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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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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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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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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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 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
Go City Travel Expert

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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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Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget - A Simple Way to Save on Your Vacation

It’s no secret that family vacations can get expensive in a hurry - airfares, hotels, attractions, dining... the list goes on and on. There are tons of fun family things to do, whether you want to get closer to nature in the Los Angeles sun or hop on a roller coaster. You can take in some history or visit a few of the most iconic studios in television and movies. Los Angeles truly has some of the most unique attractions in the world. Best yet, L.A. can be a great choice for budget-minded travelers, especially when you use a Go Los Angeles Card, which makes visiting Los Angeles on a budget a breeze. Save on Admission to Tourist Attractions Admission to many of these Los Angeles tourist attractions and are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Go Los Angeles Cards give you the flexibility to choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family's interests. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. A few of the attractions include: Universal Studios Hollywood Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Madame Tussauds Hollywood Aquarium of the Pacific and more! Top Attractions to Visit for a Budget Friendly Trip Universal Studios Hollywood If you love the movies, Universal Studios in Hollywood is likely at the top of your “must see” list in Los Angeles—and it should be! Each attraction takes you up close and personal with some of Universal Studios’ biggest movies. Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood movie experience! Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are included on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles Cards. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Image Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Go behind the scenes of some of your favorite movies and shows with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Hollywood. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a tour inside a real, working Hollywood Studio You’ll see props, costumes, and sets that are actually used currently and in prior shows and movies. Tour guests also get to see the Harry Potter Exhibit and a DC Comic Exhibit as well. Getting In: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Madame Tussauds Hollywood Madame Tussauds Hollywood’s famous wax museum lets you unbelievably close to wax versions of some of the most famous celebrities of all time. You will be in shock and awe when you see how life-like these figures can be. One of the guests’ favorite activities is taking photos with their most adored celebs, from crushes to idols. Even President Obama makes an appearance. Getting In: Madame Tussauds Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Aquarium of the Pacific Image credit: Andrew Reitsma/Aquarium of the Pacific Explore the ocean depths at the Aquarium of the Pacific. See the beautiful creatures of the deep blue without ever leaving land. The Aquarium is a great way to see and observe many of the area’s natural wildlife, from sharks to birds. Children and adults alike will enjoy this educational and interesting stop. Some of the awe-inspiring exhibits cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Getting In: Aquarium of the Pacific tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Whale Watch or Harbor Cruise in Long Beach Get out on the water and see whales, dolphins, and other marine life up close, right off the coast of California. Experienced and knowledgeable marine mammal educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific narrate each tour providing valuable insight and interesting facts about the sea animals, their environment, and more. It’s a great way to spend some time during a gorgeous Los Angeles afternoon. Getting In: Long Beach Cruise tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Fun Options to Visit During Your Trip: Are you looking for some more exciting ideas to include during your trip? There is something for everyone in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive! There are plenty of other fun options to choose from, including these activities included on the Go Los Angeles Card. Knott's Berry Farm - Adventure seekers head to Knott’s Berry Farm for roller coasters and gravity-defying thrill rides. Children’s rides and family rides are also a plenty. Pacific Park- Santa Monica Pier - Take a ride on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel or ride one of the exciting roller coasters at Pacific Park. You can also play games and get all of the traditional mouth-watering fair food available on the Santa Monica Pier. Sony Pictures Studio Tour - If you are looking for an adults-only option, the Sony Pictures Studio Tour provides behind the scenes looks at sets of many of your favorite shows and movies. Only children ages 12 and up are permitted. Perry's Beach Cafe and Rentals - If you want to get outdoors and work up a sweat, you can rent bikes, rollers skates, and much more from Perry’s Beach Café and Rentals! They also have beach gear for rent as well. Hollywood Museum - See some of the most iconic items from your favorite movies and shows—from famous props to jaw-dropping costumes. Get close to “old Hollywood” in a completely new way. Free Activities for a Budget Friendly Vacation The Beaches - Los Angeles is known for its beaches, and many are free and open to the public. Los Angeles is home to eight amazing beaches. Every visit to Los Angeles on a budget should include at least one beach visit! Griffith Observatory - Griffith Observatory offers unique views into the night sky and breathtaking views of the city high above Los Angeles. They also offer exhibits and live shows. Hike to the Hollywood Sign - The iconic Hollywood sign is just a hike away! The hike goes through the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains and offers amazing views of the city below. Although you cannot touch the sign, hiking directly to the sign is the closest you can get! La Brea Tar Pits - This exhibit is home to the most well-known fossil site. See the pit itself and check out their amazing fossil lab. The history and the excavation process will fascinate adults and kids alike. Explore Santa Monica Pier - No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a trip to the Santa Monic Pier for special events, concerts, and more. There is something for everyone on the pier! Let's Recap on Visiting Los Angeles on a Budget Don’t let your vacation budget limit your fun! Visiting Los Angeles on a budget is possible, and the Go Los Angeles Card can help, where you can save up to 55% on combined attraction admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, many of these great budget friendly attraction options and more are included on the Go Los Angeles Card, So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your Los Angeles vacation itinerary.
Go City Expert
Six Flags Magic Mountain
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Six Flags Magic Mountain: A Guide

Get ready for thrills and spills at Six Flags Magic Mountain, in sunny SoCal. We've picked our favorite rides and collated all the practical information you'll need to make it a day to remember for the whole family. Hold tight!
Go City Expert

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