Los Angeles in July

Looking for interesting things to do in July in Los Angeles? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! As the summer begins to heat up, get ready for fantastic activities and pop-up events of all kinds. The city’s cultural calendar has a little something for everybody around this time of the year, no matter where your interests may lie. From walking the charming Venice Canals to sinking your teeth into some of the city’s best dishes at Smorgasburg, there’s always something to keep you busy. July is one also of L.A.’s hottest months, so this is a great time for exploring some of California’s best outdoor attractions - just so long as you pack accordingly! Still aren’t sure how to get started? Have a read through our list of the best things to see and do in Los Angeles in the summertime! However you choose to explore the area, we’re sure you’ll have a blast!

Hit the Classics

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Of course, a visit to Los Angeles just wouldn’t be complete without making a stop at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Since its establishment way back in 1960, this historic attraction has become one of the city’s most iconic spots as it sees more and more footwork each day. Spanning 15 whole blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and consisting of over 2, 000 brass stars, the Walk of Fame continues to draw in millions of visitors each year. If you’re looking for the star of your favorite celebrity or artist, use the Walk of Fame’s Star Search tool on their website. Whilst you’re in the area, we also recommend checking out some of Hollywood’s great attractions, like the TCL Chinese Theatre, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and Ovation Hollywood.

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A quintessential West Coast city, Los Angeles is bursting with great summertime spots to check out. Ranking high up on the itinerary, Santa Monica Pier has been a long-time favorite from way back since its establishment in 1909. This classic L.A. hotspot presents a myriad of cool things to do, though its most popular attraction has got to be Pacific Park - an admission-free theme park with tons of rides, restaurants, shopping destinations as well as a full-blown arcade. Or, if you’re looking to take it slow, why not check out the Santa Monica Pier Farmers’ Market? This laidback stop pays homage to the city’s agricultural heritage with a wide range of vendors to choose from. In addition, there are local crafters and live musical performances to check out. And for those who want to kick back and enjoy those sweeping oceanfront views, we recommend trying your hand at fishing. The Santa Monica Pier is an excellent spot for catching everything from small ocean creatures like clams to mackerel and even sea bass. With so much to see and do here, you’re sure to have a good time!

Explore the City

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Los Angeles is a massive metropolis made up of dozens of notable neighborhoods. Though each spot most certainly has its charm, one of our favorite places has got to be Venice for its eclectic style and laidback atmosphere. There are a lot of great things to do in Venice, though the most popular activity has to be hitting the beach. With its palm-fringed shorelines and soft surf, this spot makes for a fantastic family day trip. In addition, the Venice Boardwalk is a fantastic place for shopping and people watching. Of course, though, Venice has much more to offer away from the beach. One of its best-hidden gems has got to be the Venice Canals, offering a scenic tour of the area’s most gorgeous beach houses. In addition, the neighborhood is known for its quirky attractions, like the Mosaic Tile House and Muscle Beach. With its funky energy and so much to see and do, this place is a total must-see.

Find Interesting Activities to Do

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It goes without saying that one of the best parts of travel is discovering the local food scene. And whilst L.A. undoubtedly has a lot of great food stops to choose from, there’s nothing quite like heading over to the market for some delicious eats. Standing out as one of our favorites, Smorgasburg is a total treat for anybody who considers food their religion. Drawing in around 50, 000 people each weekend, this event is well-recognized as the largest open-air food market in America - and with good reason! Gorge yourself on Hawaiian garlic shrimp served right from a traditional pineapple boat, try fresh top-quality oysters, and then cool down with speciality ice cream from Wanderlust Creamery. There are also a lot of vegan options here, so you know that there’s a little something for everybody to enjoy! Whether you’re a big meat-lover or a self-diagnosed sweet tooth, this stop is well worth the visit.

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Whilst we love all of the hustle and bustle of the city, sometimes it’s good to take a bit of time to yourself. Thankfully, Los Angeles is filled with wonderful green spaces where you can get in touch with Mother Nature. Located just twenty minutes from downtown Los Angeles, the Descanso Gardens cover over 150 acres of lush forestry to be enjoyed. This spot is accredited by the American Association of Museums as a repository of living collections and welcomes around 250,000 visitors annually. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an impressive collection of native and exotic flora, including stunning oak woodlands, a vast collection of fruit trees, and one of the largest concentrations of camellia plants in the Western Hemisphere. An undoubtedly serene experience, this spot is well worth the visit.

