18 Unforgettable Things to Do in LA in 2026

Los Angeles is a sprawling, sun-drenched playground where dreams are manufactured and incredible memories are made. From iconic landmarks to hidden neighborhood gems, the sheer volume of things to do in LA can be overwhelming. Whether you’re chasing Hollywood glamour, world-class art, or perfect taco stands, this 2026 guide cuts through the noise to deliver the absolute best experiences. We’ve mixed the must-see classics with local secrets to help you plan the ultimate Los Angeles adventure.

1. Hike to the Hollywood Sign

For the quintessential LA photo and a dose of nature, hiking to the Hollywood Sign is a rite of passage. While you can’t touch the letters themselves, the trails in Griffith Park offer stunning, up-close views. The best route is the Mt. Hollywood Trail from the Griffith Observatory parking lot; it’s moderately challenging but rewards you with panoramic vistas of the sign, the Observatory, and the entire basin. It’s a fantastic way to understand the city’s geography.
Address: Trailheads in Griffith Park (use 2800 E. Observatory Rd. for navigation).
Hours: Park trails are open sunrise to sunset.
Price: Free!
Pro Tip: Go at sunrise to avoid the crowds and the heat, and for the most magical morning light on the city.
Best for: Active travelers, photographers, and first-time visitors.

2. Stroll the Venice Beach Boardwalk

A vibrant, chaotic, and utterly captivating spectacle, the Venice Beach Boardwalk is people-watching at its most extreme. You’ll find street performers, skateboarders, artists, and vendors alongside the sandy beach and iconic Muscle Beach Gym. Rent a bike or just wander, soaking in the bohemian energy that makes this place so unique.
Address: Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291.
Hours: Always open, but liveliest from 10 AM to sunset.
Price: Free to explore; bike rentals ~$10-$20/hour.
Pro Tip: Grab a smoothie or acai bowl from one of the many stands and walk south to the quieter, picturesque Venice Canals neighborhood.
Best for: People-watchers, culture seekers, and those wanting a classic LA vibe.

3. Explore The Getty Center

Perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains, The Getty Center is as much an architectural marvel as it is an art museum. The travertine stone and sleek gardens are breathtaking, and the collection features European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The views of Los Angeles from the plaza are worth the trip alone.
Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10 AM–5:30 PM, closed Monday.
Price: Free! Parking is $25, but admission to the museum collections is complimentary.
Pro Tip: Take the free tram from the parking garage up the hill. Don’t miss the Central Garden, a living work of art.
Best for: Art lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a serene, elevated experience.

4. Catch a Show at the Hollywood Bowl

There’s no more iconic LA summer night than under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl. This legendary outdoor amphitheater hosts everything from the LA Philharmonic to rock legends and movie nights with live orchestral scores. The sound is incredible, and the atmosphere is pure magic.
Address: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068.
Hours: Showtimes vary; season runs roughly April to October.
Price: Tickets range from $20 for bench seats at some events to $200+ for box seats.
Pro Tip: Pack a picnic! Bringing your own food and wine is a cherished Bowl tradition. You can also pre-order picnics from them.
Best for: Music fans, couples, and groups looking for a classic LA night out.

5. Shop and Dine at Grand Central Market

A historic downtown food hall bursting with life, Grand Central Market is a culinary tour of LA’s diverse cultures under one roof. Since 1917, it has been a gathering spot where you can find everything from classic egg sandwiches at Eggslut to authentic tacos, Thai street food, and artisanal coffee.
Address: 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
Hours: Daily, 8 AM–10 PM (vendor hours vary).
Price: Free entry; dishes range from $5 to $20.
Pro Tip: Go with a group and share items from multiple vendors. Afterwards, take the nearby Angels Flight Railway (the world’s shortest railway) for $1.
Best for: Foodies, budget travelers, and anyone wanting a taste of authentic, modern LA.

6. Discover Art at The Broad

Downtown’s contemporary art museum, The Broad (pronounced “brode”), is home to an unparalleled collection of post-war and modern art. It’s famous for Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Rooms and works by Warhol, Koons, and Basquiat. The honeycomb-like building is a landmark itself.
Address: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Hours: Tuesday–Wednesday 11 AM–5 PM, Thursday–Friday 11 AM–8 PM, Saturday 10 AM–8 PM, Sunday 10 AM–6 PM. Closed Monday.
Price: Free general admission, but timed tickets are required and can be reserved online.
Pro Tip: Reserve your free tickets well in advance, especially for weekend slots. The separate tickets for the Infinity Mirrored Rooms are released monthly and sell out in seconds.
Best for: Modern art aficionados, Instagrammers, and architecture fans.

