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Things to do in
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of United States' most iconic cities. 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: ​
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.
Address:
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
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 famous 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.
Address:
189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036
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.
Address of the Village Plaza Mall (on the picture):
Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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
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.
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).
Los Angeles Plaza Historic District or 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
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.
Hours:
Open from Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Address:
200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Photo by Levi Meir Clancy | Unsplash
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?
Hours:
Although vendors may have their own hours, the market is open daily from 8am to 9pm.
Open from 8am to 6pm on Christmas Eve.
Open from 8am to 7pm on New Year’s Eve.
Closed on Thanksgiving day, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Address:
317 South Broadway Los Angeles, California 90013
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.
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Metro and bus stations are also nearby.
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