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.

Art finds expression, culture finds a solid canvas, and entertainment blooms at Venice Beach, a charming beachfront neighbourhood. Stretching two and a half miles along the edge of Los Angeles, Venice Beach is one of the city’s most recognizable strips of seaside real estate. Modelled on the romantic Venice in Italy, this waterfront town is quirky and charismatic, teamed with a thriving music scene. Its boulevards are lined with Californian palm trees, which deeply contrast the cottages resting under charming pastel facades. The neighbourhood's expanse is stippled with an array of beachfront hotels, restaurants and open volleyball courts. Its many vibrant murals lend a vibrant hue, and the neighbourhood boasts some iconic landmarks like Muscle Beach and the ultra-bohemian Abbot Kinney Boulevard, which is a shopping wonderland. A jewel of the West Coast, 'Venice' is a splendid locus of aesthetics, creativity and an indelible Californian spirit.

Burbank’s answer to the Hollywood Bowl, this marvel is a much-loved and frequented concert venue near Stough Park. A wide variety of concerts, from classical to pop, are held in this stunning setting throughout the summer. This beautiful natural bowl offers ample seating, both on benches and in the grass, where guests may enjoy their favorite performers and amazing acoustics to the transporting views of sunsets gradually superceded by starry skies. Visitors are invited to pack a picnic, including drinks of their choosing with no express restrictions imposed, other than non-interference with other patrons’ enjoyment of the event. Pricing is very affordable, enabling music buffs to get their fill during the summer months, after rationing their patronage of rather more expensive concert halls and arenas during the rest of the year.

Naples Island in Long Beach, located in the middle of Alamitos Bay, was the brainchild of Arthur Parson, who wanted to create a romantic spot that resembled Italy. He dug canals and built cozy cottage homes on the water. There is a park in the center of the island and a small beach encircling most of it. The most charming part of the island is the gondola rides that can be taken through the canals.

Inspired by Tokyo's Imperial Gardens, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden opened its doors in 1981 and is a part of the California State University. The funds were donated by its namesake's widow whose love for gardens resulted in the building of this place. Dotted with trees like the Japanese black pines, pink cloud cherry, fern pines, saucer magnolias and Chinese flame trees, this serene garden is a sight to behold. A koi pond with a bridge and fish, garden art, pagoda, tea-house, fountains and a zig-zag bridge complete the beautiful landscape. The garden is a much favored spot for weddings.

One of the great 20th Century luxury liners, The Queen Mary has been the centerpiece of Long Beach Harbor since 1967. The Queen Mary allows tourists to take a self-guided tour of the bridge, engine rooms and officers' quarters, while guided tours visit areas of the ship which are otherwise inaccessible. See the classic art deco interiors and learn about the vessel's interesting history. The ship is now not only a historic attraction, but is also a hotel, has several restaurants and shops, and there's even an on-site wedding chapel! Measuring 1019.5 feet (310.74 meters) in length, it features an indoor swimming pool and various conveniences and amenities characteristic of a cruise liner.