Top Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is an international city with a diverse population, many different things to do and see, and many ways to have fun. Whatever you’re into, there’s something for you in this sunny beach paradise.
LA is a big city, so choosing what neighborhoods to explore and where to go can be tricky. However, the most popular communities tend to be those closest to the central hub of Hollywood. We hope this list will help you navigate this vast city!
Los Angeles is a city that’s full of life. Its perfect balance of nature and culture makes it an ideal destination for any traveler.
Los Angeles has something for everyone with its beachfront views, theme parks, and endless things to do and see! Here are some recommendations on where to go when planning your vacation.
Top 15 things to do in Los Angeles, California
- Disneyland Park
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Santa Monica Pier
- Aquarium of the Pacific
- Downtown Santa Monica
- Griffith Park
- Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland)
- Dodger Stadium
- The Getty
- The Grove
- Grand Central Market
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- The Queen Mary
- Los Angeles Zoo
Check out these different places to visit in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is a city that’s so big that it can easily swallow you whole. In addition to being the most populous city in California and the second-most populous city in the United States (after New York City), LA is also one of the most diverse cities in America.
When you visit, you’ll be able to see people from all walks of life living together harmoniously—like a microcosm of humanity on display.
There are plenty of places to visit in Los Angeles for business or pleasure. Nature trails, rocky peaks, and artificial attractions offer something for everyone.
There are many things to do in Los Angeles, but pick the right places to visit. First of all, you should make a list of attractions you have already heard about or want to see. It will help narrow your options; otherwise, you risk spending too much time looking at different places.
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park has nine themed “lands,” each with a unique environment, attractions, and entertainment.
- Main Street, U.S.A., modeled after a small town in the early 20th century, has shops selling Disney merchandise, restaurants, and character meet-and-greets.
- Adventureland is home to classic jungle-themed rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones, And The Temple Of Peril (a roller coaster).
- Frontierland evokes America’s frontier past with such attractions as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (an old west runaway mine train ride) and Splash Mountain (a log flume ride). You might even see cowboys roaming around on horseback.
- Fantasyland is full of attractions featuring favorite Disney characters like Snow White, Belle from Beauty & The Beast, and Rapunzel from Tangled, who have been turned into human size by magic wands called “enchanted mirrors.”
- New Orleans Square, located across from the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park, is a prime example of how Disney can take a place that seems straight out of a horror movie and make it look whimsical and fun. The square is modeled after French Quarter architecture, with wrought iron balconies, shops that look like they’re selling trinkets to tourists just passing through, and a jazz band playing by the riverboat. New Orleans Square is also home to The Blue Bayou restaurant, which has an interior themed after the bayou swamp surrounding Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Critter Country is located in the New Orleans Square section of the park. You are surrounded by trees and foliage when you walk through the gates. The land is home to many of the park’s iconic characters, such as Chip and Dale, Pluto, and Br’er Fox. Critter Country is also home to Splash Mountain, a thrilling log-flume ride that takes you down a river filled with twists, turns, and drops! The ride is based on Song of the South, one of Disney’s most critically acclaimed films.
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a new addition to Disneyland Park. It is dedicated to the Star Wars franchise and replicates many film locations. In addition, it includes rides such as Star Tours—The Adventures Continue, Hyperspace Mountain, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
- Mickey’s Toontown is the perfect place to wander off after a long day of rides and attractions at Disneyland Park. It’s a colorful, somewhat whimsical neighborhood that appears to be part of a storybook—bustling with friendly characters as if you’ve wandered into a Disney movie come to life.
- Tomorrowland has many different rides and attractions, including Space Mountain (a roller coaster), Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters (a ride where you shoot at targets in space with laser guns), Hyperspace Mountain (a roller coaster that goes backward), and also The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter (an indoor ride with various special effects).
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park that recreates the worlds of some of your favorite TV, film, and video game franchises. You can get up close and personal with anything from Jurassic Park to the Munsters’ house.
