10 Once in a Lifetime Things to Do in Los Angeles
The Ultimate LA Bucket List: 10 Once in a Lifetime Things to Do in Los Angeles, California
Are you looking for once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles, California? We’ve got you covered, as the best things to do in LA are all listed here!
How do I know these are the best? I reached out to my fellow travel writer and LA expert, Ossama Alnuwaiser from Awesome Traveler, who has put together this list of the top once in a lifetime experiences to have in LA.
LA is one of Ossama’s favourite US travel destinations. And, so far, he has visited the city seven times! So, by now he’s had a chance to experience all of LA’s key attractions, and he knows which ones really are bucket list worthy.
So, to find out which activities you should do when you visit LA, read on for the top 10 once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles!
About Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the most famous cities in the United States. Due to its endless attractions, iconic sights and beautiful landscapes, it has become one of the best places to visit in California.
Being the home of Hollywood, Los Angeles is also the entertainment capital of the world. Several of the world’s most notable film studios are based here, and a lot of celebrities live in the city, which is another reason why LA has become such a popular tourist destination.
And, covering an area of 502.7 square miles (1,302 km2), LA is a huge city. It’s actually the second biggest city in the US, and the biggest city in California! So, as you can probably imagine, there’s a lot to see and do here.
In fact, you would need weeks to explore everything that LA has to offer. But, most people don’t have this much time, which is why we’ve put together this list of once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles. Hopefully, this will help you decide what activities are worth doing with your time here, so you can experience the best of the city!
10 Once in a Lifetime Things to Do in Los Angeles
With that being said, let’s dive right in. Here are the top 10 best things to do in LA!
1. Hike to The Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood sign is the most iconic landmark in Los Angeles. Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, the sign sits at the peak of Mount Lee.
There are three possible trails that you can take to see the Hollywood Sign up close: the Brush Canyon Trail, Mt. Hollywood Trail, and Cahuenga Peak Trail.
The Mt Hollywood Trail is the easiest of the three routes. It’s a 3 mile (5 km) loop along a smooth trail which takes around 1.5 hours to complete.
The second is the Brush Canyon Trail, which is a 6 mile (10 kilometre) out-and-back hike, and takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach the summit, before turning around. Although the beginning of this hike is quite steep, don’t let this scare you, as it does become more gradual after about a mile.
Finally, the Cahuenga Peak Trail takes you up to the top of the highest peak in Griffith Park. This trail is only 3 miles long, but it’s a pretty steep climb up and takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. Although it’s the most challenging trail of the three, it’s also the most rewarding, as you’ll get the best views from the top!
2. See The Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk Of Fame is the world’s most famous sidewalk. Comprised of 2,783 five-pointed terrazzo-and-brass stars embedded in the sidewalk, it stretches for 15 blocks down Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.
Each star is a monument to an individual artist’s achievements in the entertainment industry. Along the Walk of Fame you’ll find stars dedicated to the world’s biggest musicians, actors, directors, producers and more, from both the past and present.
Although the sidewalk is only 1.3 miles (2.1 kilometres) long, it can take quite a while to explore it all. This area is also known for having lots of street vendors and performers. So you will likely come across a lot more to see and do along the way than just visiting the stars of your favourite celebrities.
You can even hop on a tour bus here that will take you to the city’s most notable landmarks and celebrity homes. This is the best way to see a lot in a short space of time, and to learn more about LA and its famous residents!
3. Experience The Magic of Disneyland
Often considered the happiest place on earth, Disneyland Park is a must-visit stop for all families and Disney lovers travelling to LA. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience!
Located around 40 minutes from Los Angeles in Anaheim, Disneyland is totally worth the drive. And I’m sure we don’t have to tell you why. With the magic of Disney brought to life across 9 distinct lands, and endless rides, attractions, character meetings, food and merchandise, there’s something for Disney fans of all ages here!
Plus, it’s the only Disneyland theme park which Walt Disney planned himself, making it extra special.
A highlight of the park is seeing the enchanting Sleeping Beauty Castle, which is reminiscent of Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle. Other top attractions include the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, the Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye.
Although technically you can buy tickets at the gate, to enter the park you will need to have both a valid ticket and park reservation. So you should book these in advance, to ensure you can visit Disneyland on your preferred date.
4. Visit Universal Studios
Another of LA’s most iconic attractions is Universal Studios Hollywood. Touring the studio is a classic Hollywood experience and it’s by far our favourite thing to do in Los Angeles. Not only is Universal Studios a working film studio, but it’s also one of LA’s best theme parks.
And it truly has something for everyone – whether you’re a film buff or not – with endless entertainment options all in one place. You can expect everything from thrilling rides and live shows to behind-the-scenes experiences and many other unforgettable exhibits, shops and restaurants.
Our favourite ride is the Transformers dark ride, which consists of a 3D animations of various Transformers characters as you travel along a track on a motion platform mounted vehicle (similar to a roller coaster). This unique experience makes the scene truly come to life around you, so it’s a ride you won’t soon forget!
While you can buy tickets at the gate, it’s actually much cheaper to buy them in advance online, and this will also save you a lot of time. Or, for an even quicker and smoother experience, you can book Skip the Line Tickets or a VIP Universal Experience.
5. Explore Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Visiting Santa Monica Beach is a quintessential LA experience.
Not only is the beach itself absolutely beautiful, but it’s also a prime example of the Southern California beach lifestyle. So, if you’re from out of state, it’s definitely worth checking out for a true California experience!
You’ll find locals and tourists alike relaxing on the 3.5 mile long sandy beach, enjoying the surf and biking or rollerblading along the famed bike path. And, located in the centre of the beautiful beach you’ll find Santa Monica Pier.
The pier alone will keep you entertained for hours, as it features an amusement park, ferris wheel, aquarium, shopping and restaurants. Although our favourite part about it is actually the various street artists and performers who show off their talents along the pier.
Plus, Santa Monica Pier is actually the official end of America’s famous Route 66. So, even if you don’t have much time to spend here, it’s still an iconic spot to stop by and see.
6. Tour Warner Bros. Studio
Warner Bros. Studios has produced some of the biggest and most memorable shows and films in Hollywood history, including Friends, Batman, The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Gilmore Girls, The Matrix, and many more!
And to experience some of your favourite films and TV shows firsthand, one of the best things to do in LA is to tour Warner Bros. Studios.
The tour is two hours long and will take you through both outdoor and indoor lots, where filming still regularly takes place. You’ll also get to tour the sets of some of Warner Bros. most memorable TV shows and see props from iconic movies, including several Batmobiles and the sorting hat from Harry Potter!
To end the tour, you’ll also get the chance to have a photo taken on the sets of Friends and The Big Bang Theory!.
Overall, this is a really fascinating tour, and you learn a lot of fun facts about the film industry in a short space. It’s definitely a must-do activity for film buffs, as it gives you a behind the scenes insight into the world of movie creation.
Walk-up tickets are very limited for Warner Bros. Studio, so it’s highly recommended that you book your tour in advance. Or, combine your tour with a Hollywood and celebrity homes excursion, for the ultimate half-day Hollywood experience.
7. Visit The Getty Center
For anyone who appreciates art and architecture, visiting The Getty Center is a must-do activity in Los Angeles.
Not only is this a world-renowned art museum, but the building is also an example of impressive modern architecture and is surrounded by four artistically designed lush gardens. Plus, it’s located on a hill top, so you can get some of the best panoramic views of LA from here!
At the museum, you can see beautiful pieces of art from medieval times to present-day, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, decorative art, and illustrated manuscripts. You can also explore world-class exhibitions featuring prominent international works, experience a living work of art in the Central Garden, and spend some time appreciating the view, architecture and water features of the Getty Center.
It’s easy to understand why this beautiful museum attracts millions of visitors each year. And another great thing about it is that admission is free! Although you will need to reserve a time to visit in advance.
Alternatively, if you’re short on time and want to see as much of LA as possible, you can also visit the Getty Center as part of a half-day guided city tour.
8. Explore The Universe at Griffith Observatory
If you’re even a little bit interested in astronomy, then the Griffith Observatory should be at the top of your list of things to do in LA!
The Griffith Observatory features various exhibits, educational talks, and a planetarium featuring live shows. Plus, there are several public telescopes through which you can see the live image of the sun, and observe the night sky in the evenings.
But it’s not just the cosmos that you’ll get to enjoy here. The Griffith Observatory overlooks Mount Hollywood and the Los Angeles basin, so you’ll get spectacular views from here. And it’s surrounded by beautiful grounds within Griffith Park.
The sprawling 4,200 acres of land features more than 50 miles of biking, horseback riding, and hiking trails. So you could easily spend a whole day here exploring the beautiful natural surroundings.
Amazingly, Griffith Observatory is free to visit! Although it does get busy, so we recommend getting there early, especially if you’re driving as there’s limited paid parking onsite, which fills up quickly.
The observatory is open from 10 am to 10 pm Saturday to Sunday, and from 12 pm to 10 pm Tuesday to Friday. Although the grounds and Griffith Park are open every day from 5 am to 10:30 pm.
9. Spend The Day at Venice Beach
There is no doubt that visiting Venice Beach is one of the most fun things to do in Los Angeles. This is one of LA’s most popular attractions and you can easily spend a whole day swimming or relaxing at the beach and exploring the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
In fact, the boardwalk is so popular that it’s actually the second most-visited destination in all of Southern California!
