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10 Best things to do in LA, according to a local
Discover the 10 best things to do in LA, from free world-famous museums to stunning beach walks. Plan your perfect trip with our local guide.
The best things to do in Los Angeles include exploring world-famous museums like the Getty Center, walking the Santa Monica Pier, or watching one of the most beautiful sunsets at the Griffith Observatory.
The good news is, if these things are right up your alley, you’ll enjoy this local-led guide for tourists looking for the best LA itineraries. We teamed up with our local Holafly expert, Jihea Chang, for recommendations on the best activities in the City of Angels. Stay connected on this trip and explore the States with Holafly’s eSIM for the USA.
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1. Visit the Getty Center
If you’re looking for free things to do in LA, the Getty Center should be at the top of your list. Jihea explains, “Not only are these museums free, but they’re also scattered with famous artifacts, too, including masterpieces by Van Gogh and Monet.”
This museum has a little bit of everything: stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of Southern California and the Pacific Ocean. General admission is free, but make sure to book a timed-entry reservation online before your visit.
Tip: The central garden is huge and acts as an outdoor art installation. You can easily spend half a day here just exploring the grounds.
2. Explore Santa Monica Pier and beach
According to Jihea, “Santa Monica Pier is a must-see for anyone exploring LA. It’s featured in many movies and is an iconic location, but the beach can get pretty crowded”.
The historic Santa Monica Pier is the dramatic endpoint of Route 66 and is one of the most popular places to visit in LA, especially with kids. It’s also a place many locals come to relax on weekends.
Explore the amusement park or stroll along the boardwalk for the ocean breeze. You can also rent a bike and ride down the path to Venice Beach to see the famous outdoor gym and skatepark.
3. See a show or the sunset at Griffith Observatory
One of the most romantic spots in Los Angeles is the Griffith Observatory at sunset. Plus, you get the best views of the iconic Hollywood sign and the city below.
The building itself is beautiful and has served as a filming location for hits like La La Land, starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. The permanent exhibits and telescope viewings are free, but the planetarium shows require a ticket.
4. Spend a day at Universal Studios Hollywood
As a local, Jihea says that Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the top 5 must-see attractions in Los Angeles, especially during Halloween.
“During autumn (September-October), Universal Studios hosts Halloween Horror Nights, a special Halloween event. If you’re a fan of immersive horror or Halloween-themed events, this is definitely a must-visit.”
Part working movie studio, part theme park, it offers an in-depth look at how Hollywood movies are made. Try to visit three iconic Universal Studios locations:
- The World-Famous Studio Tour: A 60-minute ride through real movie sets, featuring special effects curated by Steven Spielberg.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Walk through Hogsmeade, taste Butterbeer, and ride inside the iconic castle.
- Super Nintendo World: This is the newest addition to the park and lets you step directly into a real-life Mario Kart game.
5. Walk Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive
For a taste of LA luxury and a chance to spot famous people, spend an afternoon walking through Beverley Hills. This neighborhood is notably cleaner and quieter than other parts of downtown LA.
According to Jihea, “roaming around expensive neighborhoods to see celebrities’ houses” is a local tradition.
Don’t miss Rodeo Drive, which is three blocks of luxury window shopping, sports cars, and an iconic palm-lined street. Stop by the Beverly Hills Hotel or “Pink Palace” for a picture and look at classic Hollywood history.
6. Discover the Arts District and Grand Central Market
To experience some of the best Los Angeles food in one place, head to the Grand Central Market. Since 1917, this historic food hall has offered over 30 diverse food stalls under one roof.
You can find tacos, fresh produce, trendy smash burgers, and artisanal coffee. Check out Eggslut for a classic American breakfast and some of the best food in Los Angeles.
After a quick bite, you can walk over to the nearby Arts Districts to explore the city’s galleries, street art, and warehouse cafes. Don’t miss the sunlit atrium near the historic Bradbury Building.
Jihea recommends checking out the Arts District Brewing Company for a local craft beer and arcade games.
7. Hike Runyon Canyon or Venice Beach boardwalk
One of the best things to do in Los Angeles is to spend the weekends or days off outdoors. Los Angeles offers two completely different vibes depending on whether you want to head to the hills or stay by the coast.
Here are two must-visit places Jihea recommends:
- Runyon Canyon: The iconic LA workout hike. This is located right in Hollywood and offers great views of the city, excellent people-watching spots, and a high chance of spotting celebrities walking their dogs.
- Venice Beach Boardwalk: A star-studded walk filled with street performers, local artists, counter-culture shops, and vibrant murals.
8. Experience Little Tokyo and Sawtelle
Los Angeles has some of the best Japanese neighborhoods, offering amazing food and cultural experiences.
Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles is a historic neighborhood featuring beautiful traditional gardens, Japanese bowling alleys, and excellent ramen spots.
Jihea suggests visiting Sawtelle Japantown, located on the Westside near the UCLA campus. “This neighborhood is a haven for foodies looking for authentic sushi, matcha cafes, and ramen.”
9. Catch a live event or festival
Los Angeles is known for being an entertainment hub, so there’s always a massive event, festival, or parade happening somewhere in Los Angeles County.
West Hollywood, in particular, gets busy during major events. It hosts the massive LA Pride festival in June and a Halloween Carnaval where you can spot incredible costumes and celebrities.
Look out for the 626 Night Market, an Asian-inspired market with hundreds of food stalls.
Fun fact: If you’re a film or TV show enthusiast, you can easily get free tickets to sit in the live studio audience for popular TV shows and late-night talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
10. Explore Echo Park, Silver Lake, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame
To explore the local indie scene, head to East LA neighborhoods like Echo Park and Silver Lake. These are packed with vintage stores, indie coffee shops, and beautiful outdoor spaces like Sunset Junction.
- Echo Park Lake: Rent a swan pedal boat or walk around the lake to spot the lotus beds and get great views of the downtown skyline.
- The Last Bookstore: Located downtown, this bookstore has stunning book tunnels, local art galleries, and vinyl records.
- The Hollywood Walk of Fame: A classic stop to see the stars on the sidewalk and the Chinese Theatre. However, this area is incredibly crowded and full of street vendors aiming to get money from tourists.
Here’s what Jihea recommends instead: “Go for a quick photo, then head to the nearby Hollywood Forever Cemetery to see where historic movie stars are laid to rest”.
Stay connected in Los Angeles with Holafly
Exploring a city like Los Angeles requires Google Maps, rideshare apps, and translation apps. For reliable mobile internet in Los Angeles, consider Holafly’s eSIM for the USA. Every eSIM plan offers unlimited data, 5G speeds, and24/7 customer support.
Also, Holafly offers 1 GB of Always On monthly backup data with every eSIM plan at no extra cost. Keep your eSIM installed on your device, and you’ll get 1 GB of extra data every month.
All you need to get started is an eSIM-compatible phone. With these features and advantages, you’ll be able to enjoy your California adventure in real time.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