7. Wander Through The Last Bookstore

A paradise for bibliophiles and one of Downtown LA’s coolest spots, The Last Bookstore is part art installation, part labyrinthine used book haven. Get lost among the towering book sculptures, explore the horror novel “lair,” and browse thousands of vinyl records and graphic novels.
Address: 453 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 10 AM–9 PM, Friday–Saturday 10 AM–10 PM, Sunday 10 AM–8 PM.
Price: Free to explore; books are very reasonably priced.
Pro Tip: Head upstairs to the Arts & Rare Books annex and walk through the famous book tunnel and vault doorway for perfect photos.
Best for: Book lovers, quirky experience seekers, and photographers.

8. See the Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

It’s touristy, crowded, and sometimes a bit gritty, but the Hollywood Walk of Fame is an undeniable piece of American pop culture history. Stretching along Hollywood Boulevard, finding your favorite star’s plaque is a fun scavenger hunt. The Chinese Theatre forecourt, with its celebrity handprints, is the highlight.
Address: Hollywood Blvd between La Brea Ave & Gower St.
Hours: Always accessible.
Price: Free.
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and the sometimes-pushy costumed characters. Combine it with a tour of the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Best for: First-time visitors, pop culture fans, and families.

9. Enjoy Tacos at Guisados

For a truly authentic and mind-blowing taco experience, head to Guisados. This beloved mini-chain specializes in guisados—slow-braised, stewed fillings served on impossibly soft, handmade corn tortillas. The flavors are deep, complex, and utterly delicious.
Address: Multiple locations; the original is in Boyle Heights at 2100 E Cesar E Chavez Ave.
Hours: Vary by location, typically 10:30 AM–9 PM.
Price: Tacos are ~$3.50 each; a sampler platter of six mini tacos is around $10.
Pro Tip: Order the Taco Sampler to try six different braises. The cochinita pibil (achiote pork) and chiles torreados (roasted peppers) are musts.
Best for: Foodies seeking an authentic, budget-friendly, and incredibly tasty meal.

10. Relax at Griffith Observatory

A landmark of science and cinema, Griffith Observatory offers the best free view in Los Angeles. Inside, you can explore fascinating astronomy exhibits, see the famous Foucault pendulum, and peer through public telescopes. At night, the city lights create a dazzling carpet below.
Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 12 PM–10 PM, Saturday–Sunday 10 AM–10 PM. Closed Monday.
Price: Free admission; planetarium shows are $10 for adults.
Pro Tip: Parking is limited and fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider taking the DASH Observatory bus from the Sunset/Vermont Metro station.
Best for: Families, science buffs, romantics, and anyone wanting that iconic LA view.

11. Experience the Magic of Disneyland

Just south of LA in Anaheim, the “Happiest Place on Earth” remains a timeless, all-ages adventure. With two parks—Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure—you can step into classic stories, experience cutting-edge rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and watch spectacular parades and fireworks.
Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802.
Hours: Typically 8 AM–12 AM, but vary daily; check the calendar.
Price: Single-day tickets start around $150-$200 depending on the date.
Pro Tip: Use the Disneyland app to check wait times, make dining reservations, and purchase Genie+ to skip lines on popular rides.
Best for: Families, Disney fans, and the young at heart.

12. Tour the Warner Bros. Studio

For a behind-the-scenes look at real Hollywood magic, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is superior to many others. You’ll ride through active backlots, see soundstages where current shows are filmed, visit the “Friends” and “Big Bang Theory” sets, and explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and DC Universe exhibits.
Address: 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505.
Hours: Tours run daily, 8:30 AM–3:30 PM.
Price: Tours start at $75 per person.
Pro Tip: Book the earliest tour of the day for smaller groups and a better chance of seeing filming activity. Wear comfortable shoes!
Best for: Movie/TV buffs and those wanting an authentic studio experience.

