Easter in Los Angeles: Our Guide to Fun, Sun, and Surprises

Swap bunnies for beaches and discover LA’s unique spin on Easter fun!

Published: June 8, 2026
Children on an Easter Egg Hunt

So, you're in Los Angeles for Easter—lucky you! The city comes alive with spring energy, sparkling Pacific views, and a mix of traditions from around the world. Whether you're hunting for eggs, soaking up the sun on Venice Beach, or brunching under blue skies, there’s no shortage of fun ways to celebrate. We’ll guide you through the best attractions, from museums with seasonal crafts to whale-watching adventures, breezy rides down the boardwalk, and garden strolls where flowers are bursting into bloom. Ready for a holiday you’ll want to make an annual tradition? Here are our favorite ways to celebrate Easter in LA! 

Our favorite things to do at Easter in LA include: 

  • Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales 
  • Griffith Observatory Tour 
  • Universal Studios Hollywood 
  • La Brea Tar Pits and Museum 
  • Santa Monica Beach Bike Ride by Unlimited Biking 
  • Heal the Bay Aquarium 
  • Egg Hunt at Descanso Gardens 
  • Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour 
  • Natural History Museum 

Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales 

If you’re craving a bit of adventure for your Easter, LA’s coast delivers. The Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales takes you out into the shimmering Pacific for a wild, unforgettable morning. Spring is one of the best times to catch gray whales migrating along the shore. Spotting these gentle giants and their playful dolphin friends feels a bit like finding the golden egg of the ocean—a true thrill for families and nature lovers. 

The crew creates an energetic, friendly vibe, providing fascinating facts and even pointing out sea lions sunbathing on buoys. You’ll get incredible views of the shoreline and a salty breeze that reminds you Easter isn’t just about chocolate eggs—sometimes it’s about creating jaw-dropping memories. Bring your camera and layer up; you might spot a leaping dolphin before your coffee’s cooled. 

Griffith Observatory Tour 

For a timeless LA Easter, head uphill for a Griffith Observatory Tour. This is a favorite for visitors and locals alike—not just for the stellar views of downtown LA and the Hollywood Sign, but for the dazzling space exhibits and accessible telescopes that make science exciting for all ages. Climb the steps, take in sweeping panoramas, and let the city’s energy set the tone for your holiday. 

Easter often means fresh starts and new perspectives; what better way to get yours than by peering through the Zeiss telescope to explore the stars? The observatory hums with curiosity, hosts knowledgeable guides, and transforms a city visit into a sky-high adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the cosmic displays inside or the hikes outside, you’ll leave with plenty of inspiration (and some pretty epic holiday snaps). 

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Globe

Easter at Universal Studios? Yes, please! The park buzzes with movie magic, and springtime means shorter lines, sunny weather, and a festive atmosphere the whole family will love. From wand-waving in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to thrill rides like Jurassic World and The Simpsons, your day will be full of laughter, adventure, and the kind of contagious energy that makes LA famous. 

And the seasonal treats don’t stop at churros—look out for themed snacks and special events (hello, Easter egg scavenger hunts!) scattered around the park. Studios staff go all out to make every detail feel fun and cinematic, so whether you’re flying on a broomstick or lunching at Springfield’s Krusty Burger, you’ll be creating spring memories that last long after the last ride stops spinning. 

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum 

If you like your Easter with a dash of science (and maybe a bit of fossilized mammoth), the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is your go-to. Located right in the heart of LA, this spot blends outdoor fun with indoor discovery. Start by wandering the bubbling tar pits, where the prehistoric past comes alive, then head inside to marvel at saber-toothed cats and ancient mastodons. 

Many families come here for the hands-on exhibits and family-friendly workshops, which often get an Easter spin with craft tables and special events. It’s a quirky-yet-fascinating day out that’s as educational as it is entertaining—ideal for curious kids and grown-ups who still remember dino-mania. 

Santa Monica Beach Bike Ride by Unlimited Biking 

Wanna soak up Southern California sunshine? Hop on a two-wheeler with Unlimited Biking for a breezy Easter ride along the Santa Monica coastline. This stretch is a classic for good reason: palm trees, surfers catching the morning waves, and the carnival soundscape of the Santa Monica Pier. Rent a cruiser and glide your way from Venice to Malibu, taking pitstops for selfies, churros, or an impromptu sandcastle competition. 

