LA when it's hot out

Things to Do in Los Angeles When It's Hot Out

Beat the heat with our guide to LA in summer.
By Katie Sagal

LA's hotspots are a force to be reckoned with, but so is the summer sun. When you feel like a melting popsicle, but you still want to get some sightseeing done, here's where we'd go.

From the beach communities to the Hollywood hills, there are always tons of things to do in Los Angeles. But when that sun is beating down and the beach no longer seems so appealing, you start to plan your trip based on the best AC exposure.

This summer, don’t let the heat deter you from taking full advantage of the amazing things to do in Los Angeles. Check out a few of the attractions we listed below that will help you beat the heat, including...

  • Bike Rentals
  • Pacific Park
  • Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
  • Whale Watch Cruise
  • Madame Tussauds Hollywood
  • Knott's Soak City Water Park
  • La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
  • GRAMMY Museum
  • Natural History Museum
  • Aquarium of the Pacific

Enjoy a day at Santa Monica Pier

aerial-view-santa-monica-pier-california

There's a reason why Santa Monica is a famous beachfront city and resort town: The 3.5 miles of beach in Santa Monica are absolutely pristine. Enjoy bathing on the beach, splashing in the water, riding a bike, and the ample opportunity for people watching. While it may seem counterintuitive to take a bike ride on a hot day, get down to Perry's Beach Café and Rentals and pick up a bike or skates – the breeze as you coast down the boardwalk is a feeling that's hard to beat.

Pacific Park

Built right on Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park is a classic California amusement park. Take a spin on the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel and enjoy a bird's eye view of the beach and beyond. Test your bravery on high-speed roller coasters, a surfing simulator, or the tilt-a-whirl. If you're looking for something gentler for younger children, stroll over to the kid-friendly rides and carnival games.

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

Stay on the pier and visit the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, a non-profit community aquarium, and learn about species of sea life that are local to the Bay Area. Adults and kids alike will love the array of touch tanks and themed exhibits throughout the aquarium.

Get up close and personal with sea urchins, starfish, stingrays, and more. Each display works to teach visitors how they can help to keep California's ecosystem healthy and thriving. It'll be a day of fun and education for everyone to learn more about how you can do your part to keep our oceans clean.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

madame-tussaud-outside-view

A trip to Madame Tussauds Hollywood is the easiest way to meet your favorite celebrity! While we all know Hollywood is a star-studded town, there's no other place you'll be able to come face-to-face with so many celebrities (in wax figure form!) of the past and present. Pose for a photo with Marilyn Monroe, take an iconic selfie with Kylie Jenner, or sing a tune with Justin Timberlake.

No matter how old you are, you're sure to find your celeb crush or teen idol among the lookalike wax figures.

Take a whale or dolphin watching cruise

female-photographer-taking-pictures-humpback-whale

It’s no surprise that the ocean serves as a sort of sanctuary in the summer; the cool breeze comes off the water, and you can enjoy watching the marine activity from the shore. Or, get out and enjoy it for yourself aboard one of the many cruise options available.

In Los Angeles, where the coast stretches on seemingly forever, there are plenty of cruise options that will keep you cool for the day. A few of our favorites are:
 

  • The Whale Watch & Dolphin Cruise from Newport Landing is the perfect way to take advantage of the breeze while spotting the whales and dolphins. California’s waters are home to tons of well-known animals, like California gray whales, giant blue whales, minke whales, and humpback whales. As you cruise from Newport on the open-air deck, make sure to keep your eyes peeled.
     
  • The separately ticketed Harbor Cruise or Whale Watch from San Pedro gives you the option to choose! On the Harbor Cruise, you'll enjoy a 45-minute narrated ride past iconic Los Angeles Harbor landmarks like Terminal Island Federal Prison, Vincent Thomas Bridge, Angels Gate Lighthouse, and more. Aboard the whale watch, you'll have a chance to see whales, dolphins, and seals up close, all narrated by experts from Aquarium of the Pacific. 

