Los Angeles has the whole beach, surf, palm tree thing down…that endless summer you picture when you think of Southern California. But once you’ve had enough sun (or your skin has), there are actually so many great things to do in Los Angeles that don’t involve the beach at all. We’ve been playing tourist in our own city and found some really fun options, and a surprising number of them are free.
Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Los Angeles, whether you’re visiting or just rediscovering it like we are.
Visit Santa Monica Pier
One of the most iconic things to do in Los Angeles is spending time around the Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier. The Promenade is filled with shops, restaurants, outdoor cafes, and street performers, making it an easy place to wander for a few hours.
From there, it’s a short walk down to the pier for ocean views, arcade games, rides, and the famous Ferris wheel overlooking the Pacific. It’s definitely one of the more touristy parts of Los Angeles, but it still manages to be fun every time.
The Getty: Things to do in Los Angeles
If you’re looking for art, culture, and something iconically Los Angeles, the Getty Center is it. You park at the bottom and take the tram up the hill, which already feels like part of the experience. Once you’re up there, it opens up into a beautiful campus with clean architecture, sculpture gardens, and views that stretch out over all of LA.
Inside, there’s a mix of classic and more modern art, and you could spend an entire day here if you tried to see everything. Outside, the gardens are designed to make it easy to wander and take your time. It’s calm, it’s pretty, and it’s one of the rare places in Los Angeles that doesn’t feel rushed.
Admission is free and requires a timed entry, but you’ll pay for parking. Load up the car, go early if you can, and make a morning or afternoon of it.
Petersen Auto Museum
My boys love to visit the Petersen Automotive Museum because there’s always something new to see, and it’s a perfect activity for all ages.
The car selection is impressive, with a particularly strong second floor dedicated to historic race cars. The third floor highlights vehicles featured in films, along with the unique modifications made for the screen. Overall, it’s a well-rounded family destination, with exhibits that appeal to children, teens, and adults alike.
The architecture is striking, and the museum itself is clean, well-organized, and easy to navigate. The Vault Tour is a standout option for a deeper look behind the scenes.
IMAX Chinese Theatre
The TCL Chinese Theatre on the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable landmarks. Since 1927, its forecourt has featured the handprints and footprints of movie stars from past to present, making it one of those classic things to do in Los Angeles. It’s easy to check out independently and park underneath the theatre, and if you want more details, there are plenty of Hollywood Walk of Fame tours to choose from.
You can also catch a movie while you’re there. A matinee is an easy way to escape the Hollywood heat, and the updated interiors feel fresh while still keeping that classic charm. Afterwards, it’s an easy walk along Hollywood Boulevard to see the golden stars of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is a classic stop for first-time visitors and still a fun way to see the city from a different perspective.
Hike to the Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is one of the classic things to do in Los Angeles, and you don’t need an expensive tour to see it. It’s free and easy to access by car and on foot.
For one of the easiest routes, park near Griffith Park or at the end of Deronda Drive (if you can find a spot), then walk up toward the sign. The trails with the front-facing views are the most worth it and give you that iconic LA photo moment.
The hike is beautiful and a good workout, but it gets hot with very little shade, so bring water and sunscreen.
The hike is beautiful and a good workout, but it gets hot with very little shade. There are lots of different trails for all levels, and I’d recommend taking the trail that leads to the front of the sign. The scenery is beautiful and you get a great view of the front of the Hollywood sign. Be sure to bring lots of water and sunblock as it gets very hot.
Surf the Hermosa Beach Pier
Hermosa Beach is a small beach city in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, tucked between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. It’s the beach visitors’ picture when they think of Southern California, filled with palm trees, beach cruisers, volleyball, walkable streets, and sunsets that make you swoon.
With Los Angeles preparing to welcome visitors from around the world for the World Cup, the South Bay is one of the best areas to stay if you want the classic California beach experience while still being close to the city. Hermosa Beach is relaxed, local, and according to many, one of the ‘best little beach town in the US.’
I’ve lived in Hermosa Beach for more than 25 years, and at this point, I like to think we’ve found most of the good spots. From surf spots and local restaurants, here are some of the top 10 things to do in Hermosa Beach in no particular order.
Stroll Rodeo Drive: Things to do in Los Angeles
If you’re looking for classic things to do in Los Angeles, Rodeo Drive is one of the most iconic stops. Located in Beverly Hills, the famous street is known for luxury shopping, designer storefronts, palm tree-lined sidewalks, and has been featured in many movies.
Even if shopping isn’t on the agenda, it’s still a fun place to wander for an hour or two while exploring Los Angeles. Window shopping is free, parking is surprisingly manageable, and the people-watching is part of the experience. There are also plenty of coffee shops and restaurants nearby if you want to sit down and cool off for a bit.
Live Music at Terranea Resort
If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, an evening at Terranea Resort is hard to beat. One of the best summer plans is listening to live music while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean from the cliffs of Palos Verdes. Just outside the busier parts of LA, Terranea feels like a little escape without leaving Southern California.
It feels as though you are in Kauai (honestly, you are so isolated on this gorgeous clifftop). It’s hard not to relax amongst the hiking trails, patios, and fire pits on the sprawling grounds, watching the spectacular view of the ocean, cliffs, sea creatures, ships, and Catalina Island.
What are your favorite things to do in Los Angeles?
Did you find this article helpful? Let me know in the comments below, and join me on Instagram and TikTok!
Thank you!
Your comment has been received and is awaiting approval.