Things to do in Los Angeles
Palm-lined beaches, Hollywood glamour and one of the most exciting food scenes in the USA. Los Angeles is sunshine in city form.
Barbie in Los Angeles
Parts of the hit film Barbie were shot around Los Angeles, including scenes on the beach.
The best things to do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a sprawling city of neighbourhoods, each with its own character. Spend a day by the sea in Santa Monica and Venice Beach, walk along Hollywood Boulevard, hike up to the Griffith Observatory for views of the Hollywood sign, and explore the galleries and food halls of downtown.
The Getty Center, LACMA and The Broad are excellent museums, and a studio tour in Burbank is a must for film fans.
Hollywood
Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame and the hills above are classic stops on a first visit.
Los Angeles on screen: Barbie filming locations
Los Angeles has been the backdrop for countless films. Follow in the footsteps of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and discover where the international hit Barbie was shot, from Venice Beach to the Hollywood Hills.
Movie fans should also visit the TCL Chinese Theatre and take a studio tour to see how films and series are made.
Shutters on the Beach
A classic beachfront hotel on the Santa Monica shoreline.
Where to eat in Los Angeles
LA's food scene is one of the most diverse in the world, with outstanding Mexican, Korean, Japanese and Californian cooking. Grab tacos from a food truck, visit Grand Central Market downtown and book a table at one of ten super cosy restaurants in Los Angeles.
Explore more of the country in our USA holidays guide.
Short Stories
One of Picolo's favourite cosy restaurants in Los Angeles.
Best time to visit Los Angeles
Los Angeles has sunshine almost all year. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant, with warm days and fewer crowds. Early summer can be grey along the coast, a weather pattern locals call June Gloom, while July to September is hot and sunny.
Winters are mild, although evenings are cool and rain is most likely between December and March.
Los Angeles: frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Los Angeles?
Four to five days is a good length to see the beaches, Hollywood, a museum or two and some of the best restaurants. Because the city is so spread out, plan each day around one or two areas to avoid spending too long in traffic.
Where should I stay in Los Angeles?
Santa Monica and Venice are ideal for the beach, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills for restaurants and nightlife, and Downtown or Silver Lake for culture and a more urban feel. Choose based on what you want to do most.
Do you need a car in Los Angeles?
A car makes it much easier to get around Los Angeles, especially if you want to explore beyond the city. Ride-hailing apps are widely used, and the Metro rail network connects some key areas, such as Downtown, Hollywood and Santa Monica.
Is Los Angeles good for a beach holiday?
Yes. Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan Beach and Malibu offer wide sandy beaches, surfing and seaside promenades. The Pacific is cooler than many expect, but summer and early autumn are great for beach days.