Fun Things To Do In LA When Someone Visits

Eventually, all of your posts touting “another perfect day on the beach” and “just finished the best hike” are going to catch up with you — as in, some of those poor souls drowning in freezing weather have decided they want to come visit you in LA. You know what that means: you’re going to have to take them places. And while you might have a few restaurants, museums, and tourist attractions up your sleeve, it’d be nice to sprinkle in a few not-in-every-guidebook activities. So… what if you don’t exactly know what they are?

We’re here to help, with a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in LA for tourists and locals alike. Below, you’ll find a combination of worthwhile tourist spots, underrated local favorites, and maybe even a few new experiences locals haven’t done yet; mix, match, and remember to make reservations.

TREK AND SHOOT/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
TIERNEYMJ/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
EATALY LOS ANGELES
HOLLYWOOD BOWL
HAKYK_SHALNUTS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
MALIBU WINES
FLICKR/TONYHOFFARTH
BALDORIA DTLA

25 Incredible Places to Take Pictures in L.A.

Looking to take cool photos in and of Los Angeles?

Below are some of our most-loved spots in a little video montage put together by We Like LA. The idea is that you’ll give it a watch, get some inspiration, then go out to take a few photos of your own!

For more information on each of the locations mentioned in the video, scroll below for links to all.

As a reminder, you should be fine doing recreational photography at any of the locations mentioned below, but be sure to double-check what fees/permits are required if you’re planning to do professional work.

Hope the list helps!

1. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (free)

2. Eaton Canyon Falls (free)

3. Venice Canals (free)

4. Santa Monica Pier (free)

5. Hollywood Bowl (free during day)

6The Bradbury Building (free)

7. The Huntington Library ($$)

8. Echo Park Lake (free)

9. Chinatown Central Plaza (free)

10. Ascot Hills Park (free)

11. Vista Hermosa Park (free)

12. Turnbull Canyon Hiking Trail (free)

13. Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area (free on weekdays, $6 on weekends and holidays for single vehicles)

14. 1st Street Bridge (free)

15. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve (paid parking)

16. El Matador State Beach (free)

17. The Getty Villa (free admission w/paid parking)

18. The Getty Center (free admission w/paid parking)

19. Walt Disney Concert Hall exterior (free)

20. City Hall Observation Deck (free, only open on weekdays)

21. Grand Park (free)

22. Urban Lights at LACMA (free) – Note that the museum offers free admission on second Tuesdays and after 3 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays.

23. Descanso Gardens ($$)

24Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles (free)

25. Griffith Observatory (free)

Article courtesy of We Like LA.