Best Things to do in Los Angeles | Must-see attractions 2025

Exposition Park

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

700 Exposition Park Dr

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Exposition Park in Los Angeles hosts museums, gardens, and sports venues, making it a cultural center for education and recreation in California.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Museum

6933 Hollywood Boulevard

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Madame Tussauds Hollywood features over 125 life-size wax figures of celebrities and historic icons, located next to TCL Chinese Theater on the Walk of Fame.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Standard: $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children. Discounts available online; Late Night Saver: $14.95 adults, $11.45 children.

Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust

Mo-Fr 10:00-14:00; Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 10:00-17:00

Museum

100 The Grove Dr

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The Los Angeles Museum-Holocaust educates visitors about the Holocaust through exhibits, artifacts, and personal stories, emphasizing the significance of memory and tolerance.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Hollywood Sign

Open year-round

Monument

6342 Mulholland Highway

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The Hollywood Sign, located on Mount Lee, Los Angeles, is a 450-foot long landmark originally built in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No access to the sign itself; nearby viewing areas are available.

Los Angeles Convention Center

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

1201 S Figueroa St (at Pico Blvd)

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Los Angeles Convention Center is a major venue for conventions, trade shows, and exhibitions in Downtown Los Angeles, known for its commitment to sustainability and modern upgrades.

Duration: 2-3 hours for most events.

Varies by event. Entry to some exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Dodger Stadium

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Stadium

1000 Elysian Park Avenue

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Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, has been home to the Dodgers since 1962, featuring unique tours and rich baseball history.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

General admission tickets start at $20, with prices varying based on the game and seating.

Angelus Temple

9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Church

1100 Glendale Blvd (at Park Ave.)

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Angelus Temple is a historic Pentecostal megachurch in Los Angeles, known for its large capacity of 8,975 and significant role in the Foursquare Gospel movement.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Events may require additional tickets.

Cheviot Hills Recreation Center

8:00 AM–7:00 PM

Park

2551 Motor Ave

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Cheviot Hills Recreation Center in Los Angeles features sports facilities, picnic areas, and green spaces for various recreational activities.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Good Shepherd Catholic Church

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

504 N Roxbury Dr (Santa Monica Blvd)

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Good Shepherd Catholic Church, located at 505 North Roxbury Drive in Beverly Hills, CA, is a notable Catholic house of worship with contemporary architecture and community-focused events.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a reservation or a nominal fee.

Westfield Century City

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

10250 Santa Monica Blvd (at Century Park West)

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Westfield Century City is a 1.3 million sq ft outdoor shopping mall in Los Angeles, featuring top fashion retailers, dining, and entertainment options.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. No entry fee is required.

University of Southern California

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

cnr Exposition Blvd & Figueroa St

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The University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, is a prestigious private research university founded in 1880 with over 28,000 students.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour for guided tours.

Free. Special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Adamm s Stained Glass Art Glass Gallery

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Museum

1426 4th St

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Adamm's Stained Glass Art Glass Gallery in Los Angeles features over 180 glass artists' works, including sculptures, vases, and custom stained glass.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

The Broad

Mo off; Tu-We,Fr 11:00-17:00; Th 11:00-20:00; Sa-Su 10:00-18:00

Museum

221 S Grand Ave (at 2nd St)

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The Broad in Los Angeles houses over 2,000 contemporary artworks, showcasing the Broad collection and offering a unique architectural design by Diller Scofidio + Renfro.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Venice Skate Park

Open 24 hours

Park

1500 Ocean Front Walk

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Venice Skate Park in Los Angeles features 17,000 sq ft of skate terrain, including a sunken pool and street-inspired zones with ocean views.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free.

Loyola Marymount University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

1 Loyola Marymount University Dr (Lincoln Blvd)

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Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles is a Jesuit institution committed to academic excellence and global leadership.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Campus tours may have additional fees.

Occidental College

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

College

1600 Campus Road

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Occidental College, a private liberal arts institution in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, offers a diverse education integrating cultural and intellectual resources.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a ticket.

Beverly Hills City Hall

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

455 N Rexford Dr

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Beverly Hills City Hall serves as the administrative center for Beverly Hills, California, showcasing Mediterranean Revival architecture and lush green surroundings.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Some specific events may require a paid ticket.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Theater

111 S Grand Ave (btwn 1st & 2nd St)

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Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles features Frank Gehry's innovative architecture and acoustics, serving as the principal venue for the LA Philharmonic.

