course, a trip to Los Angeles isn’t quite complete without seeing the iconic Hollywood Sign. An emblematic cultural monument overlooking the city, this spot has been drawing in visitors from near and far since 1923. Whilst originally the sign read ‘’Hollywoodland’’, after years of deterioration, it was eventually restored to simply read ‘’Hollywood’’ as we know it today. As one of the most famous features of Los Angeles, the sign stands as a universal metaphor for ambition, success and glamor. Visitors can’t get up close with the sign since it sits on restricted property, though there are many scenic spots where you can go to take pictures, such as Hollywood and Highland and the Griffith Observatory stop. As far as American landmarks go, you couldn’t get much better than this. If you’re looking for a fun day trip, you won’t have to look much further than Santa Monica Pier. Set along Santa Monica Beach, the pier has been delighting visitors for well over 100 years now. Beyond its iconic historic arches, you’ll find a whole host of great family-friendly activities to do here. Of course, one of the pier’s most popular attractions is Pacific Park, a full-service amusement park, complete with plenty of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops as well as an arcade. Still, if you want something a little more laid-back, we recommend heading over to the farmers’ market, where you can grab a bite to eat and relax. With so much to see and do, this attraction is perfect for spending time with friends and family and just seeing where the day takes you. Soak Up that Springtime Atmosphere One of the greatest joys of travel is of course the food. Though there are many great food festivals taking place in Los Angeles during the month of April. nothing says springtime quite like the Knotts Boysenberry Festival. Running all throughout the month, this seasonal event is a fantastic choice for anybody who considers food their religion. The main focus of the event is a tantalizing lineup of dishes celebrating the park’s historic roots. In addition, visitors can enjoy local crafters, live music, shows, and much more. There are also special activities and games for younger guests to enjoy. A total classic to add to your bucket list, this stop is the perfect way to soak up the sun and get a true taste of Los Angeles. With its fantastic weather and clear blue skies, April in Los Angeles is a great time to take in some of the area’s most wonderful natural attributes. Standing out as one of our favorite events of the season, California Poppy Festival offers visitors the chance to amble through blankets of technicolor vibrant petals unfurling under the sunshine. There’s a lot to do here besides admiring the flowers, with a relaxing beer garden and plenty of festival food and live entertainment to be enjoyed. There are also amusement park rides and animal exhibits for younger guests. Breaking away from the typical family day out, we love this spot because it offers something a little bit different. Have a Blast! Los Angeles is a dream vacation spot for pop culture lovers and cinephiles alike. Whilst there are countless activities and attractions in the city pertaining to the entertainment industry, not many come close to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the oldest film studios in the world, this spot is a total must-see. Along the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a friendly and professional guide so you can hear more about the history and development that made Hollywood what it is today. Highlights include the original Friends’ fountain, recreated sets from the DC Universe, and of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It takes around three hours to complete the whole tour, so make sure you wear something comfortable. A classic L.A. attraction that everyone can enjoy, this place is well worth the visit. Those travelling with kids just might enjoy the next item on our list. Delighting visitors from near and far since 1963, the Renaissance Pleasure Faire is a local favorite well worth checking out. This annual themed attraction stands as a commercial reenactment of a 1580s market faire at Port Deptford, a waterfront town in the Elizabethan era. This spot has a great community atmosphere, whereby the enthusiasm put into it by the staff makes the attraction what it is. Some of the more unusual stations include belly dancing, hypnosis, and staff throwing ninja stars and axes. If you’re wondering about food (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you be?), you’ll have your choice of everything from juicy turkey legs to delicious hand pies. Undoubtedly unique and a whole lot of fun, this spot is pretty much all you could ask for a good old fashioned day of fun! Springtime in Los Angeles brings a whole host of exciting and interesting things to do. Whether you’re looking to see the sights, learn more about the city, or just kick back and relax, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. 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

Blog

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

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. 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. One Day in Los Angeles - sample itinerary 3 Days in Los Angeles - sample itinerary One Week in Los Angeles - sample itinerary California Road Trip - sample itinerary - San Diego to San Francisco 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. Things to Do in Los Angeles with Kids Things to Do in LA for Teens 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. Best Hollywood Studio Tours Top Los Angeles Area Theme Parks Top Museums in Los Angeles Visiting Los Angeles on a budget 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. Los Angeles Neighborhoods Guide Things to Do in Hollywood 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. Things to Do in Los Angeles in the Spring Things to Do in Los Angeles in the Fall Things to Do in Los Angeles in the Winter Things to Do in LA on a Rainy Day 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 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. 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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.