The park also features an IMAX theater, a Waterworld stunt show (featuring firetrucks!), and live performances by some of your favorite celebrities—and if you’re lucky, you might even spot one in character!
While there are many options for dining at Universal Studios Hollywood (including restaurants like Mel’s Diner from Happy Days), everyone agrees on how delicious the hot dogs are. You’ll find them in carts all over the park; eat one before heading into any rides since they’re not allowed on most attractions. And don’t forget: there’s any wrong answer to souvenirs from this magical place!
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame spans both sides of Hollywood Boulevard and is home to the stars’ names. You can see the names of your favorite celebrities who have walked this path in their honor.
One thing you should know about this historic place is that it’s located right next to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where many celebrities have been honored with their handprints and signatures in cement.
You’ll also notice many theaters on your walk here: El Capitan Theatre, The Hollywood Museum, and more!
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is a place that everyone goes to. It’s a landmark in Los Angeles, and you can’t miss it. There are rides, games, food, and the Pacific Ocean! There’s so much to do here; for example, an arcade called The Pike Outlets. Then, of course, you can always stop by the art gallery if you feel creative. They have some of the most outstanding pictures there!
The pier is also a great place to hang out with friends. You can go to Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and have some delicious food while you watch the sunset over the ocean (if you’re lucky enough). Of course, you can always bring your food to one of their picnic tables if you don’t feel like eating anywhere.
Santa Monica Pier is where you must be if you’re into shopping or spending money on unique things! There are so many shops that are open all day long, especially during the summer. Shopping for souvenirs for your family and friends on vacation is fun. There are also a lot of restaurants that are open late at night.
Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a California aquarium located in Long Beach, California. Opened in 1998, it claims to be the largest aquarium in the Western United States.
It houses thousands of marine animals and plants in an eight-acre facility that represents several marine ecosystems and is divided into five significant habitats: “Coastal Waters,” “Shores & Shelves,” “Coral Reef,” “Monterey Bay,” and “Pacific Rim.”
It features many aquatic animals, including fish, sharks, rays, sea turtles, and penguins. There are also many interactive exhibits, and one of the aquarium’s most popular attractions is its tide pool exhibit, where visitors can touch sea stars and other marine invertebrates.
The aquarium offers so much to all ages, from young children to adults. They have a play area inside their gift shop where toddlers can play with sand, sea creatures, and other toys while their parents shop around.
Los Angeles is full of things to do: head to the beach, visit museums and galleries, or explore the city on foot.
Los Angeles is a big city with a lot to offer. While it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there are many attractions around the city for those who want to take some time to breathe and enjoy the area.
If you want to start your visit with something relaxing or calming, head to Venice Beach. The boardwalk has many merchants selling clothes, jewelry, art, and other items. If shopping isn’t your thing, you can walk along the beach and enjoy the ocean breeze or check out Muscle Beach. There are also plenty of restaurants in the area if you’re looking for a bite.
Keep heading west, and you’ll find Santa Monica Pier. This pier is home to amusement park rides, arcades, restaurants, and many great shops where you can buy souvenirs and gifts for friends back home.
Another great place in Santa Monica is Rodeo Drive, where you can find luxury stores like Tiffany & Co., Gucci, and Chanel and upscale dining options like Spago Beverly Hills and The Ivy.
If you want to learn more about local history, check out Hollywood Boulevard, where you can see handprints from Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin.
Conclusion
Los Angeles, California, is an excellent place for a vacation because there are plenty of places to visit, so you will not get bored as a tourist.
There are plenty of things to do in Los Angeles, especially if you like the outdoors. Whether you visit in the summer or winter, there are plenty of fun places to go that are both fun and safe.
Hopefully, this list will help you enjoy your trip to Los Angeles. The city has much to offer; your vacation will be over before you know it. But there’s plenty to do whether you stay for a week or a short visit. So get out and explore!