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

Grand Central Market
Do
afternoon

Grand Central Market

Wander accessible stalls for local vibes; photo ops amid architecture (5-min flat walk from Broad).

1h · Free
Griffith Observatory
Do
afternoon

Griffith Observatory

Accessible shuttle/views; nature panoramas (short Metro + accessible bus, 20 min total).

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
morning

Santa Monica Beach & Pier

Relax on the sand, walk the pier, and photograph the Pacific, the amusement rides, and street performers.

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

Santa Monica Pier

Ride Ferris wheel, play arcade games, see Route 66 sign; sunset views.

2h · $10-30
Santa Monica Pier & Beach
Do
morning

Santa Monica Pier & Beach

Stroll flat pier for ocean views, optional Ferris wheel ride; beach lounging with accessible paths and benches (must-have beach).

2h · $10 or 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
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Do
afternoon

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

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

3h · $34 or Free parking
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Do
morning

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Tropical people-watching, street art photos; wheelchair mats and flat paths.

1h 30m · Free
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Do
morning

Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Trendy shops and galleries; **must-have: shopping**.

2h · Free
Abbot Kinney Boulevard Stroll
Do
afternoon

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Stroll

Explore boutique shops, murals, and cafés along this trendy but walkable street.

2h · Free to walk (shopping extra)
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Do
morning

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Star-gazing photos; flat sidewalks with rest areas.

1h · 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
evening

Runyon Canyon

Easy romantic hike for views.

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)
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
Hauser & Wirth Gallery
Do
morning

Hauser & Wirth Gallery

Contemporary art exhibits; flat, spacious galleries.

1h 30m · Free
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 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)
Beverly Hills Shopping (Rodeo Extension)
Do
afternoon

Beverly Hills Shopping (Rodeo Extension)

Designer boutiques beyond Rodeo; **must-have: shopping**.

1h 30m · Varies
Brentwood Village Stroll
Do
afternoon

Brentwood Village Stroll

After the Getty, head down to nearby Brentwood Village for a relaxed walk through its small-scale streets, local shops, and neighborhood architecture.

1h · Free (shopping extra)
Central Library & Historic Core Walk
Do
morning

Central Library & Historic Core Walk

Start at the LA Central Library, then walk through nearby historic streets and architecture.

1h 30m · Free
Dodger Stadium Game (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Do
evening

Dodger Stadium Game (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Catch a Dodgers home game if the schedule aligns; arrive a bit early to walk the concourses, enjoy sunset views over the hills, and soak in the game-day atmosphere.[8]

3h · $25-50 per person (depending on game and seats)

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Gjelina
Eat
evening

Gjelina

Trendy farm-to-table bistro featuring seasonal small plates and house-made pasta. Known for excellent wine selection and energetic nightlife-adjacent vibe.

1h 30m · $28-45 per person
Gjusta
Eat
morning

Gjusta

Handmade pastries and smoked fish plate.

1h · $40-50 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
Republique
Eat
morning

Republique

Elegant French-style pastries and strong coffee in a glamorous setting. Order their signature almond croissant and cappuccino. Perfect pre-activity fuel with Instagram-worthy plating.

45m · $18-28 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
evening

Bestia

Italian small plates in industrial chic space; Day 1 evening option.

2h · $50-70 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
HomeState
Eat
evening

HomeState

Casual Tex-Mex spot known for tacos and queso; family-friendly with counter service.

1h · $12-20 per person
Huckleberry Cafe
Eat
afternoon

Huckleberry Cafe

Local spot for grain bowls, salads, and sandwiches with fresh seasonal ingredients; wide variety of options.

1h · $20-35 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
Sugarfish
Eat
morning

Sugarfish

Trust Me sushi sets; Day 3 option.

1h · $40-60 per person
The Albright
Eat
afternoon

The Albright

Beachside cafe with fish tacos and salads; ocean views.

1h · $20-35 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
Urth Caffé
Eat
afternoon

Urth Caffé

Organic cafe; avocado toast, lattes in garden setting.

1h · $20-35 per person
1919 Cafe
Eat
midday

1919 Cafe

On-site cafe with salads, sandwiches, and quiches using garden-fresh ingredients; fully customizable.

1h · $25-40 per person
Al-Watan Halal Restaurant
Eat
evening

Al-Watan Halal Restaurant

Lamb biryani or grilled kebabs—all halal, romantic candlelit seating.

1h · $15-22 per person
Alcove Cafe & Bakery
Eat
afternoon

Alcove Cafe & Bakery

Charming café with a leafy patio; choose a salad, sandwich, or all-day brunch items and split a slice of cake.

1h 15m · $20-30 per person
All Time
Eat
late_morning

All Time

Charming neighborhood spot with great coffee, baked goods, and hearty plates; go for the breakfast sandwich or seasonal toast.

1h · $25-35 per person
Amandine Patisserie Café (Brentwood)
Eat
evening

Amandine Patisserie Café (Brentwood)

Casual café-bistro with salads, warm plates, and pastries; it works as a light early dinner or hearty late afternoon meal.

1h · $15-22 per person

More on Los Angeles

Los Angeles Travel GuideWhen to Visit Los Angeles

BUILD YOUR LOS ANGELES PLAN

Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.

Start Planning