Los Angeles Travelers Recommend

With three days in sunny Los Angeles, there’s time to experience all of the city’s top attractions, from celebrity homes and Hollywood studio tours to theme parks, beaches, and day trips to nearby California destinations. Here are some top options for three days in Los Angeles.

Day 1: Los Angeles Highlights

Immerse yourself in all things Los Angeles on the first day of your stay. Begin with a sightseeing tour of the city; options range from Hollywood and celebrity home tours to haunting history and true crime tours. The hop-on hop-off bus runs along several routes for a self-guided city tour at your own pace.

In the afternoon, spend time at one of LA’s unique attractions. Tour the art collection and landscaped gardens at the Getty Center, see the bubbling tar at La Brea Tar Pits, pay your respects at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, do some window shopping on Rodeo Drive, or hit one of the area beaches. Top it off with cocktails and dinner at one of the city’s gourmet hotel restaurants, an evening dinner cruise, or tickets to a show at the legendary Hollywood Bowl.

Day 2: Theme Parks

Southern California is second only to Orlando when it comes to theme parks. You could easily spend a week hopping from park to park, but with just one day, it’s best to focus on a single park. Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and studio tour in one, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made, as well as a chance to step into TV and movie favorites like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or The Simpsons.

In Anaheim, Disneyland® Resort and neighboring Disney California Adventure® Park are home to Mickey Mouse and friends, plus a huge assortment of attractions suitable for thrill seekers and young kids alike. Animal lovers might opt for a day trip to SeaWorld in San Diego, while adrenaline junkies will appreciate the coasters and thrill rides at Knott’s Berry Farm.

Day 3: California Coast

Los Angeles makes an excellent base for exploring the Southern California coast and beyond, and there’s a day trip option for just about every interest. Head north for a guided tour to sunny Santa Barbara, Solvang, and Hearst Castle; go south to explore the beaches, zoos, and wildlife parks of San Diego; or continue south of the border to Tijuana. Other options include spending the day shopping and sunning in Palm Springs, catching a ferry to Catalina Island, or going whale watching from Newport Beach.

When you need a break from the nerve-fraying traffic and noise of Los Angeles, the city boasts a fantastic selection of parks, from forested trails in the Hollywood Hills to urban gardens filled with neighborhood charm and cultural fixtures. Check out these inviting green spaces in the City of Angels.  

Griffith Park

When city dwellers need to escape the grind, they flock to this sprawling wilderness area that cascades across the Hollywood Hills and Santa Monica Mountains. The second-largest park in California, Griffith packs in miles of hiking trails plus cultural attractions such as the Los Angeles Zoo, Greek Theatre, and a miniature railroad. Don't miss the panoramic views from Griffith Observatory.

Lake Hollywood Park

If you want to snap a picture of the iconic white Hollywood sign without the effort of a long hike, stop by this small park on the outskirts of the city. Dogs love the open grassy area, and kids can burn off some energy at a children's playground.

Echo Park

A lovely, leafy oasis that feels a world away from the grit of nearby Sunset Boulevard, this urban park lets you trade in billboards and traffic for palm-lined pathways and the serenity of Echo Lake. Rent one of the swan-shaped paddleboats for a uniquely LA experience.

Runyon Canyon Park

Beloved by local joggers and dog walkers, this scenic park hugging the Hollywood Hills offers fantastic views of LA’s urban sprawl and the Hollywood sign. Get there early to snag a parking spot, and check out the mansions along storied Mulholland Drive on your way. 

Exposition Park

Get your fix of both nature and culture with a visit to Expo Park, home to the California Science Center, Natural History Museum, Expo Center sports complex, and California African American Museum. After a museum visit, take a fragrant stroll through the historic sunken rose garden, featured in many movies.

One of Los Angeles’ major draws is its accessibility to several big-name theme parks, including the iconic Disneyland® Park and the popular Universal Studios. Your family can take part in the movie-making magic of Tinseltown with studio tours, rides, over-the-top attractions, and more. Here are some kid-friendly activities to consider.

