Top Attractions in Los Angeles You Must See

Maybe you’ve visited all the top sights and attractions, or perhaps your tastes differ from the “typical” tourist. Explore these sights, featuring the “best of the rest,” while enjoying your time in Los Angeles.

Get Down in Downtown

Downtown Los Angeles skyline at sunset with snowcapped Mt Baldy and San Gabriel Mountains behind
Downtown Los Angeles. chrisp0/Getty Images

Downtown LA is rapidly becoming one of the city’s most vibrant and exciting areas. Unfortunately, many still cling to outdated stereotypes, deterring them from exploring its gems. Don’t fall into this trap; enjoy engaging activities such as visiting The Last Bookstore, tasting delicious offerings at Grand Central Market, sliding down the Skyspace glass slide, or attending concerts at Disney Concert Hall.

See Ice Age Creatures at the La Brea Tar Pits

La Brea Tar Pits
La Brea Tar Pits. nik wheeler / Getty Images

The La Brea Tar Pits have been oozing to the surface for 30,000 years, capturing and preserving remarkable creatures like wooly mammoths, dire wolves, and saber-toothed cats. This unique site provides insight into the region’s prehistoric life.

Take a Real Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures Studios Gate
Paramount Pictures Main Gate. Yukiko Yamamoto/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

If you’re eager to peek behind the cinematic curtain, a studio tour is a must. While Universal Studios offers entertainment, a focused studio tour reveals the intricate processes of film production, allowing you to see the magic of Hollywood up close.

Go to Santa Monica Pier and the Beach

Santa Monica pier at sunset
Santa Monica Pier at sunset.

The Santa Monica Pier extends over the ocean, supporting a nostalgic amusement park with rides, an arcade, a historic carousel, and a small aquarium. Adjacent to the pier, Santa Monica Beach is ideal for soaking up the sun and experiencing Southern California’s beach culture.

Get Into Griffith Park

View of Griffith Park
View of Griffith Park. GC Images / Getty Images

Finding a 4,310-acre undeveloped public park in the midst of an urban landscape is astonishing. Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, abounds with hiking trails, attractions, and natural beauty.

Explore the Original Queen Mary

Queen Mary at Sunset
Queen Mary at Sunset. Dean Terry/Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

While modern cruise ships may dominate today, the original Queen Mary was once the queen of the seas. Many visitors are drawn to its rich history, luxurious past, and fascinating stories of hauntings.

Enjoy the Creatures at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Feeding Broccoli to the Fish at Aquarium of the Pacific
Feeding Broccoli to the Fish at Aquarium of the Pacific.

Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific stands as an exceptional public aquarium in California, featuring engaging exhibits, behind-the-scenes experiences, and even whale watching tours.

More Things You Can Do in Los Angeles

Aerials of Los Angeles
Aerial View of Los Angeles. Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Los Angeles offers numerous attractions beyond the most popular ones mentioned. Delightfully, there are many lesser-known, yet equally enjoyable places that contribute to the city’s diverse charm.

Things Not to Do in LA

While navigating LA, it’s wise to avoid certain tourist traps to maximize your experience. Ensure you’re informed about local customs to stay on the right path and enjoy all the wonders LA has to offer.

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