Los Angeles

Ultimate Los Angeles Bucket List

How long have you been dreaming of a trip to LA?
By Katie Sagal

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

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

Save on Los Angeles bucket list ideas

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!

Continue reading

Blog

Best Nature Spots in Los Angeles

Are you heading to Los Angeles on vacation but don't want to spend all your time in the city? Fortunately, there are plenty of nature spots in and around LA. While on vacation in Los Angeles, make sure to soak up the beautiful weather and spend some time in the great outdoors. There are so many fun attractions that involve being outside in the best nature spots in Los Angeles, including... LA Zoo Santa Monica Beach Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises Hollywood Hills Hike by Hikes & Bikes LA Sunset Cruise by Newport Landing And many more! LA Zoo Santa Monica Beach Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour Perry’s Beach Café and Rentals Another great opportunity to spend some time outdoors is Perry's Beach Café and Rentals. It has been a part of the beach scene in Los Angeles for over 35 years. Rent a mountain bike or skates for the entire day from Perry's, then head to the beachside café for a bite to eat after biking or skating. You can explore the Santa Monica beach, Venice Beach, and Venice Canals by bike. Start as early as you wish and bike all day. There is so much to see around here and you never know what you might come across. It's a great way to travel and explore the area – the canals are beautiful and close by. Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises Hollywood Hills Hike by Hike & Bike LA The Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Garden The Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Garden has been in operation since 1919 and has a foundation in conservation, to protect the art, books, manuscripts, and other materials. It is an institution that has collection-based research and serves scholars, as well as the general public. Plus, it's home to a massive 8 million manuscripts, over 400,000 reference books, over 400,000 rare books, and over 700,000 pictures. The Huntington Art Collection collection spans over 500 years. It displays sculptures, decorative art, and drawings, and hosts temporary exhibits focusing on masterworks. Sunset Cruise by Newport Landing Save on admission to LA attractions So there you go! There are plenty of outdoor attractions that allow you to make the most of the beautiful LA weather. We hope you consider adding a few of these LA attractions to your vacation itinerary. Also, why not make the most of the sunshine and take a day trip out of the city? Check out our best day trips from LA guide for some ideas. Remember, using your pass for Los Angeles means you can save on admission vs gate price. Be sure to share your snaps with us on Instagram and Facebook and follow @GoCity for top tips and itineraries.
Go City Expert
Blog

Best Art Galleries in Los Angeles

The City of Angels: of course, the skies are blue and the beaches are picture-perfect. Still, Los Angeles is much more culturally-inclined than non-Angelenos are willing to admit. For those who can manage to tear themselves away from the city’s sun-kissed shorelines, there are countless cultural amenities well worth checking out. Whether you’re into fine art, sculpture, photography or contemporary works, Los Angeles has a gallery to satisfy your cultural cravings. Trust us when we say that L.A. is a total haven for creative types. So, if you’re planning to make the trip and still aren’t sure where would be the best places to visit, have a read through our list of some of the top art galleries in the area. However you choose to explore Los Angeles, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Get Cultured Whilst New York has The Met, LA has the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Affectionately known as LAMCA by LA locals, this spot is one of the city’s most popular galleries - and with good reason. Spanning around 400, 000 square feet, it is the largest art museum in the western United States. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an impressive and expansive collection of over 150, 000 works going way back to ancient times. Walking around the museum, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of works, from intricate historic carvings and drawings to impressionist paintings and modern installation pieces. There’s a heck of a lot to see here, so we recommend putting aside a good few hours so that you’re able to take everything in. A great stop for history and art geeks alike, this place is a total must-see. If you’re looking for a gallery that has history and art all rolled into one, the Huntington Library would be the perfect choice. There are several sites making up the institute: the Main Library, which houses over 430,000 rare books and millions of manuscripts; the Art Gallery, with a fantastic collection of permanent and rotating exhibitions, and its sprawling Botanical Gardens. We suggest taking time to see it all; in the library, you’ll find everything from early prints to historic maps and medieval manuscripts. The gallery is known for its extensive art collection with a focus on 18th- and 19th-century European art and 17th- to mid-20th-century American art. And perhaps the institute’s most famous feature, the botanical garden, is known to contain over 150,000 plant varieties on 120 acres - so don’t skip it! A triple whammy, this place works to provide a fun and enthralling educational experience for those of all ages. Learn Something New Whilst Los Angeles is chock-a-block with modern and contemporary art galleries, that’s not all there is to see here. For photography enthusiasts and lovers of captured light, the Fahey/Klein Gallery is the place to be. Since opening to the public in 1986, the institute has grown to become one of the most popular institutes of its kind in the city. With an impressive collection of over 10,000 photographs spanning over the 19th and 20th centuries, there’s most certainly a lot to see here. If you’re a true photography buff, you might recognize some of the famous pieces wandering around this bright and sophisticated space. Even if you aren’t so well-versed in the realm of photography, this place is still a great stop, with each work more breathtaking than the last. Another museum that certainly doesn’t disappoint is The Broad, located just downtown. Though the gallery is young, it houses one of the city’s most popular collections of contemporary art. This spot in particular is known for its sleek and commanding facade, as well as its dimpled interior. The institute’s collection is friendly for a wide audience, housing big-name artists like Jeff Koons and Robert Therrien. Whilst the museum leans more pop than academic, there are still a lot of seminal pieces by influential modern artists. In addition, this spot is known for its Yayoi Kusama Infinity Room, a mirror room where visitors gather for selfies. Oh, and the best part? The institute offers free general admission to its permanent collection galleries, making it the perfect attraction for those travelling on a budget. Try Something New If you’re looking for something a little different, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! Combining the wonderful natural attributes of California with the artistic vibe of the city, the Hollywood Sculpture Garden is a fantastic break away from the typical gallery experience. This spot brings together fantastic artists from all over the globe, with over 100 works all in one space. Walking through the garden, you’ll notice a lot of diversity throughout the collection, since this spot welcomes all types of sculpture and installation art. We love this space because the pieces here are totally one-of-a-kind. Whilst you walk, take time to appreciate the wild flourishing greenery and carefully-cultivated flower beds. Visitations are made by appointment only, so make sure to book before you go. With its beautiful location and breathtaking views, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny afternoon in Los Angeles. As the technological world has flourished, its approach has spilled over into all sectors of life - including but not limited to the art world. Whilst there are a number of digital art spaces in LA now, one of our favorites has got to be the Museum of Dream Space for its one-of-a-kind illusions. The institute is known for being the first museum mainly exhibiting computerized art in the United States. Inspired by the art of Yayoi Kusama (known for her Infinity Mirror Rooms), the space is filled with spectacular large-scale light art installations to blow visitors away. All of the exhibits are immersive, with the intention to blur the boundary between the artwork and the viewer. Whilst this spot is popular with the Instagram crowd, you don’t have to be an influencer to enjoy the splendid pieces on display here. Some of the best days on vacation are those spent inside of the walls of a gallery. Explore Los Angeles 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
Hollywood Sign
Blog

