Los Angeles is more than just a city; it’s a dream destination. From Hollywood glitz to sun-kissed beaches, from cultural landmarks to stunning natural wonders, LA offers something for every traveler. I’ve explored this city countless times, and I can confidently say: if you miss these top 10 attractions, you haven’t truly experienced LA!

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this guide will help you plan the perfect LA itinerary. I’ll share my personal experiences, useful travel tips, ticket booking links, and must-buy souvenirs at each location.

So, grab your sunglasses, and let’s explore the must-visit places in Los Angeles!

1. Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park – The Best View of LA

📍 Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
💰 Entry Fee: FREE (Planetarium shows cost $10/adults, $6/kids)
🕒 Hours: Tue-Fri: 12 PM–10 PM, Sat-Sun: 10 AM–10 PM (Closed Monday)
🔗 Tickets & Info: Griffith Observatory Website

Why You Must Visit

Griffith Observatory is one of my favorite spots in LA. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. Whether you visit during the day for a hike or at night to stargaze, the experience is magical.

Must-Do Activities

• Take a selfie with the Hollywood Sign from the observatory balcony.
• Explore the exhibits about space, planets, and astronomy.
• Watch a show at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium – the immersive star shows are incredible!
• Hike up from Griffith Park for an even more rewarding experience.

Must-Buy Souvenir

🔹 A Griffith Observatory T-shirt or a NASA-themed souvenir from the gift shop.

Pro Travel Tip

🚗 Parking at the observatory is $10/hour, but you can park for free at the bottom of the hill and hike up for an amazing scenic experience!

2. The Hollywood Walk of Fame – The Heart of Entertainment

📍 Address: Hollywood Blvd & Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
💰 Entry Fee: FREE
🔗 Tickets & Info: Hollywood Walk of Fame Official Website

Why You Must Visit

Walking down Hollywood Boulevard and seeing the legendary pink stars is an iconic LA experience. The energy here is electric, with street performers, costumed characters, and famous landmarks at every corner.

Must-Do Activities

• Find your favorite celebrity’s star – over 2,700 stars are embedded in the sidewalk!
• Visit TCL Chinese Theatre – where Hollywood premieres happen!
• Take a picture at the Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars.

Must-Buy Souvenir

🔹 A replica Hollywood Star with your name on it – a fun, personalized keepsake!

Pro Travel Tip

🎭 Join a guided Hollywood tour to hear fascinating stories about movie legends! You can book a Hollywood Tour on Viator.

3. Santa Monica Pier & Beach – A Classic California Experience

📍 Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
💰 Entry Fee: FREE (Rides cost $5–$12)
🔗 Tickets & Info: Santa Monica Pier Official Website

Why You Must Visit

Santa Monica Pier is the ultimate SoCal beach experience—a mix of ocean views, street performers, amusement park rides, and fresh seafood.

Must-Do Activities

• Ride the Pacific Wheel, the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel.
• Walk along the golden sandy beach and enjoy the sunset.
• Visit Muscle Beach, where fitness legends train.

Must-Buy Souvenir

🔹 A Santa Monica Pier postcard or a cool surf-themed T-shirt.

Pro Travel Tip

🌊 Rent a bike and ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail for stunning coastal views!

4. The Getty Center – Art, Architecture & Views

📍 Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
💰 Entry Fee: FREE (Parking $20)
🔗 Tickets & Info: Getty Center Website

Why You Must Visit

If you love art, culture, and stunning architecture, the Getty Center is a must-visit. The views of LA from the garden terraces are spectacular, and the art collection includes masterpieces from Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt.

Must-Do Activities

• Explore the famous Central Garden, a work of art in itself.
• Admire Van Gogh’s “Irises”, one of his most famous paintings.
• Enjoy a free architecture tour of the museum’s breathtaking design.

Must-Buy Souvenir

🔹 A miniature framed print of Van Gogh’s “Irises”.

Pro Travel Tip

📸 Visit during golden hour for the best photos of LA’s skyline!

5. Universal Studios Hollywood – The Ultimate Theme Park Experience

📍 Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
💰 Entry Fee: $109+ per person
🔗 Tickets & Info: Universal Studios Tickets

Why You Must Visit

Universal Studios Hollywood is a movie lover’s paradise. From thrilling rides to behind-the-scenes movie magic, this theme park is an unforgettable experience.

Must-Do Activities

• Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• Take the Studio Tour to see real movie sets!
• Scream your lungs out on Jurassic World – The Ride.

Must-Buy Souvenir

🔹 A Harry Potter wand from Ollivanders – pure magic!

Pro Travel Tip

🎟️ Buy tickets online at GetYourGuide to save money and skip long lines!

6. Venice Beach – A Bohemian Paradise

📍 Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
💰 Entry Fee: FREE
🔗 Tickets & Info: Venice Beach Official Website

Why You Must Visit

Venice Beach is the perfect blend of beach vibes, artistic flair, and eclectic energy. The boardwalk is a mosaic of colorful murals, street performers, vendors, and skateboarders. Whether you’re people-watching, shopping for quirky souvenirs, or soaking up the sun, this is a must-see spot in LA.

