Top Things to Do in Los Angeles for the Fun-Loving Traveler

 Los Angeles County is huge — home to nearly 10 million people and more than 4,000 square miles of space — but there aren't any obvious tourist attractions, like the Golden Gate Bridge or the Statue of Liberty, or any specific go-to activities, like skiing or river rafting.

Dig a little deeper, and you discover a bounty of fun and fascinating things to do in Los Angeles for every traveler, including young families, night owls, and outdoor adventurers. It may not be obvious, but L.A. does have a few unique attractions that aren't found anywhere else. Add in fascinating movie history and SoCal geography, and a visit to L.A. is sure to have you yearning for more.

Top Things to Do in L.A. with Kids

Kids love L.A. almost as much as the adults. With 75 miles of coastline and constant warm, sunny weather, it's like a year-round summer vacation. Although the entertainment capital may be known for its grownup glam and glitz, it offers a full range of fun activities and attractions for kids. Here are some of the best kid-approved things to do in the City of Angels.

Santa Monica Pier

What's better than a trip to the beach? A beach that includes all the fun of an amusement park is a great place to start. Santa Monica Pier has that and more, with traditional boardwalk entertainment that serves as a big draw for beach fans. Pacific Park on the pier features rides that range from kiddie-friendly to thrill-inducing roller coasters, as well as the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel. Try your hand at one of more than a dozen arcade games, including Whack-A-Mole and Skee-Ball, and fill up on funnel cake, ice cream, or cotton candy from one of several food vendors.

At more than 4,300 acres, Griffith Park is an outdoor oasis of playtime fun in the middle of L.A.'s wide urban expanse. Young kids love to ride on the beautiful antique merry-go-round and romp through the adjacent Shane's Inspiration, the first disability-accessible playground in California. Ride a pony at Griffith Park Pony Rides, or “imagineer” yourself at the controls of a steam locomotive at the Travel Town train museum. You can also take a mini-train ride aboard the Freedom Train or Colonel Griffith and meander past horses and meadows.

The mammoths may not be alive, but your kids' imaginations can enjoy some serious flights of fancy at the display of prehistoric animals along the banks of the La Brea Tar Pits. The thick, black tar has bubbled to the surface for tens of thousands of years, and scientists are often hard at work excavating fossils of saber-toothed cats and dire wolves that became trapped in the tar long ago. You can add on a visit to the Fossil Lab to watch them working on artifacts. The adjacent museum displays the bones of excavated animals, including an exhibit that shows what it's like to get trapped in tar.

If you want to add some learning fun to your beach time, head south to the bluffs along the Palos Verdes peninsula, and follow the trails down to the seashore at the 64-acre Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve. Explore the tide pools, teeming with sea urchins, sea slugs, abalone, crabs, and starfish. Farther south, check out the black sand, sea caves, and rock tunnels at Sacred Cove. Also, Catalina Island is visible in the distance.

Kids of all ages find something to love at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, the largest natural history museum on the West Coast. Mingle with hundreds of colorful monarchs, buckeyes, and other butterflies in the enclosed Butterfly Pavilion, or walk among extinct giants at one of the museum's most popular exhibits, the Dinosaur Hall. Check out the bones of a trio of T. Rex specimens at different ages, as well as a Triceratops, and a 68-foot long Mamenchisaurus. The Discovery Center lets kids handle furs, fossils, and minerals, while the Nature Lab features live lizards, turtles, and other local wildlife.

Tailor-made for captivating young imaginations, the California Science Center is the biggest hands-on science center on the West Coast and just a short stroll from the adjacent Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Start with an up-close view of the retired space shuttle Endeavor and its colossal engine, and learn all about its missions, crew, and other fun facts. Explore the fascinating collection of Air & Space exhibits, including a space capsule and Apollo space suits worn by astronauts. Tots can have fun in one of three Discovery Rooms for Little Learners, featuring live animal exhibits of lizards, scorpions, and snakes.

