The 15 best things to do in Los Angeles in 2026

Los Angeles consistently ranks among the world’s most visited cities, drawing millions of international travelers every year. From its stunning white sand beaches and world-class museums to its historic theaters and legendary Hollywood landmarks, the City of Angels offers endless things to do for every budget.

But ranking the “top” attractions is no easy task; there is simply too much to see. To help you narrow it down, KTLA consulted the 2026 traveler data from TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel advice portal, to curate the definitive list of L.A.’s must-see spots based on the quality and volume of real-world user ratings.

Before we dive into the Top 15, there is one thing to keep in mind: This list specifically highlights attractions within Los Angeles proper. This guide does not include major regional theme parks located in neighboring cities, such as Disneyland Resort (located in Anaheim), and Six Flags Magic Mountain (located in Valencia)

From the star-lined streets of Hollywood to the serenity of the Getty Center, here are the 15 best things to do in Los Angeles.

15. Hollywood Walk of Fame

Stretching along Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea, the Walk of Fame celebrates more than 2,700 figures from film, television, music, radio and theater. Visitors flock here for photo ops with their favorite stars and to experience the bustle of Hollywood’s most famous corridor. The area is gritty, for sure, but it’s hard to deny its international appeal.

This file photo shows tourists walking on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame on Aug. 16, 2021 in Hollywood. (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

14. Crypto.com Arena

Home to the Lakers, Kings and Sparks, this state‑of‑the‑art arena hosts more than 250 events each year. Its central downtown location and sleek design make it a top destination for concerts, sports and major entertainment events.

13. The Broad

This contemporary art museum features an extensive collection of postwar and modern works, including pieces by Jeff Koons and Jean‑Michel Basquiat. Its striking honeycomb exterior and free general admission continue to attract art lovers from around the world.

Museum goers stand in line in the rain waiting to enter The Broad Museum in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

12. Little Tokyo

One of only three official Japantowns in the U.S., Little Tokyo offers an immersive cultural experience through its shops, restaurants and historic sites. Visitors can browse traditional markets, sample authentic cuisine and explore the neighborhood’s deep heritage.

People take pictures with a mural in progress of Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, created by artist Robert Vargas, in the Little Tokyo neighborhood of Los Angeles Saturday, March 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

11. California Science Center

This hands‑on museum is home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, one of its biggest draws. Interactive exhibits on ecosystems, engineering and space exploration make it a favorite for families and curious visitors alike.

10. Battleship IOWA Museum

Moored at the Port of Los Angeles, the USS Iowa is a fully restored World War II battleship turned floating museum. Guests can explore its decks, learn about its storied service and get a glimpse of life aboard a historic naval vessel.

Veterans and former ship crew are photographed with family and friends on the after the commissioning ceremony for the battleship USS Iowa at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Calif. on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

9. Hollywood Sign

Perched high above the city in Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign remains one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. Several hiking trails offer panoramic views of the city and close‑up vantage points of the iconic landmark.

Hikers utilize the Innsdale Trail near the famed Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)

8. Venice Canals Walkway

Inspired by Venice, Italy, these peaceful canals offer a quiet escape from the energy of the nearby beach. Charming pedestrian bridges and picturesque homes make it one of L.A.’s most scenic strolls.

Pedestrians stroll along the Venice canals Sunday, April 24, 2005, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)

7. La Brea Tar Pits & Museum

This active Ice Age excavation site features thousands of fossils preserved in natural asphalt. Inside the museum, visitors can watch paleontologists at work and learn about the prehistoric animals that once roamed Los Angeles.

The Japanese Pavilion at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is reflected in the La Brea Tar Pits on April 15, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)

6. The Grove

This upscale outdoor shopping and dining destination is known for its lively atmosphere and elegant architecture. A vintage electric trolley and frequent events help make it a go‑to spot for both locals and tourists.

5. Petersen Automotive Museum

Housed in a bold red‑and‑steel structure on the Miracle Mile, the Petersen showcases one of the world’s largest collections of cars, motorcycles and automotive memorabilia. Rotating exhibits spotlight everything from Hollywood vehicles to groundbreaking design innovations.

4. Venice Beach

Venice Beach is famed for its bohemian spirit, eclectic street performers and bustling boardwalk. Visitors can enjoy two miles of sandy shoreline and a vibrant mix of shops, street vendors, restaurants and outdoor recreation like Muscle Beach and the skatepark.

Skateboarding at Venice Beach. (Getty)

3. The Getty Center

Sitting high above Brentwood, the Getty Center pairs sweeping views of L.A. with a renowned art collection. Its modern architecture, serene gardens and free admission make it a must‑see cultural destination.

The Getty Center is seen on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

2. Griffith Observatory

Overlooking Los Angeles from Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory features telescopes, space exhibits and some of the city’s best skyline views. Its outdoor terraces and planetarium shows draw millions every year — many looking to follow in James Dean’s footsteps from the 1955 film Rebel Without a Cause.

Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. (KTLA)

1. Universal Studios Hollywood

This combination theme park and working film studio offers attractions inspired by blockbuster movies and TV shows. Studio tours take guests behind the scenes to real soundstages and iconic filming locations. In recent years, Universal Studios has added more rides, like Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, while scaling back some of the behind‑the‑scenes Hollywood magic. Its first high‑speed outdoor roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, is set to open in summer 2026.

Guests enter the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. Thursday, April 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, CA. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images).

Other noteworthy attractions: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, Olvera Street, Union Station, TCL Chinese Theatre, Echo Park, Angels Flight Railway, The Hollywood Bowl, The Greek Theatre, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles Zoo, Chinatown, GRAMMY Museum.

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