Los Angeles

Day trips

Southern California’s reputation for warm weather and clear skies barely scratches the surface of what summer in Los Angeles has to offer. LA’s vibe is about embracing SoCal’s laid-back lifestyle rather than just ticking off tourist spots, and there is an endless array of things to do, from surfing the waves at Venice Beach to paddling a swan boat on Echo Park Lake. Here are 12 of the best things to do in Los Angeles in summer.

LA’s best summer activities at a glance

The best places for summer views in LA: Drive down the Pacific Coast Highway for coastal views, and go up to Griffith Park for a city panorama.

Top things to do for kids and families visiting LA in summer: Cool off in the ocean and take surfing lessons on Venice Beach

Things to do in LA in summer that are off-the-beaten-track: See a jazz concert at the LACMA.

Los Angeles has more than its fair share of famous landmarks to explore, you’ll find plenty of exhilarating activities off the beaten path in Los Angeles that even Angelenos themselves may not have tried.

From soaking in the surf scene to hopping around the city’s best bars, this list of 14 fun activities in Los Angeles will help you to pack exciting activities into your itinerary, even if you only have 48 hours in LA.

Top fun things to do in Los Angeles at a glance

Fun things to do as a couple: Helicopter ride over the city at sunset

Fun activities for kids and families: Spend a day at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Fun things to do on your own: Rent a bike and explore LA’s cool and diverse neighborhoods.

Fun food experiences: Take a day trip to one of Malibu’s sun-kissed vineyards

Sun, surf, and Hollywood stars are all quintessentially Los Angeles, history and culture lies in its innovative museums. From live excavations at the La Brea Tar Pits to classic cars hidden away in a vault at the Petersen Automotive Museum, Los Angeles museums take cool and interactive to the next level. Some of the most fun things to do in LA can be found in museums.

Whether you want to dig up your own fossils or walk through President Nixon’s library, this list of the of best museums is a must for anyone looking to experience what makes LA culturally unique.

Los Angeles and Southern California are well-known for their palm trees, sunshine, and blue skies. No visit to the City of Angels is complete without visiting some of LA’s famous landmarks or the beaches in Santa Monica and Venice during the day. But once the sun sets, the dazzling neon lights come on, and that’s when Los Angeles truly comes alive.

From romantic nights out on the town to local gourmet food tours, there are plenty of options for exciting activities and places to visit in Los Angeles. To make the most of the nightlife, try these fantastic things to do in Los Angeles at night.