The Ultimate LA Bucket List: 10 Iconic Experiences You Can Only Have in Los Angeles
2025-01-01 — 8 min read
Yes, including a horseback ride to the Hollywood Sign. Start with #1 and see how many you can check off this year.
Los Angeles is full of big dreams, bright lights, and one-of-a-kind adventures. But if you're only in town for a few days (or even if you live here), there are some things you just have to do at least once. We put together the ultimate LA bucket list—a mix of iconic, unforgettable, and uniquely Southern California experiences.
Start with #1 (hint: it involves a horse and the Hollywood Sign) and see how many you can check off this year.
1. Ride a Horse to the Hollywood Sign
This is the only way to see the Hollywood Sign without a crowd—from the saddle of a horse, winding through real Griffith Park trails with canyon views, Los Angeles below, and the Sign just ahead.
Book your trail ride at Sunset Ranch Hollywood or check out our list of Things to Do in LA while you're here.
2. Hike to Griffith Observatory at Sunrise
The Observatory hike is a classic—and it hits different at sunrise. Watch the city wake up while the sky glows pink behind the skyline. Bonus: you'll beat the crowds and the heat.
Plan your visit to Griffith Observatory.
3. Eat Tacos Under the Neon at El Chato
This legendary late-night taco truck near La Brea is a local favorite. Grab a carne asada taco and eat it standing under the glow of red and blue lights. Pure LA.
Check El Chato's Yelp page for hours and reviews.
4. Catch a Show at the Hollywood Bowl
Music under the stars, wine in your picnic basket, and that classic Bowl sound. From classical to pop to movie nights with live orchestras—there's nothing like it.
See the Hollywood Bowl event calendar.
5. Walk the Canals of Venice
Stroll the Venice Canals and feel like you've wandered into a quiet, dreamlike LA neighborhood. Great photo ops, peaceful vibes, and a slice of history.
Map and parking for Venice Canals.
6. Snap a Selfie at Urban Light
The forest of vintage streetlamps outside LACMA is probably the most Instagrammed spot in LA—and for good reason. Hit it at golden hour or after dark for the full glow-up.
More about Urban Light at LACMA.
7. Take a Studio Tour
Get behind the scenes of real TV and movie sets at Warner Bros or Paramount. Sit on the Central Perk couch. Walk through actual backlots. It's a film lover's dream.
Book a Warner Bros Studio Tour or Paramount Studio Tour.
8. Cruise Mulholland at Sunset
This winding road through the Hollywood Hills gives you sweeping views of downtown LA, the San Fernando Valley, and on clear days, all the way to the Pacific. Roll the windows down and take it slow.
9. Surf (or Learn To) in Malibu
Whether you're an experienced surfer or just trying it for the first time, Malibu is where you go to ride LA's most famous waves. There are plenty of instructors, rentals, and chill spots along the coast.
Try a lesson with Malibu Surf Coach.
10. Watch a Rooftop Movie Downtown
Watch classic and new movies under the stars with headphones, deck chairs, and skyline views. Rooftop Cinema Club has multiple LA locations and it's an unforgettable way to see a flick.
See what's playing at Rooftop Cinema Club.
How Many Have You Done?
If you're visiting LA—or if you live here and want to actually experience your city—this list is a great place to start.
Come see us at Sunset Ranch Hollywood and check off the most iconic experience of all: a ride through Griffith Park to the Hollywood Sign. Then explore more Things to Do in LA from our hand-picked list.
See you on the trail.