What to Do in Los Angeles: An Artful Odyssey Through the City of Dreams
Los Angeles is a city that transcends its Hollywood sheen, offering a richly layered cultural landscape where innovation meets old-world glamour. For those with an eye for art, architecture, and elevated experiences, planning what to do in Los Angeles unveils an exhilarating mosaic of museums, music, design, and culinary artistry. From gallery-lined boulevards to avant-garde theatres and historic enclaves, Los Angeles rewards the aesthetically curious at every turn.
What to Do in Los Angeles for Culture Enthusiasts
Begin your journey downtown at The Broad, an essential stop on your list of things to do in Los Angeles. This honeycomb-like architectural marvel houses a world-class collection of contemporary art, from Jean-Michel Basquiat to Yayoi Kusama’s dazzling Infinity Rooms. Just across the street, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a Frank Gehry masterpiece, offers sweeping steel curves and equally riveting acoustics inside - a ‘must see’ Los Angeles icon for music and architecture lovers alike.
After Dark: What to Do in Los Angeles at Night
As the sun dips behind the Santa Monica Mountains, you might find it difficult to decide what to do with your evening in Los Angeles. Start with cocktails at Perch, a romantic rooftop bar with glittering views of the downtown skyline, before heading to the historic Theatre at Ace Hotel for an indie concert or art-house film screening. For a more eclectic adventure, dive into the underground jazz scene at the speakeasy-style venue, The Varnish — a hidden gem that ranks among the best things to do in Los Angeles after dark.
Beyond the Usual Icons: Unique Things to Do in Los Angeles
If you’re craving a diversion from the beaten path in Los Angeles, venture to the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. Modelled after a Roman country house, this museum and garden complex offers an atmospheric journey through antiquities, set against the shimmer of the Pacific. Equally enchanting is a visit to Watts Towers, a fantastical collection of mosaic-covered spires crafted single-handedly by Simon Rodia in a soulful, unconventional testament to human creativity.
What to See and Do in Los Angeles for the Arts and Culture Aficionado
When mapping out what to see and do in Los Angeles, the iconic Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) must claim a top spot. Spanning centuries and continents, its encyclopaedic collection offers a sensory journey through visual culture. Pause for a photo at Chris Burden’s Urban Light installation (these dreamy, vintage street lamps glow even brighter at sunset).
A Whirlwind Tour: What to Do in Los Angeles in One Day
Pressed for time and wondering how to ‘do’ Los Angeles in a single day? Begin with an early morning visit to Griffith Observatory for panoramic views that stretch from downtown to the sea. Then, descend into Los Feliz and explore the cool boutiques and galleries along Vermont Avenue.
A Weekend of Wonders: What to Do in Los Angeles in Two Days
If you have a weekend to spare and are wondering what to do with two days in Los Angeles, design your itinerary around the city’s many artistic enclaves. On Day One, explore the treasures of downtown: from The Broad to the Arts District, punctuated with a Michelin-starred dinner in the historic core.
The Must‐Do in Los Angeles: An Iconic Encounter
Of all the city’s many artistic adventures, one experience stands out as the ultimate artistic ‘must do’: a pilgrimage to the Getty Center. Set atop a hill in Brentwood, its Richard Meier-designed campus offers monumental architecture, exquisite gardens, and a world-class art collection, all bathed in that singular, golden California light. It's a spiritual experience for anyone moved by beauty and design.
Final Reflections: The Artistic Pulse of Los Angeles
For those wondering what to do in Los Angeles once you get beyond the Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign, the answer is woven into the city's eclectic art spaces, soulful music venues, and architectural masterpieces. Every neighbourhood, from Echo Park to Culver City, hums with creative energy, inviting you to look closer, wander further, and linger longer.