If you are wondering what are the best things to do in Los Angeles, California, look no further! This LA Bucket List has the best collections of top things to do in Los Angeles, a dream destination for travelers and the adventurous!
If you are planning a trip to LA and wondering where to start, you are in the right place! If you are an outdoor lover, or if you love discovering the culture of the places your visit, to the breathtaking beaches, this guide is packed with the absolute best things to do in Los Angeles!
While most people who think of Los Angeles, think about Hollywood and Beverly Hills, you will be amazed by how diverse LA really is. So all you have to do is to dive into this list and start planning your ultimate Los Angeles itinerary, now!
You will also love:
- The Ultimate Los Angeles Itinerary
- 20 Cool Things to do in Venice Beach
- Best areas to stay in Los Angeles + Hotel Guide
Read More: Where to Stay in LA: Best Areas +Hotel Guide
The Ultimate LA Bucket List
1. Stroll Along the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Location: Hollywood Boulevard, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
- Price to visit: Free
- Best Place to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Let’s start this Ultimate LA Bucket List with the top thing to do, especially if it is your first time visiting Los Angeles. This is a very touristy thing to do, but especially if you are visiting Los Angeles for the first time, it should be on top of your list.
The internationally-recognized Hollywood Walk of Fame is a landmark in LA. It encompasses over 2,600 five-pointed stars made of terrazzo and brass and embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard. Stop by another famous landmark in the city of Los Angeles, the Chinese Theater. it became famous for being the venue of the Academy Awards ceremony from 1944 to 1946. But most visitors come here because of the celebrity handprints and footprints in the concrete of the theater’s forecourt.
It can take a few hours for your to walk and find your favorite stars – keep in mind that it’s street after street with stars on them and during the time you are walking down the street, there will be souvenir stores along with other attractions that you may want to check out. I would plan to be out for at least 4 hours. Remember it’s Hollywood – enjoy your time!
2. Go Shopping at Rodeo Drive
- Location: The street stretches from Beverwil Drive in the south to Sunset Boulevard in the north in the glamorous Beverly Hills neighborhood
- Price to visit: Free
- Best Place to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is a fabulous 5* star hotel within walking distance of popular Rodeo Drive and famous Melrose Avenue.
Rodeo Drive is one of the most iconic places in LA, a 2-mile-long street in Los Angeles filled with the ultimate luxurious shops, finest restaurants, and best hotels.
This high-end shopping street in Beverly Hills is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. It got world-famous thanks to the Pretty Woman movie. Julia Roberts’ Pretty Woman character gets snubbed by salespersons when shopping in a store on Rodeo Drive.
Rodeo Drive is an extravagant designer’s haven for people with deep pockets and a place where ordinary people wish to shop but can only afford window shopping. Nevertheless, Rodeo Drive is a top tourist attraction in Los Angeles. It provides one of the most amazing experiences in Los Angeles, regardless of the activity: shopping, walking, window-shopping, dining in a restaurant or driving.
The stores close in the early evening, but Rodeo Drive is safe and free 24 h a day. Strolling Rodeo Drive and seeing the fanciest brands in the world (like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Cartier, Tiffany & co., Gucci, said Laurent) while Ferraris and Lamborghinis are slowly passing by you is one of the unique experiences to get in LA.
Beverly Hills is one of the best areas to stay in Los Angeles for luxury travelers. So, if you are searching for a celebrate-like treatment in Los Angeles, head to the Four Seasons Hotel at Beverly Hills and check out the famed Rodeo Drive.
3. Horse Back Hiking Hollywood Sign
- Location: Sunset Ranch is located at 3400 N. Beachwood Drive
- Price: Rides cost $75 for one hour; $100 for 2 hours (you must book at least 2 slots); and $125 for 2 hours in the evening/ late afternoon (you must book at least 2 slots). Reservations are recommended.
- Best Place to Stay: A nice nearby hotel is the Kimpton Everly Hotel, a lovely boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and views of the Hollywood sign.