Knott's Soak City Water Park

Knott's Soak City Water Park is adjacent to the popular Knott's Berry Theme Park in Southern California. Perfect on a hot day, the park boasts 17 water slides, a 750,000-gallon wave pool, and a winding lazy river to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the water or you're chasing the thrill of a high-speed ride, you'll find it at Knott's Soak City.

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

Located in the historic Miracle Mile neighborhood of Los Angeles, La Brea Tar Pits And Museum is one of the world's most famous excavation sites. Here you'll find the largest array of Ice Age plants and animals. Learn about the processes of paleontology through the Fish Bowl Lab and get hands-on with actual fossils excavated from dig sites. You'll see the fossils of saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, mammoths, and more.

GRAMMY Museum

gramophone-interior-grammy

Experience first-hand the sheer star power of the GRAMMYs at the GRAMMY Museum. The museum stands as a testament to the history of music and some of its greatest performers. Explore over 160 genres of music, pretend you're a rock star on Roland Live or perform a song on the stages where the likes of Taylor Swift and Ringo Starr have stood. For music lovers, this is the perfect place to stay cool and learn more about the history of your favorite artist.

Natural History Museum

History buffs rejoice - the Natural History Museum in Downtown Los Angeles is home to the world's most extensive and valuable collection of natural and cultural history. Visit exhibition halls that house real dinosaur and animal fossils. Learn about the planet's biodiversity and get behind-the-scenes access to Dino Lab, where you can join an active paleontology team as they prepare fossils for public view. It's the perfect place to escape the heat and discover more about our world through fun and interactive displays.

Aquarium of the Pacific

angel-shark-aquarium

If you want to learn more about the underwater ecosystems of California, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a can't-miss. The coastline of California is roughly 840 miles, which means tons of species live within the waters.

See fish that live off the coast of sunny Southern California or immerse yourself in a display of colorful coral reefs from the Tropical Pacific. Touch the world's greatest predators in Shark Lagoon or watch the penguins play at Magellanic Penguins. Whether you're an absolute animal lover or not, the Aquarium of the Pacific will engage and intrigue you every step of the way.

Beat the heat in Los Angeles this summer

LA is the West Coast's most popular tourist destination, and for good reason. Whatever your interests, there's no shortage of things to do in Los Angeles when it's hot out. It's absolutely one of our favorite summer destinations for an unforgettable family vacation.

Want to save money on those bucket-list attractions? 

Check out passes from Go City and you could save yourself up to 50% on your must-sees – perfect! So grab an LA pass and make the most of it! 

☀️Compare Los Angeles passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️ 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Blog

