Top 40 Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles You Shouldn't Miss

Being that Los Angeles is home to some of the biggest stars on the planet, it would be silly to spend time in L.A. without seeing the Walk of Fame before you go.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is the most popular filming location in LA. You may recognize the palm tree-lined street of Hollywood Boulevard. It is one of the most popular places to go in Los Angeles.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is located on both sides of the street at Hollywood Blvd and Vine Street. The first stars were laid in 1958. This period was a magical time in American entertainment history.

Fifteen blocks house over 2,500 embedded stars in their sidewalks. You can see stars representing the best of the best in costume design, production, direction, fictional characters, acting, and music.

It's one thing to see the stars' names on the sidewalks on the Walk of Fame, and another thing to spot one in person on Rodeo Drive.

You don't have to be rich to come here, window shop, and admire the stunning buildings, all while enjoying the palm tree-lined streets and sunshine.

This street, famous for its high-end shops and luxury goods stores, is a major LA tourist attraction in itself, but there is also a large business district that surrounds Rodeo Drive, known as the "Golden Triangle."

This area is full of major tourist attractions and even more shopping areas, so take an afternoon to explore it!

Universal Studios is another not-to-be-missed destination in Los Angeles. You can come here to explore rides like Jurassic World and The Mummy.

The Citywalk is a hot spot for music, shopping, and restaurants. You can also go behind the scenes and explore the movie studio, which is the largest studio in the world. See the sets from movie classics like Jaws, Back to the Future, and War of the Worlds.

One excellent addition to Universal Studios: Hollywood is the fact that they have the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Step inside the magic of Hogwarts and head to Hogsmeade for butterbeer, great dining, a wand shop, and more.

It will be exactly like stepping into the storybook. Take a spin on Flight of the Hippogryph for thrills in the sky. The Wizarding World is one of the best parts of visiting Universal.

If you are wondering what to do in Los Angeles that includes amusements, hit the pier. The Santa Monica Pier is a quintessential American boardwalk.

You can bring your friends and family to the pier for amusement rides. The merry-go-round is historic. The Ferris wheel is iconic. If you want to try something thrilling and new, you can take a class at the trapeze school. Fishing is also allowed on the pier.

Heal the Bay Aquarium is another cool spot situated underneath the pier. Learn in a hands-on environment about the wonders of the Pacific Ocean.

Up above on the pier, you may also see some impressive street performers. Be ready for non-stop fun at the Santa Monica Pier.

Olvera Street is another L.A. attraction that provides the perfect combination of history and divine entertainment. This street is part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument and has 27 buildings of different ages to be discovered along its zigzag brick-patterned sidewalks.

The street is now known for its Mexican marketplace, lined with street vendors, painted stalls, cafes, restaurants, and gift shops. Grab a taquito, watch some Aztecan folkloric dancers, and take in the romantic "Old Los Angeles" feeling that the street exudes.

You can stroll through the streets to find the best Mexican food in the city and can possibly check out some Mariachi music.

On the weekends, there are performances by Aztec and Mexican folk dancers. They celebrate Dia De Los Muertos here every year, too.

You will see many faces painted as "sugar skulls" plus memorials for loved ones that have come to pass. It is the festival of the dead, after all. You should absolutely plan to attend if you will be in Los Angeles for Halloween. It will be unlike any other Halloween.

The Getty Center has something for everyone: gorgeous gardens, stunning architecture, and one of the best views overlooking Los Angeles.

At the Getty Center, as their website states, you will find “Art and architecture at the top of Los Angeles”. The grounds are spectacular, with gardens and outdoor sculptures.

The buildings are exquisite with their unique architecture. The art collection is impressive. See works from Medieval times and the Renaissance. Check out French, Italian, Dutch, and Spanish art. Plus, much more.

There are many options for food here. The restaurant is upscale and usually requires a reservation. It features stunning views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Also, there are cafes and coffee carts to help keep you satiated.

If the Getty Center doesn't quench your thirst for the outdoors, then Griffith Park certainly will. The park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, covering 4,310 acres of land.

It is sometimes referred to as the "Central Park of Los Angeles," but it is definitely bigger, more rugged, and loaded with famous attractions throughout.

