Top 10 Things to Do in Los Angeles for First Time Visitors - Must See & Do Attractions

By Go City Expert

The first images that come to mind when you think of Los Angeles probably include the iconic Hollywood Sign, surfers riding the waves in Malibu, and lots of sunshine covering legions of palm trees. While you'll hear the occasional wisecrack about traffic on the freeways, millions of people make Los Angeles their home because it's an amazing place to live, work, and play. Los Angeles offers its visitors an incredible array of world-famous attractions and iconic venues, and you can party like a local if you know where to go. If you and your family are looking for the top things to do in Los Angeles during your trip, check out our list of some of the best attractions, including...

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
  • Madame Tussauds Hollywood
  • Knott's Berry Farm
  • Six Flags Magic Mountain
  • and more...

Save on Admission to Top Things to Do in Los Angeles

Many of these must-see attractions are available on the Go Los Angeles Card. Choose as you go from dozens of popular Los Angeles attractions and save up to 50% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available LA passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please keep in mind that some of the attractions listed in this post are separately ticketed and may not be currently included with the Go Los Angeles Card.

Universal Studios Hollywood

As one of the top amusement parks in the world, Universal Studios Hollywood got even better in 2016 when it added The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to its lineup of famous attractions. If your vacation includes a visit in October with your rowdy teenagers, don't miss the park's one-of-a-kind Halloween Horror Nights event. If you decide to make an entire day out of your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood (very easy to do), don't forget to explore the area outside the park, Universal CityWalk, which is filled with places to shop and tons of restaurants. You can even experience indoor skydiving at iFly Indoor Skydiving. Tip: Check out our tips and guide to visiting Universal Studios Hollywood to make the most of your day there and get the most value out of your ticket! Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are included on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles Cards.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Are you vacationing with movie lovers? The Warner Bros. studio tour is a terrific way to see a real, working movie studio in action and one of the best studio tours in Los Angeles. The famous Warner Bros. backlot covers more than 110 acres, and you might even see a real Hollywood movie in the middle of filming during your tour. A few of the memorable sets you might see include the Central Perk coffee shop set from the television show "Friends" and a display of costumes from recent Warner Bros. films. You might want to check out the tour's "Stage 48: Script to Screen" feature, which is an interactive soundstage that shows you all the steps necessary to get a film from initial concept to the silver screen. Check out our post on other popular Hollywood Studio tours to visit. Getting In: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Knott's Berry Farm

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Knott's Berry Farm

As a quirky combination of death-defying thrill rides and an old-fashioned county fair, Knott's Berry Farm is an ideal way to spend the day alternating between riding ferocious rides and strolling along cozy streets that mimic locations like the Old West, Mexico, and fifties-era America. Check out our insider's guide to visiting Knott's Berry Farm and don't leave the park without getting a funnel cake! If you plan to visit Los Angeles in the summer, and Knott's Berry Farm is on your list of venues, you'll want to bring your bathing suits to visit Knott's Soak City, which is just a few minutes away by car. These two parks can more than fill up a day of entertainment on your Los Angeles vacation. Getting In: Knott's Berry Farm tickets and Knott's Soak City tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. (Please note: Knott's Soak City is a seasonal attraction and not open year-round.)

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

The Hollywood movie stars, music icons, and internationally renowned celebrities that greet you within this iconic wax museum on Hollywood Boulevard will never decline a photograph or refuse to pose with you for a quick picture. The Hollywood location of Madame Tussauds is a movie lover's dream and a photographer's delight. A few of the displays you might see include the Spirit of Hollywood, Legends of Country Music, and Marvel Superheroes. If the kids love superheroes like Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Wolverine, they'll love having their picture taken with wax superhero statues that look so real you expect them to move and speak. Getting In: Madame Tussauds Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

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Six Flags Magic Mountain

The sheer number of thrill rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain will astound you, and the park lays claim to a bevy of world's tallest, fastest, and longest coasters. The park also features an extensive section of games and little rides for kiddos who aren't tall enough for the heart-stopping roller coasters or for anyone who's up for classic, carnival-game-style challenges! If you and the kids love roller coasters, make sure to arrive as early as possible when the park opens so you can board as many thrill rides as possible. Getting In: Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Pacific Park - Santa Monica Pier

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Pacific Park - Santa Monica Pier

