Best things to do in Los Angeles | Discover the top picks personal experience
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In this blog, we’ll show you the top 10 things to do in los angeles. This blog is based on our multiple trips to the City of Angels. Don’t forget to like this blog, follow my Instagram, and enable notifications. Share your own experience or ask a question in the comments below.
Planning a trip to los angeles? In this blog, we’ll show you the top 10 things to do in los angeles, based on our multiple trips to the City of Angels. Whether you’re into iconic landmarks, Hollywood hotspots, or scenic beaches, this guide covers the best experiences.
Don’t forget to like this blog, follow my Instagram, and enable notifications. Share your own experience or ask a question in the comments below. And stick around until the end because we have a bonus attraction for you! If you’re looking for the top 10 things to do in los angeles, this list will help you make the most of your visit. From must-see sights to hidden gems, these top 10 things to do in los angeles will make your trip unforgettable!
Things to experience in Los Angeles
- Walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Watch the sunset at Santa Monica Pier
- Explore world-class museums like The Getty and LACMA
- Hike to the Hollywood Sign for panoramic city views
- Enjoy diverse street food at Grand Central Market
Here are our top 10 picks: Must-see attractions in los angeles:
Number 10: Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown L.A. is a business and residential district packed with interesting neighborhoods and attractions. Little Tokyo, Chinatown, and the Arts District each offer a rich cultural experience. For history buffs, Olvera Street, located close to the 19th-century Los Angeles Plaza, reveals the oldest part of Los Angeles.
Grand Central Market, a 30,000-square-foot arcade, offers a unique food emporium that has been operating ever since it opened in 1917. By the way, if you love food, Greater Los Angeles offers an array of fantastic options from all over the world—from fancy dining establishments to famous hot dog and taco trucks, and more.
Located right outside Grand Central Market, you’ll find Angels Flight. With its 298-foot inclined railway, it is considered the world’s shortest railway.
Downtown L.A. is also full of green spaces, like Pershing Square, which offers fantastic views of the skyscrapers, or the lush Grand Park, located right in front of the iconic Los Angeles City Hall.
Walk around the historic Broadway Theater District or admire architectural marvels throughout Downtown, such as The Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry, or the neighboring contemporary art museum, The Broad.
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Attraction
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Cost
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|---|---|
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Grand Central Market
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Free entry, food prices vary
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Angels Flight
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$1 each way
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The Broad
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Free general admission (special exhibits may cost extra)
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Walt Disney Concert Hall Tour
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Free self-guided tour
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Olvera Street
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Free entry
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Public Transport (Bus/Metro):
- Metro Bus: Line 30 or 40 – $1.75 per ride
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
- Approx. $10–$25 depending on your starting location and traffic
Parking:
- Public parking garages in Downtown LA – $5–$20 per hour
Number 9: Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Boulevard is a major street in Los Angeles, home to a number of famous attractions.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame features over 2,600 stars embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. The stars are permanent public monuments to achievements in the entertainment industry, bearing the names of actors, directors, musicians, producers, fictional characters, and others. Look for the famous Chinese Theatre, featuring handprints, footprints, and signatures of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Visit the Ovation Hollywood shopping center for a perfect view of the Hollywood sign. There are many other things you can do on Hollywood Boulevard, such as the Museum of Illusions, Madame Tussauds, Museum of Death, and more. Check out our immersive Los Angeles 4K walking tour to experience the real feel of L.A. The link is in the description.
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Attraction
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Cost
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|---|---|
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Hollywood Walk of Fame (Free)
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Free
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Chinese Theatre (Admission)
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$15–$25
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Ovation Hollywood Shopping Center
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Free (Shopping & Dining)
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Museum of Illusions
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$25–$30
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Madame Tussauds
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$30–$40
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Public Transport (Bus/Metro):
- Metro Red Line (Hollywood/Highland Station) – $1.75 per ride.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
- Approx. $10–$20 depending on your starting location.
Parking:
- Parking fees at nearby garages range from $10 to $30 per day.
Number 8: Griffith Observatory
This impressive observatory overlooking Los Angeles offers breathtaking views of Downtown and the Hollywood Sign. It also features an extensive array of space and science-related displays, including a Tesla coil, designed by inventor Nikola Tesla in 1891. Admission has been free ever since the observatory opened its doors in 1935.
The view of the city from Griffith Observatory can be even more fascinating in the evening.
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Attraction
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Cost
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|---|---|
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Griffith Observatory Admission
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Free
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Parking (Griffith Observatory Lot)
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$10–$20 per day
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Public Transport (Metro Bus)
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$1.75 per ride
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Public Transport (Bus/Metro):
- Metro Bus lines (1 or 96) to Griffith Park – $1.75 per ride.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
- Approx. $10–$15 depending on your starting location.
Parking:
- Parking at Griffith Observatory is available for $10–$20 per day, depending on demand.