A super fun activity to do that you should add to your LA bucket list is to ride a horse through the Hollywood Hills. Sunset Ranch offers guided tours along the trails in Griffith Park. They skirt the edge of the steep hills to a point where you can see the Hollywood sign in the distance.
The horses all walk slowly in a line, so this isn’t action-packed but is suitable for beginners and riders who want to have a fun experience riding through the Hollywood Hills and enjoying the views of the park and over Los Angeles stretched out below.
The best time to visit is the winter, spring, or fall months when it’s not too hot, but it’s open all year.
Want to explore more of the Hollywood Sign? If you don’t want to hike, you have the option to take a shuttle to the summit Hollywood summit, if you decide to hike to the Hollywood Sign, you can check here for all the details.
4. Visit the celebrities’ homes in Beverly Hills
- Location: West Hollywood
- Price to visit: Free to drive or walk around
- Best Place to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
This is another Los Angeles bucket list if you are visiting the city for the first time. You can dive into the “celebrity world” by grabbing a map with the celebrity’s homes or by joining a local tour for a 2-hour fun time around Hollywood and Celebrity homes tour.
Even though Beverly Hills is popular with the Hollywood elite, the good news is that it is accessible for everyone to enjoy. Here you can see the star’s mega-mansions.
Taking a tour of the star’s homes is one of the most popular activities, as is a visit to the historic Virginia Robinson Gardens, located in the heart of Beverly Hills with a six-acre that will take your breath away. The Italian Renaissance Terrace Gardens offer magnificent views of mature trees, camellias, gardenias, and azaleas.
5. Venice Beach
- Location: Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach, California 9029
- Price to visit: Free
- Best Place to Stay: Some of the coolest hotels are The Kinney Venice Beach and Marina Del Rey Hotel.
Another place you shouldn’t miss adding to your Los Angeles bucket list is the neighborhood of Venice Beach. With plenty of things to do in Venice Beach, you can easily spend a few days exploring here.
For many people, Venice feels so different compared to the rest of LA. Everyone there is super chilled and it almost seems like happens slower than everywhere else in the city. The best way to get an authentic experience of Venice is by taking a casual walk through the colorful beach town.
Start at the Venice Skatepark where you can see both, beginners and professionals, do some laps on their skateboards. Then continue your way to the central part of the town where you can find the iconic Venice Sign, one of the most famous landmarks in California. It’s a great photo opportunity so make sure you click a couple of ones before heading to the Venice Canals!
Along the canals, you can find gorgeous houses, easily walkable sidewalks, and many connecting bridges. It’s a truly peaceful area and perfect for a leisurely stroll.
WANT TO EXPLORE MORE VENICE BEACH? Take advantage that you are at one of the most famous beaches and join a Venice Beach 2-hour group surfing lesson, also recommended for beginners. Or you can join a fun guided bike tour to explore some of the best sights such as Venice Beach, Santa Monia, and the Venice Canals
6. Malibu
- Price to visit: Free
- Best Place to Stay: The Surfrider Malibu has an exclusive guest-only roof deck bar and restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Malibu.
When you think about Malibu, California you may picture an upscale, flashy area similar to Beverly Hills. But, that’s not Malibu at all!
Malibu is actually pretty quiet – a town stretching along 26 miles of the Pacific Coast – and it still has a very small-town vibe, despite being so well known. It is the perfect place to escape the city and explore small local restaurants, shops, and beaches. Malibu is so different from downtown LA that you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world!
If you want to visit Malibu – and without a doubt, you should – here are some things you just can’t miss.
Both El Matador State Beach and Leo Carrillo showcase rugged and rocky cliffs marching straight into the water. Small tide pools are home to wildlife like starfish and sea anemones and if you visit at low tide, you can explore the cliffs and caves at length
Mom-and-pop shops and restaurants still line the streets here. Check out Cholada Thai or Malibu Farm on the pier. Both serve delicious meal options with great ocean views. Malibu should make it to the top of your LA Bucket List!
Want to explore more Malibu? Join a Vintage VW hippie sightseeing to tour this beautiful route. The drive to Malibu is an attraction itself.
