What to See and Do in Los Angeles: A Local-Inspired Guide

This guide to What to See and Do in Los Angeles was originally written after an extended stay and has since been thoughtfully updated to reflect the city as it is today — with a few new discoveries I would happily return to.

What to See and Do in Los Angeles: A Local-Inspired Guide

There are certain cities that reveal themselves slowly, and Los Angeles is one of them. It’s a city that rewards a slower, more considered approach.

Los Angeles is vast, and best experienced by neighbourhood. Rather than trying to do everything, I would suggest choosing one or two areas each day and allowing time to enjoy them properly.

If you’re planning your itinerary, you might also enjoy my guide to where to eat and drink in Los Angeles.

I would also recommend either hiring a car or downloading the UBER app in order to get between one site and the next.

I have grouped what to do and what to see in Los Angeles by theme, and where possible, also by area to help in planning your day.

Hollywood & Griffith Park

Best for: Iconic landmarks, city views, and classic LA experiences.

Few places capture the imagination quite like Hollywood.

While you can’t climb up to the famous Hollywood sign itself, you can get a good view (and photo) from either Griffith Park or the Hollywood Hills – particularly in the early morning or just before sunset.

If you’re in Griffith Park, then it would definitely be worth visiting the Griffith Observatory (where you can see the Foucault Pendulum, the Hall of the Sky and the Hall of the Eye.)

A walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which runs along Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue and for three blocks on Vine Street, is almost a rite of passage. Here you can see over 2500 pink and bronze terrazzo stars embedded in the sidewalk, immortalising celebrities, such as Humphrey Bogart, Elvis Presley, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Alfred Hitchcock, Charlie Chaplin and more recent stars such as Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Aniston.

The nearby TCL Chinese Theatre still draws visitors for its historic handprints and cinematic heritage.

If you’re visiting in summer, it’s also worth checking the programme at the Hollywood Bowl — an unforgettable setting for an open-air concert.

When to go: Early morning for quieter views, or sunset for atmosphere

Where to Stay: If you’re planning to base yourself in Hollywood, a few well-located options include:

• The Hollywood Roosevelt : Historic, iconic, and right on Hollywood Boulevard — ideal if you want atmosphere and location in equal measure.
• 1 Hotel West Hollywood : A more modern, design-led option with a beautiful rooftop and a calm, sustainable aesthetic.
• The London West Hollywood : Spacious suites and a refined feel — slightly removed from the busiest areas, which makes it more relaxing.

Pro tip: Pair Griffith Observatory with a short hike — it’s one of the easiest ways to experience LA beyond the surface.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery (A Hidden Cultural Experience)

Best for: Something a little different, with a sense of history

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery offers a surprisingly peaceful contrast to the energy of Hollywood.

By day, it’s a place to wander quietly among the resting places of film legends, such as Cecil B DeMille, Rudolph Valentino and Jayne Mansfield.

On summer evenings, it transforms into an outdoor cinema — where locals gather for film nights under the stars.

If you are in Los Angeles in the Fall, then the “Dia de Los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) takes place in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on November 1^st. Taking its origins from Mexican traditions, this festival comprises processions, decorations, music and dancing to honour the dead.

When to go: Daytime for a quieter visit, or summer evenings for film screenings

Pro tip: Book ahead for events — they are popular and often sell out.

Museums in Los Angeles

For a more cultural perspective, Los Angeles offers an impressive range of museums – you can visit the museums on Museum Row at Miracle Mile, the Getty Museum and the California Science Center on Exposition Park Drive.

Miracle Mile runs between Fairfax Avenue and La Brea Boulevard on Wilshire Boulevard and is home to 4 major L.A museums:

• LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) (see lacma.org)
• La Brea Tar Pits
• The Craft and Folk Art Museum
• Petersen’s Automobile Museum

The Getty Museum incorporates the Getty Center (with its art exhibits from Byzantine to Impressionism to 20^th Century American photography) in the Brentwood Area of L.A and also the Getty Villa in the Pacific Palisades area of L.A on the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), which houses the J Paul Getty museum’s collection of Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities.

Pro tip: Admission is free, but requires a timed-entry reservation, so make sure to book ahead.

Beverly Hills & Miracle Mile

Best for: Elegant strolls, culture, and a touch of glamour.

Apart from shopping in style on Rodeo Drive and sipping a cocktail at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, as immortalized by Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman”, you can also take a walking tour of Beverly Hills and one of the top tourist attractions is a tour of the stars’ homes.

A walk through Beverly Gardens Park, with its iconic sign, is a simple but lovely way to experience the area.

Just a short distance away, The Grove offers a different kind of experience — part shopping destination, part social hub. With its open-air layout, dancing fountain, and easy atmosphere, it’s an enjoyable place to pause for an hour or two, whether for a coffee, a film, or simply to take in the rhythm of the city.

When to go: Late morning or early afternoon for a relaxed pace

Where to Stay: If you’re staying in Beverly Hills, a few elegant options include:

• Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills : Elegant, understated luxury with one of the best rooftops in the city.
• The Beverly Hills Hotel : Classic, iconic, and unmistakably LA — more about experience than trend.
• SIXTY Beverly Hills: A more contemporary option with a lively rooftop and central location.

Pro tip: Combine Beverly Hills with a visit to The Grove and Farmers Market nearby for an easy, well-balanced day.

Larchmont Village, A Hidden Gem in Los Angeles

Best for: Slow mornings, coffee stops, and a more local perspective

If Los Angeles ever feels overwhelming, Larchmont Village is where you go to exhale.

