Craving the glamour of Hollywood, the peace of hidden beaches, or the buzz of eclectic neighbourhoods? Then La La Land is calling! With its world-famous movie studios, high-profile residents, and sunny weather, it has a distinct and irresistible allure that draws people to it.
And once you're there, you'll find tons of things to do in LA. Explore Los Angeles by walking the red carpet (well, almost) at the Dolby Theatre, snapping a selfie with the Hollywood sign, and more! Forget Hollywood endings. With our guide below, you can start your LA story at the best sights and stops!
1. Disneyland Resort
With an average of 15 million visitors every year, Disneyland Resort steals the spotlight as Los Angeles' top attraction. 🏰✨ Find classic attractions, like the hair-raising Pirates of the Caribbean cruise, a swash-buckling adventure with infamous pirates.
For a piece of Disney history, head to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA. The concert hall was a generous gift from Lillian B. Disney, Walt's wife, who donated $50 million to create this architectural masterpiece as a tribute to Walt Disney himself.
Locations: Anaheim; downtown Los Angeles
Cost: Starts at 187.05 AUD
Operating Hours: 7:30-00:00. Schedules vary, so check ahead!
2. Six Flags Magic Mountain
Thrill-seekers, Six Flags Magic Mountain should definitely be on your list of what to do in Los Angeles. It’s got not just one, not two, but 19 jaw-dropping rollercoasters plus other blood-pumping rides! Try out the popular CraZanity, a record-breaking 17-storey pendulum ride that’ll whip you back and forth at a heart-pounding 75 miles per hour!
If you’ve got little adventurers in tow, no worries! The park has Bugs Bunny World, a six-acre wonderland filled with interactive rides and attractions that’ll keep the kiddos entertained for hours. More fun awaits at the newly themed Boardwalk Area, with upgraded bumper cars and exciting games.
Location: 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia
Cost: 122.05 AUD
Operating Hours: Sunday-Friday, 10:30-18:00; Saturday, 10:30-20:00
3. Knott’s Berry Farm
A historic staple in Los Angeles since 1920, Knott’s Berry Farm is a theme park that promises fun for all ages. Young visitors will especially enjoy Snoopy Camp. Join the PEANUTS Gang for the annual jamboree and get to play the musical game show "It's Your Life, Charlie Brown."
The summer show, Ghost Town Alive!, is also back. With bandits, cowboys, robberies, and a good ol' western hoedown, it’s a story straight out of the history books—with you as its main star! Become an honorary citizen of Calico in this summer’s story of the Wild West.
Location: 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park
Cost: Starts at 101.49 AUD
Operating Hours: 10:00-20:00. Schedules vary, so check ahead!
4. Griffith Observatory
Tick off your bucket list of things to do in LA with a visit to this Art Deco masterpiece in Griffith Park, which houses fascinating exhibits, including the powerful 12-inch Zeiss telescope. See distant planets, twinkling stars, and swirling galaxies with breathtaking clarity!
Another favourite attraction is the free presentation of the rare Tesla coil, which aimed to transmit electricity wirelessly, paving the way for the modern power grid we rely on today. Maximise your visit and drop by the Los Angeles County Museum and its popular light pole installation.
Location: 2800 E Observatory Road, Los Angeles
Cost: Free; tickets to Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows start at 6 AUD
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Friday - 12:00-22:00; Saturday-Sunday - 10:00-22:00; Monday - Closed
5. Venice Beach
Visiting this more eclectic sister of Santa Monica Beach in West Los Angeles is one of the quintessential things to do in California for tourists and locals alike.
Got an LA car rental and are worried about parking? Free spot or a paid lot—you’ve got plenty of options. Rivalling Santa Monica Pier, the boardwalk of Venice Beach bustles with street performers and bodybuilders showing off their strength at Muscle Beach.
Take in the lively scene from Venice's landmark Sidewalk Cafe. Time Magazine called it the “best place to people watch on Venice Beach,” after all. Afterwards, head down to the water—it's great for beginner surfers and bold swimmers. Even if you prefer to stay on land, you'll love the expansive coastline if you’re up for a barefoot jog!
