What Are Must-See Places to Visit in Los Angeles?

The shining lights and glamour of Los Angeles make it one of the most alluring cities in the world. La La Land is the place everyone thinks they know but the only true insight you can get into this amazing city is by being here yourself. So, you’ve made the trip. Where do you go from here?

There is so much to do and see in LA that it makes it difficult to figure out how to best spend your time. You may have already booked in some time at Disneyland Resort or Universal Studios, but what about the city itself? One of the best ways to make sure you hit all the must-see spots in LA is by going on a tour, and there are few tours as satisfying as Golden Ticket’s VIP LA Tour. Designed for small groups, our VIP tour is a unique and authentic experience that will ensure you make the most of your time in LA! But before you rush to book with us, here are some of our tips on must-see places to visit in Los Angeles.

The Perfect View in LA

One of the best ways to get a sense of the city is to see it laid out before you. There are a few viewpoints you probably won’t want to miss.

OUE Skyspace

A View from OUE Skyspace (Image Source / License)

Standing 69 floors above downtown LA, OUE Skyspace affords a perfect view of the city. The space can be accessed all day and not only does it give you a real sense of the city spread out before you, but you can enjoy interactive displays and informational videos about LA, sip drinks in the OUE Skyspace bar, or whizz down to a lower floor via a glass slide! Events are held in the space throughout the year so be sure to check out its calendar and you can time your visit to coincide with something you may really enjoy!

Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park

Griffith Observatory and LA at Sunset

The Griffith Observatory is a delightful astronomy museum full of educational exhibits and access to a 9,000 pound Zeiss telescope from which you can gain a stunning view of the stars above. And if that’s not quite the view you were hoping for then never fear as, from its 1,135 foot perch on Mt. Hollywood, the Observatory commands unparalleled views of the city.

Nature lovers have to take some time to explore Griffith Park while they’re up there. The park includes several hiking trails, train rides for kids, and it houses Los Angeles Zoo.

LA For Art Lovers

When people think of LA they tend to think of movies and music but the City of Angels is a vibrant home to all kinds of artistic endeavours and there are plenty of places to visit if you enjoy art, from classical to contemporary.

The Getty Centre

The Getty Centre, LA

The Getty Centre is an iconic landmark but beyond the dramatic building and gorgeous gardens, the center houses a remarkable art collection. You’ll find works from Medieval Masters to Modern Art Maestros. What’s more, admission to the museum is free.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Urban Light (Image Source / License)

LACMA is the largest art museum in western USA and it boasts a truly diverse art collection with pieces that come from all over the world. If the prospect of that much art is daunting then you can always enjoy the Urban Light Installation that is set up outside the building, before moving on to the next stop on your LA adventure!

Beach Activities

California is beach country so you can’t really visit LA and not make a trip to at least one of its beaches. Each one offers something different but if you’re looking for activities and entertainment by the sea then there are a couple you have to check out.

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier

Opened in 1909, Santa Monica Pier is an institution. A bustling hive of activity, you can enjoy a ride on the 90-foot Ferris wheel, play games in the arcade, and enjoy the thrills of the rollercoaster or the more sedate carousel.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach

No far from Santa Monica is Venice Beach and although the beaches are close to each other they have very different vibes! Venice Beach is a people-watching haven, full of creative energy and southern California oddities. Walk down the boardwalk and you’ll spot all kinds of performance artists and street vendors. Don’t miss Venice Beach Skate Park or the Muscle Beach Gym!

A Nature Getaway

LA is a unique city in that it balances the urban with a true appreciation of nature, so it’s pretty easy to get away from the city hubbub and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Point Dume

Point Dume and the Santa Monica Mountains (Image Source / License)

Point Dume is a gorgeous promontory with dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches and exciting wildlife — from sun-bathing sea lions to dolphins leaping out of the surf beyond. Close by, you’ll find Zuma beach which is the perfect place for a relaxed beach getaway.

Mulholland Drive

Foggy Day on Mulholland Drive (Image Source / License)

Mulholland drives mixes nature with stunning views of LA. A serpentine road that starts in Hollywood and stretches out to Malibu, the route has scenic overpasses that give you a birds-eye view of many of the biggest LA landmarks.

Prehistoric Features

Prehistory certainly isn’t the first thing to come to mind when thinking about LA, but if you’re into dinosaurs and fossils there are a couple of places that you really shouldn’t miss.

The La Brea Tar Pit

La Brea Tar Pit / Image Source / License

The La Brea Tar Pit is one of the most unique natural wonders you’ll spot around these parts. You’ll find asphalt bubbles seeping through cracks in the land. This is a process that has continued for 65 million years, and teams of archaeologists work here, unearthing fossils. Back in 2006 they discovered a woolly mammoth so here’s to hoping there is another big find while you’re exploring the area!

The Natural History Museum

Dinosaur Hall, Natural History Museum, LA / Image Source / License

And of course, all dinosaur enthusiasts ought to visit the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park. The museum first opened in 1913 and today it houses over 35 million artefacts. It’s worth visiting the museum for its Dinosaur Hall alone.

So there you have it! Some of the must-see places in Los Angeles. Golden Ticket LA’s VIP tour takes in many of these spots and more besides, but if you have a tight schedule and you want to explore LA on your own then make sure to check out our Hollywood Sign Tour. No trip to Los Angeles is complete without going to see the Hollywood Sign and we have a special spot that guarantees some of the best photo opportunities you could wish for! If our tours have caught you fancy or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Los Angeles is waiting for you!