The Top Attractions in Los Angeles You Don't Want to Miss

Los Angeles (popularly known by its initials L.A.) is a beautiful city in Los Angeles County, Southern California, USA. It is also the County’s seat.

In 2022, Los Angeles had a population of about 3.85 million. As such, LA is California’s largest city and the country’s second-largest city.

Los Angeles is South California’s financial, cultural, and commercial center. It is popularly known for its cultural and ethnic diversity, Mediterranean climate, and growing metropolitan area.

Aside from the reputable Hollywood sign, and studios, Los Angeles is home to Warner Bros, Universal Studios, and Paramount Pictures.

Wondering what to do in Los Angeles, CA? Such as other California cities like Lake Arrowhead, there are numerous fascinating places to visit in L.A., Some notable attractions are Griffith Observatory and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Let’s explore the top places to visit in Los Angeles, CA.

Top Attractions in Los Angeles, CA

Universal Studios Hollywood

Would you love a Hollywood experience? If yes, the famous Universal Studios Hollywood is your best option. This theme park started as a movie studio in 1912.

Universal Studios Hollywood is an excellent place for the entire family. It lies in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County. The larger portion of the studio is in Universal City, while the rest is in Los Angeles city.

When you visit, your day will be packed with shows, Park rides, and exciting attractions that will immerse you in some of the biggest movies in the world.

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is a beautiful attraction that should be on your itinerary.

This public Observatory has been shown in countless movies, including La La Land, Rebel without a cause, and lots more.

The Observatory is located on Mount Hollywood, offering some incredible views of Los Angeles.

Griffith Observatory guarantees visitors an extraordinary experience through its planetarium, telescopes, exhibits, and more.

This attraction is open to everyone free of charge and is easily accessible. It has ample parking space and trails for horseback riding and hiking.

Griffith Observatory is a landmark in Los Angeles and one of the most famous attractions in Southern California.

Petersen Automotive Museum

Petersen Automotive Museum is undoubtedly considered the world’s number one automotive museum.

The museum is concerned with the exhibition of automobiles. It has significantly contributed to the city’s culture and global life.

It comprises twenty-five galleries with over three hundred and fifty vehicles showcased on the exclusive vault and major floors.

Petersen Automotive Museum enlightens visitors with about one thousand tales on display, encouraging others to come in and explore.

Its building is a component of automotive history, just like the vehicles showcased. Petersen Automotive Museum is an attraction that every car fanatic should visit.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

A must-add to your list of top things to do in Los Angeles, CA, is an exploration of Walt Disney Concert Hall. This attraction was designed by Frank Gehry.

Walt Disney Concert Hall, recognized internationally as an architectural landmark, is one of the world’s most acoustically sophisticated concert halls.

Walt Disney Concert Hall houses the Philharmonic of Los Angeles, which presents the most outstanding world music, classical music, modern music, and jazz.

This 3.6-acre facility combines the incredible creative spirit and energy of Los Angeles and its orchestra.

The place is highly unique and beautiful, starting with its major auditorium, which is paneled in hardwood, to the exterior made of stainless steel.

Griffith Park

Griffith Park covers over 4,107 acres of natural space, making it the biggest municipal park in the United States and the largest in the urban wilderness region.

The Park offers families many exciting activities through attractions at the Santa Monica Mountains’ eastern end.

Popular attractions include the Autry Museum of the Americas West, the Los Angeles Zoo, the Hollywood Sign, and the Griffith Observatory.

Griffith Park is the best place for picnicking with some members of your family and friends, as there are charming picnic areas.

You will also find the Greek theater, Griffith Park Southern Railroad, Travel Town Museum, three city golf courses, live steamers, and more.

Visitors can engage in tennis, horseback riding, soccer, swimming, pony rides, bike rentals, hiking, and more.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Are you planning a trip to Los Angeles, CA? Include a visit to La Brea Tar Pits and Museum in your itinerary.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum allows you to explore the world’s unique and rare creations.

You will find a display of unique plants and animals with fossils uncovered here, including dire wolves, mammoths, and more.

The Museum allows guests to watch the various processes involved in paleontology right before their eyes.

Volunteers and staff unearth fossils from asphalt at a dig site outside the museum. At the same time, they work on their discoveries inside the facility in the fossil lab.

If you’re open to learning new things and engaging in more adventurous research, La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is the best place to visit.

Crypto.com Arena

Crypto.com Arena has become a significant establishment in Los Angeles. It prides itself as the world’s center for sports and entertainment.

The Arena, formerly called the Staples center, has been in existence for over twenty-two years, dating back to 17th October 1999 with the opening night concert of the E Street Band.

It has welcomed over seventy-six million spectators who have come to see various amazing concerts, award shows, sporting events, and more.

Today Crypto.com Arena is home to four premier sports franchises: the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, and Los Angeles Clippers.

It boasts of being the local teams’ home advantage, with the Kings capturing two Stanley Cup titles, the Lakers winning six NBA Championships, and others.

The Arena has hosted several prestigious events, such as the Figure Skating Championships, the 2010 NHL Draft, the 2000 Democratic National Convention, 11 X Games competitions, etc.

Hollywood Pantages Theatre

Hollywood Pantages Theatre was founded by a Vaudeville Magnate in 1930. The Theatre was listed as one of the city’s most gorgeous, highly ornate Art déco architecture.

