Los Angeles

Top Things to Do in Los Angeles: A Walkable Route of Must-See Spots

You can let GeoQuestr guide you through the city as you learn more about these amazing places along the way.

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From the Hollywood Hills to the beaches of Santa Monica, LA is a sprawling metropolis with surprisingly walkable pockets. Below is a route-style list of the best neighborhoods to explore on foot.

1. Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre — Star Power

Start on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where over 2,700 stars are embedded in the sidewalk. The TCL Chinese Theatre has celebrity handprints and footprints in concrete since 1927.

Why it's worth it:

• Finding your favorite stars is like a built-in scavenger hunt
• The celebrity handprints at the Chinese Theatre are surprisingly fun
• The Hollywood Sign is visible from several spots along the boulevard

2. Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Sign — The Classic View

Head to Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park for free telescope access, planetarium shows, and the most iconic view of the Hollywood Sign and the LA basin.

What to do here:

• The hike up from the parking area is short but rewarding
• Sunset visits offer spectacular city-wide views
• The observatory itself is free — the architecture alone is worth it

3. The Getty Center — Art with a View

Visit the Getty Center, a hilltop museum campus with world-class art, stunning architecture by Richard Meier, and gardens overlooking the entire Los Angeles basin. Free admission.

Don't miss:

• The Central Garden designed by Robert Irwin
• Van Gogh's "Irises" and Monet's "Wheatstacks" are here
• The tram ride up the hill is part of the experience

4. Santa Monica Pier & Beach — The Iconic Boardwalk

Head west to the Santa Monica Pier, the end of historic Route 66. The Ferris wheel, the beach, and the Third Street Promenade are classic LA.

Good mini-plans:

• Walk the pier for Pacific Ocean views and carnival games
• The beach path south toward Venice is perfect for a long stroll
• Third Street Promenade has street performers and great food

5. Venice Beach & Canals — Beach Culture at Its Best

Walk south to Venice Beach, where the boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and the Venice Canals create one of LA's most unique neighborhoods.

Why people love it:

• The boardwalk is a non-stop parade of street performers, artists, and characters
• The Venice Canals are a peaceful surprise just blocks from the chaos
• Abbot Kinney Boulevard nearby has the best shops and restaurants

6. Downtown LA & Arts District — The Urban Revival (Add-On)

If you have extra time, Downtown LA has transformed into a cultural hub. The Broad museum (free), Grand Central Market, and the Arts District murals are all walkable.

Best for:

• The Broad's contemporary art collection is exceptional and free
• Grand Central Market has incredible food from dozens of vendors
• The Arts District has some of the best street art in the country

Simple Day Plan (Works for Most Visitors)

1. Hollywood Walk of Fame (morning)
2. Griffith Observatory (mid-morning hike)
3. The Getty Center (early afternoon)
4. Santa Monica Pier & Beach (afternoon)
5. Venice Beach & Canals (late afternoon)
6. Optional: Downtown LA & Arts District (evening)

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