Griffith Observatory sits on the south face of Mount Hollywood and overlooks the Los Angeles basin. Its location gives visitors impressive views of the surrounding area, which many rave about. But there’s more than just a pretty photo-op here. The observatory hosts fascinating exhibitions and features a top-notch planetarium.

Most recent visitors cited the beautiful setting as Griffith Observatory’s main draw, though the free entry was certainly a bonus. However, you will have to pay between $3 and $7 to see the planetarium shows. Griffith Observatory is open from noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with extended hours on weekends. Free but limited parking is available along the winding roads leading up to the property, or visitors can park in the small lot by the observatory for $10 per hour. A gift shop and cafe can be found on-site as well. For more information, check out Griffith Observatory’s website.

The Getty Center is one of the most impressive architectural achievements in the United States – and it also contains some of the finest works of art in the world. The circular concrete-and-steel structure was designed by renowned architect Richard Meier, and it houses an abundance of art from various ages and nations. Here you’ll find Renaissance paintings, 20th-century American photography, Baroque sculptures, historic manuscripts and more, all housed inside a sprawling, modern campus amid the Santa Monica Mountains. The museum also offers spectacular views of Los Angeles on clear days.

Recent travelers loved the museum for its value and beauty, highlighting the contrast between the art center’s subtle refinement and the over-the-top glitz of Hollywood. Many visitors suggest taking a guided tour, noting that the tour highlights interesting parts of the museum they wouldn’t have stumbled upon on their own. Tours of the Getty Center’s architecture and gardens are available, as well as a Collection Highlights tour and tours of art in specific eras. Tour times and days vary depending on tour type. Check the Getty Center’s website for a complete calendar.

Just west of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica contains one of the most legendary beach scenes in the United States. Santa Monica also boasts an abundance of great restaurants and excellent nightlife spots. The 3 miles of shoreline are renowned as some of the best in the area thanks to the soft sands, ideal weather and bevy of attractions. “State Beach,” as it’s known, has over 200 days of sunshine a year and acted as the backdrop for the popular television series “Baywatch.”

Santa Monica is a very walkable part of town, and many recent travelers suggest you explore the area by bicycle (a few of the best California tours offer guided cycling trips along the beach). Many visitors say the pier is a must-visit spot and fun to see. One of the most scenic rides is along the 22-mile bike path, known as The Strand, which runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean and takes riders through Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey along with Venice, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo beaches. Travelers also recommend riding the Ferris wheel at the pier and people-watching at the Third Street Promenade.

One of Hollywood’s most iconic and memorable sites, the TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) opened in 1927 and represents the excess of Hollywood’s Golden Age. You can tour the theater for $18 (kids tour tickets cost $8 and senior tickets are $14 each); tours are offered from 10:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Monday. Because of this attraction’s popularity, it’s best to reserve your spot online in advance. This working theater also shows various newly released films throughout the year.

Overall, previous travelers said the tour guides’ passion for the subject was evident, making their experiences special. However, some wished the area offered a glitzier atmosphere and others complained the tour was overpriced for what you got. Parking can also be challenging to find in Hollywood. To avoid the parking headaches, consider joining a bus tour (featured on our list of the best California tours), which will likely also include stops at other top attractions. Additional information about the attraction’s tours and movie showtimes can be found on the TCL Chinese Theatre website.

Malibu has a reputation for excessive wealth and exclusivity, yet all of the town’s beaches are public – everyone’s welcome. If you’re seeking an LA beach spot for sunbathing and swimming, look no further than this part of town. This 1.8-mile beach is far cleaner than those at Santa Monica or Venice Beach.

Malibu’s Zuma Beach is considered one of the finest beaches in the Los Angeles area. Locals and tourists laud Zuma for its awesome waves, ample parking and easy access to beachside snacks. Plus, there are a plethora of lifeguard stations and bathroom facilities.

Sitting south of West Hollywood is one of LA’s most beloved landmarks: The Original Farmers Market. Founded in 1934, this cream-colored facility reels in both residents and tourists with the promise of fresh produce and the aroma of ready-to-eat snacks. You can visit throughout the week, although hours vary depending on the day. Entry is free, but you’ll want to have some cash on hand should any of the treats whet your appetite. You can park for free for up to 90 minutes at the market’s two lots, provided that your ticket is validated at the market. (Fees apply for parking after the allotted 90 minutes and for nonvalidated tickets.) For a little help navigating the market, you can also take a guided foodie tour (one of the best California tours).

