If you didn't already know, Los Angeles is preeeetty big, which, unsurprisingly, can make planning your sightseeing a little more complicated. As much as we like to be spontaneous, in such a sprawling city, a little bit of forward planning can make a big difference to your trip. 

The best way to explore LA is to sightsee by neighborhood. Luckily, there are several pockets of the city that have plenty of attractions within a short distance of each other. Because c'mon, why would you want to sit in traffic all day, when you could be spending your time making memories?

Check out our handy map where we've highlighted each sightseeing area, as well as the average driving times between each (just in case you want to visit a couple in one day!). Then, read on for more information about Los Angeles' main sightseeing areas.

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Los Angeles Transport Guide

 

Remember, these are just some of the top attractions available on our passes. You can view the full All-Inclusive Pass attractions list and the Explorer Pass attraction lineup on our website and app to help you plan your full itinerary.

Our favorite LA sightseeing areas

  • Hollywood

    From the Walk of Fame to that iconic sign, Hollywood's cup overflows with famous landmarks and attractions. With your pass, you can take a Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus tour to get your bearings, as well see some pretty well-known spots such as the TCL Chinese Theatre and The Dolby Theatre. Once you've had your fill of legendary Tinseltown sights, stroll down Hollywood Boulevard to take in the atmosphere and maybe spot a famous face or two!

  • Surrounding Valleys

    Now, this isn't strictly one area that can be visited in a day, but if you're planning to hit one of the surrounding Valley's attractions, we recommend giving yourself a day to enjoy them. On our pass, you can have the ultimate Hollywood experience at Universal Studios, see a real film set with the Warner Bros Studio tour, or get your adrenaline pumping at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

  • Downtown LA

    For a day of history and culture, there's no better place to be than Downtown LA. With the Natural History Museum, the California Science Centre and the Grammy Museum all within strolling distance, it's a great hub for a day of education. Finish up your afternoon by visiting  Koreatown, Little Tokyo or Chinatown for some great dining options. 

  • Long Beach

    Activities abound both on and off the water in Long Beach. Spend your morning marveling at tropical fish, sharks and penguins at the fantastic Aquarium of the Pacific, or hit the water on a cruise or whale watching tour. 

  • Santa Monica

    You could easily spend the day people-watching on Santa Monica's lively ocean pier or toasting on its fine sandy beaches. However, if you've got your pass at the ready and are keen for some sightseeing, a trip to Heal the Bay Aquarium, Santa Monica’s non-profit community aquarium, is a must. Afterward, head to Perry's Cafe and Rentals and then bike or skate your way to Venice Beach, with an obligatory pitstop at the famous Muscle beach to see the bodybuilders.

  • Orange County

    Head south to OC and you'll have endless activities to keep you and the family entertained. Of course, there's Knotts Berry Farms if you're looking for a day of fun and thrills, or hit the waters from Newport Beach in search of whales and dolphins. Here, you can also hop on the Catalina Flyer to visit gorgeous Santa Catalina Island.

    Top tip: LA and San Diego make for a great twin center vacation (and lucky for you, we've got passes in both!). Depending on traffic, it can take anywhere between two to four hours to drive between these two popular cities. Visiting OC on the way is a great way to tick off some top attractions and split up the driving time!