Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles - The Ultimate Tourist Guide for Your Trip

By Casey Makovich
Los Angeles sunset

Los Angeles is more than just a party in the U.S.A. Once you've hopped off the plane at LAX, you'll soon discover that it's a modern, trendsetting city with diverse residents, a rich global culture, varying landscapes, excellent eats, and circa 300 days of sunshine a year.

Whether you're traveling with kids in tow, planning a romantic getaway, meeting up with friends, or going solo, our travel guides have all the information you need to get into the Cali mindset and plan a memorable trip. From Hollywood thrills and outdoor activities to cultural explorations, Los Angeles has it all.

So, here are some resources and helpful tips to help you enjoy Los Angeles.

L.A

Popular Los Angeles attractions
 

  • Universal Studios Hollywood - The Entertainment Capital of L.A, it includes a full-day, movie-based theme park, and Studio Tour plus Universal CityWalk®, an entertainment, shopping, dining complex, and much more.
  • Madame Tussauds Hollywood - Enjoy a carefree time posing with the lifelike Hollywood personalities on display at this iconic attraction.
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood - Go behind the scenes at a Hollywood studio and ee how your favorite movies & TV shows are made.
  • Hollywood Museum - The official museum of Hollywood has the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world.

Head over here for more Los Angeles attractions to see during your trip.

How long are you visiting the City of Angels?

Whether you're visiting Los Angeles for 24 hours or staying an entire week, we've put together sample itineraries that include all of the most popular things to do in the city. From all-around-town tours to popular theme parks and activities, these itineraries give you the best LA experience based on your length of stay.

L.A

Who's coming to L.A. with you?

No matter who you're traveling with, there are a ton of fun things to do in Los Angeles, particularly for families. We've put together a list of top attractions and activities geared to young kids and teens to help you plan your trip.

What type of L.A. activities are you into?

Whether you're planning on checking out all the top museums or you really just want to go behind the scenes and see the 'movie magic,' our LA locals put together a few 'best of' lists to help you decide what's worth adding to your itinerary.

Theme parks in L.A

Which parts of Los Angeles are you interested in visiting?

Explore Los Angeles by neighborhood to make the most of your time sightseeing. We've highlighted a handful of top attractions and places to see by neighborhood in LA so you can maximize your time in each location.

What time of year is your L.A. trip?

Los Angeles is a great city to visit year-round and offers a different experience to travelers with each season and type of weather. Check out our lists of things to do in the city throughout the year to make the most of your itinerary and experience unique, calendar-based LA happenings.

What's the best way to get around Los Angeles?

L.A. is easy to navigate and there are tons of taxis and shared ride services available.

Car: Renting a car is the most popular option for travelers. 

Public transportation: the Metro Bus and Rail system is a convenient and affordable way to get around Los Angeles. Consider getting a Metro Day Pass for unlimited rides on the day of purchase.

Tip: get the free moovit app for point-to-point trip planning and real-time updates for both subway and bus routes. 

Taxis: taxis are available and easy to hail down and shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available and easy to use. 

Hop-on hop-off tours: a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour (an included attraction option) is a great way to get acquainted with the city and see some popular attractions.

Where should you stay in L.A?

There are plenty of great places to stay in the area. Below are a handful of hotel suggestions located near popular tourist attractions and fun things to do.

  • Hollywood Historic Hotel
  • Hilton Checkers
  • Hollywood Le Bon Hotel
  • Sheraton Grand Los Angeles
  • Hollywood Hotel-The Hotel of Hollywood
LA at sunset

Where are the best places to go shopping in L.A?

In between sightseeing, try and find time to pick up some souvenirs. Here are a few popular areas to get some shopping in.

  • Citadel Outlets
  • Macy's
  • The Grove
  • Santa Monica Place
  • Rodeo Drive

Where to eat in Los Angeles

Go on a tour of Los Angeles’ foodie scene with our top picks for family-friendly places to eat in Los Angeles.

We’ve included top picks for every appetite so you can sightsee while you taste your way through Los Angeles’ culinary destinations.

Dining in LA

Fun info from an L.A. local
 

  • The Hollywood sign originally said “HOLLYWOODLAND” – its intended purpose was as a billboard marketing a housing development.
  • Los Angeles is built on the third largest oil field in the country.
  • There are more cars than people in L.A.
  • Los Angeles has the largest number of female-owned businesses in the country.
  • Beverly Hills was originally a Lima bean ranch.

