22 Best Places to See in Los Angeles in this Weekend

(Last Updated On: July 23, 2023)

What are some of the best places to see in Los Angeles? It’s not easy to list down. In fact, there are plenty of the best places to see in Los Angeles you can visit. In this article, I have given my opinion on some of the best places to see in Los Angeles.

Best places to see in Los Angeles

1. Hollywood Sign

Put up in 1923 and initially spelling “Hollywoodland”, an actual property growth, the unmistakable Hollywood Sign was solely purported to final for 18 months, which is one of the best places to see in Los Angeles.

The arrival of the Golden Age of Hollywood modified all that, and the signal has remained on Mount Lee in Griffith Park ever since and dropped “land” in 1949.

This landmark was rebuilt in metal in 1978 and was finally repainted in 2005.

One of many best vantage factors within the basin is the raised patio on the northeast nook of the Hollywood & Highland Heart Mall, and there’s one other atop the House Depot parking storage on Sunset Boulevard.

You’ll be able to go in for an up-close look on a hike at Griffith Park, or park up at Lake Hollywood Park and admire the signal throughout the canyon.

2. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The biggest art museum within the western United States, and one of many largest museums of any description within the nation, LACMA on Wilshire Boulevard’s Miracle Mile is in a mishmash of seven buildings on a 20-acre site.

The collections are mind-bending huge, protecting all ends of the earth and from the traditional occasions to the current. For the smallest abstract, there are inventories of Greek, Roman, And Etruscan artwork, American and Latin American artwork, trendy and up-to-date artwork, Islamic artwork, Asian artwork, ornamental arts, images, and movies in addition to eye-catching everlasting artwork installations.

If all this leaves you overwhelmed there are some words you can’t depart without seeing, like Diego Rivera’s Portrait of Frida Kahlo (1939), Mulholland Drive:

The Highway to the Studio by David Hockney (1980), Titian’s Portrait of Jacopo (1532), The Swineherd by Paul Gauguin (1888), and Chris Burden City Mild set up on the Wilshire Boulevard entrance. As of 2019, there have been plans to provide the campus with a bit extra uniformity with an enormous construction designed by Peter Zumthor, with a gap date slated for 2024.

3. Los Angeles Zoo

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a 133-acre zoo based in 1966 and situated in Los Angeles, California, which is one of the best places to see in Los Angeles. The town of Los Angeles owns all the zoo, its land and amenities, and the animals.

Animal care, grounds upkeep, development, training, public info, and administrative workers are metropolis workers. As of June 2019, Denise M. Verret serves because of the zoo’s director, the primary feminine African American director of an Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited establishment.

4. Hollywood Walk of Fame

Conceived in the 1950s to immortalize celebrities with stars embedded in the sidewalks, the Hollywood Walk of Fame breathes life into the timeless glamour of Hollywood. Since its debut at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Gower Street in 1960, over 2,500 stars have graced its prestigious path, thanks to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s resounding success.

With ten million annual visitors eagerly strolling along its mile-long stretch, patrons seek the beloved stars of their cherished actors, singers, musicians, directors, or television personalities. Adjacent to the Hollywood Walk of Fame stands the illustrious Chinese Theatre, a cinematic treasure trove that has witnessed the dazzling stars and premieres of Hollywood’s most glamorous movies.

5. La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum

Over tens of thousands of years, till Los Angeles was developed, animals could be trapped and preserved within the tar at what’s now Hancock Park by LACMA.

Heavy oil from the Salt Lake Oil Field would seep to the floor, changing into viscous pure tar as its lighter fractions evaporated. The tar could be coated with a layer of water or lifeless leaves, ready to lure unsuspecting mammoths, saber-toothed cats, bison, horses, and dire wolves and protect them intact.

The pits have yielded some 400 animals and are an ongoing excavation site (there’s a viewing space at Pit 91). The numerous discoveries are documented in the adjoining George C. Page Museum, which opened in 1977 but has a historical past going again to 1913.

Right here you’ll be able to see a number of the outstanding specimens given up by the pits and get to know the science behind the method, whereas within the grounds are life-sized fashions of the animals claimed by the tar.

