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

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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

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Make It a Perfect Friday: Top Things to Do in LA

Fridays in Los Angeles hit differently. There's excitement in the air as the city wakes up, ready to show you its movie-star sparkle, beachy breezes, and neighborhoods bursting with flavor. If you’re a tourist on a mission to make the most of your trip, Friday is when LA’s energy really kicks in—from sunrise moments at the Griffith Observatory to dancing under neon lights downtown. Here’s where you can catch epic views, snap sunsets, feast on world-class treats, walk with Hollywood legends, and soak up that endless summer feeling, all in one jam-packed, joy-filled day. Ready for your best LA Friday ever? Let’s start planning.  Our Friday favorites in Los Angeles include:  Griffith Observatory Tour  Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour  Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking  Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood  The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes  Natural History Museum  Aquarium of the Pacific  Grand Central Market lunch adventure  Rooftop drinks at Perch  Live music at The Troubadour  Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour: Doorway to LA’s Neighborhoods  Don’t want to stress about parking or deciphering addresses? Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour is your all-access pass to LA’s dazzling neighborhoods—all while riding in style. Hop aboard an open-top double-decker and lean into that tourist life as you cruise, guided by lively narration packed with local scoops and cheeky stories.  Why do we rate this as a top Friday pick? Because it blends total flexibility with classic sightseeing—step off wherever catches your eye, and you’re already part of the party. Maybe you want to wander in Beverly Hills, snap the palm-lined streets, or scope out Melrose’s famous murals. Maybe the Walk of Fame is calling, with its ever-changing crowd and glittering theater marquees. Big Bus lets you bounce effortlessly between must-sees and hidden gems. With multiple loops connecting Hollywood, Downtown, and the beaches, you set the pace—people-watch in West Hollywood, dig up vintage finds on Fairfax, or jump back on and head for the ocean breeze.  The vibe on Fridays is unbeatable: you’ll cruise by locals gearing up for the weekend, artists setting up pop-up galleries, and musicians spilling tunes onto sidewalk patios. It’s sightseeing with zero stress and max fun—just don’t forget your sunglasses.  Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour: Sunshine, Surf and Street Art  You can’t say you’ve done LA right without hitting the coast, and our secret weapon for Friday feels? The Highlights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking. Imagine miles of golden sand, ocean air in your hair, and a parade of street performers, sunbathers, and bodybuilders giving you a real SoCal welcome.  Start by cruising through the Santa Monica Pier, spinning the Ferris wheel, and admiring the view from above. As you pedal south, the scenery quickly shifts: surfers dot the horizon, rollerbladers flash by, and palm trees sway in the salty breeze. Your guide will point out colorful murals, muscle beach gyms, and secret photo spots you’d probably miss alone. Venice’s meandering canals and Boardwalk buzz put you in the center of LA’s most eclectic artistry—think mural-covered walls, skate parks, and high-energy music.  Stop for a smoothie at a sidewalk shack or snap selfies with the famous Venice sign overhead. Every stop offers a fresh surprise: street art, boutique food stands, and even a quick detour to quirky local shops. By the tour’s end, you’ll feel like a beach-town regular—sun-soaked, smiling, and ready for the next adventure.  Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: Step Into the Stories  Movie magic hits different when you’re walking right on set. Enter the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood—a Friday adventure that catapults you onto the backlots where big-screen legends (and your favorite TV characters) come to life. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a full-on immersion into the lifeblood of Los Angeles storytelling.  What makes it special? Guides share industry secrets and surreal facts—stand in “Central Perk” from Friends, explore the DC Universe, and see where superheroes, sitcom families, and Hogwarts students found their roots. The enormity of the sets, all those vintage cars, and the behind-the-scenes wizardry are enough to make even movie buffs speechless. You’ll recognize corners from recent hits and classic films alike.  Friday tours run with extra buzz—maybe you’ll spot a real film crew at work, or catch the stardust whirling as actors and directors scuttle between shoots. The on-site café gets you close to celebrity dining (try their themed lattes!), and the gift shop is a goldmine for souvenirs. Every LA visitor needs a brush with Hollywood—here, you’re part of the story.  The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes: Epic Views, Legendary Letters  If your LA dreams revolve around catching that up-close shot of the Hollywood Sign, nothing beats The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes. It’s a Friday hike with layers—exercise, city lore, and views you’ll replay in your mind for years.  