Things to do in Los Angeles
Late August is warm and dry (75–85°F inland, cooler at the coast). Beware 'June Gloom'-style morning marine layer at the beaches — coastal afternoons are clearest.
Best months: April, May, September, October
Finished plans for Los Angeles
Complete day-by-day itineraries, free to read with no account.
What is worth your time in Los Angeles
The Getty CenterDo not miss
Richard Meier's hilltop acropolis — world-class art, gardens, architecture, and city-to-ocean views; admission is free.
Museum · 3.3 hr4.8
Griffith ObservatoryDo not miss
The definitive LA panorama — Hollywood Sign, downtown skyline, and Pacific in one sweep, plus free telescopes and planetarium shows.
Viewpoint · 2 hr4.7
The BroadDo not miss
Free contemporary art museum with Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms and Koons' Balloon Dog — reserve ahead.
Museum · 1.8 hr4.7
Hollywood Sign (Lake Hollywood Park)Do not miss
The cleanest straight-on view of the Hollywood Sign without a hike — bring a long lens at golden hour.
Viewpoint · 30 min4.6
Los Angeles County Museum Of Art (Lacma)Do not miss
The largest art museum in the western US — and Chris Burden's 'Urban Light' lamppost forest out front is LA's favorite photo.
Museum · 2.5 hr4.6
Santa Monica PierDo not miss
The end of Route 66 — Pacific Wheel, street performers, and the classic California beach sunset.
Landmark · 1.5 hr4.6
Universal Studios HollywoodDo not miss
The working movie studio turned theme park -- Studio Tour backlot, Wizarding World, and Super Nintendo World.
Activity · 7.5 hr4.6
Venice Beach BoardwalkDo not miss
Muscle Beach, skate park, street art, and LA's weirdest people-watching — peak California counterculture.
Beach · 1.5 hr4.5
Hollywood Walk Of FameDo not miss
2,700+ brass stars along Hollywood Blvd — touristy, chaotic, and obligatory for first-timers.
Landmark · 1 hr4
Rodeo DriveDo not miss
Three blocks of flagship luxury in Beverly Hills — window-shop the legend, photograph Via Rodeo's European lane.
Neighborhood · 45 min
Getty Villa
A recreated Roman country house above the Malibu coast filled with Greek and Roman antiquities -- free, reserve ahead.
Museum · 2.5 hr4.8
Manhattan Beach Pier
The South Bay's most photogenic pier and beach town -- volleyball courts where the pro game was born.
Beach · 1.5 hr4.8
Natural History Museum of LA
Dinosaur Hall with a T. rex growth series, gem vault, and the 1913 rotunda -- next door to the Science Center.
Museum · 2.5 hr4.8
Petersen Automotive Museum
The ribbon-wrapped building on Wilshire with 100+ legendary cars -- the basement Vault tour is the deep cut.
Museum · 2 hr4.8
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- LA is a driving city — distances between areas are huge; plan one area per day.
- Metro E Line connects Downtown to Santa Monica if you want to skip parking.
- Traffic peaks 7–10am and 3–7pm; cross-town trips can take 1+ hour at rush hour.
- Getty Center and The Broad are free but reserve timed tickets ahead.
- Griffith Observatory parking fills by sunset — arrive early or take the DASH bus.