10+ Best Places in LA for Movie Fans

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Go City Expert
Hollywood

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.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood
The images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds.

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 Walk of Fame

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.

Warner Bros studio tour

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.

Universal Studios

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.

Dolby Theatre

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. 

Union Station

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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.

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Best Museums in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the best. Known for its many famous landmarks and sun-kissed shorelines, the city is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the United States. Still, no visit to La La Land is complete without checking out its fantastic selection of museums. Yup, that’s right - contrary to what some might say, Los Angeles is teeming with wonderful cultural amenities of all kinds. From ancient history to modern art, there’s a little something for everybody here. So, if you’re heading over to the City of Angels and aren’t quite sure how to spend your time, check out our guide to the best museums in the area. However you choose to explore LA, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! See the Sights If you’re a seasoned visitor to Los Angeles, you just might be familiar with the Hollywood Sign and Universal Studios. Still, there’s a lot more to unpack here for cinephiles and pop culture lovers. If you’re looking to learn more about Hollywood history, there’s no better place to be than the Academic Museum of Motion Pictures. Located on the Museum Row in Miracle Mile, this unique attraction is dedicated to the fascinating history and incredible impact of the film industry. The institute works to provide deeper insight into the creative process; the art and technology of film; and the fascinating background of the artform. Though young, the museum holds over 13 million objects, including costumes, sketches, film reels, props and more. A thoroughly fascinating cultural experience, this spot is great for those of all ages. When you hear L.A., the first thing that springs to mind is usually all of the glitz and glam. So it only makes sense then that the city provides a number of great cultural institutions dedicated to the entertainment industry. Standing out against the number of museums dedicated to television and film, the Grammy Museum works to provide a comprehensive look into the music business. A total dream space for music buffs, this spot consists of four floors worth of historical artefacts, interactive music stations and recording booths. In addition, the museum hosts special talks, programs and concerts. We love this place because it works to educate visitors about the history and significance of American music in a fun and engaging way. Another one of our favorite museums to visit in L.A. has got to be The Broad. As one of the most famous art museums in the city, the institute is probably just as recognizable for its distinct and striking structure as it is for its revered collection.Inside, visitors can enjoy a fantastic collection from some of the world’s most popular modern artists. Highlights include Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog and Roy Lichtenstein’s ‘’I... I’m Sorry!’’ In addition, the museum is known for housing Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, an animated twinkling starfield and total magnet for selfie-lovers. Get Cultured If you’re looking for art and culture in Los Angeles, you won’t have to look much further than the Getty Center. A wonderful estate perched atop a hill in Brentwood, the center provides art, architecture and nature all wrapped into one wonderfully unique experience. The circular concrete and steel structure is a total sight to behold, whilst the museum’s location and surrounding gardens provide spectacular 360-degree views of Los Angeles. Inside, visitors can enjoy a wonderful mixture of ancient and modern art. Expect to see everything from classical paintings and historic carvings to surrealist works and contemporary installations. We recommend setting aside a good few hours for the Getty - trust us when we say that you won’t want to rush this one! As the West Coast’s answer to the Morgan Library, the Huntington Library definitely doesn’t disappoint. This spot is actually a triple whammy, with a world-class library, wonderful art museum and stunning botanical garden all wrapped up into one fantastic attraction. We suggest making enough time so that you can see everything. With over 430,000 rare books, historical documents and one-of-a-kind manuscripts, the library is a total dream for bibliophiles. Meanwhile, the art gallery displays one of the best collections of 18th and 19-century British art in the country. And as the museum’s crown jewel, the institute’s botanical garden most certainly doesn’t disappoint, with over 150,000 plant varieties on its 120 acres. With its superb repository and old-world vibe, this spot is perfect for anybody who wants to get in a bit of education on their travels. Learn Something New No doubt Los Angeles has a lot of great museums dedicated to the arts. Still, that’s not all there is to see here. Perfect for those visitors of a curious mind, the California Science Center is filled with educational and engaging exhibits pertaining to the world around us. Billed as the west coast’s largest hands-on science center, this spot works well to break down complicated ideas for a broad audience. There are four major exhibit areas covering the natural world, biology, innovation and invention and space travel. Special highlights include the Space Shuttle Endeavor, the High Wire Bicycle, and the ice wall. We love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Whilst museums come in all shapes and sizes, few are quite as iconic as the Natural History Museum. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just plain curious, this spot has so much to offer. The institute’s repository is wildly impressive, with over 35 million specimens and artefacts spanning over 4.5 billion years of history. Marvel at the full-size t-rex skeletons, see some incredible gemstones, or play with microscopes and dig for fossils in the Discovery Center. Pro tip: if you’re in the area during the springtime, be sure to check out the butterfly pavilion. Though the bones are old, this spot is always introducing new exhibits to be enjoyed. A real treasure trove of discovery, you know know what you’ll find next among the beautiful dioramas and interactive displays. The best vacations always include a trip to the museum - and thankfully in Los Angeles, you won’t be short of choice! Explore the city 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.
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Best Art Galleries in Los Angeles

