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
afternoon

Griffith Observatory

Accessible shuttle/views; nature panoramas (short Metro + accessible bus, 20 min total).

2h · Free
The Broad
Do
late_morning

The Broad

Explore contemporary art in a striking honeycomb-clad building across from Walt Disney Concert Hall; reserve free timed-entry tickets in advance when possible.[2][5]

1h 30m · Free (advance reservation recommended)
Santa Monica Beach & Pier
Do
midday

Santa Monica Beach & Pier

Head to the wide sandy beach for playtime and photos, then walk onto the Santa Monica Pier to see street performers, small rides, and ocean views; you can rent bikes or just stroll along the path depending on the family’s energy.[1][5]

2h 30m · Free (rides and games extra)
Santa Monica Pier
Do
morning

Santa Monica Pier

Walk the pier, take beach photos, and enjoy the classic LA coast atmosphere without needing a big itinerary commitment.

1h 30m · Free
The Getty Center
Do
late_morning

The Getty Center

Take the tram up to the Getty Center to explore art collections, architectural viewpoints, and landscaped gardens overlooking LA and the Pacific.

2h 30m · Free (pay for parking if driving)
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Do
afternoon

Venice Beach Boardwalk

See the skate park, murals, and oceanfront scene, then keep your valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.

1h 30m · Free
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Do
morning

Abbot Kinney Boulevard

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

2h · Free
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Do
morning

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Do a short, selective walk rather than an all-day stay, focusing on the most recognizable blocks and nearby landmarks.

1h · Free
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
afternoon

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Stroll rose, Japanese, and desert gardens; visit art galleries. **Must-have: art museums**.

3h · $34 or Free parking
Abbot Kinney Boulevard Stroll
Do
afternoon

Abbot Kinney Boulevard Stroll

Explore boutique shops, murals, and cafés along this trendy but walkable street.

2h · Free to walk (shopping extra)
Barnsdall Art Park
Do
afternoon

Barnsdall Art Park

Enjoy a quieter city-view park stop that works well if you want a more relaxed afternoon than a full hike.

1h 15m · 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
evening

Runyon Canyon

Easy romantic hike for views.

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
late_morning

Santa Monica Beach & Santa Monica Pier

Walk from Blue Daisy down to the wide sandy beach and iconic pier; spend time on the sand, dip your feet in the ocean, then wander the pier for views and photos.

2h 30m · Free (rides and games on the pier extra)
Santa Monica Third Street Promenade
Do
late afternoon

Santa Monica Third Street Promenade

Spend your final block browsing shops, quick street activity, and people-watching; use it for casual purchases, dessert, or a coffee break before dinner.

1h 30m · Free to browse
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
evening

Third Street Promenade

Street performers, shops; fully pedestrian flat (5-min walk).

1h · Free
Venice Beach Boardwalk & Canals
Do
afternoon

Venice Beach Boardwalk & Canals

Walk canals for photos, boardwalk vibes; **photography spot**.

2h · 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
Venice Canals
Do
afternoon

Venice Canals

Romantic bridges and architecture views; accessible paths (5-min roll).

1h · 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 & 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)

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Grand Central Market
Eat
afternoon

Grand Central Market

Historic open-floor food hall offering tacos, egg sandwiches, burgers, and more; grab a casual counter meal like an Eggslut sandwich or local tacos.[1][8]

1h · $20-25 per person
Gjusta
Eat
morning

Gjusta

Handmade pastries and smoked fish plate.

1h · $40-50 per person
Gjelina
Eat
evening

Gjelina

Trendy but relaxed restaurant with shared plates, pizza, and vegetables on Abbot Kinney; reserve if possible.

2h · $40-55 per person
Great White Venice
Eat
morning

Great White Venice

Bright, stylish café near Venice Beach with strong coffee, breakfast burritos, and avocado toast—perfect before a boardwalk stroll.[6]

1h · $20-30 per person
HomeState
Eat
evening

HomeState

Casual Tex-Mex spot known for tacos and queso; family-friendly with counter service.

1h · $12-20 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 Albright
Eat
morning

The Albright

Start with casual breakfast fare near the pier; order something simple like eggs, pancakes, or a breakfast sandwich before walking the waterfront.

1h · $12-22 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
afternoon

Blue Plate Taco

Beachfront Mexican spot with craft margaritas, fish tacos, and outdoor seating overlooking Ocean Avenue.

1h 15m · $30-45 per person
Eggslut
Eat
morning

Eggslut

Signature Fairfax sandwich with cage-free egg and cheddar.

45m · $40-50 per person
Guisados
Eat
midday

Guisados

Order a few tacos and share across the table; it is a strong choice for affordable local food.

1h · $12-20 per person
Huckleberry Cafe
Eat
morning

Huckleberry Cafe

Artisanal baked goods and avocado toast.

1h · $25-45 per person
Mendocino Farms
Eat
midday

Mendocino Farms

Get sandwiches or salads for a lighter lunch before exploring the nearby shopping streets.

45m · $12-20 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
evening

Sugarfish

Upscale casual sushi with omakase-style offerings and premium fish selection. Minimalist-glamorous aesthetic with efficient service. Order the chef's selection.

1h 15m · $25-40 per person
The Trails Cafe
Eat
morning

The Trails Cafe

Casual breakfast near Griffith Park; go for coffee, breakfast sandwiches, or pastries before your hike.

1h · $15-25 per person
Urth Caffé
Eat
afternoon

Urth Caffé

Organic cafe; avocado toast, lattes in garden setting.

1h · $20-35 per person

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