ClickCease

15 Best Los Angeles Tourist Attractions for First-Timers

Los Angeles spreads across 500+ square miles, and if you’re visiting for the first time, figuring out which spots actually deserve your time can feel overwhelming. Between the iconic landmarks, the hidden neighborhoods, and the sheer distance between them, having a clear game plan matters. That’s exactly why we put together this list of the best Los Angeles tourist attractions, drawn from years of guiding over a million guests through this city as Another Side Tours.

We’ve watched first-timers light up at the Hollywood Sign, get starstruck driving through Beverly Hills, and discover corners of LA they never knew existed. Some attractions live up to the hype. Others are skippable. And a few hidden gems consistently surprise people more than the big-name stops. This guide covers 15 spots worth your time, with honest takes on what makes each one special and how to get the most out of your visit.

1. Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours

Another Side Tours takes the guesswork out of exploring LA. Instead of spending your limited vacation time stuck in traffic or hunting for parking, you get a local expert guide who knows exactly where to go, what to skip, and which stories make each stop genuinely interesting. With over one million tours completed, this is one of the most trusted ways to see the best Los Angeles tourist attractions without wasting a single hour.

What you’ll see and do

Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll cover neighborhoods like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach, stopping at landmarks that most visitors rush past without any context. Guides share real history, film industry stories, and insider details that turn a standard sightseeing loop into something you’ll actually remember. Some tours go beyond the famous streets to spots most tourists never find on their own.

Best time to go

Morning tours tend to offer cooler temperatures and lighter crowds at popular stops. If you want the best light for photos, late afternoon works well for outdoor locations. LA’s weather stays mild most of the year, but summer mornings book up fast, so reserving early gives you the best pick of times and routes.

Booking your guided tour for the first morning of your trip gives you a strong orientation to the city, making every self-guided stop afterward easier and more rewarding.

How to get there and meet your guide

Most tours include pickup directly from your hotel or accommodation, which means you skip the hassle of renting a car or figuring out rideshares on day one. Your guide contacts you before the tour with exact details. For Segway and e-bike tours, you’ll meet at a designated starting point that’s simple to reach from most central hotels.

Tour types, durations, and pricing

Another Side Tours offers a wide range of options to match different budgets and group sizes:

  • Private guided vehicle tours covering Hollywood and Beverly Hills (starting around $75 per person)
  • Segway and e-bike tours for a more active experience through key neighborhoods
  • Limousine tours for groups wanting a premium outing (up to $1,996)
  • Thematic tours including haunted Hollywood, celebrity homes, and studio lot combinations
  • Tour durations range from 90 minutes to 7 hours, with group discounts available for parties of three or more

What to bring and how to plan your day

Wear comfortable walking shoes regardless of which tour you book, since most include stops where you’ll explore on foot. Bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and your phone for photos. Scheduling your tour first thing in the morning frees up your afternoon for self-guided stops, restaurants, or spontaneous detours around the city.

2. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park

Griffith Observatory gives you panoramic views of the LA skyline, the Hollywood Sign, and on clear days the Pacific Ocean, all without a serious hike. The building has appeared in classic films, and it consistently ranks among the best Los Angeles tourist attractions for first-timers wanting maximum impact with minimal effort.

2. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park

What you’ll see and do

Inside, you’ll find free exhibits on astronomy and space exploration, along with public telescopes open to visitors throughout the day. The rooftop terraces wrap around the building and offer some of the finest 360-degree city views anywhere in Los Angeles. Griffith Park covers over 4,300 acres, with hiking trails, the LA Zoo, and the Greek Theatre all within easy reach.

Best time to go

Weekday mornings give you the calmest experience with noticeably smaller crowds. Sunset draws the biggest visitor numbers, so arrive before noon if you want space to move around. Note that the observatory is closed on Mondays.

The view from the east terrace as city lights begin turning on below you is something most visitors remember long after leaving LA.

How to get there and park

Parking at the summit fills quickly on weekends. Your best transportation options include:

  • DASH Observatory Bus from Los Feliz Boulevard (easiest, most reliable)
  • Rideshare drop-off directly at the entrance
  • Drive and park lower in Griffith Park, then walk the trail up

Tickets, reservations, and costs

The grounds and interior exhibits are free. Planetarium shows require a ticket, running around $7 to $10 per person depending on the program. Check current showtimes and reserve through the official Griffith Observatory site before your visit.