Though some previous visitors wished this market had more produce and meat stalls, most appreciated the tasty dishes sold by many of the prepared food vendors and many call it a must-see spot. But keep in mind that this market is often crowded and has limited tables, so expect to eat outside the market area or wait for a table to become available. Find out more by visiting the market’s website.

One of the most iconic thoroughfares in the United States, Sunset Boulevard continues to live up to its legends. In the old days, it represented the classic and glamorous Hollywood lifestyle and became the setting of several famous films, including the obvious classic “Sunset Boulevard.” Today, the palm-lined street (which connects downtown LA to Hollywood, Beverly Hills and the Pacific Coast Highway) retains its cinematic appeal, and the Sunset Strip portion has become a popular nightlife spot. The strip is also home to many classic music venues, including the Rainbow Bar & Grill and The Roxy Theatre.

Recent visitors loved driving along this famous boulevard, adding that gorgeous sunsets can be enjoyed during late afternoon drives. But like other parts of LA, this thoroughfare gets congested once rush hour hits, so plan accordingly.

Next door to the La Brea Tar Pits sits the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the linchpin of the Los Angeles museum district. Since its 1965 opening, LACMA has showcased thousands of pieces, from Islamic artifacts to European impressionist paintings to modern art. With constantly shifting exhibitions and unique architecture stretched across more than 20 acres of land, LACMA offers a rewarding experience for both serious art buffs and casual travelers.

Currently, the museum is preparing for the construction of a new building for its permanent collection, called the David Geffen Galleries, which is scheduled to open in 2024. For now, pieces will be on display in the BCAM and the Resnick Pavilion. The Urban Light and Levitated Mass exhibits remain open to visitors. There are three eateries on-site. While travelers commend the food, they note the restaurants are a bit pricey. Many visitors say the artwork on display is stunning, but several lament that much of the art is off exhibit because of the construction.

Philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad founded this museum in 2015 and the structure made for a stunning addition to downtown Los Angeles. The eye-catching, honeycomb building, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, is home to an expansive collection of contemporary art dating from the 1950s to the present. The collection includes works by Jean Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker and Andy Warhol. In addition to the permanent collection, temporary exhibits showcase new and emerging artists. The museum gets high marks from recent visitors who loved both the artwork and the architecture.

Admission to the museum is free (though some special exhibits may have a fee). For guaranteed entry, you can book timed tickets in advance. The museum is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking costs $15 for three hours with museum validation, and $5 for each additional 15 minutes, with a $25 daily maximum. It is $15 after 5 p.m. on weeknights and all day on weekends. The closest Metro line stop is the Civic Center/Grand Park Station. Visit the museum’s website for more information.

Just two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon Park is an often-overlooked urban park that offers some great views. The park boasts several hiking trails and is a popular spot for celebrities to exercise. During your hike, you’ll see plenty of palm trees. Atop the canyon, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley.

Travelers say that the canyon is reminiscent of Old Hollywood with several old mansions and estates scattered throughout the park – keep your eyes peeled as you follow the trail. Because of the hot, dry climate, the hike can be rough (even for those in great physical condition), so bring plenty of water. Some recent visitors lamented the lack of facilities, while others raved about the views.

Since the 1910s, Paramount has showcased the talents of film’s all-time heavyweights, including Meryl Streep and Morgan Freeman. The notable site has been home to everything from classic television shows like “I Love Lucy” to modern favorites like Amazon Prime’s “Jack Ryan” to box-office hits like “Mission: Impossible” and “Titanic.” Today, Paramount Pictures is the only remaining film studio in the Hollywood area.

For an authentic Hollywood experience, set aside some time to tour the grounds. On the two-hour studio tour, a guide will take you around the site’s 65 acres in a golf cart, and you’ll also be able to hop off and explore sound stages and recognizable studio sets from many current TV shows and movies. Previous visitors praised the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, although some felt the tours offered at Warner Bros. Studio were better. Also, keep in mind the tours’ age restrictions. Studio and VIP tours permit visitors ages 10 and older, while the seasonal After Dark tours only welcome travelers 16 and older.

Immortalized by Julia Roberts’ “Pretty Woman” shopping spree, Rodeo Drive is an upscale shopping street in Beverly Hills that features designer stores and small private boutiques. The area is popular with wealthy shoppers, sunglass-wearing celebrities and tourists hoping to see fashion icons.

Don’t be afraid to browse. Most shop owners are used to sightseers walking the area with little intent to purchase anything. That said, many recent visitors cautioned that some stores require appointments for entry and are generally off limits to tourists. Others said the thoroughfare can be a bit boring if you don’t plan on shopping, although past travelers with a passion for cars enjoyed looking for expensive vehicles parked along Rodeo Drive’s curb.