We love Los Angeles all year round, though there’s no better time to visit than summertime! With a whole host of exciting events and attractions, there should be more than enough to keep you busy. 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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Top Los Angeles Theme Parks - A Quick Guide for First Timers to Southern California

Los Angeles County is home to more than 10 million people, and the sunny locale boasts more than its fair share of theme parks. If your vacation will take you to Los Angeles this year, you'll want to add a day or an afternoon spent at one of Southern California's most exciting destinations. The ideal theme park awaits your family whether you're traveling with wee ones and need some gentle rides or you're vacationing with teenagers who love whirling, twirling roller coasters. Need some help selecting your Los Angeles theme park s and other fun destinations? Here's all the information you need to arrange an exciting and one-of-a-kind Los Angeles vacation at theme parks near Los Angeles. Admission to Los Angeles Theme Parks A number of these popular Los Angeles theme parks, plus other great Los Angeles area attractions, are included on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Universal Studios Hollywood Known for its slogan as the "Entertainment Capital of L.A.," Universal Studios is an expansive historic landmark that sits north of Hollywood in the San Fernando Valley. The world famous studio first opened in 1919, and the amusement park came along in 1951. (we also recapped some of the best Hollywood Studio Tours - if that interests you) The property is home to a slew of working television stations and a busy movie studio, and it also welcomes more than 6 million visitors each year to its thrill rides, shows, and the famous studio tour. The attractions at Universal often feature flight simulations and 3D technology, so you won't see a park full of traditional roller coasters when you visit this place. The park recently opened its "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" to much acclaim. Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are available as a premium option on the 3- ,5-, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles® Cards. Knott's Soak City Water Park Located just a half mile from the entrance of Knott's Berry Farm, Knott's Soak City is one of Southern California's popular water parks with rides and attractions that cater to all ages. Some attractions, like the six-lane race ride "Banzai Falls" require riders reach a height of at least 42", and other attractions like Gremmie Lagoon are designed for children and have no height requirement. The park operates from May until September, and visiting Knott's Berry Farm one day and Knott's Soak City the next is a fun and easy way to spend a few days of your Los Angeles visit. Getting In: Knott's Soak City Water Park tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. Disneyland A Southern California landmark since 1955, Disneyland Park lures a whopping 16 million visitors each year to its sunny Anaheim location. Disneyland is located in Anaheim, which is south of Los Angeles in Orange County. The size of Disneyland, as well as its proximity to Disney California Adventure Park (right across the street), means an overnight stay in an Orange County hotel is an excellent way to make sure you get to the park early. Most of the rides at Disneyland are appropriate for children, and there are only a few rides that have a strict height requirement and a recommendation on age. The "big kid" rides are usually found across the street at Disney California Adventure Park. Getting In: Disneyland admission is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, please visit the attraction website. Disney California Adventure Families often choose to visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure at the same time since the park entrances are right next to one another. While the rides at Disneyland cater mostly to very young visitors (and the young-at-heart), Disney California Adventure offers some genuine thrill rides. The park opened in the not-too-distant past in 2001, but it wasn't as popular as Disneyland until the park's designers began adding extra attractions and thrill rides. A massive expansion of the park occurred in 2012 with the addition of Cars Land, which is based on the popular series of Pixar "Cars" features. Disney California Adventure features traditional rides like the California Screamin' coaster, as well as 3D rides like the kid-friendly Toy Story Midway Mania. Thrill-seekers will like the Tower of Terror and the Grizzly Rapids water ride, which is a must-see in the summer. Getting In: Disney California Adventure admission is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, please visit the attraction website. Let's Recap Remember, you can save on admission to a number of the Los Angeles area's most popular theme parks with the Go San Los Angeles® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Go City Expert
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Los Angeles Labor Day Weekend 2019 - 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

Make sure your summer goes out with a bang this year – spend Labor Day Weekend in Los Angeles and you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time. If you’re looking for Los Angeles Labor Day Weekend 2019 ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Los Angeles in September, including: Six Flags Magic Mountain Friday Night Jazz at LACMA 626 Night Market L.A. County Fair The Taste Cinecon Classic Film Festival Pacific Park Universal Studios Hollywood Knott's Berry Farm L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens Whale Watching Cruise 2. Friday Night Jazz @ LACMA View this post on Instagram A post shared by LA County Museum of Art (@lacma) on Jun 7, 2019 at 6:18pm PDT Every Friday from April to November the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hosts a free jazz concert outdoors. It's one of the museum's most beloved ongoing programs. The style and performers vary each week, so you're bound to find something new each time you go. Bring a blanket, the whole family, and just relax at this free community event. Be sure to arrive early to secure the best spots! 3. 626 Night Market This summer marks the 8th year of this annual food festival. Evocative of classic Asian night markets, this festive local event is billed as a "quintessential Californian experience." Come here to taste authentic, mouth-watering Asian fare of the type you don't see in the hot new sushi joint. This year's theme of the 626 Night Market is "Bring on the Memories," which seems pretty appropriate for the combination of excitement and nostalgia that this event evokes for many of us. The 626 Night Market is located at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. The event dates closest to Labor Day are August 30-September 1, 2019. The event is free to attend and food is available for purchase. 4. L.A. County Fair Making its debut on Labor Day Weekend, the popular L.A. County Fair has a little bit of something for everyone. Like most county fairs, it was originally designed as an agricultural festival; things like livestock beauty contests and fresh local produce attest to that heritage. But you’ll also find fun modern events like dance performances, wine tastings, cultural exhibits, children’s activities, and more. This year the fair begins on August 30, 2019 and runs through September 22, 2019. 5. The Taste Yet another food-centric event, The Taste is a great Hollywood attraction for just about everyone. It's sponsored by the L.A. Times, and is a great experience for locals and visitors alike. Sip, savor, and celebrate with food and beer samples, cooking demonstrations, mixologist demonstrations, wine tastings, and even special competitions. Remember to come with an empty stomach! The 2019 dates are yet to be announced, but it usually takes place around Labor Day. 6. Cinecon Classic Film Festival Held in one of Hollywood’s most historic theaters, Cinecon Classic Film Festival is a Hollywood darling. It's located at the Grauman's Egyptian Theatre (somewhere worth touring on your own time, like the TCL Chinese Theatres) and features a lovingly curated selection of classic cinema. If you just can’t get enough of old black and white films, this is the event for you. The first night opens with a grand gala featuring the silent comedy Bare Knees (1928) and the whole thing only gets better from there. The 2019 event dates are August 29 - September 2, 2019. Tickets are available now, and act quickly -- this event does sell out! 8. Universal Studios Hollywood If you're in search of some extreme theme park fun with an emphasis on your favorite movies and TV shows, then Universal Studios Hollywood should be your next destination. Combine the exhilaration of amazing theme park coasters and other rides with the fun of an interactive studio tour - it sure makes for one unbeatable day! Don't forget to leave an hour or so to explore Universal CityWalk, which boasts dozens of shops, restaurants, and attractions. It's a nice place for dinner after a long afternoon on the rides, or a convenient place to pick up a souvenir. We've also written a specific guide for how to make the most of your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, if you're looking to maximize your time there. 11. Whale Watching Cruise Take a break from the heat with a venture far out into the ocean to explore the great waters of the Pacific and its magnificent creatures. A Newport Landing Whale Watch is a 2.5-hour excursion out to one of the largest marine sanctuaries in California, where you'll see dolphins, orcas, humpback whales, and even the massive blue whale--the largest creature in the world. As you're waiting to reach the marine sanctuary, just sit back and enjoy the cruise on a 65-foot double-deck ship that comes with a lovely sundeck. Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these Los Angeles attractions is included on the Go Los Angeles pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in style. Share your adventure with us Remember to tag @GoCity in your holiday snaps and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination too!
Katie Sagal

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