Los Angeles or the “City of Angels” and its surrounding areas is so vast with many attractions and experiences that it’s necessary to create a travel bucket list whether you’re a local or visiting for a few days. Think of it also as a great list of things to do in Los Angeles and its surrounding region.
We’ve done many of these things several times but there are items here that are also still on our bucket list despite living in the Southern California region for many years and me living in Los Angeles for nine years. This list is broken down into groups depending on your interests.
Things to do With Families
Los Angeles offers plenty of activities for families with varied interests. It is a top rated city with plenty of bucket list items. Although these are family-focused, these are perfectly suitable for couples and solo travelers too.
Look for Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood. A visit to Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without a day or two at the Universal Studios Hollywood. The theme park has over 20 rides and attractions along with a studio tour.
There have been many movies and TV shows filmed in the studio back lot which you can see during the tour. For any Harry Potter fan, seeing Hogwart’s Castle and drinking butter beer is an ultimate bucket list item.
Visit working TV studios. Los Angeles is the “entertainment capital of the world” and one of the few cities in the world where you can visit a working studio. Go behind the scenes of some of your favorite TV shows and movies through guided tours at Warner Brothers Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Sony Pictures Studio Tour and Paramount Pictures Studio Tour.
Catch the stars at Griffith Park Observatory. The drive is worth it to see wonderful views of the Los Angeles basin and the Hollywood Sign. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium has telescopes to see the stars, offers several astronomy exhibits and live shows.
Soar at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Known as the “Thrill Capital of the World”, this theme park is the largest in Southern California and filled with over 100 thrilling rides for kids and daredevils. If you’re not much into soaring in rollercoasters, there are some tamer rides and shows to enjoy too. But, if you’re a fan of rollercoasters, definitely put this on your bucket list.
See Ice Age Fossils at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. The Tar Pits are the world’s only Ice Age fossil site that’s still being actively excavated and located in the middle of a city. Scientists have uncovered many Ice Age animals and plants within the sticky asphalt that had preserved them.
Visitors can view many of these fossil findings at the adjacent museum. You can also see the scientists working on the Fossil Lab.
Visit the Endeavor Space Shuttle. There aren’t many places to see a space shuttle but you can at the California Science Center. Endeavor went into space 25 times and it is an awe inspiring sight.
Explore the marine creatures at Aquarium of the Pacific. There’s no better place to see and learn about the underwater world than at Southern California’s largest aquarium. The facility has various fun animal encounters and educational informative exhibits.
Find the stars at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There is quite nothing compared to this multi-mile pavement filled with stars and names. Find your favorite or most admired celebrity and strike a pose.
While many kids may not know many of the people here, there are some cartoon characters to find like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Snow White, The Simpsons, The Muppets, Tinker Bell, Shrek, Big Bird and Snoopy among others.
Watch a show and have a picnic at Hollywood Bowl. The distinctive arched white stage of the world-famous Hollywood Bowl is one of the best places to see and hear live music in the region. Considered the world’s largest natural amphitheater, the setting and venues are unbeatable for symphonies, concerts, opera and musicals.
We love that we can bring our own food and drinks and sometimes, even alcohol to some shows. Visitors can go on the grounds and do a self-tour for free during the daytime.
Attend a Live TV Taping. Los Angeles is a hub of many television studios. Many people make special trips to watch live tapings of talk shows, reality competitions and game shows like American Ido, Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Price is Right.
If seeing celebrities is on your bucket list too, this is possibly the best way to see some. This Discover Los Angeles post is a great resource on how to procure these coveted tickets.
Go on Angel’s Flight. Known as the “World’s Shortest Railway”, this 118-year-old funicular takes visitors passengers on a short ride between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. The funicular is a registered Los Angeles Cultural Monument and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Stroll the Santa Monica Pier. The iconic pier is at the end of the famous Route 66 but is also a popular spot for residents and visitors and has been featured in many TV shows and movies.
In addition to the pier, there are also many unique shops and restaurants. There are also amusement park rides, including a ferris wheel and a merry-go-round at Pacific Park for families.
