22 Top Places for Planning a Memorable Visit in Los Angeles

(Last Updated On: July 23, 2023)

Los Angeles is a city that attracts many visitors all year round. There are many top places to visit in Los Angeles. For people who enjoy visiting or are messed up with the hectic workload, the top places to visit in Los Angeles are a good choice for relief and entertainment. In this article, I am going to put my opinion on the top places to visit in Los Angeles.

As the sun-kissed metropolis of entertainment, Los Angeles boasts a well-deserved reputation as the global hub for movies, television shows, and music that captivates audiences across the world. Beyond its show-business allure, the city’s irresistible charm lies in its inviting beaches, alluring theme parks, and perpetually sunny weather, beckoning visitors with a wealth of attractions.

Enchanting art aficionados, history enthusiasts, and sports fans alike, Los Angeles boasts a world-class collection of museums, arenas, and theaters that promise to satiate every discerning taste.

Outdoor enthusiasts will discover their own haven amidst the city’s offerings, with an abundance of natural attractions and thrilling outdoor activities. From impromptu beach volleyball matches to invigorating camping getaways in the nearby mountains, from thrilling whale-watching escapades to serene sailing on the vast expanse of the blue Pacific, the landscape of sunny Southern California is a playground of endless adventure and fun.

Top 22 places to visit in Los Angeles

Now, let us venture into some of the remarkable treasures of Los Angeles:

1. Hollywood Walk of Fame

There are issues in each metropolis that locals keep away from just like the plague, however, guests can’t afford to go up to one of the top places to visit in Los Angeles. The Hollywood Stroll of Fame is in that vein, commending actors, musicians, administrators, musical and theatrical teams, and even 16 fictional characters with stars on the pavement.

Rather less than half of all the celebs are devoted to somebody within the movie trade. In case you didn’t know, the celebs are made from brass and terrazzo, and in spring 2019 there have been greater than 2,600. The Walk of Fame, begun in 1958 with a preliminary 1,588 honourees, is on 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street.

Some 24 new stars are laid every year, at a value of $40,000 (payable by the nominee or sponsor), and honourees are obliged to point out as much as their unveiling ceremony. The Barrymore appearing dynasty is the best-represented single household, with a complete of six stars.

2. Pacific Park

The one amusement park on a pier on the West Coast of the USA, Pacific Park is free to enter and has 12 rides in one of the top places to visit in Los Angeles. Inevitably, the Pacific Park and the Santa Monica Pier have appeared in a whole bunch of films and TV exhibits, and like innumerable places around Los Angeles rendered in a startling element for the 2013 videogame GTA V.

First taking form within the 1910s and revived within the 1990s, Pacific Park payments itself as the one admission-free amusement park in LA.

You pay for the personal sights, amongst which is the metal West Coaster and the Pacific Wheel, which featured in Steven Spielberg’s 1941 (1979) is the world’s solely solar-powered Ferris wheel.

A phrase on the pier, which is definitely two buildings joined collectively:

The long and slim Santa Monica Municipal Pier is from 1909 and was constructed to hold sewage pipes past the breakers, whereas the Pleasure Pier was begun in 1916 by Charles I.D. Looff, chargeable for Coney Island’s first carousel.

3. California Science Center

Nestled within Exposition Park, the state-of-the-art California Science Center awaits with its captivating array of interesting and educational exhibits. From the mesmerizing portrayal of animals inhabiting diverse ecosystems to in-depth explorations of energy, transportation, and even the mysteries of outer space, this sprawling museum enthralls visitors with a multifaceted experience.

Founded in 1951, the center has undergone remarkable expansion, now showcasing awe-inspiring aircraft and space shuttles. While the iconic Endeavour spacecraft stands as a star attraction, the World of Life and Creative World galleries exude their own magnetic appeal. Temporary exhibits frequently grace its halls, while an IMAX theater treats audiences to educational films that ignite wonder and curiosity.

4. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

As the last remaining film studio of the esteemed ‘Big Five’ in Hollywood, Paramount Pictures offers a fascinating and exclusive tour through its hallowed grounds. Step through its famous double-arched gate and immerse yourself in the realm of iconic sets from beloved TV shows and blockbuster movies.

Embark on an enchanting journey guided by experts, zipping through the sprawling studio aboard golf carts, pausing intermittently to witness sets from timeless classics such as Sabrina and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This illuminating tour unveils the captivating process of Hollywood’s finest productions, a behind-the-scenes look that delights cinema enthusiasts.