Learn about the sea life off Southern California's coast at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Set along the shores of San Pedro in southern L.A. County, the Frank Gehry-designed museum features local marine habitats like kelp forests and the sea stars, scorpionfish, and sea otters that live there. Use all five senses in the Exploration Center for a hands-on look at L.A.'s watershed flow through marshes and ocean, and "crawl in" to the aquarium for a unique view of sting rays, octopuses, and flatfish. The Discovery Center also lets little ones explore sea specimens and create artwork to take home.

L.A. after dark? Prepare to be entertained. In a city where it seems every waiter is a budding actor and talent lurks behind every bar, a night on the town is filled with fun and entertainment, even in the least likely places. It's also a city where food is sometimes the main attraction, and a show is just the warm-up act.

There are a lot of great bands to see in L.A. and an assortment of riches when it comes to music venues. The Troubadour is arguably the best and most historic of all. Located in West Hollywood, where many now-famous musicians first performed — and continue to return — it launched the careers of Elton John, Neil Young, Kelly Clarkson, and countless others. Score a ticket to see your favorite touring band or grab a seat and soak up a bit of rock music history.

Make your own entertainment at one of L.A.'s many karaoke bars, such as Café Brass Monkey in the heart of Koreatown. With the largest Korean population outside of Korea, Los Angeles puts a unique spin on this popular Asian nighttime pursuit. Indulge in a night of karaoke (noraebang in Korean) and great food with family or friends. Consider reserving a private room if you're with a group or pick a song and belt it out in front of a roomful of your new best friends.

L.A. has always been a hot spot for comedians, with several dozen clubs across the city featuring nightly standup and sketch comedy routines. Laugh out loud at The Groundlings, the sketch and improv comedy school with live shows nearly every night of the year showcasing some of the best young comics around. The all-star cast of alumni includes Melissa McCarthy, Will Ferrell, and Kristen Wiig. For other excellent options, check out the fabled Hollywood Improv for top comics or The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre to catch the next Amy Poehler or Matt Walsh.

In a city brimming with talented actors and writers, finding good live theater is as easy as a stroll down Wilshire Boulevard. East Hollywood's Sacred Fools is one of the best and busiest theater companies around, with an ambitious list of acclaimed productions and adaptations that includes a wild and wacky off-hours comedy, theater, and performance series. L.A.'s many other theater options include classic plays from Antaeus Theatre Company and Shakespeare under the stars in Topanga Canyon at Theatricum Botanicum.

For L.A. beachgoers, High Rooftop Lounge near the water in Venice Beach is a great way to end the day and start the evening off right. Enjoy spectacular views of the sun setting over the Pacific and the surrounding town as you nosh appetizers and enjoy the main course. The casual lounge atop Hotel Erwin features a sampling of small plates, such as sliders, shawarma, and dim sum, all sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied.

The translation for the name may as well be "best dang Korean barbecue in L.A." The city's sizeable Korean community has produced some excellent restaurants, and Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong stands out as one of the best. Venture to the original Koreatown location or one of five other spots in SoCal to enjoy the dining event that's a core part of Korean barbecue. Throw some bulgogi (marinated beef or pork) on the table-top grill, followed by any number of veggies and rice noodles.

L.A. is filled with decades-old restaurants like Musso & Frank Grill, which offers up an old-school slice of Hollywood history with every plate of traditional fare. Opened on Hollywood Boulevard in 1919, the restaurant has a menu that includes classic fine dining like Welsh Rarebit and Lobster Thermidor. Keep an eye out for Hollywood royalty; stars like George Clooney and Harrison Ford are frequent customers. Some waiters have worked at Musso & Frank Grill for decades and have some great stories to share.

Father's Office may have the best burger in L.A. Established in 1953, the Santa Monica institution is most famous for its Office Burger, topped with caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese (no substitutions allowed). The gastropub was also a forerunner in promoting a non-smoking policy before it was cool.

At first glance, "Los Angeles" and "cheap" may not seem to go together, but with such a surplus of stellar attractions and activities in the city, plenty of options are also easy on the wallet. Whether you're looking for a cheap slice of culture or a free nature experience, L.A. has it.

