Adventurous Things to do in Los Angeles

By Sarah Harris

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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Best Los Angeles Souvenirs

Wondering what to buy in Los Angeles or need gift ideas for family and friends? Well, you’ve come to the right place then! A sprawling and diverse metropolis, L.A. is one place where you can do some serious shopping. Buy souvenirs to remember your visit while making the memories last. From classic keepsakes to high-quality products, there’s a little something for everybody here. Read on for our top tips on L.A. souvenir shopping. Turn Souvenir Shopping into a Fun Activity Souvenir shopping can sometimes feel like a bit of a chore - but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re looking to avoid that experience, we recommend heading over to the Venice Boardwalk. Stretching for almost two miles across the pristine sands of the Pacific Ocean, this spot is perfect for soaking up the bohemian nature of the Venice area. A quintessential L.A. attraction, this boardwalk is known for its wide array of vendors selling original art, jewellery, t-shirts and much more. In addition, this spot is known for its hundreds of street performers of all kinds. Here, you’ll be able to see everything from break-dancing to broken glass walking, and everything in-between. Much more than just a place to pick up a little something to take home, this spot provides a great slice of L.A. life. If you’re anything like us, then your favorite part of travel is all of the food! For those who want to bring a taste of the city home with them, we suggest heading over to The Original Farmers’ Market. Though this stop is perhaps best known for its gourmet grocers and restaurants, we’re here to tell you that that’s not all there is to see here. Amongst all of the delicious eats, you can also pick up dried ethnic spices, speciality hot sauces, and a great bottle of Californian wine. If that’s not entirely your thing though, there are also stalls punting jewellery, clothes, housewares and fun novelties. Since the market is located in the Miracle Mile neighborhood, we suggest making a whole day of it by going to check out some of the world-class cultural amenities in the area - why not try out the Petersen Automotive Museum or the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum? Pick Something up at an Attraction Of course one of the best things about L.A. is its exquisite natural attributes. It only makes sense then for visitors to want to take home a little piece of the landscape. To do this, we recommend heading over to White Point/Royal Palms Beach, where you can soak up the sun and explore the natural wonders of the sea. Much more than just a place to pick up a nice souvenir, this stop merits a full-day excursion since there really is a lot to do here. One of the most popular activities has got to be exploring the fascinating tide pools dotted across the coastline. Here, visitors can get up close with the beautiful wildlife and see small fish, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and more. Or, for those who like to get active, you can swim, surf or jet ski in the briny blue. Now, to take home a memento of the Southern Californian seascape, we suggest bringing a glass vial or jar with you and filling it with sand or collecting a few rocks or seashells from the beach. This is ideally the most environmentally-friendly way to remember your trip. If you’re not much of a shopper but want a souvenir to remind you of your time spent in the city, we recommend picking something up at one of L.A.’s top visitor attractions. At least for us, the best place to do this would have to be the Griffith Observatory. Perched atop the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, this iconic city attraction grants panoramic views of the entire L.A. Basin, including Downtown, Hollywood and the Pacific Ocean. This is also one of the best places in the city to hike and catch great views of the Hollywood Sign - so don’t forget to bring a camera! After catching a few snaps, head down to the Griffith Observatory's Stellar Emporium Store where you can get some fun items to remind you of the experience. Here you can buy t-shirts, posters, mugs and much more celebrating the iconic Los Angeles skyline. You’ll also find nerdy-cool gifts like telescopes and constellation-themed merchandise. Or Buy Your Own Oscar! If your favorite part of Los Angeles is all of the glitz and glam, then you just might enjoy the next item on our list. Nestled between the famous cultural landmarks and attractions along Hollywood Boulevard, La La Land (no, not the movie!) is known for punting the very best souvenirs for pop culture lovers and cinephiles alike. This place is the largest gift shop in L.A. - and that’s really saying something. Inside, you’ll find everything from original movie posters and black-and-white film stills to mock props and clapperboards. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your very own Oscar or perhaps a Tony, this is your shot! In addition, you’ll also find a lot of cool collectibles and quirky toys on the shelves. Perfect for that one friend who appreciates all things fun and kitschy, this spot has a wide variety of things to choose from. No doubt L.A. is a top visitor destination for a reason. In concert with this, the city goes all out with a wide array of markets and stores to make the memories last just that little bit longer. Whether you’re looking for unique treasures or just something a little kitschy, there’s an L.A. souvenir to suit every taste and budget. 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
The Sol Spin ride at Knott's Berry Farm, LA.
