🇺🇸 Los Angeles Travel Guide
The complete guide to 10 things to do in Los Angeles, USA — with prices, tips, and a 3-day itinerary.
📧 Get This Guide in Your Inbox
Enter your email and we'll send you this guide plus exclusive travel tips.
📍 Quick Facts
| Best Time to Visit | March to May & September to November |
| Daily Budget | $150-300/day |
| Currency | USD ($) |
| Total Attractions | 10 |
| Insider Tip | Rent a car — LA is sprawling and public transit is limited. Traffic is worst 7-9am and 4-7pm. |
📅 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Highlights & Landmarks
Hollywood Sign Hike
Hike to the famous Hollywood Sign via Griffith Park trails for incredible views of the LA basin. The Brush Canyon Trail is the most popular route.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Ride the Studio Tour tram through real movie sets, experience Harry Potter World, and enjoy thrilling rides based on blockbusters.
Griffith Observatory Visit
Free admission to LA's iconic hilltop observatory with planetarium shows, telescope viewing, and panoramic views of the city and Hollywood Sign.
Santa Monica Pier & Beach
The end of Route 66 featuring a vintage amusement park, aquarium, street performers, and the iconic Pacific coastline sunset.
Day 2 — Culture & Experiences
Getty Center Museum
A stunning hilltop campus with European paintings, sculptures, and photography. The architecture and gardens alone are worth the trip.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
People-watching paradise with street performers, Muscle Beach, skate parks, murals, and quirky shops along the oceanfront.
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
Active Ice Age fossil excavation site in the heart of LA. See mammoth skeletons, saber-toothed cats, and watch scientists at work.
Runyon Canyon Hike
A favorite LA hike with panoramic city views. Dog-friendly trails of varying difficulty, popular with locals and celebrities.
Day 3 — Exploration & Day Trips
The Broad Museum
Free contemporary art museum featuring Warhol, Basquiat, Koons, and Kusama. The Infinity Mirrored Room is a must-see (reserve ahead).
Walt Disney Concert Hall Tour
Frank Gehry's masterpiece of stainless steel curves. Take a guided tour or attend a world-class LA Philharmonic performance.
🎯 All Attractions by Category
Adventure & Outdoors (2)
Hollywood Sign Hike
Iconic
Hike to the famous Hollywood Sign via Griffith Park trails for incredible views of the LA basin. The Brush Canyon Trail is the most popular route.
Runyon Canyon Hike
Popular
A favorite LA hike with panoramic city views. Dog-friendly trails of varying difficulty, popular with locals and celebrities.
Family & Kids (1)
Universal Studios Hollywood
Bestseller
Ride the Studio Tour tram through real movie sets, experience Harry Potter World, and enjoy thrilling rides based on blockbusters.
Landmarks & Monuments (3)
Griffith Observatory Visit
Free
Free admission to LA's iconic hilltop observatory with planetarium shows, telescope viewing, and panoramic views of the city and Hollywood Sign.
Santa Monica Pier & Beach
Classic
The end of Route 66 featuring a vintage amusement park, aquarium, street performers, and the iconic Pacific coastline sunset.
Walt Disney Concert Hall Tour
Architectural
Frank Gehry's masterpiece of stainless steel curves. Take a guided tour or attend a world-class LA Philharmonic performance.
Museums & Art (3)
Getty Center Museum
World-Class
A stunning hilltop campus with European paintings, sculptures, and photography. The architecture and gardens alone are worth the trip.
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
Unique
Active Ice Age fossil excavation site in the heart of LA. See mammoth skeletons, saber-toothed cats, and watch scientists at work.
The Broad Museum
Free
Free contemporary art museum featuring Warhol, Basquiat, Koons, and Kusama. The Infinity Mirrored Room is a must-see (reserve ahead).
Shows & Entertainment (1)
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Iconic
People-watching paradise with street performers, Muscle Beach, skate parks, murals, and quirky shops along the oceanfront.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Los Angeles?
4-5 days covers the highlights — Hollywood, beaches, museums, and a studio tour. Add days for Disneyland, Joshua Tree, or a Malibu wine tour.
Do I need a car in LA?
Strongly recommended. LA is very spread out and public transit doesn't connect major attractions efficiently. Expect 30-60 minute drives between areas.
What are the best free things to do in LA?
Griffith Observatory, The Getty Center, The Broad, Venice Beach, hiking in Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
When is the best time to visit LA?
March to May and September to November avoid summer crowds and June Gloom. October offers the best weather with fewer tourists.
Use your browser's "Save as PDF" option for a downloadable guide.
More Free Tools From Our Network