If you can catch a gig at the Hollywood Bowl, LA’s beautiful outdoor amphitheater, don’t pass it up. Since its inaugural season in 1922, this unique stage, set in the Hollywood Hills, has entertained thousands of fans and hosted some of the biggest names in music, including The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John and Tina Turner.

Many travelers praise the Hollywood Bowl, touting everything from the sound quality to the scenic overlook. Several also add that all of the seats offer great views and suggest arriving early with a bottle of wine and a picnic basket.

Developed in the early 20th century, Venice Beach is modeled – canals and all – after its namesake city in Italy. Admittedly, the experiment didn’t live up to its Italian inspiration, but the neighborhood has become distinctly Californian, embodying the spirit of the wealthy, the alternative and the just plain bizarre. Rather than towering churches and intimate pizzerias, you’ll find canal-side mansions near funky boutiques and restaurants.

Venice Beach’s claim to fame is its boardwalk. Hosting a daily procession of eclectic characters and scantily clad beachgoers, the boardwalk generally impresses out-of-towners. Past visitors loved checking out the area’s unique scene (including the open-air Muscle Beach and the Hotel Erwin’s High Rooftop Lounge), although some cautioned that the parts away from the pier were not appropriate for younger children. Other travelers note that the boardwalk sometimes reeks of cannabis. Also, remember that Venice Beach can get crowded on sunny days and is better suited for sunbathing, not swimming.

This Frank Gehry-designed concert hall’s curvaceous, stainless steel façade is an imposing structure in downtown LA. The hall helped revive this particular section of downtown, which was once dominated by mundane office buildings and lackluster entertainment options. Now, nightlife and culture burgeon in the area, and the concert hall is at the forefront. Music-loving travelers will want to catch one of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s performances here. (For ticket and price information, visit the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s website.)

But you don’t have to invest in concert tickets to experience this performance venue: You can follow a docent-led tour or a self-guided audio tour of the exterior and interior (though the actual concert auditorium is off-limits). Hourlong guided and audio tours are both free; audio tours are offered Monday through Saturday from either 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2 to 5 p.m., while guided tour hours vary by day and are generally available on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For a full tour schedule, visit The Music Center’s website.

As morbid as it may seem, your best chance of spotting a celebrity in LA is at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Here, you’ll find the final resting places of Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille and other stars who once worked at the adjacent Paramount Pictures Studios. Maps detailing the celebrities’ gravesites are available at the cemetery’s flower shop.

Recent visitors described the cemetery’s quiet grounds as “peaceful and serene,” adding that the grounds are well-maintained. Many also appreciated the informative and friendly staff.

In about a half-hour, travelers can trade in busy downtown LA for the serenity of nature at the Angeles National Forest. The almost 700,000-acre forest is an easily accessible place for locals and visitors to hike, bike, ski, ride horses, swim, fish and even camp. Encompassing the San Gabriel Mountains, terrain ranges from desert to dense forest. Perhaps one of the most visited sites is Mount Baldy, which is the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains at 10,064 feet. The 28-mile Gabrielino National Recreation Trail offers a variety of hikes, from moderate to challenging. Recent visitors loved the views and found the range of trail options perfect for different types of hikers.

Visitors to the Angeles National Forest must purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass. It’s $5 for a daily pass or $30 for an annual pass; the pass is good at other national forests in the area. There are visitor and information centers in different areas of the forest, which offer general information, activities and education events. Visit the forest’s website for specific hours and details.

If your kids go crazy for dinosaurs – and really, what kid doesn’t? – then a visit to La Brea Tar Pits is sure to be the highlight of their trip. Although the pits look like the set of a cheesy PG movie, hot tar has been bubbling from the earth at this spot along Museum Row in the Miracle Mile for about 40,000 years. And from the gooiest part of LA, more than 3.5 million fossils from 600-plus species have been discovered. The adjoining museum houses many of the artifacts found at the tar pits; consequently, it is home to one of the largest collections of Ice Age fossils in the world. Recent visitors loved learning something new and found the site fascinating.

You can check out the tar pits completely free of charge, but museum tickets start at $15 for adults; reduced entry fees are available for children, students and seniors. You’ll save $1 on each ticket if you buy tickets online. All tickets include tours of property facilities like the fossil lab, lake pit and observation pit. Complimentary admission is offered on the first Tuesday of every month (excluding July and August) and every Tuesday in September, but ticket lines on these days are long, so consider reserving your pass online before you arrive. Even if you have to pay to visit, most visitors agree that the exhibits are well worth perusing.