7. Stroll Along the Iconic Santa Monica Pier
- Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Price to visit: Free to visit
- Best Place to Stay: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is within walking distance of The Santa Monica Pier, and it is the perfect choice to be in the heart of Santa Monica with beachfront access and a pool.
Countless movies and TV shows were filmed at Santa Monica Pier, making it a must-see destination for many. The iconic Santa Monica Pier offers a wide range of activities for the whole family including a carousel, an arcade, an amusement park, a trapeze school, restaurants, and a summer outdoor concert series.
Pacific Park is the West Coast’s only amusement park located on a pier. It’s home to 12 thrilling rides, including the Pacific Wheel, the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel. It gives a panoramic view of the Southern California coastline from more than 130 feet above the Santa Monica Pier.
Single-ride Pacific Wheel tickets cost $11 while an unlimited wristband for all 12 rides costs $45 for the day. Ashland Hill restaurant is the ideal spot to grab a bite to eat in Santa Monica. It’s close to the pier in a casual atmosphere with delicious dishes served on their patio.
At night, The Pier comes alive with lights, entertainment, and vibrant street performers. It’s free to stroll along the pier and beachside and enjoy the entertainment. Also, Santa Monica is one of the best areas to stay in LA, offering stunning hotels and plenty of things to do to keep you busy during your LA itinerary.
PRO-TIP: You can walk here all the way from Venice Beach, which is about 1 hour (2.6 miles). Another great option is to go on a 3-Hour Electric Bike Tour. This is a cool tour as the bicycle allows you to choose your own comfort level between pedaling with 6 gears, using the electric motor power which puts the power completely in your control, or both
8. Explore the Universal Studios Hollywood
- Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
- Price to visit: Check here for prices for skip the lines ticket
- Best Place to Stay: Sheraton Universal
This definitely should be on your LA bucket list if you are an amusement park lover or if you are visiting Los Angeles with kids.
If you are planning to visit the Universal in Hollywood, I recommend reserving at least 2 days to get through everything. There are only a few traditional amusement park rides but that’s not the angle for this park. Immersive movie-making magic is the true calling and you won’t be disappointed. The Harry Potter area, Simpsons area, and backlot tour are must-sees.
I recommend looking into the ticket options and the VIP tickets can be worth every penny! With the VIP experience, you are able to do most of the park without any stress of figuring out timings for shows or where we needed to be. It is definitely the best way to make the most of your time there.
9. Griffith Observatory
- Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
- Price to visit: Free
- Best Place to Stay: Dream Hollywood
The Griffith Observatory is one of the most iconic landmarks in Los Angeles and it’s definitely a place not to be missed!
The observatory is located inside Griffith Park on Hollywood Mountain and it boasts amazing views of the city and the surrounding area. The observatory offers a museum with exhibits on astronomy, as well as several telescopes that you can go up on top of to look at planets, comets, nebulae, and more.
It’s also one of the few places in Los Angeles that is actually free to enter so it’s good news for budget travelers. However, keep in mind that the observatory is only open during a limited time period from Friday to Sunday so if you want to go inside, make sure to time your visit right.
Even if you happen to be visiting outside these days, it’s still worth going up there for the views alone. Bring along some sandwiches and enjoy lunch at one of the picnic tables that are located near the hillside. As a bonus, you can even see the Hollywood Sign from there!
The Griffith Observatory is also one of the most instagrammable places in LA so if you’re into photography, make sure to add it to your list. The lights are gorgeous at sunset but if you want to have the place all to yourself, it’s better to visit early in the morning.
PRO-TIP: Admission to the Observatory building, grounds, and telescopes are always free. However, you will have to buy tickets for the planetarium show. The best time to visit the Observatory is late afternoon towards the evening when you can stick around to see the sunset and city lights.
LA Bucket List for Unique Experiences
10. Visit and Stay on the Queen Mary
- Location: 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States
- Price to visit: prices vary for the different attractions and tours – a passport ticket is the best value.
- Best Place to Stay: On The Queen Mary
If you are looking for a very unique experience for your LA Bucket List, this is for you!
