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

By Casey Makovich
Published: July 18, 2024
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.

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Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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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
The Sol Spin ride at Knott's Berry Farm, LA.
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Knott's Berry Farm Vs Universal Studios

Want to get under the skin of some of LA’s oldest and greatest institutions? Sharing over 200 years of history between them, Universal Studios Hollywood and Knott’s Berry Farm have become bucket-list attractions for visitors drawn in by their irresistible back stories and seriously scary 21st-century thrill rides. We took a peep behind the scenes at both attractions to find out what makes them so special and why their popularity continues to endure after all these years. Knott’s Berry Farm Vs Universal Studios: the Lowdown Universal requires no introduction. One of the biggest, oldest and most successful film studios on the planet, its Hollywood HQ is responsible for such big-screen classics as Psycho, Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, Die Hard 2 and King Kong (sets from some of which are included in the current studio tour). The lot opened in the San Fernando Valley way back in 1915, adding a modest theme park in the 1960s which formed the basis for the entertainment behemoth that guests can visit today. And, with attractions and rides themed around household favorites like Harry Potter, Minions and Transformers, it’s little wonder that Universal Studios Hollywood has become known as ‘the entertainment capital of LA’. Knott’s Berry Farm is no slouch in the entertainment stakes either. Sure, it may lack an international movie-making pedigree, but it does have one heck of a cute origin story. It starts back in 1923, when entrepreneurial Buena Park farmer Walter Knott developed, cultivated and introduced the boysenberry to the world by way of a modest roadside stall selling preserves and pies. As the stall’s reputation and popularity grew Walter, along with wife Cordelia, opened a fried chicken restaurant to help keep up with with demand. The addition of a ghost town and summer fairs in the 40s and 50s paved the way for the theme park that was to follow in the 1970s and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, Knott’s Berry Farm is a fully fledged amusement park, with around 50 attractions including thrill rides, log flumes, children’s activities and more. Best of all, you can still tuck into a traditional fried chicken dinner followed by a hefty slice of sweet boysenberry pie. Yum. What to See and Do at Universal Studios Studio Tour The studio tour is really what sets Universal apart from other theme parks in the area. Expect live stunt demonstrations and other staged events as you weave your way through familiar scenes and sets from future classics like Jordan Peele’s 2022 horror epic Nope to the instantly recognizable Courthouse Square from 80s fave Back to the Future. A tram ride narrated by Jimmy Fallon brings the whole experience to life as you come face to face with movie monsters including King Kong and the great white shark from Jaws. Hold onto your hat for the Fast & Furious finale which brings the tour to a high-octane close. Transformers: The Ride 3D This immersive ride sees brave humans (that’s you) fight alongside the mighty Optimus Prime in a bid to defeat the Decepticons – they’re only about four stories tall and have names like Bonecrusher, Starscream and Devastator, so no pressure. It’s not a ride for the faint-hearted, with fast-paced action, loud explosions and smoke effects at nearly every turn. Oh, you may also get a little wet. Afterwards, survivors are ejected into the relative safety of the Supply Vault shop, where the only danger is how much damage your bank account will sustain when the kids start begging for Transformers merch, including figures, apparel and green-screen photo shoots. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter There’s plenty for aspiring Gryffindors to enjoy in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Wizards young and old will be wowed by Hogwarts Castle and can even invest in their own wands, capes and souvenir train tickets for services departing Platform 93⁄4. There are some top rides to potter around too. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes you on a magical journey through the halls and corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Meanwhile Hagrid, the most affable giant in fiction since the BFG, ushers riders on board the Flight of the Hippogriff. It’s wizard! Best of the Rest There are plenty more movie-themed rides and zones to explore at Universal Studios, including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, a fun 3D motion ride that replicates your favorite locations from the classic video game, a rollercoaster ride through Springfield with America’s favorite cartoon family (that’s The Simpsons, not the Kardashians), the immersive frightfest that is Jurassic World and a much gentler (and hilarious!) Minions ride that ends, as you’d expect, with a cute interactive dance party. What to See and Do at Knott’s Berry Farm Thrill Rides Adrenalin junkies can get a satisfying fix at Knott’s, which has really ramped up the thrill factor since its sale to Cedar Fair in the late 90s. We’re talking rides like HangTime, which promises an eerie floating sensation as it crests its highest point ahead of a gut-churning 96-degree drop. Then there’s the Xcelerator, which catapults passengers sky high, reaching 82mph in a body-shocking 2.3 seconds. Silver Bullet is an inverted coaster that hurtles you around 3,125 feet of snaking track, taking in cobra rolls, corkscrews and a terrifying 105 feet vertical loop. And try not to get spooked on the Ghost Rider, only the longest and tallest wooden rollercoaster in the West. Family Rides In terms of kid-friendly attractions, it does feel a little unfair to pit Knott’s against the Universal juggernaut with its army of Minions, Harry Potters, Marios and Transformers. But there’s a certain sweet charm to the kiddie rides at Knott’s, with miniature trains, carousels, bumper cars, mini rollercoasters and a Mad Hatter-themed spinning teacups ride. The Camp Snoopy zone also features live shows with the titular beagle and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Snoopy on ice, anyone? The park also has a few rides with no height restrictions, including the Calico Mine Ride, Dragon Wing pirate ship and Knott’s Bear-y Tales, all great family fun. Water Rides No theme park visit would be complete without that essential souvenir shot of your log flume hitting the water, everyone’s face a picture of delight, surprise or, in the case of the person who takes the biggest drenching, total and utter horror. Here’s where Knott’s Berry Farm really gets one up on Universal with not one but two water rides to enjoy. The first, Calico River Rapids, is a spinny splashy adventure that sees passengers race through white water rapids aboard circular six-seater dinghies. But the Timber Mountain Log Ride is the main event here, culminating as it does in a 42-foot freefall that all but guarantees that coveted theme park soaking. Knott’s also boasts a separately ticketed water park (Knott’s Soak City) that’s open between May and September. Fast facts: Universal Studios Tickets Buy tickets and VIP experiences direct from the official website, or get one-day access with an attraction pass from Go City and save when visiting multiple attractions, including Universal Studios, the Hollywood sign tour and more. Opening Hours Park hours vary, but it generally opens early in the morning and closes late in the evening. You’ll find up-to-date opening hours here. Getting There Universal Studios is at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608. There are multiple ways to get there, including by bus and metro, and a range of parking options are also available. You’ll find all the latest information here. Fast facts: Knott’s Berry Farm Tickets An All-Inclusive attraction pass from Go City includes general admission and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in LA. Buy a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass to access as many attractions as you like in that time period, including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and LA Zoo. You can also book tickets direct at the Knott’s Berry Farm website. Opening Hours The park generally opens daily at 10AM. Closing times vary so check the calendar on the Knott’s Berry Farm website for the latest information. Getting There Knott’s Berry Farm is at 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 9062. There’s paid parking on site, or you can take a train to nearby Buena Park Metrolink station. More info on transport options here. Save on attractions in Los Angeles Save on admission to Los Angeles attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Best Aquariums in Los Angeles
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Best Aquariums in Los Angeles

