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LA on a Monday? Here’s How to Make It Epic
Monday in LA: Why It’s Anything But Ordinary
Who says Mondays are for catching up on emails and counting down to Friday? Not us. In Los Angeles, Monday isn’t just the first day of the week—it’s a golden ticket to calmer crowds, hidden gems, and laid-back West Coast cool. The city wakes up a little slower. Famous attractions are just waiting for you to wander in. Eateries serve up perfect breakfasts. Art, science, and movie magic? It’s all at your fingertips. Whether you want to take it slow or pack in the fun, LA on a Monday sets the stage for a day you’ll talk about for weeks. We’ll show you exactly how.
Looking for the ultimate way to spend your Monday in LA? Our top picks include:
The Griffith Observatory Tour
Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour
Natural History Museum
California Science Center IMAX Movie
The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes
Aquarium of the Pacific
Soak up the sun at Santa Monica Beach
Explore the Arts District Murals
Grand Central Market food adventure
Rooftop cocktails at Perch LA
Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour: Go Star-Spotting Like a Pro
You’ve landed in the land of the stars, so why not dive headfirst into LA’s celebrity scene? The Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour gives you the chance to explore legendary neighborhoods like Beverly Hills and Bel-Air, all from the comfort of a breezy open-top bus. Monday means lighter traffic and fewer crowds on Rodeo Drive—you’ll actually glimpse those glittering gates and palm-tree-lined avenues without craning your neck.
Cruising past jaw-dropping mansions, you’ll catch the playful commentary of local guides dishing up stories about famous residents, wild parties, and movie moments. We find that in-person storytelling paints a picture you just can’t get from a map—suddenly those ornate doorways become clues to a real Hollywood fairy tale. It’s a parade of Lamborghinis, movie premieres, and maybe even the odd sighting of an A-lister walking their dog.
Best of all, you’ll learn the secrets behind some of cinema’s most luxurious backdrops: film locations, iconic hotels, and the shops where stars actually shop. From Mulholland Drive’s jaw-dropping overlooks to Sunset Boulevard’s neon-spattered fun, the Big Bus tour blends sightseeing with a dose of Tinseltown sparkle. Even locals rediscover the city doing this trip. Just don’t be surprised if you start planning your own glitzy Hollywood movie debut by the time you step off!
Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, Diamonds, and Modern Discovery
Mondays are for big discoveries, and if there’s anywhere you’ll rediscover your sense of wonder, it’s the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park. This isn’t your average stuffy gallery—it’s a place buzzing with the excitement of 65-million-year-old dino skeletons, glittering gems, and swampy diorama adventures. Monday brings a welcome sense of calm, leaving you plenty of room to get up close with a T. rex, stroll through the Butterfly Pavilion (seasonal), or dive into LA’s surprising natural past.
The Dinosaur Hall always draws a crowd, with its towering fossils posed against glowing windows—a true "wow" moment for visitors of all ages. Across the museum, interactive displays transport you from Ice Age sabertooths to the city’s earliest residents. Kids and inner-children alike can try fossil digs, watch scientists at work in real-time, and snap endless selfies in the jewel-bright Gem and Mineral Hall.
The building itself? Pure old LA grandeur with its marble columns and mosaics. Step outside and you’ll find yourself in the Civic Center’s rose-filled gardens, just minutes from other major attractions like the California Science Center (more on that soon). We recommend giving yourself plenty of time for each space—you’ll leave feeling smarter, inspired, and ready for at least three more visits.
California Science Center & IMAX Movie: When You Crave Hands-On Fun
A little further along in Exposition Park, the California Science Center cranks up the volume on hands-on fun. Yes, it’s a science museum—but this one invites you to pedal bikes on highwires, launch air rockets, and (of course) visit the famed Space Shuttle Endeavour. It’s the mix of huge science “wow” moments and clever, interactive play that makes this spot so perfect for Monday adventuring.
Start with the exhibits—the Life! Gallery explores everything from how plants grow to how humans adapt, while World of Life introduces you to critters from land, sea, and sky. The Ecosystems pavilion, with its living kelp forest, brings you face-to-face with sharks, stingrays, and sometimes even otters.
But the real showstopper? Head into the state-of-the-art IMAX Theater for mind-blowing movies that cover everything from earth’s deepest oceans to outer space. The giant curved screen pulls you into every detail, and the sound system rumbles the popcorn right out of your box. Whether you geek out about robots or just love discovering something new, Monday’s quieter pace makes this one of LA’s best spots for a family day out—or any science-hungry explorer.
The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes: Hike into Movie History
Ever wondered what it’s like to stand right under the Hollywood Sign? The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour gives you a chance to get jaw-droppingly close while learning the true stories of LA’s most recognizable landmark. Mondays deliver a relaxed energy ideal for photos, quiet reflection...and panoramas that make your friends jealous.
Professional guides lead the way through the sun-drenched trails of Griffith Park, sharing stories about movie magic, old-time legends, and the sign’s turbulent past (it was once a giant real estate ad!). Along the trek, you’ll discover hidden viewpoints, secret paths, and plenty of spots for epic selfies. The landscape switches from wild sage-scented slopes to city-sparkling vistas in just a few paces.
We’re especially fans of the way the tour captures that classic "only-in-LA" blend of nature and showbiz. Expect laughs, a serious workout, and that unique joy of seeing LA spread beneath your feet. If you want to fill your Monday with fresh air, wildflowers, and legendary stories, you really can’t beat this experience.
