14 exciting and fun things to do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has more than its fair share of famous landmarks to explore, you’ll find plenty of exhilarating activities off the beaten path in Los Angeles that even Angelenos themselves may not have tried.

From soaking in the surf scene to hopping around the city’s best bars, this list of 14 fun activities in Los Angeles will help you to pack exciting activities into your itinerary, even if you only have 48 hours in LA.

Top fun things to do in Los Angeles at a glance

Fun things to do as a couple: Helicopter ride over the city at sunset

Fun activities for kids and families: Spend a day at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Fun things to do on your own: Rent a bike and explore LA’s cool and diverse neighborhoods.

Fun food experiences: Take a day trip to one of Malibu’s sun-kissed vineyards

Fun things to do in Los Angeles as a couple

1. Hike through Griffith Park

Maybe a long, uphill walk isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you picture Los Angeles, but it is an incredibly romantic way to uncover LA’s natural beauty. Hike through Griffith Park for panoramic views of the city, following scenic trails with views of the Hollywood sign.

Highlights

Go up Mount Hollywood, off the typical tourist route, and you will be rewarded with 360-degree views of the city and the Hollywood Sign.

Address and opening hours

Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States. Open daily, 5:00 AM- 10:30 PM.

2. Take a romantic helicopter flight over the city

Few can say they’ve seen LA from above, but those who have know there’s nothing quite like seeing the City of Angels from the clouds. Fly over the celebrity mansions of Beverly Hills, the Hollywood Sign, and the beaches of Santa Monica.

Highlights

Extend your time onboard and choose a touchdown on land, rather than an isolated helipad, to take in the scenery and even enjoy a glass of wine.

3. Ride a swan pedal boat on Echo Park Lake

In Echo Park Lake, you’ll find an urban oasis hidden within the city, and LA’s signature swan pedal boats. Pedaling on the water while surrounded by palm trees, greenery, and skyline views is a great way to unwind and enjoy the quiet side of LA life.

Highlights

In the summer, the lake’s lotus flowers bloom, transforming the scenery with ombre pink and yellow petals, making it a truly tranquil escape from the city.

Address and opening hours

Echo Park, 1632 Bellevue Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026. Open Mon-Fri 10:00 AM-9:00 PM, Sat 9:00 PM-5:00 PM. Reservations are required for pedal boats.

4. Wine and dine while cruising around Marina del Rey

What could be more romantic than a scenic cruise paired with charcuterie and wine or champagne and brunch? Marina del Rey, along with a stunning coastal backdrop, is known for its calm waterways, luxurious yachts, scenic waterfront, and curious sea lions.

Highlights

Take your cruise at sunset for an elevated romantic experience and to witness the golden glow over the marina.

Address and opening hours

Marina Del Rey, 90292, California. Accessible 24/7.

Fun things to do in Los Angeles with kids

5. Spend a day at Universal Studios Hollywood

Give your kids a day to remember by visiting at least one of LA’s theme parks, and Universal Studios Hollywood is a crowd-pleasing favorite. With heart-racing rides like the Transformers 3D ride, live shows, immersive themed areas, and various eateries and shops, there’s something for the whole family.

Highlights

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter promises an enchanting experience that brings the magic of Hogwarts to life, complete with spell-casting, butterbeer, and a chance to explore Hogwarts Castle on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride.

Address and opening hours

1000 Universal Studios Blvd., Toluca Lake. Open Thurs-Mon, 8:00 AM-10:00 PM, and Tues-Weds, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM.

6. Go fossil hunting in the middle of Los Angeles

Take the kids back to the prehistoric era at the La Brea Tar Pits Museum, where they can explore fossils and Ice Age creatures, like mammoths and saber-toothed cats. Watch the natural tar pits bubble and observe ongoing excavations on this fun and educational day out.

Highlights

The museum features hands-on displays where you can touch life-sized models of prehistoric animals, and fossil digging simulation experiences.

Address and opening hours

5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Open daily, 9:30 AM-5:00 PM.

7. Experience LA’s sports culture during a live game

Immerse yourself in the sports community of Los Angeles by catching a live game featuring one of the city’s top teams, such as the Lakers, the Los Angeles Kings, and the Dodgers. Each game is an opportunity to experience the city’s passion for sports firsthand, from the electric atmosphere of the Staples Center, now known as the Crypto.com Arena, to the historic charm of Dodger Stadium.

Highlights

Quite a few historic rivalries take place in LA, from the Lakers vs Clippers, one of the most anticipated NBA matches, to USC and UCLA battling it out in college football to hold claim over Los Angeles, usually held at the Rose Bowl or the LA Coliseum.

Fun things to do in Los Angeles on your own

8. Take a selfie with the Hollywood Sign

Visiting Los Angeles isn’t complete without seeing one of the city’s most iconic features — the Hollywood Sign. The Hollywood Sign has evolved into a world-recognized symbol of dreams, ambition, and Hollywood cinema, embodying LA’s storied history and its role as the epicenter of the movie industry.

Highlights

Go for a walk in the Hollywood Hills for incredible views of LA, and see the sign clearly as you go celeb-spotting in Runyon Canyon Park.

Address and opening hours

Los Angeles, CA 90068. There is no direct access to the Hollywood Sign itself, but it can be viewed 24/7.

9. Hang ten and experience LA’s radical surf culture

Dive into the heart of Southern California’s surf culture by embracing LA’s surfing scene at iconic spots like Malibu, Venice Beach, and Santa Monica. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or eager to catch your first wave, the city’s diverse coastline offers waves for all skill levels.

