What to Do in Los Angeles?

Welcome to the City of Angels, where cultural richness, stunning landscapes, and a dynamic food scene intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Los Angeles, with its iconic neighborhoods like Hollywood, is filled with hidden treasures and famous attractions just waiting to be discovered. Let me guide you through a captivating adventure where every street corner reveals a new facet of this city if you're wondering what to do in Los Angeles

No trip to Los Angeles-or even California-would be complete without visiting the iconic Venice Beach, where the typically Californian bohemian vibe reigns supreme. The lively streets are populated with talented street performers, creating a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere ⚡️

You can stroll along the waterfront, Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a lively street filled with dozens of hipster boutiques where music fills the air. You can also watch skateboarders practice in the famous skate park that you've probably seen at least once on TV or observe bodybuilders in outdoor gyms, all in a very laid-back atmosphere

If the timing of your visit allows, you might also swim in the Pacific Ocean or simply explore the other streets and avenues of Venice Beach, which are home to numerous canals (yes! That's not for nothing it's called Venice )

Each neighborhood in Los Angeles has a distinct personality waiting to be explored! I'm talking about the most well-known ones in this guide, but there are many more! By the way, guided tours of these neighborhoods are often included in the Los Angeles passes that I present below

Santa Monica is another iconic seaside neighborhood in Los Angeles that marks the beginning (or end) of the famous Route 66 in the United States and is full of surprises for its visitors Starting with its pier, which houses a famous amusement park on the pier, Pacific Park

Water activities like surfing, shopping on the Third Street Promenade, dining at one of the many restaurants, etc., are must-dos along this 4-kilometer-long beach that is well worth dedicating an entire day to!

You can even bike from Venice Beach to Santa Monica; just rent a bike and follow the famous Sunset Boulevard The bike rental in Santa Monica will only cost you 20 € per person, unless you opt for electric bikes that will make the ride even more peaceful ☺️

Probably the most iconic place in the city, the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard is a must for any movie buff This iconic location immerses you in a world where the stars of cinema, music, and entertainment shine. Along the boulevard, you will discover over 2,700 stars *️ bearing the names of celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Zac Efron, and Michael Jackson... For your information, the most renowned names are located between blocks 6800 and 6900 opposite the TCL Chinese Theater, another iconic venue from Hollywood's golden age

There are also other iconic locations on this boulevard, like the Dolby Theatre, which hosts the world's most important awards ceremony for cinema every year-the Oscars In short, you might really not know where to look... To avoid that, take a French guided tour of the Hollywood Walk of Fame for 43 € per person. You'll see the stars and handprints you want and get straight to the essentials

For adrenaline junkies seeking an immersive cinematic experience, Universal Studios Hollywood stands as the standout attraction in Los Angeles. Dive into the heart of the movie universe with attractions that transport you to imaginary worlds

Several iconic universes await in the studios, such as Fast & Furious, Jurassic Park, Transformers, and of course, Harry Potter with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter immersing you in the magical world of the famous book saga, with shops, restaurants, and even the famous Butterbeer There are also family-friendly worlds dedicated to kids like SpongeBob and Scooby-Doo

The studios are so popular that they are constantly crowded, and it would be better to plan several days or an Express ticket in this iconic theme park! This is possible thanks to the ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood valid for 1 or 2 days

For a day, expect to pay starting at 100 € per adult and up to 185 € for an Express ticket.

The Getty Center, nestled on a hill in Santa Monica, offering a panoramic view of the city, is an impressive building housing a large collection of European and American art. You will find works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Van Gogh as well as Renaissance paintings, photographs by American artists from the 20th century, and much more.

Even if you're not a fan of museum visits, the architectural style of the Getty Center is worth the trip on its own, with its circular shape crafted from concrete and steel designed by architect Richard Meier

Additionally, admission to the Getty Center is completely free However, you can still book a visiting slot on the official website!

You're arriving soon in the City of Angels and haven't booked your activities yet? No worries! In Los Angeles, you can't possibly be bored: have an unforgettable time with family at one of its must-visit amusement parks, dive into the world of cinema with a Hollywood tour, or enjoy the coastal scenery and water activities in Santa Monica and Venice Beach! To ensure you can partake in these experiences, think about booking your activities in Los Angeles right now!

