4th of July

10+ fun things to do Los Angeles for 4th of July

By Katie Sagal

Looking for things to do this 4th of July weekend in the Los Angeles area? Take advantage of the holiday and embark on a relaxing getaway to Los Angeles. From parades to fireworks, there are plenty of ways to get your patriotism on! If you’re looking for Los Angeles 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things to do in Los Angeles in July, including...

  • Knott's Berry Farm Celebrates The 4th Of July
  • Aquarium of the Pacific 4th of July BBQ
  • 4th of July Block Party - Grand Park
  • Marina del Rey Fireworks
  • AmericaFest Celebration - Rosebowl
  • and more...

Knott's Berry Farm Celebrates The 4th Of July

Celebrate Independence Day at Knott's Berry Farm with world-class live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show the whole family will love. Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm, with bonus fireworks shows in early July if you can't make the 4th.

With extended hours, 10am – 11pm, there is more time to enjoy all that Knott’s has to offer. Visit knotts.com for the entertainment show schedule.

Knotts berry farm

July Fourth Late-Night BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Take the whole family to the Aquarium of the Pacific for a unique July 4th you'll never forget. This Fourth of July BBQ features a ton of great local grilled fare plus adult beverages and much more. Then, you'll also get late-night access to the Aquarium itself - what better way to encounter some of their rare sea creatures?

The aquarium will be open until 10pm. Enjoy the perfect view for the waterfront fireworks show, too, set off by the Queen Mary historic haunted vessel (more on her below!)

Please note: July Fourth Late Night BBQ is separately ticketed and is not included on the pass.

Aquarium of the Pacific

All-American 4th of July aboard the Queen Mary

Spend an entire day celebrating the history of America aboard the magnificent Queen Mary. Soak up live entertainment, games and activities for kids, special historic tours, and a patriotic film.

At the end of the day, their famous fireworks spectacular will go off, set to patriotic music against the summer sky. Interested in exploring this historic ship? Tour of the vessel on another day earlier in the weekend. 

Insider tip: Buy tickets early, as this is a very popular local event.

Queen Mary

Pacific Palisades Fourth of July parade

This beach-centric event is the perfect way to do July 4th, L.A.-style. A group of red, white, and blue-themed skydivers will mark the start of the parade. Then, enjoy all your usual parade fanfare with everything from dance and baton twirling to music and more along Sunset Boulevard. Enjoy all of the merriment for free.

4th of July block party - Grand Park

Head on over to Grand Park for a free, family-friendly block party. Spend the day picnicking as you enjoy live music and performances. Experience an amazing light and pyro show in Downtown Los Angeles, beginning after sunset.

Los Angeles’s finest food trucks will provide a range of tasty food options. Please keep in mind that no alcohol is permitted, but you may bring empty water bottles to fill at the event.

Grand Park

Marina Del Rey fireworks

The Marina Del Rey fireworks boast a 20-minute presentation followed by a spectacular finale. Watch the stunning display set to synchronized music on KXLU 88.9FM from Burton Chance Park or Fisherman’s Village for the best viewing experience.

Fireworks will shoot from a barge across from the Marina’s main channel, lighting up both the sea and the sky. Though the fireworks start at 9pm, you can spend all day at Marina del Rey. Bring a picnic and a blanket to spread out on the lawn, or dine at a seaside restaurant.

Fireworks in L.A

AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl

AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl is one of the most well-known 4th of July events in L.A. In fact, it features one of the largest fireworks displays in all of Southern California. This event is one rocking celebration, with music from premier bands. Everyone will love the amazing pyrotechnics and motorcycle stunts. There will also be plenty of food and craft vendors for you to explore.

Studio City Fourth of July fireworks festival

This exciting event takes place every year at the CBS Studio Center. You'll find live music and entertainment, a car expo, local business spotlights, and plenty of kid-friendly games and other activities. If you've got a hefty budget, it may be worth checking out their special offerings! End the night with an exhilarating fireworks show.

L.A.

Explore the great outdoors

Even though the weather is likely to be on the warmer side, it's still a great time of year to explore the great outdoors during your 4th of July weekend getaway. Spend some time in lovely Santa Monica, with perfect boardwalks for biking, strolling, and rollerblading. Take a look at Pacific Park, a classic amusement park the whole family will enjoy. Or, head to Griffith Park for some picnicking, running, hiking, and more. While you're there, hit up the L.A. Zoo and Botanical Gardens!

Save on admission to top Los Angeles attractions with Go City®

Discover our full line-up of Los Angeles attractions including the Hollywood Sign Tour, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, and more.

