Los Angeles offers 140+ restaurants, 120+ bars, and 50+ major attractions for World Cup 2026 visitors.Koreatown (K-Town)'s Korean BBQ all-you-can-eat, late-night dining, authentic Korean, Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre(Free (theatre tours $19-25 optional)), and Disneyland (Anaheim) day trips (Full day (8-12 hours)) are top experiences. Budget $100-150/day (Korean BBQ, sit-down restaurants, beachfront dining) for food.
140+ restaurants •120+ bars •50+ attractions
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LA's top attractions span Hollywood glamour (Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory), world-class beaches (Santa Monica, Venice), and cultural institutions (Getty Center). Many are FREE or low-cost. Budget 2-4 hours per attraction. Metro E Line connects beach cities; B Line serves Hollywood.
Free
Griffith Observatory (admission), Getty Center (admission, parking $20), Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier (entry), Venice Boardwalk, beaches, hiking trails
Budget
$10-30 (Museum tickets, planetarium shows, pier rides, bike rentals)
Splurge
$100-180+ (Theme park tickets: Universal Studios, Disneyland)
Iconic Hollywood Boulevard featuring 2,700+ stars embedded in sidewalks honoring entertainment legends. See celebrity handprints at TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt (free). Dolby Theatre (Oscars venue) offers tours ($19-25). Weekday mornings least crowded. WARNING: Aggressive street performers demand tips—politely decline if not interested.
Best Time
Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) to avoid crowds
How to Get There
Metro B Line to Hollywood/Highland Station
Photo by Meg von Haartman • Unsplash
FREE public observatory with planetarium shows ($7), telescopes, and STUNNING LA skyline views—the best in the city. Explore exhibits on astronomy, space, and California geology. Hike to Mount Hollywood Summit (1.5 miles, moderate) for 360° views. SUNSET is magical here (6:30-8 PM in June-July). FREE telescopes available after dark. Parking fills by 2 PM weekends—take DASH Observatory shuttle or Uber.
Best Time
Sunset (arrive by 5 PM for good spot)
How to Get There
Metro B Line to Vermont/Sunset → DASH Observatory shuttle ($0.50) OR Uber $15-25 from Hollywood
Photo by Venti Views • Unsplash
Historic 1909 pier with Pacific Park amusement park, arcade, aquarium, and restaurants. FREE to walk—ride the solar-powered Ferris wheel ($10) for ocean views. Watch street performers, magicians, musicians. Route 66 'End of the Trail' sign. Beach access on both sides. 'June Gloom' fog until noon—best photos afternoon/sunset.
Best Time
Late afternoon/sunset (4-7 PM) after fog clears
How to Get There
Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica Station (10 min walk)
Photo by Venti Views • Unsplash
World-class art museum with European paintings, sculptures, photography, and stunning architecture. Admission FREE (parking $20). Richard Meier-designed buildings and gardens are attractions themselves. Bring picnic for garden terraces (outside food allowed). Tram ride from parking lot to hilltop museum. Reservations required (free online). Budget 3-4 hours minimum.
Best Time
Weekday mornings or late afternoon (less crowded)
How to Get There
Metro 761 bus to Getty Center Dr OR drive (parking $20 required)
Photo by Lydia Koh • Unsplash
Eclectic 2.5-mile oceanfront boardwalk famous for street performers, Muscle Beach gym, skate park, and bohemian shops. FREE entertainment daily—drum circles, psychics, breakdancers, artists. Beware: Area can be gritty with aggressive vendors and cannabis smell. Best during day (10 AM-6 PM); avoid after dark. Bike The Strand from Santa Monica to Venice (3 miles, flat, easy).
Best Time
Late morning to early afternoon (10 AM-3 PM)
How to Get There
Metro E Line to Downtown Santa Monica → bike/walk south 3 miles OR Uber $10-15
Photo by Ádám Berkecz • Unsplash
LA's food scene is world-class diverse—$3 taco trucks, $30-40 Korean BBQ all-you-can-eat, $300 Michelin tasting menus. The city's 13 million population creates authentic Mexican, Korean, Japanese, Thai, and Chinese cuisine. Budget $50-80/day for casual meals, $100-150/day for sit-down restaurants. Skip tourist traps (Hollywood Blvd chains, Santa Monica Pier restaurants)—eat where locals eat.
