Los Angeles Attraction Tips

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Katie Sagal

Looking for things to do in Los Angeles that fall outside the box? Hollywood tours and the like are always fun, but sometimes we all need to explore a little further afield to seek out new and unique attractions. To help you take the path less traveled in LA, we’ve put together this “must-see” list of local hidden gems.

Image of Grass, Cloud, Nature, Outdoors, Sky, Cumulus, Weather, Lawn, Scenery, The Huntington Library
If you’re a nature lover, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Located in the beautiful Griffith Park, the LA Zoo hosts over 1000 different creatures from all over the animal kingdom. The accompanying Botanical Gardens feature the plants that constitute the natural world in which these creatures live. In fact, a significant point of emphasis at the LA Zoo is the protection of natural habitats and the ways in which humans can positively impact the natural world through preservation and conservation activities. The botanical specimens are incorporated throughout the grounds, so you’ll be able to enjoy everything on one observant stroll.
Image of Animal, Zoo, Bear, Mammal, Wildlife, The La Brea Tar Pits
The Page Museum is an important local institution dedicated to the history of the famous La Brea Tar Pits, one of the best-known Ice Age excavation sites in the world. Home to the most diverse array of plant and animal specimens from the period, the La Brea Tar Pits are a paleontologist’s dream. At the museum, you’ll get to watch as scientists examine and process fossils in the working Fish Bowl Lab. Then, explore galleries containing the most famous of the unearthed specimens, including saber-tooth cats, dire wolves, and wooly mammoths. As a bonus, the Page Museum is located right near the LA County Museum of Art! For those of you who enjoy nature and culture in equal measure, there’s no more perfect Los Angeles attraction than the Huntington Library and Gardens. The Huntington is home to a prestigious research library, lush gardens, an expertly curated art collection, and a museum-like exhibition hall that features rare texts like the first folio edition of Shakespeare’s plays, the Ellesmere Manuscript of the Canterbury Tales, and the Gutenberg Bible. It’s a place unlike any other in the country, and is a can’t-miss cultural destination for visitors to LA. Image of Office Building, Urban, Looking for more artistic Los Angeles attractions? The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) features a representative selection of the important artistic movements of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. A current special exhibit, entitled “Andy Warhol: Shadows,” has proven to be very popular since its September opening and is well worth a visit. The museum structure itself is equally impressive, winning a number of design accolades from prestigious institutions like the American Institute of Architects. With a convenient downtown location on Grand Avenue, MOCA is an inspiring choice for any art lover. There are so many things to do in LA that go beyond the conventional – so check a few of them out! Create your own perfect LA itinerary with a fully customizable Los Angeles Pass, and save on everything you want to see and do.
Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Los Angeles Neighborhoods Guide - Where to Go & What to Visit for Tourists

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? We highlighted a handful of the top attractions, places to see, and which neighborhoods in Los Angeles to visit during your vacation. The Beach Communities Los Angeles County’s 60-mile beachfront boasts a myriad of distinct beach communities stretching from Malibu in the north to Palos Verdes in the south. No trip to L.A. is complete without some time spent exploring the beach communities, so be sure to check them out. Four of the area's most popular beaches are Santa Monica, Malibu, Long Beach, and Venice Beach. Santa Monica Head to Santa Monica to explore its bustling ocean pier, beautiful ocean-front hotels, artsy vibe, and abundant shopping. Things to Do in Santa Monica Santa Monica Pier: No trip to LA is complete without experiencing the Santa Monica beachfront. Enjoy some classic, ocean-side fun. Take a spin on the thrilling rides at Pacific Park, check out the spot where the iconic Route 66 meets the ocean, explore all things sea life at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, try your hand at fishing, and more. Hop on a tour bus and get the inside scoop on a Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour for a breezy ride up the Pacific Coast Highway and a chance to spot a celebrity. Walk along the iconic Santa Monica State Beach and check out the unique architecture of its beachfront properties. Pick up a souvenir and get some shopping in at the Third Street Promenade downtown. Visit The Getty Center, L.A.’s visual arts mecca and a gorgeous sight in itself designed by Richard Meier with beautiful gardens, open spaces, and one of the best views of the city. Malibu Malibu is best known for its celebrity residents and their ocean-side mansions. The 27-mile coastline is considered the most beautiful rural landscape in L.A. Plus, surfers love the big waves. Head to Santa Monica Pier to pick up a guided tour of the celebrity homes and prime real estate. Long