Driving along busy Fairfax Avenue in West L.A., you would never know one of the city's favorite old-school destinations is hiding behind all those street-side awnings. The Original Farmers Market has enticed Angelinos since 1934 with an assortment of fresh-prepared foods, gourmet groceries, and quirky souvenir shops. Delight your senses with a stroll among the 100-plus independent mom-and-pop stands that seem preserved in time. For food, start at Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts and end at Bennett's Ice Cream, with a stop in between at Fritzi Coop, home of the famous "Naked Fried Chicken."

From quirky art construction project to cultural landmark, Watts Towers has fascinated visitors for more than 50 years. Built by Italian-born construction worker Simon Rodia over a span of 33 years — starting in 1921 — the whimsical towers are a popular attraction. Guided tours explain the mystery behind the artist's motivations. Run your fingers along the mosaic of embedded pieces of broken pottery, bottles, and seashells that decorate the walls. The onsite arts center features exhibits from regional artists and a permanent collection of musical instruments from around the world.

Nothing epitomizes Hollywood past and present more than the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, L.A.'s ultimate star-studded tourist attraction. Stroll the 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard (and three blocks on Vine) to find the names of your favorite actors, musicians, and film directors among the 2,600 brass and terrazzo stars embedded in the sidewalk. Stars for Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, and Johnny Depp are among the most photographed. The walk is also a great way to tour the famous neighborhood, with stops at the beautiful 1920's Egyptian Theatre and the historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre, still a popular venue for movie premieres.

A trip to the world-renowned Getty Center or Getty Villa is not only free, it's also a highlight of any arts tour of the West Coast. Enjoy amazing 360-degree views at the gleaming museum in the hills north of downtown, with architecture tours available for the buildings and gardens. Inside, stroll through galleries of European and American art masterpieces, with works by Paul Gauguin, Vincent Van Gogh, and other icons. Venture over to the Getty Villa overlooking the ocean in Pacific Palisades, where ancient Greek and Roman statues and other antiquities grace the beautiful gardens of the oil tycoon's former mansion.

Los Angeles is blessed with 75 miles of coastline and numerous sandy beaches. Dockweiler State Beach near Playa Del Rey is one of the best and most centrally located. The big attraction is the legal fire pits that allow beachgoers to play through the day and into the night. Pack a picnic and umbrella to enjoy the sand and surf under a typical L.A. sunny sky, and then huddle around the fire to watch one of SoCal's spectacular sunsets. The 3-mile-long beach also features volleyball courts, a bicycle path, and jetties for fishing.

One of L.A.'s most iconic attractions, the magnificent Griffith Observatory, sits atop Mt. Hollywood like a domed Oz. Hike one of several trails through Griffith Park that lead to the top, or simply drive up and park. The million-dollar views of downtown L.A., the Hollywood sign, and the Pacific Ocean are free along with entry to the observatory itself. Tour the fabulous structure — built in 1935 — and its extensive science and space displays. Then enjoy a show in Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and peek at the heavens through one of several public telescopes.

Hit the trifecta of nature, beachside attractions, and healthy activity by cycling down the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Known to locals as "the Strand," the paved bike highway runs for 22 miles along the Pacific Ocean and offers a special view of L.A.'s most attractive resource. Start in the north at Pacific Palisades' Will Rogers State Beach, and then pedal your way south along the beachfront. There are plenty of fun and interesting stops along the way, including the arcade at Santa Monica Pier and the kiosks along Venice Beach, before you finally arrive in Torrance at the southern end.

Look at a map of L.A. County to find the huge swath of green just north of all those downtown freeways. The 700,000-acre Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains offers a range of free outdoor recreation, and it's all conveniently located a short drive away. One good option takes you north from Arcadia to Big Santa Anita Canyon. Step back in time with a 3.8-mile hike past rustic Chantry Flat cottages built in the early 1900s to scenic Sturtevant Falls, with a stop at Adams' Pack Station for a cold ice cream at the Porch Store.

