Things to Do in Los Angeles: Your Ultimate 2026 Guide to the City of Angels

Picture this: morning light on a hilltop observatory, with the whole city waking up at your feet. By evening, you are standing under a real space shuttle, watching the sun drop behind the Hollywood Hills.

Top 5 You Cannot Miss in Los Angeles

• Griffith Observatory: the single best first stop in Los Angeles, with a sweeping city view and free admission.
• Hollywood Sign hike: the photo every visitor wants, and it feels earned.
• Getty Center: Los Angeles at its most peaceful, with free admission.
• Universal Studios Hollywood: a full theme park and a working movie studio in one day.
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour: step inside a real working studio on a guided tour.

Los Angeles does not ask you to choose between a city trip and an adventure. It gives you both, in the same day. This guide covers the very best things to do in Los Angeles, with honest prices and practical plans you can follow.

Use this guide the way that fits your trip. First time visitors can follow the day by day plans near the end. Families can start with the zoo, the science museums, and the theme parks. Travelers on a budget can build a full trip around the free sights. Every section tells you what to expect, how long to allow, and the best time to go, so you can plan with confidence.

This guide was re-checked as of October 2026.

Attraction	Category	Cost	Time Needed	Book Ahead?
Griffith Observatory	Observatory	Free (planetarium shows cost extra)	2 to 3 hours	No, arrive early
Hollywood Sign hike	Hiking	Free	2 to 3 hours	No
Hollywood Walk of Fame	Landmark	Free	1 to 2 hours	No
Getty Center	Art Museum	Free (reservation required)	3 to 4 hours	Yes, free timed entry reservation
The Broad	Art Museum	Free (timed ticket recommended)	2 hours	Yes, timed tickets recommended
LACMA	Art Museum	Check official site	2 to 3 hours	Check official site
Universal Studios Hollywood	Theme Park	From about $100 per person	Full day	Yes, buy tickets online in advance
Disneyland	Theme Park	$104 to $224 per person (ages 10 and up)	Full day	Yes, ticket and reservation needed
Warner Bros. Studio Tour	Studio Tour	$79 per person	3 to 4 hours	Yes, book early
Los Angeles Zoo	Zoo	Check official site	2 to 3 hours	Not stated
Griffith Park	Park	Free	2 to 3 hours	No
Rodeo Drive	Shopping Street	Free to stroll	1 hour	No
Olvera Street	Historic Market	Free	1 to 2 hours	No
Natural History Museum	Museum	$18 per adult	2 to 3 hours	Not stated
California Science Center	Science Museum	Free (Air and Space Center $4 reservation fee)	2 to 3 hours	Yes, reservations encouraged

Los Angeles at a Glance: Your Trip in One Snapshot

Quick Fact	What to Know
Best time to visit	March to May and September to November
Ideal trip length	3 to 4 full days, 5 days if you add Disneyland
Main airport	Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Getting around	Metro rail and bus, rideshare, and rental car
Language	English
Currency	US dollar

Good to know: Many of the best museums in Los Angeles are free. The Getty Center, The Broad, and the California Science Center charge nothing for general admission.

Top Things to Do in Los Angeles: 15 Experiences You Will Remember

1. Griffith Observatory: The View That Sells the City

Best for: first time visitors and families.

Do not miss: The moment the city lights sparkle at dusk, plus free telescope viewing on a clear evening.

Hours: Tuesday to Friday noon to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 10 pm, closed Mondays | Price: admission free, planetarium shows cost extra | Parking: about $10 per hour | Time needed: 2 to 3 hours

Picture this: sunset, and the whole city starts to sparkle below you.

Griffith Observatory is the single best first stop in Los Angeles. This white Art Deco landmark on Mount Hollywood gives you a sweeping view of the whole city. Inside, hands on science exhibits explain the sky above you, and the famous Zeiss telescope opens for free public viewing on clear evenings. Why you will love it: the moment the city lights sparkle at dusk is pure magic, and it costs nothing. Admission is free, with only a small fee for planetarium shows. Open Tuesday to Friday from noon to 10 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm. Closed on Mondays. Parking costs about $10 per hour, so take the DASH shuttle from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station for 50 cents. Plan your visit on the official Griffith Observatory website.

