Living close to Los Angeles means I spend a lot of time there. What I love about LA is there is always something fun to do. Whether you want the beaches, theme parks, movie studios, famous eateries, or sporting events this city truly has something for everyone. Both locals & visitors take thousands of pictures around the city every day. I am constantly finding new places to check out in the city of Angels so this list will always be a work in progress. That being said here is my current list of 101 Things to do in Los Angeles.
For those of you who are using this guide to help plan a trip to LA for the first time please take into consideration how spread out the city is. I grouped the places together by categories instead of cities. So in some cases, the recommended spots are very far from each other. Be sure to look things up on a map to truly understand where everything is located. If you are looking for more ideas of Things to do in LA consider getting our e-book which is a 10/10 would definitely recommend guide to the city.
Please note that anytime I write DTLA I mean Downtown Los Angeles.
This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and buy something, I will earn a small commission from the advertiser at no additional cost to you.
Visit the Beach Cities
The California coast is lined with beautiful beaches. Besides Malibu, some of my favorite beaches are in Orange County. If you have time I highly recommend Laguna, Newport, and Huntington Beach. But, LA beaches don’t disappoint. The only beach in LA with firepits is Dockweiler close to the LAX area.
1. Santa Monica
Santa Monica is great for a few different reasons. Even though the pier is one of the most touristy locations I love it. I was thrilled when I finally got to mark riding the ferris wheel off my bucket list. Plus, over the summer they have a concert series. If you’re using the metro you can take it all the way to the beach making it easily accessible from most parts of town. With Venice Beach on one side and Malibu on the other, this spot is really good to get to explore a lot!
2. Malibu
There is no competition in my mind that Malibu has the best beaches in the LA area. El Matador State Beach and Paradise Cove are that I recommend checking out. While Malibu does have stunning beaches I was expecting cute city areas like Newport Beach. Malibu doesn’t really have a little downtown area near the beach. There’s nothing wrong with that as long as you know that’s what it is.
3. Venice
While Venice does have the beach I think the best parts of this area are in the street art, the canals and Abbot Kinney Blvd. This is one of the most eclectic areas. The hipsters and Instagrammers are sure to really enjoy this area but don’t like that stop you from thinking you might enjoy it too. It is a really fun area for exploring.
Explore the Beautiful Buildings & Famous Houses
Los Angeles is full of stunning architecture which is why so many of the buildings have made appearances in film and television. The beautiful glass church featured above is Wayfarers Chapel.
4. Pasadena City Hall
Any fans of Parks and Recreation will recognize this building as the Pawnee City Hall. It is a magnificent building in which a lot of people come to do photoshoots and filming. Over the summer you can even watch a movie in the parking lot as part of the Eat See Hear series. You can read more about visiting the Pasadena City Hall here.
5. Bradbury Building
The main thing that will catch your eye once up step inside the Bradbury Building in Downtown Los Angeles is the glass ceiling. Inside this building is a lobby that is truly unlike any other spot in LA. You can read more about visiting this iconic building here.
6. The Brady Bunch House
The Brady Bunch house is one of the most recognized famous homes in the world. Some of you might have watched the HGTV renovations of the house. I am still hoping that they will open it up for fans to come and see the inside. For now, though you can drive up and get photos.
7. Oue Skyspace
Located towards the top of the US Bank tower you can enjoy the unique experience of going down a glass slide at Oue Skyspace Los Angeles. The observation deck is located about 1,000 above Los Angeles which offers some great views of the city. You can see the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Dodger Stadium, and the Staples Center among other recognizable locations.
8. LA City Hall
The reason that City Hall makes this list is due to the free observation deck they have. This is something that has been on my to-do list for a while. You will need a photo id to access the deck. It is open M-F from 8 am – 5 pm.
9. The Gamble House
The Gamble House in Pasadena is a beautiful craftsman-style home. You might have seen this place before as Doc Brown’s house from Back to the Future. The house is available to visit on tours. If you’d like to visit for free there are a few chances to do so throughout the year. My first visit was several years ago during the MOTA Day and more recently on a free Pasadena Museum day. This home is really interesting to check out.