The Queen Mary is an ocean liner that made her first voyage across the Atlantic in May 1936, setting a new standard in transoceanic travel. She was pressed into service for World War II, when she was known as the Grey Ghost, and returned to regular cruising duty after the war until she retired in 1967.
It was then she was moved to Long Beach, California. The Queen Mary is a Historic Hotel of America and is also listed on the National Register of historic places in her location in Long Beach Harbor.
There are a variety of tours and attractions to visit on the Queen Mary – including an exhibition on the Cunard Line, the Steel and Steam Tour, which goes below the waterline into the boiler rooms, and the Haunted Encounters tour, which explores areas of the ship known for paranormal behavior. The best value ticket to take is the ticket passport, which gives you access to a variety of options for a discounted price.
The best way, though, to visit the Queen Mary is to stay overnight. There are staterooms, suites, and even a haunted suite for rent. There is glorious 1930s artwork, decks, and portholes and it really is like stepping into a time warp.
Sip champagne and eat oysters at the champagne bar or have a bottomless bubbly brunch in the restaurant to really amp up your experience.
11. Grand Central Market
- Location: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
- Price to visit: Free to enter
- Best Place to Stay: Omni Hotel, Millennium Biltmore Hotel
Los Angeles is on the shortlist for one of the best foodie places in the world. The city’s wide variety of cuisines reflects LA’s diverse population, from authentic small eateries to fusion gastronomic experiences. Nowhere is that diversity more apparent than in Downtown LA’s food hall, Grand Central Market.
Grand Central Market opened in 1917 and is home to 37 vendors, offering cuisines from Mexican, Mediterranean, American, Asian, Indian, you name it. Shops sell everything from snacks to full-course meals, juices to delicatessens.
Each menu item is sold individually, and the seating area is communal. Hence, the best plan of action is to get a layout of the land, then mix and match.
If you’re overwhelmed with all the options in front of you, here are a few special callouts: Avocado Toast at Ramen Hood, Sisig Fried Rice at Sari Sari Store, and Salvadoran Pupusas at Sarita’s Pupuseria, before finishing off at McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams.
12. Experience the Olvera Street
- Location: 845 N Alameda Street is where you’ll find the entrance
- Price to visit: Free
- Best Place to Stay: Silver Lake Pool & Inn, Silver Lake is a great neighborhood just under 4 miles away but safely away from the bustle of downtown
Olvera Street is a cultural gem located in downtown Los Angeles. Hailed as the oldest part of downtown and the birthplace of Los Angeles by some, Olvera Street was established in the early 1800s by 11 Mexican families and the Avila Adobe on the street is the oldest existing house in the city, established in 1818.
Now, Olvera Street is a bustling cultural experience with a Mexican marketplace in El Pueblo Historic Park. The main stretch is a brick-lined street covered with beautiful trees. The center is lined with vendors some of whom can be traced back to the original vendors who settled there.
You can tour the Avila Adobe, shop for handcrafted goods, listen to mariachi music, and eat until you are content (and then some!).
13. The Last Bookstore
- Location: Located in downtown Los Angeles, at 453 S Spring St.
- Price to visit: The Last Bookstore is completely free. Come in and take a casual stroll, a few pictures, and maybe pick up a book or two for your next trip.
- Best Place to Stay: Omni Hotel, Millennium Biltmore Hotel
Bookstores have slowly become almost obsolete these days in the current environment of social media and print moving online. The Last Bookstore has found its footing amidst this situation and made the best of a bad situation.
It has become a staple of the L.A. scene with its unique store perspective. Not only has this place been filled with books old and new, but has a sizable collection of wall art, an impressive vinyl record collection, and even a labyrinth tunnel.
This titanic book store is like something out of a movie, and it has made itself an Instagram location for social media influencers and L.A. lovers alike.
14. La Brea Tar Pits
- Location: 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
- Price to visit: Adult: $15, Senior | Student: $12, Child (3-7): $7, Under 2: Free
- Best Place to Stay: Kimpton Hotel Wilshire (.5 miles from Tar Pits)
La Brea Tar Pits is an iconic spot in the heart of Los Angeles. It is the only actively excavated Ice Age fossil site located within an urban area, which makes it very unique in the world.