You’ll pass street performers, pop-up art, and maybe even an Easter Bunny or two handing out eggs at the pier. The energy is pure LA—sporty, creative, and blissfully free-spirited. Plus, you’ll burn off enough brunch calories to feel absolutely guilt-free about that extra slice of carrot cake. 

Heal the Bay Aquarium 

Give your Easter some aquatic enchantment with a visit to Heal the Bay Aquarium, located just beneath the Santa Monica Pier. This spot is small but packed with local sea life—touch tanks let you get tactile with sea stars, urchins, and anemones, while kid-friendly exhibits explain how LA keeps its beaches clean and beautiful. 

What truly sets it apart is the friendly staff and the focus on local wildlife. On Easter, you might catch special eco-workshops or surprise events that let little ones turn learning into art (egg-dyeing, anyone?). The aquarium’s blend of fun and purpose makes it a refreshing (and cool) stop on a sunny spring day. 

Egg Hunt at Descanso Gardens

Easter Eggs in the Grass

If traditional Easter magic means a good old-fashioned egg hunt, head out to Descanso Gardens. Just a short drive from central LA, these peaceful grounds burst into spring flower displays—camellias, tulips, and cherry blossoms galore. The real highlight for families: their annual egg hunt, where little ones search for hidden treasures among winding woodland paths. 

It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger long after the hunt is over. Grab a coffee from the garden café, stroll through the Japanese teahouse, or relax under a canopy of oaks while the kids play. The garden keeps the pace relaxed and wondrous, with nature always stealing the spotlight. 

Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour 

Looking to add a splash of Hollywood dazzle to your Easter? Hop aboard the Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour. This is your chance to see LA from a whole new (air-conditioned) perspective, weaving past star-studded neighborhoods like Beverly Hills and Bel Air. You’ll spot mansions, palm-lined avenues, and maybe even a movie location or two. 

The guides supply fun stories, behind-the-scenes trivia, and just the right amount of glamour. As you cruise through streets you’ve only seen in movies, Easter turns into a blend of sightseeing, pop culture, and top-notch people-watching. Ideal if you want to relax, learn, and leave with some star quality of your own. 

Natural History Museum 

Cap your LA Easter adventure with a trip to the Natural History Museum. This South LA destination is springtime in a nutshell—dinosaur skeletons, glittering gems, and a seasonal butterfly pavilion where clouds of monarchs and painted ladies flutter around you. The exhibits are interactive and immersive, turning a holiday visit into an inspiring journey through time and nature. 

Around Easter, the museum often hosts family activities with a creative twist. It’s a burst of learning, play, activity, and sunshine all in one. Whether you’re fascinated by fossils, obsessed with butterflies, or just want an afternoon surrounded by LA’s lush spring blooms, the museum never disappoints. The grand architecture, engaging storytelling, and world-class collections make for an Easter outing that will have everyone buzzing with discoveries by the end of the day. 

 

Easter in Los Angeles means swapping the ordinary for the extraordinary—think marine life instead of chocolate bunnies, garden picnics in full California bloom, and brunches with a dash of Hollywood flair. Wherever your interests lie, LA brings a fresh burst of energy and sunshine to your spring getaway. So grab your sunnies, round up your favorite people, and hop into an Easter weekend you’ll be talking about until next year rolls around! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Universal Studios Los Angeles or Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles  

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The signature globe logo at Universal Studios, Los Angeles.
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Universal Studios Vs Warner Bros. Los Angeles

