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

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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

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. 

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Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a fantastic destination that everybody should experience at least once in a lifetime. Still, choosing a place to stay can be a laborious task. The city is so massive and spread out, with iconic sites around every corner. From world-famous landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame to Santa Monica Pier and the Getty Villa, the city will always leave you wanting more. For dynamism, cultural impact and sheer diversity, the city is really hard to beat. Still overwhelmed by the prospect of exploring a new city? Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll break down the best areas in Los Angeles to stay in and share some of our top travel tips. Santa Monica For those who want to be near the beach without missing out on the vibrant city atmosphere, we recommend staying in Santa Monica. This spot is perfect for both families and solo travellers alike, with a wide variety of exciting attractions and activities to choose from. The neighborhood is of course home to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, but that’s not all there is to see here. For nature lovers, we highly recommend heading over to the Santa Monica Mountains for a hike. But if nature isn’t quite your thing, don’t worry - the area is home to some of the best shopping in SoCal, with Montana Avenue and Main Street District right at your fingertips. Stay here, and you’ll also be surrounded by tons of great bars, restaurants, and entertainment. The neighborhood is super walkable and scenic, but if you want to go a little further out, we would recommend calling for a cab or taking advantage of some of the city’s great public transport options. Hollywood If you’re looking to be in the center of all the action, Hollywood would be the best bet. A once gritty, urban neighbourhood-turned major tourist hub, this spot now showcases iconic sights at every turn. Hollywood Boulevard, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame, and Universal Studios - you name it, Hollywood’s got it! In addition, the neighborhood is bordered by West Hollywood and Fairfax, the Hollywood Hills, and East Hollywood, granting access to some of the best shopping, dining and entertainment in town. If you’re a foodie, we recommend heading over to East Hollywood, where you’ll find a fantastic array of restaurants in Little Armenia and Thai Town. Or, if it’s high-energy nightlife that you’re after, West Hollywood is the place to be. From spirited cabaret shows to fun comedy clubs, you’ll never be bored here. Since the neighborhood is so popular, you’ll find that there is a wide range of accommodation both in style and budget to choose from. We recommend booking quite far in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the spring or summertime. Beverly Hills For a truly luxurious stay in La La Land, what could be a better choice than Beverly Hills? As you might have guessed, this area is pretty extraordinary, so we recommend exploring it on foot as much as you can. Wandering through the neighborhood, you’ll be able to view some schmancy mansions in a wide variety of architectural styles and carefully-manicured gardens. Still, this notably glamorous place has much more to offer outside of its evident beauty. Living up to its famous zip code, this spot is home to some great attractions - here, you can visit the Beverly Hills sign, the Greystone Mansion, and the Virginia Robinson Gardens. Still, one of our favorite spots has got to be the Spadena House, a quirky only-in-Los Angeles attraction. Standing as a distinctive example of storybook style-architecture, this spot has served as a filming location for many fantasy films over the years. Though it is now a private residence, visitors are welcome to visit and take guided tours to marvel over its wholly unique interiors. The neighborhood is also home to one of the best shopping destinations in L.A., Rodeo Drive. Even if you’re not a big spender, this pristine thoroughfare is perfect for a casual day of window shopping and grabbing a bite to eat. And of course, the area boasts some of the swankiest hotels in all of Los Angeles, including the Beverly Hilton and the wonderful Beverly Hills Hotel. Though the area is obviously pretty pricey, we promise that staying here is well worth it. Malibu Another one of our favorite places to stay in the city has got to be Malibu. A little more grown-up than Santa Monica, Malibu is perfect for romantic getaways or solo travellers, known for its beautiful beachfront and aura of relaxed chic. Aside from serving as a prime destination for soaking up the sun, the district is great for shopping addicts, with Malibu Country Mart, Point Dume Village and Promenade at Westlake drawing in the crowds at weekends. Come nightfall, we highly suggest checking out some of the area’s wonderful waterfront restaurants. Here you’ll be able to find locally-sourced fresh seafood in a wide variety of dishes. From oysters and classic lobster rolls to delicious sushi and coconut shrimp, this place is a total dream for food lovers. Come nightfall, sip a cocktail on the beach, enjoy jazz nights and rooftop theater. Combining SoCal’s laidback nature with a touch of sophistication, this spot has much to offer all visitors. Los Angeles is a fantastic destination to visit with so many great places to stay in. We recommend taking a little time to think about your itinerary so that you can be certain that your accommodation fits just right! Maximize your travel experience with an 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 transport
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Getting around LA - How to get around Los Angeles for tourists

