16 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles, By a Local Expert

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Los Angeles is a city that feels like a world of its own. Every time I’m here, I find something new to love—whether it’s a hidden gem, an iconic landmark, or just a quiet moment in the middle of all the excitement. It’s a place where you can feel the energy of the city one minute and escape into nature the next.
There’s no right way to experience L.A., but there are plenty of ways to make it unforgettable. Let me share some of the places I always recommend for getting the most out of this incredible city.
Browse the Shelves at The Last Bookstore

I absolutely love The Last Bookstore—it’s one of my favorite spots in downtown Los Angeles. The moment you walk in, it feels like you’ve stepped into a magical world of books and creativity.
There’s something so special about wandering through the aisles and stumbling upon unexpected treasures, from rare novels to quirky art pieces.
I always recommend checking out “The Labyrinth” upstairs, where you can find books for just a dollar each. And don’t miss the famous book tunnel, yes the one in the picture—it’s such a cool spot for photos, as you can see.
Even if you’re not a big reader, this place has a vibe that makes you want to linger. It’s part bookstore, part art installation, and completely unforgettable.
Spend a Day in Long Beach

Long Beach is one of my go-to spots for a day trip. It’s such a fun mix of beach vibes and city attractions.
Whenever I visit, I like starting with a tour of the Queen Mary—there’s so much history on that ship, and it’s a little spooky too, which I love.
I always stop by the Aquarium of the Pacific because it’s perfect whether you’re with kids or just want to see some incredible marine life. The waterfront is such a nice place to stroll, and Shoreline Village has the best little shops and places to grab a snack.
If I’m feeling active, I’ll rent a bike and cruise along the beach paths. Long Beach has this relaxed, welcoming energy that makes it one of my favorite places to spend the day.
Palos Verdes
The Palos Verdes Peninsula is my little escape when I need a break from the busy city. I love driving out there just to soak up the views—it feels like you’re in another world.
The cliffs overlooking the ocean are stunning, especially around Point Vicente Lighthouse, which is one of my favorite spots to just sit and watch the water.
Sometimes, I’ll pack a picnic and head to the Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve. The hiking trails there are easy but so rewarding, with views of Catalina Island on a clear day.
If I want something more peaceful, the South Coast Botanic Garden is perfect—it’s like walking through a living postcard. I always tell people to visit this area if they’re looking for a quiet, more scenic side of L.A.
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is my happy place. It has that classic California beach vibe without feeling too crowded or chaotic. I always park near the Manhattan Beach Pier and take a walk to the end—it’s such a peaceful spot, and the little aquarium there is a fun bonus.
I love walking along the Strand and checking out all the amazing beachfront homes. It’s great for people-watching too, with locals biking, jogging, or just enjoying the day.
If I’m in the mood for food, the downtown area has some of the best seafood restaurants—I never leave without grabbing some fish tacos.
Whether I’m there to relax on the sand or watch the sunset, Manhattan Beach always feels like a mini vacation.
Have a Bonfire at Dockweiler Beach
Dockweiler Beach is my favorite spot for a classic bonfire night. I always tell friends to get there early to snag one of the fire pits, especially on weekends.
There’s nothing like sitting around a fire with the sound of waves in the background and the stars overhead—it’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day.
And you can watch airplanes taking off. Love that.
I always bring marshmallows and chocolate—it’s a must! I love how laid-back the vibe is here; people are just enjoying themselves, laughing, and relaxing.
And for me, the real magic is when the sun sets, and the beach is lit up by all the little fires. It’s such a memorable experience, and I recommend it to anyone visiting L.A.
Walk Along the Hollywood Walk of Fame

I love the Hollywood Walk of Fame because it’s such a fun way to dive into the history of entertainment.
Every time I go, I end up discovering new stars I hadn’t noticed before. The stretch of sidewalk is filled with names of legendary actors, musicians, and directors, and it’s so cool to connect them to the movies or music I love.
I always recommend stopping by the TCL Chinese Theatre. Comparing my handprints to those of the stars embedded in cement is one of my favorite things to do there. The energy on Hollywood Boulevard is electric—street performers, tourists, and locals make it interesting.
If you visit, make sure to snap a photo with your favorite celebrity’s star. It’s one of those places that perfectly captures the spirit of Los Angeles.
Visit Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park

