In my previous blog about the sights of Las Vegas, I already mentioned that I have never had the pleasure of travelling to the West Coast of the US. However, this is a trip that is very high on my bucket list and will hopefully become a reality in spring 2028. And when you say West Coast, you naturally think of Los Angeles straight away: the City of Angels. So, by writing about the famous landmarks in Los Angeles, I can already enjoy a little anticipation. I can tell you now: there is plenty to see in LA.
What to do in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles. The city of palm trees, boulevards filled with people skating, sunny beaches and, of course, Hollywood. What once began as a modest Spanish (and later Mexican) village grew over the course of more than two centuries into one of the best-known and largest cities in the world. The arrival of the film industry at the beginning of the twentieth century changed Los Angeles forever. Hollywood became the beating heart of the American film industry and attracted actors, filmmakers and dreamers from all corners of the world to the city. To this day, there is still something of that cinematic magic in the air, and it is known as the City of Dreams.
And, of course, there is little to complain about when it comes to the weather. Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm, dry summers. During the day, the average temperature is roughly between 18 and 29 degrees, depending on the season in which you visit. That makes it a destination where you can go exploring virtually all year round.
But Los Angeles is so much more than Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame and its famous beaches. Behind the glitz and glamour lies a city full of surprising neighbourhoods and unusual places. It is precisely these hidden gems that make a visit to Los Angeles even more interesting. So, come and travel with me for a moment and discover the known and little less known landmarks of Los Angeles.
What are well-known landmarks in Los Angeles? 28 places to go and see in LA
When you hear people talk about LA, you naturally immediately think of Hollywood (or beautiful beaches if you are not quite as much of a film geek as I am). But as I just mentioned: there is so much more to do and see in the City of Angels. These 28 famous landmarks are definitely ones I would like to see:
- Hollywood Hills met Hollywood sign
- The Walk of Fame
- Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
- Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre
- City Hall
- Walt Disney Concert Hall
- El Pueblo de Los Angeles
- Little Tokyo
- Santa Monica
- Venice Beach
- Venice Canal Historic District
- Malibu
- Beverly Hills
- Rodeo Drive
- Abbot Kinney Boulevard
- Griffith Park
- Streetart op Melrose Avenue
- Runyon Canyon
- Downtown Los Angeles
- Farmers Market
- Bradbury Building
- Hollywood Bowl
- Dodger Stadium
- Pasadena
- Echo Park Lake
- Long Beach
- Crystal Cove State Park
- Leo Carrillo State Park
1. Hollywood Hills met Hollywood sign
The Hollywood Hills are a well-known area at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains. You will find many luxurious homes here, where famous celebrities live. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Tim Allen, for example, live in the hills, while singer Christina Aguilera also has a home here.
The Hills are, of course, best known for their phenomenal views of Los Angeles and the famous Hollywood sign, which was erected as early as 1923. Originally, the sign read: Hollywoodland. It was actually a temporary advertising campaign for a local real estate development. During restoration work in 1949, the ‘land’ part disappeared, creating the sign as we know it today.
Mulholland Drive
A famous route that you can take through the Hollywood Hills and surrounding areas is Mulholland Drive. It is a road that winds through the hills around LA and offers spectacular views of the city, as well as the Hollywood sign and the San Fernando Valley.
2. The Walk of Fame
Besides the Hollywood sign, I always immediately thought of the famous Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard whenever I heard the name Los Angeles. The boulevard is lively in its own right, with plenty of shops, theatres and urban bustle, and is located right in the heart of Hollywood. The Hollywood Walk of Fame has been paying tribute to famous stars in the entertainment industry since 1958. It is essentially a walk along more than 2,800 pink stars embedded in the pavement. Each star bears the name of the celebrity, along with a symbol indicating the sector of the entertainment industry in which they are or were active.
Who can you find there, you might wonder? Here are a few famous names:
- Walt Disney
- Sandra Bullock
- Marilyn Monroe
- Jennifer Lopez (who received the 2,500th star)
- Bryan Adams
- Christina Aguilera
Fun fact: at the time of writing (2026), two recent stars on the Walk of Fame belong to singer Miley Cyrus and Lea Salonga, the singing voice of, among others, Jasmine in Aladdin and Mulan in the Disney film of the same name.
3. TCL Chinese Theatre
Another famous landmark in the heart of Hollywood is the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) on Hollywood Boulevard. This theatre has honoured the greatest actors and actresses in an even more special way: in front of the theatre, you can find the hand and footprints of the most famous stars pressed into the concrete.
I do call it a ‘theatre’, although from what I understand, it is actually a huge cinema where film premieres are still held. Nowadays, you can also take tours of it, provided there is no premiere scheduled.
4. Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre
And alongside a cinema in the style of a fully-fledged Chinese temple, you also have a cinema that looks like an Egyptian building: Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre. This cinema has also been in operation since 1922 and once hosted the Hollywood premiere of Robin Hood. The façade of the theatre was designed in the Egyptian Revival style. Approximately 800,000 dollars was allocated for the construction of the entire theatre.
5. Los Angeles City Hall
Los Angeles City Hall is home to the local government. ‘Sounds terribly interesting,’ I hear you say. No, perhaps not, but the building is certainly worth seeing. Firstly, it has stood here since 1928, and everyone recognises the famous tower of City Hall. Secondly, the observation deck is open to the public, allowing you to look out over the City of Angels from the 27th floor.
6. Walt Disney Concert Hall
Yes, when you say Los Angeles, as a Disneyfan I immediately think of Walt Disney. And not only because of the Disney parks in LA (more on those later), but also because of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. This concert hall was designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry and has the distinctive shape of a blooming rose. You can take tours of it, but you can also still attend concerts there. Moreover, it has long been the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It is the fourth concert hall of the Los Angeles Music Centre.
7. El Pueblo de Los Angeles
Anyone who knows a little Spanish will recognise the name of Los Angeles’ oldest neighbourhood: the village of the angels (I do not want to take a political stance here, but I do detect a certain irony when you look at the heated discussions currently taking place in LA). Anyway, El Pueblo de Los Angeles… the neighbourhood from which present-day LA grew from 1781 onwards. Los Angeles was the second civilian town founded by the Spanish in California, after San Jose, which was established in 1777 (Spanish; not American… okay, I’ll stop now).
In the original ‘pueblo de Los Angeles’, only 44 people lived there, divided among eleven families. Today, the original boundaries of the pueblo can still be seen in this historic monument. Among the preserved and restored buildings, you will also find the oldest surviving building in Los Angeles: the Avila Adobe, which was built in 1818.
8. Little Tokyo
The irony… I wanted to save up for a trip to Japan, but once again I have been persuaded by the beauty of the United States to book a trip here instead. But if I’m going there anyway, I can also experience Tokyo in miniature!
Note: In LA’s Little Tokyo Historic District, you will find one of the largest concentrations of Japanese Americans in North America. It is also one of only three official Japantowns in the United States.
Little Tokyo is a neighbourhood in LA where Japanese shops, restaurants and cultural institutions shape the streetscape. A visit to the Japanese American National Museum is highly recommended, as is Noguchi Plaza with the Doizaki Gallery, where you can see traditional and modern Japanese paintings, costumes and sculptures. While in Little Tokyo, also take a look at the James Irving Garden.
9. Santa Monica
To the west of the historic centre of LA lies the neighbourhood of Santa Monica. And Santa Monica simply strikes me as the Miami of LA, the tropics of the West Coast. Not only will you find the famous Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier here, but you can also visit the Santa Monica Aquarium, the Pacific Park amusement park or the historic Looff Hippodrome carousel. If you are looking for a pleasant atmosphere with plenty of street musicians and the sound of the waves, this really seems like the perfect place to be.
10. Venice Beach
Look, I’m a single lady, so I’m allowed to say this next bit. But if you are looking for muscular, sweaty fitness enthusiasts, you should head to Venice Beach with its Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym (or so I’ve heard).
No, let’s behave normally for a moment, but the Ocean Front Walk really is a place where you can see LA’s different cultures coming together. Once again full of street musicians and a lively atmosphere, this seems like a great place to plan a day at the beach.
Did you know? Because of its many canals and bridges, it bears a resemblance to Venice. Hence the name, just like Little Venice in London.
11. Venice Canal Historic District
And while we are talking about Venice, we should certainly take a look at the Venice Canal Historic District; it really is the Little Venice of LA. This neighbourhood was actually established to recreate the canals of Venice in Italy, but people did not particularly like the canals and replaced them with roads, causing the neighbourhood to fall somewhat into decline. In 1992, however, the area was renovated, and today it is lively and bustling once again.
12. Malibu
“The sky is more blue in Malibu,” Miley Cyrus once sang, and honestly, that is pretty much the image you have of this neighbourhood. That, and ridiculously expensive, enormous mansions. For once, these stereotypes seem to be accurate. Located by the ocean, Malibu is also a place to relax and a great spot for whale and dolphin watching. But above all, don’t forget to explore the nature here (and bring a thick wallet if you fancy a nice meal afterwards).
13. Beverly Hills
When we talk about exclusivity and luxury, Beverly Hills naturally comes to mind. Famous for the hit series 90210 Beverly Hills, the neighbourhood is still one of the most expensive areas of LA to live in. You can take a tour of the neighbourhood to learn more about which famous personalities live here. How about Tom Cruise, for example? There is also a boulevard lined with chic shops, rather like the Champs-Élysées in Paris, and I haven’t even mentioned the mansions and 5-star hotels here.
