Southern California Anaheim & Disneyland
The original Disney theme park, its newer neighbour and a second classic park down the road — with Orange County’s surf beaches 30 minutes away.
Things to see in Los Angeles
Eight essentials, grouped so that neighbours sit together.
1. Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
More than 2,700 brass-and-terrazzo stars line Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. The forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre holds the hand- and footprints of film stars; next door, the Dolby Theatre hosts the Academy Awards. The boulevard itself is crowded and scruffy — an hour is enough.
2. Hollywood Sign
The 14 m (45 ft) letters stand on Mount Lee and cannot be touched, but you can get close on foot. Good views come from Lake Hollywood Park, the Griffith Observatory terrace and the trails of Griffith Park. Residential streets nearby have parking restrictions.
3. Griffith Observatory
A 1935 Art Deco observatory on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, with telescopes, science exhibits, a planetarium and the best free view of the city and the sign. Come late in the day and stay for the lights. Parking is limited; a DASH bus runs up from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station.
4. Santa Monica
A walkable beach city at the end of historic Route 66, with a wide sandy beach, the pier and its small amusement park, and the pedestrian Third Street Promenade. The Metro E Line links it with Downtown.
5. Venice Beach
Just south of Santa Monica: street performers and stalls on the Ocean Front Walk, the Muscle Beach outdoor gym, a famous skate park and, a few blocks inland, quiet canals built in 1905. Best by day.
6. Getty Center
Richard Meier’s white travertine complex above the Sepulveda Pass houses European paintings, decorative arts and photography, with a central garden and wide views to the ocean. A tram carries visitors up from the car park. Timed-entry reservations may be required.
7. Universal Studios Hollywood
Part theme park, part working studio. The Studio Tour tram passes real sets and staged special effects; the park has themed lands built around major film and game franchises. Allow a full day.
8. Warner Bros. Studio Tour
The most informative of the studio visits: a guided cart tour of the backlot and sound stages in Burbank, followed by exhibits of costumes, props and recreated sets that you explore at your own pace.
Destinations
Combine it with
Southern California 
Central Coast Santa Barbara
White walls, red-tile roofs and palm-lined beaches beneath the Santa Ynez Mountains — the “American Riviera”, with wine country just over the hill.
Deserts Palm Springs & Joshua Tree
A mid-century desert resort beneath 3,000-metre peaks, and an hour away a national park of giant boulders and spiky Joshua trees.
Plan your trip
Book tours in Los Angeles
Compare real-time prices and availability on GetYourGuide. Most tours can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours ahead.