20 Best Things to Do in LA

From iconic sights to hidden corners, this guide captures the rhythm and radiance of Los Angeles in a way that feels effortless and unforgettable.

From sun-soaked boulevards to palm-fringed roads in every direction, LA has a way of inviting you into its vibrant lifestyle. Whether you're chasing sunsets over the ocean or wandering through art neighborhoods and looking for those legendary sights you've seen on screens, there's more than enough around every single corner. Explore how creative it is and discover what makes it beautiful, with such a wide variety as far as glamour, culture, and leisure are concerned. This list of 20 amazing things to do in Los Angeles can help ensure that while you're here, you'll enjoy every moment!

Amidst the busy streets of DTLA, Grand Park is a 12-acre urban oasis. Bright pink benches, lush picnic spots, and stunning fountains make it the perfect paradise for relaxation. Since its opening in 2012, the park has hosted concerts, cultural events, and community gatherings that infused energy into the heart of the city. Pack the picnic basket, bring a book, or just do a little gazing; this is one of the most serene and lively places to be in Downtown L.A.

As you step through the entrance of the TCL Chinese Theatre, you'll be transported back in time to experience legendary Hollywood glamour. With many restaurants, shops, and live entertainment venues surrounding the theatre, the Hard Rock Café is situated right in the heart of it all. Just down the street from the theatre and around the corner, the Ovation Hollywood provides visitors with lots of great restaurants and shops, while a little further down the street sits the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. It is highly recommended to arrive early in the morning to avoid heavy foot traffic during peak travel season. Ovation Hollywood is a convenient location for shopping or to grab a quick meal, while the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, offers guided tours on a regular basis.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), located on Grand Avenue, holds thousands of the most current works from the 1940s to the present. Whether you're captivated by a Rothko masterpiece or immersed in the dynamic abstraction of a Jackson Pollock, this museum promises a captivating journey of artistic intrigue. Since 2020, free admission has been provided, thus marking it as one of Downtown LA's best free activities for art lovers wanting to widen their creative horizons.

The Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles has a trendy, creative vibe, filled with innovative restaurants, casual coffee shops, and cocktail lounges. You can enjoy some of the best craft beers at Arts District Brewing Company, especially the Norm stout (a smooth and rich beer), or check out Urth Caffé, Bestia, or Girl & the Goat. Head to EightyTwo, where you can drink while you play vintage arcade games. Book lovers will love browsing through Hennessey and Ingalls' stylishly designed bookcases, and art lovers can find the latest publications at Artbook. Many galleries, studios, and hands-on workshops add to the excitement of creativity spilling over into the street. Art Share L.A. has exhibitions and performances within this large community-based facility. Just east of Little Tokyo, the most active parts of the Arts District can be found along the tracks of Traction Avenue and 3rd Street.

Union Station is a stunning landmark, blending Mission Revival roots with elegant Art Deco details. Its grand waiting hall features magnificent tilework, while courtyards are adorned with lush greenery, offering a truly captivating experience. While Los Angeles gets geared up for high-speed rail and new transit expansions, Union Station still stands as a true icon for past, present, and future connectivity. If you find history and design intriguing, a visit to this facility is one of the most fascinating free things to do in downtown L.A.

The California Science Center provides an immersive experience that covers 10 different ecosystems, including islands, rivers, and dense forests, all showcased by interactive displays around the ecosystem exhibit "Ecosystems." In the section "Life! The Beginning," you will learn about birth, genetics, and the science that gives life to all organisms. "Air and Space" is an excellent exhibit featuring spectacular real-life artifacts from the history of air and space exploration, such as the capsule used by Gemini 11. The science center has an IMAX Theater located in the center. Admission to the California Science Center is free; however, you do need to purchase an IMAX ticket or get a reservation to view exhibits that have an admission fee, which can be reserved via the website. Visitors can visit the California Science Center seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The crown jewel of The Music Center since opening its doors in 2003, it opened after anticipation from the public. Designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry, it is the home of the LA Philharmonic and the LA Master Chorale. From its spectacular building design, the venue is full of life all year round, featuring a diverse range of shows. Go in for an audio tour, and you'll find many secret corners, or just roam in the hidden garden. Indulge in a remarkable dining experience at Asterid by Ray Garcia, nestled inside the hall, or across the street at The Grand LA, where you can savor exquisite offerings thoughtfully curated by José Andrés.

Rodeo Drive gives you great views of a movie set, with various shops, a lot of luxury cars zipping by palm trees, and a mixture of trendy shoppers and onlookers soaking in the star-studded atmosphere. If you're looking for somewhere to relax, 208 Rodeo has a patio area where you can sit and people-watch. There’s the Crustacean restaurant serving customers garlic noodles at their Bedford Drive location, three short blocks away. If you head to the north end, where Rodeo Drive meets Santa Monica Boulevard, you'll find the famous 'Beverly Hills' sign, and at the south end, where Rodeo meets Wilshire Boulevard, you'll find the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, featured in the movie Pretty Woman.

The best way to enjoy DTLA's skyline is by walking, and therefore, the Los Angeles Conservancy walking tours are the best occasion. Whether you admire Art Deco greatness, historic theaters, or towering skyscrapers, these tours reveal the architectural splendor of the city. Instead of staring at buildings, participate and learn their history and significance. Truly, one of the best things to do in Downtown LA for any urban adventurer.

