Founded by Lillian Disney to honor her husband Walt's commitment to arts and culture in LA, the Walt Disney® Concert Hall stands out from the Los Angeles cityscape with its striking stainless steel exterior. Designed by Frank Gehry, inside its Douglas fir–lined auditorium ensures world-class acoustics, and the venue is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, as well as hosting an eclectic range of international singers and musicians
One of Los Angeles’ most storied music venues, Whisky a Go Go has welcomed rock ‘n’ roll fans since 1964. Located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, the nightclub is often called “the first real American discotheque.” Over the decades, it has hosted legends ranging from Jimi Hendrix and The Doors to Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin.
Many a saber-toothed tiger, dire wolf, mammoth, and ground sloth had the misfortune of “discovering” the La Brea Tar Pits some 50,000 years ago. Excavation at the ice-age fossil site began in 1905 and continues to this day, right in the heart of Los Angeles. You can see the tar pits themselves, explore the ever-expanding list of discoveries, and connect with a Los Angeles of the past.
Perched high above Los Angeles, the Getty Center pairs world-class art with stunning views of the city and the ocean. Its collection spans from the 1400s to today, with pre-20th-century European paintings, manuscripts, and sculptures, and 19th and 20th-century works by masters such as Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Cézanne. Outside, the Central Garden features sculptures, cacti, winding paths, and water features.
Tucked in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles, with the Hollywood sign in the background, this amphitheater is one of Los Angeles’ most loved live music venues, dating all the way back to 1922. From orchestra performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic to major touring artists, it’s a must-visit spot to see a concert in LA.
One of Los Angeles’ most famous shopping destinations, this colorful West Hollywood street offers an eclectic mix of highbrow and punk rock fashion. Trendsetters and tourists alike flock to the retail hub, where couture storefronts stand alongside vintage boutiques, jewelry shops, and tattoo parlors.
With its resemblance to stacked vinyl records and blinking red light that spells “Hollywood” in Morse code, the Capitol Records Building is a mid-century masterpiece that helps define the Tinseltown skyline. Star-studded studios inside have made musical history—from Sinatra to The Beatles—and nearby Hollywood Walk of Fame stars feature some of Capitol Records’ best-loved names. While the interior is closed to the public, the exterior is a worthwhile sight (and classic selfie backdrop).
Comprising a series of man-made canals located just steps from Venice Beach, the Venice Canals are one of LA’s loveliest attractions. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since the 1980s, the Venice Canal District dates to 1905 and was built by a local developer seeking to recreate the romantic ambiance of Italy. Today it’s an oasis where you can escape from the urban bustle.
Dating back to 1923, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (LA Coliseum is one of LA’s most storied sporting venues. A National and State Historic Landmark, the 78,000-capacity stadium has seen more major sporting events than almost any other athletic arena. It’s also home to the University of Southern California’s Trojans football team.
Inspired by Harlem’s 1920s jazz clubs, the Viper Room is one of Los Angeles’ most legendary music venues. Once partly owned by Johnny Depp and long a magnet for Hollywood stars, the Sunset Strip nightclub has earned its place in rock ‘n’ roll lore: legends like Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, and The Strokes have all taken to its stage.
The Petersen Automotive Museum celebrates the history, culture, and design of cars through one of the world’s most impressive vehicle collections. The building spans three floors and 25 galleries, with seasonal exhibits and a diverse collection of more than 150 rare and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles on display at any one time. Come here to browse rare vehicles and understand how automobiles have shaped American culture.
Hollywood’s Golden Age still glitters at this historic theater on Hollywood Boulevard. After opening in 1930, the Art Deco landmark went on to host Academy Awards, glittering galas, and other star-studded Tinseltown events. Now it’s a top venue for musicals and theater in Los Angeles, frequently drawing big-name performers and shows.
One of Los Angeles’ most popular shopping destinations, The Grove is an open-air retail and entertainment complex. Stretching across 575,000 square feet (53,419 square meters), the mall hosts dozens of shops, restaurants, and even a movie theater. A trolley serves the complex—ride it for fun or just to rest your feet.
A drive on at least one portion of this iconic road should be a part of any first-time visit to Los Angeles. Built largely in 1924 as the scenic highway it remains today, Mulholland (as it’s locally known) offers unparalleled views of the L.A. Basin, San Fernando Valley, the Hollywood Sign and more.
Perched in the Santa Monica Mountains north of Hollywood, the well-heeled neighborhood of Hollywood Hills offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of Los Angeles, with plenty of nature, open spaces, and panoramic views. It’s also home to the rich and famous, and features some of the most impressive architecture in the city.
Located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as the Staples Center) is one of the world’s most recognizable indoor arenas. Known for hosting top-tier sports and entertainment events, it’s home to several sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. The multi-purpose stadium also hosts concerts and other touring shows.
Once the most expensive residence in California, the stately Greystone Mansion, built in 1928, is now owned by the City of Beverly Hills and operates as a park. The marvelous 55-room home is often closed to visitors, but special events occur about once a month. Even if it’s not open, come to stroll the well-tended grounds and reflection pond, admire the mansion’s elegant exterior, and contemplate all the stories connected with this property— including murder.
The historic core of Downtown Los Angeles has several architectural gems, and the turn-of-the-century Bradbury Building ranks among the most striking. Opened in 1893, this landmark building is a draw for visitors not so much for its facade as for its ornate interior. If you step inside, you’ll see exactly why—highlights include the ironwork, the intricate staircase, and the glass skylight.
A bustling Mexican marketplace since 1930, Olvera Street is part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, a US historic district considered the “birthplace of Los Angeles.” Tucked away in downtown LA, the marketplace is home to small eateries that serve Mexican fare as well as stalls that sell souvenirs, clothing, art, and crafts.
Boasting 42 miles (68 kilometers) of sandy beaches, surf breaks, and hiking trails, the Orange County coast is classic Southern California. Fronting the shoreline is a lineup of colorful towns with big personalities, from chic Laguna Beach to Huntington Beach, a laid-back haven that earns its nickname of “Surf City USA.”
Hailed as one of Southern California's most beautiful beaches, Newport Beach beckons with miles of wide-open, sandy shores that make Los Angeles traffic feel a world away. Despite being fringed by multimillion-dollar real estate, the beach maintains a laid-back vibe thanks to an endless summer surf culture and tourist-friendly amenities.
Originally built as a theatrical venue in 1926, the El Capitan Theatre is one of Los Angeles’ most famous cinematic landmarks. Restored to its original splendor, the stately Hollywood theater now hosts Disney movie screenings and premieres, many of which are accompanied by performances, Q&As, and other special events.
Spanning eight states and around 2,400 miles (3,860 kilometers), Route 66 has become a cultural touchstone, immortalized in song and on the silver screen. This romanticized road from Chicago to Santa Monica offers drivers an inside look at classic America, with kitschy attractions, diners, motels, and plenty of 1950s nostalgia. Though only segments of the original highway remain, Route 66 is alive with culture, views, and history.
From the gates of Hogwarts™ to wand shopping at Ollivanders™, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ invites you into a magical universe within Universal Studios Hollywood. While it’s a favorite with true Harry Potter fans, there’s a lot to see even for visitors who don’t know the books and films by heart—including high-flying immersive rides, a British tavern, and a family-friendly roller coaster.
The original Laugh Factory opened on Sunset Boulevard in 1979, and today this storied club remains a go-to destination for some of the best stand-up comedy in Los Angeles. Comedy legends and rising stars grace the club's stage almost every night, offering travelers a place for outrageous live acts, right in the heart of Hollywood.
Just over the hills from coastal Santa Barbara lie the Santa Ynez Valley and the Danish-style town of Solvang. Founded in 1911 by a group of Danish teachers, small Solvang (Danish for "sunny field") is now a bustling cultural destination, ripe with wine-tasting rooms, bakeries turning out aebleskivers, and all sorts of quirky shops. Downtown's windmills and half-timbered buildings give it a fairy-tale look—fitting since the Hans Christian Andersen Museum is a top attraction.
One of Los Angeles’ pre-eminent shopping and entertainment complexes, Hollywood & Highland boasts two heritage movie theaters—the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre—and dozens of shops and restaurants. It’s also located steps away from the Hollywood Walk of Fame and hosts the annual Academy Awards,
Early 20th-century architecture is typically the main draw of LA’s Historic Core, a storied stretch of Downtown Los Angeles centered around Pershing Square. You can visit art deco buildings and admire downtown views with a ride on the historic Angels Flight funicular, whether touring independently or with a guide.
A testament to the evolving cultural landscape of downtown Los Angeles, Union Station is both transit hub and arts destination, featuring everything from live music to eateries. Despite the updated image, the station still serves travelers first. Find regional trains, bus and car sharing services, and even car rental agencies on site.
Set in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and billed as the ‘world’s shortest railway,’ Angel’s Flight has vintage California style. If you recognize the smartly painted orange-and-black cars, it’s likely because the railway boasts dozens of onscreen appearances, includingPerry Mason andLa La Land.
