What are Must See and Do Activities in Los Angeles?

Question

My husband and I are in our 60s and traveling to LA the first week of December. We booked the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hollywood Walk of Fame for the stay. I picked the hotel because it states that it is centrally located, but the more I read, the less it seems anything is "centrally located" in LA. We are healthy, but we are not looking for any rigorous activities like hiking. We also booked the following activities:

Day 1. Hollywood Sightseeing and Celebrity Homes Tour

Day 2. Full-Day Iconic Sights of LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Beaches and More

Day 3. THE PRICE IS RIGHT Studio Audience Tickets and LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow

We have two more days to fill. It will be cool to see the celebrity homes, but I really only booked that because it is arrival day, and we'll be exhausted from the overnight trip form New York. The full day tour I am looking forward to, and the PRICE IS RIGHT and Zoo Lights are definitely wins for us. I can change any of the other selections including the hotel. I am seeking advice on the following:

Any suggestions for additional outings/tours/activities and places to eat? (Hubby likes American food.)

Is the hotel we selected in a good location?

Should we spend the last two days in another area? (We are flying out of LAX and not renting a car. )

We can afford to enjoy ourselves and would like to add more ticketed fun like a comedy club or a dinner show.

Any advice is appreciated.

Answer

Los Angeles is a sprawling city, so your choice of hotel on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is convenient for Hollywood-centric attractions, but not ideal for sightseeing in other areas without a car. Since you won’t have a rental car, it’s smart to focus on areas that are accessible via rideshare or public transit.

Hotel Location

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites on Hollywood Walk of Fame is central for Hollywood attractions, like TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood & Highland, and nearby celebrity tours.
For excursions to beaches, Santa Monica, Venice, or downtown LA, rideshare or organized tours will be necessary. Traffic can add significant travel time, so plan accordingly.

Suggested Activities for Your Remaining Two Days

Griffith Observatory & Hollywood Sign View: Easy to reach via rideshare. Offers excellent city views and a planetarium without strenuous hiking.
Santa Monica & Venice: Walk along the pier, enjoy casual shops, and have lunch at an oceanfront restaurant. Consider a guided tour if you want local insights.
Downtown LA Cultural Tour: Explore The Broad Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the historic Olvera Street.
Comedy Club / Dinner Show: Popular options include the Laugh Factory or The Comedy Store in Hollywood. For dinner theater, consider Medieval Times in nearby Buena Park or a classic dinner show in Anaheim (if willing to travel a bit). Book tickets in advance.
Universal Studios Hollywood: Offers a mix of rides and shows, and the Studio Tour is manageable for all ages. Purchase tickets online to skip lines.

Dining Recommendations

American / Classic: Musso & Frank Grill in Hollywood for a classic LA experience.
Casual / Walkable: Trejo’s Tacos for fun and easy dining or Hard Rock Café Hollywood for a familiar American menu.
Breakfast / Brunch: The Griddle Café in West Hollywood for oversized pancakes, or Joan’s on Third for lighter fare.

Tips for Transportation & Logistics

Without a car, focus on concentrated areas: Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, and perhaps Santa Monica if you book a tour or rideshare. Downtown LA is feasible via rideshare for a half-day visit.
If you want a more relaxing last two days, consider staying in Santa Monica or Beverly Hills for easier access to coastal activities and upscale dining. However, you would need to move hotels, which may be inconvenient for luggage.
Plan travel times carefully—LA traffic is heavy, especially around peak hours and near major freeways.

Overall, your Hollywood hotel is fine for the attractions you’ve booked. For your last two days, focusing on nearby sightseeing in Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, and optional short trips to Santa Monica or Downtown LA is realistic without a car. Booking comedy or dinner shows in advance will ensure a memorable experience.

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