Wondering what the best things to do in Los Angeles are? Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or moving to Los Angeles permanently, there are a few sights in this city you simply can’t miss! To help you plan an epic LA trip, we’ve put together a list of our favorite things to do in Los Angeles. And where better to start than the happiest place on Earth?

Disneyland

The older, West Coast sister to Florida’s Disney World, Disneyland is where magic is real and dreams come true. If you’re visiting with kids in tow, you need to see this family-friendly attraction in LA. Meet your favorite characters, from Mickey and Minnie to Elsa and Anna! Blast away bad guys on Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters. And if you stay until the evening, you might catch a lighted parade and even fireworks!

Plus, Disneyland is one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles for adults, too! Shopping enthusiasts will definitely want to spend some time in Downtown Disney. Walking from store to store might seem boring to kids, but to you, it’s a utopia of jewelry, fashion, and of course, Disney-themed gifts. If you stay at the Disneyland Resort, you can visit the Carthay Circle for a fine dining experience, and then take a trip to the adults-only Cove Bar for signature cocktails. And, if the next day, you want to spin in some tea cups and get Cinderella’s autograph, do it! At Disneyland, there’s something for everyone, including your inner kid.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

If you haven’t stood on a the Hollywood Walk of Fame, have you even been to LA? The Walk of Fame is more than just a perfect spot for your next Instagram photo. Sine 1958, this best Los Angeles attraction has recognized its most important, most impactful celebrities from movies, television, music, radio and live theatre by presenting them with a star on the Walk. Today, getting a star on the Walk of Fame is considered one of the greatest achievements an actor or actress can accomplish!

Today, there are more than 2,600 stars lining the 15 blocks of the Walk, so before you go, you’ll want to look up where your favorite stars’ stars are! On the Walk of Fame’s official website, you can search stars by name. You can also see any upcoming Star Ceremonies! For example, on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, actor Michael Douglas will be receiving his real Hollywood Star. The best part? The ceremonies are free and public, so stop by to see an awesome honor bestowed on a Hollywood legend!

Santa Monica Pier

The directions to the Santa Monica Pier, on its official website, read: “Head west. If your feet are wet, you’ve gone too far.” Good advice, as the pier does look out over the gorgeous Pacific Ocean. The Santa Monica Pier is a California classic: an amazing boardwalk with shops and restaurants, a beautiful beach, an adventure park, an aquarium, and a historic carousel. Yep, Santa Monica Pier pretty much has it all.

This top Los Angeles attraction is also where the iconic Route 66 ends! You can stop by the Route 66 shop for paraphernalia and fun. Then head over to the Trapeze School to learn some high flying tricks– all while safely above a net of course! Then, after you’ve gotten your beach body tan and taken a dip in the ocean, end your day with carnival rides, and even watch the sunset from the top of the ferris wheel! If that’s not enough, there are always cool events going on at the pier, so check their website to see what’s coming up!

Griffith Observatory & Park

Another one of the best things to do in Los Angeles is visit Griffith Observatory and Park! The Observatory has some of the best views of Hollywood, including a stunning view of the iconic Hollywood Sign. But the scenery isn’t the only reason to stop by. The Oservatory is also home to the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, where you can see three amazing star shows a day! There area also exhibits on electricity, shows at the Leonrad Nemoy Theater, and public telescopes where you can be an astronomer for a day.

After you’ve traveled to the stars and back, you can head out to Griffith Park to enjoy the natural wonders of this world. Spanning 4,210 acres, the Park offers trails for walking, hiking and biking. Check out the Bronson Caves, Hollywood’s most famous caves, which have been featured in TV shows including “The Lone Ranger” and “Wonder Woman.” Wind your way to the L.A. Zoo to see amazing animals. In Griffith Park, there’s even an equestrian center where you can take a ride on a pony, or see a horse show.

Rodeo Drive

Real quick, let’s cover this first. It’s “Ro-day-oh,” NOT “Ro-DEE-Oh.” Got it? Great. Now moving on to the fun stuff. If you are a fashionista, or a fangirl hoping to see some celebs in LA, you won’t want to miss out on this top Los Angeles attraction. Rodeo Drive comprises 2 miles of some of the most expensive, exclusive, and gorgeous shops in all of America.

If you want to be in the center of the action (and, if you have the funds to do so), enjoy a stay at the world-renowned Beverly Wilshire one of the oldest and most luxurious hotels in all of Beverly Hills. You’re going to want to get reservations way in advance if you want to eat on this street; restaurants like CUT by Wolfgang Puck and 208 Rodeo are always packed with happy diners.

Don’t go into any shop on Rodeo Drive thinking you’ll find a cute $20 tee-shirt. Instead, what you’ll find on Rodeo Drive are flagship shops for Versace, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co., the stores of the stars. You might even see a celeb or two as they go from shop to shop, meeting with designers and buying the pieces we’ll be seeing in magazines next month. But if you need to say “I bought this in Beverly Hills,” we recommend turning the corner onto Wilshire, where you’ll find some amazing, but not as pricey, high-end department stores.

Other Must-See Attractions in Los Angeles

Not every amazing thing to do in Los Angeles could make it into our Top 5 list, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check them out! Some other popular tourist attractions in LA include:

• Universal Studios Hollywood: Go on thrilled rides or take a tour of the famous Hollywood studios.
• Venice Beach: Shop along the 1.5 mile boardwalk.
• Getty Center: One of LA’s most popular art museums.
• Walt Disney Concert Hall: Catch a concert by the LA philharmonic in this gorgeous theater.
• Muscle Beach: Get fit for free on the beach with some of LA’s top fitness buffs.
• Hollywood Bowl: LA’s most famous outdoor amphitheater. Check out their website for upcoming events.
• The Hollywood Sign: Because you really do need that snapshot.
• Sunset Boulevard: THE nightlife hotspot in West Hollywood.

Visiting Los Angeles

No matter what you choose to do and see, we’re sure your time in LA will be unforgettable. From amazing scenery to world-class dining, shopping and entertainment, you’ll never run out of amazing things to do in Los Angeles. That’s why we think, if you fall in love with this city, you should join us by moving to Los Angeles!

Seriously, we know that living in LA isn’t for everyone. But if you are curious about what it’s like to be a resident here, check out our comprehensive city guide on moving to Los Angeles. And if you do decide to make the move, we hope you’ll choose us as your trusted Los Angeles moving company. Until then, have fun and enjoy the sun!