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Knott's Berry Farm Vs Universal Studios

Want to get under the skin of some of LA’s oldest and greatest institutions? Sharing over 200 years of history between them, Universal Studios Hollywood and Knott’s Berry Farm have become bucket-list attractions for visitors drawn in by their irresistible back stories and seriously scary 21st-century thrill rides. We took a peep behind the scenes at both attractions to find out what makes them so special and why their popularity continues to endure after all these years. Knott’s Berry Farm Vs Universal Studios: the Lowdown Universal requires no introduction. One of the biggest, oldest and most successful film studios on the planet, its Hollywood HQ is responsible for such big-screen classics as Psycho, Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, Die Hard 2 and King Kong (sets from some of which are included in the current studio tour). The lot opened in the San Fernando Valley way back in 1915, adding a modest theme park in the 1960s which formed the basis for the entertainment behemoth that guests can visit today. And, with attractions and rides themed around household favorites like Harry Potter, Minions and Transformers, it’s little wonder that Universal Studios Hollywood has become known as ‘the entertainment capital of LA’. Knott’s Berry Farm is no slouch in the entertainment stakes either. Sure, it may lack an international movie-making pedigree, but it does have one heck of a cute origin story. It starts back in 1923, when entrepreneurial Buena Park farmer Walter Knott developed, cultivated and introduced the boysenberry to the world by way of a modest roadside stall selling preserves and pies. As the stall’s reputation and popularity grew Walter, along with wife Cordelia, opened a fried chicken restaurant to help keep up with with demand. The addition of a ghost town and summer fairs in the 40s and 50s paved the way for the theme park that was to follow in the 1970s and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, Knott’s Berry Farm is a fully fledged amusement park, with around 50 attractions including thrill rides, log flumes, children’s activities and more. Best of all, you can still tuck into a traditional fried chicken dinner followed by a hefty slice of sweet boysenberry pie. Yum. What to See and Do at Universal Studios Studio Tour The studio tour is really what sets Universal apart from other theme parks in the area. Expect live stunt demonstrations and other staged events as you weave your way through familiar scenes and sets from future classics like Jordan Peele’s 2022 horror epic Nope to the instantly recognizable Courthouse Square from 80s fave Back to the Future. A tram ride narrated by Jimmy Fallon brings the whole experience to life as you come face to face with movie monsters including King Kong and the great white shark from Jaws. Hold onto your hat for the Fast & Furious finale which brings the tour to a high-octane close. Transformers: The Ride 3D This immersive ride sees brave humans (that’s you) fight alongside the mighty Optimus Prime in a bid to defeat the Decepticons – they’re only about four stories tall and have names like Bonecrusher, Starscream and Devastator, so no pressure. It’s not a ride for the faint-hearted, with fast-paced action, loud explosions and smoke effects at nearly every turn. Oh, you may also get a little wet. Afterwards, survivors are ejected into the relative safety of the Supply Vault shop, where the only danger is how much damage your bank account will sustain when the kids start begging for Transformers merch, including figures, apparel and green-screen photo shoots. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter There’s plenty for aspiring Gryffindors to enjoy in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Wizards young and old will be wowed by Hogwarts Castle and can even invest in their own wands, capes and souvenir train tickets for services departing Platform 93⁄4. There are some top rides to potter around too. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes you on a magical journey through the halls and corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Meanwhile Hagrid, the most affable giant in fiction since the BFG, ushers riders on board the Flight of the Hippogriff. It’s wizard! Best of the Rest There are plenty more movie-themed rides and zones to explore at Universal Studios, including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, a fun 3D motion ride that replicates your favorite locations from the classic video game, a rollercoaster ride through Springfield with America’s favorite cartoon family (that’s The Simpsons, not the Kardashians), the immersive frightfest that is Jurassic World and a much gentler (and hilarious!) Minions ride that ends, as you’d