1. Activity
United States
Los Angeles: the group trip guide
Sprawling, sun-drenched, and infinitely better when you pick a side.
Los Angeles is not a single coherent city; it is a sprawling constellation of distinct towns strung together by concrete freeways and golden coastal light. Groups who treat it like New York—attempting to breakfast in Venice, visit a gallery downtown, and dine in Hollywood—invariably spend their holiday trapped behind brake lights on the 405. The secret is yielding to its vastness. Ground your crew in the sensory specifics: the scent of eucalyptus and marine layer drifting off the Pacific, the rattle of urethane wheels on the Venice skatepark concrete, and the amber glare striking the hills beneath the Griffith Observatory.
Where LA truly outshines rival metropolises is in its peerless casual dining and architectural character. It rewards gatherings of friends who love food without the stiff formality; world-class cooking here lives on paper plates beside an East LA lonchero truck serving Jalisco-style birria, or over pastries in the cathedral-like dining room of République. Days slip easily into an unhurried cadence of morning ridge hikes, leisurely museum afternoons among the travertine terraces of The Getty, and open-air rooftop drinks as the city basin flickers awake.
Who Los Angeles is best for
Culinary adventures. From midnight al pastor trompos on street corners to classic seafood counters, the city offers North America's most exciting casual food landscape.
Design and architecture enthusiasts. Mid-century Case Study houses, flamboyant Googie diners, and the hilltop drama of The Getty make the urban sprawl an open-air design archive.
Milestone group celebrations. Hillside home rentals, glamorous poolside terraces, and sunset drinks overlooking the Hollywood basin lend parties a cinematic backdrop.
Cinema and pop-culture buffs. Historic studio backlots, the Chinese Theatre footprints, and real-life film locations give the entire city an atmospheric familiarity.
Active beach breaks. You can cycle from Santa Monica Pier down to Venice Beach, surf before lunch, and hike Runyon Canyon before sunset.
What Los Angeles is known for
Hollywood Cinematic History. Historic movie studio backlots, the Walk of Fame, and the hillside Hollywood Sign showcase the global epicenter of filmmaking.
Griffith Observatory Panoramas. Perched high in Griffith Park, this Art Deco landmark pairs public astronomy telescopes with classic panoramic views over the Los Angeles basin.
Venice Boardwalk & Skate Culture. The cradle of modern skateboarding features an oceanfront promenade known for street murals, outdoor weightlifting at Muscle Beach, and a beachfront skate park.
Mid-Century Modern Architecture. Residential Case Study Houses like the Stahl House and futuristic Googie diners define the city's distinctive twentieth-century architectural landscape.
Mexican Street Taco Culture. Ubiquitous lonchero food trucks and sidewalk trompos serving al pastor and Jalisco-style birria form the core of the city's culinary identity.
Hollywood Sign. The landmark monument standing atop Mount Lee that serves as the universal emblem of the American film industry.
Hollywood Walk of Fame. The world-famous sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard embedded with thousands of brass stars honoring entertainment legends.
Santa Monica Pier. The iconic century-old seaside pier featuring a solar-powered Ferris wheel and marking the western terminus of Route 66.
Things to do in Los Angeles
The best-loved places, ranked by rating and how many people have reviewed them.
Read our full guide: the best things to do in Los Angeles with friends
2. Activity
Griffith Park
3. Activity
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
4. Culture
The Getty
5. Food
The Grove
6. Activity
California Science Center
Where to stay in Los Angeles
Well-reviewed hotels. Live prices for your dates are in the planner.
Read our full guide: where to stay in Los Angeles with friends
1. Hotel
Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
2. Hotel
Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
3. Hotel
Hotel Bel-Air
4. Hotel
The Garland
Accessibility and dietary needs
- 19 bars, clubs and live-music spots.
Based on 116 places in our guide and details listed on Google. Always check accessibility with each place before you go.
More Los Angeles guides
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- Planning the ultimate stag do in Los Angeles
- How to plan a birthday trip to Los Angeles with friends
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