The 51 best things to do in Los Angeles

What is it? A historic library, museum and sprawling gardens that was the bequest of entrepreneur Henry E. Huntington.

Why go? The Huntington’s distinctly themed gardens are easily the most stunning manicured outdoor spaces in SoCal, especially its recently expanded Chinese garden. The library and museum are equally impressive; all require reservations on weekends.

Don’t miss: The Huntington’s historic tea room finally reopens after an extensive renovation and expansion on May 24. (reservations open up on May 10).

What is it? A 4,000-plus–acre rugged park in the center of the city.

Why go? The trails, the flora, the views, the howls of coyotes down the canyons at night, the twinkly lights of Downtown in the distance—L.A. may not have a grassy, centralized park, but Griffith’s massive, hilly wilderness makes for a stellar alternative.

Don’t miss: Even when the Griffith Observatory is closed (on Mondays), you can still drive or hike up to the grounds of the landmark Art Deco dome to take in the unparalleled views. Wherever you end up hiking, we highly suggest listening downloading Ellen Reid’s Soundwalk, a location-based musical composition that transforms as you move about the park.

What is it? A traveling exhibition in DTLA of over 200 pieces—a mix of paintings and drawings alongside ephemera and artifacts—from Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Why go? Many of the works on display have never been on public view before. Blessed by the late artist’s estate (his sisters Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux serve as producers and curators), the show is surprisingly intimate and tender.

Don’t miss: If you want more Basquiat, the exhibition sits right up the street from the Broad, where you can see more than a dozen of his works for free.

What is it? A permanent home for the history of moviemaking that’s finally open.

Why go? The collection includes the sorts of cinematic treasures you’d expect from the people who put on the Oscars, like the Rosebud sled for Citizen Kane, R2-D2 and the sole surviving shark from Jaws. Expect some of those displays to give way to fresh selections later this year. Oh, and the gift shop is pretty fantastic, too.

Don’t miss: The museum’s first gallery rotations celebrate The Godfather, Casablanca and Boyz N the Hood, plus French New Wave pioneer Agnès Varda and cocumentarian Lourdes Portillo. Also make sure to see “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971,” which explores how Black filmmakers have played a vital role in cinema since its inception.

What is it? A European-style food hall that’s been operating in Downtown L.A. since 1917.

Why go? Even if you’re not there for the food, it’s worth a trip; people from all corners of L.A. mix and mingle among rows of spices, produce and vintage neon signage. Of course, if you’re hungry it’s a great place to get cheap pupusas, carnitas tacos and aguas frescas, as well as food from handsome, trendy eateries like Shiku, Fat & Flour, Sticky Rice, Sari Sari, Horse Thief BBQ, Eggslut, McConnell’s and G&B Coffee.

Don’t miss: Tacos Tumbras a Tomas serves the hall’s go-to taco, particularly the carnitas and al pastor.

Take a food tour of Downtown L.A.

What is it? Chris Burden’s Urban Light, a piece made up of 202 cast-iron street lamps gathered from around L.A. and restored to working order, that stands outside of the massive museum.

Why go? Yes, snag your streetlight selfies. But you’d be selling yourself short if you don’t venture beyond the photo-friendly installation; LACMA’s collections boast modernist masterpieces, large-scale contemporary works, traditional Japanese screens and by far L.A.’s most consistently terrific special exhibitions. 

Don’t miss: Jazz at LACMA returns for free concerts in the museum’s plaza every Friday night. Speaking of free: If you live in L.A. County, book a reservation for a weekday after 3pm to get in without paying a cent and see things like sculptures from the 1960s Light and Space movement and paintings from California abstractionist Sam Francis.

What is it? A monthly after-dark party and lecture series at the Natural History Museum.

Why go? The first Friday of every month from February through June plays host to a KCRW-presented evening of music, plus guided museum tours, and scientist-led talks.

Don’t miss: Each month has a different theme, including Space, Time and Beyond (Apr); Giant Monsters/Giant Robots (May); and Superheroes (June).

What is it? A 22-mile bike path, officially known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, that traces nearly the entire extent of L.A.’s westward-facing coastline.

Why go? It’s the best way to tour the coastline. The path starts at Will Rogers State Beach and winds its way all the way down to Torrance County Beach.

Don’t miss: If you’d rather take the path at a walking pace, you’ll find pedestrian-friendly forks in Santa Monica, Venice and Manhattan Beach.

Take a guided bike ride along the coast.

What is it? A pooch-friendly paradise in Paradise.

