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Art Lover’s Guide to LA

Visiting Los Angeles for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do


People cross a busy Los Angeles road during Golden Hour.
Hi, I'm Daniel!

Daniel Modlin is a writer and editor based out of Austin, TX, covering food, travel, and the environment. His work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, WIRED, Architectural Digest, and more. Follow his work on Twitter and Instagram.

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Hi, I'm Daniel!

Daniel Modlin is a writer and editor based out of Austin, TX, covering food, travel, and the environment. His work has been published in The Wall Street Journal, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, WIRED, Architectural Digest, and more. Follow his work on Twitter and Instagram.

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Los Angeles is synonymous with Hollywood, celebrity, and perfect weather. And while you’re all but guaranteed to catch a glimpse of a star (no matter how bright) and bask in the sun, LA has so much more to offer than the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the beach. (Though the beach is pretty great.) You can admire incredible architecture, visit museums, try dishes from around the world, and escape to the coast. Here are some great ways to enjoy your first visit to the City of Angels.

See the stars

Tourists on an open-air bus in Los Angeles.
Hop on an open-air bus and you may even catch a glimpse of your favorite star. | Photo Credit: Teal Thomsen / Viator

Is that J. Lo?

It’s undeniable, LA is home to the rich and famous, so whether you’re interested in the architecture of exquisite mansions, or hoping to see your favorite celebrity, a tour of the Hollywood Hills is your best bet. An open-air bus will allow you access to some of the hilliest parts of the city without walking (after all, nobody walks in LA). Tour the Hollywood Hills and check out the Walk of Fame while you’re in the neighborhood.

Explore LA bus tours

Grab a bite

People in a food store in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is known for its many diverse flavors. | Photo Credit: Teal Thomsen / Viator

Eat your way through LA.

When it comes to foodie cities, Los Angeles is right up there with New York. From indulging in tacos Downtown to drinking overpriced smoothies, there’s something for everyone in this city. Book a tour and head to some iconic spots featuring pastrami sandwiches, hot dogs, donuts, and plenty more, no reservations required (well, besides the tour itself).

Stroll the museums

People visiting La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles.
Visit La Brea tar pits to learn about life during the Ice Age. | Photo Credit: Sherry V Smith / Shutterstock

Admire art, architecture, and prehistoric sites.

Whether you go to the Getty, the Broad, LACMA, or all three, a day spent at LA’s museums is well worth it. Head to the Getty if you prefer older collections and great views, the Broad to see modern art, and LACMA for something encompassing the two. Of course, Los Angeles doesn't just have art museums—head to the La Brea tar pits and learn about life during the Ice Age, a great option if you’re traveling with children.

Go behind the scenes

People touring Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles.
Witness a movie scene by exploring the sets at Warner Bros. Studios. | Photo Credit: Dania Maxwell / Viator

It’s movie magic.

Visit the sets at Warner Bros. Studios or hit up the legendary tour at Universal Studios. With a VIP ticket to the latter, you’ll have the opportunity to go on a backlot tour where they actually shoot movies and TV shows. It only takes about 30 minutes, and then you’re in a theme park with movie-themed rides, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and plenty of shopping.

Explore LA movie tours

Hit Rodeo Drive

People shopping in Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is a mecca for designer shops. | Photo Credit: Dania Maxwell / Viator

For shopping and sightseeing.

If you didn’t bring an extra suitcase with you on a trip to LA, well … maybe you can buy one? It’s a great town for shopping, and any big-ticket spree should start on Rodeo Drive. With luxury stores for window shopping, and stars to be seen, this palm-laden avenue is perfect for a main-character moment.

Take a hike

People hiking in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is big on hiking culture. | Photo Credit: Dania Maxwell / Viator

Discover the landscape of LA.

Just because nobody walks in LA doesn’t mean locals don’t love to hike. After all, the city is encircled by mountains, which make for the perfect escape after eating or being stuck in traffic. Feel free to skip the hike behind the Hollywood sign, and go for one with a view of it. A hike up to the Griffith Observatory is an excellent option, complete with a Hollywood ending.

See the theme park of your dreams

Performers in Disneyland Park in Anaheim.
Plan a magical day trip to Disneyland Park. | Photo Credit: SincityLin / Tripadvisor

Let your inner kid run wild.

No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a visit to Disneyland® Park. Head up to the theme park and take in all the rides and adventures this magical place has to offer. There’s no way to squeeze everything into one day, but these tips and tours can give you an edge.

Explore the coast

Man snorkeling in the waters of Catalina Island.
Escape LA altogether and take a ferry to Catlina Island. | Photo Credit: Brent Barnes / Shutterstock

Get out of town.

Just because you’re visiting LA doesn’t mean you have to stay there. After all, the city is a sprawling landscape, and it’s difficult to know where it begins and ends. For a taste of the coast, try an express trip to Catalina Island or a day trip up to Santa Barbara to sip local wines. The bottom line: you can’t go wrong in SoCal.

Related: How Santa Barbara Became a Wine Town (and Where to Go Tasting)

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See all Los Angeles tours
663 tours & tickets
Things to do in Los Angeles
See all things to do in Los Angeles
Outside one of LA's modern art museums
Art Lover’s Guide to LA