Things to do in Los Angeles Besides Disneyland

As wonderful as Disneyland is, LA has a wealth of other amusement parks, studio tours, museums, and more. Here are the best of the best.

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
LA

LA is an excellent vacation destination, filled with top attractions. If you really want to make the most of your Los Angeles trip, however, you should consider attraction options besides the often-pricey Disneyland.

There are other superb amusement parks with more reasonable price tags and an arguably more unique experience. Of course, there is also a wealth of cultural attractions like museums to explore in LA. A variety of activities will help you appreciate the diversity of Los Angeles. Let's get crafting your itinerary!

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour
  • Knott’s Berry Farm & Knott's Soak City
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain
  • And more!

Universal Studios Hollywood

-universal-studios

One of the top alternatives to Disneyland in Los Angeles is Universal Studios Hollywood. This entertainment giant offers the fun and excitement of a studio tour alongside multiple exhilarating rides, attractions, and exhibits to explore.

Featured attraction areas and rides include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, AMC’s The Walking Dead Experience, and much more. Don’t forget to explore Universal CityWalk, either – it’s filled with shops, restaurants, and more entertainment to help you round out a full day.

Please note: Universal Studios Hollywood is available on the Go City® Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass only.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Another great studio tour option, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is about as authentic as it gets. It’s a working studio, so you’ll need to be on your toes to respect ongoing filming (and to keep an eye out for stars!) Popular shows and movies that have been filmed at this studio include Casablanca, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Pretty Little Liars, and more.

After touring the backlot and soundstages, you’ll get to explore memorabilia that ranges from past costumes to real cars (like a Batmobile!) to archival photographs.

Knott’s Berry Farm & Soak City

view-knotts-berry-farm-surroundings-sky

California’s very first theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm is a one-of-a-kind experience that you simply won’t want to miss on your Los Angeles vacation. Although they’ve got a history stretching back to the Great Depression, their rides are thrilling and modern, with some of the most innovative roller coasters and rides out there.

Knott’s also offers family rides for the little ones. They’ve got a restaurant and market with their beloved comfort food and the famed boysenberry preserves (either in pie form or in a jar to take home). So, be sure to eat here as well.

Right next door you’ll also find Knott’s Soak City, their younger sister waterpark that delights families from across the country.

Please note: Knott's Berry Farm is available on the Go City® Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass only.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

aerial-theme-park-roller-coasters-Six-Flags-Magic-Mountain

If you’re really going all in on the affordable amusement parks, then Six Flags Magic Mountain should also be on your list. With over 250 acres of roaring fun to be had, it’s a favorite family destination for a reason.

You can take your pick of nearly 20 phenomenal roller coasters and over 100 (!) other exciting rides, slides, and games. In addition to world-class coasters like Tatsu and Full Throttle, they also have gentler rides for your younger kids like the Grand Carousel or one of the many Looney Tunes-themed options.

Please note: Six Flags Magic Mountain is separately ticketed.

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

Another working studio that everyone will love the chance to explore, Sony Pictures really brings it when it comes to the cinematic history department. Here is where the Yellow Brick Road winds, Spider-Man leaps, the Wheel of Fortune Turns, and Jeopardy contestants hope to make their millions.

Sony is also home to the Barbara Streisand Sound Stage, where some of the most iconic music in Hollywood has been recorded.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Madame Tussauds Hollywood
The image shown depicts wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds

For those of you looking for some great cultural attractions outside of the studio tour or amusement park genre, a place like Madame Tussauds Hollywood is an excellent choice. You’ve got the fun and delight of walking through wax replicas of famous people from around the world, alongside the sheer joy of snapping that perfect celebrity selfie.

Come here to meet everyone from Hollywood celebs to historical figures to modern legends – you’re bound to find a favorite at Madame T’s.

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.  