Beach Famed for a number of top attractions from museums to cruises and beyond, Long Beach is a great family destination. It's located south of Los Angeles and is easily reachable by car. Things to Do in Long Beach Visit the supposedly haunted and definitely historic vessel Queen Mary, which offers plenty of special seasonal events and tours. Explore the fascinating Aquarium of the Pacific, which focuses exclusively on the marine life of the world's largest ocean. Take a whale watch cruise or harbor cruise to explore the beautiful waters of the Pacific. Indulge your creative side with a visit to the Museum of Latin American Art or the Long Beach Museum of Art. Get your shop on at the Pike Outlets. Venice Beach Famous for its Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach is home to some of the most bizarre and eclectic characters in L.A. Things to Do in Venice Beach There’s nothing like a little people-watching on Ocean Front Walk where you’ll find street musicians, fortunetellers, and hundreds of skateboarders. Visit the world-famous Venice Beach Skate Park and spend some time scoping out the talent. The Westside and Beverly Hills By Scott Catron (Sunset on HollywoodUploaded by zaui) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsThe area known as the Westside, located between the beach communities and Hollywood, contains some of the most well-known neighborhoods in Los Angeles such as Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, and the ever-trendy West Hollywood. Things to Do in Hollywood Below are few fun ideas, but check out our post on things to do in Hollywood for even more! Take a tour of the famous Dolby Theatre®, the home of the Academy Awards®, and get an insider’s look at this iconic Hollywood institution. Tour the famed TCL Chinese Theatre (home to the world's largest IMAX screen). Snap photos with your favorite celebs (or at least their life-like wax representations) at Madame Tussauds Hollywood and see memorabilia from your favorite movies at the Hollywood Museum. Go behind the scenes on a guided walking tour that hits all the highlights of Hollywood or hop on a bus and see the Movie Star Homes of Hollywood A-listers. Get a workout in with a hike up Runyon Canyon Park for some fresh air and breathtaking views of the city and surrounding area. Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and check out the star-studded tiles along the famous Walk of Fame. Things to Do in the Westside and Beverly Hills Check out the Museum of Tolerance, a fascinating institution dedicated to promoting tolerance and understanding. Travel back in time to the Ice Age and check out the world’s largest and most diverse collection of extinct Ice Age animals and plants at the La Brea Tar Pit and Museum. Don’t even think about leaving L.A. without a visit to a working studio. The 2-hour guided Sony Pictures Studio Tour lets visitors step inside the gates and explore the place where movie magic happens. Cruise along palm tree-lined Sunset Boulevard from downtown to the Pacific Coast Highway and make a stop at Rodeo Drive, the famous 2-mile strip of high-end shopping in Beverly Hills. Downtown Unlike most cities, Downtown is not the center of attention in Los Angeles but its many attractions make it worth a visit. Things to Do in Downtown L.A. Visit the GRAMMY Museum®, one of L.A.’s best pop culture museums. Get the best views of the city at OUE Skyspace, an open-air observation deck with a famous glass Skyslide. Shop, dine, and browse through the eclectic Grand Central Market. Participate in popular local events like the monthly art walk. See a show at the Disney Concert Hall, a site to see in itself, designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry. Browse through exhibits at the Japanese American National Museum, located in the heart of downtown L.A.’s Little Tokyo historic district. See if your favorite band is in town or catch a local sports game at the Staples Center multi-purpose sports arena. The San Fernando Valley Nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Fernando Valley is home to lots of entertainment and prime shopping. Things to Do in San Fernando Valley Be sure to get in a day of theme park fun and thrills at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Visit the impressive historical Mission San Fernando, which was first opened in 1797! Scope out the murals on the Great Wall of Los Angeles. Glendale & Pasadena Just north of the city are Glendale and Pasadena, two large cities in Los Angeles County and home to some of L.A.’s top attractions. Things to Do in Glendale & Pasadena Go behind-the-scenes on a studio tour and enjoy thrilling rides, shows, and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood (ticket included with 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles Cards). Take the kids to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, home to more than 1,100 mammals, birds, and reptiles from around the world. Rent a bike for the day and explore the scenic trails around Los Angeles’ best kept secret, Griffith Park. Save on Attraction Admission in Los Angeles Neighborhoods While you're out there exploring all that L.A. has to offer, we're sure you'll want to pop into an attraction or two or four. Consider picking up a Los Angeles attractions pass to help you save up to 50% on combined attraction admission versus paying at the gate.
