19 Once in a Lifetime Things to Do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles: the city of dreams. It’s a place where people think big and aren’t afraid to take risks. It has concert venues, natural beauty, and theme parks. It also has amazing neighborhoods, beaches, museums, and movie studios.

All that to say, any traveler will find something to their liking there.

As someone who has lived in the city for 10 years, I’m here to guide you through its most iconic attractions. Here are my personal recommendations for the once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles.

1. Hollywood

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Blvd is perhaps the most famous attraction in Los Angeles. You’ll see Hollywood history with a long row of stars embedded in the sidewalks, dedicated to some of the most prominent figures in Film, TV, and Music history.

When you’re on Hollywood Blvd., it’s hard to miss the TCL Chinese Theater. It has handprints, footprints, and autographs of Hollywood celebs. You can even catch a movie inside of the pagoda-style building.

• Distance: Approximately 1.3 miles long
• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
• Other Attractions: All within a short walk from the TCL Chinese Theater are Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Dolby Theater, and El Capitan Theater.

Hollywood Sign

Next on your list should be finding the famous Hollywood sign, an iconic landmark perched at the top of the city that can be seen from vantage points around the city.

If you want to get up close and personal, you can plan a hike in the Hollywood Hills to stand next to the sign.

Multiple hikes are available in the hills with varying difficulty levels (all with fantastic views).

Helicopter Tour: For those looking to see the views from the sky, booking a helicopter tour offers a striking aerial view. Highly recommended!

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a unique movie-watching experience and an actual cemetery.

Cinespia hosts outdoor screenings of classic movies and cult classics throughout the summer. The backdrop of mausoleums is atmospheric and adds to the ambiance.

When you’re there, you’ll also find themed photo booths, DJ sets before and after the screenings, and places for picnics.

2. Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is a dive into astronomy, where you can see exhibits, shows, and look through telescopes (including the famous Zeiss telescope).

But most importantly, Griffith has the best view in Los Angeles, with a panoramic of the downtown LA skyline. Locals often go purely for the views.

Pro-tip: Watching the city lights at night is an excellent date night idea.

• Visiting Hours: Generally open from 12 PM to 10 PM, but check the official website for any changes.
• Other Attractions: Just below is Griffith Park, which offers hiking trails, a golf course, and a chance to see the Hollywood sign from different perspectives.

3. Santa Monica

The Famous Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica is where the city meets the ocean. As its most prominent landmark, the pier overlooks the water and has a mix of culture, food, and entertainment.

The pier has an amusement park, aquarium, and family-friendly restaurants. More often than not, you’ll see street performers, magicians, or musicians.

• Opening Hours: Generally open from 6 AM to 10 PM, but it varies for different attractions.
• Tip: Sunsets don’t get better than in Santa Monica, with uninterrupted views over the Pacific.

Santa Monica Beach

On either side of the pier, Santa Monica Beach provides a vast stretch of sand that gives ample space to lie down or do activities.

You’ll find cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants along the beach. There’s also a long path for biking or jogging that stretches the length of the beach.

• Facilities: Restrooms, bike rentals, and picnic areas are available.
• Recommended Time to Visit: The beach is the go-to for locals, so go in the early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the crowd.

4. Universal Studios Hollywood

One of the highlights of a visit to Los Angeles is a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s an iconic theme park in the middle of the city, offering a combo of rides, live shows, and a peek behind the scenes of famous film sets.

Harry Potter World

For Harry Potter fans, the Wizarding World is a must-visit section within Universal Studios Hollywood.

Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of the Harry Potter series. The attraction is extremely themed, filled with castles and costumes. You’ll see famous spots from the films and go on themed rides.

• Tip: The lines in the theme park are VERY long, so try to visit during weekdays to avoid them or opt for a skip the line express ticket.

Jurassic World

For an exciting (and wet) ride, the Jurassic World ride is one of the best at the park. Hop on a raft and pass amazing animatronic dinosaurs and prehistoric sets.

The attention to detail and creativity of the designs are fantastic. Watch out for the T-Rex!

• Height Requirements: Some rides have height requirements; check ahead to plan accordingly.
• Tour recommendation: The Universal Studio Tour ride (free with admission) takes you through movie sets on the backlot, equipped with special effects and animatronics.

5. Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills, the glamorous neighborhood of Los Angeles, is next on the list of once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles.

It’s renowned for its luxury and exclusivity and knocks it out of the park with food, coffee, green spaces, and mega-mansions.

Rodeo Drive & Surrounding Streets

Rodeo Drive, the famous shopping street, epitomizes Beverly Hills luxury. There are few places in the world where you can find Prada, Gucci, and Balenciaga all next door to each other.

On the streets surrounding Rodeo Drive, you can:

• Window-shop at high-end boutiques
• Check out a museum
• Eat a meal at one of the upscale restaurants (Wolfgang Puck, anyone?).

Greystone Mansion

In the hills of Beverly Hills, visit the Greystone Mansion, a massive estate surrounded by lush gardens in a distinctly English style.

It has a place in movie history, seen in numerous films like The Big Lebowski and There Will Be Blood. It’s a classic representation of vintage Hollywood.

