10+ Things to Do in Los Angeles in Spring - April to June Activities & More

By Katie Sagal

Everybody loves a good trip to L.A. From Hollywood to Santa Monica, there is something for all visitors who come to the City of Angels. Spring is an especially good time to visit, with more reliably warm weather (although Los Angeles never gets very cold), noticeably shorter lines, and easier admission into top attractions. If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles in Spring, check out our list of some of the best activities and attractions, including...

  • Knott's Boysenberry Festival at Knott's Berry Farm
  • Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier
  • Huntington Library and Gardens
  • Newport Landing Whale Watch
  • Explore Griffith Park
  • and more!

Save on Springtime Activities in Los Angeles

Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all available Los Angeles attractions, passes, and prices. Please note, some of these special spring events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go Los Angeles® Card.

Knott's Boysenberry Festival at Knott's Berry Farm

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Come visit Knott's Berry Farm to enjoy their amazing annual event, the Boysenberry Festival. Located in the Ghost Town region of the park, this special event celebrates the iconic berry at the heart of Knott's heritage. Knott's Berry Farm is the birthplace of the Boysenberry and each spring, Knott's celebrates the flavorful berry and its historic roots with unique food and live entertainment during the Festival. Enjoy dozens of boysenberry-inspired drinks, food, snacks, and more. Sample new adult beverages at the Wine and Craft Brew Tasting Garden. Delight in an extensive line up of live entertainment from Snoopy's Boysenberry Jamboree to all kinds of live music. Getting In: Admission to Knott's Berry Farm and admission to the Boysenberry Festival are both included with the Go Los Angeles® Card.

Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum

From March to September, the Natural History Museum in L.A. opens up their famed Butterfly Pavilion to the public. See these delicate little beauties flit and flutter around, and perhaps even land on you! The best time to visit is about mid-morning. Due to its popularity, you'll need a timed ticket to enter the pavilion. Getting In: Natural History Museum tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card.

Commune with Whales

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Marvel at the majestic gray whales and their calves as they migrate north along the Southern California coast. In honor of this amazing natural event, Dana Point Harbor throws a two-weekend party that includes a parade, a street fair, and even a whale-themed musical performance. Families can also enjoy arts and crafts. Want to see the whales up close? Hop aboard a whale-watching cruise. Getting In: Newport Landing Whale Watch tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles® Card.

Enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of those magical places that delight kids and adults in equal measure. There's the fascinating behind-the-scenes studio tour, then dozens of rides and attractions to enjoy afterward. Some of the popular areas of the park include the newer "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" (beloved by all), several Simpsons attractions, and the wonderful "Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem" ride. Don’t forget to explore Universal CityWalk after you’re done with all the rides and attractions – it’s a great evening activity with food, dining, and entertainment options. Getting In: Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood is included with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles® Cards.

Soak up Celebrity Culture

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If you're in Los Angeles, why not take advantage of your proximity to Hollywood to explore some of the most exciting elements of cinematic culture? First, pay a visit to Madame Tussauds, where you're guaranteed to "meet" your favorite celebs across a variety of themed exhibit areas. Then, head to the Hollywood Museum, where you can see props, costumes, and sets from iconic Hollywood blockbusters. Getting In: Admission to Madame Tussauds Hollywood and admission to the Hollywood Museum are both included with the Go Los Angeles® Card.

Explore Griffith Park

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There’s nothing quite like the great outdoors in spring; with the first hints of warmer weather and the blooming trees and flowers, it’s a truly beautiful time to enjoy nature. This year, spend some time exploring the expansive and impressive Griffith Park. There’s the fascinating Griffith Observatory (which offers free admission!), several bike trails and driving paths, a golf course, and even the L.A. Zoo and Botanical Gardens. That’s just the beginning, too! Getting In: Admission to the L.A. Zoo is included with the Go Los Angeles® Card.

Visit Santa Monica

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Visitors often forget about this little paradise nestled on the Los Angeles coastline, but locals love it for a number of reasons. There’s so much to do, so many places to dine and shop, you’ll never run out of ideas. Take the kids to the charming Pacific Park or the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Rent a bike and enjoy the leisurely pace of life by the beach. Or, just get in some sunbathing – just stay out of the chilly water! Getting In: Admission to Pacific Park and admission to the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium are both included with the Go Los Angeles® Card.

Roam Seasonal Gardens

While it is a little bit of a hike from downtown Los Angeles (you can actually get there via mass transit, however, it’s just a longish ride), the Huntington Library is a fabulous attraction that combines the appeal of a historic research library, an art gallery, luxurious gardens, and literary artifacts all into one inspiring destination. Be sure to explore the gardens in particular this time of year – the roses are spectacular. Visitors might also enjoy the "Orbit Pavilion," a garden art installation that echoes the shapes and sounds of the International Space Station and 19 Earth satellites. It was even designed by people who work at NASA! Getting In: Admission the Huntington Library and Gardens is included with the Go Los Angeles® Card.

Local EventsLA Times Festival of Books

USC Campus April

This is one for the book lovers. The LA Times Festival of Books is a fantastic free event that promises tons of bookish fun and excitement. In addition to dozens of famous author readings and signings, you’ll also enjoy special workshops, professional talks, and of course, plenty of books for sale. Getting In: Admission to the LA Times Festival of Books is free.

Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival

Santa Clara April

cowboy-festival

Have a taste for country western tunes? Got a kid who is horse-crazy? Then the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is a must-see event for you and your family. Unfolding at historic Old Town Newhall, this year’s festival promises to be a great one. Guests will enjoy musical acts spanning the gamut from bluegrass to spoken word, delicious BBQ fare, fascinating tours of local venues like the Reagan Library, and unique goods at original, Western-inspired vendors. Come with your cowboy boots on! Getting In: Admission to the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. For more information, please visit the event website.

PPLA Food Fare

Santa Monica

Known for being the oldest culinary event in Los Angeles, the PPLA Food Fare brings together over one hundred restaurants, chefs, caterers, wineries, bakeries, and more. From high-end cuisine to inventive food trucks, you’ll be able to sample cuisine from all across the city at this fantastic event. Getting In: Admission to the PPLA Food Fare is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. For more information, please visit the event website.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Monterey Park April

Few things signal the onset of spring quite like the fragrant blooming of the delicate cherry blossom. This year in Los Angeles, the Cherry Blossom Festival in the nearby city of Monterey Park will be the place to celebrate these delightful natural wonders. Enjoy musical performances, guided nature walks, delicious food, and even origami classes. Getting In: Admission to the Cherry Blossom Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. For more information, please visit the event website.

Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

Various locations May

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Founded in 1983, the annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is now a local institution. Having shown thousands of original films over that time period and presented hundreds of seminars, panels, guest speakers, and awards, they’ve certainly got the credibility when it comes to showcasing great art. It’s the largest festival of its kind in SoCal and you won’t find anything like else quite like it. A must-see for film buffs. Getting In: Admission to the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. For more information, please visit the event website.

Remember to Save on Admission

Did we miss anything? A few things to do in Los Angeles in the spring, including some special events, other seasonal activities in April, May, and June. Please note, the spring events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not available with the Go Los Angeles® Card. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your spring vacation itinerary.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Los Angeles for Birthday