Because of its size and variety in foliage, many producers have filmed in almost any spot in the park, and you may just recognize parts from scenes in films such as Back to the Future, Terminator, Star Trek, and Van Helsing.

It is also home to the Hollywood sign, one of the most quintessential sights to see in Los Angeles.

Griffith Park also houses Griffith Observatory, which is a great idea for a break from hiking the trails. The planetarium is especially famous for being a training ground for astronauts who need to learn to navigate by the stars.

The architecture is quite beautiful and very impressive. This is unarguably one of the best Los Angeles attractions that must be high on your to do list.

Dodger Stadium lies right next to downtown Los Angeles, making it a perfect idea for part of a great night in the city.

It is the third-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and if we're talking strictly seating capacity, the largest baseball-specific stadium in the USA.

Every sports lover will appreciate a trip to Dodger Stadium. You may be able to catch a game if they are playing. This would be the ultimate way to experience the ballpark.

While you watch the game, don't forget to try a Dodger Dog and garlic fries. They also have Asian fare, great beers, and burgers.

Many of the top, most famous bands have also performed here, including KISS, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, and the Police.

You can also opt for different types of tours. During the stadium tour, you get to walk across the field and check out the dugout. You will also get to view their plaque and trophy collection. There is also a game day tour, a clubhouse tour, and a VIP tour. The Jackie Robinson tour is especially great.

Clearly, the stadium knows how to do it big, so make it a stop during a day out downtown before or after food and drinks.

Head to Medieval Torture Museum if you want to experience something unique and unusual on your trip to LA.

The museum is one of the largest interactive medieval torture museums in the US and houses hundreds of exhibits featuring some of the most famous torture devices and methods used in Medieval times.

Each exhibit represents a specific historical era with the motto to remind the past, which has been forgotten.

You can wander through the displays while getting an opportunity to recreate the scene from the perspective of both the executioners and their sufferers.

Also included in the ticket is the Ghost Hunting Experience, a one-of-a-kind experience to find ghosts from 40 torture scenes with the help of a ghost hunting app.

Clearly, this LA attraction is not for the faint of heart and is not recommended for people under 18 years.

Enjoy loads of spookiness!

Website: www.medievaltorturemuseum.com

Venice Beach is one of the busiest beaches in Los Angeles. The boardwalk is 2 miles long, making it an excellent spot for recreation.

The beaches are ideal for swimming and lounging. There is also a fishing pier and a famous skate park. Moreover, you will find endless restaurants and shopping options in Venice, too.

To enhance your experience, head over to the canals. Just like Venice, Italy, Venice Beach has a few canals. There are bridges over the canals that offer you splendid views.

For more amazing views, check out the Venice Art Walls. It is here where you can immortalize your visit to Los Angeles. It is absolutely legal to graffiti on these walls.

You could bring some spray paint or markers to leave your imprint in LA. Venice also has a self-guided art tour you can explore, which is quite informative and entertaining.

Greystone Mansion is in Beverly Hills, which is home to many mansions of entertainment industry Titans.

The architecture is that of Tudor Revival. The lands are graced with abundant English gardens and you will truly appreciate the aesthetic.

Many movies and TV shows have been filmed here. The grand staircase of this home is one of the most widely used sets in the movie industry. Most notably, the Witches of Eastwick, Rush Hour, and There Will be Blood. The list of movies and TV episodes filmed here is extensive.

The mansion is surrounded by 18.5 acres of lush green park with plenty of natural beauty to soak in. You can catch the Beverly Hills Flower and Garden Festival annually as well.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is one of the best in the country.

This museum gives a biological, anthropological, and paleontological view of human history.

The collections here house almost 35 million specimens and artifacts. 

You will find yourself walking amongst skeletons of dinosaurs and ancient mammals. See fossils of beings throughout time.

Enjoy time in the gardens or in the amazing butterfly pavilion. There are many hands-on exhibits for a kinesthetic learning experience.

They also host programs in their 3D and live-action theaters. You can also take a virtual tour of the museum if you like.

