Los Angeles
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Los Angeles - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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21. Santa Monica Pier
Souvenir shops, carnival games, arcades, eateries, an outdoor trapeze school, a small amusement park, and an aquarium all contribute to the festive atmosphere of this truncated pier at the foot of Colorado Boulevard below Palisades Park. The pier's trademark 46-horse Looff Carousel, built in 1922, has appeared in several films, including The Sting. The Soda Jerks ice-cream fountain (named for the motion the attendant makes when pulling the machine's arm) inside the carousel building is a pier staple, and the MariaSol restaurant at the end of the pier serves great fajitas. Free concerts are held on the pier in the summer.
View Tours and ActivitiesColorado Ave., Santa Monica, California, 90401, USA310-458–8901 -
22. Spadena House
Otherwise known as the Witch’s House in Beverly Hills, the Spadena House has an interesting history. First built on the Willat Studios lot in 1920, the house was physically moved to its current ritzy location in 1924. The house is not open for tourists, but the fairy-tale-like appearance is viewable from the street for onlookers to snap pics. Movie buffs will also recognize it from a background shot in the film Clueless.
516 Walden Dr., Beverly Hills, California, 90210, USA -
23. The Broad Museum
DowntownThe talk of Los Angeles's art world when it opened in 2015, this museum in an intriguing, honeycomb-looking building was created by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad (rhymes with "road") to showcase their stunning private collection of contemporary art, amassed over five decades and still growing. With upward of 2,000 pieces by more than 200 artists, the collection has in-depth representations of the work of such prominent names as Jean Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, Ed Ruscha, Cindy Sherman, Cy Twombly, Kara Walker, and Christopher Wool. The "veil and vault" design of the main building integrates gallery space and storage space (visitors can glimpse the latter through a window in the stairwell): the veil refers to the fiberglass, concrete, and steel exterior; the vault is the concrete base. Temporary exhibits and works from the permanent collection are arranged in the small first-floor rooms and in the more expansive third floor of the museum, so you can explore everything in a few hours. Next door to the Broad is a small plaza with olive trees and seating, as well as the museum restaurant, Otium. Admission to the museum is free, but book timed tickets in advance to guarantee entry.
221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, California, 90012, USA213-232–6200Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Mon., Tickets required in advance -
24. The Getty Center
With its curving walls and isolated hilltop perch, the Getty Center resembles a pristine fortified city of its own. You may have been lured there by the beautiful views of Los Angeles—on a clear day stretching all the way to the Pacific Ocean—but the amazing architecture, uncommon gardens, and fascinating art collections will be more than enough to capture and hold your attention. When the sun is out, the complex's rough-cut travertine marble skin seems to soak up the light. Getting to the center involves a bit of anticipatory lead-up. At the base of the hill lies the underground parking structure. From there you either walk or take a smooth, computer-driven tram up the steep slope, checking out the Bel Air estates across the humming 405 freeway. The six pavilions that house the museum surround a central courtyard and are bridged by walkways. From the courtyard, plazas, and walkways, you can survey the city from the San Gabriel Mountains to the ocean. In a ravine separating the museum and the Getty Research Institute, conceptual artist Robert Irwin created the playful Central Garden in stark contrast to Richard Meier's mathematical architectural geometry. The garden's design is what Hollywood feuds are made of: Meier couldn't control Irwin's vision, and the two men sniped at each other during construction, with Irwin stirring the pot with every loose twist his garden path took. The result is a refreshing garden walk whose focal point is an azalea maze (some insist the Mickey Mouse shape is on purpose) in a reflecting pool. Inside the pavilions are the galleries for the permanent collections of European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, and decorative arts, as well as world-class temporary exhibitions and photographs gathered internationally. The Getty's collection of French furniture and decorative arts, especially from the early years of Louis XIV (1643–1715) to the end of the reign of Louis XVI (1774–92), is renowned for its quality and condition; you can even see a pair of completely reconstructed salons. In the paintings galleries, a computerized system of louvered skylights allows natural light to filter in, creating a closer approximation of the conditions in which the artists painted. Notable among the paintings are Rembrandt's The Abduction of Europa, Van Gogh's Irises, Monet's Wheatstacks, Snow Effects, and Morning, and James Ensor's Christ's Entry into Brussels. If you want to start with a quick overview, pick up the brochure in the entrance hall that guides you to collection highlights. There's also an instructive audio tour with commentaries by art historians and other experts. The Getty also presents lectures, films, concerts, art workshops, and special programs for kids, families, and all-around culture lovers. The complex includes an upscale restaurant and downstairs cafeteria with panoramic window views. There are also outdoor coffee carts. On-site parking is subject to availability and can fill up by midday on holidays and in the summer, so try to come early in the day or after lunch. A tram takes you from the street-level entrance to the top of the hill. Public buses (Metro Rapid Line 734) also serve the center and link to the Expo Rail extension.
