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

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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

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Rainy Day Fun: The Best Indoor Adventures in LA

Don’t let the drizzle dampen your LA dreams—here’s where to play inside!

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Los Angeles in December

L.A. in December is a unique and unforgettable experience. At variance with New York in the wintertime, it marches to the beat of its own drum - but that’s kind of what we love about it! Seasonal events, fun Christmas traditions and endless holiday cheer make this one of the most exciting times of the year to visit. And of course, everything is still open up until Christmas Day, meaning that visitors can enjoy all of the city’s most famous attractions. From seeing some of the best contemporary artwork in the city to meeting Santa at the Hollywood Christmas Parade, Los Angeles never runs short of exciting activities to choose from. Whether you’re travelling with family or exploring the city solo, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Still not sure how to make the best of your L.A. vacay? Don’t worry! Here’s everything you’ll need to know... See the Sites Los Angeles can get a little milder during the winter months, but that’s no reason to stay holed up inside! Luckily, the City of Angels is filled with fantastic opportunities for spending time with friends and family. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Natural History Museum is well-revered for its spectacular and engaging collection. As the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States, the institute is home to around 35 million specimens and artefacts covering over 4.5 billion years of history. Marvel over whole dinosaur skeletons, explore the diversity of the earth’s foundation in the Gem and Mineral Hall, and learn more about the unique adaptations of creatures over the years. There’s most certainly a lot to see here, so we recommend setting aside a good few hours for this so that you don’t miss a single thing! Offering a thoroughly engaging and educational experience for those of all ages, this spot is perfect for those travelling in groups. A well-recognized hub of innovation and creative thought, Los Angeles is home to countless cultural institutions which are well worth the visit. Still, The Broad ranks pretty high up on our bucket list for its fantastic contemporary collection and sleek design. Located on Grand Avenue in the downtown area of the city, the museum stands out for its porous, honeycomb-like exterior, and is well-known for its dimpled interior. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an impressive collection of around 2,000 works, with many household names. Whether you’re a creative type at heart or just trying to dip your toes into the art world, this spot is perfect. Highlights include Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog, Robert Therrien's enlarged table and chairs and Roy Lichtenstein's Black Flowers. In addition, the museum is known for housing Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms, a starry installation piece perfect for anybody who’s interested in capturing the perfect vacation snap. We love this spot because its collection serves to fascinate all types. Find Interesting Activities Another one of our favorite things to do during the month of December in Los Angeles is checking out Descanso Garden’s Enchanted Forest of Light. Whilst Descanso Gardens is a total treat for nature lovers all year round, the spot totally transforms into a festive wonderland around the holiday season. Running towards the end of the month, the Enchanted Forest of Light exhibit offers a one-mile walk through an entire town of magical stained glass creations by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin. Enjoy rainbow sycamores, glowing roses and a dazzling celestial garden. Combining art with nature, this event works to perfectly capture the magic of the most wonderful time of year. A thoroughly captivating and exciting experience, this stop is not to be missed. We recommend bringing a cozy jacket for this one, since L.A. can be pretty chilly at night time around this time of the year! Get Into the Spirit What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a Christmas Parade? Join over 10,000 people at the Hollywood Christmas Parade as it follows a 3.5 mile route up Hollywood Boulevard. Head out to see massive balloons, colorful floats, street performers, marching bands and much more. As per tradition, the parade will feature Santa Claus himself, along with his reindeer. And or course, it just wouldn’t be a Hollywood parade without celebrities - past guests have included Danny Trejo, Kel Mitchell and Tom Arnold. Make sure to show up early - this way you can get a good viewing spot, and catch the pre-parade concert. A spectacular visual experience, this one is fun for the whole family. It’s the biggest Christmas parade in Southern California - so don’t miss it! If you’re looking for a total crowdpleaser, look no further than Christmas at Universal Studios. As if this spot wasn’t exciting enough all year round, they really go all out for the festive season. Enjoy the holidays in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where Hogsmeade is transformed with elaborately-themed festive decor and holiday food, beverages and entertainment. In addition, experience the magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle with a stunning spectacle of dazzling lights and music. For those who want something a little bit more traditional, the annual event ‘’Grinchmas’’ runs all throughout the month, where you can meet the Grinch. There’s also a tree lighting in the evening time, where guests can gather and celebrate with the characters from the Christmas classic. With so much fun and festivities packed into one place, there’s no reason not to go! Unlike New York or Chicago, Los Angeles might not be the first place to come to mind when you think of the holidays. Still, with so much to see and do, you’ll never be bored visiting Tinseltown in December. 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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Los Angeles Neighborhoods Guide - Where to Go & What to Visit for Tourists