It’s one of the best tourist attractions in Los Angeles, both for learning about nature and history.

Angeles National Forest is one of the hidden gems in Los Angeles and a great mountainous area to escape the city rush.

In the spring, the wildflowers bloom and provides a spectacular view to behold. You will be impressed with the beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains. You may even found the California state flower, the orange California poppy.

Beyond that, there are great opportunities for hiking. Be warned: It is one of the driest and most fire-prone areas in the state. So you should bring lots of water and extra snacks for any hike in this spot.

There are many campgrounds in Angeles National Forest as well. The campgrounds operates on first-come, first-serve basis with dispersed camping throughout. Additionally, there are many trails for off-highway vehicles (OHVs).

If you love the outdoors, then a visit to the Angeles National Forest is all it takes to realise why it’s one of the best places to visit in LA.

La Brea Tar Pits is probably one of the unique places to visit in Los Angeles. It is an experience that will transport you to the Ice Age.

The interactive museum will teach you more about the earth's history and the interesting features of the land here. It is incredibly unique.

It has provided the opportunity for us to learn a plethora of information about the earth's development.

This location is an active excavation site. They have found fossils from 10,000 - 40,000 years ago, which has taught about the many plants and animals that once lived in this part of California. You can see them in the museum.

The Pleistocene Garden is a recreation of the pine, sage, and other species of plants that used to thrive in this area.

The tar pits, while not actually tar, served as the perfect place to preserve the ancient species. This is such an interesting place; you must go!

Paramount Pictures is another world-famous Hollywood studio. You can head to Paramount for a studio tour.

Some of America's most beloved movies and television shows have been filmed here. The 2-hour tour will take you to the New York Street Backlot and the Bronson Gate.

You may see a set from your favorite movie and if you're lucky, you may see the actors, producers, and directors of movies that are currently being filmed.

You will be in the heart of the action of Paramount Pictures. Perhaps you will even see your favorite celebrity. No matter what, you will leave Paramount Pictures with stars in your eyes.

A tour of the studio must be high on your Los Angeles bucket list.

The California Science Center is seriously awesome. They have so many incredible exhibits and interactive experiences.

Be sure to visit “The Art of the Brick”, the world’s largest display of Lego art. You can visit a space shuttle or the kelp forest.

Perhaps your child will make a kite or play in one of the discovery rooms. There are also touch pools so you can get acquainted with starfish and sea plants. Have a great time in the Fun Lab or see a 3D film in the IMAX theater.

Don't forget to grab snacks at the IMAX concessions stand. They have a market selling pre-made food like sandwiches and salads. There are also multiple coffee stands if you need to caffeinate.

If you are looking for family-friendly things to do in LA, then this is the place to go.

This Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum on the west coast. Their collection is massive and full of incredible pieces of art.

Some notable works include Teacup and Saucer: Large Cup of Cocoa by Barbara Spring, “La Gerbe” by Henri Matisse, “Three Quintains (Hello Girls)” by Alexander Calder, and “Weeping Woman with Handkerchief” by Pablo Picasso.

However, the collection is extensive. You can appreciate ancient artworks from Greece, contemporary jewelry, Japanese art, fashion, and tons more. You will certainly find diverse and exquisite works of art here.

They even host many events at the museum and offer free admission on certain days. Check their website for more details.

LA Arts District is an industrial area that has been preserved by artists for many years. It has had a couple of renaissances. When you come here, you will see a part of old LA merged with the modern.

There are many incredible galleries. Plus, green technology companies and entertainment industry companies have made their homes in this district.

Not to mention, there is fantastic food, craft beers, and even more great coffee shops. Try Bestia for amazing charcuterie or Urthh for amazing coffee. Check out Arts District Brewery for some excellent craft beers.

Disneyland is often a popular destination for visitors to LA. How can you skip it? Especially because Disney knows how to provide clean, top-of-the-line entertainment for all to enjoy.

Disneyland Park is home to California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and the Disneyland Resort.

Disneyland is like a miniature version of Disney World. It has major attractions like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Head to California Adventure for roller coasters, a game pier, and river rapids. You will find mostly shopping, and more fun, at Downtown Disney. It will be a magical experience for the whole family.