Griffith Observatory is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles because the views are absolutely stunning.
Whether it’s during the day or at night, looking out over the city and spotting the Hollywood Sign always takes my breath away. I recommend timing your visit for sunset—the colors in the sky make it magical.
Inside the observatory, I love checking out the space exhibits and using the telescopes. The Tesla coil is a fun feature, and if you’re lucky, they’ll have a demonstration. Griffith Park itself is amazing too. I’ve done some of the hikes, and they’re great for escaping the city noise.
If you’re looking for a peaceful picnic spot or a bit of adventure, this place has it all. I always tell people, if you want to see L.A. at its best, head to Griffith.
Spend a Day at Santa Monica
I always have such a good time at Santa Monica Pier. It’s one of those spots that just feels like California, with the ocean breeze, the sound of the waves, and the lively energy all around.
The Ferris wheel at Pacific Park is my favorite—it gives you the best views of the coastline, and it’s especially beautiful at sunset.
If you look for it, you’ll also find the end of Route 66 sign. Perfect photo spot, right? 😉
Whenever I go to Santa Monica, I make sure to grab some fresh seafood at one of the pier’s restaurants. Walking along the boardwalk, watching street performers, and playing a few of the old-school arcade games bring back so many good memories.
The beach below is great for relaxing or have a good time with friends. If you visit L.A., I always recommend spending at least a few hours here. It’s just pure fun.
Explore the Getty Center
The Getty Center is one of those places I could spend hours at and never get bored. I love this spot because it’s not just about the incredible art—it’s the whole experience.
The architecture is gorgeous, and the views of the city are unbelievable, especially on a clear day.
One thing I always do when I’m there is visit the Central Garden. It’s like walking through a living piece of art, with winding paths and colorful flowers everywhere.
Inside the museum, Van Gogh’s Irises is a must-see, but I also love exploring the photography exhibits. The fact that admission is free makes it even better. I always tell friends to set aside a few hours to really enjoy everything the Getty has to offer.
Wander Through Venice Beach
Venice Beach is one of my favorite places to just soak up L.A.’s quirky, creative side. The boardwalk is always buzzing with energy, from street performers to vendors selling everything you can imagine. I love watching the skaters at the Venice Skatepark—it’s amazing how talented they are.
Whenever I’m in Venice, I make sure to visit the canals. They’re so peaceful compared to the busy boardwalk, and the charming houses lining the water are beautiful.
Muscle Beach is another classic stop—there’s always someone impressive showing off their strength. I always recommend Venice to anyone who wants to see a mix of L.A.’s funky and relaxed vibes.
Tour the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

I love visiting LACMA because there’s always something new to see. The collection is so diverse, with everything from ancient artifacts to modern installations. One of my favorite things to do is stop by Chris Burden’s Urban Light—it’s so iconic, and I can never resist taking a photo there.
Inside, the exhibits are just as impressive. I’ve spent hours exploring the different galleries, and there’s always a surprise around the corner.
The events they host, like film screenings and live music, make it even more special. Even if you’re not a huge art person, the experience at LACMA is so engaging and fun. I always recommend it to friends visiting L.A.
Take a Drive Along Mulholland Drive
I love driving along Mulholland Drive because it’s such a peaceful escape from the busy city. The views are incredible—on a clear day, you can see all the way to Catalina Island. I always recommend stopping at the Hollywood Bowl Overlook. It’s one of my favorite spots to take in the city lights at night.
The winding road feels like it’s straight out of a movie, and there’s something so relaxing about cruising through the hills.
Sometimes I’ll pull over just to take it all in—the mountains, the skyline, and the ocean in the distance. Mulholland is one of those places that makes you fall in love with L.A. all over again.
Experience the Sunset Strip
The Sunset Strip is such a fun place to hang out, whether you’re into music, nightlife, or just people-watching. I always love walking past the legendary venues like The Roxy and Whisky a Go Go—they’re packed with so much history.
During the day, I like checking out the boutique shops and grabbing coffee at one of the trendy cafes. But at night, the Strip comes alive.
The neon lights, the live music, and the energy make it feel like anything is possible. I always recommend catching a show or just grabbing a drink at a rooftop bar. The Sunset Strip has this electric vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Visit the Los Angeles Farmers Market and The Grove
The Farmers Market and The Grove are two of my favorite spots to visit in L.A. I love starting at the Farmers Market because it’s such a foodie paradise.
There are so many options, from fresh produce to international dishes. I always get a snack—sometimes a gourmet donut, sometimes something from the barbecue stand.
After that, I head over to The Grove. It’s such a beautiful outdoor shopping area with a great mix of stores. I love watching the fountain show—it’s such a nice little moment of calm. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll hop on the trolley just for fun. Whether you’re in the mood to shop, eat, or just hang out, this area has it all.
Spend a Day at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios is one of my favorite places to bring friends or family. I love the mix of rides, shows, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the movie industry. The Studio Tour is always a highlight for me—it’s so cool seeing real sets and learning how the magic happens.
The rides are amazing too. I’m a huge fan of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—it’s so immersive, and the Butterbeer is surprisingly good.
There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re into thrill rides or just want to wander around and take it all in. I always recommend spending a full day at Universal Studios because there’s so much to do and see.
Relax at Malibu’s Beaches
Malibu is my go-to spot when I need to unplug and recharge. I love how peaceful it is compared to some of the busier beaches in L.A. My favorite is El Matador Beach—the cliffs and rock formations make it feel like you’ve stumbled into a hidden paradise.
If I’m in the mood for something more active, Zuma Beach is great for swimming or playing volleyball. I always pack a picnic because it’s the perfect place to just sit and watch the waves.