Best Things to do in LA Because You Live One Lifetime

Super Nintendo World

This is the land of Super Mario. And it's INCREDIBLE. Too fun to be true tbh.

• Head to Bowser’s Challenge: This is a REAL RACE. It's a 3D dark ride with AR where you “race” Mario-style, tossing shells at opponents.
• You'll see Peach’s Castle, Question Blocks, biiiig green pipes, giant mushrooms, and every other Mario thing you could think of.
• With music and sounds straight out Mario's game playing, you'll feel like you're inside the game.
• Grab a Mario Bacon Cheeseburger with the iconic mustache-shaped bun, Princess Peach Cupcake, & a fun drink like the Super Star Lemon Squash!

Jurassic World Ride

Get face-to-face with an Indominus Rex. You'll be stranded on a boat in the jungle, going where ever the river takes you. Survive your encounter with the Stegosaurus, Parasaurolophus, and the big bad Indominus Rex. It all builds up to a heart-pounding drop of 84 feet as you escape the raging battle between the Indominus and Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Revenge of the Mummy

Face the high speed (40 mph) dark indoor rollercoaster with big twists, turns, and backward swings launches.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Fly through Hogwarts on the Forbidden Journey, grab a butterbeer, & explore Hogsmeade Village! Check out the towering Hogwarts Castle. Try your hand at Ollivanders wand shop and enjoy a meal at the Three Broomsticks.

Adventure Tips:

• For the best experience, it’s best to arrive early in the morning so you can explore as much of the park as you can by the end of the day!
• People like to use the Universal Express Pass to skip long lines. 
• Don’t forget to check out live shows like WaterWorld!

Here's the Best Bites at Universal!

Lard Lad's: Grab the giant pink donut- shareable, and totally pic worthy! 

Krusty Burger: If you're craving a big 'ol burger, get the classic Krusty Burger or Mother Nature Burger (vegan).

Butterbeer (MUST TRY - Because it's iconic!): The caramel flavored drink straight from the books. Try it hot, cold, frozen (fan fav), or as soft-serve ice cream at carts and shops.

Pryoraptor Refresher at Jurassic Café– passionfruit + dragon fruit lemonade with mango popping boba.

Isla Nu-Bar: Tiki rum cocktails in mugs (like Tiki Tai)

Universal Studios Hollywood is not something to sleep on- with new attractions being added constantly, the theme park has the whimsical magic of the best in fantasy and adventure.

2. Go to Disneyland: The Happiest Place on Earth

The rides at California's Disneyland​ will take you through your childhood memories. Go on rides like Space Mountain, check out the Avengers Campus, meet your favorite characters, and end the night with the breathtaking fireworks over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

Explore the different universes that exist, from Fantasyland to Adventureland and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The wonderland hosts parades, live shows, and musical performances. Dive into the cuisine with Disney snacks like churros, Dole Whip, and Mickey treats.

Disneyland Park: The classic park with eight themed lands, including Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. This is where you’ll find the Sleeping Beauty Castle and timeless rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and It’s a Small World.

Disney California Adventure Park: Newer and full of thrills, speed, and adrenaline. The best include Avengers Campus, Cars Land, and Pixar Pier. Don’t miss the Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! or the World of Color water show at night.

Top 5 Lands to Visit:

• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Disney made the world of Star Worlds real just for fans like you. Must-do rides include the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Rise of the Resistance. Take a pic with the droid-building!

• Fantasyland: This is where those fairytales come to life- iconic the Disney charm. Get on Peter Pan’s Flight, It’s a Small World, and the Matterhorn Bobsleds rides.

• New Orleans Square: Ride the Pirates of the Caribbean & Haunted Mansion. There's a lot of great eats here like the Mickey beignets & gumbo.

• Adventureland: Explore Disney's thrill adventure jungle. You'll find the Indiana Jones Adventure ride & Jungle Cruise here!

• Tomorrowland: Fly to space and head to the future on Space Mountain, Star Tours, and the Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters rides. This land is all about high-speed rides, sci-fi, and cool futuristic tech.

Best Food to Try There:

• Blue Milk & Green Milk – Iconic Star Wars drinks (non-dairy)
• Dole Whip – Pineapple soft-serve from Tiki Juice Bar
• Monte Cristo Sandwich – Deep-fried ham, turkey, and cheese sandwich at Café Orleans
• Mickey Beignets (New Orleans Square / Mint Julep Bar)
• Corn Dogs – Classic Disneyland snack, especially at Corn Dog Castle

3. Get Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood Tickets​

Step behind the scenes of your favorite films and TV shows. Walk through real sets, explore soundstages, and see props from popular films and shows like Harry Potter, Batman, and Friends. Warner Bros Studio Tour is your ticket for uncovering Hollywood​. 