Why go? The four-acre waterfront spot is the only legal off-leash dog beach in L.A. County. The park is named after the area’s late local canine celebrity, Rosie the English bulldog.

Don’t miss: The entrance. There are no fences marking the dog-friendly area—though you’ll know you’re in the right spot if you see the signs and colorful “Dogs at Play” sculpture—so you’ll want to stay between Granada Avenue and Roycroft Avenue between 6am and 8pm daily.

What is it? A former reservoir turned public recreation area at the center of one of L.A.’s most buzzing neighborhoods.

Why go? The historic Echo Park Lake in recent years finally became a family-friendly destination worthy of its bold backdrop: the Downtown skyline amid the lotus flower blooms, fountains and the Lady of the Lake statue.

Don’t miss: You can push your way through the lake in a swan boat ($11 per hour) or stroll around the path that hugs its borders.

What is it? A free, contemporary art museum in Downtown L.A.

Why go? Three little words: Infinity Mirror Rooms. The persistently popular museum has two mirror-laden Yayoi Kusama installations (the more immersive of which you can now reserve in advance). Of course, there’s plenty more to see, from Robert Therrien’s oversized Under the Table to more than a dozen Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings.

Don’t miss: A special exhibition on Keith Haring opens in late May with over 120 artworks and archival materials.

What is it? A Sunday market with dozens of food vendors in the Arts District.

Why go? The weekly food fest is like an incubator for L.A.’s next big food spot, with more than 80 food and retail stalls at ROW DTLA. You’ll also find the I Love Micheladas beer garden for local brews and micheladas.

Don’t miss: Smorgasburg has added 10 new vendors this year, including a cinnamon bun specialist, high-end boba and a late-night Thai Town favorite.

What is it? A 50-foot waterfall located in an easy-to-access canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Why go? Los Angeles is a beautiful place, and it’s not afraid to flaunt it. Case in point: Eaton Canyon. The Pasadena-area park is one of the most accessible and easygoing trails where you’ll truly feel like you’ve slipped into the wilderness.

Don’t miss: Most easily accessible on weekdays, the Pinecrest Gate is just barely over a mile from the waterfall and cuts out what’s otherwise the most boring part of the hike.

What is it? A free hilltop art museum with a rolling lawn overlooking the ocean.

Why go? From the ocean to the mountains northeast of Downtown L.A., the panoramic views from this artopolis more than compensate for its relative inaccessibility (you need to ride a tram to the museum). So too do the masterpieces on display, particularly its Impressionist paintings and baroque and French decorative arts.

Don’t miss: Pacific Palisades sister institution the Getty Villa is absolutely worth a visit, too, and brimming with Greek and Roman antiquities. Both museums require a free reservation (as does the Saturday night concert series, Off the 405).

What is it? The packed, post-Coachella continuation of music festival season.

Why go? Festival season is in full force this month with—deep breath—oceanfront rock at BeachLife, aughts indie at Just Like Heaven, ’80s goth at Cruel World, pop by the Pacific at Palm Tree and house and techno at Desert Hearts, plus destination fests like Shabang, Lovers & Friends, Joshua Tree, Lightning in a Bottle and EDC.

Don’t miss: There’s at least one major local music fest nearly every month from now until the end of the year, so make sure to scope out our full list.

What is it? Super Nintendo World, a new Mario-themed land at Universal Studios Hollywood. 

Why go? The colorful, kinetic land lets you throw shells on an augmented reality-enhanced Mario Kart ride, punch ? and POW blocks for coins, and dine inside an adorable Toad-themed café. It’s the most significant—and greatest—addition to the park since the still-pretty-magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Don’t miss: For an extra $20 to $25, you can add on an early access ticket that gets you into Super Nintedo World an hour before the rest of the park opens.

What is it? The first monthly of nightly screenings during outdoor movie season.

Why go? With May here, just about every event is in full swing: Melrose Rooftop Theatre is running nightly, as is Rooftop Cinema Club. Meanwhile, Rooftop Movies at the Montalbán, Street Food Cinema and Boat Cinema have a steady supply of movies on weekends.

Don’t miss: The beloved Cinespia is back for some events at L.A. State Historic Park this month, but stay tuned for its signature cemetery screenings.

What is it? The most boisterous musical you’ll find about divorces and beheadings.

Why Go? Six tells the story of the six wives of the 16th-century monarch Henry VIII as they each try to persuasively sing about who suffered the most. Our New York critic says that the snappy musical sees “the queens sing their heads off and the audience loses its mind.”