14. Rodeo Drive
The most famous street in Beverly Hills is Rodeo Drive. Here, you will find some of the most exclusive fashion boutiques and jewellers in the world. Think of brands such as Chanel, Cartier, Dior and Louis Vuitton. Anyway… if you love expensive cars, this is the place for you. There is a good chance you will see a Ferrari or Lambo speeding past.
Fun fact: do you know the film Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere? The famous hotel featured in the film is located on Rodeo Drive.
15. Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Looking for a boulevard where you can wander around without immediately returning home broke? Then check out Abbot Kinney Boulevard. It is a street with a laid-back vibe, where you can experience a different side of LA. I’m talking about surf shops, cosy hipster boutiques, vegan restaurants and lovely coffee shops.
16. Griffith Park
With an area of approximately 17.4 km², Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The history of the park dates back to the nineteenth century. At the time, part of the land that now makes up the park was used by Griffith J. Griffith for an ostrich farm. In 1896, he donated an area of approximately 12.2 km² to the city of Los Angeles, laying the foundation for the extensive urban park that stands here today. Nowadays, you can do all sorts of things here: from hiking to horse riding, and from playing golf to visiting the Griffith Observatory and the Los Angeles Zoo.
Fun fact: Griffith Park is almost five times larger than New York’s Central Park.
Griffith Observory
The Griffith Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, in the famous Griffith Park. Since its completion in 1935, the Griffith Observatory has become a well-known landmark in Los Angeles. Admission to the observatory is free, and it is entirely dedicated to astronomy, space exploration and science. There is plenty to discover inside, but the observatory is also popular for its panoramic views of the city. On a clear day, you can see the Hollywood Sign and even the Pacific Ocean from here.
Note: the distinctive building is also a popular filming location. The observatory has appeared in several films, including the 2016 musical La La Land.
Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo opened in 1966 and is home to hundreds of animal species from different parts of the world. In addition to showcasing animals, the zoo also focuses on conservation, research and education. Visitors can discover animals from Africa, Asia, North and South America, and other parts of the world.
The zoo is home to more than 270 species, around 60 of which are threatened with extinction. The most remarkable exhibit is undoubtedly the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles), which houses species you cannot find in any other zoo.
17. Streetart op Melrose Avenue
Looking for that Instagram-worthy picture? Then many people will recommend Melrose Avenue, with its colourful walls covered in beautiful street art. A bit like Shoreditch in London, but now in LA. A few well-known recommendations? Here you go:
- Pink Wall, located at the Paul Smith shop
- Angel Wings
- ‘Made in LA’ wall
Fun fact: you can even book a Melrose Instagram tour.
18. Runyon Canyon
Had enough of relaxing on the beach for a while? There are plenty of active things to do in Los Angeles too, such as hiking through Runyon Canyon. You will find the highest point in LA here, at around 400 metres above sea level, and you might even run into your favourite celebrity on the trail. The walking paths are generally well laid out, well maintained and wide. Of course, you may encounter steeper paths on the more challenging routes.
19. Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown LA is skipped by many tourists, but that seems a shame when you consider everything you can do here. If you really enjoy the city vibes that big cities offer, you will find plenty of them in Downtown Los Angeles. You can admire numerous historic buildings, visit theatres and discover more street art. There is no shortage of good food either, as downtown is home to many trendy restaurants and budget-friendly shops. That is always nice for your wallet too.
20. Farmers Market
You will find Farmers Markets throughout the United States, and Los Angeles has one too, dating back to 1934. This makes it the oldest market in the city. The Los Angeles Farmers Market is wonderfully lively, with all its colourful stalls and delicious food. It is perfect for wandering around and trying out a few different dishes. And yes… it gets very busy, but the atmosphere remains lovely. You can visit from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., so there is plenty of time… and, um… bring an empty stomach.
The Grove
And while you are at the Farmers Market, make sure to visit The Grove as well: a large shopping and entertainment destination with high-end boutiques, restaurants and a lively open-air promenade. You can also see old-fashioned trolleys running through the area, and if you are lucky, you might catch the iconic fountain show (no, it is not as spectacular as the fountain show in Vegas, but it is certainly worth seeing).
21. Bradbury Building
I just mentioned Downtown LA and the buildings you should see there. One such architectural wonder is the Bradbury Building, one of the oldest commercial buildings in the city. It has been standing since 1893 and is famous for its cast-iron staircases, wrought-iron railings and abundance of natural light.
Fun fact: this is also a famous filming location and can, for example, be seen in Blade Runner starring Wesley Snipes.
22. Hollywood Bowl
Visiting the Colosseum in Los Angeles? No, the Hollywood Bowl is not as large as the Colosseum in Rome, but it is an open-air amphitheatre. It offers one of the most unique concert experiences in the city and can accommodate up to 18,000 people at a time. Frank Sinatra and The Beatles, for example, have performed here.
