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Make It an Epic August: Essential LA Experiences
August in Los Angeles feels electric. Mornings bring gleaming sunshine, afternoons buzz with energy, and the city’s famous beaches, parks, and museums swing into high gear. Whether you want to soak up open-air concerts, thrill your tastebuds at food festivals, spot dolphins off the coast, or just snap that perfect Hollywood shot, LA’s calendar in August never lets up. We’ve scouted out classic attractions, new discoveries, breezy bike tours, and quirky summer happenings so you can experience LA with all its summer sparkle, no matter your mood. Ready to plan the ultimate sun-kissed escape? We’ve got you sorted.
Our favorite things to do in LA in August include:
Universal Studios Hollywood
Whale Watching & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales
Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking
Griffith Observatory Tour
California Science Center + IMAX movie
Madam Tussauds Hollywood
Knott’s Soak City water park
Getty Center Guided Tour
Open-air outdoor cinema
Smorgasburg LA food fest
Universal Studios Hollywood: Thrills, Movie Magic & Summer Shows
Hollywood comes alive at Universal Studios. In August, blockbuster energy fills the air—think summer crowds, splashy parades, and brand-new showtimes. If you love action-packed rides, movie-inspired lands, and a healthy dose of Hollywood nostalgia, this theme park is impossible to beat. Enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for spell-casting, or let dinosaurs chase you at Jurassic World — The Ride (spoiler alert: you will get soaked, perfect for a hot August afternoon).
The real treats of summer here are the extra entertainment spectacles. The park rolls out exclusive seasonal shows, character meet & greets, and interactive street parties, all set against that famous panoramic hilltop view. Don’t sleep on the famed Studio Tour—riding the open-air tram through real sets and FX explosions is a quintessential LA experience, and when the sun’s beaming, you’ll want those shady moments. Food trucks and themed eateries keep you fueled (Butterbeer, anyone?) for a day where every corner promises a new wow moment. Whether you arrive early to beat the heat or stick around for fireworks, Universal in August feels as close as you’ll get to stepping inside the silver screen.
Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales: Summer’s Splashiest Wildlife
August is prime time for hitting the water along Southern California’s spectacular coast, and few adventures compare to a half-day on the Pacific in search of dolphins and whales. From Newport Beach—about an hour’s scenic drive from LA—you’ll climb aboard a comfortable vessel for an unforgettable close-up with the region’s stars. Humpback, blue, and fin whales roam these waters in summer, while pods of acrobatic common dolphins steal the spotlight with their leaps and spins.
The crew brings infectious enthusiasm, layering in fascinating ocean trivia and making sure you catch every tail slap or spout. There’s nothing like the salty breeze, warm sun on your face, and blue waves glinting all around. We love how every trip feels unpredictable—one day it’s a sea lion sunbathing on a buoy, the next it’s a parade of pelicans overhead or a giant whale surfacing right beside the boat. There’s ample space onboard for photos (bring your zoom lens!) and most tours last just a few hours, leaving time to grab fish tacos harborside or stroll Newport Pier. For any traveler, this is the purest SoCal summer joy—wildlife, ocean vistas, and a touch of explorer magic.
Griffith Observatory Tour: The Sky’s the Limit
August stars shine bright above LA, making this hilltop observatory a dreamy destination for daytime discovery and magical twilight views. Perched high above the city in Griffith Park, the Observatory is as much about jaw-dropping panoramas as hands-on science. Take a guided tour for behind-the-scenes access and fun astronomy snippets—think space telescopes, meteorite fragments, and the history of how Angelenos mapped the cosmos.
The Observatory’s planetarium shows are legendary. Day or night, you’ll learn what’s visible in the sky that week (August’s Perseids meteor shower is a treat if your trip’s timed right). Then, stick around for the iconic sunset—there’s nothing like watching the LA skyline’s glass towers start to twinkle as the sky turns gold and purple.
The paths winding up to the Observatory are thick with fragrant sage, while the lawn outside buzzes with stargazers and local astronomers setting up telescopes. Everyone’s invited to try a peek! You’ll leave with a headful of galaxy facts, about 100 terrific photos, and maybe plans to return for a free public telescope night. It’s the LA sunset experience even locals treasure.
California Science Center + IMAX Movie: Cool Down, Fuel Up on Wonder
Looking for a midday break from August’s sizzle? The California Science Center is the perfect spot to duck into a world of hands-on wonder. This destination mixes jaw-dropping space exhibits—NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavour is the star!—with everything from living ecosystems to themed galleries for kids and adults alike.
Summer brings special programming and rotating exhibits, plus the IMAX Theater, which soars you across the planet (and beyond) with their gigantic screen and immersive sound systems. The films range from deep-sea dives to journeys through the cosmos, and on a hot afternoon, nothing’s more refreshing than a couple of hours in that plush, darkened theater.