Don’t miss: Just don’t the street, you can catch Hairspray at the Dolby Theatre.

What is it? A series of small canals that run through the beachfront neighborhood—hence the name, Venice.

Why go? Tucked between the grimy Venice Boardwalk and the posh Abbot Kinney, the Venice Canals offer a completely different side of the famed beachfront neighborhood. Take a stroll through these three canal-lined blocks and you’ll discover an idyllic scene with arching pedestrian bridges, charming (and astronomically priced) beach houses and bunches of ducklings.

Don’t miss: Though you won’t find boat rentals anywhere along the canals, you can bring your own non-motorized vessel to tour the neighborhood at water level (enter via the launch ramp at Venice Boulevard).

What is it? A new ride and nighttime shows at Disneyland (the nearly 68-year-old theme park) to mark the birthday of Disney (the 100-year-old company).

Why go? Sure, it might just be corporate synergy, but the Disney100 celebration has brought some pretty exciting additions to Anaheim: Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, a colorful and clever new ride in Toontown; “World of Color – ONE,” an updated version of the watery spectacle at Disney California Adventure Park; and “Wondrous Journeys,” an absolutely dazzling fireworks show at Disneyland that includes something from every single animated feature. Oh, and of course there’s a platinum popcorn bucket for all the collectible fanatics out there.

Don’t miss: If you haven’t been to the pair of parks in a while, there’s a lot that’s changed—and we’re not just talking about the additions of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus—so we suggest brushing up on some of our essential Disneyland tips first.

What is it? A mountaintop observatory, and a winding, scenic drive to get there.

Why go? High up in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Mount Wilson Observatory affords terrific views of the surrounding region. Admission to the area is free, but you’ll need to buy a Forest Service Adventure Pass in order to park at the site and its adjoining picnic area as it’s located within the Angeles National Forest.

Don’t miss: Take a self-guided tour of the grounds, or a seasonal docent-led tour ($15) of the observatory on weekend afternoons (same-day tickets are available at the Cosmic Cafe). For late-night stargazing, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for the rare ticketed event. And consider securing tickets for a concert inside the dome on select Sunday afternoons during the summer.

What is it? A hillside botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge that harbors a year-round collection of native flora.

Why go? This delightful tribute to the horticultural magic of Southern California includes more than 600 varieties of camellia (best seen between the middle of February and early May), as well as groves and hillsides of native plants.

Don’t miss: There’s always a seasonal bloom to scope out, including—as mentioned—camellias in the winter, and tulips and the Japanese garden’s cherry blossoms in the spring.

What is it? A postcard-worthy seafood shack on the Pacific Coast Highway toward the western edge of Malibu.

Why go? The fried ocean bites and weekend biker crew make Neptune’s Net a unique destination. (Alternatively, dine up the coast with locals at Malibu Seafood, where the long line is worth the wait for fresh fish and seafood, or grab a superlative lobster roll at Broad Street Oyster Co.).

Don’t miss: Take your food across the street and park in the dirt patch by the water, with views of surfers and kite boarders.

What is it? A concert hall and home of the LA Philharmonic designed by famed local architect Frank Gehry.

Why go? Cruise along Grand Avenue and you can’t miss the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a twisted metallic explosion of Frank Gehry’s imagination. You can look inside the stunning auditorium on a self-guided tour, but the exterior is also just as exquisite.

Don’t miss: Climb up the staircase on Grand Avenue, near 2nd Street, and you’ll find a garden hidden behind the hall. Bring a bagged lunch or a climb along the building’s lustrous exterior.

What is it? A space shuttle, Endeavour, that’s permanently housed at the California Science Center.

Why go? The final ship to be built in NASA’s space shuttle program, Endeavour inspires a reach-for-the-stars ambition unlike any other exhibit in the city. And its story is distinctly rooted in L.A.: Endeavour was built in Palmdale and, almost 123 million miles later, rolled along our streets to its temporary resting place in the museum (the permanent one just broke ground).

Don’t miss: Make sure to venture just outside of the Endeavour space to see an unused massive orange fuel tank that NASA donated to the museum.

What is it? Ten miles of streets, mostly along Palos Verdes Drive, hugging the coast from the Torrance border to San Pedro.

Why go? The first third of the drive sticks mostly to spectacular real estate a few blocks inland, but after you round Point Vicente, the drive changes dramatically. For a few miles past Terranea, there’s nothing but undeveloped oceanfront hillsides, winding roads and golden-hued bluffs.

