From glamour to green spaces: Top things to see in Los Angeles
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here’s a guide to the top must-see attractions in LA.
By Shayla Martin | May 29, 2025
Shayla Martin
Shayla Martin is an award-winning travel and culture journalist based in Washington, D.C. Find her work in outlets including The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Coastal Living, Hemispheres, Veranda Magazine, and many more. She specializes in content about Black history and culture, luxury travel, historic preservation, wellness, interior design, and personal narrative topics. She is also the founder of The Road We Trod, a bi-weekly newsletter that explores travel destinations through the Black gaze.
Los Angeles is a city where vibrant outdoor experiences, world-class dining, and rich cultural landmarks come together for the perfect vacation. Whether you're exploring the scenic trails of Griffith Park, indulging in gourmet cuisine in Beverly Hills, or soaking up downtown museums and entertainment venues, there's something to see and do for everyone to enjoy.
Culture and sightseeing
Once overshadowed by the glamour of Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles is making a name for itself as a hub of culture and entertainment. Start with L.A. Live, where you can catch a basketball game at the Crypto.com Arena, roll a strike at the glowing bowling lanes, and enjoy interactive exhibits about your favorite music artists at the GRAMMY Museum. For delicious bites, make your way to Grand Central Market, a downtown LA landmark since 1917, for dozens of internationally inspired food stalls. By evening, check the calendar at the striking, Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall to watch a performance by the world-class Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra. The gleaming sculptural building makes beautiful eye candy when enjoying dinner on the terrace at Michelin-rated San Laurel restaurant or when swimming in the outdoor pool, both located on the 10th floor of Conrad Los Angeles.
Dining
When it comes to Beverly Hills, the designer shops of Rodeo Drive are what comes to mind for most travelers, but you’d be remiss to skip the neighborhood’s dining scene. Try celebrated Vietnamese cuisine at Crustacean, which is particularly famous for its garlic roasted Dungeness crab noodles. Quality sushi can be found nearly anywhere in LA, but the 14-seat Sushi Note Omakase on Rodeo Drive takes things to a new level with a 20-course omakase experience. For quick bites, stop by the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market for California-grown fruit and pressed juices or enjoy light bites and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails at the elegant Espelette Beverly Hills Bar at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. For an Asian-inspired meal in a relaxing, garden-like setting, The Rooftop Beverly Hills, also located at the hotel, is worth stopping into.
Experiences
The beaches along the Los Angeles coastline are beautiful and worth the visit, but there are also many fantastic ways to enjoy the outdoors while in the heart of the city. Don your cutest athletic attire for a hike at Runyon Canyon, one of LA’s most popular hiking spots, complete with great views of the famed Hollywood sign. Nearby is the Hollywood Bowl, an outdoor concert theater where globally loved artists perform. And don’t miss the hilly trails and flora of Griffith Park, best seen at twilight as the lights of downtown LA come to life. Near it all, stay at Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, where you can spend time outdoors without leaving the property thanks to its palm tree-shaded outdoor pool surrounded by cabanas and sun loungers.
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