Best things to do in Los Angeles

Hollywood

Los Angeles is the film and entertainment capital of the world and the name 'Hollywood' is the embodiment of glamour, success and money; the place where films are made, television shows are recorded and stars take up residence. The famous Hollywood sign on the hills above the city has become the enduring symbol of the movie industry and of Los Angeles itself; the 50-foot-high (15m) white letters can be seen from miles away.

The historic heart of the movie industry is centred on Hollywood Boulevard, where millions of visitors flock to see landmark attractions and museums. The impressive Grauman's Chinese Theatre (TCL Chinese Theatre) is famous for its courtyard where over 200 stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Clint Eastwood and Frank Sinatra have set their signatures and imprints of their hands or feet in cement.

For many years the theatre has been the spot for movie premieres and is modelled on a Chinese temple with columns, dragons and an ornate interior. Passing in front of the theatre is the mile-long Walk of Fame, the world-famous sidewalk embedded with the names of legendary television, film, radio, theatre and recording greats engraved within pink granite stars. More than 2,500 celebrities are honoured here, including Elvis Presley, Charlie Chapman, Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson.

The cylindrical Capitol Records Tower is one of the most recognisable buildings in the city and is supposed to resemble a 12-storey stack of records with a needle on top that blinks out 'h-o-l-l-y-w-o-o-d' in Morse code. Other attractions include the Dolby Theatre (designed to host the Academy Awards) and the Hollywood Guinness World Records Museum, as well as the Hollywood Wax Museum and the Ripley's 'Believe It or Not!' Museum.

Website www.hollywoodchamber.net

Universal Studios Hollywood

One of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles is Universal Studios Hollywood, which is reputedly the world's biggest film studio and theme park. The main attraction is the Studio Tour, a tram ride narrated by comedian and television host, Jimmy Fallon. It traverses the huge complex, passing stars' dressing rooms and famous back-lot sets, including an Old West town, the original house and motel from Hitchcock's Psycho, and the plane wreckage from Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds.

Along the way visitors will experience several realistic staged-disasters such as an earthquake, an avalanche, an attack by 'Jaws' and a meeting with an enormous version of 'King Kong'. Besides the tours there's a theme park that provides a thrilling introduction to the principles of special effects, along with several attractions and movie-related rides. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a undoubtedly a firm favourite, and it features a recreation of the village of Hogsmead complete with shops and attractions, the state-of-the-art Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, and the rustic Three Broomsticks tavern offering up hearty meals and butterbeer.

Other attractions include the spectacular 'Waterworld' live action stunt performance, the Transformers 3D ride, the incredible immersive Walking Dead experience, The Simpsons ride. For younger visitors the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride is both heart-warming and utterly exciting.

Website www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Warner Bros Studios

The tour at Warner Bros offers a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at an authentic working studio and provides more of a technical slant than the Universal Studios tour, as it focusses on the authentic filmmaking procedure. Visitors can explore the sets used in productions such as The Big Bang Theory and Friends. The informative two-hour tour takes visitors to view the sets, prop construction, wardrobe and sound department, as well as visiting active film and television sets where it's sometimes possible to watch actors in the midst of filming. There's also an introductory film and museum depicting the studio's film history.

Website vipstudiotour.warnerbros.com

Disneyland Resort

Claiming to be 'The Happiest Place on Earth', Disneyland is an integral part of an American childhood and was the world's first mega theme park designed for the family by Walt Disney in 1955. It's one of America's most famous attractions and, despite competition from other similar parks in Florida, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai, nothing can compare to the original.

It's an enchanted kingdom of fantasy and imagination filled with magical entertainment and attractions. The park is divided into different 'lands' and each one features its own rides, dining experiences and entertainment as well as daily live-action shows and parades.

Adventureland, Fantasyland, Critter Country, Frontierland, Mickey's Toontown, Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square and Main Street USA offer such attractions as a boat trip through the underground caverns of Pirates of the Caribbean, an experience of the Wild West on the Thunder Mountain Railroad, a visit to Sleeping Beauty's Castle, a giddy journey with Indiana Jones, a spooky tour of the Haunted Mansion, or the experience of a pitch-black rollercoaster ride inside Space Mountain.

