10 Things to Do in Los Angeles (That Aren’t the Hollywood Sign)
TLA Has More To Offer Than That Bright Sign
Hey, LA newcomer — okay, the Hollywood Sign’s iconic, but Los Angeles has way more than that hilltop storefront of a cliché.
Imagine your crew catching the beach vibes, snacking tacos or hunting urban secrets: L.A. is a lot of things, but a selfie stick isn’t one of them.
I’ve got a top 10 killer list of things to do in Los Angeles that skip the sign but still scream bucket-list vibes — think road trips, tasty bites and local bones.
Whether it’s your first time or you’re simply tired of the usual, these activities in Los Angeles are your ticket to having a good time. So, want to explore the City of Angels? Let’s count ‘em down!
10. Cruise the Pacific Coast Highway
Get this party started with a Road Trips classic—get your motor runnin’ on the PCH from Santa Monica to Malibu. It’s crashing waves, cliffside views and that salty breeze — Nature’s Best on wheels. Kids, friends, whomever — who doesn’t love the open-road vibe? Pull over at El Matador Beach for tide pools, or a quick dip.
Pro tip: Get an early start to avoid traffic and get that golden-hour glow. It’s one of those activities in Los Angeles that’s a mini-vacay. Got a fave PCH stop? Drop it below—I’m curious!
9. Dig Into Tacos at Grand Central Market
Turf: Head downtown to Grand Central Market for a Taste Quest — tacos, pupusas and more from stalls that’ll make your mouth water.
It’s a culinary free-for-all and Local Vibes is buzzing — families, hipsters and vendors all screaming orders. Get some al pastor from Tacos Tumbras and embrace the mess.
Tip: come hungry and share plates — it’s cheap and fun. This is L.A. attractions done right — no glitz, just grub. What’s your go-to taco spot? Tell me!
8. Wander The Getty Center
The Getty Center’s a mountaintop marvel—art, gardens, scenery that’ll leave you gazing. Bypass the paintings unless you’re artsy; the outdoor spaces are Nature’s Best with a fancy tilt. Children can run around the lawns while you savor the skyline.
It’s free (just pay parking), so it’s a win for your wallet, too. Tip: go to the central garden at sunset — pure magic. Hiking Runyon Canyon: One of the best things to do in Los Angeles for a low-key day ago Been there? Share your fave part!
7. Catch a Dodgers Game
Nothing signifies Local Vibes like catching a game at Dodger Stadium, hot dog, high-low cheers and LA energy included. It’s less touristy than the sign, more fun, and the kids’ll love the hype (and the snacks — a Taste Quest bonus!) Tickets are cheap to start; you won’t go broke.
Tip: get outfield seats for that classic atmosphere. It’s one of those Los Angeles experiences that has the feeling of being in on the city’s beat. Caught a game? Spill your stadium stories!
6. Explore Griffith Observatory
Skip the sign, and make for Griffith Observatory—stars, telescopes and sweeping views of the city without the hike. It’s Nature’s BFF meets mathletes—while the kids are spying on planets you’ll obsess about the sunset glow over LA. They won’t charge you to get in, just find a lot and mooch.
Tip: see the planetarium show — it’s cheap and mind-boggling. This tips the Hollywood Sign hands-down for things to do in Los Angeles with a wow factor. Stargazed there? Tell me your take!
5. Stroll Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice Beach’s boardwalk — Ocean Front Walk, to its official 名称 — is a sideshow of street performers, skaters and cranky retailers.
It’s total Local Vibes central—raw and weird, quintessentially LA — kids’ll gawk at the muscle beach flexers while you score a smoothie (Taste Quest alert!).
Tip: have your bikes rent to cruise the strand—much more fun than walking. It’s a list-topping LA attraction that’s all about the vibes, no polish. Love Venice chaos? Leave us your fave boardwalk moment below!
4. Hike Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon is a quick Road Trips getaway — the trails with dusty paths and killer views of the city sprawl. It’s Nature’s Best without having to leave L.A., dogs, celebs and sweaty hikers included.
The easier loops are easily manageable by kids, and you’ll feel like a local. Tip: get there early — the parking’s a beast later. Free outdoor fun Los Angeles best outdoor things. Hiked it with your crew? Share your trail tales!
3. Visit the La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits are wonderfully strange — bubbling pits, fossils, and a museum where kids can ogle saber-tooth cats. It’s Nature’s Best with a Paleolithic twist — sticky, smelly and interesting.
But the outdoor pits are free to visit; the museum’s affordable. Tip: visit the active dig site; the kids love the action. Harvey’s owner doesn’t mind the detour, though—this LA attraction beats the sign for quirky family fun. Dug the pits? Tell me about your faves fossil find!
2. Shop and Snack at The Grove
The Grove’s an outdoor mall with a mood—fountains, trolley rides, tasty bites (Taste Quest heaven!). It’s less touristy than Hollywood, more Local Vibes with families walking and shopping.
Get ice cream or stop by the Farmers Market next door for additional grub. Tip: time it for the fountain show — kids go crazy. One of those Los Angeles activities that’s both laid-back and action-packed. Love The Grove? Share your go-to snack stop!
1. Surf or Chill at Zuma Beach
Why Zuma Beach in Malibu, the Road Trips champ of the top spots, with its wide sands, big waves, and Nature’s Best coastal living. Surf if you’re daring, or simply let the kids build castles while you take it all in.
It’s less packed than Santa Monica — more room, less madness. Tip: pack a picnic—parking’s affordable, views complimentary. Without a doubt one of the best things to do in Los Angeles for a beachy escape. Hit Zuma yet? Drop your beach day deets!
LA’s Your Playground—Go Play!
There you go — 10 great things to do in Los Angeles that skip the Hollywood Sign for actual fun. Local Vibes at the game, Nature’s Best at Zuma, Road Trips on the PCH, and Taste Quests at the market, LA’s got it all.
These Los Angeles experiences show you can love this city without that hillside picture taking up space in your Instagram feed — there’s plenty more to do.
So what’s your group going to tackle first? Let me know in the comments, I’m pumped to hear! Load up the car, throw on your shades and plunge in — LA is waiting!