Budget
$50-80/day (taco trucks, In-N-Out, food trucks, casual)
Moderate
$100-150/day (Korean BBQ, sit-down restaurants, beachfront dining)
Luxury
$200-400/day (Michelin stars, omakase, celebrity chef restaurants)
Dense 3-square-mile neighborhood with 100+ Korean restaurants, karaoke bars, and 24-hour cafes. All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ ($30-40) is the draw. Most restaurants open late (until 2-3 AM).
3465 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
$30-45 per person all-you-can-eat
Wait: 60-90 min without reservation
Celebrity chef Kang Ho Dong's Korean BBQ empire. All-you-can-eat includes 15+ meat cuts, banchan (side dishes), lettuce wraps. Staff grills meat for you at table. Loud, energetic atmosphere. Waits 60-90 min peak times.
955 S Vermont Ave #1, Los Angeles, CA 90006
$40-70 per person
Wait: 90+ min without reservation
Upscale Korean BBQ with premium cuts. You grill your own meat at table. More refined than all-you-can-eat spots. Reservations essential.
Heart of LA's Mexican community. Authentic taco trucks, carnicerias, panadarias. Street tacos $1.50-3 each. Cash-only, Spanish-speaking, no tourists. Real deal.
Multiple locations (Venice/26th, Mid-City, more)
$3-5 per taco
Wait: 5-15 min
LA's most famous taco truck with multiple locations. Al pastor tacos are legendary - spit-roasted pork with pineapple, cilantro, onions, salsa. Cash only. Open late (until 2-3 AM).
Multiple locations (Boyle Heights, Echo Park, DTLA)
$8-15 per person
Wait: 30-60 min weekends
Sit-down taco restaurant specializing in braised stews served in handmade tortillas. More upscale than taco trucks but still affordable. Lines out the door weekends.
Beachfront dining with ocean views. More expensive and touristy than inland neighborhoods. Best for sunset dinners and people-watching.
1515 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
$15-30 per person
Casual taco spot with ocean views. Outdoor patio overlooks Santa Monica Beach. More upscale than taco trucks but still casual. Good for sunset drinks.
1400 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
$12-20 per person
No-frills fish taco stand on trendy Abbot Kinney. Fresh fish, crispy batter, cabbage slaw, white sauce. Order at window, eat at picnic tables.
Grand Central Market is the food hub - mix of cuisines in historic 1917 market hall. Tacos, ramen, oysters, BBQ all under one roof.
317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
$10-25 per person
Historic 1917 market hall with 30+ food vendors. Mix of old-school (since 1917) and trendy new vendors. Communal seating. Open daily 8 AM-10 PM. Best for sampling multiple cuisines.
$3-15
Small corn tortillas, grilled meat, cilantro, onions, salsa. LA's signature food. $1.50-4 each.
Where to Try:
Order al pastor (spit-roasted pork with pineapple) first. Order 3-4 tacos minimum per person. Cash only at trucks.
$8-12
California burger chain - cult following. 'Animal style' = grilled onions, extra spread, pickles, mustard-grilled patty.
Where to Try:
Order 'animal style' for secret menu burger. 'Protein style' = lettuce wrap (no bun). Fries 'well done' = extra crispy.
$30-70
Grill-your-own meat at table. All-you-can-eat includes 15+ meat cuts, banchan (side dishes), lettuce wraps. $30-40 per person.
Where to Try:
All-you-can-eat best value. Wrap meat in lettuce with ssamjang. Pace yourself - unlimited but time limit (90-120 min).
$4-15
Battered fried fish, cabbage slaw, white sauce, corn tortilla. Beach cities specialty.
