Los Angeles Memorial Day Weekend

Summer in California is what dreams are made of, and there's a bevy of attractions just waiting for you. We've rounded up the best of the best, so you can focus on soaking up the sunshine.

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
city-skyline-los-angeles-downtown-california

Kick off the start of summer by taking advantage of some of the fun things to do in Los Angeles this Memorial Day Weekend. From attending a wine tasting oceanside to getting in some classic theme park fun, planning a memorable, fun-packed trip in LA is easy. If you’re looking for Los Angeles Memorial Day Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and events in Los Angeles in May, including...

  • Spend a day at Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Shark Frenzy at Pacific Park
  • Go on a whale watch cruise
  • Loop the loop at Knott's Berry Farm
  • Check out LEGOLAND California
  • and more...

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal

The most exciting thing to do this Memorial Day Weekend is to pay a visit to the region's best amusement park / working movie production studio - Universal Studios! Go behind the scenes and see where all the movie magic happens with a comprehensive studio tour. You'll love learning industry secrets and perhaps passing a few stars on their way to work!

Then, spend the next few hours enjoying the amazing attractions that Universal has to offer, from Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride-3D to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and The Walking Dead Attraction (new!). 

Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are included on the Go City® Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass only.

Ride the Shark Frenzy at Pacific Park

aerial-view-santa-monica-pier-california

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is LA’s only admission-free amusement park, which offers 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, an oceanfront food plaza, and beachside shopping. What better way to kick off the summer season than hopping on rides and indulging in some theme park classic fare?

This Memorial Day weekend take your turn on your favorite theme park rides or spend the day staying cool at a water park for a little family-friendly fun. Shark Frenzy is Pacific Park's new spin on the classic Tilt-a-Whirl ride. 

Getting In: Pacific Park Santa Monica tickets are included on all Go City® Los Angeles passes.

Knott's Berry Farm

view-knotts-berry-farm-surroundings-sky

Knott's Berry Farm is the country's first theme park, so it has a lot of heritage, but it also boasts a lot of new rides, too! Enjoy coasters, slides, and other exhilarating rides as you explore the park. It's a great way to spend an afternoon enjoying the early summer sun.

Getting In: Knott's Berry Farm tickets are included on all Go City® Los Angeles passes.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

six-flags-magic-mountain-amusement-park

Classic theme park lovers won't want to miss out on L.A.'s outpost of the famous Six Flags franchise - Six Flags Magic Mountain. With nearly 20 world-class roller coasters and 100+ rides, games, and other attractions, you'll never run out of fun to pursue at this exciting park! For something different, check out the new Twisted Colossus ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain, a thrill-ride haven for adrenaline-seeking daredevils.

Getting In: Six Flags Magic Mountain is separately ticketed.

LEGOLAND® California

Legoland California
NINJAGO legal line: LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure, NINJAGO and LEGOLAND® are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2024 The LEGO Group.

For the younger crowd, head to LEGOLAND® California where kids will love the Star Wars™ displays and have a blast interacting with LEGO® friends in Heartlake City. See their favorite toys brought to life as they explore this distinctive park, featuring plenty of fun rides and attractions geared towards children 12 and under. 

Getting In: LEGOLAND California tickets are included on all Go City® Los Angeles passes.

Watch the sun set over the ocean

sun-sets-between-pylons-newport-beach

Can it get any more Californian than this? Visit one of Los Angeles' many beautiful beaches and enjoy a picnic or bonfire as you wait for the gorgeous sunset that's sure to come on this early summer night.

Some beaches that offer fire pits include Huntington City Beach, Point Mugu State Park, and Cabrillo Beach (which also boasts a delightful aquarium). And while you'll most likely have to pay for parking at any beach, your other costs are confined to picnic supplies and beverages, making this a really budget-friendly Memorial Day activity. 

Getting In: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is separately ticketed.

Go whale watching

humpback-whale-surfacing-while-feeding

Take your L.A. Memorial Day Weekend out to sea and gain a newfound appreciation for the diverse sea life right off the coast of California when you spot whales, dolphins, and more in their natural habitats on a Whale Watch cruise.

Embark on a journey hosted by local experts in the whale-spotting business. This cruise will escort you out to a nearby marine sanctuary, where you can see a wide variety of ocean creatures, especially whales, including grey whales, giant blue whales, orcas, Minke whales, and the ever-popular humpback whales. 

Getting In: Whale Watch tickets are included on all Go City® Los Angeles passes.

Enjoy some wine tastings

Barnsdall Park

A fan of some great artisan wines? Pop by Barnsdall Park to participate in their Friday-night wine tastings. It's practically a summer tradition in Los Angeles, and tickets are pretty moderately priced. Visit the event website for more details and to purchase tickets. This is a perfect event for adults and couples and is much more affordable for those on a budget. 

Getting In: Wine Tasting is separately ticketed.

Roam local festivals

For the festival lovers out there and those of you who delight in exploring a new city like a local, there are a lot of great Los Angeles area Memorial Day Weekend events to enjoy. From the artsy (and free!) Fiesta Hermosa (May 23 - 25, 2020) to the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, there are options to suit every taste. 

Getting In: Festivals are separately ticketed.

Take in a movie outdoors

Movie night

Few things say summer as much as outdoor movie showings. In addition to being a ton of fun, they're inexpensive and often, free! This Memorial Day in Los Angeles, several different venues are hosting a wide variety of popular films, from Crazy, Stupid, Love to Save the Last Dance. Venues include the Autry Museum (in Griffith Park), Will Rogers State Historic Park, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and more. 

Getting In: Movies are separately ticketed.

MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street

Mainopoly

Eat locally at MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street, a party in Santa Monica in which Main Street transforms into an interactive Monopoly board game. "MAINopoly dollars" will be exchanged for food tastings in the area. There's even a "Go Directly to Jail" VIP lounge for attendees to enjoy a cocktail. Guests are also encouraged to dress in Monopoly-inspired attire. 

Getting In: MAINopoly is separately ticketed.

Save on admission to top Los Angeles attractions with Go City®  

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Los Angeles in May to help you plan your Memorial Day weekend itinerary. 

Discover our full line-up of Los Angeles attractions including the Hollywood Sign Tour, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Blog

Los Angeles in November

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 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. 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 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! 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. 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
The iconic Hollywood sign in the hills above LA
Blog

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
Blog

Week in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a fantastic sprawling metropolis with its own unique character. Boasting an endless list of top tourist attractions, fun things to do, and points of interest to explore, it’s no wonder why the city ranks so high on many peoples’ travel bucket lists. With the perfect mix of quirky chaos and laidback bliss, the city never falls short of great things to see and do. And whilst one week might not seem like enough time to experience all that L.A. has to offer, with the right planning you’re sure to have a blast! Still daunted by the prospect of visiting a new city? Don’t worry - you’ve come to the right place! From must-see sites to cool hidden gems, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite things to do in the city. Day 1 - Hit the Beach What better way to kick off a vacation in Los Angeles than by hitting the beach? Whilst there are countless great beaches in the city, one of our favorites has got to be White Point/Royal Palms for its exceptional beauty and panoramic views. The area was first discovered by Spanish explorers way back in 1770, and has since become a popular nature attraction for locals and tourists alike. Today, visitors can enjoy sea life in its natural habitat at the site’s wonderful tide pools. Along the shore, you’ll be able to view sea stars, hermit crabs, anemones, and other fantastic marine creatures. Be sure to time your visit for when the tide is out so you can avoid getting wet! Other popular activities to do here include swimming, surfing, scuba diving and more. There is also a children’s playground and small park at the top of the bluff. We recommend staying until dusk, so you can watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. Day 2 - Get Cultured True to its reputation for innovation and creative thought, Los Angeles is home to some of America’s finest cultural institutions. For those who are having trouble choosing between some of the city’s best art museums to visit within the short space of a week, we recommend checking out the LAMCA. Founded in 1961, the institute is recognized as the largest of its kind in the western United States. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an impressive and expansive collection featuring over 150, 000 works. The repository spans from ancient times right through to the present day, so you know that there’s a lot to see here. Highlights include Andy Warhol’s famous Cambell Soup paintings, some of Picasso’s best works, and the Urban Light installation. A thoroughly fantastic cultural experience, this one is not to be missed! Day 3 - Explore Nature With all of the glitz and glam, it’d be pretty easy to overlook one of L.A.’s most desirable attributes - its wonderful natural beauty. Still, we don’t recommend making a trip to such a startling beautiful area without checking out some of its most fantastic nature parks. Standing out as one of our favorites, Descanso Gardens is a 150-acre botanical park located just a short drive from downtown. This natural treasure offers the perfect break from the city complete with gleaming ponds, flower gardens and trailing forests. Reconnect with nature and amble through the park’s wide collection of fruit orchids, or explore its magnificent oak woodlands. This spot is also home to the largest concentration of camellia plants in the Western Hemisphere. And if you’re an animal lover, you’re just in luck! The park is also known for its incredible biodiversity, with over 100 species of birds, as well as turtles, deer, bobcats - and even the occasional bear. The perfect spot for all nature enthusiasts, this picturesque oasis provides the perfect way to spend a sunny day in Los Angeles. Day 4 - Head to the Museum Los Angeles solidified its position at the very center of the world entertainment industry long ago. Today, visitors can learn more about how L.A. came to be known as the city of fame and fortune through a number of its most prized institutions. Inaugurated in 2021, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures stands out as one of the city’s top visitor attractions dedicated to the history, technology and artistry of the American film industry. It is the first large-scale museum of its kind in the United States, and certainly one of the most impressive. Though the institute is young, its repository is remarkable, with over 13 million objects to be enjoyed. Highlights include Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, the typewriter used to write Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, and the only surviving shark model from Jaws. Combining the fun with the educational, this stop is a total dream for all cinephiles. Day 5 - Spend a Day at the Pier If you’re looking to experience the true nature of the city, we recommend making a trip to the Santa Monica Pier. Vibrant and bustling with life, this historic L.A. attraction is packed with a whole myriad of fun things to see and do. Perhaps one of its most beloved hotspots has got to be Pacific Park, an admission-free theme park with world-class entertainment, fantastic restaurants, shopping, and much more. But if rides aren’t quite your scene, we suggest checking out the Heal the Bay Aquarium. With over 100+ local marine and animal species, this spot provides a fascinating glimpse into underwater life. In addition, the pier has long served as a popular spot for deep sea fishing for both amateurs and seasoned anglers alike. Its fishing decks grant spectacular views of the Pacific whilst allowing visitors great access to some of the best catches in the area. A total crowd-pleaser, this spot surely won’t disappoint. Day 6 - See the Hollywood Sign Of course, a trip to Los Angeles just wouldn’t be the same without checking out the Hollywood Sign. Standing as a global symbol of glamor and ambition, this spot has been enchanting visitors way back since its completion in 1923. To get the best views, we suggest heading over to The Griffith Observatory - though you can’t get up close to the famed landmark, you can get great views and take photos from afar. We recommend staying until dusk, so you can watch the sun set over the sign. We couldn’t think of a better way to end a week in Los Angeles! Culturally-rich, exciting and bursting with life, Los Angeles really has it all! From famed historical landmarks and nature parks to brilliant cultural institutions, a week should be just enough to provide a real slice of the L.A. life. 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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.