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

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Katie Sagal
4th of July

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

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Christmas ferris wheel in Los Angeles
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Christmas in Los Angeles - lights and sights

It might not fit the stereotype for a White Christmas, but if you’re heading west in December you'll find plenty of holiday spirit in Los Angeles. You’ll find festivals, parades, ice rinks and theme parks going all out on Christmas rides and costumes. Hotel lobbies get decked out in festive decorations, making them worth a trip on their own, and when the sun sets at around 5pm the city comes to light, with shows and displays twinkling from house to harbor. And if you’re the kind of person who likes to keep your fingers and toes warm, then an LA Christmas could be the perfect escape for you, with the mercury in December rarely dipping below 60 degrees. Most of the festivities are hard to miss, but to truly make the most of your time, here are our top tips for the best lights and sights to experience at Christmas in Los Angeles: Knott’s Berry Farm Six Flags Magic Mountain Universal Studios Disneyland Snow hunting Self-drive lights tour Solvang Knott’s Berry Farm For nine months of the year Knott’s Berry Farm is an exciting, bustling theme park filled with thrill rides, roller coasters, water rides and visitors tucking into home made preserves and boysenberry pie – but from November through January it transforms into Knott’s ‘Merry’ Farm winter wonderland of holiday sights, sounds and scents. There are holiday ice shows with world-class figure skaters, carolers singing songs old and new and a Christmas craft village. Children will love looking for Santa’s Christmas Cabin, and the whole family can watch the spectacle of the nightly Snow and Glow Show and tree lighting ceremony. Six Flags Magic Mountain Thrill seekers flock to Six Flags Magic Mountain at any time of year, as this theme park is where they'll find the world’s tallest looping roller coaster, the fastest and longest flying coaster and the only 5th-dimensional coaster. But it’s even better during the holidays when millions of twinkling lights add even more dazzle to this dare-devil’s wonderland. Of course, there’s plenty for the less-adventurous too, with the nightly tree-lighting ceremony and choreographed sound and light show. Romantics will love the Victorian Christmas Village, where young and old alike will be transported to the time of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol with themed costumes, handcrafts and décor. Universal Studios A must-see for movie-lovers any time of year, Universal Studios in LA really turns it on in the holiday season – especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan. Immerse yourself in the magical Wizarding World with the Harry Potter Studio Tour, then stroll through HogsmeadeTM – transformed for the season with lights, garlands and wreaths – and watch the dazzling music and light show featuring the Hogwarts Frog Choir and the majestic HogwartsTM Castle as its background. Elsewhere around the park you’ll find festive food and plenty of holiday gift shopping ideas – but watch out for the Grinch! If you’re there for New Year’s, hang around at a themed party for the midnight fireworks display. Disneyland Los Angeles There’s just something about the fairy-tale charm of Disney that makes everything here seem more magical at Christmas. Is it the twinkling luminescence of Cinderella’s Castle? The twice-daily Christmas parade bringing back memories of childhood Christmases and favorite gifts? Or perhaps it only happens when the sun goes down and streets and rides light up like the set of our favorite holiday movie. Whatever it is, a visit to Disneyland at Christmas will have your inner child bursting with happiness. Be sure to see the massive Christmas tree all lit up, catch the Small World light display and if you’re a fan of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas then don’t miss the haunted mansion, where you may just bump into your favorite characters from Halloween Town. Snow hunting Ok, so you won’t be able to recreate your favorite holiday rom-com scene in this city (you know, the one where boy and girl go ice-skating and it just happens to start snowing), but because LA is surrounded by mountains you can still escape to cooler climes where you can get your annual snow angel making fix. A couple hours inland, in the San Bernardino Mountains, is Lake Arrowhead, known as ‘The Alps of Southern California’, where visitors can go ice skating at Santa’s Village and drop off a letter at Santa’s Workshop Museum. Or at Big Bear Lake ski enthusiasts will find 400 acres of slopes to explore and night time glow tubing on the weekends. A self-drive lights tour As well as in theme parks and in shopping centers, plenty of the LA locals get into the festive spirit, decorating their homes and gardens for the season. Dana Point Harbor lights up with illuminated palm-trees, light sculptures and its famous ‘Merry Kiss Me’ arch, and it’s worth the drive to Palm Springs for some of the magnificently astonishing displays on offer there. But for local, personality-filled displays closer to home try Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena, the eight square-block area of Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills – where residents regularly try to out-do each other with ever-increasingly extravagant displays – or Harbeck Lights in Pasadena, where light-show themes in recent years have included Space Invaders, Hello Kitty and Star Wars. Solvang Danish village There’s no denying that Europeans know how to do Christmas, and it doesn’t get more fairy-tale-like than the Danish village of Solvang. Scandinavian architecture and wooden windmills are the backdrop for the annual holiday of Julefest, decorated for the season with lights and Christmas trees. Warm up with local wines and Danish pastries and, depending on when you’re there, you can witness the tree-lighting ceremony, watch a parade or live nativity, join a candlelight tour, visit Santa’s Grotto or go on a gnome hunt. And if you’re still around in January, you can attend the annual tree-burning festival which officially closes the holiday season. Experience the joy of the season with Go City With a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass you’ll save money on attractions all around Los Angeles – leaving you with more to spend on Christmas treats!
Karleen Stevens
Seal underwater in the Californian Channel Islands
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Best things to do near Los Angeles

With long, golden beaches, stylish promenades and an average temperature that rarely dips below 60 degrees, Los Angeles is a dream vacation spot for anyone who loves chasing the sun or life in the chilled lane. And with nearby mountain ranges circling the city to the east, and the pacific ocean brimming with explorable islands to the west, the city of angels really is the ultimate outdoor destination. Whether you prefer island hopping, walking trails or snooping on the rich and famous, these things to do outside Los Angeles will give you plenty of reasons to be ga-ga about la-la-land: Santa Catalina Island Laguna Beach Whale and dolphin watching Ojai Valley Palm Springs Big Bear Lake San Diego ‘Fly’ over to Catalina Nestled in the California channel islands south of LA is the small Island of Catalina, where the adventurous can get their adrenalin going with scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing or even jet ski rental. If you’re more of an introvert, you can indulge in a spa day or explore the island’s numerous museums and galleries. Catalina is small enough to walk everywhere, and visitors with families can enjoy glass-bottomed boat rides, mini-golf and walking trails around the island. The best way to get there is on the Catalina Flyer, which docks in the historic port of Avalon. Let the sea breezes wake you up on the trip over in the morning, then relax on the open deck on the way back, sipping a cool beverage as you enjoy views of the glittering LA coastline. Lounge around on Laguna Beach About one hour from the city is Laguna Beach, making it one of the best day trips from Los Angeles if you feel the need for sand at your feet. Beach lovers will be in their element here, with seven miles of coves, caves, tide pools and bluffs to explore. It’s a popular spot for surfers, and animal lovers will relish a visit to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, which rehabilitates seals and sea lions that have been stranded along the shores of the OC. If you prefer to keep your feet dry you can explore the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park or take a self-guided walking tour along the beach past public art spaces, architectural landmarks, coastal wildernesses and several bars. When you need to rest your legs, jump on the iconic blue and gold Laguna Beach Trolley for a free ride along the scenic Laguna Canyon Road. Go Whale watching from Newport Beach Okay, so technically Newport Beach is still in Los Angeles, but once you’re on the boat and out in one of the largest marine sanctuaries in California you’ll feel like you’ve left the city far behind. A two-and-a-half-hour whale and dolphin spotting tour includes a drink and binoculars, as well as commentary from the crew to help you spot any marine life that may be gamboling around in the waters around you. Depending on the time of year you might spot dolphins, orcas, minke, humpback, California gray or even the elusive giant blue whale. Later in the afternoon, swap whale watching for people watching with a stroll along Newport’s historic pier, try a surfing lesson at Newport Beach, or sample some local brews at one of the town’s atmospheric beach breweries. Sample sauvingnon and sunsets at Ojai A slightly more grown-up option for an LA day trip, Ojai is a small, picturesque city nestled in a valley of the Topatopa Mountains. About 90 minutes up the coast from Los Angeles, it’s known for its New Age and ecologically friendly galleries, shops and farmer’s market. It’s bordered by Lake Casitas and the Los Padres National Forest, both excellent for hiking and horseback riding, and the surrounding country is dotted with olive groves and wineries, perfect for sampling! And if you’re still there at sunset you might witness a magical ‘pink moment’, when the entire Ojai Valley glows with stunning peach, pink and lavender hues. Be sure to have your camera and tripod handy! Spot celebs at Palm Springs As the name suggests, this stylish city is dotted with hot springs and spas and is a modern-day lair of luxury with lavish hotels, immaculate golf courses and magnificent mid-century architecture. It’s been a magnet for the rich and famous since the 1930’s, when Hollywood stars needed a place to escape within a couple hours of the city. Shopaholics will love the vintage boutiques and interior design shops on Palm Canyon Drive, while movie fans can get the goss on famous inhabitants of the past on a Celebrity Tour. Before the drive home, take a ride on the Aerial Tramway over the Chino Canyon to Mount San Jacinto State Park, where there are restaurants, theaters, observation decks and a museum. Survey the seasons at Big Bear Lake If the blinding lights of the city are getting you down, escape into the mountains at Big Bear Lake, a small settlement a couple of hours away in the San Bernardino Mountains. Depending on what time of the year you’re visiting you’ll find plenty of activities on offer, from water sports in summer to skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Mountain trails around the lake are particularly stunning in the fall, and anglers can hope for a catch of salmon, trout and carp from spring through summer. The scenic Sky Chair runs year-round, so you can dangle your legs all the way to the top, while the young – and young-at-heart – will love the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which provides sanctuary for animals that can’t be released into the wild. Have a close encounter at San Diego If you’re not planning a separate stay in ‘America’s finest city’ then it’s worth an early start and a trip down for the day, especially if you’re an animal lover, as the 100-acre San Diego Zoo is famous all over the world. Its rich botanical collection of over 700,000 plants provides lush, natural habitats for more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals, and you can experience unique animal encounters – such as early morning cheetah watching or the Skyfari Aerial Tram – that you won’t find anywhere else. If zoos aren’t your thing, there’s SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California and of course the city’s picture-perfect 70 mile coastline to explore. Explore Los Angeles with Go City From crags to coast, zoos to ziplines, there’s a day trip from Los Angeles for every kind of adventurer. Get the most out of your stay in the city of angels and save money on popular attractions with a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass.
Karleen Stevens
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Things to do in Venice Los Angeles

