Dome-shaped building on edge of a cliff with LA in the background. Skyscrapers and houses lit up.
Visit on certain nights when the observatory is having Star Parties, allowing visitors to look through telescopes at the moon, stars and planets.

11 Must-See Attractions for a Dreamy Trip to Los Angeles

City Lights and Late Beach Nights

Los Angeles consistently ranks as one of the top destinations to visit in the United States. As big cities go, it’s a lot larger and spread out, which gives it a bit of an advantage over locations like New York or Chicago.

Because of the sprawl, there are a variety of Los Angeles points of interest ranging from beaches, to museums, to shopping areas and outdoor concert venues. For anyone interested in the entertainment industry, the lure of Hollywood still dominates the landscape of the city and its attractions.

The weather is always beautiful, meaning the city is not only a great summer vacation destination in the USA, but any time of the year. It can also be enjoyed on any budget, as there are plenty of affordable accommodations in LA to choose from.

Knowing what to do in Los Angeles is sometimes as simple as taking a walk around. However, if you’re planning a trip to the area or are just fantasizing about someday visiting, make sure to check these Los Angeles attractions off your bucket list.

Griffith Observatory

No visit to Los Angeles is complete without a visit to the Griffith Observatory. Located inside the sprawling Griffith Park in Hollywood, you may recognize its golden dome from the James Dean film Rebel Without a Cause.

Kids will love their onsite planetarium, camera obscura and interactive space and science exhibits. On certain nights, they even hold Star Parties where visitors can look through provided telescopes at the moon, stars and planets.

Since the observatory and museum are free of charge it’s a popular spot for budget-savvy individuals who are looking for cheap things to do in LA. Just be aware that parking onsite is limited.

Wooden pier extending over the water with metal streetlights and wooden benches. People milling about. Beach off to the left and Ferris wheel off to the right.The pier has been a source of leisure and entertainment for residents and tourists for 100 years.Photo Credit: Getty Images / viewapart

Santa Monica Pier

One of the highlights of Santa Monica Beach is its historic fishing pier. For over 100 years, the pier has been a source of leisure and entertainment for residents and tourists in the area.

Aside from fishing accessibility, the pier also features its own amusement park, arcade, eateries and souvenir kiosks. On any given day, especially during the summer, you’ll find spontaneous concerts from local musicians, outdoor movie screenings, festivals and Pokemon Go meetups.

Santa Monica Pier is definitely one of the best places to visit in Los Angeles when it comes to family outings.

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Red building with Muscle Beach painted on top of it. Blue fenced off area with fitness equipment.Muscle Beach was originally located in Santa Monica but is currently found just south in Venice.Photo Credit: iStockPhoto / 4fr

Muscle Beach

Muscle Beach has been credited with starting the physical fitness craze that’s so much a part of America’s culture. While the original Muscle Beach was located in Santa Monica, its current incarnation is just south in Venice.

The beach is set up with various exercise equipment and has been attracting gymnasts, acrobats, bodybuilders and athletes since the 1930’s, but gained much of its popularity in the 1950’s.

Many famous actors and bodybuilders have and continue to train there, including Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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