If you're looking for the best aquariums to visit in Los Angeles, check out our picks and make it an underwater adventure to remember! Including: Which U.S. city has the largest aquarium? What is the biggest Aquarium in L.A.? How many aquariums are in L.A.? Best Aquariums in Los Angeles Which U.S. city has the largest aquarium? You may be surprised to find out that the biggest aquarium in the U.S. is found in Atlanta. It's called the Georgia Aquarium, and it features a mind-boggling 10 million gallons of water! What is the biggest Aquarium in L.A.? The Aquarium of the Pacific is L.A.'s largest aquarium - more on that down below! How many aquariums are in L.A.? Los Angeles features four aquariums around the city, and we cover each and every one here! We've also added a few non-aquarium choices, just to spice things up, because we're kind. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Aquarium of the Pacific If you fancy spending the day in L.A.'s largest aquarium, hanging out with more than 11,000 animals, then Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the best aquariums in Los Angeles! The aquarium's centerpiece is its comprehensive portrayal of the Pacific Ocean, the Earth's largest body of water, stretching from the vibrant coral reefs of the tropics to the icy waters of the north. It's the only place to see so much coral and so many coral-residing creatures up close, so prepare for an explosion of colorful, exotic fish! There's also the Shark Lagoon, where you can pet - yes, pet - some of the many sharks that call it home, the Blue Cavern kelp forest tank, an aviary featuring hundreds of birds, and an entire penguin colony to marvel at. Brilliant stuff. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Heal The Bay Heal The Bay's aquarium is a hidden gem, often overlooked because it's nestled beneath the Santa Monica Pier, but underwater lovers shouldn't miss it! This family-friendly aquarium is part underwater showcase, part learning experience, featuring more than 100 different species of fish that call Santa Monica Bay home. Every Tuesday and Friday at 2.30PM, you can check out feeding events where you and your little ones will learn all about the fish and what they eat. And then on Sundays at 3.30PM, they have a shark feeding showcase, which is a little more on the gruesome side, but still fascinating nonetheless. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Situated a short stroll from the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a smaller facility that offers the most comprehensive insight into local marine life. The main exhibit hall alone boasts nearly 40 individual tanks featuring local marvels. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is more hands-on than some of the others on this list, with a touch pool that lets you get up close with the safer side of L.A.'s underwater life. The Exploration Center and Aquatic Nursery explore the aquarium's research into local life, as well as its breeding initiatives for certain dwindling species. After you're done exploring, you'll find Cabrillo Coastal Park right outside, featuring pristine beaches, the Point Fermin tidepools, and an excellent birdwatching location within the Salinas de San Pedro salt marsh. For a nature-filled day out, you know where to go. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Roundhouse Aquarium Only slightly bigger than many people's flats, the Roundhouse Aquarium is bite-sized fun that can be seen in no time at all. That doesn't mean it's not worth a visit, though! See sanddabs and juvenile rays as they gracefully glide in circular patterns within the sandy-bottom tank. Look, but don't touch - they don't do that here. Still, you'll get plenty of snaps of these wonderful creatures up close, so why not? For an extra dose of excitement, make sure to visit on Saturdays at 12.30PM, when you'll see leopard and horn sharks feeding. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: California Science Center So yes, technically, the California Science Center isn't an aquarium, but on the other hand, it does have a fully-functioning kelp tank, includes a walkthrough tunnel where you can see plenty of underwater wonders up close, and even has dive shows where the audience can ask the divers questions pre-dive. You'll also find a Deep Sea exhibit, where you can control mock-ups of underwater robots, all while learning about deep sea exploration and how it has progressed in the last 200 years. And while you can come for the underwater goodness, you can stay for all the other sciency stuff! See the Space Shuttle Endeavor up close, learn all about the progression of space travel, and even explore creepy crawlies in the Rot Room. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour Yes, this is another non-aquarium option, but it's the only way you'll get up close and personal with some of the ocean's most revered creatures! If the weather's good, take a whale and dolphin watching tour and see them up close. Board a 65-foot double-decker ship, which includes seating on both decks, sunbeds, and even a snack bar if you need to refuel. Then, sit back, and enjoy the experience. With any luck, you'll see humpback whales, orcas (also known as "killer whales"), and, if you really luck out, a blue whale. Seals and dolphins are also often sighted in L.A.'s waters, so keep an eye out and your camera on standby. The ship itself is luxurious and comfortable, certainly taking the sting out of any missed sightings. And, with your captain narrating the trip, you'll learn more about all of the above, as well as local conservation efforts and migration patterns. An all-round good time if the sun stays put! And that's everything you need to know about the best aquariums in Los Angeles, as well as all the other underwater highlights you'll find in the city! Of course, there's much more to Los Angeles than what you find beneath the surface, so go with Go City to make sure you see it all! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you'll see all the city's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley

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