6. Runyon Canyon Park

You might have gathered by now that the Hollywood Hills are ripe for mountaineering. And the place Hollywood stars take their walks is the 160-acre Runyon Canyon Park. In the event, you’re on Instagram and observe greater than a few celebrities you could already know of this spot and its vistas just like the again of your hand.

Putting out from the gate on the park’s southern entrance on N Fuller Avenue there’s a selection of three trails with various levels of issue:

The Hero Path (tough), the Star Path (medium), and the paved Runyon Canyon Highway, which curls up the slope on a shallow gradient to the panoramic lookout at Clouds Relaxation, and down on the railway sleeper steps on the Star Path to a different overlook at Inspiration Level.

Pay a go-to in winter and spring when the sky is clearer.

Additionally carry a hat, as a result of there’s solely occasional tree cowl beneath the palms on the canyon ground.

7. OUE Skyspace

Accomplished in 1989, the 310-meter U.S. Financial Institution Tower is the second-tallest in Los Angeles and the fifteenth tallest in the USA, which is one of the best places to see in Los Angeles. When the true property firm OUE took over the tower in 2013 it went to work on a remark deck.

OUE Skyspace opened in 2016 on the 69th and 70th flooring, with a restaurant above on the 71st. That is the very best skyscraper remark deck in California, with mesmerizing 360° views together with downtown LA’s skyscrapers, Dodger Stadium, the Hollywood Hills, and the Pacific and San Gabriel Mountains within the distance.

What units OUE Skyspace aside is the Skyslide between the 70th and 69th flooring. This vertigo-inducing attraction is 13 meters long and made fully from crystal-clear glass, promising a number of seconds of exhilaration or abject terror, relying on your disposition.

8. Walt Disney Concert Hall

A remarkable gem among the city’s music venues, the Walt Disney Concert Hall proudly houses both the illustrious Los Angeles Philharmonic and the esteemed Los Angeles Master Chorale. If you seek an extraordinary auditory experience, do not miss the chance to explore its diverse schedule of events when you find yourself in town.

Conceived by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, the concert hall’s resplendent stainless steel structure and fluid facade stand as a captivating contrast to the mundane buildings of downtown. Beyond its awe-inspiring exterior, the concert hall’s elegant auditorium beckons with a graceful layout, boasting “vineyard-style” seating that ensures every guest enjoys enchanting views of the stage and exceptional acoustics, a true auditory feast.

9. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

A haven for art enthusiasts, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art demands a visit to behold its astonishing collection of artworks. As the largest museum in the western United States, its vast expanse covers a significant portion of LA’s illustrious Miracle Mile neighborhood, showcasing a breathtaking array of photographs, paintings, carvings, ceramics, and sculptures.

Since its establishment in 1961, the museum’s captivating collection has burgeoned to encompass over 150,000 items, spanning the breadth of art history. Journey through its diverse galleries to explore sections dedicated to ancient Greek and Egyptian artifacts, Islamic art, Renaissance paintings, and contemporary Latin American masterpieces. Among its hallowed halls, one can gaze upon iconic works by revered artists like Degas, Magritte, and Rembrandt, and be mesmerized by countless others.

10. The Broad

A beacon of contemporary and postwar artworks, The Broad mesmerizes with its modern architectural marvel – a striking, honeycomb-like exterior that graces Downtown Los Angeles. Inaugurated in 2015, this captivating institution welcomes visitors to explore thousands of fascinating artworks and installations.

Within its hallowed walls, be captivated by an array of mesmerizing photos, paintings, and sculptures, featuring the genius works of celebrated artists like Andy Warhol, Cindy Sherman, and Jeff Koons, among others. The Broad continually showcases temporary exhibits that spotlight emerging talents on its lobby floor, keeping the artistic landscape vibrant and ever-evolving.

11. Griffith Park

In 1896 the Welsh mining magnate Griffith J. Griffith offered over 3,000 acres of Rancho Los Feliz to the Metropolis of Los Angeles as a “Christmas current”. Since then the park has added one other 1,000 acres, making it one of many largest city parks in the USA.

Griffith Park is a rough-hewn wilderness, incorporating a bit of the Santa Monica Mountains and streaked with trails for strolling and horseback riding.

