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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Best Nature Spots in Los Angeles

Are you heading to Los Angeles on vacation but don't want to spend all your time in the city? Fortunately, there are plenty of nature spots in and around LA. While on vacation in Los Angeles, make sure to soak up the beautiful weather and spend some time in the great outdoors. There are so many fun attractions that involve being outside in the best nature spots in Los Angeles, including... LA Zoo Santa Monica Beach Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises Hollywood Hills Hike by Hikes & Bikes LA Sunset Cruise by Newport Landing And many more! LA Zoo Santa Monica Beach Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour Perry’s Beach Café and Rentals Another great opportunity to spend some time outdoors is Perry's Beach Café and Rentals. It has been a part of the beach scene in Los Angeles for over 35 years. Rent a mountain bike or skates for the entire day from Perry's, then head to the beachside café for a bite to eat after biking or skating. You can explore the Santa Monica beach, Venice Beach, and Venice Canals by bike. Start as early as you wish and bike all day. There is so much to see around here and you never know what you might come across. It's a great way to travel and explore the area – the canals are beautiful and close by. Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises Hollywood Hills Hike by Hike & Bike LA The Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Garden The Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Garden has been in operation since 1919 and has a foundation in conservation, to protect the art, books, manuscripts, and other materials. It is an institution that has collection-based research and serves scholars, as well as the general public. Plus, it's home to a massive 8 million manuscripts, over 400,000 reference books, over 400,000 rare books, and over 700,000 pictures. The Huntington Art Collection collection spans over 500 years. It displays sculptures, decorative art, and drawings, and hosts temporary exhibits focusing on masterworks. Sunset Cruise by Newport Landing Save on admission to LA attractions So there you go! There are plenty of outdoor attractions that allow you to make the most of the beautiful LA weather. We hope you consider adding a few of these LA attractions to your vacation itinerary. Also, why not make the most of the sunshine and take a day trip out of the city? Check out our best day trips from LA guide for some ideas. Remember, using your pass for Los Angeles means you can save on admission vs gate price. Be sure to share your snaps with us on Instagram and Facebook and follow @GoCity for top tips and itineraries.
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Things to do in Koreatown Los Angeles

Koreatown stands in the very center of Los Angeles, a distinct melange of bright neon lights, shops, restaurants, cafes and so much more. Though it may not be the first stop visitors think of when travelling to the city, we maintain that it should rank high up on everyone’s travel bucket list. A traditional ethnic enclave and emblematic symbol of the Asian immigration story, this spot is great for those who want to learn more about the history and development of the city. Plus of course, there are just so many exciting things to do there! Whether you’re looking to see the city from a different point of view or catch some great movies, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking fun activities. So, if you’re planning a trip to L.A. and are thinking of exploring this unique area of the city, have a read through our list of the top places to check out. These suggestions are activities you won’t find anywhere else and are the best ways to experience K-town. GET TO KNOW THE AREA The history of the Asian American community runs deep - and there’s no better way to learn about it than by making a visit to the Korean American National Museum. The perfect stop for all history buffs, this unique speciality museum works to highlight Korean Americans who have made meaningful contributions and provide insight into the development of the community. It’s a pretty comprehensive collection, whereby its broader approach allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding for Korean culture. Thematic galleries cover and discuss the stories of those who have lived in Koreatown, as well as the generations of those who came before them. Though the institute is one of L.A.’s smaller and lesser-known visitor attractions, it’s repository is pretty impressive, with priceless historic artworks and artefacts on show. A thoroughly fascinating cultural endeavor, this spot is not to be missed. Souvenir shopping can sometimes seem like a bit of a chore - but not with this next stop! If you’re looking to shop til you drop and truly get to know what Koreatown’s all about, we recommend heading over to the Koreatown Plaza. Built as the area’s first American-style shopping mall, this stop stands as a great example of the Asian-American experience. Comprised of dozens of shops across multiple floors, this stop packs a whole lot into a small space. Inside, you’ll be able to browse everything from hard-to-find skincare and fashion items to unique houseplants, homewares and more! There’s also a fantastic food hall with a wide variety of vendors to choose from if you’re thinking about grabbing a bite. Some of our favorite places include Town Noodle and Awoolim. A little bit different with a lot to offer, this is a great little stop-off for those who want to pick up a little memento to remember their time spent in Koreatown. FIND FUN ACTIVITES Tinseltown, The City of Angels, La La Land... whatever you want to call it, Los Angeles is known for one thing above all else - movies! Still, if you’re a veteran visitor to L.A. you’ll probably already have hit up the city’s top entertainment-themed attractions like Universal Studios and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do here for lovers of the performed arts and captured light. For those who are looking to rest their weary feet after a long day of touring, why not catch a Korean movie at CGV Cinemas? This place is the only movie theater in the area, but it most certainly lives up to that responsibility. Its programming is well-thought-out and immensely broad, with a wide variety of American and Korean movies (with subtitles) to choose from. Still, perhaps the most impressive aspect of this place though is its 270-degree panoramic viewing format, allowing visitors to see movies from a whole other point of view. Don’t fill up before you go, since the theater also has some great Korean snacks like sesame balls and deep-fried rice cakes. A little bit different and a whole lot of fun, this place is great for those of all ages. Another one of our top spots to visit in Koreatown has got to be The Wiltern Theatre. A designated city landmark and must-see attraction, this place is recognized as one of the oldest theaters in Los Angeles and as well as the oldest remaining original Orpheum theater in the United States. Though this spot has seen a lot of renovation and restoration over the years, it still stands as a mesmerising example of Art Deco architecture in the city. Take time to soak up its unique terracotta facade and moulded low ceiling before heading inside. The interior of the building is known for its sweeping staircases, gilded columns and perhaps most notably, its auditorium ceiling which boasts a fantastical sunburst pattern of Art Deco skyscrapers set against a rainbow of multi-colored stars. Though this spot maintains much of its original design, it boasts the newest state-of-the-art of the art technology, making for a fantastic viewing experience. Here you can catch everything from your favorite singers and side-splitting comedians to dance performances and more. Sophisticated and fun, there’s nothing about this place to hate. HIT THE LANES For those who just want to spend some good old-fashioned quality time with the family, why not head over to the bowling alley? Offering the perfect antidote to a long hard day of exploration, Shatto 39 is a fun and relaxing space well worth checking out. Complete with a bar, an arcade, a billiards room and (surprise) 39 lanes, this spot is great for those travelling in crowds. With its friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better place to practice your game in the city. With its storied history and vibrant energy, Koreatown tops the charts as one of our favorite places in the city to explore. From visiting the Korean American National Museum to catching Korean movies, there’s just so much to see and do here! 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

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