Start with Griffith Observatory (closed Mondays), the Getty Center (free with a reservation), the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier and the Venice boardwalk. The table below lists verified facts and conditions for each.
Things to do in Los Angeles
What to do in Los Angeles, with verified facts, conditions and limits.
Disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details.
Top things to do — verified facts
| Attraction | Key facts | Conditions and limits | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Griffith Observatory | Tue–Fri noon–10 p.m.; weekends 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; closed Monday; park access free | Paid parking is closest to the Observatory | Griffith Observatory |
| Getty Center (Brentwood) | Free admission with reservation; Tue–Fri & Sun 10–6:30, Sat 10–9; closed Monday | Parking $25 per car, $15 after 3 p.m., $10 after 6 p.m. | J. Paul Getty Trust |
| Hollywood Walk of Fame | More than 2,700 stars along 15 blocks of Hollywood Blvd and 3 of Vine | Crowded around Hollywood and Highland (our assessment) | Discover Los Angeles |
| Santa Monica Pier | Open since 1909; Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica | Busy summer weekends (our assessment) | Santa Monica Pier; Santa Monica tourism |
| Venice boardwalk and canals | Founded 1905 by Abbot Kinney; canal historic district walkable | Respect residents' privacy along the canals | Discover Los Angeles |
| Grand Central Market and downtown | Historic market; Disney Hall; El Pueblo; Metro A, B, D, E | Hours vary by vendor | Discover Los Angeles |
| Hollywood Bowl | Concert venue by Hollywood/Highland station | Check the Bowl's calendar and ticket rules | Discover Los Angeles; Hollywood Bowl |
How to plan it
- One day: pick an area; sights are spread across the region.
- Two days: follow the weekend itinerary.
- Weather: see the two-station climate table.
- Tours and tickets: the Booking.com link below is an affiliate link; we have not tested those tours.
Explore by interest
Something for every kind of day.
Go further
Beyond the center.
Book tours and tickets
Search tours and attractions in Los Angeles. The Booking.com link is an affiliate link; we have not tested those tours.
See attractions on Google Maps → Browse tours on Booking.com →
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-do things in Los Angeles?
Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, the Walk of Fame, the beaches at Santa Monica and Venice, and downtown's food and culture.
Is the Getty Center free?
Admission is free with a reservation; parking is $25 per car with lower rates later in the day.
Which attractions are closed on Mondays?
Griffith Observatory and the Getty Center, per their published hours.
Are tours worth booking in advance?
For busy dates, booking ahead reduces sell-out risk. We have not tested particular tours.
Sources
Facts on this page were read from the sources below on October 11, 2026. Hours, fares, prices and event dates change — confirm with the source before you travel. How we research and update.
- Visit Griffith Observatory — Griffith Observatory
- Visit the Getty Center — J. Paul Getty Trust
- Getty Center parking and transportation — J. Paul Getty Trust
- The Beginner's Guide to Hollywood — Discover Los Angeles (LA Tourism)
- Santa Monica Pier — Santa Monica Pier Corporation
- Take the Santa Monica Metro Station (E Line) — Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
- Things to do in Venice, California — Discover Los Angeles (LA Tourism)
- Discover LA, your way: Downtown Los Angeles & the Arts District — Discover Los Angeles (LA Tourism)
- Hollywood Bowl — Hollywood Bowl
- Discover Los Angeles — Discover Los Angeles (LA Tourism)
Get the free Los Angeles planning guide
A neighborhood comparison, a season-by-season planner and a two-day itinerary — as a free PDF.
By submitting you agree to the privacy policy.