Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is a sprawling Southern California metropolis that has become synonymous with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the charm of its diverse neighborhoods, and a rich cultural tapestry. As the second-largest city in the United States, Los Angeles offers an abundance of attractions that cater to every type of visitor.
From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to scenic beaches and vibrant districts, the city’s appeal is undeniable. This guide explores the top 50 attractions in Los Angeles, providing a comprehensive overview of what makes this city a must-visit destination.
Embarking on a journey through Los Angeles reveals a city brimming with history, creativity, and natural beauty. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there is always something new to discover. The attractions listed here have been selected to represent the best of what Los Angeles has to offer, ensuring that your visit is both memorable and enriching. From the timeless allure of the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the innovative exhibits at the Getty Center, each attraction tells a unique story about the city’s past, present, and future.
Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Los Angeles. Perched on the hills of Hollywood, this iconic landmark was originally created in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development but has since become a global symbol of the entertainment industry. Visitors can hike to various vantage points for a closer view or appreciate it from afar at the Griffith Observatory.
Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park
Griffith Observatory, located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles and a closer look at the stars through its powerful telescopes. The observatory features numerous exhibits and a planetarium. Surrounding the observatory is Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and the Los Angeles Zoo.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit for movie buffs and families alike. This theme park and working film studio offer thrilling rides, live shows, and a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making magic. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Studio Tour, and the Jurassic World ride are some of the highlights that captivate visitors.
The Getty Center
The Getty Center is an architectural marvel housing an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Designed by architect Richard Meier, the museum’s hilltop location provides stunning views of Los Angeles. The Getty Center is also known for its beautiful gardens and modern design.
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is an iconic landmark that features an amusement park, an aquarium, and numerous dining options. Visitors can enjoy the nostalgic charm of Pacific Park’s Ferris wheel, take a leisurely stroll along the pier, or relax on the sandy beaches of Santa Monica.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is famous for its bohemian spirit, bustling boardwalk, and Muscle Beach outdoor gym. The Venice Canals, designed to mimic the canals of Venice, Italy, add a unique charm to the area. Street performers, artists, and vendors make the boardwalk a vibrant place to explore.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. Over 2,600 brass stars embedded in the sidewalks honor the achievements of actors, musicians, directors, and other entertainment industry professionals. It’s a star-studded stroll that offers a glimpse into Hollywood’s storied past.
TCL Chinese Theatre
Adjacent to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre is a historic cinema palace known for its grand architecture and celebrity handprints and footprints in the forecourt. Since its opening in 1927, it has hosted numerous movie premieres and remains a beloved cultural landmark.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, boasting a vast collection that spans centuries and cultures. From ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, LACMA offers a diverse array of exhibitions and installations, including the famous Urban Light sculpture by Chris Burden.
The Broad
The Broad is a contemporary art museum in downtown Los Angeles, known for its striking architecture and impressive collection of post-war and contemporary art. Visitors can explore works by artists such as Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The museum’s design, with its honeycomb-like facade, is a visual treat.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Designed by Frank Gehry, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is an architectural gem and the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The concert hall’s sweeping curves and stainless-steel exterior make it a downtown LA landmark. Inside, the acoustics are world-renowned, providing an exceptional auditory experience.
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is synonymous with luxury shopping. This world-famous shopping street features high-end boutiques and designer stores. Even if you’re not in the market for couture, strolling along Rodeo Drive offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Los Angeles’ elite.
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
The La Brea Tar Pits are a unique natural history museum where visitors can see fossil excavation in action. The tar pits have preserved the bones of ice age mammals for thousands of years, and the museum showcases these finds, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric Los Angeles.
The Original Farmers Market
The Original Farmers Market, established in 1934, is a beloved LA institution offering a wide array of fresh produce, gourmet food stalls, and unique shops. Located next to The Grove shopping center, it’s a great place to experience local flavors and culinary diversity.
