Los Angeles in November

By Sarah Harris
Published: July 18, 2024

Los Angeles is a magical city: the mix of culture, nature and iconic attractions make every visit an absolute joy. There’s so much to see and do for every kind of traveller in the City of Angels. No, really - we mean it! Whether you’re a culture vulture, a creative type, or a foodie, L.A. is always bursting with exciting stops and consistently reforming itself with new and interesting things to check out. From soaking up the views at Santa Monica Pier to taking a fun family day trip at Disneyland, the list of the best things activities and events in Los Angeles is truly endless. Though the area cools down in November, it should still be warm enough to explore some of the city’s best-known outdoor attractions. And since November falls during shoulder season, the city will also be less crowded and you’ll be able to find better deals on accommodation and attractions. Still not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve done all the heavy lifting for you! Have a read through our round-up of the best things to do in the area. We promise you won’t be disappointed!

Hit the Classics

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A quintessential West Coast city, Los Angeles is well-known for its clear blue skies and beautiful beaches. And whilst the city cools down during the wintertime, there are still a lot of ways for seaside lovers to enjoy the city’s most wonderful natural attributes. Of course, one of our ultimate favorites has got to be the Santa Monica Pier for its wide variety of attractions. The most popular thing to do here has got to be Pacific Park, an admission-free theme park with thrilling rides, great shopping, fantastic restaurants and more. Aside from Pacific Park, this spot is known for its aquarium, which features 100+ local marine animals and wildlife species. In addition, you can grab a bite to eat at the bustling Santa Monica Pier Farmers’ Market and watch the sun go down over the Pacific Ocean. With so much to see and do here, this spot is a total crowdpleaser.

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Whether you’re travelling with kids or just young at heart, a visit to Disneyland is an absolute must. Bringing all of the magic of our favorite childhood movies to life, this spot solidified its position as a classic All-American dream vacation destination long ago. As one of the most popular theme parks in the world, Disneyland draws in over 18 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! Among its 50 attractions, you’ll find everything from squeal-inducing twists and turns to kid-friendly rides and total classics. Highlights include Space Mountain, It’s a Small World and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This place also has shows, parades and seasonal events to enhance the experience. We love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without a huge smile stretched across your face.

Find Fun Activities to Do

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Perhaps one of Los Angeles’ biggest draws is its star power. As the hub of the American film industry, the City of Angels is home to countless exciting activities and attractions for cinephiles and lovers of pop culture alike. If you’re looking to dive in, we recommend checking out the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank. Visit one of the busiest and oldest working studios in Hollywood and learn more about the hard work, history and artistry behind some of your favorite TV shows and movies. See the original Friends fountain, explore the soundstages used to create Casablanca, and enjoy authentic props and costumes from the Harry Potter films. On the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a friendly and professional guide, there to answer all of your questions. Experience the magic of film and learn a lot of behind-the-scenes secrets! A thoroughly fun and one-of-a-kind experience, this stop is not to be missed!

Have A Blast!

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If you’re looking for something a little different, you won’t have to search much further than Designer Con. Running towards the end of the month, this event offers a fantastic inside look into the development of the contemporary art scene. With over 700 vendors and artists from around the globe, there truly is a lot to see here. Marvel at some unbelievable art, geek out over rare collectables, and meet some of the talented artists and tastemakers who are currently shaping the design world. You can also catch talks and seminars from some of the best working creative leaders in the industry. Definitely don’t forget to check out the concessions here, since you can pick up some really cool and unusual items. A thoroughly unique cultural experience, this event is well worth the visit.

