Things to do in Los Angeles

From the hills to the beaches and the Walk of Fame to Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles packs it all in. For visitors, there’s no shortage of standout spots, whether it’s your first or fifth time in the city. Plus, many are free and require no reservations. 

Keep reading for a guide to some of the city’s most popular sights.

What you’ll learn:

• There are many must-see landmarks, museums and cultural spots around LA, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the La Brea Tar Pits.

• LA also has some great outdoor activities and scenic views in places like Runyon Canyon and Grand Park.

• Eligible cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book their trip.

The Getty Center is one of the most visited museums in the country, and it’s free. Inside this impressive structure atop the Santa Monica Mountains, you’ll find pre-20th-century European works of art, photography from the 19th century to the present, contemporary sculptures and more. While you’re there, stroll through the Central Garden, enjoy a picnic on the lawn or get creative with the little ones in the family room. You can even catch a live concert in the summertime.

For a coastal setting, you can take a short drive west to the Santa Monica Pier. One of the most photographed locations in the world, it offers breathtaking views of the Pacific and the SoCal skyline. There’s also a variety of activities to keep the whole family entertained, from fishing and outdoor dining to shopping and an amusement park right on the pier.

As the world’s only active urban ice-age excavation site, the La Brea Tar Pits allow you to step back in time in a way you can’t at many other museums. The pits were first excavated in 1901, revealing a wealth of historical relics. Since then, fossils and bones have continued to be discovered. General admission is $18 or less, and admission is free for active and retired military personnel, California teachers and children under 2. LA County residents get free admission for two hours every day. Booking advance tickets online is highly recommended.

The Griffith Observatory is considered a leader in public astronomy, and its iconic exterior helps make it one of the city’s most loved cultural attractions. Grab a free telescope day or night and take a gander at the sky above.

California is known for its beautiful vistas and the trails that lead you there. And when you’re in LA, a hike through Runyon Canyon delivers some stellar city views. With 160 acres of undeveloped land, the park sits above the City of Angels in the Hollywood Hills. There are trails for every skill level, whether you’re a terrain-traversing pro or you just want to take a scenic selfie.

A list of things to do in LA wouldn’t be complete without mention of the Hollywood Sign. While it’s pretty easy to catch a glimpse of it from the city below, your best bet for a view is to start in Griffith Park. There you’ll find hiking trails running from the Griffith Observatory to Mount Hollywood. If you’re not feeling up to the hike, don’t worry. You can get a great view—and an easier walk—from the Hollywood Reservoir.

Located in downtown LA, Grand Park calls itself “the park for everyone.” Stroll through 12 acres of green space and take part in a variety of activities year-round: Plan a picnic, play in the splash pad, walk your dog or practice your downward dog in a yoga class. Food trucks also make the rounds Monday through Thursday. Open daily from dawn to dusk, Grand Park is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in the heart of the city.

Situated between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, the Original Farmers Market is a year-round venue known for its multicultural fare, one-of-a-kind gift shops and historic charm. With over 100 vendors, there’s no shortage of flavors to choose from. After your meal, you can hunt for a local treasure to bring a piece of Los Angeles back home with you.

LA has no shortage of fine-dining options, and you might even spot a few celebrities if you eat at one of its more famous restaurants. But for a true taste of the city, hit up some food trucks. From gourmet grilled cheese to Korean barbecue and, of course, tacos, you’ll find culinary treasures on almost every corner.

You can’t get more LA than a baseball game at Dodger Stadium. And don’t forget Angel Stadium in nearby Anaheim. 

Eligible Capital One cardholders can access premium seats through Capital One Entertainment. To find your tickets, sign in to your Capital One account.

Enjoy an authentic cinematic experience at Paramount Pictures Studio, the longest operating film studio in Hollywood. A two-hour tour will transport you by golf cart to the legendary studio sets and sound stages of your favorite TV shows and movies. Guided tours typically start at $71 per person.

Home to more than 2,700 stars and stretching 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is iconic. The first star was laid in 1960, and more are added every month. You can map out where your favorite stars are before you take this Tinseltown trek, or just take a stroll and see whose star you find.

A trip to LA isn’t complete till you stick your toes in the sand. World-famous Venice Beach promises that and so much more. Stroll the boardwalk and catch free performances from singers, jugglers or even fire-eaters. Work out at the famous Muscle Beach Gym with a day pass. Or if you’re looking to see more in less time, you can pick up a bike rental at Venice Beach.

There’s no better place to enjoy some retail therapy than the famous Rodeo Drive. Running through upscale Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is home to some of the world’s most luxurious brands. Even if you’re not in the market for anything, the window-shopping is spectacular.

Venture to the legendary Sunset Strip in West Hollywood to soak up some live music, indulge in world-class dining options and experience the vibrant nightlife. But the strip isn’t just reserved for nighttime fun: Sunset Plaza features upscale boutiques, open-air eateries and sightseeing opportunities if you prefer an afternoon stroll.

From booking to destination, you can elevate every part of your trip with Capital One:

• Capital One Travel. Eligible Capital One cardholders can use Capital One Travel to earn and redeem rewards on thousands of trip options. Capital One Travel also offers access to smart tools, price prediction, price drop protection and more.

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit. Venture X and Venture cardholders can receive up to a $120 credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® when they pay for the application fee with their card. 

• Rent a car. Eligible Capital One cardholders can get complimentary status upgrades in the Hertz® Gold+™ car-rental loyalty program. As a member, you’ll skip the rental counter at pickup and drop-off at selected locations. 

• Travel protections. Cardholders may have access to travel insurance through their credit card. Benefits may include trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage insurance. You can review your guide to benefits for more information on which benefits come with your credit card.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or a glamorous Hollywood experience, you’re sure to find plenty of fun in the sun in La-La Land. And with these go-to ideas for quick inspiration, you can keep the action rolling for as long as you like.

Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards that can help make your travel experience more enjoyable. 

• Elevate your next adventure with the Venture X card, which offers premium travel benefits and more.

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