Places to visit in Los Angeles

121 people recommend, 8 warn against itvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/SantaMonica, X

Visitors recommend the Getty, and many praise its views, grounds and gardens, while several point to its art. A few visitors say admission is free, and a couple suggest booking ahead for the Getty Villa. A couple of visitors find its art less engaging than its setting.

91 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Most visitors recommend the Broad, a contemporary art museum downtown, and many say general admission is free, though timed tickets need to be booked ahead. Several visitors praise its current exhibits, a few call the Infinity Room amazing, and many note it sits close to MOCA and Disney Hall. One visitor finds the installation cool but says Phoenix's version is better, while several find it less impressive, criticizing its design, curation, and social-media appeal.

83 people recommend, 11 warn against itvia r/AskLosAngeles

Overall, visitors recommend Griffith Observatory, and several praise its city views. A few visitors enjoy the planetarium shows, and several suggest going after dark. One visitor says the observatory's upper lot fills early on weekday mornings, and another warns the walk up in summer heat is draining.

76 people recommend, 14 warn against itvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles

Most visitors recommend Venice Beach, and several enjoy the people-watching along its boardwalk. Several visitors find parts of the boardwalk run-down, and a couple note that it gets crowded, so expect a busy, less polished atmosphere. One visitor suggests pairing it with the Venice canals and Abbot Kinney for a quieter balance.

72 people recommend, 10 warn against itvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles, X

Overall, the balance leans toward recommending the La Brea Tar Pits, and several visitors enjoy poking the tar seeps and the warning cones. Many suggest pairing it with LACMA next door, and a few enjoy the park grounds for walks or community events. Caveats: several call the site small, a couple say the pits hold little interest, and comments from mid-2026 say the museum closed in July for a roughly two-year renovation while parts of the grounds stay open, so check what is open before you go.

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Several visitors praise the jazz nights, and several say the museum sits right beside the La Brea Tar Pits, which makes the two easy to visit together. The tally leans toward recommending LACMA. Early comments warned that construction had closed off much of the campus, but more recent visitors describe the new building as better than expected, though one finds it smaller than the old one and another found the gallery lighting poor. One visitor found a crowded day with children overwhelming, and one cautions that the museum involves plenty of outdoor walking, a poor fit on rainy days.

65 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors say the Petersen Automotive Museum is worth a visit even if they aren't car people, and several single out its collector vault. A few mention its cars from films, and a few note it sits next to LACMA and near the Academy Museum. One visitor finds the collection limited and poorly displayed.

58 people recommend, 14 warn against itvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Overall, the pier is more often recommended than not, with a few visitors suggesting it at sunset or in the evening and several pointing to its rides and fun zone. A few visitors say it suits kids, and several suggest renting a bike to ride the beach path nearby. The main caveats are that several visitors find the pier itself touristy, chaotic, or short on things to do, another finds it no more appealing than the Venice Boardwalk, and one visitor advises against swimming near it. One visitor found the rollercoaster merely fine.

55 people recommend, 7 warn against itvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors recommend seeing a concert or show at the Hollywood Bowl, and a couple of them praise the sound. Several say you can bring your own food and drinks, though not to every event. A visitor calls parking a nightmare, and another says getting away afterward is the hard part. Seat comfort is a complaint too: one visitor finds the rear rows so distant they watch the side screens, and another finds the seats uncomfortable.

52 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors recommend the museum and praise its historic dioramas and calm, atmospheric halls, and a couple of visitors also highlight the dinosaur fossils. One visitor finds the dioramas both sad and beautiful, and another says the old displays feel creepy. One visitor warns that the interior is very cold, so bring warm layers.

52 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend Griffith Park for hiking, and several point to its views and the Hollywood Sign. Several visitors say quieter stretches exist, especially on weekdays and away from the Observatory. Caveats include one visitor's warning about an unsigned locked gate on a trail near the Observatory, another's note that bikes are not allowed on dirt trails, and one suggestion to hike with a group on a familiar route for early-morning outings.

46 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors recommend the Museum of Jurassic Technology, and several describe it as strange and unlike most other museums. Many advise going in without reading about it first. One visitor says advance tickets are essential because they sell out, and another warns that being high there can be intense, so you need humor or some skepticism. One visitor says it is closed on Mondays, so check the schedule first.

45 people recommendvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors list the Norton Simon Museum among their Los Angeles picks, and many call it underrated, praising a collection that runs from ancient Asian and Indian art to contemporary work. A few visitors mention its garden, and one visitor suggests it for a quieter visit. One visitor notes that it lies along the Rose Parade path, so check access on parade days.

