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

By Casey Makovich
Published: July 18, 2024

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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10+ Free Things to Do in Los Angeles & How to Save on the Ticketed Attractions

Planning a vacation to Los Angeles? Our insiders put together a list of our top free things to do in Los Angeles. Check out these free attractions for fun adventures that won't break the bank. They offer the best of LA's history, entertainment, and scenery. Whether you want to explore the great outdoors or enjoy LA’s diverse cultural scenes, you’ll find something to love on this list. Our local experts put together a list of some of the best free things to do in Los Angeles, all great suggestions that can help round out your vacation itinerary. A Way to Save on Ticketed Los Angeles Attractions We know that this blog post is about listing the FREE things to do in Los Angeles, but, are you looking to visit a few of the ticketed attractions during your vacation? Consider using a Go Los Angeles Card - which includes free admission to dozens of the area's most popular attractions - all for one low price. See all available Los Angeles attractions, passes & prices – Learn more. A Go Los Angeles Card can save you up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. By BrianLiao (http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianliao/3007830928/) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons Paramount Ranch Experience the Wild West Hollywood style. Hollywood’s version of the Wild West was created at the Paramount in 1927, and the site has been used for filming ever since. Visiting this Old West town set is free, and you can take all the photographs you want at this “movie ranch.” You’ll also find two easy hiking trails nearby, which can make for a fun (free) daytime activity. If you're interested in touring more movie sites and sets, you can take a few studio tours for less with the Go Los Angeles® Card, including the Warner Bros VIP Tour and a behind-the-scenes tour of Universal Studios Hollywood. Hollywood Lights: The Magic of Movies at the TCL Theatre The TCL Theatre features a spectacular light show accompanied by sound that covers the facade of the famous TCL Chinese Theatre with iconic moving images using 3D projection mapping. The four-minute show plays every 20 minutes starting at 8:30 pm every night. You'll see big-screen moments you'll recognize from movies that have premiered or played at the theatre over the last 90 years. Just head to the front of the theatre and wait for the next show to begin. Insider tip: use a Go Los Angeles Card to save on admission tickets to the TCL Chinese Theatres VIP Tour earlier in the day! Hollywood Walk of Fame & Forecourt of the Stars The Walk of Fame. You can’t visit LA without strolling along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Enjoy a free self-guided tour on Hollywood Boulevard while searching for the names of your favorite celebrities beneath your feet. Along the Walk of Fame, you’ll stumble across world-famous TCL Chinese Theater. At the Forecourt of the Stars in front of the theatre, put your own hands in the handprints of legendary Hollywood celebrities. Both activities are free! The Hollywood Sign By Scott Catron (Sunset on HollywoodUploaded by zaui) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsAlthough you can’t get right up to the sign (it’s fenced off from the public), you can still get a prime (free) view of the iconic Hollywood Sign from several nearby spots. The Hollywood & Highland Center offers an excellent viewing area, or drive up Beachwood Canyon for a closer look. Point Dume State Beach Image credit: malibuhiking.com This Malibu state park is the perfect nature getaway offering a diversity of landscapes. You’ll find wide beaches, coastal bluffs, sand dunes, and rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean. The wide beaches are quieter than most, so you can really relax while basking in the sun. If you have kids with you (or if you’re a kid at heart), explore the shallow tide pools to discover some small sea creatures. The best part? It’s all free. If you'd prefer a more comprehensive overview of Malibu, or perhaps, a celebrity-focused tour, try out a themed Malibu Tour. Stairways built into the bluffs make for safe access to breathtaking ocean views, so snap a few photos while you're there. The Getty Center & Getty Villa The Getty Center in L.A. The J. Paul Getty Museum is one of the top-rated attractions in Los Angeles. And guess what—admission is absolutely free. Although parking (in a garage) costs $15, it’s truly an unbeatable price for what the Getty Center offers. It houses one of the biggest and most beautiful art collections in the world. But another popular reason to visit is for the stunning architecture and some of the best views of LA. Designed by Richard