10. Stahl House
The Stahl House is an iconic home that has been used a lot for filming and photoshoots. One-hour tours are available. Visitors rave about the incredible view of Los Angeles in addition to how well done the experience is.
11. The Magic Castle
The Magic Castle is one of the most exclusive places to eat in Los Angeles. It is such an incredible and unique place to visit that will blow your mind. The Magic Castle is an exclusive establishment that is only open to members of The Academy of Magical Arts and their guests. You can also try staying at the Magic Castle Inn as another way to get inside.
12. Union Station
This bustling transportation hub is one of the many iconic locations in DTLA. It is nice on the outside but inside is where this place truly shines. Union Station is open daily from 4 am to 1 am. They even offer free monthly architecture tours. It is closeby to Philippe’s where you can get a delicious French dip.
13. Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is the location of many events throughout the year. It is currently the main home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. This building has been another stunning addition to the city with its unique design. They offer free tours during the week so even if you cannot attend an event you can still stop by for a visit.
14. Wayfarers Chapel
The Wayfarers Chapel is the location of my dream wedding. This glass church has been used as a filming location for several productions including The OC. It is located near the ocean and is one of my favorite places in the Los Angeles area.
15. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House
The Hollyhock House was designed for Aline Barnsdall. Barnsdall donated the house to the city in 1927. It is located in Barnsdall Park and is open for tours. This is a must-see for architecture fans. The living room is incredible.
16. Greystone Mansion
The Greystone Mansion grounds are usually open and free for the public to come and enjoy. It is closed on occasion for filming and special events. Sometimes tours are available for seeing the inside. The grounds are lovely and make for wonderful photoshoots.
17. The Oldest Existing McDonald’s
The oldest existing McDonald’s is located in Downey. This is an interesting place to visit. They have a mini-museum with nostalgic items. When you step up to the outdoor stand to place your order you’ll see a sign that has the prices from when they first opened. The sign is what really caught my eye as it is so different from the famous arches we all know.
Hotels to Stay at Or Just Check Out
18. Beverly Hills Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel is a gorgeous five-star hotel that has attracted people from all around the world. I have never stayed here but I truly enjoyed my meal at the Polo Lounge. The hotel is gorgeous and the perfect place to take some photos.
19. Millennium Biltmore LA
This historic hotel, which opened in 1923, is located in the heart of downtown LA near Pershing Square. When I stepped through the doors and into the rendezvous court I immediately felt like I had been transported back in time. The Millennium Biltmore has been used in several tv shows and movies, but it has also hosted the Academy Awards in the past. The hotel has a classic old Hollywood vibe which I love!
20. Roosevelt Hotel
The Roosevelt Hotel has many claims to fame. This hotel was the first place to host The Oscars and was home to Marilyn Monroe for a few years. Located in the heart of Hollywood Blvd the Roosevelt is home to several fun events throughout the year like the TCM Film Festival. The Spare Room is an intimate bowling alley/bar worth checking out and during the summer you can watch movies by the pool. Feeling hungry? A burger from 25°’s is always a good idea.
Watch An Outdoor Movie
The ET photo booth from Cinespia
21. Street Food Cinema
Street Food Cinema is an outdoor movie screening series that pairs food trucks with classic movies as well as new blockbuster hits. At a few of the screenings cast members of the movie being shown will come to introduce it. Going to a Street Food Cinema screening is a summer tradition for me. It is so much fun to bring a picnic, or get good from one of the trucks and enjoy a movie.
22. Cinespia
Cinespia is the name of the screening series that takes place in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. I know it sounds odd, watching a movie in a cemetery. You don’t sit on top of the bodies. The screening takes place on an open lawn. Bring picnics, blankets and chairs. In addition to getting to enjoy some great movies, Cinespia has incredible photo booths. The ET picture above is from the 4th of July screening last summer. Since it was the 4th of July fireworks were shot off after the movie and it was a really good show.
