Unique Experiences in Los Angeles

L.A. is a great place to live, but to visit? It’s complicated. You have to navigate a vast expanse of land clogged by standstill traffic, through neighborhoods that can make it seem like you’re hopping from one universe to another. Just think of all you could fit in a single day. We've narrowed it down to the city’s best museums and hiking trails and cemeteries, a weird sculpture in Watts, and even the best place in the world to see magic shows. Read on for our picks for the best things to do when you're visiting the City of Angels.

Read through these categories and pick things based on your taste

Museums & Cultural activities:

You can find some of the best museums in LA. If you love exploring museums and art centres, make sure to visit these places.

• Los Angeles County Museum of Art:

LACMA is an encyclopedic museum, meaning it covers a lot of ground in a lot of space. The campus is huge, and a massive $600M makeover by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor should be completed by 2023. Visitors can spend hours traversing LACMA's 20 acres and still not get bored.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

• The Broad (popular contemporary art museum has two of Yayoi Kusama’s immersive, mirror-laden rooms):

Where the city's other museums often play out like indie theaters or revival cinemas, the Broad is the megaplex that shows only tentpole action features. That has made it one of the hottest tickets in town since it opened in late 2015. Lines are often out the door, and tickets for the recent Yayoi Kusama exhibition sold out in minutes. The building, by star firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, sticks out in Downtown Los Angeles for its resemblance to a cheese grater (some say it looks like a Bose speaker).

Yayoi Kusama’s immersive mirror

• La Brea Tar Pits & Museum:

The La Brea Tar Pits are pits of, well, tar that have been bubbling up from beneath the earth for tens of thousands of years. The pits are viewable for free, and the compact La Brea Tar Pits Museum exhibits fossils and bones that were preserved when animals would become trapped in said tar. It's a major landmark, and one of the most visited tourist spots in all of Los Angeles.

La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

• Museum of Contemporary Art:

Three museums in one, really, MOCA is a cutting-edge museum with temporary exhibitions by established and emerging artists; it's one of the greatest contemporary art collections in the world. The 6,000-piece collection contains prime works by Agnes Martin, Nam June Paik, Jackson Pollock, and Mike Kelley.

Museum of Contemporary Art

• The Gamble House:

There’s so much stuff to do in LA,from Downtown to the beach cities, Los Angeles is filled with world-famous landmarks and attractions. But if you look closer, there are hidden gems throughout the city waiting to be discovered, like the historic Gamble House in Pasadena, a Los Angeles must see.. Built in 1908-09, this National Historic Landmark is a Craftsman-style masterpiece with a stunning interior, made with multiple grains of wood with eye-catching textures, colors and grains, and custom furniture.

The Gamble House

• Walt Disney Concert Hall

Designed by Frank Gehry, the voluptuous curves of this stainless steel–clad masterpiece located downtown is a signature of the modern metropolis. One of several venues of the Music Center, the 2,265-seat Disney Hall is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It features unrivaled acoustics and a stunning pipe organ, which is as much a work of art as a musical instrument. For a truly opulent evening, pair a concert with dinner at Patina, located inside the building. Afterward there are plenty of nightlife options within easy reach

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Outdoor & Beaches

• Venice Beach:

Hidden in plain sight, the canals flow behind the adorable Venice bungalows just blocks from the beach. Built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney, it’s not unusual to see herons, egrets, pelicans, and parrots, making it one of the best off-the-beaten-path landmarks in all of L.A. There are a number of bridges perfect for romantic photo ops, and there are enough quiet corners to find your own little patch of bliss. It’s a perfect place to stroll and catch your breath amid the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Venice boardwalk & canals:

People-watching is the raison d'être at Venice Beach: Expect attention-grabbing street formers along the sort-of-grimy Venice Boardwalk and pumped-up gym obsessives working out at Muscle Beach. The sand itself, though, is soft and spacious with postcard views of the mountainous coastline

• Romantic walk around Santa Monica Pier & Third Street Promenade:

From Malibu to the South Bay, Los Angeles is home to some of the best beaches in Southern California. For a quintessential endless summer experience, a visit to the two-mile-long Santa Monica Beach is a must. Opened in 1909, the historic Santa Monica Pier is a popular destination for the entire family, home to the Pacific Park amusement park, Heal the Bay Aquarium, and a 1922 Carousel that was featured in The Sting. Don’t miss a ride on the world’s only solar powered Ferris Wheel, where you can enjoy a spectacular bird’s eye view of the coast. It’s one of the top things to do in Santa Monica.

