The Most Amazing Things to Do in LA

 

The Most Amazing Things to Do in LA

Oh Los Angeles – you are a world of contradictions and glitz, glamour and grit, but we certainly love you! Los Angeles is well-known for Hollywood, the movie/TV industry, famous people, never-ending sunshine and being over the top. It’s also a vegan’s paradise with likely the most delectable vegan food you’ll encounter in the United States. I’ve been to LA many times, starting back when I was a wee kid going on road trips with my family. 

LA has a lot to offer – sunshine, city, beaches, hills, rich people’s playgrounds, museums, super fun events and of course, fantastic vegan restaurants. Make sure you save up for this trip so you can enjoy it to the fullest! Of course, there are plenty of free things you can do, which I will include below, but many activities cost some money and accommodations and food are pretty expensive. This blog post is all about what to do in LA, where to eat delicious vegan food and where to stay in LA.

A Perfect Trip to LA

Los Angeles, often dubbed the “City of Angels,” is a dynamic destination where culture, history, and natural beauty blend seamlessly to create unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Southern California’s most iconic city offers a multitude of attractions that cater to every interest. Start your adventure at Griffith Park, the perfect place for panoramic views of the famous Hollywood Sign and the sprawling city below. Explore the Hollywood Hills or take a guided tour of the Hollywood Boulevard to immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown. For a dose of history and science, visit the La Brea Tar Pits and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where urban light installations and decorative arts like those inspired by Andy Warhol await. Baseball fans will relish a trip to Dodger Stadium, while those seeking thrills will find roller coasters and interactive exhibits at Universal Studios Hollywood.

No visit to LA is complete without exploring its diverse neighborhoods and outdoor spaces. Stroll along Venice Beach, known for its Muscle Beach gym and eclectic boardwalk, or take in the serenity of the botanical gardens in San Marino. Shopaholics will find their haven on Rodeo Drive, while the Arts District and Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles offer a mix of creative flair and culinary delights to satisfy any taste buds. Don’t miss a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at Santa Monica Beach for its iconic pier, or Manhattan Beach for a quieter coastal vibe. Whether you’re chasing the best free things, live events, or top things to do, Los Angeles offers a unique experience for every traveler.

 

How to Get to LA

Getting to Los Angeles is easy, as the city is well-connected by air, land, and sea. Here are some common ways to reach LA:

1. By Air: The most common way to get to Los Angeles is by flying into one of its major airports:
   • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): The busiest and most well-known airport, offering direct flights from most major cities worldwide.
   • Bob Hope Airport (Burbank/ BUR): Located in the northern part of the city, this airport serves domestic flights and is closer to areas like Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley.
   • Long Beach Airport (LGB): Another option for domestic flights, located south of the city, with easy access to the beach cities.
2. By Car: If you’re driving to LA, the city is well-connected by several major highways, including:
   • I-5: A major north-south route that connects Los Angeles to cities in California, Oregon, and Washington.
   • I-10: This east-west highway runs from Florida to California, ending in LA.
   • Pacific Coast Highway (PCH): For a scenic drive along the coast, the PCH offers beautiful views as it runs through Malibu and Santa Monica on the way to Los Angeles.
3. By Bus or Train: For a more affordable option, you can take a bus or train:
   • Greyhound or Megabus: Offers routes from cities around the US to LA’s main bus terminals.
   • Amtrak: The train service connects LA with many cities across the country, arriving at Union Station in Downtown LA.
4. By Sea: For a more unique experience, you can take a cruise into the Port of Los Angeles, which is a popular stop for West Coast voyages.

Once in LA, you’ll find plenty of transportation options, including rental cars, rideshares, and public transit to explore the city.

 

How to Get Around LA

Getting around Los Angeles can be a bit challenging due to its sprawling size and traffic, but there are plenty of options depending on your preferences and needs:

1. By Car:

   • Rental Cars: Renting a car is one of the most convenient ways to explore LA, as public transportation options can be limited in some areas. Be prepared for heavy traffic, especially during rush hours, and consider using navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time updates.
   • Rideshares: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and can be a convenient way to avoid the hassle of parking and driving in traffic. It’s a good option if you’re looking for flexibility without the need to rent a car.

2. Public Transportation:

   • Metro: Los Angeles has a growing metro system, including subway and light rail lines. The Red Line and Purple Line serve areas like Hollywood, Downtown LA, and Koreatown. The Expo Line and Blue Line connect the city to beach areas like Santa Monica and Long Beach.
   • Buses: The LA Metro also operates an extensive bus network that can take you to most areas of the city. Buses are affordable but can be slow due to traffic, especially during peak hours.

