The city feels like a relentless chase for reinvention, where every neighborhood pulses with its own distinct rhythm and dreamers hustle under an eternal blue sky. It is less a single destination than a collection of diverse villages stitched together by traffic and sunshine, inviting you to wander its eclectic streets with curiosity rather than a strict itinerary.
Do Los Angeles the way locals do: start slow at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, eat where the regulars do at Grand Central Market, let the evening run long at Perch.
Top things to do in Los Angeles
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Universal Studios Hollywood
Sprawling amusement park with a cinema theme, featuring rides, restaurants, shops & shows.
Check tours & tickets2
Santa Monica Pier
Storied seaside destination showcasing a range of shops & cafes, plus an amusement park & aquarium.
Check tours & tickets3
Disneyland Park
Iconic amusement park featuring 8 themed "lands" with rides, shows & costumed characters.
Check tours & tickets4
The Getty
Famous, sizable free museum highlighting American & European art, architecture & manicured gardens.
Check tours & tickets5
Aquarium of the Pacific
Pacific Ocean dwellers on display at this large aquarium with touch tanks & behind-the-scenes tours.
Check tours & tickets6
California Science Center
Admission's free to permanent exhibits at this kid-friendly spot, also boasting IMAX & the Endeavor.
Check tours & tickets7
Griffith Observatory
This art deco landmark from 1935 features a high-tech planetarium, public telescopes & city views.
Check tours & tickets8
The Broad
Modern art museum with a honeycomb-like facade housing rotating exhibits, plus a shop & restaurant.
Check tours & tickets9
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
From T. rex skeletons to an insect zoo, popular attraction holds more than 35-million artifacts.
Check tours & tickets10
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
This 20-acre campus with diverse collections spanning art history also offers screenings & concerts.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Grand Central Market
Emporium hosting food vendors & florists, plus game nights, movies & other events, since 1917.
Website12
Philippe The Original
Historic deli serving up signature French dip sandwiches & other comfort fare in busy communal digs.
Website13
Pink's Hot Dogs
Creatively topped dogs (some named for celebrities) draw long lines at this historic roadside spot.
Website14
JOEY DTLA
Relaxed, contemporary dining spot with a broad menu featuring international & regional dishes.
Website15
Chubby Cattle BBQ | Little Tokyo
Website16
Bottega Louie
Pizzas, pastas & small plates in a bright, bustling space, plus weekend brunch & macarons to-go.
Website17
République
Modern French plates served in a striking space with communal tables, plus a bakery and cocktail bar.
Website18
Girl & the Goat Los Angeles
Innovative New American dishes with global and local flavors served in a trendy restaurant with high ceilings.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Los Angeles
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Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Hollywood Bus Tours
Check tours & tickets20
The Original Farmers Market
Sprawling historic market features a range of trendy shops, restaurants & gourmet grocery purveyors.
Check tours & tickets21
Hollywood City Tours
Check tours & tickets22
Ultimate Hollywood Tours
Sightseeing agency offering a range of tours taking in celebrity homes & other famous places.
Check tours & tickets23
Surf City Tours
Check tours & tickets24
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
500+ miles of flat & mountainous hiking trails through coastal chaparral, with views & picnic stops.
Website26
Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve
Oceanfront park featuring a rocky beach, bluffs, hiking trails & picturesque views.
Website27
Ferndell Nature Trail
Quarter-mile footpath along a man-made stream, shaded by tropical foliage & sycamore trees.
Website28
Franklin Canyon Park, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority
605-acre park featuring many picnic areas, over 5 miles of trails, a duck pond & a nature center.
Website29
Ocean Trails Reserve
Length of preserved, rugged coastline known as a habitat for native gnatcatcher birds.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
Perch
Glamorous rooftop setting with French small plates, handcrafted cocktails & grand views of the city.
Website31
Seven Grand
Stylish watering hole with hunting lodge decor, old-school cocktails & a massive whiskey selection.
Website32
Good Times at Davey Wayne's
Funky '70s retro bar with era-appropriate garage sale decor, an Airstream trailer & backyard BBQ.
Website33
Elbow Room
Lively eatery offering pizza, sandwiches, and other comfort foods with craft beer and a full bar.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
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