Los Angeles in September

By Sarah Harris
Published: July 18, 2024

There’s a lot to do in Los Angeles, especially in the fall. Though the West Coast may be lacking in scenic seasonal foliage, the area more than makes up for it with an exciting array of activities and events of all kinds. Explore the city on sightseeing tours, soak up culture at museums and galleries, or choose from the many free things to do. Trust us when we say that you’ll never be bored here - rather, you might struggle to fit it all in! Whether you’re a culture vulture, an artsy type, or a foodie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Still daunted by the prospect of exploring a new city? Don’t worry, this L.A. bucket list is a good place to start, with a great mix of attractions and activities to keep you busy! Which classic fall L.A. activities will you try?

See the Sites

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When exploring a new city, it’s always a good idea to check out the local galleries. Thankfully, Los Angeles is chock-a-block with fantastic cultural institutions, ranging from the big hitters to fun speciality museums. Still, one of our favorites has got to be the Getty Center for its impressive and broad repository. Combining art, architecture and nature all into one, this popular visitor attraction really is a total must-see. Perched atop a hill in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, the establishment offers spectacular 360-views of the city. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy one of the finest collections of artwork in the world - no really, we mean it! The Getty’s collection includes everything from historic manuscripts and Renaissance paintings to Baroque sculptures and 20th-century American photography. Highlights include Vincent van Gogh’s masterpiece Irises, Rembrandt van Rijn’s joyful self-portrait Rembrandt Laughing, and the Center for Photographs. In addition, the Central Garden is a total sight to behold. A thoroughly unforgettable cultural experience, the Getty Center is perfect for those who are looking to incorporate a little education into their travel experience.

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As the bustling epicenter of the American entertainment industry, L.A. has long been a significant draw for pop culture lovers and creative types alike. Those who are looking to dive into all of the glitz and glam will have countless attractions to choose from, though few are quite as iconic as the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stretching for 1.3 miles down Hollywood Boulevard, this unique attraction draws in over 10 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! Standing as one of Tinseltown’s most emblematic attractions, the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been representative of strong ambition, accomplishment and creative thought ever since its establishment way back in 1960. If you’re looking for the particular star of one of your favorite celebrities, we recommend using the Walk of Fame’s Star Search tool on their website to assist. As one of L.A.’s most beloved tourist hotspots, the Walk of Fame should rank high up on any first-timer’s itinerary.

Explore the City

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Los Angeles is a wonderful city comprised of countless different neighborhoods. Though L.A. has districts for almost every area of interest, we especially love Venice for its artistic nature and laid-back personality. Of course, one of the top visitor attractions of Venice has got to be its world-famous beach. September is a great time to grab a lounge chair and soak up the sun, since the weather will still be warm, whilst the crowds should have just died down - just remember to bring plenty of sunscreen and water! And whilst the area is known for its fantastic beach, that’s not all that there is to do here. Another popular tourist activity in the area is walking the Venice Canals. Nestled between the Venice Boardwalk and the Abbot Kinney, this quiet spot provides a scenic tour of some of the neighborhood’s most charming beach houses. In addition, Venice is home to some of the city’s quirkiest attractions, including The Mosaic House and Muscle Beach. With so much to see and do here, this place is a total crowd-pleaser.

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Another one of our favorite places to visit in Los Angeles in September is the Santa Monica Pier. A quintessential West Coast attraction, the Santa Monica Pier has been drawing in visitors from near and far since its establishment way back in 1909. This spot is great for those travelling in groups, since there is a lot of choice for exciting activities to choose from. One of the pier’s most popular attractions has got to be Pacific Park, an admission-free amusement park with lots of exciting rides, restaurants, stores and more. Another great stop is of course, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, which features over 100+ local marine life and animal species. Or, if you’re looking to just kick back and relax, we highly suggest checking out the Santa Monica Pier Farmers’ Market. Celebrating California’s rich agricultural heritage, this spot is widely known for purveying fresh fruit and veggies as well as some seriously delicious eats. Grab a bite and enjoy your food whilst watching the sun set over the Pacific - what could be better than that?

Try Something Unique

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As the entertainment capital of the world and home to the stars, Los Angeles presents countless places to catch a movie - and in many forms! Still, what better way to see a movie than set against California’s wonderful natural backdrop? With Street Food Cinema, spend time with your loved ones and watch the stars under the stars. This service is known for its impressive programming, with everything from new blockbusters and old classics to quirky indie movies to choose from. Don’t fill up before you head out because this place has lot of great food trucks serving up freshly-made dishes put together by local artisans. There are lounge chairs laid out to sit on, though we recommend bringing blankets to keep yourself warm if you’re going for a late-night show. With its laidback atmosphere and fun vibe, this is the perfect way to relax after a long day of exploring!