There's also a shopping, dining and entertainment district called Downtown Disney. Adjacent to Disneyland is California Adventure Park, a separate park minus the cartoon characters that offers further rides and rollercoasters, but an additional ticket is required.

Website www.disneyland.com

West LA

West LA is the place where the 'stars' live, shop and go out on the town, and it's famous for its trend-setting style. The area includes some of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in Los Angeles, particularly Beverly Hills and Bel Air.

One of the world's most expensive residential areas, Beverly Hills flaunts its wealth with luxurious manors, tree-lined streets, grand estates and security gates concealing landscaped grounds that are home to Hollywood and music-industry stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Taylor Swift. Scheduled tours are available or Star Home Maps can be picked up at any street corner vendor for the latest on who lives where. The neighbourhood is also features the famous shopping district centred on Rodeo Drive, where expensive shops ooze designer labels such as Gucci, Armani and Louis Vuitton.

West Hollywood, between Beverly Hills and Hollywood, is the centre of LA's gay community and boasts the area's best restaurants, trendiest shops, eccentric boutiques and modern galleries along Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard. Sunset Strip, a section of Sunset Boulevard, is famed for its nightlife scene, which includes rock clubs, bars and posh hotels that attract a huge variety of characters. Many places have a history of big names. In the 1930s Errol Flynn and Rita Hayworth went dancing at nightclubs such as Trocadero which, by the 1970s, had become the focus of rock and roll with stage performances by the Doors and Elton John at Whisky-a-Go-Go club.

Beach Communities

The miles of sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean are a celebration of the Californian lifestyle, with distinct neighbourhoods and oceanfront walks linking the communities. Malibu is popular with the privacy-seeking rich and famous, and their mansions line strips of privately owned shoreline; the wide sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and green open-spaces make Malibu the most scenic neighbourhood in LA. It presents the classic Californian beach babe image immortalised by The Beach Boys and Baywatch.

LA's premiere beach community, Santa Monica, is known for its alternative beachfront atmosphere, as well as its famous hideaway Hollywood residents. The palm-lined cliffs, once the location of the homes of Clark Gable, Joan Crawford and Greta Garbo, are today home to celebrities such as actors, Bradley Cooper and Christian Bale. The neighbourhood's famous landmark is the Santa Monica Pier, which boasts old-world carnival attractions, including a wooden 1920s carousel with painted horses, and plenty of seafood restaurants. Third Street Promenade is a lively pedestrian mall bustling with buskers, street vendors, evangelists and original shops, and is the heart of Santa Monica's cafes, restaurants and bars.

Venice is best known for its Ocean Front Walk that is a non-stop parade of jugglers, artists, vendors, musicians and joggers. Venice Beach provides a classic Los Angeles lifestyle experience where beautiful sun-bronzed bodies on bicycles and skateboards cruise along the walkway to Muscle Beach, where the outdoor gym is packed with weightlifters flexing for onlookers. The area is full of laid back cafes and restaurants, health food shops, bike and blade rentals, and secondhand record stores.

Runyon Canyon Park

Runyon Canyon Park lies just two blocks away from Hollywood Boulevard, and is a haven for hikers, fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers. This picturesque urban park has several hiking trails that weave through rugged terrain, providing a challenging workout and opportunities for serene contemplation. Hikers will see plenty of palm trees and find some stunning views of the city skyline and the Hollywood Sign as they climb. They will also be treated to sweeping vistas of the San Fernando Valley when they reach the top of the canyon.

Website www.laparks.org/runyon/

Los Angeles Zoo

Founded in 1966 and located within the Griffith Park area, the Los Angeles Zoo is a lively centre of wildlife conservation and invaluable education. The large facility boasts more than 2,200 mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish representing around 270 different species, a quarter of which are endangered. Visitors will journey through distinct, naturalistic habitats such as lush rainforests and arid deserts, where they'll encounter a host of mighty, majestic creatures that include playful primates and elusive big cats. The gardens have a rich array of plants from all over the world and it's absolutely worth taking the time to appreciate the landscapes. Conservation is a priority at the zoo; its efforts range from advocacy and innovative animal care to inspiring personal connections.