See how your favorite movies and TV shows are made. Step onto some of the actual filming locations. Learn about special effects, set design, and how actors and crew bring stories to life.

Order coffee at Central Perk, take a seat on a Friends couch, and take a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where 2,700+ stars' names can be seen! Get a picture with your favorite star’s name and visit the TCL Chinese Theatre, where the biggest actors’ handprints and footprints are printed in cement. 

4. Zipline with Highline Adventures

Let’s get closer to the skies—welcome to Highline Adventures—home to California’s longest, tallest, and fastest ziplines! This is the place to zipline the Los Angeles area​ for adrenaline, jaw-dropping views, and outdoor adventure. Before you fly, you’ll get suited up with the most advanced and secure zipline gear, plus a quick safety briefing from experts who make sure you’re 100% comfortable and ready. The 4x4 ride up the mountainside in the Highline Hummer climbs over 1,000 feet through fields of vibrant protea flowers.

Be prepared for the unreal views up top. The zipline goes high above Santa Ynez Valley, with sweeping mountain views for miles. Soar through the skies on California’s longest zipline! With two more epic ziplines, descending back down to the valley floor, Each one is faster, higher, and more exhilarating! High quality safety, guides, and equipment make Highline Adventures a must-visit in LA!

5. Try a Laguna Ethos Kayaking Tour

Ever wanted to tour a beach? Hop into a kayak and explore the stunning Laguna Beach coastline with a Laguna Ethos kayaking tour! Whether you’re a beginner or experienced kayaker, they’ve got you covered with top-of-the-line equipment and a local expert guide to ensure a safe, fun ride near Los Angeles! Uncover hidden bays, lush kelp forests, and colorful coral reefs, all while paddling above crystal-clear waters. Keep your eyes open—dolphins, seals, and even whales are frequent visitors! You’ll be in great hands as you explore the wild beauty of Laguna’s coastline!

6. Go on Captain Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Go whale watching near Los Angeles! ​Dana Point is known as the Whale Watching Capital of the World. With Capt. Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, get up close to whales and dolphins—on a fast, thrilling ride! Experience speeds of 30 knots- you won’t be spending much time searching, you’ll quickly get to see incredible marine life. See Blue Whales from May to October and Gray Whales from December to April. Say hi to Humpbacks, Fin Whales, and massive dolphin pods year-round!

Limited to just 20 passengers, the experience gets you within arm’s reach of wildlife, guided by a marine expert who shares insights along the way. And to top it off? You’ll end your trip with a delicious Triple Fudge Brownie—a guest favorite! Book your adventure today and experience why Dana Point is known as the Whale Watching Capital of the World!

7. Take a Lesson with Kapowui Surf School

The beaches are some of the best parts of LA- and the waves here are perfect for surfing. Want to surf better? Kapowui is Venice Beach’s top-rated surf school, teaching all skill levels with expert instructors who love surfing! Lessons start with on-land training, where you’ll learn paddling, balance, and popping up. Then, you’ll hit the waves with one-on-one coaching to ride your first wave. Learn about surf culture and the experience, with top-quality gear and instructors who bring the true beach wave spirit!

8. Go to the Best Beaches in Los Angeles​

This city is home to some of the most best beaches in Los Angeles, California, and the world. With bright blue waters, warm yellow sands, the perfect temperature, and a variety of waves, here are the best spots:

• Laguna Beach: Big (sometimes intense) waves, great for swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the water. Don't miss the Festival of Arts in the summer. There's also galleries, murals, art, cafes, and restaurants all around

• Malibu Beach: Perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean. Try the tasty seafood at Malibu Farm on Malibu Pier

• El Matador Beach: Stunning rock formations and sunsets. Popular spot for romantic vibes, photography, and quiet beach days

• Venice Beach: Enjoy the quirky free-spirit vibes, iconic boardwalk, street performers, skate park, and Muscle Beach gym

9. Hike to the Hollywood Sign – Get Closer Than Anywhere Else!

Featured by The Los Angeles Times, The Today Show, USA Today, and The New York Times, the Hollywood Sign would love to meet you. So why don’t you get it off your bucket list?

