23 of the best · Los Angeles, California
Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theatre, the studio tours, Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, and the city’s historic cemeteries.
Our 23 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Los Angeles.
The city’s great viewpoint
The Art Deco observatory on Mount Hollywood, with telescopes, a planetarium and views of the Hollywood Sign and the city.
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027Explore View on map
Handprints in the forecourt
The famous Chinese-style movie palace on Hollywood Boulevard, with stars’ handprints and footprints in its forecourt.
Pacific Park and the sea
The historic pier at the end of Colorado Avenue, with Pacific Park’s Ferris wheel, an aquarium and fishing.
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401Explore View on map
In-depth stories behind the list.
The back story
Altars, marigolds and music: how Los Angeles celebrates the Day of the Dead, from Hollywood Forever to Olvera Street.
The back story
Where Hollywood remembers its legends: Hollywood Forever, Westwood Village Memorial Park and Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills.
The sights everyone comes for.
The city’s great viewpoint
The Art Deco observatory on Mount Hollywood, with telescopes, a planetarium and views of the Hollywood Sign and the city.
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027Explore View on map
Stars on the pavement
The stars set into the pavements of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.
Rides on the Pier
The amusement park on Santa Monica Pier, with its Ferris wheel and roller coaster.
380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401Explore View on map
Pacific Park and the sea
The historic pier at the end of Colorado Avenue, with Pacific Park’s Ferris wheel, an aquarium and fishing.
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401Explore View on map
Handprints in the forecourt
The famous Chinese-style movie palace on Hollywood Boulevard, with stars’ handprints and footprints in its forecourt.
Shops, a trolley and a fountain
An open-air shopping centre with a trolley and dancing fountain, next to the Original Farmers Market.
189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036Explore View on map
Best seen from a distance
The world-famous sign on Mount Lee: best seen from Griffith Observatory, Lake Hollywood Park or the Hollywood & Highland area.
Little bridges and gardens
The quiet residential canals of Venice, with footbridges and gardens.
Street life by the sea
Ocean Front Walk in Venice: street performers, Muscle Beach, the skatepark and murals.
Behind the scenes.
Through the famous gate
Tours of the Paramount lot on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood.
Culver City
Walking tours of the Sony Pictures lot in Culver City.
10202 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232Explore View on map
The Studio Tour
The film studio and theme park in Universal City, with the Studio Tour and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Behind the scenes in Burbank
Guided tours of the working Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, with sets, soundstages and props.
3400 W Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505Explore View on map
Where LA began, and where Hollywood remembers.
Iron balconies and a glass roof
The Victorian office building on Broadway with a famous light-filled atrium.
On the hills by Griffith Park
A memorial park on the hillside next to Griffith Park.
6300 Forest Lawn Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068Explore View on map
Founded in 1899
The historic cemetery beside the Paramount lot, resting place of many Hollywood legends, with film screenings and Día de los Muertos.
6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038Explore View on map
Where Los Angeles began
The historic heart of Los Angeles: the old plaza, Olvera Street’s market and historic buildings.
125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012Explore View on map
A Mission Revival railway palace
Los Angeles’ grand railway station, opposite Olvera Street, with Metro, Amtrak and the FlyAway bus.
Hidden behind Wilshire’s towers
A small walled cemetery behind the office towers of Wilshire Boulevard in Westwood.
Basketball, hockey and concerts.
Lakers, Kings and concerts
The downtown arena at L.A. LIVE, for basketball, hockey and concerts.
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015Explore View on map
Home of the Clippers
The Clippers’ arena in Inglewood, near SoFi Stadium.
3930 W Century Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90303Explore View on map
30 of the best Restaurants
6 of the best Cafés
21 of the best Bars & Music
25 of the best Hotels34 of the best Museums & Arts
18 of the best Parks & Beaches11 of the best Walks
25 of the best Shopping
13 of the best Health & Wellness18 of the best Property8 of the best Developments
7 of the best Motoring10 of the best Getting Around