Things to do in
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the most iconic cities of the United States. So much could be said about it, but for this article we will focus on some things to do over there.
Ps: When saying “Los Angeles” this article designates the greater Los Angeles which includes other cities such as Long Beach, Anaheim, etc…
Summary:
Other Things to Do
The Classics
The Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is one of Los Angeles' icons and welcomes millions of visitors each year. It offers a beautiful view of the greater Los Angeles, and contains many exhibits for visitors. It is definitely a good visit for people who have never gone. However, the popularity of the observatory can make the place crowded.
View from the lower deck of the obsevatory.
The Observatory has a parking lot often full. If you plan to visit the area, you may have to park along the road, or at the bottom of the mountain where the observatory is located. From there you will have the choice to either walk up to the observatory (an option that offers nice sights) or take the shuttle which costs less than a dollar.
Operating time as of May 2025:
Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 noon to 10:00p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am. to 10:00p.m.
Admission is always Free. There are fees for the parking and tickets for the planetarium.
Hollywood
The neighborhood is probably among the most famous in Los Angeles. It welcomes many things to see, therefore, we will mention the activities as a group.
Hollywood Sign
The sign originally spelled “Hollywoodland” and was built to promote the name of a new housing project in the same hills. Nowadays, the sign is located on Mount Lee in the Santa Monica Mountains. It can be seen easily from multiple points across the neighborhood, and some viewing areas were designated to see the sign. Getting close to the sign is prohibited, the areas around it being restricted.
Hollywood Boulevard & Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Boulevard is a major street in Los Angeles. Many museums are located along the street, and of course the famous Walk of Fame is there too. Since the place is one of the most visited by tourists in Los Angeles, it is very crowded and there are a lot of tourist traps.
Rodeo Drive
Another iconic street of Los Angeles, Rodeo Drive is well known for its luxury shops and hotels that appear in many movies. Multiple of Beverly Hills sights are located along or around the street. These include the infamous Beverly Hills City Hall or the Beverly Hills Garden Park.
Parking can easily be found in the area, but the rates vary. Bus serves the area, and and a rail transit project is currently* ongoing and and should open three sections that are anticipated to open in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Santa Monica
Another city of the greater Los Angeles, Santa Monica is mostly known for its pier which marks the end of Route 66. Some other activities there include the Santa Monica Place – an outdoor shopping mall – or the Third Street Promenade. Walking on the pier is free, only the shops and attractions are charged.
There are plenty of parking spots around the area. The Bus and Metro (E line) also stops in Downtown Santa Monica.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a neighborhood in Los Angeles. It is well known for its beach and the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk and the canals.
Like all the places described until now, the area contains many parking options. The Bus serves the areas too.
The Grove
The Grove is an outdoor shopping center with all kinds of shops and dining options. It contains a farmer’s market with food from all over the world, clothing stores, as well as three story bookstores. Moreover, animated fountains play a show every hour. Overall, it is a great option to take a break or go shopping.
The Grove has its own parking. It is also accessible by Bus.
Other Things to Do
Little Tokyo
This one may not be the most well known by tourists, but is definitely a nice activity in downtown Los angeles. Little Tokyo is a historical district of Los Angeles with one of the largest Japanese-American populations in North America. The areas contain many Japanese restaurants or shops, and some buildings with traditional appearance. If you like Japan, or simply pass by, it may be worth the stop.
The area is served by both the bus and Metro.
Aquarium of the Pacific
If you love the sea, animals or if you know someone who does, you may be interested to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific. This aquarium located in Long Beach welcomes a wide variety of marine species. Meeting some animals is possible, and depending on the period of the year, tours to watch whales are also offered for a fee.
The price range goes from $34.95 to $44.95 depending on the age. If you plan on visiting the zoo of Los Angeles, you can buy admission for both the zoo and aquarium for a lower price.
The aquarium is accessible by car and bus. A metro stop is also located 10-15 min from the aquarium (walking).
The Amusement Parks
The Los Angeles area is filled with many amusement parks. Some famous ones are:
-
Disneyland & California Adventure Park both in Anaheim
-
Universal Studios Hollywood and Super Nintendo World both in Hollywood
-
Six Flags Magic Mountains in Valencia (about 1H drive from downtown L.A.)
-
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park
Of course, the fees vary depending on the park and time of the year.