Why This Hike is so Unique:

• 360 degree views of LA
• Get the best photos with the Hollywood Sign!
• Your guide is a local expert who will keep you on track and share all the juicy deets of Hollywood
• If you wanna get active and go outdoors while exploring LA, this is the ultimate tour

Helpful Tips:

• Arrive Early: Be at the meeting point 15 minutes before your tour—they can’t wait for latecomers.
• Navigation Note: Do not select “Innsdale Trailhead”—it’s not the correct spot.
• Meeting Spot: Look for your guide outside the long white gate. Please respect neighbors’ privacy.
• No Restrooms at the Start: Plan ahead so you’re ready to hit the trail.
• Bring Your Energy: This hike is for travelers who enjoy walking and exploring outdoors.

Once you're up in the hills, you can take photos with the Hollywood sign and breathe in the fresh air- but the journey is just as fun as the destination!

10. Explore Ancient Waterfalls & Lands: Yosemite National Park

A wild call echoes from the north – a call to huge granite cliffs, ancient monster trees, and waterfalls that thunder with Mother Nature’s power - we're talking about Yosemite National Park.

• Yosemite Falls: FYI the tallest waterfall in North America. Half a mile tall, the fall’s drop is divided into three different sections:
• Upper Yosemite Falls: Water begins with a 1,430-foot descent
• The Middle Cascades: The water then tumbles down five smaller cascades for 675 feet. You can see glimpses of it from a few points
• Lower Yosemite Fall: The final, easily accessible 320-foot drop finishes the journey to the valley floor

11. Catalina Island

Just a one-hour ferry ride from the LA coast, Catalina Island feels like a world away. The island is wild and rugged, while the main town of Avalon is a sweet resort village. 

With pretty blue seas all around, hike or bike interior trails, spot bison, snorkel, dive, and swim.

12. Go to Cliffs & Sea Caves: El Matador State Beach

This beach in Malibu isn't your everyday sandy shoreline. No, remember, this planet is also home to dramatic sea stacks, big cliffs, and sea caves- which you can explore here.

During low tide, the caves and tide pools open up, revealing a mini marine world with life. The beauty of the lands is rugged with unique rocks- a photographer's dream. Watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean and snap that final photo.

13. Watch Mojave & Colorado Deserts Collide at Joshua Tree National Park

While not technically in LA, this is another world close by. Joshua Tree is where two completely different deserts—the Mojave and the Colorado—are forced together by the nature gods.

The result? A part of the planet that’s twisted, full of spiky trees, and jumbled rock landscapes. Hear that rock climbers? It’s your time to shine. With trails and incredible starry night skies, this destination is designated as an official International Dark Sky Park.

14. The Channel Islands National Park

A.k.a. The Galapagos of North America, this national park is actually five islands off the coast of Southern California. Hike to stunning spots, go sea kayaking through sea caves, and see plants and animals you can’t find anywhere else on Earth. A trip here is a real adventure, requiring a ferry or private boat to access.

15. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park

If you've ever seen a sci-fi movie or TV show, you've probably seen Vasquez Rocks. Bizarrely angled and uplifted, these sandstone formations are created by seismic activity. The jagged, tilted rocks look like something from another planet, and exploring them feels like stepping onto a movie set. The park creates an easy hike that takes you right into the middle of this world.

16. Take on Top Hikes in LA

• Solstice Canyon (Malibu): This is a secret adventure spot with its mix of waterfalls, ocean views, and abandoned ruins of old mansions. Hike with creekside trails, lots of greenery, and the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

• Escondido Falls (Malibu): Visit one of LA’s tallest waterfalls (up to 150 ft). Go along shaded canyon paths, streams, and a waterfall.

• Point Dume Cove Trail (Malibu): Take a short hike with ocean views on a clifftop and hidden beaches. Spot dolphins, sea lions, tide pools, and the Pacific Ocean.

• Eaton Canyon (Pasadena): This family-friendly hike leads to a waterfall you can stand under. With stream crossings, canyon walls, greenery, and waterfall, this is a cooling and fun experience, especially in summer.

• Sandstone Peak (Malibu): The highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains has 360° views of the ocean, mountains, and even Channel Islands on clear days- this one’s challenging but worth it!

• Mount Baldy (San Gabriel Mountains): Check out the highest mountain near LA (10,064 ft), alpine forests, rocky ridges, and sometimes even snow in winter.

17. Find the Best Tacos in Los Angeles​ with The Santa Barbara Taco Food Tour

Sorry for keeping the foodies waiting- if you love food, margaritas, and exploring new places, join in on this tour to find the best tacos in Los Angeles​! 

For 2.5 hours, visit 5 award-winning taquerias and taste flavorful tacos like Carne Asada, Shrimp, Fajita Chicken, Mushroom, and Queso Birria—paired with margaritas and drinks.

Listen to the guide yap about history, food, and secret spots you should not sleep on. 