Ever had the urge to pull back the curtain and peep behind the scenes of Hollywood’s legendary movie industry? Well, now’s your chance. Between them, Warner Bros. and Universal Studios have produced some of the best-loved movies and TV shows of all time. We’re talking nothing less than Jurassic Park, Spartacus, Psycho, Back to the Future, La La Land and many more classics that span the entire history of movie-making. We put these two titans of the silver screen head to head in our expert guide to all things Hollywood. Universal Studios Vs Warner Bros. Los Angeles: the Lowdown You’ll recognize Warner Bros. Studios by the iconic water tower emblazoned with the company logo that’s been standing sentinel on the lot since the studios opened here in Burbank way back in the late 1920s. But there’s so much more to this movie-making mecca, with studios and sets that you’ll know and love from films and TV shows as diverse as My Fair Lady, Blade Runner and – for viewers of a certain vintage – 70’s TV favorite The Waltons. Fans of 90s TV juggernaut Friends will also delight at the opportunity to hang out in a painstakingly recreated Central Perk Café. Hollywood’s Universal Studios over in the San Fernando Valley has been around for even longer. Known as ‘the entertainment capital of LA’, the lot opened in 1915, later adding a theme park, which is what really differentiates it from its Burbank rival. Classics including The Sting, Die Hard 2 and Creature from the Black Lagoon were filmed on the stages here and a tour of the working studio highlights these and other household name productions. But it's the adjacent theme park that's the big draw here, with Harry Potter, Minions and Transformers experiences providing some of the heavy hitters. Warner Bros. Studios: What to See and Do The standard tour of the Warner Bros. Studios includes one hour of expert commentary from your guide, after which you’ll likely want to spend another two hours or so exploring the various exhibits at your leisure. Guided Studio Tour This is the part where you get to feel the true thrill and excitement of modern movie-making. Film buffs will be in clover as they speed through backlots in golf carts, visiting sets, stages and exterior locations from the likes of The Dark Knight, Gilmore Girls and Friends. There’s also a chance to visit Stage 48 for an immersive ‘script and screen’ experience that explores all aspects of the production process, from screenwriting and storyboarding to set design and special effects, as well as including authentic memorabilia from some of the planet’s best-loved movies and TV shows. You might even spot live recordings taking place (this is a working studio after all), and it’s not unheard of to run into the occasional Hollywood star! The One with the Perfect Selfie Friends fanatics will find much to enjoy at Warner Bros. Studios. Snap the perfect selfie on a replica sofa in front of the (actual) fountain from the opening credits and unleash your best Gunther impersonation over coffee in the lovingly recreated Central Perk Café, where you can also choose to dine in Monica’s apartment. Or indeed Chandler and Joey’s if you prefer things a little more laidback. Heck, there’s even a Friends boutique, with exclusive merch and gifts including branded mugs, keyrings and yup, even socks. Best of the Rest There’s an opportunity to visit even more real sets, including the likes of The Big Bang Theory, as well as recreating classic movie scenes in front of a green screen. Think flying Harry Potter’s broomstick, or gunning Catwoman’s motorbike through the mean streets of Gotham. Exhibitions that include blockbuster franchises like Harry Potter and the DC superheroes universe cap a quite excellent day out for movie buffs. Universal Studios: What to See and Do You won’t want to miss the Universal Studios tour either, though here it’s more of an amuse bouche to the main event: stacks of theme park rides for thrill-seeking film fans. Guided Studio Tour There’s a whopping 400 acres of active studio lots to explore at Universal. Hop aboard the tram and take in the famous sets and scenes accompanied by expert narration by none other than Jimmy Fallon. See the sets from Jordan Peele’s 2022 horror epic Nope, come face to face with some of Hollywood’s best-loved creature feature monsters, including King Kong and the shark from Jaws, and hold onto your hats for the high-octane tour finale based on the Fast & Furious film franchise. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Whether you’re Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here, where you can visit Hogwarts Castle, visit the Hogsmeade shops and – best of all – experience some of the park’s top rides. Hagrid ushers you on board the Flight of the Hippogriff, which swoops and soars over the friendly giant’s pumpkin patch and hut, while Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey uses a sprinkling of magic to take you through the halls and passageways of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry before flying high over the castle grounds. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge Strap in, pop on your goggles and get ready to take on the mighty Bowser on this thrilling 3D ride that replicates some of your favorite locations from the classic video game. Speed through underwater courses and up into the clouds, collecting coins and throwing shells along the way in your bid to win the coveted Golden Cup. Best of the Rest There are stacks more movie-themed zones to explore, including an epic Transformers ride that pits you against four-storey-high 3D Decepticons, a laugh-a-minute gentle Minions ride that ends, of course, with an interactive dance party, and the terrifying immersive universe of Jurassic World, where you’ll need your wits about you if you want to avoid becoming lunch! Fast facts: Warner Bros. Studios Tickets You can get the standard studio tour with an attraction pass from Go City, and save $$$ if you’re planning to visit two or more big attractions while you’re in town. Or pimp up your tour with a variety-pack of options available on the official website, including access to the Prop Department and lunch in the Central Perk Café. Opening Hours Open daily from 8:30AM to 3:30PM daily. Closed June 13–14. Getting There Warner Bros. Studios is at 3400 W Warner Dr, Burbank, CA 91505. Bus routes 155, 222 and 501 connect from downtown LA. Parking is also available for $15. Fast facts: Universal Studios Tickets You can 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, Warner Bros. Studios, the Hollywood sign tour and more. Opening Hours Park hours vary throughout the year, but it generally opens daily from morning until late. You’ll find the most 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.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Visiting Knott's Berry Farm - Discount Admission Tickets, Tips & More

