10 Must-Visits In Los Angeles

Ah, Los Angeles, the city of angels, Hollywood, and smog. No matter why you’re here, there are things to do, places to view, and good-looking people to awkwardly stare at until you remember your manners.

1: Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market is a staple of Downtown Los Angeles casual dining, and for a good reason. Opened in 1917, this emporium of food vendors brings together the best of LA to satisfy any craving in one unique location. Visitors will enjoy dining at such staples as Eggslut (which is not nearly as risqué as it sounds), La Tostadería, Ramen Hood, La Huerta Candy, Berlin Currywurst, Sarita’s Pupuseria, PBJ.LA, Shiku, Lucky Bird, and many, many more. You can also grab a drink, a snack, or even some groceries. It should be pretty clear by now: If you’re visiting Downtown LA, you need to hit up Grand Central Market.

Street parking in the area is metered and sometimes hard to find, so we recommend using the dedicated parking garage for Grand Central Market at 308 S. Hill St., Los Angeles. It’s only $3 for the first 90 minutes and $2 for every 15 minutes thereafter, with a daily maximum of $25.

2: Griffith Observatory

For the best views of the city, simply head to Griffith Observatory (aptly named due to its location in Griffith Park). In 1904, Griffith J. Griffith had a transformative experience observing through the 60-inch telescope at Mount Wilson Observatory and thus the idea for the Griffith Observatory was born.

The Griffith Observatory overlooks the city and holds sweeping views of Downtown Los Angeles all the way to Santa Monica and the ocean. It’s a great place to observe the Hollywood Sign, but even better than that, it’s a great place to observe the sky! Budding astronomers and space enthusiasts will enjoy learning about our universe through many exhibits and events at Griffith Observatory. The planetarium is always a huge hit, and perhaps at least one of your group will have the same transformative experience Griffith J. Griffith had over 100 years ago.

Visiting the Observatory is free. If you want to visit the inside of the Observatory, current hours are Fridays from noon-10 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. The Observatory is closed on Mondays-Fridays, but you can visit the grounds at any time within the hours that Griffith Park is open. Paid parking is available near the Griffith Observatory, though this can start at $10/hour depending on the time of day. If you prefer free parking, you can hike up, parking one of the many lots near the Greek Theater or on the street near The Trails Cafe on Fern Dell Dr.

Hint: If you are traveling with children, there is a wonderful woodland-themed playground at the base of the trail across the street from The Trails Cafe.

3: Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign—it’s the only real way you can let people know you’ve been to LA! Right? Right? Well, that, and perhaps a framed photo of you and Kevin Smith. Erected in 1923 but restored several times since the 1970s, the sign that used to read “Hollywoodland” (clearly, movie makers are not journalists) is forever an homage to those who give their lives to bring entertainment to the screens of citizens around the world. The essence of Hollywood is iconic.

You can view the sign from many places in Los Angeles, but perhaps the most popular spot (and the best spot for those Instagram-worthy shots of you + Hollywood Sign) is Lake Hollywood Park, a large, grassy field that sits below the sign at which you can capture the magnitude of the Hollywood Sign with even the crappiest of phone cameras. If you have young children, Lake Hollywood Park has a playground, and if your dog is in tow, he can make friends with other pups at the dog-friendly park. Parking on the road is free, but be cautious and follow posted signs, and make sure to drive carefully as the bulk of the drive is through a residential area with winding roads.

4: Little Tokyo

Situated on the edge of Downtown Los Angeles is Little Tokyo, one of the three remaining Japantowns in the United States (the other two are in San Francisco and San Jose). Those seeking tasty, piping hot ramen, mochi, and Godzilla toys will find themselves sated with a walk around the area. If you’re a Japanophile, this is the place for you. Just try not to spend all of your travel money in one spot!

Head over to Marukai Market, a Japanese grocery store in Weller Court, and fill up your basket with all of the plum wine (umeshu) your heart desires. Check out a delicious ramen spot (like Orochon Ramen, on the third floor of Weller Court, where the portion sizes are quite hearty) or get some sushi. Make sure to indulge in staples of the area, like Suehiro Cafe, opened by Japanese sisters in 1972 and serving Japanese comfort food. Walk down the street two minutes to Fugetsu-Do Confectionary, a family business started in 1903 that serves delectable mochi and manju and nearly always has a line out the door.

5: Universal Studios/Universal CityWalk

We apologize in advance: while many of the places on this list can be cost-effective, Universal Studios is admittedly not. However, hear us out: it’s the only well-known theme park that has residence in Los Angeles (unlike Disneyland, which is in Anaheim) and if you don’t want to spend the cash on visiting Universal Studios, you can still enjoy the vibe of a theme park at Universal Citywalk, a nice place to stroll, catch a movie or eat a meal (or grab a treat like a bubble tea from Mini Monster). Universal Citywalk blasts upbeat music with a full screen for music videos, and kids can play in the small-but-fun splash pad outside near Karl Strauss Brewing Company (where you can then grab a brew). Along with some well-known brands, a Universal gift shop is available to customers who want to grab a souvenir for a Harry Potter-loving friend without having to spend the day at the park.

