Los Angeles · Southern California

Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA

From Griffith Observatory to the beaches of Santa Monica, LA is endlessly explorable. Here are the best activities, landmarks, markets, and events across the city.

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Museums & Art

World-Class Museums & Galleries

LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036) is the largest art museum in the western US, with collections spanning ancient to contemporary. The iconic Urban Light installation — 202 restored street lamps — is one of the most photographed spots in LA.

The Getty Center (1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049) offers free admission, stunning architecture by Richard Meier, and panoramic views of the city. Its gardens are worth the visit alone.

For contemporary art, The Broad (221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012) houses over 2,000 works by artists like Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Yayoi Kusama. General admission is free.

The Natural History Museum of LA County (900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007) has dinosaur halls, gem collections, and rotating exhibits. Right next door is the California Science Center (700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037), home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Outdoors & Landmarks

Iconic LA Landmarks & Outdoor Activities

Griffith Observatory (2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027) is free to visit and offers some of the best views of the Hollywood Sign and the LA skyline. The planetarium shows are affordable and worth catching. Hike up from the Greek Theatre parking lot or take the shuttle from the Griffith Park visitor center.

The Santa Monica Pier (200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401) has rides, an aquarium, street performers, and sunset views that never get old. Combine it with a walk along the Third Street Promenade or a bike ride on the beach path.

Runyon Canyon is the go-to urban hike — a 3-mile loop with views of the Hollywood Sign, downtown, and the ocean on clear days. It's dog-friendly and social.

Highlights

Best Things to Do in Los Angeles

Museums
🏛️ LACMA
5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. The largest art museum in the West. Home to Urban Light and collections spanning thousands of years.
Landmarks
🔭 Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Free admission, planetarium shows, and the best views of the Hollywood Sign and LA skyline.
Art
🎨 The Broad
221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Free general admission. Kusama's Infinity Rooms alone are worth the trip.
Outdoors
🏖️ Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Rides, food, street performers, and California sunsets.
Markets
🥬 Original Farmers Market
6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Since 1934. Over 100 vendors — produce, prepared foods, and specialty shops. Open daily.
Museums
🚀 California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037. Home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Free general admission.
FAQ

Los Angeles — Questions Answered

What are the top things to do in Los Angeles?
The top LA attractions include Griffith Observatory, LACMA, The Broad, the Getty Center, Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood, and the Original Farmers Market. There's also incredible hiking at Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park, plus beaches from Malibu to Manhattan Beach.
What are free things to do in LA?
Many of LA's best attractions are free: Griffith Observatory, The Broad, the Getty Center, hiking at Runyon Canyon, visiting beaches, the California Science Center, and attending free community events and festivals throughout the year.
What is LA known for?
Los Angeles is known for the entertainment industry (Hollywood), incredible diversity, world-class museums, beaches, year-round sunshine, a massive food scene, and cultural neighborhoods from Koreatown to Little Armenia to Olvera Street.
When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?
LA is great year-round thanks to mild weather. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the best combination of comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is peak tourist season.
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