45 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend the Academy Museum to film fans, and a couple of visitors call its screening theater the best in LA. Several visitors praise its exhibits, and one visitor finds the building striking and the setting less touristy than much of Hollywood. Many group it with nearby LACMA, the Petersen Automotive Museum, or La Brea Tar Pits, but one visitor warns to confirm visiting days before going, and a few visitors suggest checking the schedule.

31 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors recommend MOCA for modern and contemporary art, and many pair it with The Broad across the street. One visitor calls the Geffen location their favorite LA museum, while another finds it less widely known but full of interesting pieces. Caveats: one visitor warns it is closed on Mondays, and a commenter calls the Geffen site pretty small. One visitor says the visit depends on whether a show they want is on, so check what is showing before you go.

29 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles, X

Many visitors recommend Universal Studios, and one says its studio tram ride and effects shows are the draw, especially for Harry Potter fans. A few visitors suggest it for families and a couple suggest setting a full day aside. Caveats include one visitor who advises caution walking the surrounding streets with children because of heavy traffic and few crossings, a couple who question whether it is worth it, and a couple who point to long drives and traffic. Crowd reports vary: one visitor finds it crowded, another finds it rarely packed, and one found summer lines short.

27 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Most visitors recommend the California Science Center as one of the museums clustered in Exposition Park, and visitors say it suits children. A few visitors describe its exhibits as hands-on and interactive, and one visitor mentions its IMAX theater and a current mummy exhibit. One visitor says the space shuttle exhibit is not on view for now.

24 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors recommend the Hammer Museum, and two visitors describe its exhibits as cool or incredible. A few visitors say admission is free, and one mentions its free events, screenings and concerts. One visitor says its appeal depends on which show is on, and another says it is worth the trip mainly if you are already nearby.

23 people recommend, 10 warn against itvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles

Visitors recommend the Hollywood Sign, and many suggest hiking up to it. The main caveat is crowds: many visitors warn about them, a couple of visitors say nighttime lighting would pull people into residential streets, and one visitor notes there are no public restrooms. The sign goes unlit after dark, and a few visitors would like it lit. Two visitors are mixed: one objects to corporate advertising on it, and the other finds it small and underwhelming from a distance.

22 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Most visitors recommend Walt Disney Concert Hall, and a few suggest catching a concert there, such as an LA Philharmonic show. Several point to the garden at the hall, and a few suggest walking its outside walkways. One visitor thinks its acoustics beat the Hollywood Bowl's, but another is critical of the design and of LA's major public buildings generally.

20 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles

Most visitors recommend Kenneth Hahn Park, and several describe its overlooks of the city. Several mention its trails, and one visitor notes a Pacific view on clear days. Some visitors say it is quiet, especially on weekdays. One visitor loves the park but finds it strange that an active oil field borders it.

18 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors recommend a stroll through the Venice Canals, and a couple call it unique. Several suggest pairing the walk with coffee, food or shopping on Abbot Kinney, and a couple of visitors suggest photo walks that include the canals. One visitor warns cyclists to keep to the road by the canals, and another finds the remaining canals the least impressive part of the original design.

17 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend Angels Flight as a short ride between Grand Central Market and Bunker Hill. Several visitors note the ride is very brief, and a couple of visitors say to ride it only if it is operating. One visitor values its history but says the top has little to see, and another visitor doesn't see the point of recommending it.

16 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend Runyon Canyon for walks and hikes, and two mention the views over the city and downtown. A couple of visitors say the crowds make wildlife harder to see, though one has recently seen rattlesnakes on the trails. One visitor thinks the hikes here fall short of Griffith Park, one visitor finds parking tricky, and one visitor calls it touristy.

15 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors praise the views over the city, and a couple of visitors say it rarely feels crowded. A few visitors suggest a picnic here, and one visitor says it works well as a theatre space. One commenter calls it pretty good, though not their top pick.

14 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors recommend the Nethercutt Collection in Sylmar, and several praise its car collection. One visitor says it is not just cars, pointing to older French furniture, musical machines and a large pipe organ. One visitor thinks reservations are needed, another feels the cars are mostly pre-war and may not suit everyone, and a further visitor notes it is far out in Sylmar.

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Many visitors recommend Elysian Park, with several pointing to its trails and hiking and one also mentioning the picnic spots in its canyon. Several visitors say it is quiet, and some say it is especially empty on weekdays, while a few count it among their favourite parks. Caveats: one visitor notes horses share the trails and rangers still issue tickets, and one says the views can be striking after rain but smog on other days can spoil them.

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend the Bradbury Building as a downtown stop, and several point to its architecture. One visitor praises the ironwork and elevator, and another says the lobby is worth a quick look. One visitor cautions that it is well known and that access past the lobby is limited to people with business in the building. Many visitors also note its film appearances.