Meier, this structure was built with concrete and steel to overlook all of Los Angeles. You can easily spend quite a few hours roaming the building to take in all the famous works of art, like Vincent Van Gogh’s “Irises.” Just north of Santa Monica, the Getty Center is a very popular attraction that is a cultural high note of Los Angeles. You can also check out the Getty Villa in Malibu to see the Getty’s collection of Greek and Roman art. Although admission is free, you’ll have to reserve timed tickets in advance for the Villa. Venice Beach Boardwalk The boardwalk is perfect for people watching! Image credit: venicebeach.com The Venice Beach Boardwalk practically epitomizes LA with street performers, hard-bodied beach-goers, and a whole slew of interesting characters wandering around. In fact, Venice Beach Boardwalk is the most visited destination in Los Angeles. In addition to the unparalleled people-watching, you’ll enjoy unique shops, cafes, street vendors, and the chance to observe beach sports on Muscle Beach. While the boardwalk itself is free, parking can be up to $15 depending on the lot and time of year While you're in the area, don't forget to stop by Pacific Park - you can get discounted admission with your Go Los Angeles® Card, so you don't need to worry about straining your budget! Downtown Art Walk If you’re in town on the second Thursday of the month, be sure not to miss this exciting local thing to do. Each month has a different theme and features different galleries and art installations, even including performance art and graffiti. This free self-guided tour is a great way to explore the LA arts scene with friends. Griffith Park The Griffith Observatory at Griffith Park. Griffith Park is the largest municipal urban wilderness area in the United States, where you’ll find both landscaped “parkland” and natural terrain. What’s really special about Griffith Park is that it is home to lots of bargain attractions that attract both locals and visitors alike year-round. For no cost, you can take your kids on the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, stargaze through the super Zeiss telescope at the Griffith Park Observatory, or discover old empty train cars at the historical Travel Town Museum. You could also rent a bike and pedal around the park's beautiful expanse, or hike up to the Hollywood Sign. Tip: If you want to catch a glimpse of the stars from the Observatory, get in line before dark! Tip: this is one of the ways you can hike up to the Hollywood sign. If you’re traveling with kids, take them to the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, a historic hand-carved carousel that has attracted visitors since 1937. Runyon Canyon Park The view from Runyon Canyon. Enjoy the natural paradise in the Santa Monica Mountains that is Runyon Canyon Park. Expect to be blown away by scenic views of all of LA and the gorgeous West Coast sunset. As it’s well known for it’s liberal off-leash pet policy, this place is perfect for the dog-lover. Whether you’re bringing your pets or not, pack a picnic and bring a kite for some outdoor fun at Runyon Canyon...all free, free, free! California Science Center The California Science Center’s interactive exhibits appeal to visitors of all ages. The permanent exhibits, featuring human and wildlife environments as well as air and space displays, are all free to the public. There is a fee for parking, but at only $10 per car, you won’t hurt your wallet. The Science Center also has a 7-story IMAX theatre which is not included in the free admission, but you will get into the IMAX for free with your Go Los Angeles Card! Page Museum & La Brea Tar Pits An outdoor exhibit at the La Brea Tar Pits. The La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park is the largest source of prehistoric fossils ever excavated. The largest collection of these fossils is housed in the park at the Page Museum. It’s free to wander around the park and look at the tar pits and outdoor exhibits, but if you want to explore more of the prehistoric, admission to this unique Museum is only $7. Graystone Mansion This historic home is located in the charming, more remote part of Beverly Hills, away from the hustle and bustle of Rodeo Drive and the like. Explore this beautiful historic structure and its stunning gardens during regular business hours. You can always roam the gardens for free, although tours inside the mansion are offered for a modest fee (advance reservations required for interior tours). Levitt Pavilion This outdoor amphitheater in Old Town Pasadena offers free performances throughout the summer months, from musical genres as diverse as jazz/blues, fusion folk, and even interactive musical performances just for kids. With over 50 free shows to choose from in June, July, and August of each year, you can find something to appeal to practically every taste. Be sure to bring a blanket (or chairs) and a picnic dinner