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

By Casey Makovich

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

Image of Water, Waterfront, Pier, 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

Image of Boat, Vehicle, Appliance, Device, Electrical Device, Steamer, Watercraft, Water, Waterfront, Yacht, Ship, 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

Image of Landmark, Hollywood Sign, By Scott Catron (Sunset on HollywoodUploaded by zaui) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The 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

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Microphone, Male, Man, Lighting, Urban, 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

Image of Amusement Park, Fun, Roller Coaster, Person, 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

Image of Glove, Book, Comics, Publication, 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

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
Go City Travel Expert

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Los Angeles in October

Fall in Los Angeles is a wonderful time of the year. As the heat winds down, the fun really kicks off during October with a myriad of cool and interesting things to do. Whether you’re an art lover, a thrill-seeker, or a nature enthusiast, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. And of course, since this is October after all, the city comes to life with lots of fun seasonal activities and pop-up events. From spooktastic Halloween events at Disneyland to unique Oktoberfest events, there should be more than enough to keep you busy. This is also an especially good time of the year to visit L.A. since there should be cooler weather, smaller crowds, and a better chance of finding great deals on accommodation and travel. So, if you’re thinking about making the trip, have a read through our list of some of the best things to do in the city during this time of the year. We promise that you won’t be disappointed! Find Fun Activities Los Angeles is home to some of the best theme parks on the planet, but of course, none of them quite stand out like Disneyland! Since opening way back in 1955, this place has become one of the most visited theme parks in the world - and it’s easy to see why! A classic all-American vacation spot, Disneyland is home to some of the most iconic rides, including It’s a Small World, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Within the park there are over 30 rides, so you know that there’s always something to choose from. October is a great time to visit since the weather will be temperate and dry. During this time of the year, the park also hosts some fantastic seasonal events, including the Oogie Boogie Bash and Halloween Screams. Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, this quintessential L.A. attraction is sure to leave you with a huge smile stretched across your face. Of course, it just wouldn’t be an article about things to do in October without mentioning Oktoberfest. In a sprawling city like Los Angeles, there are a lot of ways to celebrate this traditional Bavarian holiday - all you have to do is pick your favorite! If your ideal Oktoberfest involves kicking back with a beer on the beach (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t it be?), then the Old World Oktoberfest might just be your jam. Billed as ‘’Orange County’s Biggest Party since 1977’’, this event really hits the spot. Or, if you love the idea of bratwurst but have devoted yourself to clean living, why not check out the Vegan Oktoberfest? Complete with vegan breweries and plant-based vendors, this spot is perfect for all cruelty-free visitors. For something a little bit different, check out the San Gabriel Dumpling and Beer Fest. However you choose to enjoy Oktoberfest in L.A., we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Learn Something New Those looking for history and culture in Los Angeles won’t have to search very far. Though there are countless great cultural amenities to choose from whilst visiting L.A., we particularly love the Huntington Library for its world-class repository. Combining art, history and nature all in one, this beloved tourist attraction is well-recognized for its all-encompassing collection. A total dream for all bibliophiles, the institute’s library houses more than 430,000 rare books, original manuscripts and historic documents. Meanwhile, its art gallery houses one of the best collections of British art in the United States. Still, perhaps the institute’s main draw is its botanical garden, which is home to over 150 plant varieties on its 150 acres. There’s a whole to lot see and do here, so we recommend setting aside a good amount of time aside for your visit to ensure that you don’t miss a single thing! As the epicenter of the United States’ entertainment industry, Los Angeles is a fantastic visitor destination for pop culture lovers and creative types alike. There are countless museums and cultural institutions to choose from, though we particularly love the Grammy Museum. Standing out from all the other institutes in Los Angeles, this unique speciality institute provides a fun and fascinating look into the history and significance of American music. Though young, the museum’s collection is impressive, with historical instruments, iconic costumes, awards, and much more. There are interactive instrument stations and recording booths to enhance the experience. The institute’s 200-seat theater also hosts live events including performances, screenings and lectures. Working to honor a long history of innovation and creative thought, this spot is perfect for all music lovers. Get in Touch With Nature Seated along the western coastline, Los Angeles is well-recognized for its beautiful natural attributes. If you’re looking to take in some of the area’s most wonderful greenery, we recommend Descanso Gardens. Just a short trip from downtown, this lush forested area offers a much-needed respite from the bustling city. Over its vast 150 acres, visitors can enjoy an extraordinary living repository. The site is home to a fantastic collection of exotic and native flora - there are magnificent oak woodlands, a wide collection of fruit trees, and the largest concentration of camellia plants in the Western Hemisphere. This spot isn’t too difficult to walk through - overall, it should take about an hour explore the full space. Still, we recommend wearing your comfiest shoes and bringing plenty of water with you to stay comfortable. A treasure trove of natural beauty, this spot is a total must-see. With its soft breezes and cooler temperatures, Los Angeles is a pleasure to explore in autumntime! Whatever Tinseltown lacks for in foliage, the city more than makes up for with exciting events and activities of all kinds. From kicking back with a nice cold one at Oktoberfest to ambling through the beautiful Descanso Gardens, the City of Angels never falls short. 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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Los Angeles in April

