10+ Places in LA Music Fans Should Visit

From strolling down the Hollywood Walk of Fame to spotting concrete handprints of your favorite guitarists and browsing the iconic vinyl shops, LA's vibrant music scene is thriving.

Published: July 18, 2024
Hollywood

While Los Angeles is the home of Hollywood glamour, it's not all about movie stars. LA has a world-famous music scene and rich musical history, with plenty to delight audiophiles. From seeing your favorite musician's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to visiting the legendary venues on the Sunset Strip, there are tons of attractions in LA for music fans, including...

  • GRAMMY Museum
  • Madame Tussauds
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • Guitar Centre Rock World
  • Hollywood Bowl
  • Sunset Strip
  • LA Music Strip
  • And more!

GRAMMY Museum

gramophone-interior

The GRAMMY Museum is a superb place to learn about musicians in a fun, unique, interactive way. With the help of innovative programming, you'll discover the stories behind the artists and the music they created. Music has shaped how we understand the world, and the GRAMMY Museum breaks down the boundaries between artist and audience.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

madame-tussauds-hollywood
The images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood is one of the top attractions to visit in LA. Immerse yourself in all the glamour of Hollywood past and present, and surround yourself with Los Angeles' rich and famous. You can get close enough to touch some of the sculptures - and, of course, take that all-important selfie with your favorite singer.

Rub shoulders with the likes of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Rihanna. Don't miss the themed areas such as the Pop Icons Room - it's filled with all your favorite music stars.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Hollywood walk of fame

You can't visit Los Angeles without taking a stroll down the Walk of Fame. It's a 1.3-mile walk that runs east to west on Hollywood Boulevard and boasts more than 2,600 stars over 15 blocks. These stars represent the names of actors, singers, musicians, directors and so many more who have shaped the entertainment industry. Look for your favorites and snap some photos.

Guitar Center Rock Walk

This may seem like just a giant guitar store, but it's so much more. They have the biggest guitar collection you will ever see, plus other instruments and memorabilia. You can practice any instrument you like without salespeople hanging around. Plus, in front of the store, they have a cement block with the hand-prints of many famous rock stars. See which ones you recognize!

The Hollywood Bowl

Rolling Stone Magazine called The Hollywood Bowl one of the top 10 best live music venues in America.  This amphitheater in Hollywood Hills opened in 1922 and has seen the likes of Billie Holiday and the Beatles play on its stage.

Over the years, it has been upgraded to improve the audience's experience and the performers' acoustics. Today, you can see performances by Cyndi Lauper, Tony Bennet, Hugh Jackman, and so many more. You can purchase tickets for single performances, or create your own package. Don't forget to stop in at the Hall of Fame while you're there.

Sunset Strip

Sunset Strip

If you're going to Los Angeles, the Sunset Strip is a must-see for any music fan. A mile and a half long and steeped in history, the Sunset Strip was the go-to destination of Hollywood stars in the 1920s. It was bursting with supper clubs and nightclubs.

However, it has changed with the times, as the classy jazz age slipped into a more complex web of beatniks and literary geniuses. It has changed with society through folk, rock and roll, and punk. Today it's a pop culture haven, full of bars and shops. Some musical must-sees on the Strip are...
 

  • Whiskey A Go Go - On the corner of the Strip, Whisky A Go Go has been an anchor since 1964 and is still a happening nightspot. It's small, but if you want no-frills rock performances, this is a must for you. If you're looking to listen to metal, this is where you'll find it.
     
  • The Troubadour - The Troubadour is an intimate setting for contemporary music acts. Billy Joel, Elton John, James Taylor, and many more have played on the Troubadour stage.
     
  • The Roxy - If you want to launch your career in LA, this is where you perform. The Roxy Theatre is a place for aspiring new artists, plus well-established acts. The two merge together at The Roxy and you get to experience the wonder of performances in a state-of-the-art facility.

LA Music Center

The LA Music Center is best known for its dance program and affordable ticket prices. The Music Center has four theaters and four resident companies; the LA Master Chorale, the LA Opera, the Center Theatre Group, and the LAPhilharmonic. This is a must-see destination if you want the best in live performances from a nationally recognized program. The LA Music Center is a non-profit organization that brings art and live performance to the world.

Amoeba

Searching through records

Amoeba is another place audiophiles need to put on their must-see list. It is the largest independent music store and it stocks all kinds of music from today's top hits to experimental music. It has a huge collection of vinyl LPs and is still a trading post for new and used discs.

Its selection changes almost daily, so if you see something in this store that you just have to have, you'd better buy it. It considers its staff to be veterans of music retail, with the knowledge to rival everyone else in the business. Amoeba's goal is to match its customers to the music of their soul. 

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

tropical-botanical-garden

You may not think a zoo would be the first stop for a music fan, but in summer, Los Angeles Zoo hosts Roaring Nights. Their annual summer music series is complete with dancing, bars, wild hosts, and DJs. Every year, there's a new theme, so check the website to find out what's going on. It's how the zoo does music. Plus, who doesn't love a great zoo?