Fall in Los Angeles can be a wonderful time of the year. 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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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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Things to do in Venice Los Angeles

Headed to Los Angeles and looking for interesting things to do in Venice? You’ve come to the right place! A world-famous neighborhood set right along the Pacific Ocean, Venice is well-recognized for its unique history and laidback bohemian atmosphere. Offering the perfect combination of artsy and natural attractions, Venice is a fantastic hidden gem well worth exploring. Most people will have heard Venice Beach, but scratch just beneath the surface and you’ll find that the area has so much more to offer its visitors. From grabbing a bite to eat at the Venice Farmers’ Market to visiting the unique Mosaic Tile House, there’s a lot to choose from here. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best stops in the area to add to the travel bucket list. Note them down, check off your favorites and you’re sure to have a blast! Hit the Classics Venice Beach is not only one of the most famous beaches in Los Angeles, but also one of the most well-recognized attractions of its kind in the world. A popular visitor hotspot and emblematic symbol of SoCal, this place is perfect for soaking up the sun and people-watching. Stretching for 3 miles along the Western coastline, this spot has practically everything going for it: an impressive sweep of sand, turquoise soft surf, and a vibrant atmosphere to match. This place is a flurry of activity every day of the week, with countless fun things to choose from. Take a dip in the sea, try your hand at surfing, or get active on one of the site’s many sports courts. And of course, since this is one of L.A.’s more popular draws, the beach is bordered by great eateries, funky boutiques, and outdoor bars. With so much to see and do here, it’s impossible to be bored. Another one of our favorite things to do in neighborhood is of course heading over to the Venice Farmers’ Market. For those looking to grab a bite and take in the atmosphere of the area at the same time, this spot is perfect. Nestled between Centennial Park and the Venice Mall, this spot operates all year round, slinging delicious eats of all kinds. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are sold alongside freshly-popped kettle corn, locally roasted coffee, and empanadas hot straight from the oven. You’ll also find original artworks, jewellery and souvenirs being punted. True to the nature of the area, this spot harnesses a fun yet laidback-cool atmosphere - walking through the market, you’ll often catch cooking demos, live music, and painters as you go. We especially love this place because every trip is an experience in itself. Try Something Different For those looking to incorporate a little bit of education into their travel experience, Venice Oceanarium is the place to be. Billed as ‘’The Museum Without Walls’’, this unique outdoor classroom situated right along the seashore on Venice Pier works to provide a better understanding of underwater life. Offering an impressive array of educational and engaging exhibits, this spot is perfect for those of all ages. Discover more about the natural world through this museum’s unique collection of stunning shells, dried crabs, and preserved shark jaws. Though this stop is small, its collection is constantly rotating, meaning that there’s always something new to learn here. Whether you’re a hardcore animal lover or an impassioned nature geek, we couldn’t think of a better way to get to know more about the briny deep. Where Barcelona has Gaudi’s Sagrada Família, Venice has the Mosaic Tile House. Okay, okay - this funky spot isn’t as grand as any of Gaudi’s masterpieces. Still, we’d argue that this large-scale artwork-in-progress echos the vibrant energy and artistry of his works. Once a bland, beige home with few distinguishing features, this project took off after owners Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran began a weekend project to install bathroom tiles. Not long after, Pann and Duran were shattering tiles and covering every inch of their home with them. Today, visitors can take guided tours to see this unique project in all its over-the-top glory. Relax! Little known fact: Venice was built on a system of channels way back in 1905 by the young entrepreneur Abbot Kinney. Today, the neighborhood is known for its beautiful Venice Canals, which run between the Venice Boardwalk and of course, the Abbot Kinney. Undoubtedly peaceful and scenic, this spot offers a little spot of Italy right in the center of Los Angeles. Strolling through this charming area, visitors can enjoy quaint bridges, landscaped yards, and an extremely wide variety of architecture. Keep your eyes peeled as you’re walking, since the area is home to a lot of wonderful wildlife - visitors can expect to see ducks, herons, egrets and even the occasional seal. Amongst the picturesque beach houses, you’ll also find eclectic markets, sidewalk cafes, fun bars and more. Offering a quiet respite from the city, this spot is perfect for taking some time to yourself and soaking up the sun. Unarguably, there are countless interesting things to see and do in Venice. For just a small fraction of the city, the area is characterized by beautiful sands, quirky hidden gems, and only-in-L.A. attractions. Really, there’s no better place to experience the free-spirited nature of the West Coast. 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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Things to do in The South Bay Los Angeles

