72 Best & Fun Things To Do In Los Angeles (California)

Los Angeles often called the City of Angels, is a hub for excitement, fame, and fortune.

With famous places like Hollywood to its name and many other similarly enticing tourist attractions and sites, it can be somewhat difficult to figure out where to visit as a tourist here.

That’s why we’ve put together an LA travel guide that is sure to give you some insight into the most intriguing and delightful places the city has to offer.

Here are our picks for the 72 best and fun things to do in Los Angeles, California.

1. The Getty Center

The Getty Center is one of the top Los Angeles attractions in California.

This institution is known across LA and the country for its prestige in the world and industry of art.

Exhibits and showcases vary across the multitude of buildings that make up the Getty Center and free tours allow you to learn about different aspects of the Center in engaging and informational ways.

The permanent collection at the Getty Center had its biggest headstart from J. Paul Getty’s $1.2 billion gift when he passed away.

The collection consists of Western art dating back to the Middle Ages until now, with an additional collection on the Pacific Coast Highway at the Getty Villa with a focus on European art.

Some iconic original pieces are displayed at these permanent collections.

Other exhibits here include a garden spanning 134,000 square feet, designed by Robert Irwin, often called a living sculpture with a floating labyrinth that houses over 500 species of flora.

There are also lots of temporary exhibits that focus on all sorts of different perfectly curated works.

Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for art reproductions and souvenirs; it’s a must-do for collectors!

Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, United States

2. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, also known as LACMA, is a museum that can be defined as encyclopedic.

It consists of a huge 20-acre campus with buildings designed by Peter Zumthor.

As a museum, LACMA is extremely comprehensive in its collection of beautiful and stunning works, and the vastness of its grounds means that guests have lots of options for activities.

LACMA’s permanent collection showcases art from all eras, all the way back to antiques to new, modern works.

All sorts of works from different cultures live on here, including some iconic pieces from old masters and respected artists.

Temporary exhibits also showcase all sorts of collections from different and diverse artists.

LACMA also boasts the Bing theater, which has daily programming, and it hosts classes, incubators, and performance spaces.

You’ll spend a long time walking through LACMA, and even with a whole dedicated day, it’s hard to run out of exciting things to do on museum grounds.

Fun tours, though somewhat high in price, can provide additional information to visitors.

Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States

3. Hollywood Bowl

In the summer, the Hollywood Bowl is a Los Angeles treasure.

The outdoor amphitheater is a staple of California tourist places.

It first opened its doors in 1922 and boasts a famous shell shape that makes for great acoustics – which is likely one of the many reasons it grew so popular in the first place.

For the most part, the Hollywood Bowl is one of the best music performance spots in LA, primarily focusing on classical music, though a few modern artists have graced the stage here too.

Film screenings, musicals, and orchestras also play here sometimes.

Seating can be a little difficult and can get expensive, but most consider it well worth the expense!

Address: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

4. Walt Disney Concert Hall

There are few better places to seek entertainment in LA than the Walt Disney Concert Hall, built by Frank Gehry to a sometimes controversial design choice.

The concert hall houses the Los Angeles Philharmonic and provides incredible classical music performances that are fun for the family.

Do note, though, that kids under the age of 6 are not permitted!

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a must-visit for the Philharmonic alone, though most musical performances here make for great perusal.

The concert hall actually shares its space with the Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater, which provides more edgy and experimental shows that are still pretty good viewing, as well as a gallery that has some interesting showcases.

There’s one more thing to note; there’s actually a garden on the roof of the Walt Disney Concert Hall that is known as the Blue Ribbon Garden.

Not many visitors know about it and it’s a beautiful place to go to just to relax.

Address: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

5. The Broad

Almost all of the very best things to do in LA, California are, surprisingly, museums – and The Broad is just one of them!

Despite only opening in the latter part of 2015, the Broad has quite a reputation.

It hosts all sorts of fancy and fun exhibits that lead to extremely long lines and sold-out tickets in minutes to their showcases.

The permanent collection at the Broad consists of 2,000 pieces that are part of Eli and Edythe Broad’s personal collection.

With both parties finding riches in their careers, they purchase early works from up-and-coming artists as well as show off extremely famous works by modern icons of the art world.

As a more modern museum, the Broad isn’t the kind of place you’d go to as an art intellectual, but it’s a great place to take photos – including selfies – and general admission is free, while you need to purchase tickets for certain temporary exhibits.

Address: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

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6. TCL Chinese Theatre

The TCL Chinese Theatre is one of LA’s most popular and iconic places of interest.

It was originally known as the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre when it first opened in 1927 and is a fantastic representation of the Golden Age of Hollywood and its opulence.

Now, the TCL Chinese Theatre is a memorable part of Los Angeles.

Tours of the theater are offered every day and are very popular, so it’s a good idea to reserve a tour time in advance.

The theater also works as an ordinary one, so new films are played in it year-round.

While you’re here, you should also walk through the Walk of Fame right outside!

Address: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States

7. Angeles National Forest

The Angeles National Forest is known as one of the essential places to go for LA, California visitors seeking an active, exploration-filled day trip.

More than a thousand square miles of lush greenery spread across 53 different trailheads make for plenty of fun treks and a lot of ground to cover.

All manner of sports can be participated in at this national forest of Los Angeles.

Running, hiking, boating, biking, and skiing are all possible, and no matter what kind of nature you enjoy, there’s sure to be something for you.

Mt. Baldy provides a stunning panoramic view, the Bridge to Nowhere is an eerie and melancholic stop, the Devil’s Punchbowl offers a unique phenomenon of geography, and Pyramid Lake is nothing short of gorgeous with its unique man-made formation of rocks.

Address: 12371 N, Little Tujunga Canyon Rd, San Fernando, CA 91342, United States

8. Universal Studios Hollywood

No trip to LA is complete without visiting one of its best spots – Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the top 10 attractions you can find in Los Angeles!

It is packed with amusement rides, scenes and places from popular movies and shows, and character actors that give the whole place a more realistic feel.

Some of the things you can enjoy here are rides and events related to popular culture produced by Universal.

This includes franchises such as Transformers, Despicable Me, Scooby-Doo, Fast and Furious, and Jurassic World.

Expect to see a ton of tourists at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Lines for rides and amusement showcases will be pretty long, so if you’re not willing to wait, you can buy Express passes in advance.

A visit here is far from inexpensive, so be sure you’re ready to front the cost!

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, United States

9. Echo Park Lake

Echo Park Lake is one of the many LA, California sights you may naturally recognize.

That’s because the location has been used in tons of different movies, shows, and similar productions.

The good news is that despite its fame, it remains a very relaxing, down-to-earth location.

Echo Park Lake was renovated in 2014, giving it a new look and a shiny new purpose.

It has now become a bit of a point for meeting, exercising, or having picnics.

The lake offers one of the best opportunities for boating in Los Angeles, and you can rent pedal boats and head through a lake of ducks and lotuses.

The park is truly beautiful, garnering its fame not just for families but for romantic rendezvous.

A fountain helps further set the scene and mood with jets of water that rise an impressive 200 feet upwards and a good number of street food stalls sell delicious snacks in case you need a bite to eat.