đŸ€© >> 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. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Los Angeles Souvenirs

Wondering what to buy in Los Angeles or need gift ideas for family and friends? Well, you’ve come to the right place then! A sprawling and diverse metropolis, L.A. is one place where you can do some serious shopping. Buy souvenirs to remember your visit while making the memories last. From classic keepsakes to high-quality products, there’s a little something for everybody here. Read on for our top tips on L.A. souvenir shopping. Turn Souvenir Shopping into a Fun Activity Souvenir shopping can sometimes feel like a bit of a chore - but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re looking to avoid that experience, we recommend heading over to the Venice Boardwalk. Stretching for almost two miles across the pristine sands of the Pacific Ocean, this spot is perfect for soaking up the bohemian nature of the Venice area. A quintessential L.A. attraction, this boardwalk is known for its wide array of vendors selling original art, jewellery, t-shirts and much more. In addition, this spot is known for its hundreds of street performers of all kinds. Here, you’ll be able to see everything from break-dancing to broken glass walking, and everything in-between. Much more than just a place to pick up a little something to take home, this spot provides a great slice of L.A. life. If you’re anything like us, then your favorite part of travel is all of the food! For those who want to bring a taste of the city home with them, we suggest heading over to The Original Farmers’ Market. Though this stop is perhaps best known for its gourmet grocers and restaurants, we’re here to tell you that that’s not all there is to see here. Amongst all of the delicious eats, you can also pick up dried ethnic spices, speciality hot sauces, and a great bottle of Californian wine. If that’s not entirely your thing though, there are also stalls punting jewellery, clothes, housewares and fun novelties. Since the market is located in the Miracle Mile neighborhood, we suggest making a whole day of it by going to check out some of the world-class cultural amenities in the area - why not try out the Petersen Automotive Museum or the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum? Pick Something up at an Attraction Of course one of the best things about L.A. is its exquisite natural attributes. It only makes sense then for visitors to want to take home a little piece of the landscape. To do this, we recommend heading over to White Point/Royal Palms Beach, where you can soak up the sun and explore the natural wonders of the sea. Much more than just a place to pick up a nice souvenir, this stop merits a full-day excursion since there really is a lot to do here. One of the most popular activities has got to be exploring the fascinating tide pools dotted across the coastline. Here, visitors can get up close with the beautiful wildlife and see small fish, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and more. Or, for those who like to get active, you can swim, surf or jet ski in the briny blue. Now, to take home a memento of the Southern Californian seascape, we suggest bringing a glass vial or jar with you and filling it with sand or collecting a few rocks or seashells from the beach. This is ideally the most environmentally-friendly way to remember your trip. If you’re not much of a shopper but want a souvenir to remind you of your time spent in the city, we recommend picking something up at one of L.A.’s top visitor attractions. At least for us, the best place to do this would have to be the Griffith Observatory. Perched atop the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, this iconic city attraction grants panoramic views of the entire L.A. Basin, including Downtown, Hollywood and the Pacific Ocean. This is also one of the best places in the city to hike and catch great views of the Hollywood Sign - so don’t forget to bring a camera! After catching a few snaps, head down to the Griffith Observatory's Stellar Emporium Store where you can get some fun items to remind you of the experience. Here you can buy t-shirts, posters, mugs and much more celebrating the iconic Los Angeles skyline. You’ll also find nerdy-cool gifts like telescopes and constellation-themed merchandise. Or Buy Your Own Oscar! If your favorite part of Los Angeles is all of the glitz and glam, then you just might enjoy the next item on our list. Nestled between the famous cultural landmarks and attractions along Hollywood Boulevard, La La Land (no, not the movie!) is known for punting the very best souvenirs for pop culture lovers and cinephiles alike. This place is the largest gift shop in L.A. - and that’s really saying something. Inside, you’ll find everything from original movie posters and black-and-white film stills to mock props and clapperboards. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your very own Oscar or perhaps a Tony, this is your shot! In addition, you’ll also find a lot of cool collectibles and quirky toys on the shelves. Perfect for that one friend who appreciates all things fun and kitschy, this spot has a wide variety of things to choose from. No doubt L.A. is a top visitor destination for a reason. In concert with this, the city goes all out with a wide array of markets and stores to make the memories last just that little bit longer. Whether you’re looking for unique treasures or just something a little kitschy, there’s an L.A. souvenir to suit every taste and budget. 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
The iconic Hollywood sign in the hills above LA
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4 days in Los Angeles

