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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