Top 10playLos Angeles

Top 10 Best Places to Play in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, home to legendary theme parks, iconic beaches, world-class sports, and the glamour of Hollywood. From Disneyland to Universal Studios, the fun never stops in LA.

Updated January 21, 2026

All-Time Best

1.

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort
$$$
1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA

The original Disney theme park and the Happiest Place on Earth. Experience classic attractions, beloved characters, and the magic that started it all. Adjacent Disney California Adventure adds even more thrills and entertainment.

Highlights

  • Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
  • Indiana Jones Adventure
  • Space Mountain
  • Avengers Campus
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2.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood
$$$
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA

Experience the ultimate Hollywood movie theme park with thrilling rides based on blockbuster films, a working movie studio tour, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Where movies come to life.

Highlights

  • Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Jurassic World ride
  • Studio Tour
  • Super Nintendo World
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3.

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier
$$
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

This iconic pier features Pacific Park amusement park with its famous Ferris wheel, an arcade, aquarium, and stunning ocean views. The perfect blend of beach fun and carnival atmosphere.

Highlights

  • Pacific Park rides
  • Solar-powered Ferris wheel
  • Historic carousel
  • Ocean views
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4.

Hollywood Bowl

Hollywood Bowl
$$
2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA

The legendary outdoor amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills hosts concerts from classical to rock in a stunning setting. Bring a picnic and enjoy world-class performances under the stars.

Highlights

  • LA Philharmonic performances
  • Iconic shell design
  • Picnic-friendly
  • Summer concert series
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5.

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory
$
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

Free admission to this Art Deco landmark offering spectacular views of LA, the Hollywood Sign, and the cosmos through public telescopes. The planetarium shows are among the best in the world.

Highlights

  • Hollywood Sign views
  • Free telescope viewing
  • Samuel Oschin Planetarium
  • City panoramas
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6.

SoFi Stadium

SoFi Stadium
$$$
1001 Stadium Dr, Inglewood, CA 90301, USA

State-of-the-art home of the LA Rams and Chargers featuring the world's largest video board. Beyond football, it hosts major concerts, WWE events, and the 2028 Olympic ceremonies.

Highlights

  • NFL game days
  • World's largest LED screen
  • Concert venue
  • Stadium tours
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7.

Venice Beach Boardwalk

Venice Beach Boardwalk
$
Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291, USA

Experience LA's eclectic beach culture along this famous oceanfront walkway. Street performers, bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, skate parks, and colorful murals create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Highlights

  • Muscle Beach gym
  • Street performers
  • Skate park
  • Unique shops
Also available on:Book Tour
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8.

Crypto.com Arena

Crypto.com Arena
$$$
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA

Home court of the Lakers and Clippers, this premier arena hosts NBA games, concerts by global superstars, and major events. The electric atmosphere during Lakers games is legendary.

Highlights

  • Lakers games
  • Major concert venue
  • Central downtown location
  • Star-studded crowd
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9.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain
$$$
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355, USA

The undisputed thrill capital of the world with 20 roller coasters including record-breaking rides. Adrenaline junkies flock here for extreme thrills that can't be found anywhere else.

Highlights

  • 20 roller coasters
  • X2 360-degree spin
  • Twisted Colossus
  • Full Throttle launch
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10.

Dodger Stadium

Dodger Stadium
$$
1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

The iconic home of the LA Dodgers and the third-oldest MLB stadium still in use. Watch America's pastime with stunning views of downtown LA and the San Gabriel Mountains.

Highlights

  • Classic baseball atmosphere
  • Mountain backdrop
  • Dodger Dogs
  • Stadium tours available
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Best of 2026

1.

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood
$$$
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA

The newest immersive land bringing Mario's world to life with Power-Up Bands for interactive gameplay, the cutting-edge Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge ride, and incredible themed environments.

Highlights

  • Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge
  • Power-Up Band activities
  • Toadstool Cafe
  • Incredible theming
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2.

Intuit Dome

Intuit Dome
$$$
3930 W Century Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90303, USA

The brand-new state-of-the-art home of the LA Clippers featuring innovative fan experience technology, the famous Halo Board display, and premium amenities throughout.

Highlights

  • Revolutionary Halo Board
  • Wall of Fame fan section
  • Cashless venue
  • Premium experiences
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3.

Immersive Art Exhibitions

Immersive Art Exhibitions
$$
Various locations, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Los Angeles has become a hub for immersive digital art experiences. Current installations feature projection-mapped environments that surround visitors in stunning visual displays from renowned artists.

