Top 10 Places to Visit in Los Angeles

Sure! Here’s a handy list of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Los Angeles — perfect for tourists looking to explore the city’s most iconic sights, whether by car, bus, or guided tour. 🌴🎬✨

Table of Contents

🏆 Top 10 Places to Visit in Los Angeles, California

🎥 1. Hollywood Walk of Fame

What to See: Over 2,700 celebrity stars embedded in the sidewalk.
Highlights: TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre (Oscars), El Capitan Theatre.
Price: Free to walk around.
Tip: Go early or late to avoid crowds. Street performers everywhere!

🏖 2. Santa Monica Pier

What to Do: Ride the Pacific Wheel, play games, eat food, chill on the beach.
Highlights: End of Route 66 sign, beach vibes, street music.
Price: Free entry, rides and games ~$5–10.
Nearby: 3rd Street Promenade shopping and Venice Beach.

🌴 3. Venice Beach Boardwalk

What to See: Street performers, Muscle Beach gym, skatepark, local art.
Vibe: Edgy, artsy, and full of energy.
Price: Free.
Tip: Great for people-watching and souvenirs.

🖼 4. The Getty Center

What to See: Art museum with breathtaking architecture and city views.
Highlights: Van Gogh, Monet, manicured gardens.
Price: Free admission. Parking ~$20.
Tip: Take the tram up to the top — fun and scenic!

🌇 5. Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park

What to Do: See stars through telescopes, hike to the Hollywood Sign, enjoy panoramic city views.
Famous For: La La Land scenes.
Price: Free entry to observatory. Parking/hike options vary.
Tip: Sunset is the best time to visit.

🛍 6. Rodeo Drive (Beverly Hills)

What to See: Luxury shopping, celebrity spotting, “Pretty Woman” vibes.
Price: Window shopping = free. Shopping? 💸
Tip: Visit the Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park.

🏞 7. Universal Studios Hollywood

What to Do: Movie-themed rides (Harry Potter, Jurassic World), studio tour.
Famous For: Behind-the-scenes sets and thrill rides.
Price: ~$120–150/day (varies by season).
Tip: Arrive early or get Express Passes.

🌆 8. Downtown LA (DTLA)

What to Explore: The Broad Museum (free), Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market.
Vibe: Modern meets historic.
Price: Many places free or low-cost.
Tip: Take the Angels Flight railway for a quick historic ride.

🌄 9. Hollywood Sign Hike

Where: Griffith Park area (trailheads at Brush Canyon or Bronson Canyon).
What to Expect: Epic views of the sign and the city skyline.
Price: Free.
Tip: Bring water, sunscreen, and good shoes.

🐘 10. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

What to See: Massive art collection + Urban Light sculpture (iconic photo spot).
Price: ~$25 adults (some free days/month).
Nearby: La Brea Tar Pits, Petersen Auto Museum.

Bonus: 🚗 Should You Use Hop-On Hop-Off in LA?

Yes, especially if you don’t want to drive! Companies like Starline Tours offer loops through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.

Price: ~$49–69 for a day pass
Great For: First-timers and those without a car

Hop On Hop Off Santa Monica

Want a custom 2-day or 3-day itinerary based on your interests (beaches, celebs, museums, etc.)? I can hook you up!

Sure! Here’s a FAQ-style guide for the Top 10 Places to Visit in Los Angeles — great for tourists planning their trip, whether you’re driving, using Hop-On Hop-Off buses, or exploring on foot. 🎬🌴☀️

🏆 Top 10 Places to Visit in Los Angeles – Tourist FAQ

1. What are the top 10 places to visit in Los Angeles?

Here’s a quick must-see list:

Hollywood Walk of Fame
Santa Monica Pier
Venice Beach
The Getty Center
Griffith Observatory & Park
Rodeo Drive (Beverly Hills)
Universal Studios Hollywood
Downtown LA (The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market)
Hollywood Sign Hike
LACMA & Urban Light Sculpture

2. What’s the most iconic place in Los Angeles?

Most would say the Hollywood Sign, but the Santa Monica Pier, Walk of Fame, and Griffith Observatory are equally iconic in photos and movies.

3. Is LA walkable for tourists?

Not really — LA is very spread out. Some areas like Downtown, Santa Monica, and Hollywood are walkable, but a car, tour bus, or rideshare is usually needed to get between neighborhoods.

4. Are Hop-On Hop-Off buses good in LA?

Yes! They’re convenient for sightseeing without renting a car.

Companies: Starline Tours, Big Bus LA
Stops Include: Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice
Price: ~$49–69 per day

5. What’s free to do in Los Angeles?

Lots!

Griffith Observatory
The Getty Center
Venice Beach
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Urban Light at LACMA
The Broad Museum (free with timed entry)

6. When’s the best time to visit LA?

March–May or September–November: Mild weather, fewer crowds.
Summer is fun but hot and crowded, especially at beaches and theme parks.

7. How much time should I spend in LA?

Ideally 3–5 days to explore the beaches, Hollywood, museums, and do at least one day trip (like Universal Studios or Malibu).

8. Where can I see celebrities?

Rodeo Drive and West Hollywood (especially restaurants like Craig’s or Catch LA)
Runyon Canyon (celeb workouts)
TV tapings (free tickets online!)
Or take a celebrity homes tour