Millions of travelers take a Los Angeles vacation each year to enjoy some of the energy and glamour of the sun-drenched city. Many of the top attractions, from studio tours to natural history museums, cater to the young and the restless.
But with nearly 4 million inhabitants, LA offers something for every age and energy level. If a fast‑paced itinerary isn’t what you’re looking for, these 10 attractions highlight the city’s quieter, more laid‑back side.
If you find yourself missing home, visit this boutique seaside neighborhood in the quiet town of Marina del Rey. It was designed to resemble a Californian’s idea of a traditional New England fishing village. You can take an affordable water taxi to get there. The village offers numerous opportunities for dining cruises, kayak rentals and parasailing. If you prefer to stay on land, there are also many fine-dining and high-end shopping establishments.
Los Angeles often feels like it has imported museums from other countries. This museum gives visitors a glimpse of Greek and Roman antiquities within the grounds of an ancient Roman country house.
If you want to see different stars than you might find in Beverly Hills and Hollywood, head to Griffith Observatory. Housed in an art deco building on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, it offers a planetarium, hands-on exhibits about the universe and telescopes that are free to use. If you come at night, you can see the City of Angels sparkle, too.
Located tantalizingly near the famed Sunset Strip of rock legend, this is the flagship store of the guitar retailer, with 30,000 square feet of guitars, basses, drums and other instruments. For most, the real draw is the RockWalk, a collection of more than 150 plaster handprints of four decades of rock royalty, from Les Paul to Ozzy Osbourne. The walls of the store are adorned with famous guitars and rock art, as well.
There are as many ways to gawk at Hollywood history as there are stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and some are rowdier than others. Hollywood Bus Tours has a strong reputation for offering comfortable, tailored and comprehensive tours of Los Angeles in a well-maintained fleet of vans.
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Book NowJust a short drive east from the city is an expansive and tranquil oasis of some 130 acres of biodiverse gardens. The estate, created by a railroad magnate, includes cultural and artistic treasures. It’s a great place to find some quiet amid the sometimes-dizzying fun that is Los Angeles.
Just a short drive down the coast is the quiet and luxurious town of Malibu. While still recovering from wildfires that recently devastated the area, Malibu offers dramatic coastal vistas and an off-the-beaten-path feel, in contrast to Los Angeles. Malibu Pier is both unassuming and unforgettable, with beautiful Pacific views and good dining.
Want to take a quintessential Southern California hike on your LA vacation? Runyon Canyon, with popular loop trails of 2 to 6 miles, gets you out into the foothills and offers sweeping views of the city and the Hollywood sign on clear days. The canyon trails are dog-friendly, so furry friends can accompany you as you stretch your legs away from the city’s bustle. You might even bump up against jogging celebrities. But be aware that there is no real parking near the hiking trails, so plan accordingly.
This little boardwalk just west of LA proper offers the best of both worlds for travelers. There is a dense walkway filled with beachside culinary delights, street performers and amusement park rides for those who want the fun. Just a short walk away, however, is a large stretch of sand and some relative calm to take in the splendor of a Western sunset over the Pacific Ocean. If you want to make a day of it, there are quirky museums and shops to peruse just a short walk from the pier’s entrance.
The Venice neighborhood has a steadfastly bohemian vibe, and Venice Beach is as bustling as they come, but the canal system, just a few blocks away from the beach, offers the opportunity for a beautiful walk or bike ride. As the name implies, the six canals have a distinctive European feel. The canal system is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
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Have you ever been to LA? Tell us your favorite places to visit in the comments.
Last updated on April 9, 2026 by AAA Staff
Based in Massachusetts, Craig Idlebrook has written for AAA publications for over 20 years. He also has served as editor for several other publications. In his free time, he drives his youngest child to activities, cooks with his wife and fusses over his cat.
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