30 Ways to Fall in Love with Travel in Los Angeles in 2023

Last Updated: August 20, 2023

Whether you’re new to town, hanging with friends, or desperately trying to think of new Hinge date ideas in LA, this is the perfect list to help you fall in love with travel within Los Angeles. Even in a city like Los Angeles that’s full of things to do, it can be hard to think and plan for what to do this weekend in Los Angeles. You don’t have to travel far to fall in love with your surroundings. We’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of creative things to do in Los Angeles with your friends, family, or on a date night! Alternatively, if you’d like someone a guide to take you to some of the most iconic sites, this tour is phenomenal for Los Angeles.

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1. Hike up Point Dume in Malibu

Point Dume in Malibu is arguably one of the most breathtaking views in LA County. Plus, Point Dume has plenty of parking, restrooms, and restaurants nearby. Visitors come to surf, complete the 1.4 mile hike, rock climb, or photograph the cliffs and rocky coves. You’ll find plenty of people lounging by the beach or having a picnic. Plus, Point Dume is a location you’ll want to visit all year long, as it looks different in the summer vs. winter vs. spring. Read our complete guide to Point Dume for info on parking, trails, and more.

However, if hiking isn’t your thing, and you prefer to have a guide show you the way, this tour is well-rated and includes other popular destinations in the area.

2. Rent electric scooters at Venice Beach

You’ve likely seen views of Venice Beach in shows like New Girl, or the new Barbie movie. Venice is the perfect place to take an evening walk on the beach, to watch the skaters skate, to grab a snack, or to watch the sunset. However, one unique experience on Venice Beach is to rent electric scooters with friends. We opted for the 3 seater and all sat in together as we cruised down the bike path. We made it all the way to the Santa Monica Pier and back in under an hour. This cost about $20 a person, or $60 total for the hour.

3. Watch the sunset at Point Vicente Lighthouse

With plenty of parking and restaurants nearby, have dinner in Palos Verdes with a view of the coast & bluffs, before making your way down to the Point Vicente Lighthouse. The sunset reflects on the water creating the perfect spot for time-lapse videos as the sun kisses the horizon. The surrounding area is grassy and welcoming for a picnic. We’ve seen people come here to walk their dogs on the nearby trails, and some even come with binoculars to watch whales in the distance!

If you need a quick pointer on where to eat near Point Vicente Lighthouse, check out Swan Thai RPV, and eat outdoors with a view of the coast. Plus, the parking plaza is pretty big and you may even be able to leave your car there before walking down to the lighthouse!

4. Have afternoon tea at Ye Olde King’s Head

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing high tea in London, or afternoon tea at the Plaza, Ye Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica is a great local place to mimic the joy of tasty & petite foods. Plus, they take reservations! The cost is around $40 per person if you choose the Mimosa/Champagne option.

Plus, if you’re a fan of history, you’ll very quickly recognize the decor depicting former Kings of England. This amazing British restaurant is only a few blocks from the Santa Monica Pier, so after eating, take a ride on the ferris wheel if you fancy heights!

5. Eat an açaí bowl at Hermosa Beach Pier

Hermosa Beach Pier has a calmer ambiance compared to the Santa Monica Pier and the Malibu Pier. If you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere or a place to have a heart to heart, Hermosa Beach Pier is just the place. It’s also where the famous scene pier scene from the movie La La Land was filmed, so you know love will be in the air.

To cool off, we love getting Oakberry Açaí, as it reminds us of the lovely beaches and açaí of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Did you know Oakberry was founded in 2016 in Brazil and is growing very quickly all over the world? If you want to learn more about Rio, check out our article!

6. Try a curry donut at Japanese Village Plaza

The Japanese Village Plaza, located in the heart of Little Tokyo, is a foodie’s wonderland. If you’re interested in novelty, we recommend trying the fried curry donuts (not buns) at Yamazaki Bakery. We first tried these in the Japanese neighborhood of Liberdade in Sao Paulo, Brazil and have been obsessed since. Yamazaki also serves Gaviña Gourmet Coffee which is an LA favorite! There are metered parkings spots and parking structures around. Plus, if you want to make Little Tokyo a full-day experience check out the Japanese American National Museum.