23. Melrose Rooftop Cinema
The Melrose Rooftop Cinema is located in the same spot as the E.P & L.P restaurant off of Melrose in West Hollywood. Your ticket includes a bean bag-type chair that comes with a blanket and a headset so that you can hear the movie well. You can buy some very tasty food from E.P & L.P. This is a really fun outdoor movie series and for once you don’t have to drag a chair from your car.
Shop at One of the Malls
The Christmas Tree Lighting at The Grove
24. Americana at Brand
The Americana at Brand is located in Glendale and is such a charming place to visit. Take a ride on the trolly, watch the dancing fountains or visit the Disney baby store. It is a semi-glitzy outdoor mall that is very similar to The Grove.
25. The Grove
Where do I even begin with The Grove? The Grove is an outdoor mall but it is so much more than that. It is located next to the Los Angeles Farmers Market which is always a treat to visit. The Grove hosts a lot of great events throughout the year. I love coming to celebrity book signings at Barnes and Noble, going to movie premieres & special events here, and just coming for a lovely date night. It is one of my favorite places in the city.
26. Westfield Century City
Another shopping mall with some fun events is Westfield Century City. The Westfield Century City is close to Beverly Hills so if you’ll be in the area sightseeing it could be worth it to stop by the mall. There is a good variety of stores here and some great restaurants.
Check Out These Unique Shopping Experiences
27. Amoeba Records
The Amoeba Music Store Hollywood is a unique store that is a favorite among locals and tourists. Amoeba Music is a great place to come to find used CDs, vinyl, books, and movies. The selection of affordable items in good condition is fabulous. You could easily spend hours here finding great things to add to your collection.
28. It’s A Wrap Clothes from TV Shows
Have you ever wondered what happens to all of the clothing and accessories that are used in film and television projects? Sometimes the wardrobe department will keep what they think they will use again in the future. Other times the clothing and accessories go to the It’s a Wrap store in Burbank, California. You won’t be able to find a famous costume like Marilyn Monroe’s white dress. However, you can find a lot of great high-quality and designer items at fair prices.
29. Rose Bowl Flea Market
The Rose Bowl Flea Market takes place on the second Sunday of every month. The flea market hours are 5 am-3 pm. The cost of admission varies depending on how early you want to enter. Please note that the website warns that not all vendors will be open before 9 am. As far as what you can expect to find it is a little bit of everything. I think furniture and art pieces are some of the best finds that they have. But truly, they have everything!
30. The Funko Pop Store
A few months ago a Funko Pop Store in Hollywood opened up and quickly became an Instagram hot spot. In addition to having a lot of great merchandise, the store has a lot of well-done photo ops. Since this is a store it is free to come in and check it out! The layout of the store is really good with each fandom having its own area. And the merchandise is not just limited to Funko Pops. You’ll find super cute shirts, purses, and more.
Go To a Theme Park
31. Knotts Berry Farm
Knotts Berry Farm, located in Buena Park, is a good alternative for those who want intense roller coasters without having to drive up to Six Flags. It is a short drive from Disneyland but a completely different experience. In addition to its roller coasters, Knotts also has Soak City which is their water park. Honestly, it is my least favorite out of all of the theme parks in the area but it is still a beloved and popular place to visit. Every fall Knotts Scary Farm is a big hit for horror fans.
32. Disneyland
As a former Cast Member it would be hard not to say that Disneyland is my favorite, but putting my bias aside I still think that The Disneyland Resort is the best theme park in Southern California. From the parades to the attractions, and the nighttime entertainment Disneyland continues to provide a first-class experience. I love that they are constantly adding to the park so that there is almost always something new to do.
33. Universal Studios
Compared to the Florida location, Universal Studios Hollywood is quite small. However, unlike Florida, we have the backlots and soundstages that are still in use for production. I love taking the Studio Tour every single time I visit. It’s always fun for me to see the area from Psycho, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, The Good Place, and of course Apple Valley from Back To The Future. Adding the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has really helped this theme park become a day-long experience. The Halloween Horror Nights continue to be a massive hit with fans.
