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

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.

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
LA when it's hot out

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

Los Angeles Venice Beach
Blog

Best Places for School Trips in Los Angeles

Here are five of our favorites for engaging young minds, from museums to natural phenomena.
Go City Expert
Hollywood street sign
Blog

Free things to do near Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Wander the Walk of Fame, hit hidden Hollywood gardens and discover LA’s creative side—all absolutely gratis.
baby on the beach
Blog

Babies in the City: Where to Go in Los Angeles

Traveling with a baby in tow can make any city feel like a maze—unless you know exactly where to look for comfort and fun. Los Angeles, with its sunshine, laid-back vibes and endless options for families, makes it a dream for parents and their tiniest explorers. We’ve watched brand-new moms and dads swap worried whispers for wide smiles as they discover LA’s abundance of stroller-friendly adventures. Curious about introducing your little one to stingrays, sunshine picnics, splash zones or hands-on exhibits? We’ve found the best cultural gems, soothing parks, snacks and gentle-thrill attractions to enjoy—naps and snack time included. Ready to strap your baby in and discover LA’s softer side?  Our favorite things to do with babies in LA include:  Natural History Museum  Aquarium of the Pacific  Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden  Heal the Bay Aquarium  California Science Center IMAX Movie  Stroll the Santa Monica Pier and Beach  Griffith Park and the LA Zoo  The Original Farmers Market  South Coast Botanic Garden  Universal Studios (with tips for tiny visitors!)  Aquarium of the Pacific: Soothing Splashy Scenes  Babies love aquariums. Blame it on the cool, dim spaces and slow, mesmerizing movement of fish and jellies—which can turn even the fussiest nap-fighter into a wide-eyed onlooker. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach checks every box for new families: plenty of room for strollers, clean bathrooms, quiet nooks for feedings, and wave after wave of baby-friendly sights.  The touch pools invite gentle hands (or curious toes!), and the colorful Pacific Collections wing is brimming with easy-to-see tanks—ideal for little ones at eye level. If you have a crawler or early walker, check out the Explorer’s Cove play area. And when you need a break, the on-site café offers high chairs and healthy kid-friendly bites. You’ll feel relaxed, and it’s always cool, even in the LA summer.  Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden: Flower Trails and Giant Peacocks  Swap downtown bustle for the peace of 127 acres of green space, shaded paths, and gentle gardens at the LA Arboretum. With its wide walking trails, stroller access everywhere, and endless visual treats (giant lily ponds, arched bridges, and those famous roaming peacocks!), this is a wonderfully chill outing for new parents and their babies.  Find a quiet bench among blooming camellias, spread out a blanket for a bottle break, or introduce your little one to the sights and sounds of nature. The Arboretum’s gardens are well-maintained year-round, and on sunny days, the dappled shade keeps everything cool. There’s a handy café for snacks and restrooms with changing tables, making this an easy full-morning or afternoon escape.  Heal the Bay Aquarium: Ocean Wonders for Tots  Right under the Santa Monica Pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium offers a small-but-mighty lineup of sea life, touch tanks and interactive displays perfect for young minds. Babies and toddlers can get close to sharks, rays, starfish, and dozens of bright local fish at floor-level tanks—think big wow factor with minimal crowds or overstimulation.  You can easily wheel your stroller through the compact space, and the friendly staff love to chat about fishy facts or let curious hands gently explore shells and other sensory delights. Nursing-friendly benches, a mellow atmosphere, and pristine restrooms make this an easy win for caregivers. If nap time calls, transition upstairs and enjoy a gentle stroll along Santa Monica’s beachfront paths.  California Science Center IMAX Movie: Chill Out in the Big Screen Calm  Worried your museum tour might leave your baby snoozing or fussy? Plan for a break at the California Science Center’s astonishing IMAX theater—a perfect low-key stop, even with a tiny one in your carrier. The theater is spacious and dark, with booming visuals and soothing sounds that can be mesmerizing (and often nap-inducing) for babies.  