81 Things to Do in Los Angeles (By a Local)

Headed to LA? Check out my guide to Los Angeles!

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TOP THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES

1. Check out the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

If you love cemeteries and if you love celebrities, don’t miss the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. It’s the resting spot for Hollywood stars like Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Chris Cornell.

6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038

2. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Always a favorite, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must if you’ve been dreaming of this star-studded boulevard forever. Although the city of Hollywood is actually kind of dirty, this is still a must-do for most tourists.

As a local, I’m way used to it, but I totally get the appeal.

It’s exciting when you get to see your favorite celebrity’s name on a star and take a picture with it!

Don’t forget to stop by Grauman’s TCL Chinese Theater to see celebrities’ hands and footprints!

3. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills

Another classic thing to do in Los Angeles is visiting Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Here you’ll find the top designer stores and ritzy art galleries. Browse to your heart’s content!

4. Pictures with the Hollywood Sign

If you want to return home and make sure everyone knows where you visited, don’t miss a photo with the famous Hollywood sign! You can do a Hollywood Sign Hiking Tour to get a great photo with it, or take a pic with it when you visit Griffith Observatory. 

5. Olvera Street

Olvera Street is considered the birthplace of Los Angeles. This historic area is lined with colorful buildings and has street vendors selling traditional pottery, blankets, and souvenirs.

You can find Avila Adobe here, which is the oldest surviving residence in Los Angeles. 

MUSEUMS IN LOS ANGELES

6. Griffith Observatory

Learn about astronomy and space science at Griffith Observatory while getting incredible views of the city.

There are often star parties, lectures and special events happening here throughout the year. One of my favorite places in LA for sure!

Entry is free, but you’ll have to pay $15-20 to park.

2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

7. LACMA

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is a must if you love art. The collection includes over 150,000 pieces of art of all kinds.

The installation outdoors, Urban Light, is highly photographed — I’m sure you’ve seen a pic of it before! Come here to get your own shot, during the day or night.

5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

8. Getty Villa

Located in the Pacific Palisades right off of Pacific Coast Highway, the Getty Villa has over 44,000 antiques, vases, sculptures and mosaics.

You can also just stroll the beautiful grounds here, which are modeled after the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum, Italy.

I like coming here for the day to relax and then hop over the beach just across PCH. It makes a great date spot!

9. Getty Center

The Getty Center is just a little bit further up the 405 freeway but well worth the trek.

You’ll get an incredible view of the city from here, and if you love architecture, you will want to take alll the photos.

The building is made with travertine stone panels, which gives the entire place a reflective light. Oh yeah, and the art is amazing too! One of my favorite places in LA.

10. The Broad

The Broad is LA’s newest museum. Located in DTLA, The Broad is filled with contemporary art by the likes of Jeff Koons, Takeshita Murakami, Cindy Sherman, and more.

Founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad in 2015, The Broad is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

11. MOCA

Right across the street from The Broad, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is one of the largest contemporary art museums in the world.

You can explore over 7,000 works of art here, featuring both well-known and local artists.

12. Hammer Museum

The Hammer Museum is a much smaller museum than the ones listed above, but I like coming here because it always seems to have the most intriguing exhibitions.

The Hammer is affiliated with UCLA (which is in the same neighborhood) so you’ll see many students around.

Admission is free, but you will have to pay for parking.

13. California African American Museum

Dedicated to the history, art, and culture of African Americans in California and beyond, CAAM was founded in 1977.

Browse paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more and learn about the contributions made by African Americans.

It’s in Exposition Park in DTLA, and admission is free.

14. Petersen Automotive Museum

If you love cars, check out the Petersen Automotive Museum. There is so much to learn about how cars came to be a thing and how Los Angeles played a big part in that role.

Plus, the exterior of the building was redone not too long ago, and it’s WILD! You gotta get a photo here.

15. Japanese American National Museum

Spending the day in Little Tokyo? Visit the Japanese American American National Museum.

Learn about Japanese American history and browse the collection, much of which covers WWII when many Japanese Americans were forced out of their homes by the government and put in internment camps.

16. Grammy Museum

Come to the Grammy Museum if you absolutely love music. You can see a ton of costumes worn by your favorite performers alongside their guitars, saxophones, and other instruments.

An adult ticket is $18. 

800 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

17. Huntington Library & Gardens

If you like a relaxed atmosphere and an outdoor stroll, come to the Huntington Library and Gardens. This beautiful place offers 120 acres of stunning gardens you can stroll through.