Soak Up the Sun at Santa Monica Beach
Few LA experiences deliver the all-American sunshine-and-sand fix quite like Santa Monica Beach. On Mondays, you’ll notice a dreamy hush—the sand feels endless, the air is crisp, and there’s space to sprawl or stroll at your own pace. Sink your toes into the sand, hit the cool Pacific, or relax beneath candy-colored lifeguard towers.
After your beach time, step up to the Santa Monica Pier. It’s a playground of rides, arcades, street performers, and snack bars. Families love grabbing hand-cut fries or cotton candy and taking a spin on the world-famous Ferris wheel, with panoramic views from Catalina Island to Malibu. For a different perspective, rent a cruiser and pedal the sun-dappled boardwalk, or, for serious cyclists, check out Unlimited Biking for rentals and explore nearby Venice Beach with its quirky murals and skateparks.
No two Mondays are ever the same here, but every one feels like a genuine LA treat—bonus points if you catch sunset as the pier’s lights flicker on.
Explore the Arts District Murals
LA’s Arts District, once a haven for warehouses, has transformed into the city’s most colorful open-air gallery. Mondays mean there’s barely a soul on the streets—leaving ample space to wander at your own pace, find surprise masterpieces, and snap perfect photos without heads in the frame.
What’s special about this area? Every block explodes with creative expression. Towering murals depict everything from soulful faces to witty pop-art critters and wild geometric worlds. Renowned local and international street artists—think Shepard Fairey, RETNA, and JR—have all left their mark here, so the backdrop is as star-studded as any Hollywood sidewalk.
Duck into indie galleries tucked between espresso bars and retro boutiques. Hauser & Wirth, a massive repurposed flour mill with striking modern exhibits, makes the perfect counterpoint to the neighborhood’s quirky street art. Refuel with a cortado from Stumptown Coffee, or taste a pastry at Bread Lounge, all while soaking up the area’s warehouse-chic vibes. It’s a Monday walking tour at its most creative.
Grand Central Market: The Ultimate LA Foodie Playground
If your Monday calls for a flavor adventure, Grand Central Market is calling your name. This downtown food emporium dates back to 1917, and today it delivers one of LA’s most eclectic, buzzworthy food scenes. The energy crackles even at the week’s start—you’ll find chefs serving up everything from addictive Filipino silog plates (Sari Sari Store) to LA’s famous egg sandwiches (Eggslut, naturally), spicy carnitas tacos (Tacos Tumbras a Tomas), and glorious piles of fresh oysters.
Each stall has its own loyal following. Maple Block’s brisket is smoky and melt-in-the-mouth, while Wexler’s serves bagels and lox to rival the best in Brooklyn. The best way to visit? Gather a hungry crew, order from multiple stands, and share bites at communal tables beneath soaring neon signs.
We especially adore the market’s sensory overload: aromatic spice shops, fruit vendors hawking sweet guavas, cold brew bars, and fresh doughnuts from Donut Man, whose legendary strawberry treats sell out daily in spring. Sundays are always rowdy, but on Mondays, it’s all about lingering, sampling, and rubbing elbows with the locals who know exactly when the tortillas are hottest.
Rooftop Cocktails at Perch LA
Let’s wrap up Monday with something sparkling: cocktails at Perch LA, downtown’s sky-high French-inspired bistro. Arrive before sunset to snag a table on the twinkling open-air terrace, where string lights and Parisian-style bistro chairs set the scene. What makes this spot special? The jaw-dropping views. Sip a Lavender Collins or classic French 75, nibble on truffle fries, and watch the city transform as the high-rises glow against the violet sky.
Perch’s menu covers brunch-y bites and elegant small plates, but the vibe is as much about the setting as the food. Jazz floats from inside, the crowd is stylish yet laid-back, and the fire pits keep things cozy even on breezy evenings. Whether you’re after a romantic nightcap or a group hangout, there’s no more quintessential way to toast a perfect LA Monday. Pro tip: snuggle up with a signature cocktail and soak in the rare LA panorama—downtown on one side, the Hollywood Hills on the other.
Make Mondays Matter in Los Angeles
Mondays in LA don’t mean “slow start”—they’re a secret playground for those in the know. Swap the weekend hustle for laid-back city magic, creative adventure, and discoveries with room to breathe. From stargazing and movie lore to sandy toes, epic eats, and sky-high cocktails, you’ll return home swearing this is the way every week should begin. So next time you find yourself in LA on a Monday? Jump in with both feet—the city’s wide awake and waiting for you.
Enjoyed this? Check out our favorite ways to spend an L.A. morning, and peruse our pick of the best downtown markets.
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If you love the movies, Universal Studios in Hollywood is likely at the top of your “must see” list in Los Angeles—and it should be! Each attraction takes you up close and personal with some of Universal Studios’ biggest movies. Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood movie experience! Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are included on 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles Cards.
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Madame Tussauds Hollywood’s famous wax museum lets you unbelievably close to wax versions of some of the most famous celebrities of all time. You will be in shock and awe when you see how life-like these figures can be. One of the guests’ favorite activities is taking photos with their most adored celebs, from crushes to idols. Even President Obama makes an appearance. Getting In: Madame Tussauds Hollywood tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.
Image credit: Andrew Reitsma/Aquarium of the Pacific
Get out on the water and see whales, dolphins, and other marine life up close, right off the coast of California. Experienced and knowledgeable marine mammal educators from the Aquarium of the Pacific narrate each tour providing valuable insight and interesting facts about the sea animals, their environment, and more. It’s a great way to spend some time during a gorgeous Los Angeles afternoon. Getting In: Long Beach Cruise tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles Card.