The vibe inside the Science Center is pure curiosity—families, groups of friends, and solo travelers all get hands-on with live animal encounters, illusion-busting displays, and sometimes even robots that dance. It’s spacious, bright, and easy to navigate, with a cafe for sandwiches and cold drinks when your feet need a pause. We love pairing a visit here with a quick stroll through Expo Park’s rose gardens or checking out nearby museums that make this corner of LA a cultural feast.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood: Rub Shoulders with the Stars
Who says you can’t meet all your favorite celebrities in one afternoon? At Madame Tussauds Hollywood, it’s one dazzling photo op after another. Located right on buzzing Hollywood Boulevard, this ultra-fun wax museum lets you pose with perfect (and uncannily lifelike) replicas of everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio to Zendaya, Marvel heroes, classic icons, and chart-topping musicians.
August means crowds and sunshine on the boulevard outside, but step indoors and you’ll find air-conditioned comfort and selfie opportunities galore. Each set is intricately themed—glam red carpets, pop star stages, even a wild Pacific surf zone—so every snapshot tells a story. The vibe is playful and friendly: no one’s too cool to get goofy, dress up in provided accessories, or act out their red-carpet fantasies.
What sets this spot apart is its Hollywood heart. You’re smack in the middle of the Walk of Fame, with easy access to the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre tours when you’re done. Whether you’re a movie buff, pop culture lover, or just in it for top-quality people-watching, Madame Tussauds is pure LA entertainment.
Getty Center Guided Tour: Art, Gardens & Views
Set high on a hill above the west side, the Getty Center is not just a museum but an experience—a blend of art, architecture, and those famous LA-light-filled gardens. In August, the tram ride up from the parking area reveals sun-drenched views stretching to the ocean. On arrival, join one of the free guided tours for insider stories about masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Monet, plus lessons on the museum’s futuristic travertine architecture.
Step inside cool, airy galleries, then wander out to the sculpture gardens, where streams trickle through flowerbeds and visitors lounge on the grass with iced lattes. The air here feels pure and calm—a world away from the city’s bustle. In summer, the Getty hosts garden concerts, sculpture walks, and creative workshops, making it perfect for everyone from art aficionados to curious newcomers.
The real showstopper? The 360-degree terrace views at sunset, when August’s golden hour turns downtown skyscrapers and the Santa Monica Mountains into silhouettes. Bring a sketchbook or camera, grab a gelato from the cafe, and let the creative buzz wash over you. For anyone wanting a mix of culture and total chill, the Getty Center is LA’s go-to.
Open-Air Cinema: Movies Under the Stars
Long, warm August nights call for one thing: outdoor movies! LA’s open-air cinema scene is legendary—join locals sprawled on blankets at spots like Hollywood Forever Cemetery, The Rooftop Cinema Club, or Griffith Park’s Autry Museum lawn. Each venue spins classic films, cult hits, or recent blockbusters, with festive touches like pre-show DJs, local food trucks, and cool breezes swirling under the stars.
What’s so special here? It’s more than just a movie—it’s a full-on LA summer party. Grab a popcorn bucket (or that trendy Korean fried chicken box), order frosty cocktails, and vibe to the DJ’s sunset playlist. Watching a film as the sun sets behind swaying palms is both cinematic and pure Los Angeles magic. Film selections change every week, so check listings and buy tickets in advance (they often sell out!)
Experiencing an open-air movie lets you blend in with Angelenos and soak up that classic outdoor spirit, whether you’re cheering for retro rom-coms, animated crowd-pleasers, or spine-tingling thrillers. Don’t forget a jacket—nights stay cool even in August!
Smorgasburg LA: The Ultimate Summer Food Feast
Every Sunday, Downtown LA’s ROW DTLA becomes food heaven thanks to Smorgasburg—America’s biggest weekly open-air food market. Imagine rows of creative food stalls, scents of BBQ mingling with sizzling bao buns, craft soda samplers, and a parade of Angelenos grazing and chatting over their culinary finds.
August means new pop-up vendors, live music, and fresh-squeezed lemonade to keep you cool. Standout bites include the legendary fried chicken sandwich at Hotville Chicken, vegan sushi from Cena Vegan, beautiful mochi ice cream, or spicy birria tacos best eaten with plenty of napkins. Craft beer gardens and boutique shopping stalls round out the festival vibe—everything is casual, friendly, and supremely social.
We love Smorgasburg for its contagious community spirit. There’s no “just looking” here—grab something wild (ramen burgers! lobster fries!) and find a shaded spot with views of LA’s industrial-chic skyline. If you love food, creativity, and people-watching, you’ll want every Sunday to taste like this.
August in LA: There’s No Place Like It
So there you have it: endless ways to soak up Los Angeles in August, whether you’re cooling off with dolphins, cruising boardwalks, feasting your way through food markets or dancing beneath starry skies. This city glows in summer, and with a mix of classic attractions and only-in-LA surprises, you’ll find every day brings a new adventure. Get ready for long sunny mornings, laughter-filled nights, and a vacation that sparkles from start to finish. See you in the city of angels this August!
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.
