12 Absolutely Breathtaking Places to Visit in Los Angeles

Real talk – LA hits different than any city I’ve ever visited. The moment I drove up to Griffith Observatory and watched the sun paint the sky pink over those endless city lights, I got why people never shut up about this place. And seeing dolphins play in the waves at Point Dume? Pure magic.

These are the most beautiful places in Los Angeles, and they’re way better than what you see on social media. From the stunning Getty Center floating above the city like some futuristic palace to the wild beauty of the Santa Monica mountains, this city keeps surprising me at every turn. Here are 12 spots that’ll make you fall in love with LA just like I did.

Best Places to Visit in Los Angeles

Visiting Los Angeles? Spend the day exploring the stars at the Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park, relax by the ocean at Venice Beach, or admire world-class art at the Getty Center. Stroll through the vibrant marketplace of Olvera Street for shopping and dining, embark on a scenic hike, or enjoy fresh seafood with a stunning coastal view. Whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures, or cultural charm, Los Angeles has plenty to offer!

1. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park

• 🏆 Best For: Stargazers 🔭, hikers 🥾, city view seekers 🌆
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Stunning panoramic views of LA, iconic Art Deco architecture, nighttime star-watching under city lights
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the observatory exhibits, hiking to the Hollywood Sign, watching sunset over the city
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Hollywood Roosevelt – Historic hotel with old Hollywood glamour

Perched on top of Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory offers the most spectacular views in Los Angeles. This Art Deco landmark gives visitors front-row seats to both the cosmos above and the city skyline below.

The observatory’s fascinating exhibits include the Foucault Pendulum and Tesla Coil with its dancing electrical arcs. Don’t miss the immersive shows at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, one of the world’s leading facilities of its kind.

The surrounding Griffith Park spans over 4,300 acres, making it America’s largest urban park. Hiking trails wind through chaparral-covered terrain to landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and Bronson Caves (the original Batcave from the 1960s TV series). For the most magical experience, visit at sunset to watch the city transform to a glittering sea of lights..

2. Venice Beach

• 🏆 Best For: People-watchers 👀, beach lovers 🏖️, fitness enthusiasts 💪
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Eclectic blend of beach culture, street art, and quirky entertainment against ocean backdrop
• 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling the Venice Boardwalk, watching skaters at the beachfront skate park, exploring Abbot Kinney Boulevard
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Erwin – Boutique hotel with rooftop lounge offering panoramic ocean views

Venice Beach perfectly captures Southern California’s free-spirited soul. The famous Ocean Front Walk buzzes with street performers, artists, and vendors creating a carnival-like atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in LA.

Watch bodybuilders pump iron at the iconic outdoor Muscle Beach gym while skaters perform impressive tricks at the beachfront skate park. Colorful murals and street art add vibrant character to this already lively neighborhood.

For a more refined experience, head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard with its stylish boutiques, coffee shops, and acclaimed restaurants in converted bungalows. Don’t miss the historic Venice Canals, built in 1905 to mimic Italian Venice, where peaceful footbridges and charming waterfront homes offer a quiet contrast to the energetic boardwalk just blocks away.

3. The Getty Center

• 🏆 Best For: Art lovers 🎨, architecture admirers 🏛️, garden lovers 🌷
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Stunning modernist architecture, meticulously landscaped gardens, panoramic city views
• 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing European paintings and decorative arts, strolling the Central Garden, watching sunset from the travertine terraces
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Bel-Air – Luxury hotel nestled in a 12-acre garden oasis

The Getty Center sits like a modern castle high above LA in the Santa Monica Mountains. This stunning white campus houses amazing art inside and incredible views outside.

Inside, you’ll find famous European paintings by masters like Van Gogh and Rembrandt. The real magic happens when you step outside into the Central Garden – a living artwork with colorful flowers, flowing water, and winding paths designed by artist Robert Irwin.

Best of all? Admission is completely free (though parking costs $20). Take the sleek tram up the hill and spend time on the outdoor terraces where you can see all the way from downtown to the ocean on clear days. Go before sunset to watch the city transform into a sea of twinkling lights as the sun goes down.

