Los Angeles, California is what dreams are made of. Whether you’re out for fame or a tan, this sunny city has something for everyone. From star-studded adventures at Hollywood Boulevard to the trendiest art museums that’ll take your culture vulture status to the next level, you’re sure to have a blast!
Ready to see the city of stars? We’ve picked out the 18 most exciting things to do in Los Angeles to make your trip shine:
- Take the iconic selfie with the Hollywood sign
- Count the stars at the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Catch a flick at the TCL Chinese Theatre
- Go behind the scenes at Warner Bros. Studio
- Visit the Happiest Place on Earth
- Join the mayhem at Universal Studios
- Pose in front of the streetlights at LACMA
- Win an Oscar at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
- Picnic at the Hollywood Bowl
- Get the best view of Downtown LA from the Getty Museum
- Feel the vibes at Santa Monica Pier
- People watch at Venice Beach
- Gaze into the infinity and beyond at The Broad
- Cure your space curiosities at the California Space Center
- Hit up Downtown LA for some cheap grubs
- Sidle up beside your fave stars at Madame Tussauds
- Go on a shopping spree at Rodeo Drive
- LOL inside comedy clubs
1. Take the iconic selfie with the Hollywood sign
Filed and stored under “the most iconic travel selfies of all time.” Image credits: @sophia_bu on Instagram
First stop: Hollywood! Kick-off your LA trip to the most famous sign in the entire world: the Hollywood sign sitting atop Mount Lee. To take a selfie with this American cultural icon, you’ll need to climb Griffith Parkand its observatory, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the entire city.
2. Count the stars at the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Today’s agenda: star-spotting at the Walk of Fame! Image credits: @mafegomezi on Instagram
Did you know that there are over 2,700 stars (and counting) that are splashed across Hollywood? A stroll around the 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard will have you spotting the industry’s biggest names—from Audrey Hepburn to Scarlett Johansson, so keep your eyes peeled! Along the way, you’ll also get to see some of LA’s best bits, including the Pantages Theatre and the Capitol Record Building.
3. Catch a flick at the TCL Chinese Theatre
The best thing to do here is to catch the latest Marvel release on the big screen. Image credits: @mcastillo91 on Instagram
With its unique pagoda-like gates gracing Hollywood Boulevard, theTCL Chinese Theatre is a cultural landmark at the heart of LA. It’s more than just a tourist attraction or a backdrop for your next Instagram post—it’s actually a real theatre, where you can catch the latest Hollywood flicks in IMAX.
4. Go behind the scenes at Warner Bros. Studio
Some green screen movie magic happening at Warner Bros!
Wanna go behind the scenes of your all-time favourite TV shows and movies? A trip to Warner Bros. Studio might be up your alley! With a guided tour, you get to live out your movie dreams as you visit the sets of the biggest blockbusters. From the Harry Potter franchise to DC’s Batman, you’ll see how movie magic is made! And if that’s not enough, fans of Friends can step into Monica’s apartment and visit the actual Central Perk set used in filming.
5. Visit the Happiest Place on Earth
Take the most magical family picture at Disneyland! Image credits: @lizettevalles on Instagram
A can’t miss in our top things to do in Los Angeles list is the Happiest Place on Earth — aka Disneyland! Well, to be more precise, there are three Disney parks in the state that you can visit, so there’s triple the fun: Disneyland Park (home to park classics, It’s a Small World and Space Mountain), Disneyland California Adventure (hosts the iconic Mickey Mouse Ferris Wheel), and Disneyland Resort (for Star Wars’ Galaxy Edge and the newly opened Avengers Campus).
Can’t choose which Disney park to go to? Hit up all three and get your lowdown with our ultimate Disneyland guide!
6. Join the mayhem at Universal Studios
Kickback, relax, and enjoy the heart-racing Waterworld show at Universal Studios Hollywood. Image credits: John Ruddock on Unsplash
Trade Disneyland’s bibbidi-bobbidi-boo magic for thrilling movie-themed action at Universal Studios Hollywood! Get ready to whip out your broomsticks and feast on butterbeer inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, splash around with the dinosaurs at Jurassic World, or go on the legendary Studio Tour and get behind the scenes. In the meantime, kiddos will absolutely enjoy meeting the Minions at the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
Klook insider tip: Wrap up your night with a visit to CityWalk Hollywood, where you’ll find an exciting mix of food, fun, and games open ‘til late!
Confused between Disneyland and Universal Studios? Fret not! We’re here to end the rivalry—Disneyland versus Universal Studios edition:
You can also check out our guide to Universal Studios Hollywood:
7. Pose in front of the streetlights at LACMA
Don on your best fit and strike your best pose! Image credits: @ana.karenca on Instagram
For the love of all things aesthetic, pop on over to LACMA to snag some streetlight selfies. Since 2008, Chris Burden’s outdoor art installation, Urban Light, has been one of the most photographed attractions in the city, with fashion-forward individuals striking their best pose and adding to its popularity. The art installation is made up of 202 street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s, and it’s open to the public for free!
8. Win an Oscar at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
And the award goes to…. Image credits: @fengifionoran on Instagram
Whether you’re an LA local or a tourist, you’ll find all the serious film buffs gathered at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Housing the greatest collection of cinematic treasures in history, this fascinating gallery offers exhibits you can only find in Hollywood—from the May Queen dress in Midsommar to the sole surviving shark in Jaws. Though, probably the coolest thing in the museum is its Oscars Experience, where you’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk the red carpet and win an “Oscar.”
