Things to Do in Los Angeles
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Los Angeles

50 curated spots from Los Angeles itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Griffith Observatory
Do
morning

Griffith Observatory

Take in the views, city skyline, and museum spaces, then pause for family photos with the basin spread below.

2h · Free
The Broad
Do
morning

The Broad

Contemporary art museum with Infinity Mirrored Room; **must-have: art museums**.

2h · Free, reserve tickets
Santa Monica Beach & Pier
Do
midday

Santa Monica Beach & Pier

Head to the wide sandy beach for playtime and photos, then walk onto the Santa Monica Pier to see street performers, small rides, and ocean views; you can rent bikes or just stroll along the path depending on the family’s energy.[1][5]

2h 30m · Free (rides and games extra)
Santa Monica Pier
Do
afternoon

Santa Monica Pier

Sunset Ferris wheel, ocean views; **photography spot**.

2h · Free
The Getty Center
Do
afternoon

The Getty Center

Art museums with gardens, Van Gogh; tram ride up; **must-have: art museums**.

3h · Free, parking $20
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Do
morning

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Walk the 1.5-mile path; watch skaters, performers, and Muscle Beach.

1h 30m · Free
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Do
afternoon

Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Browse boutiques and shops on a compact retail street with strong browsing appeal.

1h 30m · Free
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Do
morning

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll stars, handprints; quick photo stop.

1h · Free
Santa Monica Pier & Beach
Do
early_morning

Santa Monica Pier & Beach

Arrive by 8:30-9 AM to secure parking and beat crowds. Walk the pier (free), enjoy ocean views, watch street performers. Swim or wade in ocean. Optional: Pacific Park amusement park (small rides, moderate cost). Stroll beachfront promenade.

2h · Free (parking $2-5/hour; Pacific Park rides optional $5-15 each)
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Do
afternoon

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Stroll rose, Japanese, and desert gardens; explore art galleries; **must-have: art museums**.

3h · $34 or skip-the-line
Abbot Kinney Boulevard Stroll
Do
afternoon

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Stroll

Wander the boutiques, galleries, and bars along Abbot Kinney for shopping, photos, and a late-afternoon drink.

1h 30m · Free (plus shopping or drinks)
Barnsdall Art Park
Do
afternoon

Barnsdall Art Park

Enjoy a quieter city-view park stop that works well if you want a more relaxed afternoon than a full hike.

1h 15m · Free
Los Feliz Village Stroll
Do
afternoon

Los Feliz Village Stroll

Wander Vermont and Hillhurst Avenues for boutiques, bookstores, and casual cafés; grab coffee or browse local shops at your own pace.[2]

1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Runyon Canyon
Do
afternoon

Runyon Canyon

1-2 mile easy loop trail with city views; dog-friendly paths.

1h 30m · Free
Runyon Canyon Hike
Do
afternoon

Runyon Canyon Hike

Free 2-mile loop with city panoramas and Hollywood Sign; medium fitness, 1-2 hours.

2h · Free
Santa Monica Beach & Santa Monica Pier
Do
evening

Santa Monica Beach & Santa Monica Pier

Relax on the wide sandy beach, then wander the historic pier, ride the Ferris wheel if you like, and enjoy sunset views over the Pacific.[2]

2h 30m · Free (rides extra ~$10-15)
Santa Monica Third Street Promenade
Do
late afternoon

Santa Monica Third Street Promenade

Spend your final block browsing shops, quick street activity, and people-watching; use it for casual purchases, dessert, or a coffee break before dinner.

1h 30m · Free to browse
Third Street Promenade
Do
evening

Third Street Promenade

Street performers, shops; fully pedestrian flat (5-min walk).

1h · Free
Venice Beach Boardwalk & Canals
Do
early_afternoon

Venice Beach Boardwalk & Canals

10-minute walk from Santa Monica Pier. Explore boardwalk (street art, vendors, performers), then detour to Venice Canals Walkway (quiet, scenic residential waterway with charming homes). Optional: outdoor fitness area (Muscle Beach) for people-watching.

1h 30m · Free
Venice Beach Boardwalk & Venice Canals
Do
late_afternoon

Venice Beach Boardwalk & Venice Canals

From the Santa Monica–Venice bike path or drop-off point, walk the Venice Beach Boardwalk to see street performers and skate park action, then head a few blocks inland to stroll the peaceful Venice Canals footbridges.

2h · Free
Venice Canals
Do
morning

Venice Canals

Walk the canals for a quieter, more photogenic side of the beach area before moving to the busier boardwalk.

1h · Free
Hauser & Wirth Gallery
Do
morning

Hauser & Wirth Gallery

Contemporary art exhibits; flat, spacious galleries.

1h 30m · Free
Abbot Kinney Boulevard Evening Stroll
Do
night

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Evening Stroll

After dinner, wander Abbot Kinney’s boutiques, galleries, and bars; pop into a few shops before closing, then grab a drink at a relaxed bar and take golden-hour photos on nearby walk streets.

2h · Free to stroll (drinks $12-18 each)
Abbot Kinney Boulevard Shopping & Coffee Crawl
Do
afternoon

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Shopping & Coffee Crawl

Stroll Abbot Kinney’s boutiques, galleries, and cafes; pop into local clothing, home goods, and design stores between coffee or gelato stops.

