Adventurous Things to do in Los Angeles

Looking for unexpected and unique experiences in Los Angeles - it shouldn’t be this difficult, right? Home to some of the West Coast’s most wonderful seascapes, scenic nature trails and iconic amusement parks, The City of Angels is a thriving and dynamic city bursting with great options to choose from. Really, the hardest part is narrowing things down. But don’t worry if you’re having trouble choosing, because we’ve rounded up our top points of interest and fun excursions in Los Angeles and are sharing them right below. So, note down your favorites and experience a different side to the city to make your trip an unforgettable one. However you choose to enjoy L.A., we’re sure you’ll have a blast!

Explore Nature

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Los Angeles’ coastal seat makes an ideal destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Set along the magnificent jagged sea cliffs of San Pedro, White Point/Royal Palms Beach offers postcard-worthy scenery and spectacular ocean views. There are a lot of great things to do here, but our favorites has got to be inspecting the tide pools dotted along the coastline. Get up close here, and you’ll be able to see all sorts of wonderful marine creatures, from small fish and hermit crabs to sea stars and anemones. These wonderful sea basins are best explored at low tide, so that you can get a better look and stay dry at the same time. Still, if you thought that was all that there is to see here, you couldn’t be more wrong! Other popular activities at White Point/Royal Palms include hiking, surfing, scuba diving and much more. This spot is less touristy than other beaches in Los Angeles, so if you want to make it a day trip we suggest bringing food along with you - there’s a fantastic picnic area right near the bluff where you can take a break and soak up those panoramic ocean views. Offering a chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat and serene, picture-perfect views, this spot is hands down one of the best beaches that the city has to offer.

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Where New York has Central Park, L.A. has Griffith Park. Don’t get it twisted though - unlike Central Park, this vast greenspace is all-natural and well-recognized for its sweeping hilltops and unique gardens. Covering over 4,000 acres around the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, this large municipal park gives walkers a chance to explore the Californian landscape in all its glory. Meander along scenic nature trails and explore Southern California’s most wonderful natural attributes. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you go - visitors can expect to see lizards, hawks, deer and more. This spot is especially popular around dusk since it is home to the Griffith Observatory, which provides fantastic views of the Los Angeles Basin. Aside from its delightful splendor, Griffith Park is also home to some of the city’s top attractions. Catch a play or concert at the brilliant Greek Theatre, check out the animals at Los Angeles Zoo, or learn something new at the Autry Museum of the American West. Or, for something a little different, head over to the Old Los Angeles Zoo. Situated near the east side of the park, this historic abandoned attraction complete with old animal enclosures and ruins makes the perfect picnic spot. Home to some of the best scenery in Los Angeles, this place is well worth the visit.

Take a Trip

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If you’re looking for a fun and spontaneous day trip in L.A., the Catalina Express Ferry should do just the trick. Set sail from Long Beach, San Pedro and admire the crystalline waters of the Pacific Ocean as you head over the beautiful island which lies just southwest of the city. Billed as ‘’a Hidden Paradise in Southern California’’, this rocky island is great place for relaxation and play. The city’s charming cultural hub, Avalon, is packed with engaging and interesting things to do, including the Catalina Island Museum, Catalina Casino, and Lover’s Cove. But if you’re hankering to get in touch with nature, the island presents more than its fair share of exciting activities. Explore Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, try your hand at fly fishing, or whiz through the air over Descanso Beach - the choice is yours! A thoroughly unique excursion, this place should rank way high up on any visitor’s itinerary.

Have a Blast!

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Visiting a theme park is a great way to spend time with friends and family on vacation, And of course, there’s no better place to test your sense of bravery than at Six Flags Magic Mountain. As one of the most popular amusement parks in the United States, this spot draws in around 3 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! With 19 rides and attractions to choose from, this spot holds the record for the largest number of rollercoasters in an amusement park. Perhaps not one for the faint-hearted, the attraction is well-recognized for its corkscrewing roller coasters and dizzying thrill rides. Fan favorites include X2, Goliath and Tatsu. In addition, Six Flags’ neighboring water park, Hurricane Harbor is a fantastic place to make a splash and cool off from the California heat in the summertime. A total crowdpleaser and quintessential L.A. attraction, this place is perfect for any visitor looking for an exciting day out.