Nearby add-ons and easy pairings

Los Feliz sits just below the park and works well for lunch after your visit. Hollywood is roughly 10 minutes away by car, making this observatory a smart first stop before continuing to the Walk of Fame or the Hollywood Sign viewpoints later in the day.

3. Hollywood Sign Viewpoints and Hikes

The Hollywood Sign ranks among the best Los Angeles tourist attractions for first-timers, and getting a great view of it is simpler than most people expect. You don’t have to complete a long hike to appreciate this iconic LA landmark, but knowing your options ahead of time saves you real time and frustration.

What you’ll see and do

Several established trails and viewpoints give you different angles on the sign, from distant panoramas to close-up positions near the base. Each route offers a different experience depending on how much time and energy you want to spend.

Best time to go

Early weekday mornings give you the lightest crowds and clearest air. Summer weekends get congested by mid-morning, and midday heat on exposed ridgelines makes hiking uncomfortable. Spring and fall offer the best conditions overall.

Arriving before 8 a.m. on a weekday nearly guarantees you’ll have the best viewpoints with room to breathe.

How to choose a route and where to start

Two main starting points work for most visitors. Lake Hollywood Park on the north side gives you the classic straight-on photo without any hiking. Griffith Park on the east side connects to the Brush Canyon Trail for those wanting a proper walk with a closer look at the sign.

Trail difficulty, safety, and what to bring

Most Hollywood Sign trails run 3 to 6 miles round trip with moderate elevation gain. Bring sunscreen, at least one liter of water, and sturdy shoes since gravel covers large sections of every route. Download an offline map before heading out since cell service drops in places.

Best photo spots without a long hike

Lake Hollywood Park delivers the straight-on view with zero effort. The Griffith Observatory terraces also frame the sign clearly from across the valley, making them a natural add-on if you’re already visiting the observatory earlier in the day.

4. Santa Monica Pier and Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Pier is one of the most recognizable spots in Los Angeles, combining ocean air, a historic amusement park, and wide sandy beaches in one walkable location. First-timers consistently rank it among the best Los Angeles tourist attractions for good reason: it’s easy to reach, free to explore, and genuinely enjoyable without a packed itinerary.

4. Santa Monica Pier and Santa Monica Beach

What you’ll see and do

The pier stretches out over the Pacific and holds Pacific Park, a small amusement park with a solar-powered Ferris wheel that has appeared in countless films and TV shows. Beyond the rides, you’ll find street performers, fishing spots, and direct beach access where you can walk the sand south toward Venice or north toward Malibu.

Best time to go

Weekday mornings give you the calmest experience, with fewer crowds and easier parking. Summer weekends fill up fast, so arriving before 10 a.m. puts you comfortably ahead of the rush.

A clear morning at Santa Monica often surprises visitors with unobstructed views of the mountains rising behind the city skyline.

How to get there and get around

The Metro E Line (formerly Expo Line) drops you directly at downtown Santa Monica, just a short walk from the pier. Rideshare works smoothly here too. Parking structures near the pier fill quickly on weekends, so public transit consistently saves you real time.

Costs, rentals, and time needed

Beach access is completely free. Bike and e-scooter rentals run roughly $15 to $25 per hour, letting you cover far more ground along the coast. Plan for at least two to three hours.

Where to eat and what to pair nearby

Third Street Promenade sits three blocks from the pier and offers a solid range of restaurants at different price points. Santa Monica pairs naturally with Venice Beach since the boardwalk connects just two miles south along a flat, bikeable coastal path.

5. Venice Beach Boardwalk and Venice Canals

Venice Beach delivers one of the most distinctly LA experiences you’ll find among the best Los Angeles tourist attractions. The boardwalk stretches nearly two miles along the Pacific and hosts street performers, muralists, weight lifters, and skateboarders that make it unlike any other stop on this list.

What you’ll see and do

The boardwalk pulls most of the attention, but the Venice Canals sit just three blocks inland and offer a completely different atmosphere. Built in 1905, the canals wind through a quiet residential neighborhood where you can walk the bridges and watch the waterway wind through tidy backyards. Most first-timers skip this part entirely, which makes it one of the best surprises in all of LA.