Visitors can explore the grounds as well as the connected museum. The museum houses the largest collection of fossils found at the site from small plants to mammoths, sloths, and Sabertooth Tigers.
The Lake Pit (actual remnants of mining) and the park are free for visitors to explore and see what it was like for animals to get stuck in a tar pit. Going to the museum, however, brings both the excavation as well as the fossils into view and really understands the site. You can also visit two active sites (Project 23 & Pit 91) during your visit and learn what’s still coming out of the pits. Definitely worth a great couple of hours.
15. The Huntington Library and Gardens
- Location: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108
- Price to visit: General Adult Admission: $25.00 on weekdays and $29.00 on weekend days
- Best Place to Stay: The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
The Huntington Library and Gardens in San Marino, just a few miles from downtown LA, make for a fabulous day out in nature.
You can tour more than one dozen gardens here, organized by theme, and if you enjoy art and culture, you can also view the art collection and the rare books and documents in the library.
Among the gardens at the Huntington, do not miss the beautiful Japanese Garden, where you can see a moon bridge, witness a traditional tea ceremony, and see the bonsai collection.
The Chinese Garden features a large lake and many beautiful structures. The Desert Garden has one of the largest collections of cacti and succulents in the world. And the Rose Garden looks spectacular when in bloom, with over one thousand plants.
You will need a full day to do justice to the gardens at the Huntington. There are several eateries within the complex for lunch.
16. Runyon Canyon
- Location: 2905 Runyon Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States
- Price to visit: Free
- Best Place to Stay: Mondrian Los Angeles, in West Hollywood
Los Angeles has a surprising amount of green space for such a sprawling city, much of it tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains to the city’s north.
One of the most popular spots that you should add to your LA bucket list is Runyon Canyon near Hollywood.
The 160-acre Runyon Canyon Park contains two main trails plus a paved road, that each climbs up over the steep, rough terrain of the canyon. It’s a popular destination for running or hiking, including with many celebrities. It’s also a popular spot to visit in Los Angeles with dogs, thanks to being largely off-leash.
To access the park, head to the northern end of Fuller Avenue or Vista Street and park on the street. Alternatively, there is a free parking lot at the northern entrance just off Mulholland Drive. Make sure you take a water bottle, with water fountains scattered throughout the park for top-ups.
LA Bucket List for Beach Lovers
17. Santa Monica Beach
- Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Price to visit: Free
- Best Place to Stay: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is a perfect choice to be in the heart of Santa Monica with beachfront access and a pool.
Santa Monica Beach is a very active place and one of the best places to stay in Los Angeles. Here you will find volleyball courts, surf lessons, rent a bike, and ride the 22-mile-long Marvin Braude Beach Trail.
Also, Santa Monica Beach is the home to the original Muscle Beach, and today it features gymnastic equipment. including parallel bars, rings, and ropes, that can be used by adults and also kids.
There is a paved path that follows the shoreline all the way to Venice Beach, and it is a paradise for runners, rollerblades, biking, or walking. If you wish, you can rent a bike and or rollerblades and cruise from the Pier to or from Venice Beach. You can also rent boogie boarders or umbrellas and beach chairs at one of the small shops, and just enjoy the beach.
I recommend stopping by Perry’s Cafe for a refreshment or lunch and spending a few hours here. It is a very laid-back restaurant on the sand, with lounge chairs where you can just sit down, relax and enjoy some people’s watching. Here you can also find a beach chair and umbrella for rental.
PRO-TIP: You can walk here all the way from Venice Beach, which is about 1 hour (2.6 miles). Another great option is to go on a 3-Hour Electric Bike Tour. This is a cool tour as the bicycle allows you to choose your own comfort level between pedaling with 6 gears, using the electric motor power which puts the power completely in your control, or both
18. Huntington Beach
- Location: Huntington Central Beach is located at 400 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
- When to Visit: Huntington Beach is best to visit during the spring, summer, and fall
- Best Place to Stay: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors during your trip to Los Angeles, look no further than Huntington Beach. This popular beach destination is just a 36-mile drive from Downtown Los Angeles, and you’ll be able to experience a laid-back culture that offers the perfect escape from the fast-paced environment of the city.