You will find the Hollywood Pantages Theatre along Vine Street, right in the center of Hollywood. It is one of the most special landmarks of Hollywood, signifying the past glory and the great future of the world’s entertainment capital.

Aside from the unique rich history surrounding the Theatre, it consists of a grand screen and stage which attracts lots of people.

Hollywood Pantages Theatre is the number one location for music videos, movies, and T.V. shows. It was previously used as a movie house.

The theater served as the home of the presentations of the glittering Academy Awards for ten years.

Dodger Stadium

Dodger Stadium is a baseball stadium in Elysian Park in Los Angeles, CA. The Stadium was officially opened in 1962 after less than three years of construction.

Dodger Stadium is the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers Major League Baseball. Numerous fans from different parts of the world have graced it.

It has a seating capacity of 56,000, which is remarkable in American sports history. It has welcomed most of the greatest players in the sport.

Most people who visited spoke of the captivating views, unique history, and wonderful atmosphere. Tour of the Dodger Stadium on non-game days is from 10 am-3 pm, and on game days is from 10 am-1 pm.

The Dodger Stadium is available for rentals for private tours, birthdays, field trips, company outings, and other special events.

The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is among the oldest cultural establishments in Los Angeles, promoting entertainment and educational and cultural industry. It showcases incredible specimens, including the Dinosaur Hall, Age of Mammals, unique dioramas, and the gem & mineral hall.

Aside from showcasing the planet’s heritage, the Natural History Museum is regarded as an outdoor nature garden and a natural hive that oversees the relationship between the people and the environment. In the Gem and Mineral Hall, you will find over two thousand sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and more specimens in the vault.

The Natural History Museum Spider and Butterfly pavilions are seasonally open with over thirty butterfly species.

LACMA Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Los Angeles County Museum of Art is loved for its collection of Latin American art and Asian art, including pre-Columbian unique pieces by contemporary and classic artists.

The Museum hosts one of the World’s most important Islamic art collections. It is a vital component of Southern California and a museum with international prestige.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art shares its wonderful collections through public programs, exhibitions, and research facilities.

It serves several people through digital platforms like scholarly catalogs, interactive programs, and online collections.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers so much for visitors to explore, encouraging the members of the public to come in and embark on a free tour.

It is the biggest art museum in the western part of the country to collect, preserve, and showcase important artworks.

Citadel outlets

Citadel Outlets is the premier location for a fun shopping experience, it features an awesome open-air setting.

It is located in the downtown region of Los Angeles, just 10 minutes south with 30 minutes to the northern part of the Disneyland Resort region

This facility houses many outstanding designers and brands from around the world. More than one hundred and thirty popular stores have unrivaled customer service and top amenities.

Citadel Outlets features new stores like Armani Outlet, the Cosmetics Company, Bally, Madaluxe, Zwilling Henckel, and BOSS Outlet. The stores offer brands like Gucci, Mid Mui, Prada, and more.

It also has a selection of other brands, such as Kate Spade, Coach, Nike, and more. You can also stop by any of the restaurants here for some delicious meals.

Katsuya

Katsuya is one of the best Japanese restaurants that has worked extensively in promoting the culture of the region and a must-visit spot for foodies.

All the meals served here are made using the highest quality ingredients sourced locally from local producers.

The restaurant is beautifully designed with gorgeous interiors, nice paintings, and comfortable chairs and tables.

Katsuya is the best at making Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna, Miso-Marinated Black Cod, sashimi platters, and more.

The restaurant has workers and owners who have been rated by many to be dedicated and down to earth when serving their guests.

Battleship USS Iowa

Don’t hesitate to visit Battleship USS Iowa and pay respects to those who fought during the war.

Battleship USS Iowa sacrificed greatly for the country in the Cold War, Korea, and WWII. The U.S. Navy ship is now recognized as an iconic landmark in Los Angeles.

It is one of the most loved outdoor museums in the region for visitors and families. You and your family will make everlasting memories during your stay at Battleship USS Iowa.

The Bradbury building

The Bradbury Building, recognized as the oldest commercial structure in the central city, is a unique gem and one of the best places to see in Los Angeles, CA.

The Bradbury Building is characterized by its Romanesque exterior. It is a modest building with nearly fifty feet of magical light, including marble stairs, open cage elevators, and iron railings.

The identity of the final architect of the building is still a mystery. It began when Lewis Bradbury, a real estate and mining millionaire, assigned Summer Hunt to design a gorgeous office building.

Summer Hunt submitted designs, but George H. Lyman replaced him and supervised the construction.

It was said by the daughters of Wyman that their father was asked to be in charge of the building, as he felt he would understand his ambition for the structure better.

Final thoughts

Los Angeles has always been known for its abundance of attractions. It is regarded as one of the best places to visit in the world.

The city holds everything you need and even more, it attracts many tourists annually, including distinguished personalities.

Six miles from Los Angeles is the city of Glendale; you can also explore the top things in Glendale if you are in this part of California. On the other hand, just thirty-two miles from LA is the wonderful Malibu.

A bit further away, Death Valley (4 hours by car) is also a destination worth checking out.

There is something for everyone in L.A., from restaurants to nightlife centers, shopping centers, historic establishments, educational facilities, and lots more.

Keep reading:

The Top Attractions in Los Angeles You Don’t Want to Miss