Best time to go

Weekend mornings balance energy and accessibility well, giving you enough activity on the boardwalk to feel the real atmosphere without fighting extreme crowds. Weekday afternoons run noticeably quieter if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

The canal neighborhood feels worlds apart from the boardwalk, so visiting both back-to-back gives you a genuine sense of how layered Venice actually is.

How to get there and stay safe

Venice sits roughly two miles south of Santa Monica Pier along a flat coastal path, making it a natural bike or scooter add-on. Keep your valuables in a bag you carry in front of you while walking the boardwalk.

Costs, rentals, and time needed

Beach and boardwalk access is completely free. Bike and scooter rentals run around $15 to $25 per hour. Plan two to three hours to cover both areas without rushing.

Where to go beyond the boardwalk

Abbot Kinney Boulevard sits a short walk east and offers independent restaurants and coffee shops worth exploring. This street gives you a slower, neighborhood-level experience that contrasts well with the boardwalk’s energy.

6. The Getty Center

The Getty Center sits on a hillside above Brentwood and consistently earns its place among the best Los Angeles tourist attractions for first-timers. World-class art, architecture, and gardens combine with sweeping views of the city and the Pacific Ocean to make this one of the most rewarding stops in all of LA.

6. The Getty Center

What you’ll see and do

The Getty holds an impressive permanent collection spanning European paintings, decorative arts, sculptures, and photography spanning centuries. Beyond the galleries, the outdoor gardens and travertine terraces draw just as much attention, especially the central garden designed by artist Robert Irwin. Plan to spend at least two to three hours here comfortably.

The view of the LA basin from the north terrace on a clear day rivals anything you’ll see from a paid observation deck.

Best time to go

Tuesday through Friday mornings give you the calmest experience with the smallest crowds. Weekend afternoons bring significantly more visitors, which makes navigating the galleries feel rushed.

How to get there and park

The Getty sits just off the 405 freeway at Getty Center Drive. Parking costs $20 per vehicle and fills on busy days. A free tram connects the parking structure to the main entrance, running continuously throughout the day. Rideshare drops off at the lower tram station.

Reservations, costs, and how long to stay

Museum admission is completely free. Only parking carries a cost. Reservations are recommended on weekends and can be made through the Getty’s official site.

What to prioritize if you have limited time

Start with the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist galleries on the upper level, then work your way outside to the central garden before catching the city view from the north terrace.

7. Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood ranks among the best Los Angeles tourist attractions for first-timers who want a full day of entertainment with genuine film industry history built in. The park combines working studio backlots with theme park rides in a way no other attraction in the city replicates.

What you’ll see and do

The park’s headliner is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a fully immersive area with detailed theming, interactive wand experiences, and two popular rides. Beyond that, you’ll find classic attractions including Jurassic World, Despicable Me, and the famous Studio Tour, which takes you through active production lots and iconic film sets used in real Hollywood productions.

Best time to go

January through March gives you the shortest wait times and the most manageable crowds. Summer and holiday weekends push wait times well past an hour for top rides, so weekday visits in the off-season dramatically improve your experience.

Arriving at the gate 30 minutes before opening lets you ride the two most popular attractions before lines build up significantly.

How to get there and park

The Metro B Line stops directly at Universal City station, which connects to the park via a short walk and escalator system. If you drive, parking costs $15 to $50 depending on proximity to the entrance, with the closest lots selling out on busy days.

Tickets, express options, and budgeting

General admission runs roughly $109 to $179 per person, depending on the date. The Universal Express Pass cuts wait times significantly but adds $80 to $120 per person on top of admission.

How to plan your route inside the park

Start with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter immediately after entry since it draws the largest crowds soonest. Knock out the Studio Tour mid-morning before afternoon lines build, then fill your afternoon with secondary attractions at a relaxed pace.

8. Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre

The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches over 1.3 miles along Hollywood Boulevard and holds more than 2,700 stars honoring entertainers across film, television, music, and radio. Paired with the TCL Chinese Theatre just steps away, this stretch of Hollywood consistently ranks among the best Los Angeles tourist attractions for first-timers who want to connect with the city’s entertainment history in a single walkable area.

8. Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre

What you’ll see and do

Along the Walk of Fame, you’ll find celebrity handprints and footprints pressed into concrete at TCL Chinese Theatre’s famous forecourt, where stars have left their marks since 1927. The theatre still operates as an active cinema, and its ornate architecture draws as much attention as the concrete slabs out front.

