Best Sightseeing in Los Angeles: The Only Guide You Need (Until Your Next Trip Back)

If Los Angeles had a dating profile, it would be: effortlessly hot, a little chaotic, and absolutely overflowing with iconic locations.

It’s the kind of place where you can sip overpriced matcha in a museum courtyard, spot the Hollywood Sign between traffic lights, and hear a street performer absolutely shred a sax solo outside your Uber.

One minute you’re hiking to panoramic city views, the next you’re standing in front of a pink wall wondering if you, too, could be influencer-famous.

LA sightseeing isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about soaking in the spectacle.

From sun-drenched beaches to bougie boulevards, these are the can’t-miss spots that make the City of Angels feel like a movie you never want to end.

And yes, comfy shoes are highly encouraged.

Iconic Views That Belong on a Postcard (or Your Camera Roll)

The best sightseeing places in Los Angeles include iconic landmarks, sweeping city views, and just enough sparkle to make you feel like you’re starring in your own travel montage.

These are the spots that make LA, well, LA. Think big names, big skies, and even bigger bragging rights!

Hollywood Sign

No landmark says “you’re in LA now” louder than those 45-foot-tall white letters perched in the hills!

You can spot the Hollywood Sign from countless angles, but the best views come from spots like Lake Hollywood Park, Griffith Observatory, or the Mt. Hollywood Trail if you’re up for a hike.

Pro Tip: Go early for softer light and fewer crowds, especially if you’re chasing that golden hour glow.

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory isn’t just a pretty face with killer views. It gives you a front-row seat to the city skyline and the Hollywood Sign, all while being totally free to explore. Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits on space and science.

Plus, a planetarium with shows that make you feel like you’re floating through the galaxy in a very LA kind of way.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s a little chaotic. But it’s also a rite of passage.

Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and hunt for your favorite celebs’ names etched in pink stars on the sidewalk. While you’re there, peek inside the historic TCL Chinese Theatre and the home of the Oscars, the Dolby Theatre, for a little extra movie magic.

Beaches That Deserve Their Own Reality Show

The best sightseeing in Los Angeles includes not just city landmarks but also the sun-soaked beaches and iconic coastline that give the city its laid-back glow.

From roller skaters in Venice to surfers at sunrise in Malibu, LA’s coast delivers big on both vibe and views.

Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is classic LA in every sense. Ride the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park, grab a funnel cake, and soak in sweeping ocean views that look straight out of a movie montage.

It’s touristy, yes, but also genuinely fun, with street performers, arcade games, and easy beach access if you want to kick off your shoes and stay a while.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is where LA lets its freak flag fly in the best way. You’ll find roller skaters, bodybuilders, street art, psychic readings, and possibly a man playing the electric guitar on rollerblades. The skate park alone is worth the stop, but the people-watching might just steal the whole show.

Venice Canals

Tucked just a few blocks from the buzz of the beach, the Venice Canals feel like a secret garden with water views.

Stroll past charming bridges, palm-lined walkways, and some of the quirkiest (and most envy-inducing) homes in the city. It’s peaceful, picturesque, and perfect for when you need a break from LA’s louder moments.

Museums and Attractions That Actually Keep Your Attention

Los Angeles sightseeing includes more than just beaches and bright lights—the city’s museums and attractions are just as show-stopping.

It’s not just what you see here, it’s what you feel, learn, and maybe post about immediately.

The Getty Center

Perched high above the city, The Getty Center blends fine art with next-level views. Inside, you’ll find everything from Van Gogh to modern photography.

Outside, the gardens feel like a Pinterest board that got a degree in landscape architecture. Admission is free, and the tram ride up the hill is half the fun.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

This is science in the wildest way. The tar pits have been bubbling for thousands of years, trapping everything from mammoths to saber-toothed cats.

The museum adds the backstory with fossils, excavation updates, and enough cool facts to make it a win for all ages.

Petersen Automotive Museum

Even if you can’t tell a carburetor from a cupholder, the Petersen is a showstopper. The building alone is worth the visit, and inside, you’ll find everything from classic hot rods to Hollywood icons like the Batmobile. It’s a sleek, shiny love letter to car culture.

Universal Studios Hollywood

This is where movie magic and thrill rides collide. You can fly through Hogwarts, run from dinosaurs, and take the Studio Tour to see real sets and soundstages. It’s part theme park, part working studio, and all action from start to finish.

California Science Center

Yes, the Space Shuttle Endeavour is as jaw-dropping in person as you’d expect. This museum is packed with hands-on exhibits, immersive displays, and family-friendly science that actually sticks.

Most of it is free, which makes it a budget-friendly win with serious wow factor.

Battleship IOWA Museum

Docked in San Pedro, this massive ship-turned-museum lets you walk the decks of a real battleship. You’ll get up close with history, from the captain’s quarters to the big guns that once ruled the seas. The view from the top deck alone is worth the trip.

The Glitzy Side of LA You Came For

Want to feel like you’ve just stepped into a tabloid headline? Celebrity and Hollywood tours are the ultimate way to level up your sightseeing in Los Angeles.

From TMZ’s celeb-stalking open-air buses to the glam rides through Beverly Hills, these tours give you front-row access to the city’s most iconic homes, hangouts, and hotspots.

The Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour keeps it classic with stories about A-listers and those jaw-dropping mansions.

For a fresh take, the Big Bus Celebrity Homes Tour adds a luxe twist with an open-top Mercedes minibus and stops at star-studded neighborhoods like Bel-Air.