Along the two mile (3.2 km) boardwalk there are hundreds of street performers and vendors, athletic and recreation facilities, and endless restaurants, bars and shops. And you can play various sports at the Venice Beach Recreation Center, including basketball, handball and pickleball. Plus, you can stop for a workout at the world famous Muscle Beach Venice Outdoor Gym.
The Venice Beach Skatepark is another iconic spot along the boardwalk. Even if you’re not a skater yourself, you can still enjoy watching the locals perform challenging tricks with the beautiful views of the water in the background.
And after a day of activities, we recommend heading down to Turn Dough ice cream shop for some delicious artisanal soft-serve.
We also recommend visiting the Venice Canals, which comprises four canals lined with houses, sidewalks and bridges. This hidden gem is often overlooked by visitors, but walking through here is one of the most relaxing and peaceful things to do at Venice Beach. And it feels like a little oasis in the heart of the busy city!
10. Enjoy Thrilling Rides at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney California Adventure Park is Disneyland’s little brother. And while Disneyland offers a classic Disney experience, a lot of visitors to LA actually prefer Disney California Adventure Park.
The 72 acre park is less crowded, more adult-oriented, and has fewer Disney inspired attractions, so it appeals to a wider audience. Instead, it’s designed to give visitors a taste of California’s culture, history and sense of adventure through its eight themed areas. Our favourites are Cars Land, Avenger Campus and Pixar Pier.
With so much to explore, you won’t run out of things to do at the park. There are plenty of thrilling rides and shows (both Disney and non-Disney themed) including live-action performances, as well as various bars, restaurants and food vendors.
And a key feature which distinguishes Disney California Adventure Park from other theme parks is that alcohol is available at establishments throughout the park. This makes it particularly appealing for adults without children or who are travelling as a group of friends.
FAQs
How many days do you need in LA?
Ideally, you’ll need at least 3 to 4 days in Los Angeles to see all the main attractions. And, if you’re looking to experience some of LA’s theme parks, like Disneyland, you’ll need more time as you can easily spend one or more full days there.
Can you go to LA on a budget?
Yes, you can definitely visit Los Angeles on a budget! LA is a big city so there are lots of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Plus, there are actually a lot of attractions you can enjoy for free, including the Griffith Observatory, Getty Center, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Beach, and hiking to the Hollywood Sign.
What is the cheapest time of year to go to LA?
The cheapest time to visit LA is during winter, from January to early March (excluding the holiday periods), when it’s the coldest time, so accommodation prices are cheaper. But, even though it’s colder, the weather is actually still very pleasant, with lots of mild-to-warm sunny days. So it can still be a great time to visit!
Why is LA worth visiting?
LA has a lot of iconic sights and amusement parks, which make the city worth visiting. In particular, movie buffs and Disney fans will love LA, thanks to attractions like the Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, Disneyland, Universal Studios and Warner Bros. Studios.
What is Los Angeles most famous for?
Los Angeles is most famous for being the entertainment capital of the world. It’s the home of Hollywood, so it’s particularly well known for its film and television industry, and the many celebrities who live there. It’s also known for having several of the US’s best theme parks, including Disneyland Park, Universal Studios and Disney California Adventure Park.
What food is LA known for?
LA has a very diverse food scene and is known for its street food and food trucks. In particular, it’s most famous for the French Dip Sandwich (a tender meat sandwich served on a French roll with dipping sauce), as well as tacos, burgers and donuts.
Is downtown LA good for tourists?
Although downtown LA is often overlooked by tourists, it’s actually a great spot to visit for history, culture and food. Some of downtown LA’s top attractions include the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad Museum, Grand Central Market, and historic sites like Olvera Street and Union Station.
Wrap Up – Once in a Lifetime Things to Do in Los Angeles
So, there you have it – our favourite once in a lifetime things to do in LA!
Los Angeles is one of the top places to visit in California, if not the US. The city is full of iconic attractions, thrilling theme parks and stunning natural landscapes to explore. So, no matter your interests, you’ll find fun things to do in LA.
But, as it’s such a big city, it’s impossible to see and do everything in one trip. So we hope this list of the best activities in Los Angeles has helped you narrow down what to do when you visit, so you can start planning your LA adventure!
READ MORE
17 Best East Coast Hikes in The USA & Canada
21 BEST Things To Do On Vancouver Island: Unique & Fun Experiences
Why Visit Niagara Falls? Top 10 Reasons To Visit
7 Best Niagara Wine Tours in 2024 (From a Local)
When is The Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls? (Seasonal Guide)
