Visiting California's 805 region of California and looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles, CA? Los Angeles is a popular day-trip destination for people visiting Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, offering an enormous variety of attractions, beaches, museums, entertainment, sports, shopping and outdoor activities.
For visitors staying in the 805 region, a trip to Los Angeles is an easy way to add some of Southern California's most famous attractions to a vacation or road trip. Whether you're staying in Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Santa Barbara or another 805 community, Los Angeles offers a completely different experience while still being part of the larger Southern California region.
From Hollywood and the famous Hollywood Sign to Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Griffith Observatory, Universal Studios Hollywood, museums and major sports venues, there are plenty of things to do in Los Angeles for visitors of all ages.
If you're visiting the 805 region and searching for things to do in Los Angeles, California, this guide highlights some of the area's most popular attractions and experiences to consider.
Why Visit Los Angeles from the 805 Region?
Los Angeles is a natural destination for people visiting California's 805 region. Ventura County is located northwest of Los Angeles County, making Los Angeles a popular destination for day trips and longer Southern California excursions.
Visitors based in Ventura County can explore Los Angeles during a day trip, while travelers staying in Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo counties can include Los Angeles as part of a broader California road trip.
Because Los Angeles covers a large geographic area, it is helpful to choose attractions located in the same general part of the city. Grouping destinations together can give you more time to explore and less time traveling between attractions.
Best Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA
1. Visit Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is one of the most popular places to visit in Los Angeles. Located on the south side of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Observatory offers views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
Inside the Observatory, visitors can explore astronomy exhibits, look through telescopes and attend presentations in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Griffith Observatory is a free-admission facility, although planetarium shows have separate admission and parking closest to the Observatory is paid.
The Observatory is especially popular around sunset, when visitors can enjoy views across Los Angeles and see the city begin to light up after dark.
For visitors coming from the 805 region, Griffith Observatory is a convenient attraction to combine with Hollywood Boulevard and other Hollywood-area destinations.
2. See the Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Los Angeles and California. The sign is located on the steep hillside of Mount Lee in southwestern Griffith Park and faces Hollywood and the Los Angeles Basin.
Griffith Observatory is one of the recommended places to see the Hollywood Sign. Visitors can also find viewpoints around Hollywood and hike on designated trails in Griffith Park for different perspectives.
The Hollywood Sign itself is not an attraction that visitors can walk directly up to. If you plan to hike in Griffith Park, check current trail and access information before your visit.
3. Explore Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most recognizable streets in Los Angeles and a popular destination for first-time visitors.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street and features stars honoring individuals from the entertainment industry. Nearby attractions include TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre.
You can spend several hours walking through Hollywood, visiting attractions, taking photographs and exploring restaurants and shops.
Hollywood Boulevard can also be combined with Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign and the Hollywood Bowl for a full day exploring the Hollywood area.
4. Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the major attractions for visitors looking for things to do in Los Angeles with family and friends. The theme park combines rides and themed attractions with the World-Famous Studio Tour.
The Studio Tour takes visitors through working studio areas and movie and television sets. Universal Studios Hollywood also features themed areas including SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD includes attractions and interactive experiences inspired by the popular Nintendo game franchise.
Because Universal Studios Hollywood offers enough attractions to occupy most of a day, it is usually best to make the theme park the primary destination on your itinerary rather than trying to combine it with several attractions on the opposite side of Los Angeles.
5. Visit Santa Monica Pier
For visitors looking for beaches and classic Southern California scenery, Santa Monica is one of the most popular destinations in the Los Angeles area.
Santa Monica Pier extends into the Pacific Ocean and offers ocean views, restaurants, entertainment and attractions. Pacific Park, located on the pier, features 12 rides, including the Pacific Wheel and West Coaster.
The Pacific Wheel is a solar-powered Ferris wheel that provides elevated views of the coastline.
The pier and surrounding beach can easily fill several hours, making Santa Monica a good destination for an 805 day trip to the Los Angeles coast.
6. Explore Venice Beach
Venice Beach offers a different atmosphere from nearby Santa Monica. The Venice Beach Boardwalk is known for its oceanfront setting, shops, restaurants, street performers and colorful atmosphere.
Visitors can walk along the beach, watch skateboarders at the Venice Skatepark and explore the surrounding neighborhood.
The Venice Canals provide another interesting place to explore. The residential area features canals and pedestrian bridges and offers a quieter experience away from the busy beachfront.
Santa Monica and Venice Beach are close enough to combine into one coastal Los Angeles day trip.
7. Visit the Getty Center
The Getty Center is a major Los Angeles destination for art, architecture, gardens and city views. Located in the Brentwood area, the Getty Center sits on a hill overlooking Los Angeles.
The museum features European art collections along with modern architecture, gardens and outdoor spaces. The Central Garden is another major attraction within the complex.
Admission to the Getty Center is free, but visitors need a timed-entry reservation. Parking is subject to a separate fee.
