Los Angeles is known for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and one-of-a-kind attractions. What are the best things to do in Los Angeles for first time visitors? With so many things to see, those who are new to the city are spoilt for choice.
Well, visitors should take advantage of the many activities available in the city, from strolling through historic neighborhoods to indulging in the cuisine of the highest caliber.
Many of the sights for visitors to Los Angeles include places like Hollywood Boulevard, La Brea Tar Pits and experiencing places like the Sunset Strip.
To add on to these, we’ve put together a list of 20 ideas and things that first-time visitors to Los Angeles must do by a Los Angeles local to help you plan your trip, some of which you may not have thought of before.
Things To Do in Los Angeles for First Time Visitors to The City of Angels
1. Visit Griffith Park to get a view of the Hollywood Sign
There is no such thing as a vacation to Los Angeles that is complete without a selfie in front of the Hollywood sign, and there is no site more appropriate for it than the verdant urban greenery of Griffith Park, which is also one of the best places for a walking tour.
2. See the Stars at the Griffith Observatory
At an elevation of 1,134 feet above mean sea level and perched atop the highest point in Griffith Park, the world-famous Griffith Observatory serves as the city of Los Angeles’ portal to the Milky Way. It is a great way to explore the universe for free while still in the heart of Los Angeles. Read some useful things to know before visiting the Griffith Observatory.
3. Participate in a tour of “Celebrity Houses”
Get aboard an open-air bus, grab your camera, and have a front-row seat to some of the most famous people in Hollywood as they go about their daily lives!
4. Visit the Richard Nixon Library and Museum
Anyone interested in history must look no further. The Richard Nixon Museum is located near the final resting place of the 37th President of the United States, and it celebrates the life and legacy of one of the most influential leaders in American history. Visit the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum website.
If you enjoy museums, check out some of the best Los Angeles museums.
5. Watch a movie at Grauman’s Chinese Theater
Welcome to the world’s most famous movie theater! Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, which has hosted countless red-carpet movie premieres and film festivals, keeps making Hollywood history.
6. Join the Pirates Dining Adventure and set sail
Join the crew of the Galleon for a plentiful meal and a 90-minute performance in the interactive theater. This dinner show provides an entertaining experience in the evening. Check out the swashbuckling fun at Pirates Dining Adventure.
7. Watch Magnificent Candlelight concerts
Imagine entering a chamber with hundreds of lit candles, like in a fairytale… In the most magical setting, these Candlelight concerts will enchant and delight.
8. Go Whale Watching
Undoubtedly, one of the most entertaining things to do in Los Angeles is to go on a whale-watching cruise narrated by an experienced guide. Blue whale season is usually from May till November, so if you’re visiting Los Angeles during those months, you may want to consider putting this on your list of things to do.
9. Stroll around the Historic District of Little Tokyo
You’ll find Little Tokyo five blocks away from the heart of Downtown LA. Head down to this neighborhood to enjoy and experience food, shopping and a bit of story in the Los Angeles. Read our guide to Little Tokyo Los Angeles.
10. Ride a bus that allows you to hop on and off at any stop to see everything at once
The open-aired Hop-On-Hop-Off buses are ideal for travelers short on time, or tourists who just want a quick way to see it all, because they are unquestionably the most effective way to visit all of LA’s famous locations at once.
11. Try your Luck in an Escape Game
You should don your thinking hats now. Your ability to collaborate with others, solve problems, and think creatively will all be tested by LA’s escape games.
12. Go to Santa Monica for the day
The golden sands of Santa Monica Beach are nothing short of legendary; there’s never a dull moment at this beachfront location with the charming amusement park flanking the pier, the never-ending boardwalk, street entertainers to boot, and the bustling Farmer’s Market.
13. Visit Venice Beach to surf or bike
There is no better way to cool off on those hot California summer days than swimming at Venice beach or, even better, surfing there.
14. Explore the Venice Canals by foot
Who says that discovering the Venetian canals requires a flight to Italy? The manufactured channels, close to the Venice Beach shoreline, have delighted tourists and locals.
15. The Echo Park Lake Swan Boat Rentals
The overhead views of Los Angeles, with its glistening blue ocean, golden sands, developed Downtown, and undulating Hollywood Hills, are unmatched. Find out more what to expect at Echo Park Lake.
16. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame
You cannot claim to have been to Los Angeles without having a slightly embarrassing photo taken while crouching next to your favorite celebrity’s star amid a crowd of onlookers. It is one of the essential things to do in Los Angeles.
17. Enjoy a tour of the city via helicopter
For those who wish to splash out and go big, indulge in a helicopter tour over the city. Take a private helicopter trip over the Hollywood sign should do the thing if you need more views of the city than you got on the flight in to LA.
18. Go kayaking at Marina Del Rey
With a 1.5 square mile area, Marina del Rey is the second-largest artificial harbor in the world and is tucked away in LA’s southwest.
19. Visit the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens to see some animals
Around 1,100 species are housed in the 133-acre zoo, with gorillas, elephants, and an orang utan habitat taking center stage. The zoo has more than 1,100 animals ranging from amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates and mammals too of course. Visit the LA Zoo website.
20. Visit Hollywood Pantages Theatre to see a musical
The restored Pantages Theatre has stood tall on LA’s Broadway, right in the center of Hollywood, since 1930. Taking a picture here is one of the popular things to do in Los Angeles. Or better yet, find out what’s on and watch a show at the theatre.
How First-time Visitors can Enjoy and Experience Los Angeles
First-time visitors to Los Angeles should take advantage of the many activities available, from strolling through historic neighborhoods to indulging in the cuisine of the highest caliber.
Ride a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus to visit all of LA’s famous locations, try an escape game, explore the Venice Canals by foot, walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, enjoy a tour of the city via helicopter, go kayaking at Marina Del Rey, and visit the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
You may also be interested in some LA museums to visit.
If you are in California and also planning to head up north, here are some ideas for a trip to San Francisco.
