Things To Do In LA For Once In A Lifetime Experience | 7+ Things You Cannot Miss

Dec 17, 2024

Last Updated on: Jul 8, 2025

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For someone fed on Hollywood staples, a visit to Los Angeles can be the biggest calling. Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood or hiking to the Hollywood sign are some of the best things to do in LA for a movie buff.

Further, Los Angeles has been a tourism hub since the late 1800s. With the foundation of the Merced Theatre and transportation systems, the city started attracting travelers. It is fascinating to see the city maintain the same craze in the age of socials.

Today, you type #losangeles and will find 86.8 million posts popping up. So, I have been thinking of sharing a to-do list in the city for the longest time. On the web, there are even threads like once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles Reddit! 😮😮😮😮

So, we could not stay behind, and here goes the brief guide, mentioning the things you can explore for a lifetime experience. 

At Tour and Travel, we wanted it to be different than the regular “12 once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles by a local” or “once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles 2025” guides. 

We wanted to keep it all hearts as the Hollywood movies have taught us! 

Things To Do In LA For Once In A Lifetime Experience | Make The Movie Buff In You Happy 

Things To Do In LA For Once In A Lifetime Experience

Los Angeles is the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” It is the Mecca of movie lovers, with names like Al Pacino, Clint Eastwood, and Marilyn Monroe gracing the city and its corners. 

In other words, “Hollywood” is the biggest draw for the visitors to this city. So, among the things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I have included activities like hiking to the Hollywood sign or walking along the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. 

1. Hike To The Hollywood Sign | Once In A Lifetime Things To Do In Los Angeles

Hike To The Hollywood Sign

Are you up for a scenic hike? You can take a walk to the Hollywood sign. Throughout the hike, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of Los Angeles.  

Further, once you reach the Hollywood sign, you can take the most beautiful photos of yourself or the surroundings. 

Completing a hike to the Hollywood sign and taking some photographs, there is something preserved for posterity. You can share the memories with your future generations. 

Hiking to the Hollywood Sign or Mount Hollywood through the Charlie Turner Trailhead is easy. You can cover a distance of 5.3 miles here within 2 hours and 30 minutes. 

2. Visit The Universal Studios Hollywood

Visit The Universal Studios Hollywood

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City

Contact No: +1 800-864-8377

Open Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM, Weekends: 8 AM to 10 PM

For all the Potter Heads and Minion lovers, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood will be an immersive experience. Here, you can enjoy thrilling g rides and explore the sets of many famous movies. 

If you are about to visit Universal Studios Hollywood this winter, you must not miss the Holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood. The event has already started on 29th November 2024 and will continue till 6th January 2025.

You can even be a part of the Ring in the New Year with EVE. It is the biggest New Year celebration in Hollywood. 

Moreover, Universal Studios Hollywood has year-round attractions like “Jurassic World – The Ride,” “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, etc. So, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the topmost once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles with kids.

3. Enjoy A Stroll Along The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Enjoy A Stroll Along The Hollywood Walk Of Fame

A walk along Hollywood Boulevard is one of the best things to do in LA for once in a lifetime. You will find golden stars dedicated to your favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Moreover, you will feel the glamor of Tinseltown. Despite names like Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, and Clint Eastwood refusing to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it remains a landmark of intrigue and awe in Los Angeles. 

4. Spend Some Time At Venice Beach

Spend Some Time At Venice Beach

You can visit Los Angeles and, for the most relaxing time, head to Venice Beach. However, if soaking in the Sun is not the only thing you want, you can try a rollerblade or bike ride along the beach.

Further, you will find various street performers and unique shops on the beach. The vibrant atmosphere here makes it feature on our list of “once in a lifetime things to do Los Angeles.”

Moreover, Venice Beach has a skatepark where the best skaters in the area show their skills amidst the cheering of the onlookers. 

5. Visit The Griffith Observatory

Visit The Griffith Observatory

Address: 2800 E Observatory Road, Los Angeles

Contact No: +1 213-473-0800

Hours Open: Tuesday – Friday (12-10 PM), Saturday and Sunday (10 AM to 10 PM), Monday – Closed

Are you an observer of the sky? Are you passionate about celestial bodies? Exploring the Griffith Observatory is one of the best things to do in LA for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Irrespective of your day of visit, you can be a part of the daily programs at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. There will be live shows and live demonstrations of the Tesla Coil. 

Moreover, there is a public telescope for you to look at the sky. 

The Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood. You can hike to the park or enjoy a bike ride to this famous California hotspot. 

Furthermore, if you are traveling with family, you can take a drive or shared ride. Be an early bird if you want a spot for your car at Downhill. You can even keep your car at the paid parking near the observatory. 

6. Take A Helicopter Tour Of The City

Do you want to explore a bird’s eye view of Los Angeles? You can take a helicopter tour of the city. While taking a helicopter tour, you can explore the famous coastlines and hotspots of California.

Also, the cityscape looks amazing from the helicopter. A helicopter tour of Los Angeles will be around 1.5 hours, and it’s going to cost you something between $220-520 for each person. 

7. Take A Tour Of The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino

Phone Number: +1 626-405-2100

Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is the best amalgamation of all three elements mentioned in the name. 

It is an excellent place for researchers as they can explore as many as 12 million exhibits here. Further, these exhibits span between the 11th to 21st centuries. 

Further, the Art Museum bustles with 45000 works of art and has the best British, European, American and Asian work. 

Along with sculptures, the Art Museum also has paintings, photographs, decorative arts, and prints.  

Moreover, the Botanical Garden stretches over 130 acres, and it has more than 80000 living plants. Some of these are even endangered. So, if you are a nature lover or interested in plants, a visit to this Botanical Garden will be one of the once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles this weekend. 

