LA’s Hidden Gems for the Solo Explorer
From whale watching and amazing food markets, to coastal cycling and hiking – this list of things to do in Los Angeles if you’re on your own has lots of great options!
Los Angeles is a great city, with plenty of activities, and in this list we’ve pulled together all the best things to do alone in Los Angeles during your trip!
47 things to do alone in LA to be precise! That’s a lot of ideas to fill up your trip!
So, let’s get into it!
Head over to the Hollywood Sign
To kick off our list, we have the Hollywood Sign! There are loads of great places to see the Hollywood Sign, but we really love hiking it!
In our opinion, you can’t visit LA without checking this place out. We’ve even written an entire guide to the best hiking places for taking in this iconic sight!
If you’re traveling here alone, you can easily take your time snapping photos and admiring the views without feeling rushed. Better yet, you won’t have any distractions!
However, if the idea of hiking alone sounds a little daunting, you can take a group walking tour on many of the hiking trails – which we’d really recommend. Click here for a tour that we absolutely love!
Visit the Descanso Gardens
A visit to the Descanso Gardens is one of the best things to do on your own in Los Angeles. It’s calm, relaxing, and features tons of beautiful flowers.
You can spend a few hours meandering along the flora-lined pathways or sitting on one of the benches with a book.
If you fancy spotting a few edible vegetables, head to the Nature’s Table Garden, a great spot that you can explore solo.
City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tour
Our list wouldn’t be complete without a hop-on hop-off bus tour. This is actually a fantastic way to see the city when you are traveling solo, so we can’t recommend it enough.
If you’re short on time in Los Angeles, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour is a great way to fit in lots of the city’s sights in one go.
It’s a great choice when you’re on your own because you won’t feel out of place, or overwhelmed! Just let the driver do all the hard work!
Click here to book your bus tour tickets!
Take Surf Lessons at Venice Beach
Heading to Venice Beach is a must for any LA traveler. So, it makes sense that taking surf lessons in Venice Beach is one of our all-time favorite activities to do alone!
Several local companies offer beginner surfing lessons on the beach, and you can often grab a single spot for a bargain.
Better yet – it’s one of the easiest things to do alone as you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people and don’t need to worry about feeling awkward.
Who knows, you may even walk away with a few friends to grab drinks with!
See the city by scooter
Next up on our list of interesting activities to do when you’re on your own in Los Angeles, it’s exploring the city by scooter!
If you don’t fancy walking everywhere during your visit to LA, grabbing one of the local scooters and exploring on two wheels is also fantastic!
It’s something you can easily do solo, and it’s so much fun!
Head to the Getty
Next up, it’s visiting The Getty!
The Getty is one of the most incredible museums in LA and it boasts an immense selection of drawings, paintings, and photographs from years gone by.
It’s free to enter (which is always a plus when you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles!) and you can spend several hours marveling at the age-old artwork.
They also host several exhibits throughout the year including plays and live music, making it an ideal pick if you’re stuck for things to do when you’re by yourself.
So, keep an eye on their “What’s On” page for up-to-date event information! Click here to book tickets and a guided tour!
Go on a Celebrity Home Tour
We all know that Beverly Hills is the place to be if you’re planning to run into the rich and famous. So, why not put yourself ahead of the pack by booking a celebrity home tour?
This is one of the most popular things to do solo, as you won’t feel unsafe, lonely, or uneasy at any point during the tour.
Ultimate Hollywood Tours and Access Hollywood Tours are among the best local groups, but you can easily pick up discounts if you do a bit of research.
Trust us when we say that this is one of the things that you’ll want on your itinerary. Click here to book tickets onto this tour!
Visit Crumbs and Whiskers
Our next recommendation for you is visiting one of the city’s best cat cafes… Crumbs and Whiskers!
Crumbs and Whiskers is a cosy, cute cafe with real cats (they’re rescues looking for their furrever home!) you can cuddle and pet. It’s adorable and a perfect choice for cat lovers who are traveling solo.