While you’re at Huntington Beach, you must rent a surfboard to try surfing the waves—one of the best things to do in Huntington Beach. If you’d like to enjoy the ocean without being pummeled by the waves, you can rent a beach cruiser to ride along the Huntington Beach Bike Trail.
If you enjoy shopping and dining, you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Pacific City, where you’ll find tons of luxury retailers and local restaurants, or Downtown Huntington Beach, where you can peruse the surf shops and eat at Fred’s Mexican Café and Cantina.
Before driving back to Los Angeles, find a spot on the Huntington Beach Pier to watch the gorgeous sunset.
19. Take the Ferry to Catalina Island
- Location: 30 miles off the California coast and is part of Los Angeles County
- Price to visit: Tickets for the Catalina Express ferry out of Long Beach are $77 for adults and $61.50 per kid.
- Best Place to Stay: Pavilion House
This list of the best LA Bucket List wouldn’t be complete without adding Catalina Island. Just a short 1-hour ferryboat ride away is an island that looks more like something you’d see along the Amalfi Coast of Italy than something you’d expect to find in Los Angeles.
With unique white sand and crystal-clear waters, reminiscent of a South Pacific paradise, You can visit the island on a day trip from Los Angeles, and if you are wondering what to do on Catalina Island for a day, you will find a lot to explore. You can tour the island’s vast interior to see wild buffalo and dramatic coastline vistas. You can also go hiking the trails to hidden harbors and inlets or discover the crystal blue waters teeming with colorful fish by kayak, sailboat, or snorkel
The town of Avalon is charming and has lots of quaint little shops and delicious restaurants all within walking distance of the ferry terminal.
Part of the charm of the island is that the main mode of transportation is by golf cart. You won’t be able to rent a car, so plan on walking or renting a bike or golf cart. Or you could stay somewhere that provides a golf cart for you, like the Catalina Dream Vacations condo rentals near Hamilton Beach.
The best time to visit is July through October when the weather hovers around 72 degrees. But you can’t go wrong any time of year. It is California, after all!
Want to explore more Catalina Island? Take a glass-bottom boat tour, a Nautilus semi-submarine cruise, go on a scenic hike or just relax and enjoy the Mediterranean-like atmosphere.
20. Laguna Beach
- Location: Laguna Beach
- Price to visit: Free
- Best Place to Stay: Crescent Bay Inn
There are so many reasons why you need to add Laguna Beach to your LA Bucket list destination.
With so many awesome things to do in Orange County, Laguna Beach is one of them. Considered one of the best coastlines in California, that is home to colorful art galleries, cute cafes, and stunning beaches. It makes for a perfect mini trip from Los Angeles if you are looking for a classic California getaway.
The crown jewel of Laguna Beach is Crystal Cove State Park with an incredible array of marine wildlife and vast wilderness areas that are perfect for hiking and exploring. This is the reason you need to add Laguna Beach to your LA Bucket list destination.
One of the most popular places to visit in Laguna Beach is Victoria Beach which became popular thanks to a 60-feet pirate tower that is often used as a backdrop for photos. But it’s not just beaches that make Laguna Beach a popular getaway from California: this town also boasts premier art galleries, museums, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.
Head to Heisler Park for superb views of the coast and sit down for a quick picnic. This destination is a popular spot for an hour on the gorgeous coastline. The beach near the park is a popular launching spot for snorkeling and paddleboarding.
And don’t forget to check out an old shipwreck off Laguna Beach coast at Cleo Street. This barge called the Foss 125 went down in 1958 and today remains at the same spot.