Headed to Los Angeles and looking for interesting things to do in Venice? You’ve come to the right place! A world-famous neighborhood set right along the Pacific Ocean, Venice is well-recognized for its unique history and laidback bohemian atmosphere. Offering the perfect combination of artsy and natural attractions, Venice is a fantastic hidden gem well worth exploring. Most people will have heard Venice Beach, but scratch just beneath the surface and you’ll find that the area has so much more to offer its visitors. From grabbing a bite to eat at the Venice Farmers’ Market to visiting the unique Mosaic Tile House, there’s a lot to choose from here. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best stops in the area to add to the travel bucket list. Note them down, check off your favorites and you’re sure to have a blast! Hit the Classics Venice Beach is not only one of the most famous beaches in Los Angeles, but also one of the most well-recognized attractions of its kind in the world. A popular visitor hotspot and emblematic symbol of SoCal, this place is perfect for soaking up the sun and people-watching. Stretching for 3 miles along the Western coastline, this spot has practically everything going for it: an impressive sweep of sand, turquoise soft surf, and a vibrant atmosphere to match. This place is a flurry of activity every day of the week, with countless fun things to choose from. Take a dip in the sea, try your hand at surfing, or get active on one of the site’s many sports courts. And of course, since this is one of L.A.’s more popular draws, the beach is bordered by great eateries, funky boutiques, and outdoor bars. With so much to see and do here, it’s impossible to be bored. Another one of our favorite things to do in neighborhood is of course heading over to the Venice Farmers’ Market. For those looking to grab a bite and take in the atmosphere of the area at the same time, this spot is perfect. Nestled between Centennial Park and the Venice Mall, this spot operates all year round, slinging delicious eats of all kinds. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are sold alongside freshly-popped kettle corn, locally roasted coffee, and empanadas hot straight from the oven. You’ll also find original artworks, jewellery and souvenirs being punted. True to the nature of the area, this spot harnesses a fun yet laidback-cool atmosphere - walking through the market, you’ll often catch cooking demos, live music, and painters as you go. We especially love this place because every trip is an experience in itself. Try Something Different For those looking to incorporate a little bit of education into their travel experience, Venice Oceanarium is the place to be. Billed as ‘’The Museum Without Walls’’, this unique outdoor classroom situated right along the seashore on Venice Pier works to provide a better understanding of underwater life. Offering an impressive array of educational and engaging exhibits, this spot is perfect for those of all ages. Discover more about the natural world through this museum’s unique collection of stunning shells, dried crabs, and preserved shark jaws. Though this stop is small, its collection is constantly rotating, meaning that there’s always something new to learn here. Whether you’re a hardcore animal lover or an impassioned nature geek, we couldn’t think of a better way to get to know more about the briny deep. Where Barcelona has Gaudi’s Sagrada Família, Venice has the Mosaic Tile House. Okay, okay - this funky spot isn’t as grand as any of Gaudi’s masterpieces. Still, we’d argue that this large-scale artwork-in-progress echos the vibrant energy and artistry of his works. Once a bland, beige home with few distinguishing features, this project took off after owners Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran began a weekend project to install bathroom tiles. Not long after, Pann and Duran were shattering tiles and covering every inch of their home with them. Today, visitors can take guided tours to see this unique project in all its over-the-top glory. Relax! Little known fact: Venice was built on a system of channels way back in 1905 by the young entrepreneur Abbot Kinney. Today, the neighborhood is known for its beautiful Venice Canals, which run between the Venice Boardwalk and of course, the Abbot Kinney. Undoubtedly peaceful and scenic, this spot offers a little spot of Italy right in the center of Los Angeles. Strolling through this charming area, visitors can enjoy quaint bridges, landscaped yards, and an extremely wide variety of architecture. Keep your eyes peeled as you’re walking, since the area is home to a lot of wonderful wildlife - visitors can expect to see ducks, herons, egrets and even the occasional seal. Amongst the picturesque beach houses, you’ll also find eclectic markets, sidewalk cafes, fun bars and more. Offering a quiet respite from the city, this spot is perfect for taking some time to yourself and soaking up the sun. Unarguably, there are countless interesting things to see and do in Venice. For just a small fraction of the city, the area is characterized by beautiful sands, quirky hidden gems, and only-in-L.A. attractions. Really, there’s no better place to experience the free-spirited nature of the West Coast. 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

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