Watch a sports event. Los Angeles has many sports teams no matter what your interests are. There is usually a game happening no matter what time of the year you’re visiting at world-class venues. From the top rated and champion teams like the Lakers and Dodgers to college football or soccer, pick your sport and get a ticket.
Float on a Swan Boat at Echo Park Lake. These popular and iconic swan boats are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and some SoCal sunshine while gliding past the geyser fountain, a lotus flower bed and the Lady of the Lake statue. You can even bring some food and drinks for a picnic on board the swan boat.
Ski and sunbathe/surf on the same day. There aren’t many places where you can ski or play in the snow in the morning and go surfing a few hours later. It’s easy to drive up to one of Southern California’s mountain resorts like Mt. Baldy, Big Bear, Mountain High or Snow Valley early in the morning (which is recommended anyway to avoid the crowds) and get down to the beaches of Santa Monica or Malibu to watch the sunset.
Things to do in LA for Outdoors /Adventure Lovers
Day trip to Catalina Island. For the ultimate island getaway and feel like you’ve stepped into the Mediterranean, go to Catalina Island. It is located about 22 miles (35 km) off the Los Angeles harbor. There are many things to do on this 21-mile long island whether you’re here on a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Hike Griffith Park. Known as the country’s largest municipal park, Griffith Park offers 53 miles of hiking trails. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoor scenery, get some fresh air and escape the Los Angeles urban jungle.
See the Hollywood Sign Up Close. There are several vantage points to see the iconic Hollywood sign from the distance whether you’re driving on the 101 Freeway or at Griffith Park or at Hollywood and Highland. But, there are some areas to see it up close but requires some leg work.
Check out some hiking trails from Griffith Park Observatory (e.g. Hollyridge Trail, Bronson Cave Trail) or the 3-mile loop from Vermont Canyon Road or at Lake Hollywood Park (Canyon Lake Drive and Mulholland Highway intersection).
Visit famous Beaches. Southern California’s miles of beaches are part of the region’s appeal. Los Angeles has several popular and famous ones thanks to shows like Baywatch. For the ultimate SoCal bucket list, you can’t visit the area and not spend a few hours or even a day at one of these highly rated beaches. Check out these more popular ones and pick your favorite.
- Leo Carillo Beach
- Malibu Lagoon State Beach
- Robert H. Meyer State Beach
- Venice Beach
- Zuma Beach County Park
- Manhattan Beach
- Hermosa Beach
- El Matador State Beach
- Santa Monica Beach
- Will Rogers State Beach
Photo by Joe Yates on Unsplash
Walk the piers. There is something about a relaxing stroll on piers in Southern California especially during sunset. There are eight public piers in the Los Angeles region (including one in Catalina Island) and each has its own character and great for enjoying ocean views and people watching. Check out these popular ones:
- Santa Monica
- Malibu Pier
- Hermosa Beach Pier
- Redondo Pier
- Manhattan Beach Pier
- Belmont Shores Pier (Long Beach area)
Ride a gondola. You don’t have to go to Venice, Italy to glide on canals via a gondola. The Gondola Getaway has the largest gondola fleet in the country operating in the Naples Islands canals in Long Beach. They offer a variety of packages whether you’re cruising as a couple or group led by well-trained gondoliers.
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Take a ride on Mulholland Drive. This stretch of road between I-405 and the 101 freeways is one of the best ways to see some classic city views and the San Fernando Valley. The long and windy road has several lookout points and overlooks to stop and admire the scenery. Many recommend going from West to East (405 to 101) for an easier stop at the Hollywood Bowl overlook.
Sit inside the Wayfarer’s Chapel. Known as the “Tree Chapel” or “The Glass Church”, this beautiful structure was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son. It is located in Rancho Palos Verdes among towering redwood trees and is only 28 feet high and 27 feet wide. We attended a wedding here and this is one of the most beautiful chapels we’ve seen and should be added to your SoCal bucket list.