3. Bicycles and E-Scooters:

   • Bike Share: LA has bike-sharing programs like Metro Bike Share, which allow you to rent bikes for short trips. Biking is an easy way to explore neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Venice, and Downtown LA.
   • E-Scooters: Electric scooters from services like Lime and Bird are also a popular and fun way to get around, especially for short distances in areas with heavy foot traffic.

4. Walking:

   • While LA is known for its car culture, many neighborhoods, especially in places like Downtown LA, Hollywood, and Santa Monica, are pedestrian-friendly. Walking is a great way to explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions up close.

5. Taxis:

   • Taxis are still available in LA, but rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are often more convenient and cost-effective.

6. Tour Buses:

   • For tourists, hop-on-hop-off buses and guided tours are popular ways to see the city’s main attractions, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and Venice Beach.

When planning your trip, it’s essential to consider the city’s notorious traffic, so using a combination of options, like taking public transportation for certain areas and renting a car or using rideshares for others, is often the best approach.

 

What to Do in LA

Griffith Observatory – Open Thursday-Sunday from 12-10 p.m. FREE ENTRY. This observatory opened in 1935 and is the most visited public observatory in the world. It boasts one of the best views of LA and the Hollywood sign. The observatory is incredibly entertaining and informative. As soon as you walk in, you’ll be mesmerized by the Foucault Pendulum which demonstrates the earth’s rotation. Allow yourself plenty of time to check out all of the different areas of the observatory, including the rooftop views. HOT TIP: Go on Thursday during the day, if possible. They are busiest on the weekends and at sunset. If you drive, there is a paid parking lot. RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE: GUIDED TOUR

 

Getty Center – this marvelous modern work of art is FREE, including the verdant garden! The gardens alone are spectacular and worth the drive. The Getty Center is near Beverly Hills and has fantastic views of Century City from the huge patio. 

Can’t Miss Activities in Hollywood

Hollywood Blvd, Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre – you MUST go here. You cannot visit LA without going to Hollywood Blvd and checking out the hands and feet at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Some of the famous people memorialized here have shockingly small hands and feet! It’s fun to compare your hands. RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE: BEST OF LA BUS TOUR

 

Walt Disney Concert Hall – from the outside, this concert hall looks like a shiny, steel marvel designed by the uber-noteworthy Frank Gehry. FREE ENTRY to explore the concert hall, but I highly recommend you see a concert there, home to LA Philharmonic Orchestra.

Fun Things to Do in Downtown LA

The Broad – 2 minute walk from the Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA. It’s a cool contemporary art museum with free entry.

DTLA/Olvera St/Koreatown – it’s super fun to explore this area. You will definitely see the grittier areas of LA, but you will also come across the adorable Olvera Street, which is like a little Mexican village in the middle of DTLA. Koreatown is also a short distance from DTLA and offers many exciting restaurants and shops. RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE: DTLA BICYCLE TOUR

Universal Studios – I’ve been to Universal Studios 3 times and each time, we’ve found new things to do and explore. Our kids greatly enjoyed the visit here last time we were in LA. Definitely go first thing in the morning to beat the crowds and if you can, splurge on express tickets as you will get to skip the line and have a more enjoyable overall experience. RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS VIP TICKET

 

My Favorite Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

Silver Lake – I love this hipster neighborhood. This is where many of the millennial celebrities live. It’s a very walkable area and is very diverse and eclectic. This area definitely has a special aura to it and if you can, I highly recommend staying in this neighborhood while visiting LA. You never know who you might run into.

Echo Park – last time we were in LA, we happened upon a Filipino festival in Echo Park and it was incredibly exciting to take part in this event. For something unique, you can rent a little paddleboat for the large pond. It’s also enjoyable to walk around the pond and appreciate the views. RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE: SWAN BOAT RENTAL

Best Places to See the Hollywood Sign

Sunset Strip – this is a super entertaining street, a 1.6 mile strip. You can find all sorts of hole-in-the-wall bars, nightclubs and upscale rooftop bars in this area of West Hollywood. It’s the place to see and be seen. You may even catch some celebrities hanging out or even performing at one of the venues, such as The Laugh Factory. RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE: HOLLYWOOD AND BEVERLY HILLS BUS TOUR

Hiking in Runyon Canyon – this is probably one of the best hiking areas in LA. with sweeping views of LA and the coastline (on a good day). The exercise is legit and you’ll see lots of beautiful people and their dogs. Keep in mind that this is one of the most popular hiking spots in LA, so if you go, I highly recommend going during the workweek and going early in the day. RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS: PARAGLIDING TOUR

