Los Angeles: what's actually worth it
Los Angeles was born from the quiet ambition of Spanish settlers who saw potential in a sun-drenched valley, transforming humble adobes into a sprawling metropolis that now defines modern Hollywood. The city feels like a relentless chase for reinvention, where every neighborhood pulses with its own distinct rhythm and dreamers hustle under an eternal blue sky. It is less a single destination than a collection of diverse villages stitched together by traffic and sunshine, inviting you to wander its eclectic streets with curiosity rather than a strict itinerary.
Top things to do in Los Angeles
Universal Studios Hollywood
Amusement Center · ★ 4.6 (173,826 reviews)
Sprawling amusement park with a cinema theme, featuring rides, restaurants, shops & shows.
Check tours & tickets →Santa Monica Pier
Fishing Pier · ★ 4.6 (134,456 reviews)
Storied seaside destination showcasing a range of shops & cafes, plus an amusement park & aquarium.
Check tours & tickets →Disneyland Park
Amusement Center · ★ 4.6 (127,873 reviews)
Iconic amusement park featuring 8 themed "lands" with rides, shows & costumed characters.
Check tours & tickets →The Getty
Art museum · ★ 4.8 (37,094 reviews)
Famous, sizable free museum highlighting American & European art, architecture & manicured gardens.
Check tours & tickets →Aquarium of the Pacific
Aquarium · ★ 4.6 (35,543 reviews)
Pacific Ocean dwellers on display at this large aquarium with touch tanks & behind-the-scenes tours.
Check tours & tickets →California Science Center
Museum · ★ 4.7 (20,475 reviews)
Admission's free to permanent exhibits at this kid-friendly spot, also boasting IMAX & the Endeavor.
Check tours & tickets →Griffith Observatory
planetarium, tourist_attraction · ★ 4.7 (18,863 reviews)
This art deco landmark from 1935 features a high-tech planetarium, public telescopes & city views.
Check tours & tickets →The Broad
Art museum · ★ 4.7 (18,045 reviews)
Modern art museum with a honeycomb-like facade housing rotating exhibits, plus a shop & restaurant.
Check tours & tickets →Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Museum · ★ 4.8 (14,599 reviews)
From T. rex skeletons to an insect zoo, popular attraction holds more than 35-million artifacts.
Check tours & tickets →Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Art museum · ★ 4.6 (20,982 reviews)
This 20-acre campus with diverse collections spanning art history also offers screenings & concerts.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Grand Central Market
Food Court · ★ 4.5 (36,751 reviews)
Emporium hosting food vendors & florists, plus game nights, movies & other events, since 1917.
Website →Philippe The Original
Sandwich Shop · ★ 4.6 (12,230 reviews)
Historic deli serving up signature French dip sandwiches & other comfort fare in busy communal digs.
Website →Pink's Hot Dogs
Hot Dog Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (13,820 reviews)
Creatively topped dogs (some named for celebrities) draw long lines at this historic roadside spot.
Website →JOEY DTLA
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (5,607 reviews)
Relaxed, contemporary dining spot with a broad menu featuring international & regional dishes.
Website →Chubby Cattle BBQ | Little Tokyo
Barbecue Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (3,867 reviews)
Website →Bottega Louie
Italian Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (7,761 reviews)
Pizzas, pastas & small plates in a bright, bustling space, plus weekend brunch & macarons to-go.
Website →République
French Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (7,289 reviews)
Modern French plates served in a striking space with communal tables, plus a bakery and cocktail bar.
Website →Girl & the Goat Los Angeles
American Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (3,811 reviews)
Innovative New American dishes with global and local flavors served in a trendy restaurant with high ceilings.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
The Original Farmers Market
Shopping Mall · ★ 4.6 (16,973 reviews)
Sprawling historic market features a range of trendy shops, restaurants & gourmet grocery purveyors.
Check tours & tickets →Ultimate Hollywood Tours
Tour Agency · ★ 4.9 (3,509 reviews)
Sightseeing agency offering a range of tours taking in celebrity homes & other famous places.
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
National Park · ★ 4.7 (7,268 reviews)
500+ miles of flat & mountainous hiking trails through coastal chaparral, with views & picnic stops.
Website →Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve
Hiking Area · ★ 4.8 (2,965 reviews)
Oceanfront park featuring a rocky beach, bluffs, hiking trails & picturesque views.
Website →Ferndell Nature Trail
Park · ★ 4.8 (1,845 reviews)
Quarter-mile footpath along a man-made stream, shaded by tropical foliage & sycamore trees.
Website →Franklin Canyon Park, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority
Park · ★ 4.6 (1,979 reviews)
605-acre park featuring many picnic areas, over 5 miles of trails, a duck pond & a nature center.
Website →Ocean Trails Reserve
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.8 (1,369 reviews)
Length of preserved, rugged coastline known as a habitat for native gnatcatcher birds.
Website →After dark
Perch
French Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (7,638 reviews)
Glamorous rooftop setting with French small plates, handcrafted cocktails & grand views of the city.
Website →Seven Grand
Bar · ★ 4.6 (1,974 reviews)
Stylish watering hole with hunting lodge decor, old-school cocktails & a massive whiskey selection.
Website →Good Times at Davey Wayne's
Bar · ★ 4.3 (1,604 reviews)
Funky '70s retro bar with era-appropriate garage sale decor, an Airstream trailer & backyard BBQ.
Website →Elbow Room
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (768 reviews)
Lively eatery offering pizza, sandwiches, and other comfort foods with craft beer and a full bar.
Website →More guides
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