Insider tip

More experienced surfers should ride the powerful waves at El Porto, and those who are still finding their feet should enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at Santa Monica Beach.

10. Explore the sights of LA on two wheels

Biking around LA is an active way to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and scenic landscapes, and it’s a solo-traveler-friendly option. Popular biking areas include Griffith Park’s extensive network of paths, the lavish streets of Beverly Hills, and the bustling bike lanes of Downtown LA.

Insider tip

As a favored local mode of transportation, biking connects you to LA’s vibrant street life and hidden gems off the beaten path. If you’re confident to ride solo, take advantage of LA’s Metro Bikes. Be prepared to cycle on hilly terrains, as there are some steep hills in LA.

Address and opening hours

Metro Bike Share docking stations can be found around LA, and are available 24/7.

Fun things to do in Los Angeles for food and drinks

11. Go bar hopping at some of LA’s best speakeasy bars

From rooftop bars with panoramic city views to cozy, dimly lit speakeasies, LA’s nightlife invites you to taste its diverse flavors and spirits. This eclectic mix provides an exciting way to experience the local scene, whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or a beer enthusiast.

Highlights

LA’s eclectic bars are perfect for anyone seeking to connect with the city’s unique character. Find lively bars on Santa Monica Boulevard and Abbot Kinney Boulevard and more upscale speakeasies on Third Street in Downtown LA. Try the speakeasy vibe at Bar Jackalope, or The Rooftop and The Standard for city views.

12. Sip your way through LA’s wine destinations

Explore the unique wine scene of Los Angeles, where urban wineries and intimate tasting rooms showcase the innovative spirit of local vintners. You can enjoy an array of wines, from robust Zinfandels to elegant Chardonnays, reflecting the diverse terroirs of the surrounding regions.

Highlights

Make it a day trip and head over to Malibu, where you’ll find some of the city’s finest wines produced on sun-kissed vineyards like Rosenthal, and a few wineries against the backdrop of scenic coastal views.

13. Hunt for the best food and drinks in Downtown LA

Due to LA’s diversity of culture, the food scene is like no other. In Downtown LA, you’ll find the heart of the local food scene, where street food, upscale dining, and avant-garde cuisine mix and mingle. After you’ve had the street tacos, don’t miss the maple bacon donuts and a few other must-try dishes in Los Angeles.

Highlights

Venture into the historic Grand Central Market, where food stalls have been serving up diverse and delicious fare to Angelenos for over a century.

Address and opening hours

Downtown Los Angeles, CA. Bars are usually open until the early hours of the morning.

14. Shop like the locals at LA’s Original Farmers Market

LA’s Original Farmers Market has been a popular location for local produce and culinary delicacies for almost a century. One of the most fun things to do in Los Angeles as a foodie is to explore the market, learn about its history, and sample its best cuisines.

Highlights

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the market’s famous Sunday brunches. At these, you can indulge in fresh, farm-to-table dishes while soaking up the lively atmosphere of this LA hotspot.

Address and opening hours

6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Open Mon-Sat, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, and 10:00 AM-7:00 PM on Sundays.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Los Angeles at night?

Hollywood, the Sunset Strip, Universal City Walk, and the beautifully lit Santa Monica Pier are just a few of the epic things to do in Los Angeles at night. The Griffith Observatory stays open late and offers a quieter experience under the stars. Pay a nighttime visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Urban Lights, an art display of city street lights.

Are there any fun day trips from Los Angeles that I should consider?

Just outside of central Los Angeles, you can visit places on the coast like Malibu and Santa Barbara or the village-like city of Ojai. Drive further inland to see the desert town of Palm Springs and the nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Take a ferry from Long Beach to go snorkeling and hiking in Santa Catalina, a pristine Mediterranean-esque island just an hour from the mainland.

Are there cool events or festivals to attend in Los Angeles?

Some of the most popular cultural festivals in Los Angeles include the LA Film Festival, held in June, and the Pan African Film and Arts Festival in February. For music lovers, there's the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival and the Cuban-American Music Festival. Families will enjoy the annual Los Angeles County Fair.

Are there any fun things to do for free in Los Angeles?

If you know where to go, you can see Los Angeles without spending a dime. Arguably, the best view of LA is from Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park, where the telescopes are free to use. Admission to see world-class art collections and wonderfully landscaped gardens at the Getty Center is free. Take a wander around the Walt Disney Concert Hall or have a picnic in Echo Park.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in London?

No family vacation to Los Angeles is complete without a visit to one of the theme parks like Disneyland or Universal Studios. Other fun things to do in LA with kids include Santa Monica Pier, the Natural History Museum, the California Science Center, and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

What are some unique outdoor activities to do in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles offers a wide range of fun outdoor things to do. From outdoor film screenings, surfing at Venice Beach, joining a yoga class at Runyon Canyon, or hangliding over the Pacific Ocean at Dockweiler Beach, there are many unique things to do in the glorious Los Angeles sunshine.

What are some fun ways to explore Los Angeles’ neighborhoods?

Cover more ground by biking around cycle-friendly neighborhoods like Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Grab local bites in places like Downtown LA, Koreatown, and Chinatown to pair local food with historical sites. Join art walks to meet locals and see some of LA’s vibrant street art. Jump on the Angels Flight Railway, a funicular railway in Downtown LA, for a short sightseeing trip.