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With its fantastic coastal location and mild wintertime climate, Los Angeles makes a great destination for a music festival even during November. It only makes sense then, that you can catch two epic days of punk rock right in the center of Oak Canyon Park whilst most other cities are huddled away indoors. Kicking off towards the start of the month, Punk in the Park promises great sounds, electric vibes and fun to be had by all. This fest welcomes both old favorites and newcomers to the genre, so there’s a little something for everybody here. Past performers have included NOFX, Dropkick Murphys, and Pennywise. With its fantastic lineup and vibrant atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend time in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles in the wintertime a unique travel experience - one which we thoroughly recommend. 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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Things to do in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling and diverse city quite unlike any other. And whilst the area is undoubtedly exciting, it has far more to offer outside Hollywood and Santa Monica. Though it’s probably not the first place that springs to mind for most first-time visitors, Downtown Los Angeles presents a whole myriad of cool and interesting things to see and do. Some sights are iconic must-sees, whilst others provide a whole new perspective on the West Coast. Whether you’re into beautiful architecture, music history, or world-famous restaurants, this area is a whirlwind of activity. That being said, it can be a bewildering task to narrow down just a few of the best stops in the district. But if you’re having trouble with your vacation plan, don’t fear - we’ve done all of the heavy lifting for you! Check out our list of some of the best attractions and activities in Downtown Los Angeles. Make a note of your favorites and get out there and enjoy the city! Hit the Classics Anybody visiting Los Angeles for art and culture certainly won’t be disappointed. With an impressive roster of cultural institutions ranging from must-see visitor attractions to fantastic hidden gems, there’s a little something for everybody here. And of course, located just downtown, The Broad offers one of the most impressive collections of contemporary art in the United States. Visitors will be hard-pressed to miss this spot, as it is well-known for its unique honeycomb-like exterior. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy a remarkable and diverse collection, comprising of around 2,000 works. The repository is very visitor-friendly, with lots of household names on show. Highlights include Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, Jasper Johns’ Flag, and Roy Lichtenstein’s ‘’I...I’m Sorry!’’. In addition, the institute is recognized for housing Yayoi Kusama’s "Infinity Mirrored Room", a captivating starry installation piece. A thoroughly delightful cultural endeavor, this one is well worth the visit. It practically goes without saying that L.A. is a great place to explore for pop culture fans and lovers of the performed arts. For those who are looking to learn more about the development of the entertainment industry, we highly recommend checking out some of the city’s fantastic specialty museums. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Grammy Museum works to provide a comprehensive overview of the history, artistry and technology of the music industry. Inside, visitors can enjoy four floors of historical musical artifact displays, extravagant costumes, remarkable media works and much more. There are interactive music stations and recording booths to enhance the experience. In addition, visitors can catch behind-the-scenes live performances, seminars and classes in the institute’s 200-seat state-of-the-art theater. The perfect stop for all creative types, this spot provides a great glimpse into the extraordinary progression of the modern music world. Explore the Area To truly soak up the nature of a city, there’s no better place than the local market. A popular city attraction and downtown L.A. mainstay, the Grand Central Market is well-recognized for its energetic mix of artisanal purveyors and wonderful fruit and veggie kiosks. From fresh seafood to slow-cooked pork, this spot is a total treat for the senses. Pull up a chair and sample local delicacies or browse as you eat. Walking through the market, you’ll be able to find everything from handmade jewellery and beautiful flowers to that perfect bottle of wine. It’s also a great place to stock up on classic ethnic pantry items like dried chiles, Mexican hot sauces, or Spanish olives. With its wide variety of choices and vibrant atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better spot to grab a bite to eat in downtown Los Angeles. Another one of our favorite places to check out in Downtown L.A. has got to be the Arts District. Once a gritty urban neighborhood, this spot has undergone incredible revitalization over the past few years, with fantastic galleries, eclectic stores and trendy bars making it a top destination for locals and visitors alike. The first thing you’ll want to do in the area is of course head over to some of its most wonderful galleries - we suggest Hauser & Wirth for contemporary art and Wisdome L.A. for something a little bit different. For those who are looking to shop til they drop, we recommend making the trip to Dover Street Market. Billed by Vogue as a total ‘’game changer’’, this expansive warehouse-turned-fashion retailer offers lower price points on a wide array of coveted designer collections. And if you’re looking to kick back after a long day of exploration, the Arts District is brimming with fantastic cocktail bars, karaoke clubs and pubs. Offering a true taste of the city and a ‘’live like the locals’’ vibe, the Arts District is the perfect place to get to know Los Angeles. See Some Wonderful Architecture Los Angeles is full of amazing architecture - from the glamorous mansions of Beverly Hills to the iconic Getty Center, there’s a lot for design geeks to sink their teeth into. Still, if you’re looking for incredible artistry right in the heart of downtown, we recommend checking out the Bradbury Building. Since its inception in 1893, this timeless and unique treasure has been blowing visitors with its incredible terracotta facade and beautiful interior. It was designed by architect George H. Wyman in the Italian Renaissance Revival style which was current at the time. Since then, the structure has been added to the National Register of Historic Places and is now recognized as the city’s oldest landmarked building. Today, visitors can take guided tours to marvel at the building’s dark polished wood details, intricate wrought-iron balconies, and stunning skylight. This spot should only be a short visit - but don’t worry, there are plenty of great attractions and restaurants nearby. As one of Southern California’s most remarkable architectural achievements, we don’t recommend skipping out on this one! There’s a whole lot in Downtown L.A. just waiting to be uncovered. From world-class art galleries and emblematic architecture to great shopping destinations and bustling food stops, the area pretty much has it all. 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 iconic Hollywood sign in the hills above LA
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4 days in Los Angeles