Must-Do Activities

• Stroll along the Venice Beach Boardwalk and enjoy the street performances.
• Rent a bike or rollerblades and cruise down the path along the ocean.
• Visit Venice Muscle Beach to see weightlifters show off their moves.

Must-Buy Souvenir

🔹 A handcrafted beach bracelet or a local art piece from the boardwalk artists.

Pro Travel Tip

🌊 Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy the beach in a more relaxed atmosphere.

7. The Broad Museum – A Modern Art Lover’s Dream

📍 Address: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
💰 Entry Fee: FREE (Special exhibitions may have a fee)
🕒 Hours: Tue-Sun: 11 AM–5 PM (Closed Monday)
🔗 Tickets & Info: The Broad Museum Tickets

Why You Must Visit

The Broad Museum is a gem for contemporary art enthusiasts. With its stunning architecture and impressive collection of works by Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, and Yayoi Kusama, it’s a cultural must-do in LA. The Infinity Mirrored Room is a showstopper that will leave you in awe.

Must-Do Activities

• Take a selfie in Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Room – it’s an Instagram-worthy experience.
• Explore the Vault, which contains exclusive works not on display to the public.
• Don’t miss the “Living Wall”—a breathtaking display of contemporary art.

Must-Buy Souvenir

🔹 A Broad Museum tote bag or a limited-edition print from the museum’s shop.

Pro Travel Tip

🖼️ Reserve tickets online in advance—especially for the Infinity Room. The museum is free, but the timed-entry tickets for special exhibits may sell out fast.

8. Rodeo Drive – Luxury Shopping at its Best

📍 Address: Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
💰 Entry Fee: FREE to stroll (Prices vary for shopping)
🔗 Tickets & Info: Beverly Hills Official Website

Why You Must Visit

Rodeo Drive is the epitome of luxury, where you can window-shop or splurge on designer brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Even if you’re not in the mood to spend, walking down this famous street is a Hollywood experience in itself.

Must-Do Activities

• Take a photo with the iconic Beverly Hills sign on Rodeo Drive.
• Pop into high-end boutiques and indulge in luxury window-shopping.
• Explore the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style, featuring stars like Gianni Versace and Tom Ford.

Must-Buy Souvenir

🔹 A luxurious leather wallet or chic sunglasses from one of the upscale shops.

Pro Travel Tip

💳 Check out special events on the Beverly Hills website—there are often exclusive sales and promotions during holidays.

9. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) – The Largest Museum in the West

📍 Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
💰 Entry Fee: $25/adults, $10/students
🕒 Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun: 11 AM–5 PM (Closed Tuesday)
🔗 Tickets & Info: LACMA Official Website

Why You Must Visit

LACMA is a cultural treasure trove, housing art from around the world and spanning thousands of years of human creativity. Its collection includes everything from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, making it a must-see for any art lover.

Must-Do Activities

• Stroll through the Urban Light exhibit, the famous display of 202 vintage street lamps.
• Explore the American and European galleries, home to works by Rembrandt, Picasso, and Warhol.
• Discover the Chinese, Islamic, and Latin American art collections.

Must-Buy Souvenir

🔹 A LACMA-branded art book or a unique print from their gift shop.

Pro Travel Tip

🖼️ Visit during “free days” (offered seasonally) to enjoy free admission.

10. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles – A Fascinating Look at Life’s Origins

📍 Address: 900 W Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
💰 Entry Fee: $15/adults, $7/kids
🕒 Hours: Daily: 9:30 AM–5 PM
🔗 Tickets & Info: Natural History Museum Website

Why You Must Visit

Step back in time at the Natural History Museum, which houses one of the most impressive collections of dinosaur fossils, ancient artifacts, and rare minerals. It’s an incredible way to learn about the natural world and the history of life on Earth.

Must-Do Activities

• Visit the Dinosaur Hall, where you’ll encounter life-size fossils and even a T-Rex!
• Explore the Gem and Mineral Hall and discover shimmering diamonds and rare minerals.
• Check out the California History exhibit, which showcases the state’s diverse natural environments.

Must-Buy Souvenir

🔹 A dinosaur-themed toy or a geode crystal to take home.

Pro Travel Tip

🐦 Make sure to visit the outdoor Nature Gardens for a peaceful walk among native plants.

Where to Book Your LA Trip: Best Travel Platforms

For an unforgettable LA trip, I recommend these platforms for booking flights, hotels, tickets, and even reservations for top attractions:
✅ Skyscanner – Best for booking affordable flights to LA.
✅ Hotels.com & Booking.com – Great for finding hotels near top attractions.
✅ GetYourGuide & Viator – Best for booking guided tours and attraction tickets in advance.
✅ Tiqets – Best for booking tickets to popular museums and attractions at discounted prices.
✅ Resy & OpenTable – The go-to platforms for making restaurant reservations at top LA spots.

Final Thoughts

Los Angeles is a city of dreams, offering everything from Hollywood glamour to natural beauty and world-class museums. These top 10 must-visit spots are just the beginning of the countless adventures you can experience here.

I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect LA adventure! Have you visited any of these spots before? Which ones are you most excited to explore? Let me know in the comments!

Enjoy your trip to Los Angeles—where the magic of movies meets the real world! ✨🌴🚗