Share your adventure with us

Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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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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Best Art Galleries in Los Angeles

The City of Angels: of course, the skies are blue and the beaches are picture-perfect. Still, Los Angeles is much more culturally-inclined than non-Angelenos are willing to admit. For those who can manage to tear themselves away from the city’s sun-kissed shorelines, there are countless cultural amenities well worth checking out. Whether you’re into fine art, sculpture, photography or contemporary works, Los Angeles has a gallery to satisfy your cultural cravings. Trust us when we say that L.A. is a total haven for creative types. So, if you’re planning to make the trip and still aren’t sure where would be the best places to visit, have a read through our list of some of the top art galleries in the area. However you choose to explore Los Angeles, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Get Cultured Whilst New York has The Met, LA has the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Affectionately known as LAMCA by LA locals, this spot is one of the city’s most popular galleries - and with good reason. Spanning around 400, 000 square feet, it is the largest art museum in the western United States. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an impressive and expansive collection of over 150, 000 works going way back to ancient times. Walking around the museum, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of works, from intricate historic carvings and drawings to impressionist paintings and modern installation pieces. There’s a heck of a lot to see here, so we recommend putting aside a good few hours so that you’re able to take everything in. A great stop for history and art geeks alike, this place is a total must-see. If you’re looking for a gallery that has history and art all rolled into one, the Huntington Library would be the perfect choice. There are several sites making up the institute: the Main Library, which houses over 430,000 rare books and millions of manuscripts; the Art Gallery, with a fantastic collection of permanent and rotating exhibitions, and its sprawling Botanical Gardens. We suggest taking time to see it all; in the library, you’ll find everything from early prints to historic maps and medieval manuscripts. The gallery is known for its extensive art collection with a focus on 18th- and 19th-century European art and 17th- to mid-20th-century American art. And perhaps the institute’s most famous feature, the botanical garden, is known to contain over 150,000 plant varieties on 120 acres - so don’t skip it! A triple whammy, this place works to provide a fun and enthralling educational experience for those of all ages. Learn Something New Whilst Los Angeles is chock-a-block with modern and contemporary art galleries, that’s not all there is to see here. For photography enthusiasts and lovers of captured light, the Fahey/Klein Gallery is the place to be. Since opening to the public in 1986, the institute has grown to become one of the most popular institutes of its kind in the city. With an impressive collection of over 10,000 photographs spanning over the 19th and 20th centuries, there’s most certainly a lot to see here. If you’re a true photography buff, you might recognize some of the famous pieces wandering around this bright and sophisticated space. Even if you aren’t so well-versed in the realm of photography, this place is still a great stop, with each work more breathtaking than the last. Another museum that certainly doesn’t disappoint is The Broad, located just downtown. Though the gallery is young, it houses one of the city’s most popular collections of contemporary art. This spot in particular is known for its sleek and commanding facade, as well as its dimpled interior. The institute’s collection is friendly for a wide audience, housing big-name artists like Jeff Koons and Robert Therrien. Whilst the museum leans more pop than academic, there are still a lot of seminal pieces by influential modern artists. In addition, this spot is known for its Yayoi Kusama Infinity Room, a mirror room where visitors gather for selfies. Oh, and the best part? The institute offers free general admission to its permanent collection galleries, making it the perfect attraction for those travelling on a budget. Try Something New If you’re looking for something a little different, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! Combining the wonderful natural attributes of California with the artistic vibe of the city, the Hollywood Sculpture Garden is a fantastic break away from the typical gallery experience. This spot brings together fantastic artists from all over the globe, with over 100 works all in one space. Walking through the garden, you’ll notice a lot of diversity throughout the collection, since this spot welcomes all types of sculpture and installation art. We love this space because the pieces here are totally one-of-a-kind. Whilst you walk, take time to appreciate the wild flourishing greenery and carefully-cultivated flower beds. Visitations are made by appointment only, so make sure to book before you go. With its beautiful location and breathtaking views, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny afternoon in Los Angeles. As the technological world has flourished, its approach has spilled over into all sectors of life - including but not limited to the art world. Whilst there are a number of digital art spaces in LA now, one of our favorites has got to be the Museum of Dream Space for its one-of-a-kind illusions. The institute is known for being the first museum mainly exhibiting computerized art in the United States. Inspired by the art of Yayoi Kusama (known for her Infinity Mirror Rooms), the space is filled with spectacular large-scale light art installations to blow visitors away. All of the exhibits are immersive, with the intention to blur the boundary between the artwork and the viewer. Whilst this spot is popular with the Instagram crowd, you don’t have to be an influencer to enjoy the splendid pieces on display here. Some of the best days on vacation are those spent inside of the walls of a gallery. Explore Los Angeles 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
Blog

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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