What to do in Los Angeles, California

What to do in Los Angeles California

Discover the Best of Los Angeles with Our Top 35 To-Do List

Los Angeles is a city full of surprises, and we want to make sure you get the most out of it. Check out our curated list of unique city tours, tantalizing food tastings, and breathtaking nature trips. There's so much more to LA than just Hollywood! Whether you're a local or a tourist, these are the must-see places you won't want to miss. Join us on an unforgettable journey through the City of Angels. Let's go!


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Travel Tips
  • For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
  • For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.



Experience the Best of Los Angeles with Our Handpicked Selection


1. Palm Trees of Beverly Hills

Check out Bedford Drive

If you're looking for that street in Los Angeles that's famously lined with Palm trees and want to avoid the crowd, this is a hidden gem of the city. We usually bring our family and friends here when they visit as it's less crowded and more opportunities for great photos.

LA isn’t known for sweater weather but I love my Boss Mama sweater from Siruhe shop. It’s super soft, and cozy, and feels like a warm hug from a fuzzy bear. Don’t you wanna be hugged by a fuzzy bear? Also, the bear- I mean, the material is lightweight and perfect for packing during any travel!

Boss Mama sweater from Siruhe shopSave 10% with code: TRE10



2. Chinatown

Stroll around Chinatown Central Plaza
Address: 943 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Free Admission
Pay Parking 

Chinatowns are all over the world check out the Los Angeles version of it. Shop for cheap and fresh fruits around here.




3. Koreatown

DINE at Koreatown
Address: S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005
Free Admission
Pay Parking 

Feed your cravings for Pork Barbecue, Kimchi, and Milk Tea at Koreatown. We love Eight Korean BBQ as they have a unique 8 flavored pork selection on their menu. 


Check out: Eight Korean BBQ 

Address: 863 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90005




Visit Little Tokyo Japanese Village Plaza
Address: 335 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Free Admission
Pay Parking 

Favorite Parking Spot:
Brunswig Square Parking 
Address: 352 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

It's safe, clean, cheaper and most importantly within walking distance from Little Tokyo Village.


Get your authentic Ramen experience only at Little Tokyo. We tried Mr. Ramen and the broth tasted like they made everything from scratch. My husband who lived in Japan for 9 years gave me the thumbs up for this small restaurant and mind you he's picky with his ramen. 


Check out: Mr. Ramen 

Address: 341 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

If you're a fan of Japanese-themed adventures, make sure to check out the Anime Pasadena Cosplay Convention in California for an exciting event. 



5. Grand Central

Food adventure in Grand Central
Address: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Free Admission
On-site Parking Structure with fee

A European-inspired food market in Downtown L.A. that has been in business since 1917, talks about good food and chill ambiance. I treated myself to an avocado fish taco and a beer at lunchtime. I'm a big girl and my husband is the one driving - never drink and drive everyone.. no-no-no.



6. Up close the Hollywood Sign

Address: Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Free Admission
Free Parking 

A closer look at the Hollywood sign.  A short and well-maintained trail and getting lost will not be an option. 



7. Santa Monica Pier

Walk at the beach in Santa Monica Pier
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Free Admission
Pay Parking

There are a lot of restaurants at Sta Monica Pier however it gets crowded at the weekends. The kind of crowd that I want to get away with. I prefer to come here on weekdays or early mornings. Dine in and afterwards walk at the beach to break down all those calories.



What to do in Los Angeles, California

8. Rodeo Drive

Address: Beverly Hills, California; Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is a shopper's paradise, and Rodeo Drive is the place to be for luxury brands. Take a stroll down the famous street to indulge in some retail therapy while taking in the sights.



9. LACMA

See the "Urban Light" Los Angeles Iconic Light Installation
LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) 
Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Pay Parking

The famous iconic installation in Los Angeles. It can get really crowded here so be patient.



Street Tacos in California, USA

10. Street Tacos 

Stop by for Mexican Street Tacos 

Craving for Authentic Mexican food? Check out Taco trucks and you'll find the best tacos in Los Angeles. There are lots of food trucks in the Valley Area. These Mexican street tacos are cheap and delicious.


