With numerous trails available, the Hollywood Hills offers a picturesque view of the LA basin. Make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and hiking boots to make the most out of this adventure.
The Griffith Observatory offers a stunning view of the LA skyline with various exhibits and planetarium shows about space exploration. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset over the city.
Venice Beach is known for its colourful atmosphere, street performers and skateboarders. Take a surfing lesson and join the locals in the water. If surfing is not for you, relax on the beach and enjoy the sun.
Visit the Getty Centre to take in the stunning architecture and art exhibits housed in the museum. Make a quick stop on your way at the Museum of Contemporary Art and then finish the day at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where you can find stars for your favorite artists and actors.
Get a Disneyland park hopper pass to experience both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks. Ride your favourite rides and meet your favourite Disney characters while indulging in some delicious Disney treats.
Universal Studios Hollywood is a working movie set and theme park, where you can go behind the scenes of your favourite movies and TV shows. Enjoy thrilling rides, live shows and interactive attractions that take you straight into the action.
Take a ferry to Catalina Island, where you can swim, snorkel, hike or rent a golf cart to explore this picturesque island. You can also visit the famous Catalina Casino and take in the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and the island from the top.
One of the best ways to experience Santa Monica Mountains is to go mountain biking. Choose a trail that suits your level and spend the day exploring the wildlife and scenic views of the area. Make sure to take snacks, water and a bike helmet.
Malibu Beach offers a perfect spot for a beach day. Relax on the beach, try some water activities, hike in the Malibu Creek State Park, taste some delicious seafood or visit the famous Malibu Pier.
Take a kayaking tour of the LA River to see this hidden side of the city's urban landscape. Paddle under historic bridges and enjoy the abundance of wildlife and greenery along the river.
Experience the ultimate adventure by skydiving in Perris. Get a bird's-eye view of the area while feeling like you're flying. Make sure to check with the skydiving centre of their availability and schedule beforehand.
Take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park to experience the desert landscape of Southern California. Hike one of the many trails, rock climb, take a scenic drive or stargaze. For an unforgettable experience, camp overnight in the park.
Take a whale watching tour to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Long Beach Harbor offers the best whale watching in Los Angeles.
End your adventure with a visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The museum houses over 150,000 works of art from across the globe, including contemporary art, photography and film. Spend a few hours appreciating some of the world's greatest art before heading home.
LA's public transportation system can be limited, so it’s best to rent a car if you want to go on an adventure. Expect to pay around $30 per day, and make sure you have access to GPS to get around the area easily. It’s also important to account for traffic since LA is notorious for its heavy traffic.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to San Diego or Santa Barbara. Both cities offer a different perspective on Southern California's scenic views and beach lifestyle. If you have less time, consider skipping some of the trips and focus on exploring the city's cultural hotspots like the Museum of Contemporary Art or The Broad.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest airport in the area, located 16 miles southwest of Downtown. Other airports include Long Beach Airport (LGB), Bob Hope Airport (BUR), and John Wayne Airport (SNA). LAX is the preferred airport for most visitors to Los Angeles due to its number of domestic and international flight options.