21 Once In A Lifetime Things To Do In Los Angeles (By A Local)
Santa Monica Pier
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A Once In A Lifetime Experience: Los Angeles, California Things To Do
I love Southern California. Particularly Los Angeles, the city I’ve called home for the last 24 years. I’ve had the opportunity to explore much of the city and surrounding areas and enjoyed many unique and iconic experiences. I’ve been to red-carpet movie premieres in Hollywood, relaxed on Santa Monica Beach, and attended private dinners hosted by some of the best chefs in the world. Now I’m here to tell you how you too can enjoy some of these iconic LA experiences.
From taking a helicopter ride over Los Angeles, to touring celebrity homes, there are plenty of once in a lifetime experiences to do in Los Angeles.
Below I’ll go through 21 unique things to experience in Los Angeles. This being Sick Girl Travels, I’ll also provide accessibility information for those who need it. In addition, I’ll share what makes these things to do in Los Angeles so very special.
Venice skate park
The Best Time To Visit Los Angeles
The best time to visit Los Angeles is in the spring, from March through May, and in autumn, from September to November. These times of the year have beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and cleaner air. The summer months from June through August can be swelteringly hot, often with thick smog. It’s best to avoid summer in Los Angeles. I type this as it’s nearly 100 degrees outside my home.
For the best airfare prices, check out Skyscanner:
Where To Stay In Los Angeles
There are plenty of amazing and wheelchair-accessible places to stay in Los Angeles. I cover the best places to stay in Los Angeles here in this post.
Santa Monica Pier
Once In A Lifetime LA Experiences
I posted a great article on bucket list LA experiences on my blog before. And while there are many great things to do in LA, I wanted to give you the reader a succinct list of the most once-in-a-lifetime Los Angeles experiences you simply must experience for yourself when visiting my adopted hometown.
The Hollywood Sign
You can’t go to New York without seeing The Statue of Liberty, and you can’t come to LA and not see the Hollywood sign. The best accessible viewpoints are Griffith Observatory and Lake Hollywood Park. While you can easily see the sign from many points in Hollywood, these two locations will get you close to the iconic landmark.
But what about that once-in-a-lifetime Hollywood sign experience? For that, you can hike to the top of the mountain and see the sign up close with this 2 1/2-hour Hollywood Sign Walking Tour. It’s important to note the walking tour is not wheelchair accessible, and it is a vigorous hike so it may not be suitable for some people.
The walking tour combines some fun sightseeing in the hills of Los Angeles with a vigorous walk up to the Hollywood sign. Guests will learn about the history of Los Angeles on an entertaining hike that takes in views of Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Hills neighborhood, and the Hollywood Sign, and offers breathtaking views of Burbank, the San Fernando Valley, and all of Los Angeles.
For a wheelchair-accessible view of the sign, head to Lake Hollywood Park, located at 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
2. Go To A Live Television Taping
Being part of a live studio audience is a quintessential LA experience. From sitcoms and gameshows to daytime and late-night talk shows On Camera Audiences is the place to go for TV show tickets.
As a television comedy writer, I will warn that sitcom tapings often last 3+ hours, so be prepared to sit and watch multiple takes. It’s a fun experience, but it’s important that you be prepared to sit for a few hours and don’t mind your only meal option being the free pizza they pass out to the audience. If that’s too long for you to sit, you may opt for a live on-tape program like a gameshow or talk show which goes by much more quickly.
TV show tapings are wheelchair accessible. However, you should make your accessibility needs known at least 48 hours prior to the taping.
For a real once-in-a-lifetime LA experience, try your luck at a Price Is Right Taping. If you want that chance to play Plinko and other fun games, get there early and be super exuberant when you get your name tag. A former CBS page once told me only the most excited and energetic guests get to “come on down!” Bonus points for wearing a unique homemade T-shirt.