• Tour: Guided tours are available, which provide detailed information on the mansion’s history and architecture.

6. Venice Beach Boardwalk

Venice is the best spot in LA for people-watching. There’s an eclectic, artistic, and bohemian charm that you won’t find in other parts of the city.

Local Art and Performances

Take a quick stroll down the boardwalk, and you’ll see:

• Local art galleries displaying fascinating pieces.
• A public skatepark on the beach.
• A variety of shops and stalls selling custom or even handmade items.
• Street performers bringing life to the boardwalk.

Muscle Beach

This outdoor gym, situated right on the beach, is unlike any other in LA. Gym fanatics are always at this spot, showcasing their weightlifting prowess (and muscles).

• Hours: Generally open from sunrise to sunset.

7. Pacific Coast Highway

Taking a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is an unforgettable experience. You’ll travel hundreds of miles along the water; start in Santa Monica and make your way north.

LA to Santa Barbara

This 1.5 hr road trip along the Pacific Ocean will give you all of the Los Angeles coastline essentials.

Along the way you’ll see:

• Malibu: beautiful waterfront homes, the Malibu pier, and a quaint village. Stop at Zuma Beach or El Matador Beach if you want to walk on the sand.
• Santa Monica Mountains: to your right as you make your way up the coast. The combination of ocean and mountains is jaw-dropping.
• Ventura: a laid-back beach town. The town has a promenade with fun cafes and restaurants.

The Pacific Coast Highway requires a car, so look into a rental for the trip. Take a convertible for the best experience!

8. Film and TV Studio Tours

A studio tour is a must to see the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. You’ll ride in a tour cart around the lots and see sound stages, backlots, props, and costumes from iconic motion pictures and TV shows.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Walking around the Warner Bros. lot, you’ll feel that “old Hollywood” vibe. Palm trees, fancy cars, and bungalows are everywhere you look.

• Duration: The tour generally lasts for around 3 hours.
• Highlights: Visit filming locations like the Central Perk set from Friends, sets from The Big Bang Theory, and a Harry Potter exhibit. You may even see a celebrity walking around!

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

Sony Pictures Studios is a historic studio that has enormously contributed to the entertainment industry. Numerous classic films have been produced here over the last 100 years.

On the tour, you’ll see filming locations from movies like The Wizard of Oz, Men in Black, and Spider-Man.

• Duration: This tour typically lasts about 2 hours.
• Live Studio Audience: Depending on the schedule, you might have the chance to be a part of a live studio audience. Sitcom and game show tapings happen throughout the year.
• Tip: Book your tickets in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

9. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Art enthusiasts and casual visitors will find a visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, more commonly known as LACMA, a fascinating experience.

LACMA, located in West Hollywood, is the largest art museum in the western United States, with nearly 152,000 objects.

Exhibits and Collections

• Historic Artifacts: Everything from Egyptian art to oil paintings and sculptures are there. The works range from ancient times to the modern era.
• Local Art Galleries: Apart from the main exhibits, you can find several galleries showcasing works of local artists, giving the museum a more personal touch.

Guided Tours: Take a tour to learn more in-depth about the works of art.

10. The Rose Bowl

Set in Pasadena, a short drive from downtown Los Angeles, the Rose Bowl offers a blend of sport and culture.

Football Games

• One of the most famous stadiums in football, UCLA plays its games here on Saturdays.
• Before the game, look out for a tailgate party. Grill something tasty (or bring your own food) and enjoy the electric pre-game atmosphere.

Concerts & Flea Market

• Concerts: Hosts performances by the world’s most famous artists. Book these tickets early.
• Rose Bowl Flea Market: The second Sunday of every month, the Rose Bowl Flea Market has vendors selling antiques, clothing, and other specialty products.

11. Downtown LA

One of the denser and walkable parts of Los Angeles, the downtown area is known for its vibrant nightlife, arts, and fashion.

Historical Landmarks

• Union Station: The largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. The design is classic, a perfect blend of Spanish and Art Deco architecture.
• Olvera Street: Experience the colors and flavors of historic Los Angeles on this street, known for its Mexican marketplace and traditional Mexican restaurants.

Culture and Nightlife

• Arts District: You’ll see warehouses with trendy art galleries, murals, street art on building facades, and lofts converted into workspaces.
• Bars and Restaurants: Downtown Los Angeles is home to the best bars and restaurants in the city. Our restaurant recommendations are Father’s Office, Sushi Gen, and The Factory Kitchen.
• Chinatown: The neighborhood has boutiques, herbal stores, and markets. Not to mention some of the best Chinese food we’ve ever tried at Yang Chow.

For entertainment, catch an event at Crypto.com arena. It’s not only for the Lakers; they host a range of performances. Check the calendar for the full schedule.

12. Helicopter Tour

To appreciate once in a lifetime views of Los Angeles, opt for a helicopter tour with a breathtaking aerial view of the Los Angeles basin.

Key Highlights

• Los Angeles Iconic Landmarks: On the tour, you’ll see the Los Angeles skyline, Beverly Hills/Bel-Air mansions, West Hollywood, the Hollywood sign, and more.
• Coastline Views: Fly over the beautiful coastline with outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean and LA beaches.

