9,228 Los Angeles Vacation Rentals & Short Term Rentals

About Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the biggest metropolitan cities in the world, and certainly is the biggest city in the state of California. It also happens to be the hub of American culture. Hollywood is the center of the movie industry, hosting all your celebrity stars. People flock here for entertainment, music, and a view of the life of fame. It's no wonder, with the beach, mountains, and desert all in one place that L.A. is such a huge spot.

Things to do in Los Angeles

LA is known for being the center of things to do. From stalking celebrities, more commonly referred to as "celebrity tours," to strutting down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, movie buffs can get their fair share of fan club excitement. Universal Studios and Disneyland are the two main parks in LA that attract people from all ages to get behind the scenes of these entertainment powerhouses while being very much on the scene. Venice Beach offers a different kind of entertainment; all the not so ordinary, ordinary people of LA gather here to skateboard, sell goods, dance, or just hang out on the boardwalk. For some international culture, had to the Getty Center or Los Angles County Museum of Art. They hold art collections from all the greats including Monet and Van Gogh. LA is also a top place for music. The Grammy Museum and Disney Concert Hall are the two hangouts for music lovers, but wander any street and you can find concerts, CD shops, and street musicians all taking advantage of LA's star quality environment.

Check out these fun activities to do with kids in Los Angeles if you are visiting with your family. Be sure to check out one (or several) of our seven favorite restaurants in L.A. for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Los Angeles Accommodations

Since LA is so huge, you are sure to find hundreds of rentals that match your Los Angeles vacation rental checklist. Maybe you are looking for a suite in Hollywood or a house rental in Beverly Hills. Book a luxury rental to get a taste of celebrity life. Or save the money for a concert and find a budget apartment rental in downtown LA. It's up to you to define your LA experience. Stay close to the beach for a laid-back vacation, or close to the museums to make sure you can tour around to your heart's content. LA's size means there is a lot available, but you should stay close to where/what you want to be doing since getting around isn't as easy in smaller cities.

Things to do in Malibu

Famous for its celebrity residents and beautiful beaches, Malibu is a relaxing getaway from the busy bustling downtown area. It is home to many beautiful beaches, including Zuma Beach, Malibu Lagoon State Beach, and Leo Carrillo State Park. Visit the historic Adamson House, which is located along the coast within Malibu Lagoon State Beach Park. The Malibu Lagoon Museum adjoins Adamson house and contains a collection of artifacts documenting Malibu’s history, while the one-hour tour takes visitors through the house and shows the original furnishings. Go shopping at the various bohemian and upscale boutiques at Malibu Country Mart, where you’re likely to spot a celebrity running errands. Visit the nearby Getty Villa in the Pacific Palisades, which is located at the southern end of the Malibu Coast and houses an impressive collection of art from Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at CURE Malibu by Benya, then head across the street to the upscale Nobu Restaurant and enjoy fine sushi for dinner.

Things to do in downtown Los Angeles

The downtown area of Los Angeles has really blossomed, with lots of new restaurants, hotels, and businesses springing up all over the place. Go see a Lakers, Clippers, or Kings game at the Staples Center, then grab a drink at The Standard Hotel. For some of the best city views, head to the rooftop bar at Perch, a chic French restaurant. Sample the popular French macarons from Bottega Louie, a hip Italian eatery, and if you happen to be in town on the second Thursday of every month, check out Downtown Art Walk—a self-guided walking tour of different galleries and artists through the Art Mart. Go for a walk in Pershing Square, a public park in Downtown Los Angeles, and take pictures in front of City Hall, which has been featured in numerous movies.

Things to do in Manhattan Beach

This cozy, upscale beach community is located between El Segundo and Hermosa Beach, and was founded in 1912. Walk out onto the Manhattan Beach pier and enjoy the beautiful ocean views while watching the volleyball players and surfers below. Go shopping at the boutiques in downtown Manhattan Beach, and stop into local hotspot The Kettle for a quick bite. Get a facial or a massage at Trilogy Spa, and if you happen to be in town on a Tuesday, stop by the Downtown Manhattan Beach farmers Market at 13th Street and Morningside to enjoy a variety of artisan foods, locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants. Enjoy a sunset drink on the rooftop at trendy Shade Hotel to end your day on a good note.

Things to do in Beverly Hills

This iconic destination has been featured in countless movies and television shows, and is an upscale city that is home to many Hollywood stars. Go shopping on Rode Drive, which is home to many designer boutiques like Chanel, as well as hip restaurants like Spago. Indulge in a spa treatment at the Beverly Hills Hotel, then order lunch in their poolside café. Take pictures next to the Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park, and pay a visit to Greystone Mansion, which is a backdrop for many films. Grab a drink at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, which is where the movie Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts was filmed. Catch a show or performance at the historic Saban Theatre, and see the state-of-the-art Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

Things to do in Hollywood

Tinseltown is home to world-class entertainment and attractions, including the TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Sign, and Hollywood Walk of Fame. Spend a day at Universal Studios Hollywood, then see the amazing views and learn about astronomy at Griffith Observatory. Other places to visit include Madame Tussauds Hollywood Wax Museum, Capitol Records Building, and the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Catch a music show at the famous Viper Room, and explore the macabre side of things at the Museum of Death. The Magic Castle in Hollywood offers séances and magic shows with dinner, but you have to score an invite from a member or book a room at the Magic Castle Hotel.

Things to do in Pasadena

Located northeast of downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena is set against the San Gabriel Mountains and is filled with many things to do. Go shopping on busy Colorado Boulevard, which has lots of popular boutiques and restaurants including The Cheesecake Factory. Go for a hike on Echo Mountain, and check out the architectural wonder of Pasadena City Hall. Go for a tour of the Gamble House, visit the waterfall at Eaton Canyon Falls, walk around the gardens at the Huntington Library, and enjoy a spa treatment at the Chuan Spa at the historic Langham Hotel. Go for a tour of the Tournament of Roses House and Wrigley Gardens, and go shopping at the monthly flea market held at The Rose Bowl, an outdoor athletic stadium.

Things to do in Larchmont

The smallest neighborhood in Los Angeles, Larchmont is a diverse, half-square-mile neighborhood that is bordered by some of the most well preserved older homes and estates in the city. Stroll down Larchmont Boulevard, which is the main attraction and features diagonal parking, coffee shops, shopping boutiques, and restaurants. Enjoy a spa treatment at Larchmont Sanctuary Spa, and grab an ice cream at Salt & Straw, which features farm-sourced ingredients and inventive flavors like honey lavender, pear and blue cheese, and Arbequina olive oil.

Day trips from Los Angeles

Head to Idyllwild-Pine Cove, a charming mountain town just a few hours east of downtown L.A., and a world away. You can rent beautiful cabins and stay overnight to have more time to explore the authentic arts scene in this beautiful town. For a lake getaway, has stunning cabins with exquisite views. If you want to hit the beach, we recommend heading to one of these .