Los Angeles bursts with iconic sights, quirky attractions, and local gems tucked into every neighborhood. Planning a trip here? It can feel like a lot, especially if you’ve never been. So, I put together my own bucket list of the best things to do in LA—mixing the must-see spots with a few of my personal favorites.
Here are my top 15 “can’t miss” experiences for your LA bucket list. Whether you’re into art, beaches, food, or just want to soak up the city’s vibe, you’ll find something here. Get ready to explore Los Angeles like you live here and make some unforgettable memories.
Iconic Landmarks and Essential Sights
Los Angeles has these legendary landmarks that really set the city apart. I always carve out time for them—they’re just so LA.
Explore the Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign stands as one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. I usually spot it from different corners of the city, but the best views come from the trails in Griffith Park.
If you want a closer look and don’t mind a bit of a climb, try the Mt. Hollywood Trail. It’s my go-to for a workout and a killer photo op.
Clear afternoons work best for photos, at least in my experience. The sign sits above the city, giving you a view that’s hard to beat. Some tours get you right up close—just don’t expect to touch the letters.
The sign’s been around since 1923, originally as a real estate ad. Now, LA protects it fiercely, and honestly, it’s loved by just about everyone.
Discover the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. I like wandering this area, scanning the sidewalk for the names of TV, movie, music, and radio stars.
It gets crowded, especially by the TCL Chinese Theatre. I usually stop to check out the handprints and footprints of famous actors in the concrete. People-watching here? Top-notch. You’ll see street performers, tourists, and maybe even a celebrity or two.
The Walk of Fame tells the story of LA’s entertainment industry. If you want to avoid the crowds, start early—especially on weekends.
Visit Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory ranks high on my list of favorite places in LA. It sits on a hill in Griffith Park, offering sweeping views from downtown all the way to the ocean if the weather cooperates.
The building itself has some pretty unique architecture, and I never pass up a chance to look through the free public telescopes.
Inside, you’ll find space exhibits and science displays. I’ve caught a few shows at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium—they’re surprisingly fun and packed with cool info. You also get a different angle of the Hollywood Sign from up here.
Hiking up to the Observatory lets me step away from the city for a bit. Evening visits are popular, especially for sunset and stargazing. Watching the city light up from here feels magical.
Unmissable Coastal Adventures
LA’s coastline just hits different. I always make time to soak up the sun and energy, whether I’m craving a classic pier or a wild boardwalk.
Experience Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier feels like classic LA. I walk the wooden planks, passing street performers, families munching on funnel cake, and folks testing their luck at the arcade.
The Pacific Park amusement area has a solar-powered Ferris wheel that gives you fantastic views of Santa Monica and the Pacific.
Grab a snack, play a few games, or try fishing from the end of the pier. If you’re up for it, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail starts here and lets you cruise the coast.
Here’s what you can do at the Santa Monica Pier:
- Ride the Ferris Wheel & other small rides
- Play arcade and classic games
- Grab food from local snack stands
- Shop for souvenirs
- Try fishing
- Watch street performers and musicians
Sunset here is unreal—the sky glows pink and orange, and the lights on the pier start to sparkle.
Relax at Venice Beach
Venice Beach buzzes with energy. The boardwalk is a wild mix of skate parks, colorful murals, and the iconic Muscle Beach Gym where bodybuilders show off.
I love watching artists paint or sell their creations right on the sidewalk. You’ll see skateboarders, rollerbladers, and all kinds of performers—there’s always something going on.
For a quieter moment, I wander down to the sand. The beach is wide and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or catching a basketball game at the outdoor courts. The Venice Canals are close by—peaceful, pretty, and great for a quick stroll and some photos.
My favorite things to do at Venice Beach:
- People-watch on the boardwalk
- Grab food from street vendors
- Rent bikes or rollerblades
- Visit the Venice Canals
- Stretch out on the sand
Venice Beach shows off both the creative and laid-back sides of LA. I never skip it.
World-Class Museums and Art Destinations
If you love art, LA delivers. The city’s museums and installations offer everything from classic masterpieces to wild, modern art.
Tour the Getty Center
The Getty Center sits on a hill above West LA, and every time I go, I’m blown away by the views of the city and ocean. The architecture and gardens alone are worth the visit.
Inside, you’ll find European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts—lots from the Renaissance up to the early 1900s. They rotate exhibits all year, so there’s usually something new.
The central garden is my favorite spot to chill, with winding paths and quiet corners. Admission is free, but you’ll need to reserve parking. The tram ride up from the parking area? Honestly, it’s a fun way to kick off your visit.
Marvel at LACMA and Urban Light
LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) stands out as the biggest art museum in the West. Its collection covers everything from ancient artifacts to modern pieces.