For nature lovers seeking captivating adventures in Los Angeles, options abound. Griffith Park, a vast green oasis in the heart of the city, is a must-visit With its winding trails traversing the hills, this park offers much more than just a simple outdoor escape. A hike to the top of Mount Hollywood rewards you with a view of the sparkling city The diversity of Griffith Park's trails allows everyone to choose their level of difficulty.

You can also take your visit as an opportunity to explore the Griffith Observatory. By climbing the trails that wind through the park, you'll reach it, nestled atop the iconic Hollywood hills. You'll be rewarded with a 360-degree perspective of the city. You can see Mount Lee and the legendary Hollywood sign. The observation binoculars allow you to admire every detail, from downtown skyscrapers to stretched beaches along the coast.

Much more than just an observation point, its iconic architecture and celebrated planetarium attract astronomy and science enthusiasts. Inside, a planetarium and interactive exhibits take you on a journey through the universe. You can attend a 40-minute immersive show during your visit For this visit to the Griffith Observatory, expect to pay around 38 € per person.

Speaking of Mount Lee, it houses another emblem of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign Installed over 100 years ago, the sign was meant to be temporary and used to read > Today, it's hard to imagine Los Angeles without this sign, and the population had its scares during recent fires...

The Hollywood Sign offers a beautiful hike in the heights of Santa Monica There are indeed 5 hiking trails of various levels, one even leading directly to Griffith Park and its observatory

If you're hesitant to venture alone on this trail, you can go for a guided hike to the Hollywood Sign with a guide who knows all the secrets of Hollywood history! To take part, expect to pay around twenty euros per person.

Beverly Hills is another iconic neighborhood of Los Angeles and Hollywood cinema If you've ridden down Sunset Boulevard by bike to reach Santa Monica or Venice Beach, you've already had a glimpse of the chic and luxurious vibe of Beverly Hills

The best example is Rodeo Drive, a shopping street that only houses luxury brands and luxury cars parked at the side, it's here where the famous shopping scene featuring Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman took place ️

Beverly Hills is also home to the grandest celebrity villas and Greystone Mansion, a property with a park spanning more than 5 hectares that has also been featured many times in Hollywood films like Ghostbusters You can indeed tour the property if there is no filming or private event occurring!

The easiest way to see the homes of your favorite celebrities like Tom Cruise or Halle Berry is to take the celebrity homes tour in Los Angeles at around 40 € per person.

Downtown LA is both the heart of Los Angeles and home to art museums, concert halls, and historical sites like El Pueblo neighborhood, and it's also the business center where the tallest buildings in the city are located

El Pueblo is the city's first neighborhood. Here, a Hispanic atmosphere has prevailed since the founding of Los Angeles by Spanish colonists in 1781. However, it is not located exactly at the original site, as El Pueblo was destroyed by a flood in 1815 and then relocated to its current spot.

The other hallmark of Downtown Los Angeles is the elegant and sophisticated Walt Disney Concert Hall. Its bold architecture, designed by Frank Gehry, is just as stunning inside as it is outside. During summer, you can catch a performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra in this iconic venue. For the rest of the year, the orchestra enchants music lovers with performances of exceptional virtuosity in the sumptuous Walt Disney Concert Hall, under the direction of renowned conductors, with each concert being unique.

To take a guided tour of Downtown Los Angeles, expect around 45 € per person

Los Angeles is also a paradise for street art lovers. If you love this style, I recommend heading to the Arts District to discover breathtaking murals created by local and international artists. You can also join guided tours dedicated to street art to learn more about the artists and the stories behind the works.

Alternative galleries such as Hauser & Wirth and The Box showcase avant-garde works that push the boundaries of contemporary art.

While strolling through the district's alleys, make sure to stop by the Ghebaly Gallery, where intriguing installations blend visual art and sensory experience. At the Nicodim Gallery, artists present bold works that challenge conventions, creating a stimulating dialogue with visitors.

Pushing this artistic exploration even further, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles offers engaging exhibitions and interactive events that immerse you in the dynamic creativity of the city. The district's exterior walls also serve as giant canvases for street artists, providing a constantly changing urban gallery.

