Things to do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles fizzes with ambition and sparkles with stardust. It’s California’s major city and known worldwide as the beating heart of the film industry. There’s plenty to see and do but your visit won’t be complete until you’ve strolled along the Walk of Fame and snapped a few photos at the renowned Hollywood Sign. Los Angeles boasts several fantastic theme parks dedicated to the pursuit of pure fun, with shows, rides and experiences to suit everyone. The city's beaches, such as Santa Monica and Venice Beach, reward exploration with a memorable peek at LA life and lots of great places to unwind. To sum up, fans of movies, theme parks, beaches and good weather will all love legendary Los Angeles.

Top 6 things to do in Los Angeles

1. Cross paths with the stars of Hollywood

Los Angeles is a magnet for movie stars and the cream of the crop is honoured with a named star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Almost 3,000 brass stars are inlaid on the pavement along Hollywood Boulevard in recognition of those who’ve made their mark on the entertainment industry, from musicians to directors. It’s perfectly possible to visit the Walk of Fame yourself, but to get the inside track on the stories behind the stars and maybe even some Hollywood gossip, a guided tour is definitely recommended. Along the Walk of Fame route, you’ll also find Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Pop into the waxworks museum to have your picture taken with lifelike models of celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Marylin Monroe and Leonardo DiCaprio.

2. Take a selfie with the Hollywood Sign

Did you know that this uber-famous sign was unveiled in 1923 to promote a housing development and originally read HOLLYWOODLAND? Thirteen wooden letters, each more than 15 metres high, gained fame as a symbol of Los Angeles during the Golden Age of Hollywood film. Over the decades, the sign fell into disrepair and was eventually replaced by the current Hollywood sign made with white, metal lettering. Today it is one of the most photographed Los Angeles landmarks. Head for Mount Lee to see the sign up close. The site can be explored on your own or with a local guide.

3. Tour Universal Studios Hollywood for the day

For movie buffs, a day at Universal Studios Hollywood is an unmissable treat. First of all, you’ll want to see behind the scenes on the Studio Tour. Board the tram and learn all about the original sets of Hollywood movies from your virtual guide, Jimmy Fallon. Then it’s time for some pulse-racing action on the lightning-fast rollercoasters and dozens of other attractions at the amusement park. Feel the magic at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, meet characters from The Simpsons™ and experience a thrilling adventure at Jurassic World – The Ride™.

4. Step into the enchanted realm of Disneyland® Resort

There’s a whole lot of Disney going on in California. Embrace the twin wonders of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure – together they form the mega Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim. Disneyland Park opened its doors in 1955, making it the first and oldest Disney destination in the world. These days the park consists of nine themed zones and has 53 rides and shows as well as the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. It’s not all princesses though – on your Disney adventure you’ll also discover the universe of Star Wars, step into the fairytale world of Fantasyland and meet your favourite Disney characters in Mickey's Toontown.

Head over to the other section of the resort – Disney California Adventure Park – for seven areas themed around the state of California. For starters, Buena Vista Street takes a nostalgic look at 1930s Los Angeles and Pixar Pier pays homage to the typical piers on California’s coast. Each themed area has numerous rides, shops and restaurants to enjoy.

5. Discover Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier

Feel the authentic LA vibes when you stroll along the four-mile Venice Beach Boardwalk. Always busy with locals and tourists, the boulevard showcases the heart and soul of Los Angeles with numerous tattoo parlours, street performers and restaurants serving up a whole planet of different cuisines. Don’t miss the skate park – as seen in various movies – where you can take a break from your stroll to watch the skaters in action.

Continue on your way to reach the Santa Monica Pier where you’ll find Pacific Park. It’s free to enter and serves up unbridled fairground fun complete with flashing neon and pumping music. The most famous attraction has to be the solar-powered Ferris wheel, which has appeared in numerous films and in the video game Grand Theft Auto. If you find yourself here on a warm day, the Santa Monica State Beach stretches north and south of the pier and makes an ideal place to kick back and relax.

6. Enjoy nature in Griffith Park

Griffith Park is seriously big – the largest park in Los Angeles and one of the largest in North America. It’s not a typical urban park because it is largely untended and wild, covering a hilly area north of the city. Laced with scenic trails, Griffith Park enjoys epic views over the city and ocean beyond, making it a great place for long walks and horseback rides. The Hollywood Sign sits within the boundaries of the park, reachable on foot via a challenging hike. A more family-friendly attraction is the Los Angeles Zoo with more than 2,200 animals and 270 different species.

You could also seek out the Griffith Observatory, which became a Los Angeles icon thanks to James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause. Following instructions in the will of Colonel Griffith J. Griffith, who donated the land for the park and built the theatre and observatory, admission to the observatory exhibits is free. Views from the park aren’t limited to daylight hours – in clear weather, you can take a look at the night sky through the observatory’s Zeiss telescope from 19:00 onwards.