Looking for Celebrities

Celebrity tour – we went on a celebrity tour last time we were in LA and it was a BLAST! We couldn’t stop laughing and still remember some of the things the tour guide said to us during the tour, suchs as “look at the nose.” Meaning, that’s how you know somebody is likely a celebrity. Although, there are A LOT of wealthy people in LA so I would say that if your nose shape is perfect, it just means that you have a lot of money. Check out this awesome tour: Celebrity Tour

One Museum You Cannot Miss

LA County Museum of Art (esp outside with the lamps) – definitely visit here at night, if possible. With the illuminated lamps on display, it’s such a fun time to meander through the lamps and get some artistic photos. They frequently have fun events here as well so check the calendar to see if there’s an outdoor concert or some type of performance while you’re in town. If you like automobiles, then after visiting the museum, you can cross the street and visit the Petersen Automotive Museum. The architecture outside is stunning! RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE: PETERSEN AUTO MUSEUM TICKET

RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE: 1 HOUR PRIVATE HELICOPTER TOUR OF LA AND BEVERLY HILLS

What to Do at LA Beaches

Venice – oh Venice, what can I say about you? There’s something special about Venice. It’s hippie-ish, bohemian-like, a little rough around the edges, but also upscale. It’s quite the contradiction. At any rate, it’s a lot of fun to walk, skate or ride bikes on the boardwalk. Also, check out the skatepark for some sick moves and the nearby outside workout gym to check out the muscular set. Abbot Kinney Blvd is a great place to eat and check out the nearby canals. FUN SURF LESSON

Santa Monica Pier – when I think about LA’s beaches, this pier always comes to mind. It’s emblematic of an enjoyable, kid-like experience. You’ll usually find street performers on the pier which makes the experience even more pleasurable. 

 

Far but Gorgeous Beach Area

Malibu – if you want to see how some of the richest people in LA live and you have a car, then definitely check out Malibu and their fantastic beaches. We’ve been to El Matador Beach and Carbon Beach aka Billionaire’s Beach. They were absolutely stunning, but any of the beaches in Malibu along Hwy 1 are delightful.

 

Other Fun Things to Do in LA: 

Original Farmers Market

​The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for food lovers and those seeking a vibrant, historic experience. Located near the iconic Grove shopping area, this market has been a beloved gathering spot since 1934. With a wide array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, international cuisines, and unique local vendors, it’s the perfect place to indulge your taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal, picking up artisanal goods, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, the market offers a unique blend of tradition and modern flair that’s perfect for a day out in LA.

Disneyland Park

Beverly Hills Hotel

Catalina Island

Angeles National Forest

Santa Monica Mountains

San Gabriel Mountains

Where to Eat in LA

With over 150 fully vegan restaurants in LA, you are absolutely spoiled with amazing choices! Now, to only choose your favorites! Here are my favorites:

Crossroads Kitchen: this is our absolutely FAVORITE restaurant in LA. We still talk about the Hasselback potatoes and other dishes that we devoured here. The dining area is sexy, cozy and alluring, while the food is inspiring and delectable. It’s a must visit in LA!

Cafe Gratitude: this restaurant is very “LA.” You’ll know what I mean when you visit. The food is ultra fresh and the way you have to order your food is a bit silly, but definitely LA bohemian/free-spirited style. While pricey, like most LA restaurants, the food is fresh and you feel great after eating it. 

Little Pine: the location is fantastic in the adorable Silverlake area and the food is so delicious. As most places in LA, it’s a bit pricey, but you can rest assured that the proceeds are going to animal shelters, which makes you feel great about spending money here.

More Delicious Vegan Restaurants in Los Angeles

Pura Vita: this restaurant is highly rated for its homemade Italian plant-based food. It’s the first 100% Vegan Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar in the United States! The innovative offerings are fantastic and the ambience is alluring. 

The Butcher’s Son: If you’ve been missing out on deli-style sandwiches, have no fear, just go to The Butcher’s Son for the most amazing vegan deli-style “meats and cheeses” and deli-style sandwiches. And don’t miss out on their weekend brunch menu – delicious!

Vromage: This is the first dairy-free cheese shop in the US. This place is eclectic and the owner is a bit eccentric, but so proud of his handcrafted artisanal vegan cheeses. You can try each of the cheeses and order sandwiches from the menu. We devoured everything we got on our last visit.

Vegan Thai: Don’t miss this place if you love flavorful Thai food. It’s 100% vegan and absolutely delightful!

Veggie Grill: if you can’t find a vegan restaurant near you, chances are, there’s a Veggie Grill nearby. Veggie Grill is a chain with many restaurants in the LA area. The food is consistent and more affordable than many of the other options.