expect, with a cute interactive dance party. What to See and Do at Knott’s Berry Farm Thrill Rides Adrenalin junkies can get a satisfying fix at Knott’s, which has really ramped up the thrill factor since its sale to Cedar Fair in the late 90s. We’re talking rides like HangTime, which promises an eerie floating sensation as it crests its highest point ahead of a gut-churning 96-degree drop. Then there’s the Xcelerator, which catapults passengers sky high, reaching 82mph in a body-shocking 2.3 seconds. Silver Bullet is an inverted coaster that hurtles you around 3,125 feet of snaking track, taking in cobra rolls, corkscrews and a terrifying 105 feet vertical loop. And try not to get spooked on the Ghost Rider, only the longest and tallest wooden rollercoaster in the West. Family Rides In terms of kid-friendly attractions, it does feel a little unfair to pit Knott’s against the Universal juggernaut with its army of Minions, Harry Potters, Marios and Transformers. But there’s a certain sweet charm to the kiddie rides at Knott’s, with miniature trains, carousels, bumper cars, mini rollercoasters and a Mad Hatter-themed spinning teacups ride. The Camp Snoopy zone also features live shows with the titular beagle and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Snoopy on ice, anyone? The park also has a few rides with no height restrictions, including the Calico Mine Ride, Dragon Wing pirate ship and Knott’s Bear-y Tales, all great family fun. Water Rides No theme park visit would be complete without that essential souvenir shot of your log flume hitting the water, everyone’s face a picture of delight, surprise or, in the case of the person who takes the biggest drenching, total and utter horror. Here’s where Knott’s Berry Farm really gets one up on Universal with not one but two water rides to enjoy. The first, Calico River Rapids, is a spinny splashy adventure that sees passengers race through white water rapids aboard circular six-seater dinghies. But the Timber Mountain Log Ride is the main event here, culminating as it does in a 42-foot freefall that all but guarantees that coveted theme park soaking. Knott’s also boasts a separately ticketed water park (Knott’s Soak City) that’s open between May and September. Fast facts: Universal Studios Tickets Buy tickets and VIP experiences direct from the official website, or get one-day access with an attraction pass from Go City and save when visiting multiple attractions, including Universal Studios, the Hollywood sign tour and more. Opening Hours Park hours vary, but it generally opens early in the morning and closes late in the evening. You’ll find up-to-date opening hours here. Getting There Universal Studios is at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608. There are multiple ways to get there, including by bus and metro, and a range of parking options are also available. You’ll find all the latest information here. Fast facts: Knott’s Berry Farm Tickets An All-Inclusive attraction pass from Go City includes general admission and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in LA. Buy a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass to access as many attractions as you like in that time period, including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and LA Zoo. You can also book tickets direct at the Knott’s Berry Farm website. Opening Hours The park generally opens daily at 10AM. Closing times vary so check the calendar on the Knott’s Berry Farm website for the latest information. Getting There Knott’s Berry Farm is at 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 9062. There’s paid parking on site, or you can take a train to nearby Buena Park Metrolink station. More info on transport options here. Save on attractions in Los Angeles Save on admission to Los Angeles attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Los Angeles in February

A quintessential West Coast city, Los Angeles showcases a fantastic mix of urban cool and wonderful natural beauty. There are countless things to do there for all types of travellers - no really, we mean it! Whether it’s viewing world-class art at The Broad or checking out the charming penguins at the Aquarium of the Pacific, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy! February is also a great time to visit since there should be smaller crowds and cooler, more comfortable weather for seeing the sights. We recommend bringing a light jacket, since it temperatures can dip in the evening time. Still need help planning your priorities for things to do in Los Angeles? Then you’ve come to the right place! Have a read through our list of the best things to check out in the City of Angels for February. We promise you won’t be disappointed! Hit the Classics Those looking for art and culture in L.A. won’t have to search very far. As the undisputed