Website www.lazoo.org

La Brea Tar Pits

One of the world's most significant fossil sites, the tar pits in central Los Angeles have revealed fossils of plant and animal life preserved in the pits for tens of thousands of years. The fossils themselves are on display in the Page Museum on the site, while replicas of some of the animals, mammoths and sabre-toothed cats found there have been creatively re-placed in and around the pits. Visitors to the La Brea Tar Pits and museum can also enjoy interactive events, informative tours, exhibitions and 3D screenings.

Website www.tarpits.org

Griffith Park and Observatory

Griffith Park lies in the eastern part of the Santa Monica Mountains, and is one of the largest urban green spaces in the US. This marvellous stretch of rough, hilly wilderness extends for 4,210 acres (17 km²) that include around 53 miles (85km) of hiking trails along its chaparral-dotted slopes. Mountain bikers will find wonderful trails and great views of the Hollywood Sign and there are some wonderful picnic spots as well. The area contains a major outdoor theater, the city zoo, two museums, golf courses, playgrounds and Batman's caves. Visitors should also look out for the Griffith Observatory, which apart from being a familiar filming location, is filled with attractions of its own. The observatory is housed within an iconic Art Deco structure and is known for its engaging exhibits, planetarium shows, handsome murals and telescope viewings. Visitors are sure to enjoy the park's gift shop and the 'Cafe at the End of the Universe'.

Website www.griffithobs.org

Walt Disney Concert Hall

It's worth heading into downtown Los Angeles to see this strange, iconic concert hall. Designed by Frank Gehry, who's considered to be one of the most influential architects of the late 20th century, the silver-plated building can be described as art deco meets surrealism and, while it derives mixed admiration from visitors, its uniqueness is never argued. A walking tour with an explanation for the intricate design is on offer free of charge to anyone curious to know how the hall came about. There's also a restaurant in the building. Live performances change frequently.

Website www.laphil.com/philpedia/about-walt-disney-concert-hall

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter draws visitors into J.K. Rowling's enchanting universe of magical spells and mystical creatures, where they can meet the dark villains and daring heroes they encountered in the ever-popular fantasy series. Guests can marvel at meticulously recreated landmarks such as Hogwarts Castle, savour butterbeer, visit the shops and restaurants on the bustling streets of the Hogsmeade section, and enjoy exhilarating rides in the Hogwarts portion. It's absolutely worth purchasing interactive wands at Ollivanders, as they allow guests to set off some magical effects by flicking their wrists at a few designated spots in Hogsmeade.

Website www.universalstudioshollywood.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/lands/the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Madame Tussauds Hollywood is located on Hollywood Boulevard and offers a fun experience in the world's greatest wax museum. Guests can step into the glitz and glamour of Hollywood as they rub shoulders with iconic stars such Ariana Grande, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Johnny Depp, who've been meticulously crafted to capture their essence. The museum's interactive exhibits are a must for anyone who wants to pose with Tinseltown's A-list or step onto the red carpet.

Website www.madametussauds.com/hollywood/

Anaheim

Located approximately 25 miles (40km) southeast of Los Angeles and founded in 1857 by grape farmers and wine makers, Anaheim (meaning 'home by the Santa Anna River' in German) is known as the home of California's Disneyland. This Orange Country town farms walnuts, lemons and, of course, oranges, and offers visitors a range of fun and exciting activities. Travellers can take the kids to Disneyland to enjoy a magical world of fun and rides with all their favourite Disney characters. They can also head to America's first theme park, Knott's Berry Farm; go back to the Middle Ages at Medieval Times; take a tour of Universal Studios Hollywood; encounter the fascinating marine life at the Aquarium of the Pacific; soak up the sun on Laguna or Newport Beach, or splash out in a day of shopping, dining and exploring the shops at Anaheim GardenWalk. Sports fans can try catching a Los Angeles Angels baseball game at Angels Stadium.