Where to Stay in LA

1. The Big Bungalow Room – super affordable + amazing location in Silverlake
2. The Metric – downtown LA location + extremely affordable
3. Fashion Loft 2 bedroom apartment – amazing location + super spacious
4. The Prospect Hollywood – very unique splurge-worthy hotel in Hollywood
5. Hollywood Hills Homestay – very affordable home in the hills

Booking.com

Fun Paid Experiences in LA

1. Universal Studios tickets – amazing chance to buy your tickets ahead of time
2. Warner Brothers Studio Tour – get a behind the scenes look for WB shows
3. Celebrity Tour – find out where your favorite celebrities live and you might even see one of them
4. Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour – I always recommend one of these tours for your first day to get a lay of the land.
5. Venice Surf Lesson – take a fun surfing lesson at Venice Beach
6. Epic private helicopter tour – this is pricey, but would be an amazing way to see LA and Beverly Hills

 

 

When to Go to LA

Los Angeles is a great destination year-round, thanks to its mild, Mediterranean climate. However, the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for in your trip:

1. Spring (March to May):

   • Best Time for: Pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
   • Weather: Temperatures are mild, ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s°F (18–23°C). It’s perfect for outdoor activities, like hiking or visiting the beach, without the heat of summer.
   • Why Visit: Spring is a great time for exploring LA’s gardens, parks, and outdoor attractions. The crowds are generally smaller compared to summer.

2. Summer (June to August):

   • Best Time for: Beach lovers and outdoor events.
   • Weather: Temperatures can soar to the mid-80s°F (28–30°C) in the city, with cooler temperatures near the coast. It’s the peak tourist season, especially around major events like the LA County Fair, concerts, and festivals.
   • Why Visit: LA has lively beach scenes, with Santa Monica and Venice Beach bustling with tourists. If you’re into live events, summer brings major concerts, movie screenings, and outdoor festivals.

3. Fall (September to November):

   • Best Time for: Fewer crowds and ideal weather.
   • Weather: Temperatures remain warm in September (mid-70s to mid-80s°F, 24–29°C), cooling off slightly in October and November. This is often considered one of the best times to visit due to clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
   • Why Visit: Fall is great for exploring outdoor spaces like Griffith Park, hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, and enjoying wine and food festivals. Plus, the crowds from summer start to dissipate, making it easier to enjoy popular attractions.

4. Winter (December to February):

   • Best Time for: Budget travelers and avoiding large crowds.
   • Weather: LA’s winters are mild, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s°F (18–22°C), though it can be cooler at night.
   • Why Visit: Winter is the off-season for tourism in LA, so you can enjoy fewer crowds at major attractions. It’s a great time to visit museums, enjoy holiday events, or take advantage of cheaper hotel rates. However, some days may be rainy, so packing for varied weather is a good idea.

Best Overall Time to Visit: Late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and affordable accommodation.

RENT A CAR OR USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

That’s the million dollar question! Personally, I feel like it’s not super easy to get around LA without a vehicle. I will preface this with saying that driving in LA is NOT for the faint of heart. And, the parking situation isn’t exactly ideal, unless you stay at a place that offers parking. However, the easiest way to get around to all the places you might want to go are via vehicle. My favorite rental car aggregator is DISCOVER CARS. Click here for car rentals.

This blog post was all about what to do in LA, where to stay in LA and where to eat amazing vegan food in LA. Have you been to LA? What did you think?

This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

We would be thrilled if you would use our Affiliate links attached here. If you buy something using our links, we receive a small commission. This helps us to continue creating amazing content on the blog for free. Thank you so much!

AFFILIATE LINKS – CLICK HERE

THE 5 ITEMS WE WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOR ALL OF OUR TRIPS:

1. Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking on cobblestone streets.
2. Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
3. North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – Seriously, I wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
4. Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack! We easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
5. Travel-friendly chewable toothpaste tablets – these are so fantastic for keeping your teeth clean on the go!

OUR FAVORITE EUROPEAN SERVICES:

1. DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in LA, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
2. iTalki – if you want to learn another language before traveling to LA or while you’re there, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
3. NORD VPN – perfect to use your technology in other countries!
4. Airalo E-Sim – this let’s you use your phone anywhere in the world without having to get a physical sim! We use this all the time when we travel outside Europe!
5. Big Bus Tours – the perfect way to see the city when you first arrive!
6. Get Transfer – transfers between all of the airports and cities

RELATED POSTS:

21 Life-Changing Travel Tips

22 Travel Hacks to Save Money While Traveling