• Drive Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu & Zuma Beach

here may be nothing that epitomizes Los Angeles more than a drive down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, as locals call it. After taking in the sweeping views and turquoise waters, stop at a seafood shack, such as Malibu Seafood or the Reel Inn, for some ahi burgers or fish and chips. Afterward, check out one of Malibu‘s most beautiful beaches: Topanga State Beach, Zuma Beach, or the small and secluded La Piedra, El Pescador, and El Matador beaches. Put in the extra miles and you’ll be rewarded with a clean, wide patch of sand and surf at Zuma. A popular spot on weekends and holidays for locals and destination beach-goers, this Malibu beach can hold crowds with plenty of onsite parking (pay at the lot or for free along PCH) and lifeguards on duty.

Hollywood & movie related activities:

• Universal Studio tour:

Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, and for film fans, the ultimate experience is a behind-the-scenes studio tour. At Universal Studios Hollywood, the Studio Tour is perhaps its most legendary attraction - and its original one, having debuted in 1915, not long after the theme park opened. Narrated by Jimmy Fallon, the Studio Tour offers guests the chance to explore the working backlot of a real Hollywood movie studio. The tour includes Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson’s heart-pounding King Kong 360 3D, and the world’s largest 3D experience, which make it one of the best things to do in LA

• Movie studios:

Find out what’s hiding behind those sliding elephant doors with a peek into the sets and sound stages of L.A.’s many movie studios. Take a walk through cinema history at Sony Pictures Studios—the former MGM backlot—that’s housed everything from The Wizard of Oz to Breaking Bad. Or, if you’d prefer a more leisurely look, take a tram ride through the expansive city streets and sound stages of the Warner Bros. and Paramount studio lots

paramount studios

· Hollywood Walk of Fame:

If you can stomach the suspect superheroes, claustrophobia-inducing crowds and never-ending line of gift shops, tattoo parlors and lingerie stores, there’s actually a lot of old Hollywood history and glamour to discover along the Walk of Fame. The immortalized names on those famous five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars run from the Walk’s western extreme at the Hollywood and La Brea Gateway to the Pantages Theater at Gower, and additionally on Vine from the Capitol Records Building down to Sunset, near where the original movie studios sprang up a century ago

Downtown & Central area:

• OUE SKYSPACE LA

Opened in June 2016, OUE Skyspace LA is California’s tallest open-air observation deck and a must-see destination for panoramic, 360-degree views of Los Angeles make it one of unique places to visit in LA. Located nearly 1,000 feet above the city at the iconic U.S. Bank Tower in Downtown L.A., OUE Skyspace LA honors the culture, community and people that make Los Angeles unlike any city in the world. The highlight of OUE Skyspace LA is Skyslide, a first-of-its-kind outdoor glass slide that’s attached to the exterior of the U.S. Bank Tower. The Skyslide is 45 feet long, about four feet wide and made entirely with 1.25-inch glass. Visitors can glide from the 70th to the 69th floor of the U.S. Bank Tower and see Los Angeles in a way that few will ever experience. The two observation decks and 360-degree views of Los Angeles are just the beginning. From interactive and educational components to the spectacular design and the signature thrill experience of Skyslide, OUE Skyspace LA truly offers something for everyone.

