Experience the best Los Angeles tours

Los Angeles is absolutely packed with must-see landmarks, but there are a few spots that should be on every visitor’s list. The Venice Canals and beach are truly one of a kind, with an eclectic and funky only-in-LA energy.

Grab sushi and cocktails as you watch the sunset from Yamshiro, a historic Japanese restaurant tucked away in the Hollywood Hills, or make your way down from the Walk of Fame for a famous martini at old-school Musso and Frank.

Hit up Chinatown and Grand Central Market for can’t-miss street food. And make sure not to miss the city’s world-class museums, including The Getty, LACMA, and The Broad.

LA visitors with little ones should head straight to Griffith Park, an urban oasis packed with fun activities for kids of all ages. Small children can ride the rails at Travel Town, or explore the historic steam engines and railcars. The famous LA Zoo hosts animals from all around the world and is great for a full day of fun with the family.

Older kids and young ones alike will love the star show at the planetarium, while parents take in the historic atmosphere and jaw-dropping views. Outside the park, can’t-miss family-friendly attractions include the La Brea Tar Pits, the Petersen Automotive Museum, and the world-famous Long Beach Aquarium.

There’s so much to see and do in LA that there’s a tour for every kind of traveler! Foodies should take a bite of the city with the Downtown LA Food and Culture Tour, where you explore LA’s historic core while chowing down on the diverse cuisines and cultures on display at Grand Central Market.

True crime buffs and lovers of the supernatural will love the Haunted Hollywood Walking Tour, which takes you past the scenes of some of the city’s most notorious hauntings and crimes. And you shouldn’t miss the chance to get the perfect Instagram photo of you in front of the city’s best-known monument on the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Hike.

While there’s never really a bad time to visit this perpetually sunny city, spring and fall are generally considered two of the best times to visit LA. Planning your trip in March through May or September through November will allow you to take advantage of clear skies and pleasant temperatures, plus better air quality during your stay. Since these months are less popular than the winter and summer break seasons, you’ll also enjoy a relatively less crowded city that’s yours to explore. Still, winter and summer both have their charms! Winter brings skiing in the city’s mountains, while summer is the perfect season for soaking up the city’s surf culture.

Where you stay in LA depends on what you’re planning on doing during your time in the city. Thanks to LA’s notorious car culture, getting from tourist site to tourist site is no mean feat, so if you’re staying on the opposite side of the city from the destinations you want to visit, you’ll likely spend more time in traffic than you’d like.

If you’re looking for a laid-back beach vacation, stay on the west side of the city. If you’d like a more buzzy, busy urban experience, stick to the east side, which is home to many of the city’s cultural destinations and famous nightlife. Wherever you stay, you’re sure to be close to some great destinations to enjoy and explore.

Something is going on nearly every month of the year in Los Angeles. In January, Pasadena hosts the historic Tournament of the Roses. February is the Lunar New Year and Chinatown’s Golden Dragon Parade. March is the LA City Marathon when athletes and their supporters crowd the shut-down city streets.

June is LA Pride when West Hollywood hosts a massive parade. July fireworks in the city are legendary, and the Hollywood Bowl hosts an evening of classical music to accompany them. In October, there are haunted hayrides in the city’s historic parks. Whenever you visit, there’s sure to be an exciting event happening.

Many delicious and iconic recipes were invented in Los Angeles, including French dips, cheeseburgers and chili burgers, hot fudge sundaes, Orange Julius, Chinese chicken salad, and Korean BBQ tacos. But there are many more dishes to explore in this foodie destination.

Enjoy authentic dim sum in Chinatown, a late-night street taco, or “Danger Dogs” — bacon-wrapped hot dogs with grilled onions and peppers — that are sold by vendors outside of every concert venue and event. The city was one of the first places in the U.S. to popularize sushi, and you can still find some of the best omakase in the country in mini-malls throughout Los Angeles.

Whether you hop on a food tour or explore on your own, your taste buds won’t get bored. LA is home to cuisines and cultures from all around the world, and there are a thousand tasty treats to enjoy.

It takes some time to get to know this city, so we recommend you spend a minimum of four to five days on your first trip to LA. This time frame will give you enough wiggle room to get a real sense of the city without needing to rush.

LA is a car town through and through, so if you want to do things the easy way, a rental car (or a private tour with comfortable transportation included) is a must.

However, don’t overlook the city’s public transit. The rail system was recently expanded, and there are buses that will take you anywhere you need to go — it just might take a little longer than driving.

Fans of luxury retail should make a beeline to see and be seen on Rodeo Drive, but there are great alternative shopping destinations for the rest of us, too. Fans of rock n’ roll styling unique boutiques should head to the Melrose district.

Those looking for homegrown brands should explore Echo Park and Los Feliz, where chic storefronts sell one-of-a-kind fashion. Lovers of all things vintage should make time for The Rose Bowl, the city’s largest and most famous flea market.