Recording studios and live music venues where major artists create and perform contemporary music

World-class art museum with impressive collections and architecture overlooking the city from hilltop location

Street artists, musicians, and entertainers creating vibrant outdoor performance culture along the boardwalk

Contemporary galleries, studios, and cultural spaces showcasing emerging and established local and international artists

Historic music venues hosting rock, pop, and alternative bands along famous Sunset Boulevard entertainment strip

The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches 1.3 miles along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, featuring over 2,700 stars honoring entertainment industry icons. This iconic sidewalk attraction celebrates legends from movies, television, music, radio, and theater with brass stars embedded in pink terrazzo squares. Visitors can hunt for their favorite celebrities' stars, take photos with costumed characters, and explore the TCL Chinese Theatre with its famous handprint and footprint ceremonies. The Walk connects major attractions including the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, and the Hollywood Museum. Street performers, souvenir shops, and themed restaurants create a bustling atmosphere perfect for experiencing Hollywood's golden age glamour.

Hollywood Walk of Fame Tour

Santa Monica Pier offers classic American boardwalk fun with an amusement park, arcade games, and stunning Pacific Ocean views. The historic pier features the iconic Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and carnival rides that have entertained visitors since 1909. Families can enjoy the vintage carousel, play arcade games, and sample classic carnival treats like funnel cakes and cotton candy. The pier extends into the Pacific Ocean, providing excellent fishing opportunities and spectacular sunset views. Street performers, live music, and seasonal events create a festive atmosphere year-round. The adjacent Santa Monica Beach offers swimming, volleyball, and bike rentals for additional outdoor recreation.

Santa Monica Pier Experience

The Getty Center combines world-class art collections with stunning architecture and breathtaking city views from the Santa Monica Mountains. This architectural marvel houses European paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and decorative arts spanning from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum's unique design features Richard Meier's modernist buildings clad in Italian travertine stone, creating a harmonious blend with the natural landscape. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions, attend lectures, and wander through the Central Garden's ever-changing seasonal displays. The museum offers free admission and provides audio guides, family activities, and educational programs for all ages throughout the year.

Getty Center Art Museum

Griffith Observatory provides spectacular panoramic views of Los Angeles and serves as a gateway to the wonders of astronomy and space science. This iconic Art Deco building houses fascinating exhibits about the cosmos, planetarium shows, and powerful telescopes for stargazing. Visitors can explore interactive displays about space exploration, view the famous Foucault pendulum, and attend free public telescope viewings on clear nights. The observatory offers unparalleled views of the Hollywood Sign, downtown Los Angeles skyline, and the Pacific Ocean. The surrounding Griffith Park provides hiking trails, picnic areas, and additional recreational opportunities in one of America's largest urban parks.

Griffith Observatory Views

Venice Beach Boardwalk pulses with creative energy, featuring street performers, artists, and an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants along the Pacific coastline. This vibrant beachfront destination showcases California's bohemian culture with colorful murals, outdoor gyms, and the famous Muscle Beach where bodybuilders have trained since the 1930s. Visitors can watch skilled street performers, browse unique artwork, and enjoy diverse dining options from food trucks to upscale restaurants. The wide sandy beach offers swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball courts. The boardwalk's carnival atmosphere includes fortune tellers, musicians, and vendors selling handmade crafts and vintage treasures.

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Lowrider and hot rod customization shops creating unique automotive art in East LA neighborhoods

Downtown jewelry district with wholesale dealers and custom designers creating fine and fashion jewelry

Custom skateboard design and manufacturing reflecting California surf and street culture and artistic expression

Melrose Avenue and other areas featuring vintage clothing stores and independent fashion designers

Custom tattoo artists creating original body art reflecting California's artistic diversity and cultural influences

Los Angeles sprawls across sun-soaked landscapes where Hollywood dreams meet laid-back beach culture. The entertainment capital showcases movie studios, iconic landmarks, and celebrity culture alongside stunning Pacific coastlines from Santa Monica to Malibu. Diverse neighborhoods reflect the city's multicultural spirit, from Korean BBQ in Koreatown to authentic tacos in East LA. World-class museums, trendy rooftop bars, and innovative dining scenes complement outdoor activities year-round. Whether cruising Sunset Boulevard, shopping on Rodeo Drive, or surfing perfect waves, LA delivers quintessential California experiences where ambition, creativity, and endless sunshine create an irresistible lifestyle destination.