34. Six Flags Magic Mountain
I don’t know if there is another theme park better suited for thrill-seekers than Six Flags Magic Mountain. The theme park is currently home to 19 roller coasters and most of them are very intense.
35. Raging Waters
This is my favorite water park in the Southern California area. Raging Waters is a bit of a drive from the LA area but it is a fun way to spend a hot day. They have a good variety of different types of water rides and is a nice family-friendly spot.
Explore a Museum
This photo is from The Getty Villa
36. The Reagan Library
The Reagan Library is something that can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of political affiliation. I’ve been to the much smaller Nixon Library and while it was interesting it is not on the same level as the Reagan Library. This place is filled with so much history, and they even have rotating exhibits that come through that are completely separate from politics. Previously they have had a Titanic exhibit as well as an Egyptian one.
37. Grammy Museum
The Grammy Museum is a small but interesting museum located at LA Live in DTLA. Music fans will have a better appreciation for the museum than others. It is small but packed with interesting memorabilia and information. The museum is a great family-friendly place, especially with the interactive displays. They typically rotate special exhibits once or twice a year.
38. LACMA
The light post artwork in front of LACMA is one of the most popular photo spots in LA. Friday night jazz concerts over the summer are a favorite activity for locals. The museum is filled with interesting pieces and can easily take a few hours to check out.
39. Petersen Automotive Museum
This car museum is incredible. For an extra fee, you can go down in the vault which as of now I have not done but would like to. I visited the rest of the museum and was completely amazed. I went while they had a special exhibit on picture cars and I was thrilled to see one from Star Wars.
40. The Broad
The Broad is one of my favorite museums in Los Angeles. I love the infinity room and the fun collection of art pieces. The Broad is free but you do have to reserve tickets in advance or wait in a standby line upon arrival. It is completely worth having to pay for parking.
41. The Getty Villa
The Getty Villa in Malibu is a stunning museum that is well worth visiting. Parking is $15 before 3 pm and $10 after, but free Getty Villa tickets are available on their website. A good thing to know is that you can also go to the Getty Center afterward without having to pay for parking again. Visit the information desk to get a coupon for same-day complimentary parking at the other location. Everything from the architecture to the walkways makes you feel like you are in Europe. The museum, which is also an education center, which focuses on ancient Greece and Rome.
42. Walt Disney’s Barn
On the third Sunday of every month, Walt Disney’s Barn is open for the public to visit. Inside the barn is a lot of Disney memorabilia that makes it feel like a mini-museum. This is a free experience that is really special for Disney fans to check out. The barn is close to the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round where Walt came up with the idea for Disneyland.
Watch a Live Taping
43. Go to a TV Show Taping
Did you know that it is free to be in the studio audience for tv show tapings? You can attend tapings of Game Shows, Talk Shows, and Sitcoms. Your experience can range from 90 minutes (including check-in and the taping) to several hours depending on which type of show you attend. Tickets are given out through various websites like 1iota.com, and oncameraudiences.com.
44. Go to an Awards Show
Did you know that some awards shows will let you be a seat filler? Some will let you be a fan on the red carpet too! I have been a seat filler at The Emmys as well as the People’s Choice Awards. One of my favorite experiences was being on the red carpet for the 2013 Oscars. You can find out more information on how to attend award shows here.
Tour a Movie Studio
45. Paramount
Paramount has the most beautiful gates of any studio and is the only one of the major studios that you can see the Hollywood sign from. It is currently home to shows like This Is Us and Dr. Phil. Some of the tour highlights include getting to see the outside of Lucille Ball’s former dressing room, seeing famous props, and hearing the legendary stories of this lot.
46. Sony
Sony offers my least favorite of all the studio tours but it is still very interesting. Depending on what is filming your tour might include a visit to the set of The Goldbergs, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! This tour is walking only while both Paramount and Warner Bros will have you on a tour cart for most of the time.
47. Warner Bros.
The Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood will show you backlots, at least one soundstage, and the batmobiles. For fans of productions like the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Friends, ER, Pretty Little Liars, Gilmore Girls, The Music Man, and, Casablanca this tour is a perfect fit! Be sure to go on a weekend to get a better chance of going into a good soundstage. During the week there is a small chance you could see a celebrity but the odds are very low that it is often better to just go on a weekend.
