The City of Angels has so many fun things to do! If it’s your first time in Los Angeles, it’s hard to know where to even start! After two years, I finally have my go-to list of things to do in LA, that I share with my loved ones who visit.
These 11 fun places to see in Los Angeles, will help you have an unforgettable trip. All of these activities are easy to see on short notice, whether you’re flying solo or with a large group. Just the way I like it!
If you are planning an LA sightseeing trip soon, don’t forget to download the free map at the end of the post. It has all these locations marked, so you can easily find your way around.
1. Melrose Ave Mural Wall Art Tour
Melrose Avenue is not only famous for the iconic shopping, but for it’s Instagram worthy wall art!
The Wings mural, The Pink wall, and the Made in LA wall, are just a few of the famous artworks that make Melrose avenue such a funky and unique destination.
Go on your own mural wall tour in the Melrose Art District, stretching between Fairfax and Highland avenue. Make an afternoon of it browsing vintage shops along the way, or head up to Melrose place to pass more murals, and get your Glossier fix.
2. The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens
Wandering around the botanical gardens of Railway tycoon Henry Huntington, really is like taking a step back to the turn of century.
This majestic property is now a sprawling museum, with expansive American and European art collections, and priceless literary works. But the best part? The Huntington is home to the largest Chinese garden outside of China!
It’s a perfect thing to do in LA on a sunny day, and you can even visit for free on select dates. If you get a chance, stop by the Rose Garden Tea Room for delicious pastries in a historic setting. For more info about visiting, check out my guide: The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens.
3. Disneyland Park
There’s something that Disneyland has going for it, that no other Disney Park will ever have: It was the very first one! Many of the rides are exactly the same as when Walt opened the doors in 1955.
If you get the chance to venture over Anaheim, it’s one of my favorite nearby things to do in LA. I loved taking my father here the past year, because he grew up watching them build the park on Disneyland Television show.
Make sure to grab a pair of mickey ears, and splurge for the fastpass. You’ll be able to ride all the classic attractions much sooner! Plus you get free downloads of photos taken of your group, by the Disneyland photographers!
4. Griffith Observatory
The world famous Griffith Observatory sits on Mount Hollywood, commanding an incredible view out into the LA basin. On a clear day, you can see clear to downtown and out towards the Pacific ocean.
After you’ve soaked up the cityscape, you should definitely try to catch one of the live shows at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. The ‘Flight of the Valkyries” is all about the northern lights, and it’s a ton of fun to check out!
5. Universal Studios Hollywood
Another unforgettable thing to do in LA, is visiting to Universal Studios Hollywood. Because Los Angeles is a film city, it’s a blast to ride the Universal Studio Set Tour attraction. You get to see the real life scenery from a ton of your favorite films!
And even if you’re not a diehard Potterhead like myself, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will make you feel like a kid all over again. Just don’t forget to try the signature drink of Hogwarts: Butterbeer!
6. The Original Farmers Market & The Grove
The OG farmers market in Los Angeles was established way back in 1934, and it’s still filled with tasty treats from all over the world!
Visit one of the many food stalls and sit down eateries, where you can find anything from empanadas to donuts. Afterwards, hop on the free trolly ride up to LA’s favorite outdoor shopping mall: The Grove.
7. Hollywood Boulevard & Walk Of Fame
Yes, the walk of fame is (understandably) called a tourist trap, but it’s also one of the coolest remaining pieces of the Hollywood Golden era! No trip to Hollywood is complete without seeing all the famous handprints in front of The Chinese Theatre.
Afterwards, check out the Hollywood sign from the Hollywood & Highland Center, take a peek inside the famous Hotel Roosevelt, or catch a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
8. Santa Monica Pier
My favorite place to see the beach in Los Angeles, is right beside the Santa Monica pier. The picturesque background of the boardwalk, and the views out towards Malibu make it a vibrant space to relax and sunbathe.
Make a day out of your trip to Santa Monica, by browsing the 3rd street promenade, or walking down to nearby Venice Beach.
9. Rodeo Drive & Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is one of the most glamorous and well kept areas of the city, so it’s always a fun thing to do in LA!
Seeing the streets lined with palms, and couture shops really makes you feel like you’re in the movies! And since Rodeo Drive plays a major part in some of my favorite Rom Coms (Clueless and Pretty Woman, hello!) it was one of the places I was the most excited to see in Los Angeles.
Enjoy the day browsing, and don’t miss the nearby Beverly Gardens park, where you can grab the perfect photo op in front of the giant Beverly Hills sign!
10. GreyStone Mansion
The Greystone Mansion is a picturesque Tudor Revival home, perched right above Beverly Hills. Despite it’s super dramatic past, this 55 bedroom estate has made quite a name for itself in Hollywood, appearing in favorites like the Big Lebowski, and X Men.
While the inside of the Mansion is only open for tours on specific dates, the gardens are free and open to the public during park hours. Visit to wander around the pristine gardens, and swoon at the magnificent view of the city!
11. LACMA Urban Lights Exhibit
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is one of the most famous art museums in California. But one of their coolest exhibits, is totally free and open to the public 24 hours a day!
The Urban Lights exhibit is one of my favorite things to do in LA, because you can show up on a whim! The repurposed gas lamps from the 1930’s, have the perfect palm tree backdrop, and this exhibit becomes even more breathtaking by night.
Are you heading to Los Angeles soon? If so, I really hope you enjoy some of these amazing sites that this city has to offer!
Thanks so much for reading, and be sure to download this free map, where you can start planning your perfect LA trip!
Download Your Free Map Of Fun Things To Do in LA!
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Huntington Library is by my far my favorite thing to do!
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It’s such a magical place! Thanks for reading Mariah!
I love murals! And the trolley looks so retro! Great read 🙂