21. Palos Verdes Peninsula
- Location: Palos Verdes Peninsula is located about 27 miles south of downtown Los Angeles
- Price to visit:
- Best Place to Stay: Hotel Hermosa which is located near Hermosa Beach. It is the most beautiful and convenient hotel. You can enjoy beautiful ocean views and all the basic amenities in this hotel at a reasonable price
Los Angeles is not all about its beaches, movie studios, or congested freeways. If you want to see the different sides of the city, you need to add Palos Verdes Peninsula to your Los Angeles Bucket List, as it is a unique place famous for its stunning shoreline, secluded coves, and scenic drives.
If you love outdoor adventure, exploring Palos Verdes Peninsula is one of the best things to do in South Bay, Los Angeles. You won’t see massive hotel scenes or restaurants like other popular hotspots in LA. Instead, it is a place that offers countless scenic hikes, secret beaches, and stunning natural views.
Few people know about this scenic drive on this peninsula. There is no rush on the road unlike in the Malibu area. You can stop wherever you want and take amazing pictures of the shoreline.
There are numerous hiking trails and most of these trails are well maintained. Malaga Cove and Shipwreck Trail are some of the most beautiful hiking trails in this area. Malaga Cove trail passes through Redondo Beach and Torrance. You can take sunbathe and enjoy swimming in this area whereas, Shipwreck Trail goes along the coast and ends at the sight of a shipwreck from 1961.
22. Go See Whales at New Port Beach
- Location: Located in Orange County, the distance between Newport Beach and Los Angeles is 35 miles
- Price to visit: Check here for prices
- Best Place to Stay: Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas
Located 35 miles from Los Angeles, Newport Beach is home to some of the richest neighborhoods in Southern California. Look one way in Newport Beach, and you’ll see oceanfront mansions and a yacht-lined harbor. Look another, and you’ll find historic cottages, dive bars, and a friendly controversy about ice cream bars.
The town also has a thriving surf scene, thanks to more than 8 miles of beaches and the bodysurfers’ LA bucket-list spot known as the Wedge, with raucous waves that can easily reach 20 feet in height.
But one of the highlights of Newport Beach is that from May to November the warmer waters bring the opportunity to go on a tour to view blue whales. Throughout the year, you can observe dolphins, seals, and some of nature’s most incredible mammals at play.
Planning your LA Bucket List Trip
Before we jump into this amazing LA bucket list. first, let’s plan your visit to Los Angeles.
- BEST LOS ANGELES ITINERARY: Just because there is so much to do and see, I highly recommend coming to Los Angeles with a well-defined itinerary, in order to maximize your time. If you are short on time, I highly recommend joining a Grand City Tour of Los Angeles and getting to visit the top LA bucket list in only 5-hours.
- SAVE MONEY IN LOS ANGELES: I recommend getting the Go Los Angeles Card or Los Angeles Sightseeing Flex Pass as these passes start at $83 for one-day grant access to a variety of different attractions.
- GETTING AROUND LA: Some areas are walkable, for example, you can walk from Venice to Santa Monica in 1-hour. But in other areas such as Hollywood and Malibu, you will need a car or Uber. If you decide to rent a car, you will get a 15% off your rental car when you book through this site.
- ACCOMMODATION IN LOS ANGELES: Lastly, make sure you choose accommodation in a good area, where you can walk to the areas you want to visit. Making your reservations in advance is also part of a well-planned Los Angeles Itinerary. Hotel Indigo is a great option for midrange accommodation in downtown Los Angeles. Another great option is The Palihouse Hotel, located only 5-minutes from the beach.
Read More: Where to Stay in LA: Best Areas +Hotel Guide
Booking.comLA Bucket List Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this 5-day Los Angeles Itinerary, and that you have found it very helpful for your trip planning to the city of angels. With so much to do, see and experience, Los Angeles is a must destination for any adventure, outdoor, and art lover.
If you have any further questions, just leave me a comment below and I will be happy to get in touch with you. I have visited Los Angeles many times, and any time I come back, I feel in love with this city again. And I am sure you will also love Los Angeles and will want to come back to continue exploring.
If you love this article, I also recommend:
- The Ultimate Los Angeles Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Los Angeles: Best Areas + Top Hotels
- The Top Things to do in Venice Beach, Los Angeles
- How to rent an RV for a Dream Road Trip
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