You’ll join a lively crew at the base of the Hollywood Hills, ready to trek up winding city trails. The guides aren’t just fitness pros—they’re local experts, sharing juicy Hollywood gossip, history, and fun facts at every turn. Along the route you pass whimsical hillside houses and spot landmarks straight out of your favorite movies.  The grand finale? You're rewarded with panoramic views of the LA skyline, the valley, and a rare side-angle shot with those world-famous white letters. The mood up here feels electric: everyone’s snapping pics, sharing stories, and soaking up that “top of the world” high. Trust us—your Instagram grid will thank you.  Aquarium of the Pacific: Ocean Wonders Just Down the Coast  Santa Monica and Venice get all the beach buzz, but just a short drive south, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach delivers a whole different kind of sea excitement. Step inside and instantly, you’re transported to the deep—shimmering tanks, interactive touch pools, and sea otters playing hide-and-seek.  What’s extra-special on a Friday? Local families, school groups, and travelers mingle in the glow of blue-lit galleries. Watch sharks swirl, see jellyfish undulate like living art, or pop outside for a waterfront view of the busy harbor. Dive into interactive experiences, from feeding rays to inspecting tidepool creatures, all guided by friendly staff bursting with ocean facts.  Each exhibit explores a different slice of Pacific coastline, from tropical reefs to the chilly waters of the north. The Aquarium even spotlights California’s vibrant marine conservation movement, giving you a sense of place and purpose while you explore. With food stands and picnic tables overlooking Rainbow Harbor, it’s easy to make an afternoon of it—plus, you’re close to the Queen Mary for a bonus stroll after.  Grand Central Market: Global Eats in Every Bite  Lunchtime in Downtown LA means one thing: Grand Central Market. This grand old market, running since 1917, brings together LA’s best and boldest food purveyors under one buzzing roof. On Fridays, the energy is infectious—locals and globetrotters alike lining up for everything from ramen to tacos.  What’s on our must-try list? Start with an Eggslut breakfast sandwich (the “Fairfax” is famous for a reason!), then grab a carnitas taco from Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, or cross continents with Filipino rice bowls from Sari Sari Store. Love spice? Sichuan bites at China Café kick up the heat. For dessert, we vote for the funfetti doughnuts at The Donut Man or a classic horchata from Horchatería.  The setup is 100% unpretentious—long communal tables, neon signs, and a hustle-bustle soundtrack of cooks, buskers and happy eaters. It’s the definition of LA’s never-ending food story, and the perfect pit stop before your next adventure.  Rooftop Drinks at Perch: Sundowners with Style  Sunset hour in Los Angeles means rooftop bars, and Perch is where the Friday transformation really happens. Located downtown, this French-inspired sky lounge delivers knockout views, lush greenery, and a soundtrack of clinking glasses and live jazz. As day turns to night, the mood is both elegant and easygoing.  Perch’s 16th-story perch (pun intended) means you get glittering panoramas stretching across the city, while the décor—think Parisian garden meets contemporary LA—makes every seat selfie-worthy. The signature cocktails are a feast for the senses: “French Maid” with cucumber and mint is a crowd-pleaser, and the truffle fries are outrageously good for sharing.  On a Friday, Perch draws a mellow yet lively crowd: date nights, friends celebrating, out-of-towners gazing wide-eyed at the LA cityscape. Come for the sunset, but stay for the shared plates, tunes, and the sheer feeling of being part of something special. You’ll leave with a fresh appreciation for how LA does “Friday night out.”  Live Music at The Troubadour: Legends and New Discoveries  Round off your Friday with the beating heart of LA’s nightlife: live music. For this, The Troubadour in West Hollywood gets top billing. Since the 1950s, this intimate venue has hosted everyone from Elton John and Joni Mitchell to today’s hottest indie stars. You never know if you’re catching an emerging legend or experiencing a surprise secret show.  What sets The Troubadour apart? The space oozes character—low ceilings, simple wooden décor, and a stage close enough you feel every note. The sound is pristine, and the crowd comes for one thing only: great music. Fridays here range from folk and indie to rock and jazz, often with two or even three bands on the bill. Grab a craft beer at the bar and settle in—one night at The Troubadour and you’ll understand why LA’s music scene still leads the pack.  Friday in LA: The Full Experience  If you want to know what makes Los Angeles so endlessly fascinating, it’s Friday. Art and sunshine, world-class eats and blockbuster studios, panoramic hiking trails and salty ocean breezes—all within reach in a single city. Whether you’re chasing celebrity trailblazers, noshing at vibrant markets, or raising a toast on a glowy rooftop, LA’s Friday rhythm is pure magic. Trust us: you’ll want to stay until Sunday.    Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do When it Rains in Los Angeles 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! 
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