4. Olvera Street

• 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, culture seekers 🎭, food lovers 🌮
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Colorful Mexican marketplace, historic buildings, vibrant cultural celebrations
• 📸 Top Experiences: Shopping for traditional crafts, enjoying authentic Mexican food, visiting the Avila Adobe
• 🏨 Where to Stay: LA Grand Downtown Hotel – Modern hotel within walking distance of Olvera Street

Olvera Street is the birthplace of Los Angeles, a vibrant Mexican marketplace that preserves the city’s earliest heritage. This pedestrian block transports visitors back to a romanticized vision of old Mexico with its narrow brick-lined alley and colorful stalls.

Browse the market stalls for handcrafted leather goods, traditional folk art, and colorful souvenirs while mariachi music fills the air. The street’s restaurants and food stands serve up authentic regional dishes from sizzling fajitas to fresh churros.

Don’t miss the Avila Adobe, the oldest standing residence in LA (built in 1818). Several museums around the plaza showcase the diverse cultures that shaped the city. Visit during holidays like Día de los Muertos or Las Posadas when the street comes alive with traditional celebrations, music performances, and special foods that honor the city’s Mexican roots.

5. Rodeo Drive

• 🏆 Best For: Luxury shoppers 👜, celebrity spotters 🤩, architecture admirers 🏛️
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Palm-lined streets, European-inspired architecture, glamorous storefronts and displays
• 📸 Top Experiences: Window shopping at designer boutiques, posing at the Rodeo Drive sign, visiting the Beverly Wilshire Hotel
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Beverly Wilshire – Iconic luxury hotel featured in “Pretty Woman”

Rodeo Drive represents the pinnacle of Beverly Hills glamour and luxury. This three-block stretch lined with towering palm trees houses the world’s most exclusive designer boutiques in an open-air shopping paradise.

Even if your budget is more window shopping than actual shopping, the street itself is a visual feast. Marvel at the elaborate storefront displays at Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton that change seasonally like museum exhibits. The European-inspired architecture adds to the upscale atmosphere with its elegant facades and cobblestone walkways.

For the full experience, stroll down Via Rodeo, a curved cobblestone street designed to resemble a quaint European shopping district. Stop for a photo at the famous Rodeo Drive sign, then treat yourself to lunch or coffee at one of the sidewalk cafés where people-watching often includes celebrities running errands or filming scenes for movies and TV shows.

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6. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

• 🏆 Best For: Art lovers 🎨, photographers 📸, cultural enthusiasts 🏛️
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Iconic Urban Light installation, diverse architectural styles, immersive art experiences
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taking photos at Urban Light, exploring the Japanese Pavilion, viewing contemporary installations
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Line Hotel – Design-forward hotel with art-inspired rooms

LACMA stands as the largest art museum in the western United States, with a campus that’s as much an artistic statement as the masterpieces inside. The museum’s iconic Urban Light installation—202 restored antique street lamps arranged in a perfect grid—has become one of LA’s most photographed landmarks.

Inside, the museum houses over 147,000 works spanning ancient times to the present. The collections range from Islamic art to modern masterpieces by Picasso and Warhol. The Japanese Pavilion offers a serene escape with its contemplative garden and traditional artwork.

The museum’s outdoor spaces include the impressive Levitated Mass—a 340-ton boulder suspended over a walkway—and the ever-changing exhibitions in the LACMA Plaza. Visit on the second Tuesday of the month for free general admission, or come at sunset to see Urban Light gradually illuminate against the darkening sky for a truly magical LA moment.

7. Santa Monica Pier

• 🏆 Best For: Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, photographers 📸, coastal vibe seekers 🌊
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Historic carousel, colorful Ferris wheel, panoramic ocean and coastline views
• 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the Pacific Park attractions, watching street performers, catching sunset from the pier
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Shutters on the Beach – Elegant beachfront hotel with coastal charm

The historic Santa Monica Pier extends proudly into the Pacific Ocean, creating one of LA’s most iconic coastal images. The 100-year-old landmark combines nostalgic seaside charm with modern attractions, making it a perfect spot for visitors of all ages.

