Los Angeles has an exhaustive array of fun things to do, from the family-friendly La Brea Tar Pits and the must-visit Natural History Museum to a behind-the-scenes studio tour at Universal Studios or Warner Bros. Out-of-towners love the palm-lined streets, star sightings and eclectic vibe. If you’re a film buff, vintage Hollywood is a must-see. Some classic attractions include the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, neon-lit Hollywood Boulevard and Paramount Pictures Studios – the only television and film studio left in Hollywood.
For a taste of stardom, head to Beverly Hills to window-shop along pedestrian-friendly Rodeo Drive or cruise the Sunset Strip in search of rock ‘n’ roll. There is also a plethora of shorelines to choose from, including Venice Beach, Zuma Beach and Santa Monica Beach. Art lovers will want to see a show at the state-of-the-art, Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall; admire art from the masters, as well as up-and-coming artists, at the Getty Center; or swing by one-of-a-kind Los Angeles County Museum of Art to admire its collection.
If you love the outdoors, take a hike to the Hollywood Sign, see a concert at the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater, have picnic in dog-friendly Griffith Park or witness the night sky at Griffith Observatory. When downtown, don’t miss the hands-on GRAMMY Museum, the quirky The Last Bookstore and the historic Hotel Figueroa. Downtown LA also has a wide range of restaurants offering casual fare to fine dining menus. If a theme park is what you’re after, head to Universal Studios Hollywood for exhilarating rides and backlot tours. If you aren’t sure where to start, daylong guided bus tours of the city are a great way to orient yourself. There are hop-on, hop-off buses that allow you to do a car-free tour of the City of Angels.