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

UPDATED JULY 2024
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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Hollywood Sign
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Is Los Angeles Safe?

Eternal sunshine, movie makers, star-studded hilltops, and a strip of sunny beaches - Los Angeles is an enviable city on California’s coastline. The real-life La La Land is where dreams are made, and not just for wannabe film stars. However, turn the city on its head and L.A. has a more cynical side including infamous gangs and criminal neighborhoods. So you might be wondering, is Los Angeles safe to visit? Yes, Los Angeles is safe for tourists. In reality, L.A. is in fact a safe city to visit, with most tourist attractions and sites of interest situated within affluent neighborhoods overlooking the ocean. Of course, like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas, but overall it’s very easy to stay safe in L.A. To cover your bases, we’ve put together an insider guide to staying safe in Los Angeles... Yes, Los Angeles is safe for tourists. In reality, L.A is in fact a safe city to visit, with most tourist attractions and popular sites situated within affluent neighborhoods overlooking the ocean. Of course, like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas, but overall it’s very easy to stay safe in L.A. To cover your bases, we’ve put together an insider guide to staying safe in Los Angeles... Transportation in Los Angeles Los Angeles is a sprawling city and whilst public transportation is available, the most recommended way to travel is by car. If car hire isn’t an option for your trip to the city, then rest assured, taxis including Uber or Lyft, and the reliable bus system are also safe. It is recommended however to avoid public transportation at night time if you are unaccompanied or traveling through neighborhoods with a higher crime rate. Check out our full guide to getting around LA for more information. Los Angeles crime threats Like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets and petty theft in crowded areas. At key tourist spots such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and on public transport, be aware of concealing your money, keeping your wallets in front pockets, and holding purses tightly. If possible, don’t carry valuables around with you, and check your bags if you are bumped by a group of people. Similarly, remain alert to potential scams such as tampered ATMs, distracting flashing signs, and fake talent scouts. Never follow an individual who approaches you claiming to be a producer, casting agent, etc. and if you’re unsure, ask for a business card that you can use to do an internet search. There are legitimate talent scouts in Hollywood - just be sure to do your research and always tell someone where you are going. Although not a high risk, to avoid more serious crime, be careful not to wander into dangerous neighborhoods by sticking to the main streets. Natural disasters in Los Angeles Natural disasters are not a high-risk concern in Los Angeles. There have been earthquakes, but the last most dangerous major earthquake occurred in 1994. If you are however caught in a serious earthquake, you’re encouraged to either: Get under a sturdy desk or table if indoors and cover your head and neck with your arms Stay clear of windows, mirrors, or anything that may fall Avoid elevators, running in the street, trees and power lines Pull to the side of the road away from bridges and overpasses and stay inside the car Duck into a doorway if you are near buildings on a sidewalk If you are swimming in the ocean, you need to be aware of strong currents known as riptides. If you find yourself being carried offshore, try not to panic or swim against the current and instead swim parallel to the shoreline. Once the current stops, you’ll be able to swim back to shore. Solo travel and female travelers in Los Angeles The risk for female travelers in Los Angeles is low. For solo travelers of either gender, the advice applies to follow common sense, avoiding certain neighborhoods in the dark, deserted areas, and poorly lit streets. Another way of staying safe is to inform hotel staff or hostel guests where you’re going and keep emergency numbers close on your phone. You could also join a guided tour as a great way to see the city, stay safe, and meet new people! To summarize Los Angeles might not actually be a city of angels but it's definitely a safe destination to visit for all travelers. With a little common sense, tourists can see and enjoy this fantastic city with very little risk to their own safety. Save on admission to top Los Angeles attractions with Go City® Discover our full line-up of Los Angeles attractions including the Hollywood Sign Tour, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, and more. 🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you. 😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. Whichever Los Angeles pass you pick, you'll have your pick of LA's very best bits!
Eppie Shepherd
Hollywood
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10+ Places in LA Music Fans Should Visit

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

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