An afternoon in Santa Monica to see the beach, the pier, and Pacific Park should land somewhere in your vacation schedule. A throwback to the classic county fairs of the last century, Pacific Park is a lighthearted amusement park for all. The entire park is set atop a boardwalk to make for a quintessential California-vibe setting. You'll find fun, oceanic-themed rides for kids and adults, as well as old-fashioned games of chance. If you're just starting to explore the world with your children, Pacific Park is a lovely way to introduce them to the fun and excitement of amusement parks. With an excellent selection of rides for tiny tots, you'll love the carefree experience of Pacific Park and its gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean. Make your day even more beautiful with a walk down onto Santa Monica Beach. Getting In: Pacific Park Santa Monica Pier tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Hollywood Museum

No visit to Los Angeles is complete without appreciating a little Hollywood history. With a history that stretches back more than 100 years, the film industry has captivated fans and audiences with thousands of films over the years. The Hollywood Museum is one of the top things to do Los Angeles to see all those awesome movie treasures you remember like Marilyn Monroe's actual movie dresses and a Rolls-Royce driven by Cary Grant. The curators of the collection at the Hollywood Museum boast that there are more than 10,000 "showbiz treasures" from every facet of Hollywood's Golden Era. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions, so you never know what might be on display when you visit. Getting In: Hollywood Museum tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Aquarium of the Pacific

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Aquarium of the Pacific

Perched on the Pacific Ocean in Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific is as beautiful as it is educational. The museum offers a close-up glimpse of aquatic life from around Southern California, as well as from distant locales. Touch and feed lorikeet birds, marvel at massive aquarium tanks, and enjoy the oceanic beauty of this favorite of residents. Each season, the aquarium introduces new exhibits, which is why Los Angeles residents often buy season passes to attend events throughout the year. For example, you'll experience the Earth Day Celebration and the Urban Ocean Festival if you decide to visit Los Angeles in the spring. Getting In: Aquarium of the Pacific tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour (Yellow Loop)

Make sight-seeing easier by taking a ride on a StarLine sightseeing tour. A bus pass allows you to board the bus and hop off at your leisure whenever the bus stops at one of the attractions you'd like to visit. Whenever you ride the bus, you'll hear pre-recorded tour narration in your choice of one of nine languages. The yellow loop is ideal for traveling between Santa Monica and Beverly Hills and offers you stops between a variety of shopping venues including the Brentwood Country Mart, the 3rd Street Promenade, and Westside Pavilion. The bus will also take you to the Santa Monica Pier so that you can add Pacific Park to the day's activities. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Los Angeles Bus Tour tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Whale Watch by Newport Landing

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Whale Watch by Newport Landing

Whale pods live, play, and travel through the waters of the Southern California coast, and the best opportunity to see whales is by taking a Newport Landing Whale Watching Tour in Newport Beach. This sun-kissed Orange County locale is known for its beaches, but it's also an amazing place to see the biggest mammals in the world. Some of the whales you might see on your tour include gray whales, finback whales, and giant blue whales. It doesn't take long to reach the whales and dolphins on the tour since Newport Bay sits right next to a large, protected marine area. Many families choose to go whale watching by ship, but you can also opt to enjoy your Whale Watching Tour by plane. Getting In: Newport Landing Whale Watching tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.

Scheduling Your Vacation for Maximum Fun in Los Angeles

The size and scope of Los Angeles and all its attractions might make you wonder if you can see everything you want to experience during your vacation. Los Angeles County is comprised of many well-known cities like Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Long Beach, and it helps to concentrate your efforts in a particular region each day. For example, you might devote a day to Hollywood to take the Hollywood Movie Star Homes Tour and visit Madame Tussauds Hollywood, as well as stroll along Hollywood Boulevard to see the Walk of Fame. Another day might find your family visiting the beach cities to see the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and the Newport Landing Whale Watch further south. Using the Starline Tours: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is an excellent way to tour an area. You'll easily reach a few of your chosen destinations for the day without fighting the traffic and packed boulevards with your rental car. However, some of the best experiences in Los Angeles are worthy of an entire day. Attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, and Six Flags Magic Mountain are activities that can provide your family with entertainment for an entire day.

Let's Recap

So there you have it. Our picks for some of the most popular and top things to do in Los Angeles for first-time visitors during their vacation. Plan to visit some of these top attractions during your trip. Whether you are traveling with kids, teens, or just adults, we're sure you and your family will have a great time. Pick up a Go Los Angeles Card and save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate.