The Price Is Right is committed to making tapings accessible for all guests with disabilities. To request special seating or other accommodations call 1-818-295-2700 at least 24 hours before the taping date.
Location: Television City Studios-Fairfax gate 7800 Beverly Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90036
Birds-eye-view of the US Bank Building and DTLA
3. Take A Helicopter Tour
If you’re looking for adventurous activities to do in Los Angeles, you can’t beat a helicopter tour. Flying in a helicopter is a once-in-a-lifetime way to see the city. There’s nothing like getting a bird’s eye view of Downtown, LA, Hollywood, and those magnificent beaches.
Check out this Wheelchair Accessible Helicopter Tour of Los Angeles. It offers a 45-minute private scenic tour from the air. You’ll depart from Long Beach and soar over the L.A. harbor and the iconic Queen Mary, looking out towards Catalina Island from the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Fly up the coast past Manhattan Beach and Marina del Rey, bank over Santa Monica Pier, then head to Downtown Los Angeles. You’ll see the city’s sports centers and gleaming skyscrapers and take in views of the Hollywood Hills and the San Gabriel Mountains before touching back down in Long Beach.
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime way to see the city of angels.
The hills of Malibu
4. Experience Malibu Wine Country
Malibu is well known for its beautiful beaches and pricey celebrity homes, but did you know it’s also home to some fantastic wineries? Malibu is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world and it’s a fantastic place to relax and sample some delicious wines. The Malibu Coastal Region is officially recognized by the AVA (American Viticultural Association) and boasts 50 boutique vineyards. With cool ocean air and rich, volcanic soil, this is the most ideal place to grow wine grapes in Southern California.
Interested in sampling some for yourself? Check out this once-in-a-lifetime wheelchair-accessible tour of Malibu’s best wineries. On this tour, you’ll explore the wide range of wines from Malibu Coastal Region wineries and enjoy the knowledge and care of an expert culinary and wine guide The tour offers convenient pick-up at your hotel or location of your choice. Relax and travel in the comfort of a luxury vehicle as you drive through the beauty of Malibu's wine country.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
5. Sail By The Beautiful Los Angeles Beaches
From Venice Beach Boardwalk to the Santa Monica Pier and up to the beautiful beaches of Malibu, Los Angeles has some of the world’s most popular beaches. And sure, you could take a stroll down the boardwalk or ride the Ferris wheel on Santa Monica Pier, but if you really want a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience these SoCal beaches, I suggest checking out this wheelchair-accessible Private Sailing Adventure.
Live the Mediterranean dream in Southern California on a sailing adventure in Santa Monica Bay. This boutique luxury sailing charter with gourmet cuisine takes guests on a safe, fun, and memorable sailing adventure. You’ll journey past the mountains of Malibu, the famous Santa Monica pier, and the Venice Beach boardwalk. Let them share the joy of sailing with you!
For a free once-in-a-lifetime Los Angeles experience, visit Santa Monica during the spring and early summer months when the waters along the Santa Monica and Orange County coastlines glow neon blue. It’s a phenomenon known as bioluminescence and it’s caused by millions of tiny organisms in the water that produce a chemical reaction that gives off a neon blue light when agitated.
Peek behind those Hollywood gates.
6. Take A Tour Of Celebrity Homes
A Hollywood stars tour is one of those must-do Hollywood attractions. And sure you could cruise past these gated estates with the original (and wheelchair-accessible) Celebrity Homes Tour, but that wouldn’t be very once in a lifetime, would it?
To have a truly memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, try this wheelchair-accessible Tour of Celebrity Homes in a Luxury SUV. This 2-hour tour takes you past the homes of the rich and famous. You'll drive through Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills, and Bel-Air seeing homes that are worth over $100 million. You’ll be driven in style in a luxury black SUV where you’ll hear your guide’s commentary and have an interactive iPad to receive even more details about the homes around you.