Casey Makovich
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2 Days in Los Angeles - A Weekend in LA Itinerary That Covers It All

Spending the weekend in Los Angeles, but unsure what to do to maximize your time? Here’s our suggested itinerary for 2 days in Los Angeles that will showcase the best of LA in just a few days. From sightseeing tours and museums to amusement parks and beyond, L.A. has so much to offer that we know you’ll love your trip. This itinerary includes: Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens GRAMMY Museum® California Science Center & IMAX Exposition Park (free!) Natural History Museum Warner Bros. Studio Tour Six Flags Magic Mountain We’ve also put together a 1 day and 3 day itinerary, if you're looking to explore L.A. for more or less time. Save on Attraction Admission Pick up a 2-Day Go Los Angeles® Card and save off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 2 days in Los Angeles itinerary is just one of many ways to experience the area, there are tons of attractions, landmarks, and more to explore. The Go Los Angeles® Card gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. DAY 1 Stop #1: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Located in the beautiful Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a joint attraction that ought to be your first stop of the day. The Zoo hosts over 1000 different creatures great and small, from gorillas and giraffes to seals and snow leopards. They've got critters from all across the proverbial species map, from mammals and birds to amphibians and reptiles. It's your go-to place for the wild world in L.A.! The Botanical Gardens are flush with natural beauty, featuring impressive replicas of the animals' natural habitats with an array of plant species from around the world. You’ll even get a chance to see some plants that have been growing on the earth since prehistoric times! We recommend leaving around 1-2 hours to spend at this attraction. Getting In: LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Stop # 2: The GRAMMY Museum® Change it up a little with a visit to one of the best museums in Hollywood – the Grammy Museum®. This is a must-see attraction for any music lover, and a great introduction to the music and production scene in L.A. and around the country. This 30,000 square-foot venue features dozens of interactive exhibits, both permanent and temporary, that showcase various aspects of the music industry and its historic and cultural significance in the US. Some highlights include the “Songwriters Hall of Fame” gallery, the “Recording Art and Technology” exhibit, and the “Artistic Voices: The Creative World” exhibit. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours to spend at this attraction. Getting In: GRAMMY Museum® tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Stop # 3: The California Science Center & IMAX Conveniently located a short drive south of Downtown L.A., this exciting and interactive science museum is filled with over 150 fascinating and interactive exhibits. Some featured exhibits include “Ecosystems,” “Creative World,” the demo-filled “Science Court,” and more! Don't forget about the iconic Space Shuttle Endeavour, a retired orbiter from NASA's space program that completed a whopping 25 missions in space! It's located temporarily in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion as its permanent home is being built. Although admission to the California Science Center itself is free, your Go Los Angeles® Card gets you into one free IMAX movie! Their 7-story tall screen and state-of-the-art sound system make an IMAX showing an experience you won’t want to miss. Visitors in 2018 will not want to miss the spectacular new King Tut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh exhibition. This landmark exhibit features over 150 real objects from King Tut's tomb -- many of which have never been on display outside of Egypt, and may never be found outside the country again. It's a must-see. We recommend reserving at least an hour for this attraction, plus any additional time for your IMAX film of choice. Film lengths vary. Getting In: California Science Center IMAX tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Stop #4: Exposition Park (free!) Just outside the California Science Center, Exposition Park is a charming urban greenspace and another great place to enjoy some nature in busy Los Angeles. There’s a beautiful fountain and an enchanting rose garden to explore as well. In the park, you can see the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, The Natural History Museum (your next stop) and more. There’s a beautiful fountain and an enchanting rose garden to explore as well. Getting In: We recommend reserving about 30 minutes to visit the park. Stop #5: Natural History Museum For your last stop of day 1 on your weekend getaway to Los Angeles, check out the Natural History Museum, right in Exposition Park. The very first museum to be founded in Los Angeles, this institution has one of the most extensive and varied collections of natural artifacts around. Some highlights of their collection include massive dinosaur and mammal fossils, an impressive collection of gems and minerals, ancient Latin American treasures, and more! The whole family will love this educational institution. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. Getting In: Los Angeles Natural History Museum tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. DAY 2 Stop #1: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Image Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Begin your day with a visit to one of the most famous studios in Los Angeles at the 110-acre backlot of Warner Bros. Studio. A Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a great, behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood’s movie and TV culture. It’s a rare chance to visit a fully working studio, so you’ll actually get to watch scenes being filmed, edited, and more. Some of the sights you’ll see on your tour may include sound stages, sets, collections of props, lighting displays, and special effects equipment. Some shows you may see being filmed include many of today’s big hits, such as The Big Bang Theory , Conan, Pretty Little Liars, and more! This tour lasts a little longer than two hours. Reservations are recommended. Getting In: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Stop # 2: Six Flags Magic Mountain This next stop is sure to be a big hit with the teens and younger kids. Six Flags Magic Mountain is one of the premier theme parks in California, with 260 acres of thrills and excitement. They’ve even added several new rides, including the area's first floorless roller coaster! With 19 world-class roller coasters and nearly 100 other games, rides, and attractions to enjoy within the park, you’ll never run out of things to do at this truly “magic” destination. Even if you're not a huge thrill ride fan, you'll find plenty to do at Six Flags. You can even meet some of your favorite Looney Tunes characters, like Bug Bunny, Yosemite Sam, Sylvester, and Tweety Bird. Don't miss the immensely popular JUSTICE LEAGUE: Battle for Metropolis. Enjoy 4-D effects, high intensity scenes, and state-of-the-art gaming graphics as you join forces with your favorite DC Super Heroes to beat the baddies. We recommend reserving between 3-4 hours for this attraction. Getting In: Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Let’s Recap So if you’ve got only the weekend in town, here’s our sample itinerary for 2 days in Los Angeles for you to follow. It’s filled with must-see sights and great things to do, plus some fun extras and a few tasty dining recommendations.
Casey Makovich
Los Angeles
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10+ Things to Do in Los Angeles for Adults During Your Vacation (Ideas for Couples & Groups of Friends)

Los Angeles has a well-deserved reputation as a popular adult vacation destination. With everything from sunny, sandy beaches to top-notch attractions in Hollywood and beyond, L.A.'s got plenty to appeal to travelers. In addition to many museums, amusement parks, gardens, monuments, and more, you’ll also find award-winning cuisine and exciting nightlife to enjoy as a couple or with a group of friends. If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles for adults, check out our list of the top activities that couples and groups of friends will enjoy, including... Universal Studios Hollywood GRAMMY Museum Madame Tussauds Hollywood Aquarium of the Pacific Knott's Berry Farm Hollywood Tours Whale Watch L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens and more! Universal Studios Hollywood You can’t visit Hollywood without spending some time at Universal Studios Hollywood. It combines the best of an awe-inspiring studio tour with a dizzying theme park. Go behind the scenes of one of the most famous movie studios in all of Hollywood, and keep an eye out for celebs wandering about on their way to work. Then, head to the theme park! Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, The Simpsons, or the Fast & Furious franchise, you’ll find a ride to delight and thrill you. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is especially popular with those of us who grew up with the books. GRAMMY Museum Madame Tussauds Hollywood Another top attraction for the fans of celebrity culture is Madame Tussauds Hollywood. One of the most expansive instances of this franchise, this Madame T’s features over 100 lifelike wax figures. Different themed areas include “Movie Stars,” “Hollywood Icons,” “Pop Stars,” “Sports Stars,” and the special Marvel Superheroes 4D Experience. Get that perfect Insta snap with your favorite celebrity, from Kylie Jenner in her Met Gala dress to Zac Efron in his role as a Baywatch lifeguard. Aquarium of the Pacific This is one for the animal lovers in your party. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach has both a beautiful location and an astonishing collection of marine life. Although the focus of this aquarium is specifically on the ocean life of the Pacific, you’ll find tremendous variety between the warm waters of Baja California and the chilly waters of the Northern Pacific and more. Shark Lagoon is a particularly cool exhibit, which allows you to come face-to-face with these awe-inspiring predators. Amusement parks Thrill-seekers have plenty of options in addition to Universal Studios if they’re looking for more fun in Los Angeles. For example, Knott’s Berry Farm is the original theme park (America’s first, in fact!), and has a bunch of history but plenty of modern rides and flair. They also host frequent special events themed around holidays, including their own Boysenberry Festival, so keep an eye on the Knott's Berry Farm event calendar before you visit. If you’re in Santa Monica, Pacific Park is another top option, with the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel – perfect for a romantic moment. Hollywood tours  If you want to see more of the city with a specific focus on Hollywood and celebrity culture, check out a themed tour. The Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour focuses on the lesser-known spots and hidden gems of Hollywood, as well as the top destinations like the Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre.  Whale Watch by Newport Landing  Take the opportunity to encounter some of the world’s most majestic creatures on a Whale Watch Tour at Newport Landing. Head out to a nearby marine sanctuary for an almost guaranteed glimpse of these amazing animals, with a wide variety of other ocean life sure to be around as well. Keep an eye out for California Gray Whales, Giant Blue Whales, Orcas, Minke Whales, and the iconic Humpback Whales. Don't forget to bundle up, though — even with the temperate weather it will be cooler out on the water.  Planning to visit lots of Los Angeles attractions? With Go City® you won't miss a thing, plus with a pass you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do - winning! ☀️Compare Los Angeles passes☀️  L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens Exploring Griffith Park makes for a romantic afternoon or a fun daytime trip with friends. Head to the LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens if you’re interested in more animal encounters, and be sure to check out the accompanying Botanical Gardens for a tour of the world’s flora. You could also pop by the famed Griffith Observatory, picnic, bike, or generally enjoy the park as you’d like.  Los Angeles area museums  Culture buffs will find much to love that stretches beyond Hollywood people and things. Especially if you appreciate natural history and the outdoors, there are plenty of top-notch museums for you to explore. The La Brea Tar Pits are most famous as one of the richest Ice Age excavation sites in the entire world, with a vast array of the known plants and animals from the period having been discovered right in those tar pits. The Natural History Museum is a great accompaniment, featuring mammal and dinosaur fossils, plus striking gems and minerals, and archaeological artifacts from Latin America. Other popular museums include the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Petersen Automotive Museum.  Additional studio tours If you loved the behind-the-scenes studio aspect of Universal, then take the opportunity to tour some other active studios, like Warner Bros. or Sony Pictures. At Warner Bros. Studio, you’ll get to enjoy an excursion around a massive backlot where famous flicks such as Casablanca were created, and TV shows like Friends and The Big Bang Theory were made.  With the Sony Pictures Studio Tour, you’ll get a guided two-hour trek through the studio that brought you such a variety of art from The Wizard of Oz to Jeopardy!  Los Angeles bike rentals  Get active with your partner or friends and hop aboard a bike. L.A. may seem pretty sprawling, but there are plenty of great places for bike rides, including the expansive and gorgeous Griffith Park in Santa Monica. Spend some time pedaling along the boardwalk past the ocean waves and beachy crowds, too. You could also opt for some rollerblade rentals and go old school. A fun opportunity to be competitive with your friends to see who can remember how to rollerblade the best! L.A. dining  With so many celebrities in town, you have to know that the dining scene in L.A. is killer. Because the city is so spread out, you’ll find multiple neighborhoods with distinct culinary identities, and there's so much to explore on your own. Some of the most popular areas for dining include DTLA/Arts District, Venice, Hollywood and San Gabriel/Pasadena. Want to save money on those bucket-list attractions? Check out passes from Go City and you could save yourself up to 50% on your must-sees – perfect! So go grab an LA pass and make the most of it! ☀️Compare Los Angeles passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️
Katie Sagal

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