5. Hollywood Bowl

Nestled amidst the rolling Hollywood Hills, the Hollywood Bowl stands as an eminent live music venue celebrated across the United States. Carved into the hillside, with the world-famous Hollywood Sign gracing the distant horizon, this amphitheater resonates with countless concerts annually. From spellbinding operas to resounding orchestras and captivating musicals, the Hollywood Bowl stage hosts an eclectic array of performances.

Constructed in 1922, the venue bears witness to legendary acts such as Cher, Queen, and The Beatles, capturing the hearts of audiences beneath its distinctive set of concentric arches. The Hollywood Bowl mesmerizes not only with its superlative sound quality and pristine sightlines but also with the ethereal ambiance of its breathtaking setting.

6. Zuma Beach

For sun-seekers yearning for sun, sea, and sand, the picturesque Zuma Beach beckons with its enchanting charm. Located in Malibu, an hour’s drive west of L.A., this sun-kissed sanctuary boasts gently curving sands caressed by the azure ocean, embraced by the majestic Santa Monica Mountains.

A haven for locals and tourists alike, Zuma Beach invites all manner of outdoor enthusiasts with excellent fishing, thrilling beach volleyball, sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. As visitors savor its pristine waters, they are transported to a realm where tranquil strolls upon the broad sands unfold amid the echoes of numerous films, TV shows, and adverts filmed on this iconic coastline.

7. Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Venture along Hollywood Boulevard, and the resplendent Madame Tussauds Hollywood awaits with its remarkable collection of remarkably lifelike wax figures depicting renowned celebrities spanning various eras. A crown jewel among the city’s premier tourist attractions, this famed museum entices with its rooms teeming with movie stars, pop icons, and exhilarating VR experiences.

Launched in 2009, the museum now houses over a hundred awe-inspiring wax models, inviting visitors to pose alongside replicas of Barack Obama, Leonardo DiCaprio, Taylor Swift, Snoop Dogg, Spider-Man, and many more beloved figures. The immersive journey continues with thrilling 4D Marvel Universe films within its theater, rounding out a captivating adventure in the realm of waxen wonders.

8. Runyon Canyon Park

A respite from the bustling hum of downtown, Runyon Canyon Park rests just a couple of blocks from the vibrant energy of Hollywood Boulevard. Nestled amidst the Hollywood Hills, the park’s scenic landscape has set the stage for countless celebrity sightings amidst epic old mansions and estates.

Hikers will find solace upon its hills, with the Rock Mandala art piece and the stunning panoramas from Inspiration Point and Clouds Rest further enriching the journey. The park’s wild essence charms with its arid climate, occasionally presenting the opportunity to spot snakes, lizards, deer, and coyotes as they play their part in this natural spectacle.

9. Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tour

Visiting the storied components of Downtown Los Angeles, you could really feel as if you’re lacking a little bit of background, to not point out all of the intriguing anecdotes these streets have to inform.

The excellent news is that the Los Angeles Conservancy organizes commonly guided excursions of fascinating places just like the Historic Downtown (each Saturday), the Millennium Biltmore Resort (each Sunday), and the Business District (each Saturday), to call a number of.

Additionally, on Saturday, you’ll be able to immerse yourself within the Golden Age glamour of Downtown LA’s Artwork Deco wonders from the 20s and 30s. These excursions are in excessive demand and replenish shortly.

10. Petersen Automotive Museum

On Museum Row, this museum was based by writer Robert E. Petersen in 1994 and has lately come although a makeover. This has left the construction with a spectacular shell composed of 100 tons of stainless steel in an aerodynamic ribbon formation. Much more thrilling is what’s in the retailer within the museum’s 25 galleries, the place you’ll be greeted by a whole bunch of awe-inspiring cars, displayed with evocative backdrops.

A few of our picks are the 1915 Detroit Electric Model 61 Brougham, the 1958 Plymouth Fury “Christine” and the solar-powered 1987 Mana La.

In the summer season of 2019, the exhibition, Hollywood Dream Machines, introduced well-known authors from Batman (1989), Back to the Future (1985), Blade Runner (1982), Black Panther (2017), and Mad Max: Fury Highway (2015) collectively for one unforgettable present.

Pay just a little additional and you’ll go right down to The Vault, containing 250+ autos spanning 120 years from all corners of the globe, some owned by film and music heroes like Steve McQueen and Elvis Presley.

11. Walt Disney Concert Hall

Frank Gehry’s spellbinding live performance corridor on the Los Angeles Music Heart has turned into a treasured fixture of the cityscape in Downtown Los Angeles because it opened in 2003.

Principally funded by the Disney household, the venue is a tribute to Disney’s contribution to LA’s tradition and is the bottom for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Grasp Chorale.