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? We highlighted a handful of the top attractions, places to see, and which neighborhoods in Los Angeles to visit during your vacation. The Beach Communities Los Angeles County’s 60-mile beachfront boasts a myriad of distinct beach communities stretching from Malibu in the north to Palos Verdes in the south. No trip to L.A. is complete without some time spent exploring the beach communities, so be sure to check them out. Four of the area's most popular beaches are Santa Monica, Malibu, Long Beach, and Venice Beach. Santa Monica Head to Santa Monica to explore its bustling ocean pier, beautiful ocean-front hotels, artsy vibe, and abundant shopping. Things to Do in Santa Monica Santa Monica Pier: No trip to LA is complete without experiencing the Santa Monica beachfront. Enjoy some classic, ocean-side fun. Take a spin on the thrilling rides at Pacific Park, check out the spot where the iconic Route 66 meets the ocean, explore all things sea life at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, try your hand at fishing, and more. Hop on a tour bus and get the inside scoop on a Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour for a breezy ride up the Pacific Coast Highway and a chance to spot a celebrity. Walk along the iconic Santa Monica State Beach and check out the unique architecture of its beachfront properties. Pick up a souvenir and get some shopping in at the Third Street Promenade downtown. Visit The Getty Center, L.A.’s visual arts mecca and a gorgeous sight in itself designed by Richard Meier with beautiful gardens, open spaces, and one of the best views of the city. Malibu Malibu is best known for its celebrity residents and their ocean-side mansions. The 27-mile coastline is considered the most beautiful rural landscape in L.A. Plus, surfers love the big waves. Head to Santa Monica Pier to pick up a guided tour of the celebrity homes and prime real estate. Long Beach Famed for a number of top attractions from museums to cruises and beyond, Long Beach is a great family destination. It's located south of Los Angeles and is easily reachable by car. Things to Do in Long Beach Visit the supposedly haunted and definitely historic vessel Queen Mary, which offers plenty of special seasonal events and tours. Explore the fascinating Aquarium of the Pacific, which focuses exclusively on the marine life of the world's largest ocean. Take a whale watch cruise or harbor cruise to explore the beautiful waters of the Pacific. Indulge your creative side with a visit to the Museum of Latin American Art or the Long Beach Museum of Art. Get your shop on at the Pike Outlets. Venice Beach Famous for its Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach is home to some of the most bizarre and eclectic characters in L.A. Things to Do in Venice Beach There’s nothing like a little people-watching on Ocean Front Walk where you’ll find street musicians, fortunetellers, and hundreds of skateboarders. Visit the world-famous Venice Beach Skate Park and spend some time scoping out the talent. The Westside and Beverly Hills By Scott Catron (Sunset on HollywoodUploaded by zaui) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsThe area known as the Westside, located between the beach communities and Hollywood, contains some of the most well-known neighborhoods in Los Angeles such as Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, and the ever-trendy West Hollywood. Things to Do in Hollywood Below are few fun ideas, but check out our post on things to do in Hollywood for even more! Take a tour of the famous Dolby Theatre®, the home of the Academy Awards®, and get an insider’s look at this iconic Hollywood institution. Tour the famed TCL Chinese Theatre (home to the world's largest IMAX screen). Snap photos with your favorite celebs (or at least their life-like wax representations) at Madame Tussauds Hollywood and see memorabilia from your favorite movies at the Hollywood Museum. Go behind the scenes on a guided walking tour that hits all the highlights of Hollywood or hop on a bus and see the Movie Star Homes of Hollywood A-listers. Get a workout in with a hike up Runyon Canyon Park for some fresh air and breathtaking views of the city and surrounding area. Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and check out the star-studded tiles along the famous Walk of Fame. Things to Do in the Westside and Beverly Hills Check out the Museum of Tolerance, a fascinating institution dedicated to promoting tolerance and understanding. Travel back in time to the Ice Age and check out the world’s largest and most diverse collection of extinct Ice Age animals and plants at the La Brea Tar Pit and Museum. Don’t even think about leaving L.A. without a visit to a working studio. The 2-hour guided Sony Pictures Studio Tour lets visitors step inside the gates and explore the place where movie magic happens. Cruise along palm tree-lined Sunset Boulevard from downtown to the Pacific Coast Highway and make a stop at Rodeo Drive, the famous 2-mile strip of high-end shopping in Beverly Hills. Downtown Unlike most cities, Downtown is not the center of attention in Los Angeles but its many attractions make it worth a visit. Things to Do in Downtown L.A. Visit the GRAMMY Museum®, one of L.A.’s best pop culture museums. Get the best views of the city at OUE Skyspace, an open-air observation deck with a famous glass Skyslide. Shop, dine, and browse through the eclectic Grand Central Market. Participate in popular local events like the monthly art walk. See a show at the Disney Concert Hall, a site to see in itself, designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry. Browse through exhibits at the Japanese American National Museum, located in the heart of downtown L.A.’s Little Tokyo historic district. See if your favorite band is in town or catch a local sports game at the Staples Center multi-purpose sports arena. The San Fernando Valley Nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Fernando Valley is home to lots of entertainment and prime shopping. Things to Do in San Fernando Valley Be sure to get in a day of theme park fun and thrills at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Visit the impressive historical Mission San Fernando, which was first opened in 1797! Scope out the murals on the Great Wall of Los Angeles. Glendale & Pasadena Just north of the city are Glendale and Pasadena, two large cities in Los Angeles County and home to some of L.A.’s top attractions. Things to Do in Glendale & Pasadena Go behind-the-scenes on a studio tour and enjoy thrilling rides, shows, and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood (ticket included with 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles Cards). Take the kids to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, home to more than 1,100 mammals, birds, and reptiles from around the world. Rent a bike for the day and explore the scenic trails around Los Angeles’ best kept secret, Griffith Park. Save on Attraction Admission in Los Angeles Neighborhoods While you're out there exploring all that L.A. has to offer, we're sure you'll want to pop into an attraction or two or four. Consider picking up a Los Angeles attractions pass to help you save up to 50% on combined attraction admission versus paying at the gate.

Casey Makovich

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