Rare books, manuscripts, and famous works of art are also part of the collection in the library. 

1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, CA 91108

18. Exposition Park

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You could definitely spend a whole day at Exposition Park. Located next door to USC, the grounds are home to LA’s Natural History Museum, the California Science Center, the Californian African American Museum, and the Coliseum, where USC football games are held.

You can also come simply to stroll the rose garden while the flowers are in bloom, which is one of my favorite hidden gems in the city.

700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037

19. Museum of Neon Art

Head to Glendale to see the Museum of Neon Art, which houses all kinds of really cool neon art. I still have yet to come here, but it’s on my list!

216 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204

RECREATION & BEACH SCENE IN LOS ANGELES

20. Have a Picnic at Elysian Park

If you’re into more LA-local type activities, have a picnic at Elysian Park. This is one of the most popular things for local Angelenos to do on the weekends! 

929 Academy Road, Los Angeles, CA 90012

21. Surfing lesson in Santa Monica

Into surfing? Give it a try with a lesson in Santa Monica!

I highly recommend taking a lesson before renting a surfboard and trying it out on your own. Surfing is way harder than it looks!

Check out this surfing lesson by GetYourGuide. 

22. Paddle boarding in Marina del Rey

Another great water activity is paddle boarding, which you can do in Marina del Rey.

I actually don’t think a tour or lesson is necessary for this, as it’s pretty straightforward, but you’ll likely need to rent the equipment.

You can get rentals from Pro SUP Shop or Marina Water Sports Rentals.

23. Hike Runyon Canyon

Get a real taste of LA life by hiking Runyon Canyon. All of LA’s actors, actresses, dancers and models come here to get a good workout in, so be sure to pack your most stylish athleisure!

Parking is tough, so you may have to park on Hollywood Blvd. and walk up.

24. Hike the Santa Monica Mountains

For less of a ‘scene’ than Runyon Canyon, try the Santa Monica Mountains. There are many trails throughout the mountains, and on some, you can even catch magnificent views of the ocean.

A few trails I recommend: Solstice Canyon Loop (easy), Ocean and Canyon View Trail (moderate), and Mishe Mokwa Trail to Split Rock (moderate). If you go in the spring, you may be able to see California’s state flower, the poppy!

25. Santa Monica Pier and Beach

Definitely one of the more touristy things to do in Los Angeles, Santa Monica Pier and Beach is a must-see on your trip. You can walk along the beach and explore the pier, which has a roller coaster and ferris wheel.

There are plenty of street performers, too, which is always entertaining! I’d also recommend heading up to Third Street Promenade for shopping (you can find stores like H&M, Urban Outfitters, etc. there).

26. Malibu Pier and Beach

Extra time on your hands? Go to Malibu Pier and Beach, which is further north than Santa Monica but less crowded and even more stunning.

In Malibu, you can catch the sunset while dining at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe, a cute spot for a coffee or a glass of wine.

Bring your bathing suit and lay out on the beach!

27. Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is known among locals as a great surfing spot. It also has a very young spirit here.

Rent a bike and go up and down The Strand, a 22-mile bike path that runs north and south along the coast.

28. Hermosa Beach

Further south is Hermosa Beach. This is another great spot for sunbathing, surfing, and playing beach volleyball.

I recommend Hermosa Beach’s nightlife, too — I used to go to all the bars in Hermosa when I was a college student! The best are American Junkie and Baja Sharkeez.

For dinner, go to Dia de Campo for incredible Mexican food. I went once for a work dinner, and I’m still thinking about how good the guac was!

35. See a Movie at the El Capitan in Hollywood

A classic! If you’re able to catch a screening of Star Wars or another huge Disney hit while you’re in town, definitely see it at El Capitan.

This historic theater has an elegant old school theme with a live organ player at center stage.

36. See a musical at the Pantages

Love live theater? Go to the Pantages in Hollywood! I saw Hamilton here and boy, it was amazing. 

37. Catch a concert at Sofi Stadium

Sofi Stadium is LA’s newest entertainment venue. It has an open-air vibe which is so great if you’re COVID-cautious around big groups of people.

I saw Bad Bunny and The Weeknd there and had an amazingggg time. 

38. Get tickets to see the LA Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Los Angeles Philharmonic plays at the Walt Disney Concert Hall during the winter season and at the Hollywood Bowl during the summer.