Authentic Korean grilled meat restaurants in Koreatown offering tableside cooking and banchan sides

Authentic tacos from food trucks and family restaurants throughout the city's Latino neighborhoods

Fresh local produce from nearby farms served at restaurants emphasizing sustainable and seasonal cuisine

Iconic California burger chain with secret menu items and fresh ingredients served at locations citywide

Year-round outdoor markets selling local organic produce, artisanal foods, and prepared international dishes

Famous sidewalk with over 2,700 stars honoring entertainment industry icons along Hollywood Boulevard

Art Deco observatory offering panoramic city views and astronomy exhibits overlooking Hollywood sign

Architectural marvel housing art collections with stunning city views from hilltop location in Brentwood

Historic pier with amusement park, aquarium, restaurants, and beach activities on Pacific Ocean

Eclectic beachfront with street performers, murals, Muscle Beach, and bohemian culture atmosphere

Day 1: Hollywood Walk of Fame, In-N-Out burger experience. Day 2: Griffith Observatory views, sunset at Santa Monica Pier. Day 3: Venice Beach boardwalk, tacos in Arts District.

Day 1: Getty Center art and Brentwood luxury neighborhood strolling. Day 2: Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive and West Hollywood nightlife scene. Day 3: Malibu beaches and Pacific Coast Highway scenic driving. Day 4: Downtown LA revitalization and Little Tokyo cultural immersion.

Day 1: Hollywood glamour and Sunset Strip music history. Day 2: Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach counterculture. Day 3: Beverly Hills luxury and West Hollywood trendy dining. Day 4: Griffith Observatory and Los Feliz hipster neighborhoods. Day 5: Getty Center art and Malibu coastal beauty. Day 6: Downtown LA renaissance and Arts District galleries. Day 7: Pasadena charm and Huntington Library gardens.

Day 1: Hollywood glamour and Sunset Strip music history. Day 2: Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach counterculture. Day 3: Beverly Hills luxury and West Hollywood trendy dining. Day 4: Griffith Observatory and Los Feliz hipster neighborhoods. Day 5: Getty Center art and Malibu coastal beauty. Day 6: Downtown LA renaissance and Arts District galleries. Day 7: Pasadena charm and Huntington Library gardens. Day 8: Silver Lake creative scene and Echo Park vintage shopping culture. Day 9: Manhattan Beach volleyball and Hermosa Beach nightlife adventures. Day 10: Culver City tech hub and Playa del Rey aviation museum discoveries.

Day 1: Hollywood glamour and Sunset Strip music history. Day 2: Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach counterculture. Day 3: Beverly Hills luxury and West Hollywood trendy dining. Day 4: Griffith Observatory and Los Feliz hipster neighborhoods. Day 5: Getty Center art and Malibu coastal beauty. Day 6: Downtown LA renaissance and Arts District galleries. Day 7: Pasadena charm and Huntington Library gardens. Day 8: Silver Lake creative scene and Echo Park vintage shopping culture. Day 9: Manhattan Beach volleyball and Hermosa Beach nightlife adventures. Day 10: Culver City tech hub and Playa del Rey aviation museum discoveries. Day 11: Disneyland magic kingdom nostalgia and California Adventure modern thrills. Day 12: San Diego day trip for zoo animals and Balboa Park cultural attractions. Day 13: Spa day in Beverly Hills luxury and Melrose Avenue fashion shopping. Day 14: Catalina Island ferry adventure and farewell rooftop dinner overlooking city lights.

Los Angeles's sprawl and traffic intimidate many tourists. From beach selection to studio tour timing, here's your essential guide to the City of Angels.

Los Angeles Travel Guide 2025 | Best Things to Do & Tips

Large urban park with hiking trails, observatory, zoo, and Hollywood sign views covering 4,310 acres

Rugged park with hiking trails, rock pools, and filming locations for classic movies and TV shows

Dramatic coastal beach with sea stacks, tide pools, and stunning sunset views in Malibu

Mountain range offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and coastal vistas near urban areas

Wide sandy beach famous for beach volleyball tournaments and coastal bike path activities

Entertainment capital with Walk of Fame, theaters, tourist attractions, and central location for exploring Los Angeles.<br>Average Stay Cost: $150-300 per night

Hollywood

Beach location with pier, shopping, restaurants, and coastal lifestyle while connected to city via metro.<br>Average Stay Cost: $200-400 per night

Santa Monica

Luxury area with upscale shopping, fine dining, celebrity spotting, and sophisticated Los Angeles atmosphere.<br>Average Stay Cost: $300-600 per night

Beverly Hills

Trendy area with nightlife, restaurants, shopping, and vibrant LGBTQ+ culture plus central location for city exploration.<br>Average Stay Cost: $180-350 per night

West Hollywood

Los Angeles Travel Guide

Entertainment capital with movie studios, celebrity culture, and film premiere events year-round regularly

Mexican-American cultural celebration with parades, music, and traditional food in downtown and neighborhoods

Annual film awards ceremony bringing global attention and glamour to Hollywood entertainment district

Major running event bringing together diverse communities across the city's many neighborhoods annually

Mexican cultural celebration with colorful altars, processions, and festivities in East LA communities

• Universal Studios family theme parks • LA Zoo and Griffith Observatory visits • Family suites in Hollywood district

• Beverly Hills business hotel elegance • Convention Center downtown proximity • Rooftop networking in West Hollywood

• Venice Beach boardwalk solo strolling • Griffith Park hiking trails safely • Free Getty Museum solo visits

• Malibu beach romantic sunset drives • Hollywood Hills scenic overlook dinners • Boutique hotels in West Hollywood

• Malibu surfing and beach adventures • Rock climbing in Joshua Tree • Santa Monica cycling beach paths

• HI Los Angeles hostel group accommodations • Group studio tours through Hollywood • Metro day passes for transport

• Beverly Hills Hotel luxury pink palace • Michelin dining in Beverly Hills • Spa treatments at Shutters hotel

• WeWork spaces in Santa Monica • Tech startup beach community culture • Monthly rentals with fast WiFi

Tour Hollywood studios, walk of fame, and celebrity hotspots

Entertainment Capital

Enjoy Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and coastal dining

Beach Lifestyle

Explore diverse neighborhoods, food trucks, and art districts

Cultural Melting Pot

Spring in Los Angeles brings pleasant temperatures (65-75°F) with minimal rainfall and excellent weather for outdoor exploration. The season offers perfect conditions for hiking, beach visits, and outdoor dining throughout the metropolitan area. Pack light layers, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes for consistently beautiful spring weather in Southern California.

Summer in Los Angeles features warm, dry weather (75-85°F) with minimal rainfall and perfect beach conditions for swimming and surfing. The season offers ideal weather for outdoor activities, rooftop dining, and coastal exploration with consistent sunshine. Pack light summer clothing, sun protection, beach attire, and stay hydrated during occasional inland heat waves.

Fall in Los Angeles offers ideal temperatures (70-80°F) with warm, dry conditions and excellent weather for all outdoor activities. The season features perfect weather for hiking, beach visits, and exploring diverse neighborhoods with clear skies. Pack light clothing, layers for evening, and enjoy Los Angeles' consistently pleasant fall weather.

Winter in Los Angeles brings mild temperatures (60-70°F) with occasional rain and generally pleasant conditions for outdoor exploration. The season offers comfortable weather for cultural activities, hiking, and continued outdoor dining experiences. Pack light jacket, layers for cooler evenings, and rain jacket for infrequent winter showers.

Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters, offering excellent weather for outdoor activities year-round