Looking for places to visit in los angeles beyond a quick Hollywood photo? Think glowing streetlamps, a tunnel made of books and palm-lined walks by the beach.
These pictures give you plenty to choose from, including a few ideas for exploring the wider LA area.
You can keep things simple with a market lunch or plan an afternoon around art and city views. Pick your favorites first, then group nearby stops together rather than squeezing everything into one day.
Los Angeles stops worth saving
Griffith Observatory at sunset
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous view of Griffith Observatory. The dark domes against that orange sky are so pretty, with city towers visible in the distance.
Leave some time to enjoy the outdoor view rather than making this only an indoor stop. You might not get this exact sky, but I’d still save a little time for the terraces.
Santa Monica Pier after dark
How cute is the pier with all those lights? The colorful Ferris wheel and Route 66 sign give you plenty to look at before you even get to the rides.
If you want an evening beach stop, put this one on your list. I especially love the colorful reflections across the boardwalk in this picture.
Getty Center terraces
If you love a city view, this one is for you. This Getty Center terrace has pale walls, long stairways and beds of tall green plants overlooking LA.
Give the outdoor spaces a little room in your museum plans too. Those planted terraces deserve more than a quick glance on your way inside.
Venice Beach boardwalk
I love this palm-lined stretch of Venice Beach. There’s sand on one side, colorful storefronts on the other and long palm shadows across the walkway.
Keep this stop simple with a stroll and a look around. You don’t need a packed itinerary for every part of your trip.
Hollywood Sign hillside views
Want to see the Hollywood Sign from a different angle? This collage pairs the familiar front view with a hillside perspective behind the letters.
Choose an authorized trail that suits your ability before heading out. Don’t rely on the graphic’s claim about the easiest hike.
Check current trail access and bring water.
Read also: 20 Fun Places to Visit in Oregon and Scenic Ideas for Your Trip
Mirrored lights
I am obsessed with this mirrored light installation. The tiny blue, orange and white lights seem to keep going in every direction.
For a similar art stop in LA, look into Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room at The Broad. Check the current entry arrangements rather than assuming every installation is included with general admission.
A rocky beach sunset
Don’t want your whole trip to be city streets and museums? This rocky shoreline is lovely coastal inspiration. I love the golden light on the cliff and the strip of sand beside the water.
Read also: 20 Beautiful Places to Visit in Korea, From Palace Gates to Coastal Views
The exact beach isn’t identifiable from this photo alone. Confirm the location and public access before adding this particular spot to your route.
Urban Light at LACMA
These rows of glowing streetlamps are just so pretty. I love the different lantern shapes in Urban Light at LACMA, especially with the palms peeking out behind them.
Try looking down one of the aisles rather than only photographing the installation from the front.
Grand Central Market
Ready for a food stop? Save Grand Central Market for a break in your downtown exploring.
The big blue oval sign makes a cute arrival photo too.
Take a look around before choosing where to eat. I’d leave the meal undecided until you’ve seen what catches your eye.
The Last Bookstore’s book tunnel
How amazing is this book tunnel? The Last Bookstore turns stacks of books into an arch above the shelves.
I love the red wall details and gold-colored ceiling trim behind it.
If you love browsing bookstores, give yourself time to do more than take the photo. There are shelves right underneath that eye-catching display.
The Huntington
Can’t decide between gardens and art? The Huntington in San Marino brings both into one outing, along with its library collections.
The entrance sign names all three. Just check the current visitor schedule before planning your day rather than relying on the hours in this photo.
Hollywood views from the street
This is another Hollywood Sign view, but it’s a little different from the hillside one above. I love the tall palms framing the white letters in the distance.
Choose a legal public viewing spot and take your photos from the sidewalk. You don’t need to copy the middle-of-the-road angle to enjoy the view.
Coastal rock arches
If you love dramatic coastal scenery, these rock arches are worth a closer look. The little openings frame the water so beautifully, with a patch of sunlight across the sand.
The formations resemble El Matador State Beach near Malibu, though this photo alone doesn’t confirm the location. Check access and tides before visiting.
Stay away from openings where incoming waves could cut off your return.
Echo Park Lake’s swan boats
How adorable are these glowing swan boats? The tall fountain and downtown lights make this Echo Park Lake scene even prettier.
An evening boat ride could be a fun addition to your plans. Check current rental hours first if you’re hoping to see the boats lit up like this.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
This building may just be one of my favorites here. I love the huge curved forms at Walt Disney Concert Hall, especially with the pale pink sky behind them.
Save it for an architecture stop downtown. If you’d like to hear a performance too, check the concert calendar separately.
The Original Farmers Market
That clock tower is such a cute landmark. This Original Farmers Market scene has red and orange umbrellas below it, with people strolling past the storefronts.
This is another option for a food-focused stop. Leave a little time to browse instead of treating it as a quick pickup.
a hillside trail break
Want to trade the sidewalks for a trail? This dusty uphill path has shallow steps, shrubs along both sides and a hiker farther up the slope.
The image doesn’t identify the trail, so don’t use it alone to navigate. Choose a confirmed LA hiking route that matches your ability and check conditions before setting out.
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
There’s so much color in this Abbot Kinney collage. I love the bright pink shapes in the mural next to the palm-lined street scenes and the plant-filled dining space.
If you want to mix a walk with a meal and a little browsing, save this Venice stop. Let the street art be part of the outing too.
Olvera Street stalls
This Olvera Street scene is full of little details worth slowing down for. Colorful hanging displays, stacks of hats and green storefronts line the brick walkway.
Take a stroll past the stalls rather than rushing through. The bright flowers hanging beside the bags are my favorite part of this picture.
Ocean views beneath a pier
Last but definitely not least, we have this view beneath a beach pier. I love the repeating supports with the waves rolling between them.
The exact pier isn’t clear from the image. For your own coastal photo, choose a publicly accessible beach and stay on open sand away from the pilings and incoming surf.