12 Things to See and Do in Los Angeles

ActiveBeat Author

Published on April 9, 2021 Updated on November 10, 2021

Glitz, glamor, and celebrities are what make this West Coast city famous. The home of Hollywood and a city where it’s not uncommon to see actors, music artists, or sports stars going about their day in the streets. The metro area of Los Angeles seems to stretch on forever. There are a ton of exciting things to do during your stay in Southern California.

Whether you want to see the Hollywood sign, shop at Rodeo Drive, or catch a taping of your favorite sitcom, you will have your hands full of options while you enjoy the West Coast vibe. If the city becomes too much for you, just head to the beach and watch the waves roll in as the sun goes to rest for the day. Here are our top 12 things to see and do in Los Angeles.

12. Santa Monica Pier and Beach

When you get tired of the city life and need a little time to breathe and relax, head to what makes Los Angeles one of the most desirable places to live in the world, its beaches. Santa Monica beach is one of the most famous beaches in the USA, and for good reason. The sand here is incredibly soft and stretches an impressive 3.5 miles. Ride on the ferris wheel or get in some exercise with the gymnastics equipment. Bring your volleyball with you to bump, set, and spike your afternoon away at the beach volleyball courts.

11. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park

Offering one of the best views of Los Angeles and the surrounding area is the Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park. You can take public transport up to the viewpoint and observatory or if you want some exercise, go for a walk, jog, or bike ride up the slopes of the mountain. After you’ve been wowed by the view, head inside to view the planetarium and learn about what’s going on in the cosmos.

10. The Getty Center

The Getty Center is located northwest of downtown Los Angeles and is an awe-inspiring complex. The museum on site is home to some of the most famous works of art and you’ll find paintings and sculptures form all over the world dating as far back as ancient Greek and Roman times. The architecture of the complex itself is a work of art. The Center also offers great views of LA from above.

9. Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is where you’ll find the stars of your favorite Hollywood actors on the famous walkway. There are over 2,700 stars on the walk, so finding the ones you are looking for can be almost as challenging as getting your name there in the first place. You can use their Find a Star online feature to fast track the process and know exactly where your favourite celebrities have been posted.

8. Sunset Boulevard

Perhaps the most famous road in Los Angeles, Sunset Boulevard is worth at least a drive. If you have more time, walking the Sunset Strip will give you a better appreciation for the landmark. You might recognize the area from having seen it in any number of films or TV shows. Like most places in LA, come rush hour this street can make it difficult to get where you want to go so plan your day accordingly.

7. Rodeo Drive

The other most famous street in Los Angeles is probably Rodeo Drive. Set in Beverley Hills, this is one of the ritziest shopping districts in the world. Whether you plan on splurging for a designer outfit, bag, or jewelry, or just want to window shop with the hopes of catching a glimpse of a few celebrities, this street is a must-visit.

6. Visit a Movie Studio

Would a trip to Los Angeles be complete without visiting the sets of some of the world’s most famous movie studios? Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros, and Universal Studios are all available for tours to the public. Find some of the most famous sets, and if you time your visit correctly, you might be able to be part of the live audience for a show’s taping.

5. Universal Studios Hollywood

While we mentioned it in the previous section, there is more than just movie and TV production going on at Universal. The massive complex is also home to a theme park complete with Jurassic World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and much more. If you are on a trip with the kids, be sure to visit Universal during your stay in Los Angeles.

4. Catch a Professional Sports Game

Some of the most famous sports franchises in the world call this city home. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Dodgers are two of the most well-known sports teams worldwide. Added to that, Los Angeles has two sports teams in each of the major sports. If you like basketball check out the LA Lakers or Clippers. If you are into baseball, see the LA Dodgers or LA Angels. If football is your thing catch an LA Rams or LA Chargers game. In ice hockey they have the LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks. And if you are a soccer fanatic you can see the LA Galaxy or LAFC in action.

3. The Academy Museum

Lights, camera, action. If you are a movie buff, you will absolutely want to visit The Academy Museum. Whether you want to learn more about the behind the scenes of how movies are made, see some of the memorabilia used on famous sets, or even have your name called as you win an Oscar and give your acceptance speech, all can be done at The Academy Museum.

2. Disneyland

Oh, the magical world of Disney. Whether you are with children or an adult Disney-lover, this is one of those must visit places. There is fun for all ages at Disneyland as you walk through the parks and see your favorite Disney characters in costume, and then scream your lungs out on some of the adrenaline pumping rides. The Stars Wars experience is worth the trip on its own.

1. The Hollywood Sign

Finally, when you think of Los Angeles you at some point see the Hollywood sign in your head. You can see the sign from different parts of the city but getting closer to it will give you photographs that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. While it isn’t possible to get right beside and touch the sign, you can find great photo ops and vantage points on various hiking trails in the area.