It's hard to find good statistics to identify the attractions most favored by visitors to LA separated from local attendance, but based on overall number of annual visitors pulled from anywhere I could find them, here are the most popular LA and Orange County attractions. These attendance numbers have been published either by the venue or another news source in the last five years. If you have access to better stats, please send them to me at golosangeles.guide@about.com.
View a Map of LA's Top Attractions
View a Map of LA's Top Attractions
1. The Beach/Pacific Ocean
Photo © 2006 Kayte Deioma, courtesy of www.KayteDeioma.com
Of the 46 million overnight visitors to LA and Orange Counties, most of them will find their way to some point along the over 80 miles of Pacific coastline. Many of them are surprised how cool it is at the beach in LA. Even in summer, beach temperatures average a high of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Venice Beach
Photo © 2005 Kayte Deioma, courtesy of www.kaytedeioma.com
The 16 million visitors to the Venice Beach Boardwalk are there for the funky vibe, rollerblading beach babes, muscle-bound weight-lifters and wacky street performers as well as the beach experience.
3. Disneyland Resort
Photo © 2006 Kayte Deioma, courtesy of www.KayteDeioma.com
Close to 15 million people visit Disneyland every year, with 5 million of those also taking in Disney's California Adventure next door.
4. Universal Studios Hollywood
Photo © 2007 Kayte Deioma, courtesy of www.KayteDeioma.com
Between 4 and 5 million visitors cross the Hollywood Hills to explore Universal Studios Hollywood for a backstage look at the movie industry with a few thrill rides thrown in.
5. Grauman's Chinese Theatre
Photo © 2004 Kayte Deioma, courtesy of www.KayteDeioma.com
I think the 4 million visitors reported to visit the Forecourt of the Stars at Grauman's Chinese Theatre is an understatement, based on how many people park at Hollywood & Highland and doesn't factor in the tour buses that start and end here or drop of their camera-laden masses for a 15 minute photo opportunity. That's just a guess based on average population density per square meter every time I've visited.
6. Knott's Berry Farm
A lot of the 3.5 million visitors to Knott's Berry Farm are locals, but die hard amusement park fans with both younger and older kids who have already done Disneyland frequent the park as well. Knott's Ghost Rider is one of the top wooden roller coasters in the country.7. Santa Monica Pier
Photo © 2005 Kayte Deioma, courtesy of www.KayteDeioma.com
3 million visitors choose the Santa Monica Pier and beach as their preferred LA coastal experience. Many of them also find their way to the 3rd Street Promenade or Main Street, Santa Monica to spend some money in the many shops and restaurants there.
8. Six Flags Magic Mountain
© Peter Brandt/Getty Images
3 million hard-core coaster enthusiasts make the pilgrimage to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia every year. Graduating from Disneyland and Knott's to Magic Mountain is a rite of passage for So Cal teens.
9. Queen Mary
Photo © 2007 Kayte Deioma, courtesy of www.KayteDeioma.com
1.5 million visitors board the Queen Mary in the Port of Long Beach each year.
10. Getty Center
© 2005 David McNew/Getty Images
1.4 million people ride the monorail to this art fortress on the hill in Brentwood, overlooking West LA. The Getty contains one of the most extensive private art collections in the world, divided between the Getty Center and the Getty Villa in Malibu.
11. Aquarium of the Pacific
Photo © 2005 Kayte Deioma, courtesy of www.KayteDeioma.com
1.3 million guests have close encounters with sharks and other sea creatures at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.
12. Poll: What is your favorite Los Angeles attraction?
- The Beach/Pacific Ocean
- Venice Beach Boardwalk
- Disneyland
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Hollywood (Graumans, Walk of Fame)
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- Knott's Berry Farm
- Santa Monica Pier
- Queen Mary
- Getty Center
