Discover the Best Venues in Los Angeles for Tourists in 2025

"The Getty"

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is a sprawling metropolis renowned for its sunny weather, iconic landmarks, diverse cultural scene, and endless entertainment options. Whether visiting for the first time or returning to explore further, tourists in 2025 can enjoy an inspiring mix of historic venues, world-class museums, vibrant outdoor spaces, and unforgettable experiences. This blog post highlights the best venues and attractions that make Los Angeles a top global destination and offers practical tips for making the most of a visit.

Griffith Observatory: Stargazing and Stunning Views

Perched on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory is one of LA’s most beloved landmarks and tourist venues. Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2025, this hilltop observatory offers breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles and beyond, especially spectacular at sunset and nighttime when the city lights sparkle.

Inside, visitors can explore fascinating astronomy exhibits for free, including the Foucault pendulum and a Tesla coil. The planetarium offers ticketed shows that transport audiences across the cosmos with immersive visuals. The rooftop telescope provides a rare opportunity to gaze at the moon, planets, and stars through a historic 12-inch refractor.

Griffith Observatory is also famous from films like Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land, making it a must-visit spot blending education, romance, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Visitors should allow a few hours to fully enjoy both the exhibits and surrounding Griffith Park trails.

The Getty Center: Art, Architecture, and Gardens

Positioned on a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center is a masterpiece of art, architecture, and landscape design. This venue offers spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean on clear days.

Inside, art lovers can explore an extensive collection spanning medieval manuscripts, European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Highlights include Van Gogh's Irises and Rembrandt’s self-portrait, along with impressive rotating exhibitions. The museum buildings themselves, designed by architect Richard Meier, are an architectural marvel with clean lines and bright travertine stone.

The central garden is a tranquil haven featuring winding paths, seasonal flowers, and a reflecting pool. The Getty Center is free to enter; guests only need to cover parking. It’s ideal for those seeking a cultural escape surrounded by natural beauty.

TCL Chinese Theatre: Movie Magic

No trip to Los Angeles is complete without visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This world-famous stretch of sidewalk honors stars from the film, television, music, and entertainment industries with embedded terrazzo and brass stars.

Along the walk, travelers can find the TCL Chinese Theatre, a legendary cinema known for its distinctive architecture and celebrity handprints and footprints in the forecourt. Visitors often partake in guided tours highlighting Hollywood’s golden age and film trivia.

This vibrant area offers numerous dining and shopping venues and is a hub of street performers and fans eager to experience LA’s cinematic legacy firsthand.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Art and history enthusiasts flock to the LACMA complex on the famous Miracle Mile. The museum showcases an impressive range of art, including contemporary and modern pieces, Asian art, and Latin American collections. Notable visitors’ favorites include Urban Light, a large outdoor installation of restored street lamps that is highly Instagrammable.

Right next door, the La Brea Tar Pits offer a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric Los Angeles. Visitors can watch paleontologists at work in the tar pits, view fossils of Ice Age animals, and explore interactive exhibits explaining the ancient natural history of the region.

Together, these neighboring venues form a cultural landmark appealing to a wide variety of interests.

The Broad Museum: Contemporary Art in Downtown LA

The Broad is a contemporary art museum in downtown Los Angeles distinguished by its striking honeycomb-like exterior design. Admission is free, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Inside, visitors explore thought-provoking works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, and Yayoi Kusama. The museum features immersive installations and colorful pop art that captivates audiences of all ages.

Located near other downtown cultural landmarks, The Broad is a must-see venue for modern art lovers, combining visually stunning exhibitions with accessibility.

Venice Beach Boardwalk: Eclectic, Artistic, and Iconic

Venice Beach Boardwalk offers a unique blend of bohemian culture, street entertainment, and artistic flair. Visitors encounter muralists, musicians, magicians, and vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to snacks.

The beach itself provides visitors with sandy shorelines, volleyball courts, skate parks, and opportunities for surfing. Muscle Beach, the outdoor gym famous for its fitness culture since the 1930s, remains a popular highlight.

This eclectic venue captures the free-spirited essence of LA’s coast and appeals strongly to travelers seeking colorful people-watching and vibrant local energy.

Sunset Boulevard: Nightlife and Iconic Music Venues

Famous for its legendary role in music and film history, Sunset Boulevard offers tourists a variety of nightlife options spanning historic rock clubs, swanky lounges, and world-class dining.

Venues like the Hollywood Palladium and The Roxy Theatre continue to host top concerts and events, attracting music lovers from across the globe. The strip also features several trendy bars and restaurants perfect for enjoying LA’s vibrant evening scene.

Sunset Boulevard is ideal for visitors wanting to experience classic LA entertainment culture after dark.

Additional Noteworthy Venues and Experiences

• The Wiltern Theatre: A stunning Art Deco venue in mid-town LA, perfect for concerts and special events.

• The Getty Villa in Malibu: An extension of The Getty Center focusing on ancient Greek and Roman art, with beautiful gardens overlooking the ocean.

• Los Angeles Central Library: A historic cultural landmark with gorgeous architecture and one of the largest collections in the U.S.

• The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens: Located in San Marino, it is perfect for lovers of art, literature, and exotic gardens.

• Santa Barbara and Malibu Day Trips: For those wanting to explore beyond the city, these coastal towns offer stunning scenery, wine tasting, and charming downtowns.
  

Tips for Tourists Visiting Los Angeles Venues

• Many top museums and attractions offer free or discounted admission days—plan visits accordingly.

• LA’s traffic can be heavy; using public transit or ride-sharing apps can improve travel efficiency between venues.

• Wear comfortable shoes—Los Angeles venues often involve significant walking or exploring outdoor areas.

• Check venue event calendars; many offer special exhibitions or concerts worth timing your visit around.

• Reservations or advance tickets are recommended for popular sites like Universal Studios, The Getty Center, and Griffith Observatory planetarium shows.
  

Final Thoughts

Los Angeles boasts an unparalleled diversity of venues, making it an exciting and enriching destination for tourists in 2025. From iconic landmarks like the Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Walk of Fame to cultural gems such as The Getty Center and LACMA, visitors will find countless opportunities to engage with art, history, nature, and entertainment.

Whether soaking up the beach vibes at Santa Monica Pier, exploring cutting-edge contemporary art at The Broad, or enjoying thrilling rides at Universal Studios, Los Angeles delivers an unforgettable visit for travelers of all ages and interests.

Be sure to include these top venues on your itinerary to experience the magic, culture, and excitement of Los Angeles—an ever-changing city that inspires and captivates all who come to explore.