Top 10exploreLos Angeles

Top 10 Best Places to Explore in Los Angeles

Discover the best places to explore in Los Angeles.

Updated January 21, 2026

All-Time Best

1.

Hollywood

Hollywood
$$

The legendary entertainment district and birthplace of the American film industry. Home to iconic landmarks, historic theaters, and the world-famous Walk of Fame where millions come to see stars honoring entertainment legends.

Highlights

  • Hollywood Walk of Fame
  • TCL Chinese Theatre
  • Hollywood Sign hikes
  • Dolby Theatre (Oscars venue)
  • Hollywood Boulevard nightlife
Also available on:Book Tour
Hollywood Walk of FameTCL Chinese TheatreHollywood Sign hikes
2.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach
$$

LA's bohemian beach community famous for its colorful Ocean Front Walk boardwalk, street performers, Muscle Beach outdoor gym, and eclectic mix of artists, skaters, and free spirits. A quintessential California experience.

Highlights

  • Ocean Front Walk boardwalk
  • Muscle Beach outdoor gym
  • Venice Skate Park
  • Abbot Kinney Boulevard shopping
  • Venice Canals
Also available on:Book Tour
Ocean Front Walk boardwalkMuscle Beach outdoor gymVenice Skate Park
3.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica
$$

An iconic beach city featuring the historic Santa Monica Pier with its famous Ferris wheel, pristine beaches, upscale shopping at Third Street Promenade, and a vibrant dining scene. The western terminus of Route 66.

Highlights

  • Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park
  • Third Street Promenade
  • Santa Monica Beach
  • Palisades Park ocean views
  • Route 66 End of the Trail sign
Also available on:Book Tour
Santa Monica Pier & Pacific ParkThird Street PromenadeSanta Monica Beach
4.

Downtown LA

Downtown LA
$$

A revitalized urban core experiencing an arts and cultural renaissance. From the stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall to the trendy Arts District with its galleries, breweries, and converted warehouse lofts, DTLA is LA's new creative hub.

Highlights

  • Walt Disney Concert Hall
  • The Broad museum
  • Arts District murals & galleries
  • Grand Central Market
  • Little Tokyo
Also available on:Book Tour
Walt Disney Concert HallThe Broad museumArts District murals & galleries
5.

Silver Lake

Silver Lake
$$

LA's original hipster neighborhood on the east side, known for its indie music scene, artisanal coffee shops, vintage boutiques, and the picturesque Silver Lake Reservoir. A hub for creative professionals and trendsetters.

Highlights

  • Silver Lake Reservoir walking path
  • Sunset Junction dining scene
  • Independent record shops
  • Craft coffee culture
  • Midcentury modern architecture
Also available on:Book Tour
Silver Lake Reservoir walking pathSunset Junction dining sceneIndependent record shops
6.

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills
$$

The epitome of luxury and glamour, this affluent enclave is famous for Rodeo Drive's designer boutiques, celebrity mansions, world-class hotels, and impeccably manicured streets. The ultimate destination for upscale shopping and star-spotting.

Highlights

  • Rodeo Drive luxury shopping
  • Celebrity home tours
  • Beverly Wilshire Hotel
  • Greystone Mansion
  • Fine dining restaurants
Also available on:Book Tour
Rodeo Drive luxury shoppingCelebrity home toursBeverly Wilshire Hotel
7.

Malibu

Malibu
$$

A stunning 21-mile stretch of coastline known as the 'Bu' featuring world-class surfing, celebrity beach homes, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. Home to excellent seafood restaurants and breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway scenery.

Highlights

  • Zuma Beach
  • Malibu Pier
  • Point Dume hiking
  • El Matador State Beach
  • Pacific Coast Highway drives
Also available on:Book Tour
Zuma BeachMalibu PierPoint Dume hiking
8.

West Hollywood

West Hollywood
$$

A vibrant, welcoming city known as the heart of LA's LGBTQ+ community. Famous for the Sunset Strip's legendary music venues, world-class nightclubs, trendy restaurants, and the annual LA Pride celebration.

Highlights

  • Sunset Strip music venues
  • Santa Monica Boulevard nightlife
  • The Abbey LGBTQ+ bar
  • Design District shopping
  • Comedy clubs
Also available on:Book Tour
Sunset Strip music venuesSanta Monica Boulevard nightlifeThe Abbey LGBTQ+ bar
9.

Koreatown

Koreatown
$$

LA's bustling K-town is a 24-hour neighborhood packed with authentic Korean BBQ restaurants, karaoke bars (noraebangs), Korean spas (jjimjilbangs), and late-night eateries. One of the most densely populated and vibrant areas in the city.

Highlights

  • Korean BBQ restaurants
  • Wi Spa Korean bathhouse
  • Karaoke (noraebang) bars
  • Late-night dining
  • K-pop and Korean culture
Also available on:Book Tour
Korean BBQ restaurantsWi Spa Korean bathhouseKaraoke (noraebang) bars
10.

Pasadena

Pasadena
$$

A charming city known for its historic Old Town district, stunning Craftsman architecture, world-renowned Rose Bowl, and the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. Home to Caltech and the acclaimed Norton Simon Museum.

Highlights

  • Old Town Pasadena shopping
  • Rose Bowl Stadium
  • Norton Simon Museum
  • The Huntington Library & Gardens
  • Colorado Boulevard dining
Also available on:Book Tour
Old Town Pasadena shoppingRose Bowl StadiumNorton Simon Museum