Don’t miss: Take a stroll by the Point Vicente Interpretive Center for views of the nearby lighthouse.

What is it? Dozens of public, outdoor stairways scattered around Silver Lake’s verdant hillsides.

Why go? These WPA era staircases are well-suited for a workout or a fitness-included tour of the area. Though some homeowners have tried to prevent open access, make no mistake: These sets of stairs are for public use. You can find an exhaustive list in author Charles Fleming’s Secret Stairs.

Don’t miss: Highlights include the heart-painted Micheltorena Stairs (Sunset Blvd and Micheltorena St) and the Music Box Steps (Vendome St and Del Monte Dr), of Laurel and Hardy fame.

What is it? A mighty metallic bell and pavilion in San Pedro donated by South Korea in 1976.

Why go? Perched over the Pacific, this grassy spot overlooking the ocean is known for its namesake bell, with an ornately painted hipped roof. The exposed hillside is an ideal spot to fly a kite thanks to persistent winds coming off the ocean.

Don’t miss: The bell rings only four times each year: Fourth of July, National Liberation Day of Korea (Aug 15), New Year’s Eve and during Constitution Week in September.

What is it? An 8,000-acre mountainous park that looks unlike anything else in L.A.

Why go? With dramatic gorges, open pastures, lush forests, hidden pools and jagged peaks, Malibu Creek is simply one of the most stunning spots in Southern California.

Don’t miss: A bit of silver screen history; you can spot remnants of the M*A*S*H set and splash in the rock pool that was featured in Planet of the Apes. Consider using your library card to secure a free parking pass.

What is it? A Pacific Palisades hillside park with multiple viewponts of the ocean.

Why go? With a variety of terrain, flora and views of the Pacific and city, Temescal Canyon Park is great for trail runners, hikers and dog walkers. You’ll experience vast, breathtaking views that span from Catalina to Downtown and enough varied terrain to keep you and your furry friend going—all the way to the Valley, should you dare.

Don’t miss: The stop signs. Seriously. They’re photo enforced, and you’ll be sent a $100 fine if you roll through.

What is it? A small but beautiful state beach in Malibu dominated by rocky coves.

Why go? Because it’s easily the most scenic stretch of coastline in the region. It’s only accessible via a steep gravelly path from a paid parking lot. But the effort is worth it, whether it’s to watch the waves lap against the rocks or see the sunset.

Don’t miss: The tide. The beach here is pretty narrow and sand comes at a particular premium when high tide rolls in.

What is it? About a half-dozen drive-in movie theaters in SoCal that are still going strong.

Why go? For nearly a year, it was one of the only ways to see a first-run movie that wasn’t on your couch. But even with regular theaters open again, we still think it’s tons of fun and cost effective.

Don’t miss: Some theaters are only open seasonally while others only screen on weekends, so you’ll want to check the schedule before you drive over.

What is it? A glassy chapel designed by architect Lloyd Wright on an oceanfront road.

Why go? Accessible via a dramatic oceanfront drive—no matter which direction you approach from—architect Lloyd Wright’s enchanting glass church drinks in tree-dappled sunlight through its faceted shell. All are welcome to admire the serene sanctuary’s intimate structure—though you may have to do so from the outside if there’s a wedding in progress.

Don’t miss: Across the street, Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is the perfect starting point for beachfront trailheads.

What is it? A gorgeous and instantly recognizable outdoor amphitheatre that’s been hosting concerts since the LA Philharmonic first played there in 1922.

Why go? Nestled in an aesthetically blessed fold in the Hollywood Hills, the 18,000-seat venue can bring out the romantic in the terminally cynical. It’s the summer home of the LA Phil (and boozy picnics).

Don’t miss: As long as there’s no performance going on (which is most days in the winter and spring), it also doubles as a public park. During the busier summer season, you’re welcome to bring your own food to ticketed shows (and even booze to LA Phil-produced ones).

What is it? A Westside lookout best known for its 282 steep, concrete stairs to the top.

Why go? The views from the top offer some of the best views of the region, with the ocean on one side and the Downtown L.A. skyline on the other (set against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains in the winter). Once you reach the summit, sit at the long park bench and take in the 360-degree views.

Don’t miss: If you’d rather not beat up your knees, take a shortcut and drive up to the top of the hill and park in one of the many empty spaces ($6).

What is it? Take a fuel-efficient walking tour and cherish Los Angeles’ urban architectural heritage.