The Los Angeles Zoo is right here, and there are two public golf programs (Harding and Wilson), prepared and pony rides for children, tennis courts, a lot of concession stands, and picnic grounds. The Hollywood Signal is within the park’s boundaries and could be reached on a troublesome hike. Simply above is an imposing however unmarked 360° viewpoint, taking in each Hollywood and Burbank behind.

On GetYourGuide.com, the Hollywood Signal and Griffith Park 2-Hour Mountain climbing Tour is a guided journey by means of the park, stopping from time to time to allow you to recognize the Los Angeles cityscape and provide you with titbits concerning the park, the signal, and Hollywood’s riveting historical past.

12. Petersen Automotive Museum

Sleeping within LA’s enchanting Miracle Mile neighborhood, the Petersen Automotive Museum beckons with its magnificent collection of cars and motorcycles, leaving visitors awe-inspired by the captivating journey through the history and evolution of the automobile industry.

This sprawling museum stands as one of the world’s largest of its kind, now housed in a modern marvel of architecture adorned with a glimmering stainless steel exterior that dazzles under the golden sun. Boasting an astounding collection of over 300 cars and motorcycles, it showcases a kaleidoscope of luxury limousines and regal Rolls-Royces alongside the sleek velocity of Porsches, Ferraris, and the shiny chariots of film legends and renowned celebrities.

13. The Grove & Original Farmers Market

A beloved landmark in LA’s vibrant West Hollywood, The Grove & Original Farmers Market embodies the essence of an urban haven where countless superb shops, stands, and stalls offer an array of treasures beneath the warm California sun.

Since its inception in 1934, the Original Farmers Market has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike, enthralling with its myriad coffee stands, diverse ethnic eateries, and stalls brimming with fresh delights, artisanal crafts, and cherished souvenirs. Nestled alongside is The Grove, a sprawling retail and entertainment oasis, where guests can revel in the allure of chain stores, charming restaurants, and a grand movie theater, creating an unparalleled experience to shop, dine, and delight in the heart of the city.

14. Sunset Strip

Radiating a magnetic charm across LA’s nightlife scene, the illustrious Sunset Strip boasts an alluring tapestry of restaurants, music venues, and nightclubs, captivating all who tread its iconic stretch along Sunset Boulevard. Lined with boutique shops and glamorous billboards, the boulevard stands adorned by graceful palm trees swaying overhead.

Throughout the decades, this legendary area has hosted mob bosses and Marilyn Monroe, and embraced massive rock stars and glam metal bands, earning an illustrious place in film, television, and even video games. Beyond soaking in its vibrant yet relaxed ambiance and iconic sights, one can savor the allure of famous venues like the Comedy Store and the iconic Whisky-a-Go-Go.

15. Hollywood Sign

Once a beacon for Hollywood Hills real estate, the Hollywood sign now stands as a powerful symbol of glamour and cinematic allure. It remains a coveted subject for visitors’ snapshots, but approaching its 45-foot (14-meter) high letters presents a challenge, protected by barriers and surveillance.

Yet, the Hollywood sign remains an iconic sight visible from numerous vantage points across Tinseltown. To capture the perfect shot, seek out the Griffith Observatory, Lake Hollywood Park, or the Hollywood and Highland Center shopping mall for a breathtaking view.

16. Santa Monica Pier

A world-renowned icon, the Santa Monica Pier embodies two piers in one. The longer section, built in 1909, mirrors the quintessential Southern California pier, complete with a charming bait shop and a pier-end restaurant. Yet, the shorter adjacent pier, constructed in 1916, serves as a magnet for visitors.

A delightful elevated plaza connects both piers, embracing an old-fashioned amusement park showcasing a vintage roller coaster and a wooden carousel. Amongst the attractions lies one of L.A.’s most recognizable landmarks – a solar-powered Ferris Wheel that mesmerizes with an ever-changing LED light show at night. Beyond the amusement park, the pier houses a small aquarium, a trapeze school, and an array of delectable eateries to satisfy every craving.

17. Olvera Street

Olvera Street is a historic district in downtown Los Angeles and part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument. Los Angeles was formally based in 1781, and Olvera Street obtained its present title in 1877.

Most of the Plaza District’s Historic Buildings are on Olvera Street, in addition to a number of the oldest Los Angeles monuments together with the Avila Adobe in-built 1818, Pelanconi Home in-built 1857, and the Sepulveda Home in-built 1887.

