Forget everything you’ve seen about Los Angeles in movies, this is a city that takes you by surprise. Oozing pop-culture, vibrant nightlife and hidden gems, Los Angeles is more than a place to spot celebs.

Originally, L.A. was never high on our bucket list, however it quickly became one of our favourite cities to visit. You do not need to be a big film buff either to appreciate all that Los Angeles has to offer.

Here’s our list of the Top 10 Things to Do in Los Angeles:

• Disneyland
  A trip to Los Angeles would not be complete without a visit to the original Disneyland in Anaheim. Opened in 1955, this was the first Disney theme park, preserving important history and memories. Adults and kids alike will feel the magic of Disney as soon as you walk through the gate, and with rides and attractions to appeal to all ages, you will never want to leave. Get there early to make the most of a full day at Disneyland. If you’re planning on going on a lot of rides, snap up a FastPass+ or 2 to avoid lengthy queues. Our favourite rides are the Haunted Mansion Holiday (don’t worry, it’s not scary!), Indiana Jones Adventure, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Pirates of the Caribbean; plus don’t forget to check out the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Enjoy an abundance of eateries with Disney-themed snacks, and stay on until closing time for the parade and fireworks show (select dates). More information about Disneyland here.
  
  Disney California Adventure Park is the sister-park to Disneyland, with more thrill-rides for adventure seekers. If you want to see both parks in full, we recommend spending another day here.

• Universal Studios Hollywood
  If you thought one theme park was enough, think again! Universal Studios Hollywood doesn’t have the same “magic” as Disneyland, but you’ll be just as impressed by the attractions and rides. Harry Potter fans will want to spend the day in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Forest ride is our favourite in the whole park!) and fans of The Simpsons will have plenty of photo opportunities in Springfield. There’s also the newly revamped Jurassic World to explore. The World-Famous Studio Tour is a must-see! Experience the historic Universal Studios and get a taste of working in the film industry. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to visit in CityWalk. More information about Universal Studios here.
  

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
  This is the best studio tour in L.A. – if you love movies and TV, you will love this tour. Explore the backlots and soundstages where iconic movies and TV shows were filmed, including Casablanca, Batman, Gilmore Girls, Friends and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The tour takes about 2 hours with a guide, plus a self-guided portion where you can explore exhibitions such as the DC Universe, Wizarding World and Central Perk Set. More information about Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood here.

• Hollywood Boulevard
  The glitz and glamour of L.A. can be felt just by walking the streets of Hollywood. You will be staring at your feet while looking at the stars of the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard – if there’s a particular celebrity star you wish to find, we recommend searching the location here. Remember to look up every so often to see famous sights like the TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre and El Capitan Theatre. You may also like to visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Hollywood Museum or the Hollywood & Highland shopping precinct. If you’re looking for something to do at night, Sunset Strip is known for its nightlife, featuring plenty of music and comedy clubs too.
  

• Griffith Observatory
  Griffith Observatory is one of L.A.’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason! Boasting incredible views of L.A., including the Hollywood Sign, you will want to admire the sights both during the day and at night. Explore the observatory itself for a deep dive into the cosmos, featuring exhibits and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Paid parking is available near the observatory although it can be quite busy, if you’re happy to walk, there are plenty of car parks along the road; shuttle buses are also available. More information about Griffith Observatory here.

• Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park
  The Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory are located within Griffith Park, the largest urban-wilderness municipal park in the country. Although you cannot walk all the way up to the Hollywood Sign, there are many different view points in the park, including at the Observatory, just steer clear of residential areas and private properties. Griffith Park features plenty of nature walks and picnic areas, as well as the Bronson Canyon Caves and the abandoned Old LA Zoo. More information about Hollywood Sign viewpoints here, and Griffith Park here.
  
  Bonus tip: Runyon Canyon is a great hiking destination in the Hollywood Hills, near Griffith Park, if you’re up for a bit of exercise. There are a few different walking path options, although the most popular is a moderate 3.5 mile loop (approx 5.6km) which will give you sweeping views of Los Angeles on a clear day.
  

• Santa Monica
  Santa Monica is a gorgeous coastal city about 30 minutes from Downtown L.A. With sandy beaches and clear water stretching for miles, Santa Monica is stunning all-year-round, and boasts some of the best sunsets in Los Angeles. Walk out onto Santa Monica Pier for great views and photo opportunities, and the famous Pacific Park (look out for the Route 66 End of the Trail Sign too). Santa Monica is also known for excellent food and shopping opportunities.
  You may like to explore nearby Venice Beach and the Venice Boardwalk, featuring eclectic shops, street performers, beach-side restaurants and L.A.’s own canals.

• Downtown Los Angeles
  Downtown L.A. has everything you need for arts and cultural experiences, history, entertainment and general sightseeing. Explore The Broad Museum, OUE SkySpace (with observation decks and a glass slide!), MOCA Museum and the Walt Disney Concert Hall; or for something more casual, you can walk through Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Grand Central Market, the Arts District and Grand Park. If sport is your thing, see what’s on at the Staples Center or Dodger Stadium.

• The Getty Center
  The Getty Center is more than a museum, with well-maintained gardens, impressive architecture and excellent views of L.A., you can easily spend a few hours exploring the grounds. The museum is renowned for its impressive collection of art, from pre-20th century European paintings and manuscripts, to modern sculptures, photography and contemporary art. More information about The Getty Center here.

• Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills
  If a taste of the lavish lifestyle is what you’re after, then take a trip to Beverly Hills, where the streets are well-kept, parks are clean and mansions are aplenty. For a unique shopping experience, Rodeo Drive will provide you with upscale shopping, entertainment and dining options, with stunning architecture everywhere you look. More information about Rodeo Drive here.

Drop us a line with your favourite destinations in Los Angeles.