The sun setting over the beach, golden stars shimmering in the pavement, the iconic Hollywood sign in the hills above – there’s so much about Los Angeles that’s instantly recognizable. And whether you’re staying for a day, a week or a year, there are some things that you simply can’t miss – but how do you know where to start? That’s why we’ve put together this 4-day itinerary that takes in all the essential sights of the City of Angels, while still giving you time to rest and have some fun. And let’s face it – if a visit to Los Angeles isn’t on your bucket list, it should be. Hollywood Walk of Fame TCL Theater Dolby Theater Rodeo Drive Hollywood Sign Theme parks Downtown LA and El Pueblo De Los Angeles Famous LA beaches Day 1 – Hollywood Heights Stop #1 – Hollywood Walk of Fame It’s day one in the big city and we’re starting with the big guns! Start at the Visitor Center on Hollywood Boulevard, then head outside to find the iconic walk of fame, a 1.3-mile stretch of pavement embedded with more than 2,500 stars. It’s free to stroll along and take pictures, and you might even stumble on a Star Ceremony – but if you’re looking for a particular star, you’ll save yourself some time by looking it up here first. Stop #2 - TCL (formerly Grauman’s) Chinese Theater An essential part of the Hollywood experience, the TCL Chinese Theater is where all the premieres happen. Compare your hands and feet to those of your idols in the Forecourt of the Stars, then use your pass to take a 30-minute walking tour of the theater, hearing all the gossip and behind-the-scenes stories of the movie industry. Or use your pass to get into the Hollywood Museum, where you’ll find four floors of movie history and memorabilia – everything from Indiana Jones’ whip to Rocky’s boxing gloves and Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dresses. Stop #3 - Dolby (formerly Kodak) Theater You might not recognize the outside of the Dolby Theater, but if you’ve ever watched the Academy Awards you’ll know where you are the instant you step inside. Now it’s your chance to feel like a VIP with a half-hour guided tour that takes in the elegant grandeur of the 3,400-seat auditorium, the Dolby VIP Lounge and other behind-the-scenes production areas. You’ll also get up close to a real Oscar statuette! Stop #4 – Rodeo Drive Grab some lunch from one of the many diners or street stands around Hollywood Boulevard then jump on the Big Bus Tour to stop 6, Rodeo Drive. Soak up the vibes of Beverly Hills, go shopping – or window shopping – and maybe spot a celebrity. When you’re done jump back on the Big Bus and rest your legs for a while, stopping if you like at the Farmer’s Market (stop 9) to take in a bit more shopping at the Grove. Stop #5 – Hollywood Sign Tour Be at the starting point at 4.15 for an early evening hike up to LA’s most iconic monument, the Hollywood sign. This 90-minute tour will get you as close to the sign as you can get, with unmatchable views over the whole city. Take a few snaps, then it’s downhill all the way home – the perfect way to finish your Hollywood experience. Stop #6 – A romantic evening After all that sightseeing, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite – so how about dinner with a view at Yamashiro in the Hollywood Hills? This famous restaurant has appeared as Japan in several films including Kill Bill and Gone in 60 Seconds. Finish off the evening with a stroll along Wilshire Boulevard, past the Light Installation at the entrance of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or perhaps go see a movie! Day 2: Theme park No LA visit is complete without a day at a theme park, but there are so many to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one! Here are our suggestions for your first choice – for the others, you’ll just have to come back another time! Universal Studios Univeral Studios is an essential experience for movie buffs! Tour an active studio and see where all your favorite films were made – you might even spot some celebrities on their way to work! There’s also the Hollywood Special Effects show, Simpsons, Transformers and Minion Mayhem rides, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Six Flags Magic Mountain It’s all about the thrills and spills at Six Flags Magic Mountain – here you’ll find over 100 rides, games and attractions, including the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters. There’s plenty of family-friendly options as well, plus restaurants