Regardless of the reason, hunger or ambiance, a visit to Grand Central Market is a must. For over a hundred years, this bustling marketplace has been celebrating flavors worldwide. Stroll by neon-lit vendor stalls selling everything from pupusas at Sarita's Pupuseria to crispy carnitas at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas. Looking for something cool? Head to Shiku, Sticky Rice, or Eggslut for fare that follows current culinary trends. It doesn't matter if you're in for leisure time or on the hunt for good food; this will remain one of the best places to visit in LA.

The earlier you arrive, the easier it will be to park, and it will usually be cooler in the morning compared to the extreme heat of summer. Inspiration Point is a popular photo opportunity because of the panoramic view of Los Angeles, and you can usually see the Hollywood Sign on clear days. You may also want to check out Clouds Rest on the East Ridge Trail, as it provides views both toward the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. It is possible to encounter coyotes and rattlesnakes in the park. There are no restrooms in the park, but you will find drinking fountains available, and you may also run into vendors that are selling water at the entrances to the park.

For lovers of books, The Last Bookstore is not just a place to get your next best read; it is a whirlwind of experience. Within a former bank, there are grand columns and vaults converted into reading nooks, an endless maze of bookshelves. The whimsical book tunnel and artsy photo ops make it an instant destination for book lovers and Instagrammers alike. If there was ever a 'last' bookstore to be, we hope it would be something like this.

Venice Beach is a colorful and energetic place filled with art and culture that attracts both locals and visitors from around the world. At the heart of Venice Beach is the boardwalk, which is lined with colorful booths that sell things such as art, jewelry, clothing, and street food. If you stroll from the boardwalk for only 10 minutes, you will reach the charming Venice Canals, which provide a picturesque and serene area. For dining on the beach, try The Fig Tree, which offers excellent brunch on the beach, and Belles Beach House, which is a tiki-themed vintage restaurant with delicious food and drinks.

Step inside the unassuming brick exterior of the Bradbury Building, and you will witness a completely different world. Built in 1893, this architectural relic features an iconic atrium with elaborate iron railings, wooden detailing, and a skylight ceiling. Movie buffs will easily recognize its famous staircases from Blade Runner. Although private offices occupy most of the building, because the interior is still so lovely, visitors can admire its London-style atrium from the ground floor and a short flight of stairs.

Zuma Beach can get very busy during the peak summer months. Zuma Beach is approximately 20 miles from Santa Monica, 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles, and about 35 miles from Hollywood. There are several snack vendors located along the waterfront. The southern end of the beach has a restaurant (Sunset Restaurant) where you can enjoy a meal or drink while looking at the ocean. Parking is not an issue at Zuma Beach, with roughly 2,000 spaces to choose from across eight different parking lots. Keep in mind that these lots will fill up quickly throughout the summer months and on federal holidays, so arrive early.

Three words: Infinity, Mirror, Rooms. The Broad, a contemporary art destination Downtown, has two installations by Yayoi Kusama that hold you captive, but that is not the end of artistic wonders. This free museum shines with post-war masterpieces by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons, among others. Make sure to secure a reservation to enjoy the most immersive experience of the Infinity Room; you won't want to miss this fun place to go in downtown LA.

Sunset Boulevard offers entertainment as you drive down this colourful street. Sunset Boulevard is also home to some of the best live entertainment venues and places to see music and comedy, such as the Comedy Store. Visit the Skybar at Mondrian Los Angeles, Cavatina at Sunset Marquis, and the historic Chateau Marmont. If you like coffee, The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker has some unique and fun ways to brew your coffee! As you drive down Sunset Boulevard, keep your eyes peeled for a celebrity sighting, especially near the Chateau Marmont or Boa Steakhouse.

Wanna experience some of the world’s best performances? Look no further than The Music Center, where Broadway magic meets classical elegance. The Ahmanson Theatre presents touring Broadway productions, while the Mark Taper Forum is famous for its cutting-edge dramas. Opera fans will be ravished by grand performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, home to LA Opera. And don’t forget that just on the other side of the street is the Walt Disney Concert Hall, making this one of the finest attractions in downtown Los Angeles for the performing arts.

Satisfy your cravings at the Farmers Market, which boasts more than 100 different vendors, eateries, and specialty shops, serving up an amazing selection of flavors ranging from burgers (both juicy and charbroiled), noodles (both fried and steamed), chicken (both fried and roasted), dumplings, gumbo, and so much more. If you have a sweet tooth, there are also a variety of desserts to choose from, including donuts, macarons, and ice cream. Some of the best-known vendors include Nonna's Empanadas, Stara Pierogi, Sausage, and Singapore's Banana Leaf. The Farmers Market is wonderful for a pleasant walk or enjoying a casual meal. During the holiday period, the entire property is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, featuring decorations, snow, and live performances daily.

The Getty Center contains a large collection of art, sculptures, and photographs from different eras and cultures. The earliest item in the collection dates back to around 6000 BCE. Some of the most noteworthy pieces at the museum include Vincent van Gogh's Irises (painted in 1889) and an 18th-century French bed, Lit à la Turque. The museum offers incredible views of the surrounding area, including views of the Pacific Ocean.

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