Things to do in Los Angeles

Best Things to do in Los Angeles

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Los Angeles? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 1167 activities in Los Angeles, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 320, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Los Angeles in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

What Not to Miss in the City of Angels: Things to Do in Los Angeles

About Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of those cities where you can be everything and nothing all at once. It’s loud and layered, famous and anonymous, full of contradictions that somehow work. On one hand, you’re stuck in traffic behind a Bentley. On the other, a man in a Batman costume is directing pedestrians across Hollywood Boulevard. That’s LA. If you're wondering about the top things to do in Los Angeles, you're not looking for just a checklist—you’re chasing experiences that make the city what it is: gritty, glossy, and occasionally mind-blowing.

Unique Experiences

Hike to the Hollywood Sign

You’ve seen it in movies, shows, and music videos, but nothing compares to the real thing—especially when you've hiked your way up. The trail via Griffith Park isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s a transition from the chaos of the city to a rare quiet. The panoramic view from the top? A full sweep of Los Angeles with the Hollywood Sign standing proudly like the city's signature. It’s one of those unique things to do in Los Angeles that lets you feel like you’ve stepped inside a postcard.

Where: Griffith Park
Pricing: Free
Timing: 6 AM – 6 PM
When to Visit: Just before sunset for golden-hour photos

Abbot Kinney Boulevard: Venice’s Coolest Mile

Here, boutique meets street, and everything feels curated for cool. Grab a pour-over coffee from a local roaster, browse design-forward homeware stores, or stumble into an art gallery that doubles as a tattoo studio. This isn’t just shopping—this is a vibe. Easily one of the most fun things to do in Los Angeles for travellers who enjoy wandering with purpose and style.

Where: Venice
Pricing: Free to explore
Timing: 11 AM – 8 PM
When to Visit: Weekends for the full buzz

The Getty Center

Think less museum, more architectural poem. The Getty isn’t just about the art inside—though Van Gogh and Monet are there to impress. It’s about the city views, the perfectly manicured gardens, and the stone corridors that seem to hold silence like a secret. Whether or not you’re a traditional museum-goer, this is one of those top things to do in Los Angeles when you need space to breathe and reflect.

Where: Brentwood
Pricing: Entry free; INR 1,000 for parking
Timing: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
When to Visit: Weekdays, early morning

Top Attractions

Universal Studios Hollywood

Half thrill ride, half behind-the-scenes magic—this place is LA on steroids. Whether you're sipping butterbeer in the Wizarding World or yelling through the Jurassic World rollercoaster, every corner of this place feels like a set come alive. Add the Studio Tour and you’ve got one of the best things to do in Los Angeles all bundled up in one mega attraction.

Where: Universal City
Pricing: INR 9,000–12,000
Timing: 10 AM – 6 PM
When to Visit: Weekdays to avoid the crowd

Santa Monica Pier

Bright, kitschy, and absolutely necessary. The rollercoaster, Ferris wheel, street performers, and funnel cakes—yes, it’s touristy, but in the best possible way. The pier feels like something out of a nostalgic dream, and it’s one of the most visited tourist attractions in Los Angeles for good reason. Bonus: you get a sunset that’ll shut everyone up.

Where: Santa Monica
Pricing: Free to enter; rides start at INR 500
Timing: 10 AM – 10 PM
When to Visit: Late evening

Griffith Observatory

Whether you're staring into telescopes or just soaking in that skyline, Griffith Observatory is where LA feels infinite. And yes, it’s also where they filmed La La Land, so you can hum “City of Stars” while looking over the actual city of stars. Definitely one of the most unique things to do in Los Angeles.

Where: Griffith Park
Pricing: Free
Timing: 12 PM – 10 PM
When to Visit: After sunset for stargazing

Sightseeing Tours

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Not as chaotic as Universal, and far more intimate. Here, you get to walk through soundstages, sit on the Friends couch, and understand how a show goes from script to screen. One of the smarter, more immersive activities in Los Angeles if you’re into film history and the real machinery of Hollywood.

Where: Burbank
Pricing: INR 6,000–7,500
Timing: 9 AM – 3 PM
When to Visit: Early morning slots

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Yes, it's basic. But in LA, where the public transport map is more maze than solution, this is gold. Cover all major spots—Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice, Downtown—and hop off wherever your gut says, “Now.” For efficiency and coverage, this is one of the most practical things to do in Los Angeles.

Where: Multiple stops
Pricing: INR 4,000–5,000
Timing: 9 AM – 5 PM
When to Visit: Sunny days (which is... always)

Day Trips

Catalina Island

Hop on a ferry and escape to Catalina—LA’s low-key island paradise. From snorkelling in clear waters to ziplining over rugged cliffs, it’s a different energy altogether. Easily one of the best fun things to do in Los Angeles if you’re ready for some sea and silence.

Where: Ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro
Pricing: Ferry INR 3,500; activities vary
Timing: Full day
When to Visit: Spring to early fall

Malibu Drive

Few things beat the freedom of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, windows down, playlist up. Stop at Zuma Beach, grab tacos at a roadside shack, and end at El Matador with your feet in the sand. Among the top things to do in Los Angeles when the city starts to feel too loud.

Where: Pacific Coast Highway
Pricing: Fuel + food (INR 2,000–3,000)
Timing: Daytime
When to Visit: Weekdays to avoid bumper-to-bumper regret

Getting Around

• Metro: Useful for Downtown, Hollywood, and Universal
• Car Rentals: Ideal if you want to cover larger distances. However, you will need an International Driving Permit to self-drive.
• Ride Apps: Uber and Lyft—everywhere, always
• E-Scooters: Great for Venice and Santa Monica
• Walking: Limited areas like DTLA, Venice, and Echo Park

Traveller Tips

• LA traffic isn’t a joke. It’s a test of character. Be careful of bikes, cars, and pedestrians on the road. It can be intense.
• Street parking rules are like riddles. Read signs. Twice. Also, parking can be quite expensive.
• Tipping: Yes. 15–20% standard across the board. It’s a part of local culture.
• Local eats > Fancy eats. Some of the best tacos come from trucks.
• Things to do with toddlers in Los Angeles? Try Kidspace Museum, Natural History Museum, and Griffith Park’s pony rides.
• Public transport is improving, but not your best friend for day trips.
• Locals don’t “do Hollywood” often. You’re allowed to—but don’t expect glitz.
• Pack for all weather. Morning chill, midday burn, evening breeze.
• Your best LA moments won’t be planned. Leave space for the unplanned.
• When in doubt, go west. The beach never disappoints.