2h · Free to browse (shopping extra)
Angels Flight Railway & DTLA Historic Core Walk
Do
morning

Angels Flight Railway & DTLA Historic Core Walk

Ride the short funicular next to Grand Central Market, then wander the historic streets, architecture, and nearby Bradbury Building exterior for photos.

1h · $1-5
Arts District & Little Tokyo Stroll
Do
afternoon

Arts District & Little Tokyo Stroll

Spend your afternoon wandering murals and warehouses in the Arts District, then cross into Little Tokyo for shops, snacks, and the Japanese American National Museum if you’re interested.

2h 30m · Free to wander (museum optional ticket)
Arts District Murals
Do
afternoon

Arts District Murals

Street art photography tour (flat streets, 5-min walks).

1h · Free
Arts District Street Art & Coffee Walk
Do
afternoon

Arts District Street Art & Coffee Walk

Explore murals, converted warehouses, and boutiques; stop at a café for a drink and take relaxed photos of the colorful walls and industrial scenery.

2h · Free (coffee/shopping extra)
Barnsdall Art Park & Hollyhock House
Do
morning

Barnsdall Art Park & Hollyhock House

Wander olive groves, galleries, and Frank Lloyd Wright's UNESCO-listed house; picnic spots abound.

2h · $10 (house tour)
Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive & Mansion Photography Walk
Do
morning

Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive & Mansion Photography Walk

Stroll the famous shopping street with luxury storefronts (photography allowed from street level). Detour to Greystone Mansion with its serene formal gardens and iconic Hollywood history. Capture the geometric architecture and manicured landscaping.

2h · Free (browsing) or $10 per person (Greystone Mansion tour if available)

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Grand Central Market
Eat
midday

Grand Central Market

Iconic food hall with dozens of vendors offering tacos, pupusas, sandwiches, Asian noodles, and more; share a few stalls to sample different local flavors.[2][3]

1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Gjusta
Eat
morning

Gjusta

Minimalist bakery-cafe with fresh pastries, coffee, and local LA-style sandwiches; order avocado toast and seasonal fruit plates.

1h · $20-35 per person
Gjelina
Eat
evening

Gjelina

Wood-fired pizzas and veggie small plates on patio.

1h 30m · $40-60 per person
Great White Venice
Eat
morning

Great White Venice

Bright, stylish café near Venice Beach with strong coffee, breakfast burritos, and avocado toast—perfect before a boardwalk stroll.[6]

1h · $20-30 per person
HomeState
Eat
afternoon

HomeState

Order breakfast tacos, queso, and a cold drink for an easy post-hike meal.

1h · $20-35 per person
Republique
Eat
evening

Republique

French-Californian tasting menu; order the uni pasta.

2h · $70-80 per person
The Albright
Eat
morning

The Albright

Start with casual breakfast fare near the pier; order something simple like eggs, pancakes, or a breakfast sandwich before walking the waterfront.

1h · $12-22 per person
The Original Farmers Market
Eat
midday

The Original Farmers Market

Historic market with fresh, customizable salads, sandwiches, and grilled items; order from Du-par's or Roberts Fresh Market stalls.

1h · $20-35 per person
Bestia
Eat
morning

Bestia

Italian; house-made pasta and wood-fired pizza.

1h · $60-80 per person
Blue Plate Taco
Eat
evening

Blue Plate Taco

Beachfront Mexican spot on Ocean Avenue; order the fish tacos, guacamole, and a margarita while you watch the light fade.

1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Eggslut
Eat
morning

Eggslut

Signature Fairfax sandwich with cage-free egg and cheddar.

45m · $40-50 per person
Guisados
Eat
lunch

Guisados

LA-style handmade tacos with seasonal fillings and fresh salsas. Order the carne guisada or chorizo; pair with fresh agua fresca. Quick counter service, casual vibe.

45m · $15-25 per person
Huckleberry Cafe
Eat
morning

Huckleberry Cafe

Artisanal baked goods and avocado toast.

1h · $25-45 per person
Mendocino Farms
Eat
midday

Mendocino Farms

Get sandwiches or salads for a lighter lunch before exploring the nearby shopping streets.

45m · $12-20 per person
Pine & Crane
Eat
afternoon

Pine & Crane

Casual Taiwanese spot with noodles, dumplings, and vegetable dishes served counter-style.

1h · $15-22 per person
Rose Garden Tea Room
Eat
afternoon

Rose Garden Tea Room

Elegant teas and light bites amid blooming roses; reserve ahead.

1h 30m · $50-70 per person
Sqirl
Eat
morning

Sqirl

Try the famous rice bowls or a seasonal breakfast plate before exploring the neighborhood.

1h · $20-35 per person
Sugarfish
Eat
morning

Sugarfish

Trust Me sushi sets; Day 3 option.

1h · $40-60 per person
The Original Farmers Market at The Grove
Eat
morning

The Original Farmers Market at The Grove

Historic open-air market with a variety of stalls serving coffee, pastries, omelets, and Mexican breakfasts; wander a bit and pick whichever stall appeals.[3]

1h · $10-20 per person
The Trails Cafe
Eat
afternoon

The Trails Cafe

Outdoor counter-service café by the park; order avocado toast, quiches, pastries, and lemonade.

45m · $12-18 per person

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