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Make the Most of Your LA Saturday: 10 Unforgettable Experiences

Experience a Classic Los Angeles Saturday: Sights, Stars, and Surprises  Let’s be honest: spending Saturday in Los Angeles is like opening a never-ending box of surprises. There’s the drama of hillside city views, the fun of theme parks, people-watching on the beach, and food from every corner of the globe. You could lose hours wandering a sun-soaked pier or take your inner film buff behind the scenes at a Hollywood studio. Whether you crave sandy toes, star-spotting, science wonders, or outdoor adventure, LA serves it all up with that famed West Coast cool.  In this guide, we’re sharing ten of our favorite things to do on a Saturday in LA. Each spot brings something special, whether it’s pure fun, classic California vibes, or a fresh way to see the city. Come hungry, bring your camera, and prepare for a day you’ll brag about for ages.  Our top LA Saturday experiences include:  Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood  Griffith Observatory Tour  Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Discover Tour  Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Adventure by Unlimited Biking  Explore the Original Farmers Market  California Science Center IMAX Movie  The Getty Center Guided Tour  Stroll through Downtown’s Grand Central Market  Battleship IOWA Museum  Heal the Bay Aquarium at Santa Monica Pier  Griffith Observatory Tour: Views, Science, and a Touch of Movie Stardom  No LA visit is complete without a trip up to Griffith Observatory, perched dramatically above the city. On Saturday mornings, the trails and grassy lawns fill with locals walking their dogs, kids racing around the giant sundial, and tourists gazing wide-eyed at that famous panorama—downtown LA on one side, the Hollywood Sign on the other.  Join a guided tour for deep dives into the cosmos, the Observatory’s grand telescopes, and fascinating science exhibits. The vibe is relaxed and friendly: you’ll see families, couples, and space fans chatting with staff astronomers about solar flares and LA’s nighttime lights. Don’t miss looking through the Zeiss telescope (it’s free in the evenings), and spend some time soaking in the planetarium shows, which pack the wonders of the universe into a seriously fun package.  Movie buffs? Get ready to spot La La Land filming locations and scenes from Rebel Without a Cause. The domed Art Deco architecture is glorious inside and out. Bring your camera: the views are wild, but people-watching can be even better.  Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Discover Tour: See LA at Your Speed  Sometimes you want to hit all the highlights in one go—and LA’s Hop-On Hop-Off bus lets you do just that, minus the navigation stress. This classic city tour loops between all the neighborhoods you’ve heard about: Hollywood’s buzzing Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive’s luxe boutiques, Sunset Strip’s rock ‘n’ roll history, mellow Santa Monica, and more.  What’s so great here? Total freedom. Ride the full loop and soak in LA stories from your guide, or hop off whenever something grabs your fancy—snap a photo at the Chinese Theatre’s famous handprints, people-watch on Melrose, or just find the city’s best cold brew coffee. The open-top deck is awesome for sun-soaked city snapshots, and the live commentary keeps you in the know with all the best LA inside info.  On Saturdays, we love how this tour transforms into a roving parade: musicians, magicians, and tourists strike up conversations, creating a friendly, festive atmosphere. If you’re short on time but want maximum LA flavor, this is a stress-free way to see it all.  Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Adventure: LA’s Beach Life at Its Best  If you picture LA, you probably imagine palm trees, muscle beaches, and endless sunshine—so why not roll right into that postcard? Rent a bike or join an easygoing guided tour with Unlimited Biking, and explore the cyclist-friendly beach path that runs from Santa Monica down to hip Venice Beach.  This route is classic California: lively roller skaters, artists, surfers, and street performers keep the boardwalk buzzing all day long. Pedal past cheerful skate parks, beachfront cafes, and (if you’re lucky) a pop-up drum circle. Santa Monica Pier is a must for selfies under the old-school neon arch, while Venice’s murals and quirky shops offer endless distractions. Guides share fun facts—think secret canals, skate legends, and “where the stars weekend.”  Bike-friendly breezes, the thrum of activity, and endless people-watching make this an LA Saturday essential. Pop into Perry’s Café for an acai bowl pit stop, or snack on funnel cake from the pier. End your ride with sandy toes and that unbeatable “I could totally live here” feeling.  Explore the Original Farmers Market: Foodie Heaven Since 1934  If your perfect Saturday starts with something tasty, LA’s beloved Farmers Market is your spot. This bustling open-air spot has been serving the city for nearly a century, and its welcoming, communal vibes have only grown stronger. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or snack-hopping from stall to stall—there’s every flavor under the sun, from tangy Brazilian juices to old-school Jewish deli classics and bubbling cauldrons of gumbo.  What’s the signature? People rave about the sweet and spicy barbecue at Bryan’s Pit Barbecue, flaky beignets at The Gumbo Pot, and fluffy pancakes at Du-par’s—a market institution for generations. Or go full LA with vegan tacos or Korean BBQ bowls.  