Los Angeles is a city of unique neighborhoods that make up a vast, colorful patchwork, with downtown at the beating heart of it all. Ever-evolving and always exciting, downtown has a wealth of attractions packed into its nearly 5 square miles, with everything from the Arts District and Fashion District to Little Tokyo and Gallery Row.

If you love music, you can't miss a visit to the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live, one of the premier music museums in the country. Explore music through the decades with interactive exhibits that let you listen in on the master musicians of our time. Don a pair of headphones at the high-tech Crossroads table to touch screen your way through 160 musical genres and related photos, songs, stories, and connections to other genres. Check out artifacts such as Michael Jackson's signature sequined glove and fedora and stay for a live performance by guests such as Zac Brown Band in the intimate Clive Davis Theater.

The stunning exterior is just the start of your experience at The Broad contemporary art museum, one of the best and brightest additions to the city's art scene since its 2015 opening. Explore the paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations from the most acclaimed artists of the last half-century, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol. The free museum's 2,000-piece collection also includes Ragnar Kjartansson's striking nine-screen music and performance art video "The Visitors," and Yayoi Kusama's mind-bending "Infinity Mirrored Room - The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away."

For a street-level view of L.A.'s art scene and to meet the next art stars in the making, head to the Arts District and its warehouse art collectives, galleries, and performance spaces. One of its most notable art spaces is Art Share L.A., a combination gallery, performance stage, and studio lofts for 30 working artists. The distinctive mural-covered building holds events nearly every night of the week, including art openings in the gallery, poetry slams, standup comedy, theater, dance, and performance art. Art openings and museum-worthy exhibitions can also be found at the nearby Hauser & Wirth cultural center.

The historic core and oldest section of the city, El Pueblo de Los Angeles features a number of restored buildings, streets, and plazas that give visitors an idea of L.A.'s early days and rich Mexican heritage. Stroll along the pedestrian-only Olvera Street Market at the heart of the district. It dates back to 1781 and features restaurants and vendor stalls selling hand-made leather goods, Mexican pottery, and other traditional items. Historic buildings include Avila Adobe, one of the city's first homes, and the America Tropical Interpretive Center, which displays a beautiful mural from 1932 by famed Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros.

With roots dating back to 1886, Little Tokyo is both the center of the largest Japanese-American population in the country and the place to go for some of L.A.'s best and most authentic Japanese food, sights, and shops. Check out the Japanese American National Museum and its documentary and art exhibits that tell the story of Japanese immigration to the U.S. Walk the outdoor Japanese Village Plaza to find traditional kimonos, gifts, and snacks. Then dive into some deliciously authentic Japanese fare at popular Daikokuya for some of the best ramen in the city or Kula's for excellent and inexpensive sushi.

Hanging out on rooftops is kind of a thing in L.A., and one of the first and coolest rooftops is at The Standard Downtown L.A. hotel. Order a fruity beverage, and then sit back on a waterbed pod and take in the views of downtown, the mountains to the north, and amazing sunsets. Nightly DJs include some of the best on the circuit, and there's a dance floor to get your moves on. The adjacent German Biergarten serves up savory pretzels, all-beef wieners, and strudels.

Grand Central Market offers so many tasty dining options all under one roof, you may need to go back for seconds. The fancy street food hall has operated in the heart of downtown since 1917, with 39 vendors selling an array of fresh meats and produce, coffee, pastries, and lunch or dinner entrees, ranging from Asian to Mexican. Enjoy a bowl of Thai khao soi noodle soup at Sticky Rice, a heaping pastrami sandwich at Wexler's deli, or spicy carnitas tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas. You can also load up on Mexican candy, dried fruits, and nuts at La Huerta, or order a scoop at McConnell's Fine Ice Cream.

The City of Angels may not have a West Coast version of the Statue of Liberty to attract visitors, but it's still loaded with enough fun activities and delicious food to make any vacation one to remember.