Top 16 Attractions in Los Angeles

On the Pacific coast of the USA, in the southern part of the state of California, lies the metropolis of Los Angeles, one of the largest cities in the country. We showcase the best attractions in Los Angeles: If a day full of adventure at Universal Studios, a stroll along the Walk of Fame, or living like Charlie Harper in Malibu matches your desires, then come along! Find out why Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach should be on your L.A. bucket list and what adventures are hidden in the Hollywood Hills.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is perhaps one of the most famous streets in the world. However, it is not only the street itself that is famous, but especially the names that have been immortalized on it forever. Over 2,700 stars featuring the names of famous personalities adorn the Walk of Fame, which stretches over several blocks through Hollywood.

Both singers, film producers, and stars from the TV, radio, and film industries, as well as theater icons, can earn one of the honored spots. The symbol of one of five categories - Film, Television, Music, Radio, Theater - is also inscribed on the star. All artists on the Walk of Fame are or were significant contributors to the U.S. entertainment industry. Even though not all of them are still with us, they remain with us forever in this way. Therefore, a little walk down Hollywood Boulevard along the Walk of Fame is definitely worth it. Relive your memories of entertainment icons and find your favorite star at this most popular attraction in Los Angeles.

Want to be right in the middle of an action movie, ride through crazy Krustyland, and experience thrilling special effects of film scenes live - is that your wish? Then Universal Studios is perfect for you. A 3D theater, various shows, and roller coasters are not just ordinary here: Everywhere promises you action and excitement, and you are constantly catapulted into your favorite movies.

Experience the world around Hogwarts in the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey(TM) attraction and get shaken up in the King Kong 3D Tour. The Water World stunt show will amaze you, while those who find that too scary can enjoy a 3D adventure trip with the Minions. A day filled with experiences is guaranteed at Universal Studios Hollywood. So make sure to plan a whole day to experience all the attractions, stand-up acts, and effect shows, as well as the famous studio tour through original film sets of War of the Worlds, Jaws, Psycho, or the series Desperate Housewives.

It is the image that everyone knows from Los Angeles: the muscular, training athletes at Muscle Beach in Venice. But Venice Beach has much more to offer. You shouldn't miss this classic Los Angeles attraction when visiting the City of Angels. The stretch of beach runs nearly five kilometers along the California coast - perfect for lacing up your running shoes or renting a bike to explore Venice Beach. Colorful graffiti-covered buildings line bustling restaurants and cafes, tall palm trees line the Ocean Front Walk, where artists, walkers, and joggers mingle. Whether for a morning run, a tasty coffee with ice cream and performing artists in the afternoon, or a cold drink with live music and sunset in the evening: Life thrives at Venice Beach!

For the complete Los Angeles experience, you can also take a beginner-friendly surfing lesson directly at Venice Beach and throw yourself into the waves after some dry land practice. The ocean calls!

Welcome to the city of the rich, Hollywood icons, and home to the infamous Rodeo Drive: Beverly Hills. The city located in Los Angeles County is primarily inhabited by major celebrities. It appears neat and structured: Mansions line the streets, palm trees line the roads in this city of 35,000 affluent residents, and the streets are decorated here and there with blooming flowers. In many corners, you will find lovely little city parks; it is quiet, and the only sound you hear now and then is the engine of a Ferrari. Yes, anyone who has their residence here has either made it to the ranks of the beautiful and the wealthy or is at least one of the two.

Beverly Hills is also home to the famous Rodeo Drive. Stretching over 3.2 kilometers, the street lives up to its reputation as one of the most expensive streets in the world. Especially from the corner of Wilshire Boulevard to the corner of South Santa Monica Boulevard, luxury brand stores line up one after the other: Prada, Burberry, Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton showcase the latest high-end fashion trends in their massive windows.

Not only are the luxurious designer shops and cars a special sight here, but the buildings also look elegant, and palm trees line the streets: a picture that truly makes any 'ordinary' person feel suddenly poor. But strolling along Rodeo Drive is simply a must-do when on vacation in Los Angeles!

From Beverly Hills, continue along the 34-kilometer Mulholland Drive, which leads you through the Hollywood Hills. Enchanting views of Downtown Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the villas of the stars promise you this route along the famous road. Pack your camera, best grab a rental car, and drive yourself along Mulholland Drive in Hollywood, as you can only experience this feeling of freedom authentically here. You can simply stop everywhere and enjoy the incredible wide view. The skyline of L.A. stretches along the horizon, promising you even more attractions of Los Angeles, while astonishing villas on both sides inspire dreams, and the mountains around L.A. rise behind you.

If you are already up here in the Hollywood Hills, make sure to also take a detour to the Hollywood Sign.

From the eastern section of Mulholland Drive, you can even walk about four kilometers along the Wonder View Drive Trail to reach the summit by the Hollywood Sign. Up here, the world is at your feet. Here, on the edge of the City of Dreams, dreams are born. If the walk to the Hollywood Sign is too strenuous for you, you can also stop lower down in front of the letters at Beachwood Drive and enjoy the view. However, it often gets very crowded here, and parking is limited.

The building is already a masterpiece of architecture from the outside: built in 1935 in Art Deco style, three brown, round domes stand out against the otherwise entirely elegant white building. Behind them, the L.A. skyline reaches into the sky. If visibility is good, you can even see to the Pacific Ocean. But what awaits you at Griffith Observatory is the true highlight: here you can learn about the world of astronomy, take a seat in the planetarium and be enchanted by the starry sky, view science-based exhibitions, and look through telescopes into the vastness of space. If that's not enough, take another look at the endless starry sky above the glowing skyline of Los Angeles when you leave the impressive building. Breathtaking!