Highlights

• Head to Universal Studios Hollywood, where you can go behind the scenes and see actual film sets, ride attractions based on popular movies, like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Transformers™: The Ride 3-D, and enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.
• Go to Disneyland Park to hang out with Mickey and his friends and enjoy attractions and rides suited for visitors of all ages.
• Book the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, which offers a glimpse into the inner workings of a real-life Hollywood studio with outdoor sets and soundstages. Your family can join in on the fun with an interactive experience called Stage 48: Script to Screen.
• Visit Madame Tussauds Hollywood to pose with celebrities—or, rather, their wax counterparts—then enjoy the 360° animated 4-D cinema where you can experience special effects like ground tremors and wind.
• Take a whale-watching excursion off the Palos Verdes Peninsula and look for gray, humpback, and sperm whales, sharks, seabirds, dolphins, and sea lions with the help of a guide.
• Ride around on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour and stop at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum to watch scientists at work excavating Ice Age fossils.
• Travel to Santa Monica to explore the public aquarium and ride the giant ferris wheel at Pacific Park, an oceanfront amusement park on a pier.

There’s no better time to fall in love with Los Angeles than the spring, when flowers are blooming, days are longer, and travelers can bask in the warm California sun. Here are a few ways to take advantage of the good weather and sparse crowds in the City of Angels.

• Bike through neighborhoods like West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills to cover more ground than you would on foot.

• Stretch your legs on a guided hike through Griffith Park for an up-close view of the iconic Hollywood sign.

• Soak up the sun on an open-air bus tour to Hollywood’s top attractions and celebrity homes.

• Ride the Hollywood trolley past some of the city’s well-known landmarks, like the TCL Chinese Theater, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

• Get the VIP treatment at Universal Studios Hollywood with behind-the-scenes access to the studio’s film lot and an express pass to popular rides.

While Los Angeles may be known as the home of the rich and famous, you don't have to be to enjoy LA's world-class cultural attractions, international food scene, and Southern California scenery. Here are our top tips for exploring Tinseltown, even if you're still waiting for your big break.

Use a Sightseeing Pass

A multiattraction pass such as the Go Los Angeles Card or Hollywood Pass can help you save big if you plan to pack in multiple Los Angeles attractions during your trip. Pass options range from three to nine days and offer discounted access to dozens of top sights, including Universal Studios Hollywood, Madame Tussauds, Knott's Berry Farm, and LEGOLAND® California, plus studio and celebrity-home tours.

Skip the Rental Car

Avoid the expense of car rental by using Los Angeles’ well-connected public transit system, ride-hailing services, or a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour. With multiple routes covering dozens of popular landmarks, these user-friendly tours offer unlimited rides and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Shared airport transfers are a budget-friendly way to get between LAX and your accommodation or the Anaheim resort area.

Eat on the Cheap

Dining out in Los Angeles doesn’t have to break the bank, thanks to an abundance of casual diners, takeout spots, and gastro pubs. Venture outside of pricier tourist areas to find some of the city’s best ethnic eateries, or visit the famous Los Angeles Farmers Market to stock up on fresh ingredients for a picnic. Guided food and market tours can help take you out of your comfort zone to discover your new favorite dish.

Get Cultured at Los Angeles Museums

If big-ticket theme parks aren't in your budget, get a cultural fix at some of LA's world-class museums, such as the Getty Center, the Broad, the Marciano Art Foundation, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. Many are free to the public or host free days on a weekly or monthly basis, so check local event listings.

Hike in the Hills

There's no admission ticket needed for a scenic hike in the Hollywood Hills. Enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles while exploring the desert hills and Griffith Park, one of the largest parks in California. Low-cost hiking tours show you the best trails to see landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign, the Greek Theatre, Mount Hollywood, and the Griffith Park Observatory.

Known for its year-round sunshine, abundance of beaches, and movie star residents, Los Angeles is perfect for a summertime visit. From tours of celebrity homes to daylong beach excursions and yacht cruises, here are a few ways to make the most of summer in the City of Angels.

• Visit top Los Angeles attractions, landmarks, and historic neighborhoods without having to plan a thing on a guided sightseeing tour.
• Cruise up the scenic coastline to Santa Barbara on a day trip to check out some of California’s beach towns.
• Head to iconic Venice Beach for a quintessential Los Angeles experience: a surf lesson.
• Enjoy bird’s-eye views, from downtown Los Angeles to Hollywood Boulevard, on a thrilling helicopter tour.
• See if you can spot the famous denizens of Tinseltown on a celebrity home tour.
• Feel the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair as you zip around Beverly Hills on a guided Segway excursion.
• Party like a local and go barhopping in Hollywood.
• Sail the Pacific coast waters on a champagne brunch cruise.
• Take the kids to one of the world-renowned theme parks.

