Things to Do in Los Angeles
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Los Angeles

50 curated spots from Los Angeles itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Griffith Observatory
Do
morning

Griffith Observatory

Accessible shuttle from lot to viewpoints for Hollywood Sign and city panoramas; flat exhibit areas.

2h · Free
The Broad
Do
morning

The Broad

Contemporary art museum with Infinity Mirrored Room; **must-have: art museums**.

2h · Free, reserve tickets
Santa Monica Beach & Pier
Do
afternoon

Santa Monica Beach & Pier

Head back to Santa Monica to walk the beach path, relax on the sand, and explore the pier’s games and viewpoints; great for people-watching and coastal photos.

2h · Free (activities extra)
The Getty Center
Do
afternoon

The Getty Center

Art museums with gardens, Van Gogh; tram ride up; **must-have: art museums**.

3h · Free, parking $20
Santa Monica Pier
Do
morning

Santa Monica Pier

Accessible Ferris wheel views, beach photos; ramps everywhere.

1h 30m · Free (rides $10)
Santa Monica Pier & Beach
Do
afternoon

Santa Monica Pier & Beach

Sunset strolls, Ferris wheel photos. **Must-have: photography spots**.

2h · Free
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Do
morning

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Expansive gardens, art collections, and library in historic estate; tram tours available.

3h · $29
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Do
morning

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Walk the 1.5-mile path; watch skaters, performers, and Muscle Beach.

1h 30m · Free
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Do
morning

Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Trendy shops and galleries; **must-have: shopping**.

2h · Free
Abbot Kinney Boulevard Stroll
Do
afternoon

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Stroll

Wander the boutiques, galleries, and bars along Abbot Kinney for shopping, photos, and a late-afternoon drink.

1h 30m · Free (plus shopping or drinks)
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Do
morning

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stroll stars, handprints; quick photo stop.

1h · Free
Los Feliz Village Stroll
Do
afternoon

Los Feliz Village Stroll

Browse small shops, bookstores, and vintage spots along Hillhurst and Vermont; stop for coffee or a drink as you like.

1h 30m · Free (plus any shopping)
Runyon Canyon
Do
afternoon

Runyon Canyon

1-2 mile easy loop trail with city views; dog-friendly paths.

1h 30m · Free
Runyon Canyon Hike
Do
afternoon

Runyon Canyon Hike

Free 2-mile loop with city panoramas and Hollywood Sign; medium fitness, 1-2 hours.

2h · Free
Santa Monica Beach & Santa Monica Pier
Do
evening

Santa Monica Beach & Santa Monica Pier

Relax on the wide sandy beach, then wander the historic pier, ride the Ferris wheel if you like, and enjoy sunset views over the Pacific.[2]

2h 30m · Free (rides extra ~$10-15)
The Original Farmers Market at The Grove
Do
morning

The Original Farmers Market at The Grove

Historic open-air market with dozens of food stalls and small vendors next to a modern shopping complex.

2h · Free to enter (food/shopping extra)
Third Street Promenade
Do
morning

Third Street Promenade

Outdoor mall with street performers; **must-have: shopping**.

1h 30m · Free
Venice Beach Boardwalk & Canals
Do
early_afternoon

Venice Beach Boardwalk & Canals

10-minute walk from Santa Monica Pier. Explore boardwalk (street art, vendors, performers), then detour to Venice Canals Walkway (quiet, scenic residential waterway with charming homes). Optional: outdoor fitness area (Muscle Beach) for people-watching.

1h 30m · Free
Venice Beach Boardwalk & Venice Canals
Do
late_afternoon

Venice Beach Boardwalk & Venice Canals

From the Santa Monica–Venice bike path or drop-off point, walk the Venice Beach Boardwalk to see street performers and skate park action, then head a few blocks inland to stroll the peaceful Venice Canals footbridges.

2h · Free
Hauser & Wirth Gallery
Do
morning

Hauser & Wirth Gallery

Contemporary art exhibits; flat, spacious galleries.

1h 30m · Free
Abbot Kinney Boulevard Evening Stroll
Do
night

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Evening Stroll

After dinner, wander Abbot Kinney’s boutiques, galleries, and bars; pop into a few shops before closing, then grab a drink at a relaxed bar and take golden-hour photos on nearby walk streets.

2h · Free to stroll (drinks $12-18 each)
Abbot Kinney Boulevard Shopping & Coffee Crawl
Do
afternoon

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Shopping & Coffee Crawl

Stroll Abbot Kinney’s boutiques, galleries, and cafes; pop into local clothing, home goods, and design stores between coffee or gelato stops.

2h · Free to browse (shopping extra)
Angels Flight Railway & DTLA Historic Core Walk
Do
morning

Angels Flight Railway & DTLA Historic Core Walk

Ride the short funicular next to Grand Central Market, then wander the historic streets, architecture, and nearby Bradbury Building exterior for photos.

1h · $1-5
Arts District & Little Tokyo Stroll
Do
afternoon

Arts District & Little Tokyo Stroll

Spend your afternoon wandering murals and warehouses in the Arts District, then cross into Little Tokyo for shops, snacks, and the Japanese American National Museum if you’re interested.

