Top 10 Best Places to See in Los Angeles

LA's most iconic viewpoint offers stunning panoramas of the city, Hollywood Sign, and Pacific Ocean from the slopes of Mount Hollywood. The art deco observatory provides both indoor and outdoor viewing platforms free of charge.

Multiple viewpoints offer perspectives of the world-famous Hollywood Sign. From Griffith Park trails to Lake Hollywood Park, various locations provide classic photo opportunities of this 1923 landmark.

The iconic Pacific Park pier offers spectacular sunset views over the Pacific Ocean. The historic pier with its Ferris wheel creates classic LA imagery as the sun dips below the horizon.

This legendary scenic road winds along the Santa Monica Mountains offering stunning views of both the LA Basin and San Fernando Valley. Multiple overlooks provide panoramic vistas especially beautiful at sunset and night.

Located in the US Bank Tower, California's tallest open-air observation deck offers 360-degree views from 1,000 feet. The famous Skyslide provides a thrilling glass slide between floors.

This hilltop art museum offers sweeping views of the LA Basin, Santa Monica Mountains, and Pacific Ocean. The Richard Meier-designed campus and gardens provide multiple scenic viewpoints.

This popular hiking spot in the Hollywood Hills offers multiple trails with stunning views of the city and Hollywood Sign. The moderate hike rewards with panoramic vistas at several overlooks.

The famous oceanfront boardwalk offers classic California beach views alongside colorful street performers and Muscle Beach. The Venice Canals nearby provide a different, serene perspective.

The Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu offers numerous pullouts with dramatic ocean views. Point Dume provides particularly stunning panoramas of the coastline and Catalina Island.

The world's shortest railway climbs Bunker Hill, offering views of the historic funicular and surrounding downtown architecture. The California Plaza at the top provides additional city views.

The contemporary art museum's new rooftop garden offers stunning views of downtown LA's evolving skyline. The honeycomb facade creates unique framed perspectives of the surrounding architecture.

The evolving street art scene in the Arts District has expanded with new large-scale murals and viewing installations. This open-air gallery provides ever-changing visual experiences around every corner.

LA's oldest park has seen improved trail access to viewpoints overlooking downtown, Dodger Stadium, and the LA River. The Angel's Point scenic overlook offers panoramic city views.

In good rainfall years, the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve explodes with orange California poppies creating rolling hills of color. The annual super bloom draws photographers from around the world.

This botanical garden comes alive in spring with camellias, tulips, and California natives. The Japanese garden and rose garden offer intimate scenic views among flowering displays.

This dramatic beach features sea stacks and rock formations that create stunning foregrounds for sunset photography. The caves and arches carved by waves add to the magical scenery.

Summer concerts at this legendary outdoor amphitheater offer views of performances against the Hollywood Hills backdrop. The shell-shaped stage and hillside seating create a unique visual experience.

Just two hours from LA, Big Bear Lake offers Southern California's best autumn color display. The mountain lake reflects golden aspens and changing oaks creating picture-perfect fall scenes.

The historic observatory offers clear fall viewing conditions for city panoramas. The autumn air provides some of the year's best visibility for photographing the LA Basin below.

Winter storms blanket the nearby mountains with snow, creating stunning contrasts with palm trees below. Viewpoints from Pasadena to Griffith Park offer unique winter scenery rare in LA.

The annual holiday light display transforms the zoo into a glowing wonderland. Illuminated animal sculptures, light tunnels, and themed displays create magical winter viewing.