Best Things to do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the most iconic and creative cities in the world, drawing in millions of tourists every year, thanks to the city’s pristine beaches, Hollywood walk of fame, music scene, and bustling nightlife. Contrary to what you see on TV, LA is a sprawling city. Unlike NY or SF, where the cities are densely populated in one area, in LA you’ll find neighborhoods are farther apart and each have their own distinct personality.
Due to traffic and lack of public transportation, renting a car is the most convenient way to get around. It’s also best to plan your stay around your interests so that you don’t have to fight traffic to get around. If you’re into fine dining, Beverly Hills is your destination. If you’re looking for bars and nightlife, you can’t go wrong in West Hollywood. If you want a laid back vacation and to spend time by the ocean, Santa Monica is the way to go.
With such diverse neighborhoods, LA is a city that caters to everyone. Read on to learn about the best things to do while in Los Angeles.
Book a Photoshoot
Whether you’re coming to LA to celebrate a milestone or just for fun, one of the best ways to explore some of LA’s most scenic locations is to book a photoshoot in the Santa Monica Mountains, one one of Malibu’s pristine beaches, or one of LA’s iconic landmarks, like The Observatory. Sunny weather nearly year around, makes LA the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot.
I would recommend reaching out to a photographer a couple months in advance of your shoot as many are booked even up to a year in advance and scheduling your session for sunrise or sunset (12-2 has the harshest light and is not ideal unless there’s shade at your location) to get the most beautiful pictures that you can look back on forever.
Dine in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood
For ambiance and a romantic date night, look no further than Beverly Hills or West Hollywood. Two you can’t go wrong with are Republique and The Little Door. The most popular restaurants in these areas book fast, so making a reservation 2 weeks or more in advanced is key. West Hollywood is also one of the best spots in LA to go out for drinks or bar hopping. If you’re looking for more options that just opened in 2021, check out Time Out’s article here.
Go for a Hike in Malibu
Los Leones is a 3-4.5 mile out and back hike. Expect epic ocean views throughout. Make sure to lock up any valuables in your trunk out of sight, which goes for all of LA. Parking is free and you’d be hard pressed to find a hike with a better view. If you’re not staying on the west side, there are plenty of options all around LA, check out All Trails to find another hike close to you.
Explore Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens
Upon entering the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in San Marino you are transported to a tropical oasis. A one of a kind destination where art, history, and natural beauty intersect - the 16 themed gardens boast 27,000 different kinds of plants. You could spend an entire day taking in the culturally diverse gardens inspired by Japan, Australia, Greece, the desert, the jungle, and Shakespeare – just to name a few. Curl up in the grass with a book, get a glass of wine from their Cafe, or peruse the wonderful works of art in the museum. Learn more about the gardens and buy your tickets here.
See a Show
Music plays an integral role in defining LA’s past and present and you won’t want to miss out on seeing a show while you’re in town. Some of the best venues to see top artists are The Greek Theater, Crypto Arena (formally known as the Staples Center), and the Hollywood Bowl. El Rey Theatre is an art deco wonder and intimate setting to see up and coming artists. If you’re visiting during the summer and are a fan of house and electronic, don’t miss Day Trip Festival.
Visit The Getty
The Getty has it all: from sweeping views of Los Angeles, art ranging from the middle ages to modern day, sleek architectural elements, and a number of unique garden paths to get lost in. To find out more about free admission, directions and reservations click here.
Stargaze at Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is currently open Friday - Sunday only, but you can still visit the grounds any day of the week. Whether you want to peek at the moon from the 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope or just walk around the iconic Art Deco building, Griffith Observatory is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Admission to this star attraction is free, but parking will cost you $8 an hour. Learn more about visiting the observatory here.
Stroll Abbot Kinney and the Venice Canals
One of the trendiest streets in Los Angeles and beloved by locals and tourists alike, Abbot Kinney is the perfect street to window shop, grab a glass of wine or coffee and stroll around. Indulge your sweet tooth at Salt & Straw, which has all the classics and a wide variety of unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Less than a mile away are the Venice Canals, where beach bungalow dreams are made of. This neighborhood gem will make you feel like you’re in a miniature version of Italy meets Southern California. From there it’s just a 5 minute walk to the beach.
Go for a bike ride in Manhattan Beach
Not to be missed if you stay on the west side, is Manhattan Beach, one of the most quintessential beach side towns in Southern California. The bike path from Venice to Santa Monica is always packed, but just as beautiful is the less traveled path from Marina del Rey to Manhattan Beach. If you don’t have your own bikes, you can park your car at Fishermen’s Village and rent one from Daniel’s Bicycle Rentals & Sales. You’ll bike down Fiji Way less than 2 minutes, when you see the traffic circle you’ll go towards the left to connect with the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. To Manhattan Beach it’s a little under 10 miles, but the path is so scenic you’ll hardly notice the distance. There are also plenty of places to stop and enjoy the beach along the way.