What to do in Los Angeles: the must-sees of the City of Angels

In Los Angeles, certain places naturally belong on any itinerary. From the buzz of Hollywood to the lush hills of Griffith Park, through the prestige of Beverly Hills, these destinations condense the very essence of the city and offer experiences that stay with you long after.

Walking along Hollywood Boulevard is one of the first things to do during your visit to Los Angeles. The Walk of Fame spans over more than 2,700 stars engraved in the pavement, paying tribute to the great figures of American cinema, music, and television. The TCL Chinese Theatre, with its handprints and footprints of the stars, and the Dolby Theatre, temple of the Oscars, punctuate this legendary boulevard. Plan to spend one to two hours exploring this area at a relaxed pace, letting the neighborhood tell its stories.

To extend the Hollywood experience, a hike in the surrounding hills leads to the Hollywood Sign, designated a historic landmark since 1973. Several trails allow approaching these nine iconic letters, with spectacular panoramic views of the city as the reward. The climb takes between two and three hours depending on the route chosen, and is best in the morning, before the heat sets in.

Only a few miles from the heart of Hollywood, Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. At its summit sits the Griffith Observatory, an astronomical observatory that offers one of the finest viewpoints on Los Angeles. The panorama, which extends from Downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean, is stunning both during the day and at sunset.

Inside, interactive exhibitions dedicated to astronomy and a planetarium enrich the visit. Admission is free, which makes it a step accessible to all travelers. Our tip: arrive in the late afternoon to see the city gradually illuminate at sunset. The show is well worth the detour. Plan two hours on site to fully enjoy the whole site.

Just a few minutes west of Hollywood, Beverly Hills embodies glamour at its purest state. Its palm-lined avenues, its sumptuous homes and its haute couture boutiques make it a standout district in Los Angeles' urban landscape. Rodeo Drive, its most famous shopping street, brings together the world's largest luxury houses. Strolling along this mythical boulevard is an experience in itself, even without shopping on the agenda.

For families as well as travelers in search of exceptional scenery, Beverly Hills' residential streets reveal remarkable architecture and a hushed atmosphere, far from the bustle of the most frequented tourist areas.

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Los Angeles is far more than a capital of cinema. The city is home to a richly artistic and cultural scene, driven by internationally renowned institutions and neighborhoods where creativity freely expresses itself on every street corner.

Perched on the heights of Brentwood, the Getty Center is an invitation to contemplation. Its architecture designed by Richard Meier, its landscaped gardens and its panoramic views of the city make it a unique place even before you push its doors. Inside, the permanent collection brings together masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet and Cézanne. Admission is free, and a half-day is ideal to fully enjoy it. It is a stop especially appreciated by families, thanks to the generous outdoor spaces and the richness of collections accessible to all.

In Downtown Los Angeles, The Broad houses one of the most impressive contemporary art collections in the United States. Warhol, Koons, Basquiat and Yayoi Kusama are notably represented there. Kusama's immersive installation is particularly sought-after: be sure to book your tickets well in advance to avoid any disappointment.

Downtown Los Angeles reveals itself to those who take the time to explore it. Its Art Deco buildings, the Walt Disney Concert Hall designed by Frank Gehry, and Grand Central Market, open since 1917, compose a contrasting tableau where history meets modernity. East of downtown, the Arts District has become a vibrant space dedicated to street art, galleries and trendy dining spots. A half-day is enough to grasp the atmosphere, though one is often tempted to stay.

For cinephiles, Hollywood film studios and the surrounding areas are a must-see stop. The Studio Tour at Universal Studios or Warner Bros opens the doors to behind the scenes of cinema: sets, active filming stages and special effects are revealed during an immersive guided tour. An ideal experience for families, to be planned for a full day to not miss anything.

Our Travel Planners' tips: for a guided tour of Downtown Los Angeles or the movie studios, book in advance, especially during school periods when demand is higher.

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Le littoral de Los Angeles est l'un de ses attraits les plus séduisants. Des plages mythiques s'y succèdent, chacune avec sa propre identité, entre bohème revendiquée et dolce vita californienne. Ces escapades balnéaires conviennent aussi bien aux familles qu'aux couples en quête d'instants de sérénité au bord de l'eau.

Venice Beach is a beach like no other. On its famous boardwalk, street performers, skateboarders and outdoor fitness enthusiasts create a constant and vibrant spectacle. A little away from this bustle, Venice's canals offer a quiet and unexpected pause. Built in 1905, these waterways lined with colorful houses constitute one of the city's most unusual promenades. Plan a half-day to explore the two faces of Venice, also passing by Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where independent shops and well-curated cafés follow one another in an authentic local atmosphere.

Santa Monica marks the legendary end of Route 66. Its iconic pier houses rides, a Ferris wheel, an aquarium and ocean-view restaurants. At sunset, the golden reflections on the Pacific offer a setting of rare beauty, particularly appreciated by travelers seeking moments of togetherness.

The Third Street Promenade, just steps from the beach, invites you to a lively pause on a pedestrian shopping street. For a complete experience, combine a bike ride between Venice Beach and Santa Monica along the 4 kilometers of beachfront. It is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable ways to soak up the Californian lifestyle, at your own pace, as you please.

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