Allow two to three hours here, and more if you want to watch a planetarium show. Sunset is the most popular time, so arrive early or take the shuttle and skip the parking hunt entirely. The observatory suits first time visitors, families, and anyone who wants one perfect view to start the trip. Bring a light jacket, since the hilltop air cools fast after dark, and stay for telescope viewing on a clear night if you can.

Insider tip: Arrive early for sunset, or take the DASH shuttle and skip the parking hunt entirely.

2. Hike to the Hollywood Sign: Earn the Famous Photo

Best for: active travelers and first time visitors.

Do not miss: The viewpoint above and behind the nine giant white letters.

Hours: sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year | Price: free | Time needed: 2 to 3 hours

Nine giant white letters, seen in films all over the world. Now you can hike right up behind them.

Three authorized trails lead to viewpoints above and behind the letters: the Mount Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. Why you will love it: this is the photo every visitor wants, and it feels earned. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. You cannot touch the letters, since the sign sits inside a fenced area. See trail options on the official Hollywood Sign hiking page.

Allow two to three hours for the hike, including photo stops. Morning light is best for photos, and the trails are cooler before midday. This hike suits active travelers and first time visitors who want the classic view. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water, and bring sun protection, since most of the route has little shade. Start early on weekends, when the trails fill fast.

Insider tip: Start early on weekends, when the trails fill fast, and carry water and sun protection.

3. Hollywood Walk of Fame: Stroll Through Movie History

Best for: first time visitors and film fans.

Do not miss: The TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt, where generations of stars pressed handprints into cement.

Price: free to stroll, star ceremonies free to watch | Time needed: 1 to 2 hours

The sidewalk itself tells stories here, one star at a time.

More than 2,700 terrazzo and brass stars line 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street, each one honoring a name from film, television, music, radio, or theater. Why you will love it: it is entertainment history at street level, with the TCL Chinese Theatre nearby, where generations of stars have pressed handprints into cement in the forecourt. Star ceremonies are free to watch from a public viewing area. Read the Discover Los Angeles guide to the Walk of Fame before you go.

Allow one to two hours for a relaxed stroll, longer if you stop at the TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt. Morning is the quietest time, while evenings bring crowds and street performers. The Walk of Fame suits first time visitors and film fans of every age. Wear comfortable shoes, since you will cover several blocks, and keep an eye out for the stars of your favorite performers as you walk.

Good to know: Morning is the quietest time to stroll, while evenings bring crowds and street performers.

4. Getty Center: Peace, Art, and a Hilltop View

Best for: art lovers and travelers who want a calm, slower pace.

Do not miss: The manicured gardens and terraces with views across Los Angeles.

Hours: Tuesday to Friday and Sunday 10 am to 6:30 pm, Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, closed Mondays | Price: admission free, free timed entry reservation required | Parking: about $25 per car | Time needed: 3 to 4 hours

Imagine a quiet hilltop, calm air, and the city spread out below you.

A driverless tram carries you up from the parking garage to a campus of white travertine buildings, manicured gardens, and terraces with views across Los Angeles. Why you will love it: this is Los Angeles at its most peaceful. Admission is free, although you need a free timed entry reservation. Open Tuesday to Friday and Sunday from 10 am to 6:30 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm. Closed on Mondays. Parking costs about $25 per car. Book on getty.edu.

Allow three to four hours, including the gardens and the terraces. Late afternoon is lovely, when the light softens and the crowds thin. The Getty suits travelers who want calm, art lovers, and anyone who needs a slower pace after busy Hollywood days. Wear comfortable shoes, since the campus covers a hilltop, and leave time to wander the gardens between galleries.

Insider tip: Leave time to wander the gardens between galleries, and wear comfortable shoes for the hilltop campus.

5. The Broad: Bold Art, Free Entry

Best for: art lovers and families with older children.

Do not miss: The Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Rooms.

Hours: closed Mondays | Price: general admission free, timed tickets strongly recommended | Time needed: 2 hours

A building like a giant honeycomb, filled with some of the boldest art in America.

The Broad is a contemporary art museum with a honeycomb veil exterior and a collection of nearly 2,000 works of postwar and contemporary art. You will find famous names and daring new ones side by side, plus the Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Rooms, among the most talked about art experiences in America. Why you will love it: general admission is free, although timed tickets are strongly recommended because the standby line can be long. The museum is closed on Mondays. Reserve tickets on thebroad.org.

Allow two hours for the collection, plus extra time if you book an Infinity Mirror Room. Morning slots are the quietest. The Broad suits art lovers, curious first time visitors, and families with older children who enjoy bold modern art. Book timed tickets as early as you can, since the most popular slots go first, and arrive a few minutes before your entry time.

Insider tip: Book timed tickets as early as you can, since the most popular slots go first.

6. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): The World in One Afternoon

Best for: art lovers, families, and first time visitors.

Do not miss: The Urban Light grid of more than 200 vintage street lamps at the entrance.

Getting there: Metro D Line to Wilshire/Fairfax Station | Price: check official site | Time needed: 2 to 3 hours

What if one afternoon could carry you from ancient Egypt to modern Tokyo?

LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of about 155,000 objects that span thousands of years and every corner of the globe. Why you will love it: LACMA lets you travel the world in a single afternoon, and the Urban Light grid of more than 200 vintage street lamps at the entrance is one of the most photographed sights in Los Angeles. The Metro D Line brings you directly to the museum at Wilshire/Fairfax Station. Check ticket prices and hours on lacma.org.

Allow two to three hours, or a full half day if you love art. Late afternoon is a good time, since you can catch the galleries and then see Urban Light glow as the sky darkens. LACMA suits art lovers, families, and first time visitors who want one museum that covers the world. Start with the galleries that interest you most, then wander the rest at an easy pace.

Good to know: Late afternoon is a good time, since you can catch the galleries and then see Urban Light glow as the sky darkens.

7. Universal Studios Hollywood: Movies Come Alive

Best for: families, film fans, and thrill seekers.

Do not miss: The Studio Tour through the famous backlot.

Price: one day general admission from about $100 per person, parking about $40 before 5 pm | Time needed: full day

You hear the roar first. Then you see the castle.

Universal Studios Hollywood is two experiences in one: a full theme park and a working movie studio. The Studio Tour takes you through the famous backlot, while the park itself packs in thrill rides, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and the Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift roller coaster. Why you will love it: One day general admission starts from about $100 per person, with prices varying by date, and parking costs about $40 before 5 pm. Buy tickets online in advance on the official Universal Studios Hollywood tickets page.

Allow a full day, from opening to closing, to enjoy the park and the Studio Tour without rushing. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends. Universal suits families, film fans, and thrill seekers. Arrive before opening, head to the most popular rides first, and use the Studio Tour in the middle of the day when ride lines peak.

Insider tip: Arrive before opening, head to the most popular rides first, and use the Studio Tour in the middle of the day when ride lines peak.

8. Disneyland (Anaheim Day Trip): A Day of Pure Joy

Best for: families with children and multi generation trips.

Do not miss: The evening fireworks and parade.

Location: Anaheim, about a 45 to 60 minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles | Price: one day, one park tickets $104 to $224 ages 10 and up, $98 to $214 children 3 to 9 | Parking: $40 per car | Time needed: full day

Fireworks in the sky, a parade rolling past, and smiles everywhere.

Disneyland sits in Anaheim, about a 45 to 60 minute drive from Downtown Los Angeles depending on traffic, and it is worth the journey. Why you will love it: Disneyland is pure joy: fireworks, parades, beloved characters, and rides that three generations can enjoy together. One day, one park tickets range from $104 to $224 for ages 10 and up, and from $98 to $214 for children ages 3 to 9. You need both a ticket and a theme park reservation for the same date, so book early. Standard parking costs $40 per car.

Allow a full day, and two days if you want both parks at a relaxed pace. Weekdays outside school holidays are the quietest. Disneyland suits families with children, multi generation trips, and anyone who loves theme parks. Arrive before opening, book dining and popular experiences early, and plan a midday break so younger children can rest before the evening show.

Insider tip: Arrive before opening, book dining and popular experiences early, and plan a midday break so younger children can rest before the evening show.

9. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: Step Inside a Real Studio

Best for: film and television fans and families with older children.

Do not miss: The backlot streets from famous films and television series.

Hours: open daily 8:30 am to 3:30 pm | Price: general admission $79, children aged five and older welcome | Tour length: about three hours | Time needed: 3 to 4 hours

A street you have seen a hundred times on television. Then you learn it is a set.

If Universal shows you the theme park side of Hollywood, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour shows you the real working studio. Guided tours run every 30 minutes across the Burbank lot, taking you onto soundstages and backlot streets from famous films and television series. Why you will love it: General admission is $79, children aged five and older are welcome, and the tour lasts about three hours. Open daily from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Book on the official Warner Bros. Studio Tour website.

Allow three to four hours, including check in and the gift shop. Morning tours are the quietest. The tour suits film and television fans, first time visitors, and families with older children. Book early, since tours sell out on busy days, and wear comfortable shoes, since you will walk between soundstages and backlot streets.

Insider tip: Book early, since tours sell out on busy days.

10. Los Angeles Zoo: A Green Escape for Families

Best for: families and animal lovers.

Do not miss: Watching elephants at bath time.

Hours: open daily 10 am to 5 pm, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas | Price: check official site | Time needed: 2 to 3 hours

The air smells green, and elephants are having a bath.

The Los Angeles Zoo sits inside Griffith Park and pairs animal exhibits with a botanical garden, so it feels like a green escape as much as a zoo. Highlights include the Rainforest of the Americas, the Elephants of Asia habitat, and the LAIR reptile house. Why you will love it: the zoo is relaxed and spacious, and children love watching elephants at bath time. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check admission prices on lazoo.org.

Allow two to three hours, or a half day with young children. Morning is best, when the animals are most active and the air is cool. The zoo suits families, animal lovers, and travelers who want a relaxed green morning. Bring water and sun protection, and plan your route around the animals your children most want to see.

Good to know: Morning is best, when the animals are most active and the air is cool.

11. Griffith Park: Room to Breathe Above the City

Best for: hikers, runners, and families.

Do not miss: A quiet canyon trail with a skyline view at the end.

Hours: open sunrise to sunset | Price: free | Time needed: 2 to 3 hours

Big cities feel crowded. Griffith Park is the opposite.

Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, covering more than 4,210 acres of hills, canyons, and viewpoints. Why you will love it: Griffith Park gives you space to breathe. You can hike a quiet canyon trail in the morning, then look back at the skyline you just came from. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. Carry water and sun protection, since most trails have little shade, and dogs must stay on a leash.

Allow two to three hours for a hike, or a full morning if you combine trails with the observatory. Early morning is the best time, when the trails are quiet and the light is soft. Griffith Park suits hikers, runners, families, and anyone who wants open space above the city. Carry more water than you think you need, and wear sturdy shoes, since the trails are steep in places.

Insider tip: Carry more water than you think you need, and wear sturdy shoes, since the trails are steep in places.

12. Rodeo Drive: Glamour You Can Stroll for Free

Best for: first time visitors, shoppers, and people watchers.

Do not miss: The window displays and palm-lined three blocks north of Wilshire Boulevard.

Location: three blocks north of Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills | Price: free to stroll | Time needed: 1 hour

Palm trees, flagship boutiques, and window displays like art.

Rodeo Drive is the most famous shopping street in Beverly Hills, and you do not need to buy anything to enjoy it. The best known stretch runs three blocks north of Wilshire Boulevard, lined with palm trees and flagship designer boutiques. Why you will love it: Rodeo Drive is people watching, architecture, and window shopping at their most glamorous. Strolling here is free. See shops and visitor details on rodeodrive-bh.com.

Allow one hour for a relaxed stroll, longer if you stop for coffee or photos. Morning is the quietest time, while late afternoon brings golden light for photos. Rodeo Drive suits first time visitors, shoppers, and anyone who enjoys people watching. You do not need to buy anything to enjoy the walk, so take your time and enjoy the window displays.

Good to know: You do not need to buy anything to enjoy the walk, so take your time and enjoy the window displays.

13. Olvera Street: Where Los Angeles Began

Best for: history lovers, families, and first time visitors.

Do not miss: The handmade crafts and traditional food in the colorful marketplace.

Location: short walk from Union Station | Price: free | Time needed: 1 to 2 hours

Music in the air, and the smell of fresh food.

Olvera Street is one of the oldest streets in Los Angeles and the historic heart of the city. This colorful Mexican marketplace opened in 1930, and today it is lined with vendors selling handmade crafts, traditional food, and souvenirs. Why you will love it: Olvera Street is Los Angeles history you can taste and touch. Olvera Street is a short walk from Union Station, so it is one of the easiest historic stops to reach by Metro.

Allow one to two hours, including time to browse the stalls and try the food. Midday is the liveliest time, when vendors are open and music fills the street. Olvera Street suits history lovers, families, and first time visitors who want a taste of old Los Angeles. Arrive by Metro to skip parking, and take time to look at the crafts, since many stalls sell handmade goods.

Insider tip: Arrive by Metro to skip parking.

14. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County: Dinosaurs and 4.5 Billion Years

Best for: families and science lovers.

Do not miss: The Dinosaur Hall.

Hours: open daily 9:30 am to 5 pm, closed first Tuesday of each month and select holidays | Price: $18 adults, $14 seniors aged 62 and up and students and youth 13 to 17, $7 children 3 to 12 | Time needed: 2 to 3 hours

A dinosaur towers over you, and you feel very small.

At Exposition Park, the Natural History Museum protects more than 35 million specimens covering 4.5 billion years of Earth history. The Dinosaur Hall alone is worth the visit. Why you will love it: this is the museum where children fall in love with science. Open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm, closed on the first Tuesday of each month and select holidays. Admission is $18 for adults, $14 for seniors aged 62 and up and for students and youth ages 13 to 17, and $7 for children ages 3 to 12. Check tickets on nhm.org.

Allow two to three hours, or a half day with children who love dinosaurs. Morning is the quietest time. The museum suits families, science lovers, and first time visitors. Start with the Dinosaur Hall, then explore the halls that match your interests, and pair the visit with the Science Center next door for a full museum day.

Good to know: Start with the Dinosaur Hall, then explore the halls that match your interests.

15. California Science Center: Stand Under a Real Space Shuttle

Best for: families and science lovers.

Do not miss: Standing under the real Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Hours: open daily 10 am to 5 pm | Price: general admission free, Air and Space Center $4 reservation service fee per person | Time needed: 2 to 3 hours

Look up. Way up. A real space shuttle hangs above you.

Right next door in Exposition Park, the California Science Center is one of the best free museums in America. Why you will love it: standing under a real space shuttle is unforgettable. The Space Shuttle Endeavour will be displayed in a vertical launch configuration inside the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which opens on November 13, 2026. General admission is free. Reservations for the Air and Space Center are strongly encouraged, and a $4 reservation service fee applies per person. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Plan your visit on californiasciencecenter.org.

Allow two to three hours, plus extra time for the Air and Space Center. Morning is the quietest time. The Science Center suits families, science lovers, and first time visitors. Book Air and Space Center reservations early, since the most popular times go first, and pair the visit with the Natural History Museum next door.

Insider tip: Book Air and Space Center reservations early, since the most popular times go first.

Where to Eat in Los Angeles: Flavors From Every Corner of the World

Los Angeles is one of the great food cities of the world. One street can carry you from Mexico to Korea to Japan to the Middle East.

The city brings together Mexican, Korean, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and American cooking. Food tourism is shaping modern travel in cities like this one, and Los Angeles is a perfect place to taste that idea for yourself.

Start with the neighborhoods near your hotel, then branch out. Each area has its own flavors, and the best meals often come from small family run spots. Ask hotel staff for a nearby favorite, and try at least one market meal during your trip.

Halal Friendly Options: Good Food, No Guesswork

Los Angeles has a large and growing halal food scene. Downtown Los Angeles is a good starting point: The Red Chickz at 557 S Spring St serves Nashville style hot chicken and is listed as a halal restaurant, Curry Boys DTLA at 517 S Spring St serves halal Indian dishes, and Mr. Masala at 949 S Figueroa St offers halal options. Because menus and suppliers can change, always confirm halal certification with the restaurant before you order.

Grand Central Market: 40 Stalls, One Roof

Step inside, and the smells hit you first. Grand Central Market at 317 S Broadway has fed Downtown Los Angeles since 1917, and today it holds more than 40 vendors under one roof. The market is open daily from 8 am to 9 pm.

Family tip: Order from two or three stalls and share everything. Check each vendor menu for halal options.

Book Your Los Angeles Tickets Online

Skip the ticket lines and book in advance. Every link below goes to the official ticket page for that attraction.

Attraction	Tickets
Getty Center	Book Tickets
The Broad	Book Tickets
LACMA	Book Tickets
Universal Studios Hollywood	Book Tickets
Warner Bros. Studio Tour	Book Tickets
Los Angeles Zoo	Book Tickets
Natural History Museum	Book Tickets
California Science Center	Book Tickets

Where to Stay in Los Angeles: Pick Your Perfect Base

Downtown puts you close to The Broad and Grand Central Market. Hollywood puts you near the Walk of Fame and Griffith Park.

Choose your base by the way you plan to spend your days. Downtown suits travelers who want museums, Metro access, and food halls within walking distance. Hollywood suits first time visitors who want the Walk of Fame, the sign trails, and Griffith Park close by. Beverly Hills suits travelers who want a splurge and a glamorous base. Wherever you stay, pick a hotel near a Metro station or a major bus route to make getting around easier.

Hotel	Area	Best For	Tier
Freehand Los Angeles	Downtown	Budget travelers, groups, design lovers	Budget to Mid Range
Hotel Figueroa	Downtown	Historic charm near Metro and museums	Mid Range
Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles	Downtown	Classic luxury, historic ballrooms	Mid Range to Luxury
Omni Los Angeles Hotel	Bunker Hill, Downtown	Near The Broad	Mid Range to Luxury
The Beverly Hills Hotel	Beverly Hills	Once in a lifetime splurge, old Hollywood glamour	Luxury

The Freehand Los Angeles sits in the historic Commercial Exchange building in Downtown. The Millennium Biltmore, which opened in 1923, offers 683 rooms and suites opposite Pershing Square. The Beverly Hills Hotel has welcomed guests since 1912 on 12 acres of gardens on Sunset Boulevard.

Getting Around Los Angeles: Get Anywhere Without the Stress

• Metro rail and bus: A single ride costs $1.75 and includes 2 hours of free transfers. Fare capping means you never pay more than $5 in a day or $18 in a week.
• From LAX: The FlyAway bus runs to Union Station in Downtown for a flat $12.75 one way. A free shuttle links the terminals with the LAX/Metro Transit Center.
• Rental car: A car gives you freedom for day trips to Disneyland or the mountains, but parking is expensive in Hollywood and Downtown, often $30 to $50 per day at hotels.
• Rideshare: Rideshare works well for short hops, late evenings, and trips that Metro does not cover.