You can bundle even more glitz into your day with combo tours that pair celebrity sightings with major attractions. Universal Studios + Celebrity Homes Tour gives you the best of both worlds, letting you chase stars in the morning and dinosaurs in the afternoon.

The Celebrity Homes and Warner Bros. Studio Tour is perfect for anyone who wants to see real sets and maybe find out which sitcom kitchen they’ve been secretly obsessed with since middle school.

And if you want maximum flexibility, the Hollywood Celebrity Homes Tour with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus lets you cruise through iconic neighborhoods, then jump off to explore The Grove, the Walk of Fame, or grab a green juice where the celebs do.

Hit the Highlights Without the Hustle

Attractions in Los Angeles are scattered across beaches, boulevards, hills, and historic neighborhoods, which is exactly why hop-on hop-off and city sightseeing tours are the smart way to see it all.

These rides let you soak in the best of sightseeing in Los Angeles without committing to one long tour or scrambling to find parking near the Hollywood Sign.

The CitySightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is a classic, complete with a multilingual audio guide and flexible stops across top neighborhoods.

Big Bus Tours Los Angeles adds an open-top vibe and photo-ready views of Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, and more.

For a little more structure, A Taste of LA: Half-Day Best of Los Angeles Sightseeing Tour serves up major highlights like the Walk of Fame and The Grove, all packed into a smooth half-day ride.

If you’re feeling ambitious, the Full-Day Tour of Hollywood, Griffith Observatory and Santa Monica takes you from skyline to shoreline without missing a beat.

There’s also the Hollywood Night Tour with Griffith Observatory, perfect for catching golden hour at the observatory, followed by twinkly city views that make you feel like you’re in a music video.

Want theme park thrills on top of your city sights? Go for the Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket with Shuttle and 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.

It’s an all-in-one package that covers movie magic by day and iconic landmarks at your own pace. No planning stress required. Just bring your camera and your most comfortable shoes!

See LA Up Close, One Block at a Time

Los Angeles attractions aren’t just the big-ticket sights you see from a bus. Sometimes the best moments happen when you explore on foot with a local guide and smaller crowds.

Private and walking tours offer a slower, more personal look at LA’s neighborhoods, landmarks, and hidden gems.

The Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive Private Walking Tour delivers upscale people-watching and fascinating stories about the area’s celebrity past.

In Downtown LA’s History and Architecture Tour, you’ll explore grand old theaters, historic landmarks, and Art Deco buildings that make the city feel like a living movie set.

If fashion is your thing, the LA Fashion and Flower District Private Walking Tour takes you through the heart of the city’s style scene with insider info on trends, textiles, and bustling markets locals love.

Architecture buffs will enjoy the Art Deco and Beaux Art Walking Tour, which highlights some of LA’s most overlooked design details.

For beachy vibes with a twist, the Visit Venice Beach Neighborhood Walking Tour offers two hours of boardwalk culture, canals, murals, and eccentric characters that could only exist in LA.

It’s a more intimate, up-close way to see the city, with plenty of time for photos and spontaneous taco stops.

Swap the Bus for a Bike and Feel the Breeze

Sightseeing in LA doesn’t have to mean sitting in traffic or squinting at landmarks from a tour bus. For a more active way to explore, bike rentals and outdoor tours let you soak up the city while staying on the move.

Cruise the coast with a Santa Monica Bike Rental, or take the scenic route with the Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour, a guided ride through beach paths, murals, and iconic piers.

Want a little extra help? Try the Santa Monica Electric Bike Rental or LA Electric Bike Tour for a boost that makes the miles feel effortless.

Whales, Waves, and Waterfront Wine

Sightseeing in LA isn’t limited to the streets. Some of the best views come from the water. Whether you’re into spotting dolphins, sipping wine at sunset, or enjoying a breezy brunch on deck, cruise tours offer a laid-back way to experience the coast.

The West Harbor LA Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour from San Pedro delivers unforgettable wildlife sightings just minutes from the city.

Meanwhile the Dana Point Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour and Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari take you even closer to the action with expert narration and panoramic ocean views.

If you’re more into champagne than marine biology, you’re in luck. The OC Evening Wine Cruise sets the mood with coastal scenery and curated pours.

For a classic SoCal brunch experience, hop aboard the Marina del Rey Brunch Cruise or the Newport Beach Brunch Cruise, both offering mimosas and harbor views that seriously compete with the menu.

And if you’re feeling fancy, the Marina del Rey Premier Dinner Cruise and Newport Beach Premier Dinner Cruise bring the romance with multi-course meals, live music, and golden hour vibes that stretch well into the night.

Sightseeing You Can Literally Taste

Sightseeing in Los Angeles is even better when it includes something delicious. Whether you’re sipping bubbly on a boat or snacking your way through a local neighborhood, food-focused tours let you explore the city one bite at a time.

The Secret Food Tours Los Angeles takes you beyond basic tourist spots and into the flavors of authentic LA, from tacos to Korean BBQ, with a few surprises in between.

For those who prefer their sightseeing on the water, LA’s food-focused cruises bring major flavor with unbeatable views.

The Champagne Brunch Cruise pairs harbor breezes with a full spread of breakfast favorites and bottomless bubbly.

And if you’re already eyeing the brunch, wine, or dinner cruises listed above, they’re not only scenic but also full-on culinary experiences. This is sightseeing for people who plan their day around where and what they’re eating.

Your LA Bucket List Starts Here!

Haven’t hit these spots yet? No worries. LA isn’t going anywhere. Tell us which sightseeing stop is at the top of your list or share the tour you’ve been eyeing.

We’re here for the dreamers, the planners, and the “just browsing for now” crew.

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