48. Walt Disney Studios
Unlike the other three studios, visiting the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank is not as easy to do. The others offer paid tours available to the public. Disney tours are reserved for D 23 members, Adventures By Disney tour groups, but also Disney Movie Insider Reward Members.
Watch a Movie Or Catch A Show At These Theatres
49. El Capitan Theatre
With the El Capitan Theatre Disney creates a magical experience for those of us who love movies and Disney. El Capitan is one of the grand movie palaces that was built in 1926 and is full of history. My mom and I also went to see Frozen and while nothing happened before the show during Let It Go it snowed in the movie theatre. One of my favorite memories so far is when Scott Weinger, the voice of Aladdin, came to introduce an anniversary screening.
50. Los Angeles Theatre
Last Remaining Seats is a screening series that started with the goal to bring attention to the historic theatres in Los Angeles. Before the Chinese and Egyptian Theatres drew attention to Hollywood, Broadway in DTLA was the heart of early Hollywood. This area of town is home to several iconic movie palaces which now remain closed most days. However, for special events like Last Remaining Seats, the theatres light up once again.
51. TCL Chinese Theatre
For movie fans, I want to encourage you to make time to stop by the TCL Chinese Theatre. The Chinese movie theatre Hollywood is where you’ll find the iconic cement blocks with hands and footprints of the stars. The hand and footprints date back to the very early days in Hollywood. The hand and footprints of stars like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, George Clooney, and the cast of Harry Potter.
52. Alamo Drafthouse
I am so thrilled that this location has finally opened up. The Alamo Drafthouse is located at The Bloc in DTLA. This is a dine-in theatre with incredibly tasty food. They host several fun events like a rowdy Cats screening, celebrity events, and more. I had a fabulous time at a 9-1-1 Lonestar event that included a cast member q&a.
53. The New Beverly
The New Beverly Theatre is an old-school cinema in its style and charm. It is currently owned by Quentin Tarantino and they often screen his personal prints of movies. Occasionally, they will host special events like an anniversary screening of Mean Girls with some cast & crew members which I attended back in 2014. In 2019 I went to a special screening of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood which included a q&a with Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, and Quentin Tarantino.
54. Pantages
The Pantages Theatre in Hollywood is my favorite place to watch a Broadway show in LA. The theatre is stunning and filled with beautiful details. There are very few bad seats in this house and the stage door is easily accessible for fans who want to try and meet the cast.
55. The Dolby Theatre
The Dolby Theatre is the current home of the Oscars as well as Broadway Shows. Located at Hollywood and Highland the Dolby Theatre has a grand entrance that pays tribute to the Best Picture winners. You can tour the theatre which will give you the chance to stand on this famous stage.
56. The Pasadena Playhouse
The Pasadena Playhouse dates back to 1917 and is still going strong today. I found the playhouse charming. They hold several different productions throughout the year. I love that this provides an experience that feels like a community theatre all while hosting productions with A-List talent from LA. Plus, you don’t have to pay a big price to see a show here.
Gardens And Parks Worth Visiting
57. Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens is an incredible place to visit. If you are looking to spend a day in the great outdoors this is one of the best spots to check out in Southern California. You can walk around, take pictures, or sit on a bench and read a book. Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, $4 for children 5-12. There is a Descanso Gardens free day on the third Tuesday of every month. Parking is always free.
58. The Huntington Library
The Huntington Library is a popular place to visit in Southern California. What began in 1902 as a private home has turned into so much more than a traditional library. Beyond books and art, you’ll also find several different types of gardens. You can easily spend hours walking around the property.
59. Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are the perfect places to come and enjoy nature. This is such a fantastic place to walk around. It was much bigger than I thought which was a nice surprise. Peacocks roam the grounds so be sure to watch out for them. If you’re a fan of Fantasy Island you’ll recognize the Queen Anne Cottage.
