Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Reality TV shows highlighting celebrity romps and the lives of the super-rich give a superficial glimpse of what it’s really like to work and play in Los Angeles. Locals know it as the West coast epicenter of creativity, diversity and inspiration.
You won’t have to look hard to stay entertained in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles has a plethora of hands-on activities and exciting places for the kiddos to explore. Here are some ideas:
If you’re looking for an offbeat LA experience, you don’t need to run for the hills — these thrills exist in the heart of the city:
Let loose and let the LA good times roll:
On a budget? Keep your cash with these free LA activities:
Newcomers could start with LA’s most popular stops and classic eats.
Few landmarks are as iconic as those nine block letters rooted above the Los Angeles skyline. See for yourself by hiking the Mt. Hollywood Trail in Griffith Park. The beginner-friendly three-mile loop is free to hike, and you’ll be rewarded with priceless views.
Take a guided hiking tour
Rent a pedal boat or walk the path around Echo Park Lake, a man-made oasis in the heart of La La Land. Grab a sandwich at Beacon and pay respects to the Lady of the Lake statue before taking it easy beneath the palms.
View LA tours and activities
Since 1917, this grand emporium has hosted local food, floral and craft vendors in the heart of DTLA. Shop delicacy groceries and fresh produce or fill your belly with hot ready-made fare. Sights and smells are free.
Go on an LA food tour
Open to everyone for free, Griffith Observatory sits on Mount Hollywood’s south slope and offers a planetarium, telescopes, and a breathtaking view of the Los Angeles basin.
Book a private tour of Griffith Observatory
The Getty, an art-lover’s oasis, has two locations to visit. See Van Gogh and Monet masterpieces, plus 20th century sculpture from Isamu Noguchi and Henry Moore. Admission to the Getty Center is free, though you’ll need to pay for parking.
And the Broad, founded in 2015, is packed with Insta-worthy contemporary art for an at times surreal and always stimulating experience. Admission is free.
Book a Getty Center tour
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping rides or a family-friendly day trip, Los Angeles’ amusement parks cater to big and little kids alike.
Universal Studios is a dream for movie buffs, while Disneyland offers a magical escape.
For the kids, head to Legoland. Or go seaside at Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier — admission is free.
Hollywood Bowl
Explore hundreds of restaurants and grocers at the Original Farmers Market. An LA fixture as historic as it is delicious, the market first opened in July 1934. Don’t miss the hot sauces at Light My Fire.
View LA farmers market tours
Spend a night under the stars and catch a concert at the renownedHollywood Bowl. Tucked into the concave hillside of Mt. Hollywood, this natural amphitheater has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to The Beatles.
And watch a dance or musical performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Designed in the deconstructivist style by tastemaker Frank Gehry, it’s just as thrilling to view from the outside.
Free self-guided audio tours and guided tours are available for both venues.
Get show tickets for the Hollywood Bowl
As an LA native, the Hollywood Bowl has been a scene my whole life. I even worked as an usher there two summers just to catch the shows. And if I had to choose one event in all of Los Angeles never, ever to miss, it’d be the Sound of Music sing-a-long at the Hollywood Bowl.
It’s as magical as it sounds. Thousands of people dress up as characters from the musical — yes, I dressed up as the hills one year — and everyone sings together as the film plays on a massive screen. I usually go with friends and family, and we bring a picnic and at least two bottles of wine.
The best part is how interactive the whole experience is. Every time the Baroness comes on screen, expect to hear 17,000 people hiss in unison. When Maria sings “I must’ve done something good,” you’ll see 17,000 lighters swaying. It’s pretty amazing.
Viator, a TripAdvisor Company
Los Angeles tours, tickets and activities
Last verified
LivingSocial
Save up to $90 on tickets to Universal Studios Los Angeles
Last verified
Big Bus Tours
20% off bus tours online + kids go free with classic tickets (Los Angeles)
T&Cs apply
Last verified
Deal ends
Expedia.com
Save up to 50% on food, drink and nightlife tours in LA
Go wine tasting, take brunch cruises, visit Hard Rock Cafe, explore farmers markets and more in Los Angeles.
Last verified
Get Your Guide
Los Angeles tickets, attractions and tours form $14
Pre-book tickets to Universal Studios, Six Flags, Warner Brothers Studios, sightseeing buses, celebrity homes tours and more in LA.
Last verified
The Sightseeing Pass
Save up to 70% on entry fees to attractions in top cities
Over 300 attractions in 13 top US destinations: New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, Los Angeles, Key West, Smoky Mountains, Nashville, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Puerto Rico. Valid for 30 days.
Last verified
Deal ends
While seasons may be less clearly defined in Los Angeles than other parts of the country, it’s still an easy way to organize annual events. No matter when you travel, you can leave your parka at home.
There’s no shortage of sites to see — and places to eat — in sunny Los Angeles. After you’ve set your itinerary, find the most effective routes to hop from place to place in LA.
Find the perfect slip dress for your style and budget, whether you’re looking for something casual or a formal look to dress up.
10 US destinations we wanna visit this year.
Is your town on fleek, c’est chic or just plain meek? Finder explores the most fashionable cities in the United States.
Shop hundreds of one-way flights that cost less than $50 from these two major airlines.
These nativity scenes will add an extra dose of cheer to your front yard, just in time for Christmas. Find the top sites to shop.
Not quite anti-Christmas, but close.
This New York City nonprofit offers loans from $500 to $50K with rates fixed at 3% — regardless of your credit score or time in business.
Wrap up in comfort and warmth when you shop these trendy women’s winter coats, with options for tight budgets and that special splurge.
From cozy oversized coats to statement sleeves and necklines that prompt double takes, here are the trends you need in your closet as the new year begins.
Kiss 2020 goodbye in style with our favorite holiday outfits that are glitzy, comfy and — best of all — won’t break the bank.
