10 Best Things to Do and See in Los Angeles
Exploring Los Angeles on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Los Angeles, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Los Angeles. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. The Broad
The Broad is a highly regarded modern art museum in downtown Los Angeles, dedicated to contemporary art and major artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works, displayed in bright, minimalist spaces. The museum showcases major artists while offering an accessible and immersive visitor experience. Its contemporary architecture and cultural atmosphere also make it a must-see attraction for art lovers and curious visitors alike.
2. Exposition Park
Exposition Park is a large urban park in Los Angeles that brings together several cultural and leisure venues around expansive green spaces. It is home to museums, gardens, and sports facilities, in a lively atmosphere that is still ideal for a stroll. The park attracts both families and visitors looking to enjoy a peaceful break in the heart of the city. With its lawns, shaded paths, and notable buildings, it offers a great overview of a vibrant and cultural side of Los Angeles.
3. Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is a must-see for discovering the richness of the natural world, from dinosaurs to minerals, as well as California’s wildlife and plant life and that of other regions. Its galleries feature fossils, impressive skeletons, gemstones, and exhibits dedicated to the evolution of life on Earth. The museum also offers interactive spaces that make exploration accessible to families and curious visitors of all ages, in an ideal setting for a deeper understanding of natural history and the diversity of living things.
4. Hollywood Sign
Perched on the hills of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign is one of the city’s and American cinema’s most famous symbols. Visible from afar, it draws visitors who come to admire this iconic landmark in the Griffith Park landscape. The site mainly offers spectacular views over the metropolis and a highly photogenic atmosphere, loved by walkers and curious travelers alike. Even without getting very close, this is a must-see place, closely tied to the image of Hollywood and the cultural history of Los Angeles.
5. Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall, in the heart of Los Angeles, is one of the city’s most remarkable concert venues. It features striking modern architecture with spectacular metal forms, as well as a space dedicated to the performing arts and symphonic music. Inside, it offers renowned acoustics and an elegant auditorium designed to host high-quality concerts. Even when there are no performances, the building attracts visitors for its bold design and its iconic role in Los Angeles’ cultural landscape.
6. Grammy Museum
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the Grammy Museum is a museum dedicated to the world of music and the Grammy Awards. Visitors can discover exhibitions on the history of major music genres, the artists who have shaped the American music scene, and behind-the-scenes insights into the music industry. The visit showcases objects, costumes, recordings, videos, and interactive installations that make the experience engaging and accessible. It is a popular place to better understand the evolution of popular music and the cultural impact of award-winning artists.
7. The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, often called MOCA, is a museum dedicated to contemporary and modern art, located in the heart of the city. Visitors can discover paintings, sculptures, installations, videos, and conceptual works by international artists, with a program that highlights the diversity of today’s artistic practices. The museum offers an inspiring look at the major trends in 20th- and 21st-century creativity, in an ideal setting for exploring art in sometimes bold, immersive, or experimental forms. It is a must-see visit for art lovers in Los Angeles.
8. Bradbury Building
The Bradbury Building, in the heart of Los Angeles, is a must-see historic landmark for architecture and film lovers. Step inside to discover a vast atrium filled with natural light, featuring metal walkways, elegant staircases, vintage elevators, and a spectacular glass roof that create a truly unique atmosphere. Its highly photogenic interior captivates visitors with refined details and a distinctive ambiance. This iconic site offers a remarkable example of a well-preserved historic building right in the middle of the city.
9. Japanese American National Museum
The Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles is a must-visit place to discover the history, culture, and heritage of Japanese Americans. Its exhibitions feature everyday objects, works of art, archives, and personal testimonies that shed light on the experiences of this community in the United States. Visitors can explore both cultural traditions and the stories of immigration, integration, and collective memory. This museum offers an experience that is both informative and moving, in a setting that highlights the richness of Japanese American heritage.
10. El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument is a historic site and park located in the heart of Los Angeles, near the city’s original settlement area. Visitors can discover a collection of historic buildings, landscaped spaces, and monuments that evoke the early days of Los Angeles and its multicultural heritage. The site invites you to stroll through alleys, squares, and gardens, while offering a glimpse into the local heritage. It is also a popular starting point for exploring the historic downtown and better understanding the city’s evolution.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