and water rides. Knott’s Berry Farm Knott’s Berry Farm is a good family-friendly park, with rides to suit every adrenalin level. They love a good theme month here too, as in October you’ll find it transformed into the spooky Knott’s Scary Farm, and in December it becomes the delightfully festive Knott’s Merry Farm. There’s also Knott’s Soak City just up the road, which is the perfect place to cool off in the summer months! Disneyland The young – and young at heart – will always enjoy the magic of Disney. There are two options in LA: Disneyland Park is the original and has more recognizable rides and attractions, while Disney California Adventure is the more modern incarnation, without the iconic castles but with bars that sell alcohol. Warner Brothers Studios Warner Brothers Studios is another fun-filled option if you’re fascinated with film-making! Take a look at back-lot sets, watch green screen technology in action and explore sets from popular television shows including Friends and The Big Bang Theory. Step onto recreated sets from the DC universe, then be sorted into your Hogwarts house at the Wizarding World and Fantastic Beasts exhibitions. Day 3 – Downtown LA Stop #1 – Downtown LA Walking Tour Time to get into the nitty gritty of the city today, exploring LA’s downtown precinct. Get your bearings and learn about LA’s culture, arts and history on a Downtown LA Walking Tour. You’re bound to recognize several spots along the way, including City Hall, The Music Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the dazzling exterior of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Stop #2 – Grand Central Market If you’re a foodie, you’ll be pleased to learn that your walking tour takes in the 1920s Spring Arcade Building, which has a food market, and the Grand Central Market, where you can stay for lunch and sample some world-famous Oysters. Stop #3 – Angel’s Flight and El Pueblo While you digest, ride the world’s shortest railway up to Bunker Hill and back down again. Then take a walk to the Mexican Marketplace via Grand Park and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. You can also take the chance to go into any of the buildings you passed this morning. Stop #4 – Iconic LA Eateries Stay in El Pueblo District to visit the colorful Mexican marketplace and then choose from French, Asian, Peruvian, Italian and even British themed restaurants when you get peckish. Finish off the evening with a cocktail at Clifton’s Republic, a former cafeteria that now houses four floors of trendy bars, each with a different theme. Day 4 – West Side Story Stop #1 – UCLA Campus After all that sightseeing, you’ve earned a day at the beach! On the way there’s time for a quick stop at the UCLA campus and a look at another Hollywood backdrop – the building that’s played Harvard in several movies, including Legally Blonde. It’s a great spot for a stroll, offering a glimpse into American student life as well as the room at Boelter Hall where the internet was born. Stop 2# - Santa Monica Pier & Third Street Promenade Once you’re done with UCLA, head down to Santa Monica and the Pier. Here you’ll find the official endpoint of the legendary Route 66, with a sign that you just have to take a photo of. Pass the rest of the morning lounging on the beach or head to the small amusement park on the pier, where you’ll find rides, games and an aquarium. Stop #3 – Venice Beach and Canals After lunch, spend a little time wandering around the canals of the Venice district, then head down to Venice Beach to soak up a bit more sun. Go for a swim, slurp on an ice cream or even try renting a bike or roller skates for the afternoon to truly feel like a local. Stop #4 – Sunset over the beach For your final night in LA it’s time to sit back and soak up the atmosphere. Find a cozy restaurant for a romantic dinner or keep things casual with a burger from In N’Out and a treat from Sidecar Doughnuts. Then go for a stroll along the boardwalk, or just sit and watch as the sun sets over the pacific. See more with Go City There’s so much to see in Los Angeles, from Hollywood icons to pristine beaches, that you’re bound to want to come back again and again. Ensure you don’t miss a thing with the Go City All-Inclusive Pass, which will save you money on dozens of LA’s most famous attractions.
Karleen Stevens
Relaxing Things to do in Los Angeles
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Relaxing Things to do in Los Angeles