Duration: Around 2 hours for a tour or performance.

Tickets vary by event. Reservations recommended for paid performances.

Universal Studios Hollywood

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Theme Park

100 Universal City Plz (btwn Barham & Lankershim Blvd)

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Universal Studios Hollywood, located in Los Angeles, is a theme park and working movie studio featuring rides, shows, dining, and shopping at CityWalk.

Duration: 7-9 hours.

From $109 for adults. Discounts may apply for online purchases.

Gibson Amphitheatre

Stadium

100 Universal City Plaza Universal Studios Hollywood

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Gibson Amphitheatre was a prominent concert venue in Los Angeles, California, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse performances.

N/A

No longer applicable, as the venue is closed.

Avalon Hollywood

9:00 PM–3:00 AM

Theater

1735 Vine St (btw Hollywood Blvd & Yucca St)

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Avalon Hollywood is a historic nightclub in Los Angeles, known for its vibrant nightlife and live DJ performances in a beautiful, repurposed art deco theater.

Duration: 4-6 hours.

Paid. Entry fees vary depending on the event.

The Wayfarers Chapel

closed

Church

5755 Palos Verdes Dr S

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The Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, is a stone and glass church designed by Lloyd Wright, nestled in a grove of towering redwood trees.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free.

Beverly Center

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

8500 Beverly Blvd (btwn N San Vicente & N La Cienega Blvd)

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Beverly Center is an eight-floor shopping mall in Los Angeles featuring luxury retailers like Prada and Bloomingdale's, currently undergoing a $500 million renovation.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Shopping and dining experiences are accessible without any admission fee.

Shrine Auditorium

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Theater

665 W Jefferson Blvd (at Royal St.)

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Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles hosts major events, featuring unique architecture and a rich cultural history. It's a landmark venue for concerts and ceremonies.

Duration: 2-4 hours, depending on the event.

Paid. Prices vary by event. Check specific event listings for details.

Royce Hall UCLA

Open for events, times vary.

Event hall

340 Royce Dr

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UCLA Royce Hall is a historic theater at UCLA, renowned for hosting exceptional performances, featuring renowned musicians and artists in its academic setting.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Varies by event. Some performances are free; others may require purchasing tickets.

Marymount California University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

30800 Palos Verdes Dr E

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Marymount California University, located in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, offers a liberal arts education rooted in Catholic values, emphasizing community and individual growth.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free access to campus; certain events may have admission fees.

California State University Los Angeles

7:00 AM–10:00 PM

University

5151 State University Dr

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California State University, Los Angeles is a public university offering diverse academic programs and a vibrant campus life in Los Angeles, California.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free for campus access. Some events and workshops may have fees.

California State University Northridge

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

18111 Nordhoff St (btwn Reseda & Zelzah Ave)

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California State University Northridge features a botanic garden with diverse plant collections, enhancing educational experiences in Los Angeles.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may vary in price.

American Jewish University

8:00 AM–3:00 PM

University

15600 Mulholland Dr

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American Jewish University in Los Angeles offers diverse educational programs deeply rooted in Jewish culture and history, combining academia with community engagement.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Plummer Park

8:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

7377 Santa Monica Boulevard

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Plummer Park in West Hollywood features recreational spaces, sports facilities, and cultural events. A community hub for locals and visitors alike.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

5801 Wilshire Boulevard

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Page Museum at la Brea Tar Pits is an active urban Ice Age excavation site showcasing fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves in Los Angeles.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

General admission: $15 for adults, $12 for children (3-12), seniors, and college students; free for children under 3.

Hollywood Palladium

6:00 PM–11:00 PM

Theater

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The Hollywood Palladium is a historic music and theater venue in Los Angeles, known for its Art Deco architecture and vibrant performances since 1940.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours for a concert or event.

Varies by event; typically around $50-$100 for concerts.

Frederick R Weisman Art Foundation

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

265 N Carolwood Dr

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Explore the Frederick R Weisman Art Foundation in Los Angeles, showcasing a vast collection of artworks by renowned artists including Picasso and Warhol in a unique architectural setting.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Culver West Park

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

4162 Wade Street

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Culver West Park features sports fields, picnic spots, and a play area in Culver City, California, offering a family-friendly environment with recreational opportunities.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free.

