Things to do in Los Angeles

When people say Los Angeles, they usually mean the overall metropolitan area and not the specific city of Los Angeles. The greater Los Angeles area includes over 60 independent cities in 5 counties. If you start in downtown Los Angeles and head toward the beach, you will pass through Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, but you would probably think it was all one city unless someone told you otherwise.

Special Attractions

Due to the size of LA, it's unlikely you'll be able to see everything. This list will give you a few places to start, depending on your interests.

Theme Parks

Disneyland
Perhaps Los Angeles's most famous theme park, Disneyland is located in the suburb of Anaheim, less than an hour drive from Hollywood. There are two parks, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, and both are great places for families and groups without children. Tickets are available for both parks together (called a "Park Hopper") or individually. Prices range from $76-101* per day for adults, depending on the type of ticket, and discounts are sometimes available online, especially for group or multiple-day tickets. More information can be found at www.disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland.

Universal Studios
Originally only a movie studio, Universal Studios has become a theme park revolving around the movies, and they still make movies there as well. Learn about the history of film while riding on some exciting rides and attractions, and when you're finished, you can go shopping at Universal City Walk. Tickets are $74* per adult, and discounts and specials are usually available. More information can be found at www.universalstudioshollywood.com.

Six Flags Magic Mountain
For thrill seekers, Six Flags Magic Mountain boasts one of the largest collections of roller coasters in the world. Tickets are $60* per adult, and discounts and specials are usually available. More information can be found at www.sixflags.com/magicmountain.

Knott's Berry Farm
Smaller in size, Knott's Berry Farm is a popular park amongst locals for its combination of exciting roller coasters, relaxed atmosphere and country-western theme. Tickets are $57* per adult, and discounts and specials are usually available. More information can be found at www.knotts.com.

*These prices are current as of March 2011 and are subject to change.

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Entertainment & Shopping Centers

These locations are more than just a great place to shop or see some sights; these centers combine multiple things to do and are favorites of many tourists.

Hollywood & Highland
A must for any tourist visiting Los Angeles, the Hollywood/Highland complex and surrounding area is full of things to do and see, including the Kodak Theater (where the Oscars are filmed), shopping, and lots of restaurants, as well as the following nearby attractions.
Madam Tussaud's: See all of your favorite celebrities in person — or rather, in wax. Tickets are $25* at the door, but discounts may be available. More information can be found at www.madametussauds.com/hollywood

*These prices are current as of March 2011 and are subject to change.

Hollywood Walk of Fame
This 15-block stretch of Hollywood Boulevard (and 3-block section of Vine) has over 2400 stars in the ground, with the names of famous celebrities from Hollywood's history. Walk along and find the names of your favorite celebrities.

The Grove & Farmer's Market
The Grove is one of LA's most popular and satisfying destinations. When you're not shopping or watching a movie, you can relax next to a large fountain or grab a bite in the Farmer's Market next door.

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Museums

Los Angeles has a large number of museums dedicated to everything from classic cars to Latin American art. If you have a specific preference, look online.

LACMA
The largest museum in Museum Row, and home to tar pits in addition to a wide variety of arts and crafts from many different cultures and historical periods, LACMA is probably the best first choice for any museum lover in Los Angeles. Each wing is separated into areas of interest, from modern painting and sculpture to international art from Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, and some buildings have their own focus (for example, the Pavilion for Japanese Art). Admission is usually $15*, but there are a number of discounts available and even some free days. www.lacma.org

Getty & Getty Villa
The Getty & Getty Villa focus on classical art and antiquities, and the buildings and grounds are often just as fascinating and beautiful as the art within them. Admission is free, but parking at both locations is $15. www.getty.edu

MOCA & Geffen Contemporary
If your taste in art is more contemporary, these two museums in downtown Los Angeles will surprise and delight. A free shuttle will take you between the museums. Admission is usually $10 for both museums combined, but there are a number of discounts available and even some free days. www.moca.org

Natural History Museum
If you are more interested in nature and science, check out LA's Natural History Museum, and learn about subjects ranging from animals to dinosaurs, gems to fossils. Admission is usually $9, but there are a number of discounts available and even some free days. www.moca.org

Huntington Gardens & Library
This unique location houses a library and art collection that could be considered a museum by itself, but it's also home to an enormous botanical garden, with world-famous Japanese, Chinese, Rose and Desert gardens, to name only a few. Admission is usually $15 during the week and $20 on weekends, but there are a few discounts available and even some free days. www.huntington.org

Museum of Tolerance
The Museum of Tolerance explores the history of prejudice and racial diversity throughout the world, with a special emphasis on the Holocaust and the history of discrimination in the United States. www.museumoftolerance.com

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Movies

Hollywood is the movie capital of the world, so make sure you check out a few theaters here in LA, but don't just go to the local multiplex. Consider catching a classic or independent film at one of Los Angeles's many historic theaters, such as the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, the Aero and Nuart theaters on the west side, or the Silent Movie Theater and New Beverly in Hollywood. And if you want to watch a new movie, see it in style at an Arclight theater.

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Theater & Live Music

If you prefer theater or concerts, there's plenty of that as well. The Music Center, as well as the Disney Concert Hall, offers larger operas, musicals and plays in the Ahmanson Theater, Mark Taper Forum and Kirk Douglas Theater. The Hollywood Bowl is an amazing place to catch a concert, and the Pantages is a great place to watch a musical just off of Broadway. If you prefer smaller fare, catch an upcoming band at the Troubadour or Echo, where many famous musicians got their start.

The places to visit and things to do in the Los Angeles area are seemingly endless! This is just a sneak peek at what you could be doing when visiting Southern California.

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