Los Angeles isn’t just a city; it’s a mix of sun, stories, and surprises around every corner. I’ve wandered its streets, hiked its hills, and spent afternoons just people-watching, and every visit feels a little different. Some days it’s the Hollywood buzz that catches your attention, other days it’s a quiet beach or a hidden art gallery that stays in your memory.
In this guide, I want to share the top 10 tourist attractions in Los Angeles that left the biggest impression on me. I’ll be honest about what’s worth your time, what’s a bit overrated, and the little details that make each place special. Whether it’s city views, quirky streets, or museums full of stories, these spots give a taste of LA that feels real—beyond the postcards and movie scenes.
Think of this as me showing you around my favorite corners of the city, giving tips I’ve learned the easy way, and helping you plan a trip that’s fun, memorable, and just a little unexpected.
1. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park
Griffith Observatory is one of my favorite spots in LA. The view of the city skyline with the Hollywood Sign in the background is breathtaking, especially at sunset. The observatory itself is free to visit, and it offers fascinating exhibits about space and astronomy. I love spending a few hours here, walking the trails in Griffith Park, and even catching a planetarium show.
A small tip: If you’re visiting on a weekend, parking can be tricky. Arriving early in the morning makes a big difference. The hiking trails are well-marked and range from easy walks to more challenging climbs. Plus, the panoramic views make the effort worth it!
Read more about: Top Rated Top 10 Places to Visit in Los Angeles
2. The Hollywood Walk of Fame
Walking along Hollywood Boulevard is like stepping into a living movie set. The Hollywood Walk of Fame features over 2,700 stars dedicated to your favorite actors, musicians, and filmmakers. I always get excited when I find a star of someone I love.
While it’s fun to snap photos, the area can be crowded, and some parts feel a bit touristy. But don’t let that stop you—exploring the side streets, small shops, and nearby TCL Chinese Theatre adds charm and surprises to the experience.
3. Santa Monica Pier and Beach
For a classic California vibe, Santa Monica Pier is unbeatable. I love the sound of the waves mixed with the laughter from the amusement park rides. There’s a small aquarium, a Ferris wheel, and endless food options—my favorite is grabbing a hot dog and just watching the ocean.
The beach itself is perfect for a stroll, biking, or even a quick surf lesson. Sunset at the pier is magical, and if you’re into photography, this spot offers incredible opportunities for golden-hour shots.
4. The Getty Center
The Getty Center is one of those places that makes you stop and just admire everything—the architecture, the gardens, and the art collections. I still remember walking through the European paintings and thinking how lucky I am to experience them in LA.
One thing I love about the Getty is that admission is free. You only need to pay for parking, which is reasonable. The hilltop location gives you sweeping views of Los Angeles, so even if you’re not an art buff, the gardens and cityscape are worth the visit. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
5. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is wild, colorful, and full of energy. From street performers to skateboarders, the boardwalk never gets boring. I love walking along the promenade, stopping by the quirky shops, and watching the ocean waves crash just steps away.
The Muscle Beach outdoor gym is iconic, and even if you’re not working out, it’s entertaining to watch people showing off their strength and skills. Venice is eclectic, a bit chaotic, but that’s part of its charm. Tip: Bring comfortable shoes and sunscreen because you’ll want to explore for hours.
6. Universal Studios Hollywood
If you enjoy movies, Universal Studios Hollywood is a must. It’s a mix of theme park rides, studio tours, and behind-the-scenes movie magic. I can never get enough of the Studio Tour—it’s fascinating to see how famous movies and shows are made.
The rides are thrilling, especially the Harry Potter and Jurassic World attractions. It can get crowded, so I recommend buying tickets online and arriving early. While it’s on the pricier side, it’s worth it for a full day of entertainment and excitement.
7. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
LACMA is an absolute gem for art lovers, and even if you’re not a huge museum fan, it has a vibe that makes exploring fun. I love wandering through the modern and contemporary galleries, and the outdoor installations, like the famous Urban Light display, are perfect for photos.
A pro tip: Visiting in the late afternoon can be magical. The sunlight hitting the sculptures and galleries creates this warm, inviting atmosphere. If you’re looking for a mix of culture and Instagram-worthy spots, LACMA checks both boxes.
8. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
For a more hands-on experience, the Natural History Museum is fantastic. From dinosaur skeletons to rare gems and minerals, I could spend hours exploring every exhibit. The museum also often hosts special exhibits that make each visit feel fresh and exciting.
One thing I particularly enjoyed was the interactive kids’ section—even as an adult, I found myself geeking out over the touch screens and displays. It’s educational but also super fun. If you’re visiting with family, this is a place where everyone leaves smiling.
9. The Broad Museum
The Broad Museum is a must-see for contemporary art fans. I still remember walking into the Infinity Mirror Room—it felt like stepping into another universe. The museum’s architecture is striking, and the artworks are bold and thought-provoking.
Admission is free, but tickets can sell out fast, so booking online in advance is wise. Even if you’re not deeply into modern art, wandering through the galleries is visually stimulating and surprisingly enjoyable.
10. Disneyland Resort
No list of top tourist attractions in Los Angeles—or nearby, really—would be complete without Disneyland. Visiting Disneyland is like stepping into a storybook. I still get that mix of excitement and nostalgia every time I walk down Main Street, USA. The rides, parades, and character experiences make it magical for kids and adults alike.