The LA Phil doesn’t play at the Walt Disney Concert Hall for most of June, July, and August, so if you’d like to see them here, be sure to visit in the other months of the year.

Either way, you’ll love the amazing sound of a live orchestra – there’s really nothing else like it.

39. Go to a live taping

Want to see America’s Got Talent live? Head to Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Interested in Dancing with the Stars? Apply for tickets to watch the show’s all-star cast in person in Hollywood.

Or what about Jeopardy? (I’ve done this actually – back when Alex Trebek was around!)

You can get free tickets on a first come, first serve basis to see the show at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City. 

40. Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Madame Tussauds Hollywood is a popular wax museum located in Hollywood. The museum features life-like wax replicas of some of the most famous people in the world, including Hollywood actors, music stars, sports figures, and historical icons.

Some people love doing this, but it’s never been my thing – your call, though!

41. Sunset Strip to see a live show at the historic Viper Room or Whisky a Go Go

The Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go are two of the most famous nightclubs located on Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.

If you love Johnny Depp, go to The Viper Room – he founded it in 1993! The club was also the location of actor River Phoenix’s tragic death in 1993 – a ton of rumors surround his death, if you’re familiar. 

Whiskey a Go Go has hosted the likes of The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and The Who.

Today, both clubs hold shows by independent and up-and-coming musicians. I’ve been to a few shows there. It’s fun.

42. The Echo / The Echoplex

If you love live music and you’re really looking for a locals only scene, check out The Echo and The Echoplex.

Located in Echo Park, these two venues host shows by a variety of rock, indie, electronic, and hip-hop bands and musicians.

The Echoplex is larger and holds about 700 people; The Echo is smaller and more intimate. 

43. Visit the Hollywood Bowl

One of LA’s best venues, period. This place is iconic! I’ve seen Bon Iver here and it was magical – surrounded by views of the hills and city skyline.

In the summer, you can often catch a fun sing-along concert. I try to come here at least once every summer.

The season at The Hollywood Bowl usually starts in April and ends in early November.

SPORTS IN LOS ANGELES

44. Catch a Dodgers game

Baseball! Always a favorite. The love for the Dodgers in LA is unreal. Come out for a game and you’ll instantly feel like an LA local.

On Friday nights, they usually have fireworks. Such a fun experience! The stadium is a little bit difficult to get to — take an uber if you can or park by the Police Academy to save money on the high parking fees.

45. Catch a Lakers game

You can’t miss a Lakers game while you’re in Los Angeles!

Admittedly, I have never been because I am NOT a Lakers fan (don’t tell anyone!) but the loyalty here runs thick.

It’s a fun experience since they play at Crypto.com arena (formerly Staples Center) in downtown LA. 

46. See the LA Galaxy play soccer at Dignity Health Sports Club

Not a baseball or basketball fan? Then catch a soccer game!

The LA Galaxy is one of the most successful teams in the U.S.

Did you know even David Beckham once played for the LA Galaxy? Yes!

FOOD AND DRINK IN LOS ANGELES

47. Go to Randy’s Donuts in Inglewood

Mmmm… the best donuts in Los Angeles come from Randy’s.

You will know you’re in the right spot when you see the huuuuge donut from about a mile away. I always splurge on a delicious donut (or two) here!

48. Food trucks

Oh yes, let’s not forget that food trucks in Los Angeles are some of the best ever, offering everything from Korean to Mexican to vegan plant-based hamburgers.

Try to hit up Kogi BBQ, The Grilled Cheese Truck, The Lobos Truck or Vegan Hooligans while you’re in town. You won’t regret it!

49. Grand Central Market

If you love markets, Grand Central Market is the most widely known market in LA. Located downtown right by Angel’s Flight, Grand Central Central Market features a variety of food options.

Tacos, ramen, oysters… you name it, you got it. Eggslut is one of the most popular restaurants here – you can get a delicious bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast on a brioche bun here.

Grand Central is a great thing to do in Los Angeles on a Saturday afternoon.

50. Head to Little Tokyo for the best sushi on the West Coast

Love sushi? Little Tokyo is one of the best places to find the freshest sushi outside of Japan. I love Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, Rice & Nori, and Hama Sushi. 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE AN INSIDE LOOK AT LITTLE TOKYO: WHAT TO DO IN 1 AFTERNOON

51. Craft breweries in the Arts District

Beer, beer, and more beer, please! The LA Arts District is filled with craft breweries where you can get a delicious locally brewed beer. I recommend Angel’s City or Arts District Brewing. 