Go City Expert

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Things to do in Silver Lake Los Angeles

Silver Lake is a fun and trendy neighborhood located in the east-central area of Los Angeles County. Though it is relatively small, this spot truly reflects the culture of the city with a long list of exciting points of interest and hidden gems to choose from. It is especially well-known for its hipster persona and laidback atmosphere, making it perfect for a lazy day in Los Angeles. Start the day with a casual stroll down Sunset Junction and grab a bite to eat at one of its tempting sidewalk cafes. Spend time checking out some of the area’s quirky historical landmarks, like The Paramour Estate and the Music Box Steps. Or simply lay out a blanket and soak up the sun in front of the Silver Lake Reservoir. With so much to see and do here, there’s no way of going wrong! Well, what are you waiting for? Silver Lake is ready for you! Explore the Area Silver Lake is no way near short of fantastic places to eat, but if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite wrapped in a great immersive experience, we suggest heading over to the Silver Lake Farmers’ Market. A total foodie haven and favorite hipster hotspot, this place is well-recognized for its fresh produce and culinary delights. Think crusty freshly-baked bread, hot tamales straight from the pot and juicy peaches celebrating California’s wonderful agricultural heritage. Along with all of the delicious food, you’ll find vintage racks, jewellery stands, old records and other items of interest to browse as you eat. In addition, you can catch musical performances and cooking classes being held at the market on the regular. With a wide range of variety and live like the locals vibe, we couldn’t think of a better place to get something to eat in the area. Often described as ‘’the Brooklyn of Los Angeles’’, Silver Lake is one of the trendiest areas in city. It only makes sense then, that the neighborhood makes a fantastic sanctuary for shopping addicts. If you’re looking to browse here, the best place to do so would be along the area’s popular thoroughfare, Sunset Junction. In sharp and refreshing contrast to the likes of The Grove or Rodeo Drive, this thronging hotspot is known for its playful fashion boutiques, eclectic homeware stores and quirky galleries. The streets are also flanked with tempting sidewalk cafes and bars, just perfect for refuelling and people-watching after you’ve spent a couple of hours exploring. We recommend checking out Yeastie Boys, Stella, and Burgers Never Say Die. Whether you’re looking to pick something up or just browsing, you’re sure to have fun here. Relax For those who are looking to take a break from the bustling city, why not spend a calming afternoon out at the Silver Lake Reservoir? Though it is probably one of L.A.’s lesser-known outdoorsy attractions, this place has served as an important anchor and hangout spot for the neighborhood ever since its conception. Though you can’t swim in the waters here, the surrounding greenspace makes for a fantastic day of relaxation and recreation. With so many amenities around, including dog parks, a basketball court, and a recreation center, there’s a little something for everybody here. Take time to explore the redwoods and then lay out a blanket on the grass overlooking the water and enjoy a peaceful picnic with some sweeping views of the area. The perfect spot for sunseekers and nature lovers alike, this place is not to be missed. Try Something Different One of the interesting things about exploring Los Angeles is spotting some of the city’s iconic filming sites. And with its close proximity to Hollywood, it only makes sense that Silver Lake has its own special locations to be enjoyed. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Music Box Steps were made famous by the 1932 Academy Award-winning movie The Music Box (surprise!) starring Laurel and Hardy. In its most famous scene, the comedy duo are shown trying to carry a heavy piano up the flight of stairs, failing miserably each time. Today, the site is one of the neighborhood’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing in thousands from near and far to walk the steps and capture fun photos for the ‘Gram. Though modest in its appearance, this unique attraction is a total must-see for anybody visiting the area. For those looking for art and culture in Silver Lake, we recommend heading over to Neutra VDL House. Combining wonderful architecture with the stunning backdrop of the hills of Silver Lake, this spot works to inform its visitors about design within a magnificent modern space. The house was originally constructed way back in 1932, but has seen much restoration and renovation since it underwent a fire. Today, this designated National Historic Landmark serves as both a residence for its designer Richard Neutra and also a welcoming educational space for curious visitors. Take time to explore the unique architectural and historic features of the property and learn more through its fascinating exhibits. For design geeks and creative types alike, this is Silver Lake’s go-to stop! Silver Lake is one of those L.A. areas that tourists often look over - though it shouldn’t be! With a long list of fun and quirky attractions to choose from, you’ll never be bored here. 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
Los Angeles
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Los Angeles itinerary – 3 days in Los Angeles for first timers

From Hollywood showbiz and studio tours to amusement parks and beaches, can you possibly fit it all into 3 days? The answer is yes, you can! And here's how.
Katie Sagal
Relaxing Things to do in Los Angeles
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Relaxing Things to do in Los Angeles

