8/17/2025
This is your guide to the best things to do: Los Angeles edition, unpacked. Los Angeles is known to be one of the most exciting cities in America, if not the world! From Universal Studios to beaches, nature, food, and the culture, here are the best places to go and things to do in LA!
First stop: Universal Studios Hollywood— the famous destination for some of the world’s best rides and experiences! This park is split into two areas: the Upper Lot and Lower Lot. The Upper Lot has shows, different worlds, and family-friendly rides, while the Lower Lot is where you’ll find the most thrilling adventures!
If Super Mario was one of your childhood core memories, you have to visit Super Nintendo World!
Water ride alert! The Jurassic World Ride is a must—cool off with a giant splash and come face-to-face with the Indominus Rex! If you want the zoom so fast you can feel your soul escaping, the Revenge of the Mummy indoor rollercoaster takes you on a wild, dark ride with sudden twists and turns! Fly through Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, ride Flight of the Hippogriff, and grab a butterbeer while exploring Hogsmeade!
Go behind the scenes of real Hollywood sets at the Studio Tour! See King Kong in 3D, survive a Fast & Furious chase, and even experience an earthquake. Universal Studios is also kid-friendly. For younger kids, there’s Minion Mayhem, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, and Kung Fu Panda Adventure—all fun, interactive, and gentle rides. For the best experience, it’s best to arrive early. People like to use the Universal Express Pass to skip long lines. Don’t forget to check out live shows like WaterWorld!
What’s the food scene, you may ask? Try the Krusty Burger in Springfield, Three Broomsticks in Harry Potter World, or a giant pink donut from Lard Lad’s! 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!
Skip the Line: Express Ticket at Universal Studios Hollywood grants one-time express access to rides, shows, and attractions, including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ (with reservation-free entry when reservations are required). Maximize your day with this ticket, valid only on your selected date, and enjoy reserved seating at shows.
Let’s get closer to the skies—welcome to Highline Adventures—home to California’s longest, tallest, and fastest ziplines! This is the place 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!
Epic Zipline Tour near Santa Barbara offers a thrilling ride on California's longest, tallest, and fastest ziplines. Located on over 1,200 acres of beautiful ranchland in the Santa Ynez Valley, this adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Get ready to fly over colorful flower fields and take in amazing views.
The adventure begins with a safety briefing from the trained guides, followed by a fun Hummer ride up the mountainside. The Hummer climbs over 1,000 feet through protea flower fields to reach the top, high above the Santa Ynez Valley. Once at the top, guests will launch from Zip 1, California's longest zipline.
Guests will descend back down to the valley floor via a total of 3 ziplines. The total tour time lasts roughly 1-2 hours. Highline Adventures uses the safest zipline equipment, making sure everyone feels comfortable and secure. All guides are professional and welcoming, so all guests feel at ease before they take flight.
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!
Kapowui Surf Lesson in Santa Monica offers an immersive 1.5-hour experience suitable for all skill levels. Experience guaranteed wave riding with expert instructors steeped in Aloha spirit. Enjoy provided gear and a taste of true surfer culture. A unique, memorable, and safe introduction to surfing.
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!
High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari from Dana Point offers an exhilarating two-hour wildlife adventure. Aboard a zodiac-style boat, get up close to whales and dolphins with speeds up to 30 knots. Enjoy live commentary, expert crew, and a delicious Triple Fudge Brownie. A thrilling experience for wildlife enthusiasts!
Sorry for keeping the foodies waiting- if you love tacos, margaritas, and exploring new places, get to a LA food tour! The Original Taco Tour in Santa Barbara is a 2.5-hour walking adventure through the heart of The American Riviera! You’ll visit 5 award-winning taquerias and taste flavorful tacos like Carne Asada, Shrimp, Fajita Chicken, Mushroom, and Queso Birria—paired with margaritas, wine, or craft beer! Along the way, your guide will share fun facts about Santa Barbara’s history, food culture, and secret spots the locals love! Whether you’re a local or travelers, you’ll find taco flavors you never knew were in Santa Barbara! The link to the taco tour is in the description, check it out if you’re interested!
The Original TACO TOUR Santa Barbara invites everyone to taste the best tacos, beers, wine, and margaritas in Santa Barbara! Explore the beauty of downtown Santa Barbara, also known as The American Riviera, on a fun 2.5-hour walking tour. This experience lets people eat like a local at 5 of Santa Barbara's top taco spots.
What to Expect: Guests will enjoy a guided walk through Santa Barbara, stopping at five different award-winning taquerias. They will savor delicious tacos and choose from beverages like margaritas, wine, or beer at select locations. As a special treat, each person receives 'shop local' gift cards to continue exploring Santa Barbara's unique shops after the tour.
This tour includes five amazing tacos and two drinks (margaritas, wine, or beer). It also includes special gifts from local shops. The tour does not include extra food or drinks purchased, or transportation to the meeting point. This walking tour allows a small group to discover hidden gems and popular spots, while the guide shares fun facts and local insights. Each person gets a taste of Santa Barbara's delicious food scene and vibrant culture.
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! 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!
The Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour with Sea Lion Sightings offers an unforgettable adventure exploring the stunning Laguna Beach Marine Preserve. This kayaking tour is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers of all skill levels. Participants can expect to paddle through crystal-clear waters, marvel at the rugged coastline, and encounter playful sea lions in their natural habitat.
The tour focuses on the Laguna Beach Marine Preserve, a protected area teeming with diverse marine life. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds that call this area home. Knowledgeable local guides lead each tour, sharing fascinating insights about the local ecosystem and the area's history.
This experience includes kayaks, paddles, life vests, and water to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. This tour excludes personal items and snacks. The Laguna Beach Open Ocean Kayaking Tour promises an intimate encounter with California's coastal beauty.
Step behind the scenes of your favorite films and TV shows at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour! Just north of Los Angeles, walk through real sets, explore soundstages, and see props from Harry Potter, Batman, and Friends. Don’t forget to grab a coffee at Central Perk and take a photo on the famous Friends couch! Take a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where over 2,700 celebrity stars line Hollywood Boulevard! Snap a picture with your favorite star’s name and visit the TCL Chinese Theatre, where legendary actors’ handprints and footprints are immortalized in cement. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is located along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood invites everyone to step into the exciting world of movie-making. Located in the heart of Hollywood Studio, this tour lets guests explore one of the busiest working studios in Los Angeles, guided by expert storytellers.
Visitors can walk through iconic backlot sets and sound stages, discovering how movie magic is brought to life. Stage 48: Script to Screen reveals Hollywood costumes and green-screen technology used for special effects. The tour also includes the chance to dine at the Central Perk Café and shop at the Friends Boutique, complete with costumes from the hit show on display.
The Grand Finale immerses guests in recreated sets from the DC Universe, where they can meet Superheroes and Super-Villains. Plus, they can explore the world of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, even getting sorted by the enchanted sorting hat. This experience allows you to walk in the footsteps of Hollywood legends on a real working studio backlot.
Los Angeles is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in California.
If you head over to Laguna Beach, you’ll find sun, sand, and awesome views! Main Beach is the heart of Laguna Beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and soaking up that California sunshine. From the hidden coves of Thousand Steps Beach to the snorkeling spot at Crescent Bay, this beach is big! Don't forget the tide pools, where you can explore these mini-ecosystems and discover sea creatures. Stroll through the galleries, check out the murals, and immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene. And if you're here in the summer, you can't miss the Festival of Arts and the legendary Pageant of the Masters! Hungry? Laguna has a ton of restaurants and cafes! From fresh seafood to farm-to-table meals, foodies will love exploring the food scene here!
A trip to LA isn’t complete without a visit to Disneyland!
Ride classics like Space Mountain, meet your favorite characters, and end the night with the breathtaking fireworks over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. If you're a thrill-seeker, check out Avengers Campus and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for epic attractions!
Disneyland Resort Anaheim Tickets invite everyone to the magical world of Disney in sunny California. These tickets open the door to fun and adventure for all ages.
Get ready to explore Disneyland Park, where classic stories come to life. Discover Disney California Adventure Park and experience thrilling rides and shows. Don't forget to visit Downtown Disney District for shopping and dining.
From Avengers Campus to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, there's something for everyone. See the amazing Disneyland Fireworks, ride the Disneyland Railroad, and learn about history at Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. Explore the Indiana Jones Adventure, the Tiki Room, Tarzan's Treehouse, Jungle Cruise, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Brave the Haunted Mansion and enjoy Fantasmic! Cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat or the Sailing Ship Columbia. Paddle a Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoe and ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. From Sleeping Beauty's Castle to Cars Land, adventure awaits around every corner.
Shopping in Cali is next level. At Rodeo Drive, you'll find designer boutiques like Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a great place to soak up the luxury of Beverly Hills. If you want to explore more of the outdoors, take a hike at Runyon Canyon! Located near Hollywood, this trail offers stunning views of downtown LA, the Hollywood Sign, and even the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
Los Angeles isn’t just about Hollywood and beaches—it’s also home to beautiful natural escapes! Here are some of the best nature spots in LA where you can enjoy hiking, breathtaking views, and peaceful retreats.
If you’re looking for expansive views, Runyon Canyon Park is a great option! As one of the most popular hiking spots in LA, the park has panoramic city views. You might see hawks, lizards, and even the occasional coyote! Near Hollywood, it’s also close to the Walk of Fame.
Another nature escape is The Griffith Park & Observatory, known for great views of LA and the Hollywood Sign. There’s over 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Griffith Park Trail to Mount Hollywood Summit is a great hike for breathtaking scenery.
Additionally, the Topanga State Park is another scenic area with rugged cliffs, beautiful trails, and ocean views. A great hike route to take here is The Eagle Rock Trail, a 4.5-mile loop with incredible rock formations. The park is great for wildlife spotting, including deer, rabbits, and even bobcats.
A state park you need to visit is the Malibu Creek State Park, also known as the "Yosemite of Southern California." The state park has dramatic canyons, rock pools, and waterfalls. The area has also been used as a filming location for movies like Planet of the Apes!
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at Laguna Beach is another paradise for those who love nature; explore trails through canyons and oak woodlands!
It’s well known that some of the most rich and famous live in LA, but even if you aren’t one (yet, of course), you can still drive a Ferrari through Beverly Hills and Hollywood! Buckle up for a luxury driving 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 and explore LA! 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!
Experience the thrill of driving a Ferrari through Hollywood and Beverly Hills. This 1-hour tour offers a celebrity-like experience, showcasing iconic landmarks and luxury. Feel the adrenaline while cruising in a high-end sports car, creating unforgettable memories. Note that extra fees apply for back seat passengers.
LA may be a bustling city, but it's also home to breathtaking nature! Whether you love hiking, seeing wildlife, or just relaxing in nature, there's something waiting for you. So there you have it! This guide covers some of the top destinations and things to do in Los Angeles, California. If you want to find even more exciting experiences, visit dyvarcity.com!
Feel free to watch the video version of this blog, and stay tuned for more awesome travel guides. See you soon, and happy travels!