7. Increase your heart rate at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Are you a stair master? Well, if you’re not already, you will be after you ascend Baldwin Hills via a sharp and steady incline. You can choose between 2 ways to ascend: 1) Take the sloping dirt trail, which is a 2.5-mile round trip; or 2) Take the stairs, which involves 282 steps. But at the top you are rewarded with picture perfect views. Just keep in mind, the trails at Baldwin Hills are NOT dog friendly!

8. Watch a Broadway show at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre

The Hollywood Pantages Theatre has been around since the 1930s, and nonetheless the beauty and glamor are still in tact! The last show we watched at the Pantages was the Broadway musical, Mean Girls, and it was totally fetch. Plus, it’s a great excuse to dress up and check out the nearby Walk of Fame before going in to the show! Click here to see what’s showing now.

9. Become a bookworm at The Last Bookstore

Okay, this place is massive in size. In The Last Bookstore in Downtown LA, you can easily spend 1-2 hours exploring books and records, and snapping photos. They sell both old & new boooks, and they are famous for their creatively quirky decor. Some areas are quite magical, giving off fantastical vibes only found in books like Harry Potter & Alice in Wonderland. Plus it’s totally free to visit The Last Bookstore. There is also a level of spookiness at the Last Bookstore, as it’s built in an old bank building. So think of Gringotts selling comics.

10. Ride a swan boat at Echo Park

Did you know Echo Park was first established as a drinking water reservoir? Today it serves as another kind of oasis in LA, where one can stroll, walk, or (most excitingly) boat within Echo Park’s premises. There are also tables for picnicking, bathrooms, and plenty of grassy areas. Walking around the lake is about 1 mile to complete. Renting a Swan Boat costs $12 for an hour. You can make a reservation prior to going!

11. Dream about your future home at Venice Canals

The Venice Canals are historic wetlands that almost feel out of place amidst the high-energy vibes of Venice Beach. But if you’re a fan of leisurely strolls and appreciate sightseeing at waterfront properties, you’ll appreciate this walk. You can spend as long as you’d like here, whether it’s a 10-minute walk or an hour. There are so many different ways to get lost in the maze of the canals. Plus, the canals are conveniently located near top restaurants and the ocean. For the best views, visit the Venice Canals during the evenings in December where homes go all out with lights and winter decor.

12. Eat where Jackie Chan saved the day in Chinatown

If you’re a fan of the movie Rush Hour, you’ll quickly recognize the Foo-Chow Restaurant in Chinatown. Relive the nostalgia of the 90’s while trying Foo-Chow’s Orange Chicken & Beef Chow Mein. Embrace the Chinese ambiance by checking out the nearby statue of Bruce Lee as well as the Chinatown Wishing well.

13. Bike to a farmers market on Ballona Creek

Skip the beach bike path along the coast, and head straight to Ballona Creek. The Ballona Creek Bike Path starts in Culver City and spans for 7 miles! You can hop on anywhere that suits you (there’s lots of free street parking at some of the cross streets in Culver, like Sepulveda Blvd). Plus, the Ballona Creek Bike Path has significantly less pedestrians than cycling on the beach bike paths, so you’ll get to truly enjoy your ride. On Saturday’s, Marina del Rey hosts a Farmer’s Market right off of the bike path (you just have to make one turn onto the Marvin Braude Bike Path). The farmers market is the perfect place to stop and grab a snack before heading back.

If you’re in the Marina Del Rey Area, here are some other experiences near the Marina that may be of interest:

14. Learn where babies come from at the California Science Center

The coolest thing about the California Science Center is that 1) It’s interactive not only for kids but also for adults, and 2) it’s free! I’ve visited quite a few science museums, and I was quite impressed by the California Science Center in Los Angeles. In particular, I was very intrigued by the pregnancy exhibit, where we get to see how we all started! However, do keep in mind that if you do decide to drive there, parking at the California Science Center is $15.

15. Try a Dodger Dog at Dodgers Stadium

Dodger Stadium, home of the LA Dodgers baseball team, is a cultural heartbeat for LA. Angelenos are diehard sports fans in general, but the Dodgers have a special place in the hearts of LA locals. And the stadium itself is actually quite impressive. With many sections newly renovated in the past two years, Dodger Stadium feels modern, fun, and clean. So grab your LA cap, come see a game, and try one of the famous Dodger Dogs while you’re there! (FYI it’s really just a hot dog, but it’s all about the experience!)