8. Drive At The Christmas Tree Lane

If you are in Dallas in December or January, a drive at the Christmas Tree Lane is one of the most festive things you can do. 

The festive lights go on at the Christmas Tree Lane from 7th December after an illumination ceremony. The lights remain put till New Year’s Eve. And guess what! A drive at the Christmas Tree Lane is one of the free once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles.

Taking a drive through Christmas Tree Lane or Santa Rosa Ave feels great, with the cedars gracing the road lines. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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BY  Ankita Jan 12, 2024

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Things You Need to Know to Do the Mawryngkhang Trek!

BY  Anindita Dey Mar 27, 2025

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READ MORE Cabo beaches

Cabo Beaches: A Practical Guide To The Coastlines Of Los Cabos

BY  Sibashree Dec 16, 2025

Located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico is the famous region of “Los Cabos.”   This is recognized by the diverse coastline that separates the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Cortez because of the two different towns that exist there: Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo that are joined by a corridor with many beaches and bays.  The Cabo beaches have water characteristics, accessibility, and activities that differ from one another.   There are those with calm water suitable for swimming, while others have strong currents ideal for walking, taking photos, or surfing. This is important for travelers visiting the area and have plans for activities at the beaches of Los Cabos. 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Medano Beach Medano Beach can be found in the nearby marina area of Cabo San Lucas and represents one of the more developed spots along the coastline.  The beach has relatively calm waters, unlike other Pacific-side beaches, and is thus often employed for swimming and aquatic sports. There are eating establishments and hotels along this coastline.  2. Lover’s Beach (Playa del Amor) Because it can only be reached by water, the Lover’s Beach is located close to the iconic rock formations at the famous “Land’s End.”  One side of the beach is calm since it meets the Sea of Cortez, while the other lies adjacent to “Divorce Beach,” which meets the Pacific Ocean and has dramatic waves.  3. Divorce Beach (Playa del Divorcio) This is a beach that is parallel to Lover’s Beach on the Pacific side. The waves are not ideal for swimming, and there are rip currents.  Beaches In San José del Cabo The different beaches of San Jose del Cabo. 1. Palmilla Beach Palmilla Beach is famous for its protected bay and quiet waters. It is among the beaches that have relatively stable swimming conditions, depending on the weather and the tide.  2. Costa Azul Beach Costa Azul has a number of breaks and is famous mainly for surfing. It has varying water conditions, making it not very suitable for swimming.  3. Hotel Zone Beaches In the hotel zone at San José del Cabo are long stretches of sandy beaches. While these are attractive, there are areas that have high currents and are not recommended for the inexperienced visitor. Swimmable Beaches In Los Cabos Swimming in Cabo should be restricted to beaches recognized for their calm conditions. These beaches are:  Chileno Beach  Santa Maria Beach  Palmilla Beach  Medano Beach (conditions vary)  Even in such places, circumstances change on a daily basis due to tides, wind, and seasonal changes in weather.  Snorkeling And Marine Life There are a few bays on the Sea of Cortez that offer snorkeling opportunities due to their protected location and clearer water.  Common Snorkeling Areas Chileno Bay – Gradual entry, reef visible  Santa Maria Bay - Horseshoe-shaped bay, calmer waters  The kinds of marine life that might be found there include tropical fish, rays, and others that migrate during certain seasons. The best time for snorkeling is usually early in the morning  Surfing Beaches Surfing in Cabo takes place mostly along open beaches, mainly around the area of San José del Cabo. Known Surf Areas Zippers  Acapulquito  Costa Azul  Surf conditions are dominated by swell directions, varying according to season, and larger swells usually occur from late summer to winter. Beaches For Walking And Scenic Viewing The Mexico’s beaches are more suitable for walking, photographing, and enjoying the sunset.  Pacific facing beaches around Cabo San Lucas  Playa Las Viudas  East Cape remote beaches  Usually, these regions experience intense wave action and shoreline formations. . Family Considerations Families staying in Cabo and wanting to visit beaches should consider  A calm water environment  Easy access  Availability of restrooms  Lifeguards on duty when available  Chileno, Santa Maria, and Palmilla are some varieties commonly used for these purposes. It is advisable that the conditions be checked, however.  Seasonal Considerations Winter (Dec–Feb): Cooler water, Whale migration offshore  Spring (Mar-May): Weather is stable; water conditions  Summer (Jun-Sep): Stable weather, moderate water conditions  Fall (October-November): Transitional weather, fewer crowds  Ocean conditions can change rapidly, no matter what season it is.  Public Access And Beach Use In Mexican law, every beach is public property even if it’s in front of a resort chain’s property. The access points to the beach might be an exposed pathway to the shore, but once you reach the shore, this is public property.  Amenities vary widely  Restrooms and parking are available at certain beach destinations  There are others which are undeveloped  The enforcement and laws concerning alcohol consumption and distribution might differ from one municipality to another.   Planning A Beach Visit In Cabo When visiting beaches in Cabo, it is advisable to.  Check water conditions every day  Safety signs that are posted  Don’t forget the sunscreen and water  Do not swim at unattended Pacific beaches  Compliance with local regulations and natural environments  Many wellness retreat villas in Cabo region are carefully placed in or just off the more quiet areas of the coastline.   Being in the beach environment affects the rhythm of life in the wellness retreats, ranging from the morning walks in the quiet bays to the practices conducted in the outdoors that make use of the beach breezes.   The beach environment is often simply incorporated as a passive element of the wellness activities that provide seclusion or insulate the participants from the busy beach environment. To Sum Up! The beaches in Cabo have various conditions that result from the influence of geography and development.  Knowledge on the suitability of various beaches for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, or sightseeing goes a long way in ensuring that one takes advantage of the experience while staying in Cabo. All one needs is the correct information.