If you want to do something really unique and relaxed, this is the purrfect idea! Get it? Purrfect…
Read more about Los Angeles: Our favorite upscale restaurants in Los Angeles
Visit the Griffith Observatory
If you’re even remotely interested in the cosmos, you’ll want to add the Griffith Observatory to your list.
This spot is basically a south-facing observatory in Los Angeles that offers incredible views over the city (including the Hollywood sign!). But that’s not all.
It also offers incredible presentations about space, allows you to look through a legit telescope, and learn all about far-flung galaxies for FREE.
It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular activities in LA and best of all, it’s great for those of us who travel alone! Click here to book a guided tour of the observatory!
Check out Knotts Berry Farm
Adrenaline junkies looking for incredible things to do alone in Los Angeles should definitely add Knotts Berry Farm to their itinerary.
It’s an amazing theme park with over 23 waterslides, 15 rollercoasters, and a host of stores and eateries.
You can easily spend an entire day here, and you’ll be able to get through the line quickly as a singer rider.
Things to do alone in LA: Go Whale watching
Next, it’s whale watching. Now, if you’ve never been whale watching before, prepare for something amazing!
Whale watching is, quite simply, one of the most incredible ways to spend a day. And luckily as a solo traveler, it’s a great choice.
Our favorite whale-watching tour departs from Newport beach, and it’s absolutely wonderful. Click here to book your tickets on this amazing tour.
Take a Trip to Anaheim for a Disney Experience
Sometimes, a trip to the House of Mouse is just what the doctor ordered. So, it’s no surprise that a trip to Disneyland Resort is on our list of things to do solo in LA!
If you’re willing to head slightly outside of the Beverly Hills and Hollywood areas, a visit to Anaheim is a great option.
You’ll be able to cover plenty of ground as a single rider, head to souvenir stores on your own terms, explore Galaxy’s Edge, and grab tons of snacks for one!
Oh, and don’t forget to grab a pair of Mickey ears before leaving!
Visit Santa Monica
If you’re in Los Angeles and looking for something to do on your own, then you need to visit Santa Monica!
There is so much to see and explore in Santa Monica, so it’s a perfect choice for solo travelers, especially if you want to spend a whole day doing something.
Explore the beach, check out the pier, play some arcade games, eat some local ice cream, and enjoy just strolling around the local shops.
Read more about Los Angeles: Beach hotels in LA!
Take a helicopter tour
Next on our list is taking a helicopter tour! Seeing the city from the sky is unlike anything else!
If you want to see the city from a new perspective, we think this is the solo activity for you!
Sure, it’s not the cheapest option on our list – but it’s one of the most memorable! Click here to book your ticket!
Eat at Pink’s HotDogs
Next on our list of things to do alone in LA, it’s visiting Pink’s HotDogs! Now, this place is an LA icon, and it’s one of the most popular food places in the city!
You need to head there and sample some of their world-class hotdogs!
This is a great place to eat if you’re a solo diner, as it’s super casual and everyone is so friendly. Which is why we added it to our list of things to do alone in LA!
Go shopping!
Next on our list of things to do alone in LA, it’s shopping. You know Los Angeles, it’s shopping heaven! So don’t leave the city without a little bit of retail therapy!
Here are some of the best places for shopping in Los Angeles:
- Westfield Century City
- Rodeo Drive
- The Americana
- Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills
- The Grove
- Melrose Avenue
Explore a Farmers’ Market
You certainly don’t need company to hit a Farmers’ Market, making it one of our favorite things to do alone in Los Angeles.
The classic Los Angeles Farmers’ Market has been around since 1934, so it’s one of the oldest-running attractions for locals and tourists alike.
It boasts an amazing range of food stalls, vendor pop-ups, and local cafes that are just waiting for your patronage.
As you wander around, you can grab fresh produce, a delicious lunch, and a few souvenirs to take home! Talk about a successful day out.
Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
Visiting a theme park is a great idea for solo visitors to LA. Yes, really.
Why? Well, you can take your time, queuing is quicker (single rider lanes for the win!) and it’s cheaper too! So of course, we had to include a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood as part of our list!
Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the best theme parks on this side of the States, and it’s something you won’t want to miss!
Click here to book your advance tickets!
Face Your Fears on a Haunted Tour
If you’re looking for something a bit different, consider getting your pulse racing on a Haunted Tour!
There are a few tours that run in the city, but the ‘Fame Kills: Adults Only Ghost Tour’ remains one of the top picks!
It takes you through 8-12 sites around Hollywood Boulevard and talks you through each spot’s grisly history.
It’s one of the spookiest things to do alone, but it’s perfect for terror seekers! Click here to book your tickets!
Join a Luxury Boat Cruise
Next up – joining a luxury boat tour. This is such a unique and lovely way to admire the skyline.
Our favorite boat tour from LA, actually leaves from Marina Del Ray (a gorgeous suburb of LA). It’s the perfect way to relax and see some sights!
You’ll not only be treated to some delicious food, but you’ll also see some of the local wildflie! Including sea lions and a variety of birds too!
You can book tickets by clicking here!
Try paddleboarding
Why not try paddleboarding! We love this as it’s such a chilled-out and relaxed activity to try solo.
Los Angeles is also a great location to try paddleboarding, whether you’re a beginner or an expert!
There are lots of great paddleboarding locations around the city and along the coastline, but we really recommend booking yourself onto a tour, if you’re traveling alone.
Click here to book the paddleboarding tour we recommend, and it includes kayaking too, and the chance to see dolphins and sea lions too!
Check out Chinatown
With its vibrant decorations, charming restaurants, and amazing vendor stalls, it’s unsurprising that Chinatown makes our list.
You simply don’t need a travel companion to make this activity fun.
You’ll be able to check out a few tours, dine at top restaurants like Foo-Chow, and appreciate the hanging lanterns that characterize the area.
Grab a camera, some good walking shoes and get exploring. You’ll be enjoying things so much that you won’t even notice that you’re on your own – and no one else will either.
Tour Dodger Stadium
Next up on our list of things to do alone in LA, is touring the Dodger Stadium. This is such a fun activity if you’re a sports lover!
Touring any stadium is always lots of fun, but the Dodgers stadium is especially fun and interesting. With some great views too!
We love this choice for things to do alone in LA!
Go Indoor Skydiving
Another one of our favorite activities is indoor skydiving with iFly!
This activity essentially places you inside a vertical wind tunnel that recreates the exact feeling that you’d get skydiving.
Included in the price you’ll get skydiving gear for the experience, a briefing, and an exhilarating free-fall.
The only downside to this is that you’ll only get around 60 seconds of airtime. But it’s still a great option for solo daredevils and is certainly a talking point with strangers who are with you.
Ride the Angels Flight Railway
Next, it’s riding the Angels Flight Railway. We’ll keep this one short and sweet – because the ride itself is short and sweet too!
This is a really cute and quirky part of the city, and it’s a really lovely pick for solo activities in LA.
It’s a classic Los Angeles landmark, and a great thing option for you.
Head up the Secret Stairs
You may not have heard of the Secret Stairs, because they’re one of the lesser-known things to do in Los Angeles. Fortunately for us, they’re also a great option when you’re on your own.
As you hike to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, you’ll climb almost 300 steps to experience some of the finest views in town.
If you’re not feeling the trek, try out the Broadview Terrace Stairs or the Castellammare Stairs.
There are so many hidden stairs you can explore, and each one is bound to impress you. Need help finding them? This book details every single set of Secret Stairs in the area!
Try a Yoga Class at Wanderlust Hollywood
This one will leave you feeling lithe and limber, you should try a yoga class at Wanderlust.
It’s one of the most popular studios in the city, and the yoga classes have been considered the best things to do alone in LA for years.
You can either choose a meditation class or advanced yoga to stretch your aching muscles.
Then, you can grab a delicious (and healthy!) breakfast at their onsite café. Total bliss.
Book a pool day
If your hotel or AirBnB doesn’t have its own pool, then we recommend buying yourself a day-pass for one that does! There are plenty of hotels in the city that off this for around $50 – $150 a day.