16. Shop for music & comics at Amoeba

LA is full of all kinds of hidden gems and quirky places, and Amoeba Music on Hollywood Boulevard is definitely a quirky hidden gem. Amoeba Music is a giant record store, but it’s much more than that. Inside, not only will you find thousands of records, but you’ll also find old movie posters, unique graphic tees, and lots of weird merch you never knew you needed. Amoeba Music is a fun place to explore if you’re waiting for a show to start at the Pantages Theater or you’re cooling off from the crowds at the Walk of Fame.

17. Buy antiques at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

Every second Sunday of the month, for the past 50 years, the famous Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena is converted into a massive flea market. And it’s not your average flea market. Each month, over 2,500 vendors gather at the Rose Bowl to sell over 2 million items. While shopping at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, you’ll find lots of unique hidden gems—from pink cowboy boots to antique decor to vintage clothing. You do have to buy a ticket to get into the Rose Bowl Flea Market—$12 to enter after 9am with the rest of the plebeians, or $20 for the early bird ticket if you want to join the hardcore shoppers who show up at 5am.

18. Watch amateur skaters become Tony Hawk at the Venice Beach Skatepark

The Venice Beach Skatepark is one of the coolest spots in LA to watch local amateur skaters. You’ll see people of all ages catching some serious air on their skateboards, with the ocean, sand, and palm trees in the background. The park is completely free and open to the public. If you’re a skater yourself, feel free to grab your board and hop into the skate park, because it is open to everyone! You’ll also see a ton of quirky dancers on roller skates at the Venice Roller Skate Dance Plaza, right next door to the skate park.

19. Discover if Ross & Rachel were on a break at the Warner Bros. Studio

If you love movies or shows, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is an awesome way to get an inside look at a current, active film studio. You get to tour the back lots and see sets from your favorite movies and shows, past and present. Some of our favorite sets were from Abbott Elementary, Gilmore Girls, Jurassic Park, You, and, of course, the original Friends fountain. On the Warner Bros. tour, you also get to see the original Central Perk set and the iconic orange couch.

How much is the Warner Bros. tour? Tickets are around $70. With that steep price, you may be wondering if the Warner Bros. tour is worth it. Check out our complete guide to whether the Warner Bros. tour is worth it for you.

20. Take a walk around the Hollywood Reservoir

Looking for a break from the hustle and noise of LA? The Hollywood Reservoir is the perfect nature escape, right in the heart of Hollywood. The lake is surrounded by many trees and a 3.3-mile trail for walking and biking. At the start of the Hollywood Reservoir trail loop, you’ll see perfect views of the Hollywood Sign. In fact, we think that the Hollywood Reservoir is the best way to see the Hollywood Sign.

The Hollywood Reservoir is one of the best kept secrets of LA, and the locals prefer to keep it that way. So if anyone asks, you didn’t hear about it from us. 🤫

21. Shop at Abbot Kinney Blvd

Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice is a unique place to go shopping in LA, with a mile-long stretch of shops and restaurants. What makes Abbot Kinney Blvd famous? The eclectic mix of architecture is unlike anywhere else—you’ll see high-end brands in bungalows from the early 1900s, right next to sleek, ultra modern structures. Abbot Kinney is home to high quality brands from all around the world, like Rio de Janeiro’s boutique store “Farm” or the Scandinavian lifestyle store “Huset.” While shopping, you can also grab a high quality cup of coffee from Intelligentsia on Abbot Kinney.

22. Hang with the stars at the Walk of Fame

The Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most famous places in Los Angeles, and for good reason. Not only can you see all the sidewalk stars dedicated to your favorite celebrities, but you can also check out the hand- and foot-prints from many movie stars right outside the TCL Chinese Theater. There’s something weirdly satisfying about comparing the handprint of Dwayne the Rock Johnson with your own, or seeing the outline of Sandra Bullock’s stiletto footprint.

We also love that the slab with the Harry Potter cast’s handprints is placed right next to the Twilight cast’s slab. Even though we all know that there’s no contest between the two franchises, we love the drama.

23. Have lunch at Long Beach’s Shoreline Village

Shoreline Village in Long Beach is frankly adorable. Built on a boardwalk overlooking the ocean, Shoreline Village is full of colorful shops and restaurants where you can easily get lost for a couple hours. In terms of parking at Shoreline Village, there is ample metered parking in a spacious lot, which we love to see.