23. Dodger Stadium
I’m absolutely not a fan of watching sports, but I’ve been told that when you’re in the USA, you should definitely attend a sports game at least once to experience the atmosphere. So perhaps I’ll do that at Dodger Stadium, where the Major League Baseball team the Los Angeles Dodgers play. Dodger Stadium is located in Chavez Ravine, which means you have a beautiful view of Downtown LA and the San Gabriel Mountains. So yes… if you really couldn’t care less about the sport, at least you get a free observation deck thrown in.
LA Lakers
If you are a sports fan, however, make sure you also plan to attend an LA Lakers game. This is a major basketball team from the NBA, who have the highest number of Finals appearances to their name. Only the Boston Celtics have won the NBA title slightly more often… (shit happens). Anyhow, the LA Lakers play at Crypto.com Arena, located in Downtown LA in the L.A. LIVE entertainment complex.
Note: the well-known LeBron James has played for this club.
LA Clippers
And Los Angeles is home to a second basketball team: the LA Clippers. This team is also part of the NBA, as a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference. For many years, the Clippers shared their home games with the Lakers. But since 2024, the Los Angeles Clippers have had their own stadium, namely the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
24. Pasadena
Pasadena is regarded by many as a separate city that forms part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. However, Pasadena is well worth visiting, as there are plenty of things to see and do, such as:
- The Rose Bowl stadium: famous for the annual American football game, the Rose Bowl Game.
- The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens
- Tournament of Roses Parade
- Old Pasadena, the charming historic city centre
- Norton Simon Museum, with European and Asian art
25. Echo Park Lake
Echo Park is a neighbourhood in Los Angeles, where you’ll find historic houses and the beautiful Echo Park Lake. The lake is surrounded by plenty of greenery, making it the ultimate place to relax and enjoy nature in the middle of the metropolis. You can take a pedal boat out onto the lake, but walking along the many palm-lined paths is also recommended.
26. Long Beach
I’ll stay with nature for a moment, because there’s another beach I forgot to mention: Long Beach. Besides the beaches and marina you would expect to find here, Long Beach also offers plenty of other tourist attractions:
- Long Beach Museum of Art
- Long Beach Museum of Art Foundation
- Museum of Latin American Art
- Walter Pyramid
- RMS Queen Mary
- Aquarium of the Pacific
- Shoreline Village
Fun Fact: the Walter Pyramid is actually home to the sports arena of California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).
27. Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is a large coastal nature reserve in California, between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, about an hour’s drive southeast of Los Angeles. The park is particularly known for its combination of rugged coastline, sandy beaches, cliffs and hiking trails. The landscape here is very different from that of urban Los Angeles.
One of the highlights is the Historic District, a collection of around 40 restored beach cottages from the 1930s and 1940s. The colourful cottages stand directly on the beach and give the area an old-fashioned Californian feel.
28. Leo Carrillo State Park
Leo Carrillo State Park is a state park on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, about 45 kilometres west of Downtown Los Angeles. It is particularly known for its long beach, rocky coastline and tide pools. What makes the park special is the combination of beach and rocky coastline. At low tide, all kinds of tide pools appear, where you can see small marine animals. Along the coast, there are also rock formations and several small sea caves that can be viewed from the beach. There are also sea caves and rock arches, making the park more interesting for photography than many of the ordinary beaches around LA.
Conclusion: so, these are all the sights in LA
Los Angeles is much more than Hollywood, film stars and palm trees. Of course, the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame and the famous beaches are part of a first visit to the city, but it is precisely the variety that makes LA so interesting. You can discover historic neighbourhoods, hike in the hills, relax on the beach and, in between, discover a completely different side of the city in places such as Little Tokyo, Pasadena or Downtown LA. Even beyond the city limits, there are beautiful places such as Crystal Cove State Park and Leo Carrillo State Park that are well worth visiting.
If you want to make the most of your visit, these are some useful tips to keep in mind:
- Combine well-known landmarks with less touristy places such as Echo Park, Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Little Tokyo.
- Set aside some time for nature and, for example, go for a walk in Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon.
- Plan at least one beach day for Santa Monica, Venice Beach or Malibu.
- Admire the architecture and culture in Downtown LA and El Pueblo.
- Attend a sports match or concert for a typically American experience.
- Allow extra time for places outside the city centre, such as Pasadena, Long Beach and the coastal parks.
- Make a selection in advance, because with 28 attractions, one thing is clear: you will probably need more than one day for Los Angeles.
On the road trip I want to take with my travel companion, we are only staying in LA for two days, and I am already thinking: why didn’t I book a little longer?
Natasja Bartholomé,
Author and travel blogger