This swirling stainless-steel construction has Douglas fir and oak cladding in its 2,265-capacity auditorium for superlative acoustics and a large live performance organ that appears like no organ you’ve ever seen.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s fundamental season right here is from October to June, earlier than they transfer to the Hollywood Bowl for the summer season. It’s also possible to go Monday to Saturday for an hour-long audio-guided tour, narrated by John Lithgow and with intriguing contributions by Frank Gehry.

The tour additionally encompasses an interactive exhibition at the Ira Gershwin Gallery.

12. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

With roots going again to 1912, the company that turned Paramount Pictures moved to this 26-acre site at 5555 Melrose Avenue in 1926. The phases the place Sundown Boulevard, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Rear Window, and Sabrina have been shot are nonetheless used as we speak.

You’ll be able to uncover them on a two-hour studio tour in a limousine golf cart, within the firm of information well-versed in the historical past of the studio.

You’ll see the Prop Warehouse, a brand new Tour Heart, and the New York Backlot (a number of New York City in a single place). Excursions happen seven days every week and should be booked in advance.

The very best time to decide on is between 11:00 and 15:00 when taking pictures could also be occurring, and there can be a greater probability of recognizing somebody well-known, even when extra areas can be shut down for filming.

On weekdays there’s a 4.5-hour VIP Tour, for extra of insider expertise while you’ll get to fulfill archivists and backlot tradesmen.

13. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Nestled amidst the lush expanse of a green city park, an astonishing sight awaits in Los Angeles – the renowned La Brea Tar Pits. This pool of black tar might seem out of place, but its significance is unparalleled, providing an archaeological marvel for the nearby George C. Page Museum. Over the years, these prehistoric tar pits have yielded a rich treasure trove of fossils, unearthing one of the world’s most extensive collections of Ice Age remnants.

The historical records preserved within the approximately 100 tons of bones extracted from the pits date back an astounding 38,000 years. Visitors to the museum are privileged to behold complete skeletons of ancient creatures, including awe-inspiring saber-toothed cats, formidable dire wolves, and colossal mastodons. In the Paleontology Laboratory, an enthralling spectacle unfolds, where visitors can witness scientists meticulously working on the latest discoveries, unlocking secrets of our ancient past.

14. Rodeo Drive

Nestled within the exclusive neighborhood of Beverly Hills, in a quaint 16-square-block area known as the Golden Triangle, lies Rodeo Drive – the epitome of L.A.’s most famous shopping street. While many may not come to indulge in the high-priced designer clothing and exquisite accessories adorning the luxury shops, Rodeo Drive still remains an irresistible draw for tourists.

Strolling along this avenue of haute couture, the allure of window shopping is undeniable, and there’s always a thrilling chance of glimpsing a celebrity perusing the latest styles. Amidst this glamorous realm, the mini-mall at Two Rodeo Drive exudes its own captivating charm. Embracing “faux-European” architecture and a cobblestone street, it transcends the essence of a conventional mall and rather immerses visitors in an enchanting theme park-like experience.

15. Arts District

To the east of Downtown Los Angeles, the Arts District is as soon as the decaying city of early-20th century warehouses, railroad sheds, and factories. The district was first colonized by artists in the 1970s and is now a youthful artistic hub.

In contrast to plenty of Los Angeles, the Artwork District is usually walkable and has a number of the greatest road artwork around, counting greater than 100 murals, many of which can cease you in your tracks.

Graffiti is against the law within the Metropolis of Los Angeles, however, property house owners within the Arts District encourage artists to go to work on their buildings.

Come together with your digicam able to discover this revived cityscape peppered with unbiased galleries, moral boutiques, loft brewhouses, and ultra-hip espresso retailers.

16. Universal CityWalk

A separate attraction at Universal Studios, CityWalk is a neon-lit, high-energy promenade for purchasing, leisure, and eating. CityWalk’s linchpin is the 5 Towers, an outside live performance venue, with common resident music, whereas road performers are out in power most nights.

Entrance is free, and CityWalk is usually thronged on weekends for its AMC Universal Cineplex, and the vast quick meals and informal eating choices, from Bubba Gump Shrimp Firm to Tony Roma’s, Buca di Beppo, Panda Express, KFC, Taco Bell, and Subway.

In the event you’re peckish for a snack there are Wetzels’ Pretzels, Cinnabon, and Ben and Jerry’s, to call a number.

17. Disneyland

Embark on a whimsical journey to the enchanting Disneyland, situated just an hour’s drive from Downtown Los Angeles in the picturesque Orange County. This iconic theme park, the first in Walt Disney’s renowned chain, has captivated visitors since its grand opening in 1955. Adjacent to the original park lies the relatively new California Adventure, a vibrant realm of thrilling rides and attractions inspired by the Golden State.