Los Angeles might not be the first place you think of when it comes to hiking, but the City of Angels has plenty of wilderness to explore both inside and outside the city limits. If you’re looking to hit the trail, these are some of your best bets.

Runyon Canyon Park

This 160-acre (65-hectare) park attracts fitness-minded locals to its easily accessible trails, just north of Hollywood. The 3-mile (5-kilometer) Runyon Canyon Loop affords views of the Hollywood Sign, Sunset Strip, and even the occasional celebrity.

Griffith Park Trails

One of the largest urban parks in North America, Griffith Park has loads of hiking trails to choose from for hikers of all abilities. Many trails lead to the iconic Hollywood Sign, but other points of interest include the Griffith Observatory, Wisdom Tree, and Bronson Canyon.

Will Rogers State Historic Park

The main road to this California state park lies just off Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades. One of the most popular trails takes hikers on a 2-mile (3-kilometer) loop through the eucalyptus-filled grounds of humorist Will Rogers’ estate to Inspiration Point.

Topanga State Park

For some of the best views of coastal Los Angeles and the Santa Monica Mountains, take the 7-mile (11-kilometer) round-trip hike along Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook in Topanga State Park. Switchbacks, steep hills, and an elevation gain of some 1,300 feet (396 meters) make it a challenge with a great reward at the end.

Mount Baldy

Serious peak baggers won’t want to miss a hike to the top of Mount Baldy, the highest point in Los Angeles County at 10,064 feet (3,068 meters). Situated in the San Gabriel Mountains about an hour’s drive east of LA, this 10-mile ridge-line loop offers stellar views most of the way.

Malibu Creek State Park

Hikers will find 15 miles (24 kilometers) of streamside trails winding through oak and sycamore woodlands within the bounds of Malibu Creek State Park. Easy hikes keep to the canyon floor, while those looking for a challenge can climb the Castro Crest ridge.

Los Angeles beckons nearly 50 million visitors each year to its star-studded hills, world-class museums, sandy beaches, and epic theme parks. The home of Hollywood is also known for its notorious gridlock and crowded attractions, so try these tips to spend more time exploring and less time caught in a traffic jam.

Let Someone Else Do the Driving

If the thought of navigating the Santa Monica Freeway in rush hour turns your knuckles white, save yourself the stress and let a professional driver handle the roads while you enjoy the sights. A hop-on hop-off bus tour lets you design your own itinerary, while private or shared driving tours show off the best of LA in just a few hours and are great for first-time visitors.

Hit the Beaches

The urban beaches of Los Angeles are popular with locals and visitors alike, but there's plenty of room for everyone to spread out on the sand. Lather on some sunscreen and drop a towel on the welcoming expanses of Huntington Beach, Long Beach, or Venice Beach.

Explore the California Coast

Take a break from Los Angeles’ sprawling metropolis with a jaunt to less-crowded spots on the California coastline. Head south to the laid-back beaches of San Diego, or venture north to the Mediterranean-esque enclave of Santa Barbara on the Central Coast. Guided tours handle all the logistics and get you there for a day-long escape or an overnight adventure.

See Hollywood from the Sky

To escape the crowds, rise above them on an aerial tour of LA via helicopter or sightseeing plane. In less than an hour, you get unmatched views of highlights such as the Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Park Observatory, and the Hollywood sign, all without getting stuck in traffic. Other ways to get airborne include paragliding above the Malibu beaches and a helicopter tour of Catalina Island.

The modern metropolis of Los Angeles offers everything from beautiful beaches, hills, and canyons to world-class museums, restaurants, and cultural and scientific institutions. Plus, there’s a plethora of theme parks, Hollywood landmarks, and entertainment options to keep every traveler type happy.  

While it would be impossible to see and experience all that the City of Angels has to offer in one trip, there are activities and experiences that you just can’t miss. To make the most of your trip, see below for our list of must-do activities in Los Angeles.

From wine tasting to helicopter rides, Los Angeles boasts a range of romantic activities for couples. The city’s year-round sunny climate means there are also lots of opportunities to enjoy outdoor adventures and find spots that provide dreamy views for two. Here are some ideas for lovebirds in L.A.

