Griffith Observatory
- 📍 Where
- Griffith Park
- 🕑 Best time
- Late afternoon for sunset; closed Mondays
Mubboo’s tip: Free entry; parking can be scarce—arrive early or hike from the Greek Theatre.
Things to Do in Los Angeles
Free–$1,000 per activity
Los Angeles can drain your wallet fast if you chase every tourist trap. The best views, like Griffith Observatory, cost nothing, while overpriced bus tours often disappoint. Spend your money on a curated food walk or a private guide who knows the shortcuts—and skip the Hollywood Walk of Fame entirely unless you love crowds and chain stores.
June: Summer kicks in; arrive early at beaches or try a night hike at Griffith Observatory. · Crowds: High
Mubboo Verdict: Los Angeles rewards those who plan for traffic and prioritize free outdoor spaces over hyped celebrity gawking. Skip the generic group tours; invest in experiences like an e-bike ride or a Beverly Hills food crawl that actually justify the price.
How M decides what’s worth it
M’s approach to LA: start with the free, great-for-everyone hits (Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach) to orient yourself. Then, allocate your budget to one or two high-value paid experiences—a private tour that cuts drive time, a food walk that unlocks culinary gems. Avoid wasting half a day in traffic for a 30-minute celebrity homes drive-by. Book earliest morning slots to beat both crowds and heat.
Free First
Free things to do in Los Angeles
Start here. These cost nothing and are genuinely worth your time — no booking required.
Santa Monica Pier
- 📍 Where
- Santa Monica
- 🕑 Best time
- Weekday mornings to avoid weekend gridlock
Mubboo’s tip: The pier itself is free; rides cost extra. Park north of the pier for cheaper rates.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
- 📍 Where
- Venice
- 🕑 Best time
- Early afternoon on a weekday
Mubboo’s tip: Skip Sundays when the drum circle draws massive crowds; the skate park is a spectacle.
The Getty Center
- 📍 Where
- Brentwood
- 🕑 Best time
- Tuesday–Friday, late morning
Mubboo’s tip: Admission is free, but parking is $20; take the Metro Rapid 734 bus to save.
Runyon Canyon Park
- 📍 Where
- Hollywood Hills
- 🕑 Best time
- Mornings for clear views and cooler temperatures
Mubboo’s tip: A tough hike with a huge payoff—bring water and avoid midday sun; off-leash dog area.
Tours & experiences worth paying for in Los Angeles
LA’s best paid tours go beyond the surface. Whether you want to cruise in a vintage Cadillac, eat your way through Beverly Hills, or bike into Griffith Park’s hidden corners, these picks emphasize intimacy and local insight over mass-market box-checking. All deliver genuine value if you pick the right one for your travel style.
Private Hollywood Bus Tour
5.0171 reviews⏱ 2 hours
Mubboo Verdict: Overpriced for a bus tour, but the private open-top setup gets you closer to landmarks without fighting crowds. Worth it for a small group wanting a breezy intro.
Best for: First-timers who want a comfortable, curated overview
From $350Book Now
Classic Convertible Car Tour of Los Angeles
5.0139 reviews⏱ 4-8 hours
Mubboo Verdict: The only way to see LA in style, but the price is steep. Best for vintage car enthusiasts or a special occasion splurge.
Best for: Couples celebrating or classic car lovers
From $1000Book Now
Beverly Hills Food Tour with Gourmet Tastings and Drinks
5.083 reviews⏱ 3h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: A savvy way to taste high-end bites without the sticker shock of Beverly Hills dining. The secret bar access is a nice touch.
Best for: Foodies who want a guided culinary deep-dive
From $189Book Now
G'day LA by Luxury E-Bike: Griffith Park, Observatory to LA River
5.057 reviews⏱ 3 hours
Mubboo Verdict: E-bikes make the hilly terrain effortless, and you'll reach viewpoints buses can't. Skip if you're uncomfortable on two wheels.