The Grove
Adjacent to the Original Farmers Market, The Grove is a popular outdoor shopping and entertainment complex. It features a mix of high-end retail stores, restaurants, a movie theater, and a charming trolley that transports visitors around the complex. The Grove’s lively atmosphere makes it a favorite destination for locals and tourists.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The Natural History Museum offers a journey through time with its extensive collections of fossils, minerals, and cultural artifacts. Highlights include the Dinosaur Hall, the Gems and Minerals exhibit, and the Nature Gardens. It’s a place where visitors of all ages can learn about the natural world.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Located in San Marino, The Huntington is a research and cultural center encompassing a library with rare books and manuscripts, an art museum with European and American art, and extensive botanical gardens. The gardens, featuring desert plants, a Japanese garden, and a rose garden, are a serene escape.
Petersen Automotive Museum
Car enthusiasts will find the Petersen Automotive Museum fascinating. The museum showcases a vast collection of automobiles, from classic cars to futuristic prototypes. Interactive exhibits explore the history and future of automotive design and technology.
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Situated in Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens are home to a diverse range of animals and plants. The zoo focuses on conservation and education, offering visitors the chance to see exotic species and learn about wildlife preservation efforts.
Exposition Park
Exposition Park is a cultural hub featuring several major attractions. These include the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The park also has beautiful rose gardens and recreational areas.
California Science Center
Located in Exposition Park, the California Science Center is an interactive museum that offers exhibits on space exploration, technology, and ecosystems. The highlight is the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which is on display in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. It’s an educational and inspiring destination for visitors of all ages.
The Music Center
The Music Center in downtown Los Angeles is one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States. It comprises several iconic venues, including the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Ahmanson Theatre, the Mark Taper Forum, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Music Center hosts a wide array of performances, from opera and ballet to contemporary theater.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is a historic sports stadium that has hosted two Olympic Games, Super Bowls, and countless other events. Located in Exposition Park, it’s an iconic venue for sports and entertainment, serving as the home field for the USC Trojans football team.
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is the birthplace of Los Angeles, preserving the city’s early history. The area includes historic buildings, museums, and the famous Olvera Street, a lively marketplace offering traditional Mexican goods and cuisine.
The Bradbury Building
The Bradbury Building, built in 1893, is an architectural landmark known for its stunning Victorian-era design. The building’s interior features a magnificent atrium with open cage elevators, marble staircases, and ornate ironwork. It’s a popular filming location and a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park offers some of the best hiking trails in Los Angeles, with spectacular views of the city and the Hollywood Sign. Located near Hollywood, it’s a favorite spot for locals and celebrities alike to enjoy outdoor exercise and panoramic scenery.
Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard is an iconic street that stretches from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s famous for its nightlife, historic music venues, trendy restaurants, and the Sunset Strip, a section known for its vibrant entertainment scene.
The Getty Villa
The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades is dedicated to the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The villa, modeled after a Roman country house, offers a unique setting to explore antiquities and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Los Angeles Public Library
The Los Angeles Public Library’s Central Library in downtown LA is an architectural gem and a hub of knowledge. The library features stunning murals, a beautiful rotunda, and extensive collections. It’s a place where visitors can appreciate both history and literature.
Malibu
Malibu is a picturesque coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, upscale homes, and celebrity residents. Popular beaches like Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach attract sunbathers and surfers alike. The Malibu Pier and the nearby Malibu Creek State Park offer additional recreational opportunities.
Getty Center Gardens
The gardens at the Getty Center are an attraction in their own right. Designed by artist Robert Irwin, the Central Garden features a tree-lined walkway, a stream, and a variety of plant species. The Getty Center’s gardens provide a tranquil escape with stunning views of Los Angeles.
The Last Bookstore
The Last Bookstore in downtown LA is a haven for book lovers. Housed in a historic bank building, it offers a vast selection of new and used books, as well as vinyl records and unique art installations. The labyrinth of bookshelves and the whimsical decor make it a unique literary destination.
Staples Center (Now Crypto.com Arena)
The Staples Center, recently renamed Crypto.com Arena, is a premier sports and entertainment venue in downtown Los Angeles. Home to the LA Lakers, Clippers, Kings, and Sparks, the arena hosts numerous concerts and events throughout the year.
Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium is one of the oldest and most iconic baseball stadiums in the United States. Home to the Los Angeles Dodgers, it offers a quintessential American baseball experience. The stadium’s setting in Chavez Ravine provides spectacular views of downtown LA and the surrounding hills.
Watts Towers
The Watts Towers are a collection of 17 interconnected sculptures made from steel and mortar, adorned with mosaics of glass, tile, and seashells. Created by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia over 33 years, the towers are a testament to human creativity and perseverance.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
The Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown LA showcases a diverse collection of contemporary artworks. With two locations—the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA and MOCA Grand Avenue—the museum offers dynamic exhibitions and programs that engage with current artistic trends and cultural issues.
Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is a historic district in downtown Los Angeles that celebrates Japanese culture. Visitors can explore shops, restaurants, and cultural sites such as the Japanese American National Museum and the Go For Broke Monument, which honors Japanese-American soldiers from World War II.
The Comedy Store
The Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard is a legendary comedy club that has launched the careers of many famous comedians. With multiple stages and nightly performances, it remains a cornerstone of LA’s comedy scene, offering laughs and entertainment for visitors.
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers one of the most scenic drives in California. Stretching along the coastline from Santa Monica to Malibu and beyond, the PCH provides stunning ocean views and access to beautiful beaches and coastal towns.
Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market in downtown LA is a bustling food hall that has been serving the city since 1917. It features a wide variety of vendors offering international cuisines, fresh produce, and artisanal goods. The market’s vibrant atmosphere makes it a favorite dining destination.
Paramount Pictures Studio Tour
The Paramount Pictures Studio Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Hollywood’s oldest and most iconic film studios. Visitors can explore soundstages, sets, and historic landmarks within the studio, learning about the magic of movie-making.
The Greek Theatre
The Greek Theatre is an outdoor amphitheater located in Griffith Park. Known for its beautiful setting and excellent acoustics, it hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. The theater’s open-air design provides a unique and memorable experience for attendees.
Los Angeles Fashion District
The Los Angeles Fashion District is a hub for fashion and design, offering a vast array of wholesale and retail shops. Visitors can find everything from fabric and accessories to ready-to-wear clothing. The district is also home to the popular Santee Alley, known for its bargain shopping.
Beverly Hills Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel, also known as the “Pink Palace,” is an iconic luxury hotel that has been a favorite of celebrities and dignitaries for over a century. The hotel’s lush gardens, historic architecture, and renowned Polo Lounge make it a landmark of Beverly Hills.
Olvera Street
Olvera Street, part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, is a lively Mexican marketplace that offers traditional crafts, food, and cultural events. The street’s festive atmosphere and historic buildings provide a glimpse into the city’s early heritage.
Chinatown
Chinatown in Los Angeles is a vibrant neighborhood that offers a mix of traditional and contemporary Chinese culture. Visitors can explore shops, temples, and restaurants, and enjoy events such as the annual Chinese New Year parade. The Central Plaza, with its dragon-topped gates, is a focal point.
Skirball Cultural Center
The Skirball Cultural Center is a dynamic cultural institution that explores the connections between Jewish heritage and American democratic ideals. It offers exhibitions, educational programs, and performances. The Noah’s Ark exhibit, a hands-on children’s gallery, is particularly popular with families.
The Forum
The Forum in Inglewood is a historic entertainment venue known for hosting concerts, sports events, and other major gatherings. Since its opening in 1967, it has been a premier destination for live entertainment in the Los Angeles area.
Angeles National Forest
The Angeles National Forest provides a natural escape from the urban sprawl of Los Angeles. With over 700,000 acres of wilderness, it offers numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and skiing. The forest’s scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems make it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Los Angeles is a city of endless possibilities, offering a diverse array of attractions that cater to every interest and preference. From the iconic landmarks of Hollywood to the serene beaches of Malibu, each destination provides a unique glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture and history. Whether you’re exploring world-class museums, enjoying thrilling theme parks, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Los Angeles promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor.