[Los Angeles Travel Plan] Top 10 Must-See Tourist Spots
- Yohei Sakurai
- Jun 12, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 13, 2024

Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the United States and has a lot to offer. This guide will give you all the information you need to know when planning your trip to Los Angeles , as well as the top 10 attractions to visit, whether you're a first-time visitor or a repeat visitor.
What is the appeal of traveling to Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is a city that captivates with its diversity and entertainment options, and there's plenty for tourists to visit, from Hollywood movie capital to beautiful beaches and world-class museums.
Entertainment Hub
Los Angeles is a world-famous entertainment capital and home to many Hollywood film studios and famous movie theaters, where you can visit locations where movies and TV shows are filmed.
Diverse culture and history
Los Angeles has a diverse culture and a rich history. There are many places where you can experience different cultures, such as Little Tokyo, Chinatown, and Olivera Street. In these areas, you can enjoy delicious food and traditional festivals.
Beautiful beaches and nature
Los Angeles has many beautiful beaches where you can enjoy surfing, beach volleyball, and sunbathing. Santa Monica and Venice Beach are especially popular with tourists. Griffith Park and the natural beauty of Malibu are also not to be missed.
Enjoyable climate all year round
Los Angeles is blessed with a warm climate all year round, making it a fun city to visit at any time. Beach activities are especially popular in the summer, and even in the winter, the weather is relatively warm, with many events being held there.
Preparation before visiting Los Angeles attractions
When planning your trip to Los Angeles, there are a few important things to consider when making preparations. Below are some things to check before you travel:
Visa and passport check
To enter the United States, you need a visa and a valid passport. Applying for a visa can take time, so apply early. It is also important to check the expiration date of your passport.
Arrange travel insurance
We recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover any troubles that may occur during your trip. It is a good idea to have insurance that covers medical expenses, theft, cancellation fees, etc.
Research on major tourist destinations
Los Angeles has a lot to offer, but to do your sightseeing efficiently in a limited amount of time, you need to do some research beforehand. Find out the opening hours, admission fees, and access information for the attractions you want to visit.
Create a packing list
Making a list of the things you need to pack for your trip can help you avoid forgetting things. If you're going to the beach, make sure to bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, a towel, etc.
Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Los Angeles
There are many tourist attractions in Los Angeles, but we will introduce 10 places you should not miss. These spots are all places where you can fully experience the charm of Los Angeles.
Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign, a symbol of Los Angeles, is a must-see spot. You can get close to it by hiking from Griffith Park and enjoy the beautiful views.
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is a popular spot for viewing the Los Angeles night skyline. It's especially recommended for those interested in astronomy, and you can also enjoy planetarium shows and exhibits.
Universal Studios Hollywood
A must-see for movie buffs, Universal Studios Hollywood offers tours of movie sets and theme park fun, including popular Harry Potter areas and thrilling rides.
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is a tourist attraction with a beautiful beach and a Ferris wheel. It is a place that families and couples can enjoy, and there are plenty of shopping and restaurants.
Getty Center
The Getty Center is a world-famous art museum with a magnificent collection of art displayed across its vast grounds, and the building itself is beautiful and well worth a visit.
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is a shopping street lined with luxury boutiques. Hollywood stars also visit this area, where you can enjoy window shopping and relax in a cafe.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has a wide variety of art works on display across its vast grounds. The outdoor light art called "Urban Light" is particularly popular as a photo spot.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a pedestrian walkway along Hollywood Boulevard lined with stars bearing the names of famous people. Find your favorite stars on the walkway.
Downtown LA
Downtown LA is the business and cultural center of Los Angeles. It is home to historic buildings, the latest art spots, and entertainment facilities, making it an attractive area for tourists.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a beach with a unique atmosphere. There are many street performances and art shops, so you can enjoy just walking around. Cycling and skateboarding are also recommended.
Best season and weather to visit Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a warm climate all year round, but each season has its own charm, and the activities you can enjoy will vary depending on what time of year you visit.
Spring: The best time to visit
Spring is a great time to visit Los Angeles as the weather is mild and you can enjoy the parks and gardens in full bloom, especially Griffith Park and Eco Park.
Summer: Enjoy beach activities
Summer is the season when Los Angeles beaches come to life, offering surfing, beach volleyball, sunbathing and plenty of summer events and festivals across the country.
Autumn: Mild weather
In the fall, the heat subsides and there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace. We also recommend taking a drive to wine country or visiting autumn foliage spots around Los Angeles.
Winter: Lots of events
In winter, Los Angeles is full of holiday events, including Christmas lights and parades. Thanks to the mild climate, you can also enjoy outdoor activities in the winter.