Best for: Active travelers who want a non-touristy ride with killer views
From $175Book Now
Half Day LA Tour: Hollywood, Celebrity Homes, Santa Monica
5.031 reviews⏱ 4h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: A solid budget pick covering the essentials, but expect a larger group and less personal attention. Good for a quick orientation.
Best for: Budget-conscious first-timers wanting a sampler
From $59Book Now
20-Minute Driving Tour: Hollywood to Sunset Blvd in a Lamborghini
5.053 reviews⏱ 20 minutes
Mubboo Verdict: A flashy thrill ride that's over before it starts—literally. Pay $139 for a 20-minute Instagram moment, not a tour.
Best for: Thrill-seekers and car fanatics with cash to burn
From $139Book Now
What to skip & what to know in Los Angeles
Skip these
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: A sidewalk covered in stars that feels more like a crowded flea market. If you're not a die-hard film buff, it's not worth the hassle.
- Rodeo Drive Shopping: Unless you're actually planning to drop four figures, window-shopping here is just a walk past luxury stores you can find anywhere.
- Generic Star Homes Bus Tours: These open-air buses often promise celebrity sightings but deliver drive-bys of tall hedges. The commentary is often recycled trivia.
Know before you go
- Traffic is the real villain: A 5-mile drive can take 45 minutes. Use Waze and pad your schedule accordingly.
- Griffith Observatory closes Mondays: Many tourists show up to find gates locked. Always verify hours online before heading up.
- Beach parking is a nightmare on summer weekends: Arrive before 10am or take public transit. Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus serves the coast.
Where to spend your time in Los Angeles
Hollywood
🚇 15–20 minutes from Downtown LAWalk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Bowl
Top pick: Hike to the Hollywood Sign from the Brush Canyon Trail
Santa Monica
🚇 25–40 minutes from Downtown LAPier, Third Street Promenade, beaches
Top pick: Bike the Marvin Braude Bike Trail along the beach
Downtown LA (DTLA)
🚇 centralWalt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market, The Broad
Top pick: Free contemporary art at The Broad (advance tickets recommended)
Beverly Hills
🚇 20–30 minutes from Downtown LARodeo Drive, Spadena House, Beverly Gardens Park
Top pick: People-watch over a coffee on Canon Drive
Venice
🚇 30–45 minutes from Downtown LABoardwalk, Muscle Beach, canals
Top pick: Kayak the Venice Canals for a different perspective
Browse by category
When to visit Los Angeles, month by month
JuneThis monthHigh crowds
Summer kicks in; arrive early at beaches or try a night hike at Griffith Observatory.
JanuaryLow crowds
Post-holiday calm: explore museums and enjoy mild hiking weather without crowds.
FebruaryLow crowds
Valentine’s dinner with an ocean view; book a Santa Monica sunset stroll.
MarchMedium crowds
Spring break begins; reserve studio tours early. Wildflowers bloom in Griffith Park.
AprilMedium crowds
Perfect hiking temperatures. Catch cherry blossoms at Descanso Gardens.
MayMedium-High crowds
Graduation season; beaches start filling. Hit a rooftop bar in DTLA.
JulyVery High crowds
4th of July fireworks over the Queen Mary. Peak crowds; book everything in advance.
AugustHigh crowds
Hot inland; escape to Santa Monica or take a sunset sail from Marina del Rey.
SeptemberMedium crowds
Post-Labor Day lull: ideal for theme parks with shorter lines. Still warm.
OctoberMedium crowds
Halloween events at Universal and Disney. Best museum-hopping weather.
NovemberMedium crowds
Thanksgiving week spikes; otherwise, quiet. Excellent for food tours.
DecemberHigh crowds
Holiday lights at The Grove, ice skating at LA Live. Book hotels early.
Not sure where to start?
First-timer with 2 days
See the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory, then take a private tour to hit the highlights without the stress.
Explore toursFamily with teens
Skip the typical bus tour; book an e-bike adventure through Griffith Park to keep everyone engaged.
Explore toursCouple on a romantic getaway
Indulge in a Beverly Hills food tour with secret bars, followed by a convertible ride at sunset.
Explore toursSolo traveler on a budget
Join a small-group food walk in Downtown LA for $110—you'll sample six eateries and meet fellow travelers.
Explore toursWhat travelers are saying
“Don't bother driving to the Hollywood Sign—hike from Griffith Observatory instead. The view is better and you skip the crowded, narrow roads.”
“Paid $59 for a half-day tour that covered Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills. Absolutely worth it for a first-timer with limited time.”
“The Getty Center is a local favorite—free admission, stunning architecture, and the garden is a masterpiece. Just pay for parking or take the bus.”
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth booking a paid tour in Los Angeles?
For first-timers or those short on time, a well-chosen tour can cut through LA's sprawl. Avoid generic big-bus options; instead, pick a niche food or e-bike tour that offers unique access. Always check group size and cancellation policies.
Are there discounts available for LA attractions?
Yes. Many museums offer free admission days (check the Natural History Museum and LACMA schedules). Go City passes bundle multiple attractions at reduced rates. Viator often runs seasonal promotions for tours booked weeks in advance.
What are the best family-friendly activities in LA?
Griffith Observatory (free, interactive exhibits), California Science Center (free, Space Shuttle Endeavour), Santa Monica Pier (rides cost extra), and the Hollywood Bowl (kids' concerts). For a splurge, a private Hollywood bus tour keeps everyone together without walking fatigue.
What can I do in LA for free?
Plenty. Hike Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park, stroll Venice Beach Boardwalk, explore The Getty Center and The Broad (free with reservation), window-shop at Grand Central Market, and watch street performers at Santa Monica Pier. Many beaches are free, but parking fees apply.
Is Los Angeles safe for tourists?
Generally yes, but exercise caution in crowded tourist spots like Hollywood Boulevard after dark. Petty theft and car break-ins are common; never leave valuables visible in parked cars. Most neighborhoods popular with tourists are well-patrolled.
What's the best way to get around Los Angeles?
A car is almost essential but be ready for traffic. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) work for shorter distances. The Metro rail connects Downtown, Hollywood, and Santa Monica. Avoid relying on public buses for tight schedules.
Where should I stay in Los Angeles?
First-timers: Hollywood or West Hollywood for central access. Beach lovers: Santa Monica. Culture buffs: Downtown LA. Families: Pasadena or Beverly Hills. Base yourself near your top activities to minimize drive time.
Plan the rest of your Los Angeles trip
FlightsLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main gateway, with nonstop flights from most US cities. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Long Beach Airport (LGB) offer smaller, less chaotic alternatives. Allow 45-60 minutes to reach Downtown LA.HotelsNeighborhood matters more than brand in LA. Choose a hotel close to your planned activities to avoid long drives. The Hollywood Roosevelt is a classic choice for nightlife; The Pierside Santa Monica suits beach-goers; and Downtown's The Standard puts you in the urban mix.City guideFor a deeper dive into LA's neighborhoods, restaurants, and seasonal events, check our full Los Angeles city guide. It covers hidden hiking trails, the best taco trucks, and updated theatre schedules.
Things to do in other cities
Las VegasA neon playground with exceptional shows and dining—just a 4-hour drive away.San FranciscoIconic Golden Gate views and a famously hilly city perfect for a weekend trip.New YorkThe city that never sleeps offers Broadway, museums, and endless dining.MiamiSun, Art Deco, and Cuban coffee—a lively contrast to LA's laid-back vibe.ChicagoDeep-dish pizza, stunning architecture, and a lively lakefront scene.LondonA global hub of history and culture, with direct flights from LAX.
Before you go
- esimStay connected with an eSIM from Airalo—avoid roaming fees and use maps on the go.
- insuranceTravel insurance is a smart move; Allianz covers trip cancellations and medical emergencies.
- transferPre-book a shared shuttle from LAX to your hotel with SuperShuttle to bypass the taxi line.
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