View Tours and Activities1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood, California, 90049, USA310-440–7300Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free; parking $15, Closed Mon. -
25. The Grove
Fairfax DistrictCome to this popular outdoor mall for familiar names like Apple, Nike, and Nordstrom; stay for the central fountain with "dancing" water and light shows, people-watching from the trolley, and, during the holiday season, artificial snowfall and a winter wonderland. Feel-good pop blasting over the loudspeakers aims to boost your mood while you spend, and a giant cineplex gives shoppers a needed break with the latest box office blockbusters.
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26. The Last Bookstore
DowntownCalifornia's largest used and new book and record shop is a favorite for both book lovers and fans of a good photo op, thanks to elements like an archway created from curving towers of books, a peephole carved into the stacks, and an in-store vault devoted to horror texts. Aside from the awesome aesthetics, shoppers will love to get lost in the store's collection of affordable books, art, and music.
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27. The Original Farmers Market
Fairfax DistrictCalled the Original Farmers Market for a reason, this special piece of land brought out farmers to sell their wares starting in 1934. Today, the market has more permanent residences, but fresh produce still abounds among the dozens of vendors. Some purveyor standouts include gourmet market Monsieur Marcel, Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts, and Patsy D'Amore's Pizzeria, which has been serving slices since 1949. The market is adjacent to The Grove shopping center, and locals and tourists flock to both in droves.
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28. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal CityA theme park with classic attractions like roller coasters and thrill rides, Universal Studios Hollywood also provides that unique brand of thrill you get from the magic of the movies, with tours of sets and movie-themed rides. Unlike other amusement parks, this one is centered around the biggest blockbusters, with rides like Jurassic World – The Ride and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey as well as worlds like the brand-new Super Nintendo World, which boasts the fun and highly interactive Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge and is, in and of itself, a game---exactly the kind of experience that Super Mario fans truly enjoy. If you're in town in October, the park's Halloween Horror Nights is a must-visit, featuring mazes full of monsters, murderers, and jump scares. The world-famous Studio Tour takes you around the Universal backlot, home to working soundstages and exterior sets where many popular movies and shows have been filmed. During the tram tour, you'll witness King Kong save you from massive predators, see the airplane wreckage from War of the Worlds, ride along with the cast of the Fast and the Furious, and have a close call with Norman Bates from Psycho. The tram ride is usually the best place to begin your visit, because the lines become longer as the day goes on. Geared more toward adults, CityWalk is a separate venue run by Universal Studios, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and movie theaters.
View Tours and Activities100 Universal City Plaza, Los Angeles, California, 91608, USA800-864–8377Sight Details
Rate Includes: $139 -
29. Venice Beach Boardwalk
The surf and sand of Venice are fine, but the main attraction here is the boardwalk scene, which is a cosmos all its own. Go on weekend afternoons for the best people-watching experience; you'll see everything from Baywatch wannabes to break-dancers to TikTok influencers to would-be messiahs. You can also swim, fish, surf, and skateboard, or have a go at racquetball, handball, shuffleboard, and basketball (the boardwalk is the site of hotly contested pickup games). Or you can rent a bike or in-line skates and hit the Strand bike path, then poke around the gloriously tacky tourist and souvenir shops before pulling up a seat at a sidewalk café and watching the action unfold.