Knott's Berry Farm, America's first theme park, is an excellent place for you and your family to spend a day during your time in Southern California. Knott's is ideal for a day-long adventure, with its stellar a lineup of ride and attractions. There are even attractions geared towards all ages and styles, so there's something for everyone at this delightful attraction. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the Knott's Berry Farm. It's packed full of tips for visiting, ways to save on admission, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for Knott's Berry Farm Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – Knott's Berry Farm admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices. Tips for Visiting Knott's Berry Farm Present your Go City Card at the Guest Services Window for your general admission ticket. You'll see several ticket booths at the front of the park. But if you already have a Go City Card, head just beyond that area to the Guest Services building to get your tickets. Take your time and enjoy the park. There are some amazing craftsmen at work in Ghost Town. You won't want to miss the fine attention to detail given to the park's features. Knott's Berry Farm is a lovely park, and it's worth a leisurely stroll to enjoy the scenery. Try some boysenberries. Although they're sold throughout the country, buying a jar of boysenberries at the actual park is part of the Knott's experience. Cool off in the Voyage to the Iron Reef. One of the newest features at Knott's is a video game-like ride. You will wear 3D glasses and battle evil sea creatures. You'll want to ride it in the middle of the day when the sun is at its warmest point. Much of the line is in the shade and the ride is inside and air conditioned. The Sky Cabin ride is also air conditioned and offers an amazing view of the park from a height of 180 feet. Paying for the dryer is well worth the money. After you ride Bigfoot Rapids, use the dryer machine that sits on the right, outside the entrance to the ride. It costs a few dollars, but it's well worth it, particularly when your whole family can stand inside. When is the best time to visit Knott's Berry Farm? Any time is a good time to visit Knott's Berry Farm! With the seasonal celebrations and year-round schedule, Knott's offers fun and excitement every month of the year. You'll want to devote at least half a day to Knott's Berry Farm, so arriving near the opening hour will allow you to experience as much as possible at this fun park. What should I bring to Knott's Berry Farm? If you have any experience visiting theme parks, you know that it's important to stay hydrated when it's hot (and it's often hot in Orange County), so items like hats and sunglasses are an important part of your visit. Here are a few extra items you may want to bring along... Knott's features two water rides including the Timber Mountain Log Ride and Bigfoot Rapids, and you may want to bring water shoes for these rides. Even though you can use the dryer after you ride, sneakers definitely take a while to dry. Don't forget to bring a few sealable plastic bags to store your water shoes after you use them! Bring a canvas bag to store your goodies if you plan to do some shopping. There are several opportunities around the park to pick up handmade crafts and fun items like old fashioned photographs. You can store your bag and goodies in the park's lockers in Ghost Town. Shopping is so popular at Knott's that the park offers 45-minute entry passes just for shopping. Make sure your sunglasses have a strap or be prepared to take them off on most thrill rides and roller coasters. The attendants will ask you to remove your sunglasses for many of the fastest rides, so it's helpful to have a handy pocket for your shades. You may opt to bring your own water into the park. Make sure it's in an insulated cooler that's no larger than a foot. What is there to do at Knott's Berry Farm? Your experience at Knott's Berry Farm will likely be shaped by the age of your children and what you're all interested in as travelers. You'll probably get familiar with the roller coasters if your children are somewhere above 48" or 52" tall and love "twists, turns, and towering plunges." If the kids don't yet reach the minimum height requirement for the biggest rides, the park also offers a slew of family rides and children's adventures, so everyone will get to enjoy a few rides at any age. What roller coasters are there at Knott's Berry Farm? Here are a few of the roller coasters you might want to try out during your Knott's visit: Coast Rider: This unique ride takes you high in the air for an initial dive. Then, the track turns into a series of horizontal twists and turns. It feels like you're barreling down the Pacific Coast Highway in your classic car. GhostRider: A huge wooden roller coaster, GhostRider is visible from well outside the park. It reaches a top speed of 56 mph! It's the biggest ride in the park, and one of the longest wooden roller coasters anywhere on the planet. Montezooma's Revenge: This roller coaster travels in two directions and reaches its top speed of 55 mph in just three seconds. You'll feel some serious g-forces as the ride hurtles through its seven-story