cultural capital of the West Coast, Los Angeles is bursting with fantastic museums of all kinds. From the big hitters to small speciality institutes, creative types exploring L.A. will have their pick of some of the best museums in the U.S. of A.. Still, The Broad has got to be one of our favorites for its impressive repository as well as its iconic structure. As one of the most Instagrammable buildings in downtown L.A., the building is well-recognized for its unique honeycomb-like facade and dimpled interior. Inside, visitors can enjoy a fantastic collection of contemporary and modern works, featuring over 200 artists. Highlights include Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog, Andy Warhol’s Single Elvis, and Roy Lichtenstein’s I...I’m Sorry! In addition, the museum is known for housing Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, an immersive and enchanting starfield to capture your imagination. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind cultural experience, this spot is a total must-see. You can’t visit Tinseltown without learning more about its unique creative heritage. As one of the must-see sights in Los Angeles, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of filmmaking. In fact, this spot is actually recognized as the largest museum of its kind in the world. The institute’s incredible collection is comprised of over a whopping 13 million objects, including film reels, props, costumes, and much more. The museum works to cover artefacts from all types of genres and time periods, so there’s a lot to be discovered here. Highlights include Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, the typewriter used to write the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, and the only surviving shark mold from Jaws. In addition to the institute’s permanent collection, the Academy also hosts film premieres. A total dream for cinephiles, this spot is sure to fascinate. Find Fun Activities As the epicenter of the entertainment industry and home to the stars, Los Angeles has countless experiences to offer for pop culture lovers and artsy types alike. If you’re a seasoned visitor to L.A. and are looking for something new past the Hollywood Walk of Fame, we recommend checking out the Grammy Museum for its unique collection dedicated to the history and significance of American music. A fantastic stop for all music lovers, the institute works to provide a great look into the background of the Grammys through engaging and educational exhibits. Though young, the museum’s collection is no doubt impressive, with historical awards, remarkable costumes, and instruments to take your breath away. In addition, there are immersive instrument stations and recording stations to enhance the experience. Visitors can also catch educational talks, concerts, performances and film screenings at the Grammy Museum’s 200-seat theater. As fun as it is interesting, this spot is totally worth the trip. If you’re looking for a fun day trip, why not check out the Aquarium of the Pacific? Opened in 1998, this enchanting aquaspace offers a rich collection of wildlife native to the Pacific. Enjoy underwater life from a collection of over 11,000 animals representing over 500 species. The oceanarium houses everything from colorful reef fish and friendly sea turtles to unique jellyfish and charming penguins. Get up-close encounters with some of your favorite animals, including seals, sea lions, sting rays and even sharks! Enjoy a wide variety of talks, exhibitions and demonstrations and learn more about the natural world. The perfect stop for all nature lovers, this stop works well to provide a glimpse of the underwater world. Try Something Different If you’re looking for something a little bit different, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! Located in Culver City, The Museum of Jurassic Technology seeks to preserve, present and interpret artefacts from the earliest era of the Jurassic Period. Though the institute is small, its collection is well worth seeing, with an impressive mixture of artistic, ethnographic and historic items to be enjoyed. Visitors can expect to see everything from folk remedies from around the world to a room dedicated to the string game of Cat’s Cradle. Don’t forget to check out the institute’s Georgian-style tea room, where you can meet the museum’s founder David Hildebrand Wilson and talk over the collection. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind educational experience, this spot is not to be skipped out on! A Los Angeles wintertime getaway is a unique experience well worth considering. Though the city cools down around this time of the year, it never runs out of exciting things to see and do. 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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