A true LA icon, the Santa Monica Pier has a little something for everyone—classic carnival rides, ocean views, street performers, food stands, and even an arcade for your inner kid. You can ride the Ferris wheel, grab a churro, watch the sunset over the Pacific, or just stroll along the boardwalk and take it all in. It's a great spot for a laid-back afternoon and a quintessential SoCal photo op.

Once you’re off the pier, keep exploring. Walk or bike the beach path, shop around Third Street Promenade, or grab a bite at one of the many cafés and restaurants nearby. It’s beachy, lively, and full of California charm.

Just a hop and a skip from Santa Monica, Venice Beach offers a totally different vibe—edgy, eclectic, and full of character. If you’re looking for the classic grunge, skateboarding, and street performer side of Venice, head straight to the boardwalk. Megan recommends grabbing a bite at The Sidewalk Café (great for people-watching) and then browsing Small World Books, a cozy indie bookstore tucked right next door.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more elevated, stroll over to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where you’ll find boutiques, coffee shops, green juices, and the kind of minimalist decor that says “yes, this candle does cost $78.” Venice has range. Explore both sides.

If you’re looking for the kind of LA spot that feels like a movie set (in the best way), The Grove is it—especially at Christmastime. Twinkling lights, a massive tree, the trolley gliding by, and yes, even fake snow at night. It’s pure holiday magic.

Megan and Harley have had many date nights here—dinner at La Piazza for pasta and people-watching, or Alma Cocina for vibes and guacamole. They’ll browse (and buy) books at Barnes & Noble, grab a coffee at La La Land, and wander through the shops.

It’s part shopping center, part cozy village, part “wait, is that a celebrity?” and perfect for a festive afternoon or romantic evening out.

If you’re looking to pack some culture, history, and a few dinosaurs into one afternoon, Museum Row on Wilshire is the place. Start at LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) for everything from modern masterpieces to that iconic Urban Light installation. Just steps away, you’ll find the Petersen Automotive Museum, with its striking red-and-steel exterior and incredible car collection; the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, filled with film history and Oscar magic; and the La Brea Tar Pits, where prehistoric fossils are still being excavated from bubbling asphalt.

It may sound weird, but trust us, everyone ends up loving the tar pits, especially Megan’s grandparents.

Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, offering miles of scenic hiking trails with sweeping views of Los Angeles. A popular destination for locals and visitors alike, the park features several routes that lead to the historic Griffith Observatory, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, the Hollywood Sign, and even the Pacific Ocean on a clear day. Whether you're looking for a short walk or a longer hike, it’s a beautiful way to experience the natural side of LA.

Universal Studios Hollywood is part theme park, part working movie studio—and it delivers on both. You can take the world-famous Studio Tour to see real sets from film and TV, then dive into rides and attractions themed around favorites like Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and The Secret Life of Pets. The park is compact compared to some, but it’s packed with immersive experiences, great food, and plenty of thrills.

Just outside the gates, Universal CityWalk offers even more restaurants, shops, and live entertainment, making it easy to turn a park day into a full outing.

Important note: Unlike in Florida, you cannot hop between Universal and Disney here. Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland are completely separate parks in different parts of Southern California—plan accordingly!

If it's your first time in LA, it’s hard to resist the classic Hollywood experience. The Walk of Fame, with its stars lining the sidewalks, and the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, with celebrity handprints out front, are iconic for a reason. Just know that the area can be crowded, touristy, and a little overstimulating, but for many visitors, it’s still worth seeing at least once. Snap a photo, spot a star or two (on the ground, probably not in real life), and check it off the list.

If you’re obsessed with Friends, Gilmore Girls, Harry Potter, Batman, The Big Bang Theory, or pretty much anything iconic on screen, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a must. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at real sets, soundstages, and props from some of the most beloved shows and movies. You can sit on the Central Perk couch, walk through Stars Hollow, explore the Batcave, and learn how the magic gets made. It’s such a fun, interactive experience—perfect for TV and movie lovers of all kinds.

Rodeo Drive is Beverly Hills’ most famous shopping street, made legendary by Pretty Woman and still full of designer boutiques, glossy storefronts, and palm-lined sidewalks. Megan and Harley definitely can’t afford to shop there, but it’s still a fun place to grab lunch, window-browse, and daydream about a life of luxury. Whether you’re actually shopping or just playing tourist, it’s a great spot to soak up that polished, cinematic side of LA.

Technically not in Los Angeles, but still within reach, Disneyland is located in Anaheim and makes for a great day trip if you're in the mood for some magic. The resort has two parks—Disneyland and California Adventure—and if you want to visit both in one day, you’ll need a Park Hopper ticket. Just make sure to book park reservations in advance, as they’re still required.

If you’re a die-hard Disney fan, it’s a blast. If you’re a Disneyworld fan and expecting something massive, it might feel a bit smaller—but there’s still so much charm, nostalgia, and classic fun packed into every corner. Just keep in mind it’s not close to anything else on this list of LA activities, so plan accordingly if you're considering adding it to your trip.