Welcome to the heart of Southern California – Los Angeles! Often called the City of Angels, LA offers an eclectic mix of things to do for everyone. It’s a fabulously cool city that has it all; from sunny beaches to glamorous Hollywood, cultural monuments, world-class eateries, and exciting nightlife. This guide takes you through 40 fabulously cool things to do in Los Angeles today, each guaranteed to offer unforgettable memories.
1. World of Illusions
Kickstart your fabulous LA adventure with a visit to the World of Illusions, a captivating attraction located on Hollywood Boulevard. This mesmerizing thing to do made our list due to its unique blend of the whimsical and the surreal, perfect for adults and kids alike. At the World of Illusions, reality bends and your senses will be intrigued by the four fascinating things to do on site.
In the Museum of Illusions, prepare to be awestruck by 3D paintings that seemingly leap off the walls. Then, venture into the Upside Down House. This exhibit defies gravity with seven rooms that will turn your world topsy-turvy, presenting fantastic photo opportunities. The Giant’s House follows next, making you feel miniature as you are surrounded by gargantuan everyday objects. Lastly, unleash your inner wild child at Smash It, where the cathartic action of hurling plates against the wall is not just allowed but encouraged!
2. Santa Monica Pier
Located on the coast of sunny California, the Santa Monica Pier is a classic LA thing to do offering days of fun activities. It’s not just a pier, but also home to the iconic Pacific Park, which boasts a solar-powered Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and a host of carnival games. Plus, you can stroll down the historic boardwalk, enjoy fishing, or indulge in fresh seafood at one or two of the numerous restaurants on the pier. This is a fabulously cool place to unwind and watch the sunset after a busy day exploring Los Angeles.
3. Hollywood Walk of Fame
No trip to Los Angeles, California would be complete without a walk down Hollywood Boulevard to visit the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. Spend a day tracing the footsteps of your favorite movie stars, finding their names embedded in the walkway’s stars. This is a free and fabulously fun thing to do that takes you closer to the world of glitz and glamour.
4. El Matador Beach
If you’re looking for an off the beaten path beach thing to do in Los Angeles, El Matador Beach is your spot. Tucked away in Malibu, this hidden gem is known for its breathtaking sea stacks and caves, perfect for a romantic sunset stroll or a day of exploring.
5. Rodeo Drive
In the heart of Beverly Hills lies Rodeo Drive, an epicenter of luxury, fashion, and lifestyle. It’s a two mile long stretch that hosts some of the world’s most exclusive retailers. This glamorous shopping street is worth a visit today, even for window shopping or celebrity sightings.
6. Little Tokyo
Los Angeles’ cultural diversity is brilliantly represented in Little Tokyo. Here you’ll find traditional Japanese architecture, markets, and eateries serving sushi, ramen, and other Japanese delicacies. Visit the Japanese American National Museum or the James Irvine Japanese Garden for a cultural immersion today.
7. The Getty Center
Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, The Getty Center showcases European paintings, contemporary photographs, and ornate French furniture, offering a perfect combination of art and scenic beauty. What’s more, the entrance to this art institution is free. It is not just an art museum, but also a highlight of architectural magnificence and beautifully manicured gardens with stunning views of Los Angeles. This is a must-visit for art and nature lovers visiting California.
8. Griffith Observatory
Offering spectacular views of the city and the stars, the Griffith Observatory is a cool and fabulously engaging LA thing to do. Perched atop Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Observatory allows visitors to explore exhibits and look through telescopes free of charge. So, mark your calendars for a celestial treat in the evening today.
9. Olvera Street
Olvera Street, located in downtown Los Angeles, is a historic district that offers a glimpse into the city’s Mexican roots. This colorful market street is lined with vendors selling traditional Mexican goods, from handcrafted leather items to tempting food stalls serving authentic Mexican street food.
