The best things to do in Los Angeles

The Hollywood Sign

If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles and are wondering how to best see the Hollywood Sign, you’re not alone. Snapping a photo of this glitzy 1930s landmark is a must – after all, those white letters are one of the world’s most iconic symbols.

Some of the best places to see the Hollywood Sign are located close to the Griffith Observatory, but Hollywood & Highland is another favorite. Head to the Hollywood & Highland Center from Hollywood Boulevard to see the sign framed by the building’s design.

Active travellers can even hike to the mountain peaks behind the sign for panoramic views over LA. Always park at an official local garage or lot and ensure you have the right permissions to snap it.

Santa Monica Pier

With one of the most luxurious beaches in Los Angeles, and a thriving downtown scene, Santa Monica is the destination of choice for some of America’s hottest celebrities.

Santa Monica Pier itself is a lively hub, where vacationers come to shop in style, take in live events and entertainment and dine above the shimmering water. You can even indulge in traditional seaside fun in the form of a Playland Arcade and Historical Carousel. Pacific Park is the pierside amusement park of choice for children and big kids alike.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame

In Hollywood the streets really are paved with gold – as glitter-specked stars spell the names of motion picture greats past and present. Stroll down the street to find your favourite icon’s star, or step into the many famous attractions nearby, including the Hollywood Museum. There are more than 2,500 famous names along this iconic stretch.

Located close to the many parking lots dotted by Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-visit on any Los Angeles itinerary.

California’s iconic theme parks

Universal Studios and Disneyland are two of California’s best-known theme parks,and they’re just a short drive from central Los Angeles. Universal Studios Hollywood is located in the San Fernando Valley north of the city – the last in a line of attractions trailing through the suburbs, including Paramount Pictures and the eerie Museum of Death.

It’s home to a world-famous studio tour, plus entertainment based around your favourite film productions.

Indulge your love of Harry Potter at Hogsmeade Village, or encounter a full-size raptor from Jurassic World. Buy tickets online or upgrade to the VIP experience.

Disneyland meanwhile is a truly magical world focused on the famous home of animated film – especially Mickey and Minnie Mouse. If you have young children, this makes an excellent day trip.

Griffith Observatory

From the stars of stage and screen to the twinkling secrets of the universe, Los Angeles has many unexpected treasures - and the aforementioned Griffith Observatory (which you may well recognise from Oscar-winning musical La La Land, and other legendary movies) is one of them.

Stargaze using the public telescopes, visit the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, or catch a show in the otherworldly theatre, for a unique window into the cosmos.

Rodeo Drive

A three-kilometre road in Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is one of Los Angeles’ key streets, along with its neighbour, Sunset Boulevard. It’s a designer shopping destination and quite possibly one of the most fashionable places on earth.

Step into luxury when you meander down its cobblestones and into the European-style shopping centre.

Complete with plenty of places to dine al fresco, not to mention a renowned sushi restaurant considered one of the world’s best, it is truly an indulgent spot.

If shows of wealth aren’t your style, however, pull up at the parking garage next to MGM Studios and take the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style to see tributes to fashion superstars.

Dolby Theatre

As one of the world’s most important live performance auditoriums, Dolby Theatre is well worth a visit. As well as hosting the Oscars, this regal stage has been graced by the likes of Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, Elvis Costello and Stevie Wonder.

Browse the latest event listings to find something you’ll love, and reserve your tickets online for an evening of Hollywood glitz and glamour. Theatre buffs can also venture beyond the red carpets by taking an exclusive tour of the celebrity lounge. You’ll even get the chance to see an Oscar statuette up close.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

If you love art, Los Angeles is a great place to be. The LA County Museum of Art offers an illuminating window into the worlds of fine painting, global sculpture and experiential modern art. This is the largest venue of its kind on the West Coast, attracting over a million visitors every year.

Whether you’re a creative soul or are looking for unique family activities, this is a winning destination. Experience event strands spanning music and film, or take an art class to learn the best techniques. The impressive exhibitions change regularly – in the past, these have taken in everything from Islamic art to contemporary jewellery and remarkable collections from colonial Spain.

Little Tokyo

There’s a strong East Asian connection amid LA’s glossy streets – and the city’s Japanese district is a quirky cultural wonder, home to the largest Japanese population in the United States.

Here you can visit the Japanese American National Museum, sample Japanese delicacies such as Shabu Shabu – a traditional hot-pot dish - or drop into the annual Nisei Week Festival. This celebration is held every August and showcases colourful entertainment, including Dai Dengaku Street Dance and Taiko Drum shows in Little Tokyo.

A Los Angeles vacation is whatever you make it. Besides the must-see Hollywood attractions, you can accessorize with luxury retail, have fun at the famous theme parks, or indulge in a taste of global cultures.

Whatever your plans, car rental is the best way to explore the City of Angels. From the airport to the glamorous suburbs, Hertz car collection points can help you begin an unforgettable stay.