Los Angeles
United States
Attractions & Events in Los Angeles
Discover the top attractions, events, and festivals in Los Angeles, United States
Top Attractions
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
Historic district with 19th-century buildings, museums, and vibrant Olvera Street marketplace.
Tips: Great for history buffs. Sample authentic Mexican food at Olvera Street vendors.
Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park
Iconic observatory offering panoramic city views, astronomy exhibits, and hiking trails within a sprawling urban park.
Tips: Arrive early for parking; sunset is popular for city and Hollywood Sign views. Admission to the observatory building is free.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Famous sidewalk celebrating entertainment legends with over 2,600 stars embedded along Hollywood Boulevard.
Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and watch for crowds. Visit early morning to avoid the busiest times.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
The largest art museum in the western U.S., featuring diverse collections and the famous Urban Light installation.
Tips: Reserve timed tickets online; free admission on select days. Don’t miss the outdoor installations.
Los Angeles Farmers Market & The Grove
Historic farmers market with gourmet food stalls, adjacent to a vibrant outdoor shopping and entertainment complex.
Tips: Perfect for foodies and families. Parking validation available with purchase at The Grove.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Extensive museum featuring dinosaur skeletons, gemstones, and hands-on exhibits about natural science.
Tips: Ideal for families and kids. Check for free admission days and special exhibits online.
Runyon Canyon
Popular hiking spot with sweeping views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
Tips: Bring water and sunscreen; trails can be crowded on weekends. Dogs are welcome off-leash in certain areas.
Santa Monica Pier
Classic oceanfront pier with an amusement park, aquarium, restaurants, and scenic views.
Tips: Parking can fill up fast on weekends. Check the calendar for special events and sunset views.
Staples Center (Crypto.com Arena)
Major sports and entertainment arena hosting NBA games, concerts, and special events.
Tips: Check the event schedule and buy tickets in advance. Many dining options are nearby in L.A. Live.
Sunset Boulevard
Legendary street running from downtown L.A. to the Pacific Coast, known for nightlife, music venues, and the Sunset Strip.
Tips: Great for nightlife lovers. Explore live music venues like The Roxy and Whisky a Go Go.
The Broad
Contemporary art museum featuring works by Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, and more, with free general admission.
Tips: Reserve free tickets online or try standby line. Check for special exhibitions that may require paid tickets.
The Getty Center
World-renowned art museum with impressive architecture, gardens, and city vistas.
Tips: Admission is free but parking is paid; reserve tickets online during peak seasons. Allow time to explore the gardens.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Popular film studio and theme park with movie-themed rides, shows, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Tips: Buy tickets in advance and consider express passes for shorter wait times. Suitable for families and thrill-seekers.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Lively beachfront promenade known for street performers, skate park, Muscle Beach, and eclectic shops.
Tips: Watch your belongings in crowds. Visit in daylight for the best atmosphere and people-watching.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Striking Frank Gehry-designed venue and home to the LA Philharmonic, known for its acoustics and architecture.
Tips: Book concert tickets in advance or join a guided tour of the building. Photography is allowed on tours.
Events & Festivals
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
One of the most famous music festivals in the world, held in Indio, featuring top musicians and artists.
When: April
Tips: Purchase tickets well in advance; be prepared for hot weather and bring essentials like sunscreen and water.
International Surf Festival
A large gathering of athletes from ages 8 to 80 competing in surfing, paddle, and volleyball events.
When: August
Tips: Bring beach essentials and arrive early to find parking; check the schedule for event times.
Hollywood Christmas Parade
A long-standing holiday tradition featuring floats, celebrities, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself on Hollywood Boulevard.
When: December
Tips: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot; consider bringing chairs and blankets for comfort.
Academy Awards (Oscars)
The most prestigious awards ceremony in the film industry, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
When: February/March
Tips: While tickets to the ceremony are not available to the public, consider attending related events or viewing parties in the city.
LA Art Show
A major art fair showcasing contemporary and traditional art from around the world.
When: January
Tips: Purchase tickets in advance and plan to spend several hours exploring the extensive exhibits.
Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game
A traditional New Year's Day parade featuring elaborate flower-covered floats, followed by the Rose Bowl college football game in Pasadena.
When: January
Tips: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route; consider purchasing tickets for grandstand seating.
Anime Expo
Fans of Japanese animation gather at the Los Angeles Convention Center for competitions, industry panels, screenings, and more.
When: July
Tips: Purchase tickets in advance; cosplay is encouraged, but be mindful of the convention's costume policies.
LA Pride
One of the largest LGBTQIA+ celebrations in the country, featuring a parade, concerts, and a vibrant festival.
When: June
Tips: Check the official schedule for event times and locations; consider using public transportation due to large crowds.
Los Angeles Marathon
A major annual marathon that attracts runners from around the world, stretching from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica.
When: March
Tips: Spectators can cheer on runners along the route; check the official website for the best viewing spots and road closure information.
Cinco de Mayo
Mexico's biggest holiday is commemorated in L.A.'s Latino neighborhoods, such as Olvera Street, with music and margaritas filling the streets until the wee hours.
When: May
Tips: Join the festivities in Olvera Street for authentic food, music, and dance performances.
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
A colorful festival honoring deceased loved ones, featuring altars, processions, music, and dance events throughout the city.
When: November
Tips: Visit Hollywood Forever Cemetery for one of the largest celebrations; face painting and traditional attire are encouraged.
Abbot Kinney Festival
An art fair featuring products from independent stores, along with concerts and activities for children on one of the coolest streets in the USA.
When: September
Tips: Explore the diverse food vendors and art installations; parking can be challenging, so consider biking or using ride-share services.
Los Angeles County Fair
A massive fair showcasing exhibitors of art, textiles, technology, and a wide variety of products, along with concerts and a funfair.
When: September
Tips: Purchase tickets online to avoid lines; plan your visit around the concert schedule if interested in live performances.