If you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, you've come to the right place. From whale watching to yoga on a sandy beach, we've got you covered. Check out our picks of the best relaxing things to do in the city, and prepare for some much-needed R&R! Including: Fishing at Santa Monica or Venice Beach Natural History Museum Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour Yoga on Huntington Beach and more! Guided Pier Fishing at Santa Monica or Venice Beach If you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, why not choose a spot of fishing? If you're new to the area, or even new to fishing, you needn't worry. Join this guided fishing adventure, choose between Santa Monica or Venice Beach, and then go throw some hooks - or something. Your guide is more of an instructor, and an experienced one at that. They'll bring all your gear and show you how to use it. If you're a seasoned fishing pro, show them how it's done. But don't be too adverse to picking up some new tricks. Look out for fish, rays, and even sharks as you try to reel in a big catch. Natural History Museum You can even travel back through time in a relaxing fashion. How, you may ask? Well, take a trip to Los Angeles' Natural History Museum and explore millions of years of history! If you're a history buff and looking for things to do in the city, it doesn't get much better than this. Step inside the museum's doors, and you'll find one of the biggest collections of ancient artifacts on the planet. Dinosaur fans will be well-served thanks to the appropriately-named 'Dinosaur Hall', which exhibits 300 real dinosaur fossils, as well as 20 complete dinos of varying shapes and sizes for you to gaze at. That's just one of the many amazing exhibits at LA's Natural History Museum, so why not take a relaxing stroll around the premises and see what else you'll find? Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour If natural history isn't your thing, how about some very-much-alive nature? Yes, even in LA, you can go whale and dolphin watching. And, on this tour, you'll do just that. So, if you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, this should be top of your list. You'll hop on board a 65-foot double-decker ship, replete with sundeck, both indoor and outdoor seating, and a snack bar if you get hungry. Then, you'll take the waves to spot some freaking whales and dolphins! Get lucky, and you may spot any number of humpback whales, orcas, and even a blue whale if you're super lucky. You're also likely to see some dolphins, which is obviously awesome. Seals, too - this tour is the gift that keeps on giving! If you're a fan of ocean life, book this tour right now. Aquarium of the Pacific If you'd rather see underwater wonders up close and personal, take a relaxing trip to Los Angeles' Aquarium of the Pacific. There's so much to see and do here; we'd recommend blocking out an afternoon in your vacation calendar to see it all. With over 100 exhibits to explore and 19 major habitats to walk through, you'll need all the time you can get! Meet finned friends at Shark Lagoon, hang out with some penguins, and check out the Pacific Visions immersive cinema experience to see the ocean like never before. All that and much, much more await you at Aquarium of the Pacific. Yoga on Huntington Beach Is there anything more relaxing than finding inner peace? How about doing it on a sunny Los Angeles beach? Align your chakras today at a yoga session on Huntington Beach! Pick a morning or evening session and join an experienced yoga instructor as you downward dog your way to Nirvana. And what better setting than Huntington Beach? It's one of Orange County's finest. Whether you're a seasoned stretcher or a complete newbie, all are welcome to this calm, mindful environment. Then, when you're done, you'll be in top shape to enjoy many of LA's more exhilarating attractions! Downtown LA Food and Culture Tour Just because you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles doesn't mean you should ignore your belly! Take a day off your diet and explore LA's vibrant food culture on this tour of downtown! You'll pass City Hall, The Music Centre, and The Walt Disney Concert Hall, plus hidden gems like The Last Bookstore. Make sure your phone has plenty of picture space! Then, try delicious morsels at the Spring Arcade Building food market and Grand Central Market. Just make sure you bring some dollars so you can sample as much as possible! If you're looking for a great way to immerse yourself in LA's food culture, book a tour and get immersed! Rent a Beach Cruiser or Roller-Skates And finally, how does a relaxing beach bike ride sound? Good? Why not rent a bike and take your time cycling around LA's serene sands? Or, if two wheels don't cut it, rent some roller skates instead! The area is brimming with things to do and see. You can visit the historic Santa Monica pier and pass the homes of some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Travel through Venice Beach and see all the weird and wonderful denizens of Los Angeles going about their day. Soak it all up, and then return your bike to Perry's Cafe and grab a coffee. And hey, maybe a cake too. After all, you just burned off a ton of calories - why not treat yourself? And those are our picks of the best relaxing things to do in Los Angeles! Of course, vacations aren't always about relaxing. So, if you want to hit up some of LA's more heart-thumping experiences in between your relaxation time, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of LA's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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