A quintessentially West Coast city, Los Angeles is famed for its laid-back beaches and picture-perfect weather. And whilst those are things are definitely highlights, there’s a lot more to love about the City of Angels. Within its broad city limits, L.A. has a myriad of interesting and cool things to offer for all types of travellers. April is prime time for visiting some of California’s best outdoor attractions since the weather is temperate and balmy. Springtime is also shoulder season, meaning that the city will be less crowded, and you should be able to find cheaper prices for airfare and travel. Still not sure how to make the best out of April in Los Angeles? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! From making a trip to Santa Monica Pier to seeing the iconic Hollywood Sign, these are some of the best things to do in L.A., at least once. How many will you try? See the Sights Of course, a trip to Los Angeles isn’t quite complete without seeing the iconic Hollywood Sign. An emblematic cultural monument overlooking the city, this spot has been drawing in visitors from near and far since 1923. Whilst originally the sign read ‘’Hollywoodland’’, after years of deterioration, it was eventually restored to simply read ‘’Hollywood’’ as we know it today. As one of the most famous features of Los Angeles, the sign stands as a universal metaphor for ambition, success and glamor. Visitors can’t get up close with the sign since it sits on restricted property, though there are many scenic spots where you can go to take pictures, such as Hollywood and Highland and the Griffith Observatory stop. As far as American landmarks go, you couldn’t get much better than this. If you’re looking for a fun day trip, you won’t have to look much further than Santa Monica Pier. Set along Santa Monica Beach, the pier has been delighting visitors for well over 100 years now. Beyond its iconic historic arches, you’ll find a whole host of great family-friendly activities to do here. Of course, one of the pier’s most popular attractions is Pacific Park, a full-service amusement park, complete with plenty of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops as well as an arcade. Still, if you want something a little more laid-back, we recommend heading over to the farmers’ market, where you can grab a bite to eat and relax. With so much to see and do, this attraction is perfect for spending time with friends and family and just seeing where the day takes you. Soak Up that Springtime Atmosphere One of the greatest joys of travel is of course the food. Though there are many great food festivals taking place in Los Angeles during the month of April. nothing says springtime quite like the Knotts Boysenberry Festival. Running all throughout the month, this seasonal event is a fantastic choice for anybody who considers food their religion. The main focus of the event is a tantalizing lineup of dishes celebrating the park’s historic roots. In addition, visitors can enjoy local crafters, live music, shows, and much more. There are also special activities and games for younger guests to enjoy. A total classic to add to your bucket list, this stop is the perfect way to soak up the sun and get a true taste of Los Angeles. With its fantastic weather and clear blue skies, April in Los Angeles is a great time to take in some of the area’s most wonderful natural attributes. Standing out as one of our favorite events of the season, California Poppy Festival offers visitors the chance to amble through blankets of technicolor vibrant petals unfurling under the sunshine. There’s a lot to do here besides admiring the flowers, with a relaxing beer garden and plenty of festival food and live entertainment to be enjoyed. There are also amusement park rides and animal exhibits for younger guests. Breaking away from the typical family day out, we love this spot because it offers something a little bit different. Have a Blast! Los Angeles is a dream vacation spot for pop culture lovers and cinephiles alike. Whilst there are countless activities and attractions in the city pertaining to the entertainment industry, not many come close to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the oldest film studios in the world, this spot is a total must-see. Along the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a friendly and professional guide so you can hear more about the history and development that made Hollywood what it is today. Highlights include the original Friends’ fountain, recreated sets from the DC Universe, and of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It takes around three hours to complete the whole tour, so make sure you wear something comfortable. A classic L.A. attraction that everyone can enjoy, this place is well worth the visit. Those travelling with kids just might enjoy the next item on our list. Delighting visitors from near and far since 1963, the Renaissance Pleasure Faire is a local favorite well worth checking out. This annual themed attraction stands as a commercial reenactment of a 1580s market faire at Port Deptford, a waterfront town in the Elizabethan era. This spot has a great community atmosphere, whereby the enthusiasm put into it by the staff makes the attraction what it is. Some of the more unusual stations include belly dancing, hypnosis, and staff throwing ninja stars and axes. If you’re wondering about food (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you be?), you’ll have your choice of everything from juicy turkey legs to delicious hand pies. Undoubtedly unique and a whole lot of fun, this spot is pretty much all you could ask for a good old fashioned day of fun! Springtime in Los Angeles brings a whole host of exciting and interesting things to do. Whether you’re looking to see the sights, learn more about the city, or just kick back and relax, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. 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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