Discover and have a quick browse through Things to Do in Los Angeles
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Los Angeles is a rich swirl of fashion, film, food, and fun. From the Santa Monica Mountains down to Long Beach, and from the barren beauty of Joshua Tree to the chic boulevards of Beverly Hills, this is a land of extremes. Whether you're here for a long time or just a good time, there's a few stellar stops on the walk of fame that you simply must try.
If you're heading to the City of Angels, don't forget to book your flights and accommodation with Trip.com…
1. Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
No trip to L.A. would be complete without a visit to Universal Studios.
Located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County, California, Universal Studios is a mecca for film buffs. Take a look behind the scenes of the biggest movie franchises in Tinseltown, from Transformers and Jurassic Park to Harry Potter and Kung Fu Panda. With a wide range of rides, attractions, shopping, and entertainment options, this is the ultimate family day out in L.A.
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States
What to do: Check out The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
Why go: A family-friendly day out in L.A., in the company of your favorite movie heroes
Want to experience this world-famous studio tour without the waiting? Trip.com lets you skip the lines with Express Tickets for Universal Studios.
2. Catch Some Waves at Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica Beach is the epitome of Californian beauty
Head west out of Downtown Los Angeles, and Santa Monica Beach appears like a vision on the horizon. This 3.5-mile stretch of powdery white sand and rolling surf is the picture book example of Californian coastline, world-famous for its combination of exhilarating waves and Laid-back vibes. If surfing's not your thing, there are loads of small shops that rent bikes, rollerblades, boogie boards, chairs, and umbrellas – for a mini adventure in the L.A. sun, grab some wheels and cruise from the Pier over to neighboring Venice Beach and back.
Address: 2600 Barnard Way Santa Monica, CA 90405
What to do: Surfing, sunbathing, swimming, cycling, rollerblading
Why go: Soak up the sun on one of California's most famous beaches
The best way to explore the L.A. coastline is on two wheels – for a cycling adventure, check out the Ultimate Los Angeles Bike Tour on Trip.com.
3. Shop ‘til You Drop on Robertson Boulevard
Robertson Blvd. is a great place to enjoy a little retail therapy in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is a fashionista's heaven, with countless malls, jewelry stores, designer labels and quirky boutiques off the beaten track. Start on Robertson Blvd. in West Hollywood, home to some iconic L.A. luxury hoodies fashion essentials. Next, head over to Kitson, The Kooples & Chanel, before taking a load off with coffee at Blue Bottle, Starbucks, or Coffee Bean. Recharge those shopping batteries with a treat of two at Georgetown Cupcakes, Pizzeria il Fico or The Ivy Restaurant, and you'll be good to go again.
If shopping is your bag, why not book yourself a 7-hour private shopping daytrip to Orange County with Trip.com? With all transport taken care of, you're free to enjoy some hassle-free retail therapy.
Address: N Robertson Blvd & Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
What to do: Shop for designer labels in chic L.A. boutiques
Why go: Combining elite brands with unique local style, L.A. is a shopper's heaven
4. Take a Hike to Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park offers a unique wilderness experience, right on the doorstep of L.A.
If you're into the great outdoors, Joshua Tree National Park is your personal playground. Home to stark desert landscapes of rugged rock and named for the twisted, bristled Joshua trees that dot the landscape, this park straddles the Colorado and Mojave Deserts and is home to some amazing hikes. One of our faves is the excellent 1.7-mile loop that leads to Tahquitz Waterfall. There's not much shade out on the trail, so be sure to wear sunscreen and take plenty of water.
Address: 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
What to do: Hiking, camping, Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, Barker Dam Nature Trail
Why go: Explore California off the beaten track, get back to nature in the great outdoors
With its stunning landscapes, unique fauna and great light, the Joshua Tree National Park is a photographer's dream come true. To get the most out of your visit, book yourself a Private Custom Adventure w/ Pro Photography tips, with Trip.com.
5. Discover Dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum takes you on a journey spanning 4.5 billion years.
The largest natural and historical museum in the western United States, the Natural History Museum in L.A. is home to around 35 million specimens and artifacts, covering 4.5 billion years of history. Along with its permanent exhibits, the museum regularly hosts a range of special exhibitions which augment its collections and advance its mission "to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds." From Egyptian mummies to modern art and enormous dino bones, this a house of treasured curiosities that's well worth a visit.
Address: 900 W Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
What to do: Explore the Nature Gardens and Dinosaur Hall, go to the Discovery Center and Insect Zoo
Why go: A fascinating and thrilling day out for all the family
Need a place to stay that's close to the NHM? Located just 3 minutes' walk from campus, the comfortable USC Hotel is also right on the doorstep of the museum.