A world of fun and exploration await kids, as well as curious adults, at the California Science Center. In the permanent “Ecosystems” exhibit, museumgoers will learn about everything from islands to rivers to forests across eight different zones via interactive displays. In “Creative World,” technology takes center stage and explores the innovation in transportation and architecture. But the top draw for recent travelers? The museum’s “Air & Space” section which includes the Gemini 11 capsule piloted by Dick Gordon and Pete Conrad as well as a special exhibit about the Endeavor space shuttle. An IMAX theater is also on-site. Recent visitors say the center is wonderful, lots of fun and especially great for kids.

The center is free to visit, though special exhibits and IMAX screenings incur a fee. Access to the Endeavor is included with an IMAX or special exhibit ticket. On weekends and holidays, a timed ticket is required to visit Endeavor. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking costs $12. You can also take the Metro Expo Line to Expo Park/USC Station and walk five minutes to the center. Visit the center’s website for more information.

Baseball fans should enjoy a visit to Dodger Stadium, which is home to the LA Dodgers and is MLB’s third oldest continually used park. The stadium is carved into Chavez Ravine and overlooks downtown LA to the south and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, making this ballpark quite unique. If the Dodgers aren’t playing when you’re in town, you can still see the stadium on a guided tour. Tours of the 56,000-seat stadium last approximately 90 minutes. During the tour, visitors will learn about the stadium’s history and may get to go on the field, look at the Dodger Dugout or peek into the Lexus Dugout Club (the VIP restaurant and lounge located behind home plate), which houses the team’s World Series trophies and various other awards. Additional specialty tours, such as a Jackie Robinson tour, are also offered. Recent tour-goers say the guides are excellent and enthusiastic.

The Dodger Stadium Tour is offered at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on select dates. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 14 and under. Parking is $17 in advance and $25 at the gate, with no in-and-out privileges and no refunds. Tickets to baseball games are seasonal and prices vary.

Greystone is one of the largest mansions in Beverly Hills and an important landmark for American cinema. The nearly 13-acre parcel of land was a wedding gift from oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny to his son, Ned, in 1926. Construction on the mansion began in 1927 and took almost three years to complete. Greystone now represents a golden age in American cinema. Many films, including “The Big Lebowski” and “Ghostbusters,” and television shows like “General Hospital” and “Gilmore Girls” have been shot on these gothic-inspired grounds.

Today, the interior of the mansion is closed, except for special events and tours, but visitors are free to walk around the property. Two-hour park ranger tours of the mansion and gardens are held the first Saturday of the month from January through April as well as the first Sunday in March and April. Tours cost approximately $20 per person. For more information or to register for these tours, visit the website. Many visitors call Greystone Mansion a “hidden gem” within LA, saying that it offers respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. Travelers describe the park grounds as spectacular and enjoy learning which of their favorite movies and shows used Greystone as a backdrop.

Once you’ve seen where the stars shop, where they eat, where they surf and where they party, you’ll want to see where they live. A variety of minibus tours provide ample opportunities to spot homes owned by the rich and famous. You probably won’t see the celebs themselves, but you can snap pics of the homes affiliated with A-listers like Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise, Bruno Mars and Halle Berry. Also, expect to see facades that once housed the likes of Lucille Ball, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. Along with the stars’ abodes, buses usually make stops at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive.

According to recent travelers, the demeanor of your tour guide can make or break your trip. Visitors stuck on tours with grumpy or mumbling guides wished they had just bought a map and done the tour on their own. Also, be sure to check the weather for the day: Extreme heat or a sudden shower can put a damper on an open-top bus ride.

One of the most popular attractions in the Los Angeles area, Universal Studios Hollywood features rides and amusements based on some of the most popular scenes and characters from film and television. You can take the famous tram tour past the creepy Bates Motel from “Psycho” and get caught up in a high speed chase with the “Fast & Furious” cast. Kids can shake hands with cartoon favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants and Scooby-Doo. Of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is another huge hit, as is Jurassic World – The Ride. If thrills are your thing, there are plenty of hair-raising coasters and rides. On Transformers: The Ride-3D, riders join Optimus Prime in his battle against the Decepticons; meanwhile, youngsters will love the 3D ride Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (complete with a Minion dance party).

Universal Studios welcomes hoards of tourists each day; to forgo the long waits, travelers suggest purchasing the Express pass (formerly Front of the Line passes), which cost $179 to $279 each, online. This brings up another pain point: the price. At $109 to $129 for one-day general admission for adults and $103 to $123 for little ones ages 3 to 9 (when purchased online), a family excursion to Universal Studios doesn’t come cheap, something some visitors find off-putting.