Last Updated: December 20, 2023
When we first visited LA during our West Coast Road Trip, we were overwhelmed by how big the city was. Although we had a good plan (or so we thought) of what to see and do in Los Angeles, we still somehow ended up missing a few spots. We spent too much time exploring the most popular locations such as Venice Beach; the Hollywood sign and the Walk of Fame. That led to us missing a few of the other must see places in Los Angeles. We naively thought that since we ticked off those locations from our list, our LA experience was complete.
During our second visit, we tried focusing more on the experience rather than rushing from point A to point B. Of course, the fact that this was our second time in Los Angeles, did add points to the experience. In order for you to avoid making the same mistake as us, continue reading. In this guide, you will find the 15 Must See Places In Los Angeles! What’s more, this LA guide is in an order that will allow you to dedicate more time on each location and less time in your car.
DOWNTOWN LA
Downtown LA might be underestimated by many (quite honestly, we belonged to that lot). It is one of the places that you simply must see when visiting Los Angeles as it has a lot to offer. What’s best, you can explore it on foot as the main attractions are not too far from each other.
THE LAST BOOKSTORE
This artistic bookstore is located at a beautiful two-story building in DTLA. What’s unique about this bookstore is that it is one of the largest independent bookstores in the world. They offer an expansive collection of used and new books, as well as a vast selection of vinyl records. The Labyrinth located on the mezzanine floor is one of the most photographed spots in the bookstore.
GRAND CENTRAL MARKET
The Grand Central Market has been standing there since 1917 and it is the hub for foodies who visit DTLA. Take your time to wander the stalls and embrace the inviting smell of the diverse food from the international cuisines. Our personal favorite was the pastrami sandwich from Wexler’s Deli.
THE BROAD
This beautiful contemporary art museum, hosts works from artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein amongst others. My absolute favorite, however, is the Infinity Mirrored Room. The general admission is free. However, the entrance to the Infinity Mirrored Room requires a reservation online, where you need to select your preferred time slot. Once you arrive at the museum you must check-in at the lobby in order to join the (first-come, first-served) queue. For more information on this, click here.
ELYSIAN PARK
Wear your comfortable shoes and head over to Elysian Park for trekking. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views over LA. What makes this one of the must see places in Los Angeles, is the swing hanging from the branch of a massive tree. Located very close to the edge of the cliff, it is not for the faint-hearted. If you’re unfazed by that fact, then do not miss the Swing On Top Of Elysian Park.
HOLLYWOOD SIGN
Aah, the landmark! A trip to LA without seeing the Hollywood sign is incomplete. Because of its “strategic” location, the sign is visible from various locations across LA. To get a closer look head over to The Griffith Observatory; Lake Hollywood Park or Mount Lee (for a view behind the sign).
SUNSET BLVD/BEVERLY HILLS
Sunset Boulevard is one of the most popular streets in LA and driving on it is almost impossible to avoid. This palm-lined strip starts from DTLA and ends at the Pacific Coast Highway intersection. You might want to dedicate a little bit of extra time to spend on Sunset Strip which is a 2.4 km long stretch of the Sunset Blvd. You will catch yourself gaping at the mammoth billboards; the exquisite restaurants and hotels. One of them being the historic Chateau Marmont, and the extravagant houses of Bel-Air and Beverly Hills.
BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL
The Beverly Hills Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in LA (and around the world if I may say so). That makes it undoubtedly one of the absolute must see places in Los Angeles. The “pink palace” is where you want to be if seeing a celebrity is up there on your list. Feel like spoiling yourself? Then you must try The Polo Lounge for brunch or the Cabana Cafe for an alfresco experience by the pool.
RODEO DRIVE
Just like every major city has a street dedicated to high-end stores, Los Angeles has Rodeo Drive. Remember the movie Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts goes on a shopping spree? This is where it was filmed. Whilst there, you might also want to check the Beverly Wilshire Hotel also seen in Pretty Woman.
THE GROVE
The Grove is an outdoor shopping centre adjacent to the Original Farmers Market. It is a relatively small complex compared to other malls in Los Angeles. Expect to find mid-range retail such as J.Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch and MAC Cosmetics. The show definitely steals the animated fountain located in the centre of the mall. Designed by WET (the same firm designed the Fountains of Bellagio), it is clear why this spot is worth visiting. Most of the restaurants have tables laid out on the patio making up an ambience of European summer.
MELROSE AVENUE
This is one of my personal favourite places in Los Angeles which you simply must see. Melrose Avenue is located north of Beverly Boulevard and south of Santa Monica Boulevard and it is a feast for the eyes. Not only it has some of the most Instagrammable locations in LA (street art, storefronts, etc.). It also has an abundance of independent stores where you can find anything, from vintage clothes to luxury brands. The food scene also plays an important role in Melrose Avenue’s reputation. It is so diverse that it’s impossible to not find something that you like.
Bonus point: Here is also located Paramount Studios. Convinced yet?
WALK OF FAME
No other pavement in the world is as famous as the Walk of Fame. 2500 stars lay along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street and it attracts hordes of tourists every year. Many will agree that Hollywood Boulevard doesn’t have anymore the same glam as it once did. It is, however, one of the must see places in Los Angeles due to the famous Walk of Fame. Do not miss a chance to take a picture with your favorite star.
SANTA MONICA PIER
Another LA landmark, Santa Monica Pier is where the historic Route 66 ends. Dating back to 1909, Santa Monica Pier is a part of LA’s history. Also, due to its location, it is one of the most photogenic places in the city of angels.
Tip: Rent a bicycle and cycle all the way to Venice Beach. It is a California experience not to be missed!
VENICE BEACH
Art is an experience and not an object and that experience is exactly what Venice has to offer. Past the tourists and the street performers, Venice is well known for attracting those with a bohemian spirit; artists, poets and writers. It is quite unconventional compared to its posh neighbour, Santa Monica. You will see that reflected on the Art Walls, Abbot Kinney and the Venice Canals.
AMERICAN SPORT EVENT
Personally, I’m not much of a sports fan. Greg, on the other hand, is an avid fan of anything sports-related. Naturally, during our visit to LA, he made it a point that we simply MUST experience at least one sports event. During our first visit, we went to an American Football game. The second time, we were looking for something different so we watched an Ice Hockey game. If I have to choose between these two, then I would go for hockey. A much faster game where there’s a lot of adrenaline going on from beginning to the end.
The above are my personal favorite places to see in Los Angeles. The city, however, has so much more to offer that make each and every visit a unique one.
I am curious, which are your top places to see in the City of Angels?