The sun setting over the beach, golden stars shimmering in the pavement, the iconic Hollywood sign in the hills above – there’s so much about Los Angeles that’s instantly recognizable. And whether you’re staying for a day, a week or a year, there are some things that you simply can’t miss – but how do you know where to start? That’s why we’ve put together this 4-day itinerary that takes in all the essential sights of the City of Angels, while still giving you time to rest and have some fun. And let’s face it – if a visit to Los Angeles isn’t on your bucket list, it should be. Hollywood Walk of Fame TCL Theater Dolby Theater Rodeo Drive Hollywood Sign Theme parks Downtown LA and El Pueblo De Los Angeles Famous LA beaches Day 1 – Hollywood Heights Stop #1 – Hollywood Walk of Fame It’s day one in the big city and we’re starting with the big guns! Start at the Visitor Center on Hollywood Boulevard, then head outside to find the iconic walk of fame, a 1.3-mile stretch of pavement embedded with more than 2,500 stars. It’s free to stroll along and take pictures, and you might even stumble on a Star Ceremony – but if you’re looking for a particular star, you’ll save yourself some time by looking it up here first. Stop #2 - TCL (formerly Grauman’s) Chinese Theater An essential part of the Hollywood experience, the TCL Chinese Theater is where all the premieres happen. Compare your hands and feet to those of your idols in the Forecourt of the Stars, then use your pass to take a 30-minute walking tour of the theater, hearing all the gossip and behind-the-scenes stories of the movie industry. Or use your pass to get into the Hollywood Museum, where you’ll find four floors of movie history and memorabilia – everything from Indiana Jones’ whip to Rocky’s boxing gloves and Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dresses. Stop #3 - Dolby (formerly Kodak) Theater You might not recognize the outside of the Dolby Theater, but if you’ve ever watched the Academy Awards you’ll know where you are the instant you step inside. Now it’s your chance to feel like a VIP with a half-hour guided tour that takes in the elegant grandeur of the 3,400-seat auditorium, the Dolby VIP Lounge and other behind-the-scenes production areas. You’ll also get up close to a real Oscar statuette! Stop #4 – Rodeo Drive Grab some lunch from one of the many diners or street stands around Hollywood Boulevard then jump on the Big Bus Tour to stop 6, Rodeo Drive. Soak up the vibes of Beverly Hills, go shopping – or window shopping – and maybe spot a celebrity. When you’re done jump back on the Big Bus and rest your legs for a while, stopping if you like at the Farmer’s Market (stop 9) to take in a bit more shopping at the Grove. Stop #5 – Hollywood Sign Tour Be at the starting point at 4.15 for an early evening hike up to LA’s most iconic monument, the Hollywood sign. This 90-minute tour will get you as close to the sign as you can get, with unmatchable views over the whole city. Take a few snaps, then it’s downhill all the way home – the perfect way to finish your Hollywood experience. Stop #6 – A romantic evening After all that sightseeing, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite – so how about dinner with a view at Yamashiro in the Hollywood Hills? This famous restaurant has appeared as Japan in several films including Kill Bill and Gone in 60 Seconds. Finish off the evening with a stroll along Wilshire Boulevard, past the Light Installation at the entrance of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or perhaps go see a movie! Day 2: Theme park No LA visit is complete without a day at a theme park, but there are so many to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one! Here are our suggestions for your first choice – for the others, you’ll just have to come back another time! Universal Studios Univeral Studios is an essential experience for movie buffs! Tour an active studio and see where all your favorite films were made – you might even spot some celebrities on their way to work! There’s also the Hollywood Special Effects show, Simpsons, Transformers and Minion Mayhem rides, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Six Flags Magic Mountain It’s all about the thrills and spills at Six Flags Magic Mountain – here you’ll find over 100 rides, games and attractions, including the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters. There’s plenty of family-friendly options as