If you feel like checking out something different...


34. Oldest McDonald's hamburger drive-up in Los Angeles

11. Oldest McDonald's 

Visit the oldest McDonald's hamburger drive-up in Los Angeles 
Address: 10207 Lakewood Blvd, Downey, CA 90240
Street Parking

This McDonald's chain has been open since August 1953 till this very day, and they have kept everything classic even the huge sign.


Yamashiro Hollywood

12. Yamashiro

Dine in at Yamashiro Hollywood
Address: 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068

An iconic landmark is called the Japanese Mountain Palace in the hills of Hollywood. What's interesting about this place is the Yamshiro's Pagoda which was flown in from Japan and is still presently considered the oldest structure in California. It has been converted into a restaurant, making it a unique dining experience with all its history.



Address: 13717 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Prices: 
Standard flight (500 ft): $85
Magnum flight (800 ft): $95
Parking Validation

My husband's surprise birthday ride. We did the Magnum flight plus a dip in the waters to make it more exciting.



14. Yacht Cruise

Sunset Yacht Cruise at Marina del Rey
Address: Tahiti Way, California 90292
Time: 6:30-8:30 

Boat rental: Get My Boat website
Parking Permit Provided by Skipper 

We did our vow renewal on a yacht here along with my friend and my husband's family and friends. A few chosen people for a special moment.




15. Castaway 

Overlooking Dining Experience at Castaway 
Address: 1250 E Harvard Rd, Burbank, CA 91501
Restaurant Parking

My first birthday celebration in Los Angeles was up in this overlooking view of the city. We went here in January, the fireplace and the glass of wine made the experience magical.



16. Museum of Illusions 

Address: 6751 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
$25 Admission
Pay Parking

Just for fun, we went to the Museum of Illusions. area Get your imagination going as you fly, fall, and crawl at creative 3D arts in the museum.



Little Ethiopian in Los Angeles

17. Little Ethiopian

Dine in at Little Ethiopian
Address: 1037 South Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles
Pay parking and Street parking

If you're craving something vegan or always want to try vegan dishes, then find this Little Ethiopian place in Los Angeles.

Check out: Rahel Ethiopian Vegan Cuisine 
Address: 1047 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019



Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Free Admission
Pay Parking
Street Parking @ Residential Area

Bike Rental Address: 2440, 517 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

We brought our own bikes when we went biking at Marina del Rey. There's no bike valet it just so happens we were there at the right place and at the right time where they have this awesome Art and Food Festival. 


Tea tasting in Los Angeles

19. Tea-tasting in Los Angeles

Try something new and unique! 

Check out: Chado Tea Room
Address: 79 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103 
Two more locations: Downtown LA, and Hollywood 
Street Parking

We purchased our Tea-tasting voucher with Groupon. 


Plaza Del Valle for Mexican Dishes

20. Plaza Del Valle 

Plaza Del Valle for Mexican Dishes
Address: 8610 Van Nuys Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402
Street Parking

This is the place if you're looking for Authentic Mexican dishes and you'll find most businesses are run by family-owned Mexican families. 

Check out: Restaurant La Huarecita 
Address: 8610 Van Nuys Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402



Address: 6300 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California 91406
Free Admission
Free Parking

If you're looking for a walk in the park this is the place to be. It's never too early to talk about sunset on this list. There are a lot of things to do in this park, they have a picnic area, bike rentals, paddle boats, children's playground, and more.



22. Japanese Garden

Address: 6100 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406
$5 Admission
Free Parking 

A huge zen garden in the city. The flowers and trees are organized to perfection. They have a tea house inside where you can enjoy the garden view with bits of pastry on the side of your small teacup.


If you feel like driving further...

Knott's Taste of Boysenberry Festival

23. Food Festivals

Address: 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA
Free Parking

The event usually starts on March 5th till May 2nd and if you happen to be available, go for it.