The Getty Center works well with a west Los Angeles itinerary that includes Santa Monica, Beverly Hills or other nearby destinations.
8. Explore Griffith Park
Griffith Park provides one of the largest outdoor spaces to explore within Los Angeles. The park includes hiking trails, recreational areas and several major attractions, including Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign.
Visitors can hike, explore nature, enjoy scenic viewpoints and visit attractions located throughout the park.
If you're visiting Los Angeles from the 805 region and want to include outdoor activities in your itinerary, Griffith Park provides numerous options in one location.
9. Explore Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles offers a different experience from Hollywood and the coastal communities. The area features museums, restaurants, historic attractions, entertainment venues and distinctive architecture.
Popular downtown destinations include Grand Central Market, The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Park and El Pueblo de Los Angeles.
Downtown is a good choice if you want to visit several attractions without driving between widely separated parts of the Los Angeles area.
10. Visit The Broad
The Broad is a contemporary art museum located on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. It features postwar and contemporary art and is located near other major downtown cultural attractions.
The museum can be combined with Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Central Market and other downtown destinations for an arts and culture-focused day.
11. See Walt Disney Concert Hall
Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of downtown Los Angeles' most recognizable buildings. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the building is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
The concert hall is located on Grand Avenue near The Broad and other downtown attractions.
If you enjoy classical music and live performances, check the Los Angeles Philharmonic's current schedule when planning your visit.
12. Attend a Performance at the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is a historic outdoor entertainment venue located in the Hollywood Hills. The venue hosts concerts and performances throughout the year.
An evening performance can be a memorable addition to a Los Angeles trip, particularly during the summer concert season.
Visitors from the 805 region can combine the Hollywood Bowl with attractions such as Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Boulevard when planning a Hollywood-focused itinerary.
Search Events & Tickets at Hollywood Bowl
13. Visit the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is located in Exposition Park and features exhibits covering dinosaurs, animals, nature, gems and the natural and cultural history of Los Angeles and the world.
General admission currently starts at $18 for adults, with discounted admission for seniors, students and children. Certain groups and L.A. County residents during designated weekday hours may qualify for free admission. Special exhibitions and experiences can have additional fees.
The museum is located in Exposition Park, making it possible to combine a visit with other nearby attractions.
14. Visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Movie fans visiting Los Angeles can explore the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The museum focuses on filmmaking and the history, art and technology behind movies.
The Academy Museum is a natural choice for visitors interested in Hollywood and the entertainment industry and can be combined with other museums and attractions along the Miracle Mile and Museum Row area.
15. Visit the GRAMMY Museum
Music fans can visit the GRAMMY Museum in downtown Los Angeles to explore exhibitions focused on recorded music, musicians and the history of the Grammy Awards.
The museum is located at L.A. LIVE, a downtown entertainment district that also includes sports and entertainment venues, restaurants and other attractions.
A visit to the GRAMMY Museum can be combined with other downtown attractions for a day focused on music, entertainment and Los Angeles culture.
16. Explore Olvera Street and El Pueblo de Los Angeles
Visitors interested in Los Angeles history can explore El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument and Olvera Street near downtown.
The City of Los Angeles describes El Pueblo de Los Angeles as the birthplace of the city. The historic district includes free museums, exhibits and the Olvera Street marketplace.
Olvera Street is one of the oldest streets in Los Angeles and has been operated as a Mexican marketplace since 1930.
The area provides an opportunity to learn more about the history and cultural heritage of Los Angeles while exploring shops, restaurants and historic buildings.
17. Watch a Los Angeles Dodgers Game
Sports fans visiting Los Angeles can catch a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Dodger Stadium is located near downtown Los Angeles in the Chavez Ravine area. If you're visiting the 805 region during baseball season, check the current Dodgers schedule to see whether a home game fits your plans.
A Dodgers game can also be combined with other attractions in and around downtown Los Angeles.
18. Experience Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment
Los Angeles is home to numerous professional sports teams and major entertainment venues.
In addition to Dodger Stadium, major venues in the Los Angeles area include SoFi Stadium, Intuit Dome, BMO Stadium and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Depending on when you're visiting, you may be able to attend professional football, basketball, baseball, soccer or another sporting event.
If you're visiting the 805 region specifically for a sporting event, check the venue's current event schedule, parking information and transportation options before making the drive.
19. Explore Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills is a popular destination for visitors exploring the Los Angeles area. Rodeo Drive is particularly well known for luxury shopping and its distinctive surroundings.
You don't have to be shopping to enjoy the area. Walking around Beverly Hills and exploring the surrounding streets can be part of a broader Los Angeles sightseeing trip.
Beverly Hills can also be combined with the Getty Center, West Hollywood or Santa Monica depending on your itinerary.
20. Take a Scenic Drive Along the Coast
For visitors traveling to Los Angeles from the 805 region, the Southern California coastline can be part of the adventure.
Depending on your starting point and destination, you can include coastal communities such as Malibu and Santa Monica in your trip. Malibu is particularly appealing for visitors interested in beaches, ocean views and coastal scenery.
