Things to Do in Los Angeles

Introduction

Los Angeles is a city of dreams, offering everything from golden beaches to world-famous landmarks. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local exploring new places, there’s no shortage of things to do in Los Angeles. The city has outdoor adventures, indoor attractions, and family-friendly activities, making every trip exciting.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best things to do in Los Angeles, including free things to do in Los Angeles, top spots for families, and fun indoor and outdoor activities. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the most of your time in LA.

Outdoor Things to Do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is known for its sunny weather, making it the perfect place for outdoor adventures. Whether you want to hike, relax on the beach, or explore scenic parks, there are countless ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

1. Santa Monica Pier & Beach

One of the most iconic outdoor things to do in Los Angeles is visiting Santa Monica Pier. This historic pier offers an amusement park, street performers, and breathtaking ocean views.

It Spend the day riding the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park, playing arcade games, or relaxing on the sandy beach. It’s a fantastic spot for families, couples, and solo travelers. If you’re looking for free things to do in Los Angeles, taking a stroll along the pier and watching the sunset is a must.

Best Time to Visit: Sunset for the best views

Perfect for: Families, couples, and solo travelers

2. Hike to the Hollywood Sign

No visit to LA is complete without a photo of the Hollywood Sign! Hiking to this famous landmark is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles if you love outdoor activities.

Multiple trails are leading up to the sign, but some of the best routes include:

• Brush Canyon Trail (6.5 miles, moderate difficulty)
• Griffith Observatory Trail (2.5 miles, easier and great for families)
• Cahuenga Peak Trail (3 miles, more challenging but offers stunning views)

The Griffith Observatory route is a great option for families looking for things to do in Los Angeles. It’s short, scenic, and offers incredible views of the city.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather

Perfect for: Adventure lovers, fitness enthusiasts

3. Explore Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park

Griffith Observatory is a top-rated attraction in LA. It offers stunning city views and free exhibits about space and astronomy. Whether you’re a science lover or just looking for a great place to take photos, this spot is a must-visit.

Located in Griffith Park, the observatory sits on a hill overlooking the city. It’s one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles, as there’s no admission fee to enter. You can look through telescopes, explore interactive exhibits, and learn about the cosmos.

Griffith Park is massive and offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and even a zoo. If you’re looking for family things to do in Los Angeles, a day at Griffith Park is a great option.

Best Time to Visit: Sunset for breathtaking views of LA

Perfect for: Families, photographers, outdoor enthusiasts

4. Visit The Getty Center

The Getty Center is one of LA’s most famous cultural attractions, featuring world-class art, stunning architecture, and beautiful botanical gardens.

The museum is free to visit, making it one of the top free things to do in Los Angeles. Inside, you’ll find paintings by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Monet. Outside, you can explore the beautifully designed gardens and take breathtaking city views.

The Getty Center is a must-visit if you’re a fan of art, history, or architecture. It’s also a great place for a relaxing afternoon walk, making it a perfect addition to your LA itinerary.

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds

Perfect for: Art lovers, couples, solo travelers

Fun Indoor Things to Do in Los Angeles

Sometimes, you may want to escape the heat or rainy weather. Luckily, LA has plenty of exciting things to do in Los Angeles indoors.

5. Discover The Broad Museum

The Broad is one of LA’s most famous modern art museums. It features iconic pieces by artists like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Yayoi Kusama.

One of the biggest attractions is the Infinity Mirror Rooms, a breathtaking light installation perfect for photos. The best part? General admission is completely free.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds

Perfect for: Art lovers, photographers

6. Explore the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is a must-visit if you love dinosaurs, gems, and history. It’s one of the best things to do with kids in Los Angeles, offering interactive exhibits and life-size dinosaur skeletons.

Kids and adults will love exploring the dinosaur hall, gemstone collection, and wildlife exhibits. It’s a perfect stop for families looking for fun and educational activities.

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for a quieter experience

Perfect for: Families, history lovers

7. Visit the California Science Center

For science lovers, the California Science Center is a top indoor attraction. It’s home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, an incredible exhibit showcasing real space exploration technology.

This museum offers hands-on exhibits about physics, space, and technology, making it one of the best family activities in Los Angeles.

Best Time to Visit: Morning for fewer crowds

Perfect for: Families, science lovers

8. Shop & Dine at Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market is the place to be if you’re a foodie. This historic food hall has been serving LA since 1917 and features a variety of food stalls, from tacos to sushi.

It’s the perfect spot for a casual meal or to try different cuisines. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this market is a must-visit for a taste of LA’s diverse food scene.

Best Time to Visit: Lunchtime for the full experience

Perfect for: Food lovers, casual diners

Best Family Things to Do in Los Angeles

If you’re visiting with kids, LA offers plenty of family-friendly attractions. Whether you want to experience thrilling rides, explore museums, or see amazing wildlife, these activities are perfect for all ages.