View Tours and Activities1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, California, 90291, USA310-392–4687 -
30. Warner Bros. Studios
Tour an actual working studio, visit hot sets, and marvel at the costumes and props from the biggest blockbusters at Warner Bros. Studios. The exterior sets and soundstages here have been used to film some of the most famous TV shows and films in Hollywood, making a visit here a vital part of the Los Angeles experience. After a short film on the studio's movies and TV shows, hop aboard a tram for a ride through the sets and soundstages used for classics such as Casablanca and Rebel Without a Cause. You'll see the bungalows where Marlon Brando, Bette Davis, and other icons relaxed between takes, and the current production offices for famous directors. You might even spot a celeb or see a shoot in action—tours change from day to day depending on the productions taking place on the lot. Finally, you can spend a couple of hours pretending like you're part of your favorite shows and movies, whether it's at a working replica of Central Perk from Friends or taking part in a Sorting Hat ceremony from the Harry Potter movies.
3400 W. Riverside Dr., Los Angeles, California, 91505, USA818-977–8687Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $69 -
31. Adamson House and Malibu Lagoon Museum
With spectacular views of Surfrider Beach and lush garden grounds, this Moorish Spanish–style house epitomizes all the reasons to live in Malibu. It was built in 1929 by the Rindge family, who owned much of the Malibu area in the early part of the 20th century. The Rindges had an enviable Malibu lifestyle, decades before the area was trendy. In the 1920s, Malibu was quite isolated; in fact, all visitors and some of the supplies arrived by boat at the nearby Malibu Pier. (The town becomes isolated today whenever rockslides close the highway.) The house, covered with magnificent tile work in rich blues, greens, yellows, and oranges from the now-defunct Malibu Potteries, is right on the beach—high chain-link fences keep out curious beachgoers. Even an outside dog bathtub near the servants' door is a tiled gem. Docent-led tours provide insights on family life here as well as the history of Malibu and its real estate. Signs posted around the grounds outside direct you on a self-guided tour, but you can't go inside the house without a guide. Guided tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm on the hour. There's paid parking in the adjacent county lot or in the lot at PCH and Cross Creek Road.
23200 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, California, 90265, USA310-456–8432Sight Details
Rate Includes: $7, Grounds close at sunset daily -
32. Annenberg Community Beach House
This beachfront property was originally developed in the 1920s by William Randolph Hearst as a palatial private residence and a gathering spot for Hollywood's megastars. In 1947 it was converted into a members-only beach club; the state of California bought and renamed the club in 1959, but it took the earthquake of 2004 for the state to reconceive the property as a public place. With the help of the Annenberg Foundation, it reopened as a community beach house in 2009. Feel like a millionaire lounging by the pool on one of the beachside chairs, or lunch at the café while enjoying uninterrupted ocean views. The house's Beach=Culture event series includes a variety of classes (yoga, beach volleyball), readings, and exhibits; check the website for the calendar. Hours are subject to change, so call to confirm hours and book in advance. Book a pool reservation online in advance if possible.
415 Pacific Coast Hwy., Santa Monica, California, 90402, USA310-458–4904Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free; pool $10 -
33. Avila Adobe
DowntownBuilt as a private home for cattle rancher and pueblo of L.A. mayor Francisco Ávila in 1818, this museum preserves seven of what were originally 18 rooms in the city's oldest standing residence. The graceful structure features 3-foot-thick walls made of adobe brick over cottonwood timbers, a traditional interior courtyard, and 1840s-era furnishings that bring to life an era when the city was still part of Mexico. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm and the complex is a California Historical Landmark.
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34. Barnsdall Art Park
The panoramic view of Hollywood alone is worth a trip to this hilltop cultural center. On the grounds you’ll find the 1921 Hollyhock House, a masterpiece of modern design by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It was commissioned by philanthropist Aline Barnsdall to be the centerpiece of an arts community. While Barnsdall's project didn't turn out the way she planned, the park now hosts the L.A. Municipal Art Gallery and Theatre, which provides exhibition space for visual and performance artists. Wright dubbed this style "California Romanza" (romanza is a musical term meaning "to make one's own form"). Stylized depictions of Barnsdall's favorite flower, the hollyhock, appear throughout the house in its cement columns, roof line, and furnishings. The leaded-glass windows are expertly placed to make the most of both the surrounding gardens and the city views. On summer weekends, there are wildly popular wine tastings and outdoor movie screenings. Self-guided tours are available Thursday through Sunday from 11 to 4.