Address: 751 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States

10. Venice Canals

No trip to Los Angeles, California is complete without a visit to the Venice Canals.

Among cute bungalows of quintessential Venetian style, the canals flow through them all, offering a romantic and whimsical view of the beautiful streets.

We have Abbot Kinney, a developer, to thank for the creation of the Venice Canals; in 1905, he built them, and the bridges across them have been standards for fun and romance since then.

Taking a stroll through the Venice Canals is breathtaking, relaxing, and somehow still one of the most fun things to do in LA.

If you’re lucky, you’ll see birds like egrets, parrots, herons, and pelicans flying by.

One of the corners of the canals boasts a children’s park complete with ducks and, potentially, ducklings, so if you’re here with kids, that’s a great spot to head to!

Address: Washigton Blvd. & Dell Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90292, United States

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11. Warner Brothers Studio

Just like Universal Studios Hollywood, the Warner Brothers Studio is one of those fun Los Angeles attractions that is considered standard fare for any visitors to California.

The studio provides in-depth looks into all sorts of iconic stars of the entertainment world, from TV props to movie sets, including items from Harry Potter, Batman, and Friends.

Visitors can also view an interesting backlot of the studio that spans 110 acres.

30 different soundstages exist here, each one used for producing shows including the Ellen Degeneres Show, Young Sheldon, and more.

Tour guides are all very knowledgeable and have lots of information to share with charismatic and excitable dispositions.

Tours of the Warner Brothers Studio last about three hours and aren’t open to children below the age of 7.

Expect to pay between $59 and $295 per ticket, depending on the age of the person the ticket is for and what kind of access you’re opting for.

Address: 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505, United States

12. The La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

Looking for touristy things to do that you’d be hard-pressed to find outside of LA?

The La Brea Tar Pits & Museum make a pretty good spot to top that list.

The pits themselves are the result of tens of thousands of years’ worth of tar that has bubbled for all that time, and they’re free to feast your eyes on.

Meanwhile, the museum consists of the bones and fossils of animals that were trapped in the pits – which, while morbid, certainly makes for fascinating viewing that explains why this Los Angeles location is so popular.

The bones collection within the museum is a real treat for history nerds.

Composite skeletons exist of species that are extinct now, such as dire wolves, Columbian mammoths, saber-toothed cats, North American camels, and ground sloths.

Fossils, on the other hand, date back to the Ice Age!

A Fossil Lab lets you see how scientists and experts clean and sort out these fossils.

Address: 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States

13. Korean Bell of Friendship

The Korean Bell of Friendship is one of the most idyllic tourist spots in Los Angeles, California.

The bell is impressive in appearance, with a green finish – rusted over time – covered along the top by a hipped roof in ornate detail.

Though the paint is fading, there is no denying the beauty of the gift, given by South Korea in 1976, alongside the grassy pavilion it lounges upon.

This LA location is very beautiful, with an exposed bluff that looks out over the ocean along the coast of San Pedro.

It’s a great place to fly kits, relax, and enjoy the view.

Today, the bell is rarely rung, only being set off four times annually: New Year’s Eve, National Liberation Day of Korea, Fourth of July, and Constitution Week.

Address: 3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731, United States

14. Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

If you’re a bit of an intellectual, the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens are easy to consider a must-do among LA activities.

It was once the private estate of Henry and Arabella Huntington before they converted it into its humble institutional beginnings in 1919.

The institution, as its lengthy name suggests, houses three different types of attraction.

The first is the Huntington Library, which houses over 430,000 books of impressive rarity.

It is a premier research facility not just for Los Angeles, but for the whole country, with British and American works from the 11th century onwards.

The second is the Huntington Art Museum, which are home to a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits.

The art dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries and has quite a few famous masterpieces.

Temporary exhibits are curated flawlessly, only showcasing high-quality works from great artists of all fields.

The final is the 120-acre Huntington Botanical Gardens, which has more than 150,000 flora types.

Succulent plants, roses, bonsai trees, Corpse flowers, orchids, Sumatran flowers, and more are showcased here, though some only arrive with rotating or seasonal exhibits.

Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, United States

15. Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is widely considered one of the top things to do in LA, California.

Designed for sightseeing and stargazing, it sits in Griffith Park on Mouth Hollywood.

It took its name from Los Angeles philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith, a fairly controversial figure with a good interest in astronomy that led to his large donations that helped build the observatory.

The observatory was completed in 1935 and, since then, has gone on to become one of the world’s most visited observatories.

It offers exhibition halls with glorious attractions like the extremely unique and rare Tesla coil, and its planetarium often hosts exciting and fun shows.

Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention its powerful Zeiss telescope that is prized in the astronomy world.

That same telescope sees about 600 visitors per night!

Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

16. Runyon Canyon Park

Runyon Canyon Park is one of LA’s best points of interest, which is why it’s such a pity that this urban park is not known as widely throughout the city.

The park is often used by celebrities for their exercise regimens thanks to the many hiking trails flanked by lovely palm trees.

Trails often wind through old estates and mansions that keep an air of Old Hollywood to them, and the hot climate can tire even experienced hikers.

As such, you should make sure that you’re prepared for the hike before you attempt it.

If you walk up to the very top of the canyon, you’ll be treated to a nice view of San Fernando Valley.

Address: 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States

17. California Science Center

The California Science Center is the perfect space for excitement, exploration, and education, making it one of the best among the things to see for children and adults!

The center offers free admission, with certain exhibits or shows requiring a fee, and with timed tickets needed for certain peak seasons.

The most popular exhibit of this science center in LA is the Ecosystems showcase.

This showcase is a permanent exhibition that shows off a wide range of different ecosystems across eight zones of habitat types.

Another great exhibit is Creative World, which encourages guests to learn about architecture and transportation as well as the technologies and innovation involved in it.

For space-lovers, the Air and Space showcase is an interesting one.

On display, it exhibits Pete Conrad and Dick Gordon’s Gemini 11 capsule and teaches visitors about the Endeavor space shuttle.

If you’d rather watch a movie screening, there is, of course, an IMAX theater in the science center that plays a mix of informational and interesting films.

Address: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, United States

18. Zuma Beach

Los Angeles has its fair share of beaches, but if you’re willing to travel from it to get, Zuma Beach is among the best.

It’s clean, less crowded, and widely considered the finest location of its kind in the city’s general vicinity.

A mix of tourists and locals enjoy the beach for its great sea and surf opportunities, and it’s also a good spot for sunbathing.

Zuma Beach is about 36 miles from the downtown portion of LA.

Driving through the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll see some interesting buildings, like the Adamson House, Getty Villa, and Trancas Country Market along the way.

The beach itself offers free visits all day long.

Address: 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States

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19. Hollywood Sign

There’s no way that seeing the Hollywood Sign up close and personal shouldn’t be on your bucket list.

It’s the best iconic tourist draw in all of Los Angeles.

It’s the kind of thing that’s cool to see in person no matter what, simply because of how often you’ve probably seen the sign in media and as a standard, staple symbol of the world of fame and fortune.

Originally, the sign read “Hollywoodland” when it was put up in 1923 as a simple advertisement for a new and developing housing project.