Los Angeles in July

Looking for interesting things to do in July in Los Angeles? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! As the summer begins to heat up, get ready for fantastic activities and pop-up events of all kinds. The city’s cultural calendar has a little something for everybody around this time of the year, no matter where your interests may lie. From walking the charming Venice Canals to sinking your teeth into some of the city’s best dishes at Smorgasburg, there’s always something to keep you busy. July is one also of L.A.’s hottest months, so this is a great time for exploring some of California’s best outdoor attractions - just so long as you pack accordingly! Still aren’t sure how to get started? Have a read through our list of the best things to see and do in Los Angeles in the summertime! However you choose to explore the area, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Hit the Classics Of course, a visit to Los Angeles just wouldn’t be complete without making a stop at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Since its establishment way back in 1960, this historic attraction has become one of the city’s most iconic spots as it sees more and more footwork each day. Spanning 15 whole blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and consisting of over 2, 000 brass stars, the Walk of Fame continues to draw in millions of visitors each year. If you’re looking for the star of your favorite celebrity or artist, use the Walk of Fame’s Star Search tool on their website. Whilst you’re in the area, we also recommend checking out some of Hollywood’s great attractions, like the TCL Chinese Theatre, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and Ovation Hollywood. A quintessential West Coast city, Los Angeles is bursting with great summertime spots to check out. Ranking high up on the itinerary, Santa Monica Pier has been a long-time favorite from way back since its establishment in 1909. This classic L.A. hotspot presents a myriad of cool things to do, though its most popular attraction has got to be Pacific Park - an admission-free theme park with tons of rides, restaurants, shopping destinations as well as a full-blown arcade. Or, if you’re looking to take it slow, why not check out the Santa Monica Pier Farmers’ Market? This laidback stop pays homage to the city’s agricultural heritage with a wide range of vendors to choose from. In addition, there are local crafters and live musical performances to check out. And for those who want to kick back and enjoy those sweeping oceanfront views, we recommend trying your hand at fishing. The Santa Monica Pier is an excellent spot for catching everything from small ocean creatures like clams to mackerel and even sea bass. With so much to see and do here, you’re sure to have a good time! Explore the City Los Angeles is a massive metropolis made up of dozens of notable neighborhoods. Though each spot most certainly has its charm, one of our favorite places has got to be Venice for its eclectic style and laidback atmosphere. There are a lot of great things to do in Venice, though the most popular activity has to be hitting the beach. With its palm-fringed shorelines and soft surf, this spot makes for a fantastic family day trip. In addition, the Venice Boardwalk is a fantastic place for shopping and people watching. Of course, though, Venice has much more to offer away from the beach. One of its best-hidden gems has got to be the Venice Canals, offering a scenic tour of the area’s most gorgeous beach houses. In addition, the neighborhood is known for its quirky attractions, like the Mosaic Tile House and Muscle Beach. With its funky energy and so much to see and do, this place is a total must-see. Find Interesting Activities to Do It goes without saying that one of the best parts of travel is discovering the local food scene. And whilst L.A. undoubtedly has a lot of great food stops to choose from, there’s nothing quite like heading over to the market for some delicious eats. Standing out as one of our favorites, Smorgasburg is a total treat for anybody who considers food their religion. Drawing in around 50, 000 people each weekend, this event is well-recognized as the largest open-air food market in America - and with good reason! Gorge yourself on Hawaiian garlic shrimp served right from a traditional pineapple boat, try fresh top-quality oysters, and then cool down with speciality ice cream from Wanderlust Creamery. There are also a lot of vegan options here, so you know that there’s a little something for everybody to enjoy! Whether you’re a big meat-lover or a self-diagnosed sweet tooth, this stop is well worth the visit. Whilst we love all of the hustle and bustle of the city, sometimes it’s good to take a bit of time to yourself. Thankfully, Los Angeles is filled with wonderful green spaces where you can get in touch with Mother Nature. Located just twenty minutes from downtown Los Angeles, the Descanso Gardens cover over 150 acres of lush forestry to be enjoyed. This spot is accredited by the American Association of Museums as a repository of living collections and welcomes around 250,000 visitors annually. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an impressive collection of native and exotic flora, including stunning oak woodlands, a vast collection of fruit trees, and one of the largest concentrations of camellia plants in the Western Hemisphere. An undoubtedly serene experience, this spot is well worth the visit. We love Los Angeles all year round, though there’s no better time to visit than summertime! With a whole host of exciting events and attractions, there should be more than enough to keep you busy. 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