The tree-shaded, pedestrian mall market with craft retailers, eating places, and roving troubadours is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot. The road has been described as a “Top 5” within the “Great Streets of America” journal.

18. Griffith Observatory

In a second “Christmas current” in 1912 Griffith J. Griffith put up the funds for the park’s Greek Theatre and the Griffith Observatory, which wouldn’t be accomplished till 1935.

Of all the various enduring landmarks in Los Angeles, this three-domed Artwork Deco monument holds a sure mystique. The Griffith Observatory is posted on the south face of Mount Hollywood, the very best peak within the park and the sight of town rippling within the solar or twinkling at night time from Observatory’s terraces are the stuff of desires.

We can’t start to checklist the films and TV exhibits that have made essentially the most of this location, however, James Dean’s Insurgent Without a Trigger(1955) is the one that put the observatory on the planet’s gaze.

The 25-meter, copper-clad central dome homes the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, which screens Centered within the Universe, a hi-res journey by means of time, through discoveries by Ptolemy and Galileo, and house, by means of the Milky Method, and touchdown again on the Griffith Observatory’s entrance garden.

It’s also possible to peer by means of telescopes and discover greater than 60 space-oriented displays.

19. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

A tantalizing peek into the glamorous world of Hollywood awaits at the illustrious Warner Bros. Studio, nestled in neighboring Burbank just north of LA. Embark on an enthralling tour around this vast studio to witness iconic sets from beloved TV shows and acclaimed films, while immersing yourself in the world of incredible props, costumes, and memorabilia.

Hailing as one of the world’s oldest film studios, Warner Bros. boasts enormous outdoor sets that effortlessly transport visitors to iconic locations like New York and a quintessential mid-western town. Admire the soundstages that breathed life into The Big Bang Theory and Pretty Little Liars. But the excitement doesn’t end there – visitors can revel in the presence of recognizable places such as the famous ‘Central Perk’ from Friends, marvel at Batmobiles, and take a whimsical ride on Harry Potter’s broomsticks. Engage with interactive exhibits centered around the beloved DC Universe for an experience that is pure magic.

20 Universal Studios Hollywood

An emblem of cinematic history, Universal Studios Hollywood stands as one of the oldest operating film studios, sprawling across the captivating San Fernando Valley. This acclaimed studio is best known for its family-friendly theme park, offering an immersive experience inspired by blockbuster films, from the awe-inspiring “King Kong” to the thrilling “Waterworld.”

Beyond the enchanting rides and attractions, behind-the-scenes studio tours offer guests a unique glimpse into the magic of filmmaking. As a grand finale, Universal CityWalk awaits, an outdoor shopping center that hosts live performances, movie screenings, and the chance to spot a celebrity amidst the star-studded atmosphere.

21. Battleship USS Iowa Museum

A testament to history, the grand Battleship USS Iowa Museum rests serenely, permanently moored in the tranquil waters of San Pedro Bay. Step aboard this colossal vessel, wander its mighty decks, bridges, and cabins, and embark on a journey through time as you delve into the riveting narrative of life at sea and the ship’s remarkable past.

Commissioned in 1943, Iowa valiantly served during the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Cold War, proudly earning eleven battle stars over its illustrious career. Experience the heart of its history as you explore the Combat Engagement Center, engine rooms, boiler rooms, and officers’ wards. An illustrious vessel, Iowa garnered a variety of monikers, from the ‘Mighty I’ and the ‘Big Stick’ to the endearing title of the ‘Battleship of Presidents.’ Throughout the decades, this legendary ship hosted distinguished figures like Roosevelt, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush, embodying the spirit of history in every inch of its formidable presence.

22. Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a public aquarium on a 5-acre site on Rainbow Harbor in Lengthy Seaside, California, the United States, which is one of the best places to see in Los Angeles. It’s located throughout the water from the Lengthy Seaside Conference Heart, Shoreline Village, and the Queen Mary Resort and Attraction.

The Aquarium sees 1.5 million guests a year and has complete workers of about 1,875 folks, together with greater than 1,500 volunteers and about 375 workers. It’s a 501 non-profit aquarium. The Aquarium is an accredited member of the Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums.