Los Angeles Travel Attractions That Are Perfect for First Visits

Los Angeles draws visitors for more than just its movies, music and sports celebrities; its beaches and year-round sunshine also draw people here. Art lovers and history enthusiasts will also have plenty to enjoy here.

The USS Iowa Museum, permanently docked in San Pedro Bay, offers tours that give you the chance to explore its decks and cabins. Another memorable monument is Watts Towers designed by Sabato Rodia that comprises 17 interlinked towers that form one structure. And all is accessible through Cathay Pacific flights, like the very popular Delhi to Los Angeles route.

Hollywood

Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, boasts a variety of sights and activities for visitors of all kinds to experience. From historic movie studios to incredible street art pieces, Los Angeles will delight your senses! Take in its beautiful landscape while hiking through Hollywood Hills or visiting one of its numerous museums or restaurants – an LA visit will leave no stone unturned!

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMOA), best known for housing an impressive art collection – such as Barbara Spring’s “Teacup and Saucer,” Henri Matisse’s “La Gerbe,” and Alexander Calder’s “Three Quintains (Hello Girls)” among others – stands out among LA’s iconic landmarks as two iconic attractions. Additionally, LAM has an expansive collection of contemporary jewelry, Japanese art, fashion design and more for visitors to discover.

Santa Monica Beach is an essential stop during any visit to Los Angeles, offering activities for people of all ages. Visitors can ride a ferris wheel, play games at an amusement park, or simply relax under California sunshine on its sandy shores. In addition to Santa Monica Beach, guests may wish to visit Heal the Bay Aquarium or Olvera Street which forms part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument and boasts 27 buildings from different eras which they can explore during their stroll along this iconic American boardwalk.

Experience Hollywood Studios like never before on an exciting tour with an expert guide! View scenes being shot for films like Sabrina and Breakfast at Tiffany’s on movie sets throughout Los Angeles. Plus, stop at Hollywood Forever Cemetery where celebrities’ crypts reside!

Other notable sights in Hollywood include the TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood Walk of Fame, where visitors can search for their favorite actors’ names among the stars. Madame Tussauds wax figures of celebrities from every era can also be seen here, while those looking for something a little more interactive may want to visit the Battleship Iowa Museum which boasts an enormous US Navy ship open for tours with free scavenger hunts available to find Vicky, their dog who lives inside, as well as virtual reality experiences onboard.

Beaches

Los Angeles may be best known for its show business history and opportunities to rub elbows with celebrities; however, its beaches, theme parks and year-round sunny weather also draw visitors. From Malibu to South Bay’s miles of scenic coastline offer something to please outdoor enthusiasts, sun worshipers, beach lovers and families.

LA’s premier beaches provide the ideal combination of family-friendly atmosphere and laidback relaxation, with clean waters that support environmental stewardship. Manhattan Beach, Zuma Beach, Leo Carrillo State Park and El Matador State Beach are popular options among surfers, sunbathers and beach lovers.

Santa Monica Pier and Beach are must-visit attractions, where visitors can stroll the paved boardwalk, ride amusement park rides and enjoy delicious ice cream at one of its many shops. Santa Monica Beach also is popular among volleyball players; volleyball tournaments frequently take place here as well. Furthermore, Santa Monica features fishing piers, restaurants and cafes, shady areas known as The Strand for competitive volleyball tournaments and also provides volleyball competition venues.

Hermosa Beach is another must-see attraction, thanks to its wide white-sand beach and easy access for water sports activities. It was the birthplace of beach volleyball, offers ample parking, lifeguards and restrooms; and is home to Heal the Bay which promotes sustainable seafood practices in Southern California.

Dockweiler State Beach near the airport is an ideal family beach destination, ideal for swimming, water sports and beach walking. Equipped with picnic areas, playgrounds and restrooms – plus its charming 60-foot pirate tower! – this beach makes a memorable visit.

La Brea Tar Pits is one of the most exciting places in Los Angeles, as fossils discovered here have taught scientists much about Earth’s early evolution. Plus, its accompanying museum provides a fun interactive experience suitable for both children and adults!

Madame Tussauds Hollywood is one of Los Angeles’s premier tourist attractions, boasting wax figures of celebrities from different eras. Situated along Hollywood Boulevard and offering incredible views, the attraction also recently unveiled the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for visitors to explore Hogsmeade, Butterbeer and all sorts of magical realms from Harry Potter while they’re here!

Sports

Los Angeles offers the perfect blend of sports and entertainment, from stadium tours for Super Bowl weekend to rock climbing venues to get your adrenaline going – Los Angeles offers something for every type of adventurer and weekend planer alike. With some careful planning, you can see everything LA offers in one weekend getaway plan.

Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without taking a photo of its iconic Hollywood sign atop Mount Lee, visible throughout Tinseltown and from all sides. Take your snapshot from street level or hike a nearby trail for breathtaking aerial views of Los Angeles from above!

The Museum of Natural History in LA should be on any visitor’s itinerary. Housed within the famed La Brea Tar Pits, it houses an incredible collection of Ice Age fossils as well as a dinosaur hall, ancient mammal displays, gem and mineral displays and an insect zoo among many other exhibits.

If you love cars, the Petersen Automotive Museum should be on your itinerary in Los Angeles. This four-story ode to automobiles features interactive exhibits that describe, differentiate and link musical genres – so even if you can’t distinguish a carburetor from a piston, you will surely enjoy yourself here!

Los Angeles offers an abundance of museums to discover during a stay. One such venue is the Getty Center in Brentwood, featuring work from Rembrandt, Monet and Van Gogh among many other artists. Also noteworthy is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art which exhibits art from all around the globe and across time periods.

Join in the excitement and adventure of hot air ballooning for an exciting outdoor activity! Many companies provide this activity, and you can choose trips lasting anywhere from an hour to a full day – many include buffet meals and champagne! And for wine enthusiasts, Temecula vineyard country makes for an idyllic romantic adventure!

Culture

Los Angeles is an eclectic cultural city, boasting exciting museums and family attractions for everyone in the family. Additionally, Los Angeles features an energetic culinary scene, incredible shopping opportunities and top-tier entertainment venues. Los Angeles boasts one of the world’s most diverse cultures; Mexican and Asian cultures can easily co-exist alongside American ones in this multicultural metropolis.

Olvera Street offers a great way to experience LA culture. This historic district near Union Station in Downtown celebrates Mexico with traditional marketplace buildings like Avile Adobe and Sepulveda House that take you back in time. A visit here promises an unforgettable journey into LA’s past!

LACMA, with its diverse collection of art from around the globe, is another incredible museum worth visiting. As the largest museum on the west coast, LACMA provides something for every art enthusiast – ancient Greek sculpture to modern jewelry. There’s something here for everyone at LACMA!

Getty Villa is another beautiful cultural attraction to visit nearby. Built to look like an idyllic Roman countryside villa, its expansive exhibits allow visitors to spend the entire day exploring them! What better way to spend a sunny afternoon!

The Battleship Iowa Museum is an ideal attraction for children of all ages, providing them with an engaging way to learn about the US Navy’s rich history and traditions. There are interactive displays as well as virtual tours available of this historic ship near Los Angeles’ Port.

Peterson Automotive Museum boasts an incredible variety of cars from around the globe. You and your entire family will have fun at this free museum; some famous movie vehicles may even make an appearance!

Chinatown is another great cultural attraction located right here in America, providing visitors with an amazing opportunity to learn about Chinese culture without leaving home! There are dozens of restaurants and shops for visitors to explore as well as tasty treats to try!

Navigation