Take a Helicopter Ride

See the L.A. sights from above during an intimate helicopter ride, and enjoy views of the city’s landmarks, like the Hollywood Sign, while you fly through the California sky. You can also add extra romance by upgrading your flight to include champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

Go Wine Tasting in Malibu

Book a romantic tour for two to Malibu's wine region, and visit a variety of Southern California’s wineries and boutique tasting rooms. In between stops, share a picnic spread of charcuterie, bread, cheese, champagne, and chocolates.

Set Sail at Sunset

Watch the sun set into the Pacific Ocean with your sweetheart onboard a charter cruise, and enjoy views of Venice Beach, the Santa Monica Pier, and the Malibu coast with a glass of champagne in hand.

Try a Paragliding Adventure

Active couples can take flight, soaring over the area’s beaches and rolling hills, during a paragliding excursion. During a tandem flight, an experienced pilot handles the steering as you safely glide through the air and back to the ground.

Hike the Hollywood Hills

Grab your camera, and head to the iconic Hollywood Sign, where you can catch panoramic views of the city and, on a clear day, the Pacific Ocean. Afterward, visit nearby Griffith Observatory to see more sweeping vistas as the sun sets behind the city. 

Stroll Along the Canals in Venice

Inspired by those in Italy, the man-made canals of Venice Beach offer a picturesque setting and a quiet place to spend time with your loved one. Stroll along the waterways, and admire the charming homes on either side.

Los Angeles offers many attractions and activities for the culture lover, whether you prefer fine arts, museums, music, or food. Here are some of the top ways to soak up some culture in the City of Angels.

Immerse Yourself in Fine Art

Los Angeles is home to a large number of world-class art museums. Must-see options include the Getty Center and the Getty Villa; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; the Broad; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; the Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Gardens; the Annenberg Space for Photography; and the Norton Simon Museum. In addition to their artwork, some of these museums are notable for their design and architecture.

Explore Hollywood History

For many, Los Angeles is synonymous with Hollywood and the movie business. Learn all about the movie industry and see top attractions, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, the Egyptian Theatre, and the Hollywood Sign on a guided Hollywood history tour. Add on a studio visit to go behind the scenes and learn more about how your favorite shows and movies are made.

Visit a Museum

Besides fine art, Los Angeles is home to a large number of fascinating museums on a wide variety of topics. Go back in time at the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, see classic cars at the Petersen Automotive Museum, get a taste of cowboy culture at the Autry Museum of the American West, view dinosaur bones at the Natural History Museum of LA County, and get close to celestial objects at the Griffith Observatory.

Check Out the Music Scene

Los Angeles is renowned for its music scene and plenty of big acts grace its stages. Get tickets to shows at small, intimate clubs where some big names got their start, to shows at outdoor amphitheaters such as the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theater. Or, see performances at modern architectural icons such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Visit as part of a sightseeing tour, or better yet, catch a show at one of these storied venues.

Dive Into the Food Scene

The food scene in Los Angeles reflects its multicultural roots, with an array of ethnic flavors. Let your taste buds sample the range, from a thriving food truck scene to the freshest seafood from a seaside stall. Food tours make it easy to find and taste hidden gems.

With two days to spend in Los Angeles, you have time to see the biggest attractions of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, hit the beach for some vitamin D, and experience the city’s cultural landscape and theme parks. Here’s how to make the most of a 2-day stay in the City of Angels.

Day 1: Essential Los Angeles

Morning: Start your trip off with a tour of Hollywood’s top attractions. Measure your hands against those of celebrities on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, snap some photos of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and see which celebrities you might spot on an open-air bus tour through star-studded Beverly Hills or a Warner Bros. Studio Tour.

Afternoon: Now that you’ve warmed up with some sightseeing, it’s time to cool off at the beach. Each stretch of sand in LA County has its own personality, from family-friendly Santa Monica Pier to bohemian Venice Beach.

Night: Many LA landmarks look best at night. On an after-dark tour, gaze at the skyline from Griffith Park Observatory, see the illuminated Hollywood sign, and explore West Hollywood, home to nightclubs and live music venues. Depending on the season, catch a show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall or Hollywood Bowl.

