Best 10 Places To Visit In Los Angeles

Best 10 Places To Visit In Los Angeles, often known as the City of Angels, is a sprawling metropolis with an endless variety of attractions and experiences for visitors. From iconic landmarks to world-class museums, cultural hotspots and breathtaking natural landscapes, LA offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these top 10 places to visit in Los Angeles will leave a lasting impression.

1. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park

One of the most famous landmarks in LA, Griffith Observatory offers unparalleled views of the city, the Hollywood sign and the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits about astronomy and space science or take a look through one of the world’s most famous public telescopes. For nature lovers, Griffith Park—the largest urban park in the United States—offers miles of hiking trails, picnic spots and even the Los Angeles Zoo.

Pro Tip: Visit at sunset for the most spectacular panoramic views of the city skyline. The observatory is free to enter, making it a budget-friendly stop.

2. The Getty Center

Perched high on a hill overlooking Los Angeles, The Getty Center is a cultural gem that blends art, architecture and lush gardens. This museum houses an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures and decorative arts, including works by Van Gogh, Monet and Rembrandt. Beyond the art, visitors can enjoy the stunning modernist architecture and beautifully manicured gardens that provide a serene escape from the city.

Must-See: Don’t miss the Central Garden, a living sculpture designed by artist Robert Irwin. Admission is free, although parking is charged.

3. Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre

No visit to Los Angeles is complete without a stop at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This historic sidewalk stretches for 15 blocks along Hollywood Boulevard, where over 2,600 stars honor the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Just steps away, the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) is an iconic venue where many Hollywood premieres have taken place. Its forecourt is famous for the handprints and footprints of legendary actors and filmmakers.

Insider Tip: Take a guided tour of the theater to learn about its rich history and enjoy behind-the-scenes stories of the film industry.

4. Santa Monica Pier and Beach

For a quintessential Southern California experience, head to Santa Monica Pier. This historic pier offers family-friendly attractions, including the Pacific Park amusement park, an aquarium and numerous restaurants. Just steps away is Santa Monica Beach, one of LA’s most famous beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming or simply people-watching.

What to Do: Rent a bike and explore the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which stretches 22 miles along the coastline from Santa Monica to Torrance.

5. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

As the largest art museum in the western United States, LACMA is a must-visit for art lovers. Its collection spans thousands of years and includes works from ancient civilizations to contemporary masterpieces. One of its most iconic outdoor installations, Urban Light by Chris Burden, is a favorite photo spot for visitors.

Top Attraction: Visit during the evening to see Urban Light lit up—an Instagram-worthy moment.

6. Venice Beach and Boardwalk

Known for its bohemian spirit, Venice Beach is one of LA’s most vibrant and eclectic spots. The famous Venice Beach Boardwalk is a 2.5-mile stretch filled with street performers, artists and vendors. Visitors can explore the colorful murals, browse unique shops or watch skateboarders and bodybuilders at the iconic Muscle Beach.

Local Flavor: Grab a bite at one of the many nearby cafes or head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard for high-end boutiques and gourmet dining options.

7. Universal Studios Hollywood

For an action-packed day, visit Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the most famous theme parks in the world. The park offers thrilling rides, live shows and an immersive experience in the world of movie-making. The Studio Tour gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at real movie sets, while popular attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic World are crowd favorites.

Family-Friendly Fun: Plan ahead to skip the lines by purchasing a Universal Express Pass, which provides priority access to the park’s attractions.

8. The Hollywood Sign

A symbol of the entertainment industry, the Hollywood Sign is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. While you can’t get up close to the sign itself, there are several hiking trails in Griffith Park that offer excellent views of the sign and the surrounding area.

Best Hiking Trails: The Mount Hollywood Trail and the Brush Canyon Trail provide scenic routes with great photo opportunities.

9. Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills

If luxury shopping and people-watching are on your list, a visit to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is a must. This world-famous shopping street is home to high-end designer boutiques like Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton. Even if you’re not looking to splurge, simply strolling through this opulent neighborhood is an experience in itself.

Celebrity Spotting: While strolling through Beverly Hills, you might catch a glimpse of celebrities dining at upscale restaurants or shopping at designer stores.

10. The Broad Museum

For contemporary art enthusiasts, The Broad is a must-visit. Located in Downtown LA, this museum houses an extensive collection of postwar and contemporary art, including pieces by Jeff Koons Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama. One of its most popular exhibits is Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, a mesmerizing installation that draws in crowds from around the world.

Free Entry: The Broad offers free general admission, but reservations are recommended due to its popularity.