Where to Try:
Fried > grilled (locals prefer crispy). Order 3-4 per person. Pair with horchata.
$10-18
Korean-Mexican fusion: Korean BBQ meats in tortillas. Invented in LA by chef Roy Choi. Food truck legendary.
Where to Try:
Follow @kogibbq on Twitter for truck locations. Short rib taco is signature. Late-night favorite (open until 2-3 AM).
$6-10
Hollywood landmark since 1939. 40+ hot dog varieties. Always a line but moves fast.
Where to Try:
Line looks long but moves fast (10-15 min). Order 'Guadalajara Dog' (bacon-wrapped, jalapeños, guac). Cash and cards accepted.
Los Angeles nightlife ranges from Hollywood mega-clubs (celebrities, bottle service, $20+ drinks) to laid-back beach bars (flip-flops, $8 beers, ocean breeze). Best areas: West Hollywood (LGBTQ+ clubs, rooftop lounges), Hollywood Boulevard (tourist clubs, high cover charges), Santa Monica (beach bars, casual vibe), Downtown LA (speakeasies, craft cocktails). Most clubs require 21+ ID. Uber/Lyft essential—DUI enforcement is strict.
Beer
$8-12
Cocktails
$14-22
Wine
$12-18
Last Call: 1:30-2:00 AM (bars close 2 AM)
LGBTQ+ friendly, rooftop lounges, celebrity spotting • Best For: Upscale cocktails, rooftop views, dancing
603 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
$15-22 per drink, $10-20 cover weekends
Southeast Asian restaurant with rooftop bar offering LA skyline views. DJ spins weekends. Upscale crowd, dress code enforced. Cover $10-20 after 10 PM weekends. Small plates $12-18.
692 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
$10-18 per drink
Iconic LGBTQ+ bar/club since 1991. Outdoor patio, dance floor, drag shows. Welcoming to all. Full restaurant menu. Busy every night. WeHo institution.
Laid-back beach bars, casual dress, live music • Best For: Post-beach drinks, casual atmosphere, oceanfront patios
101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
$12-18 per drink, $10-20 cover after 10 PM
Beachside bar with fire pits, tree house bar, and relaxed vibe. Part of Fairmont Miramar Hotel. Free before 10 PM, $10-20 cover after. Beach chic dress code (no flip-flops after 10 PM). Walking distance from Santa Monica Pier.
15 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA 90292
$6-10 per drink
Dive bar since 1962 near Venice Beach Boardwalk. Cash-only, strong drinks, local surfers and bikers. Burgers $8-12. No pretense, no dress code. Quintessential Venice dive.
Tourist clubs, celebrity sightings, bottle service • Best For: Dancing, big clubs, seeing-and-being-seen
1735 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
$15-20 per drink, $20-40 cover
Multi-level mega-club in historic 1927 Palace Theatre. EDM DJs, dancing, bottle service. Cover $20-40, drinks $15-20. Strict dress code. Check DJ lineup before going. Open Thu-Sat 10 PM-2 AM.
1727 N Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
$14-18 per drink
Speakeasy-style bar in old Victorian mansion. Hidden entrance, intimate rooms, live burlesque shows. Reservations recommended weekends. Craft cocktails $14-18. Dress code enforced.
Speakeasies, rooftop bars, craft cocktails • Best For: Cocktail enthusiasts, date nights, unique venues
118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
$14-18 per drink
Hidden speakeasy behind Cole's French Dip restaurant. Craft cocktails $14-18, no menu (tell bartender your preferences). Reservation-only weekends. Intimate, dark, sophisticated.
448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
$16-22 per drink
French-inspired rooftop bar on 15th floor with DTLA skyline views. Fire pits, outdoor lounge, French bistro menu. Dress code enforced. Reservations recommended. Cocktails $16-22.
Distance
35 miles southeast
Duration
Full day (8-12 hours)
Transport
Rental car ($40-60/day) OR Uber ($50-80 each way)
Cost
$104-179 per person (tickets) + $30 parking
The original Disneyland (opened 1955) plus Disney California Adventure park next door. Classic attractions: Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Requires full-day commitment. Buy tickets online 2-3 days ahead for 10-20% discount. Arrive at rope drop (opening time) to beat crowds.