Check out my guide to spending one day in the Los Angeles Arts District.

52. Jackson Market Culver City

A hidden gem in Culver City, Jackson Market has some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. You can also find a great selection of wine here.

53. Eagle Rock Italian Bakery & Deli

A bit far away from other tourist spots throughout the city, this Italian bakery and deli is in Eagle Rock. It’s a small place and doesn’t look like much, but let me tell you, if you’re having a hard time finding a delicious cassata cake, look no further than this spot.

54. Proof Bakery in Atwater Village

Proof Bakery has some of the best chocolate chip cookies around town. Located in Atwater Village, Proof always has a line out the door, so come prepared for a little wait that’s well worth it.

55. Canter’s Deli on Fairfax

For an authentic deli-style experience, go to Canter’s. This famous Jewish deli is located on Fairfax Avenue. It was founded in 1931 by Benjamin Canter and has been family-owned and operated for three generations. I’ve come here many times for matzo ball soup after a night out, since the restaurant is open 24 hours a day!

56. Musso and Frank’s in Hollywood

If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles involving Hollywood’s golden age, look no further than Musso and Frank’s.

This historic restaurant has served the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and Ernest Hemingway.

This restaurant has been featured in Mad Men, Ocean’s Eleven, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The food is also pretty good, too!

57. St. Vincent Court in DTLA

Often coined ‘the most European part of Los Angeles,’ St. Vincent Court is a hidden gem in downtown. If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path things to do in Los Angeles, come here.

This alleyway is lined with cafes and restaurants that offer everything from Greek to Italian to Mexican food.

58. Malibu Wines 

Wine and gorgeous views? Look no further than Malibu Wines, the closest winery to the city.

Heading there is usually a daylong occasion, since the trek to Malibu takes a while and usually involves driving.

Sip down delicious wine grown right on the estate’s 1,000-acre vineyard. Definitely a fun thing to do in Los Angeles. Cheers!

59. Korean BBQ in Koreatown

In my opinion, a visit to LA’s Koreatown is a really unique experience. Everyone in the city knows about the area’s amazing Korean BBQ restaurants, which serve meat on small grills right at the table.

It’s so much fun to get a meal with a big group of friends and devour bibimbap, kimchi, and bulgogi. Yum!

SHOPPING IN LOS ANGELES

60. The Grove & Farmers Market

Admittedly not my favorite place in LA, but it does have charm. The Grove is one of tourists’ most popular destinations for shopping the likes of Zara, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, Nordstrom, and Nike.

Come at Christmas to enjoy very charming decorations.

61. Melrose Avenue

If you love thrift shopping, look no further than Melrose Ave. Although the street runs from Beverly Hills all the way to Silverlake, I say go to the section between La Brea and Fairfax for a grungier, thrifting scene and La Cienega to Robertson for upscale shopping. 

62. Beverly Center

Over 100 stores and restaurants fill every part of the Beverly Center. People come here to shop at stores like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, as well as others like Papyrus. The Beverly Center was recently remodeled a few years ago and now is really nice!

63. Santee Alley

Santee Alley is GREAT for bargain hunters. You can get so much here at affordable prices. Shoes, clothes, accessories, and more. Everything you can imagine! 

64. Los Angeles Flower Market

Shopping for flowers instead of clothes? One of my favorite places in LA is the Los Angeles Flower Market, a wholesale market where you can buy flowers for cheap. Come early – like 8am – for the best selection. Their hours for the public are 8am – 12pm Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays. Admission is $2 on weekdays and $1 on Saturday.

754 Wall St., Los Angeles, CA 90014

65. Westfield Century City

Quite possibly the most glamorous shopping mall in Los Angeles, Westfield Century City is so high-end. I love coming here for a glamorous experience! Don’t miss Eataly and the Tesla showroom!

66. Melrose Trading Post

This flea market happens every Sunday at Fairfax High School. Come here to find the best vintage and handmade goods, clothing, jewelry, home decor and artwork. A great way to support small businesses and local artists! Check out my Youtube video on the Melrose Trading Post here!

67. Americana at Brand

Just like The Grove, the Americana at Brand is an outdoor shopping mall, but in Glendale. There are 75 stores here, including Apple, Sephorah, and more! Shop until you drop here! There is also a large fountain which is nice for kids.