Guests can arrange pickup anywhere in the city limits of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
7. Go Shopping On Rodeo Drive
Let’s be real, how many of us can actually afford to shop at Gucci, Fendi, and Valentino? But maybe you want to look at all the plastic housewives who can. Then Rodeo Drive is for you! Even if you’re just window shopping, it’s still fun to look.
But for that real once-in-a-lifetime experience, you just might have to buy something. Or at least try it on and take some selfies.
Location: 462 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills
Where food and art merge
8. Enjoy A Private Dining Experience With A World Renowned Chef
This is hands down one of the best experiences I’ve had in my twenty-four years of living in Los Angeles. Wolvesmouth is a weekly long table dinner prepared by chef Craig Thornton in a secret Los Angeles location. You must sign up via their website to receive info on upcoming dinners. You’ll find out the dinner location only after you’re selected.
Bring your own bottle of wine and prepare to meet a hand-selected group of other fascinating dinner guests as you enjoy an exquisitely prepared and artfully presented multicourse meal. At the end of dinner, an envelope is passed around the table and guests pay an amount of their choosing.
From the Wolvesmouth website: “Wolvesmouth is an intersection of food, art, and event production: it does not lock into a specific genre. Sometimes it is tasting menus, sometimes art installations or event builds. It is about creative exploration and freedom to carve a different path.”
When I attended one of these dinners the space was fully wheelchair accessible and the organizer sent an email beforehand asking about any food allergies. They are incredibly accommodating. Just make sure you voice any concerns before the evening of the dinner as last-minute changes and accommodations may not be possible.
War of the Worlds wreckage
9. Take A Studio Tour
Universal Studios Hollywood is an action-packed amusement park. It’s home to The Simpsons Ride, Harry Potter, Jurassic World, The Secret Life of Pets, Transformers 3D, and more!
On top of the exciting theme park, you can also go behind the scenes of some of your favorite movies and TV series with the Universal Studios Tour. With highlights like the Fast and The Furious Supercharged, King Kong 360 3D, and the smoldering 747 wreckage from Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds, this studio tour is action-packed.
For the once-in-a-lifetime version, purchase a Universal Studios skip-the-line pass to get you all-day admission to the parks as well as one-time express access to each ride, attraction, and show the park offers.
Universal Studios is ADA-compliant. A limited number of ECV rentals are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Assistive listening devices are available at guest relations free of charge. With one week's notice sign language interpreters are available to assist guests. Show scripts with large font and embossed braille are also available at guest services.
Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
The Hollywood Bowl
10. See A Show At The Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is one of the most iconic locations in Los Angeles. Opening in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California, hosting everyone from Billie Holiday to The Beatles to Yo-Yo Ma under the iconic silhouette of its concentric-arched band shell. There’s nothing like packing a picnic basket and a good bottle of wine and experiencing a concert under the stars.
For a full calendar of events and tickets, visit the Hollywood Bowl website.
For information on accessible parking, seating, and shuttle buses, visit the Hollywood Bowl’s accessibility page.
Location: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Steven Spielberg receives his star on the walk of fame.
11. Visit The Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame lines the streets in the heart of Hollywood, celebrating the best talent to ever grace Tinsel Town. It’s fun to take a stroll around and look at the names of some of your favorite actors, musicians, and other talents.
If you’d like to find your favorite stars visit the Star Map website. You could also take this fantastic Wheelchair-Accessible 2-hour Guided Tour of the Walk of Fame: 100 Years of Hollywood History.
But if you want a really once-in-a-lifetime Walk Of Fame experience why not plan to attend an actual star ceremony? To check out the calendar of ceremonies, visit the Walk Of Fame Website. Admission is free, there are no tickets and the public viewing area is wheelchair-accessible.
Location: Click on the map website above for a full map of stars.