6. Grab a Bite at Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market is Los Angeles' multicultural melting pot.
Located in Downtown L.A., this European-style food hall has been serving the city since 1917. Home to a diverse mix of languages, backgrounds and cuisines, the market is a great place to sample the city's vibrant cultural melting pot. Lit by vintage neon signage and enlivened by the smell of countless spices and cooking pots, this is the place to get cheap pupusas, carnitas tacos and aguas frescas. There's loads of trendy eateries to choose from, like Shiku, Fat & Flour, Sticky Rice, Sari Sari, Horse Thief BBQ, McConnell's and G&B Coffee. Whatever your taste or budget, Grand Central Market is right up your street.
Combine your visit to Grand Central Market with a trip to Sunset Boulevard, the Arts District and Angels Flight Railway, with this Instagrammable Full-day City Tour from Trip.com.
Address: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
What to do: Sample delicious foods from around the world
Why go: A colorful and characterful introduction to L.A.'s culinary heritage
7. Enjoy the View at Griffith Park
Between heaven and Earth: Griffith Park is your gateway to the cosmos.
Covering 4,310 acres of land on the eastern edge of the Santa Monica Mountains, in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. Hike up to the Art Deco dome for unparalleled views of L.A. or do some star gazing from the park's very own observatory. Overlooking the city of angels, Griffith Park provides both a bird's eye view and a glimpse of the heavens too.
Why not add a little extra sparkle to your trip? This tour combines sunset in Santa Monica with Griffith Observatory stargazing, and transfers in a limousine. It doesn't get any more Hollywood than that!
Address: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
What to do: Check out Griffith Observatory: your gateway to the cosmos!
Why go: Amazing nature and wide-open spaces, all within easy reach of the city
8. Expand Your Mind at the Broad
The Broad is L.A.'s most amazing and mind-bending art gallery.
The Broad is a contemporary art museum that's free to enter and impossible not to enjoy. Here you can peruse Andy Warhol paintings, take selfies in oversized living spaces, and immerse yourself in a dazzling variety of interactive exhibits. Conveniently located across the street from MOCA and Disney Concert Hall, the Broad can be the centerpiece of an art-themed day in L.A. With Universal Studios and the Hollywood Walk of Fame also located nearby, so you can add a little Box Office glamor to your adventure.
Looking for somewhere to stay nearby? Our choice would be the Omni Los Angeles Hotel California Plaza – it's just a short walk from the Broad, and has 453 comfortable and air-conditioned rooms to choose from.
Address: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3020
What to do: Check out the Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama
Why go: A free day out that combines art, weirdness, and wonder
9. Stroll Along the Venice Canals
The Venice Canals Walkway is a peaceful and scenic way to explore L.A.
From skateboarders and street art to celebrity mansions and trendy bars, Venice is a complex and creative place to be. Tucked away within this famous neighbourhood, you'll also find a network of canals, walkways, and bridges, framed by trees and flowers. Take a stroll along the water's edge and stop for a coffee or a treat in one of the bistros you find along the way.
Address: Venice, CA 90292
What to do: Start at the Venice Boardwalk and walk along the riverbank towards Abbot Kinney
Why go: Discover L.A.'s quieter side, with a touch of European style
Looking to indulge your wanderlust in L.A.? Combine Venice with Santa Monica on this full-day private driving tour with guide.
10. Swing by Disney's Avengers Campus
The Disneyland Resort in Los Angeles: a truly Incredible day out
There's enough fun at the Disneyland Resort in California to fill up two trips. But if you only have one day, check out the Avengers Campus – fans of the MCU will get to live and breathe the hero's lifestyle, slinging webs with spiderman and jetting off into outer space with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Whether young or old, you and your family will be guaranteed a truly epic adventure!
If you want to visit the park, but don't know exactly when, keep your options open with these flexible date tickets to Disneyland from Trip.com.
Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
What to do: Join Rocket on a fast-paced space adventure to free his Guardian friends
Why go: New and improved powered-up attractions from Disney are cutting-edge entertainment
With its combination of natural wonders and man-made marvels, Los Angeles offers a wide range of attractions for the curious traveler. Whatever's on your itinerary, make your visit even more memorable with a stay in one of our recommended hotels:
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Whatever you choose to do, and wherever you decide to stay, Trip.com is with you every step of the way.
FAQs About Things to Do Los Angeles
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What is L.A. most famous for?
Los Angeles is one of the most well-known cities in the world, famous for its Hollywood stars, the TV & movie industries, and a range of beautiful beaches.
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What are the current Covid entry requirements for L.A.?
To enter Los Angeles from abroad, you'll need proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a negative PCR test, completed prior to departure.
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Is there a Disneyland in Los Angeles?
Yes. Located in Anaheim, about half an hour southeast of L.A., Disneyland is a major attraction for family holidays.p>
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How far is Malibu from Los Angeles?
Malibu is approximately a 1-hour drive from downtown L.A. (traffic permitting)
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How far is San Francisco from Los Angeles?
San Francisco is 382 miles and approx. 6 hours' drive from L.A.