• Grand Central Market

Open since 1917 and ever changing in vendors and featured cuisines, the Grand Central Market is LA’s premier food emporium and dining experience. Over 30,000 square feet showcases almost 40 vendors with hot and cold dishes to eat-in or take-out

Shopping & eating:

· Rodeo Drive window shopping

Shopaholics will think they’ve died and gone to heaven upon arriving in L.A. Whether it’s popular shopping centers like The Grove or Santa Monica Place, bargains galore at the Citadel Outlets, or unique shops in hip neighborhoods like Highland Park, something is sure to catch your eye. For the ultimate window shopping, take a stroll on world-famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the epitome of luxury and style

• Shop El Pueblo de Los Angeles

Part historical monument, part street fair, El Pueblo de Los Angeles showcases the oldest section of Los Angeles with the city’s oldest historical structures (11 of the 27 are open to the public), a plaza for festivals and celebrations (live music, dancing, and theatrical processions daily), and a marketplace bustling with food and goods. Check out the art at El Pueblo Gallery or the history at the Chinese American Museum, or simply stroll around and eat elote and drink agua frecsa. El Pueblo de Los Angeles is an excellent opportunity to buy handmade goods or participate in various traditional events presented by the Olvera Street Merchants. Don’t miss the mural Father Hidalgo Rang the Bell of Dolores on Alameda Street—painted on 300 one-inch tiles, depicts the key figures in Mexico’s early Wars of Independence.

• Cruise the sunset strip:

Angelenos are famous for their love of the automobile, whether it’s on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum or behind the wheel along a scenic drive. From the canyons above the city to unforgettable coastal views, there’s nothing like sightseeing in a car. One of L.A.’s most famous stretches of road is the legendary Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, home to music venues such as the historic Whisky A Go Go and acclaimed restaurants like The Eveleigh. The Sunset Strip is a must for things to see in LA.

Cruise the sunset strip

• The Grove:

In a town where most malls are housed inside bland, air-conditioned structures, this upscale open-air center has been a hit. There are only around 50 retailers, but the selection is strong (Apple, Anthropologie, Topshop) and there’s also a decent movie theater and destination-worthy sweet shops like Laudrée and 189 by Dominique Ansel. Make sure to head next door to the Original Farmers Market, which has hosted mom-and-pop eateries and vendors for over 80 years.

• Comedy Clubs:

If you’re a fan of comedy, then boy does L.A. have a treat for you. On any given night you can walk into one of the city’s best comedy clubs and see a show. Even better, on most nights you’ll be able to track down at least one famous face testing out some material. There are big name stand-ups at the Laugh Factory, TV comics at the Comedy Store, future SNL stars at the Groundlings Theatre, unexpected drop-ins at the Improv and thriving alt comedy at Largo and UCB.

In-N-Out Burger

It’s no secret that the people of Los Angeles love their cars. But what the casual observer may not know is that Angelenos have another passion—for the local burger chain In-N-Out—that, thankfully, is perfectly car-friendly. Of course, Angelenos don’t get out of their cars to make this magical moment happen. Easy directions: Drive up to an In-N-Out window, order from the secret menu (available online), and enjoy your “Animal Style” in the car.

• Get a drink at the Culver Hotel

The Culver Hotel is a national landmark built by the founder of Culver City, Harry Culver, in 1924, and boy is it gorgeous. (Related: Fodor’s Review of the Culver Hotel) Live piano or jazz music and old black and white movies projected on the wall set the atmosphere for this lovely, classic dining or drinking experience. Cuddle up in a sofa or grab a seat on the patio and clink your crystal cocktail through the golden afternoon. Can’t make it for happy hour? Don’t miss the weekend brunch.

Get a drink at the Culver Hotel

• Griffith Park at night:

Griffith is a point of pride for Angelenos, a park to rival all others. Its 4,310 rugged acres harbor hikes and trails, museums and picnic areas, and even a bit of haunted history.

· Watch a movie in a graveyard

Yeah, we know it sounds kind of creepy (and guess it is, actually) but it’s also one of the most fun ways to spend an evening. Throughout the summer, Cinespia does a screening of a movie ranging from classic to cult hit (Casablanca will be the Memorial Weekend feature but you can also expect more modern flicks like Drive and Almost Famous) on the lawn of the landmark Hollywood Forever Cemetery, often preceded and followed up by DJ sets. You buy a ticket online (and grab a parking pass for extra if you like), bring a blanket and some wine and try to forget about all the dead people nearby.