Highlights

  • 360-degree projections
  • Interactive elements
  • Music-synced visuals
  • Photo-worthy spaces
Also available on:Book Experience
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Spring Fun

1.

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
$$$
Empire Polo Club, 81800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 92201, USA

The world's most famous music festival draws top artists and fashion-forward crowds to the desert each April. Experience incredible performances, art installations, and the ultimate California festival vibe.

Highlights

  • World-class headliners
  • Art installations
  • Two weekends in April
  • Festival fashion
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2.

Dodgers Opening Day

Dodgers Opening Day
$$
1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

Nothing beats the excitement of Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. Spring in LA means baseball season begins with tailgating, Dodger Dogs, and the hope of a new championship run.

Highlights

  • Opening ceremonies
  • Perfect spring weather
  • Tailgate atmosphere
  • New season energy
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Summer Fun

1.

Hollywood Bowl Summer Season

Hollywood Bowl Summer Season
$$
2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA

The Hollywood Bowl comes alive in summer with nightly concerts ranging from the LA Phil to rock legends. Pack a picnic, watch the sunset over the Hollywood Hills, and enjoy music under the stars.

Highlights

  • Nightly performances
  • Picnic tradition
  • Sunset atmosphere
  • Legendary acoustics
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2.

Beach Volleyball at Manhattan Beach

Beach Volleyball at Manhattan Beach
$
Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA

Join locals and visitors for beach volleyball on some of the best courts in Southern California. The summer vibes, perfect weather, and competitive pickup games make this a quintessential LA experience.

Highlights

  • Free public courts
  • Pro player sightings
  • AVP tournament site
  • Perfect weather
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Fall Fun

1.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
$$$
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA

Universal Studios transforms into a nightmare with elaborate haunted houses, scare zones, and horror-themed entertainment. The most terrifying Halloween event on the West Coast.

Highlights

  • Movie-quality haunted houses
  • Scare zones
  • Themed food and drinks
  • September-October
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2.

Lakers Season Opener

Lakers Season Opener
$$$
1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA

The NBA season tips off in October with the Lakers returning to Crypto.com Arena. The energy, celebrity sightings, and championship expectations make every Lakers game an event.

Highlights

  • New season energy
  • Celebrity courtside
  • Championship banners
  • Lakers tradition
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Winter Fun

1.

Disneyland Holiday Season

Disneyland Holiday Season
$$$
1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA

Experience the magic of the holidays at Disneyland with festive decorations, special entertainment, and attractions transformed for the season. Haunted Mansion Holiday and It's a Small World Holiday are must-sees.

Highlights

  • Haunted Mansion Holiday
  • Sleeping Beauty Castle lights
  • Holiday fireworks
  • November-January
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2.

Rose Parade

Rose Parade
$
Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA

Start the New Year with this iconic parade featuring elaborate floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units. A beloved tradition watched by millions along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena.

Highlights

  • Incredible floral floats
  • Marching bands
  • January 1st tradition
  • Rose Bowl game follows
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Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your interests. Disneyland offers classic Disney magic, beloved characters, and family-friendly attractions perfect for all ages. Universal Studios Hollywood has movie-based thrills, the famous Studio Tour, and attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Ideally, visit both if time permits - they offer very different experiences.

LA has teams in every major league: Lakers and Clippers (NBA), Dodgers and Angels (MLB), Rams and Chargers (NFL), Kings and Ducks (NHL), Galaxy and LAFC (MLS), and Sparks (WNBA). Check schedules in advance as tickets to popular teams like the Lakers often sell out quickly.

Enjoy Griffith Observatory with its views and telescope access, Venice Beach boardwalk, Santa Monica Pier (rides cost extra), hiking at Runyon Canyon, the Getty Center museum, and many beach activities. LA offers plenty of free entertainment if you plan strategically.

If you love roller coasters, absolutely. Magic Mountain has more coasters than any park in the world, including several record-breakers. It's about 45 minutes to an hour north of LA without traffic. Best visited on weekdays to avoid long lines, and the thrill level far exceeds other LA-area parks.

Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, see the TCL Chinese Theatre footprints, and take a studio tour at Universal, Warner Bros, or Paramount. For the best Hollywood Sign views, hike Griffith Park or visit the Griffith Observatory. Consider a nighttime drive down Sunset Boulevard to see the famous clubs and venues.