Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles. We have you covered with the very best that L.A. has to offer. Whether you’re a culture vulture, outdoorsy type or simply a lover of our fine city, there’s more than enough here to keep you busy. Even lifelong Angelenos will find something new to add to their to do list, between the city’s landmark attractions that are still accessible, an ever changing inventory of the best restaurants in Los Angeles that are open for takeout, essential outdoor L.A. museums and even some off the beaten path secrets. Let find out The Best Things To Do in Los Angeles below.
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The Best Things To Do in Los Angeles
See L.A. from above at Griffith Park
The trails, the flora, the views, the howls of coyotes down the canyons at night, the twinkly lights of Downtown in the distance L.A. may not have a grassy, centralized park, but Griffith’s massive, hilly wilderness makes for a stellar alternative. Even when the Griffith Observatory is closed.
You can still drive or hike up to the grounds of the landmark Art Deco dome to take in the unparalleled views. Wherever you end up hiking, we highly suggest listening downloading Ellen Reid’s Soundwalk, a location based musical composition that transforms as you move about the park.
Take a scenic drive around the Palos Verdes Peninsula
Ten miles of streets, mostly along Palos Verdes Drive, hugging the coast from the Torrance border to San Pedro. The first third of the drive sticks mostly to spectacular real estate a few blocks inland, but after you round Point Vicente, the drive changes dramatically. For a few miles past Terranea, there’s nothing but undeveloped oceanfront hillsides, winding roads and golden hued bluffs. Take a stroll by the Point Vicente Interpretive Center for views of the nearby lighthouse.
Have an oceanfront, roadside meal at Neptune’s Net
A postcard worthy seafood shack on the Pacific Coast Highway toward the western edge of Malibu. The fried ocean bites and weekend biker crew make Neptune’s Net a unique destination. Alternatively, dine up the coast with locals at Malibu Seafood, where the long line is worth the wait for fresh fish and seafood.
The famous spot is currently open with limited outdoor seating. So take your food across the street and park in the dirt patch by the water, with views of surfers and kite boarders.
Pedal around Echo Park Lake
A former reservoir turned public recreation area at the center of one of L.A.’s most buzzing neighborhoods. The historic Echo Park Lake in recent years finally became a family friendly destination worthy of its bold backdrop: the Downtown skyline amid the lotus flower blooms, fountains and the Lady of the Lake statue.
You can push your way through the lake in a pedal or swan boat or stroll around the path that hugs its borders though be advised that a large tent city of unhoused residents has set up around the western side and caused quite a bit of controversy, both for and against it, since its rapid growth in the park in 2020. Make sure to stop at the revived boathouse and its breakfast pit stop Beacon.
Pose in front of streetlights at LACMA
Chris Burden’s Urban Light, a piece made up of 202 cast iron street lamps gathered from around L.A. and restored to working order, that stands outside of the massive museum. Though LACMA is currently closed, yes, you can still snag your streetlight selfies between 10am and 10pm. In addition, Michael Heizer’s teetering boulder Levitated Mass and the 26 foots tall Yoshitomo Nara sculpture Miss Forest are still viewable, as well. The LACMA Store inside the Resnick Pavilion is once again open and selling artsy keepsakes.
Walk along the Venice Canals
A series of small canals that run through the beachfront neighborhood hence the name, Venice. Tucked between the grimy Venice Boardwalk and the posh Abbot Kinney, the Venice Canals offer a completely different side of the famed beachfront neighborhood. Take a stroll through these three canal lined blocks.
And you’ll discover an idyllic scene: arching pedestrian bridges, charming beach houses, bunches of ducklings and the occasional paddle boarding bulldog. Though you won’t find boat rentals anywhere along the canals, you can bring your own non motorized vessel to tour the neighborhood at water level enter via the launch ramp at Venice Boulevard. That is once of The Best Things To Do in Los Angeles.