Amid the Hollywood glitz and Downtown buildings, you will also find a soothing green haven in Echo Park The park is full of outdoor activities to do, such as swan-shaped paddle boating on the natural lake at the center of Echo Park, strolls through the lotus garden , and playgrounds for kids in the many dedicated facilities.

This is the ideal spot for a relaxing break away from the incessant hustle and bustle of Los Angeles! I truly enjoyed paddle boating at Echo Park; in fact, the paddle boat rental only costs 12 € and they can hold up to 4 people

The Broad Museum is another iconic museum in Los Angeles featuring stunning architecture resembling a beehive It is a contemporary art museum that opened in 2015 and is the brainchild of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, thus the name of the museum

It houses many works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, or Cindy Sherman, as well as lesser-known works by local and emerging artists in temporary exhibitions ‍ Just like the Getty Center, admission is completely free (except for temporary exhibitions), but you can reserve a visiting slot on the official website

When hunger strikes in Los Angeles, a multitude of flavors await you. Street tacos, emblematic of the local cuisine, invite you to feast on bold flavors Prepared with care by passionate street vendors, these simple yet delicious delights offer a true culinary experience of the city.

For an equally memorable culinary escape, head to the Grand Central Market. This bustling space is brimming with stalls offering dishes from around the world. From Thai cuisine to fusion burgers, and Mediterranean delights, every corner offers a unique tasting exploration.

The other historical market in the city is the Farmers Market in Downtown LA! This indoor market was founded in 1934 and has been open daily ever since. It draws both locals and tourists looking for fresh produce to cook or ready-to-eat dishes in the market's food court. Mornings and lunch times, the Farmers Market is often crowded, so you'll need to arm yourself with patience.

For those in search of a refined dining experience, Beverly Hills awaits with its elegant tables and creations by star chefs And if sushi tempts you, don't miss Little Tokyo, where the freshness of the fish and the skill of the chefs create a symphony of flavors in each bite

If you wish to discover downtown Los Angeles through local taste experiences, you might enjoy this culinary tour of Los Angeles. Over the course of 3 hours, taste products from an authentic French bakery, Texan-style barbecue, or a currywurst in a Los Angeles style. You'll also have the opportunity to admire the Bradbury building, the Million Dollar Theater, the Biltmore hotel, and of course, the Grand Central Market. For this tour, expect to pay around 81 € per person.

Did you know it's possible to fly over the City of Angels by helicopter? For 182 €, treat yourself to an unforgettable experience by admiring Los Angeles from the California sky. You can fly over the city's most iconic spots, such as Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and many more, enjoying a unique panoramic view.

To experience this to the fullest, I recommend booking at sunset: you'll get to enjoy the beautiful orange hues of the sky and see the city bathed in soft light Alternatively, wait until nightfall to discover Los Angeles fully illuminated, offering a magical spectacle from the air

If you're keen on visiting Hollywood movie studios, Universal Studios is the most popular, but far from being the most interesting for learning about filming techniques and secrets Warner Bros. Studios (affiliated with Universal) and Paramount Pictures Studios will teach you much more

By choosing the Warner Bros. Studios tour, you can explore the iconic sets of Central Perk Cafe ☕️ from Friends, Batman (and other superheroes from the DC universe), or even Harry Potter. Admire authentic costumes and uncover the secrets behind the making of your favorite films and shows. From sets to interactions with industry professionals, each moment brings you closer to the creative process that brings stories to life on screen. For this tour, expect to pay around 69 € per person.

Unlike Universal and Warner Bros. Studios, Paramount Studios is located in the heart of Hollywood. If you're wondering, it's also a major player in Hollywood cinema, having produced incredible films like Forrest Gump, Interstellar, The Wolf of Wall Street, Titanic, and series like Lioness... During the Paramount Pictures studio tour, you'll ride in a golf cart to explore the 65 acres of the studio and discover the sets of all these films and series with explanations from a professional guide Tickets for this tour are only available through the official website!

While the Walt Disney Concert Hall typically hosts concerts by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Hollywood Bowl has been destined more for modern pop-rock since 1922, while also hosting the Philharmonic In this outdoor amphitheater that can seat over 17,000 people, acts like The Beatles, Madonna, and more recently, Halsey, have performed.