View Tours and Activities4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90027, USA323-913--4030Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free; house tours $7, House closed Sun.--Wed., Advance tickets required for house -
35. Bergamot Station
Named after a stop on the Air Line trolley that once shuttled between Downtown and the Santa Monica Pier, Bergamot Station is now a depot for intriguing art. The industrial facades house more than 30 art galleries, shops, a café, a theater, and a museum. The galleries cover many kinds of media: photography, jewelry, and paintings from somber to lurid. Leashed, tame dogs are welcome and admission is free.
2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, California, 90404, USA310-453–7535Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. -
36. Binoculars Building
VeniceFrank Gehry is known around the world for his architectural masterpieces. In L.A. alone he’s responsible for multiple houses and buildings like the Gehry Residence, Loyola Law School, and Walt Disney Hall. But one of his most interesting creations, completed in 1991, is the Binoculars Building, a quirky Venice spot that is exactly as advertised: a giant set of binoculars standing on their end. The project was originally designed for the Chiat/Day advertising agency and today is home to one of Google’s Silicon Beach offices. While you can't tour the building, you can take a clever Instagram shot out front.
340 Main St., Los Angeles, California, 90291, USA -
37. Bradbury Building
DowntownStunning wrought-iron railings, ornate plaster moldings, pink marble staircases, a birdcage elevator, and a skylighted atrium that rises almost 50 feet—it's easy to see why the Bradbury Building leaves visitors awestruck. Designed in 1893 by a novice architect who drew his inspiration from a science-fiction story and a conversation with his dead brother via an Ouija board, the office building was originally the site of turn-of-the-20th-century sweatshops, but now it houses a variety of businesses. Scenes from Blade Runner, Chinatown, and 500 Days of Summer were filmed here, which means there's often a barrage of tourists snapping photos. Visits are limited to the lobby and the first-floor landing. Historic Downtown walking tours hosted by the L.A. Conservancy cost $15 and include the Bradbury Building.
304 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, California, 90013, USA213-626–1893 -
38. California African American Museum
Exposition ParkWith more than 4,500 historical artifacts, this museum showcases contemporary art of the African diaspora. Artists represented here include Betye Saar, Charles Haywood, and June Edmonds. The museum has a research library with more than 6,000 books available for public use. If possible, visit on a Sunday or Thursday, when there's almost always a diverse lineup of speakers and performances.
600 State Dr., Los Angeles, California, 90037, USA213-744–7432Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free; parking $15, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
39. California Science Center
Exposition ParkYou're bound to see excited kids running up to the dozens of interactive exhibits here that illustrate the prevalence of science in everyday life. Clustered in different "worlds," the center keeps young guests busy for hours. They can design their own buildings and learn how to make them earthquake-proof; watch GLOBAL ZONE, where you can see Earth's global cycles of air, water, land, and life exhibited on a giant interactive globe. One of the exhibits in the Air and Space section shows how astronauts Pete Conrad and Dick Gordon made it to outer space in the Gemini 11 capsule in 1966. The IMAX theater screens science-related large-format films that change throughout the year.
View Tours and Activities700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, California, 90037, USA323-724–3623Sight Details
Rate Includes: Permanent exhibits free; fees for some attractions, special exhibits, and IMAX screenings vary; parking $15 -
40. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
DowntownA half block from Frank Gehry's curvaceous Walt Disney Concert Hall sits the austere Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels—a spiritual draw as well as an architectural attraction. Controversy surrounded Spanish architect José Rafael Moneo's unconventional design for the seat of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. But judging from the swarms of visitors and the standing-room-only holiday masses, the church has carved out a niche for itself in Downtown L.A. The plaza in front is glaringly bright on sunny days, though a children's play garden with bronze animals mitigates the starkness somewhat. Head underground to wander the mausoleum's mazelike white-marble corridors. Free self-guided tours start at the entrance fountain at 1 pm on weekdays. There's plenty of underground visitors' parking; the vehicle entrance is on Hill Street.
View Tours and Activities555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, California, 90012, USA213-680–5200Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free
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