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
Published: July 18, 2024
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

skyline-los-angeles-during-sunrise
  • 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. 

Share your adventure with us

Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we might just feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events, and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Los Angeles Labor Day Weekend 2019 - 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

Make sure your summer goes out with a bang this year – spend Labor Day Weekend in Los Angeles and you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time. If you’re looking for Los Angeles Labor Day Weekend 2019 ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Los Angeles in September, including: Six Flags Magic Mountain Friday Night Jazz at LACMA 626 Night Market L.A. County Fair The Taste Cinecon Classic Film Festival Pacific Park Universal Studios Hollywood Knott's Berry Farm L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens Whale Watching Cruise 2. Friday Night Jazz @ LACMA View this post on Instagram A post shared by LA County Museum of Art (@lacma) on Jun 7, 2019 at 6:18pm PDT Every Friday from April to November the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hosts a free jazz concert outdoors. It's one of the museum's most beloved ongoing programs. The style and performers vary each week, so you're bound to find something new each time you go. Bring a blanket, the whole family, and just relax at this free community event. Be sure to arrive early to secure the best spots! 3. 626 Night Market This summer marks the 8th year of this annual food festival. Evocative of classic Asian night markets, this festive local event is billed as a "quintessential Californian experience." Come here to taste authentic, mouth-watering Asian fare of the type you don't see in the hot new sushi joint. This year's theme of the 626 Night Market is "Bring on the Memories," which seems pretty appropriate for the combination of excitement and nostalgia that this event evokes for many of us. The 626 Night Market is located at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. The event dates closest to Labor Day are August 30-September 1, 2019. The event is free to attend and food is available for purchase. 4. L.A. County Fair Making its debut on Labor Day Weekend, the popular L.A. County Fair has a little bit of something for everyone. Like most county fairs, it was originally designed as an agricultural festival; things like livestock beauty contests and fresh local produce attest to that heritage. But you’ll also find fun modern events like dance performances, wine tastings, cultural exhibits, children’s activities, and more. This year the fair begins on August 30, 2019 and runs through September 22, 2019. 5. The Taste Yet another food-centric event, The Taste is a great Hollywood attraction for just about everyone. It's sponsored by the L.A. Times, and is a great experience for locals and visitors alike. Sip, savor, and celebrate with food and beer samples, cooking demonstrations, mixologist demonstrations, wine tastings, and even special competitions. Remember to come with an empty stomach! The 2019 dates are yet to be announced, but it usually takes place around Labor Day. 6. Cinecon Classic Film Festival Held in one of Hollywood’s most historic theaters, Cinecon Classic Film Festival is a Hollywood darling. It's located at the Grauman's Egyptian Theatre (somewhere worth touring on your own time, like the TCL Chinese Theatres) and features a lovingly curated selection of classic cinema. If you just can’t get enough of old black and white films, this is the event for you. The first night opens with a grand gala featuring the silent comedy Bare Knees (1928) and the whole thing only gets better from there. The 2019 event dates are August 29 - September 2, 2019. Tickets are available now, and act quickly -- this event does sell out! 8. Universal Studios Hollywood If you're in search of some extreme theme park fun with an emphasis on your favorite movies and TV shows, then Universal Studios Hollywood should be your next destination. Combine the exhilaration of amazing theme park coasters and other rides with the fun of an interactive studio tour - it sure makes for one unbeatable day! Don't forget to leave an hour or so to explore Universal CityWalk, which boasts dozens of shops, restaurants, and attractions. It's a nice place for dinner after a long afternoon on the rides, or a convenient place to pick up a souvenir. We've also written a specific guide for how to make the most of your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, if you're looking to maximize your time there. 11. Whale Watching Cruise Take a break from the heat with a venture far out into the ocean to explore the great waters of the Pacific and its magnificent creatures. A Newport Landing Whale Watch is a 2.5-hour excursion out to one of the largest marine sanctuaries in California, where you'll see dolphins, orcas, humpback whales, and even the massive blue whale--the largest creature in the world. As you're waiting to reach the marine sanctuary, just sit back and enjoy the cruise on a 65-foot double-deck ship that comes with a lovely sundeck. Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these Los Angeles attractions is included on the Go Los Angeles pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in style. Share your adventure with us Remember to tag @GoCity in your holiday snaps and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination too!
Katie Sagal
Riders at the top of the drop on the HangTime rollercoaster at Knott's Berry Farm, LA.
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Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison LA

