Ultimate Los Angeles Bucket List

Tick off some of your must-sees and find some fresh inspiration with our LA bucket list.

By Katie Sagal
Los Angeles

As one of the biggest and most exciting cities in the United States, Los Angeles is a top destination for visitors. The problem is, there is far too much to see and do for one trip! So, if you’re hoping to get some itinerary inspiration and make sure you check off the best things to do in LA, our ultimate Los Angeles bucket list is here to help.

In no particular order:

LA Bucket List 1-10
 

  • Stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Spanning 18 blocks of Hollywood Blvd and Vine St, the Walk of Fame now includes about 2,600 stars.
     
  • Spot a celebrity. This one can, of course, be accomplished “in the wild,” but a movie star home tour can up your chances.
     
  • Attend a TV show taping. There are oodles of different shows produced in L.A. at any given moment so you have plenty of choices.
     
  • Visit a big theme park. Again, lots of options here, but Six Flags Magic Mountain is a top one, as is the local Knott’s Berry Farm.
     
  • Tour a working studio. There are few things as exciting as seeing Hollywood magic at work. Universal Studios is the most comprehensive, but Warner Bros. is excellent, too.
     
  • Get inspired by modern art. The Broad is one of the best modern & contemporary art museums around, and it also boasts a striking honeycomb-style exterior.
     
  • Hike the Hollywood Hills on a day trip. You can get much better photos of the Hollywood sign from here. Also, visit Griffith Park for gorgeous views.
     
  • Scope out the Griffith Observatory. This historic observatory is a unique L.A. treasure. You can easily make this part of your Hollywood Hills hike.
     
  • Not had your fill of all things science? Head straight to California Science Center and experience their incredible IMAX movie theatre that takes you on a journey to all four corners of the globe.
     
  • Marvel at Roman architecture. The Getty Villa is a beautiful recreation of the Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum, a historic site from ancient Rome. Plus, gorgeous art fills the museum.

LA Bucket List 11-20

los-angeles-santa-monica-pier-california
  • See a real paleontological dig site. The La Brea Tar Pits contained the largest and most diverse collection of prehistoric flora and fauna. There’s a museum component there today.
     
  • Pick up some treasures at the Rose Bowl Flea Market. This iconic local flea market is ticketed, but it’s filled with worthwhile goodies that you won’t find elsewhere.
     
  • Get a photo with a celeb. A wax one, that is! Madame Tussauds is perfect for striking that ideal photo with your celebrity idol without bothering a real person.
     
  • Have a drink on a haunted ship. You can tour the Queen Mary and then pop by their bar for a nice cocktail—potential ghost sightings included.
     
  • Walk by the Venice Canals. Find some Italian inspiration in L.A. with a visit to this historic district.
     
  • Hang out with some penguins. The Aquarium of the Pacific penguin exhibit features a crawl-in space that will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of their fun.
     
  • Check out the LA music scene. From the GRAMMY Museum to the hottest underground concert venues, there are plenty of must-do things in L.A. for music fans.
     
  • See the world’s largest animal. The elusive and endangered blue whales are spotted off the coast of Los Angeles during the feeding season. Check out a whale watch to see them up close!
     
  • Say hi to a black bear. The Los Angeles Zoo features these amazing American bears alongside many other favorites, from snow leopards to flamingos.
     
  • Take a day trip. There are some easy day trips from L.A. to enjoy, from Catalina Island to Venture.

LA Bucket List 21 - 25

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  • Disneyland California - the ultimate theme park for little kids and big kids alike. Indulge in this whimsical world of characters from the Disney franchise and enjoy rides, rollercoasters, shows, and more.
     
  • After a long lazy day on the sand and surf, head to Santa Monica Pier and experience the funfair that sits atop the water. The amusement park features rides, shops, dining, and even an aquarium.
     
  • The kids will adore LEGOLAND® California, with its rides and experiences like Miniland USA where you can check out teeny worlds. Daredevils will love the Dragon Coaster!
     
  • Try your hand at indoor karting. At K1 Speed, you'll whizz around 12 laps on one of the most exciting indoor kart racing tracks and cross the finish line a champion! Hitting speeds of nearly 45mph, this is sure to be a thrill ride!
     
  • Film buffs rejoice! The sensational Hollywood Museum is home to some of the coolest objects from over 100 years of movie history. Feast your eyes on Rocky’s boxing gloves, Marilyn Monroe’s dresses, Cary Grant’s Rolls-Royce, and more.

