When it comes to the best things to do in Los Angeles, it can be hard to know where to start: Of course, the weather is nice, the beaches iconic. But this is a city that’s much more culturally inclined than many non-Angelenos give it credit, far beyond the cinema scene. Los Angeles has solidified itself as an international playground for artists, for instance: the museums are top-notch, and LA’s creative vastness checks so many boxes. There’s also spectacular natural scenery, a cemetery that becomes a nightclub, and sports stadiums galore (including many new ones that will play host to the 2028 Summer Olympics.) Of course, there’s ample shopping and celebrity spotting, too. To help navigate your journey through La La Land, here are our picks for the best things to do in Los Angeles, no matter how many trips they may take to complete.
Read our full Los Angeles travel guide here, which includes:
How we choose the best things to do in Los Angeles
Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.