Visiting Los Angeles for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
The City of Angels and home of Hollywood can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, with cinematic treasures and palm-lined beaches tucked among dense urban sprawl. Whether you want to feel like a kid at theme parks, soak up Southern California culture, or walk in the footsteps of the stars, here’s our newcomer’s guide to the essential Los Angeles.
Get starstruck in Hollywood
See the stars.
The heart of the US film industry, Hollywood is a must-see stop on any first-time LA itinerary. Equal parts grit and glamor, this iconic (and spread-out) area is best explored on a tour that takes you straight to highlights such as the Hollywood sign, Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theater, and Sunset Strip. To get a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous, join a celebrity homes tour that cruises past Beverly Hills mansions and well-heeled hot spots such as Rodeo Drive.
Cruise around on a hop-on hop-off bus
Cover more ground than you could on foot.
Los Angeles traffic is notoriously bad, so save yourself the stress of driving and enjoy the view from a double-decker hop-on hop-off-bus tour. Customize your ticket with single- or multi-day options and different routes with stops at dozens of top LA attractions such as the La Brea Tar Pits, Getty Museum, Santa Monica Pier, Farmers Market, and Hollywood Bowl.
Go behind the scenes on a studio tour
Ideal for film and TV buffs alike.
See how movie magic is made at one of Los Angeles’ famous film studios. Visit the sets of hit TV shows at Warner Bros. Studio, or hop on the tram for the legendary studio tour at Universal Studios. This urban theme park is worthy of a full day, featuring a small city’s worth of movie-themed rides, shows, exhibits, and shopping for all ages.
Feel the magic at Disneyland® Park
There's nothing quite like it.
A bucket-list Disneyland® vacation brings millions of visitors to Los Angeles, with the world-famous Anaheim Resort Area less than an hour away from downtown LA. Easily reach Disneyland® Park with an airport transfer from LAX, and save a long wait in line by purchasing your tickets in advance. That way, your family will have more time for rides such as Space Mountain®, the Pirates of the Caribbean®, and Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.
Explore the SoCal coast
Escape the city for a day or two.
If you want a break from movie madness and LA’s urban bustle, set aside a day or two to venture along the Southern California coastline. A quick trip south lands you at the postcard-perfect beaches and bays of San Diego, or head north to Santa Barbara, considered the “America Riviera” thanks to its posh Mediterranean feel.
More things to do in Los Angeles
Keep reading
Madigan Talmage-Bowers is a writer based in Denver, Colorado. She has also lived in Italy, San Francisco, and New York City, where she studied media theory at the New School. She loves introducing her kids to ancient history, local art, hiking trails, and new foods on adventures around the globe.