10. Abbot Kinney Boulevard
One of the hippest streets in Los Angeles, Abbot Kinney Boulevard, located in Venice, is brimming with chic boutiques, coffee shops, trendy eateries, and colorful street murals. This is the perfect place to spend a fabulously laid-back day shopping and dining.
11. Hollywood Bowl
One of the most famous concert venues in the world, the Hollywood Bowl is an amphitheater nestled in the Hollywood Hills. Here, you can catch an outdoor concert under the stars, ranging from classical to rock, making it a truly magical thing to do. It’s a must-visit for music lovers.
12. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, featuring an array of international art spanning different eras and regions. Don’t miss the chance to see and snap the iconic “Urban Light” installation at the museum’s entrance.
12. LA Fashion District
Spanning 107 blocks, the LA Fashion District is a hub for the fashion industry, boasting over 2,000 independently owned retail and wholesale businesses. This area is a paradise for fashionistas and bargain hunters looking for clothes, accessories, and fabrics.
13. Grand Central Market
A food lover’s paradise, the Grand Central Market, located in downtown Los Angeles, hosts a variety of food stalls serving diverse cuisines, from Mexican tacos to Asian noodles, Italian pizzas, and more. This food market brings today’s diverse LA culinary scene under one roof.
14. Echo Park Lake
Echo Park Lake is an off the beaten path hidden gem offering paddle boating, fishing, picnic areas, and a beautiful view of downtown Los Angeles. It’s a great spot for a relaxed day in nature, and it’s free to visit today.
15. Zimmer Children’s Museum
Located on Wilshire Boulevard, Zimmer Children’s Museum is a wonderful place for kids. It offers interactive things to do to inspire children to become responsible community members. This is a perfect thing to do for families visiting Los Angeles.
16. OUE Skyspace LA
California’s tallest open-air observation deck, OUE Skyspace LA offers panoramic 360-degree views of Los Angeles. Adding to the thrill, you can slide down a glass slide from the 70th to the 69th floor!
17. California Science Center
This free attraction is one of the top things to do in Los Angeles with kids. The center offers interactive exhibits on ecosystems, invention and innovation, creative world, and more. It’s also home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
18. The Broad
A contemporary art museum on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles, The Broad houses an impressive collection of postwar and contemporary art. Though it’s free to enter, it’s advisable to reserve tickets in advance due to its popularity.
19. Venice Canals
Continue your fabulous Los Angeles tour at the Venice Canals. A walk along these fabulously manicured canals will transport you straight to Venice, Italy, making for a serene and picturesque part of your LA adventure.
20. Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
Experience the beauty and history of this fabulous 120-acre estate located in San Marino, a Los Angeles suburb. The Huntington features a world-class library, art collections, and mesmerizing gardens, making it a must-visit for culture and nature lovers.
21. Hollywood Sign
One of the most iconic landmarks in Los Angeles, the Hollywood sign, nestled on Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills, is a must-see. There are various trails leading up to the sign that offer breathtaking views of the city.
22. Los Angeles Zoo
Located in Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo is home to more than 1,400 animals. Besides animal exhibits, the zoo also offers botanical gardens, making it a fabulously cool spot to spend a day with family.
23. Sunset Strip
Famous for its nightlife, the Sunset Strip is a 1.5-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood packed with nightclubs, restaurants, and boutiques. It’s a vibrant spot to explore Los Angeles after dark.
24. Dodger Stadium
Whether you’re a baseball fan or not, a visit to the Dodger Stadium is a quintessential Los Angeles thing to do. Catch a game if you can, or just take a tour to learn about the stadium’s history.
25 The Last Bookstore
Housing over 250,000 new and used books, The Last Bookstore is California’s largest used and new book and record store. Located in downtown Los Angeles, it’s a paradise for book lovers and a must-visit for anyone seeking fabulously cool things to do in LA.
26. Malibu Wine Safaris
Located in the rolling hills of Malibu, these wine safaris offer a fabulously unique way to experience California’s wine country. You can enjoy local wines while taking a safari-style tour of the vineyard, which is home to zebras, camels, and giraffes.