68. Santa Monica Place

Another incredible outdoor shopping mall in Los Angeles! There are so many I almost forgot this one.

Just a few blocks from the beach, Santa Monica Place is at the end (or start?) of Third Street Promenade.

It has more high-end, luxury shops and restaurants than the Promenade, like Nordstrom and True Food Kitchen.

THEME PARKS & ZOOS

69. Universal Studios Hollywood

The closest theme park to LA is Universal Studios Hollywood! Roller coasters, 3D and 4D attractions, and simulation rides are all here.

Jurassic World Ride is a popular one, and also for all my Harry Potter fans out there, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not to be missed!

70. Go to the LA Zoo

Who doesn’t love a day at the zoo? You can see all your favorite animals here and have a good time.

The zoo is open 10am to 5pm every day. Be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen on sunny days!

HIDDEN GEM THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES

71. Explore Silverlake

One of the most non-touristy places, Silverlake is great for you if you want to do something really only locals do.

Trendy and cute, Silverlake has a bunch of restaurants and coffee shops to explore.

I recommend L&E Oyster Bar for dinner and LAMILL Coffee for some of the best coffee in LA. 

72. Buy fruit from street vendor

Ah, one of the most classic Angeleno things you could do while visiting Los Angeles. You’ll see street vendors with rainbow-colored umbrellas on almost any street corner in LA.

Go ahead, get some fresh cut fruit with tajin. It’s delicious.

73. The Last Bookstore in DTLA

A real, independent bookstore. You could spend at least an hour here wandering the stacks, browsing books, and taking fun photos. It’s literally a labyrinth of bookshelves which is so fun to explore. Support the bookstore and buy a book!

74. Have a bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach

Truly a local thing to do in Los Angeles, having a bonfire at Dockweiler is totally legal and totally fun. You are supposed to reserve a bonfire first through the LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors first.

Bring your own firewood, chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows to make s’mores!

75. Wander around the Venice Canals

The Venice canals are one of the lesser-known, cool things to do in Los Angeles. You can find the entrance to the canals off 25th Street.

Discover picturesque bridges, cute little boats, and million-dollar homes. Isn’t it fun to dream about what it would be like living here?

76. Explore Highland Park

One of the more unknown but totally cool neighborhoods in LA is Highland Park. Come here and stroll down Figueroa and York Boulevards for boutique shopping, cute cafés, and awesome restaurants.

A few faves: Prelude & Dawn, Gold Line Bar, Villa’s Tacos, and Belle’s Bagels.

77. El Mercadito in Boyle Heights

Such a hidden gem in Los Angeles! El Mercadito is located in East Los Angeles. One step into this market and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Mexico!

You can find amazing mole, spices, salsas and other merchandise here. A truly locals-only spot and a hub for the Latino community.

Watch my Youtube video exploring El Mercadito and cooking chicken mole tacos!

78. Rent boats and paddle through the Echo Park Lake

A super romantic activity! Pedal boats and swan-shaped boats are available for rent here. Get stunning views of the LA skyline – an awesome photo opp.

79. Old Los Angeles Zoo

Definitely a hidden gem thing to do in Los Angeles, the Old Zoo is located in Griffith Park. It’s cool because you can wander through old exhibits and cages, now worn and crumbling, which is great if you’re into photography. 

80. The Korean Friendship Bell

This gigantic bell was a gift from Korea to the U.S. in order to honor the veterans of the Korean War. Intricate carvings and designs cover the bell.

You’ll see the dragon, phoenix, tortoise, and the unicorn here, which are symbolic in Korean folklore.

81. Bob Baker Marionette Theater

The last hidden gem and final things to do in Los Angeles on my list is the Bob Baker Marionette Theater!

This historic puppet theater is located in Highland Park. It’s home to 2,000 marionettes, all crafted by Bob Baker and his team.

You can come for a show with live puppetry which is pretty dang exceptional if you ask me.

Are you ready to start your trip to Los Angeles? Leave a comment below with any questions you have for me!

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Read More about Los Angeles:

• 10 Best Los Angeles Tours for First-Time Visitors
• The Ultimate Guide to Koreatown, Los Angeles
• An Inside Look at Little Tokyo: What To Do in 1 Afternoon
• A Local’s Guide to the Best Boutique Hotels in Los Angeles
• Los Angeles in 3 Days – A Highly Practical & Fun Hour-by-Hour Itinerary for First-Timers