Things to do in Los Angeles

Explore LA's Vibrant Culture, Outdoor Adventures, and Quintessential Experiences


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Los Angeles buzzes with more than just sunshine and movie stars. Listeners arriving this week are in for a treat: Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering classic fun with twelve rides like the West Coaster roller coaster, the solar-powered Pacific Wheel, midway games, oceanfront snacks, and seaside shops. Adjoining Santa Monica Beach delivers the quintessential Los Angeles outdoor scene, with three and a half miles of sand, picture-perfect sunsets, and easy access to the original Muscle Beach—where visitors can watch acrobatics, try gym equipment, or join chess matches by the ocean.

For sports enthusiasts, this week is packed: the Dodgers are in the thick of baseball season, and a visit to Intuit Dome rewards listeners with electrifying basketball action. On the cultural scene, the city is buzzing with concerts and stage productions. Notably, Ticketmaster highlights iconic summer concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, where world-class music is paired with twilight picnics under the stars. For something fresh, Secret Los Angeles reports the Blue Note Jazz Club is opening soon in Hollywood, but music fans can already find intimate jazz nights across the city at hidden speakeasies and beloved venues.

Outdoor adventure seekers should consider a Hollywood Sign hike. TripAdvisor reviewers rave about comedian-guided tours that not only get listeners up close to LA’s star-studded skyline but also inject humor and local insights along the way. Further afield, Bolsa Chica State Beach features an 8.5-mile paved trail for walking, biking, or skating, and nearly 200 fire rings for classic Southern California beach bonfires—perfect for watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Don’t miss world-class museums spanning art, science, and pop culture. The Getty Center rewards art admirers with breathtaking collections and gardens above the city, while the Autry Museum and the Natural History Museum offer a deep dive into LA’s heritage. The Grammy Museum shines a spotlight on music legends, letting listeners trace the evolution of American sounds.

Families with young explorers can check out the Kidspace Children’s Museum and special outdoor quests like Kid Quest Adventure, an interactive event for ages 4 to 8 this week. The Los Angeles Zoo welcomes visitors daily—though, as the Los Angeles Times notes, ticket prices increase beginning July 1, with adults priced at $27, kids (2–12) at $22, and seniors at $24.

Locals and newcomers alike love quirky, offbeat experiences: wander the Venice Canals for European charm amid beachside bungalows, or explore LA’s artisan markets for handcrafted goods and gourmet bites. Secret Los Angeles recommends checking out the city's underground speakeasies, vibrant farmers markets, and even themed runs like the Carb Loaders Cookie Crawl—a playful group run punctuated by sweet treats.

Culinary adventurers find LA’s dining scene endlessly entertaining. Stroll through the Original Farmers Market or Grand Central Market, each serving up everything from craft burgers to international cuisine. Evenings can be spent on rooftop bars with sweeping city views, or discovering neighborhood gems from taco trucks in Boyle Heights to vegan hotspots in Silver Lake.

Rounding out the LA experience, listeners can shop Melrose Avenue’s chic boutiques, cruise Mulholland Drive for iconic vistas, or relax at the Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro for a tranquil sunset moment. For those drawn to hidden gems, LA offers tidepool adventures, street art tours in the Arts District, and the whimsical Bat Cave (Bronson Cave) in Griffith Park—a nod to the city’s decades-long romance with Hollywood magic.

With its blend of iconic attractions, unique events, and off-the-path wonders, Los Angeles guarantees every day holds something entertaining, cultural, and truly unforgettable.
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