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
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

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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

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Things to do in Silver Lake Los Angeles

Silver Lake is a fun and trendy neighborhood located in the east-central area of Los Angeles County. Though it is relatively small, this spot truly reflects the culture of the city with a long list of exciting points of interest and hidden gems to choose from. It is especially well-known for its hipster persona and laidback atmosphere, making it perfect for a lazy day in Los Angeles. Start the day with a casual stroll down Sunset Junction and grab a bite to eat at one of its tempting sidewalk cafes. Spend time checking out some of the area’s quirky historical landmarks, like The Paramour Estate and the Music Box Steps. Or simply lay out a blanket and soak up the sun in front of the Silver Lake Reservoir. With so much to see and do here, there’s no way of going wrong! Well, what are you waiting for? Silver Lake is ready for you! Explore the Area Silver Lake is no way near short of fantastic places to eat, but if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite wrapped in a great immersive experience, we suggest heading over to the Silver Lake Farmers’ Market. A total foodie haven and favorite hipster hotspot, this place is well-recognized for its fresh produce and culinary delights. Think crusty freshly-baked bread, hot tamales straight from the pot and juicy peaches celebrating California’s wonderful agricultural heritage. Along with all of the delicious food, you’ll find vintage racks, jewellery stands, old records and other items of interest to browse as you eat. In addition, you can catch musical performances and cooking classes being held at the market on the regular. With a wide range of variety and live like the locals vibe, we couldn’t think of a better place to get something to eat in the area. Often described as ‘’the Brooklyn of Los Angeles’’, Silver Lake is one of the trendiest areas in city. It only makes sense then, that the neighborhood makes a fantastic sanctuary for shopping addicts. If you’re looking to browse here, the best place to do so would be along the area’s popular thoroughfare, Sunset Junction. In sharp and refreshing contrast to the likes of The Grove or Rodeo Drive, this thronging hotspot is known for its playful fashion boutiques, eclectic homeware stores and quirky galleries. The streets are also flanked with tempting sidewalk cafes and bars, just perfect for refuelling and people-watching after you’ve spent a couple of hours exploring. We recommend checking out Yeastie Boys, Stella, and Burgers Never Say Die. Whether you’re looking to pick something up or just browsing, you’re sure to have fun here. Relax For those who are looking to take a break from the bustling city, why not spend a calming afternoon out at the Silver Lake Reservoir? Though it is probably one of L.A.’s lesser-known outdoorsy attractions, this place has served as an important anchor and hangout spot for the neighborhood ever since its conception. Though you can’t swim in the waters here, the surrounding greenspace makes for a fantastic day of relaxation and recreation. With so many amenities around, including dog parks, a basketball court, and a recreation center, there’s a little something for everybody here. Take time to explore the redwoods and then lay out a blanket on the grass overlooking the water and enjoy a peaceful picnic with some sweeping views of the area. The perfect spot for sunseekers and nature lovers alike, this place is not to be missed. Try Something Different One of the interesting things about exploring Los Angeles is spotting some of the city’s iconic filming sites. And with its close proximity to Hollywood, it only makes sense that Silver Lake has its own special locations to be enjoyed. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Music Box Steps were made famous by the 1932 Academy Award-winning movie The Music Box (surprise!) starring Laurel and Hardy. In its most famous scene, the comedy duo are shown trying to carry a heavy piano up the flight of stairs, failing miserably each time. Today, the site is one of the neighborhood’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing in thousands from near and far to walk the steps and capture fun photos for the ‘Gram. Though modest in its appearance, this unique attraction is a total must-see for anybody visiting the area. For those looking for art and culture in Silver Lake, we recommend heading over to Neutra VDL House. Combining wonderful architecture with the stunning backdrop of the hills of Silver Lake, this spot works to inform its visitors about design within a magnificent modern space. The house was originally constructed way back in 1932, but has seen much restoration and renovation since it underwent a fire. Today, this designated National Historic Landmark serves as both a residence for its designer Richard Neutra and also a welcoming educational space for curious visitors. Take time to explore the unique architectural and historic features of the property and learn more through its fascinating exhibits. For design geeks and creative types alike, this is Silver Lake’s go-to stop! Silver Lake is one of those L.A. areas that tourists often look over - though it shouldn’t be! With a long list of fun and quirky attractions to choose from, you’ll never be bored 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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Free things to do near Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Wander the Walk of Fame, hit hidden Hollywood gardens and discover LA’s creative side—all absolutely gratis.
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Los Angeles Attraction Tips

Looking for things to do in Los Angeles that fall outside the box? Hollywood tours and the like are always fun, but sometimes we all need to explore a little further afield to seek out new and unique attractions. To help you take the path less traveled in LA, we’ve put together this “must-see” list of local hidden gems. The Huntington Library If you’re a nature lover, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Located in the beautiful Griffith Park, the LA Zoo hosts over 1000 different creatures from all over the animal kingdom. The accompanying Botanical Gardens feature the plants that constitute the natural world in which these creatures live. In fact, a significant point of emphasis at the LA Zoo is the protection of natural habitats and the ways in which humans can positively impact the natural world through preservation and conservation activities. The botanical specimens are incorporated throughout the grounds, so you’ll be able to enjoy everything on one observant stroll. The La Brea Tar Pits The Page Museum is an important local institution dedicated to the history of the famous La Brea Tar Pits, one of the best-known Ice Age excavation sites in the world. Home to the most diverse array of plant and animal specimens from the period, the La Brea Tar Pits are a paleontologist’s dream. At the museum, you’ll get to watch as scientists examine and process fossils in the working Fish Bowl Lab. Then, explore galleries containing the most famous of the unearthed specimens, including saber-tooth cats, dire wolves, and wooly mammoths. As a bonus, the Page Museum is located right near the LA County Museum of Art! For those of you who enjoy nature and culture in equal measure, there’s no more perfect Los Angeles attraction than the Huntington Library and Gardens. The Huntington is home to a prestigious research library, lush gardens, an expertly curated art collection, and a museum-like exhibition hall that features rare texts like the first folio edition of Shakespeare’s plays, the Ellesmere Manuscript of the Canterbury Tales, and the Gutenberg Bible. It’s a place unlike any other in the country, and is a can’t-miss cultural destination for visitors to LA. Looking for more artistic Los Angeles attractions? The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) features a representative selection of the important artistic movements of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. A current special exhibit, entitled “Andy Warhol: Shadows,” has proven to be very popular since its September opening and is well worth a visit. The museum structure itself is equally impressive, winning a number of design accolades from prestigious institutions like the American Institute of Architects. With a convenient downtown location on Grand Avenue, MOCA is an inspiring choice for any art lover. There are so many things to do in LA that go beyond the conventional – so check a few of them out! Create your own perfect LA itinerary with a fully customizable Los Angeles Pass, and save on everything you want to see and do.
Katie Sagal

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