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With a vibrant mix of cosmopolitan and nature attractions, Los Angeles has a little something to offer everybody. The perfect destination for the voracious traveller, the city offers everything from fun day trips to only-in-L.A.-experiences. 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
Go City Travel Expert

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Los Angeles in December

L.A. in December is a unique and unforgettable experience. At variance with New York in the wintertime, it marches to the beat of its own drum - but that’s kind of what we love about it! Seasonal events, fun Christmas traditions and endless holiday cheer make this one of the most exciting times of the year to visit. And of course, everything is still open up until Christmas Day, meaning that visitors can enjoy all of the city’s most famous attractions. From seeing some of the best contemporary artwork in the city to meeting Santa at the Hollywood Christmas Parade, Los Angeles never runs short of exciting activities to choose from. Whether you’re travelling with family or exploring the city solo, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Still not sure how to make the best of your L.A. vacay? Don’t worry! Here’s everything you’ll need to know... See the Sites Los Angeles can get a little milder during the winter months, but that’s no reason to stay holed up inside! Luckily, the City of Angels is filled with fantastic opportunities for spending time with friends and family. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Natural History Museum is well-revered for its spectacular and engaging collection. As the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States, the institute is home to around 35 million specimens and artefacts covering over 4.5 billion years of history. Marvel over whole dinosaur skeletons, explore the diversity of the earth’s foundation in the Gem and Mineral Hall, and learn more about the unique adaptations of creatures over the years. There’s most certainly a lot to see here, so we recommend setting aside a good few hours for this so that you don’t miss a single thing! Offering a thoroughly engaging and educational experience for those of all ages, this spot is perfect for those travelling in groups. A well-recognized hub of innovation and creative thought, Los Angeles is home to countless cultural institutions which are well worth the visit. Still, The Broad ranks pretty high up on our bucket list for its fantastic contemporary collection and sleek design. Located on Grand Avenue in the downtown area of the city, the museum stands out for its porous, honeycomb-like exterior, and is well-known for its dimpled interior. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an impressive collection of around 2,000 works, with many household names. Whether you’re a creative type at heart or just trying to dip your toes into the art world, this spot is perfect. Highlights include Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog, Robert Therrien's enlarged table and chairs and Roy Lichtenstein's Black Flowers. In addition, the museum is known for housing Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms, a starry installation piece perfect for anybody who’s interested in capturing the perfect vacation snap. We love this spot because its collection serves to fascinate all types. Find Interesting Activities Another one of our favorite things to do during the month of December in Los Angeles is checking out Descanso Garden’s Enchanted Forest of Light. Whilst Descanso Gardens is a total treat for nature lovers all year round, the spot totally transforms into a festive wonderland around the holiday season. Running towards the end of the month, the Enchanted Forest of Light exhibit offers a one-mile walk through an entire town of magical stained glass creations by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin. Enjoy rainbow sycamores, glowing roses and a dazzling celestial garden. Combining art with nature, this event works to perfectly capture the magic of the most wonderful time of year. A thoroughly captivating and exciting experience, this stop is not to be missed. We recommend bringing a cozy jacket for this one, since L.A. can be pretty chilly at night time around this time of the year! Get Into the Spirit What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a Christmas Parade? Join over 10,000 people at the Hollywood Christmas Parade as it follows a 3.5 mile route up Hollywood Boulevard. Head out to see massive balloons, colorful floats, street performers, marching bands and much more. As per tradition, the parade will feature Santa Claus himself, along with his reindeer. And or course, it just wouldn’t be a Hollywood parade without celebrities - past guests have included Danny Trejo, Kel Mitchell and Tom Arnold. Make sure to show up early - this way you can get a good viewing spot, and catch the pre-parade concert. A spectacular visual experience, this one is fun for the whole family. It’s the biggest Christmas parade in Southern California - so don’t miss it! If you’re looking for a total crowdpleaser, look no further than Christmas at Universal Studios. As if this spot wasn’t exciting enough all year round, they really go all out for the festive season. Enjoy the holidays in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where Hogsmeade is transformed with elaborately-themed festive decor and holiday food, beverages and entertainment. In addition, experience the magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle with a stunning spectacle of dazzling lights and music. For those who want something a little bit more traditional, the annual event ‘’Grinchmas’’ runs all throughout the month, where you can meet the Grinch. There’s also a tree lighting in the evening time, where guests can gather and celebrate with the characters from the Christmas classic. With so much fun and festivities packed into one place, there’s no reason not to go! Unlike New York or Chicago, Los Angeles might not be the first place to come to mind when you think of the holidays. Still, with so much to see and do, you’ll never be bored visiting Tinseltown in December. 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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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

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