Los Angeles is a sprawling, diverse, and ever-changing city, and it can be hard to know where to start when exploring it. From hikes to scenic drives, ethnic enclaves to public art, and serious sports fans to amateur food lovers, there's something for everyone in L. A. Whether you're a longtime Angeleno or just visiting for a week, here's your essential guide to the best things to do in Los Angeles.
Start by strolling around a neighborhood and soaking up its atmosphere. Spend an hour eating something new and drinking its juices with bread. Then go back and do it again. We discover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you.
What is it? A historic library, a museum and extensive gardens that was the legacy of businessman Henry E. Huntington's signature theme gardens are easily SoCal's most impressive and manicured outdoor spaces, especially its recently expanded Chinese garden. The library and museum are equally impressive; all require reservations on weekends. What is it? A rugged 4,000-acre park in the city center.
The trails, the flora, the views, the howls of the coyotes through the canyons at night, the twinkling lights of the center in the distance L. It may not have a grassy, centralized park, but Griffith's huge, mountainous nature is a stellar alternative. What is it? A permanent home for the history of cinema that is finally open. Even if you're not there for the food, it's worth a trip; people from all corners of L.
mix and mingle between rows of spices, products and vintage neon signs. Of course, if you're hungry, it's a great place to buy cheap pupusas, carnitas tacos and fresh waters, as well as food from handsome, hip restaurants like Shiku, Fat & Flour, Sticky Rice, Sari Sari, Horse Thief BBQ, Eggslut, McConnell's and G&B Coffee. What is it? Urban Light by Chris Burden, a piece composed of 202 cast iron street lights gathered from around L. And restored to work, it is located outside the huge museum.
Yes, get your street lamp selfies. But you would be falling short if you didn't venture beyond the photo-friendly installation; LACMA collections feature modernist masterpieces, large-scale contemporary works, traditional Japanese screens, and by far L. A.'s most impressive collection of Latin American art. What is it? A 22-mile bike path, officially known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which runs almost the entire length of L.
It's the best way to travel the coast. The path starts at Will Rogers State Beach and winds down to Torrance County Beach. Take a guided bike ride along the coast for an unforgettable experience! What is it? A former reservoir became a public recreation area in the center of one of L. A.'s most diverse neighborhoods - Paradise! Four-acre waterfront spot is the only legal off-leash dog beach in L.
A., so take your pup for some fun in the sun! The park is named after the area's deceased local canine celebrity - Rosie the English bulldog - so don't forget to pay your respects! What is it? A series of screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery every summer. While the alcohol-friendly atmosphere and picnic are enough for some people, the excellent movie lineup makes this outdoor series rise above the rest every summer - oh that and the fact that it is held at the final resting place of screen legends of Old Hollywood! What is it? A free contemporary art museum in downtown Los Angeles with an undulating lawn overlooking the cityscape - The Broad! From ocean to mountains northeast of downtown L. A., this hilltop art museum offers something for everyone - including masterpieces on display like impressionist paintings and Baroque and French decorative arts! What is it? Lots of free summer concerts scheduled by everyone's favorite NPR member station - KCRW! Well-known KCRW DJs and local music bands will offer free outdoor tunes on select nights this month with events at One Colorado, Geffen Contemporary in MOCA and JANM! What is it? A series of small canals that cross Venice Beach neighborhood - Venice Canals! Tucked between Venice's dingy waterfront and elegant Abbot Kinney Boulevard lies this hidden gem - take a walk through these three canals for an unforgettable experience! What is it? A Sunday Market with Dozens of Food Vendors in Arts District - Smorgasburg LA! The weekly food festival is like an incubator for L. A.'s best chefs - you'll also find I Love Micheladas beer garden to enjoy local beers and micheladas! What is it? A group of U-pick farms in Oak Glen - Oak Glen Farms! Pick your own apples or pumpkins or take a hayride for some family fun!By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and agree to receive emails from Time Out about partner news events offers and promotions.