9. Universal Studios Hollywood

One of the most exciting family things to do in Los Angeles is visiting Universal Studios Hollywood. This world-famous theme park features exciting rides, live shows, and behind-the-scenes movie experiences.

Top attractions include:

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – A must for Harry Potter fans!
• Fast & Furious Supercharged – An action-packed ride through the Fast & Furious world.
• Studio Tour – Go behind the scenes and see real Hollywood movie sets.

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for shorter lines

Perfect for: Families, movie lovers, thrill-seekers

10. Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

For a mix of nature and wildlife, visit the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens. The zoo has over 1,400 animals, including elephants, gorillas, and lions. Meanwhile, the botanical gardens showcase beautiful plants from around the world.

This is one of the top things to do with kids in Los Angeles, as children love seeing exotic animals up close.

Best Time to Visit: Morning to see the animals when they’re most active

Perfect for: Families, animal lovers

11. Kidspace Children’s Museum

If you have young children, Kidspace Children’s Museum is a must-visit. This interactive museum is designed for kids to play, learn, and explore.

Highlights include:

• Science experiments – Hands-on learning for curious minds.
• Water play areas – Perfect for hot days.
• Butterfly Gardens – A magical experience for little ones.

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for a quieter experience

Perfect for: Families with young kids

12. Aquarium of the Pacific

Located in Long Beach, the Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the best family things to do in Los Angeles. The aquarium has thousands of marine animals, including sharks, sea otters, and jellyfish.

Kids will love the touch tanks, where they can interact with starfish and other sea creatures.

Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings to avoid school groups

Perfect for: Families, marine life enthusiasts

Free Things to Do in Los Angeles

Not everything in LA has to be expensive! There are plenty of free things to do, from beaches to museums.

13. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame

One of the most famous free things to do in Los Angeles is visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This legendary sidewalk features stars dedicated to the biggest names in film, music, and television.

While there, you can also check out the TCL Chinese Theatre, where celebrities leave handprints in cement.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds

Perfect for: Movie fans, budget travelers

14. Visit Venice Beach & Boardwalk

Venice Beach Boardwalk is a must-see for a mix of street performances, ocean views, and quirky shops.

This vibrant area is known for:

• Skaters and surfers – Watch pros perform tricks.
• Street performers – Musicians, magicians, and artists entertain the crowds.
• Murals and graffiti art – Great for photography lovers.

Best Time to Visit: Afternoon for the best atmosphere

Perfect for: Beach lovers, art enthusiasts

15. Explore LA’s Free Museums

Many of LA’s top museums offer free admission, making them perfect for budget-friendly travelers. Some of the best free museums include:

• The Broad Museum – A modern art museum featuring Warhol and Basquiat.
• The Getty Center – Stunning art and botanical gardens.
• Natural History Museum (Free Days Available) – Dinosaur fossils and interactive exhibits.

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds

Perfect for: Art lovers, history buffs

Fun Weekend Activities – Saturday and Sunday in Los Angeles

If you’re spending a Saturday and Sunday in Los Angeles, there are plenty of great ways to make the most of your weekend.

16. Explore Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown LA is packed with cool spots to visit, including:

• The Last Bookstore – A must-visit for book lovers.
• Little Tokyo – A great place for ramen and Japanese sweets.
• Angels Flight Railway – The world’s shortest railway!

Best Time to Visit: Midday for the full experience

Perfect for: Foodies, book lovers, culture enthusiasts

17. Visit a Farmer’s Market

One of the best ways to spend a Saturday and Sunday in Los Angeles is by exploring the city’s farmers markets.

Top picks include:

• The Original Farmers Market – Fresh produce and delicious local food.
• Santa Monica Farmers Market – One of the biggest in LA.
• Hollywood Farmers Market – Perfect for organic food lovers.

Best Time to Visit: Morning for the best selection

Perfect for: Food lovers, families

18. Enjoy a Comedy Night

Los Angeles is home to world-class entertainment, and weekends are perfect for catching a live performance.

Top venues include:

• The Comedy Store – Watch stand-up from rising stars and big names.
• Pantages Theatre – Broadway shows in the heart of Hollywood.

Best Time to Visit: Evenings for the best atmosphere

Perfect for: Music lovers, comedy fans

Conclusion

Los Angeles is a city filled with endless possibilities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor things to do in Los Angeles, fun things to do in Los Angeles indoors, or exciting family things to do in Los Angeles, there’s always something happening.

From hiking the Hollywood Sign to exploring Santa Monica Pier, LA offers a mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment. Plus, with so many free things to do in Los Angeles, you can have an amazing experience without spending a fortune.

Plan your trip today and explore the best things to do in Los Angeles!