Los Angeles Travel Guide

Los Angeles has more than its fair share of famous landmarks to explore, you’ll find plenty of exhilarating activities off the beaten path in Los Angeles that even Angelenos themselves may not have tried.

From soaking in the surf scene to hopping around the city’s best bars, this list of 14 fun activities in Los Angeles will help you to pack exciting activities into your itinerary, even if you only have 48 hours in LA.

When many people think of Los Angeles, they generally imagine a land of sun, surf, and Hollywood stars. Yet there is plenty of culture and history to discover in Los Angeles as well. In fact, when it comes to museums, LA has some of the finest in the country.

You may know Los Angeles for its summer vibes, on-the-go lifestyle and dazzling nightlife. But Los Angeles also contains many places where you can experience art and culture. From fine art galleries in Los Angeles to slightly offbeat and quirky museums, there is a wealth of opportunities for art lovers to explore in the City of Angels.

The quest for hidden gems in Los Angeles uncovers layers of the city that are sometimes overshadowed by major sights like Universal Studios, the Hollywood Sign, and Disneyland. Sneak off the tourist path, and you’ll find secret places like Richard Nixon’s Presidential Library, Theatre Row, and Echo Park that invite you to delve deeper into the essence of LA.

Los Angeles is a city where everything feels bigger. Whether it's the legacy of culture and history found throughout Hollywood or the wild and exciting arts scene found in the city's Art District, Los Angeles has truly earned its status as one of the great cities of the world.

If you’re wondering what the best things to eat in Los Angeles are, look no further. While the City of Angels is known for its fast-paced lifestyle, the glitz of the entertainment industry, and year-round warm weather, Los Angeles has a unique food scene. The hybrid of cultures in LA means you’ll find that it has some of the best culinary delights to satiate your palate, even if you’re only in LA for 48 hours on a layover.

Los Angeles and Southern California are well-known for their palm trees, sunshine, and blue skies. No visit to Los Angeles is complete without visiting a few of the famous landmarks in Hollywood or the beaches in Santa Monica and Venice during the day. But once the sun sets, the dazzling neon lights come on, and the City of Angels truly comes alive.

There’s so much to love about Los Angeles –– the sun, the sea, and of course, the (movie) stars. One of the most exciting cities in the world, this is where dreams are made. And if you’re looking for a dreamy 48 hours in the city of angels, look no further. We’ve put together an itinerary full of iconic landmarks, invigorating activities, and fun (lots and lots of it). 

Day 1

9am:

Beyond LA’s adult scene of bars, concerts, and art galleries are numerous kid-friendly attractions and family-friendly activities that make Los Angeles a perfect family destination. Some kids might dream of meeting their favorite movie characters, while others prefer the hands-on discovery of sea creatures or the thrill of catching their first wave. In LA, all of this is right at your fingertips.

What should I do on my first trip to Los Angeles?

First-time visitors need to see quintessential Los Angeles attractions like the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory, which is a fascinating attraction in its own right and has a great view of the LA skyline. You can hike to them both with a guide, learning all the history as you go. Another personal favorite is heading to Santa Monica to shop and dine around the Promenade, soak up the sun on the beach, and enjoy all the fun activities on the pier. Venice Beach has awesome ocean views, restaurants, and bars, the famous Muscle Beach, funky shops, street performers, and picturesque canals surrounded by stunning homes.

What's your best advice for someone traveling to LA?

Having a car is a necessity in Los Angeles, as public transportation isn't reliable, but try not to drive during rush hour (7:00-10:00 AM and 4:00-7:00 PM) otherwise you'll spend hours in the notorious LA traffic. Plan to visit two areas per day around these times.

What are the best months to visit Los Angeles?

One of the best things about Southern California is its climate, which is comfortably warm year-round. You can expect warm, dry summers and mild winters. Staying close to the coast means you can catch the ocean breeze on the hottest days. It can be overcast around June though, we call it the "June Gloom."

What are some hidden gems to see in the city?

Check out the Tesla Coil while you’re at Griffith Observatory, which you can see at work discharging lightning every hour. For something different in Downtown LA, head to the San Pedro Fish Market near Long Beach, where you can dine at the waterfront seafood spots and visit the Point Fermin Lighthouse, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, and the beautiful Korean Bell of Friendship. And cruising around the homes of Hollywood's most famous residents and iconic filming locations is always fun — it helps to have an in-the-know guide so you don't miss a thing.

How much time should I spend in Los Angeles?

You'll need at least a weekend in LA to see the highlights, but you can spend a month here and never be bored. If you only have a few days, stay around Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Venice, or Downtown LA — don't try to see too much as you'll spend half your time in traffic. If you have more time, you can explore the coast and drive to Malibu and Topanga State Park.

Where should I eat in LA?

Los Angeles has great Mexican food, a remarkable Koreatown, and the must-taste In-N-Out Burger — do as the Angelinos do and order a Double-Double. Pink's Hot Dogs, Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles, DK's Donuts, and Canter's Deli are all famous spots that live up to the hype. And try the excellent restaurants around the pier if you go to Santa Monica.

What are the best months to visit?

One of the best things about Southern California is its climate, which is comfortably warm year-round. You can expect warm, dry summers and mild winters. Staying close to the coast means you can catch the ocean breeze on the hottest days. It can be overcast around June though, we call it the "June Gloom".

What's a favorite neighborhood you recommend visiting?

Venice is known for its funky shops and beachfront skate park, beach volleyball courts, street performers, outdoor gym, and the Venice canals. This is a pretty laid-back spot to stay and a fun area for dining and nightlife too. If you can, rent a beach cruiser and cruise down the 22-mile bike path to Santa Monica.

What are the best places to shop in LA?

If budget is no issue, Melrose Avenue and Rodeo Drive are the pinnacles of designer shopping in LA. Third Street Promenade and The Grove are outdoor malls with tons of stores to suit almost everyone. And Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach is where you can find great independent boutiques.

What are your 5 favorite GetYourGuide experiences in LA?

• Santa Monica: Bike and eBike Rentals with map
• Los Angeles: Downtown Food Tour
• Hollywood: Haunted Walking Tour, True Crime, Creepy Tales
• Los Angeles: See LA in a Day by Electric Bike
• Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting

The quest for hidden gems in Los Angeles uncovers layers of the city that are sometimes overshadowed by major sights like Universal Studios, the Hollywood Sign, and Disneyland. Sneak off the tourist path, and you’ll find secret places like Richard Nixon’s Presidential Library, Theatre Row, and Echo Park that invite you to delve deeper into the essence of LA.