🤩>> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Blog

2 Days in Los Angeles

Vibrant and buzzing with life, Los Angeles is a total hive of excitement just waiting to be explored. No really - we mean it! With a great mix of cosmopolitan culture and nature attractions, the City of Angels has everything for everyone. From world-class museums and entertainment to delicious eats, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice. And whilst a two-day getaway might not seem like a lot of time to explore, with the right planning you’ll end up having more fun than you can even imagine! Still having trouble deciding between the city’s top attractions? Don’t fear! Glide through our list of the best things to do in Los Angeles, so that you don’t miss out on anything on your trip! We promise that you won’t be disappointed. Day 1 - Check out Museum Row Kick off your adventure in Los Angeles by heading over to the Museum Row, where you can check out many of the city’s top visitor attractions. If you’d like to grab breakfast first, we suggest stopping off at some of the area’s fantastic eateries. Some of our favorite places include Muffin Can Stop Us, Sycamore Kitchen, and Groundwork Coffee. This busy thoroughfare is home to a great number of L.A.’s best attractions, so you’ll have a lot to choose from here. Still, one of our favorite spots has got to be the Petersen Automotive Museum for its unique and impressive collection. Occupying an entire city block, this spot is well-recognized as one of the largest institutions of its kind in the world. The museum is split into three themed floors; history, artistry and technology, so there’s a little something for everybody here. Inside, visitors can view over 25 galleries with over 350 vehicles of all kinds. Amongst its permanent repository, you’ll find everything from classic cars to sleek high-tech automobiles and flashy Ferraris. A thoroughly remarkable cultural experience, this one is not to be skipped! There are a lot of great places to eat in Miracle Mile, but to make the most out of your experience, we recommend heading over to the Original Farmers’ Market. Since its establishment in 1934, this spot has grown to become a bonafide city landmark - and with good reason! This place boasts over 100 grocers and gourmet vendors to choose from - all you have to do is pick your favorite! Authentic braised chicken rice, hot empanadas fresh from the oven, and decadent ice cream to cool off....the long list of treats is endless! Another one of our favorite cultural institutions located on the Museum Row has got to be the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. A fantastic stop for those of a curious mind, the institute works to educate its visitors about the development of the natural world. The site is a registered National Natural Landmark and is home to the wonderful La Brea Tar Pits right outside. Get up close to see this active fossil excavation site still bubbling away! Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy a terrific showcase of the best fossils, animals, plants and that have been discovered here. Expect to see everything from chipmunks and doves to saber-toothed cats and mammoths. In addition, the site serves as an active palentological research center where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look and see scientists working on recently discovered fossils. Whether you’re a total history geek or just wanting to learn more about the prehistoric world, this spot is the place to be. Day 2 - Explore the City Of course, a trip to L.A. just wouldn’t be the same without heading out to see the Hollywood Sign. Standing as an iconic symbol of glitz and glam for around a century now, this stop is a total must-see. We suggest getting up early to watch the sun rise over this emblematic landmark. Though the sign sits on restricted property, you can still catch some great views by making your way over to the Griffith Observatory. Here, you’ll find multiple hiking trails where you can see the evocative landmark and take some great snaps from a distance. We especially love this spot for its wonderful natural attributes. You might even catch a deer or a hawk on your way! Next, head out to Royal Palms/White Point Beach to soak up the true natural beauty of the West Coast. With its palm-fringed sands and crystalline waters, there’s no better place to hit the beach in Los Angeles. Whilst this spot presents a whole myriad of cool things to do, one of our favorite activities has got to be exploring the tide pools dotted along the shoreline. Great for nature lovers, this activity provides a sure-fire way to see fascinating sea creatures like hermit crabs, coral clusters, and sea cucumbers way up close. We suggest planning your visit for low tide - this way you won’t get wet! In addition, visitors can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, surfing and more here. And for those who are travelling with kids, there’s a children’s play area right near the bluff. We recommend staying until dusk, so that you can enjoy the spectacular views of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean. Los Angeles is the home of the world entertainment industry - and in turn, a fantastic roster of comedy clubs. If you’re looking to end your trip in style, we suggest checking out some of the best that the city has to offer. For those who want to catch big-name comedians trying out their new material, the Sunset Strip would be the perfect choice. Some of the top clubs in the area include The Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, and Hollywood Improv. Or, if you want to check out some of the city’s newest emerging talent, head over to the trendy bars in Silver Lake. Some of our favorites include The Virgil and The Elysian Theater. A short 2-day getaway offers the perfect chance to see the City of Angels in all its glory. Plan it just right, and you’ll be able to understand what makes this one of the most popular visitor destinations in the world - we know we do! Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Blog

