The Top 6 Must-See Attractions in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Can Feel Overwhelming for the First-Time Visitor, So Here’s Drives & Detours’ Top 6 Things To Do in the City of Angels
Los Angeles is a city that rewards your curiosity and deserves more than one visit — Venti Views / Unsplash
Los Angeles is a city of endless possibilities—movie magic meets ocean breezes, and every neighborhood has its own personality.
For first-time visitors, the sheer size of LA can feel overwhelming—sprawling freeways, diverse districts, and an almost dizzying number of things to see and do. That’s why it helps to start with the essentials.
Drives & Detours' top six attractions represent the heart of what makes Los Angeles unforgettable, from world-class museums and historic Hollywood landmarks to iconic beaches and sweeping viewpoints.
Our highlights capture the city’s unique blend of culture, history, and laid-back fun, whether you’re chasing sunsets, stargazing—both in the sky and on the Walk of Fame—or soaking up the California vibe.
1. Griffith Observatory & Griffith Park
The Griffith Observatory offers panoramic views across downtown LA, the Pacific Ocean, and the Hollywood Sign — Venti Views / Unsplash
Perched on the southern slope of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Griffith Observatory offers sweeping panoramic views across the city—downtown LA, the Pacific Ocean, and the Hollywood Sign.
The park is not just about views. It houses public telescopes, interesting exhibits about space and the cosmos, and the architecture itself is striking.
Hiking trails in Griffith Park lead up to the Observatory, giving visitors not only scenic vistas but also a chance to experience LA’s natural side. It’s especially magical at sunset or just after dusk.
Visit in the late afternoon to stay for sunset, but be prepared for traffic up the hill and dress in layers, as temperatures often drop after sunset.
Consider making some time to explore more of Griffith Park—it’s huge—for nature walks, horse rides, or just a quiet escape from the urban hustle.
2. The Getty Center
The beautifully landscaped gardens of the Getty Center are filled with natural light — Bernardo Ferrari / Unsplash
The stunning Getty Center complex, situated atop a hill in the Brentwood area, is renowned for its architecture, gardens, and art collection.
The views alone—over greater Los Angeles, across to the ocean, and over the canyons—are worth the trip.
The Getty Center’s collection spans medieval manuscripts, European and American paintings, and modern sculpture.
Richard Meier’s modern buildings and beautifully landscaped gardens are filled with natural light, making the site itself part of the visitor experience.
Admission is free, but there are parking costs. Try to time your visit to avoid peak hours and take public transport. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends.
Give yourself enough time to walk through the gardens and enjoy the views—rushing through doesn’t do the place justice.
3. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios blend Hollywood fantasy with amusement park excitement — John Ruddock / Unsplash
Universal Studios offers a mix of entertainment, rides, shows, and studio tours. It gives a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making, as well as thrilling rides based on popular film and TV franchises.
For many visitors, the Studios are a blend of Hollywood fantasy with amusement park excitement.
Buy tickets in advance to skip at least some of the line. Going early helps you to hit the popular rides before midday, before the queues build up.
Check show schedules beforehand so you don't miss major performances or walkthroughs. Pairing Universal Studios with other Hollywood spots makes sense if you’re into film and TV culture.
4. Santa Monica Pier & Beach
Santa Monica Pier and Beach are icons of Los Angeles, and full of Californian Vibes — Venti Views / Unsplash
Santa Monica Pier is another of Los Angeles’ signature landmarks.
The Pier combines amusement, ocean views, food, shopping, street performance, and a California beach atmosphere.
Attractions include Pacific Park, with a solar-powered Ferris wheel, historic carousel, arcade games, and many vantage points for sunsets.
Santa Monica beach itself is iconic—wide, sandy, and soaked in the classic vibe of Southern California.
Visit later in the day to catch the sunset, or stick around into early evening.
Combine your visit with exploring nearby Santa Monica to discover the Third Street Promenade, beach bike paths, and its many incredible shops.
5. Hollywood Walk of Fame & Hollywood Boulevard
The Walk of Fame is a magnet for film lovers—Hollywood Boulevard is lined with icons of the industry — Sasha Matveeva / Unsplash
Stretching along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the Walk of Fame is a sidewalk lined with over 2,700 stars honouring luminaries of film, TV, music, radio, and more.
Around the Boulevard are many other Hollywood landmarks—Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where you’ll find the hand- and footprints in the cement, the Dolby Theatre, which is home to the Oscars, and shops and restaurants aimed at visitors.
Hollywood Boulevard is a place where the mythology of film and TV is everywhere.
The area can be touristy and crowded—morning hours are usually more pleasant.
Take in the Hollywood Sign viewpoint or vistas from Griffith Park if you can, and try to walk beyond just the most famous blocks to get a better feel of the local area. The stores, murals, and side streets are full of interesting surprises.
6. Venice Beach Boardwalk & Venice
Venice Beach Boardwalk is an area full of eclectic energy — Travis Yewell / Unsplash
Venice Beach Boardwalk is famous for its eclectic street performers, vendors, Muscle Beach gym, skate park, colorful murals, and bohemian energy.
The beach itself is wide, with the Pacific waves and sun, while the adjacent Venice canals and the architecture also offer calmer, more scenic pockets away from the hustle of the boardwalk.
A daytime visit means you can fully enjoy the street art, shops, and people-watching. Early morning is best if you prefer something less crowded.
For something a bit more relaxed, explore the canals area and the shops and cafés of Abbott Kinney Boulevard that contrast with the busy boardwalk.
Los Angeles Is a City That Rewards Your Curiosity
Los Angeles has far more to discover, but take these attractions as a starting point for your trip — Jake Blucker / Unsplash
No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without experiencing at least a few of these iconic spots.
Together, they offer a perfect cross-section of the city—its ties to film and entertainment, its love of art and architecture, its natural beauty, and its vibrant beach culture.
Of course, LA has far more to discover—from hidden food gems to quirky neighborhoods—but these must-see attractions provide a solid foundation for understanding what makes the city so magnetic.
Think of these attractions as your starting point for a deeper dive into the many layers of Los Angeles, a place that always rewards curiosity and invites you to come back for more.
Experience Los Angeles With Drives & Detours’ Self-Guided Tours
Discover the City of Angels at your own pace with Drives & Detours — Jack Finnigan / Unsplash
You can uncover Los Angeles on your own schedule with Drives & Detours’ self-guided tours.
Designed to be flexible, informative, and easy to use offline, our driving and walking tours are a perfect way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden stories without being tied to a group or guide.
Simply purchase your tour online in advance or through the app whenever you’re ready to go. Then, press play and start exploring one of America’s most fascinating cities at your own pace.
Each Drives & Detours tour dives into the history, culture, and character that have shaped Los Angeles. We give you more than directions—we tell you stories.
