Los Angeles offers a dazzling spectrum of activities for every type of visitor, from iconic Hollywood moments to hidden gems where locals thrive. This week, there are standout events alongside classic attractions that make the city a year-round destination.
Music fans have a packed schedule, starting with the annual July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Earth, Wind & Fire and the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. According to the Hollywood Bowl, these performances run through July 4, offering an electrifying mix of timeless hits and fireworks that have defined LA’s summer nights for generations. Later in July, Lady Gaga takes over the Kia Forum from July 28 to August 3, delivering her genre-blending pop spectacle to rapturous crowds. The Goo Goo Dolls perform a one-night-only concert at The Show on July 11, bringing nostalgic singalongs and alternative rock charm to the city. For those craving global pop energy, Blackpink returns to SoFi Stadium for two nights on July 12 and 13 with their signature synchronized choreography and arena-filling hits, according to Los Angeles Theater news.
For arts and theater enthusiasts, this week features Jason Robert Brown’s Tony-winning musical Parade at the Ahmanson Theater through July 12, a poignant exploration of love, injustice, and resilience. Broadway fans can look forward to the musical Some Like It Hot, which begins its Hollywood engagement at the Pantages Theater from July 29 to August 17, offering a jazz-era romp packed with heart, humor, and high-energy choreography, as reported by Los Angeles Theater.
Cultural events and festivals are also in full swing. Anime Expo, the largest celebration of Japanese pop culture in North America, fills the LA Convention Center from July 3 to 6, welcoming fans of anime, manga, and gaming with exclusive panels, concerts, and cosplay. For a taste of classic LA, listeners can join a Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Celebrity Homes Tour by open-air bus, a consistently top-rated experience praised for its knowledgeable guides and stress-free exploration of the city’s most iconic sights, according to Tripadvisor reviews.
Outdoor lovers have no shortage of options. The Los Angeles Hiking Group organizes regular adventures, such as a beach walk between Redondo Beach Pier and Hermosa Beach Pier, which this week takes place in the evening with an optional seafood dinner at Captain Kidds fish market—meeting at 5:30 pm for a five-mile stroll, perfect for catching ocean breezes and sunset views. For a more challenging hike, the group also hosts a fast-paced, two-to-three-hour trek in Griffith Park, ascending steep trails to Mount Hollywood or the Hollywood Sign, with routes adjusted for all levels. Those seeking scenic beauty beyond the city can explore Malibu Creek State Park, which features over fifteen miles of trails winding through oak and sycamore woodlands, volcanic rock gorges, and the legendary M*A*S*H site, as detailed by California State Parks. Around West Hollywood, local walks and hikes offer easy access to nature, with routes like the three-and-a-half-mile Runyon Canyon trail providing panoramic city views, according to Komoot.
For art aficionados, a new exhibition titled “Seductive” opens at the Fahey/Klein Gallery on July 10, running through September 6. This show spotlights the work of Paul Jasmin and Todd Weaver, capturing LA’s youthful allure and cinematic landscapes through evocative portraits and experimental photography, as featured by C Magazine. Foodies can experience Loreto’s rooftop pop-up at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where chef Paco Moran’s curated seafood menu and golden hour cocktails are served against stunning Pacific views; the pop-up continues through September 1, Thursdays through Sundays.
No visit to LA is complete without exploring some of the city’s lesser-known treasures. Echo Park Lake’s swan boats offer a unique, leisurely way to enjoy the lake and its surrounding nature, with a one-hour self-guided tour available for a peaceful break from the city bustle, as recommended by recent Tripadvisor reviewers. Finally, listeners can discover LA’s historic side with visits to landmarks like the Sepulveda Adobe or Mott Adobe ruins in Malibu Creek State Park, remnants of the city’s Spanish and early American heritage.
From headline concerts and Broadway shows to secret gardens and local-led hikes, Los Angeles invites visitors to experience its legendary energy and hidden charms every day of the week. Whether seeking the spotlight or the quiet beauty of sunset over the Pacific, the city delivers unforgettable moments for every taste.