10 Ultimate Things to Do In Los Angeles for First-timers

Los Angeles is a rich, vibrant city that offers unique experiences, diversity and culture. It serves as one of the biggest global entertainment hubs, especially Hollywood, and a cultural center that has more than 100 museums. The city also offers pleasant weather and a destination for movie fans. With so much to do, first-timers may fee a little overwhelmed. So here are 10 ultimate things to do in Los Angeles.

10 Things to Do in Los Angeles: A First-timer’s Guide

Enjoy Tacos at Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market is one of the coolest places in Los Angeles. It sits in downtown L.A., and features a retail marketplace and food emporium.

Experience exotic and high-end dining that showcases the best master chefs and their food. What’s so special is some vendors are legacy vendors meaning they have been around for more than 30 years. So, indulge in numerous cuisines from diverse vendors, especially mouth-watering tacos.

Fun fact: The market opened in 1917, making it one of the longest-standing markets in LA.

Ride the Slide in OUE Skyspace LA

Want to experience riding the slide moment? Discover a side of L.A. and breathtaking moments! OUE Skyspace LA is one of California’s substantial open-air observation decks located at US Bank.

Ride 10,000 feet above downtown Los Angeles and view the entire city. Visitors will ride a sky slide, which is all glass, 45-feet and fully enclosed. While riding, engage with the interactive technology, relax and sip signature cocktails.

Gaze at Beautiful Stars from Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is quintessential of Los Angeles, which is a national leader in public astronomy. The observatory provides an awestruck civic gathering place making it the most popular attractions of California. To find it, head to the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. What makes this place more attractive is its breathtaking nighttime views.

Pro tip: Come early to allow more time to find a parking space. This place gets busy.

Tour the Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood sign is the entertainment industry icon. Los Angeles is considered the “Eiffel Tower” or the “Golden Bridge” for someone to get into the entertainment business.

The sign may be one of California’s most famous landmarks. It spreads across 45-foot-tall in white capital letters, which is 352 feet long. It initially spelled out a Hollywoodland in 1923, but due to its increasing fame, it later changed to Hollywood. Today, most people can see it from many viewpoints, or take a guide hike or horseback ride. For an ultimate local experience, book a rental near the Hollywood sign.

Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Want to enjoy a cool breeze and have a fun with family and friends in L.A.? Then visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The walk features more than 2,600 stars embedded in Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street sidewalks. What’s so remarkable about the stars is they are a permanent public monument dedicated to artists, directors, producers, and others in the entertainment industry. Don’t miss the famous Chinese Theater, which has footprints, hand prints, and signatures created by Hollywood’s biggest stars. Find more things to do in Hollywood, California.

Explore Roller Coaster Thrills in Amusement Parks

First-timers will never run out thrills in L.A., especially when it comes to amusement parks. Plus, they each offer their own rides, themes, characters and live shows. Some of the best amusement parks in California are Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm, Pacific Park, Legoland California Resort, and SeaWorld San Diego.

Shop Beverly Hills

Located on the southern side of California, Beverly Hills offers a high-end shopping paradise and home of the rich and famous. Most visitors come to shop the world’s top designers. Examples include: Prada, Gucci, Valentino and Armani.

Others try to find their favorite celebs homes, which is easy to do via a guided city tour. Many tour companies include Beverly Hills as well as the top Los Angeles sites.

Make Memories at Santa Monica Pier

Looking for a beautiful family destination? Santa Monica Pier offers a ton of entertainment for both younger and older generations.

Dig into delicious snacks, play arcade games and take a walk when the sun goes down. Those staying overnight should pack plenty camping essentials and have a roof rack awning installed.

Relax at Venice Beach

Venice Beach is one of the L.A.’s iconic beaches and has a mix of activities and attractions. Venice Beach houses a boardwalk and free-spirited residential area filled with shops, street performers and public art.

First-timers can rent a scooter or a bike, ride along the beach, play sports, or simply sit in the sand and enjoy the vibe. Don’t forget to visit the Venice canals for unforgettable photo ops.

Admire World-class Art and Museums

Art lovers will find world-class museums such as Los Angeles County Museum of Art that has more than 202 street lamps, Getty Villa, J.Paul Getty Museum, and other noteworthy sites. Other museums located throughout Los Angeles include The Broad, Natural History Museum, California Science Center and Norton Simon Museum.