Best time to go

Weekday mornings before 10 a.m. give you the quietest conditions for reading stars and taking photos at the theatre entrance. Weekend afternoons pack the sidewalks with tour groups and costumed characters, making it harder to move at your own pace.

Arriving early on a weekday morning often means you can photograph the most famous stars without stepping around crowds.

How to get there and navigate the area

The Metro B Line stops at Hollywood/Highland station, dropping you directly at the main entrance to the area. Walking from there puts you in the center of the Walk of Fame in under two minutes, with parking structures nearby if you prefer to drive.

Costs and what’s worth paying for

Walking the sidewalk and viewing the stars is completely free. Stepping inside TCL Chinese Theatre for a film or VIP tour runs $15 to $30 per person and gives you a genuine look at one of Hollywood’s most historic working theaters.

Common mistakes first-timers make

Most visitors focus only on the section immediately in front of TCL Chinese Theatre and miss the stars further east and west along the boulevard. Also, paying the costumed characters for photos is entirely optional, and they rely on that assumption to pressure tourists, so know before you go that you owe nothing simply by walking past.

9. The Broad in Downtown LA

The Broad sits on Grand Avenue in Downtown LA and holds one of the most significant contemporary art collections in the country. As one of the best Los Angeles tourist attractions for art lovers, it punches well above its size and consistently delivers a memorable visit even if you spend only a couple of hours inside.

What you’ll see and do

The museum’s permanent collection features roughly 2,000 works from artists including Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Kara Walker. The building itself draws attention with its honeycomb exterior facade that wraps around a lower gallery floor and an upper level connected by a dramatic escalator tunnel.

Walking up through that escalator vault into the upper galleries is the kind of architectural moment that stays with you long after the art itself.

Best time to go

Tuesday through Thursday mornings give you the calmest conditions and shortest entry waits. Weekends and Friday evenings attract significantly larger crowds, which can make moving between galleries feel rushed.

How to get there and park

The Broad sits on Grand Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets in Downtown LA. The Metro B and D Lines stop at Pershing Square, a short walk away. Street parking in downtown runs scarce, so rideshare or public transit will save you real frustration.

Tickets, wait times, and entry tips

General admission is free, but timed-entry reservations through the Broad’s website are strongly recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid a long standby line.

Best nearby stops for a half-day plan

Grand Central Market sits just two blocks east, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall stands directly across Grand Avenue, making it easy to build a satisfying half-day loop through Downtown without backtracking.

10. LACMA and the Museum Row on Wilshire

LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) is the largest art museum in the western United States, and the stretch of Wilshire Boulevard surrounding it qualifies as one of the best Los Angeles tourist attractions for visitors who want depth beyond the standard sightseeing circuit. The campus spans several buildings and holds over 150,000 objects covering 6,000 years of history across civilizations.

What you’ll see and do

LACMA’s collection covers ancient art, modern paintings, film photography, and international works across multiple pavilions. Outside, the famous "Urban Light" installation by Chris Burden draws long lines of visitors wanting photos among the restored antique streetlamps, particularly in the early evening hours when the light shifts.

Best time to go

Tuesday through Thursday mornings offer the quietest conditions for moving through the galleries at a comfortable pace. Check the schedule in advance because the museum is closed on Wednesdays for most of the year.

Arriving during a weekday morning gives you access to the outdoor installations and main galleries before tour groups begin cycling through.

How to get there and park

The Metro E Line stops near Wilshire/Western, a walkable distance from the main entrance. Street parking fills quickly on weekends, so rideshare or public transit consistently saves time and sidesteps the frustration of circling the block.

Tickets and what to prioritize

General admission runs $25 for adults, with discounts available for students and seniors. Head directly to the Broad Contemporary Art Museum building on campus if your time runs short, as it holds the most concentrated collection of impactful modern works.

Photo stops and nearby add-ons

The La Brea Tar Pits sit immediately next door, making them a natural and efficient pairing. Both attractions share the same block, so you can cover both stops in a single half-day visit without moving your car.

11. Grand Central Market and Classic Downtown LA Sights

Grand Central Market has anchored Downtown LA since 1917 and remains one of the best Los Angeles tourist attractions for food lovers and curious visitors alike. The open-air market hall runs the length of a full city block and packs in dozens of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to acclaimed tacos and wood-fired pizza.

