What to See in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, famously known as the City of Angels, offers something for everyone—from stunning beaches and world-class museums to vibrant galleries, trendy shops, and iconic celebrity homes. Explore the city's must-see attractions and top destinations that make Los Angeles a one-of-a-kind experience.
Los Angeles is celebrated as one of the world's most dynamic and exciting cities, featuring the entertainment capital of the world in Hollywood, Venice Beach's booming art scene, and the laid-back Santa Monica. Across the city, you'll find historic neighborhoods and lots of iconic landmarks. A true melting pot of cultures and traditions, LA also boasts sunny weather almost all year round, along with sun-kissed beaches, which provide some of the best surfing waves in the country.
The best way to see the city is as part of this Los Angeles free tour, or for a more personalized experience, go on this Los Angeles private tour. For a more relaxed exploration of the city, check out this Los Angeles tourist bus. If you plan on visiting various landmarks, take a look at this Go CIty: Los Angeles Explorer pass, or the Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive pass, which includes access to the main sights in the city.
What are the Must-Sees in Los Angeles?
Begin your adventure through Los Angeles at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a symbol of the Entertainment Capital of the World, featuring the names of all of your favorite stars, from Paul McCartney to Godzilla. If you want to know what it feels like to have one of your own, check out this Get Your Own Hollywood Star photoshoot. Stroll down the iconic Hollywood Boulevard, see the historic TCL Chinese Theater, and visit the Hollywood Museum and the Madame Tussauds Museum.
Another iconic landmark is the Griffith Observatory, perched on the hills of Mount Hollywood, overlooking the city, and the best vantage point for observing the world-famous Hollywood Sigm—see it for yourself on this Griffith Park Observatory tour + Hollywood Sign Viewpoint. If you want to see the sign up close, check out this Hollywood Sign hiking tour.
A visit to Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the lively Santa Monica Pier. Located just minutes from the heart of the city, this waterfront landmark features amusement rides, an aquarium, and stunning ocean views, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors alike. A great way to see it is as part of this Santa Monica electric bike tour!
The last must-see on our list is Universal Studios Hollywood—the place where dreams come true, and visitors can meet their Disney heroes, explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the home of The Simposons at Springfield, and enjoy a tour of the studios!
Los Angeles's Best Museums & Galleries
Los Angeles, along with its many iconic landmarks to discover, also has a wide range of brilliant museums waiting to be discovered!
Art and culture enthusiasts should head to The Getty Center, a modern architectural marvel set against beautifully manicured gardens. Inside, explore a stunning collection of art alongside exhibitions that delve into the long and storied history of Los Angeles. For an in-depth exploration of the center with an expert tour guide, check out this Getty Center Guided Tour.
Grab a ticket to the Los Angeles Natural History Museum if you're at all interested in natural history—check out 300 real fossils (the largest collection in California), including T. rexes and mastodons. You'll also find a staggering collection of gems and minerals, along with hundreds of butterfly species, at the Butterfly Pavilion! Another option is the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, where you can see preserved organisms that have been preserved in the Los Angeles Basin, from saber-tooth cats to ground sloths and mammoths.
If you're interested in American history, check out the USS Iowa Battleship Museum, dedicated to the ship that played such an important role in WWII, the Korean War, and the Cold War. For an insight into another major player during the Cold War, check out the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum.
The Best Beaches in LA
There's so much to do in Los Angeles, and hitting the beach is one of the best! Santa Monica is one of the most famous in the city, offering the classic Southern California experience. Best known for the legendary Santa Monica Pier. This bustling landmark features an amusement park with classic rides, an aquarium, and lovely dining options. Whether you're looking to take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, bike along the beachfront paths, or simply relax and watch the sunset, Santa Monica Beach has a little something for everyone. A great way to explore the boardwalk is by renting a bike in Santa Monica.
The other most famous beach in LA is Venice Beach, known for its happening boardwalk, characterized by street performers, artists, and vendors. Soaking in the boardwalk's unique, creative atmosphere, along with its bright murals, skate parks, and Muscle Beach Gym, is a quintessential Los Angeles experience that you simply can't miss. See both of these beaches and more on this Santa Monica electric bike tour!
