10 Reasons to Visit Los Angeles

Sun-soaked beaches, iconic landmarks and endless entertainment — discover the top reasons to visit Los Angeles, from Hollywood glamour and world-class dining to coastal drives and unforgettable California sunsets.

Los Angeles is known for many things, including its amusement parks, Hollywood, celebrities, and year-round heat. LA should be on your bucket list but if it is not, let us persuade!

From palm-lined boulevards and golden beaches to world-famous film studios and cutting-edge cuisine, Los Angeles is a city that effortlessly blends laid-back California cool with big-screen glamour. Whether you’re strolling along the Santa Monica shoreline, hiking up to the Hollywood Sign, or exploring diverse neighbourhoods packed with art, culture and flavour, LA offers something for every type of traveller.

In this guide, we’ll share the top reasons to visit Los Angeles — from its iconic landmarks and year-round sunshine to its thriving food scene and unforgettable road trip routes — so you can start planning your perfect West Coast escape.

Reasons to visit Los Angeles

1. The Weather

Our first reasons to visit Los Angeles is for the glorious weather. Southern California is sunny almost all year round, with average temperatures of 21 – 27 degrees C or 70 -80 degrees F. This makes LA the ideal vacation destination, any time of the year.

2. The Contrast

It it a city of contrast which is another one of the reasons to visit Los Angeles. Looking for bustling crowds? head to Hollywood Boulevard. Fancy a stroll on the beach? head to Venice Beach. Looking for some family fun? head to Santa Monica Pier.

Plus, there are plenty of contrasting accommodation options, from luxury rooms to unique places to stay in Los Angeles. There really is something for everyone in LA.

3. The Beaches

LA has a 70-mile coastline and it is beautiful, which is another one of the reasons to visit Los Angeles. Whilst there are plenty of things to do in Venice Beach and Santa Monica are popular Los Angeles beaches to visit or head to the beaches of Orange County or explore the things to do in Malibu, for a quieter, relaxing experience.

4. The Food

The next reason to visit LA is for the food. LA is home to some amazing fine dining options but is also home to authentic flavors from all over the world. Whether you are looking for a Hawaiian breakfast, Thai noodles, or German sausages and craft beer, there really is something for all tastebuds.

5. Shopping

When you think of shopping in LA, we can’t help but think of Pretty Woman but shopping in LA is more than that. Head to Rodeo Drive for some high-end window shopping or visit the LA Fashion District downtown for some more affordable options. You can also find vintage stores all over the city if you are looking for a great bargain.

6. Hollywood

Everyone wants a piece of Hollywood, which is one more reason to visit LA and a must on your Los Angeles bucket list. Whether it is celeb spotting in Beverly Hills, finding your favorite star on the Walk of Fame, or visiting the film locations and sets at the different film studios around the city like Warner Brothers Studio Tour, you will see the film industry ooze through every part of Los Angeles.

7. The Nightlife

With live theater, an amazing comedy scene, some of the best cocktail lounges in the world and music concerts from the best artists, you have a lot of options when it comes to nightlife in LA. Whether you want to watch your favorite artist or dance the night away at the latest club, the happening nightlife is one of the most popular reasons people visit LA.

8. The Nature

Hikers love Los Angeles, making this another reasons to visit Los Angeles for nature lovers. If you don’t want to leave the city, head to Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park, perfect for those looking for the best dog-friendly Los Angeles parks. For a quieter experience, head to Angeles National Forest, Eaton Canyon, or Malibu State Park.

9. The Art

Another reason to visit LA is for the art. Los Angles is home to world-class art museums including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Getty Center, The Broad, and the Geffen Contemporary. Beyond the museums, you can explore the street art of LA in the Downtown Art District.

10. The Theme Parks

And my last reasons to visit Los Angeles is one that keeps me returning. The Theme parks. Disneyland attractions have millions of visitors each year, with many dreaming to visit the original park on the outskirts of the city Get your Disneyland packing list, plan at least two days in the parks and enjoy being a kid for a few days. Alternately, head to Universal Hollywood to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at its best.

Things to Know before you go to Los Angeles

Best time to visit LA

Southern California is sunny almost all year round, with average temperatures of 21 – 27°C. This makes LA the ideal vacation destination, any time of the year. However, the best time to visit Los Angeles is March to May and September to November, when there are fewer crowds and less humidity. 

July and August are the hotted months, with temperatures as high as 113°F / 45 °C. 

If you are on a budget, the cheapest month to visit LA is February; with lower temperatures attracting fewer tourists. 

Best things to do in LA

1. Hollywood Boulevard

One of the most iconic sites in LA is Hollywood Boulevard, where you can find the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There are plenty of souvenir stores along this road as well as attractions such as Madame Tussauds, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and The Hollywood Museum.

You can also head to Hollywood and Highland mall, from here you can get a view of the Hollywood sign before heading to one of the many restaurants or retailers in the complex. 

2. Santa Monica Pier and beach

West of Downtown LA is Santa Monica, home to a famous beach scene, great restaurants, plenty of nightlife options, and the fabulous Santa Monica Pier. With over 200 days of sunshine a year, this is the ideal shoreline to visit, whether you are looking for a relaxing time on the beach or a thrilling ride. 

3. The Getty Center

Known for its impressive architecture, the Getty Center is home to some of the finest works of art in the world. You will find artwork from across history on this sprawling modern campus, tucked between the Santa Monica Mountains. You can take a guided tour or explore the museum independently, both options are free for visitors. 

4. Griffith Observatory and Park

Griffith Observatory sits on Mount Hollywood, offering magnificent views of Los Angeles and the surrounding area. The observatory is open from noon to 7pm and is free to enter, although you will have to pay to see the planetarium shows. 

5. Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive is an iconic spot in LA, known for being the upscale shopping street with stores that turned down Pretty Woman as she tried to shop. Do some celebrity spotting and enjoy some window shopping along this iconic drive. 

6. Venice Beach

Vence Beach and canals are modeled after the city of Venice in Italy. The neighborhood is a unique place in the area, offering canal-side mansions, quirky boutiques, and restaurants. Whilst in Venice, make sure to head to the boardwalk before spending some time on the beach. 

7. Hollywood homes tours

Ever wanted to see where the rich and famous live? Well, you can do just that with a Hollywood homes tour… or at least see the gates outside these mega-mansions. There are plenty of different minibus routes available from Hollywood Boulevard but you may prefer the open-top bus rides during the many warm months, so you can admire the sights and scenery during the journey. 

8. Studio tours

Being home to Hollywood, there are plenty of studio tours available for visitors to the city. The Warner Brothers studio tour is an iconic option, with stages including Friends, Big Bang Theory, and Ellen. Alternatively, you can visit Paramount Pictures or Sony Pictures, depending on what your favorite TV shows are. Regardless of which tour you choose, make sure to let your tour guide know which sets you would love to visit. 

9. Theme parks

Of course, we were going to mention theme parks. They may not actually be in Los Angeles, but not far away are top theme parks such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Knotts Berry Farm. 

10. Grand Central Market

Lastly, we have Grand Central Market, a foodie haven in downtown LA. With high ceilings, an open layout, and plenty of different cuisines available, you need to take a trip to this mark at least once during your visit. 

Reasons to visit Los Angeles FAQ