You’re never far from a thrill ride in California, where adrenalin junkies, rollercoaster riders and log flume aficionados are spoiled for choice thanks to the abundance of great theme parks. Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland are two of the oldest in the state. Indeed, Knott’s dates all the way back to the 1920s when a solitary stand hawking berry pies, jams and preserves planted the seed for the multi-million-dollar amusement park that stands on the exact same spot today. We took a deep dive into these two magical worlds in our comparison of Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland in LA. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland: A Short History California's Disneyland needs no introduction. The original and (many would say) still the best, it’s the only Disney park to have been designed and constructed under the watchful eye of Walt himself. Since opening in 1955, this Anaheim stalwart has been the dream ticket for wide-eyed kids around the world, so it’s little wonder that even after all these years it remains one of the planet’s most-visited theme parks, regularly topping 18m visitors in the pre-Covid era and outgunned only by its younger Disney sibling, Florida’s Magic Kingdom, in the world rankings. The souped-up 21st Century Disneyland contains no less than nine themed zones across 100+ acres, with over 50 attractions to explore, and a whole host of characters to meet: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald, to name just a few. The charming old Disney Railroad ferries enchanted visitors around the park, covering around 1.2 miles and saving you a small fortune in shoe leather. Quirky fact: Walt Disney secretly kept a private apartment inside Disneyworld, and it’s still there today. Look out for a light in the window above the fire department on main street to see if the maestro’s spirit is in residence. Knott’s Berry Farm operates on a slightly smaller scale, but still packs a punch with nearly 50 rides across its 57 acres. And, oh boy, that boysenberry pie. From its humble beginnings as a roadside berry stand a century ago, Knott’s has expanded organically over the years, adding Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant as well as several shops and other attractions by the 1940s, including a ghost town, which is still there (though somewhat modernized) today. By the 70s, Knott’s Berry Farm boasted a log ride, bumper cars and a steeplechase rollercoaster. And the rest, as they say, is history. Today, it’s a fully fledged theme park, chock full of thrill rides and other fun attractions. And yes, you can still tuck into a classic fried chicken dinner or sweet, sweet slice of boysenberry pie – though perhaps not immediately prior to boarding the frankly terrifying HangTime rollercoaster. Quirky fact: when the Knott family sought to sell the park in the late 1990s, they ruled Disney out as a potential buyer because of concerns the park would become unrecognizable from their parents’ original vision. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison: Thrill Rides The cash injection that followed the sale of Knott’s Berry Farm to Cedar Fair in 1997 saw a rapid increase in the number of thrill rides in the park. And, nearly three decades later, there are stacks of great options for the adrenalin fiends among you. Chief among these is the Xcelerator (pictured above), the name of which alone will have most shrinking violets running for the bumper cars and spinning teacups. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be catapulted 20 stories high, reaching speeds up up to 82mph in a little over two seconds, now’s your chance. Definitely not for the faint of heart, it’s joined by the likes of the HangTime coaster with its stomach-churning 96-degree drop, and the epic GhostRider: the tallest and longest wooden rollercoaster in the West. Disneyland’s slightly more child-friendly focus means fewer adrenalin-fueled rides, but there are still a good few here that will get your pulse racing. Case in point: golden oldie Space Mountain has really stood the test of time. Debuted way back in 1977, this pimped-up sci-fi coaster tears through dark tunnels with flashing lights and a booming soundtrack that will make your hair stand on end. The Indiana Jones Adventure is another hair-raising dark ride that allows you to step into the shoes of the famous hat-wearing octogenarian archaeologist before hurtling through terrifying tunnels at a velocity no OAP should ever have to endure. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison: Water Rides If you don’t come away from your theme park adventure with a drenched shirt and the souvenir photo to prove it, can you really say you’ve been to a theme park? Calico River Rapids forms part of the Ghost Town zone at Knott’s Berry Farm and sees riders spin and splash down the river in family-friendly six-seater dinghies. The Timber Mountain Log Ride is an altogether wetter affair, and the park’s most popular attraction. Ride through a 330-foot long mountain before enjoying (or should that be enduring?) a 42-foot free fall and early bath. Knott’s also has a separately ticketed water park (Knott’s Soak City) that’s open between May and September. Disneyland has a number of sedate boat rides, including the Jungle Cruise and cute Storybook Land Canal Boats, but it’s Splash Mountain you came for, right? Don’t be fooled by the relatively gentle start, with its kid-friendly Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear storyline: there’s an inevitable drop towards the end that comes with a near-cast-iron guarantee of a soaking. Exit to the sounds of animatronic characters gleefully singing ‘Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah’ at you as you wring out your shirt. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison: Family Rides Both of these titans of the theme park world are ostensibly geared towards kids, though Disneyland definitely has the upper hand here, both in terms of pester-power, instantly recognizable characters and child-friendly attractions. In fact, the vast majority of rides and attractions here have no height restrictions, and many are even suitable for babies and toddlers. You’ll find these in every single zone, but particularly Fantasyland, which you’ll recognize straight away from the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle at its entrance. Inside, expect more nostalgic adventures based around your childhood favorites, including a cute flying Dumbo carousel, the Mad Hatter’s spinning teacups, and a meet and greet with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends in Pixie Hollow. Camp Snoopy is Knott’s Berry Farm’s main children’s zone, with kid-friendly coasters, miniature trains and carousels, primarily designed for children 36” and over. There’s also a chance to meet Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Some other attractions around the park, including the Calico Mine Ride, the Merry-Go-Round and Knott’s Bear-y Tales have no height restrictions and are great for families. 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, LA Zoo and Natural History Museum. You can also book tickets direct via the Knott’s Berry Farm website. Opening Hours The park generally opens daily at 10AM. Closing times vary by season. Check the calendar on the Knott’s Berry Farm website for the most up-to-date 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. Fast facts: Disneyland Tickets Browse ticket options and book direct on the Disneyland website. Opening Hours Hours vary throughout the year but Disneyland usually opens between 8AM and 10AM and closes between 10PM and midnight. View the calendar here. Getting There Disneyland is at 1400 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Get info on Disney-themed paid parking here. The park is also served by the Metro Express Line 460 bus from downtown LA and elsewhere, and there’s a Greyhound station about half a mile from the park, which connects to thousands of bus stations across the US. Save on attractions in Los Angeles Save on admission to Chicago attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Sea Lion at the Aquarium of the Pacific
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Dive Into Fun: Top Activities Near Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium’s just the start—wait till you see what’s nearby!

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