There are countless great ways to celebrate your birthday in Tinseltown. No really - we mean it! Offering the perfect mix of vibrant chaos and bohemian chill, there’s a little something for everybody here. From catching your favorite comedians live on the Sunset Strip to soaking up the views of the city at the Griffith Observatory, L.A. is the place to celebrate in style. Whether it’s your 18th or your 50th, there’s sure to be something to pique your interest and make this milestone something to remember. Still having trouble narrowing down your options? Don’t fear! Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering, a big birthday bash or a fun treat for yourself, we’ve got you covered with the very best that the city has to offer. Have a read through our list of some of the best birthday activities in Los Angeles! No matter how you decide to celebrate in the City of Angels, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Have a Laugh How about getting older with some friends and spending the night at the comedy club? As the entertainment capital of the world, of course Los Angeles is home to some of the best comedy spots in the world - from highly-acclaimed venues to hole-in-the-wall dives, the city pretty much has it all. If you’re looking for familiar faces trying out some of their newest side-splitting material, we suggest heading over to the Sunset Strip. Running right through the center of West Hollywood, this emblematic 1.5-mile stretch is home to some of the best clubs in America. Some of our favorite places include Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv. Or, if you want a more laid-back atmosphere, we recommend checking out the smaller clubs in Silver Lake and Koreatown. In these spots, you’re more likely to stumble across up-and-coming talent, quirky drag acts, sketch shows and more. Vibrant and fun, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a night out on the town in Los Angeles. Take a Trip If you’re looking for something a little different to celebrate your special day - don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Offering the perfect day trip with a hit of escapism, Catalina Island is one of Southern California’s most underrated hidden gems. Catch the Catalina Express from Long Beach to make your way over to this convenient location set about 30 miles just off the coast of California’s mainland. Billed as the ‘’Hidden Paradise in Southern California’’, this spot has much to offer all types of travellers. The city’s main tourist hub is Avalon, which boasts great shopping and unbeatable dining, as well as some of the island’s top attractions. Some of our favourites include Catalina Island Museum, Lover’s Cove and Catalina Casino. The island is also a great spot for nature lovers, with stunning palm-fringed beaches and exciting adventure activities to choose from. Try testing your bravery by ziplining over Descanso Beach, or hiking across the island’s mountainous coastline. A thoroughly brilliant excursion, this charming island is the epitome of fun and relaxation. Spend the Day in Nature If you feel like a physical and mental challenge to prove that you’re just as young as you were yesterday, head over to Griffith Park where you’ll find magnificent slopes and scenic, pristine trails for miles. Covering over 4,000 acres, this fantastic emblematic greenspace is known for being one of the largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States. Of course, there’s a whole lot to see and do here, though one of the most popular activities has got to be walking the trails which provide panoramic views of the iconic Hollywood Sign. Keep your eyes peeled en route, since the attraction is home to a wide array of wildlife - visitors can expect to see everything from foxes and deer to bobcats and even the occasional mountain lion! Aside from the park’s popular hiking trails, this spot is also home to some great Los Angeles attractions. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Greek Theatre is a great place to enjoy concerts and performances set against the natural backdrop of Los Angeles. And if that doesn’t quite take your fancy, head over to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens at the northeast corner of the park to see some furry (or slimy friends). You can even see remnants of the Old Los Angeles Zoo which shut way back in 1966 on the east side of the park. Complete with abandoned animal enclosures and cages, this spot is now been turned into a unique picnic spot with tables and chairs. Have a Blast! Another one of our favorite places to celebrate in L.A. has got to be Six Flags Magic Mountain. Perfect for any adventurous types visiting the city, this iconic attraction does just what it says on the tin: offer world-class entertainment for all ages. As one of the most popular theme parks in the U S of A, the park draws in over 30 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! Visitors are guaranteed a great day of fun, with over 19 rides and attractions to choose from - the most of any amusement park in the world! Go up high, dip down low and enjoy adrenaline-pumping twists and turns on some of the best award-winning rides in the world. Or, make a splash at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a fun-filled aquatic experience located right next to the amusement park! Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, this spot is sure to put a huge smile on your face. There are a lot of ways to celebrate a birthday in Los Angeles - but who would have expected anything less? Whether you’re looking to grab a drink at one of the city’s most iconic comedy clubs or take it easy exploring Griffith Park, you’re sure to have a blast! 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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Adventurous Things to do in Los Angeles