The TLC Chinese Theater
12. See a Film At The TLC Chinese Theater
The TLC Chinese Theater is an iconic movie palace located on Hollywood Blvd. The theater often plays host to movie premiers, festivals, and imprint ceremonies. Visitors can check out an IMAX showing or visit the famous celebrity hand and footprints on the sidewalk outside. Those looking for a truly unique experience can gather outside at a premier and watch the stars walk the red carpet. For a calendar of events, visit the TLC Chinese Theater website.
The theater is wheelchair accessible.
Location: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
Disneyland
13. Go Amusement Park Crazy
The Los Angeles area is home to 6 Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, Califonia Adventure, and Knotts Berry Farm. If you’re a fan of theme parks and thrill rides, LA is a great place to be.
But what’s so once-in-a-lifetime about Disneyland? After all, millions of people have been to the happiest place on Earth. That may be true, but how many of them have been to Club 33, Walt and Mickey’s private club and executive lounge? Not many. How can you get in? You can either know a member and snag an invite, or you could pony up $25,000 upfront and $10,000 each year after for your own membership.
P.S. If you end up buying the membership please invite me so I can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks!
The parks and hotels at Disney are wheelchair accessible. ECV and wheelchair rentals are also available just outside the park, east of the main entrance. For more information on services for guests with disabilities, contact Disney’s Disability Services Desk at (407) 560-2547.
Location: 1600 S Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA
LACMA
14. Tour The Los Angeles County Museum Of Art (LACMA)
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA, is the largest museum in the western United States. Offering a collection of nearly 149,000 objects from across the globe, it’s easy to spend an entire day admiring the art at LACMA.
You’ll find some impressive works of art at LACMA that you can’t afford to miss. These are paintings and sculptures you won’t be able to see anywhere else in the world.
LACMA is wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking is available in the underground Pritzker Parking Garage off Sixth St. (one block east of Fairfax Ave.).
Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Welcome to the Magic Castle
15. Visit The Magic Castle
The Magic Castle is, as the name implies, a magical clubhouse that hosts events and performances from some of the best magicians in the world. The easiest way to get admission to this once-in-a-lifetime club is to know a club member and snag a much-coveted invite, but lesser known fact, non-club members can gain entrance as well by contacting the Magic Castle at (323) 851-3313 extension 1.
The castle itself is a mansion filled with surprises around every corner. Guests will also enjoy a meal in the Magic Castle Restaurant. A strict dress code is enforced. See website for details.
While much of the castle is wheelchair accessible, there are some areas that are not accessible due to stairs. Still, it’s well worth visiting and remains one of the best places to go at night in Los Angeles.
Location: 7001 Franklin Avenue Hollywood, CA 90028
Catalina Casino in Avalon
16. Spend Some Time On Catalina Island
Catalina Island is a great day trip from Los Angeles. Catch the ferry from Long Beach to Avalon and explore this quaint car-free island. Catalina used to be home to the Chicago Cubs’ spring training camp. Now it’s a quaint vacation getaway and nature preserve.
Rent golf carts to explore the casino, museum, Wrigley Memorial, and oceanfront. Or purchase tickets for a once-in-a-lifetime interior island tour where you’ll see wild buffalo roam and bald eagles soar.
For ferry tickets, check out Catalina Express. Catalina Express terminals are ADA-compliant. However, Restroom doorways on certain vessels are narrow and may not accommodate all mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Smaller wheelchairs are available upon request. Contact guest services for more info.
I also recommend this Wheelchair-Accessible Golf Cart Tour Of Catalina.
Location: Catch the ferry from 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, CA 90802
San Diego skyline
17. Take A Day Trip To San Diego
San Diego is a gorgeous city located just 2 hours south of Los Angeles. I highly recommend taking a little road trip down south if you’re ever in the LA area. There are an incredible array of activities to enjoy in San Diego. From the world-famous San Diego Zoo to the beautiful 70 miles of shoreline, San Diego is sure to please.
For a real once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can take a full-day private grand tour of San Diego from Los Angeles. Enjoy the ride in a luxury Mercedes Sprinter van and pack in a day of sightseeing at five essential San Diego destinations, including Old Town and Balboa Park. This is a perfect group outing for parties of up to 12. The tour can also be customized to suit your interests.