Be sure to check the Hollywood Bowl's programming during your stay if you want to catch a concert at this iconic venue

Attending a sporting event in the United States is at the top of the list for many travelers! Especially NBA games Luckily, in Los Angeles, you're in luck as the city is home to 2 iconic teams: the LA Lakers and the LA Clippers, both playing in the Western Conference.

The Lakers are among the most decorated teams in NBA history, the emblematic team of the city, and they play at the Crypto.com Arena. It's with this team that Kobe Bryant and superstar LeBron James have played, so you'll understand why attending a Lakers game can get quite expensive, no matter when during the season or which game it is

The Clippers, however, will move to the Intuit Dome ️ in 2024. They were previously at Crypto.com Arena with the Lakers, WNBA team (Sparks), and NHL team (Kings). The Clippers have less history and fewer big names in international basketball... The stars of the Clippers include Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden. If you're on a tighter budget and absolutely want to see an NBA game, choose the Clippers

You can also find cheaper tickets at the beginning of the season (starting in October), on weekdays, and against lower-ranking teams. You may also want to head over to a secure platform like Ticket Booker to buy an NBA ticket for the Lakers or Clippers ️

The other iconic sport in the United States, which dreams of many, is baseball ⚾️ It's truly an American pastime and a full attraction since attending an MLB game will take you at least half a day

The iconic team of Los Angeles is the LA Dodgers, and they play at Dodger Stadium, which was built in a small canyon, Chavez Ravine The stadium can accommodate up to 56,000 people on game day, but it's always better to reserve a spot weeks in advance.

On game day, I recommend arriving several hours early to soak in the atmosphere and perhaps participate in the barbecues organized by fans at the stadium gates. You'll also find plenty of stands selling classic American street food and drinks inside the stadium. In addition, you can also take part in numerous animations happening in the stadium (taking photos with the mascot, buying merch, or appearing on the kiss cam )...

If you're short on time, you can also just take the guided tour of Dodger Stadium. It's a complete experience where you'll get to walk on the pitch, see the locker rooms, and even the Dugout Tickets are only available on the official website of the stadium ️

Boarding a cruise in Los Angeles offers a unique opportunity to see the city from a completely different angle, from the waters of the Pacific.

A must-do option is to choose a whale watching cruise from Newport Beach. The panoramic views of iconic beaches and the vast Pacific Ocean will leave you speechless, creating a truly spectacular backdrop.

During this 2-hour catamaran cruise, admire the Newport-Laguna coast and spot many varieties of whales, such as the giant blue whale, finback whale, and gray whale. You'll also have the chance to see marine animals like sea lions, otters, dolphins, or seals. For this excursion, expect to pay around 35 € per person.

Make the most of your stay in Los Angeles by taking exciting excursions in the surroundings of the City of Angels Take a trip to Joshua Tree National Park, where unique rock formations and starry skies will leave you in awe During your visit, aboard an autonomous vehicle, you'll admire the vegetation and environment, spot bighorn sheep, Lost Horse Valley, Keys Point, Skull Rock, or even the mines of Queen Valley. This site is filled with numerous must-see points of interest! For this visit, expect to pay around 15 € per person.

You can also drive to embark on a California road trip and discover even more magnificent natural sites like the Angeles National Forest, where numerous outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping, and more are possible amidst the settings of dense forests, deserts, and the peaks of the San Gabriel mountains ⛰️ In fact, the highest peak in the Angeles National Forest, Mount Baldy, reaches an altitude of 3,069 m. To access it, you'll need to pay an entrance fee of about 5 € at the entrance, and let me tell you, be there as early as possible, as the queues have become endless ever since Trump decided to cut budgets for these sectors...

So, culture enthusiast, nature lover, foodie, adventurer, or simply a traveler in search of adventure, let yourself be captivated by the hidden treasures and must-see attractions of this dynamic metropolis. Explore, taste, discover, and feel the vibrant soul of Los Angeles. Every corner of this iconic city offers an opportunity to create unforgettable memories and experience moments that will stay with you long after your trip. If by chance you plan to visit other parts of the West Coast of the USA and have wondered what to do in San Francisco, feel free to check out my dedicated article