18. Take a Helicopter Tour of LA

Put your head in the clouds and only look down for the aerial views of the city's landmarks, including the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and the Pacific coastline.

Once you step onto the helicopter, you're going to the stars... above the Hollywood sign, above the glam Beverly Hills, and everyone below. You'll fly above celebrity homes, famous LA landmark, and have a lot of fun enjoying the thrill of the air. Take lots of pictures and tour the city the best way!

19. Drive Through Beverly Hills in a Ferrari on a Hollywood Tour

It’s well known that some of the most rich and famous live here, but even if you aren’t one (yet, of course), you can still drive a Ferrari through Beverly Hills. Buckle up for a luxury driving Hollywood tour. Take the wheel and drive past iconic spots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip, and Beverly Hills! Go sightseeing— a supercar and the city! Feel the power of a Ferrari. With a private guide, you’ll learn fun facts about LA’s most famous spots—all while turning heads on the streets of the stars!

20. Catch Shows @ the Hollywood Bowl

Legends have performed here since 1922. From rock concerts to orchestras and jazz, some of the biggest names in music take a visit. The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Billie Eilish—you name it, they’ve played here. The Bowl is a big part of the city’s musical life. Hollywood Hills are right behind the Bowl’s glowing band shell stage. Bring your own picnic to enjoy before the show. Some sections even let you eat during performances.

Hot Tips:

• Arrive early—parking can be tricky, and walking up through the hills takes time.
• Check the rules—some shows allow outside food and drinks, others don’t.
• Bring layers—nights in LA can get chilly even in summer.
• Consider shuttle service—many people use Bowl shuttle buses to avoid traffic.

21. Party All Night at ZOUK

Inspired by Singapore’s legendary Zouk, you're getting yourself into high art + luxury + avant-garde clubbing. Big DJs like Metro Boomin and Playboi Carti perform here. Bottle service and gourmet snacks included in VIP experience.

22. Next Up, Throw it Down at Keys

This club has multiple floors. Located on the Sunset Strip, jump up and down with the high energy, state-of-the-art sound, and live DJ performances.

23. Go Rage Mode at Sound Nightclub

If you’re picky about audio, you won’t be here. With a Funktion-One sound system, go underground on the dance floor and enjoy deep house and techno.

24. Let Loose at Academy

Festival in a club— that’s the energy. Built with festival-level production by the team behind Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), this mega-club delivers intense EDM nights. LED visuals and booming sounds will devour you. The lineup includes big-name DJs like Tiësto and Diplo.

25. Party with the Divas at Highlight Room

Rooftop views + chic party + poolside lounge. Party with stylish cocktails, fashion crowd divas, and DJs.

26. Go to LA's Top 3 Michelin Star Restaurant: Providence

Enjoy American seafood by an award winning chef from king crab to A5 wagyu, king salmon, and caviar. With three Michelin stars, a James Beard Award, and top honors from Gourmet and Los Angeles magazines, including #1 on Jonathan Gold’s famed restaurant list, they’re dedicated to serving sustainability from the ground up. 

27. Taste Highly Rated Redefined Mexican Seafood: Holbox

They redefined Mexican seafood in LA. I’m not kidding. Under the guidance of Chef Gilberto Cetina, the restaurant has stacked up numerous accolades, including a Michelin Star in 2024 and the Los Angeles Times' Restaurant of the Year in 2023. From uni-topped tostadas to scallop ceviches, you’re getting top-of-the-line freshness and bold flavors.

28. Modern Day Kaiseki with a Michelin Star: n/naka

Try modern kaiseki cuisine. Chef Niki Nakayama and her partner, Carole Iida-Nakayama, created a 13-course tasting menu that harmonizes Japanese tradition with Californian ingredients. The restaurant has gained a Michelin star and a spot in the world's top dining experiences.

29. Go Afro-Caribbean: Lucia

Sophisticated Afro-Caribbean brought to you the Caribbean side. Founded by Sam Jordan and helmed by Jamaican-born chef Adrian Forte, let African diaspora blend with fine dine. Try newly invented dishes such as jerk-spiced dry-aged tomahawk steak, coconut fried chicken paired with Trini mac pie, and vegan lychee ceviche with sorrel leche. Beverage director Melina Meza complements the experience with Caribbean-inspired cocktails like the Oxtail Old Fashioned and a deeply thought of selection of wines.

So What Are You Waiting For?

Whether you love hiking, seeing wildlife, or just relaxing in nature, there's something waiting for you in LA. So there you have it! This guide covers some of the best once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles.

Feel free to watch the video version of this blog, and stay tuned for more awesome travel guides. Find even more exciting experiences on Dyvarcity- see you soon, and happy travels!