Landing in the city of angels? The best places to go in LA.

The next time you fly into Los Angeles on business, why not schedule a few extra days to experience more than just what’s happening in the boardroom? Whether you’ve been here once or a hundred times before, this city is bursting with culture, nightlife, and iconic landmarks. 

From the Griffith Observatory to Venice Beach to The Grove, the best places in LA are more than what you see on social media. Take a break from your busy schedule to experience LA like it’s the first time. This is where to start.

LA’s biggest attractions: Fun places to go in LA.

Griffith Observatory.

2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles

Open Tuesday to Sunday

Even if you aren’t a scientist or an astronomy buff, Griffith Observatory is quite possibly one of the best places to go in LA. Originally built to make astronomy accessible to the general public, not just scientists, the grounds here are stunning and far removed from LA’s hustle culture.

The Observatory offers exhibits, planetarium shows, and telescope viewings that allow visitors to discover the wonders of space. It’s also only a 30- to 40-minute drive from the downtown core, even in peak traffic.

Insider tip: This is considered one of the best spots in LA to see the iconic Hollywood Sign.

The Hollywood Sign.

2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles (Best viewing)

Open from sunrise to sunset

Speaking of the Hollywood Sign, if you’ve arrived in LA with family or business associates experiencing La La Land for the very first time, this landmark is likely on their must-see list. After all, it’s an internationally recognized landmark that has been representing Hollywood on screen for over 100 years.

If you’ve taken the afternoon off for a bit of sightseeing, plan for the Hollywood sign photo op while visiting Griffith Park and the Griffith Observatory. For more active viewing, hit up any one of the hiking trails that work their way up and around the sign, like Mt. Hollywood Trail, Brush Canyon Trail, or Cahuenga Peak Trail.

Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Hollywood Boulevard, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Open seven days a week

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is another one of the places to go in LA that is a must-see for first-timers. It’s a fantastic place to bring visiting family or international colleagues, and it’s easy to spend hours here finding all the stars of actors and entertainers you love.

The walk now stretches more than 15 blocks along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, with over 2,500 brass stars. Whether you come here for an afternoon or simply schedule a lunch along Hollywood Boulevard, don’t skip one of the most iconic landmarks in LA.

LA’s cultural and historical sites.

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood

Open seven days a week

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is one of this city’s more historic landmarks. It opened nearly a century ago and has hosted many famous movie premieres and celebrity-studded events, especially during Hollywood’s Golden Age.

The theater is known for its distinctive Chinese-inspired architectural style, like the red pagoda exterior, elaborate dragon decor, and Ming Dynasty guardian lions. Inside, you’ll also find countless famous movie stars’ handprints, footprints, and signatures from the 1920s to the present day.

Hollyhock House.

4800 Hollywood Boulevard

Open Thursday to Saturday

Hollyhock House, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 20th century, represents the beginnings of the California Modernism movement. For anyone with an eye for design, the house features Wright’s distinctive organic style, incorporating an open floor plan, Japanese influences, and use of the four elements (earth, water, fire, air).

After extensive restoration efforts, Hollyhock House has been returned to much of its original 1920s splendor, allowing visitors to see the house as intended. Spend a few hours here on a self-guided tour to experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s work and the artistic vision of its original owner, Aline Barnsdall, in person.

The Getty Center.

1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles

Open Tuesday to Sundays

You don’t have to wait until your next trip to London, Paris, or Florence to visit The Getty Center, the best place in LA for art, culture, and inspiration. If you’ve never been, the Getty Center houses an impressive collection of European art spanning the Middle Ages to the present day, including works by renowned artists like Van Gogh and Renoir.

The center also features stunning architecture and design by acclaimed architect Richard Meier. While you’re here, take in the striking modern architecture, gardens, and breathtaking views of Los Angeles.

Places to go in LA at night.

The Sunset Strip.

Open seven days a week

Sunset Boulevard is central to LA’s nightlife, with bars, clubs, and comedy clubs packed into the Sunset Strip. This 1.6-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard is home to every flavor of nightlife you could imagine, from the Comedy Store to The Roxy to the Skybar.

Looking for a slice of LA cultural history? You can find it here, too, as the Strip is home to the city’s iconic rock clubs, like The Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go, which have hosted many famous artists over the decades. Head here after hours, seven days a week, to get your fill of live music, VIP events, and DJs.

The Comedy Store.

8433 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles

Open seven days a week

Los Angeles has long been the destination for standup comedians to work on their routines, with The Comedy Store one of the most legendary spaces for new and old talent alike. It has a history of launching the careers of the world’s biggest comedians, including Jay Leno, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, and more.