Small, walkable, and quietly charming, it offers a glimpse of everyday life in the city — the kind of place where mornings begin slowly and everything feels just a little more relaxed.

Independent cafés, small boutiques, and a gentle sense of community give it a very different energy from the better-known areas of Los Angeles.

When to go: Weekday mornings for a quieter, more authentic feel

Pro tip: Visit on a Sunday if you can — the small farmers’ market adds to the sense of neighbourhood life.

Downtown Los Angeles

Best for: Architecture, culture, and a more contemporary LA

Downtown LA has evolved into one of the city’s most interesting areas.

Highlights include The Broad for contemporary art and the striking Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry.

Nearby, Grand Central Market offers a lively, informal stop — ideal if you’re combining sightseeing with a relaxed lunch.

When to go: Late morning into afternoon

Where to stay: For exploring Downtown, a centrally located hotel can make all the difference. A few to consider include:

• The Hoxton Downtown LA: Stylish, relaxed, and well located — a great base for exploring Downtown.
• Proper Hotel Downtown LA: Design-forward and slightly more boutique, with a beautiful rooftop space.
• InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown: Modern and high-rise, with incredible views over the city.

Pro tip: Plan one or two key stops and allow time to explore on foot — this is one of the few areas of LA that rewards wandering.

Santa Monica & Venice Beach

Best for: Coastal walks, relaxed afternoons, and classic California scenery

The coastline offers a completely different perspective on Los Angeles.

In Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade are lively and accessible, while Montana Avenue provides a quieter, more local feel.

From here, cycling along the coast to Venice Beach is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the area.

At Venice Beach, you can take a walk around the canals, have a look at the shops in Abbot Kinney or explore the Boardwalk, with its outdoor shops, bohemian fashion, tattoo parlours, street performers and of course skateboarding.

This is the Los Angeles many people imagine — relaxed, sunlit, and quietly cinematic.

When to go: Late afternoon into sunset

Where to stay: If you’re staying in Santa Monica, choosing a hotel near the beach makes it easy to explore on foot. Options include:

• Shutters on the Beach: Coastal elegance at its best — right on the sand, calm and timeless.
• Hotel Casa del Mar: A slightly grander feel, with beautiful ocean views and a relaxed luxury atmosphere.
• The Georgian Hotel: Recently refreshed, with a more boutique, characterful feel.
• Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach: Laid-back and perfectly located near the beach, with a fun rooftop.

Pro tip: Hire bikes and move between Santa Monica and Venice — it’s far more enjoyable than driving.

Studio Tours & Film Culture

Best for: Film lovers and behind-the-scenes experiences

Los Angeles is, of course, synonymous with the film industry, and visiting a working studio offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes.

There are several film studios open to the public in Los Angeles, of which two of the most well-known are Universal Studios and Warner Brothers.

Universal Studios Hollywood is ideal if you enjoy a more immersive, theme park-style experience, while Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood provides a more detailed look at sets and production. You can book tickets below.

It’s also possible to attend live TV recordings — a unique experience, although it does require time and advance booking.

Pro tip: Choose just one studio — trying to do too much in one day can quickly become tiring.

Hiking in and around Los Angeles 

Best for: Fresh air, views, and a slower pace

For a different side of Los Angeles, head into the hills.

There are several trails to choose from depending on your level of fitness and the time you have available, but on all of them the views are magnificent.

Another great place for a walk is Malibu Creek State Park, and for those of you who remember the 1970s TV series M*A*S*H, you can still see the outdoor set and the ambulance truck as filming took place here.

Pro tip: Start early in the day — both for cooler temperatures and softer light.

Sports & Live Events

Best for: Experiencing LA like a local

For sports enthusiasts, Los Angeles offers everything from baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers to basketball with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.

And for ice-hockey, you could watch the Kings and soccer fans might enjoy watching LA Galaxy.

Pro tip: Even if you’re not a sports fan, the atmosphere alone makes it worthwhile.

Getting Around Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a city best experienced with a little flexibility.

While some neighbourhoods are walkable, distances between them can be significant. Hiring a car or using ride apps is often the easiest way to move between areas, particularly if you’re short on time.

Pro tip: Plan your days by neighbourhood to minimise travel time and enjoy each area more fully.

Planning What to See and Do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is not a city to rush.

The most enjoyable visits are those that allow space — for a long lunch, an unplanned stop, or simply a moment to take in the view.

If you’re planning your itinerary, you might also enjoy my guide to where to eat and drink in Los Angeles, and you can also browse my curated hotel recommendations here.

Pro tip: Plan your days by neighbourhood, and resist the temptation to do too much.

FAQs: What to Know Before Visiting Los Angeles

Q: How many days do you need in Los Angeles?
At least 3–5 days to explore a few neighbourhoods without rushing.

Q: Do you need a car in Los Angeles?
Yes, or use ride apps — distances are significant and public transport is limited.

Q: What is the best time to visit Los Angeles?
Spring and autumn offer the best balance of weather and fewer crowds.

Q: Is Los Angeles walkable?
Some areas (like Downtown or Santa Monica) are, but overall the city is spread out.

Q: What should you prioritise on a first visit?
Hollywood, the coast (Santa Monica/Venice), and one cultural area like Downtown or Museum Row.

Final Thoughts : What to See and Do in Los Angeles: A Local-Inspired Guide

I hope this guide has given you a feel for what to see and do in Los Angeles… and whatever you choose I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re planning a trip, you might like to pin this guide for later — especially when mapping out your itinerary.

Have a look also at our companion guides on where to eat and drink in Los Angeles and ten places to stop on the Pacific Coast Highway.

I will be back soon with more travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog below to make sure you never miss a post,

 

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