60. Vista Hermosa Park
Vista Hermosa Park has one of the best views of DTLA. It is a wonderful hidden gem in the city and is a great place to come for a picnic or group gathering.
61. Echo Park Lake
Echo Park Lake is a completely different experience from Vista Hermosa. While this park also has gorgeous views of DTLA, the main attraction here is the water. The swan paddle boats are a really fun activity to participate in at this location. Just be careful when you park!
62. Virginia Robinson Gardens
The Virginia Robinson Gardens is another beautiful spot to visit. You can tour the house as well as the gardens which have high reviews online. This is still on my to-visit list but I am hoping that this is the year I can finally visit.
63. Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens and Temple
This is another spot that is free to visit and a place that is still on my to-visit list. It was created to provide a place for people to come to pray and relax. The photos have me so excited to check it out.
64. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve
Spring is the best time to visit the Poppy Reserve. California’s state flower is on full display at this special location which is sure to provide you with wonderful photos.
You can get a good deal on visiting a lot of the locations on this list by gett the Go City Los Angeles Pass. The pass gives you access to places like Warner Bros Studio, Six Flags, the Santa Monica Pier, The Huntington Library, and more for one set price. It will save you a lot of money as you explore the city.
Bookstores and Libraries to Visit
65. LA Public Library
The Los Angeles Public Library is a gorgeous building located in DTLA. This beautiful building is worth a quick visit for photos.
66. The Writers Guild Library
The Writers Guild Library is one of the best-hidden gems in Los Angeles. I call this a hidden gem because while many in the industry might know that it exists, most people in LA are unaware. This is a wonderful resource for writers of any level because it is open to the public and is available to use free of charge.
67. Barnes and Noble at The Grove
Barnes and Noble at The Grove is the best bookstore for book signings. I have met so many fabulous celebrities here. Some of my favorites have been Drew Barrymore, Neil Patrick Harris, and Dick Van Dyke. You do have to purchase a book to meet the author, and not every signing includes a photo op but it is so cool to get to meet them even for a brief moment.
68. Vroman’s
Vroman’s is a beloved bookstore in Pasadena. It is not quite as unique as The Last Bookstore but it is still charming. They have a wine bar as well as a coffee shop. Recently, a nice Wrdsmth mural was placed out front tying in nicely to the book theme.
69. The Last Bookstore
Not only is The Last Bookstore an incredible place to shop it is also a fun place to attend some events. They host events like book launches, readings/discussions with authors, open mic nights, and the last book review which includes comics and authors sharing funnies stories. There are several great photo ops here.
Best Places to Eat in Los Angeles
70. Aroma Coffee and Tea
If you are looking for a place to eat in Los Angeles that is beloved by the locals check out Aroma Coffee and Tea. Located in the quiet neighborhood of Studio City is this charming eatery. The line is almost always out the door but it is always worth the wait. This is my go-to spot to bring out-of-town guests. They have the best desserts, the food is also very good and you just might spot a celebrity here.
71. Bob’s Big Boy
Bob’s is the perfect place to go for a burger, fries, and a milkshake. However, even if you’re in the mood for something else chances are Bob’s has something you will like. They have a good menu with fair prices. This is the place to go for diner food. It is a favorite place for Jay Leno.
72. The Federal Bar
The Federal wasn’t always a hot spot for dining. This building got its start as a bank opening in 1926. I love finding restaurants that have a unique look and feel and this spot certainly has that. The exterior makes the building stand out from the other places on Lankershim Blvd in North Hollywood. I highly recommend the dirty chips as an appetizer and if you check in on Yelp & show your server you’ll get a free dessert!
73. Carrera Cafe
Carrera Cafe is a super cute coffee shop on Melrose in West Hollywood. There are two reasons that I recommend this place. They are able to put photos on foam in your coffee which makes for a really fun-looking drink. Plus, they change the mural on the outside of their building quite often and have done some incredible designs.
74. Clifton’s Cafeteria
Cliftons Cafeteria is one of the most interesting places to eat in downtown Los Angeles, California. This eclectic eatery is a unique place to visit. The food, served cafeteria-style, is just one of the reasons Clifton’s is worth checking out. What makes this place stand out is the decor which changes depending on what part of the building you are in. There is also a cool speakeasy inside as well.