Save on Los Angeles bucket list ideas

Marilyn Monroe

Several of these ultimate Los Angeles bucket list items are free with Go City® Los Angeles passes. Pick one up today and you’ll save up to 50% off combined admission to top L.A. attractions.

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. 

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Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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4th of July
Blog

10+ fun things to do Los Angeles for 4th of July

Looking for things to do this 4th of July weekend in the Los Angeles area? Take advantage of the holiday and embark on a relaxing getaway to Los Angeles. From parades to fireworks, there are plenty of ways to get your patriotism on! If you’re looking for Los Angeles 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things to do in Los Angeles in July, including... Knott's Berry Farm Celebrates The 4th Of July Aquarium of the Pacific 4th of July BBQ 4th of July Block Party - Grand Park Marina del Rey Fireworks AmericaFest Celebration - Rosebowl and more... Knott's Berry Farm Celebrates The 4th Of July Celebrate Independence Day at Knott's Berry Farm with world-class live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show the whole family will love. Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm, with bonus fireworks shows in early July if you can't make the 4th. With extended hours, 10am – 11pm, there is more time to enjoy all that Knott’s has to offer. Visit knotts.com for the entertainment show schedule. July Fourth Late-Night BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific Take the whole family to the Aquarium of the Pacific for a unique July 4th you'll never forget. This Fourth of July BBQ features a ton of great local grilled fare plus adult beverages and much more. Then, you'll also get late-night access to the Aquarium itself - what better way to encounter some of their rare sea creatures? The aquarium will be open until 10pm. Enjoy the perfect view for the waterfront fireworks show, too, set off by the Queen Mary historic haunted vessel (more on her below!) Please note: July Fourth Late Night BBQ is separately ticketed and is not included on the pass. All-American 4th of July aboard the Queen Mary Spend an entire day celebrating the history of America aboard the magnificent Queen Mary. Soak up live entertainment, games and activities for kids, special historic tours, and a patriotic film. At the end of the day, their famous fireworks spectacular will go off, set to patriotic music against the summer sky. Interested in exploring this historic ship? Tour of the vessel on another day earlier in the weekend.  Insider tip: Buy tickets early, as this is a very popular local event. Pacific Palisades Fourth of July parade This beach-centric event is the perfect way to do July 4th, L.A.-style. A group of red, white, and blue-themed skydivers will mark the start of the parade. Then, enjoy all your usual parade fanfare with everything from dance and baton twirling to music and more along Sunset Boulevard. Enjoy all of the merriment for free. 4th of July block party - Grand Park Head on over to Grand Park for a free, family-friendly block party. Spend the day picnicking as you enjoy live music and performances. Experience an amazing light and pyro show in Downtown Los Angeles, beginning after sunset. Los Angeles’s finest food trucks will provide a range of tasty food options. Please keep in mind that no alcohol is permitted, but you may bring empty water bottles to fill at the event. Marina Del Rey fireworks The Marina Del Rey fireworks boast a 20-minute presentation followed by a spectacular finale. Watch the stunning display set to synchronized music on KXLU 88.9FM from Burton Chance Park or Fisherman’s Village for the best viewing experience. Fireworks will shoot from a barge across from the Marina’s main channel, lighting up both the sea and the sky. Though the fireworks start at 9pm, you can spend all day at Marina del Rey. Bring a picnic and a blanket to spread out on the lawn, or dine at a seaside restaurant. AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl is one of the most well-known 4th of July events in L.A. In fact, it features one of the largest fireworks displays in all of Southern California. This event is one rocking celebration, with music from premier bands. Everyone will love the amazing pyrotechnics and motorcycle stunts. There will also be plenty of food and craft vendors for you to explore. Studio City Fourth of July fireworks festival This exciting event takes place every year at the CBS Studio Center. You'll find live music and entertainment, a car expo, local business spotlights, and plenty of kid-friendly games and other activities. If you've got a hefty budget, it may be worth checking out their special offerings! End the night with an exhilarating fireworks show. Explore the great outdoors Even though the weather is likely to be on the warmer side, it's still a great time of year to explore the great outdoors during your 4th of July weekend getaway. Spend some time in lovely Santa Monica, with perfect boardwalks for biking, strolling, and rollerblading. Take a look at Pacific Park, a classic amusement park the whole family will enjoy. Or, head to Griffith Park for some picnicking, running, hiking, and more. While you're there, hit up the L.A. Zoo and Botanical Gardens! 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.
Katie Sagal
Blog