Grand Central Market is more than just a smorgasbord of eateries and shops.

It is a meeting place in the city. They host concerts, art shows, cooking classes, movie nights, and a whole lot more.

It is a great spot for artisan cheese, incredible baked goods, and gourmet food. Try El Campo for burgers or Fat and Flour for a slice of pie.

Across the street from Grand Central Market is the Angel’s Flight Railway. This is the shortest railway in the world. It was built in 1901 and is now a historic landmark. You can still ride the short trip of 298 feet up between Hill Street and Olive Street for $1.00.

Across the street, you can find the Bradbury Building. This is an incredible display of Victorian architecture. The building is lined with wrought iron and features birdcage elevators.

It really is one of the best tourist spots in Los Angeles for foodies.

This contemporary art museum is awesome because they offer free tours.

There is a fee for special exhibitions which is always worth it. Yet, you do not need to pay a fee to see some of their incredible collection.

It entails work from modern art heavy hitters like Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein. It is also worth mentioning that there are a couple of pieces by Yayoi Kusama in the collection, too. She is an incredible Japanese artist with a fascinating story.

The architecture of this building is also notable. The building appears to move in its honeycomb form. The “veil and vault” process creates this motion. It is an architectural marvel that you need to see to believe.

There are so many great options for sinking your teeth into some Hollywood history. Warner Bros. is certainly one of the most prolific and long-standing production companies in the US.

It dates back to 1904, which were the earliest days of the film industry. They have produced some of the most well-known films and TV on earth.

This includes the timeless classic Casablanca, the Superman series, and Looney Tunes.

There are three different studio tours available: the studio tour, the deluxe tour, and the classics tour.

On every tour, expect to see the Central Perk set from the famous tv show 'Friends' and sets from the 'Big Bang Theory'.

The classics tour will add a focus on TV and film from the Golden Age of cinema. The deluxe tour gives you exclusive access areas beyond your standard tours.

Any choice of tours will be fun and informational at Warner Bros Studios and thus it considered to be one of the fun things to do in Los Angeles.

The Original Farmers Market is another historic location in Los Angeles. It began in 1934 with a few farmers selling their goods out of the back of their trucks at 3rd and Fairfax.

It is now a mega-center. You can still get farm-fresh produce and goods, but you can now also saunter among stalls with hundreds of options. It is a nice blend of yesteryear and modern times.

Choose from groceries, bakeries, candy shops, and almost every type of cuisine you can imagine.

You can also find specialty goods at the Dragunara Spice Shop, Anaheim House of Jerky, or Kaylin and Hobbs Pickles. No matter what, you will find something mouth-watering to enjoy.

If you love adventure and looking for a thrilling experience during your LA visit, then you must head out to The Escape Game LA.

The escape room features four themes full of surprise twists and shocking clues that test your intelligence and wits. The themes to choose from include, The Depths, Special Ops: Mysterious Market, The Heist and Prison Break.

You and your team will be presented with super-thrilling scenarios where you have to solve riddles, find hidden clues, and unravel a story to find your way out.

A visit to this LA attraction is sure to give you a heart-pumping yet most memorable experience.

TCL Chinese Theater has a rich history with deep ties to old Hollywood. The theater is historic, dating back to 1927.

Within the TCL Chinese Theater is a similar concept to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Instead of stars, celebrities leave imprints of their hands and feet in the concrete.

At the Forecourt of the Stars, you can see the imprints of Marilyn Monroe, Kobe Bryant, Darth Vader, and Stephen Speilberg. You can even watch IMAX movies in the majestic theater.

Come to Runyon Canyon for a hike with a view of the Hollywood sign. You will walk in the Santa Monica Mountains, where the weather is dry and wildflowers bloom.

Some hikes are less than a mile, with some being up to 4 miles long. The park is very dog-friendly, with many areas letting dogs be off-leash.

There are few landmarks you may want to visit, the Rock Mandala and Indian Rock. The Rock Mandala is just that, a mandala made of rocks and is pretty cool.

Indian Rock is the tallest point in the park and offers spacious views. Remember to bring plenty of water on your hike. It can be very hot.

This is an award-winning naval history museum. The USS Iowa first began its service during WWII. It also served during the Cold War and up until 1990.

You can tour the ship and visit some exhibits. These exhibits include the HUP-2 Helicopter, Gunnery Hazards, and the Flight Simulator, among others.

One favorite exhibit features the ship's mascot, Vicky the Dog. They have virtual tours available as well. It is a great place to bring the whole family. Most importantly, it is a wonderful place to honor United States Veterans.

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Not every city has a magnificent cemetery, but this one is notable. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is a must-see when it comes to Los Angeles attractions.

It is the final resting place of many movie stars, producers, musicians, directors, and other famous Californians. Some of these famous personalities include Judy Garland, Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone, and Cecil B. DeMille.

They also host movie nights, concerts, and cultural events on the cemetery grounds. It is a beautiful place to walk around and explore historic monuments that depict the Golden Era of Hollywood.

Be respectful and honor those who have gone before us as you explore this iconic LA site.

Another famous spot in LA is Malibu, of course. This is one of the more mellow experiences in Los Angeles.

Head up the Pacific Coast Highway to take in the amazing coastal views. It is famous for seafood and the Malibu Hills.

Many celebrities live in the beautiful mansions strewn across the hills. Topanga Canyon is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the area. Head to Matador Beach for an incredible sunset.

There are countless places to eat seafood along Highway 1 in Malibu. Get sushi at the famous (and expensive) Nobu. For cheaper eats, try Reel In Malibu or Carbon Beach Club Restaurant, among many others.

Malibu is a picturesque coastal town and definitely deserves a spot on this list of best LA attractions.

This is a nice place to come for shopping and art. The boulevard is only a mile long and is situated in the beautiful neighborhood of Venice.

They host a First Friday event every month which is a fun event involving lots of food trucks. Also, there is an Abbot Kinney Festival every year. Abbot Kinney was the mastermind behind the design of Venice.

It is also a popular location for filming commercials, movies, and TV shows. Notable works include the movie Chef and television show Californication.

Fisherman's Village is a waterfront mall located in the world's largest man-made small craft harbor.

It is a wonderful attraction in Marina Del Rey to transport yourself to maritime nostalgia.

The charm of its New England-style buildings will leave you coming back time and time again. There are lots of shopping options and great seafood restaurants right at the waterfront offering you nice delicacies with incredible views of the harbor.

For adventure seekers, there are options for watersports like jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats, and powerboats. You can also catch a whale watching tour from here. Or, perhaps you will want to try fishing.

They have many events, too. Usually, there is live music every weekend. You can go out dancing or hang on the beach with a bonfire. All in all, it is one of the vacation spots in Los Angeles.

Head out of the city to the town of La Canada Flintridge to enjoy this lovely escape. They have an extensive collection of botanic gardens.

These gardens are perhaps one of the most beautiful places to see in Los Angeles.

The gardens include the International Camellia Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society. Plus, you can see their Nature's Garden (an edible garden), California native plants, an oak forest, and more.

You can also visit the historic Boddy House and the Sturt Haaga Gallery. There is also the “enchanted railroad” to take a ride on.

The Kitchen at Descanso offers fresh, seasonal food. The restaurant is highly rated. That's all anyone would want for a perfect weekend getaway.

This is one of the best attractions in Los Angeles. The Huntington Library is a magical place containing a library, gardens, and an art museum.

The library preserves manuscripts from some of the most prolific writers and researchers of our time. This includes Albert Einstein, Jack London, Charles Bukowski, and Mark Twain.

The gardens are breathtaking and extensive. You can find species from almost every part of the world and its climates that you can imagine. Whether it be desert plants, the Japanese garden, the Shakespeare garden, or the rose garden, you will see the beauty of the earth bloom in front of you.

There is also an art museum here. Most of the art is European and American art dating from the seventeenth to twentieth centuries.

It adds to the excellent cultural experience this library truly is. This place is one of our favorite things to do in LA.

This is one of the coolest places to visit in Los Angeles, especially if you are a huge car buff.

Petersen Automotive Museum is one of the largest automotive museums in the world.