75. Restaurant 917 at the Porsche Experience Center
Restaurant 917 is a fine dining restaurant that overlooks the Porsche Experience Center in Carson. If you get a table by the window you can watch the driving course from your table. The food is incredible, and the butter even comes in a Porsche design. If you would like to dine here it is recommended that you make a reservation. Lunch is offered from 11:30 am-3 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Dinner is offered from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm Thursday through Saturday.
76. Diddy Riese
Diddy Riese is a popular ice cream & cookie shop in Westwood Village near UCLA. They sell delicious cookies for very reasonable prices. You can typically get a dozen cookies for $4 and a cookie ice cream sandwich is $3.75. It is cash only and parking can be difficult to find but I love coming here when I get the chance.
77. Grand Central Market
Located in the heart of the city Grand Central Market offers a unique dining experience in Los Angeles. GCM is home to 37 different food vendors which means that there should be something for every person in your group. Lunch and dinner times are so popular among locals & tourists alike that it can be difficult to find a seat sometimes. This food hall is unlike any other place in the city, it is filled with so much history & charm.
78. In N Out
In N Out is so much more than a fast-food burger joint to Californians. This spot is a part of our culture! We love In N Out because the burgers are so delicious and the prices are very fair. Helpful tip: if it is raining children get a free cup of hot chocolate. There is an interesting replica of the original In N Out location that you can visit. A close drive away from the replica is a company store that you can visit as well.
79. Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel
The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel is a hot spot for celebrities and a fantastic place to go for a meal. The oldest item on the menu and the most popular dish to order is the McCarthy salad. It is similar to a Cobb salad. My Mom ordered this for her meal. I had the burger which was fabulous.
80. Sprinkles
What makes Sprinkles so great? The cupcakes taste fantastic but you can also eat them in unique ways. You can get a cupcake ice cream sandwich or a cupcake ice cream sundae. Unfortunately, not all locations off ice cream but the cupcakes are amazing even without it. And they have several fun flavors to choose from.
The other thing that makes Sprinkles stand out is the cupcake atm machines guaranteeing you can get a cupcake any time of the day or night. Be sure to visit the Beverly Hills or Glendale location to access the atm.
81. The Smoke House
One of my friends recommended the Smoke House to me. I knew that it has been used in several movies like La La Land and tv shows like The Office, but I had no idea how much I love would this place. It has been in Burbank since 1946 and has been a favorite hot spot for the stars ever since. It is filled with Hollywood history and garlic bread is a must-have.
82. Malibu Farm
At the start of the pier is the Malibu Farm Restaurant while the Malibu Farm Cafe is at the end of the pier. This is a nice place overlooking the water. My menu recommendations are the blue nachos, the blt kale Caesar salad, the grass feed beef burger, and the chocolate cake with salted caramel. Some of you will be interested to know that you can see celebrities at Malibu Farm. Gwyneth Paltrow & Chris Martin, Owen Was, Kate Hudson, and Julie Roberts are some of the stars who have dined here.
83. Wahlburgers
Wahlburgers was started by Mark & Donnie Wahlberg and their family. There are two Wahlburgers locations in Los Angeles. One is at the USC Village and the other location is on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. For fans of the famous family, it is worth a visit. I recommend visiting the WeHo location as they have free parking.
84. Yamashiro
Yamashiro Hollywood restaurant is a fabulous place that sits just above Hollywood Boulevard and provides incredible views of Los Angeles. If you are looking to have a nice meal & a special evening in Hollywood this is a place for you to check out. Yamashiro was built in 1914 and if you look closely you might recognize it from some movies you have seen like Memoirs of a Geisha. I chose to request a table by the window so that I could soak in the views of the city.
85. Nimbus Coffee
Accio coffee! Whether you are a muggle or a wizard Nimbus Coffee is a charming new coffee shop in Downtown LA. This coffee shop truly stands out from any other in the area. It is decorated in a way that playfully brings the wizarding world to a casual cafe.
