A Local Travel Agency’s Guide to Los Angeles Tourist Attractions
Planning a trip to Los Angeles can feel as big and sprawling as the city itself. Between the iconic Hollywood landmarks, world-class museums, and sun-soaked beaches, knowing where to start is a challenge.
A top-tier travel agency in Los Angeles helps you cut through the noise, crafting a personalized itinerary that goes beyond the basic tourist spots to give you a truly unforgettable experience.
This guide will give you that insider's look, helping you discover the magic of Los Angeles tourist attractions, no matter the season.
The Best of L.A.: Beaches, Hikes, and Hidden Gems
Los Angeles is a city of incredible contrasts, where you can find something for every type of traveler. The key to a great trip is knowing how to connect the dots between iconic landmarks, outdoor adventures, and unique local culture.
Our time exploring L.A. has taught us that the best trips mix the famous sights with unexpected discoveries. You might start your day hiking for a perfect picture of the Hollywood Sign and end it with tacos from a neighborhood food truck you'd never find in a guidebook.
It's this combination of glamor and authenticity that makes the city so special.
But with so many choices, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.
So this is where expert planning comes in. A great travel agent doesn't just book flights; they listen to what you want from a vacation and build a seamless journey around it. If you want a trip that perfectly matches your style, consider getting help with your custom trip planning. It saves you time and ensures you don't miss a thing.
The Absolute Can't-Miss L.A. Landmarks
These are the spots that define Los Angeles. They're famous for a reason, and no first-time trip is complete without seeing them.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre
Walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame is like taking a stroll through entertainment history. Finding the stars of your favorite actors and musicians is a fun treasure hunt. Just a few steps away is the TCL Chinese Theatre, where you can see the handprints and footprints of Hollywood legends set in concrete.
Pro Tip: This area gets incredibly crowded. I recommend visiting on a weekday morning to have a more relaxed experience and get better photos without the crowds.
The Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is the ultimate symbol of L.A. dreams. It’s hands-down one of the most sought-after Los Angeles tourist attractions.
Perched high in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Hollywood Sign is visible from many parts of the city. It’s important to know that you can't actually hike right up to the sign itself, as it's fenced off for security. However, there are several fantastic spots to get that perfect photo.
Best Viewing Spots:
Lake Hollywood Park: This spot offers a great, relatively close-up view from below. It's a grassy park perfect for a picnic with the sign as your backdrop.
Griffith Observatory: The viewing decks at the observatory provide a stunning, wide-angle view of the sign with the city sprawling beneath it.
Hollywood & Highland Center: This shopping complex has a designated viewing bridge that frames the sign perfectly in the distance.
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is one of my favorite places in all of Los Angeles. It offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city, from downtown to the Pacific Ocean, and of course, the Hollywood Sign. Inside, you'll find fascinating science and astronomy exhibits.
Best of all, admission to the building and grounds is completely free! In the evening, you get the chance to look through powerful public telescopes and see celestial wonders up close.
For current hours and special events, it's always a good idea to check the official Griffith Observatory website.
Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach
For that classic Southern California vibe, you have to visit the coast. The Santa Monica Pier is iconic, with its solar-powered Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and lively arcade. It's the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Pacific.
Just a short walk or bike ride south is the Venice Beach Boardwalk. It’s a world away from the family-friendly pier, with a bohemian and eclectic energy. Here, you'll see street performers, artists, skateboarders at the famous skate park, and bodybuilders at Muscle Beach. The contrast between the two spots makes for a perfect coastal day.
For the Culture Vultures: L.A.'s World-Class Museums
Los Angeles is a major cultural hub, with museums that can rival those in any other global city. Whether you love classic art, natural history, or modern installations, there's a museum for you.
The Getty Center
Set on a hilltop with stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, The Getty Center is an experience in itself. The collection features European art, including paintings by Van Gogh and Rembrandt, alongside remarkable photography exhibits. The tram ride up the hill sets the stage for a spectacular visit. Admission is free, though you do have to pay for parking.
Plan to spend at least half a day here to soak it all in. More details can be found on The Getty's official site.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States and is famous for its outdoor installations. You’ve almost certainly seen photos of Urban Light, a mesmerizing grid of 202 restored cast-iron street lamps, and Levitated Mass, a 340-ton boulder suspended over a walkway.
The museum's collection is incredibly diverse, spanning from ancient history to contemporary art from around the globe.