Planning is key here. The park can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, so buying tickets in advance and arriving early is essential. I’ve found that splitting your visit over two days helps you enjoy both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure without feeling rushed. And don’t skip the smaller rides and shows—they often become unexpected favorites.
Disneyland is pricey, but for me, it’s worth every penny. The attention to detail, immersive storytelling, and sheer joy in the air make it a quintessential Los Angeles experience.
Bonus Tips for Visiting Los Angeles
While exploring these top 10 tourist attractions in Los Angeles, here are a few quick tips from my own adventures:
- Transportation: LA is huge, and traffic can be intense. Renting a car or using rideshares makes getting around easier.
- Timing: Early mornings or late afternoons are often the best times to visit popular attractions to avoid crowds.
- Food: LA has amazing food spots near almost every attraction. I love trying local tacos, cafés, or food trucks during my stops.
- Tickets: For paid attractions, booking online saves time and sometimes money.
4. The Getty Center
The Getty Center is one of those places that makes you stop and just admire everything—the architecture, the gardens, and the art collections. I still remember walking through the European paintings and thinking how lucky I am to experience them in LA.
One thing I love about the Getty is that admission is free. You only need to pay for parking, which is reasonable. The hilltop location gives you sweeping views of Los Angeles, so even if you’re not an art buff, the gardens and cityscape are worth the visit. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
5. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is wild, colorful, and full of energy. From street performers to skateboarders, the boardwalk never gets boring. I love walking along the promenade, stopping by the quirky shops, and watching the ocean waves crash just steps away.
The Muscle Beach outdoor gym is iconic, and even if you’re not working out, it’s entertaining to watch people showing off their strength and skills. Venice is eclectic, a bit chaotic, but that’s part of its charm. Tip: Bring comfortable shoes and sunscreen because you’ll want to explore for hours.
6. Universal Studios Hollywood
If you enjoy movies, Universal Studios Hollywood is a must. It’s a mix of theme park rides, studio tours, and behind-the-scenes movie magic. I can never get enough of the Studio Tour—it’s fascinating to see how famous movies and shows are made.
The rides are thrilling, especially the Harry Potter and Jurassic World attractions. It can get crowded, so I recommend buying tickets online and arriving early. While it’s on the pricier side, it’s worth it for a full day of entertainment and excitement.
7. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
LACMA is an absolute gem for art lovers, and even if you’re not a huge museum fan, it has a vibe that makes exploring fun. I love wandering through the modern and contemporary galleries, and the outdoor installations, like the famous Urban Light display, are perfect for photos.
A little tip: Visiting in the late afternoon adds a warm glow to the sculptures and galleries, making it feel extra inviting. If you enjoy a mix of culture and photography, LACMA is a spot that satisfies both.
8. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
For a more hands-on experience, the Natural History Museum is fantastic. From dinosaur skeletons to rare gems and minerals, I could spend hours exploring every exhibit. The museum often hosts special exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see.
Even as an adult, I found myself geeking out over the interactive displays. If you’re visiting with family, it’s a place where everyone can learn and have fun at the same time.
9. The Broad Museum
The Broad Museum is a must-see for contemporary art fans. Walking into the Infinity Mirror Room feels like stepping into another universe. The museum’s architecture is striking, and the artworks are bold and thought-provoking.
Admission is free, but tickets can sell out fast, so booking online ahead of time is wise. Even if modern art isn’t usually your thing, wandering through the galleries is visually engaging and surprisingly enjoyable.
10. Disneyland Resort
No list of top tourist attractions in Los Angeles—or nearby—would be complete without Disneyland. Visiting Disneyland is like stepping into a storybook. I still get that mix of excitement and nostalgia every time I walk down Main Street, USA. The rides, parades, and character experiences make it magical for kids and adults alike.
Planning is key here. The park can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, so buying tickets in advance and arriving early is essential. I’ve found that splitting your visit over two days helps you enjoy both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure without feeling rushed. Don’t skip the smaller rides and shows—they often become unexpected favorites.
Disneyland is pricey, but for me, it’s worth every penny. The attention to detail, immersive storytelling, and sheer joy in the air make it a quintessential Los Angeles experience.
Quick Tips for Exploring Los Angeles
- Getting Around: LA is massive, and traffic can be tricky. Renting a car or using rideshares makes it easier to hop between attractions.
- Best Times to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons are usually less crowded. Weekdays are ideal if possible.
- Food Stops: LA has incredible food everywhere—from food trucks to cozy cafés. Don’t skip local favorites near your stops.
- Tickets & Reservations: Many attractions offer online booking. It saves time and sometimes money, especially for popular spots like Universal Studios and Disneyland.
Wrapping Up
Exploring Los Angeles is like opening a treasure chest—you never know which experience will surprise or delight you the most. From the breathtaking city views at Griffith Observatory to the colorful chaos of Venice Beach, and from world-class museums like LACMA and The Broad to the magical world of Disneyland, LA offers a little bit of everything.
What I love most about these top 10 tourist attractions in Los Angeles is that each spot tells a different story. Some are about history, some about art, and some are just pure fun. They give you a well-rounded taste of the city, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay.
Remember, exploring LA isn’t just about checking off a list—it’s about enjoying the journey. Take your time, stop at a local café, chat with people, or wander down a street that looks interesting. Sometimes the most memorable moments come from the little, unexpected experiences.
So whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, these attractions will help you see the city in its many colorful, vibrant, and unforgettable forms. Pack your comfortable shoes, a sense of adventure, and maybe a camera or two—Los Angeles is waiting, ready to surprise you around every corner.