2h 30m · Free to wander (museum optional ticket)
Arts District Murals
Do
afternoon

Arts District Murals

Street art photography tour (flat streets, 5-min walks).

1h · Free
Arts District Street Art & Coffee Walk
Do
afternoon

Arts District Street Art & Coffee Walk

Explore murals, converted warehouses, and boutiques; stop at a café for a drink and take relaxed photos of the colorful walls and industrial scenery.

2h · Free (coffee/shopping extra)
Barnsdall Art Park
Do
afternoon

Barnsdall Art Park

Walk the hill for city views and a photogenic stop that fits neatly after lunch.

1h 30m · Free
Barnsdall Art Park & Hollyhock House
Do
morning

Barnsdall Art Park & Hollyhock House

Wander olive groves, galleries, and Frank Lloyd Wright's UNESCO-listed house; picnic spots abound.

2h · $10 (house tour)
Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive & Mansion Photography Walk
Do
morning

Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive & Mansion Photography Walk

Stroll the famous shopping street with luxury storefronts (photography allowed from street level). Detour to Greystone Mansion with its serene formal gardens and iconic Hollywood history. Capture the geometric architecture and manicured landscaping.

2h · Free (browsing) or $10 per person (Greystone Mansion tour if available)
Beverly Hills Shopping (Rodeo Extension)
Do
afternoon

Beverly Hills Shopping (Rodeo Extension)

Designer boutiques beyond Rodeo; **must-have: shopping**.

1h 30m · Varies

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Grand Central Market
Eat
midday

Grand Central Market

Historic market with Eggslut sandwiches, Sarita's Pupuseria pupusas, or Salad House bowls; customizable stalls.

1h · $20-35 per person
Gjusta
Eat
morning

Gjusta

Minimalist bakery-cafe with fresh pastries, coffee, and local LA-style sandwiches; order avocado toast and seasonal fruit plates.

1h · $20-35 per person
Gjelina
Eat
evening

Gjelina

Trendy farm-to-table bistro featuring seasonal small plates and house-made pasta. Known for excellent wine selection and energetic nightlife-adjacent vibe.

1h 30m · $28-45 per person
Great White Venice
Eat
morning

Great White Venice

Beachy café near the boardwalk with breakfast burritos, toasts, and coffee.

1h · $15-22 per person
HomeState
Eat
midday

HomeState

Casual spot for customizable Tex-Mex tacos and salads with fresh toppings; build-your-own options.

45m · $20-30 per person
Republique
Eat
morning

Republique

Elegant French-style pastries and strong coffee in a glamorous setting. Order their signature almond croissant and cappuccino. Perfect pre-activity fuel with Instagram-worthy plating.

45m · $18-28 per person
The Original Farmers Market
Eat
midday

The Original Farmers Market

Historic market with fresh, customizable salads, sandwiches, and grilled items; order from Du-par's or Roberts Fresh Market stalls.

1h · $20-35 per person
Bestia
Eat
evening

Bestia

Italian small plates in industrial chic space; Day 1 evening option.

2h · $50-70 per person
Blue Plate Taco
Eat
evening

Blue Plate Taco

Beachfront Mexican spot on Ocean Avenue; order the fish tacos, guacamole, and a margarita while you watch the light fade.

1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Huckleberry Cafe
Eat
morning

Huckleberry Cafe

Artisanal baked goods and avocado toast.

1h · $25-45 per person
Pine & Crane
Eat
afternoon

Pine & Crane

Taiwanese restaurant known for noodles, vegetables, and dumplings; order a few dishes to share.

1h · $20-30 per person
Rose Garden Tea Room
Eat
afternoon

Rose Garden Tea Room

Elegant teas and light bites amid blooming roses; reserve ahead.

1h 30m · $50-70 per person
Sqirl
Eat
morning

Sqirl

Popular brunch café known for inventive toasts, jams, and bowls; go early to avoid lines.

1h · $15-22 per person
Sugarfish
Eat
morning

Sugarfish

Trust Me sushi sets; Day 3 option.

1h · $40-60 per person
The Albright
Eat
afternoon

The Albright

Beachside cafe with fish tacos and salads; ocean views.

1h · $20-35 per person
The Trails Cafe
Eat
afternoon

The Trails Cafe

Outdoor counter-service café by the park; order avocado toast, quiches, pastries, and lemonade.

45m · $12-18 per person
Urth Caffé
Eat
morning

Urth Caffé

Organic lattes and avocado toast in modern cafe.

1h · $40-50 per person
1919 Cafe
Eat
midday

1919 Cafe

On-site cafe with salads, sandwiches, and quiches using garden-fresh ingredients; fully customizable.

1h · $25-40 per person
Al-Watan Halal Restaurant
Eat
evening

Al-Watan Halal Restaurant

Lamb biryani or grilled kebabs—all halal, romantic candlelit seating.

1h · $15-22 per person
Alcove Cafe & Bakery
Eat
afternoon

Alcove Cafe & Bakery

Charming café with a leafy patio; choose a salad, sandwich, or all-day brunch items and split a slice of cake.

1h 15m · $20-30 per person

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