What you’ll see and do

Inside the market, you’ll find roughly 40 vendors representing a wide range of cuisines and local producers. Outside, Downtown LA delivers a walkable cluster of architectural landmarks, street art, and cultural institutions that most first-timers miss entirely because they never venture past Hollywood.

Best time to go

Weekday lunch hours draw loyal locals and give you a genuine feel for how the market actually functions day to day. Weekend mornings run quieter than afternoons, making them a solid choice if you want to browse without competing for counter space.

Grand Central Market works best as an anchor for a longer Downtown loop rather than a quick isolated stop.

How to get there and get around

The Metro B and D Lines stop at Pershing Square, a two-minute walk from the market’s Hill Street entrance. Rideshare drop-off works smoothly on Broadway. Downtown’s main attractions cluster tightly enough that walking between most stops takes under 15 minutes.

Costs and how long to plan for

Market entry is free, and most meals run between $10 and $20 per person. Plan two to three hours for the full loop without feeling rushed.

A simple walking route you can follow

Start at the Broadway entrance, eat inside the market, then walk north to the Angels Flight Railway, continue to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and finish at The Broad two blocks away.

12. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood gives you behind-the-scenes access to an active working studio that has produced some of the most recognized films and television series in entertainment history. Unlike a theme park, this experience focuses on authentic production spaces and real sets, making it one of the best Los Angeles tourist attractions for visitors who want something beyond standard sightseeing.

What you’ll see and do

Your guide takes you through active backlot streets, prop warehouses, and recognizable sets from productions including Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and DC films. The tour also covers costume and set design departments that show you the craft behind what ends up on screen.

Stepping onto the Friends Central Perk set is a moment that genuinely surprises visitors who grew up watching the show.

Best time to go

Weekday morning tours give you the most relaxed experience with smaller group sizes. Weekends attract larger crowds, and some production areas may be off-limits when active filming is scheduled, so booking early in the week improves your odds of full access.

How to get there and park

The studio sits in Burbank off Olive Avenue, roughly 15 minutes from Hollywood by car. Free parking is available in the studio’s dedicated lot directly adjacent to the tour entrance, and rideshare drop-off works smoothly at the main gate.

Tickets, tour options, and pricing

Standard tours run approximately $70 per person and last around three hours. The Deluxe Tour extends your visit and includes additional access to specialty areas for roughly $200 per person.

Tips for fans and first-timers

Book tickets at least a week in advance since popular time slots fill up fast, especially during summer. Wear comfortable shoes because the tour covers significant ground on foot between sets and production buildings.

13. La Brea Tar Pits and the Museum

La Brea Tar Pits stands apart from every other entry on this list of best Los Angeles tourist attractions because it offers something genuinely rare: active paleontological excavation happening in the middle of a city park. Asphalt has been trapping and preserving Ice Age animals here for over 50,000 years, and researchers still extract fossils from the ground today.

What you’ll see and do

The outdoor grounds are free to explore and include life-size mammoth sculptures positioned near the largest bubbling tar pool, giving you an immediate sense of the site’s scale. Inside the Page Museum, thousands of recovered fossils go on display, including saber-toothed cat skeletons, dire wolf skulls, and ancient plant specimens. An active excavation called Project 23 lets you watch scientists working in real time through a large viewing window.

Best time to go

Weekday mornings offer the calmest experience and the best chance of watching the excavation team actively at work. Weekend afternoons draw larger family groups, which makes the indoor galleries feel noticeably crowded around the most popular exhibits.

Watching an active paleontological dig from a few feet away consistently surprises visitors more than any display inside the museum itself.

How to get there and park

The site sits on Wilshire Boulevard at Curson Avenue in Hancock Park. Street parking on surrounding side streets fills quickly on weekends, so rideshare or the Metro E Line saves you real time and frustration.

Tickets, costs, and time needed

Museum admission runs approximately $20 for adults, with discounts available for students and seniors. The outdoor grounds carry no admission fee. Plan 90 minutes to two hours to cover both the museum interior and the outdoor pools without rushing.

How to pair it with nearby attractions

LACMA shares the same block directly next door, making a combined half-day visit to both sites entirely practical. Heading east afterward puts you near The Broad and Grand Central Market in Downtown within a short drive.

14. Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills

Rodeo Drive earns its reputation as one of the best Los Angeles tourist attractions without requiring you to spend a single dollar inside any of its shops. The two-block stretch of designer boutiques between Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards draws visitors from around the world, and the surrounding streets of Beverly Hills add architecture, gardens, and neighborhood character that make this area worth at least a half-day of your time.

What you’ll see and do

Rodeo Drive’s flagships from Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany line the sidewalk in a dense, walkable stretch that looks exactly like you’d expect from decades of film appearances. Beyond the shops, the surrounding residential streets feature elaborate estates and manicured hedges that give you a real sense of how the wealthiest corners of LA actually look at street level.

Walking one block off Rodeo Drive onto the side streets reveals architecture that most visitors never see because they stay focused on the main boulevard.

Best time to go

Weekday mornings before 11 a.m. give you calm sidewalks and easy access to the best photo positions along the street. Weekend afternoons bring heavier foot traffic and slower-moving pedestrian crowds.

How to get there and where to park

Rideshare drops off cleanly on Rodeo Drive itself. If you drive, the Beverly Hills Parking Structure on Rodeo between Brighton and Dayton offers validated parking, often free for the first two hours.

Costs and what’s actually free to do

Walking the entire stretch costs nothing. Window shopping, photographing the storefronts, and exploring the surrounding neighborhood carry no cost whatsoever.

A quick walking loop for first-timers

Start at Wilshire Boulevard, walk north along Rodeo to Santa Monica Boulevard, then cut east one block and return south along Canon Drive to complete a simple loop that covers the area’s best streets in under 45 minutes.

15. Malibu and the Pacific Coast Highway

Malibu rounds out this list of the best Los Angeles tourist attractions with something none of the other entries can match: 27 miles of coastline running along one of the most scenic stretches of highway in the country. Driving PCH with the ocean on one side and the Santa Monica Mountains on the other puts the full scope of LA’s geography into perspective in a way that no city block can replicate.

What you’ll see and do

Along the route, you’ll pass public beaches, celebrity compounds, and dramatic coastal bluffs that shift constantly as you drive north. Zuma Beach offers wide open sand and reliable surf. Point Dume State Preserve delivers a short trail to a clifftop overlook with sweeping Pacific views that most visitors remember well after leaving LA.

Standing on the Point Dume bluff on a clear morning with the ocean stretching to the horizon is a genuinely memorable moment that costs nothing.

Best time to go

May through October gives you the warmest temperatures and the most reliable beach conditions. Mornings tend to bring marine layer that burns off by midday, leaving clear skies for the afternoon drive back toward the city.

How to drive it and avoid traffic

Head north from Santa Monica on PCH before 9 a.m. to avoid the heaviest inbound traffic. The return drive southbound can slow significantly on weekend afternoons, so plan to arrive back in the city before 3 p.m.

Parking, beach access, and costs

State beach parking lots along PCH charge $8 to $15 per day. Many pullouts offer free roadside parking for quick stops and photos.

A half-day Malibu plan with stops

Start at El Matador State Beach for dramatic rock formations, drive north to Zuma Beach for a longer walk, then finish with the Point Dume trail before heading south for the return into Santa Monica.

best los angeles tourist attractions infographic

A Simple Way to Pull It All Together

Los Angeles rewards visitors who plan ahead, and this list gives you a solid foundation for doing exactly that. The best Los Angeles tourist attractions span dozens of miles and dozens of neighborhoods, so grouping stops by geography saves you hours of unnecessary driving. Pair Griffith Observatory with the Hollywood Sign, combine LACMA with La Brea Tar Pits, and link Grand Central Market with The Broad for a Downtown loop that feels natural rather than rushed.

Starting your trip with a guided tour from Another Side Tours gives you an immediate orientation to the city that makes every self-guided day afterward more efficient and more rewarding. You’ll understand the layout, know which stops deserve more of your time, and arrive at each attraction with real context rather than guesswork. If you’re ready to stop piecing it together on your own, book a Los Angeles sightseeing tour and let a local expert handle the details.

Best Selling Tour Categories


Embark on unforgettable adventures with our Best Selling Tour Categories, offering thrilling experiences, cultural immersions, and premium luxury for the ultimate travel escapade.

Private Tour Categories

All Las Vegas Tour Categories

Walking Tours

Go Kart Tours

Helicopter Tours

Team Building

We're Hired and Trusted by the Best Brands in the World

Custom Tours

Custom Experiences - We Make It Happen!

>