10 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles

Want to experience the best of Los Angeles? Whether you're visiting for the first time or are a lifelong Angeleno, there's always something new to discover whether it be attractions or the perfect hotels in Los Angeles. From iconic sights to hidden treasures, explore essential museums, the city's best restaurants, and off-the-beaten-path secrets. How many of the top Los Angeles attractions will you try? 

The Getty-funded "Art & Science Collide" series, previously known as Pacific Standard Time, spans over 50 Southern California museums with a diverse range of themed exhibits. Highlights include explorations of climate and social justice at the Hammer, Indigenous futurism at the Autry, a George Washington Carver tribute at CAAM, and NHM's reimagined diorama hall. Though the initiative was officially launched in mid-September, additional exhibitions will debut in the coming months, offering a dynamic blend of art and science across SoCal. 

Discover Huntington, where history, art, and nature intertwine. The library and museum are home to rare collections, while the gardens—highlighted by the newly expanded Chinese Garden—offer a serene escape. Be sure to reserve for weekend visits. The Huntington has recently unveiled a 320-year-old Japanese house reconstruction, a newly restored historic tearoom, and a walk-in wine service. For PST ART, the center features three exhibitions, including one focused on the beginnings of environmental consciousness in the 19th century. 

A 4,000-acre wilderness in Los Angeles, Griffith Park offers winding trails, diverse plant life, and sweeping views of the city skyline. It’s the perfect place for a tranquil escape, whether you’re listening to the howls of coyotes or enjoying a panoramic view of the twinkling city lights. The Griffith Observatory may be closed on Mondays, but the stunning dome is still accessible for breathtaking vistas. Enhance your visit by downloading Ellen Reid’s Soundwalk—a dynamic musical composition that changes as you wander through Griffith Park’s scenic trails, adding a unique auditory dimension to your adventure. 

For apple lovers, Oak Glen and Julian are top spots. Enjoy fresh apples from U-pick farms and indulge in apple pies, cider, and turnovers. Oak Glen is a convenient two-hour drive, while Julian adds an extra layer of charm, located a bit farther away. Oak Glen and Julian are perfect for a fall outing, offering apple picking and a variety of freshly baked apple treats. The apple-picking season typically runs from Labor Day to Thanksgiving, so don’t miss the chance to savor the season! 

Experience Olafur Eliasson’s mesmerizing optical installations at MOCA’s Little Tokyo, where the intersection of color and reflection invites visitors to explore the science of how we perceive the world. Key highlights are the striking mirror-lined towers and vivid kaleidoscope installations. Timed entry is mandatory, though guests can experience the exhibit for free during the first Friday evening of the month, 5-8 pm. 

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a cinematic treasure trove celebrating the art and history of filmmaking. Home to iconic artifacts like the Terminator robot and the last surviving shark from Jaws, the museum’s rotating galleries currently honor classics like The Godfather, Gone with the Wind, and Do the Right Thing, alongside tributes to Agnès Varda and Lourdes Portillo. Recent additions include exhibitions on Cyberpunk and color technology, plus new props from Star Wars, The Matrix, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Don’t miss the fantastic gift shop, brimming with unique film-inspired finds. 

Grand Central Market, a beloved Downtown L.A. landmark since 1917, is a must-visit European-style food hall that brings together diverse flavors and cultures. Even if you're not in the mood to eat, it’s worth exploring the vibrant atmosphere, filled with aromatic spices, fresh produce, and retro neon signage. For food lovers, it’s a perfect spot to grab inexpensive and delicious pupusas, carnitas tacos, and aguas frescas. Don't miss out on trendy spots like Shiku, Fat + Flour, Sticky Rice, and Eggslut. Tacos Tumbras a Tomas serves the hall’s signature tacos, including the mouthwatering carnitas and al pastor. 

The Celestial Lights Trail at South Coast Botanic Garden features nine mesmerizing, celestial-inspired installations in a magical hour-long journey. Returning in early November, this stellar light experience is an ideal way to enjoy an enchanting evening away from typical holiday displays. With limited street parking, make sure to use the on-site parking or shuttle service for convenience. 

Chris Burden’s Urban Light, an installation of 202 restored street lamps, offers a stunning photo opportunity at LACMA. But there’s so much more to see—LACMA’s collections include modernist art, contemporary large-scale works, and traditional Japanese screens. Don't miss the museum’s fantastic special exhibitions, such as Mesoamerican art and cosmology. L.A. County residents enjoy free entry on weekdays after 3 p.m. with a reservation.

Head to this free contemporary art museum in Downtown L.A. to experience Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms, with two stunning installations—one available for advance reservations. The museum also showcases Robert Therrien’s Giant Under the Table and multiple works by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Additionally, a new exhibition highlighting Joseph Beuys’ environmental art will open later this month. 

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Los Angeles offers endless excitement. After exploring, relax at top LA hotels for the perfect getaway