Day 2: A Day at the Park

Morning: Get an early start for a visit to one of California’s famed amusement parks. Immerse yourself in all things movies and TV at Universal Studios Hollywood, home of the legendary Studio Tour, or head to Anaheim to explore the Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland® Resort and Disney California Adventure® Park.

Afternoon: You may decide to spend an entire day at the theme park, but if you’re ready for a change of pace, make your way to the Getty Center perched in the Santa Monica Mountains. The postmodernist building houses an enormous collection of art, complemented by spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Coast.

Night: Make your final night in Los Angeles one to remember by booking a dinner cruise with live entertainment and a multi-course meal, or do it like the locals by having cocktails in one of several legendary Hollywood or Beverly Hills hotels.

From Beverly Hills to West Hollywood and Bel-Air, discover where the celebrities of Los Angeles live and work on a tour of luxury homes and other attractions in LA’s famous neighborhoods such as Mulholland Drive and the Sunset Strip.

Highlights

• Some tours include stops at attractions like TCL Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Farmers Market.

• Hear trivia, fun facts, gossip, and anecdotes about movie stars from an onboard guide on most tours.

• In addition to homes, you’ll likely see filming locations from Hollywood movies.

• Some vehicles feature a TV screen to show relevant film clips and other images shot nearby.

• For a more in-depth experience, it’s possible to take a tour that combines celebrity homes with a visit to a movie studio such as Warner Bros. or Universal Studios.

• Tours typically last two to four hours, so you’ll have time to enjoy other activities the rest of the day.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off is often available (make sure to check the details).

There’s much more to the Pacific Coast of California than just the beaches of LA—namely historical attractions, rugged scenery, small resort towns, world-class food and wine, family attractions like Monterey Bay Aquarium, and architectural wonders such as the Golden Gate Bridge. Here are a few ways to discover the best of the state.

Full-Day Tours

The town of Santa Barbara, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Los Angeles, is one of the most popular day-trip destinations due to its Mediterranean-style architecture, plethora of shopping and dining, and proximity to Southern California’s wine country around Solvang. Day tours are often paired with a visit to Hearst Castle, a National Historic Landmark another 130 miles (220 kilometers) north. Alternatively, head south from LA to laid-back San Diego for a day of exploring attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Coronado Island, Balboa Park, or La Jolla.

Multi-Day Tours

Extend your time on the California coast by opting for a 2- or 3-day tour that may take you as far north as San Francisco, stopping on the way in destinations such as Santa Cruz with its amusement park boardwalk, Big Sur and its dramatic coastline, historic Monterey with attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, the idyllic hamlet of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the legendary golf courses of Pebble Beach and the 17-Mile Drive. Some tours also go inland to Yosemite National Park.

Things to Know

• Highway 1 is the iconic California road that winds up and down the coast. It’s two lanes in many sections and can be heavy with traffic—or closed due to events like mudslides—so please know that some tours take different routes to reach destinations, meaning you might not drive along the coast the entire time.

• Multi-day tours can be either one-way or round-trip; make sure to check those details to suit your travel plans.

• Day trips and multi-day trips often do not include food so you can make your own selections. Many destinations along California’s coastline are known for their restaurants—from casual to high-end—so it pays to do research ahead of time.

Los Angeles is truly a melting pot when it comes to food. With strong Latin American and Asian influences, as well as its own signature specialties, the city offers a delicious smorgasbord of accessible eats in addition to buzzy celebrity hangouts and fine-dining restaurants. Here are some dishes you won’t want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

Thanks to Mexico’s strong influence on the Southern California food scene, authentic tacos, freshly made tortilla chips with salsa, and agua frescas have become staple foods throughout L.A.. Also popular are some South American dishes, like pupusas, thick cornmeal flatbreads stuffed with cheese, chicharron (fried pig skin), or refried beans. Food joints in neighborhoods like East L.A. and Boyle Heights also serve up tamales, tres leches cake, goat stew, and more.

Los Angeles is also home to large groups of Asian-Americans who have made foods like Korean barbecue and galbi jjim —a bowl of braised short ribs—local staples. You can also find lots of Vietnamese street food, especially, banh mi sandwiches, which are traditionally filled with meat, such as pork sausage, cucumber, pickled carrots and daikon, and cilantro and topped with jalapeno slices.