Glam up at Rodeo Drive. There’s nowhere else in Los Angeles that says luxury shopping than this three block area in Beverly Hills. It is definitely one of the world’s famous streets. There is a varied collection of high-end/upscale designer stores and private boutiques.
It’s a great place for a quick stroll and some window shopping. And the only thing we’ve ever bought here are some cupcakes from the Sprinkles cupcake ATM.
Climb a giant sand dune. If you’re driving on Pacific Coast Highway by the Point Mugu area, it’s hard to miss the large sand dune facing the ocean. Located across from the Thornbill Broome Beach. It is a great place to climb even with some steep areas and slide down while enjoying some fantastic views.
Things to do with Culture and History
Visit ethnic enclaves and cultural neighborhoods. Los Angeles is one of the most diverse regions in the country. As a result, there are many neighborhoods to visit to immerse in some culture, history and food.
- Olvera Street – This long block is known as the “birthplace of Los Angeles”. It is also a wonderful place to visit some historical museums, restaurants, street vendors and gift shops. It will make you feel like you are in a quaint Mexican town.
- Chinatown – Walk around to sample some delicious Chinese food, dim sum, see some temples or shop for some herbal tea.
- Little Tokyo – This multi-city block area is a National Historic Landmark District. It is one of the three official Japan-towns in America and is the best place to shop, immerse in some culture and eat favorites like ramen, sushi and tempura when you can’t go to Japan.
Here are some other cultural neighborhoods to check out around the Los Angeles area:
- Thai Town
- Little Bangladesh
- Little Armenia
- Little Ethiopia
- Tehrangeles or Little Persia
- Historic Filipinotown
- Little India in Artesia
Go aboard a haunted ship. The Queen Mary is an elegant ocean liner that is now permanently docked at Long Beach. It is a floating museums with some great dining and also offers its staterooms for accommodations. There are various events scheduled throughout the year. But, the most intriguing part about the ship is that it is usually on several “most haunted places in America” list.
Visit Unique Museums. There is no shortage of world-class, quirky or unique museums in Los Angeles. The Miracle Mile has four major museums (LA County Museum of Art, La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Craft and Folk Art Museum, and Petersen’s Auto Museum). No matter what your interests are, you’ll be sure to find a museum to visit.
Luckily, some museums are free or offer free admission at certain times like every second Tuesday of the month or during museum months. One museum on most people’s list is The Broad (which is free) with its infinity mirror rooms, varied art collection and even an olive tree grove outside.
Attend a concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall. This downtown venue, with its steel curves and unique architecture, is considered as “one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world.” It is home to the LA Philharmonic. It has long been on my bucket list to watch a show here and experience its acoustics and I hope I can someday soon.
Where to Eat in Los Angeles
Sample food from various cultures. Los Angeles’ diverse cultural enclaves offer some of the best multi-cultural restaurants, eateries and food trucks. There are also some areas to visit offering a variety of food in addition to all the cultural neighborhoods (see cultural history above).
For some of the best Mexican food, find highly rated taco shops and taquerias in East Los Angeles. And for the best variety of Asian food, head over to any of the cities in San Gabriel Valley (e.g. Alhambra, San Gabriel, Monterey Park, Rosemead, Arcadia, etc.).
- Grand Central Market – This historic market in downtown LA is home to about 40 diverse eateries and shops. It is like a food carnival and you will never be disappointed with your choices.
- The Original Farmer’s Market at 3rd & Fairfax – This iconic market has been around since 1934 and is a favorite eatery for locals and visitors. Don’t miss strolling around here and eat at one of its establishments. There are over 100 shops, food vendors and restaurants here.
- Eataly – This Italian marketplace and eatery was a bucket list item for me and I’m so glad they finally opened one in Los Angeles. This is one of my favorite stops when we are in the area. It’s the next best thing to being Italy when shopping and eating at their vendor stands and food court.
Eat at local favorites. These are some of our favorite Los Angeles food establishments that you should definitely add to your food travel list if you haven’t visited yet.
