15 Things to Do in Los Angeles
Written/Edited by: Northern Latitudes Editorial Team
Updated: 8/11/2026
Los Angeles is probably among the most iconic, if not the most iconic city of the United States. Historically known for its cinema industry, it has since diversified to become a worldwide destination visited by millions. And if you are reading this, you are likely among them. So what are the best things to do in Los Angeles? Here is a list of 15 activities that will help you discover Los Angeles.
1 - 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.
Directions
Across our multiple visits to the Griffith Observatory, we've found that the site is almost always crowded. According to the Observatory's website, there is paid parking in front of the building, but the following is very often crowded. The other options for parking include:
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Western Canyon Rd - Paid Parking | Requires walking uphill to the observatory.
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Section 9 Parking - Free Parking | Walking to the observatory involves walking uphill.
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Greek Parking & Boy Scout Rd - Both free when Greek Theatre is not in use. Those options allow you to take the Dash shuttle (50c/person) to the observatory.
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Picture Source: Venti Views | Unsplash
Admission
FREE
Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
2 - 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.
Directions
You may hike to the sign via one of the official hiking trails. The sign is also visible from multiple viewpoints across Los Angeles. The official website of the sign recommend the corner of Hollywood Blvd & Highland Ave as well as the Griffith Observatory for the best views of the sign.
Admission
FREE
3 - Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most touristic streets of Los Angeles. Many museums are located along the street, and of course the famous Walk of Fame is there too. Although there is some fun in locating the names of celebrities and watching at those place you only see in movies, we don't presonally appreciate the area as it features many tourist traps.
Directions
You may find multiple parking garage around Hollywood Blvd. Both the bus and subway (Hollywood/Highland station) stops on the blvd.
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Admission
FREE
4 - Rodeo Drive (Beverly Hills)
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 famous Beverly Hills City Hall or the Beverly Hills Garden Park.
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Photo Source: Colton Sturgeon (via Unsplash)
4. 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.
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Photo by Tommaso Teloni | Unsplash
5. 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.
Photo by Northern Latitudes
6. 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.
Address:
189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036
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Photo by Veronica Ascencio | Unsplash
Other Things to Do
7. 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.
Address of the Village Plaza Mall (on the picture):
Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Photo by Northern Latitudes
8. 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).
Address:
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Photo of a Magellanic Penguin, a species you can find in the aquarium. Note that this picture was not taken in the aquarium.
9. The Amusement Parks
The Los Angeles area is filled with many amusement parks. Some famous ones are:
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Disneyland & California Adventure Park both in Anaheim
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Universal Studios Hollywood and Super Nintendo World both in Hollywood
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Six Flags Magic Mountains in Valencia (about 1H drive from downtown L.A.)
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Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park
​Of course, the fees vary depending on the park and time of the year.
10. Take a Trip to Santa Catalina Island
Catalina Island is an Island part of the Channel Islands. This technically is not Los Angeles, but a great destination around Los Angeles. Indeed, the biggest city on the island is Avalon and it takes about one hour by boat to get there from Long Beach. This means that you can easily make it a daytrip destination. But let’s rewind a little back before speaking about getting there; First, why go to Catalina Island? Well, it is a beautiful island offering you great panoramas and a restful environment. But not only, the island is a great spot to hike, kayak or simply enjoy the beach. So if you want to get out of Los Angeles, think about it.
Photo by Erick Morales Oyola | Unsplash
Getting There
​Since it is a small island, you only have two options to get there. The ferry or the helicopter. Of course the first one is the slowest and cheapest while the second option is the quickest.
Ferry
The majority of people take either the Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer if taking the boat. The first one goes from either San Pedro, Long Beach or Dana Point in California to Avalon on the Island (a route to Two Harbor on the island also exists). It takes about an hour (or more depending on the departure port) and the most basic fare for adults cost around $92 for the roundtrip. Of course, we always encourage you to check the price on the official website of Catalina Express for the most up to date information. The Catalina Flyer on the other hand, leaves from New Port beach and goes to Avalon. The crossing may be faster but cost a couple of dollars more. Additionally, the Catalina Express has more departures throughout the day.
Helicopter
It is possible to go to Santa Catalina Island by helicopter. The service is offered by Maverick Helicopters who have departures from Long Beach, San Pedro, Burbank and John Wayne Airport. This option is much more expensive, but offers a scenic journey and takes a lot less time (around 15min of flight).
11. El Pueblo de Los Ángeles
​El Pueblo de Los Angeles is the birthplace of Los Angeles. This is the site where forty-four settlers established a farming community in 1781, and the place which was for a long time the center of the city. Today, the area is a living museum with many things to see and do like the Olvera Street Mexican Marketplace or the Plaza Firehouse (the first building dedicated to firefighting in LA). The area is free of access and easily joined via the nearby transportations accesses.
Address:
125 Paseo de la Plz, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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Union Station (picture above) is right next to El Pueblo. Photo by David Wilson | Wikimedia Commons CC BY 2.0
12. Los Angeles City Hall
The Los Angeles City Hall opened in 1928, making it almost a hundred years old. There is not much to say about it from a tourist standpoint. However, what makes it interesting for visitors is its tower within which an observation deck can be found. This observation deck offers a 360 view of Los Angeles and the city hall’s surroundings. The following is free for everyone – only the parking is charged.
Address:
200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Photo by Levi Meir Clancy | Unsplash
13. Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market has existed since October 1917. This is the largest and oldest public market in the city. It offers a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of great places to eat and buy food from. So if you are around downtown Los Angeles, why not make a stop?
Getting There:
If you have a car, the parking of the market costs $5 for 90 minutes and $2 for each additional minute. The daily maximum is $40.​ Metro and bus stations are also nearby.
Address:
317 South Broadway Los Angeles, California 90013
14. The Getty Center
We have already mentioned it in our article on the free things to do in Los Angeles, but let’s talk about it once more. The Getty Center is an area that features the Getty Museum — a free art museum — gardens, and a great view over Los Angeles. It is operated by the Getty Foundation, one of the most prestigious art foundations in the world, and it is likely that the museum's collection will please those who love works of art. Even if you do not like art, you may like to visit the area to drink a coffee while enjoying the gardens and the view. If you plan on driving there, note that the parking and the center are at a distance from each other. Therefore, you will need to park your car at the center’s parking lot and then take the small (free) tram that will get you up to the center. In addition, another campus called the “Getty Villa” houses a collection of art from Greece and Rome.
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Photo by Bernardo Ferrari | Unsplash
Price Range: Admission is free, but requires a reservation made online. Parking is charged.
Address (The Getty Center): N Sepulveda Blvd & Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Address (The Getty Villa): 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
15. Heritage Square Museum
In the 1960s, the rapid urban expansion in Los Angeles caused many historic buildings to be destroyed. Willing to protect those, a foundation was created and a museum established to protect historically significant buildings. This museum is Heritage Square. Nowadays, the open-air museum gives visitors the possibility to learn about the development of Los Angeles between 1850 and 1950 through the lens of architecture.
Price Range (General Admission): Free to $15
Address: 3800 Homer St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
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California, U.S.A
California, U.S.A
California, U.S.A