But not all foods in L.A are borrowed from somewhere else; the French dip sandwich was born right here in downtown L.A.. It is made with roast beef and cheese and served on a French roll, which you dip in beef juices. When you order ask for a “single dip,” “double dip,” or “wet.”

Must-Do Experiences

• Visit the Los Angeles Farmers Market (a.k.a. the Original Farmers Market) and browse the food stalls selling fresh produce and goodies.
• Order a French dip sandwich at Philippe the Original and grab a seat at the communal table.
• Head to L.A.’s popular fast food joint In-N-Out and ask for your burger and fries “animal style” with melted cheese, grilled onions, and Thousand Island sauce.
• Travel to Malibu to visit boutique wineries in the Santa Monica Mountains.
• Get the signature dish at Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles.

One of the largest cities in the US, Los Angeles requires some planning and patience to navigate. With spread-out attractions and famously congested freeways, it's best to try and cluster your sightseeing and avoid travel during rush hour. Here's how to get where you want to go while keeping stress levels to a minimum. 

Ride the Metro

Los Angeles may have a reputation as a city of drivers, but its robust Metro public transit network connects all corners of the sprawling metropolitan area. Buses are a great option for shorter trips, while trams and two underground subway lines bypass the notorious LA traffic for cross-town journeys. 

Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

If the idea of public transit seems daunting, a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour may be an easier option, with the added perk of narration along the way. Learn about passing sights and get on and off at dozens of major LA landmarks, from the La Brea Tar Pits to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Ride-Hailing Services

Like most major US cities, Los Angeles has widely available ride hailing that can help you save on car rental costs. Download a ride-hailing app such as Uber or Lyft, and relax while a local driver handles the traffic. 

Walk or Bike

Soak up the Tinseltown ambience with a stroll down famous streets such as Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. Walking tours are also a great way to discover hidden gems among the more compact sections of Hollywood, Chinatown, and Beverly Hills. Alternatively, cover more ground while getting your daily exercise on a bike tour of the mostly flat city.

Reliably sunny SoCal skies make Los Angeles a popular escape from colder climes in winter. While it might be too chilly for a dip in the Pacific Ocean, there’s still plenty to do in the City of Angels in winter. Here are a few of our favorites.

• Tour famous filming locations from Hollywood classics and modern blockbusters on a silver screen-themed bus tour.

• Get a jump on your holiday shopping with a day of retail therapy at the outlets of Palm Springs.

• Warm up with a visit to one of LA’s indoor attractions, such as the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County or La Brea Tar Pits and Museum.

• Feel the holiday spirit with a walking tour of downtown Los Angeles when the city is illuminated in festive holiday lights.

• Spot humpback, minke, grey, finback, and blue whales off the coast of Orange County on a whale watching excursion from Newport Beach.

There’s more to Los Angeles than sunny beaches and Hollywood stars. From Ice Age fossils and high-tech stargazing facilities to classical and contemporary art, here are a few of LA’s must-see museums.

The J. Paul Getty Museum

This museum comprises the Getty Center and Getty Villa. Both locations offer cutting-edge architecture and an outstanding collection of art; the Getty Center focuses on European and American art, while the Getty Villa exhibits art from ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria.

How to Visit: Both locations are free to enter, but you can secure a timed entrance slot online to save waiting on the day, or opt for a tour with an art historian for deeper insight. City highlights tours often stop at one or both locations.

Griffith Observatory

Located in Griffith Park, the hilltop Griffith Observatory offers panoramic views of both the city and outer space through high-powered telescopes. Enjoy planetarium shows and exhibits that detail the science behind the cosmos and space exploration—don't miss the Foucault’s Pendulum and Tesla Coil exhibits.

How to Visit: Admission is free, though there is a charge for planetarium shows and special exhibits. The majority of sightseeing tours—including walking, hiking, e-bike, and evening tours—feature a stop here.

The Broad

One of the newest museums in Los Angeles, the Broad houses more than 2,000 pieces of contemporary art from the likes of Warhol and Koons. Rotating temporary exhibitions and interactive installations, such as Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Rooms, make the Broad a popular and fun museum to visit.

How to Visit: Admission is free but reservations are recommended to avoid waiting in line. A number of city sightseeing tours pass by the Broad; visit as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour to create your own itinerary.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Home to one of the largest art collections on the West Coast, LACMA features more than 135,000 works that span antiquity to modern times. There’s a rotating series of special exhibitions, but don’t miss the iconic Urban Light installation.