Hollywood Forever
18. See A Movie or Concert At Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Hollywood Forever Cemetery is where the stars go to die. Celebrities like Rudolph Valentino, Mel Blanc, Bugsy Siegle, Johnny Ramone, Estelle Getty, Chris Cornell, Fay Wray, and Jayne Mansfield, have made Hollywood Forever their final rating place. And while it’s a beautiful place to walk around, the real unique experience is attending an event at Hollywood Forever.
Cinespia holds seasonal film screenings on Fairbanks Lawn, an open grassy field inside Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Screenings take place under the stars (and surrounded by them). Guests are welcome to pack their own picnic with food, beer, and wine. Film events frequently include appearances by some of your favorite actors and directors. It’s a boozy good time. For more info visit the Cinespia website.
Cinespia is accessible to all guests with disabilities. Accessible parking is available to patrons with Disabled Persons (DP) Placards.
The Fairbanks Lawn features a designated wheelchair user and companion area. This area is a prime viewing spot and has close and easy access to restrooms. Cinespia staff and security are on-site to answer any questions.
Dia de Los Muertos alter
Another once-in-a-lifetime event at Hollywood Forever is attending the annual Dia De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead celebration. The entire cemetery transforms into colorful alters celebrating Dia de Los Muertos. For more information, visit the Dia de Los Muertos website.
Location: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Grand Central Market, DTLA
19. Take A Los Angeles Food Tour
Los Angeles has some amazing restaurants. But you may not have time to eat at all of them. What’s a foodie to do? Why book a wheelchair-accessible Los Angeles Food Tour, of course!
Learn about the dynamic food culture that's emerging in Downtown Los Angeles. This foodie-friendly walking tour allows you to taste creations at six standout downtown eateries. The trip begins at Pershing Square as you enjoy your guide's live narration about LA and Hollywood history. You’ll hear about the local food scene while you explore the bustling city. Sample food at six different eateries, bakeries, and ethnic food destinations. You’ll get a personal experience with an intimate tour, capped at only 12 guests. Best of all you don’t have to worry about extra spending, with all food tastings and water included. That’s some once-in-a-lifetime deliciousness.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, however, if you have trouble going up or down stairs please let them know 48 hours in advance so arrangements can be made.
If you’re looking for more Los Angeles Food Tour options, I’ve written a whole post covering all the delicious options.
Santa Barbara, CA
20. Ride The Amtrak Coast Train To Santa Barbara
For a once-in-a-lifetime rail experience, take the Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles to beautiful Santa Barbara. Enjoy ocean views as your train speeds up the coast to wine country.
The Santa Barbara train station is located a mere 2 blocks from the beach and just steps from the popular Funk Zone featuring the Urban Wine Trail with a whopping 20+ tasting rooms. Santa Barbara County is also home to three of California's 21 missions, including Old Mission Santa Barbara, known as “The Queen of the Missions.”
If you do decide to venture north I recommend spending at least 2 days in Santa Barbara.
For a table of schedules and more info, check out the Pacific Surfliner website.
LA street art
21. Take A Street Art Tour of Downtown Los Angeles
What makes a street art tour so once-in-a-lifetime? Street art is temporary. So why not snag your chance to see the latest and greatest LA murals before they disappear?
If you’re a regular reader of my blog you know I love street art. And the Los Angeles street art scene is second to none. Check out my guide to Downtown Los Angeles street art or book a wheelchair accessible Los Angeles Arts District tour with a guide.
Beaches in Malibu
Once In A Lifetime Things To Do In Los Angeles, CA Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of once-in-a-lifetime things to do in Los Angeles. LA is an incredibly diverse city with lots of thrilling and unique things to do. Hopefully, this list inspires you to have your own LA adventures.
If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them in the comments below.