27. The Original Farmers Market
Since 1934, the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles has been offering fresh produce, meat, and baked goods. It’s a great place to sample local and international foods or pick up ingredients for a picnic.
28. Disneyland
No list of things to do in the Los Angeles area would be complete without mentioning Disneyland. Just a short drive from downtown LA, in Anaheim, CA, Disneyland is the place where dreams come true. The theme park offers an array of things to do for all ages, making for a few fabulously fun days out.
29. Universal Studios Hollywood
Located in Universal City CA, Universal Studios Hollywood is both a film studio and a theme park. It features epic rides based on popular movies and an entertaining behind-the-scenes studio tour. A visit to Universal Studios is a fabulously cool way to experience the magic of Hollywood filmmaking. You probably want to set aside one or two days to make sure you see it all.
30. Runyon Canyon Park
For a dose of nature within the city limits, head to Runyon Canyon Park. Offering several hiking trails with stunning views of the city and the Hollywood sign, it’s a fabulously cool spot to exercise or enjoy a picnic.
31. The Hollywood Museum
Located in the historic Max Factor Building, The Hollywood Museum houses an extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia, including costumes, props, photographs, and scripts. It’s a must-visit for film buffs in Los Angeles CA.
32. Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Get fabulously up close and personal with your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. From movie stars and musicians to athletes and world leaders, you’ll find lifelike wax figures of them all here.
33. Watts Towers
The Watts Towers are a collection of 17 interconnected structures built by Italian-American artist Simon Rodia over a period of 33 years. These fabulously unique towers, adorned with a mosaic of broken glass, pottery, and shells, are a testament to one man’s creativity and persistence.
34. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
MOCA houses one of the most fabulously compelling collections of contemporary art in the world. With three locations in Los Angeles, the museum offers a wide range of exhibitions, making it a must-visit for CA art enthusiasts.
35.La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in Hancock Park is one of the world’s most famous ice age fossil sites. Here you can see the tar pits that trapped animals thousands of years ago and explore the museum that displays these prehistoric creatures.
37. Battleship USS Iowa Museum
Docked in the LA Waterfront, the Battleship USS Iowa Museum takes you on a journey through American history. This historic naval ship museum is a tribute to the people and technology of the US Navy.
38. The Nethercutt Collection
Located in Sylmar CA, this off the beaten path collection fabulously showcases more than 250 American and European automobiles dating from 1898 to 1997. It’s a free thing to do that car enthusiasts should not miss.
39. Aquarium of the Pacific
Located in Long Beach CA, the Aquarium of the Pacific is home to more than 11,000 animals. It offers interactive things to do that make it a fun and educational day out for the whole family.
40. Venice Beach Boardwalk
Last but not least, take a stroll along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. This vibrant area is known for its skate park, street performers, colorful murals, and quirky shops, making it a fabulously entertaining way to end your days exploring Los Angeles.
FAQs
What are some of the best things to do in Los Angeles for first-time visitors?
Los Angeles, California, is known for its fabulous diversity in attractions. For first-time visitors, exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and Santa Monica Pier is a must. A visit to the World of Illusions, with its four fascinating exhibits, offers a unique, fabulously fun experience that stands out among the usual LA attractions.
Are there any free attractions in Los Angeles that are worth visiting?
Yes, Los Angeles offers numerous free things to do that are absolutely worth your time. The Getty Center, The Broad, and the Griffith Observatory are some of the top free things to do in the city. A walk through the Venice Canals or a hike to the Hollywood Sign also provides a fabulously scenic experience without costing a dime.
What unique attractions does Los Angeles offer?
Los Angeles is renowned for its unique and diverse things to do. The World of Illusions is one such gem that offers a fabulously different experience with its four interactive exhibits. Another off-the-beaten-path spot is Watts Towers, a testament to one man’s creativity. Exploring these attractions is what makes visiting Los Angeles a unique and unforgettable experience.