Top Things to Do in L.A. (That Aren’t Hollywood)

Hop on any travel website, and you’ll quickly discover zillions of “top things to do in L.A.” Most of them are aimed at tourists, which is no surprise given the enticing sparkle of Tinseltown and its famed inhabitants.

But what if you’re a local who has “been there, done that” when it comes to film- and fame-focused Los Angeles activities? Or maybe you’re a visitor to the City of Angels who prefers to check out things to do in Los Angeles that are off the beaten path (a.k.a. not Hollywood-centric tourist hot spots).

Find your ticket to living an adventure that’s majestic enough for the silver screen below! These top things to do in L.A. are unrivaled in fun, unbelievable in the moment, and unforgettable for years to come. And the chances are, the memories you’ll make as you enjoy them will last much longer than any photo you may take next to what’s-his-name’s star on the Walk of Fame.

• Zipline the San Gabriel Mountains. Delight in the rush of a lifetime, rather than sitting rush hour. Leave the highways and byways of the big city behind. Hit freeway speeds soaring over gorgeous, natural L.A. attractions of Angeles National Park — weeeeee!!
• Tee up with a real PGA Pro! The practice ranges of the Los Verdes Golf Course and Black Gold Golf Club are par-fect spots to take a few pointers from golf gurus like Mike Buroza and Sean Lanyi, respectively.
• Spread your own wings over the City of Angels! Enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in L.A.’s brilliant sky! Relax on a biplane or helicopter tour offering spectacular views of downtown and sandy shorelines. Or for even more aerial excitement, try a discovery flight lesson and take the controls for yourself!
• Opt into an H2O adventure. Dining and sailing and whales, oh my! Conveniently located near Pacific waters, an abundance of cruise outings are ready and waiting. Dazzle a date with a lunch, dinner or brunch cruise. Try spotting the largest mammals on the planet. Or simply admire A. attractions from the decks of an impressive yacht.

• Take in the sights and sounds of the Santa Monica Pier! Certainly one of the top things to do in Los Angeles with kids, nothing beats carnival-esque eats and amusement park ride treats.
• Amble around “Italy.” Strolling along the tranquil Venice Canals is a wonderful way to unwind for an afternoon. And it adds a lovely romantic touch to an evening with a special someone (*wink, wink*).
• Marvel at the La Brea Tar Pits. Travel back in time, where natural asphalt still seeps up from the ground, preserving the ancient remains of animals for thousands of years!
• Hang 10 on gnarly Pacific waves. Give a surfing lesson a go. Already feeling like a pro? Dude, then it’s time to take your sport to the next level — shape your own surfboard!
• Bungee jump off the Bridge to Nowhere! Dominate your bucket list with one of the most adrenaline-infused things to do in L.A. This full-day excursion immerses you in great outdoors from start to finish. Hike 5 miles into Angeles National Forest. Then plummet 10 stories towards a raging river! Hike out with huge tales to tell.

• Race your dream car. Head to the legendary Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, and put the pedal to the metal from the driver’s seat! Choose from ruggedly awesome horsepower like stock and Indy cars. Or take a fast ‘n’ flashy set of exotic wheels for the spin of a lifetime!
• Cruise the Pacific Coast Highway on a Harley. This isn’t just one of the top things to do in L.A., but also in the nation! The City of Angeles is an ideal place to hit the open-road, to check out Cali’s famed SR-1?
• Drop beats with a private DJ lesson. Step up to the turntable of a real recording studio. Learn the tricks of the tunes trade and create your very own earworms!
• Let the good times ‘roll’ with a private sushi lesson! Tantalize your taste buds with one of the locals’ favorite A. activities: eating sushi! But don’t just mow down — try your hand at making it, too!
• Bike the Strand! Formally known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, this scenic 22-mile path invites you to grab a cruiser and feel the wind in your hair, as you pedal beside beautiful Pacific beaches.

• Take a whimsical wander in a balloon. For an air-venture unlike any other, float over Temecula at sunrise or Del Mar at sunset in a hot air balloon, with dazzling views of Los Angeles attractions in the distance.
• Get in on escape-room games. You’ve seen the films where time is of the essence. Now try to beat the clock for yourself to survive scenarios full of zombies, ghosts, crimes, and other life-or-death mysteries just waiting to be solved. *Tick-tock!*
• Sip some of the finest wine. A list of top things to do in L.A.’s nearby destinations wouldn’t be complete without Wine Country. Traverse by Jeep, exploring the area’s impressive vineyards, complete with a bit of fun backcountry off-roading in-between stops.
• Get in on Griffith Park’s many Los Angeles activities! This urban hot spot comes with something for everyone: hiking, equestrian trails, picnic space, the Observatory, Greek Theatre, zoo, and more. While it’s not a “mainstream Hollywood attraction,” per se, visitors love that it’s served as a filming location for hits like Criminal Minds, Back to the Future, The Terminator, Yes Man, Van Helsing, and plenty more blockbusters.