to enjoy as you soak up the music. Gagosian Gallery The outpost of the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills is a popular place to visit. This is one of 16 contemporary galleries around the world owned by Larry Gagosian. It’s free to the public and boasts works of modern art by up and coming artists. If you can catch an opening reception each time the collection changes, you might even score some free wine and nibbles. Check out their website for a list of upcoming exhibitions. Travel Town Museum Hop on board to the Travel Town Museum and enjoy the many stationary train exhibits. Young children love to climb through the old empty trains at this Griffith Park historical site. A miniature train ride also runs around the perimeter of the facilities, providing a magical experience for kids. This low-key attraction with a gift shop on location is great for a laid back afternoon. Metro Art Tours Want to learn more about the fascinating artwork of the LA Metro system? Then be sure to join up with one of these free, docent-guided tours, offered through the Metro’s official art site. The various paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and murals scattered throughout the Metro system represent several decades of commissioned artwork and a wide variety of artistic styles and creative voices. A must-do for artsy folk. The Korean Friendship Bell Another famous and free landmark in LA is the Korean Friendship Bell. This was donated by the People’s Republic of Korea to celebrate the United States Bicentennial in 1976. It’s located in San Pedro, with gorgeous views of the Los Angeles harbor. This is a great spot to bring a picnic lunch and spend a couple of hours strolling the lush scenery here. Let's Recap on How to Visit Los Angeles for Cheap So there are some fun ideas for free things to do in in Los Angeles. Remember, if you want to add some attractions to your itinerary that normally cost money, consider purchasing a Go Los Angeles Card. With the Go Los Angeles Card you get free admission to dozens of attractions all for the one low price of the pass. You can save up to 55% off combined admission costs vs paying at the gate. Enjoy!
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Los Angeles Vacation Tips

Whether you are heading out west for the sunny weather, the beautiful beach or to try and catch a glimpse of a star or two, there are certainly a number of things to know which will make your time in Los Angeles a little bit more fun. With a couple helpful Los Angeles Vacation Tips and a Go Los Angeles Card Attractions Pass tucked into your pocket, there’s simply no way that your time in the Golden State won’t be great! The first tip is a relatively new one. Use your Go Los Angeles Card to visit Universal Studios Hollywood and take a trip on the park’s newest ride - “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.” A motion simulator ride based off of the rib-splitting flick Despicable Me, the ride has been a hit since it opened up in LA after first having success in Orlando. A special feature of the Go Los Angeles Card that is unique to Universal Studios allows pass-holders to enter the park three separate times, good for $84 worth of fun. You may be wondering what you’ll be getting yourself into when you get to LA, so here’s a brief overview of what to expect: The City of Los Angeles is 472 square miles of entertainment and culture, with more than 300 museums, the largest government center outside of Washington, D.C., the nation’s largest historical theater district and of course, the one and only place to see the infamous stars on the Walk of Fame. Los Angeles County is obviously far larger at 4,084 square miles and it contains 88 incorporated cities with L.A. being the largest with a population of 3.8 million people. During your visit to all the 37 sites that are available with the all-inclusive Go Los Angeles Card for one low price, keep your eyes peeled for birds of paradise (the official city bird) and coral trees (the official city tree). You also may want stop by the port in Lalaland if you want to see a city in action as the waterfront in the City of Angels is the busiest in the U.S. and one of the busiest in the world. You certainly won’t be the only person looking for Los Angeles Vacation tips as Los AngelesCounty generally has 40.3 million visitors each year. The Go Los Angeles Card has been ranked by reviewers at 4.5 out of five stars and has gotten positive reviews from around the world, including this one from a German tourist in 2012. “I bought the 5-day Go LA Card and it was well worth it! At this time of writing I have only used it 4 days out of 5 and it is already well worth it, I saved more than if I didn't get the card!” Need things to do in Los Angeles? Consider options like the Hollywood Museum, Malibu Movie Star Homes Tour or Six Flags Magic Mountain.
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