How to Visit: Explore on your own or join the free, docent-led tour, which is available daily. Some guided city sightseeing tours and nearly all hop-on hop-off bus tours stop here.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Experience the world’s only active, urban Ice Age excavation site. Observe scientists excavate fossils and put them back together in fossil labs. See more than one million fossils from 650 species.

How to Visit: Visit independently, as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour, with a multi-attraction sightseeing pass, or on a guided tour. Join the free docent-led Excavator tour for deeper insight.

Los Angeles may conjure up thoughts of sun-drenched beaches and palm-lined avenues, but the city does experience rain now and then, especially from November through March. If you find yourself caught in a storm, here are the best ways to enjoy LA without getting wet.

• Pose for selfies with lifelike renditions of your favorite celebs at Madame Tussauds Hollywood.
• Get cultured at one of LA’s museums, including the Getty, Broad, Natural History Museum, and Petersen Automotive Museum.
• Cross paths with the rich and famous on a celebrity homes tour or movie locations tour.
• Go behind the scenes at Warner Bros. Studios or enjoy all the indoor attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood.
• Drive by top sights such as the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, Staples Center, and Mulholland Drive on a city sightseeing tour.
• Revamp your wardrobe with a shopping trip to LA’s Citadel Outlets or Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Palm Springs.

There’s nowhere else on Earth quite like Hollywood. Home to recognizable landmarks and even more recognizable movie stars, the larger-than-life neighborhood offers plenty to keep you entertained—from the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame to celebrity mansions. Here’s how to choose a Hollywood tour that’s best suited to you.

For Time-Pressed Travelers

If you only have a short stay in LA, opt for a tour that’s tailored to a tight schedule. Book a hop-on hop-off bus tour to create an itinerary that features only the sights you wish to see or explore by bike for an up-close view of local landmarks. Small-group coach tours provide another way to tick off more Hollywood sights in less time.

For Celebrity Spotters

For some travelers, Hollywood’s biggest attraction is its movie-star residents. Get one step closer to the A-listers on a celebrity-themed tour. Head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame to pose near your favorite handprints; go on a history-themed tour to learn about Hollywood stars and secrets; or discover the neighborhood’s multi-million-dollar mansions on a tour that focuses on celebrity residences.

For Outdoor Adventurers

Hollywood isn’t just about star-spotting. The neighborhood, for all its glitz and glamor, is also a great destination for lovers of the outdoors. Head for the hills on a hiking tour of Griffith Park and the iconic Hollywood sign. Alternatively, explore the area on horseback.

For Food Lovers

Los Angeles is one of the world’s top culinary destinations, so you can expect to feast in Hollywood. Experience the diversity of Hollywood’s food scene on a tour that whisks you to Hollywood’s best eateries, which serve everything from Mexican bites to pizza and ice cream.

Natural beauty, creativity, glitz, glam, and the SoCal sun form a heady mix in California’s City of Angels, a.k.a. Los Angeles. There’s plenty to fill your time in this sprawling city, so planning ahead is essential to seeing more in less time. Here are some ideas for how to experience LA in just one day.

Morning: Celebrities & Sightseeing

Los Angeles is the hub of America’s entertainment industry and home of numerous celebrities. Immerse yourself in the pop culture scene with a guided sightseeing tour to some of LA’s most iconic attractions, such as the Hollywood sign, exclusive boutiques of Rodeo Drive, storied Sunset Strip, and celebrity homes of Beverly Hills. Alternately, design your own itinerary on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, with six routes.

Afternoon: Hit the Beach

It would be a shame to leave Los Angeles without soaking up some sun at the beach. Relive the glory days of Southern California, complete with ice cream shops, snack shacks, and carnival rides, on the historic Santa Monica Pier, or take in the parade of humanity—street performers, bodybuilders, evangelists, and vendors—along the bohemian Venice Beach promenade. For a bit of exercise, opt for a bike tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach. 

Night: Tinseltown Illuminated

When the stars come out, Los Angeles shines. Tonight, soak up the views of the city’s best after-dark spots on a night tour, with stops at the Griffith Park Observatory, Sunset Strip, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the spectacular Walt Disney Concert Hall. Check the calendar and prebook tickets to the Hollywood Bowl, a Greek-style outdoor amphitheater just north of Hollywood where musicians play live under the stars.