Is Los Angeles Safe?

Eternal sunshine, movie makers, star-studded hilltops, and a strip of sunny beaches - Los Angeles is an enviable city on California’s coastline. The real-life La La Land is where dreams are made, and not just for wannabe film stars. However, turn the city on its head and L.A. has a more cynical side including infamous gangs and criminal neighborhoods. So you might be wondering, is Los Angeles safe to visit? Yes, Los Angeles is safe for tourists. In reality, L.A. is in fact a safe city to visit, with most tourist attractions and sites of interest situated within affluent neighborhoods overlooking the ocean. Of course, like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas, but overall it’s very easy to stay safe in L.A. To cover your bases, we’ve put together an insider guide to staying safe in Los Angeles... Yes, Los Angeles is safe for tourists. In reality, L.A is in fact a safe city to visit, with most tourist attractions and popular sites situated within affluent neighborhoods overlooking the ocean. Of course, like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas, but overall it’s very easy to stay safe in L.A. To cover your bases, we’ve put together an insider guide to staying safe in Los Angeles... Transportation in Los Angeles Los Angeles is a sprawling city and whilst public transportation is available, the most recommended way to travel is by car. If car hire isn’t an option for your trip to the city, then rest assured, taxis including Uber or Lyft, and the reliable bus system are also safe. It is recommended however to avoid public transportation at night time if you are unaccompanied or traveling through neighborhoods with a higher crime rate. Check out our full guide to getting around LA for more information. Los Angeles crime threats Like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets and petty theft in crowded areas. At key tourist spots such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and on public transport, be aware of concealing your money, keeping your wallets in front pockets, and holding purses tightly. If possible, don’t carry valuables around with you, and check your bags if you are bumped by a group of people. Similarly, remain alert to potential scams such as tampered ATMs, distracting flashing signs, and fake talent scouts. Never follow an individual who approaches you claiming to be a producer, casting agent, etc. and if you’re unsure, ask for a business card that you can use to do an internet search. There are legitimate talent scouts in Hollywood - just be sure to do your research and always tell someone where you are going. Although not a high risk, to avoid more serious crime, be careful not to wander into dangerous neighborhoods by sticking to the main streets. Natural disasters in Los Angeles Natural disasters are not a high-risk concern in Los Angeles. There have been earthquakes, but the last most dangerous major earthquake occurred in 1994. If you are however caught in a serious earthquake, you’re encouraged to either: Get under a sturdy desk or table if indoors and cover your head and neck with your arms Stay clear of windows, mirrors, or anything that may fall Avoid elevators, running in the street, trees and power lines Pull to the side of the road away from bridges and overpasses and stay inside the car Duck into a doorway if you are near buildings on a sidewalk If you are swimming in the ocean, you need to be aware of strong currents known as riptides. If you find yourself being carried offshore, try not to panic or swim against the current and instead swim parallel to the shoreline. Once the current stops, you’ll be able to swim back to shore. Solo travel and female travelers in Los Angeles The risk for female travelers in Los Angeles is low. For solo travelers of either gender, the advice applies to follow common sense, avoiding certain neighborhoods in the dark, deserted areas, and poorly lit streets. Another way of staying safe is to inform hotel staff or hostel guests where you’re going and keep emergency numbers close on your phone. You could also join a guided tour as a great way to see the city, stay safe, and meet new people! To summarize Los Angeles might not actually be a city of angels but it's definitely a safe destination to visit for all travelers. With a little common sense, tourists can see and enjoy this fantastic city with very little risk to their own safety. 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.
Eppie Shepherd

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

  • Thick check Icon