It was only really meant to last 18 months, but it stood until the 1970s, getting progressively more damaged in the process.

When one of the letter Os fell, the sign was completely refurbished into how it stands as we know it now.

To get close to the sign, you’d hike for about 45 minutes and get to see a rare rear view of the iconic symbol of celebrity and pop culture.

However, you can’t touch the fence without security carting you off, so focus on the beautiful view from up here of the landscape of the state, the Santa Ana Mountains, the city beneath, and, of course, the ocean.

Address: Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

20. Hollywood Forever Cemetery

If you love a little spookiness, then one of the fun things to do in Los Angeles, California is to visit the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

The cemetery was originally opened as Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery in 1899 by Isaac Van Nuys, a businessman, and farmer.

The cemetery is beautifully cared for as a park-type final resting place, packed with greenery and delightful architecture.

After all, there’s a reason that the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is on America’s National Register of Historic Sites – one of few similar LA locations to earn this honor!

The cemetery is the last home to many big names in Hollywood, like Estelle Getty, Cecil B. DeMille, and Johnny Ramone.

Some interesting and well-designed tombs that are fun to respectfully gawk at include the Greek Revival designed catacomb of William A. Clark Jr., the granite monument of Oscar-winning actress Hattie McDaniel, mausoleums of stained glass, and more.

Address: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States

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21. Paramount Pictures Studios

You’ve probably already noticed, but a lot of the best and most loved Los Angeles attractions are related to the big and small screen.

Paramount Pictures Studios is yet another one of these LA, California treasures.

It’s also the only film studio that still lives on in Hollywood.

As a company, Paramount has been around since the 1910s and has worked with some of the film world’s greatest stars, including Morgan Freeman and Meryl Streep.

They are behind some pretty famous shows and movies, including Mission: Impossible, I Love Lucy and Titanic.

A two-hour tour (open to those aged 10 and older only) brings visitors through the studios on a golf cart, taking you across 65 acres of land.

You’ll get to see some sound stages and famous sets.

Just make sure you reserve a tour spot in advance.

Address: 5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States

22. The Last Bookstore

The Last Bookstore is one of the top spots in Los Angeles for bibliophiles, and even if you’re not much of a reader, it’s hard to deny that visiting here is one of the more cool things to do while you’re in LA.

The bookshop is housed in a large building that was once a bank and you can see remnants of the atrium in high ceilings and pillars of marble.

Books in the Last Bookstore are mostly used or vintage, all well-kept, and relatively reasonably priced.

Bookshelves are intentionally disheveled in appearance, placed haphazardly throughout the store, while sculptures made from damaged books add decorative charm.

None of the books are clearly organized, inspiring visitors to go deep-diving for treasure.

If you explore enough, you’ll have fun discovering all the hidden spots in the shop that host even more books.

Address: 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

23. Grand Central Market

The Grand Central Market of Los Angeles, California is known as one of the best local tourist spots for foodies.

Located in downtown LA, it’s visited by a mix of guests and locals who browse through stalls offering delicious foods from all sorts of cuisines in an open layout with high ceilings that provide a spacious atmosphere.

Grand Central Market opened its doors more than a century ago in 1917, offering a wide range of food from snacks to meals, with selections from different cultures to tantalize the tastebuds.

The liveliness makes for an exciting experience, even if you’re just there to sample a few quick goodies.

Address: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

24. Los Angeles City Hall

The Los Angeles City Hall has been a strong symbol of downtown LA since the year 1928.

As an icon of the city, it’s a must-see for anyone seeking activities within the city.

The City Hall rests in a tall tower of white concrete that offers impressive views of the city from its observation deck on the 27th floor.

There is also an Olympic torch from 1984 near one of the exits.

The Civic Center is only open during public hours, so if you aim to catch a bird’s eye view of the city through the observation deck, make sure you’re going at the right time.

Even if it takes a bit of scheduling, it’s well worth it for the free panorama!

Address: 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

25. The Ennis House

A gem of design and architecture, the Ennis House has been a staple for small and big screen productions for years.

You may have seen it in the House on Haunted Hell, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Day of the Locust, and it served additionally as inspiration for the apartment used by the main character Rick Deckard in Blade Runner.

The Ennis House, which has been a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument since 1976, suffered quite a bit from bad weather and natural disasters, but renovations have made it stable and popular again.

It was designed by the one and only Frank Lloyd Wright for Charles and Mable Ennis, with construction completed in 1924.

The house is one of a series known to California as the textile block designs, with a Mayan Revival style that grabs the eye quickly from the best spot in the Los Feliz Hills.

The home is technically a private residence and it isn’t open to the public often, but if you’re lucky, you’ll get there at a time when its current owners allow tourists to take a spin through the inside.

Address: 2607 Glendower Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

26. Watts Towers

The Watts Towers consist of 17 structures, all interconnected, with the main places of interest among the collection being two that are taller than 99 feet in height.

The structures were put together by a construction worker and Italian Immigrant named Sabato Rodia, who used his free time to slowly build the Watts Towers over 33 years.

Part of the reason that the Watts Towers are popular locations for what to do in Los Angeles is because of their display of non-traditional vernacular architecture, with armatures made from steel rods and pipes, wire mesh, and a mortar coating.

Each tower is supported by frames dotted with tile, glass, and porcelain pieces, and the rest of the towers are littered with decorations of scrap metal, seashells, bed frames, bottles, and ceramic tiles.

Most interestingly, the towers were referred to as Nuestro Pueblo “our town” by Rodia, and he made them without any pre-planned design pattern or special equipment.

He used only tools used by window washers as well as hand equipment, and he used scrap material from his workplace, Malibu Pottery, to decorate it.

Since February 2018, the Watts Towers have been undergoing conservation and restoration efforts, meaning they are closed most of the time.

However, there are guided tours of the perimeter surrounding it, so check out the available times to book a spot.

Address: 1727 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002, United States

27. OUE Skyspace LA Skyslide

There are fewer ways more fun and exhilarating to get a good view of this city of California than the OUE Skyspace LA Skyslide.

Located on the US Bank Tower, the Skyslide sits on the 70th floor, a thousand or so feet above the solid ground of the city below.

The slide, accessible via a ticket, joins an observation deck and a restaurant called 71Above in drawing visitors that seek the entertainment of an adrenaline rush.

The Skyslide only lasts about 5 seconds, bringing you down from the 70th to the 69th floor, and though it sounds extremely frightening, it can actually feel much more exciting than that.

It’s one of those places to visit to reserve for evenings or sunsets since the fog of the morning can somewhat obscure the wonderful view.

Address: 633 W 5th St #840, Los Angeles, CA 90071, United States

28. Underground Tunnels

The Underground Tunnels were once the coolest part of LA during the years of the prohibition laws.

Spanning 11 miles, these service tunnels led into the basements of fun places like bars, speakeasies, and clubs, which all had unassuming fronts to prevent the suspicion of law enforcement.

Now, though much less traveled, traipsing through the Underground Tunnels is still an exciting experience and one to add to your list of activities.

To get to the tunnels, head behind Temple Streets’ Hall of Records and search for an elevator.

