Los Angeles does not reveal itself all at once. One minute you are standing under the Hollywood sign, the next you are barefoot on a Santa Monica beach, and by evening you are watching the city light up from a hilltop observatory. If you are looking for the best places to visit in LA, this guide covers the landmarks, beaches and family spots that first-time visitors should prioritise — and a few practical tips for getting around a city that is much bigger than it looks.
Iconic Landmarks in Los Angeles
Start with Griffith Observatory, perched above the city in Griffith Park. Even if you skip the science exhibits, the views over downtown and the Hollywood sign are worth the trip, especially at sunset. Nearby, the Hollywood Walk of Fame lets you stroll past the stars of your favourite performers, and the TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt holds the handprints and footprints of screen legends. For art and architecture, the Getty Center pairs world-class collections with hilltop gardens and sweeping views — allow half a day, and take the tram up from the car park.
Beaches and Outdoor Attractions
LA’s coastline is its great equaliser: everyone ends up at the beach eventually. Santa Monica offers a classic pier, a wide sandy beach and a relaxed promenade, while Venice Beach adds street performers, skate parks and the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym. Inland, Runyon Canyon is the city’s most popular urban hike, with trails of varying difficulty and panoramic views back over the city. For a quieter green escape, the Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia is full of shaded paths, ponds and plant collections.
Family-Friendly Spots
Travelling with children? The California Science Center in Exposition Park combines hands-on exhibits with an IMAX theatre, and its neighbour, the Natural History Museum, is an easy second stop. The Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park is a full-day outing in its own right, while the La Brea Tar Pits — where Ice Age fossils are still being excavated in the middle of the city — fascinates adults just as much as children. Book tickets ahead for the most popular attractions, especially at weekends.
Arts, Culture and Downtown
Downtown LA rewards a slow afternoon. Olvera Street, the city’s historic Mexican marketplace, is full of stalls, murals and street food, and it sits close to Union Station’s beautiful waiting hall. The Broad museum offers a striking contemporary collection, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall’s curved steel exterior is a landmark in itself. Finish in the Arts District or on Grand Avenue, where galleries, restaurants and rooftop bars cluster within walking distance.
Planning Your LA Trip
Los Angeles is spread out, so plan by neighbourhood rather than trying to tick off the whole city in a day: group Hollywood and Griffith Park together, Santa Monica and Venice together, and downtown separately. A car is the most flexible option, but ride-hailing works well if you are staying central, and traffic is heaviest at morning and evening rush hours. Spring and autumn generally bring the most pleasant weather, with warm days and cooler evenings — pack a light layer even in summer, when the coast can be breezy.
Where to Stay and How to Get Around
Your base shapes your trip more than almost any other choice. Hollywood and West Hollywood put you close to the classic sights, Santa Monica gives you the beach on your doorstep, and downtown keeps museums, restaurants and Union Station within easy reach. Wherever you stay, allow generous travel time between neighbourhoods — a journey that looks short on the map can take far longer in traffic. If you drive, check parking charges at your hotel and at popular attractions before you go, as they add up quickly. For a car-free day, the Metro rail lines connect downtown, Hollywood and Santa Monica, and they are a useful backup when traffic is at its worst.
FAQ
- How many days do you need in Los Angeles?
Three to four days covers the main landmarks, a beach day and one or two museums without rushing. Add extra days if you want theme parks or day trips along the coast.
- Do you need a car in LA?
A car is the most convenient way to move between neighbourhoods, but you can manage without one if you stay in a central area and use ride-hailing for longer trips.
- Where is the best area to stay for a first visit?
Hollywood and West Hollywood suit sightseeing, Santa Monica suits beach lovers, and downtown suits visitors who want museums, restaurants and public transport in one place.
Final Thoughts
LA rewards visitors who slow down and explore it neighbourhood by neighbourhood — a landmark in the morning, a beach in the afternoon, and a great meal in the evening. To extend your trip beyond the city, see the best places to visit near Los Angeles, and for the city’s food scene, explore our guide to Mexican places to visit in Los Angeles.