Los Angeles in May

There are so many great things to see and do in Los Angeles in May! The sun is out, the days are longer, and spring is in full swing. Around this time of the year, the city comes alive with countless seasonal activities and events for all types of travellers. As for the month’s major holidays, don’t forget to check out the awesome things to do for Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. The weather is warm and balmy, so this is also prime time for exploring a lot of L.A.’s best outdoor attractions. Still daunted by the prospect of exploring a new city? Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! Have a read through our list of the best things to check out in the area. However you choose to explore Los Angeles, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! See the City As one of the most visited tourist destinations in the United States, Los Angeles isn’t exactly short of great attractions to choose from. Still, when the sun comes out, nothing quite beats a day at the Santa Monica Pier. Since first opening to the public way back in 1909, this beloved tourist hotspot now draws in a whopping 8 million visitors annually - and who are we to argue with that many people? Perhaps the pier’s most popular draw is Pacific Park, an admission-free amusement park with a great blend of rides for kids and thrillseekers alike. Or, if you’re looking to just take it slow, the Santa Monica Pier Farmers’ Market is the place to be. Open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, this spot works to highlight California’s agricultural heritage with a fantastic array of local vendors. And of course, it just wouldn’t be a pier if you couldn’t grab a rod and try a hand at fishing for yourself. The pier is an ideal place for catching everything from small sea creatures like clams to even mackerel and sea bass. A quintessential Los Angeles attraction, this spot is well worth the visit. Los Angeles is a sprawling seaside metropolis made up of countless unique neighborhoods. Still, one of our favorite spots to check out has got to be Venice for its distinctive style and laidback, funky atmosphere. One of the most popular things to do there is hit the beach - that is, Venice Beach, of course. A prime tourist destination, this spot is known for its sun-kissed shorelines and bohemian boardwalk. Still, there’s a lot more to do in Venice than just the beach. Another one of our favorite activities has got to be walking the Venice Canals. Nestled away between the Venice Boardwalk and the Abbot Kinney, the Venice Canals offer a scenic stroll along the charming beach houses and romantic bridges of the area. All in all, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day in Los Angeles. Get Cultured It practically goes without saying that Los Angeles is a total treat for art lovers and culture vultures. Whilst there are countless cultural amenities for creative types in the city, one of our favorite spots to visit when the sun comes out has got to he the Hollywood Sculpture Garden. Combining the innovative energy of the city with its most wonderful natural attributes, this place is well worth the visit. Perched up high in the Hollywood Hills, the garden offers 360-degree spectacular views of the area. Here, visitors can enjoy a wholly unique collection of outdoor sculptures from well-established and up-and-coming artists. There are over 100 pieces in the garden, so you know that there’s plenty to see here. Visitations are by appointment only, so make sure to reserve your spot before showing up! A thoroughly enjoyable cultural experience, we love this spot for bringing something a little different to the table. Find Fun Activities Those travelling with family might just enjoy the next item on our list. Since establishing itself way back in 1921, the L.A. County Fair has been drawing in visitors in from near and far ever since. Nowadays, this classic crowdpleaser is recognized as the fourth largest fair in the United States - and with good reason! Guests can expect to experience a heck of a lot all in one place - no, really, we mean it! Whilst this attraction initially began as an agricultural show, it has since spread its wings with everything from wine tastings and exhibitions to modern acrobats and concerts. Still, the fair maintains some of its old-style charm with classic carnival rides like the Ferris wheel. And if you were wondering about food (and let’s face it - why wouldn’t you be?) you’ll find plenty of different vendors serving up traditional fairground favorites like chilli cheese curly fries, deep-fried Oreos and cotton candy. A little bit old-school and a whole lot of fun, this spot is a total must-see. After a long day of touring, you might just want to kick back and relax with a great movie. And of course, there’s no place quite like Los Angeles to catch a movie. During the springtime, you can find all types of twists on the typical movie theater experience around the city, but our favorite is the fantastic rooftop experience. Taking cinema out from the theater to under the starry night’s sky, this experience most certainly ups the ante. The Rooftop Cinema Club are known for their broad programming, showing everything from old favorites and cult classics, to modern box-office hits. There is also a concession stand with traditional movie theater snacks, like hotdogs, popcorn and candy. The perfect way to spend a balmy springtime evening, this place is sure to hit the spot. L.A. is a great city to visit all year round, though we especially love it in the springtime. From taking a stroll down the Venice Canals to checking out the L.A. County fair, you’ll never run out of things to see and do. Explore the city 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