86. 626 Night Market
626 Night Market is a food and craft experience that takes place in Arcadia. There are so many food options that it can be overwhelming. I loved finding a stand that gave you a pool float to hold your lemonade. It is such a fun way to spend time with your family & friends and try a variety of foods. It only takes place for a few weekends each summer.
Watch a Game
87. Dodger Stadium
Going to a baseball game at Dodgers Stadium is one of my favorite things to do. There are a lot of options to get discounted tickets, and some of the games have great extras like a firework show. They do offer tours of the stadium if you’re unable to make it to a game.
88. Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl is an iconic football stadium in Pasadena, California. The stadium was built in 1922 and has since become a national historic landmark. This place serves as the home for the annual Rose Bowl Game. In addition to serving as the home stadium for UCLA football, it has also hosted numerous concerts, five Super Bowl games, and even some Olympic events.
89. Staples Center
One of the best things about Los Angeles is the variety of professional sports that locals and visitors can see. The Los Angeles Lakers play at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Kings have their hockey games here as well.
Take Pictures of Street Art
91. Angel Wings
Artist Colette Miller has painted angel wings around the world. The wings that she paints represent love, peace, kindness, compassion, and hope. The wings are spread out all over various parts of Los Angeles. While in the city of angels, you might as well get a picture with some wings.
Other Places to Check Out
92. The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary is an old decommissioned ship in Long Beach. Now, the ship is a hotel as well as a popular tourist destination. You can explore the ship and check out its rotating exhibits. I came for the Princess Diana exhibit several years ago which was really great. During the fall they offer the Dark Harbor which is one of the many activities that people can check out if they want to be scared.
93. Los Angeles Flower Market
The Flower Market is not in the most glamorous area but this place is amazing. Imagine if Costco was only filled with flowers. That is the only way that I can even begin to describe the number of flowers that you will see and the great prices.
94. Griffith Observatory
On my first visit to the Griffith Observatory, I went with my mom and a friend. That night was a public star party. Lots of volunteers had come and set up telescopes. There were several telescopes set up on the lawn and an extremely big permanent telescope is on top of the observatory. On that particular night, we were able to see Jupiter as well as an amazing view of the moon and stars. You do not need to pay to be at the observatory but there is a fee if you decide to see any of the programs in the Planetarium.
95. Venice Canals
The Venice Canals were man-made in 1905. They are a popular photo destination. Even though it is popular it is often a quiet area to visit.
96. Check out a Free Concert
From April to November, you can enjoy free jazz from 6 pm to 8 pm on Friday nights at LACMA.
97. Angels Flight
Angels Flight is an inclined railway that takes passengers up Bunker Hill in Downtown Los Angeles. There are two cars that can take guests up and down the hill. The railcar is small with wooden benches. Your ride on Angels Flight will not last more than two minutes if the ride is even that long. It is brief but a fun experience.
98. Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is one of the most iconic things to see in Los Angeles. It is visible from various places around the city but one of the best places to see it is Lake Hollywood Park. You can also hike to behind the sign or get semi-close to the front of the sign. It is fenced off so you cannot make it to the actual letters.
99. Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Stars on the Walk of Fame are one of the most iconic landmarks of Los Angeles. Hollywood is associated with movie stars and the Walk of Fame is a place that honors their contributions as well as others in the entertainment industry. The Walk of Fame is made up of 15 blocks on Hollywood Blvd and three blocks on Vine St. New stars are dedicated throughout the year. Did you know that you can attend a star dedication ceremony?
100. The Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is a fantastic place to see a concert in LA. Every year in addition to concerts they also host the Sound of Music sing-along which is truly a special experience. You can visit the bowl for free during the day as it is a public park.
101. Hike to the Eaton Canyon Waterfall
Eaton Canyon is one of the best hikes that I have done in the LA area so far. During COVID-19 you will need a reservation in order to do the hike since it is very popular. It is over 3 miles but not too difficult of a hike as long as you are able to climb over rocks and don’t mind getting your feet wet.