13. Hike in Runyon Canyon

This is LA’s most famous (and fashionable) hiking spot. The dirt trails in Runyon Canyon offer a moderately challenging workout with incredible views of the Hollywood Sign, downtown LA, and on clear days, the ocean. It’s a prime spot for celebrity sightings and dog-watching.
Address: Multiple entrances; main one at 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles.
Hours: Daily, 6 AM–8 PM.
Price: Free.
Pro Tip: Enter from the Fuller Avenue gate for a steeper, quicker climb with the best views. The cloud overlook is a perfect photo spot.
Best for: Fitness enthusiasts, dog lovers, and those hoping for a star sighting.

14. Admire Urban Art in the Arts District

Once an industrial warehouse zone, Downtown’s Arts District is now a thriving hub for creativity. The streets are an open-air gallery of massive, breathtaking murals by world-renowned street artists. It’s also packed with innovative restaurants, chic coffee shops, and boutique breweries.
Address: Roughly bounded by Alameda St, 7th St, the LA River, and 3rd St.
Hours: Always accessible; businesses have varying hours.
Price: Free to explore.
Pro Tip: Take a self-guided walking tour using an online map of murals. Grab a coffee from Blue Bottle and a pastry from Gjusta Bakery outpost.
Best for: Art explorers, coffee connoisseurs, and urban adventurers.

15. See the La Brea Tar Pits

Witness an active paleontological dig site in the middle of the city! The La Brea Tar Pits are a unique window into the Ice Age, where natural asphalt has been bubbling up for tens of thousands of years, trapping and preserving ancient animals. The adjacent museum houses an incredible collection of fossils.
Address: 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM–5 PM.
Price: Museum admission is $18 for adults; viewing the outdoor tar pits is free.
Pro Tip: Watch the paleontologists at work in Pit 91 or the Project 23 excavation site. The mammoth statues in the park make for a great photo.
Best for: Families, science lovers, and anyone looking for a uniquely LA attraction.

16. Drive Mulholland Drive

For the classic LA driving experience, take a cruise along the winding ribbon of Mulholland Drive. This scenic road runs along the crest of the Hollywood Hills, offering jaw-dropping overlooks of both the San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles Basin, especially stunning at dusk.
Address: Runs from the 101 Freeway west to the Pacific Coast Highway.
Hours: Always open.
Price: Free (cost of gas).
Pro Tip: The best viewpoints are marked. Stop at the Hollywood Bowl Overlook and the “Universal City” overlook. Drive carefully—the road is very curvy!
Best for: Road trippers, photographers, and couples.

17. Visit the Santa Monica Pier

A symbol of California fun, the Santa Monica Pier juts out into the Pacific with a vintage amusement park, an aquarium, street performers, and classic carnival games. Ride the solar-powered Ferris wheel for incredible coastal views or simply enjoy the ocean breeze.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Hours: Pier is open 24/7; Pacific Park hours vary (usually 11 AM–9 PM).
Price: Free entry to the pier; ride tickets start at ~$5 each.
Pro Tip: Arrive before 11 AM to avoid crowds and get easy parking in the nearby structures. Walk or bike south to Venice Beach on the beachfront path.
Best for: Families, couples, and anyone seeking classic seaside amusement.

18. Explore the Huntington Library & Gardens

Escape the city bustle in San Marino at The Huntington. This sprawling estate features a world-class library, an art collection with Gainsborough’s Blue Boy, and 120 acres of breathtaking botanical gardens, including the iconic Japanese Garden and Desert Garden.
Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108.
Hours: Wednesday–Monday 10 AM–5 PM. Closed Tuesday.
Price: $29 for adults on weekdays, $32 on weekends. Reserve tickets online.
Pro Tip: You cannot see it all in one day. Pick two garden sections and one gallery to focus on. The afternoon tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room is a lovely splurge (reservations essential).
Best for: Garden lovers, readers, and those seeking a peaceful, cultured retreat.

From the mountains to the sea, from star-studded sidewalks to taco-lined streets, Los Angeles is a city of endless discovery. This list of things to do in LA in 2026 gives you a perfect blend of iconic sights and local favorites to build your dream itinerary. Remember, part of LA’s charm is getting a little lost—so follow these tips, but don’t be afraid to wander down that interesting side street or join the line at that buzzing food truck. Your own perfect LA moment is waiting. Now get out there and explore!