Los Angels in March

Springtime in L.A. is full of excitement. When the flowers begin to bloom, the city awakens with a myriad of fantastic activities and events of all kinds. From the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and Santa Monica Pier to funky Venice Beach, L.A. has much to offer its visitors. Coming out of the wintertime, daytime high temperatures range from the upper 50s to the low 70s, so you’ll only need a light jacket. March is one of the best times of the year for exploring L.A. since the crowds are minimal, the days are longer, and you’ll be able to find easier admission into the city’s top attractions. So, without further ado, here is our roundup of some of the best things to do in L.A. for springtime. How many of these great springtime activities will you try? See the Sites Whilst L.A. can be pretty beautiful in the springtime, the West Coast is also susceptible to the odd rainy day. Still, just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all that the city has to offer. Though L.A. has a lot of fantastic indoor attractions, one of our favorite spots has got to be the Huntington Library. This place is actually a three-pronged attack, with a jaw-dropping main library, a fantastic art gallery and stunning botanic garden. The institute’s library houses over 430,000 rare books, original manuscripts, and historic documents. Meanwhile, the gallery is a total dream for art lovers, with 1,200 pieces dating way back to the 15th century. And as if that wasn’t enough, the Huntington Library’s botanic garden is known for showcasing 150 plant varieties on its 120 acres. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind experience, this one is a total must-see. No doubt Los Angeles has a lot to offer for cinephiles and pop culture lovers. Still, no attraction could be quite as iconic as the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This spot draws in around 10 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! Established way back in 1960, this attraction now spans over 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard, with over 2,000 stars and counting. If you’re going to find a particular star of your favorite celebrity or artist, use the Walk of Fame’s online Star Search tool to help you. We recommend checking out some of the other fantastic attractions in the area whilst you’re there, such as the TCL Chinese Theatre, El Captain Theatre, and Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a camera! Explore the City If you’re looking for a total crowdpleaser, look no further than Santa Monica Pier. Since opening to the public in 1909, this historic attraction has been drawing in visitors from near and far. Perhaps the pier’s most popular attraction is Pacific Park, a theme park complete with shopping, restaurants, as well as an arcade. Or, if you’re looking to just relax a little, why not head over to the Santa Monica farmers’ market? A great stop for all foodies, we love this spot for its delicious eats and laid-back atmosphere. This place works to showcase California’s rich agricultural heritage through a wide array of local vendors. And of course, it wouldn’t be a pier if you couldn’t try your hand at a little bit of fishing. With so much to see and do, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is a sprawling seaside metropolis, made up of countless exciting neighborhoods to explore. Still, when the sun comes out, one of our favorite places to check out has got to be Venice. Well-recognized for its bohemian spirit, nowhere quite says ‘’California’’ like this famed beachfront neighborhood. One of the most popular things to do here is hit the beach - that is, Venice Beach, of course. Still, that’s far from all that Venice has to offer. Another great activity in the area is the Venice Canals, where you can take a scenic stroll along charming beach houses, bunches of ducklings and romantic bridges. There’s also The Mosaic Tile House - once a rather simple and drab space, this spot has now been alchemized into an undoubtedly unique attraction now open to the public. As quirky as it is fun, we love Venice for its laidback and unassuming atmosphere. Soak Up the Atmosphere One of the best things about travel has got to be exploring the local food scene. Thankfully, you won’t have much trouble with that in L.A. - as one of America’s biggest food cities, Los Angeles comes to life in the springtime, with a whole host different events to choose from. Standing out as one of our favorites, Knott’s Boysenberry Festival kicks off right in the middle of March each year, with a unique lineup of seasonal dishes to take your fancy. To highlight the berry that started it all, the dishes focus on boysenberries in some way. There are also local crafters, live music and shows to be enjoyed. In addition, there are special activities and games for younger guests - so nobody feels left out! We love this event because it offers something a little different from your typical food festival. Of course, it just wouldn’t be an article about things to do in March without mentioning St. Paddy’s Day. There are a heck of a lot of ways to celebrate this traditional Irish holiday, but if you’re looking for a parade, we recommend heading down to Hermosa Beach, where you’ll find an exciting celebration of Irish culture. Other family-friendly activities include the St. Patrick’s Day Market and the Original Farmers’ Market. Still, there’s no shame in partying the day away on March 17th. For the best way to let loose, we suggest checking out the annual block party and pub crawl. Or, check out Tam O Shanter’s can’t miss event, with live music, green beer and plenty of fun and games. So as far as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations go, I guess you could say that Los Angeles has it covered. Los Angeles is an exciting city any time of the year; still, our favorite season has got to be the springtime. 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

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