We've got your go-to guide with all the info on getting around the city and beyond, including how to get to and from the airport. When you're visiting this sunny Californian paradise, we're sure you'll want to see as much as humanly possible. So we've got all the best tips and tricks for completing your Los Angeles Bucket List.
Casey Makovich
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Things to do in Los Angeles for Birthday

There are countless great ways to celebrate your birthday in Tinseltown. No really - we mean it! Offering the perfect mix of vibrant chaos and bohemian chill, there’s a little something for everybody here. From catching your favorite comedians live on the Sunset Strip to soaking up the views of the city at the Griffith Observatory, L.A. is the place to celebrate in style. Whether it’s your 18th or your 50th, there’s sure to be something to pique your interest and make this milestone something to remember. Still having trouble narrowing down your options? Don’t fear! Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering, a big birthday bash or a fun treat for yourself, we’ve got you covered with the very best that the city has to offer. Have a read through our list of some of the best birthday activities in Los Angeles! No matter how you decide to celebrate in the City of Angels, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Have a Laugh How about getting older with some friends and spending the night at the comedy club? As the entertainment capital of the world, of course Los Angeles is home to some of the best comedy spots in the world - from highly-acclaimed venues to hole-in-the-wall dives, the city pretty much has it all. If you’re looking for familiar faces trying out some of their newest side-splitting material, we suggest heading over to the Sunset Strip. Running right through the center of West Hollywood, this emblematic 1.5-mile stretch is home to some of the best clubs in America. Some of our favorite places include Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv. Or, if you want a more laid-back atmosphere, we recommend checking out the smaller clubs in Silver Lake and Koreatown. In these spots, you’re more likely to stumble across up-and-coming talent, quirky drag acts, sketch shows and more. Vibrant and fun, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a night out on the town in Los Angeles. Take a Trip If you’re looking for something a little different to celebrate your special day - don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Offering the perfect day trip with a hit of escapism, Catalina Island is one of Southern California’s most underrated hidden gems. Catch the Catalina Express from Long Beach to make your way over to this convenient location set about 30 miles just off the coast of California’s mainland. Billed as the ‘’Hidden Paradise in Southern California’’, this spot has much to offer all types of travellers. The city’s main tourist hub is Avalon, which boasts great shopping and unbeatable dining, as well as some of the island’s top attractions. Some of our favourites include Catalina Island Museum, Lover’s Cove and Catalina Casino. The island is also a great spot for nature lovers, with stunning palm-fringed beaches and exciting adventure activities to choose from. Try testing your bravery by ziplining over Descanso Beach, or hiking across the island’s mountainous coastline. A thoroughly brilliant excursion, this charming island is the epitome of fun and relaxation. Spend the Day in Nature If you feel like a physical and mental challenge to prove that you’re just as young as you were yesterday, head over to Griffith Park where you’ll find magnificent slopes and scenic, pristine trails for miles. Covering over 4,000 acres, this fantastic emblematic greenspace is known for being one of the largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States. Of course, there’s a whole lot to see and do here, though one of the most popular activities has got to be walking the trails which provide panoramic views of the iconic Hollywood Sign. Keep your eyes peeled en route, since the attraction is home to a wide array of wildlife - visitors can expect to see everything from foxes and deer to bobcats and even the occasional mountain lion! Aside from the park’s popular hiking trails, this spot is also home to some great Los Angeles attractions. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Greek Theatre is a great place to enjoy concerts and performances set against the natural backdrop of Los Angeles. And if that doesn’t quite take your fancy, head over to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens at the northeast corner of the park to see some furry (or slimy friends). You can even see remnants of the Old Los Angeles Zoo which shut way back in 1966 on the east side of the park. Complete with abandoned animal enclosures and cages, this spot is now been turned into a unique picnic spot with tables and chairs. Have a Blast! Another one of our favorite places to celebrate in L.A. has got to be Six Flags Magic Mountain. Perfect for any adventurous types visiting the city, this iconic attraction does just what it says on the tin: offer world-class entertainment for all ages. As one of the most popular theme parks in the U S of A, the park draws in over 30 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! Visitors are guaranteed a great day of fun, with over 19 rides and attractions to choose from - the most of any amusement park in the world! Go up high, dip down low and enjoy adrenaline-pumping twists and turns on some of the best award-winning rides in the world. Or, make a splash at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a fun-filled aquatic experience located right next to the amusement park! Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, this spot is sure to put a huge smile on your face. There are a lot of ways to celebrate a birthday in Los Angeles - but who would have expected anything less? Whether you’re looking to grab a drink at one of the city’s most iconic comedy clubs or take it easy exploring Griffith Park, you’re sure to have a blast! 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

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