Plan your days by neighborhood to save time. Group Hollywood, Griffith Park, and the zoo on one day. Group Downtown, The Broad, and Grand Central Market on another. Group Exposition Park, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Center together. This way you spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying the sights.

Traffic tip: Avoid driving on the freeways between 7 am and 10 am and between 4 pm and 7 pm on weekdays.

Best Time to Visit Los Angeles: When to Go for the Best Days

Los Angeles enjoys mild weather all year. The best months are March to May and September to November, when days are warm, crowds are thinner, and hotel prices are often lower. Watch for June Gloom, a layer of morning cloud in late spring that usually burns off by midday.

Month	Average High	What to Expect
January	68 F (20 C)	Mild, quiet, occasional rain
February	69 F (21 C)	Mild, occasional rain
March	70 F (21 C)	Spring blooms
April	73 F (23 C)	Warm days, thinner crowds
May	74 F (23 C)	Warm, possible morning cloud
June	79 F (26 C)	June Gloom mornings, warm afternoons
July	83 F (28 C)	Hot, busy, peak season
August	85 F (29 C)	Hottest month, busy
September	83 F (28 C)	Warm, quieter
October	79 F (26 C)	Warm, great hiking weather
November	73 F (23 C)	Mild, quieter
December	68 F (20 C)	Mild, festive

Suggested Itineraries: Your Day-by-Day Plans

Use these plans as a starting point.

Day	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Day 1: Hollywood and Griffith Park	Hollywood Walk of Fame	Hollywood Sign hike or Los Angeles Zoo	Griffith Observatory for sunset
Day 2: Downtown Arts and Culture	The Broad (book timed tickets early)	Grand Central Market for lunch, then Olvera Street	LACMA and Urban Light, then dinner near the museum
Day 3: Museums and Studios	Natural History Museum and Science Center	Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood	Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills
Day 4 (optional): Theme Parks	Universal Studios Hollywood, full day	Continue at Universal	Rest and a relaxed dinner
Day 5 (optional): Disneyland	Disneyland in Anaheim, full day	Continue at Disneyland	Evening show

How Much Does a Trip to Los Angeles Cost? Plan Your Budget

Use this table to plan a realistic daily budget.

You can keep costs down without missing the best sights. Build your days around the free museums, use the Metro day cap for transport, and mix market meals with one or two sit down dinners. Many of the most memorable moments in Los Angeles, from the Griffith Observatory sunset to the Urban Light lamps at dusk, cost nothing at all.

Expense	Typical Cost
Metro day cap (unlimited rides after cap)	$5 per person
Griffith Observatory admission	Free (planetarium show costs extra)
Griffith Observatory parking	About $10 per hour
Getty Center admission	Free (reservation required)
Getty Center parking	About $25 per car
The Broad admission	Free (timed ticket recommended)
Natural History Museum adult admission	$18
California Science Center general admission	Free
Endeavour reservation service fee	$4 per person
Warner Bros. Studio Tour	$79 per person
Universal Studios Hollywood 1 day	From about $100 per person
Disneyland 1 day, 1 park	$104 to $224 per person (ages 10 and up)
Disneyland parking	$40 per car
Grand Central Market meal	$12 to $20 per person (estimate)

Practical Tips for Visiting Los Angeles: Travel Like a Local

Prayer Facilities

Muslim travelers will find mosques across Los Angeles. The Islamic Center of Southern California, at 434 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020, was founded in 1952 and is one of the largest mosques in Southern California, with thousands of worshippers attending Friday prayers.

See all stops on Google Maps to plan your route between the attractions in this guide.

Conclusion

Los Angeles rewards travelers who come with a plan. You can stand under a telescope dome, walk in the footsteps of film history, and stand beneath a space shuttle, all in the same trip. If you enjoyed planning this trip, you may also enjoy our guide to the best things to do in New York City, our things to do in Boston guide, and our things to do in Washington D.C. guide.

Keep Exploring

• Best things to do in New York City
• Things to do in Boston
• Things to do in Washington D.C.
• How food tourism is shaping modern travel

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