Things to do in Koreatown Los Angeles

Koreatown stands in the very center of Los Angeles, a distinct melange of bright neon lights, shops, restaurants, cafes and so much more. Though it may not be the first stop visitors think of when travelling to the city, we maintain that it should rank high up on everyone’s travel bucket list. A traditional ethnic enclave and emblematic symbol of the Asian immigration story, this spot is great for those who want to learn more about the history and development of the city. Plus of course, there are just so many exciting things to do there! Whether you’re looking to see the city from a different point of view or catch some great movies, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking fun activities. So, if you’re planning a trip to L.A. and are thinking of exploring this unique area of the city, have a read through our list of the top places to check out. These suggestions are activities you won’t find anywhere else and are the best ways to experience K-town. GET TO KNOW THE AREA The history of the Asian American community runs deep - and there’s no better way to learn about it than by making a visit to the Korean American National Museum. The perfect stop for all history buffs, this unique speciality museum works to highlight Korean Americans who have made meaningful contributions and provide insight into the development of the community. It’s a pretty comprehensive collection, whereby its broader approach allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding for Korean culture. Thematic galleries cover and discuss the stories of those who have lived in Koreatown, as well as the generations of those who came before them. Though the institute is one of L.A.’s smaller and lesser-known visitor attractions, it’s repository is pretty impressive, with priceless historic artworks and artefacts on show. A thoroughly fascinating cultural endeavor, this spot is not to be missed. Souvenir shopping can sometimes seem like a bit of a chore - but not with this next stop! If you’re looking to shop til you drop and truly get to know what Koreatown’s all about, we recommend heading over to the Koreatown Plaza. Built as the area’s first American-style shopping mall, this stop stands as a great example of the Asian-American experience. Comprised of dozens of shops across multiple floors, this stop packs a whole lot into a small space. Inside, you’ll be able to browse everything from hard-to-find skincare and fashion items to unique houseplants, homewares and more! There’s also a fantastic food hall with a wide variety of vendors to choose from if you’re thinking about grabbing a bite. Some of our favorite places include Town Noodle and Awoolim. A little bit different with a lot to offer, this is a great little stop-off for those who want to pick up a little memento to remember their time spent in Koreatown. FIND FUN ACTIVITES Tinseltown, The City of Angels, La La Land... whatever you want to call it, Los Angeles is known for one thing above all else - movies! Still, if you’re a veteran visitor to L.A. you’ll probably already have hit up the city’s top entertainment-themed attractions like Universal Studios and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do here for lovers of the performed arts and captured light. For those who are looking to rest their weary feet after a long day of touring, why not catch a Korean movie at CGV Cinemas? This place is the only movie theater in the area, but it most certainly lives up to that responsibility. Its programming is well-thought-out and immensely broad, with a wide variety of American and Korean movies (with subtitles) to choose from. Still, perhaps the most impressive aspect of this place though is its 270-degree panoramic viewing format, allowing visitors to see movies from a whole other point of view. Don’t fill up before you go, since the theater also has some great Korean snacks like sesame balls and deep-fried rice cakes. A little bit different and a whole lot of fun, this place is great for those of all ages. Another one of our top spots to visit in Koreatown has got to be The Wiltern Theatre. A designated city landmark and must-see attraction, this place is recognized as one of the oldest theaters in Los Angeles and as well as the oldest remaining original Orpheum theater in the United States. Though this spot has seen a lot of renovation and restoration over the years, it still stands as a mesmerising example of Art Deco architecture in the city. Take time to soak up its unique terracotta facade and moulded low ceiling before heading inside. The interior of the building is known for its sweeping staircases, gilded columns and perhaps most notably, its auditorium ceiling which boasts a fantastical sunburst pattern of Art Deco skyscrapers set against a rainbow of multi-colored stars. Though this spot maintains much of its original design, it boasts the newest state-of-the-art of the art technology, making for a fantastic viewing experience. Here you can catch everything from your favorite singers and side-splitting comedians to dance performances and more. Sophisticated and fun, there’s nothing about this place to hate. HIT THE LANES For those who just want to spend some good old-fashioned quality time with the family, why not head over to the bowling alley? Offering the perfect antidote to a long hard day of exploration, Shatto 39 is a fun and relaxing space well worth checking out. Complete with a bar, an arcade, a billiards room and (surprise) 39 lanes, this spot is great for those travelling in crowds. With its friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better place to practice your game in the city. With its storied history and vibrant energy, Koreatown tops the charts as one of our favorite places in the city to explore. From visiting the Korean American National Museum to catching Korean movies, there’s just so much to see and do 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
Relaxing Things to do in Los Angeles
Blog

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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