Pacific Park, the pier’s solar-powered amusement park, features twelve rides including the world-famous Ferris wheel that lights up the coastline after dark with dazzling LED displays. The antique carousel housed in the Looff Hippodrome has been spinning since 1922 and appeared in countless movies.

Stroll to the end of the pier for panoramic views of Malibu to the north and the South Bay to the south, with surfers riding waves below and dolphins often visible in the distance. The pier marks the end of historic Route 66, making it both the symbolic finale of the great American road trip and the perfect starting point for exploring LA’s beautiful beaches.

8. Hollywood Walk of Fame

• 🏆 Best For: Movie buffs 🎬, pop culture enthusiasts 🌟, souvenir hunters 🛍️
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Iconic stars embedded in sidewalks, historic theaters, glimpses of Hollywood history
• 📸 Top Experiences: Finding favorite celebrities’ stars, seeing TCL Chinese Theatre handprints, visiting Dolby Theatre
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Dream Hollywood – Stylish hotel with rooftop pool near the Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches across 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard, where more than 2,700 brass stars embedded in pink terrazzo create the world’s most famous sidewalk. Each star celebrates an entertainment industry icon, turning a simple stroll into a journey through pop culture history.

The heart of the Walk centers around the historic TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s), where Hollywood royalty have left their handprints, footprints, and signatures in cement since 1927. Check the forecourt for your favorite stars’ imprints, then peek inside the theater’s spectacular interior with its ornate Chinese-inspired design.

Nearby, the Dolby Theatre hosts the annual Academy Awards ceremony, while the Hollywood & Highland complex offers shopping and dining with great views of the Hollywood Sign. Street performers and costumed characters add to the lively atmosphere, creating a uniquely Hollywood blend of glamour, kitsch, and entertainment history all in one iconic location.

9. OUE Skyspace LA

• 🏆 Best For: Thrill-seekers 🎢, photographers 📸, view enthusiasts 🌆
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: 360-degree city views, glass Skyslide, dramatic sunsets from 1,000 feet up
• 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the glass Skyslide, interactive digital exhibits, sunset photography from observation deck
• 🏨 Where to Stay: InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown – Luxury hotel with stunning skyline views

OUE Skyspace LA offers the most breathtaking views in the city from nearly 1,000 feet above downtown. Located on the 69th and 70th floors of the iconic U.S. Bank Tower, this observation deck provides a spectacular 360-degree panorama of Los Angeles from the mountains to the ocean.

The main attraction is the heart-stopping Skyslide – a 45-foot glass slide suspended on the exterior of the building that lets you glide from the 70th to the 69th floor with nothing but transparent glass between you and the city below. Even if you skip the slide, the open-air observation terraces provide unmatched photo opportunities of the cityscape.

Interactive installations help identify landmarks visible from above, while digital exhibits tell the story of LA’s development. Visit just before sunset to experience the magical transformation as daylight fades and the city lights begin to twinkle. On clear days, visibility can extend up to 34 miles, revealing the true vastness of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

10. The Broad Museum

• 🏆 Best For: Contemporary art lovers 🎨, architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, Instagram photographers 📱
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Striking honeycomb exterior, vast column-free gallery space, immersive art installations
• 📸 Top Experiences: Experiencing Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms, viewing iconic pop art, exploring the architectural “veil and vault” design
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Per La – Stylish hotel in a restored historic building near The Broad

The Broad has quickly become one of LA’s most recognizable cultural landmarks since opening in 2015. The museum’s stunning “veil and vault” design features a distinctive honeycomb exterior that filters natural light into the vast, column-free gallery spaces.

This contemporary art museum houses the impressive collection of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, featuring over 2,000 works by more than 200 artists. The collection includes iconic pieces by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

The most popular attraction is Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms, immersive installations that create mind-bending illusions of endless space through mirrors and lights. General admission is free (reserve online in advance), though special exhibitions may require a separate ticket. After exploring the museum, visit the adjacent Grand Avenue cultural corridor with the Walt Disney Concert Hall and MOCA just steps away.