I always find something new here, whether it’s Asian, Latin American, or American art. The Urban Light installation—a forest of more than 200 restored street lamps by Chris Burden—sits outside and draws crowds for photos, especially at dusk.
LACMA hosts special exhibitions and family-friendly programs. I check their calendar for unique events. The museum’s outdoor spaces invite you to wander and linger.
Experience The Broad
The Broad, right in downtown LA, is a contemporary art museum with a striking design. Its “veil-and-vault” architecture really stands out.
Inside, you’ll find works by Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The Infinity Mirror Rooms by Kusama are a must—just make sure to snag a timed ticket.
Admission is free, but I always book ahead, especially for special exhibits. The Broad sits across from the Walt Disney Concert Hall, so you can easily make a day of art and music downtown.
The Entertainment Capital: Hollywood & Beyond
Hollywood pulses with movie magic and live entertainment. I’ve found that a couple of experiences throw you straight into the heart of LA’s creative spirit.
Universal Studios Hollywood and Studio Tour
Universal Studios Hollywood is part theme park, part real film studio. When I visited, the adventure started with that giant spinning globe and moved right into rides inspired by Jurassic World and Harry Potter.
The Studio Tour was the highlight for me—a tram ride behind the scenes, through real sets and backlots.
During the tour, I watched classic scenes come to life and saw live demonstrations of special effects. The tram rolled past spots from Desperate Housewives, the Bates Motel from Psycho, and even the Jaws lagoon.
After the park, I like to explore Universal CityWalk. It’s packed with restaurants, shops, and live shows—a lively way to end the day.
Catch a Show at the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl wins as one of LA’s best outdoor music venues. I caught a concert here once and loved the open-air seats and views of the Hollywood Hills.
They host everything from concerts and movie nights with live orchestras to community events.
You can bring your own picnic or pick up food there. The vibe is relaxed, whether you’re close to the stage or up on the grassy hill. Summer concerts fill up fast, so check the schedule and grab tickets early.
There’s something magical about listening to music under the stars with the city lights twinkling in the background. The Bowl’s shell-shaped stage and buzzing crowds make it a must for music lovers.
Trendy Neighborhoods and Unique Experiences
LA’s neighborhoods each have their own flavor—luxury shopping, wild nightlife, outdoor malls, and hiking trails. Each spot shows off a different side of the city.
Shop on Rodeo Drive
My first time on Rodeo Drive, I couldn’t believe the glamour. The street is lined with luxury boutiques like Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Even if you’re just window-shopping, it feels special.
Wide sidewalks and palm trees make the whole area feel upscale. Sometimes you’ll spot a celebrity or see flashy cars parked outside.
I like wandering the side streets too, where quieter cafés and smaller shops hide. They feel like real finds. I also snap a quick photo at the Beverly Hills Sign in Beverly Gardens Park—it’s close by.
Enjoy West Hollywood Hotspots
West Hollywood, or “WeHo,” is famous for trendy bars, cool restaurants, and lively stretches like Sunset Boulevard. At night, the area buzzes with music and neon lights. During the day, murals and stylish shops catch my eye.
I’ll grab coffee at Joe & The Juice or brunch at Catch LA. The Sunset Strip comes alive at night, and for live music, I love stopping by The Roxy Theatre or Whisky a Go Go—both legendary venues.
WeHo’s LGBTQ+ scene is vibrant and welcoming, especially around Pride Month.
Stroll The Grove
The Grove is an outdoor shopping and entertainment spot near downtown, but it has its own charm. I enjoy wandering its open-air paths, especially at night when the fountains and lights come on.
Shops range from Nordstrom and Apple to little boutiques. Next door, the Original Farmers Market is a food lover’s dream—I always grab a snack from one of the vendors.
Riding the trolley through The Grove is a fun touch, especially with kids. There’s a movie theater, too, so I sometimes end my visit with a film before heading home.
Hike Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon has always been my go-to spot when I want a quick escape and some killer city views. You’ll find the trails just north of West Hollywood, and honestly, there’s a route for just about any mood—sometimes I just want a breezy walk, other days I’m up for a steeper climb.
I never forget water and sunscreen. Trust me, the sun can get relentless out there.
What really keeps me coming back? Those wide-open views of downtown LA and the Hollywood Sign. If you can drag yourself out of bed early, you’ll beat the crowds, but there’s something fun about the buzz during busy times too.
People-watching here is top notch, and I always spot locals with their dogs—yep, pups can roam off-leash in certain areas, which makes for a pretty joyful scene.
Every now and then, I stumble upon an outdoor yoga class or a random pop-up fitness event. It’s these little surprises that give Runyon its quirky, energetic vibe.