Tellefson Park

6:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

3998 Bentley Ave (Washington Pl)

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Tellefson Park in Los Angeles offers a children's playground and restrooms, providing a perfect spot for families to enjoy outdoor activities in a green space.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free.

Japanese American National Museum

Tu-We 11:00-17:00, Th 11:00-20:00; Fr-Su 11:00-17:00, Mo off

Museum

369 E 1st St Little Tokyo

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Located in Little Tokyo, the Japanese American National Museum is the first museum in the U.S. dedicated to the Japanese immigrant experience and culture.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Madrid Theater

12:00 PM–11:00 PM

Theater

21622 Sherman Way

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Madrid Theater, located in Canoga Park, Los Angeles, was a notable cinema known for its unique architecture and cultural significance in the local film community.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Varied based on showings; ticket prices typically ranged from $10 to $15.

Wiltern Theatre

10:00 AM–11:00 PM

Business Center

3790 Wilshire Blvd (at Western Ave)

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Wiltern Theatre, a historic Art Deco venue in Los Angeles, serves as a prominent site for live music, comedy, and classic film screenings.

Duration: 2-4 hours, depending on the event.

Varies by event; check official site for details.

The Bloc

10:00 AM–10:00 PM

Mall

700 S Flower St (at 7th St)

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Macy's Plaza in downtown Los Angeles covers 266,000 square feet and features a variety of clothing, shoes, home accessories, and cosmetics in a vibrant atmosphere.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Entrance to the store does not require a ticket; purchases are based on individual items.

Runyon Canyon Park

6:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

2000 N Fuller Ave Hollywood

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Runyon Canyon Park offers popular hiking trails in Los Angeles, providing panoramic city views, an off-leash dog area, and a vibrant atmosphere for fitness enthusiasts.

Duration: Approximately 1-3 hours, depending on trail choice.

Free. No admission fees are charged for entry.

California Science Center

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

700 Exposition Park Drive (at Figueroa St)

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California Science Center in Los Angeles features 100+ interactive science exhibits, the Space Shuttle Endeavour, and immersive ecosystems. Free admission to permanent galleries.

Duration: More than 3 hours.

Free for permanent exhibits. Special exhibits and IMAX movies may incur extra costs.

Griffith Observatory

Tu-Fr 12:00-22:00; Sa-Su 10:00-22:00

Museum

2800 E Observatory Rd

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Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles offers public telescopes, a planetarium, and panoramic views of the city and beyond, with free admission and easy access.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may have an admission fee.

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1600 Ocean Front Walk (Santa Monica Pier)

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Santa Monica Pier Aquarium offers interactive exhibits featuring local marine life, including touch tanks and shark feedings. Sponsored by Heal the Bay, it focuses on education and conservation.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are encouraged for special exhibits and events.

Macy's Beverly Center

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

8500 Beverly Blvd (btwn N San Vicente & N La Cienega Blvd)

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Macy's Beverly Center in Los Angeles offers an extensive selection of fashion, beauty, and home goods across multiple floors with a historic significance in retail.

Duration: At least 2 hours.

Free. Shopping and browsing do not require a ticket, but certain events may have fees.

Wattles Garden Park

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

1850 North Curson Avenue

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Wattles Garden Park in Los Angeles features lush gardens, historical architecture, and a nature-filled environment, perfect for walks and picnics.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for park maintenance.

Warner Center Park Playground

7:00 AM–9:00 PM

Park

5800 Topanga Canyon Boulevard

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Warner Ranch Park in Los Angeles features scenic walking trails, sports facilities, and picnic areas. A recreational gem for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Queen Anne Recreation Center

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

1240 West Boulevard

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Queen Anne Recreation Center in Los Angeles offers diverse recreational activities, green spaces, and community facilities for families and individuals of all ages.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require registration.

Elysian Park

6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Park

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Elysian Park is a sprawling urban park in Los Angeles, California, covering 600+ acres, featuring trails, sports facilities, and views of downtown LA.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. No admission fee required.

Trump National Golf Club

6:30 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

1 Trump National Dr

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Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes offers a public golf experience with a beautiful coastal setting, designed for both amateurs and seasoned players.

Duration: 4 hours.

Green fees vary; check the website or call for current rates and any discounts.