Location: Venice, Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Operating Hours: 5:00–22:30
6. Beverly Hills Hotel
Join in the glitz and glamour of this legendary hotel, aka the Pink Palace! For over a century, this spot has rolled out the red carpet for Hollywood's crème de la crème, like John Lennon. From Frank Sinatra-inspired desert style to Elizabeth Taylor's citrine and gold palette, there's a room for every taste.
But don't worry—there are heaps of things to do in LA that don't require a five-star stay! Restaurants and bars are open to the public, so why not treat yourself to fab dining at the Beverly Hills Hotel's Bar Nineteen12? Sip on expertly crafted cocktails while chilling on the outdoor terrace—a tropical oasis among the palm trees.
Location: 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills
Cost: Free; restaurant prices vary
Operating Hours: Restaurants open as early as 7:00 and close as late as 23:00. Operating hours vary per restaurant, so check ahead!
For another star-studded drinking spot, head to Napa Valley for some chic wine tasting—perfect if you’re on the lookout for autumn activities in the US. You just might bump into Phoebe Bridgers, Elizabeth Olsen, and Kelly Clarkson!
7. Hollywood Walk of Fame
Craving a taste of Hollywood history? Then exploring the legendary Walk of Fame should be high on your list of what to do in LA. Since 1960, this icon-packed sidewalk has honoured 2,700 superstars in motion pictures, television, radio, live theatre, and recording.
Got a favourite celeb you’re hoping to catch? 🔍 With the Walk of Fame’s online Star Search tool, that should be a breeze. And if you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon a free public ceremony, where honorees and their entourages gather to celebrate.
Location: Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street
Cost: Free
Operating Hours: Open daily with no set opening or closing times
Short on time but big on adventure? You can visit the Walk of Fame and more—from the Griffith Observatory to Venice Beach and Beverly Hills Hotel—on the Los Angeles Highlights half-day tour, all in just a few hours.
8. Celebrity Homes Tour
Get a taste of the Hollywood A-lister lifestyle with a tour of celebrity homes aboard a hop-on/hop-off bus. Peek into the lives of your favourite celebs, like Leonardo DiCaprio, as you cruise past their stunning Beverly Hills mansions. Plus, with your insider guide, you’ll be treated to juicy insider stories! 🍵
And if that wasn’t enough, cruise through the streets on your tour bus and explore other things to do in LA at your own pace. Hit up Rodeo Drive or Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood for trendy fashion finds that’ll have you feeling like a true A-lister.
Location: Meetup is at the Dolby Theatre, where a hop-on/hop-off bus awaits
Cost: 140.35 AUD
Operating Hours: Departure times are at 10:00, 11:15, 12:30, 13:45, 15:15, 16:30.
9. Hollywood Sign
Did you know that when the sign was first built, it had four extra letters, making it “Hollywoodland”? This was a clever publicity stunt by real estate agents to draw attention to the Hollywood Hills.
Fast-forward to today and a tour of this iconic landmark is one of the top things to do in LA. With panoramic views of the City of Angels atop Mount Hollywood, you’ll be treated to a bird' s-eye view of Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, and Dreamworks. Led by a real-life actor or comedian, this behind-the-scenes tour will take you deep into the heart of Tinseltown.
Location: Los Angeles
Cost: 42.75 AUD
Operating Hours: Hiking trails are open from sunrise to sunset
10. Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds Hollywood gets you up close and personal with over 125 lifelike figures from the worlds of film, TV, music, sports, and superheroes. These figures are so realistic that you might have to do a double-take to believe they’re not real!
Here, you can get into the ring with Rocky Balboa or hit the stage with Rihanna. Don’t forget to upgrade your ticket to join Marvel’s superheroes in a thrilling 4D movie adventure! Before you leave, make a wax replica of your own hand as a unique souvenir. It’s a true gem among tons of Los Angeles attractions.
Location: 6933 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles
Cost: Starts at 56.45 AUD
Operating Hours: 10:00-20:00. Schedules vary, so check ahead!
Phew! With so many places to visit in Los Angeles, checking off your bucket list can add up in hours and cost. But with the Klook LA Attraction Pass, unlock a world of attractions in the Los Angeles area while saving time and money.
With the year-round sunshine, diverse neighbourhoods, and famous landmarks in Los Angeles, things to do are as varied and exciting as the city itself.
Written by: Ysabel de Guzman