Top Rated Attractions in Los Angeles

Built-in Art Deco style, this observatory was built in the early 1930s and is a highlight among the landmarks in Southern California. See incredible light shows at the Oschin Planetarium, which puts to use the latest technology. Outside the observatory, you'll find sweeping views of the nearby area that are breathtaking during the day and at night as well. Exhibits and planetarium shows will fascinate visitors. Some visitors might recognize the observatory as the site where the climax of Rebel Without a Cause was filmed. On clear nights take advantage of the free public telescopes to see the stars up close.

Spread across 100,000 square feet of exhibition space, the Peterson Automotive Museum is one of the world's largest automobile museums. From Porsche to Batman's Batmobile, the museum has it all for ardent car fans! It also hosts year-round special exhibitions. Of special interest to families is the Children's Discovery Center, which offers hands-on interactive exhibits.

This lavish pantheon of fame and glamor captured in wax is one of Hollywood’s crown jewels. Hailing from London, Madame Tussauds brings to Hollywood its world-class interactive viewing entertainment, great for all ages. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, just next to Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the museum is hard to miss due to its prepossessing open-air facade with a few wax figures casually spilling out on the sidewalk. Come in and stroll the vast grounds populated with the rich and famous (as well as the infamous) and the beautiful and formidable. Photography and handling are a must. Whether it is shaking hands with President Obama or wrapping your arm around Mae West that is more your thing, you will be exhilarated by the lifelike, vivid portrayals and infinite photo ops.

This museum run by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is an important landmark in Little Tokyo. It is one of the three MOCA museums in the city. The spacious establishment has a gallery where exhibitions of renowned artists are hosted and a reading room stocking books. Opened in 1963, it offers more than 40, 000 square feet of exhibition space.

This spacious park is known for its sprawling lake tucked away in the San Fernando Valley. Jog or walk along the lakeside as you watch the graceful swans and ducks glide through the water or enjoy a leisurely picnic beneath the Japanese Cherry Blossom trees. A children's playground will keep the little ones entertained while dogs run around on the grassy area. Barbecues, picnic tables and shady areas make this park a family-friendly locale.

Located on the flood control basin of the Hansen Dam, Hansen Dam Recreation Area is an extensive recreational park. It features two artificial lakes - one for fishing and the other for swimming. The fishing lake also allows paddling and rowing. Both of these water bodies are manned by life guards. Picnic spots, equestrian, hiking and walking trails, a skate park, playground and restrooms are added amenities of this place.