well, plus restaurants and water rides. Knott’s Berry Farm Knott’s Berry Farm is a good family-friendly park, with rides to suit every adrenalin level. They love a good theme month here too, as in October you’ll find it transformed into the spooky Knott’s Scary Farm, and in December it becomes the delightfully festive Knott’s Merry Farm. There’s also Knott’s Soak City just up the road, which is the perfect place to cool off in the summer months! Disneyland The young – and young at heart – will always enjoy the magic of Disney. There are two options in LA: Disneyland Park is the original and has more recognizable rides and attractions, while Disney California Adventure is the more modern incarnation, without the iconic castles but with bars that sell alcohol. Warner Brothers Studios Warner Brothers Studios is another fun-filled option if you’re fascinated with film-making! Take a look at back-lot sets, watch green screen technology in action and explore sets from popular television shows including Friends and The Big Bang Theory. Step onto recreated sets from the DC universe, then be sorted into your Hogwarts house at the Wizarding World and Fantastic Beasts exhibitions. Day 3 – Downtown LA Stop #1 – Downtown LA Walking Tour Time to get into the nitty gritty of the city today, exploring LA’s downtown precinct. Get your bearings and learn about LA’s culture, arts and history on a Downtown LA Walking Tour. You’re bound to recognize several spots along the way, including City Hall, The Music Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the dazzling exterior of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Stop #2 – Grand Central Market If you’re a foodie, you’ll be pleased to learn that your walking tour takes in the 1920s Spring Arcade Building, which has a food market, and the Grand Central Market, where you can stay for lunch and sample some world-famous Oysters. Stop #3 – Angel’s Flight and El Pueblo While you digest, ride the world’s shortest railway up to Bunker Hill and back down again. Then take a walk to the Mexican Marketplace via Grand Park and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. You can also take the chance to go into any of the buildings you passed this morning. Stop #4 – Iconic LA Eateries Stay in El Pueblo District to visit the colorful Mexican marketplace and then choose from French, Asian, Peruvian, Italian and even British themed restaurants when you get peckish. Finish off the evening with a cocktail at Clifton’s Republic, a former cafeteria that now houses four floors of trendy bars, each with a different theme. Day 4 – West Side Story Stop #1 – UCLA Campus After all that sightseeing, you’ve earned a day at the beach! On the way there’s time for a quick stop at the UCLA campus and a look at another Hollywood backdrop – the building that’s played Harvard in several movies, including Legally Blonde. It’s a great spot for a stroll, offering a glimpse into American student life as well as the room at Boelter Hall where the internet was born. Stop 2# - Santa Monica Pier & Third Street Promenade Once you’re done with UCLA, head down to Santa Monica and the Pier. Here you’ll find the official endpoint of the legendary Route 66, with a sign that you just have to take a photo of. Pass the rest of the morning lounging on the beach or head to the small amusement park on the pier, where you’ll find rides, games and an aquarium. Stop #3 – Venice Beach and Canals After lunch, spend a little time wandering around the canals of the Venice district, then head down to Venice Beach to soak up a bit more sun. Go for a swim, slurp on an ice cream or even try renting a bike or roller skates for the afternoon to truly feel like a local. Stop #4 – Sunset over the beach For your final night in LA it’s time to sit back and soak up the atmosphere. Find a cozy restaurant for a romantic dinner or keep things casual with a burger from In N’Out and a treat from Sidecar Doughnuts. Then go for a stroll along the boardwalk, or just sit and watch as the sun sets over the pacific. See more with Go City There’s so much to see in Los Angeles, from Hollywood icons to pristine beaches, that you’re bound to want to come back again and again. Ensure you don’t miss a thing with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass, which will save you money on dozens of LA’s most famous attractions.
Karleen Stevens
Los Angeles Skyline
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