Los Angeles, or LA, is one of the most well-known cities in the world. Hollywood stars, the TV & movie industries, and gorgeous beaches all make LA a popular vacation spot.
Check out our guide below on what makes Los Angeles famous. It’s full of tips on how to make the most of your LA vacation and has suggestions for tourist attractions and destinations including...
- Hollywood attractions
- The best beaches in LA
- Theme parks
- TV, Movie & Music Industries
- LA-inspired pop culture
Top Los Angeles Facts
- Los Angeles was founded on September 4, 1781.
- The city's original name was El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles (The Town of the Queen of Angels).
- In 2018, 50 million people visited Los Angeles.
- LA has various nicknames like La La Land and Tinseltown.
- Los Angeles is the second-most populous city in the USA, after New York.
- LA is the largest city on the West Coast.
Hollywood
One of the most famous areas in Los Angeles is Hollywood. It’s the neighborhood synonymous with the glamorous movie industry and where many celebrities call home. More importantly, there are so many things to do in Hollywood, so visiting this area should be at the top of your Los Angeles itinerary.
The Hollywood Sign
An advertising company built the Hollywood sign in 1923 to read "Hollywoodland". Initially, the sign advertised a new housing development but was so popular that it became permanent. However, they dropped the “land” in 1946.
Today, you can hike the Hollywood Hills to see the sign up close or find a spot nearby to pose with the sign. Join the Hollywood Sign Tour for a guided hike through the Hollywood Hills area to learn all about this famous location. You'll be rewarded at the top with the best views over all of Los Angeles, all the way to the ocean!
Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame was initially completed in 1961 and contained 1,558 stars. But that number steadily grew (an average of two stars is added each month) and now the Walk of Fame has more than 2,600 stars!
While exploring the Walk of Fame you will get to see other famous landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre, too.
Hollywood Museum
Explore Hollywood’s history with a massive 3,500-square-foot collection of costumes and props at the Hollywood Museum. You will get to see famous Hollywood artifacts like Marilyn Monroe’s dress and Cary Grant’s Rolls Royce, not to mention fun exhibits like the Dungeon of Doom and Holy Hollywood History. This is a must-see attraction for movie buffs.
Los Angeles Beaches
The gorgeous beaches located on a 75-mile coastline, with stunning spots from Malibu to Long Beach, are one of the many reasons people visit LA. Here are our suggestions for the best Los Angeles beaches to visit...
Malibu
Malibu is famous for its beaches, and the beautiful celebrity homes located along the coast. Take a tour of Malibu's Celebrity Homes and learn all about which stars call the area home. See homes belonging to Leonardo DiCaprio, Cher, and Bruce Willis, among others. You’ll also get the chance to explore the Malibu beach and pier.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica beach is lovely in its own right. But more importantly, the pier is worth a visit. The Pacific Park Santa Monica Pier is full of restaurants, shops, and of course, the Pacific Park amusement park.
With your pass, you can enjoy admission and unlimited access to Pacific Park’s twelve rides. You especially have to ride on Pacific Wheel, Pacific Park’s Ferris wheel, for amazing views of the beach and ocean.
Theme parks
Los Angeles is also known for its theme parks, so LA is the perfect city for thrill-seekers.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or in a group of adults, LA’s theme parks have something for everyone. Can't decide between Disneyland vs Universal Studios? See both!
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and a working film studio lot in one. Not only does it have tons of movie-themed rides and rollercoasters, it also has an interactive, theatrical Universal Studios Tour, which is partly a guided tour and partly a ride in its own right.
If you do anything at USH, it has to be the Studio tour. Be sure to check out our Universal Studios Hollywood guide before you go to make the most of your visit.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm was originally a family-run amusement park, that originated sometime in the 1920s. It is now one of the most visited theme parks in the USA. Additionally, its seasonal events, like Knott’s Scary Farm and Knott’s Merry Farm, are famous.
Whichever time of year you visit LA, be sure to visit Knott’s Berry Farm, and read our guide to Knott’s Berry Farm before you go.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Thrill-seekers have to visit Six Flags Magic Mountain. The high-thrill rides including the tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster, Tatsu, and the world’s tallest looping coaster, Full Throttle, make this park famous.
Moreover, Six Flags Magic Mountain also has kid-friendly rides, like a carousel and more in a Looney Tunes-themed area. To make the most of your visit, read our Six Flags Magic Mountain guide.
LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California is guaranteed to be a hit with the kids. There’s no kid-area in this park – instead, little ones can enjoy access to more than 60 rides. Furthermore, to celebrate their 20th anniversary, there will be special events happening throughout the park all year round.
TV, movie & music industries
LA is the ideal destination for movie fans, as there are so many studio tours you can take. Music lovers will thrive on exploring the attractions dedicated to music-themed attractions located around the city. Here are some of our favorites. TV, movie, and music-themed attractions.
Sony Pictures Studio Tour
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Sony Pictures and see the sets of famous films like The Wizard of Oz and Spider-Man. Your guide will tell you everything you need to know about the studios as they take you around real, working sets. With this in mind, keep an eye out for actors!
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Madame Tussauds Hollywood is your chance to get up close to the stars. Take a selfie with Marilyn Monroe, and mingle with movie stars like Robin Williams and Nicole Kidman. Pop fans will love ‘meeting’ Beyonce, Madonna, and Lady Gaga. Plus, see stars of the small screen like Jane Lynch and Selena Gomez.
Dolby Theatre Tour
Movie fans have to visit the Dolby Theatre Tour, where the Academy Awards are hosted. On this 30-minute guided tour, you will see an Oscar statue, the Dolby lounge, and exclusive photos from past ceremonies.
The Hollywood Movie Experience
This 90-minute walking tour will take you to famous movie locations, as seen in films like La La Land and Ghostbusters. Firstly, your guide will tell you everything you want to know about the film industry and your favorite Hollywood A-listers. Secondly, you’ll get to ride on the Angels Flight Railway and see famous LA landmarks along the way.
GRAMMY Museum
This is a must-visit attraction for music fans. First of all, The GRAMMY Museum’s exhibits take place over four floors and teach you everything about the LA music industry. Secondly, you can see the Clive Davis Theater, where stars like Ringo Starr and Taylor Swift have performed.
Additionally, the GRAMMY museum often hosts events and concerts, so check their schedule before your visit to see what’s on.
Pop culture
As Los Angeles is such a famous city, it's no surprise that lots of movies and TV shows have been set here. Additionally, there are hundreds of songs with LA as their muse. Check out some of the most popular...
Movies: Loads of films are set here. Why not watch one to get in the LA spirit before your trip?:
- La La Land
- Clueless
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
- The Artist
- Blade Runner
- Pulp Fiction
- Pretty Woman
Songs: There are endless songs about Los Angeles, too. Here are some you might consider adding to your LA playlist:
- West Coast by Lana Del Rey
- Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty
- California Girls by the Beach Boys
- California Dreamin' by the Mamas & The Papas
- I Love LA by Randy Newman
- Malibu by Miley Cyrus
- Hollywood by Madonna
- Tiny Dancer by Elton John
TV Shows: Lots of popular TV shows are set in LA – here are a few to watch before your vacation:
- Modern Family
- NCIS: Los Angeles
- New Girl
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- Baywatch
- Beverly Hills, 90210
- The Big Bang Theory
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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.
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