The lift will bring you underground to a world filled with rusty machines, street art, and graffiti, iron gates that keep you away from unsafe spots, and of course, a way into the basement of the extremely famous 1900s King Eddy Saloon that still runs till this day.

Technically speaking, the Underground Tunnels aren’t officially open to the public.

But that doesn’t mean they’re not used for film shoots, as shortcuts by locals, or even as a place to exercise.

Address: 320 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

29. Temescal Gateway Park

The Temescal Gateway Park is a Santa Monica Mountains park not far from Los Angeles, California.

It’s a popular place to take in some relaxing and invigorating sights, and the fact that it doesn’t draw a huge number of guests means it’s the right amount of populated and quiet for those seeking a little reverie from the hustle and bustle of LA.

The park provides multiple oceanside views, multiple terrain types, and a good variety of flora.

It’s a great place to bring a dog for a walk, too.

The views don’t stop at all, even all the way towards the Valley, though most wouldn’t recommend traveling that far in!

Address: 15601 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, United States

30. Bronson Cave

Looking for another one of the fun things to do in LA related to Hollywood and the big screen? Bronson Cave is where it’s at – one of the best places to head to in Los Angeles, California for a taste of the mysterious, yet most-talked about places in the US.

Bronson Cave sits in the large wilderness of Griffith Park and, like the rest of the park, it has been used as a movie set many, many times.

Just visit it once and you’ll easily be able to identify it in many a show or movie, including the Batman series of the 1960s, where it served as the Bat Cave.

Interestingly, Bronson Cave is not a cave at all.

It’s a small tunnel into a hill that is filmed at an angle to provide the illusion of a hidden cavern with a dark interior.

Despite the fact that it’s no longer used for bigger budget movies, it’s still a popular filming location.

Address: 3200 Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

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31. Lake Hollywood Park

Lake Hollywood Park is known for being the best of the Los Angeles attractions to get a picture of the iconic Hollywood sign at an up-close angle.

As a fun, dog-friendly spot, as many pets as people can often be found here.

There are two hiking paths that are most commonly trekked at this LA, California park.

One brings you to explore the park’s reservoir while the other leads up to the back of the Hollywood Sign, which we talked about earlier.

It’s open all the time, so whether you plan to go now, tomorrow, or far in the future, you’ll have no trouble getting in!

Address: 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

32. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

Spanning 58,000 square feet, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is a marvel of beautiful design courtesy of Rafael Moneo, a Spanish architect.

The complex is often referred to simply as the Los Angeles Cathedral and originally started in 2002, when it replaced the earthquake-damaged Cathedral of Saint Vibiana.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is a monument to LA’s patron saint and a Roman martyr from the third century, Saint Vibiana.

The style of the cathedral is rather unorthodox, with a mix of right angles creating a fortress-like appearance and a postmodern style that seems contrary to its religious roots.

In fact, at first, it was widely criticized for being created in such a style.

Still, through the controversy over design choice and cost, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels was built as planned.

Centered on the themes of “journey” and “light”, the aesthetic of the structure is certainly one to behold, so if you’re a design geek looking for what to do in the city, definitely take a trip here.

The wooden ambo, the Spanish alabaster windows, the Rosso Laguna marble table, and the exact 333-foot length make for interesting aspects of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Address: 555 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

33. Venice Beach

There is no way you can go to Los Angeles, California without going to one of its very best tourist attractions: Venice Beach.

The beach is modeled after the real Venice in Italy and was completed in the early years of the 20th century.

Sure, it doesn’t really feel like you’re being whisked away from LA to Italy, but the spirit and aesthetic of the beach is not one to miss.

Mansions, trendy shops, and fine eateries line Venice Beach, providing a touch of the opulent to what was meant to be whimsical.

The boardwalk is arguably its most popular feature, and plenty of eccentric visitors and beach guests make for great people watching.

Though not exactly perfect for swimming, Venice Beach is great for sunbathing, and as it’s open 24 hours a day, it’s always waiting for you.

Address: Los Angeles, CA 90291, United States

34. Echo Park Time Travel Mart

The Echo Park Time Travel Mart is a very fun and unique store in LA.

Made by the same company that brought Brooklyn its Superhero Supply shop and San Francisco its Pirate Supply store, the Echo Park Time Travel Mart is one of the best eccentric locations in Los Angeles, especially for families.

The mart sells all sorts of wacky and fake relics from the past and future, ranging from Michael Jordan pogs to Barbarian Repellent, and from Robot Emotions to dinosaur eggs, visiting and exploring is a must-do if you’re into the strange and silly.

Aside from being a funky store, the Echo Park Time Travel Mart is also a literary tutoring center.

Approximately twenty to thirty students arrive every day to receive lessons on expository and creative writing – and that tutoring is a non-profit venture, too!

The shop’s proceeds also all go to that non-profit group’s tutoring and its other ventures.

Address: 1714 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States

35. Barnsdall Art Park

If you love art, a trip to the Barnsdall Art Park is one of the top things to do in Los Angeles, California.

The park is located on East Hollywood and is usually quiet, making it a fun hidden gem to unearth while you’re in LA.

The secluded park is well-maintained and modern, housing a theater, art galleries, and even historic buildings for you to peruse.

One of the most loved houses on display here is Frank Lloyd Wright’s first Los Angeles project, the Hollyhock House, which was built for Aline Barnsdall, an oil heiress who donated the home to the city when she wound up never using it.

At the Barnsdall Art Park, you can also find the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre and the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery.

Both house contemporary art in all its forms.

If you’re not seeking that sort of activity, you can simply walk around the park or have a picnic there.

Address: 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

36. California Institute of AbnormalArts

The California Institute of AbnormalArts is one of the more unusual points of interest in LA, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t top your list.

The events held here are ones commonly referred to as freakshows, consisting of odd musical performances, indescribable live events, and bizarre sideshows.

One of the more interesting draws at the Institute of AbnormalArts is Achile Chatouilleu, a mummified clown still wearing his makeup and costume, lying in a sealed glass coffin.

Other fascinating but morbid exhibits involve bones, body parts (some petrified), man-eating monsters, signs from circuses, and horror movie clips.

That’s why this is one of the unusual places to visit in LA for anyone who likes a little oddity in their life.

Address: 11334 Burbank Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91601, United States

37. Phantasma Gloria

Randyland is a home located in Echo Park, and in front of that home sits the Phantasma Gloria.

The Phantasma Gloria is a piece of modern sculpture art that casts a beautiful spectrum of colors in a fun kaleidoscope of vibrancy and wonder.

The sculpture was made by Randlett Lawrence, simply called Randy, and it’s a bit of a hidden gem as far as places to go in the city of Los Angeles, California are considered.

Using a litany of glass bottles, colored water, and wire, Randy set to work putting together this rainbow.

In the mornings, the refraction of the sunlight from the bottles causes glowing brilliant pinwheels of color, and inside each bottle, you’ll see patterns that appear as dolphins.

Randy is still working on the Phantasma Gloria to this day, always adding in new parts and making changes as he sees fit.

If you’re lucky, you might get to meet the man himself – who is very passionate and excitable about his work – this weekend during your visit.

Do note that he only holds tours on said weekends at certain times.

