I lived in the city of Angels for a little over a year. Although, my time was short I made it my mission to take advantage of my surroundings. From my time in LA I was able to put this Los Angeles Bucket List, if you will, for anyone going off to the city as a first timer. Below are some of my favorite things to do around LA so I hope you have fun checking off this LA bucket list.
Table of Contents
Los Angeles Bucket List: 55 Things To Do
LA Bucket List – Sites and Attractions
- LACMA Urban Lights – the Urban Lights exhibit is one place that should not be missed; it’s free and can be found outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- Griffith Observatory – hike to one of the best overlooks in LA or drive up and take in the sunset
- Dodger’s Game – whether you’re a sport fan or not a Dodger’s game is always a good choice especially if you’re looking for something casual and laid back
- Santa Monica Pier – Great place to get some sunset pictures, eat a funnel cake and enjoy a ride on the ferris wheel
- Angel’s Flight Railway – loved La La Land the movie? Then check out this iconic LA landmark where La La Land was recorded. The best part is that it’s a functional train! So strap up and enjoy the ride
- El Pueblo De Los Angeles – make sure and check out the birth place of Los Angeles, which is only about 5 minutes away from Angel’s Flight Railway. Here you will find a bit of Mexican culture, food, music, clothing and dancing
- Venice Canals – a low key area to walk around and enjoy the ambiance. This place has been featured in many films like Because I said so, and Valentine’s Day, to name a few
- Disneyland – so there are two options with this one. Obviously go to the parks or head down to downtown Disney and shop around
- Universal Studios – who doesn’t love rollercoasters?
- Last Bookstore – this place is a safe haven for book lovers!
- Huntington Library
- Tom’s 1 Hour Photo – want a vintage photoshoot? Then check out Tom’s 1 hour photo!
- Mosaic Tile House – not only is this home uniquely beautiful, but the home owners are delightful and extremely welcoming
- Getty Villa
- Malibu Pier – head over to Malibu and check out the pier for some beautiful views of the sunset
- Warner Brother’s Studio Tours – this is a MUST especially if you’re a FRIENDS fan. Sit on the iconic couch for picture!
- Hollywood Walk of Fame – It may not be my favorite thing to do, but it is a thing you should check out at least once.
- Hollywood Bowl – check out a concert at the Hollywood bowl!
- Catalina Island – make a day trip out to the island with my guide!
- The Beverly Hills Hotel – visit the iconic hotel for a quick picture opt
- Lakers Game – never a bad idea to visit the Staples center for a Lakers game
- Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Grammy’s Museum
Explore LA with these exciting 11 daytime date ideas!
LA Bucket List – Food Adventures
- Grand Central Market – with so many food options to choose from this place is great for some food adventures
- Try some Street Tacos -you can’t come to LA without trying some delicious tacos!! Luckily for your there are plenty all over town, but two of my favorite include Leo’s Tacos Truck and the taco stand on Lincoln Boulevard in Venice, right in front of Whole Foods!
- A Cinderella Story Diner – if you haven’t noticed I’m a huge movie fan and LOVE checking out the sites where some of my favorite films have been filmed. Example number one, the Cinderella Story Diner in Long Beach!
- I love baked goods, especially the ones from Tropézienne Bakery! Make sure and try their raspberry, almond crusted pistachio croissant, you wont regret it!
- The Original Farmer’s Market has so many food options, which makes it a great place to try a little bit of everything
- Mel’s Diner – I love this diner! If you love retro and a good milkshake make sure you check this place out. There are multiple locations all over Los Angeles.
- Randy’s Donuts – Ugh, I love a good donut! If you can make sure to stop by to check out an Los Angeles classic. There are many locations across Los Angeles, but the iconic one from the Iron Man 2 can be found in Inglewood.
- Visit Little Tokyo and check out Fugetsu-Do for your finest Japanese mochi and treats in LA.
Make a day trip out to Malibu and check out the 7 best things to do with the help of this guide!
LA Bucket List – Shopping
- The Grove
- Malibu’s Country Mart
- Melrose Trading Post Flea Market
- Rode Drive
- Rose Bowl Flea Market
- Downtown Santa Monica
Want to explore LA with your significant other? Check out these top 15 Best Date Ideas around Los Angeles
LA Bucket List – Outdoors
- Head over to Malibu and visit Zuma Beach for a beach day
- Palisades Park
- Hike the Santa Monica Mountains
- Palo Verde
- Muscle Beach
- Marina Del Rey – this beach is perfect if you want to get away from the tourist beaches and explore more of the local areas
- El Matador State Beach – one of Malibu’s more popular beaches
- Check out the coves and the 1,000 steps at Laguna Beach
- El Segundo Beach
- At only about 2 hours from the city check out Joshua Tree National Park
- Pointe Dume
- Fern Trail – a great trail to explore at Griffith park, which can lead you to the Griffith Observatory
- Hike Runyon Canyon – a popular area where you’ll not only see beautiful sites of the city, but may also catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two
- Hike to the Hollywood Sign! It’s a must thing to do in Los Angeles and has to be scratched off your bucket list
- Venice Beach sunset walk – not one of my favorite beach to visit, but it’s still iconic to visit at least once
- Newport Beach
- Check out Manhattan Beach– one of my favorite beaches! This beach is more for the locals than it is for the tourists so you’ll get more of that homie vibe than at Venice beach. Make sure to also check out Manhattan Beach’s pier as there are plenty of places to grab a bite
- Surf at Santa Monica beach – take surfing lessons at Santa Monica beach! Learn more on how to scratch this off your bucket list by checking out this post
Jet off to Palm Springs on a weekend getaway!
Map of Attractions!
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