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Many visitors recommend the Autry, and two of them point to its coverage of Western history and Indigenous culture. Two visitors note it is closed on Mondays, so check the schedule before you go.

12 people recommendvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles

A couple of visitors call Hollywood Forever Cemetery a peaceful break from the city. Several visitors mention outdoor movie screenings on the grounds, with picnics and films projected onto a mausoleum. One visitor cautions that these screenings are popular, so plan ahead.

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Most visitors recommend this downtown green space, and a few say it works well for picnics. Several describe its quieter areas as serene or sometimes nearly empty, and one visitor praises the views. Caveats: one visitor would like more tree cover, a couple of visitors say events get in the way since they can close the park on some days, and one visitor worries a planned gondola would spoil the view.

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Visitors recommend Pan Pacific Park, and a few say it is a good place to bring dogs. Two visitors call it a hidden gem, and one feels a real sense of community among the people who gather on its grass. One visitor finds it small and not very scenic, and one visitor finds the restrooms poor. Another notes that weekend parking fills up.

11 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend catching a movie at the New Beverly, and a couple of them mention its screenings on film. One visitor says it plays double features and a varied, obscure selection, and another praises its monthly lineup and concessions.

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Many visitors suggest catching a show at the Greek Theatre, and one visitor calls it a stronger venue overall than the Hollywood Bowl. A couple of visitors point to the warmer months, such as September.

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Many visitors recommend the observation deck for city views. One visitor also finds the public art worth a look. One visitor is unsure whether climbing the stairs is still allowed, and another would rather spend the time in Chinatown or Little Tokyo.

10 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskLosAngeles

Several visitors recommend the Grammy Museum, and two point out that it sits close to downtown. One visitor found it very cool, and another says it is worth a visit. One visitor calls it a tourist trap and advises skipping it.

10 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend the Warner Bros. studio tour, and one calls the lot iconic. Another visitor found it more enjoyable than expected, though one says the content can shift depending on what is filming. Caveats: one visitor describes it as a couple of hours, while another says it is long and far and needs a full day, and another notes it is a considerable walk from Universal Studios.

9 people recommendvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles

A couple of visitors praise the park's walking trails and pleasant walks, and one adds that the vibe is relaxed. Another visitor points to good views, though it looks less green than in spring. One visitor calls it not perfect, while a commenter suggests the Peanut Lake area for turtles.

9 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend Grand Central Market as a food hall with plenty to sample. Another calls it lively and a cool experience beyond the food itself. One visitor notes that it is a popular tourist draw, so expect a busy scene.

8 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors recommend Watts Towers, and a few suggest booking the guided tour. One visitor says they were glad they finally went after years of intending to, and found the story behind the towers distinctly Los Angeles.

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Visitors recommend Franklin Canyon Park, and a few say it feels less crowded, especially on weekdays or at midday. Two visitors mention turtles around the water, and one adds koi. One visitor notes the pond can get busy, though the viewpoint benches along the paths stay quiet. Another says it suits visitors willing to head up toward Mulholland.

8 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles

Visitors name the Egyptian among classic movie palaces worth seeing a film in. A couple of visitors say the Hollywood Boulevard street around it is a poor draw and not worth a visit on its own, so they would go only for a screening or a drink.

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Many visitors recommend The Comedy Store for live comedy, and one says even mixed lineups usually include a standout comic. Another calls the club laid-back. One visitor who enjoyed a show there cautions it may not suit more conservative companions.

8 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors recommend the Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro as a scenic stop. One visitor says it has amazing views, while another describes it as windy, with Catalina visible on clear days. A couple of visitors suggest it for a picnic or sushi lunch, and two more mention it as a stop on a drive around Palos Verdes and San Pedro.

8 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles

Most visitors recommend Dockweiler State Beach, several say it is quiet and uncrowded, and a couple of visitors enjoy the planes overhead. A couple of visitors say weekend and after-dark parties make it rowdy and less appealing, and one finds the sand littered.

7 people recommendvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend Vista Hermosa Natural Park, and one praises its views over Downtown. One visitor calls it a gorgeous park, and another says it feels spacious and secluded once you are inside. One visitor finds weekday mornings nearly empty after the dog walkers leave. Another visitor calls it cute but says the surrounding area keeps them away.

7 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

A few visitors suggest a relaxed walk around the lake, and a couple of visitors call it their favorite park. One visitor says the park is pet-friendly. One visitor likes the paved path around the water but notes restrooms that are not great.

7 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors recommend Greystone Mansion. A few visitors find the grounds and gardens beautiful, and one enjoys picnicking around them. Getting inside is hard, one visitor notes, so reading up beforehand helps. A couple of visitors list it as a historic house or Beverly Hills stop worth seeing.