Address: 1646 Lemoyne St, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States

38. Silver Lake Staircases

Silver Lake is full of public stairways across its hillsides, and believe it or not, they make for some pretty fun activities for sightseeing in the LA area.

The stairway network spans 2.5 miles and is legally open to the public, though some homeowners try to block some of them off.

These outdoor stairways are great workouts for the fitness-minded, but they’re also beautiful and worth viewing for their aesthetics, too.

The Music Box Steps, made famous by Laurel and Hardy, and the Micheltorena Stairs are some of the more popular, picture-friendly ones you’ll find in your explorations.

39. The Sunken City

If you’re in the Los Angeles area and willing to head over to San Pedro for some site seeing, check out the Sunken City.

A landslide that took place here, not far from LA, in 1929 led to a whole neighborhood falling into the ocean, with breakneck speeds of 11 inches per day of land movement measured at its worst.

This led to some of Point Fermin Park succumbing to the waves, too.

Locals now call this place the Sunken City.

Foundations of houses, splintered and broken, litter the vicinity, alongside streetcar tracks long since left abandoned, sidewalks twisted and buckled, and streets that see no traffic.

The roads surrounding it are popular for hiking and it has been used in movies and shows.

However, do note that you should not enter the Sunken City itself.

The ruins are extremely dangerous and trespassing is forbidden.

Address: Paseo Del Mar, Los Angeles, CA 90731, United States

40. Petersen Automotive Museum and Vault

Taking a trip to the Petersen Automotive Museum is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles for car enthusiasts.

The fun museum was founded by Robert E. Peterson, a publisher, and opened in 1994 on Museum Row in LA.

A recent makeover has created a rather impressive transformation in the museum.

Its building is now decorated with a ribbon formation created by a stainless steel shell weighing 100 tons.

Within that building are 25 galleries of automobiles, carefully arranged against backdrops of vivid color and scenery.

Some of the most famous cars here are the 1958 Plymouth Fury “Christine”, the 1915 Detroit Electric Model 61 Brougham, and the 1987 Mana La, which is solar-powered.

But there’s something a little more special at the Petersen Automotive Museum: The Vault.

It costs extra to enter but is a real treat, having only opened to the public in 2012.

It contains more than 250 different vehicles, including many owned by celebrities, from across the globe over 120 years.

The collection includes Steve McQueen’s 1957 Jaguar, Saddam Hussein’s Mercedes-Benz, and even the golf cart of President Clinton.

Address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States

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41. Autry Museum of the American West

If the name of the Autry Museum of the American West rings a bell, it’s because its founder is Gene Autry, better known as the famous Singing Cowboy.

The museum was opened in 1988 as a dedication to Western America’s history and culture, meaning it speaks not just of LA or California, but all of the west.

The museum is located in Griffith Park, carefully held in a mission-type building.

Seven galleries span throughout the ground floor and lower floor that make up the permanent exhibit.

This exhibit essentially lays out a timeline of the West’s history, from its prehistoric ages, to the times of French missionaries and Spanish conquistadors, and even up to the 20th century.

A more fun exhibit lies in the Autry Museum of the American West’s firearm collection, which is already quite large but is still growing.

It holds the personal items and the weapons of people like Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, and Belle Starr.

There is also the Colt Gallery, focused on Samuel Colt and his revolvers, and the Journeys Gallery, which discusses advancements in Western transportation.

Whether you’re interested in history or not, the Autry Museum of the American West is one of the Los Angeles attractions well worth a trip.

Address: Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

42. Two Bit Circus Micro-Amusement Park

The Two Bit Circus Micro-Amusement Park is a great way to get some entertainment in downtown LA without the need for exotic animals, pitching large striped tents, or watching trapeze artists perform daring and dangerous acts.

Rather, it is a unique park that is designed to provide unique experiences to its visitors through the use of immersive technology.

Lounges, games, escape rooms, interactive performances, food, and more lie in wait for you here, whisking you away from the world of Los Angeles and placing you in realms of fantasy and excitement.

You’re spoiled for choice in terms of what to see.

For example, at the Midway, you can play carnival games that have been modernized through the wonders of virtual reality.

Despite its advancements and modernity, there’s a sense of nostalgia about the Two Bit Circus Micro-Amusement Park.

It’s a good throwback to the games of the 80s and a good balance between the world of the old and the new.

While it may not be the most suitable attraction for very young children, it can be a good deal of excitement for the whole family.

Address: 634 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90021, United States

43. Garden of Oz

The Garden of Oz was never intended to blossom as it is now.

When Gail Cottman, a Los Angeles, California resident, purchased the plot of land that would go on to become one of the city’s top hidden gems, she originally planned only to grow some roses in it.

But her 1991 plan grew into something far beyond a simple patch of flowers!

Cottman hired a man named Manuel Rodriguez as her contractor to build her rose garden.

When the roses were placed among cement, Rodriguez thought the dullness needed some brightening, so he decorated it with beads and tiles.

Cottman, upon seeing his creativity, was reminded of the Wizard of Oz, which was one of her personal favorite films.

This is where she got the inspiration to transform the garden from just roses to a fun and enchanting Land of Oz.

If you are to visit the Garden of Oz, you’ll find a path of yellow tiles (the Yellow Brick Road, of course) winding through flora of all kinds.

A mailbox allows you to send letters to Oz, a Wall of Toys provides a touch of the fun and childlike, and a crystal ball adds more whimsy and mysticism to this already magical place.

Thrones are also scattered throughout the garden, and each one is dedicated to certain famous real and fictional figures, such as Elvis Presley, Rosa Parks, and Dorothy herself.

When we say the Garden of Oz is a hidden gem, we mean it isn’t really one of the city’s tourist attractions.

It is usually not open to the public – though local kids of the neighborhood have the keys! – so you’d have to visit it from the outside.

Even viewing it from the street, though, is quite a treat already.

Address: 3040 Ledgewood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

44. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Deemed as one of the most beautiful places to visit in the US, the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is located on the Westside of Los Angeles.

It is perhaps most known among more energetic activities, as there are 282 steps of stairs in a steep configuration.

To get to the overlook, you have to climb them.

Though it is a tiring endeavor, getting to the overlook after all those steps rewards you with must-see views of downtown LA’s skyline and the ocean, one on each side respectively.

The view stretches all around and a long bench allows you to sit and relax as you take in the beauty of it all.

Address: 6050 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, United States

45. Bradbury Building

The Bradbury Building has a rather unusual backstory: it may never have come to be if not for the use of an Ouija board.

Lewis L. Bradbury, a man who had found success and riches in mining in California, only wanted the very best man to bring to life his dreams of an indulgent building of five stories.

That man, he decided, was George Wyman, who absolutely refused to take the project on.

He only agreed after using a planchette board to speak to his brother, who assured him through the board that this project would be extremely successful.

The impressive and rather regal structure is inspired in large part by a sci-fi novel by Edward Bellamy called Looking Backward, which pictures a utopian society.

Interestingly, the building is not particularly memorable from the outside, but as soon as you enter, you’ll see why it’s among the surefire places to visit in Los Angeles.

The interior of the Bradbury Building features a large courtyard that is breathtaking to behold, making use of natural light and multiple intricate details to relay a vision of magnificence.

