Los Angeles is less a city than a collection of distinct communities spread across a sun-soaked basin — each with its own culture, architecture, and reason for being. Hollywood is the dream factory. Silver Lake is the indie music and coffee neighbourhood. Venice Beach is a genuine outdoor spectacle. The Westside is wealth and ocean. Downtown is architecture and street food. You can spend a week here and still feel like you've only seen one part.
The city's car culture is real — LA without a car is doable but limiting. With wheels, you can chase the best tacos from a truck in East LA, drive PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) to Malibu, hike to the Griffith Observatory for the city's best view, and still make a rooftop bar in Silver Lake by sunset.
Top Things to Do in Los Angeles
1. Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Hills
Landmarks & ViewsThe best free view of the Hollywood Sign and the LA basin is from the Griffith Observatory — hike up or drive. The observatory itself is an excellent science museum.
Tip: Hike the 3.2-mile Griffith Park trail from the Greek Theatre parking lot for the iconic Hollywood Sign approach.
2. The Getty Center
Museums & ArtA hilltop masterpiece of architecture housing one of the world's finest collections of European paintings, sculpture, and photographs. The gardens and views are extraordinary.
Tip: Free entry (parking $20). Go at opening time on a weekday morning.
3. Venice Beach Boardwalk
Beaches & CultureLA's most eccentric stretch of coastline — muscle beach, street performers, skate park, and food vendors at the water's edge. The Abbot Kinney neighbourhood just behind has great boutiques and cafes.
4. Hollywood Boulevard
LandmarksThe Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and Grauman's — touristy but genuinely atmospheric. The Dolby Theatre and Capitol Records building are nearby.
5. Santa Monica & the Pier
Beaches & FamilyThe most accessible of LA's beach communities from the city — the pier with its Pacific Park amusement rides, Palisades Park cliffs, and the Third Street Promenade.
6. LACMA & Museum Row
Museums & ArtThe Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western US, with a collection spanning 6,000 years. Chris Burden's Urban Light installation outside is a classic photo spot.
7. Grand Central Market & Downtown LA
Food & ArchitectureThe 1917 Grand Central Market has been revitalised into a world-class food hall. Combine with the Bradbury Building, Broadway theatres, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall nearby.
Where to Eat in Los Angeles
Tacos (from trucks)
LA's taco trucks are a city institution. Tacos Tamix, Mariscos 4 Vientos (seafood), and Guisados (stewed fillings) are local favourites.
Jon & Vinny's (Fairfax)
The hottest Italian-American restaurant in LA — pasta, pizza, and natural wines in a stylish room.
Republique (Hancock Park)
Weekend brunch at Republique is an LA pilgrimage — exceptional pastries, eggs, and coffee in a stunning 1920s building.
Sushi Gen (Little Tokyo)
Outstanding traditional sushi at lunch counter prices — expect a line, but it's worth it.
Day Trips from Los Angeles
Malibu & Pacific Coast Highway
Drive PCH north from Santa Monica past celebrity mansions, Zuma Beach, and the Getty Villa — one of California's great drives.
Joshua Tree National Park
About 2.5 hours east — otherworldly boulder landscapes and Joshua trees, excellent for stargazing.
Los Angeles Travel Tips
You need a car
LA's public transit is improving but the city is simply too sprawling for a car-free trip to be practical for most visitors. Rent one or budget liberally for Lyft/Uber.
Traffic is legendary
The 405 and 101 can turn a 10-mile trip into a 90-minute ordeal. Use Waze, avoid driving 7–10am and 4–7pm, and schedule accordingly.
Explore beyond Hollywood and the Westside
Silver Lake, Echo Park, East LA, Koreatown, and Little Ethiopia are where Angelenos actually eat and socialise — and they're far more interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Griffith Observatory and the hike to the Hollywood Sign view are free and provide the best possible perspective on the city. The Getty Center is also free entry (parking costs $20) and contains a world-class art collection.