With something happening every single day of the week, from 6:30 p.m. until late, this is the best place to go with friends in LA. And if the lines are too long, you can always hit up the Laugh Factory, The Improv, and Dynasty Typewriter for more laughs.

The most iconic outdoor activities in LA.

Santa Monica Pier.

200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica

Open seven days a week

The Santa Monica Pier is not just one of the most photographed locations in the world. A few hours spent here is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. As you stroll along the Pier, pop into the Pacific Park amusement park, explore the historic Looff Hippodrome building, and take a spin (or two) around the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel.

If you have a date scheduled on your trip to LA, the Santa Monica Pier is always a sound bet. What’s more romantic than playing a few games, a sunset Ferris wheel ride, and a cocktail overlooking the Pacific Ocean?

Venice Beach.

Venice, Los Angeles

Open seven days a week

Venice Beach is defined by sun, sand, and an incredible cast of characters. Known for its lively and eclectic atmosphere, it’s one of the top places to go in LA to stretch your legs, soak up those Cali rays, and people-watch. No matter what time of day you visit, you’ll find street performers, artists, bodybuilders, and others soaking up the sunshine.

If you’ve never experienced the energy at Venice Beach, it’s time to put this landmark on your agenda. See for yourself what the real LA is like behind all the Hollywood glamour.

Descanso Gardens.

1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge

Open seven days a week

Outdoor activities in LA tend to revolve around the beaches, but if you prefer more botanical experiences, head to the Descanso Gardens. Here, you’ll see landscapes as varied as ancient forests, a Japanese garden, a camellia forest, and even one curated around California’s native flora.

These 150-acre gardens have a rich history dating back to the 1800s when the land was part of a Spanish land grant. The current gardens were developed in the 1930s-1950s by owner E. Manchester Boddy. Only a few miles north of downtown, this makes for an excellent midday break to reset before the next round of meetings.

Best places to eat in LA.

Sushi Ginza Onodera.

609 La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood

Open Tuesday to Saturday

Sushi Ginza Onodera is a Michelin-starred experience, now with two stars for its level of food excellence and world-class service. Grab a reservation here for a traditional Edomae style of sushi preparation, which uses specialized aging techniques to enhance flavor and texture. Or, for a more casual option, you can get a seating at the revolving sushi bar for the Kaiten sushi experience.

Mélisse.

1110 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

Open Wednesday to Saturday

Mélisse is “a restaurant, in a restaurant,” tucked inside Citron’s award-winning location. With only 14 seats, this space ensures a highly personal and intimate dining experience, where chefs and sommeliers guide you through the entire meal.

Chef Josiah creates an innovative, local, and seasonal 18-course tasting menu, with standouts like the Shima Aji tart with caviar and the A5 Wagyu with sake lees. Book a reservation well in advance to get a spot here, as the restaurant is only open from Wednesday to Saturday.

Providence.

5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles

Open Tuesday until Saturday

Providence did more than a few things right to nab its two Michelin-star rating. One of its most notable commitments is to sustainable seafood. This devotion to sustainability is especially worthy of the accolades, as it supports American fisheries and ensures that the seafood served is of the highest quality.

The restaurant’s tasting menu showcases classic techniques blended with modern sensibility, merging Mediterranean and Asian flavors. One of their signature dishes, the Pacific oyster served with champagne butter and golden Kaluga caviar, highlights the thoughtful creations you can expect.

Shop till you drop: Places to go shopping in LA.

The Grove.

189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles

Open seven days a week

One of the best places to go shopping in LA, the Grove offers an open-air shopping experience designed in a nostalgic style reminiscent of Hollywood in the Golden Age of the 1930s and 1940s. The high-end shops here include Nordstrom, Coach, Apple, and Charlotte Tilbury, with Gucci set to open soon.

Bring your loved ones here for a few hours of retail therapy, and when your feet start to hurt, The Grove offers just as many dining options as stores.

Rodeo Drive.

248 Via Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills

Open seven days a week

Known worldwide, Rodeo Drive hosts over 100 luxury boutiques and flagship stores from high-profile brands like Gucci, Prada, and Tiffany & Co. At every stop along the street, you’ll get impeccable service. Plus, Rodeo is known as a celebrity hotspot—you never know who you might bump into at Bottega Veneta, Chanel, or AMIRI.

Melrose Avenue.

Melrose Ave, West Hollywood

Open seven days a week

Melrose Avenue features a range of shopping options, from high-end boutiques in Melrose Heights to vintage stores and longstanding mom-and-pop shops. Melrose is a shopping destination, but it is also known for its colorful murals and hip cafes, all of which tend to attract a notable clientele, from influencers to stars. A few favorite boutiques to check out while you are here include Dolce and Gabbana, Sorella Boutique, Kitson, and Lisa Kline.

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