Porto’s Bakery – There are several locations around the area and it isn’t a surprise to see why the lines are long here. This Cuban bakery makes some of the most delicious pastries and cakes especially their cheese rolls. The best thing is you can order online and they’ll deliver for you to bake at home.
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Zankou Chicken – This Armenian food chain is a Los Angeles staple. While the rotisserie chicken is quite delicious, it’s the garlic sauce that has kept as coming back for years.
The Donut Man – Glendora and Grand Central Market. Between February and September, the fresh strawberry doughnuts (think doughnut sandwich) filled with strawberries and glazed are a must try. There’s also peach doughnuts. They’re messy and gooey but so worth it.
Philippe the Original – Go where the French Dip sandwich was invented. This is an LA institution and has been around since 1908. Go for the double dip!
Langer’s Deli – Located in downtown LA, this restaurant has been around since 1947. Their most popular is the pastrami on rye which is loaded with pastrami, coleslaw, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing on rye bread.
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Pink’s Hot Dogs – This Hollywood landmark and hot dog stand has been around since 1939. It serves thousands of hotdogs and hamburgers everyday. There’s a reason this is a favorite among celebrities and there’s plenty of proof from all the autographed photos. Try their famous chili dog.
San Pedro Fish Market – Home of the world famous shrimp tray, this eatery is a seafood lover’s paradise. The waterfront location and even some entertainment creates a wonderful ambience but it’s the seafood super trays that are the stars here. Come hungry!
Have some wine with giraffes. Malibu Wine Safaris allows visitors to explore the 1,000-acre Saddlerock Ranch and vineyard. How cool would it be to go on a guided tour on an open-air Safari vehicle to see some exotic animals like zebras, bison and a giraffe, enjoy the scenery and vineyards and tasting local wines along the way. This sounds like the perfect girlfriends getaway.
Things to do for Art Lovers
Marvel at The Getty Center. This world-renowned museum should be on every art lover’s bucket list when visiting Los Angeles. It’s free to enter this amazing facility with an incredible permanent collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures. The buildings and grounds are architectural wonders with some great city views. The lush, beautiful gardens are also not to be missed.
See the outdoor lanterns at LACMA. This art installation is made up of 202 restored antique street lamps from the 1920s to 1930s that were once around the SoCal region.
Wander through the Huntington Library. The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens, located in the suburbs of San Marino, is one of SoCal’s gems. It has an incredible collection in its library and gallery with rare books and famous art that includes Gainsborough’s “The Blue Boy”, a Gutenberg Bible and an illuminated manuscript of Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales.
But, many visitors put this on their list for the gardens. The facility has 120 acres with 12 specialty gardens. The Japanese Garden is a family favorite and epitomizes zen.
Go Street Art Hunting. In the age of social media, many murals have popped up all over the Los Angeles region for people to use as backdrops. Many go to Melrose Avenue for more than the shopping. There is a treasure trove of street art between Fairfax Avenue and La Brea including Colette Miller’s Angel Wings (one of many found around the city). Other art-filled sites around the region include Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach and Downtown LA’s Arts District.
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Things to do for Holiday/Events
There are some events throughout the year that are so unique and special that they are on many visitor’s travel bucket list.
Stroll the Poppy Fields. Between mid-March and early May, the hills of Lancaster are transformed into a sea of orange. This is the best place to see the California poppies, the state’s official flower, in full bloom all over the fields. There is also a California Poppy Festival held during the Spring here.
Watch the Rose Parade. Many people camp along Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard and the famed Rose Parade’s route days before New Years Day to snag prime spots. It is one of the best ways to see the incredible parade floats made of flowers and natural materials plus the equestrian ensembles and bands. We’ve never seen the parade live but have enjoyed seeing the floats afterwards which are parked along Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards.
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What a great list! I live here in Los Angeles, but my family is coming to visit.and I’m struggling to put together an itinerary that’s good for all ages. You gave me a lot of good ideas. Thank you!