7:00 AM: Rent car or Uber to Anaheim (45-60 min)
8:00 AM: Arrive at rope drop (park opening)
8:00 AM-12:00 PM: Hit major rides (shortest waits)
12:00 PM: Lunch in park ($15-30 per person)
1:00 PM-6:00 PM: Continue rides, shows, parades
6:00 PM: Dinner at Downtown Disney ($20-40)
8:00 PM: Return to LA (45-90 min with traffic)
Distance
20 miles northwest
Duration
Half-day (4-6 hours)
Transport
Rental car required
Cost
$30-80 per person (car + parking + lunch)
Drive Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Santa Monica to Malibu—stunning ocean views, celebrity beach houses, hidden coves. Stop at Zuma Beach (popular surf spot), Point Dume (hike for views), El Matador Beach (dramatic cliffs and sea caves). Lunch at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe ($20-40). Return via Mulholland Drive for canyon views. Requires rental car.
9:00 AM: Rent car, drive PCH north from Santa Monica
9:30 AM: Stop at Malibu Pier for coffee/photos
10:30 AM: El Matador Beach (sea caves, tide pools)
12:00 PM: Lunch at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe ($20-40)
1:30 PM: Point Dume hike (30 min, ocean views)
3:00 PM: Zuma Beach for swimming/sunbathing
5:00 PM: Return to LA via Mulholland Drive (canyon views)
Distance
120 miles south
Duration
Full day (10-12 hours)
Transport
Rental car OR Amtrak Pacific Surfliner ($30-40 each way, 3 hours)
Cost
$60-150 per person (transport + attractions + meals)
California's second-largest city has world-famous San Diego Zoo ($68), Balboa Park museums (many free Tuesdays), Gaslamp Quarter nightlife, Coronado Beach with Hotel del Coronado, and La Jolla Coves for seals/sea lions. Requires early departure (7-8 AM) and full-day commitment. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner scenic alternative to driving.
7:00 AM: Leave LA (drive 2 hours OR Amtrak 3 hours)
9:00 AM: Arrive San Diego, park downtown
9:30 AM: Balboa Park + museums (2-3 hours)
12:00 PM: Lunch in Gaslamp Quarter ($15-30)
1:30 PM: Drive to La Jolla Coves (seal watching)
3:00 PM: Coronado Beach + Hotel del Coronado
5:00 PM: Dinner in Gaslamp ($20-40)
7:00 PM: Return to LA (2-3 hours)
LA skyline with downtown skyscrapers and Pacific Ocean in background. Best at golden hour. Observatory's white domes in foreground.
Best Time: Sunset (6:30-8 PM June-July)
📍 34.1184, -118.3004
Iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel lit up against ocean backdrop. Classic California postcard shot. Best from beach looking north toward pier.
Best Time: Sunset or twilight (blue hour)
📍 34.0094, -118.4973
Colorful street art murals along boardwalk. Jim Morrison, Bob Marley, local artists. Muscle Beach and skate park also photogenic.
Best Time: Mid-morning (10 AM-12 PM for best light)
📍 33.985, -118.4695
Closest legal viewpoint of Hollywood Sign with full letters visible. Lake in foreground (sometimes). 10-min hike from parking lot.
Best Time: Morning (8-10 AM clear light)
📍 34.1225, -118.3278
Robert Irwin's Central Garden with geometric plant designs, flowing water, and modern architecture. FREE admission (parking $20).
Best Time: Afternoon (2-4 PM)
📍 34.078, -118.4741
Elevated park with downtown LA skyline views. Less crowded than Griffith Observatory. Sunset and blue hour best for skyline photography.
Best Time: Sunset or twilight
📍 34.0707, -118.2615
Common questions about food, beaches, attractions, and nightlife for World Cup 2026 visitors