With “park hopper” tickets in hand, eager visitors gain access to both parks, each meticulously maintained and thoughtfully laid out in themed areas that transport you to worlds of wonder, from Tomorrowland and Fantasyland to Hollywood Land and Cars Land. As you wander these magical grounds, delight in the sight of costumed performers bringing cherished Disney characters to life, offering unforgettable encounters for children and adults alike.

18. Getty Center

A beacon of artistic brilliance and legacy, the J. Paul Getty Trust, founded by oil magnate Jean Paul Getty in 1953, stands as the world’s wealthiest art institution. Its illustrious legacy funds a collection of remarkable institutions, among them the breathtaking billion-dollar Getty Center, majestically perched atop L.A.’s Brentwood Hills.

Ascend gracefully via a sleek hover-train funicular, delivering visitors to a world of artistic splendor. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of masterpieces, spanning centuries from the Middle Ages to the present, including van Gogh’s captivating “Irises,” Monet’s awe-inspiring “Wheatstack,” and Rembrandt’s illustrious “The Abduction of Europa.” Outside, sculpture-ornamented gardens invite contemplation while offering panoramic vistas of the sprawling Los Angeles Basin.

19. Griffith Park & Observatory

A verdant oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of L.A., Griffith Park beckons with its sprawling expanse and diverse array of attractions. Among the largest municipal parks in the United States, it offers a delightful escape from the city’s relentless traffic. Bask in the serenity of hilly trails and lush green spaces, and revel in the park’s dynamic offerings, from the captivating Los Angeles Zoo to the open-air marvel of the Greek Theatre.

Perched atop this natural sanctuary stands an iconic landmark of the city: the Griffith Observatory. A testament to exquisite Art Deco architecture, this captivating complex houses dozens of engaging exhibits, a planetarium that transports you to celestial realms, and multiple telescopes available for public use. As dusk descends, embrace the mesmerizing sight of stars emerging in the night sky above, as the city’s lights twinkle below like a shimmering sea of dreams.

22. Venice Beach

Embrace the vibrant spirit of “Venice of America,” a transformation attributed to the visionary tobacco magnate Abbot Kinney, who breathed life into a marshy stretch of shoreline just south of Santa Monica. In 1904, Kinney wove a tapestry of scenic canals amidst what was once mere drainage channels, and he graced the beach with a Venetian-inspired arcade.

While the charming canals stand as a top tourist attraction in Los Angeles, it is the world-famous boardwalk that beckons most visitors. An extravaganza of eccentric street performers competes with an enticing array of shops, stalls, and food stands, creating a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and flavors. The beach itself boasts volleyball courts, a lively skating plaza, and the iconic Muscle Beach, a haven for bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts.

21. LA Grand Tour

The general public transport system in Los Angeles is much better than its status, however, continues to be rising. So in the event, you’re right here without transport a long bus tour is an effective way to pack in as much of the town as is attainable. The LA Grand Tour with GetYourGuide.com is a seven-hour narrated tour of the town on an open bus, for a near-complete introduction to Los Angeles.

The journey begins at Sundown Boulevard, earlier than setting a course for the Santa Monica Pier for a one-hour cease. You’ll go to the Third Road Promenade, the Farmers Market (one-hour lunch cease), and the Grove.

Afterward, the bus makes the journey as much as the Griffith Observatory for a whirlwind goes to and to gaze on the Hollywood Signal, earlier than descending to the Stroll of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese language Theatre, and the Dolby Theatre, the dwelling of the Oscars.

22. Hollywood Bowl

An abiding landmark and a great place to look at residence music, the Hollywood Bowl is a 17,500-seater amphitheater resting within the Hollywood Hills with views of the Hollywood Signal to the northeast. Fred Astaire, Louis Armstrong, and the Beatles have all carried out right here… in reality, it will be simpler to make a listing of the cultural giants who haven’t.

The venue is the summer season dwelling of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, in addition to the seat of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra (fashioned in 1990). The present shell is definitely the fifth to have been constructed on the Hollywood Bowl. The second and third shells have been designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, however, solely stood for a season in the 1920s.

The fourth shell, by the Allied Architects group, lasted from 1929 to 2003, however, was usually criticized for its acoustics and changed for the 2004 season.

The Hollywood Bowl’s free museum is within the former Tea Room and is the primary construction you come to in the event you enter the location through Highland Avenue, with an everlasting exhibition displaying packages and pictures of the venue since its beginning in 1922.