9. Picnic at the Hollywood Bowl
Bring the beer and picnic mats—we’re spending Saturday noon at Hollywood Bowl! Image credits: @keyla.j79 on Instagram
The Hollywood Bowl is an outdoor amphitheatre that’s known for hosting major acts on stage. Whether it’s an up-and-coming rock band, Boyz II Men, or the Paris Opera Ballet, this LA site’s the place to be if you love music, the outdoors, and festivities. On days when there isn’t any event lined up, Hollywood Bowl doubles as a free public park for the entire gang to enjoy a sunset picnic!
10. Get the best view of Downtown LA from the Getty Museum
Get transported to Rome at the Getty Villa. Image credits: @rachelxkayango on Instagram
Escape LA’s hustle and bustle with a refreshing trip to the Getty Museum! Absolutely one of our fave things to do in Los Angeles is visiting this hilltop museum and seeing all the glitz and glam of French, Greek, and Roman art strewn around. Draw inspiration from impressionist paintings and Roman sculptures inside. Once you’ve had your fill, just head out to the Villa and be greeted by incredible views of the ocean and Downtown LA.
11. Feel the vibes at Santa Monica Pier
Enjoy the crowds at Santa Monica Pier! Image credits: @kembelyardonn on Instagram
Slather some sunscreen on and feel the sunshine on your skin at Santa Monica Pier. The city’s liveliest wharf is jam-packed with beach shacks, cotton candy stands, game booths, and carnival rides to keep everyone entertained—from young to old, gym buffs to beach bums!
12. People-watch at Venice Beach
Find all the beach bums here at Venice Beach Boardwalk! Image credits: Matthew LeJune on Unsplash
Spring into action at Venice Beach. Where all sorts of interesting personalities hang, this hip LA turf is a well-loved hub for skateboarders, rollerblade enthusiasts, street performers, Tiktokers, and even budding influencers. With such an interesting crowd, you won’t get bored with people-watching!
13. Gaze into the infinity and beyond at The Broad
The most eye-catching selfie in LA! Image credits: @nivekochica on Instagram
Seen those Instagram posts inside a room that’s filled with mirrors? Well, it’s part of Yayoi Kusama’s work called Infinity Mirrored Rooms, and there are over twenty of them around the world, including LA! ICYDK, you can visit the installation at The Broad on Grand Avenue. Come back to Aus with some cool snaps to share on your feed. The best part yet, the entrance is free! It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Los Angeles without spending a dime.
Klook insider tip: To visit, you’ll need to book a reservation at the official website.
14. Cure your space curiosities at the California Science Center
Endeavor weighs a whopping total of 172,000 pounds. Image credits: @doctor.justin on Instagram
One of the most terrific things to do in Los Angeles with the fam is discovering the wonders of the universe by traversing through space and time. Time to put on your thinking caps then and head to the California Science Center! The science centre houses the famous NASA shuttle, Endeavor, that’s completed 25 successful missions across outer space. Learn all about its legacy and be an astronaut for a day by exploring the inside of a spaceship!
15. Hit up Downtown LA for some cheap grubs
Fun fact: The Grand Central Market has been around since 1917. Image credits: Jermaine Ee on Unsplash
Foodies flock to LA’s Grand Central Market in Downtown LA for some mouthwatering meals. Whether you’re craving American, Mexican, or Chinese, the culinary experts of Downtown bring you only the best. Indulge in a gastronomic journey of freshly-made tacos, sumptuous dumplings, and beefy burgers to boot!
Klook insider tip: Need a guide around the market? Join the Downtown LA Food and Culture Walking Tour to experience its rich culture! During the tour, you’ll also feed your eyes with the architectural wonders of the Spring Arcade Building and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
16. Sidle up beside your fave stars at Madame Tussauds
Spend a fun afternoon at Madame Tussauds, made of three floors of waxed figures.
Day 5 in LA, and still no Tom Cruise lurking around? Worry no more! You can spot him and other fave Hollywood elites at Madame Tussauds. From Marilyn Monroe to Lebron James and Peter Parker, prepare to be starstruck as you shake their hands and take a wacky selfie!
17. Go on a shopping spree at Rodeo Drive
Turn up the glamour at Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills! Image credits: @juleshoney_ on Instagram
Live the luxe life atRodeo Drive, LA’s world-famous luxury shopping destination! Go on a well-deserved shopping spree at Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and many other boujee brands in the area. Though, there’s no harm in window shopping either! Near Rodeo Drive, Anderson Court—the only mall designed by Frank Lloyd Wright—offers a more affordable shopping experience.
18. LOL inside comedy clubs
The best place to clown around in LA! Image credits: @lizvig on Instagram
Movies and music aren’t all there is to the city, LA’s also got gold comedy too! Along the streets of Los Angeles are several comedy clubs where you can LOL and ROFL your way all night. Whatever the humour, there’s a club for it: Laugh Factory (for the funniest stand-up comedians), Groundlings Theatre (for dramatic flairs), and the Comedy Store (for hilarious famous people impersonations).
#KlookTip: Use a Klook-Exclusive Los Angeles Attractions Pass to save on your LA trip!
Can’t wait to visit them all? Here’s a pass to help you bundle up and save! The Los Angeles Attractions Pass grants you access to up to four attractions, so you can skip the lines and jump straight to star-studded adventures around the city!
Written by: Jianne Uy
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