Number 7: The Grove & The Original Farmers Market
The world-famous Original Farmers Market started as a dairy farm, Gilmore Oil Company, and a midget car racing place.
The Market now consists of over 100 gourmet groceries, trendy shops, and restaurants and has been a favorite place to shop and eat among locals and tourists since 1934. Don’t skip The Grove – a shopping and dining complex that mixes retail, eateries, and entertainment, located on the former orchard and nursery complex. If you love shopping, check our travel guide for more suggestions.
By the way, our mobile-friendly travel guide covers the top 20 things to do in Los Angeles and things to know before you visit, including maps, opening hours, links to buy tickets, itinerary suggestions, and other information. By purchasing our travel guide, you are also helping us sustain this channel, so a big thank you for that!
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Attraction
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Cost
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|---|---|
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Original Farmers Market (Entry)
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Free
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Dining & Shopping (Varies by store)
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$10–$50+ per meal/shop
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The Grove Shopping & Entertainment
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Free (shopping varies)
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Public Transport (Bus/Metro):
- Metro Red Line (Hollywood/Highland Station) or Metro Bus (Line 217) – $1.75 per ride.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
- Approx. $10–$15 depending on your starting location.
Parking:
- Parking at The Grove is available for around $2–$3 per hour.
Number 6: Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is one of the world’s most famous landmarks and a cultural icon overlooking Hollywood.
“HOLLYWOOD” is spelled out in 45-foot-tall white capital letters and is 352 feet long. The sign was created in 1923 as an advertisement for a local real estate agency, and it initially read: HOLLYWOODLAND. Due to increasing recognition, the sign was left up in its current form instead of being taken down.
If you love hiking, there are many other trails with amazing panoramic views of Los Angeles worth exploring.
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Attraction
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Cost
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|---|---|
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Hollywood Sign (View from distance)
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Free
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Hiking Trails (Griffith Park)
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Free
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Guided Tours (to the sign)
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$30–$50 per tour
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Public Transport (Bus/Metro):
- Metro Red Line (Hollywood/Highland Station) – $1.75 per ride, then a short bus ride or walk to nearby trailheads.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
- Approx. $10–$20 depending on your starting location.
Parking:
- Parking near the trailheads ranges from $5 to $15 per day, depending on the location and availability.
Number 5: Universal Studios
Universal Studios Hollywood is both a film studio and a theme park. It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use. The park was initially created to offer tours of the entire Universal Studios sets.
Here, you can experience rides and visit film sets of some of your favorite movies, like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and others. There are also other amusement parks in L.A. and its surroundings.
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Attraction
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Cost
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|---|---|
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Universal Studios Hollywood Admission
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$109–$139 per ticket (1-day)
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VIP Tour (Universal Studios)
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$349–$379 per person
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Parking at Universal Studios
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$25–$50 per day
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Public Transport (Bus/Metro):
- Metro Red Line (Universal City Station) – $1.75 per ride, then a short walk to the park entrance.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
- Approx. $10–$20 depending on your starting location.
Parking:
- Parking at Universal Studios costs around $25–$50 per day, depending on the lot.
Number 4: Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills was originally a Spanish ranch where lima beans were grown.
It was incorporated in 1914 by a group of investors who had failed to find oil but found water instead and eventually decided to develop it into a town. Today, Beverly Hills is one of the world’s most famous upscale places to live and shop. Visit Rodeo Drive, a famous shopping street with expensive designer stores and small private boutiques.
Rodeo Dr. became immortalized by Julia Roberts’ “Pretty Woman” shopping spree. The area is popular with wealthy shoppers, sunglass-wearing celebrities, and tourists hoping to see fashion icons. On Rodeo Drive, you will also find the most expensive store in the world: Bijan.
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Attraction
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Cost
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|---|---|
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Strolling Rodeo Drive (Window Shopping)
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Free
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Shopping at Designer Stores
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Varies (High-end brands)
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Bijan Store (Exclusive purchases)
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$1000+ per item
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Public Transport (Bus/Metro):
- Metro Bus (Line 704, 316) – $1.75 per ride, then a short walk to Rodeo Drive.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
- Approx. $10–$15 depending on your starting location.
Parking:
- Parking in Beverly Hills typically ranges from $5–$15 per hour, with valet parking available at many luxury shops.
Number 3: Museums
Los Angeles is home to over 800 museums and art galleries, which is more museums per capita than any other city in the world.
Some of the world-class museums include: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), with the famous Urban Light assemblage sculpture composed of 202 streetlamps; The Broad – a Museum of Contemporary Art; and the J. Paul Getty Museum, or just The Getty, an art museum with amazing views of Los Angeles. Don’t skip Getty Villa, which displays art from Ancient Greece, Rome, and other eras.
Of course, there are many other museums. Los Angeles is also home to numerous artists and small galleries. A revolutionary new way to organize your luggage consists of a set of small and large packing cubes.