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
For a truly unique experience, head to the La Brea Tar Pits.
Right in the middle of the city, these natural asphalt pits have been trapping and preserving animals for tens of thousands of years. It's an active paleontological site where you can see fossils of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves. You can even watch scientists working on new discoveries in the "fishbowl" lab.
It’s a fascinating glimpse into the Ice Age, right on Museum Row.
Thrills & Movie Magic: A Guide for Your Travel Agency in Los Angeles
If you're looking for excitement and a peek behind the curtain of filmmaking, L.A.'s theme parks are a must-do, especially for families. Planning these kinds of outings can be complex, with different ticket types and park strategies, which is why our expert travel planning packages are so popular.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood offers the best of both worlds: a thrilling theme park and a real, working movie studio. The world-famous Studio Tour takes you through active backlots where shows and movies are filmed.
Must-Do Rides & Attractions:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™: Step into Hogsmeade, sip a butterbeer, and ride the thrilling "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey."
Jurassic World – The Ride: Prepare to get splashed on this adventure featuring giant, realistic dinosaurs.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™: This newer land is incredibly immersive, making you feel like you've jumped right into a video game.
Disneyland Resort
While technically in Anaheim, no discussion of L.A.-area theme parks is complete without mentioning Disneyland. It's the original Disney park, and its magical atmosphere is timeless.
From classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean to thrilling adventures in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, it’s a place that brings out the kid in everyone.
And because it's a destination in itself, we always recommend planning at least two full days to experience both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
If you're a true film and TV buff, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is for you. It’s a more intimate, behind-the-scenes experience than Universal. You'll ride in a small tram with a guide who shares insider stories as you explore the backlot.
The tour allows you to step onto actual sets from shows like Friends (yes, you can sit on the Central Perk couch!) and see costumes and props from the DC Universe and the Harry Potter films.
Get Outside: Hikes, Beaches, and Local Markets
To truly experience L.A., you need to embrace its outdoor lifestyle. The weather is almost always perfect for exploring.
Hiking in Runyon Canyon & Griffith Park
Hiking is a favorite pastime for Angelenos. Runyon Canyon is famous for its incredible views of the city and the Hollywood Sign, not to mention frequent celebrity sightings. The trails can be steep, so it’s a good workout.
For even more options, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, with over 50 miles of trails. You can choose from easy, flat paths to more challenging routes that lead you to the observatory and other stunning viewpoints.
Exploring Local Farmers Markets
For a taste of local life, visit a farmers market. The Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax is a historic landmark that's been operating since 1934. It's a bustling collection of food stalls, shops, and restaurants where you can find everything from fresh produce to gourmet donuts.
The Santa Monica Farmers Market, held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, is another fantastic option, known for its incredible selection of fresh California produce and artisanal goods.
Your Top L.A. Questions Answered by a Travel Agency in Los Angeles
As travel experts, we get asked the same questions time and again. Here are the answers to help you plan your trip.
What's the best time of year to visit L.A.?
The best times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller than during the summer peak season. However, summer is fantastic for outdoor events, beach days, and concerts.
How many days do I need in Los Angeles?
We recommend at least four to five days to see the main highlights without feeling too rushed. If you want to explore different neighborhoods, visit multiple theme parks, and take a day trip or two, a week to ten days would be ideal.
Do I need to rent a car?
Yes, renting a car is highly recommended.
Los Angeles is incredibly spread out, and public transportation isn't always convenient for reaching major tourist attractions. A car will give you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own schedule. Ride-sharing services are also widely available but can get expensive for longer distances.
Is Los Angeles expensive to visit?
It can be, but there are ways to manage your budget. Many of the best attractions, like the Griffith Observatory, The Getty, and hiking trails, are free. You can also save money by eating at delicious and affordable taco trucks and local diners instead of high-end restaurants for every meal.
Ready to Explore L.A.?
Los Angeles is a city with endless possibilities, from its star-studded sidewalks to its breathtaking natural beauty. It's a place that can be whatever you want it to be: a glamorous getaway, a family adventure, or a cultural deep dive.
Planning a trip to a city this vast can be part of the fun, but it can also be a lot of work. If you want to ensure your vacation is seamless, personalized, and full of amazing moments, let a professional help.
At Travel Savvy, we specialize in creating one-of-a-kind L.A. experiences. We handle all the details so you can focus on making memories. Ready to start planning your dream California vacation? Contact our team of L.A. experts today!