Here’s the secret: choose a short, nature-focused documentary. At under 45 minutes, they’re the right length for most attention spans and not too loud for sensitive ears. The lobby has plenty of space to park strollers, and you’ll find changing tables in convenient locations. Combining this calm break with a quick stroll through the museum’s Life! Gallery (check out the colorful sea stars and tropical fish) makes for an easy, flexible day with your baby in LA.  Griffith Park and the LA Zoo: Urban Wilderness for Even the Youngest Adventurers  Griffith Park is LA’s green lung—a sprawling space filled with everything from old-fashioned trains to picnic groves and gardens. For families with babies, its wide, mostly flat trails and shaded lawns offer lots of freedom to wander at your own pace.  The LA Zoo, found inside Griffith Park, is surprisingly navigable with a stroller. You’ll find well-marked stroller paths and several shaded, quiet areas ideal for feedings or picnics. Animal exhibits are set at just the right height for curious little eyes. The petting zoo area has soft brushes and low-key animal encounters, making it a joyful addition for both parents and tots. Need a spark of nostalgia? Check out the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad for a gentle vintage train ride.  The Original Farmers Market: Food, People Watching and Colorful Sights  LA’s oldest market, opened in 1934, blends classic Americana charm with all the food options you could dream up. Fortunately, it’s also a wonderland for families with a baby on board. The market is mostly flat, with wide aisles and lots of covered areas for shade—stroller heaven!  Grab an excellent coffee from Bob’s Donuts while your baby people-watches, or sample the market’s standout fare: Pampas Grill’s Brazilian cheese bread, Magee’s homemade peanut butter or Trejo’s Tacos’ soft, flavorful rice bowls (mild enough for sharing snacks). Kids’ seating options, clean bathrooms, and a playful uncrowded energy make the Farmers Market a favorite reset button on any busy LA itinerary.  South Coast Botanic Garden: Colors and Calm on the Peninsula  For a more off-the-beaten-path retreat, the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes invites families to wander through 87 acres of themed gardens and play spaces. Paved loop trails weave past ponds, rainbow-colored flower beds and gentle shaded areas ideal for nursing or changing breaks.  The garden’s Children’s Garden is tailored for tiny visitors and features oversized mushrooms, bright interactive sculptures and a butterfly habitat (in season). Your little one can crawl through grassy picnic circles or just take in the peace and color. Benches and wide open spaces make this an easy half-day trip, especially lovely in spring or autumn.  Universal Studios: Movie Magic—Yes, Even with a Baby  At first glance, Universal Studios may seem more big-kid than baby, but with a few tricks it’s actually a fantastic family day. Strollers are welcome everywhere, and the park even offers a “child switch” service so both parents can enjoy big rides—one rides while the other waits with baby, then you swap without waiting again. Most venues feature stroller parking, nursing lounges (check the Family Services Center), and comfy shaded spots for snack times.  Babies enjoy the atmosphere: watching costumed characters, catching short shows (like the Animal Actors stage), and soaking up the buzz of the bustling Main Street area. Air-conditioned shows and play zones mean happy babies—even during heat or rain. There’s lots to do just outside the entrance, too, including splash pads and colorful water features perfect for cooling off.    Planning a trip to Los Angeles with a baby doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fun or comfort. From the underwater adventures at the Aquarium of the Pacific to garden strolls under the canopies of the South Coast Botanic Garden, we’re big believers in LA’s power to make new parents feel confident and relaxed. Whether you’re seeking dinosaurs, sunshine, gentle walking tours or baby-friendly eats, LA’s attractions thrive on making all ages welcome—including your smallest traveler. Pick and choose a handful from our favorites above, and you’ll come away with easy memories—and maybe a souvenir or two slipped into the diaper bag for later.    Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Knott’s Soak City Water Park or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes    Step up your sightseeing with Go City®      We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started! 

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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