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
If you're still looking for plane tickets check out Skyscanner, it's a great platform that our family used to compare flight tickets and we always get the best deals there.
If you're renting a car, Enterprise is a reliable car rental service that we have personally used without any issues. Consider renting a car for the whole duration of your trip as it may be more affordable than just renting for a short period.
Places To Stay Around Los Angeles
Our family trusts booking.com when it comes to hotels with great deals. Try to find accommodation near Los Angeles as that will save you time traveling and make the most of your vacation days.
Experience the Best of Los Angeles with Our Handpicked Selection
1. Palm Trees of Beverly Hills
Check out Bedford Drive
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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.
8. Rodeo Drive
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.
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.
10. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
18. 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.
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
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.
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...
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 bought a Mother's Day Groupon deal for the whole family for a lovely Saturday cruise in the waters of San Pedro.
25. Whale and Dolphin Watching
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Address: Newport Beach, California
Pay Parking
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
I love this campground, as it's near our place and not too crowded too. There are nearby hiking trails close to the campground.
Listing more activities soon...
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Also, check out: List of favorite hiking places in Southern California
Do you want more adventure?
If you still have one more day to spare why not stay one night at Embassy Suites in Oxnard for a relaxing weekend getaway.
Where am I going next?
My next adventure is to Hike the Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trailhead.
Where am I going next?
My next adventure is to Hike the Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trailhead.
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