Cultural Attractions to Visit in Los Angeles
A culturally diverse city with a creative epicenter, spectacular shopping scene, and flourishing culinary culture.
It’s here you’ll discover a stunning coastline, a variety of awe-inspiring galleries and museums, and a whole host of family attractions and tours. Planning a vacation? Make LA your next destination.
Where to stay in Los Angeles when sightseeing
When sightseeing in Los Angeles, there are an array of exquisite hotels, luxury lets, and ocean-view properties to choose from, all promising easy access to the cultural, arty, foodie, and shopping hot spots LA is famed for.
Downtown Los Angeles
This buzzing metropolis is a hubbub of lively streets, sky-high buildings, and kitsch warehouses.
The area’s regeneration has spouted a stream of fashionable bars, trendy new lofts, superb hotels, and acclaimed restaurants, all of which are enjoyed by the A-List crowd.
As well as leading the city’s style scene, Downtown is a must-visit for those looking to indulge in sports and cultural activities - both the Universal City Plaza and the Walt Disney Concert Hall can all be found within the vicinity.
Hollywood
From fashionistas to movie stars, the city is home to a multitude of iconic attractions, including the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Bradbury Building, and an array of nature treks boasting outstanding views.
In addition, Southern California is also famed for its epic high-end music and club scene, where table-service comes with the territory.
Santa Monica
This coastal town boasts a burgeoning local culture, brimming with rollerbladers, walkers, runners, and cyclists, all basking in the beautiful Los Angeles sunshine.
From the Santa Monica pier to Third Street Promenade, every block boasts must-see performances.
Top 10 cultural attractions in Los Angeles
The attractions in Los Angeles are as impressive as the picturesque California coastline. Planning a trip? Be sure to check out these cultural destinations.
1. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Designed by Chris Burden, the Urban Light installation (which also doubles up as the museum's entrance) comprises 202 metal street lamps, restored to their former glory.
Once you’ve admired the exterior, be sure to venture through LACMA’s doors and view the many notable collections on offer, including contemporary art, modern-day masterpieces, Japanese screen prints, and a handful of exclusive exhibitions.
2. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Home to the newly revamped Dinosaur Hall, a fossil lab, and 240 specimens, comprising North American animal dioramas to mastodons, whales, and more.
It’s here you’ll gain access to the Nature Garden, the Nature Lab (home to over 2,000 incredible mineral and gem prototypes), a diamond, sapphire, and ruby vault, and the seasonal Butterfly Pavilions.
3. The Petersen Automotive Museum
A must-visit for those looking to indulge in the culture, art, and heritage of the automobile industry.
Fashioned out of corrugated aluminum, which envelopes the entire building, the exterior of the Petersen Automotive Museum is as impressive as its interior.
The result? One of LA’s most unforgettable architectural delights. The rooftop also doubles up as an event’s space.
4. Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory
A great place to visit at sunset - the panoramic views from this hilltop monument are second to none, as are the internal exhibits, some of which include the Tesla coil, the Foucault pendulum, and the renowned planetarium show.
5. The Hollywood Walk of Fame
Bypass the bustling crowds, a plethora of gift shops, lingerie stores, and tattoo parlors and embrace true Hollywood glamor and history.
The famous five-pointed brass stars span all the way from the Walk’s western point to Sunset boulevard and are an institution to the entertainment industry.
6. Universal Studios Hollywood
One for movie fanatics - a trip to the famous Universal Studios.
From sound stages to sets, to movie studios, famous films, and more, guests are invited to stroll (or take a tram ride) through cinema history, comprising some of the biggest names in the film industry; Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Paramount.
7. The Staples Center
Most will already have heard of the Staples Center, it is after all the world’s most renowned sports and entertainment venue.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Kings, Sparks, and Clippers are just a few of the infamous residents - a highly popular tourist destination on Downtown's doorstep!
8. Disneyland
This theme park is a hit for all ages. It’s where everyone gets to be a kid for the day. From adrenaline-fuelled rides to the celebrated Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, there isn’t a dull moment to be had.
9. The Getty Center and the J. Paul Getty Museum
The collections at the infamous Getty Center include everything from Neolithic Etruscan art to Roman paintings, Greek manuscripts, European sculpture, and photography - pieces on display span from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century.
10. The Museum of Contemporary Art
Founded in 1979, this venue claims the title of Los Angeles sole artist-founded art museum. Not to be missed if you hold a passion for global contemporary art (whether a collector or a browser).