It has been used in popular culture and films, including in Blade Runner; there’s something about it that works well with the realm of science fiction.

You’ll have to see it for yourself to understand!

Address: 304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

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46. Valley Relics Museum

The Valley Relics Museum was founded by one person alone: native Los Angeles resident Tommy Gelinas.

He curates the items found within this treasure of a location and has turned it into one of the best non-profit places of interest in LA.

The place is completely packed with exhibits and showcases, even hanging from the ceiling.

The mission of the Valley Relics Museum is fairly simple: to tell the stories of those who helped build this city and its state into what it is today, as well as how this region helped with the overall development of the country.

Pop ephemera of all kinds, including signages, vintage bikes, restaurant menus, yearbooks, and more, preserve the tales of those who came before.

Address: 7900 Balboa Blvd. C3 & C4 Entrance on, Stagg St, Van Nuys, CA 91406, United States

47. Santa Monica Farmers Market

The Santa Monica Farmers Market near LA, California is one of the most reputable shopping locations in the general vicinity.

Open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the farmers market covers multiple blocks and is completely packed with all sorts of fun goodies and fresh produce.

Each booth is run by a local farm that specializes in something different.

With so many parts of the market and places to see, you’re sure to find something that entices you to purchase it.

Emu eggs, black truffles, sea urchin, and bergamot are among the more exotic offerings up for grabs.

Address: 2640 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States

48. Philosophical Research Society

Los Angeles has always been a center for the spiritual, the occult, and the mystic.

That might be why the Philosophical Research Society was formed in 1934.

As far as research facilities go, it’s undoubtedly one of the coolest you’ll find, and it’s the best way to get a glimpse into LA’s paranormal roots.

The Philosophical Research Society’s library contains a ton of information regarding rare and unusual philosophies, spiritualities, and religions.

Events and classes give guests a chance to find out more about the esoteric arts, too, so though it is a non-circulating library, you’ll never leave without some food for thought.

Address: 3910 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

49. Greystone Mansion

Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills is one of many famous LA, California estates, and it’s one to add to your bucket list of activities if you’re into a mix of history and architecture.

Designed by Hoover Dam architect Gordon Kaufmann, the mansion is rich and luxurious and, at the time it was finished, was the most expensive house to ever be built in Los Angeles and the surrounding state.

The home was purchased by Edward Doheny, the controversial oil tycoon, for his son and his family as a gift in 1928.

Just four months after they moved in, tragedy struck and that same son and his secretary were both found dead from gunshots, supposedly having shot each other for reasons that remain a mystery to this day.

The mansion was then donated by Edward Doheny to the city.

Greystone Mansion then became a National Register of Historic Places entry.

It’s been used in multiple different shows and movies, including MacGuyver, The Big Lebowski, and Gilmore Girls.

Unfortunately, visitors can’t go into the home, but they can freely tour its surroundings.

Address: 905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, United States

50. The Old, Abandoned Zoo of Griffith Park

If you’re seeking fun things to do in LA that don’t fall within the realm of traditional sightseeing, you’d be surprised to know that one such spot can be found right in Los Angeles’ famous Griffith Park.

Little remains of 1912’s first Los Angeles Zoo.

It opened with only 15 animals, with more enclosures built a couple of decades later.

The zoo wound up closing in 1966 with the opening of the new city zoo, and all of its remnants still live on in a silent part of Griffith Park.

The former enclosures are now fitted with facilities like grills and benches.

You can sit here for a picnic or walk up the trail to see where the lions’ den once was.

It’s hard to find this place with how large Griffith Park is, but if you stumble upon it, you’ll be glad that you did.

Address: 4801 Griffith Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

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51. Japanese American National Museum

The Japanese American National Museum isn’t just the largest museum of its kind in California but in all of America.

It showcases the history of Japanese-American life and culture, with textiles, artifacts, photos, art, and even footage that retain the wealth of the past.

The museum’s permanent exhibition proves why it’s one of many fantastic LA attractions.

Common Ground: The Heart of Community discusses the experience of Japanese-Americans, dating back to the very first Japanese immigrants in the 1800s.

Documents, oral history, and objects help preserve the life behind these stories.

Meanwhile, temporary exhibits are often fun and exciting, and if you’re lucky enough to catch one this weekend, you may be treated to toy showcases or similar exhibitions.

Address: 100 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

52. Galco’s Soda Pop Stop

A trip to Galco’s Soda Pop Stop can easily be considered one of the most unique things to do in LA.

With big soda brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Fanta taking control of most of the industry, it’s hard to find anything without their names.

Back in the old days, small independent soda makers were commonplace, and that’s a past that Galco’s Soda Pop Stop very much preserves within its walls.

The store is chock full of soda brands from all across the country and even from other countries.

Much of its stock is obscure, with forgotten brands and rare imported products with little-known flavors.

If you won’t be in Los Angeles, you can still sample some goodies from the store thanks to an online shop!

Address: 5702 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042, United States

53. Necromance

Necromance is one of LA’s most unorthodox points of interest for those with a fascination with the morbid and odd.

The oddities in here are mostly one-of-a-kind, and many times, the items you see there will be gone the next time you return.

At its core, Necromance is a shop that sells oddities of zoological, medical, and even creepy varieties.

Bone saws, stuffed animals, preserved skeletons or insects, glass eyes, and more are among the unique antiques you can see here.

There are also strange postcards you can’t find anywhere else in Los Angeles which make for great gifts.

Address: 7220 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States

54. Holyland Exhibition

The Holyland Exhibition is one of the best smaller things to see in Los Angeles, California – and it truly is small!

The man behind this fun little museum’s creation is Antonia F. Futterer, who is widely regarded as the inspiration for Indiana Jones.

Futterer became ill in the 1900s and had prayers for recovery answered, which led to his strong belief in Christianity.

In 1926, Futterer’s faith led him to make multiple trips to the Holy Land, and this eventually evolved into his goal of finding the Ark of the Covenant.

While he never succeeded in that venture, he did wind up accumulating a rather impressive collection of Christian artifacts from across the world.

Lack of storage led to Futterer’s decision to found the small museum.

Though the Holyland Exhibition has only five rooms, each room is worth it.

You’ll be able to see artifacts dating back as far as 5,000 years, ranging from jewelry to tapestries and from a sarcophagus to mundane oil lamps and bottles.

If you visit the museum, you’ll be treated to complementary Mandel bread, a grape drink, and Damascan apricot fruit leather.

You might even feel like you’re no longer in Los Angeles at all!

Address: 2213 Lake View Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039, United States

55. Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine

With the rich neighborhood of the Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, the ten-acre Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine hosts its campus.

The shrine is designated as a natural destination for spiritual enlightenment.

Many celebrities have come here, too, to seek their own break from LA and the world around it.

Paramahansa Yogananda, a famous yogi, founded the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine in 1950.

A mix of green gardens and a serene lake give people a chance to take a break from the sometimes-fun, sometimes-stressful bustle of the city right outside.

Some structures also live on shrine grounds, including an inclusive monument of multiple religions, a tomb of Mahatma Gandhi that is home to some of his ashes, and a windmill that has been turned into a chapel.