Once you’re done packing, just close both zippers, compress the air out of your packing cubes like this, and voila, your clothes are compressed, and your luggage is organized. We use packing cubes on our travels, and they are even designed to fit your carry-on.
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Attraction
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Cost
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|---|---|
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Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
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$25 (General Admission)
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The Broad
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Free (Advance reservation required)
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J. Paul Getty Museum
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Free (Parking $20)
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Getty Villa
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Free (Parking $15)
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Public Transport (Bus/Metro):
- Metro Expo Line to LACMA or The Broad (1–2 blocks walk) – $1.75 per ride.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
- Approx. $10–$20 depending on your starting location.
Parking:
- Parking fees vary, generally $10–$20 per day depending on the museum location.
Number 2: Venice Beach
Venice is a residential, commercial, and recreational beachfront neighborhood. It was founded in 1905 as a seaside resort town. Over the years, it transformed into a free-spirited boardwalk and residential area full of funky shops, imaginative street performers, and public art.
Rent a bike or an electric scooter and ride along Venice Beach, play some sports in one of many public sports areas, like the Muscle Beach outdoor gym, or simply sit in the sand, watch the waves, and enjoy the vibe. The Los Angeles area is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and picturesque piers.
From surfing and sunbathing to sailing or boating, chances are you will find something fun to do in Los Angeles. So, if you have time, don’t forget to explore the surroundings too. Talking about Venice Beach, don’t skip the Venice Canals nearby. The canals were created in the early 20th century to mimic the famous canals in Venice, Italy. And if you love shopping, don’t skip Abbot Kinney Boulevard shops.
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Attraction
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Cost
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|---|---|
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Venice Beach (General Access)
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Free
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Muscle Beach Outdoor Gym
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Free
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Bike or Electric Scooter Rental
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$10–$20 per hour
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Shopping on Abbot Kinney Boulevard
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Varies (Boutiques, Cafes)
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Public Transport (Bus/Metro):
- Metro Bus Line 33 or 733 – $1.75 per ride, then a short walk to Venice Beach.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
- Approx. $15–$25 depending on your starting location.
Parking:
- Parking near Venice Beach varies, typically ranging from $5–$15 per hour.
Number 1: Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is a large, double-jointed, and over 100 years old pier located at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica. Its iconic entrance has made the pier popular with both residents and visitors. A sign on the pier marks the end of the legendary American highway Route 66, symbolizing that this road only ended when the sea stood in its way.
Since the pier is a popular tourist spot, expect it to get very crowded. The pier also contains an entire family amusement park, Pacific Park, featuring a solar-paneled Ferris wheel. Don’t forget to visit 3rd Street Promenade, a pedestrian mall walkway, dining, and entertainment complex in downtown Santa Monica, or beautiful Tongva Park, named after the indigenous Tongva people who have lived in the Los Angeles area, a lovely urban oasis with amazing views, especially during sunset.
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Attraction
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Cost
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|---|---|
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Santa Monica Pier (General Access)
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Free
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Pacific Park (Ferris Wheel Ride)
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$5 per ride
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Pacific Park (Other Rides)
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$3–$8 per ride
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3rd Street Promenade Shopping/Dining
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Varies
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Tongva Park (General Access)
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Free
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Public Transport (Bus/Metro):
- Metro Bus Line 733 – $1.75 per ride, then a short walk to the pier.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft):
- Approx. $10–$20 depending on your starting location.
Parking:
- Parking near Santa Monica Pier typically costs around $10–$20 per hour.
Bonus:
And here is the bonus that we promised. If you love nature, explore Echo Park. This diverse neighborhood is home to beautiful Echo Park Lake with lush vegetation, lotus flower beds, and wild geese and swans. For the ultimate experience, rent a swan boat and pedal around this beautiful lake with fantastic views toward the park and downtown Los Angeles.
And now, continue reading our blog on what you should know before you visit Los Angeles.
Making the Most of Your top 10 Things to do in los angeles Information
Los Angeles is a city full of contrasts—glamorous yet laid-back, historic yet modern—and there’s no shortage of exciting things to do. From cultural landmarks and artistic museums to outdoor adventures and world-class shopping, your time in L.A. will be packed with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re visiting iconic spots like the Hollywood Sign, exploring the Venice Beach boardwalk, or soaking in the views from Griffith Observatory, there’s always something new to discover.
By planning ahead and making the most of these top 10 things to do in Los Angeles, you’ll ensure that your trip to this dynamic city is both fun and memorable. So get ready to explore, enjoy, and make the most of your time in one of the world’s most exciting destinations!
Thank you, and that wraps up top 10 Things to do in los angeles. Do you agree with the places we chose, or is there somewhere you visited that you feel should be on the list? leave us a comment.
You can find me on Instagram: @dreamytravelersofficial/.
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