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.  

🤩 >> 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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Los Angeles in November

Los Angeles is a magical city: the mix of culture, nature and iconic attractions make every visit an absolute joy. There’s so much to see and do for every kind of traveller in the City of Angels. No, really - we mean it! Whether you’re a culture vulture, a creative type, or a foodie, L.A. is always bursting with exciting stops and consistently reforming itself with new and interesting things to check out. From soaking up the views at Santa Monica Pier to taking a fun family day trip at Disneyland, the list of the best things activities and events in Los Angeles is truly endless. Though the area cools down in November, it should still be warm enough to explore some of the city’s best-known outdoor attractions. And since November falls during shoulder season, the city will also be less crowded and you’ll be able to find better deals on accommodation and attractions. Still not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve done all the heavy lifting for you! Have a read through our round-up of the best things to do in the area. We promise you won’t be disappointed! Hit the Classics A quintessential West Coast city, Los Angeles is well-known for its clear blue skies and beautiful beaches. And whilst the city cools down during the wintertime, there are still a lot of ways for seaside lovers to enjoy the city’s most wonderful natural attributes. Of course, one of our ultimate favorites has got to be the Santa Monica Pier for its wide variety of attractions. The most popular thing to do here has got to be Pacific Park, an admission-free theme park with thrilling rides, great shopping, fantastic restaurants and more. Aside from Pacific Park, this spot is known for its aquarium, which features 100+ local marine animals and wildlife species. In addition, you can grab a bite to eat at the bustling Santa Monica Pier Farmers’ Market and watch the sun go down over the Pacific Ocean. With so much to see and do here, this spot is a total crowdpleaser. Whether you’re travelling with kids or just young at heart, a visit to Disneyland is an absolute must. Bringing all of the magic of our favorite childhood movies to life, this spot solidified its position as a classic All-American dream vacation destination long ago. As one of the most popular theme parks in the world, Disneyland draws in over 18 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! Among its 50 attractions, you’ll find everything from squeal-inducing twists and turns to kid-friendly rides and total classics. Highlights include Space Mountain, It’s a Small World and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This place also has shows, parades and seasonal events to enhance the experience. We love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without a huge smile stretched across your face. Find Fun Activities to Do Perhaps one of Los Angeles’ biggest draws is its star power. As the hub of the American film industry, the City of Angels is home to countless exciting activities and attractions for cinephiles and lovers of pop culture alike. If you’re looking to dive in, we recommend checking out the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank. Visit one of the busiest and oldest working studios in Hollywood and learn more about the hard work, history and artistry behind some of your favorite TV shows and movies. See the original Friends fountain, explore the soundstages used to create Casablanca, and enjoy authentic props and costumes from the Harry Potter films. On the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a friendly and professional guide, there to answer all of your questions. Experience the magic of film and learn a lot of behind-the-scenes secrets! A thoroughly fun and one-of-a-kind experience, this stop is not to be missed! Have A Blast! If you’re looking for something a little different, you won’t have to search much further than Designer Con. Running towards the end of the month, this event offers a fantastic inside look into the development of the contemporary art scene. With over 700 vendors and artists from around the globe, there truly is a lot to see here. Marvel at some unbelievable art, geek out over rare collectables, and meet some of the talented artists and tastemakers who are currently shaping the design world. You can also catch talks and seminars from some of the best working creative leaders in the industry. Definitely don’t forget to check out the concessions here, since you can pick up some really cool and unusual items. A thoroughly unique cultural experience, this event is well worth the visit. With its fantastic coastal location and mild wintertime climate, Los Angeles makes a great destination for a music festival even during November. It only makes sense then, that you can catch two epic days of punk rock right in the center of Oak Canyon Park whilst most other cities are huddled away indoors. Kicking off towards the start of the month, Punk in the Park promises great sounds, electric vibes and fun to be had by all. This fest welcomes both old favorites and newcomers to the genre, so there’s a little something for everybody here. Past performers have included NOFX, Dropkick Murphys, and Pennywise. With its fantastic lineup and vibrant atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend time in Los Angeles. Los Angeles in the wintertime a unique travel experience - one which we thoroughly recommend. 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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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
Woman Taking a Photo on the Beach
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