Tour Details

• Duration: Tours typically last 30 to 60 minutes but vary depending on the company.
• Booking: Book in advance, particularly in the peak tourist seasons, to secure a spot.

13. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

If you want to get out of the big city life in Los Angeles, the calming space of The Huntington, located in San Marino, should be your choice.

The Art Collections

• European Art: This section has an impressive collection of European art from the 15th to the early 20th century.
• American Art: Exploring the American works is an interesting way to learn about the country’s artistic evolution.

Botanical Gardens

• Japanese Garden: A beautiful garden that embodies tranquility and beauty. You’ll feel calm the second you step in.
• Chinese Garden: A nod to the Chinese landscape, this garden has impressive architecture and plant life.

Tour Information

• Availability: You can do guided tours that expound on the fascinating world of art and plants.
• Duration: Plan for a day to fully enjoy what The Huntington offers.

14. Attend a TV Show Taping

Attending a taping will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how shows are made.

Sitting in the audience and seeing the lights and cameras in action is so much fun. Not to mention, you may see one of your favorite Hollywood stars.

Often, the TV show tapings are on studio lots, so you get the benefit of experiencing some fantastic settings while you’re there.

See #8 on this list for more info on studio tours if you want to knock out two things simultaneously.

How to Get Tickets to Attend a TV Show Taping

• Online Portals: Various online portals offer tickets to live show tapings. Check the studio or production websites for info.
• Booking in Advance: Book your tickets well in advance as they tend to run out quickly. The best part is that tickets are completely FREE.

15. Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is more than a venue for incredible concerts; it’s an architectural masterpiece in downtown Los Angeles.

The distinct building is eye-catching inside and out and also makes for a fantastic night out.

Concert Hall Tour

• Design & Music: Take a free, self-guided tour and find out about the genius of Frank Gehry’s metallic design. You’ll also get information about its musical impact and performances, both past and present.

Concert Hall Experience

• Types of Events: The Hall regularly puts on concerts with famous and obscure orchestras and artists. Sometimes, they show classic films while an orchestra plays the soundtrack. That is excellent and highly recommended.

16. Dodger Game

Dodger Stadium, the third oldest ballpark in the USA, is a legendary field where some of the best players in baseball history have called home.

From the Hollywood side, many movies were filmed there, and each game brings out famous celebrities.

LA has some of the most passionate sports fans, so the stadium becomes alive for any game, whether the team is in contention or not.

• Experience: The vibrant atmosphere in the ballpark is palpable. You won’t be disappointed even if you wind up in the nosebleeds. Feel free to bring food (check the website for rules) or have a Dodger dog.
• VIP Tour: Offers a chance to walk areas typically off-limits to the general public, including the dugouts, press box, and exclusive clubhouses.
• Friday Night Fireworks: Every Friday home game, the stadium puts on a firework show after the game, where fans can go on the field.

17. La Brea Tar Pits

The La Brea Tar Pits is like stepping back in time. Located in West Hollywood, the tar pits provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see a fascinating world that existed thousands of years ago.

It’s the world’s only active urban Ice Age excavation site, producing prehistoric mammals and bird fossils.

• Excavator Tour: Take the Excavator Tour to see paleontologists working on live excavations. Tours occur daily, but space is limited, so book in advance.
• Museum: After the tour, check out the museum, where you’ll learn about the rich history of the tar pits and see a collection of the fossils found in them.
• Pleistocene Garden: Walk through the Pleistocene Garden, representing the original landscape surrounding the tar pits 50,000 years ago.

18. Los Angeles Zoo

Situated in Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo is home to a massive amount of animals and exhibits. You’ll find everything from lions and elephants to tarantulas and snakes.

The zoo is involved in conservation efforts and has been part of successful breeding programs for endangered species.

It’s also a VERY family-friendly place where you can spend an entire day and create memories with the kids.

• Botanical Gardens: The botanical gardens have multiple themed gardens that house over 800 species of plants.
• LA Zoo Lights: A winter event that turns the zoo into an explosion of light. You’ll see 3D projections, animated displays, and a fantastic water light show.
• Tickets: Tickets average around $20. The zoo is open from 10 AM-5 PM, but remember that the animals begin to go in around 4 PM.

19. Hollywood Bowl

Last but not least on the list of once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles, the Hollywood Bowl is an outdoor amphitheater that ranks among the best in LA concert venues.

It’s in a prime location in the middle of Hollywood, so you can easily walk to nearby restaurants and bars before or after a show.

• Performances: It’s the primary venue for the Los Angeles Philharmonic during the summer months, but the Bowl’s calendar has all kinds of events year-round. Classical music, concerts, jazz performances, and movie nights make up the schedule.
• Picnic at the Bowl: Bring your own food for a pre-show picnic, or order a picnic box (and wine) online before the show. There are plenty of seating options in surrounding green areas.
• Museum Visit: Before or after the show, stop by the Hollywood Bowl Museum to learn more about the venue’s history. Admission is free year-round.