7 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Visitors recommend Forest Lawn in Glendale, and a few point to its art. One visitor says it has views, art installations and a walking labyrinth, while another calls its small museum with rotating art exhibits worthwhile. One visitor cautions that the grounds discourage looking for celebrity graves.

7 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors list the California African American Museum among the museums worth visiting in Los Angeles, and it sits in a cluster with the Natural History Museum and California Science Center. One visitor describes a full-day outing combining it with those two museums. Another visitor calls it nice, and one more suggests it as a museum pick.

7 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Many visitors recommend the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, and one calls it a whimsical pick. One visitor says the group also stages surprise pop-up performances, including at a local event. Another visitor says the group is still active and now in Highland Park.

7 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend El Capitan as a place to catch a film. One visitor says it is as interesting as the better-known sights and only worth it if a film is the goal, while a commenter suggests it, especially for Disney fans. A couple of visitors find the surrounding Hollywood Boulevard unappealing.

6 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles

Visitors recommend Valley Relics Museum, and one visitor finds its neon signs and Hollywood memorabilia cool and says the whole collection can be seen in a short visit. Another visitor suggests setting aside time for the pinball. Some commenters place it in Van Nuys, though one puts it in Burbank, so confirm the address before you go.

6 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Visitors recommend Little Tokyo, and a few suggest things to do there, such as walking the plaza and underground mall or trying gachapon and crane-game machines. Another visitor mentions a third-floor Japanese garden that is sometimes nearly empty. One visitor says parts of the surrounding area feel a bit rough and suggests a specific walking route.

6 people recommendvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend Hollyhock House as a stop for LA architecture, and a couple of them list it among the city's classic buildings. One visitor points out that it is the city's only UNESCO-listed site, and another mentions its grounds and views.

6 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Visitors recommend Palisades Park, a bluff-top park above the Pacific in Santa Monica. Several visitors praise its views, and several suggest it works well for a stroll or as part of a longer walk. One visitor says the crowd is a relaxed mix of dog walkers and group yoga, calmer than the Santa Monica Pier area.

6 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend the USS Iowa battleship museum in San Pedro. One visitor suggests it for people interested in history and military topics.

6 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles

Visitors recommend Lake Hollywood. Two visitors praise its views, one of them pointing to the Hollywood sign. One visitor describes the reservoir as peaceful, with few people around, and another mentions hiking routes that start from it. Getting there can involve busy streets with little sidewalk space, one visitor notes.

6 people recommendvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend Point Fermin Park, an ocean-side park in San Pedro, and one visitor says its views are amazing. A few visitors suggest it as a stop on a drive along the Palos Verdes coast, alongside the Korean Friendship Bell. Another visitor calls the surrounding area an overlooked favorite in LA, and one more mentions the lighthouse there is celebrating a milestone anniversary.

5 people recommendvia r/LosAngeles, r/AskLosAngeles

Many visitors recommend the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. One visitor finds the building beautiful, praises its fourth-floor viewpoints, and says a multi-hour visit still did not cover everything. One visitor who is not especially into art still found it fairly cool. An older comment from one visitor, which lists it alongside nearby museums, says it was still being built but worth exploring on foot, and two visitors describing recent visits report it is now open.

5 people recommendvia r/LosAngeles

Visitors recommend Deukmejian Wilderness Park in Glendale as a place to read or stroll. One visitor says weekdays tend to be less busy, and another went there often to sit alone and read.

5 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Visitors recommend Exposition Park for its museums. One visitor calls it essential for anyone who likes science museums, and another says it suits a weekend outing alongside nearby museums. One visitor says a full day is easy to fill with a natural history museum, tar pits and a science center, and suggests it over the observatory for museum-minded kids.

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Visitors recommend the Gamble House in Pasadena, and one visitor feels it is a standout visit. A few visitors list it among places to see in Los Angeles. One visitor finds standard LA tourist sights disappointing.

5 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles

Several visitors recommend Heritage Square Museum, and one suggests it for seeing historic Los Angeles architecture.

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Many visitors recommend Craft Contemporary, and two describe it as an understated, overlooked museum. Two visitors praise its exhibitions, and one says it can be seen quickly. Several visitors note it sits near LACMA and the La Brea Tar Pits, and one suggests making a day of the museums there. One visitor also praises the gift shop.

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/AskLosAngeles

Visitors recommend this museum, and one visitor who went before enjoyed the visit. Another visitor finds it a cool extra stop, and a couple of visitors name it in lists of recommended museums. One visitor calls it great and says it sits across from Village Plaza, with food and shopping nearby.