They have an extensive collection of vehicles of all kinds. Check out sports cars, off-road vehicles, old racing cars, and more.

They boast over 250 vehicles with 120 years of history weaved throughout. Not to mention, they have some incredible interactive exhibits. This includes an immersive racing experience.

They also have an art center design studio, a mechanical institute and CARSpad experience. There are also some great hands-on experiences for children in their K-12 program. You're bound to have a great day at this super cool museum.

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Little Tokyo is one of only three remaining Japantowns in America. This alone is a sufficient reason to make it an ideal choice when deciding on Los Angeles attractions.

It is home to the oldest Japanese-owned business in the country, Fugetsu-Do, a family-owned mochi establishment.

It is also home to the first Shabu restaurant. Shabu is a type of hot pot meal. You can also find stellar sushi in Little Tokyo. Little Tokyo mall has lots of shops and picturesque hanging lanterns.

Listen to jazz at the Blue Whale or check out the pop store. You can get some interesting Japanese snacks here.

You must also check out the gardens at James Irvine Japanese Garden at the Japanese American Cultural Community Center.

To learn more about Japanese American influences and struggles, visit the Japanese American National Museum. It will be eye-opening to the struggles Japanese-Americans have faced during different periods in American history.

Sunset Boulevard is a 22-mile road that runs from the Pacific Coast Highway to downtown LA.

The Sunset Strip can be found in West Hollywood. It is less than 2 miles long. It is famous for its connection to old Hollywood and lively nightlife.

Hollywood stars like Greta Garbo and Clark Gable spent time here. Nowadays, it is a playground for people of all sorts.

You can traverse down the street past nightclubs, restaurants, and famous hotels.

Be sure to stop in The Comedy Store. It has been home to some of the greatest comics of our time.

Head to the Roxy Theater, Whisky A Go-Go, and the Viper Room for incredible music. You will have a great night on Sunset Strip.

Koreatown is a lovely neighborhood and one of the exciting LA attractions.

Come here to experience a myriad of nightclubs, restaurants, and cultural experiences.

The diversity of this neighborhood makes this area an excellent place to visit. It is mainly composed of Korean and Latino residents. Plus, the art-deco architecture is pretty cool.

The amount of things to do here is endless. It has one the highest concentrations of nightclubs and 24-hour establishments in the United States.

Dance the night away at a club or karaoke bar or head to a K-Pop shop. You also must get some Korean Barbeque while you are here.

You can get lost for hours exploring the shops and unique experiences Koreatown provides.

A brilliantly bizarre place, half conceptual modern art performance, half geeky collectibles store, the Echo Park Time Travel Mart boasts that "Whenever you are, we're already then"!

This wonderfully quirky spot sells dinosaur eggs, Pastports, robot emotions, and everything else you could possibly want for a trip to the past or the future.

It isn't all barbarian repellent and wooly mammoth chunks, though - the Mart is part of the 826 non-profits, that run a literacy education center from the back of the building, just past the caveman shaking hands with a robot.

Have you ever wondered what life is like for the animals at the zoo on the other side of the bars?

The abandoned zoo in Griffith Park offers the perfect opportunity to get a taste of what an animal enclosure is really like...without risking being mauled by lions, tigers, or bears!

Closed in 1966 when the current LA Zoo opened, the Old LA Zoo is now equipped with picnic tables and barbeques, making it a popular spot for locals to come on fine weekends.

Eating al fresco behind the bars of the elephant enclosure is an eerie but enjoyable experience and one of the most authentic and least well-known things to do in Los Angeles.

Thai Town LA is the first and only Thai Town in the world and one of the cool places in Los Angeles. Around the area, you can see golden statues of Apsonsi and Kinnaras, mythical Thai beings.

Just like in Thailand, there are many places to get a Thai massage in a casual setting. There is also an extensive mall that nods towards life in Thailand as well.

When you eat in Thai Town, be sure to check out Pailin Thai food. Also, if you are lucky, you may get to catch Songkran. Songkran is the Thai New Year. They shut the streets down and host a festival to honor the new year.

If you are in LA during this time, you do not want to miss this festival.