Best places to visit in Los Angeles: 14 top attractions

Discover 14 of the best places to visit in Los Angeles, where the stories of Hollywood and the allure of sun-drenched shores sit side by side. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to thrill rides at Universal Studios, LA’s kaleidoscope of culture, history, and entertainment is a perfect canvas for every traveler.

Whether you want to dive into LA’s history, find family-friendly attractions, or experience LA’s best art museums, there is something for every type of explorer. Hit the waves with local surfers or discover LA’s best food to try — there’s so much to see and do in the City of Angels.

Best places to visit in Los Angeles for history

1. La Brea Tar Pits

The La Brea Tar Pits is a fascinating window into prehistoric Los Angeles, where the remains of ancient animals have been preserved in bubbling tar for thousands of years. Walk through the museum to see the fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and more.

Highlights:

Witness active excavations during the summer and see paleontologists at work uncovering new finds right before your eyes.

Address and opening hours:

5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90036 . Open 9:30 AM-5:00 PM every day.

2. Natural History Museum

LA’s Natural History Museum has showcased millions of years of history to visitors since 1913. The museum features a collection of over 35 million objects, from dinosaur skeletons to thousands of precious gemstones.

Highlights:

Explore seasonal exhibitions like the Butterfly Pavilion and the Spider Pavilion for live encounters and an up-close perspective on biodiversity.

Address and opening hours:

900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90007. Open 9:30 AM-5:00 PM every day.

3. Battleship USS Iowa Museum

The Battleship USS IOWA Museum is a tribute to the American naval forces and stands as a symbol of strength and freedom. Moored in the Port of Los Angeles, this historic battleship offers visitors a unique glimpse into life at sea during wartime and the chance to explore a real naval vessel.

Highlights:

Take the chance to stand on the ship’s bridge and experience the view once reserved only for naval commanders.

Address and opening hours:

250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731. Open 10:00 AM-4:00 PM every day.

4. The TCL Chinese Theater

The TCL Chinese Theatre has hosted many famous movie premiers over the years. It’s renowned for its unique architectural design and forecourt, which features the signatures and handprints of stars past and present written in cement.

Highlights:

Experience a viewing experience as legendary as the venue itself with a film in IMAX on one of the largest screens in the United States.

Address:

6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA, 90028. Performance times vary.

Best places to visit in Los Angeles for art

5. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

LACMA is one of the largest art museums in the western United States. The museum features over 150,000 artworks from across the world, from ancient art created thousands of years ago to modern pieces by today’s creatives.

Highlights:

Don’t miss the Urban Light installation, one of LA’s most popular landmarks, where 202 restored street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s light up Wilshire Boulevard.

Address and opening hours:

5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90036. Open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM; Friday, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM; and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

6. The Getty

The J. Paul Getty Museum houses one of the world’s most acclaimed fine art collections. Inspire your inner artist while exploring the extensive photograph collection and works by Vincent van Gogh, Turner, and Da Vinci.

Highlights:

There’s a lot to explore at the Getty; a guided tour with an expert can help you get the most out of your visit while gaining a deeper understanding of the art and the artist.

Address and opening hours:

1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90049. Open Tuesday-Friday and Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM, and Saturday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

7. The Broad

When it comes to the best places to visit in downtown Los Angeles for free, it’s hard to beat The Broad’s groundbreaking displays. The museum’s collections feature a diverse range of inspiring works by artists like Warhol, Kusama, and Lichtenstein.

Highlights:

Experience an illusion of infinite space at The Broad’s two Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Rooms, one of LA’s most notable contemporary art installations.

Address and opening hours:

221 S Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90012. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM; Thursday, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Best places in Los Angeles for families

8. Universal Studios

As a world-famous landmark for film and TV history, Universal Studios lets visitors immerse themselves in the curiosities of the cinematic world. With rides inspired by blockbuster hits and access to film sets, this is one of the best attractions in LA for all ages.

Highlights:

Go behind the scenes of real Hollywood movie sets on one of the studio tours for an insider glimpse into how movie magic is made.

Address and opening hours:

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA, 91608. Open Saturday-Monday, 8:00 AM-10:00 PM; Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 AM-9:00 PM; and Friday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM.

