With roughly 19 million people living in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, LA is a big city. For any first-time visitor, figuring out what to do and see can be a daunting task! So we’ve compiled a list of fun things to do and places to see to make your first visit to Los Angeles memorable. Bonus? These 10 things promise to be so much fun, that even if you’re meeting local Angelenos friends, they’ll want to tag along. Enjoy!
If you’re planning to visit Los Angeles, the best way to get there is by bus! You’ll save precious dollars on travel so you can spend more on fun and you won’t go through the nightmare of trying to park your car.
Check out our bus routes today!
[xyz-ihs snippet=”busbud-widget”]
First order of business: food! But not just any food. Try the best food trucks in LA, starting with a delicious taco truck.
Once you’re full from sampling the local food trucks, you’ll be in top shape to head to a brewery or wine tasting event.
No need to travel to Napa, LA’s got a vast selection of wine stores that can offer you a fun experience. Here are four of the best spots to wake up your palette and get your buzz on.
The Wine House is a great place to kick off your wine tasting expedition. Spread out over some 18 thousand square feet, this awesome place holds over 6000 domestic and imported wines, spirits and beers. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, we’re convinced you’ll find something new and exciting to drink.
Located in the heart of LA, the Blending Lab Winery offer a different experience. They source their grapes from various vineyards in California and make their own wines on the premises.
Like most big cities nowadays, Los Angeles has a burgeoning craft beer scene. Here are two places beer lovers won’t want to miss out on.
Praised by beer fans since 1997, the Angel City Brewery is a staple of the local beer scene.
Last but not least, try the Highland Park Brewery. Watch out—the brewery has two locations but one is dedicated to production and does not welcome any guests. Head to the Chinatown brewery to visit the tasting room.
Outdoor buffs, Los Angeles is a great destination if you’re into hiking. And once you’ve fully discovered the food trucks and booze scene, you’ll be happy to walk off the extra pounds. Here are two great spots you shouldn’t miss while you’re in LA.
Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular hiking spots in LA. With a 130-acre dog-friendly area, it’s the perfect place to visit if you’re travelling with a furry friend (after the Highland Park Brewery, of course). The hiking trails are wide and there are both paved fire roads and dirt roads to walk on.
Heaven for hikers, mountain bikers, and even campers, the Angeles National Forest is a great place to head to enjoy some time out in the wilderness. And, it’s easily accessible, since it’s located a quick 30 minute from downtown LA.
Sports fans, be sure to check out the action in LA, with no less than 11 major league sports team. Indeed, LA offers a lot of pro sports entertainment throughout the entire year. The Staples Centre, which is located in Downtown LA, hosts the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers & Los Angeles Clippers as well as the NHL’s LA Kings. You can also catch a baseball game at Dodger Stadium, the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The city is also the home to the LA Galaxy, the winningest franchise in Major League Soccer. If you love pro sports, you’re going to love LA! Pick your favourite sport and go cheer on the local team.
Simply put, visiting Los Angeles without hitting the beach is missing out on one of its best features. LA’s got many beaches to choose from, starting with these three gorgeous spots.
Best for: people watching, sampling the local food scene, roller skating, skateboarding and playing hoops.
Yes, Venice Beach is quite the tourist attraction but still worth a visit. There are so many things to do and the people-watching scene is quite exquisite. The beach is definitely busy and crowded, which at times can seem chaotic—but it has a fantastic boardwalk with an amazing food scene.
Best for: family time, easy access from LA’s centre, ideal for swimming and surfing.
Located in the middle of the city, Manhattan Beach is quite urban. Filled with restaurants, cafés and bars, the area is lively. The beach benefits from plenty of beach volleyball courts and is awesome to surf or go for a swim!
Best for: a secluded and natural setting, exploring the trails and taking magical pictures that will surely make your friends jealous.
Located a bit further up the coast from LA, the El Matador State Beach is definitely one of the most picturesque beaches in the region. If you need a little shade from time to time, you’ll enjoy resting near the massive rocks or exploring north towards the secret sea caves.
If you’re a culture addict, you’ll be happy to know that Los Angeles has an abundance of museums, galleries and exhibitions for you to wander. Explore these three venues to sample a little bit of everything.
Art aficionados rejoice! The Getty Center hosts an outstanding collection of classic and modern art, along with photography and stunning architecture.
Good to know: admission is free—but parking is not, so best get there via public transport.
The Science Centre in LA is a great destination for the whole family. The space is divided into four sections with different exhibits: one on ecosystems, another on the creative world, one on the world of life and best of all, one on air and space.
Good to know: the venue is open seven days a week, 362 days per year and admission for the permanent exhibits is free!
Contemporary art from the 1950s is definitely worth the detour. Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Broad presents an extensive collection of contemporary art featuring some 2000 pieces from 200 different artists.
Good to know: general admission is free, but it’s best to book your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line. You may also have to pull out your wallet to access temporary exhibitions or special events.
If you’re an adventure junkie, you might be craving more than a hike and some beach fun. Not to worry, LA’s got plenty of exciting things for you to get your quota. Start with these two fun things to get your blood flowing.
Whether you’re flying solo or with some friends, you can experience rock climbing at Rock N Rope Adventures! Their playground is spread out over the Los Angeles area and destinations include Malibu, Joshua Tree National Park, Alabama Hills and much more.
Insider Tip: book a half-day or full-day tour depending on your schedule.
Looking for a different kind of thrill? Get spooked at one of the oldest cemeteries in LA! You might even encounter some celebrities… Underground.
Insider Tip: To liven up the scene, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery hosts community events, with live music and even summer movie screenings. Check out their events calendar.
If you really want to get to know LA, you’ve got to check out the bar scene. Rock out in the best bars and get your glitz on in local clubs. To party it up, your best bet is to hit West Hollywood—or head downtown.
West Hollywood is a trendy area known for its nightlife and party scene. Enjoy live music or immerse yourself in the LGBTQ+ community in one of the numerous bars and clubs to choose from.
Like most big cities, much of the nightlife scene is happening downtown. Los Angeles is no exception to the rule, with a selection ranging from super casual bars to chill with your friends to riotous clubs to dance the night along. Our favourite addresses include:
If you enjoy live music, LA has multiple venues you’ll want to check out. Among these, the usual bars and clubs, but also theatres and arenas to get the full experience. Be sure to discover these two:
You just cannot experience LA without gawking at the celebrities. Do a classic celebrity spotting tour with a group, or play paparazzi on your own.
You’ve guessed it—there are hundreds of organized tours dedicated to celebrity spotting in LA. If you go that route, try the TMZ Tours or the Ultimate Hollywood Tours.
If you’re not a fan of organized tours, there are three places where you’re almost sure to spot a celebrity.
Inspired? Let us know what fun things we missed out on by commenting below!
There’s never been a better time to explore Canada’s stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural…
Love a good scenic ride? No matter what you're into—history, art, food, or just incredible…
When it comes to traveling in Mexico, most people assume flying is the fastest way…
Argentina is a vast and diverse country, with thousands of kilometers of roads connecting unique…
Traveling offers a world of experiences, but the costs can quickly add up, turning planning…
As the warm weather approaches, it's time to start planning your summer getaway. Whether you're…