Restaurants and Cafes to Visit on Your Trip to Los Angeles
Los Angeles has such a diverse food scene that you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to where to eat. The following eateries and cafes are great places to stop in between sightseeing.
In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger is a hamburger chain that originated in California, and is popular for its hamburgers made with fresh ingredients. The "Animal Style" is a dish you should try at least once.
The Original Pancake House
The Original Pancake House serves up hearty pancakes, especially the Dutch Baby Pancakes and Apple Pancakes.
Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles
Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles is known for its unique chicken and waffle combination, bringing a taste of the American South to Los Angeles.
Urth Caffe
Urth Caffé is a cafe with a wide variety of menu items made with organic ingredients. You can enjoy healthy breakfasts and lunches, and their coffee with beautiful latte art is especially popular.
Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market is a food market in Downtown LA that offers a wide variety of cuisines, from tacos to bagels to sushi, and cuisines from all over the world.
Things to do at Los Angeles attractions
Los Angeles offers a wide variety of activities. Rather than just visiting tourist sites, you can enjoy Los Angeles on a deeper level through a variety of experiences.
Movie Studio Tours
Film studio tours in Los Angeles allow you to see actual sets where movies and TV shows are filmed, with Universal Studios and Warner Bros. tours being particularly popular.
hiking
There are many hiking trails around Los Angeles where you can enjoy nature to the fullest, including Griffith Park and Rancho Palos Verdes, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery.
shopping
Los Angeles is also a shopper's paradise, with something for every style, from the luxury boutiques of Rodeo Drive to the vintage stores of Melrose Avenue.
Beach Sports
Beach sports are also a way to enjoy Los Angeles. You can enjoy surfing and beach volleyball in Santa Monica and Venice Beach, or just relax by the sea.
Art Gallery Tour
Los Angeles is home to many art galleries. You can see a wide range of works, from contemporary art to classics, by touring the galleries in the Downtown Art District and Hollywood.
Where Can I Stay near the top attractions in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has many accommodations that allow you to stay in a convenient location near the city's attractions. Below are some recommended accommodations.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel is a luxury hotel that combines history and luxury. Many celebrities visit this hotel, where you can spend an elegant time.
The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles
The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles is a luxury downtown hotel featuring modern design and exceptional service, conveniently located for exploring the city.
Chateau Marmont
The Chateau Marmont is a historic hotel located in the Hollywood Hills. Its unique architecture and relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite among movie industry professionals.
Hotel El Royal
Hotel El Royale offers budget-friendly, comfortable accommodation, great value for money and easy access to tourist attractions.
The Loews Hollywood Hotel
The Loews Hollywood Hotel is located in the heart of Hollywood, convenient to attractions and offers luxurious amenities and services.
Transportation and traffic information for your trip to Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a large city, so it's important to plan your transportation in advance. Below are some convenient ways to get around during your trip to Los Angeles.
Rental car use
Although public transportation is well developed in Los Angeles, renting a car is convenient for traveling around a large area. Having a car makes traveling to the suburbs and tourist spots smoother, especially.
Use of public transport
Los Angeles' public transportation system includes buses and subways, which are economical and have convenient routes to access major tourist destinations.
Using ride-sharing services
Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also widely used in Los Angeles, making it easy to get around and convenient for accessing areas where public transportation is inconvenient.
Sightseeing Bus Tours
A sightseeing bus tour is an efficient way to see the main tourist spots. We recommend a tour that allows you to see the sights at your own pace, such as a hop-on hop-off bus.
Useful apps to help you when traveling to Los Angeles
To make your trip to Los Angeles more convenient, it is useful to download the following apps.
Google Maps
Google Maps is the go-to app for getting around Los Angeles, and it also provides public transport routes and pedestrian directions to help you navigate the area.
Yelp
Yelp is an app that lets you check reviews of restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions. You can choose the place you want to go by referring to the local reputation.
Uber/Lyft
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft make it easy to get around Los Angeles, making it easy to call a car and get you safely to your destination.
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is an app that helps you plan your trip by providing reviews of attractions and accommodations, and by taking into account the opinions of other travelers.
Visit California
Visit California is the official app that provides tourism information for the whole of California. You can check the latest information and event information for Los Angeles and other parts of California.
Summary: Los Angeles travel and attractions
Los Angeles is an entertainment hub with many attractions. There is a wealth of information for travelers on tourist attractions, activities, restaurants, accommodations, and more to help them have a fulfilling time. Use this article as a reference to plan your trip to Los Angeles. Great memories await you.