Regular tasting cards (ages 12+):45 USD (plus tax) and will include five food tastings
Junior tasting cards (ages 3-11): 20 USD (plus tax)



24. Watercruise

LA Waterfront Cruises 
Address: 1150 Nagoya Way, San Pedro, CA 90731
Free Parking 
We purchased our LA Waterfront Cruise Ticket with Groupon. 

We bought a Mother's Day Groupon deal for the whole family for a lovely Saturday cruise in the waters of San Pedro. 


Whale and Dolphin Watching

25. Whale and Dolphin Watching

Whale and Dolphin Watching
Address: Newport Beach, California
Pay Parking
We purchased our Whale and Dolphin Watching Ticket with Groupon. 

We didn't only get to see the whales and dolphins during our cruise, we also did a caricature drawing of our soon-to-be family of three.  If you're pregnant, check out my Journey to Motherhood post for Pregnancy tips when traveling and Minimalist baby essentials.

For delicious food, check out: Balboa Bar-B-Que 
Address: 600 E Bay Ave A7, Newport Beach, CA 92661



Address: Venice Beach, 90291
Free Admission
Street Parking @ Residential Area
Pay Parking

This is a great place for surfers, you can't really swim in the waters as the waves will push you back to shore. I had fun playing with the waves and holding on to my swimwear to avoid any wardrobe malfunction.



27. Will Rogers State Beach

See the sunset at Will Rogers State Beach
Address: 17000 CA-1, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Free Admission
Parking: $6

This is a good option if you're trying to get away from the crowd in the nearby Sta Monica Beach. Just a few minutes drive away and you get to experience the same waters and a lovely view of the sunset.



28. El Matador Beach

Drive to El Matador Beach
Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Free Admission
Pay Parking

I love this secluded beach. It's clean, people come here to relax and just enjoy the view of the waters.



29. Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach

Address: Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Street Parking and Pay Parking

A less crowded beach with a long stretch of white sand. Kids were sandboarding here. There's a plaza nearby for drinks and meals. Afterwards, just a few minutes away we went to a Brazilian Steakhouse near Redondo Beach for our 30th-month celebration in this area while overlooking a beautiful sunset.

Check out: Samba By The Sea
Address: 207 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
We purchased our Brazilian Buffet voucher with Groupon.



30. Point Dume Beach

Drive to Point Dume Beach
Address: 6800 Westward Beach Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
Free Admission
Pay Parking 

The best overlooking hike on my list. We went here in Springtime and the flowers were amazing, we saw whales too!


Los Angeles Botanic Garden

31. Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Visit the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
Address: 301 North Baldwin AvenueArcadia, CA, 91007 
Free Parking

A 127-acre oasis in L.A. if you want to get away from the bustling city without leaving the city.

Entrance fee: Adults: USD 15, Students and Seniors: USD 11, Ages 5-12: USD 5 and 4 and under is free



Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park and Nature Center 
Address: 1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107  Opening Hours:  Sunrise- Sunset 
Free Admission
Free Parking

I love nature hikes. Period. I'm in awe of nature and all its splendors. This hike is good for beginner hikers and at the end of the trail, you get to see the beautiful Eaton Canyon waterfalls.



33. Malibu Creek State Park

Hike Malibu Creek State Park
Address: 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
$12 admission and for whole day parking

We brought my friend here from New Hampshire. It's nothing compared to her coastal home and New England feels but I hope she got to see the beauty of the Los Angeles mountains in this hike.




Address: Paseo Miramar Trail, Malibu, CA 90265
Free admission
Free Parking

A short hike not far from the city to see the overlooking coastal waters of Los Angeles. I love this hike as I see a different side of L. Aside from its building and the chaotic mass of people in the city.




Address: Campground, Palmdale, CA 93550
Fee: $12 per night
No reservations First come, first serve. 

I love this campground, as it's near our place and not too crowded too. There are nearby hiking trails close to the campground.


Are you considering a move to California? Check out our guide on how to Navigate Life in California: A Helpful Guide for Future Residents.

Have fun and be safe ^__^

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