Los Angeles packs mythic beaches, working film studios, world-class museums and neighbourhoods with radically different personalities into a single city. Allow at least three days to hit the highlights, ideally five to truly feel the pulse of the City of Angels.
Griffith Observatory and the Park Around It
Perched in the hills above Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory is free to visit year-round. From the terrace, the view sweeps across the city on one side and the Hollywood Sign on the other. Inside, permanent exhibitions cover astronomy, celestial phenomena and the science of light. Planetarium shows are available to book in advance. Griffith Park itself, one of the largest urban green spaces in the United States, offers hiking trails for all abilities leading up to the summit of Mount Hollywood.
Get my travel insurance quoteHollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard features more than 2,700 stars dedicated to iconic figures from film, music and television. The promenade is entirely free and lively at any hour. The TCL Chinese Theatre, open since 1927, displays the handprints and footprints of celebrities set into the forecourt concrete. A short walk away, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened in 2021, is the largest museum in the world dedicated to cinema.
The Getty Center: Art, Gardens and Free Admission
The Getty Center is one of the few major museums in Los Angeles where admission costs nothing. Set in the hills of Brentwood, it houses works ranging from medieval European art to Renaissance and modern masterpieces. The building’s contemporary architecture, terraced landscape gardens and sweeping views over the city make for a complete visit even if art is not your primary interest. Only the car park is charged; a free shuttle runs from the arrival plaza at the base.
Santa Monica: Beach and Buzzing Boardwalk
Santa Monica draws around 25 million visitors a year. Santa Monica Pier is home to Pacific Park, an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and rides perched directly over the ocean. Behind the beach, Third Street Promenade brings together shops, restaurants and terraces along a pedestrian street lined with street performers. The beach itself is ideal for swimming, volleyball and water sports, thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate along the California coast.
Venice Beach: LA’s Alternative Soul
Venice Beach draws around 9 million visitors a year to its Boardwalk, a lively promenade stretching nearly 5 kilometres. Street artists, skaters, market vendors and bodybuilders at Muscle Beach make it one of the most eclectic stretches of street life in the United States. The Venice Canals, laid out in the early twentieth century in homage to those in Venice, Italy, offer a peaceful stroll just a few blocks from the waterfront.
To round out your American itinerary, our guides to things to do in the United States and the must-visit cities in the United States will help you plan your next stops.
The LACMA: The Largest Art Museum in the Western United States
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, known as LACMA, is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of over 150,000 works. It spans every period from antiquity to contemporary art and regularly hosts major travelling exhibitions. At its entrance stands “Urban Light”, an installation of 202 vintage street lamps that has become one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is both a theme park and a working film studio. Headline attractions include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World and backlot tours of sets in active use. In 2026, the park opens Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, its first high-speed outdoor roller coaster, featuring technology never before seen in the park’s history.
Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills is synonymous with understated luxury, with its palm-lined avenues and iconic hotels such as The Beverly Hills Hotel. Rodeo Drive is home to the boutiques of the world’s leading fashion houses: Chanel, Gucci, Rolex and more. Strolling through the neighbourhood is free; the gardens visible from the street and the villa facades are worth a detour even without any shopping in mind.
Downtown Los Angeles: Heritage Meets Modernity
Downtown Los Angeles blends Victorian heritage with contemporary architecture. The Bradbury Building preserves one of the finest wrought-iron atriums in the United States. Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry, stands as a striking architectural landmark. The Grand Central Market brings together dozens of stalls serving local and international cuisine. In 2026, the neighbourhood welcomes DATALAND, the world’s first museum dedicated to AI art, opening within The Grand LA complex.
The Beaches of Malibu
Malibu stretches roughly 40 kilometres north of Santa Monica. Surfrider Beach is one of the best-known surf breaks in California. Zuma Beach, larger and more sheltered, is ideal for a family swim. Malibu Creek State Park offers hiking trails through landscapes that have served as the backdrop for countless film and television productions.
Los Angeles in 2026: What to Look Forward To
The city is in for a particularly eventful year. The FIFA World Cup 2026 brings eight matches to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, including the United States vs Paraguay on 12 June. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, with more than 40,000 works, is expected to open on 22 September 2026 in Exposition Park. For technology enthusiasts, DATALAND opens its five galleries dedicated to AI art in June 2026.
If you are planning to combine Los Angeles with other major American cities, our guide to things to do in New York will help you shape your east coast/west coast itinerary.
FAQ
How many days do you need to visit Los Angeles?
Allow at least 3 days to cover the must-sees: Hollywood Boulevard, Venice Beach, Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory. Five days let you add Malibu, the Getty Center, the LACMA and a full day at Universal Studios.
What is the best time of year to visit Los Angeles?
Los Angeles enjoys mild weather year-round. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) combine pleasant temperatures with smaller crowds. Summer brings the highest footfall, particularly on the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice.
How do you get around Los Angeles without a car?
The Metro network (subway and bus) covers the main attractions, though frequencies are limited outside the central corridors. Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Lyft) are widely used. For exploring Malibu or the hills, hiring a car remains the most practical option.
Is entry to the Getty Center really free?
Yes, admission to the Getty Center is free for all visitors. Parking is charged, but a free shuttle connects the arrival plaza to the museum. Booking a timed entry slot online in advance is recommended.
Is Los Angeles hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Yes, Los Angeles is one of the host cities. Eight matches will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, including the United States vs Paraguay on 12 June 2026. Book accommodation and tickets early if you are planning to attend.
What is there to do in Los Angeles with children?
Universal Studios Hollywood remains the top family destination with its immersive themed attractions. The La Brea Tar Pits brings Ice Age fossils to life. The beaches of Santa Monica and the pier, home to Pacific Park, are suitable for all ages.