9. Griffith Observatory

Situated high in the Hollywood Hills, Griffith Observatory offers one of the best vantage points in LA. Visit during the day to explore the observatory, but stay for the evening to view the stars and planets, as this is one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles at night.

Highlights:

Take in unparalleled views of celestial wonders above Los Angeles with the Zeiss telescope, one of the most looked-through telescopes in the world.

Address and opening hours:

2800 E Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, CA, 90027. Open Tuesday-Friday, 12:00 PM-10:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM.

10. Petersen Automotive Museum

The Petersen Automotive Museum is a paradise for car enthusiasts. It features an impressive collection of over 300 cars and motorcycles, and the exhibits span the history of automotive innovation, from classic vintage models to futuristic concept cars.

Highlights:

The Vault, now with over 250 vehicles, gives you an exclusive look at rare, innovative, and unique cars not displayed in the general exhibits, including Hollywood-famous and historically significant vehicles (separate admission required).

Address and hours:

6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM every day.

Best places to visit in Los Angeles for culture

11. Warner Brothers Studios

The Warner Brothers name is well-known in the entertainment industry, and has been for over a century. Visit the Warner Bros. Studio in Hollywood to see where many popular movies and TV shows have been made. You may even spot a famous face or two during your visit.

Highlights:

With exclusive guided tours of the backlot and sets, you can go behind the scenes and experience over 100 years of film and TV history.

Address and opening hours:

3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA, 91505. Open 8:30 AM-3:30 PM every day.

12. Hollywood Walk of Fame

As one of the most famous sidewalks in the world, the Hollywood Walk of Fame features over 2,600 stars, each bearing the name of a notable figure in the entertainment industry. More stars are added each year, so searching for your new and old favorite figures is always an adventure.

Highlights:

Walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame will take you past many of Hollywood’s most famous attractions, so it’s a great starting place for a day of exploration.

Address:

Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90028.

13. The Hollywood Museum

Housed in the Max Factor Building, the Hollywood Museum features over 10,000 pieces of Hollywood memorabilia from the early years up to today. The collection includes costumes, props, private photographs, and many other fascinating items from the history of Hollywood.

Highlights:

Marilyn Monroe fans will want to dedicate some time to the extensive collection of Marilyn memorabilia, including her famous million-dollar dress.

Address and opening hours:

1660 N Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA, 90028. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM every day except Mondays and Tuesdays.

14. Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Madame Tussauds brings you face-to-face with wax figures of your favorite celebrities and historical figures. Pose with lifelike statues of Hollywood legends, pop stars, sports heroes, and more.

Highlights:

Take advantage of the Marvel Super Heroes 4D experience, which combines the excitement of 3D film technology with immersive special effects, including wind, water, and smells.

Address and opening hours:

6933 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Open Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

FAQs

How many days should I spend in Los Angeles?

To make the most of your time in Los Angeles, you should allow between three to four days for your visit. This will give you enough time to take in many of the main tourist attractions in LA.

What is the best time of year to visit Los Angeles?

The spring and fall months are the best times to visit LA as there are fewer crowds and the weather is not too hot. There may be a few showers during this period, but generally only towards the winter months.

How do I get around Los Angeles?

LA has an efficient public transport network, and you can get around just about anywhere using the bus and metro. In addition, many attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in Hollywood and the LA coast. Bike and Segway options are also available. For convenience and to reach more distant attractions, consider using rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Los Angeles?

Hollywood is a must-see for movie and TV fans, and it’s a great spot to start exploring some of the top sights in LA. Venice Beach and Santa Monica are also great locations to experience some Southern Californian beach vibes. Don’t miss exploring the artsy and vibrant neighborhoods of Silver Lake and Echo Park for a taste of local culture and cuisine.

What are the best places to go shopping in Los Angeles?

Rodeo Drive is the premier shopping location in Los Angeles. Other popular shopping locations include the Grove, Melrose Avenue, the Abbot Kinney Boulevard Shops, and the Beverly Center. For a more unique shopping experience, visit the Los Angeles Fashion District or the eclectic shops in the Arts District.