A coastal route can turn the drive from Ventura or Santa Barbara County into part of your Los Angeles adventure rather than simply a trip between destinations.
21. Explore Los Angeles Neighborhoods
Los Angeles is much more than its famous tourist attractions. Exploring individual neighborhoods can provide opportunities to discover restaurants, shops, architecture, cultural attractions and local businesses.
Depending on your interests, consider exploring areas such as Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Koreatown, Little Tokyo, Chinatown, the Arts District and West Hollywood.
Neighborhood exploration can be particularly appealing for visitors who have already experienced Los Angeles' major tourist attractions and want to discover something different.
Best Things to Do in Los Angeles for Families
Families visiting the 805 region and planning a Los Angeles day trip have numerous options.
Universal Studios Hollywood is an obvious choice for families interested in theme-park attractions and movie-related experiences. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park provide opportunities for educational and outdoor activities.
Santa Monica Pier and the beach are also options for families who want to spend time outdoors, while museums such as the Natural History Museum offer educational experiences.
Because many Los Angeles attractions can take several hours to experience, it is generally more practical to choose a few destinations rather than trying to visit too many places in a single day.
Best Things to Do in Los Angeles for Couples
Couples visiting Los Angeles from the 805 region can choose from beaches, restaurants, museums, scenic viewpoints and live entertainment.
A day exploring Santa Monica and Venice can be followed by dinner near the coast, while Griffith Observatory provides views over Los Angeles.
For an evening focused on entertainment, check current schedules for the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall and other Los Angeles venues.
Free Things to Do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers several attractions and activities that can be enjoyed without paying admission.
Exploring Griffith Park, viewing the Hollywood Sign from public viewpoints, walking around Hollywood Boulevard, visiting Santa Monica Beach and exploring Venice Beach are possibilities for a budget-conscious Los Angeles trip.
Griffith Observatory is also free to enter, although planetarium shows and some parking options have separate charges.
The Getty Center also offers free admission, but visitors need a timed-entry reservation and parking is charged separately.
El Pueblo de Los Angeles also offers free museums and attractions, although individual businesses and special activities may have their own charges.
Best Los Angeles Day Trips from the 805 Region
If you're visiting the 805 region and want to make Los Angeles a day trip, choose attractions that are relatively close together.
Hollywood Day Trip
Combine Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Boulevard and the Hollywood Bowl area for a day focused on Hollywood.
Los Angeles Beach Day
Combine Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach for a coastal Los Angeles experience. If time permits, continue north toward Malibu.
Downtown Los Angeles Day Trip
Explore Grand Central Market, The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall, El Pueblo de Los Angeles and other downtown destinations.
Family Day Trip
Make Universal Studios Hollywood the primary destination and plan to spend most of the day there. The theme park offers rides, themed areas and the Studio Tour, giving visitors plenty to experience during a single visit.
Tips for Visiting Los Angeles from Ventura and Santa Barbara
If you're traveling from the 805 region to Los Angeles, allow plenty of time for the drive. Traffic conditions can change significantly throughout the day.
Planning attractions by geographic area is one of the easiest ways to make better use of your time. For example, Santa Monica and Venice can be combined, while Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Boulevard make sense as part of the same general itinerary.
It is also a good idea to check attraction hours, ticket requirements, reservations, parking information and event schedules before leaving the 805 region.
For Griffith Observatory, parking closest to the building is paid and availability can be limited, so checking transportation and parking information before visiting is recommended.
The Getty Center also requires timed-entry reservations, even though general admission is free.
When to Visit Los Angeles
Los Angeles can be visited throughout the year, but the best itinerary depends on what you want to experience.
Beach activities are a natural choice during warmer weather, while museums, shopping, restaurants and indoor attractions provide alternatives throughout the year.
If you're traveling for a concert, sporting event or special attraction, plan your itinerary around the event and select nearby activities to minimize unnecessary driving.
Plan Your Los Angeles Adventure from the 805 Region
Los Angeles offers an enormous variety of things to see and do, from Hollywood attractions and movie studios to beaches, museums, outdoor recreation, professional sports and live entertainment.
For people visiting California's 805 region, Los Angeles provides an opportunity to experience another side of Southern California without having to plan an entirely separate vacation. Whether you're staying in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Camarillo or elsewhere in the 805, you can build a Los Angeles day trip around the attractions that interest you most.
If you're visiting Los Angeles for the first time, consider iconic attractions such as Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Boulevard and Santa Monica. Returning visitors can explore museums, neighborhoods, cultural attractions, restaurants and sporting events to experience a different side of the city.
From a beach day in Santa Monica and Venice to a Hollywood adventure, a family day at Universal Studios Hollywood or an evening at a Los Angeles sporting event, there are plenty of things to do in Los Angeles when you're visiting the 805 region.
For more destination ideas, local attractions, city guides and things to do throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, explore In 805, Your Guide to California's 805 Region.
Published September 29, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)