From the many idyllic beaches to the Walk of Fame to a sprawling city park, Los Angeles offers a whole world of experiences in one county. Plan your activities around the city’s famous landmarks or a few of its hidden gems—somehow, they all feel iconic.
Find your thrills at theme parks
All three amusement parks in Los Angeles have only-in-California appeal. Universal Studios Hollywood, for starters, is still part of a working movie and TV studio (see it on the world-famous Studio Tour) and its themed rides and attractions include the video-game-themed Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Six Flags Magic Mountain, meanwhile, can boast of having the most thrill rides of any theme park on the planet (20), including the spinning seats and 76 mph speeds of X2. For old-school fun, head to Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier, home of classic carnival rides and a solar-powered Ferris wheel with sweeping views of the coastline.
Go Hollywood
No need to be starstruck—it’s easy to experience Hollywood magic up close. Stroll down Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame to see the names of your favorite stars on the sidewalk, then catch a movie at the TCL Chinese Theatre or El Capitan Theatre. See both historic and working sets at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and the Paramount Studio Tour, and glimpse more Hollywood history at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Want a great view of the landmark Hollywood Sign? Drive along Mulholland Highway, check it out from Griffith Observatory, or challenge yourself to the Mt. Hollywood trail hike in Griffith Park.
Bike all day along the beach
Los Angeles County’s beaches each have their own personalities, from the bodybuilding vibe at Venice Beach to the mellow local scene at Hermosa Beach. Rent a bike from various locations of Perry’s Cafe and pedal your way along The Strand (aka the Marvin Braude Bike Trail), which runs 22 miles from Santa Monica down to Torrance. Stop for some beach lounging along the way, as well as people-watching in Venice, snacks at Brooke Willaimson’s Playa Provisions in Marina del Rey, or a stroll on the pier in Redondo Beach.
Go big on museums
Beyond its wealth of pop culture, L.A. also has a lot of serious—and seriously fun—museums. See the Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center, the bubbling excavation sites at La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, and the movie props and exhibits at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Fine art fans, meanwhile, won’t want to miss the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Getty Center, and The Broad (the latter two offer free admission).
Immerse yourself in Griffith Park
Los Angeles’ main city park spans a whopping 4,300 acres and is packed with both wilderness and culture. Explore its natural side on the 50 miles of trails that trace mountains and canyons—you can hike to Bronson Caves, which played the Bat Cave in the 1960s Batman TV series, or take a horseback ride with Sunset Ranch Hollywood. See the wildlife at the Los Angeles Zoo, catch a concert at the bucket-list Greek Theatre, or see the Old West artifacts and incredible Native art at the Autry Museum of the American West. Don’t miss a trip to (free) Griffith Observatory with its own Hollywood movie credentials and easy views of the celestial stars.