Website www.anaheim.net

Knott's Berry Farm

When Walter Knott began selling berries, berry plants and pies from a roadside stand beside State Route 39 in the 1920s he could never have known what his stand would eventually become. As the highway developed over time, so did his stand, becoming a roadside eatery with entertainment and eventually turning into America's first theme park, Knott's Berry Farm. The park features a multitude of fun for visitors of all ages and boasts nine world-class roller coasters, a plethora of thrill rides, family rides, children's rides, water rides, a Ghost Town, Fiesta Village (portraying Spanish California), Indian Trails, Wild Water Wilderness and the Sky Cabin Tower where fabulous views can be enjoyed by those brave enough to climb to the top. Each October the park transforms into a spooky Halloween-themed 'haunted theme park' called Knott's Scary Farm.

Website www.knotts.com

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Even with the stiff competition among Southern California theme parks, Six Flags Magic Mountain has a solid reputation for the biggest, most thrilling rides in the area. This world-class theme park is known as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World and has 20 coasters, including Apocalypse, Wonder Woman, Batman, The Riddler's Revenge, and the Road Runner Express. The park offers many other rides for all ages, and kids will love meeting their favourite Justice League superheroes at the family shows. Magic Mountain is dotted with restaurants, snack stands, souvenir shops and other stores, and the park will even hold parcels at the exit while visitors enjoy themselves. Attached to the park is Hurricane Harbor, a water park with more than a dozen rides ranging from the thrilling Black Snake Summit waterslides to the family-friendly Castaway Cove play area.

Website www.sixflags.com/magicMountain

Getty Villa

Originally completed in 1974, then rebuilt in 1997, the Getty Villa is a faithful replica of a Roman villa that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79. Perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Villa was built to house the expanding art collection of oil tycoon J Paul Getty, and now has one of the world's finest displays of ancient Greek and Roman artefacts, comprising over 44,000 pieces. The best known item is Victorious Youth, one of the only surviving life-size Greek bronzes in existence. The Getty Villa also has over 20,000 books in its library, as well as collections of jewellery and coins. The free guided tours of both the exhibits and the gardens are highly recommended.

Website www.getty.edu/visit/villa/

Getty Center

It's said that the Getty Center in Brentwood, Los Angeles is less a museum with artworks inside, than an artwork with a museum inside. Certainly the building is celebrated for its architecture and gardens, while the wonderful views over LA are breathtaking. With over 1.3 million visitors, the Getty Center is one of the most visited museums in the USA, and it's well worth allocating a day to explore. It houses a premier collection of pre-20th century European paintings and artworks, and a leading archive of photography from the 19th and 20th centuries. The most famous work on display is undoubtedly Irises by Vincent van Gogh, although there are hundreds of other notable works, including Paul Gauguin's Arii Matamoe.

Website www.getty.edu

Celebrity Gravesites

Hollywood's celebrities are a major tourist attraction in Los Angeles long after they're dead. Several cemeteries in LA are known for their famous residents, and visitors flock to pay homage to their idols at their final resting places. One of the most famous cemeteries in Los Angeles is Westwood Village Memorial Park, which is home to the graves of Marilyn Monroe, Truman Capote, Billy Wilder, Natalie Wood and Walter Matthau. Forest Lawn Glendale houses the graves of Walt Disney, Nat 'King' Cole, and Humphrey Bogart. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard are here as well in the Great Mausoleum, but it isn't open to the public. Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills has the graves of Lucille Ball, Liberace, Bette Davis and Buster Keaton; while Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City is home to celebrities such as Bing Crosby, Bela Lugosi, John Candy, Rita Hayworth and Ray Bolger. Hillside Memorial Park in Baldwin Hills is the final resting place for Al Jolson, Jack Benny and Michael Landon. The most famous celebrity cemetery, however, is Hollywood Forever, located on Santa Monica Boulevard in a scenic location under the HOLLYWOOD sign. Celebrity gravesites in Hollywood Forever include Rudolph Valentino, Cecil B DeMille, Mel Blanc and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Medieval Times

A wildly popular family attraction in Los Angeles, Medieval Times is a dinner event that combines food and entertainment. Guests are treated to a four-course 11th-century feast while being entertained by six knights competing in the joust and other contests. The castle features a tower, courtyard, gift shop, torture museum, indoor stable, and a club with two bars and deejays.

Website www.medievaltimes.com

Things to do in Los Angeles