Looking for new areas of Los Angeles to explore? Well, you’ve come to the right place then! Lucky for you, Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with so many areas to discover, each one better than the next. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or just want to get a true taste of the city, this spot has so much to offer those visiting the City of Angels. Besides being to some of the best natural sights in L.A., the South Bay also boasts a strong museum game and a fantastic shopping and dining scene, too. Above all else, this laidback friendly neighborhood has a live like the locals vibe, offering a more authentic way to experience the city. If you’re not familiar with the area and need some handy advice, have no fear - we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite things to do in the region. How many of these classic South Bay attractions will you try? Check Out the Museums Los Angeles is primarily known for its exciting entertainment attractions and wonderful outdoorsy adventures. Yet beyond the sweeping landscapes and film sets, the city boasts a well-rounded museum scene, just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re new to the city or a seasoned visitor just looking to try something different, the South Bay is undoubtedly the place to be. There are countless museums to suit all types of interests here - all you have to do is pick your favorite! For artsy types visiting the area, we suggest heading over to the El Segundo Museum of Art. Breaking away from the typical gallery experience, this spot is less of a stuffy establishment and more of a welcoming whimsical art laboratory with a focus on education. Unique, quaint and thought-provoking all at the same time - hey, what’s not to love? But if art isn’t your jam, the South Bay is also home to some great history museums to check out. We recommend the Computer History Museum and the International Printing Museum, with one of the largest collections of kind in the United States. In addition, the area is known for its automotive and aviation institutions - if you’re a total electronics geek, The Western Museum of Flight should take your fancy. With so much to be discovered, it’s no wonder that South Bay is growing in growing in popularity each and every day! Spend Time in Nature In Los Angeles there’s a beach to suit everyone, and we mean everyone. Even just within the South Bay, there are a number of options to choose from for those who are looking to soak up the sun. The beaches here are a little less touristy than the shores of Santa Monica or Venice, but no less beautiful or fun. For first-time visitors to the South Bay, we recommend heading over to Hermosa City Beach, where you’ll find a sun-soaked shoreline complete with a bustling boardwalk, quaint stores and tempting eateries. Exciting activities to do here include swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, scuba diving and more. Volleyball tournaments and surf festivals also take place here throughout the year, so be sure to check those out. Another popular outdoor attraction in the area is Redondo County Beach, known for its carefree and laidback atmosphere. This spot is a great option for nature lovers, with Hopkins Wilderness Park and whale watching and nature cruises to be enjoyed. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, we suggest heading over to Manhattan County Beach. Here you’ll an upscale and pristine stretch with unique shopping, a wonderful pier and lots of bar and restaurant options serving up locally-sourced fresh seafood. Each spot has something a little bit different to offer, so there’s no harm in checking them all out whilst you’re there! For those who just can’t get enough of the outdoors, why not check out Sand Dune Park? Though this is one of the city’s lesser-known attractions of its kind, it’s a great way to soak up the city’s innate beauty. The park features a 100-foot high sand dune, making it a popular spot for families with young children. Visit any day of the week, and you’ll find kids running, jumping, playing and having a blast at this wonderful natural space. Near the slope, there’s also a children’s playground as well as other facilities including picnic areas and restrooms. The park also includes the Manhattan Beach Sand Dune Nature Preserve, with some great hiking trails with scenic flora, so be sure to check that out, too. Exhibiting the awesome natural attributes of the city, this space is perfect for any outdoorsy types visiting the area. Just remember to bring lots of sunscreen and water with you! Enjoy the Wonderful Architecture Another one of our favorite things to do in South Bay is visit the Wayfarers Chapel. Though visiting a chapel perhaps isn’t your usual tourist activity, this spot stands out for its unique architectural features. Designed by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright way back in 1951, the structure very much still stands the test of time, drawing in guests from near and far to its peaceful oceanside position. Though it is billed as ‘’the Glass Church’’, its warm wood and stone features complement its organic surroundings. Take time to admire its tasteful wooden beams and the light glimmering through the windows, and then step outside to enjoy the towering redwoods and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Undoubtedly beautiful and thoroughly serene, this stop offers something a little different from your typical L.A. attraction - but that’s what we love about it! No doubt, the South Bay is the perfect place for exploring a different side to the city. With its wonderful history, stunning beaches and fantastic museums to check out, this lesser-known area of Los Angeles has much to offer its visitors. Maximize your travel experience 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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