10 Things to do in Central L.A That You Shouldn't Miss

July 31, 2021 Layne Dawes

Hollywood beckons to tourists who long for a brush with Tinseltown glamor. Tour movie studios, slip your hands into the famous prints at the TCL Chinese Theatre, or indulge in a celeb sighting at one of LA’s white-hot nightspots. Spot your favorite star while shopping at The Grove, or forget all about the famous eye candy as you take in the iconic artwork at The Getty Center. For a different type of star-gazing, peek through the telescopes at the Griffith Observatory.
Restaurants in Los Angeles

1. Universal Studios Hollywood

100 Universal City Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 91608-1002 +1 800-864-8377 http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36,488 reviews

Universal Studios Hollywood

Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience! Find a full day of action-packed entertainment all in one place: thrilling theme park rides and shows, a real working movie studio, and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk. Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family. Explore Universal Studios backlot on the legendary Studio Tour. Then face the action head on in heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions that put you inside some of the world’s biggest movies. End your day with the energy and excitement of Universal CityWalk. All this and much more. Only at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.

Reviewed By Jazzyjeff041 - Clacton-on-Sea, United Kingdom

We visited and stayed at Disneyland Anaheim at the Clarion, we used a private transport company from our hotel to Universal which costed us at the time $120 each way (the company was Newman’s and the driver friendly and the vehicle immaculate) well worth the money if you want to travel in style and stress free. We could not fault Universal in anyway, we only had one day at universal due to the traveling distance so we upgraded to the one free fastpass entrance to every ride, this is a must to get everything done in a day which we done comfortably, amazing park, amazing atmosphere, Harry Potter world is a magical place, and the tram tour takes you around the real Universal film production areas and sets from past movies like psycho, war of the worlds etc. Highly recommended.

2. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036-4597 +1 323-857-6000 [email protected] http://www.lacma.org/
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,792 reviews

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Since its inception in 1965, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has been devoted to collecting works of art that span both history and geography, in addition to representing Los Angeles's uniquely diverse population. Today LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection that includes over 120,000 objects dating from antiquity to the present, encompassing the geographic world and nearly the entire history of art. Among the museum's strengths are its holdings of Asian art, Latin American art, ranging from pre-Columbian masterpieces to works by leading modern and contemporary artists; and Islamic art, of which LACMA hosts one of the most significant collections in the world. A museum of international stature as well as a vital part of Southern California, LACMA shares its vast collections through exhibitions, public programs, and research facilities that attract over a million visitors annually, in addition to serving millions through digital initiatives, such as online collections, scholarly catalogues, and interactive engagement online. Situated in Hancock Park on over 20 acres in the heart of Los Angeles, LACMA is located between the ocean and downtown. With this much to explore, we encourage you to spend an entire day with us, delving deep into the work of your favorite artists, taking a free tour, catching a film or concert, or just letting your curiosity lead the way.

Reviewed By barbarabuilder - Los Angeles, United States

there is lots to do here, after the museum the La Brea tar pits are close buy, worth a short walk and explore.

3. Union Station

800 N Alameda St Downtown, Los Angeles, CA 90012-2177 +1 800-872-7245 http://unionstationla.com
Excellent
46%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,826 reviews

Union Station

Los Angeles Union Station is the main railroad station in Los Angeles, California, and the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western US. Union Station is a major transportation hub for Southern California, serving almost 110,000 passengers a day. The station is the hub of the Amtrak's California regional routes, Amtrak's long distance trains, Metrolink commuter trains, several Metro Rail subway and light rail lines, buses and coach services. History: Established in 1939. Built in 1939, Union Station combines Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, Mission Revival and Streamline Moderne styles. The architecture team included John and Donald Parkinson who also designed Los Angeles City Hall and other city landmarks. Originally intended as a transcontinental terminus station for the Union Pacific, Santa Fe and Southern Pacific Railways, the station was a major hub for troop movement during World War II. The station's historic 161,000 square foot terminal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and the station was restored in 1992. Beginning in the 1970s, growing use of Amtrak and expansion of local and regional rail revitalized the station as a major transportation hub of Southern California. Metro acquired the station in 2011, managing the property that currently serves as a transportation hub for Metro, Metrolink, Amtrak and other transportation services as well an urban mixed-use development site.

Reviewed By ShermanOaks2019 - Los Angeles, United States

Enjoy beautiful architecture - great dining in the station or less than a block away famous Philippes French Dip Sandwich - or great Mexican Food at Olvera Street. If you have time take a quick trip to Santa Monica or to Hollywood & Vine and dine at Musso & Franks, or Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel by the pool.

4. Petersen Automotive Museum

6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036-3605 +1 323-930-2277 [email protected] http://www.petersen.org/
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,341 reviews

Petersen Automotive Museum

Rated the #1 Automotive museum in the world, the Petersen Automotive Museum is dedicated to the exploration and presentation of the automobile and its impact on Global life and culture. The museum features 25 galleries with more than 350 vehicles on display between the main floors and exclusive Vault. Visitors can immerse themselves in the 1000's of stories on display in the museum.

Reviewed By 477kenr

Each time I visit the Peterson Automotive Museum there are different cars on display, along with some of the famous ones like Batmobiles and Professor Fate's car (from the movie, "The Great Race". A truly special place for adults and kids of all ages.

5. Bradbury Building

304 S Broadway Downtown, Los Angeles, CA 90013-1224 +1 213-626-1893 http://www.laconservancy.org/locations/bradbury-building
Excellent
53%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 623 reviews

Bradbury Building

Famous 19th-century Italian Renaissance building in downtown Los Angeles.

Reviewed By overeasy

I did a very quick visit here years ago, but was thrilled to come back again. This is a truly special building, which is why it has appeared in many movies and TV shows. My fav was "Demon With A Glass Hand," an original Outer Limits episode with Robert Culp. I saw that show over 50 years ago and even then was enthralled by the location. You can only go on the ground floor and up the stairs to the first level, but that is enough to let you understand how beautiful this place is. Read the history, which is fascinating as well. It's open on the weekends and you'll have more of a chance to nab a parking spot on the street then, too.

6. Los Angeles Central Library

630 W 5th St Free Tours Daily, Los Angeles, CA 90071-2002 +1 213-228-7000 http://www.lapl.org/central/
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 422 reviews

Los Angeles Central Library

Restored, historic library with Egyptian influenced architecture.

Reviewed By 615kimberlyc - Toledo, United States

I wandered into the Central Library after a friend told me about the gift store! I spent over an hour trying to decide what to buy. There are funny cards , paper fans, pencils, erasers, books, socks, jewelry - too many to list! Unique gifts that are representative of Los Angeles.

7. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036-4539 +1 213-763-3499 [email protected] http://www.tarpits.org
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,164 reviews

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Explore the world's only active, urban Ice Age excavation site. Inside the Page Museum is where we showcase the best fossils, animals, and plants that have been discovered here - mammoths, saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and more. Experience the Ice Age come to life with our Ice Age Encounters show. Outside check out the La Brea Tar Pits where tar is still bubbling and our active fossil excavation sites to see what our excavators have uncovered today. Make the most of your visit with our Excavator Tour. Get the behind-the-scenes story and see scientists working on recently excavated fossils, walk around our famous Lake Pit, and visit our live dig site where scientists discover new Ice Age specimens every day. Free with museum admission.

Reviewed By EagleFlyer - Reykjavik, Iceland

Went to La Brea Tar Pits with the family while on vacation, and we all really enjoyed spending a long time in the museum and in the surrounding area, learning about animals, natural history, changes and preservation. Great experience! The original tar pits have preserved a large number of animals and are a great source for understanding of evolution, environmental changes and more. The La Brea Tar Pits museum and surrounding area provide a fantastic insight into the animals and what we can learn from this. The inside exhibits are of interest for young kids, teenagers and adults. The surrounding area gives really interesting insight into the real tar pits, quite close up. This is then all linked nicely together with the very successful design of the museum building. Very much worth a visit.

8. City Hall

200 N. Spring St. between First and Temple, Los Angeles, CA 90012-4801 +1 213-485-2121 [email protected] http://www.lacity.org/RESTORE/index.htm
Excellent
47%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 345 reviews

City Hall

After an impressive seismic rehabilitation, completed in 2001, the beloved 28-story landmark can withstand an earthquake up to magnitude 8.

Reviewed By TPAT75 - Oulu, Finland

Beautiful building that offers great views over the city for free! So take some time to visit here if you're in downtown.

9. Pantages Theatre

6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028-5310 +1 323-463-4367 [email protected] http://www.hollywoodpantages.com
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,048 reviews

Pantages Theatre

Opened in 1930 by a vaudeville magnate, the interior of this famous theater is one of the most stunning examples of high ornate Art Deco architecture in Los Angeles. Groups of 10 or more can save on ticket prices and ticketmaster fees when they book directly through our Group Sales department.

Reviewed By geotech522

The Pantages is an absolutely beautiful palace of Art Deco architecture. The theater is just magnificently decorated as are the other parts of the theater. The lobby is also very impressive. Built in the time of vaudeville, the seats are very comfortable and the sight-lines are all very good. Truly not a bad seat in the house, even from the mezzanine (or balcony). The sound quality in the theater is fantastic. It was a wonderful place to experience Disney's Frozen. A true landmark on Hollywood Boulevard at Vine Street. There is a Metro Red Line Station right across the street.

10. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

555 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012-2707 +1 213-680-5200 [email protected] http://www.olacathedral.org
Excellent
56%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 543 reviews

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

Located in the midst of downtown Los Angeles, only the second cathdral to be built in a US city in the past 50 year, the structure has been compared to Notre Dame in its magnificense.

Reviewed By ShermanOaks2019 - Los Angeles, United States

Easy parking- beautiful modern sanctuary. Great cafeteria where you can sit outside. Close to Disney Hall and the Los Angeles Music Center.

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