Los Angeles doesn’t feel right without spending at least one day by the pool in the sunshine!
It’s a perfect pick for things to do alone in LA!
Flick Through Books
Are you on the hunt for solo activities that are free and educational? If so, you’ll love our next pick.
There are a bunch of bookshops in Los Angeles that are worth visiting, but The Last Bookstore, Book Soup, and Skylight books are particularly welcoming.
If you don’t feel like hanging out in a bookshop, why not check out the iconic LA Public Library?
Whichever location you choose, you’re bound to agree that flicking through books is a great way to spend a few hours on your own. See what we did there?
Head Down to the Los Angeles Art Walk
Next on our list, it’s the Los Angeles Art Walk!
It’s proudly located in downtown LA and is essentially a walkable cluster of local galleries which has been running since 2004.
You’ll find over 40 galleries to explore, and you’ll be pleased to know that the artwork directly contributes to the local community.
So, not only is it one of the most interesting things to do in Los Angeles – it helps you give back!
Amble Down the Walk of Fame
Okay, we couldn’t create a list of amazing list of solo things to do without mentioning the Walk of Fame!
This is among the must-do activities if you’re visiting Hollywood without a travel companion.
If you’re not sure what it is, it’s a popular landmark that features over 2700 famous names on the sidewalk of 15 separate streets.
You’ll find super-famous names embedded on these bronze plaques, and you can spend hours searching for your favorite artists and actors.
If that wasn’t enough to convince you, it’s completely free!
Visit the Los Angeles Zoo
Let’s talk about LA Zoo! This place is a must-visit spot for animal lovers who are traveling alone and it’s enormous.
You can spend an entire day scoping out this spot and wandering around on your own, and you’ll see everything from critically endangered Californian species to giant cats that can be seen basking in the sun.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to bring your camera and chat with the zookeepers if you have any questions! They are super friendly, knowledgeable and certainly don’t mind chatting to you.
Read more about Los Angeles: Our guide to sightseeing in Los Angeles!
Chill Out at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center
One of our favorite things for culture lovers is the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.
It aims to introduce tourists and locals to Japanese American culture and displays tons of unique Japanese artwork.
But the reason this is one of our top picks for solo visitors to LA is the amazing James Irvine Japanese Garden.
It’s designed to look like a traditional garden in Kyoto, and it’s a great place to catch your breath, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.
Hollywood Trail Horseback Riding Tour
Next on our list is a Hollywood Trail Horseback Riding Tour.
If you want to see the skyline of Los Angeles in a more unique and different way, then we can’t recommend a Hollywood Trail Horseback Riding Tour enough!
It’s something you’ll always remember and such a great pick for solo travelers! Click here to book your tickets!
Go food shopping at Grand Central Market
If you’re looking to stock up on some delicious local produce whilst you’re in Los Angeles, then our next suggestion for things to do alone in LA is going to be perfect for you!
The Grand Central Market is an ideal place for some solo food shopping, and you’ll love wandering around this gigantic market and seeing all the delicious food on offer!
Read more about Los Angeles: My list of non-touristy things to do in LA
Take an Acting Class at the Margie Haber Studio
The final activity on our list of things to do in Los Angeles is taking an acting class at the Margie Haber Studio!
This is one of the most well-known spots in the city, and it’s way easier to get in touch with your inner artists when you’re not surrounded by friends.
Trust us on this one.
You don’t need any experience to take a class, but it’s always worth heading in with an open mind.
A few bonus ideas:
Have you still not found what you’re looking for? We have a few more ideas up our sleeves!
Here are a few more ideas for things to do alone in LA:
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- The Broad
- Coastal bike ride
- Visit Little Tokyo
- Explore Koreatown
- Watch a movie in Hollywood!
- Visit The Queen Mary
- Visit the TCL Chinese Theatre
- Drive along Mulholland Drive
- Shopping on Olvera Street
Read more about Los Angeles: The best beach towns near Los Angeles