Looking for unexpected and unique experiences in Los Angeles - it shouldn’t be this difficult, right? Home to some of the West Coast’s most wonderful seascapes, scenic nature trails and iconic amusement parks, The City of Angels is a thriving and dynamic city bursting with great options to choose from. Really, the hardest part is narrowing things down. But don’t worry if you’re having trouble choosing, because we’ve rounded up our top points of interest and fun excursions in Los Angeles and are sharing them right below. So, note down your favorites and experience a different side to the city to make your trip an unforgettable one. However you choose to enjoy L.A., we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Explore Nature Los Angeles’ coastal seat makes an ideal destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Set along the magnificent jagged sea cliffs of San Pedro, White Point/Royal Palms Beach offers postcard-worthy scenery and spectacular ocean views. There are a lot of great things to do here, but our favorites has got to be inspecting the tide pools dotted along the coastline. Get up close here, and you’ll be able to see all sorts of wonderful marine creatures, from small fish and hermit crabs to sea stars and anemones. These wonderful sea basins are best explored at low tide, so that you can get a better look and stay dry at the same time. Still, if you thought that was all that there is to see here, you couldn’t be more wrong! Other popular activities at White Point/Royal Palms include hiking, surfing, scuba diving and much more. This spot is less touristy than other beaches in Los Angeles, so if you want to make it a day trip we suggest bringing food along with you - there’s a fantastic picnic area right near the bluff where you can take a break and soak up those panoramic ocean views. Offering a chance to see wildlife in its natural habitat and serene, picture-perfect views, this spot is hands down one of the best beaches that the city has to offer. Where New York has Central Park, L.A. has Griffith Park. Don’t get it twisted though - unlike Central Park, this vast greenspace is all-natural and well-recognized for its sweeping hilltops and unique gardens. Covering over 4,000 acres around the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, this large municipal park gives walkers a chance to explore the Californian landscape in all its glory. Meander along scenic nature trails and explore Southern California’s most wonderful natural attributes. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you go - visitors can expect to see lizards, hawks, deer and more. This spot is especially popular around dusk since it is home to the Griffith Observatory, which provides fantastic views of the Los Angeles Basin. Aside from its delightful splendor, Griffith Park is also home to some of the city’s top attractions. Catch a play or concert at the brilliant Greek Theatre, check out the animals at Los Angeles Zoo, or learn something new at the Autry Museum of the American West. Or, for something a little different, head over to the Old Los Angeles Zoo. Situated near the east side of the park, this historic abandoned attraction complete with old animal enclosures and ruins makes the perfect picnic spot. Home to some of the best scenery in Los Angeles, this place is well worth the visit. Take a Trip If you’re looking for a fun and spontaneous day trip in L.A., the Catalina Express Ferry should do just the trick. Set sail from Long Beach, San Pedro and admire the crystalline waters of the Pacific Ocean as you head over the beautiful island which lies just southwest of the city. Billed as ‘’a Hidden Paradise in Southern California’’, this rocky island is great place for relaxation and play. The city’s charming cultural hub, Avalon, is packed with engaging and interesting things to do, including the Catalina Island Museum, Catalina Casino, and Lover’s Cove. But if you’re hankering to get in touch with nature, the island presents more than its fair share of exciting activities. Explore Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, try your hand at fly fishing, or whiz through the air over Descanso Beach - the choice is yours! A thoroughly unique excursion, this place should rank way high up on any visitor’s itinerary. Have a Blast! Visiting a theme park is a great way to spend time with friends and family on vacation, And of course, there’s no better place to test your sense of bravery than at Six Flags Magic Mountain. As one of the most popular amusement parks in the United States, this spot draws in around 3 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! With 19 rides and attractions to choose from, this spot holds the record for the largest number of rollercoasters in an amusement park. Perhaps not one for the faint-hearted, the attraction is well-recognized for its corkscrewing roller coasters and dizzying thrill rides. Fan favorites include X2, Goliath and Tatsu. In addition, Six Flags’ neighboring water park, Hurricane Harbor is a fantastic place to make a splash and cool off from the California heat in the summertime. A total crowdpleaser and quintessential L.A. attraction, this place is perfect for any visitor looking for an exciting day out. With a vibrant mix of cosmopolitan and nature attractions, Los Angeles has a little something to offer everybody. The perfect destination for the voracious traveller, the city offers everything from fun day trips to only-in-L.A.-experiences. 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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10+ Things to Do in Los Angeles in Winter

Southern California is one of the best places in the world to visit during the winter months. The temperature is mild but there’s still guaranteed sunshine. Here's our guide to the best December and January events in Los Angeles.
Casey Makovich

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