loops. Silver Bullet: Your feet dangle in the air on this inverted roller coaster that takes you high into the air for an initial plunge. Then, it will send you through a series of corkscrew turns. You'll spend a lot of time upside down on Silver Bullet. Supreme Scream: This ride sends you up a vertical tower that reaches 252 feet into the air. Then it drops you for a weightless plunge at 50 mph. Supreme Scream is an ideal ride if you want to feel a huge drop like you might experience on a roller coaster, but you don't want the jarring experience of racing along a track. Xcelerator: Knott's shares that this ride hurls you out of the starting gate from 0 to 82 miles an hour in just 2.3 seconds. If you love fast rides, head for Xcelerator first and then ride it again before you leave! It's definitely worth more than one trip through the line. What family rides are there at Knott's Berry Farm? If you're visiting Knott's with a few pint size adventure-seekers, you won't be short of rides. Knott's offers several "low thrill" rides for the kiddos, as well as some rides that offer fun without crazy speeds, twists, and spins. Here are a few: Calico Railroad: You'll ride an authentic locomotive train from the nineteenth century. Plus, you'll hear a few cool tidbits about the park's history along the way. Guests have been riding the railroad since the early 1950s at Knott's, and the park shares that the railroad has "the highest crime rate in all of Orange County." What does this mean for you? Take a ride on the railroad to find out! Timber Mountain Log Ride: A classic "log flume" ride, Timber Mountain Log Ride travels through an elaborate recreation of a 19th-century mining town. The ride was updated in 2013 with new effects and features. Voyage to the Iron Reef: This new ride is interactive and is as fun for adults as it is for children. You'll get a pair of 3D glasses and a "ray gun" that you'll use to shoot invading attackers from the bottom of the ocean. It's an awesome experience with the entire family. What rides are there for kids at Knott's Berry Farm? Knott's also provides the youngest thrill-seekers with quite a few mini adventures including the Balloon Race hot air balloon ride and the Huff and Puff mini mining car ride. You'll also see the Rocky Mountain Trucking Company ride where kids travel along a little highway in their miniature 18-wheeler. Seasons of Fun Be sure to check out the seasonal celebrations at Knott's if you're visiting Southern California in the fall or winter. Knott's Scary Farm is the terrifyingly fun Halloween festival, and it runs during the month of October. If your family includes toddlers or small children, you'll want to try Knott's Spooky Farm. It's the tame version of the Halloween celebration. Knott's Merry Farm comes along during the holiday season. The entire park is decorated, and you'll see a nightly tree lighting ceremony. If your vacation is scheduled for the spring, you might get to see the Knott's Boysenberry Festival. It features live entertainment and "farm fresh fun." What attractions are near Knott's Berry Farm? While Knott's Berry Farm itself is located in Buena Park, quite a way away from downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood attractions, there's still fun to be had elsewhere in the neighborhood! If you're visiting in the summer, Knott's Soak City is almost next door to Knott's Berry Farm and features water rides and wave pools. It's their sister waterpark and has recently undergone a renovation to upgrade rides and add to the overall park experience. There's also a Medieval Times location right nearby, which is tons of fun for those who love historical flair in their dining experiences. Visitors may also enjoy Pirate's Dinner Adventure, a similar attraction. Buena Park Downtown is a nearby shopping center slash entertainment complex that can also provide plenty of entertainment. Get some mall time in, take in a movie, and more. Where to eat near Knott's Berry Farm? Knott's will allow you to exit the park for a meal and return, as long as you have a hand stamp. But you have many options for eating inside the park, too. Each themed section of the park offers a particular type of food. For example, you'll find cheeseburgers and fries at The Boardwalk and Mexican food in Fiesta Village. If you have a hankering for fries, visit Papa Loca in Fiesta Village. It sells six different kinds of loaded fries. You'll find some gluten-free and vegan options at the Cantina. The best place to sit down inside to eat is at Camp Snoopy's Grizzly Creek Lodge. If you'd like to take a stroll right outside the park for dining, you'll find several options along Grand Ave., which runs along the eastern side of Knott's. If you're in the mood for fried chicken, visit Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. You'll find a TGI Friday's right across the street from the entrance, as well as a Claim Jumper immediately north of the park. Save on Tickets with a Go Los Angeles Card Remember, the Go Los Angeles® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Knotts Berry Farm tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple L.A. attractions for one low price.
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