Address: 17190 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, United States

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56. Rosenheim Mansion

The Rosenheim Mansion was built by Alfred Rosenheim shortly after his move from St. Louis to LA, California.

It sits atop a hill in Los Angeles’ Country Club Park on a street most refer to as Billionaire Row.

The mansion is one of many places used abundantly in Hollywood productions.

Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Law & Order: SVU, American Horror Story, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Bones have all shot here.

If you tour the building, you’ll get the fun experience of recognizing its key features from the shows you’ve watched: Italian brickwork, exotic wood, a gold-leaf ceiling, Tiffany stained glass, a solarium, and a semi-circular library, among others.

Address: 1120 Westchester Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90019, United States

57. Battleship Iowa Museum

The Battleship Iowa Museum is located close to LA’s port and is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles, California for families.

As its name suggests, it is a huge battleship that gives you a glimpse into what life is like at sea.

Each admission ticket comes with a self-guided tour and a free, fun scavenger hunt for kids.

An additional fee lets you in on a guided tour that showcases the ship’s engine room, Combat Engagement Center, and boiler room.

Don’t forget to check out the 16-inch guns on the ship; they’re quite impressive and will remind you of the perils that Los Angeles was once prepared to face.

Address: 250 S Harbor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90731, United States

58. The Magic Castle

The Magic Castle is one of the more interesting and surreal of LA attractions, an intersection between magic as an artform of sleight of hand and magic as a paranormal source of supernatural ability.

The combination and middle ground of these two activities make the Magic Castle what it is.

It’s worth noting that The Magic Castle is exclusively open only to magician members and associate members of the Academy of Magical Arts, and their guests, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth seeing, even if just from the outside.

The huge castle is impossible to miss when you drive by, even among all the other great Los Angeles, California structures.

If you do get to enter as a visitor, you’ll be able to enjoy good meals and drinks – that is, if you can get past the foyer and through the hidden entry!

If you do make it inside, there are plenty of performances with high production value and impressive magician talent that are a real treat to be an audience to.

Address: 7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States

59. The Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art, or MOCA for short, is a museum featuring the most impressive collection of art of its kind in Los Angeles, California.

Its permanent collection houses 6,000 pieces and its temporary, rotating exhibits are packed with fun and exciting works from all sorts of artists of varying levels of experience and renown.

MOCA has a bit of an intellectual air to it but still provides accessible entertainment to many.

It technically consists of three separate buildings stretched across the city of LA, which gives you plenty to do in terms of where to go.

The guided tours are great for some extra knowledge, the gift shop provides awesome souvenirs and presents, and even the café can be worth stopping by if you like lemonade.

Address: 250 South Grand Avenue; Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States

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60. The Museum of Jurassic Technology

The Museum of Jurassic Technology is one of those tourist attractions that you can’t even get near to explaining well until you actually see it for yourself.

The museum doesn’t consider itself so much as an educational resource as a “spot dedicated to the muses”, according to its brochure.

Essentially, The Museum of Jurassic Technology prides itself on sticking to the original meaning of the word “museum” – a place that lets the mind wander and ponder as it muses.

Its collection of exhibits is the most eclectic you’ll find in Los Angeles, California.

Some of the most interesting showcases in the museum are the Garden of Eden on Wheels, which is a micro-sculpture diorama exhibiting trailer park culture that is viewed through the eye of a needle, and the works of Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher.

Don’t expect to get much sense out of this LA museum – it’s all confusing, and that’s what makes it so good!

Address: 9341 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, United States

61. Mosaic Tile House

We all know how loved Venice Beach is in LA, California, but in that very spot is a rather interesting home known as the Mosaic Tile House.

It’s a must-see for anyone who wants to get a true taste of Venice and be transported away from the city, just for a little while.

The building is a hidden gem and is technically still in progress.

Throughout the house, mosaic tiles in vivid colors provide a kaleidoscope of stunning colors that are a real treat to see.

The home is designed by locals Gonzalo Duran and Cheri Pann, who originally just began their design efforts with the goal of installing unique bathroom tiles over a weekend.

That soon grew into a twenty-year continual effort to add more tiles and beautiful paintings to the home.

Pann, an oil painter, is responsible for creating the original art for the tiles, while Duran breaks them and fixes them across the home.

They’re still working on filling the whole house.

It’s only open to the public for 3 hours on Saturdays, and reservations are typically recommended.

Address: 1116 Palms Blvd, Venice, CA 90291, United States

62. Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn

Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn was built behind the great man’s home in 1950 to be a place for Disney to simply relax and think creative thoughts.

It was a station house at first, designed to hold a mini railroad despite looking just like a barn from outside.

Disney spent hours in here with his fellow creatives, dreaming up all sorts of ideas.

Eventually, Disney left the LA home and moved on.

His daughter eventually saved the barn and had it and the miniature railroad within given to the Los Angeles Live Streamers, who have a Griffith Park rail museum and set up the track and rail there.

Meanwhile, Carolwood Barn remains in this corner of California and is one of the most fun and almost whimsical places to visit in Los Angeles.

It is a small museum now and guests can see it just as Disney left it!

Address: 5202 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

63. Chicken Boy

It’s hard to believe that such an oddball statue is considered the Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles, but Chicken Boy has become one of the best draws for tourists who like a little strangeness in their adventures.

Chicken Boy is a figure made of fiberglass that stands 22 feet tall in a location along Route 66 – also one of the city’s famous places – on the Future Studio Gallery.

Chicken Boy was originally designed as a part of the Muffler Men lineup of mascots but then became a fried chicken restaurant mascot.

If you don’t know, the Muffler Men were customized statues that once filled Mother Road.

After the Chicken Boy restaurant shut its doors in 1984, Amy Inouye, a local artist, saved the statue from being tossed out and fought to gain custody of it.

She tried to find it a new home, but the task proved difficult, and Chicken Boy stayed in storage for a whopping twenty years or so.

Finally, in 2007, it was finally set up on Future Studio Gallery’s rooftop, and Chicken Boy has become so popular that he even has a birthday (September 1) and is considered an essential part of the city.

Address: 5558 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042, United States

64. Museum of Tolerance

The Museum of Tolerance isn’t exactly a fun place, but for those seeking to educate themselves on prejudice and injustice – especially surrounding the Holocaust – this is one of the places to see in the city of Los Angeles, California that shouldn’t be missed.

The museum first opened in 1993 through the efforts of human rights group Simon Wiesenthal Center.

It not only seeks to provide awareness regarding the Holocaust but also human rights concerns in Cambodia and Latin America.

If you’re not in or even near LA, though, it has an associated museum all the way in New York, too.

Address: 9786 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035, United States

65. Box Canyon

Box Canyon is very narrow and very small, with only two ways in.

On its own, it’s never been more than a fun little Los Angeles getaway for a tiny and still relaxing adventure.

But with a little historical context, it becomes one of the best and most fascinating sites to visit in the city.

Why? Well, it is here that a doomsday cult was formed.

The Fountain of the World was a cult set up in 1948 by Francis Pencovic.

The man believed he was from an alien planet called Neophrates and claimed to be Christ’s second coming.

He purchased land in Box Canyon to build a monastery across 25 acres of land, with multiple dorms for approximately one hundred followers.

The cult started to gain positive fame when they fought wildfires in the place, though the internal preachings were anything but of peace.

Pencovic was killed in 1958 when two men, seeking revenge on him after their wives joined him, blew up the monastery with 20 dynamite sticks.

The cult attempted to carry on without its leader but eventually, it died away in the 1980s, leaving a strange legacy that draws visitors to Box Canyon, Los Angeles year after year.

Address: Los Angeles, CA 91311, United States

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66. Bob Baker Marionette Theater

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is one of California’s longest-running theaters for puppetry.

The theater is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural landmark that makes for a fantastic visit to check off your bucket list.

The theater is named after one of its founders and an iconic part of puppeteer history: Bob Baker, who performed and helped other puppet performers for more than seven decades.

He was a key figurehead in the push for unions for puppet performers and the marionette theater was used for training for up-and-coming performers.

Baker had quite a prolific list of credits, as well, with his work being featured in Star Trek, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Bewitched, and even A Star Is Born.

If you plan to catch a show at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater this weekend, you’ll be able to sit in a shoebox theater that seats 200 people and spend slightly over an hour watching performances from puppeteer students.

After each show, kids are given free vanilla ice cream!

Address: 4949 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042, United States

67. Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to do in Los Angeles, look no further than the odd and extremely biased Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum.

The museum is run by the Church of Scientology-funded Citizens Commission on Human Rights, which is the reason behind the museum’s absolutely dismal perspective of the field of psychiatry.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the Church of Scientology’s view on psychiatry, they essentially believe that psychiatry is a form of abuse to human beings.

In fact, members of the church are often forced to sign contracts that they will deny all psychiatric care no matter what.

So, if Scientology is so opposed to psychiatry, why did they make a museum on the subject?

Well, they did so to expose the “evils” of psychiatry and the more questionable portions of its history.

The museum gives visitors vivid tours of the worst that the mental health world ever had to offer, such as insane asylums, lobotomies, excessive drug usage, straight jackets, and shock therapy.

As long as you’re willing to take what you see here with a grain of salt and remember the bias of the curators, it can be pretty fun to view the museum, especially for those with a love of the morbid.

It’s one of the best things to do in LA if you love the strange and eerie!

Address: 6616 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, United States

68. Pacific Park

Pacific Park is a pier amusement park, making it the only one of its kind not just in Los Angeles, California, but throughout all of America.

Completely free to the public, it’s a great, low-cost way to have fun among exciting LA attractions.

The theme park first opened in the 1910s and, after closing a few times, was fully brought to glory in the 1990s.

It is relatively small, boasting only 12 rides, but that doesn’t stop its fame due to its free entry and the fact that it has appeared in TV shows, movies, and even video games.

To ride the rides at Pacific Park, you pay to enter individual attractions.

Don’t miss out on the Pacific Wheel, which is the only Ferris wheel on the planet to be powered by solar energy.

Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

69. Hauser & Wirth

In a building that was once an industrial mill for flour, Hauser & Wirth now lives in the Arts District of LA as an oasis of modern art, books, and gardens.

A great restaurant onsite, a gallery, and a bookstore all make up the best of the stuff to do at this location.

Hauser & Wirth first opened its doors in 1992 and has grown in popularity throughout Los Angeles ever since, allowing it to host workshops, performances, discussions and lectures, and screenings.

All sorts of exhibitions showcase famous works by interesting modern artists.

This is not Hauser & Wirth’s only location, either, as over 75 different estates across the globe share its name and its mission.

Address: 901-909 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States

Going on a road trip around California? Fret not! Here’s what to do in Santa Cruz & what to do in Santa Monica for a memorable trip!

70. Heritage Square Museum

Heritage Square Museum is an open-air museum situated among multiple Victorian-style structures that are some of LA’s hidden gems of tourist attractions.

Long before it was the bustling city it is known as now, Los Angeles had a much more elegant history.

The buildings of the museum consist of ones built between the 1850s and 1950s, showcasing a classy and sophisticated sense of style and architecture.

In the 1960s, the population boom of the city resulted in most historical buildings being demolished to make way for rapid urbanization.

Some still survive, mostly thanks to a nonprofit organization called the Cultural Heritage Foundation of Southern California.

They created the Heritage Square Museum to house the many architectural and historical parts of the city that would have otherwise been destroyed.

In terms of activities, one building you must check out in the museum is called the Hale House.

Its colors are shocking and almost an eyesore with orange and green paint, but that’s what makes it a great sight.

You can also check out a train depot, a house shaped like an octagon, and a carriage house.

In addition, you can opt to go on a tour, following guides dressed in period-appropriate clothing.

Address: 3800 Homer St, Los Angeles, CA 90031, United States

71. Descanso Gardens

If you’re a nature-lover looking for what to visit in Los Angeles, Descanso Gardens might be one of your best bets for something both laid back and interesting.

Once upon a time, Descanso Gardens was the estate of LA Daily News publisher E. Manchester Boddy – a man with a classic rags-to-riches story.

In his older years, he focused more on his horticultural passions, leading to the careful tending of the 150-acre gardens.

When he became too old to manage the gardens, he sold it as a botanical teaching garden.

Now, the Descanso Gardens is simply teeming with glorious flora.

Bucolic sculptures, designed to look like all manner of woodland creatures, dot the space across beautiful and lush greenery.

A small maze, only three feet high in its hedges, makes for a lot of fun for young kids while allowing adults to easily navigate their way through it.

The maze leads to lots of little surprises and the final reward in the middle of a seating location perfect for relaxing.

Address: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, United States

72. Angels Flight

The Angels Flight railway began operations in 1901 to bring travelers to their destination down or up Bunker Hill.

The distance only spanned 315 feet, but the incline was very steep, resulting in millions of people making use of its services and riding the 30-second ride up and down the hill.

It is widely considered the world’s shortest railway as well as, ironically, it’s most traveled.

In 1969, heavy commercialization in Los Angeles, California resulted in the railway being closed down and the trolley carts kept away.

Then, nearly three decades later in 1996, it was finally reopened at a different location, just south by half a block.

Things went well until 2001 when the train experienced a sudden malfunction that resulted in an accident that seriously injured passengers and was fatal to one.

This caused the railway to be closed by the National Transportation Safety Board, citing a design failure.

Eventually, Angels Flight reopened again in 2010, but not before derailment caused it to close in 2013 once more.

Vandals decorated it as time went on before the rail cars were finally restored one last time, opening in 2017.

If you’re looking for what to do in LA that’s fun and full of intriguing history, take a ride on Angels Flight!

Address: 350 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071, United States

Planning to visit other areas of California? Be sure to check out some of the top Big Bear attractions & some of the fun things to do in Pismo Beach!

Start Planning Your Trip To Los Angeles

Los Angeles is packed with popular places, and there’s always going to be a lot to do and many fun activities to try out.

Whether you’re heading to the city today, tomorrow, this weekend, this week, or somewhere farther into the future, you can be sure that LA is full of surprises.

Hopefully, this travel guide has shown you all the best spots for sightseeing and beyond that the City of Angels has to offer so you won’t miss out on the best things to do in LA, California.