If you are inclined to visit Universal Studios, chances are, you’re going to enjoy it. Stalk the Universal Studios Hollywood streets on a fall evening for Halloween Horror Nights, or, if that seems a little too frightening, wait for LA sweater weather and visit in the holiday season for Grinchmas. There are themed lands for fandoms like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, The Simpsons, and Minions (including a massive splash city for kids, so bring swimsuits and towels!), plus lots of dining and shows. The best part of visiting, however, might be the Universal Studios Studio Tour, where guests get to hop aboard trams that take them onto sets from top TV shows and movies. Getting to see the action in the place where people call “Action!” up close is half the reason to come to Los Angeles, so make sure to hop on board a tram.

6: Hollywood Bowl

There are cool concert venues, and then there are awesome concert venues. The Hollywood Bowl falls into the latter category. The famous outdoor venue with its concentric-arched band shell is the perfect place to catch a show under the LA night sky. There are food and drinks onsite, but if you want to experience the Hollywood Bowl like a local, bring a picnic basket! Any assortment of shows can be found at the Hollywood Bowl, from concerts from well-known bands and artists to orchestra performances of entire movie scores led by celebrity conductors. The Bowl celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2022, and there is no doubt there will be great shows in honor of this.

Paid parking can be found in lots surrounding the Hollywood Bowl, and free or cheap parking is quite a hike away. Tickets to shows can be found online at hollywoodbowl.com.

7: Egyptian theater

The Egyptian Theater is a great place to watch classic films on Hollywood Boulevard! Unfortunately, the Egyptian Theater is closed until 2022 while it undergoes some much-needed renovations. But be sure to check it out then!

8: La Brea Tar Pits

The La Brea Tar Pits Museum might sound like a touristy attraction to outsiders, especially given its location on the Miracle Mile, but it’s unlikely you’ll find a cooler educational opportunity elsewhere in the city. Outside of the museum, visitors can view the bubbling Lake Pit, along with several live excavation sites and small pits. In the museum, learn about the creatures that roamed the land in which LA now sits during the Ice Age and beyond. Mastodons, mammoths, dire wolves, saber-toothed cats, giant sloths, and more are all on display, and the sheer size of these animals will stun you and yours. The budding scientist in your family will be inspired and delighted by all the museum has to offer.

Admission is $15 per adult, $7 for children 3-12, $12 for students and seniors, and children 2 and under are free. LA County residents can enter for free from 3-5 p.m. daily. Free or cheap metered parking is available on nearby streets.

9: Third Street Promenade

If you’re visiting Los Angeles from a colder climate, you’re going to want to visit an outdoor shopping center, and the Third Street Promenade is rather well-known. With retailers like Patagonia, Lululemon, Tillys, and Restoration Hardware Baby & Child, Third Street Promenade makes for nice stroll-about shopping. Restaurants, street performers, giant chess sets, and ivy-covered dinosaurs, plus the tantalizing ocean air, make Third Street Promenade a outdoor shopping experience you’ll remember fondly.

Park on 2nd St. at Parking Structure 6. Free for ninety minutes, this parking structure is a quick jaunt to the Third Street Promenade and parking rates top out at $20/day on weekdays and $25/day on weekends. While parking for the Santa Monica Pier is available onsite, if you’re fine to walk a couple of easy blocks, this is also a great spot to park to visit the pier.

10: Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier, perhaps, embodies what most non-California residents expect when they arrive in Los Angeles. Hollywood might be something of a letdown, but the Santa Monica Pier? This is where Los Angeles meets expectations. Skilled street performers make music that fits the scene. The real draw of the Santa Monica Pier is Pacific Park, which allows pier-goers to ascend to heights on a rollercoaster, Ferris wheel, and other rides while watching the waves crash below.

Restaurants, tiny outdoor shops, an arcade, and even an aquarium (Heal The Bay Aquarium, at beach level) surround the amusement park, making this a great spot for not just kids but also dates and friends. The pier overlooks Santa Monica beach, which has an idyllic view of the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu to the north.

The Santa Monica Pier also marks the end of Route 66, and if you’ve made it this far, you deserve some relaxation. Sit outside at the end of the pier, grab a margarita, and have some table guacamole prepared in front of you at Maria Sol while the sun is setting. You will not regret it.

Have you visited all of these spots? Make sure to check out our Los Angeles Hidden Gems and experience the city as if you’re getting your own personal tour from a local Angeleno! LA’s best-kept secrets are yours to discover.