Things to do in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling and diverse city quite unlike any other. And whilst the area is undoubtedly exciting, it has far more to offer outside Hollywood and Santa Monica. Though it’s probably not the first place that springs to mind for most first-time visitors, Downtown Los Angeles presents a whole myriad of cool and interesting things to see and do. Some sights are iconic must-sees, whilst others provide a whole new perspective on the West Coast. Whether you’re into beautiful architecture, music history, or world-famous restaurants, this area is a whirlwind of activity. That being said, it can be a bewildering task to narrow down just a few of the best stops in the district. But if you’re having trouble with your vacation plan, don’t fear - we’ve done all of the heavy lifting for you! Check out our list of some of the best attractions and activities in Downtown Los Angeles. Make a note of your favorites and get out there and enjoy the city! Hit the Classics Anybody visiting Los Angeles for art and culture certainly won’t be disappointed. With an impressive roster of cultural institutions ranging from must-see visitor attractions to fantastic hidden gems, there’s a little something for everybody here. And of course, located just downtown, The Broad offers one of the most impressive collections of contemporary art in the United States. Visitors will be hard-pressed to miss this spot, as it is well-known for its unique honeycomb-like exterior. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy a remarkable and diverse collection, comprising of around 2,000 works. The repository is very visitor-friendly, with lots of household names on show. Highlights include Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, Jasper Johns’ Flag, and Roy Lichtenstein’s ‘’I...I’m Sorry!’’. In addition, the institute is recognized for housing Yayoi Kusama’s "Infinity Mirrored Room", a captivating starry installation piece. A thoroughly delightful cultural endeavor, this one is well worth the visit. It practically goes without saying that L.A. is a great place to explore for pop culture fans and lovers of the performed arts. For those who are looking to learn more about the development of the entertainment industry, we highly recommend checking out some of the city’s fantastic specialty museums. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Grammy Museum works to provide a comprehensive overview of the history, artistry and technology of the music industry. Inside, visitors can enjoy four floors of historical musical artifact displays, extravagant costumes, remarkable media works and much more. There are interactive music stations and recording booths to enhance the experience. In addition, visitors can catch behind-the-scenes live performances, seminars and classes in the institute’s 200-seat state-of-the-art theater. The perfect stop for all creative types, this spot provides a great glimpse into the extraordinary progression of the modern music world. Explore the Area To truly soak up the nature of a city, there’s no better place than the local market. A popular city attraction and downtown L.A. mainstay, the Grand Central Market is well-recognized for its energetic mix of artisanal purveyors and wonderful fruit and veggie kiosks. From fresh seafood to slow-cooked pork, this spot is a total treat for the senses. Pull up a chair and sample local delicacies or browse as you eat. Walking through the market, you’ll be able to find everything from handmade jewellery and beautiful flowers to that perfect bottle of wine. It’s also a great place to stock up on classic ethnic pantry items like dried chiles, Mexican hot sauces, or Spanish olives. With its wide variety of choices and vibrant atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better spot to grab a bite to eat in downtown Los Angeles. Another one of our favorite places to check out in Downtown L.A. has got to be the Arts District. Once a gritty urban neighborhood, this spot has undergone incredible revitalization over the past few years, with fantastic galleries, eclectic stores and trendy bars making it a top destination for locals and visitors alike. The first thing you’ll want to do in the area is of course head over to some of its most wonderful galleries - we suggest Hauser & Wirth for contemporary art and Wisdome L.A. for something a little bit different. For those who are looking to shop til they drop, we recommend making the trip to Dover Street Market. Billed by Vogue as a total ‘’game changer’’, this expansive warehouse-turned-fashion retailer offers lower price points on a wide array of coveted designer collections. And if you’re looking to kick back after a long day of exploration, the Arts District is brimming with fantastic cocktail bars, karaoke clubs and pubs. Offering a true taste of the city and a ‘’live like the locals’’ vibe, the Arts District is the perfect place to get to know Los Angeles. See Some Wonderful Architecture Los Angeles is full of amazing architecture - from the glamorous mansions of Beverly Hills to the iconic Getty Center, there’s a lot for design geeks to sink their teeth into. Still, if you’re looking for incredible artistry right in the heart of downtown, we recommend checking out the Bradbury Building. Since its inception in 1893, this timeless and unique treasure has been blowing visitors with its incredible terracotta facade and beautiful interior. It was designed by architect George H. Wyman in the Italian Renaissance Revival style which was current at the time. Since then, the structure has been added to the National Register of Historic Places and is now recognized as the city’s oldest landmarked building. Today, visitors can take guided tours to marvel at the building’s dark polished wood details, intricate wrought-iron balconies, and stunning skylight. This spot should only be a short visit - but don’t worry, there are plenty of great attractions and restaurants nearby. As one of Southern California’s most remarkable architectural achievements, we don’t recommend skipping out on this one! There’s a whole lot in Downtown L.A. just waiting to be uncovered. From world-class art galleries and emblematic architecture to great shopping destinations and bustling food stops, the area pretty much has it all. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Aquarium of the Pacific
Blog

Tips for Visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific

Home to more than 11,000 creatures, the Aquarium of the Pacific explores the Northern and Tropical Pacific waters of Southern California and Baja. A world of discovery awaits you in Long Beach, California.
Go City Expert

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon