Los Angeles in October

Published: July 18, 2024

Fall in Los Angeles is a wonderful time of the year. As the heat winds down, the fun really kicks off during October with a myriad of cool and interesting things to do. Whether you’re an art lover, a thrill-seeker, or a nature enthusiast, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. And of course, since this is October after all, the city comes to life with lots of fun seasonal activities and pop-up events. From spooktastic Halloween events at Disneyland to unique Oktoberfest events, there should be more than enough to keep you busy. This is also an especially good time of the year to visit L.A. since there should be cooler weather, smaller crowds, and a better chance of finding great deals on accommodation and travel. So, if you’re thinking about making the trip, have a read through our list of some of the best things to do in the city during this time of the year. We promise that you won’t be disappointed!

Find Fun Activities

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Los Angeles is home to some of the best theme parks on the planet, but of course, none of them quite stand out like Disneyland! Since opening way back in 1955, this place has become one of the most visited theme parks in the world - and it’s easy to see why! A classic all-American vacation spot, Disneyland is home to some of the most iconic rides, including It’s a Small World, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Within the park there are over 30 rides, so you know that there’s always something to choose from. October is a great time to visit since the weather will be temperate and dry. During this time of the year, the park also hosts some fantastic seasonal events, including the Oogie Boogie Bash and Halloween Screams. Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, this quintessential L.A. attraction is sure to leave you with a huge smile stretched across your face.

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Of course, it just wouldn’t be an article about things to do in October without mentioning Oktoberfest. In a sprawling city like Los Angeles, there are a lot of ways to celebrate this traditional Bavarian holiday - all you have to do is pick your favorite! If your ideal Oktoberfest involves kicking back with a beer on the beach (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t it be?), then the Old World Oktoberfest might just be your jam. Billed as ‘’Orange County’s Biggest Party since 1977’’, this event really hits the spot. Or, if you love the idea of bratwurst but have devoted yourself to clean living, why not check out the Vegan Oktoberfest? Complete with vegan breweries and plant-based vendors, this spot is perfect for all cruelty-free visitors. For something a little bit different, check out the San Gabriel Dumpling and Beer Fest. However you choose to enjoy Oktoberfest in L.A., we’re sure you’ll have a blast!

Learn Something New

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Those looking for history and culture in Los Angeles won’t have to search very far. Though there are countless great cultural amenities to choose from whilst visiting L.A., we particularly love the Huntington Library for its world-class repository. Combining art, history and nature all in one, this beloved tourist attraction is well-recognized for its all-encompassing collection. A total dream for all bibliophiles, the institute’s library houses more than 430,000 rare books, original manuscripts and historic documents. Meanwhile, its art gallery houses one of the best collections of British art in the United States. Still, perhaps the institute’s main draw is its botanical garden, which is home to over 150 plant varieties on its 150 acres. There’s a whole to lot see and do here, so we recommend setting aside a good amount of time aside for your visit to ensure that you don’t miss a single thing!

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As the epicenter of the United States’ entertainment industry, Los Angeles is a fantastic visitor destination for pop culture lovers and creative types alike. There are countless museums and cultural institutions to choose from, though we particularly love the Grammy Museum. Standing out from all the other institutes in Los Angeles, this unique speciality institute provides a fun and fascinating look into the history and significance of American music. Though young, the museum’s collection is impressive, with historical instruments, iconic costumes, awards, and much more. There are interactive instrument stations and recording booths to enhance the experience. The institute’s 200-seat theater also hosts live events including performances, screenings and lectures. Working to honor a long history of innovation and creative thought, this spot is perfect for all music lovers.

Get in Touch With Nature

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Seated along the western coastline, Los Angeles is well-recognized for its beautiful natural attributes. If you’re looking to take in some of the area’s most wonderful greenery, we recommend Descanso Gardens. Just a short trip from downtown, this lush forested area offers a much-needed respite from the bustling city. Over its vast 150 acres, visitors can enjoy an extraordinary living repository. The site is home to a fantastic collection of exotic and native flora - there are magnificent oak woodlands, a wide collection of fruit trees, and the largest concentration of camellia plants in the Western Hemisphere. This spot isn’t too difficult to walk through - overall, it should take about an hour explore the full space. Still, we recommend wearing your comfiest shoes and bringing plenty of water with you to stay comfortable. A treasure trove of natural beauty, this spot is a total must-see.

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With its soft breezes and cooler temperatures, Los Angeles is a pleasure to explore in autumntime! Whatever Tinseltown lacks for in foliage, the city more than makes up for with exciting events and activities of all kinds. From kicking back with a nice cold one at Oktoberfest to ambling through the beautiful Descanso Gardens, the City of Angels never falls short. 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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LA in May: Spring Adventures & Sunshine Await

Welcome to LA, where May means endless blue skies, Tangelo sunsets, and enough action-packed adventures for even the most ambitious of travelers. Whether you're fresh from your Oscar selfie on Hollywood Boulevard or plotting beach days along the coast, the city treats you to a unique blend of outdoor festivals, museum wanderings, exhilarating tours, and local food haunts. We’re here to help you catch the best of spring, whether you're after blockbuster attractions, live events, or a leisurely day sampling tacos beneath the palms. Ready to discover how to squeeze every last drop of fun out of May in Los Angeles? Keep reading for our handpicked recommendations.  Our top LA things to do in May include:  Universal Studios Hollywood  Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales  Griffith Observatory Tour  Getty Center Guided Tour  Knott’s Soak City water park  Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking  The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes  California Science Center IMAX Movie  Autry Museum of the American West  Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival (special spring event)  Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales: A Springtime Ocean Adventure  May is peak season for catching Pacific wildlife in action off the Southern California coast. Join the Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour with Newport Whales for a half-day journey that promises ocean breezes, unforgettable sightings, and some of the best sea views near Los Angeles. The boat sets off from Newport Beach, about an hour south of downtown LA, and within minutes you’ll feel a world away from city traffic.  Spring means gray whales on their northbound migration, and you’re likely to spot leaping dolphins, sea lions basking on buoys, and (if luck is with you) perhaps even orcas or blue whales. The crew’s passion for marine life is contagious—expect expert guides to point out each fin, clarify species, and share captivating facts that turn sightseeing into a mini biology lesson.  There’s room inside and out—catch sun on the open deck or stay cozy at the panoramic windows. The vibe is laid back, with travelers snapping photos, kids leaning over the railings, and everyone cheering when a whale flukes or a pod of dolphins races alongside the boat. Add in cool, salty breezes and the glint of sunlight on Pacific waves, and you have the recipe for a spring day you won’t forget. After your tour, try the local seafood at Bear Flag Fish Co. or stroll Newport Pier to round out the perfect day by the sea.  Griffith Observatory Tour: The Best View in Town (Day and Night)  Everybody knows Griffith Park is home to LA’s most legendary hike, but you don’t need hiking boots to enjoy Griffith Observatory’s wow-worthy views. May’s gentle evenings and crystal-clear air make this spot a must for daytime vistas or an evening stargazing session. Perched high above the city, the Observatory delivers sweeping panoramas from downtown’s skyscrapers to the far Pacific—plus, you can snap the most envy-inducing shot of the Hollywood Sign.  During the day, museum exhibits walk you through everything from planets to space exploration (don’t skip the Foucault pendulum—it’s mesmerizing). Stay through sunset and the romance ramps up: the Observatory’s telescopes open to the public for night-sky exploration, with astronomers offering pointers and stories. The park around the Observatory blossoms in May, with wildflowers popping up along trails and the sun lasting well into the evening.  If you’re feeling energetic, hike up from Fern Dell or the Greek Theatre for a real taste of LA outdoors before your visit. Or, after admiring the stars, head to Los Feliz village for dinner—Little Dom’s offers comfort classics (try the meatball pizza) with a buzzy, retro vibe.  Getty Center Guided Tour: Art, Gardens, and Killer Views  If you only visit one museum in LA this May, let it be the Getty Center. More than just a collection of world-renowned art, the Getty is a full-on spectacle: white travertine walls gleaming in the sun, lush terraces, and gardens spilling over with color. Guided tours offer the inside scoop on everything from Renaissance masterpieces to playful modern photography.  The architecture impresses at every turn—angles and sunlight interact differently throughout the day, so bring your camera. The Central Garden, designed by Robert Irwin, transforms into a spring dreamscape in May: roses, poppies, and waterfalls weaving through paths that invite you to linger a little longer. There's a picnic-perfect lawn and panoramic views that stretch all the way to the ocean on clear days.  Indoors, the galleries feature everything from Van Gogh’s “Irises” to European decorative arts—and guides make the collection approachable, with stories and details that stick with you long after you leave. There’s a buzz of excitement from families and art lovers alike, but the atmosphere never rushes; take your time, soak up the scene, and cap your visit with coffee on the terrace café, ideally timed for sunset.  Knott’s Soak City Water Park: Beat the Spring Heat  May in LA means daytime temperatures are climbing, and there’s no better way to cool off than with a dose of splashy fun at Knott’s Soak City Water Park in Buena Park. Adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm, this vibrant park welcomes families, thrill-seekers, and sun-worshippers with a dozen-plus water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and splash zones for every age.  Whether you’re braving the steep drop of Old Man Falls or relaxing on a bobbing tube in the Sunset River, the tropical décor—palm trees, surfboards, and cheerful beach tunes—sets a vacation tone. Kids gravitate toward Gremmie Lagoon, while adrenaline junkies race each other down six-story slides. There’s plenty of shaded seating for those who want to relax with a cold drink or snacks in between rides.  The crowd in May is lively but not overwhelming; you’ll find shorter lines before the summer peak. Parents rave about the attentive lifeguards and clean changing areas, and folks of all ages agree: very few pleasures compare with drifting under blue skies on a warm LA afternoon. Just don’t leave without sampling Mrs. Knott’s fried chicken across the way—a crispy, peppery close to your sun-soaked day.  The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes: Snap LA’s Signature Shot  Hiking to the Hollywood Sign? Total LA pilgrimage. But a guided walking tour adds stories, shortcuts, and selfie expertise you won’t want to miss. May is one of the best months for the trek—think cooler mornings, flower-dappled hillsides, and that perfect California light.  Guides share insider dirt on legendary Hollywoodland scandal, architecture, and trail lore as the group winds upward through backroads and rugged trails in Griffith Park. The payoff: uninterrupted close-ups of the sign, dazzling city panoramas, and a feeling of accomplishment that you'll carry for the rest of your trip. There’s plenty of time to catch your breath, snap pics, and learn which stars once called the hillside home.  After the hike, stick around for a post-walk refuel in nearby Franklin Village (try Beachwood Cafe’s herby avocado toast). The walk isn’t just about the view—it’s an all-senses plunge into the city’s history, brought to life with humor, fresh air, and camaraderie.  California Science Center IMAX Movie: Science and Big-Screen Immersion  When you need a break from the sun (or have a science lover in tow), the California Science Center shines. But don’t skip the IMAX theater—a state-of-the-art experience where science turns cinematic. In May, you’ll typically catch nature documentaries or stunning 3D journeys through space and undersea realms, projected on a huge screen with sound you can feel in your bones.  The Science Center itself is an interactive wonderland—space shuttles, earthquake simulators, touch tanks, and rotating exhibits that engage everyone from toddlers to teens to curious grownups. Seeing a science-themed movie here somehow makes the world feel bigger, more wondrous, and definitely more connected.  The setting—lush Exposition Park, surrounded by gardens and neighboring museums—makes it easy to turn a quick visit into an afternoon adventure. Round it off with food trucks outside, or duck into Mercado La Paloma nearby for Yucateco cochinita pibil tacos and cold Mexican sodas in a bustling, down-to-earth food hall.  Autry Museum of the American West: Step Into California’s Story  For a truly LA twist on American history, look to the Autry Museum of the American West, right inside Griffith Park. Forget dusty dioramas—the Autry celebrates the culture, art, and legends of the West with eye-popping exhibitions, cowboy memorabilia, and interactive spaces where you can try your hand at gold panning or frontier games.  Special exhibitions deep-dive into Indigenous cultures, the Hollywood Western, and even 20th-century LA’s connection with Route 66. Younger visitors love the hands-on discovery area, while film fans can geek out over vintage posters and costumes that once graced the silver screen. In May, themed workshops and outdoor events often give the park a festival atmosphere—think music on the lawn or food inspired by the multicultural West.  The museum’s campus is green and tranquil, perfect for a picnic beneath the oaks once your culture fix is complete. On Sundays, don’t miss the nearby Griffith Park Pony Rides for a little extra nostalgia.  Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival: Open-Air Music Under the Stars  May marks the start of summer concert season at the Hollywood Bowl, and the Bowl’s Jazz Festival is a highlight for music lovers. There’s nothing quite like hearing world-class jazz, soul, and R&B in a historic amphitheater nestled into the Hollywood Hills.  Festival days pack the hillside with picnicking Angelenos, music fans, and everyone in between. Expect tantalizing scents wafting from food stalls, rainbow-lit trees, and a truly special energy as dusk falls and the bowl lights up. The crowd is welcoming; blankets, low chairs, and picnic baskets abound. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or casual listener, there’s a magic in sharing live music under open skies.  Check the schedule for artist lineups—previous years have starred Herbie Hancock, Kamasi Washington, and dozens of LA favorites. Can’t snag a festival ticket? The Bowl’s summer season opens in May, so there's a strong chance you’ll catch live acts from across the spectrum all month long. Pro tip: bring a bottle of California wine and arrive early for the full local experience.  May is Magic in LA  Whatever your adventure style—theme park thrills, wildlife encounters, star-studded views, or epic eats—May in Los Angeles offers something unforgettable. The jacaranda blossoms are in bloom, open-air festivals fill the calendar, and outdoor patios hum with local flavors. Add in world-class museums, family-friendly fun, and just enough offbeat events to keep everyone smiling, and you have the recipe for a perfect LA vacation.  So pack your sunglasses, tap into that spring energy, and let LA in May surprise you at every turn!    Enjoyed this? Check out our favorite ways to spend an L.A. morning, and peruse our pick of the best downtown markets.   Step up your sightseeing with Go City®      We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!  

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