Top 11 Things to Do Near UCLA (2024)

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A world-class academic institution located in the heart of a famous entertainment destination, UCLA is hard to beat. If you’re looking for the best college town to live in, you’ll hit the jackpot with this one! Dip your toes in a fun and cultural environment, under the perfect SoCal weather.

It’s not hard to pick a college when you have one of California’s most beautiful campuses at your feet. Education, cultural diversity, food, and entertainment await anyone deciding to become part of this campus. But if you’re still muddled about it, a virtual UCLA campus tour might do the trick.

1. Hammer Museum

Location: 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024.
Living at UCLA, numerous exciting activities await on and off-campus, but the Hammer Museum sticks out from the rest. Sitting a few steps away from university grounds, this museum is a contemporary art institution. Indulge in fascinating art and culture, with a mix of classical-modern exhibitions. And hey, if you’re thinking of asking that special someone out, it’s a great place for a first date!

2. The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden

Location: 245 Charles E Young Dr. E, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Famous for its collection of bold structures and mesmerizing statues, UCLA hosts the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden. Five acres of green grass, beholding over 70 sculptures carved and molded by world-famous artists like Alexander Calder, Deborah Butterfield, David Smith, Barbara Hepworth and so many more. Having artists camping over campus grounds has morphed this location of UCLA to be a sheer educational destination in California.

3. Diddy Riese Cookies

Location: 926 Broxton Ave, CA 90024.
When you’re done with learning and craving a little snack, a little stroll right around the corner from UCLA at Diddy Riese's icy snacks await. The shop has been there since 1983 and is famous for its high-quality cookies, brownies, and ice cream. Treat yourself to Diddy Riese’s sugary snacks or ice cream cones from a diverse menu of this popular shop.

4. Venice Beach

Location: Venice Beach, CA 1926.
Did someone say Venice? It’s only natural to crave the beach when you’re living… right next to it! A 20-minute drive leaves you with one of the best things to do near UCLA. From a blissful day at the beach to the most romantic sunsets, Venice Beach has a lot to offer. Enjoy the belt of palm trees extending on the cove and the sandy shore. Walking in the city streets, absorb the cultural diversity and the vibrant energy of California’s most beautiful college towns.

5. Santa Monica Pier

Location: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
If there are any C.A. college towns worth visiting, it’s Santa Monica. From Venice Beach to Santa Monica Pier, you might be wondering – why would anyone head from one beach to another? You’ll be surprised how such close destinations can have such different atmospheres. From the foot of Colorado Avenue to Santa Monica, this beach is double-jointed. Amusem*nt parks, fishing areas, and an entire sandy shore are what a student needs coming from UCLA Westwood Village. Patch your towel on the sand and bathe in the warm sun.

6. Westfield Century City

Location: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 9006.
This destination is a great place to de-stress and shed off the heavy semester load. Coming down from UCLA, Westfield has just the thing. Try a luxurious shopping experience in the 2-level mall, with shops encompassing every shopper’s needs.

7. UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame

Location: 325 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095.

If you’re an athlete or a mere supporter, this place is a must-see! Get a close-up look into the walk-in archives of the UCLA Hall of Fame. Shower your eyes with a good glimpse of UCLA coach John Wooden’s Den replica, and many of the team’s good historical moments. Get acquainted with the team’s Olympic background with some video highlights. If you’re lucky enough, there’ll be seasonal events around the house. Feel free to purchase tickets from the central ticket office sitting adjacent to the Luskin conference center.

8. Regency Village Theater

Location: 961 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024.

Catching a movie at the Regency Village Theater is every UCLA student's favorite. What makes this a good attraction for students is its location. This iconic Theater has been around for a very long time, enough to make it a landmark in Westwood. It is located in the heart of Westwood, and is referred to as the “Fox Village Theater.” A short drive from the UCLA campus, you can enjoy the newest movie premiers the theater has to offer.

9. Getty Center

Location: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049.
Strolling down this beautiful center can be just the cure to release the stress of the week. With its beautiful gardens that induce your aromatic senses, the Getty Center and its marvelous European exhibitions can be a great way to refresh and restart. Sometimes the simplest remedies are the most effective ones. If you’re visiting town, make sure to embrace all of the perks.

10. Sawtelle Japantown

Location: Sawtelle Boulevard, CA

There are many things to do near UCLA, and cultural integration won’t be a problem. Sawtelle Japantown can be just the environment you need for that end-of-week pick-me-up. If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, get ready to leave your taste buds tingling. Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles, Tatsu Ramen, and dishes catching fire are the scenes you can expect. If you’ve gone out of your way to find good restaurants near UCLA, consider yourself found.
An enticing culture awaits while you bask in the sound effects of the kitchen utensils. Have your camera ready to get a good shot of the chefs’ unnerving knife skills.

11. UCLA Store

Location: Ackerman B-Level, 308 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
If you’re enthused to grab a good souvenir after your visit to the UCLA Hall of Fame, this store must be your next destination. Dedicated to UCLA fans, this store runs an extensive UCLA-themed gift shopping experience. Make your way through the craziness of the fans, and get yourself a jersey for a wearable memory.