Wander the aisles and you’ll find gourmet olive oils, artisan cheeses, just-baked baguettes, and picture-perfect produce stands. Everyone here is chatty and quick with a recommendation—and you might just lunch next to a famous face. Saturdays are the best day for soaking up the market’s friendly neighborhood energy and spontaneous live music. Follow up your meal with a whirl through the shops at The Grove next door.  The Getty Center: Art, Gardens, and LA’s Greatest Views  A Saturday at The Getty Center feels indulgent—in the best possible way. Rising above Brentwood on a sun-dappled hilltop, this museum is as famous for its breathtaking gardens and architecture as its world-class art collection. Start your visit by boarding the tram up to the galleries, taking in sweeping city-to-ocean views.  Inside, everything feels easy and airy: gallery-goers wander through rooms packed with French furniture, European masterpieces, and luminous photography. Outside, the carefully landscaped gardens are downright dreamy—think maze-like hedges and fountains, perfect for slow strolls and contemplation.  A big part of the Getty’s appeal is atmosphere: there’s a relaxed hush in the galleries, and patio spaces are prime for soaking up sunshine or a casual coffee break. On Saturdays, the center buzzes with creativity—family art activities, outdoor sketchers, and live music on the lawns. Don’t leave without a wander through the Central Garden (designed by artist Robert Irwin), where flowers, sculptures, and city views collide in unbeatable style.  Grand Central Market: Downtown’s Global Food & Flavor Hub  If you land in DTLA on a Saturday, Grand Central Market is the place to be. It’s a tribute to LA’s unmatched foodie spirit: open since 1917 and reborn as a global street-food lover’s dream. The vibe here is pulsing with energy, blending locals and visitors from every background in one colorful, bustling arcade.  Food? Options are endless. G&B Coffee delivers hipster-quality espresso that wins nationwide awards. Eggslut keeps the lines hopping for lush breakfast sandwiches (the Fairfax is legendary), while Tacos Tumbras a Tomas serves mountain-high carnitas plates. Samoa Boy brings treats you didn’t know you needed, like coconut buns and mango-studded shave ice.  Pull up a counter stool, mingle with LA’s creative set, and watch the world go by. The seating is communal, so you’ll swap recommendations and maybe make a new friend. While Saturday can be lively, the turnover is quick and the buzz genuinely fun—perfect for refueling on your LA adventure.  Battleship IOWA Museum: Step Aboard History on the Waterfront  Ever imagined yourself as captain of the high seas? Head for the Port of Los Angeles and climb aboard the Battleship IOWA, a floating museum with real cinematic swagger. The decks have hosted presidents, troops, and filmmakers—now it’s your turn to explore.  The self-guided tour covers everything from the bridge to below-decks gun turrets. There’s a dash of nostalgia in every corridor: handwritten notes from sailors, black-and-white photos, and displays packed with WWII-era memorabilia. Kids (and the kid in all of us) love climbing through the ship’s ladders, checking out big gun displays, and hunting for “Vicky,” the ship's resident bulldog mascot.  Staff and docents share personal sea stories—don’t be shy about asking for their favorites! The ship’s outdoor spaces offer panoramic harbor views; bring a windbreaker for chilly sea breezes. Saturdays often bring pop-up events, veterans’ story hours, or local Southern California food trucks to the dock. It’s an essential stop for history buffs, Navy fans, and pretty much anyone keen to see an LA original off the beaten path.  Heal the Bay Aquarium: Underwater Wonders at Santa Monica Pier  Few spots say “coastal LA” quite like the Santa Monica Pier, and tucked beneath the action is one of the city’s most delightful micro-attractions: Heal the Bay Aquarium. It’s small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm, color, and hands-on wonder. Step inside and you’re greeted by swirling schools of native fish, friendly staff helping kids meet sea stars at the touch tanks, and the soft burble of LA’s underwater wildlife.  What makes Heal the Bay Aquarium extra special is its local focus. You’ll discover animals and habitats pulled straight from Santa Monica Bay—giant octopuses, curious eels, and sometimes baby sharks. Volunteers are around to answer every “what’s that?” and share easy ways to protect the ocean, making the whole place both educational and uplifting.  Quiet early hours are ideal for families, while afternoons buzz with curious visitors coming off the boardwalk. Pair a visit here with a stroll along the pier for old-fashioned amusements, photo ops, and maybe a sunset view from the Ferris wheel.  Roundup: Saturday in LA Never Looked So Good  Saturdays in Los Angeles are legendary for a reason—this city is playful, creative, and always ready to surprise you. No matter how you explore—from movie backlots to beachfront bike tours, food markets to museums—LA serves up options as diverse as the city itself. Each experience on our list promises something fun and memorable, served with a side of sunshine and that one-of-a-kind LA energy.  Whether you come for the celebrity history, cool coastal vibes, or simply killer tacos, Los Angeles has your Saturday sorted. Trust us: no two weekends are ever the same.    Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do When it Rains in Los Angeles or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes   Step up your sightseeing with Go City®     We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!    

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