The City of Angels: of course, the skies are blue and the beaches are picture-perfect. Still, Los Angeles is much more culturally-inclined than non-Angelenos are willing to admit. For those who can manage to tear themselves away from the city’s sun-kissed shorelines, there are countless cultural amenities well worth checking out. Whether you’re into fine art, sculpture, photography or contemporary works, Los Angeles has a gallery to satisfy your cultural cravings. Trust us when we say that L.A. is a total haven for creative types. So, if you’re planning to make the trip and still aren’t sure where would be the best places to visit, have a read through our list of some of the top art galleries in the area. However you choose to explore Los Angeles, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Get Cultured Whilst New York has The Met, LA has the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Affectionately known as LAMCA by LA locals, this spot is one of the city’s most popular galleries - and with good reason. Spanning around 400, 000 square feet, it is the largest art museum in the western United States. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an impressive and expansive collection of over 150, 000 works going way back to ancient times. Walking around the museum, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of works, from intricate historic carvings and drawings to impressionist paintings and modern installation pieces. There’s a heck of a lot to see here, so we recommend putting aside a good few hours so that you’re able to take everything in. A great stop for history and art geeks alike, this place is a total must-see. If you’re looking for a gallery that has history and art all rolled into one, the Huntington Library would be the perfect choice. There are several sites making up the institute: the Main Library, which houses over 430,000 rare books and millions of manuscripts; the Art Gallery, with a fantastic collection of permanent and rotating exhibitions, and its sprawling Botanical Gardens. We suggest taking time to see it all; in the library, you’ll find everything from early prints to historic maps and medieval manuscripts. The gallery is known for its extensive art collection with a focus on 18th- and 19th-century European art and 17th- to mid-20th-century American art. And perhaps the institute’s most famous feature, the botanical garden, is known to contain over 150,000 plant varieties on 120 acres - so don’t skip it! A triple whammy, this place works to provide a fun and enthralling educational experience for those of all ages. Learn Something New Whilst Los Angeles is chock-a-block with modern and contemporary art galleries, that’s not all there is to see here. For photography enthusiasts and lovers of captured light, the Fahey/Klein Gallery is the place to be. Since opening to the public in 1986, the institute has grown to become one of the most popular institutes of its kind in the city. With an impressive collection of over 10,000 photographs spanning over the 19th and 20th centuries, there’s most certainly a lot to see here. If you’re a true photography buff, you might recognize some of the famous pieces wandering around this bright and sophisticated space. Even if you aren’t so well-versed in the realm of photography, this place is still a great stop, with each work more breathtaking than the last. Another museum that certainly doesn’t disappoint is The Broad, located just downtown. Though the gallery is young, it houses one of the city’s most popular collections of contemporary art. This spot in particular is known for its sleek and commanding facade, as well as its dimpled interior. The institute’s collection is friendly for a wide audience, housing big-name artists like Jeff Koons and Robert Therrien. Whilst the museum leans more pop than academic, there are still a lot of seminal pieces by influential modern artists. In addition, this spot is known for its Yayoi Kusama Infinity Room, a mirror room where visitors gather for selfies. Oh, and the best part? The institute offers free general admission to its permanent collection galleries, making it the perfect attraction for those travelling on a budget. Try Something New If you’re looking for something a little different, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! Combining the wonderful natural attributes of California with the artistic vibe of the city, the Hollywood Sculpture Garden is a fantastic break away from the typical gallery experience. This spot brings together fantastic artists from all over the globe, with over 100 works all in one space. Walking through the garden, you’ll notice a lot of diversity throughout the collection, since this spot welcomes all types of sculpture and installation art. We love this space because the pieces here are totally one-of-a-kind. Whilst you walk, take time to appreciate the wild flourishing greenery and carefully-cultivated flower beds. Visitations are made by appointment only, so make sure to book before you go. With its beautiful location and breathtaking views, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny afternoon in Los Angeles. As the technological world has flourished, its approach has spilled over into all sectors of life - including but not limited to the art world. Whilst there are a number of digital art spaces in LA now, one of our favorites has got to be the Museum of Dream Space for its one-of-a-kind illusions. The institute is known for being the first museum mainly exhibiting computerized art in the United States. Inspired by the art of Yayoi Kusama (known for her Infinity Mirror Rooms), the space is filled with spectacular large-scale light art installations to blow visitors away. All of the exhibits are immersive, with the intention to blur the boundary between the artwork and the viewer. Whilst this spot is popular with the Instagram crowd, you don’t have to be an influencer to enjoy the splendid pieces on display here. Some of the best days on vacation are those spent inside of the walls of a gallery. Explore Los Angeles 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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