As a trendsetting US city, Los Angeles is the perfect place to shop for designer duds, hip ensembles, or antique housewares to spark a conversation. Whether your taste is more Hollywood glam, California casual, or funky vintage, here’s where to look for your next treasure. 

Rodeo Drive

Arguably the world's most famous shopping strip, Rodeo Drive is the ultimate address for luxury shopping. Designer storefronts such as Chanel, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, Tiffany, and Cartier all rub shoulders on a glitzy, palm-lined avenue fit for fashion royalty. Even if the prices are beyond your budget, it's worth a stop to people watching and admire the parade of ultra-luxe cars cruising by. 

Melrose Avenue

No shopping tour of LA is complete without a stroll down this boutique-lined avenue offering a Hollywood mashup of high-low fashion. Treasure hunt at vintage emporiums and clothing exchanges, or splurge on locally made jewelry and garments at dozens of well-curated boutiques. If shopping on Sunday, check out the popular Melrose Trading Post pop-up market for antiques, handmade crafts, and live music at the intersection of Melrose and Fairfax streets. 

The Grove

A local favorite, this massive outdoor mall boasts name-brand stores for every style and budget, plus dining options galore to fuel your retail therapy. Ride around the complex on a cute trolley, and check event listings to round out your purchases with a movie or concert. 

Abbot Kinney Boulevard

This trendy block in Venice Beach is a one-stop destination for LA flavor, with cafes and restaurants sandwiched between hip shoe stores, independent boutiques featuring local designers, lux homeware galleries, and more. 

Citadel Outlets

Score designer style at discount prices at this large outlet complex located 10 minutes south of downtown LA. Save big on popular brands such as Kate Spade, Armani, Guess, Nike, Gucci, Coach, and Michael Kors.

From Koreatown favorites to downtown’s glitzy dining, Los Angeles food is as diverse as it comes, and you could spend a lifetime exploring the city’s essential flavors. Bounce between neighborhoods to sample the highlights, whether you’re chasing the perfect taco or trying for Hollywood’s hottest table.

**Tacos:**You can’t—and shouldn’t—miss tacos in Los Angeles, a starring attraction at top-end restaurants and casual food trucks alike. Some of the very best are also the simplest, just a hot corn tortilla wrapped around tender meat, a scattering of herbs, and sauce.

**Korean Barbecue:**Koreatown draws hungry Angelinos with bowls of bibimbap, tangy kimchi, and plates of barbecued meat rich with smoky flavor. There’s plenty of buzz at dinner, but it’s also a favorite for light-night eats when the bars close.

**French Dip Sandwiches:**Legend has it this juicy sandwich—which is served alongside a dipping bowl of hot broth—was invented in downtown Los Angeles. In true Angelino style, it’s been adapted countless times, with versions filled with everything from turkey to Korean barbecue.

**Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs:**A street vendor all-star, the bacon-wrapped hot dog is an emblem of old school Los Angeles. Get the treat—sometimes called a dogo—piled with chiles and onions for the classic experience.

**Pupusas:**Griddled corn cakes stuffed with everything from melted cheese to braised meat, pupusas are found on roadside grills and at pupuserias around the city. They’re a delicious legacy of Los Angeles’ vibrant Salvadoran community.

**Ramen:**Hearty bowls of brothy noodles are beloved here, with options that include traditional recipes and ultrainnovative modern versions. Great ramen restaurants are sprinkled throughout Los Angeles, so find the closest one and grab your chopsticks.

For all of the attributes of Los Angeles—from the beaches of Malibu and the mansions of Beverly Hills to the boho vibe of Venice Beach—it’s Hollywood that draws visitors from around the world. Here are our top ways to immerse yourself in the history and culture of La La Land.

• See where movie stars past and present rest their pampered heads on a celebrity-homes tour.

• Take a bus tour of filming locations to spot backdrops from your favorite movies or TV shows.

• Pay your respects to departed icons such as Cecil B. DeMille and Judy Garland with a walking tour of Hollywood Forever Cemetery, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

• Stroll down the 15-block Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard, where big shots of the entertainment industry have been recognized since the 1950s.

• Go behind the scenes of filmmaking with a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood.