10+ Places in LA Music Fans Should Visit

From strolling down the Hollywood Walk of Fame to spotting concrete handprints of your favorite guitarists and browsing the iconic vinyl shops, LA's vibrant music scene is thriving.

Published: July 18, 2024
Hollywood

While Los Angeles is the home of Hollywood glamour, it's not all about movie stars. LA has a world-famous music scene and rich musical history, with plenty to delight audiophiles. From seeing your favorite musician's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to visiting the legendary venues on the Sunset Strip, there are tons of attractions in LA for music fans, including...

  • GRAMMY Museum
  • Madame Tussauds
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • Guitar Centre Rock World
  • Hollywood Bowl
  • Sunset Strip
  • LA Music Strip
  • And more!

GRAMMY Museum

gramophone-interior

The GRAMMY Museum is a superb place to learn about musicians in a fun, unique, interactive way. With the help of innovative programming, you'll discover the stories behind the artists and the music they created. Music has shaped how we understand the world, and the GRAMMY Museum breaks down the boundaries between artist and audience.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

madame-tussauds-hollywood
The images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood is one of the top attractions to visit in LA. Immerse yourself in all the glamour of Hollywood past and present, and surround yourself with Los Angeles' rich and famous. You can get close enough to touch some of the sculptures - and, of course, take that all-important selfie with your favorite singer.

Rub shoulders with the likes of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Rihanna. Don't miss the themed areas such as the Pop Icons Room - it's filled with all your favorite music stars.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Hollywood walk of fame

You can't visit Los Angeles without taking a stroll down the Walk of Fame. It's a 1.3-mile walk that runs east to west on Hollywood Boulevard and boasts more than 2,600 stars over 15 blocks. These stars represent the names of actors, singers, musicians, directors and so many more who have shaped the entertainment industry. Look for your favorites and snap some photos.

Guitar Center Rock Walk

This may seem like just a giant guitar store, but it's so much more. They have the biggest guitar collection you will ever see, plus other instruments and memorabilia. You can practice any instrument you like without salespeople hanging around. Plus, in front of the store, they have a cement block with the hand-prints of many famous rock stars. See which ones you recognize!

The Hollywood Bowl

Rolling Stone Magazine called The Hollywood Bowl one of the top 10 best live music venues in America.  This amphitheater in Hollywood Hills opened in 1922 and has seen the likes of Billie Holiday and the Beatles play on its stage.

Over the years, it has been upgraded to improve the audience's experience and the performers' acoustics. Today, you can see performances by Cyndi Lauper, Tony Bennet, Hugh Jackman, and so many more. You can purchase tickets for single performances, or create your own package. Don't forget to stop in at the Hall of Fame while you're there.

Sunset Strip

Sunset Strip

If you're going to Los Angeles, the Sunset Strip is a must-see for any music fan. A mile and a half long and steeped in history, the Sunset Strip was the go-to destination of Hollywood stars in the 1920s. It was bursting with supper clubs and nightclubs.

However, it has changed with the times, as the classy jazz age slipped into a more complex web of beatniks and literary geniuses. It has changed with society through folk, rock and roll, and punk. Today it's a pop culture haven, full of bars and shops. Some musical must-sees on the Strip are...
 

  • Whiskey A Go Go - On the corner of the Strip, Whisky A Go Go has been an anchor since 1964 and is still a happening nightspot. It's small, but if you want no-frills rock performances, this is a must for you. If you're looking to listen to metal, this is where you'll find it.
     
  • The Troubadour - The Troubadour is an intimate setting for contemporary music acts. Billy Joel, Elton John, James Taylor, and many more have played on the Troubadour stage.
     
  • The Roxy - If you want to launch your career in LA, this is where you perform. The Roxy Theatre is a place for aspiring new artists, plus well-established acts. The two merge together at The Roxy and you get to experience the wonder of performances in a state-of-the-art facility.

LA Music Center

The LA Music Center is best known for its dance program and affordable ticket prices. The Music Center has four theaters and four resident companies; the LA Master Chorale, the LA Opera, the Center Theatre Group, and the LAPhilharmonic. This is a must-see destination if you want the best in live performances from a nationally recognized program. The LA Music Center is a non-profit organization that brings art and live performance to the world.

Amoeba

Searching through records

Amoeba is another place audiophiles need to put on their must-see list. It is the largest independent music store and it stocks all kinds of music from today's top hits to experimental music. It has a huge collection of vinyl LPs and is still a trading post for new and used discs.

Its selection changes almost daily, so if you see something in this store that you just have to have, you'd better buy it. It considers its staff to be veterans of music retail, with the knowledge to rival everyone else in the business. Amoeba's goal is to match its customers to the music of their soul. 

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

tropical-botanical-garden

You may not think a zoo would be the first stop for a music fan, but in summer, Los Angeles Zoo hosts Roaring Nights. Their annual summer music series is complete with dancing, bars, wild hosts, and DJs. Every year, there's a new theme, so check the website to find out what's going on. It's how the zoo does music. Plus, who doesn't love a great zoo?

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. 

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4th of July
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10+ fun things to do Los Angeles for 4th of July

Looking for things to do this 4th of July weekend in the Los Angeles area? Take advantage of the holiday and embark on a relaxing getaway to Los Angeles. From parades to fireworks, there are plenty of ways to get your patriotism on! If you’re looking for Los Angeles 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things to do in Los Angeles in July, including... Knott's Berry Farm Celebrates The 4th Of July Aquarium of the Pacific 4th of July BBQ 4th of July Block Party - Grand Park Marina del Rey Fireworks AmericaFest Celebration - Rosebowl and more... Knott's Berry Farm Celebrates The 4th Of July Celebrate Independence Day at Knott's Berry Farm with world-class live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show the whole family will love. Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm, with bonus fireworks shows in early July if you can't make the 4th. With extended hours, 10am – 11pm, there is more time to enjoy all that Knott’s has to offer. Visit knotts.com for the entertainment show schedule. July Fourth Late-Night BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific Take the whole family to the Aquarium of the Pacific for a unique July 4th you'll never forget. This Fourth of July BBQ features a ton of great local grilled fare plus adult beverages and much more. Then, you'll also get late-night access to the Aquarium itself - what better way to encounter some of their rare sea creatures? The aquarium will be open until 10pm. Enjoy the perfect view for the waterfront fireworks show, too, set off by the Queen Mary historic haunted vessel (more on her below!) Please note: July Fourth Late Night BBQ is separately ticketed and is not included on the pass. All-American 4th of July aboard the Queen Mary Spend an entire day celebrating the history of America aboard the magnificent Queen Mary. Soak up live entertainment, games and activities for kids, special historic tours, and a patriotic film. At the end of the day, their famous fireworks spectacular will go off, set to patriotic music against the summer sky. Interested in exploring this historic ship? Tour of the vessel on another day earlier in the weekend.  Insider tip: Buy tickets early, as this is a very popular local event. Pacific Palisades Fourth of July parade This beach-centric event is the perfect way to do July 4th, L.A.-style. A group of red, white, and blue-themed skydivers will mark the start of the parade. Then, enjoy all your usual parade fanfare with everything from dance and baton twirling to music and more along Sunset Boulevard. Enjoy all of the merriment for free. 4th of July block party - Grand Park Head on over to Grand Park for a free, family-friendly block party. Spend the day picnicking as you enjoy live music and performances. Experience an amazing light and pyro show in Downtown Los Angeles, beginning after sunset. Los Angeles’s finest food trucks will provide a range of tasty food options. Please keep in mind that no alcohol is permitted, but you may bring empty water bottles to fill at the event. Marina Del Rey fireworks The Marina Del Rey fireworks boast a 20-minute presentation followed by a spectacular finale. Watch the stunning display set to synchronized music on KXLU 88.9FM from Burton Chance Park or Fisherman’s Village for the best viewing experience. Fireworks will shoot from a barge across from the Marina’s main channel, lighting up both the sea and the sky. Though the fireworks start at 9pm, you can spend all day at Marina del Rey. Bring a picnic and a blanket to spread out on the lawn, or dine at a seaside restaurant. AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl is one of the most well-known 4th of July events in L.A. In fact, it features one of the largest fireworks displays in all of Southern California. This event is one rocking celebration, with music from premier bands. Everyone will love the amazing pyrotechnics and motorcycle stunts. There will also be plenty of food and craft vendors for you to explore. Studio City Fourth of July fireworks festival This exciting event takes place every year at the CBS Studio Center. You'll find live music and entertainment, a car expo, local business spotlights, and plenty of kid-friendly games and other activities. If you've got a hefty budget, it may be worth checking out their special offerings! End the night with an exhilarating fireworks show. Explore the great outdoors Even though the weather is likely to be on the warmer side, it's still a great time of year to explore the great outdoors during your 4th of July weekend getaway. Spend some time in lovely Santa Monica, with perfect boardwalks for biking, strolling, and rollerblading. Take a look at Pacific Park, a classic amusement park the whole family will enjoy. Or, head to Griffith Park for some picnicking, running, hiking, and more. While you're there, hit up the L.A. Zoo and Botanical Gardens! 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
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Best Nature Spots in Los Angeles

Are you heading to Los Angeles on vacation but don't want to spend all your time in the city? Fortunately, there are plenty of nature spots in and around LA. While on vacation in Los Angeles, make sure to soak up the beautiful weather and spend some time in the great outdoors. There are so many fun attractions that involve being outside in the best nature spots in Los Angeles, including... LA Zoo Santa Monica Beach Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises Hollywood Hills Hike by Hikes & Bikes LA Sunset Cruise by Newport Landing And many more! LA Zoo Santa Monica Beach Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour Perry’s Beach Café and Rentals Another great opportunity to spend some time outdoors is Perry's Beach Café and Rentals. It has been a part of the beach scene in Los Angeles for over 35 years. Rent a mountain bike or skates for the entire day from Perry's, then head to the beachside café for a bite to eat after biking or skating. You can explore the Santa Monica beach, Venice Beach, and Venice Canals by bike. Start as early as you wish and bike all day. There is so much to see around here and you never know what you might come across. It's a great way to travel and explore the area – the canals are beautiful and close by. Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises Hollywood Hills Hike by Hike & Bike LA The Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Garden The Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Garden has been in operation since 1919 and has a foundation in conservation, to protect the art, books, manuscripts, and other materials. It is an institution that has collection-based research and serves scholars, as well as the general public. Plus, it's home to a massive 8 million manuscripts, over 400,000 reference books, over 400,000 rare books, and over 700,000 pictures. The Huntington Art Collection collection spans over 500 years. It displays sculptures, decorative art, and drawings, and hosts temporary exhibits focusing on masterworks. Sunset Cruise by Newport Landing Save on admission to LA attractions So there you go! There are plenty of outdoor attractions that allow you to make the most of the beautiful LA weather. We hope you consider adding a few of these LA attractions to your vacation itinerary. Also, why not make the most of the sunshine and take a day trip out of the city? Check out our best day trips from LA guide for some ideas. Remember, using your pass for Los Angeles means you can save on admission vs gate price. Be sure to share your snaps with us on Instagram and Facebook and follow @GoCity for top tips and itineraries.
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