11. The Last Bookstore

• 🏆 Best For: Book lovers 📚, photographers 📸, vintage hunters 🔍
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Artistically arranged books, whimsical book tunnels, historic bank building architecture
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking through the book tunnel, browsing vinyl records, exploring the Spring Arts Collective galleries
• 🏨 Where to Stay: STILE Downtown Los Angeles  – Trendy hotel in a restored historic theater building

The Last Bookstore occupies a stunning 22,000-square-foot space in a former bank from 1915, creating one of the most photogenic and unique shopping experiences in Los Angeles. This literary wonderland has transformed book browsing into an artistic adventure with tunnels built from books, reading nooks, and flying book sculptures.

The main floor houses over 250,000 new and used books alongside a large vinyl record collection, while the mezzanine level features the famous book tunnel and penny book labyrinth. Look for the bank’s original columns and vault, now repurposed to hold rare and collectible books.

The upstairs Spring Arts Collective showcases local artists in small galleries and studios where you can find one-of-a-kind artworks and crafts. Even if you’re not shopping for books, the store’s artistic displays and Instagram-worthy corners make it a cultural destination that celebrates creativity and the enduring magic of physical books in the digital age.

12. El Matador Beach

• 🏆 Best For: Photographers 📸, sunset chasers 🌅, romantic beach strollers 💑
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Dramatic rock formations, sea caves, golden cliffs against crashing waves
• 📸 Top Experiences: Sunset photography, exploring sea caves during low tide, picnicking on secluded stretches of sand
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Malibu Beach Inn – Luxury oceanfront hotel with private beach access

El Matador Beach represents the wild, rugged beauty of the Malibu coastline at its most dramatic. Hidden below towering bluffs and accessed via a steep staircase, this small pocket beach feels worlds away from the bustle of Los Angeles despite being just 10 miles from the city.

Massive rock formations rise from the sand and surf, creating arches, caves, and secluded coves that transform with the changing tides. During low tide, you can explore sea caves and tunnels carved by centuries of wave action. The golden cliffs glowing in the late afternoon light against the deep blue Pacific create a natural color palette that has made this beach a favorite among photographers.

Unlike the wide, developed beaches elsewhere in LA, El Matador remains refreshingly natural with no facilities beyond a small parking lot. Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and time your trip for low tide to maximize exploration opportunities. For the most magical experience, arrive about an hour before sunset when the rock formations create dramatic silhouettes against the colorful sky.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Los Angeles

Interested in learning more about the most scenic places in Los Angeles? Here are some frequent questions I receive regarding the top Los Angeles attractions and activities.

What are the most beautiful places in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is home to numerous stunning spots, including the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, the serene El Matador Beach, the artistic haven of The Broad Museum, and the historic Olvera Street. Each location in Southern California offers a unique experience, showcasing the city’s diverse beauty.

What part of LA is famous?

The most famous part of LA is undoubtedly Hollywood, known globally for its entertainment industry, historic theaters, and the iconic Hollywood Sign. Other renowned areas include Beverly Hills, famous for luxury and celebrities, and Downtown LA, known for its cultural landmarks and skyscrapers.

Where can I get the best view of Los Angeles?

OUE Skyspace LA and the Griffith Observatory offer panoramic views of the city. Both spots allow visitors to see the sprawling urban landscape, with the Pacific Ocean in the distance and the Hollywood Sign as a prominent landmark. In addition, here are some gorgeous viewpoints of LA that you should know about:

1. Runyon Canyon Park: This popular hiking destination has various trails that lead to stunning views of the city. This includes Downtown L.A., the Hollywood Sign, and sometimes even the ocean on a clear day.
2. Mulholland Drive: Along this scenic route, there are many overlooks that provide breathtaking views of the San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles basin.
3. The Getty Center: Not only is this museum known for its art collection, but it also offers an amazing view of Los Angeles, stretching from Downtown to the ocean.
4. Top of the US Bank Tower: The tallest building in Los Angeles offers a stunning perspective of the city, especially at sunset.
5. Santa Monica Pier: If you’re looking for a view that includes the beach and the ocean along with the city, the Santa Monica Pier is a great spot.
6. Hollywood Bowl Overlook: Situated on Mulholland Drive, this overlook provides beautiful views of the Hollywood Bowl, the Hollywood Sign, and the rest of Los Angeles.
7. Elysian Park: Known as the location of Dodger Stadium, the nearby hills provide beautiful vistas of Downtown Los Angeles.
8. Palos Verdes Peninsula: If you’re looking for a view that includes the coastline, this area provides breathtaking scenery of the ocean and city.

Is Los Angeles a good place for art enthusiasts?

Absolutely! LA boasts several art hubs like The Getty Center and LACMA. The city is also home to numerous galleries, street art installations, and events that celebrate artistic expression.

Which beach in Los Angeles is the most scenic?

While LA has many beautiful beaches, El Matador Beach stands out for its unique rock formations, sea caves, and pristine sands. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking a picturesque coastal experience.

What are the most beautiful city in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a vast county with multiple cities. While LA itself is the primary city, surrounding cities like Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Malibu are also renowned for their beauty and attractions.

Is Los Angeles a beautiful place?

Los Angeles, often known simply as L.A., is a city with diverse beauty that appeals to many different tastes. While opinions about beauty can be subjective, here’s an overview of some aspects that many people find attractive about Los Angeles:

1. Beaches: The Los Angeles area is home to some beautiful beaches like Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Malibu. These spots are known for their wide sandy shores, beautiful sunsets, and vibrant atmospheres.
2. Hollywood Hills and the Hollywood Sign: These iconic landmarks offer some of the best views of the city. The surrounding areas, like Griffith Park, provide opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities with scenic vistas.
3. Architecture: From the modern designs of Downtown skyscrapers to historic buildings like the Griffith Observatory and Union Station, L.A.’s architecture is diverse and often eye-catching.
4. Cultural Landmarks: Places like the Getty Center and Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) are not just centers of culture but also aesthetically pleasing structures with beautiful gardens and installations.
5. Gardens and Parks: The Los Angeles area has several beautiful gardens, such as the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, and parks that provide a refreshing escape from urban life.
6. Diverse Neighborhoods: Neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and the historic Olvera Street offer unique and attractive landscapes, each with its charm and character.
7. Entertainment Venues: Iconic venues like the Dolby Theatre and the Walt Disney Concert Hall are stunning both inside and out.
8. Scenic Drives: Coastal drives like the Pacific Coast Highway offer breathtaking views of the ocean and cliffs, especially around the Malibu area.

However, it’s also worth noting that Los Angeles is a large and densely populated city. Some areas might not be considered beautiful by everyone, especially where urban sprawl and traffic congestion are more prominent.

What part of LA is famous?

As mentioned, Hollywood is the most famous part of LA, synonymous with the entertainment industry. Other notable areas include Beverly Hills, known for its opulence, and Venice Beach, famous for its bohemian vibe and boardwalk.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, often dubbed the City of Angels, is a mesmerizing blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. From the glitz of Hollywood to the serene shores of El Matador Beach, it’s a city that promises diverse experiences. As one of the most beautiful places in Los Angeles, the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame captures the city’s essence, where dreams are made, and stars are born.

For those seeking a cultural immersion, places like The Broad Museum and Olvera Street offer a deep dive into LA’s rich tapestry of art and history. It’s no wonder that when people think of the most beautiful places to visit in Los Angeles, these spots often top the list. The city’s allure isn’t just in its landmarks but also in its spirit, its people, and its vibrant energy.

So, if you’re planning a trip or just daydreaming, remember that Los Angeles’s beautiful places are waiting to be explored. Every corner, every street, and every beach tells a story. Dive in, explore, and let the City of Angels sweep you off your feet!