After grabbing lunch or a drink, you can walk along the Long Beach Shoreline Marina for nice views of the mouth of the Los Angeles River. You’ll also see views of the Titantic-esque ocean liner Queen Mary, which was first set sail in 1936 and has since been converted into a hotel where you can stay for a night!

24. Roller Skate at Pigeons Roller Rink

LA has an iconic roller-dance scene. But diving into the roller skate scene at the crowded Venice skate rink can be a bit intimidating. If you’re not ready to roller skate with the big crowds, check out the more chill Pigeons Roller Rink in Long Beach. This hip pop-up roller rink has great vibes and plenty of Insta-worthy photo ops. You’ll get a nice mix of beginners and more experienced roller-skaters. Admission + skate rental costs around $25, and you can come and go throughout the evening. When you get tired of skating, you can explore the stores and restaurants in the charming 2nd & PCH mall where the rink is located.

25. Hike to the scenic overlook of Kenneth Hahn

Kenneth Hahn State Park is a great place for an urban hike within LA. This large state park in Culver City offers some really nice, short hiking trails that offer great views of LA. If you park in the first parking lot near the Japanese Garden in Kenneth Hahn, you’ll see a walking path near the garden. Take the path, and follow signs for “City Views.” Along the trail, you’ll see a cute man-made waterfall, some SoCal foliage, and, of course, city views.

Is Kenneth Hahn State Park free? On weekdays, yes! You can park for free and enjoy the park for no charge on weekdays. However, on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, there is a $7 fee for parking at Kenneth Hahn.

26. Have a classic Starbucks Coffee at Grand Park

Downtown LA is full of some of its own hidden gems, and Grand Park is one of them. Grand Park features perfect views of the famous LA City Hall (featured in many films and shows). The 12-acre park is home to a big fountain that lights up at night, and in the summer, there is a big splash pad for kids to play in. There’s also plenty of nice picnic tables right outside a Starbucks Coffee, so you can grab an iced coffee and enjoy the sunshine in this lovely green space in LA.

27. Ride some coasters at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most iconic places to visit in LA, and home to Pacific Park! The pier is bursting with the energy of people from all over the world, and the pier’s Pacific Park is full of roller coasters and that famous ferris wheel. 🎡 Not to mention, the Santa Monica Pier offers perfect ocean views with the Santa Monica Mountains in the background.

And note that Santa Monica Pier is dog friendly! So you can bring your canine friends along for the trip.

For the perfect afternoon, ride a few roller coasters at Pacific Park, listen to some street performers, and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, all from the Santa Monica Pier.

28. Meet the city of stars at Griffith Observatory

Obviously LA is known for its movie stars, but you can also see amazing views of *actual* stars from the Griffith Observatory. The Griffith Observatory is home to several powerful telescopes that are completely free and open to the public. And the observatory is open until 10pm, so you can wait til it gets dark, head up to Griffith and see the stars for yourself.

Even if you don’t want to go to Griffith Observatory at night (because let’s be honest, who wants to drive anywhere in LA after 5pm?), then it’s definitely worth checking out Griffith in the daytime. During the day, Griffith Observatory offers plenty of astronomy exhibits and great views of LA and the Hollywood sign. Plus, the surrounding Griffith Park is home to lots of fun hiking trails.

29. Support a good cause by getting coffee at La La Land in the Grove

Los Angeles is the home of many great coffee shops, but few have a mission as bold as that of La La Land — whose mission is “to normalize kindness.” To that end, La La Land’s employees seek to give genuine compliments and love to every customer.

More importantly, La La Land prioritizes hiring and mentoring foster youth who are aging out of the system. La La Land runs an internship program for foster youth, offering job training, mentorship, and housing assistance. So when you visit La La Land Kind Cafe at the Grove, you’re getting more than just a great cup of coffee, you’re actually contributing just a tiny sliver towards making the world a kinder place.

30. Visit ancient Rome at the Getty Villa

The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades is one of the most gorgeous buildings in LA. The Getty Villa is designed in the style of ancient Roman villas in the countryside, complete with an outdoor peristyle garden and reflecting pool.

Because it’s built into a high hillside on the coast, you’ll also get perfect views of the Pacific Ocean. And inside the Villa, there are many rooms of ancient Roman and Greek art. (Think The Muses from Hercules.)

One of the great parts of the Getty Villa is that it’s free to visit. You just need to reserve a ticket online in advance, and pay the $20 parking fee.