Los Angeles Road Map
If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles, you’re in for a treat. The City of Angels is a vibrant, diverse, and exciting place to explore. From sunny beaches to towering mountains, from world-class museums to trendy neighborhoods, from delicious food to thrilling adventure sports, Los Angeles has it all. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a comprehensive travel guide that covers all the top attractions, hidden gems, and local secrets of this amazing city.
Top Attractions in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is famous for its Hollywood glamour, but there’s so much more to see and do beyond the movie studios and red carpets. Some of the top attractions in the city include:
- The Getty Center
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- The Griffith Observatory
- The California Science Center
- The Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- The Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Disneyland Resort
Hidden Gems and Local Secrets
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Los Angeles has plenty of hidden gems and local secrets to discover. Some of our favorites include:
- The Bradbury Building
- The Last Bookstore
- The Museum of Jurassic Technology
- The Echo Park Lake
- The Venice Canals
- The Watts Towers
- The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
Food Scene and Budget-Friendly Tips
Los Angeles is a foodie’s paradise, with a diverse and delicious culinary scene that reflects the city’s multicultural heritage. Some of the must-try dishes include tacos, sushi, Korean BBQ, and In-N-Out burgers. If you’re on a budget, there are also plenty of affordable options, such as food trucks, street vendors, and happy hour specials. Some of our favorite budget-friendly tips include:
- Visit the Grand Central Market
- Try the $5 Ramen at Silverlake Ramen
- Get a slice of pizza at Pizzanista for $3
- Have a picnic at the Griffith Observatory
- Take advantage of the free museum days
- Explore the street art in the Arts District
Outdoor Adventures and Natural Wonders
Los Angeles is blessed with year-round sunshine and a stunning natural landscape, which makes it the perfect place for outdoor adventures. Some of the top outdoor activities include hiking, biking, surfing, and kayaking. Some of the natural wonders to explore include:
- The Santa Monica Mountains
- The Angeles National Forest
- The Malibu Coastline
- The Channel Islands
- The Joshua Tree National Park
- The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Family-Friendly Activities and Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Los Angeles is a great place to visit with kids, with plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained. Some of our top picks include:
- The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- The Natural History Museum
- The Griffith Park Pony Rides
- The California Science Center
- The Kidspace Children’s Museum
- The Aquarium of the Pacific
If you’re looking for something a little more unusual, Los Angeles has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to offer as well. Some of our favorites include:
- Explore the abandoned LA Zoo
- Take a helicopter tour over the city
- Visit the Museum of Death
- Take a haunted ghost tour
- Go on a speakeasy crawl
- Take a surf lesson at Venice Beach
Vibrant Nightlife and Local Markets
When the sun goes down, Los Angeles comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. From rooftop bars to underground clubs, there’s something for everyone. Some of the top spots include:
- The Rooftop at The Standard
- The Viper Room
- The Edison
- The Troubadour
- The Comedy Store
- The Regent Theater
If you’re looking for some daytime fun, Los Angeles also has plenty of local markets to explore. Some of our favorites include:
- The Original Farmers Market
- The Pasadena Farmers Market
- The Melrose Trading Post
- The Silver Lake Farmers Market
- The Smorgasburg LA
- The Rose Bowl Flea Market
Beaches and Mountains
One of the best things about Los Angeles is its proximity to both the beach and the mountains. Whether you’re looking to catch some waves or hit the slopes, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast. Some of the top beaches and mountains to explore include:
- The Santa Monica Beach
- The Venice Beach Boardwalk
- The Malibu Surfrider Beach
- The Big Bear Mountain Resort
- The Mount Baldy Ski Resort
- The San Gabriel Mountains
Cultural Immersion and Art and Music Scene
Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, and there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the city’s diverse heritage. Some of the top cultural attractions include:
- The Getty Villa
- The Chinese Theater
- The Museum of Contemporary Art
- The Japanese American National Museum
- The Grammy Museum
- The Skirball Cultural Center
Los Angeles is also home to a thriving art and music scene, with plenty of galleries, concert venues, and festivals to explore. Some of our favorite spots include:
- The Broad Museum
- The Walt Disney Concert Hall
- The Hollywood Bowl
- The Troubadour
- The El Rey Theatre
- The Art District
Walking Tours, Architectural Marvels, and Historical Sites
If you’re a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, Los Angeles has plenty of walking tours, landmarks, and buildings to explore. Some of our top picks include:
- The Hollywood Forever Cemetery
- The Bradbury Building
- The Los Angeles Central Library
- The Union Station
- The Angels Flight Railway
- The Getty Villa
Biking Routes, Wellness Retreats, and Adventure Sports
Finally, if you’re looking for some outdoor adventure or relaxation, Los Angeles has plenty of biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports to offer. Some of our favorites include:
- The Marvin Braude Bike Trail
- The Yogaworks Retreats
- The OUE Skyspace LA
- The Runyon Canyon Park
- The Los Angeles River Kayak Safari
- The Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour
With so much to see and do in Los Angeles, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip. Use this guide to plan your itinerary, and don’t forget to leave some room for spontaneity and exploration. Happy travels!