With summer’s last long weekend on the horizon, there’s never been a better excuse to get out and explore Los Angeles. This Labor Day, add a playful twist to your trip: picnics on the sand, behind-the-scenes tours, wildlife wonders, and dazzling city views—LA really knows how to throw a party. Whether you’re itching for a beach bike ride, a star-studded tour, or some hands-on science, we’ve rounded up the best ways to spend your Labor Day in true Angeleno style. Ready to level up your long weekend? Let’s jump in!
Our favorite ways to celebrate Labor Day in Los Angeles include:
- Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales
- Beverly Hills Bike Tour by Bikes and Hikes
- Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Knott’s Berry Farm
- Natural History Museum
- The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes
- GRAMMY Museum
- Griffith Observatory Tour
- California Science Center IMAX Movie
Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales
The Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales is pure Labor Day magic. Hop aboard a sleek boat at Newport Harbor and feel the sea breeze as you cruise alongside playful pods of dolphins and some of the world’s largest whales. Crews here know their stuff—they’ll help you identify everything from acrobatic humpbacks to speedy fins, and it’s not uncommon to see leaping sea lions or swooping seabirds joining the show.
The star attraction is the wildlife, but the vibe on the boat makes it extra special: plenty of outdoor deck space for panoramic views, relaxed commentary, and a sense of adventure for the whole family. Summer’s a prime time for whale watching, so your chances are high for spectacular sightings. Bring your camera, your sunhat, and be ready for oohs and aahs from every corner of the vessel.
Beverly Hills Bike Tour by Bikes and Hikes
Discover the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills on two wheels! This Guided Bike Tour puts you in the heart of LA’s most famous zip code, where manicured gardens and palm-lined streets play backdrop to iconic celebrity mansions. Your local guide brings the city’s star-studded history to life with stories about legendary residents and hidden gems along the route.
The pace is relaxed, and frequent stops mean plenty of great photo ops—whether it’s in front of the Beverly Hills sign or the lush grounds of designer boutiques. You’ll soak up that Hollywood energy while enjoying a fresh-air workout. Plus, you’ll cruise by century-old estates and famous filming locations, giving you a taste of luxury LA style without needing a movie star paycheck.
Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking
Kickstart Labor Day with fresh ocean air and laid-back vibes on this Guided Bike Tour. You’ll pedal along palm-dotted paths from Santa Monica’s historic pier down to free-spirited Venice Beach. With an enthusiastic guide leading the way, every stop is packed with local stories and quirky sights—from blazing mural art to the infamous Venice Muscle Beach gym.
The route is flat and easy, perfect for families or anyone who wants maximum scenery with minimum effort. There are plenty of stops for those can’t-miss Insta shots: think Pacific views, classic lifeguard towers, and maybe even a friendly street performer or two. Finish with a stroll down Abbot Kinney Boulevard for top-notch coffee or a mighty burger—straight from bike saddle to alfresco feast.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood
Craving action-packed thrills and Hollywood magic? Universal Studios is a Labor Day must. You’ll walk right onto real film sets and jump into spectacular rides and attractions themed around blockbuster favorites—from Harry Potter’s wizarding world to the adrenaline-fueled Fast & Furious.
The park balances big excitement with plenty of spots to chill, snack, and people-watch. Meet your favorite movie characters, duck into high-tech 3D adventures, or catch live shows bursting with movie stunts and behind-the-scenes secrets. Whether you’re an amusement park fan or just want your brush with star power, Universal’s got something guaranteed to make your Labor Day legendary.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Rollercoaster lovers, assemble! Knott’s Berry Farm is a classic LA-area theme park that goes all in on family fun. There's something for everyone: wild thrill rides for daredevils, gentle carousels for little ones, and immersive attractions themed around the Old West and the Peanuts gang.
Knott’s food scene might surprise you, too. Treat yourself to their signature boysenberry punch and fried chicken—true California classics since the 1940s. Labor Day often brings special shows, outdoor music, and festive summer vibes, so the atmosphere is always lively. The mix of nostalgia, heart-thumping rides, and mouthwatering treats makes for an unforgettable day out.
Natural History Museum
Looking to add some wonder to your weekend? The Natural History Museum in Exposition Park is a top pick for curious explorers of all ages. Step inside and come face to face with enormous dinosaur skeletons, shimmering gemstones, and Los Angeles’ own wild past. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just want to revisit your own sense of awe, there’s always something fantastic to discover.
Don’t miss the museum’s Nature Gardens, where butterflies and hummingbirds dart through lush greenery, or the interactive dinosaur lab that makes paleontology feel like a big adventure. With hands-on exhibits and dazzling displays, it’s a spot where learning and fun go hand-in-hand—ideal for a smart, satisfying Labor Day afternoon.
The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes
For unbeatable city views and a big dash of Hollywood sparkle, set out on a guided hike to the legendary Hollywood Sign. Expert guides take you along scenic trails through Griffith Park, weaving in stories about Tinseltown’s wildest moments, smuggling in stunning panoramas of LA’s downtown and beyond.
The trek offers just enough challenge to feel rewarding, but it’s the behind-the-scenes tales, secret photo spots, and bubbling group spirit that really stand out. Cap it all off with a selfie so good, even your group chat will be jealous. If you’re after a Labor Day activity that’s equal parts exercise and bragging rights, this is it.
GRAMMY Museum
GRAMMY Museum
Feeling musical? The GRAMMY Museum in downtown LA is packed with sensory surprises for pop fans and deep-cut audiophiles alike. Immersive exhibits take you behind the curtain of music’s biggest night, while interactive sound booths let you create your own jams.
Walk through historic memorabilia from artists across genres, test your knowledge with multimedia displays, and explore stories behind timeless hits. There’s an ever-changing rotation of special exhibits—one visit might put you face to face with Michael Jackson’s glove, the next, Beyoncé’s costumes. It’s the perfect tune-up for music lovers, with all the sparkle and innovation you’d expect in LA’s creative heart.
Griffith Observatory Tour
Mix science, scenery, and stargazing at Griffith Observatory—a hilltop destination with beautiful architecture and even better views. Tours take you through fascinating astronomy exhibits, from meteorites to moon missions, and the sweeping terraces offer perfect photo ops over the city skyline.
Labor Day evenings bring out LA’s romance, as the observatory telescopes open for public viewing. There’s a real sense of community as visitors line up to gaze at distant planets and sparkling constellations. Whether you’re joining a daytime tour or opting for nighttime sky-watching, you’ll leave with a fresh appreciation for both the city below and the stars above.
California Science Center IMAX Movie
Cap off your long weekend with a cinematic immersion at California Science Center’s IMAX Theater. The wraparound screen and crystal-clear sound make every show an experience, from deep-sea journeys to breathtaking space missions. Grab a seat, settle in, and let yourself get swept up in scenes that feel tantalizingly real.
After the movie, dive into the Science Center’s hands-on exhibits and splashy Discovery Rooms. It’s lively, family-friendly, and perfectly air-conditioned—a winning combo if the LA sun gets a little too enthusiastic. For all ages, this spot inspires curiosity and makes learning exhilarating, turning your Labor Day into an adventure of the mind.
Whether you pick a few from this list or go all out, Los Angeles is ready to help you celebrate Labor Day your way—from sky-high views and sandy boardwalks to theme park thrills and awe-inspiring museums. So, pack your sense of adventure, grab your sunglasses, and get ready for Labor Day done the LA way!
Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near the GRAMMY Museum or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes
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