Where to Find the Best Views in Los Angeles
You don’t need to work hard to find great views in Los Angeles. Head to the waterfront for ocean vistas, hop in a helicopter for a bird’s-eye perspective, or ride a horse in the hills. However you design your itinerary, here’s where to find the best LA views.
Helicopter rides
For bird's-eye views.
For a view that most travelers miss, treat yourself to a Hollywood helicopter tour. As you weave through the city skyline, catch sight of skyscrapers and movie studios, as well as attractions such as Hollywood Boulevard and Griffith Observatory.
Hollywood Hills
For quintessential snaps.
From guided e-bike excursions to horseback riding to private sightseeing tours, options abound for exploring the Hollywood Hills. Don’t miss nearby Griffith Park and the iconic Hollywood Sign, complete with sweeping views across the city.
Brunch cruise
For waterside views.
For views of the Los Angeles coastline, nothing beats a brunch cruise departing from Marina del Rey or Newport Beach. You’ll see coveted waterfront homes, sandy beaches, and towering palm trees—all while filling up on a delicious buffet.
Sightseeing tour
For the classic vistas.
For a hassle-free way to experience some of the best views in the city, from Griffith Observatory to Venice Beach, join a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. Or, opt for a private tour with a custom itinerary.
Paragliding
For soaring scenes.
If you’re a thrill seeker, take to the sky on a beginner-friendly tandem paragliding adventure. Soak up the famous LA sunshine, and keep your eyes open for the full, 360-degree panorama up and down the coast.
Roller coasters
For an unusual perspective.
For an unconventional option offering fantastic views, go on an adrenaline-fueled adventure at one (or more) of the local theme parks. From Disneyland® Park to Universal Studios to Six Flags, you’re sure to find a roller coaster that takes you several stories high.
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Peter Neely is a Brooklyn-based writer and poet who's been bounding between cities for a decade, with stops in San Francisco, Budapest, Montreal, and Lyon. Changing NYC apartments like socks, Peter has lived in Harlem, Greenpoint, Sunnyside, and Crown Heights, though Coney Island is his spiritual homeland. Spot him reading on the subway, or complaining about the slice at your favorite pizzeria.