If you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, you've come to the right place. From whale watching to yoga on a sandy beach, we've got you covered. Check out our picks of the best relaxing things to do in the city, and prepare for some much-needed R&R! Including: Fishing at Santa Monica or Venice Beach Natural History Museum Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour Yoga on Huntington Beach and more! Guided Pier Fishing at Santa Monica or Venice Beach If you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, why not choose a spot of fishing? If you're new to the area, or even new to fishing, you needn't worry. Join this guided fishing adventure, choose between Santa Monica or Venice Beach, and then go throw some hooks - or something. Your guide is more of an instructor, and an experienced one at that. They'll bring all your gear and show you how to use it. If you're a seasoned fishing pro, show them how it's done. But don't be too adverse to picking up some new tricks. Look out for fish, rays, and even sharks as you try to reel in a big catch. Natural History Museum You can even travel back through time in a relaxing fashion. How, you may ask? Well, take a trip to Los Angeles' Natural History Museum and explore millions of years of history! If you're a history buff and looking for things to do in the city, it doesn't get much better than this. Step inside the museum's doors, and you'll find one of the biggest collections of ancient artifacts on the planet. Dinosaur fans will be well-served thanks to the appropriately-named 'Dinosaur Hall', which exhibits 300 real dinosaur fossils, as well as 20 complete dinos of varying shapes and sizes for you to gaze at. That's just one of the many amazing exhibits at LA's Natural History Museum, so why not take a relaxing stroll around the premises and see what else you'll find? Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour If natural history isn't your thing, how about some very-much-alive nature? Yes, even in LA, you can go whale and dolphin watching. And, on this tour, you'll do just that. So, if you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, this should be top of your list. You'll hop on board a 65-foot double-decker ship, replete with sundeck, both indoor and outdoor seating, and a snack bar if you get hungry. Then, you'll take the waves to spot some freaking whales and dolphins! Get lucky, and you may spot any number of humpback whales, orcas, and even a blue whale if you're super lucky. You're also likely to see some dolphins, which is obviously awesome. Seals, too - this tour is the gift that keeps on giving! If you're a fan of ocean life, book this tour right now. Aquarium of the Pacific If you'd rather see underwater wonders up close and personal, take a relaxing trip to Los Angeles' Aquarium of the Pacific. There's so much to see and do here; we'd recommend blocking out an afternoon in your vacation calendar to see it all. With over 100 exhibits to explore and 19 major habitats to walk through, you'll need all the time you can get! Meet finned friends at Shark Lagoon, hang out with some penguins, and check out the Pacific Visions immersive cinema experience to see the ocean like never before. All that and much, much more await you at Aquarium of the Pacific. Yoga on Huntington Beach Is there anything more relaxing than finding inner peace? How about doing it on a sunny Los Angeles beach? Align your chakras today at a yoga session on Huntington Beach! Pick a morning or evening session and join an experienced yoga instructor as you downward dog your way to Nirvana. And what better setting than Huntington Beach? It's one of Orange County's finest. Whether you're a seasoned stretcher or a complete newbie, all are welcome to this calm, mindful environment. Then, when you're done, you'll be in top shape to enjoy many of LA's more exhilarating attractions! Downtown LA Food and Culture Tour Just because you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles doesn't mean you should ignore your belly! Take a day off your diet and explore LA's vibrant food culture on this tour of downtown! You'll pass City Hall, The Music Centre, and The Walt Disney Concert Hall, plus hidden gems like The Last Bookstore. Make sure your phone has plenty of picture space! Then, try delicious morsels at the Spring Arcade Building food market and Grand Central Market. Just make sure you bring some dollars so you can sample as much as possible! If you're looking for a great way to immerse yourself in LA's food culture, book a tour and get immersed! Rent a Beach Cruiser or Roller-Skates And finally, how does a relaxing beach bike ride sound? Good? Why not rent a bike and take your time cycling around LA's serene sands? Or, if two wheels don't cut it, rent some roller skates instead! The area is brimming with things to do and see. You can visit the historic Santa Monica pier and pass the homes of some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Travel through Venice Beach and see all the weird and wonderful denizens of Los Angeles going about their day. Soak it all up, and then return your bike to Perry's Cafe and grab a coffee. And hey, maybe a cake too. After all, you just burned off a ton of calories - why not treat yourself? And those are our picks of the best relaxing things to do in Los Angeles! Of course, vacations aren't always about relaxing. So, if you want to hit up some of LA's more heart-thumping experiences in between your relaxation time, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of LA's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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