Why go? The Los Angeles Conservancy walking tours take in the city’s top sights and most beautiful buildings, including Downtown’s historic theaters and Art Deco buildings (on a weekly basis) as well as the modern skyline (monthly). Be sure to reserve a place well ahead, because the tours are incredibly popular.

Don’t miss: The tour of Victorian homes in Angelino Heights (first Saturday of the month) is perfect for Halloween-time.

What is it? An Arts District arcade bar.

Why go? If ever there was a bar to geek out in, this one is it. L.A.’s first arcade bar boasts more than 40 classic arcade cabinets and pristinely preserved pinball machines—all fixed with cup holders for endless booze-fueled sessions. An homage to the golden age of arcade games, cocktails here have names like Kill Screen, Zangief and Dr. Mario.

Don’t miss: Swing by the last Sunday of the month for an open pinball tournament (or join the L.A. Pinball League, which plays on Tuesday nights).

What is it? A staggeringly colossal flea market held outside of the Rose Bowl the second Sunday of each month.

Why go? The sheer size and scale of this flea market means that it encompasses multitudes: new and old, hand-crafted and salvaged, the cheap and the costly. There are plenty of duds, to be sure, but come out early enough and you may go home with that perfect purchase.

Don’t miss: Stray from the main loop around the stadium; there are rows and rows of old furniture, albums and vintage clothes and accessories that fill the adjacent parking lot.

What is it? A series of farmers’ markets held every week year-round in Santa Monica.

Why go? The next time you’re at a restaurant and tempted to ask the waiter where your astoundingly fresh beets came from—don’t. We’ll save you the trouble and answer for you: the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market.

Don’t miss: While the market occurs on a couple of days in various parts of Santa Monica, the best day to go is on Wednesday along Arizona Avenue.

What is it? One of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches and a frequent Hollywood filming location due to its iconic rock face.

Why go? If you can’t find a free space along Westward Beach Road or you’re willing to pay for parking, you’ll be rewarded with this wide and rarely crowded patch of sand and surf. As all the parking spots are only steps from the sand, Point Dume is the perfect place to pack a picnic for a beachfront meal as seals and dolphins frolic during sunset—just watch out for those hungry seagulls.

Don’t miss: An easygoing dirth path climbs from the sand to the top of the point, with tons of yellow wildflowers in the winter and spring.

What is it? A grand, white concrete tower that’s served as L.A.’s city hall since 1928.

Why go? It’s the cheapest way to take in an elevated view of Downtown and beyond. If you’re ever passing through the Civic Center during weekday public hours, enter on Main Street—then you owe yourself a visit to the 27th floor observation deck.

Don’t miss: Look for the 1984 Olympic torch near the Spring Street exit.

What is it? A warehouse-sized record store in the middle of Hollywood.

Why go? Sure, Spotify is great, but anyone in search of that arcane track off of that mid-’80s Tom Robinson album knows it isn’t perfect. Neither is Amoeba, but it is the largest independent record store in the United States, and the variety of music on offer is amazing, the prices are fair and the staff really know their music.

Don’t miss: Its new address. The shop recently moved from its longtime home on Sunset Boulevard to a spot at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Argyle Avenue.

What is it? A model train workshop housed inside of a red barn that used to reside in Walt Disney’s Holmby Hills backyard.

Why go? Walt Disney used to ride his own 1/8th scale live-steam railroad—the “Carolwood Pacific Railroad”—around his backyard until he shifted his focus to a much bigger project: Disneyland. In 1999, the red barn that he used as his workshop was moved to Griffith Park’s Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum. Every third Sunday of the month, you can visit the barn to find a collection of train models and memorabilia.

Don’t miss: Legendary Disney artists and engineers are known to pop in during open hours.

What is it? A once-a-month block of dog-friendly hours at the Palos Verdes botanical garden.

Why go? To spend some quality outdoor time with your four-legged best friend, of course. Every third Sunday of the month, you can roam the gardens’ 87 acres with your fur baby.

Don’t miss: Nabbing a reservation. You (the human) will need a reservation, while your best friend (the pup) will need to remain on their leash at all times, including in the parking lot.  

What is it? A meditation garden in the Pacific Palisades.

Why go? Get lost in your thoughts at one of L.A.’s best kept secrets: the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine. Set on a 10-acre site that was used as a film set during the silent era, its lovely gardens offer some increasingly rare assets today: peace and tranquility.

Don’t miss: A reservation. You’ll need one right now to visit the meditation gardens, which are open for free from Wednesday through Sunday.