In the western part of Los Angeles County lies the city of Santa Monica right on the Pacific coast. This location gives it a special charm. The roaring waves at Santa Monica Beach, the rows of palm trees at Palisades Park, and the small amusement park on Santa Monica Pier make this sunny city one of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles.

Bring your picnic basket and swimwear and relax for an entire day at the beach. You can shop leisurely at the Third Street Promenade, and the Santa Monica Place shopping mall provides you with cool shops like Hugo Boss, The Dudes' Brewing Company, and The Kooples. A stop at the Cheesecake Factory or True Food Kitchen is a must. In the evening, you can admire the most beautiful sunset at the beach while strolling towards the pier. Let the cheerful mood and relaxed lifestyle infect you and simply enjoy life here. You can find more tips about the legendary Santa Monica Pier in our article.

More than 250 concerts take place annually at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the open-air amphitheater The Ford, and the Hollywood Bowl in the Hollywood Heights. Here you can listen to both classical and contemporary, jazz, and world music. From the tiered seating, you always have a good view of the orchestra stage.

But that's not all that the Walt Disney Concert Hall has to offer: Visually, it is an architectural masterpiece comprised of individual steel structures reaching into the sky, designed by architect Frank Gehry. He is also responsible for the first-rate acoustics that make the concert hall one of the most important in the world. It's a MUST for music and architecture lovers on the list of Los Angeles attractions!

Of course, one of the museums should not be missed among the top attractions in Los Angeles.

Our recommendation for you is the Getty Center, located west of Bel-Air and north of downtown Los Angeles. It enchants its guests even from the outside with charming gardens full of colorful flower beds and several fascinating building complexes. Upon entering the building, you will not be disappointed, as a collection of European and American art with constantly rotating exhibits awaits you. The art collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum is among the permanent exhibitions of the Getty Center. From Renaissance art and Baroque masterpieces to impressive sculptures and paintings and photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries, one work captivates more than the other. And the best part: you don't pay for admission!

Did you dream as a child of exploring the endless expanse of space in a spaceship? L.A. may not completely fulfill that dream, but at Exposition Park, you come a good step closer. Because here you find a real Space Shuttle! The Endeavour stands in the California Science Center, which you can visit for free. A visit is worthwhile not only if you're on vacation with kids.

For Exposition Park has much more to offer: admire the Memorial Coliseum, where the Olympic Summer Games took place in 1932 and 1984, visit one of the numerous other museums in the park, or stroll through the enchanting rose garden. The roses bloom from April to October, creating such a romantic atmosphere that weddings take place here frequently. The park is also perfect for a picnic in the sun. If you need a break from classic sightseeing, Exposition Park is just the right place.

Tired of museums! If you prefer sports and the hilly nature of the running trails from Santa Monica to Venice Beach, you should definitely try Runyon Canyon. Just a stone's throw from Hollywood, this hilly area is lined with various green or, depending on the season, dried plants, offering a wonderful view over the city.

But the park is not only perfect for extensive runs or yoga sessions but also great for 'celebrity spotting.' Popular YouTube and Instagram stars, as well as models, work out here. But at least for the view, the journey here is worth it! For more info about Runyon Canyon Park in Los Angeles, check out our article.

The Californian city of Long Beach, also part of Los Angeles County, is another highlight for your Los Angeles vacation. A long sandy beach stretches along the Pacific coast, providing a nice view of the almost distant Downtown L.A. But the city is not only perfect for relaxed beach days but also offers a bit of culture, as the RMS Queen Mary, which is among the spookiest places in the world, floats in the water off Long Beach. If you're not brave enough to venture into the haunted ship, you can admire artworks at the Museum of Latin American Art or have fun at Knott's Berry Farm amusement park. If you have a bit more time in L.A., it's well worth the roughly 30-minute drive here.

Don't worry, even if you've visited all the highlights in the city limits of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County still has plenty more to offer to keep you entertained. How about a trip to Malibu, the paradise of Hollywood stars?

The city, located northwest of downtown L.A., became famous through the popular TV show 'Two and a Half Men', in which bachelor Charlie Harper lives right at Malibu Beach. If you've always wanted to feel like Charlie, you should check out what this coastal town has to offer. Relax on the beach in the sun, overlooking the waves, stroll over Malibu Pier and watch surfers riding the waves, or enjoy a delicious lunch with an ocean view at Malibu Farm. While accommodations in Malibu aren't exactly budget-friendly, you can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere even on a day trip.

If the Universal Studios weren't enough of an experience, we recommend taking a trip to Disneyland(R) California, just a 30-minute drive from L.A.

If you think Disneyland(R) Park is just a highlight for kids, you're mistaken: Get shaken in the Incredicoaster roller coaster, get spooked in the Haunted Mansion, or get wet on the Jungle Cruise water ride. Of course, kids can enjoy Alice in Wonderland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and many other attractions. There are live shows, park tours, and relaxation spots - almost enough programming for a whole month. A resort at Disneyland(R) Park, a spa hotel, and more accommodations promise you restful nights for a new day at Disneyland(R). For hunger, you'll find countless restaurants serving pizza, burgers, sandwiches, or healthy alternatives. Disneyland(R) Park is an adventure for the whole family!

L.A. is simply amazing, isn't it? We believe everyone should visit at least once and check off some of these top attractions in Los Angeles. You won't be disappointed! If you're looking for hotels in Los Angeles or perhaps prefer a package deal for the City of Angels, check out our offerings. We have the right thing for each of you!