Things to Do in Los Angeles in Summer 2020 - Attractions, Activities & More

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
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Although Los Angeles has the particularly attractive benefit of being a warm city year-round, it’s probably at its most delightful in the summer. With tons of festivals, events, musical performances, theme parks, and top-notch museums, there’s no shortage of fun things for visitors and locals alike to enjoy this summer in LA. If you’re planning a visit and looking for things to do in Los Angeles in summer 2020, check out our list of the top attractions and activities going on this year, including...

  • JUSTICE LEAGUE: Battle for Metropolis at Six Flags Magic Mountain
  • Knott’s Berry Farm
  • Roaring Nights at the LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens
  • First Fridays at the Natural History Museum
  • and more...

Heading to the area to celebrate Independence Day? Then check out our post on things to do in Los Angeles 4th of July Weekend. Want some more summer time suggestions? Here are a few fun things to do in Los Angeles Labor Day Weekend.

Save on Summertime Activities

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

JUSTICE LEAGUE: Battle for Metropolis Six Flags Magic Mountain

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This classic installation of a popular chain is a great destination for the whole family. Located conveniently in Valencia, Six Flags Magic Mountain is a 260-acre park featuring 19 roller coasters and over 100 other rides, slides, and attractions. Be sure to check out the newest addition to their coaster lineup, the world’s first single track quadruple launch racing coaster. Plus, you won't want to miss the amazing JUSTICE LEAGUE: Battle for Metropolis. This exhilarating experience puts you right at the heart of a battle between your favorite DC Super Heroes and their nemeses, the Super-Villains. Marvel at 4-D effects, epic gaming graphics, and intense battle scenes. Getting In: Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Explore the world-famous Universal Studios and see real film sets from some of your favorite Hollywood movies. Some of the top attractions there now include: Fast & Furious - Supercharged, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, TRANSFORMERSTM: The Ride-3D, and more. Plus, Kung Fu Panda comes to Universal Studios, featuring state-of-the-art visual effects and innovative technology to immerse you into Master Po's journey. You can't miss the Universal Studios tour. Head behind the scenes on this interactive tour that immerses you in the world of movies and TV like nothing else. Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are included with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles passes.

Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier

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Located on the charming Santa Monica pier, Pacific Park is the perfect classic fairground-style theme park for the whole family. Feel like a kid again as you enjoy classic rides like a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, tower rides, and more. Plus, take in the beach views and breathe in the ocean air as you ride. Reserve a little time for their impressive variety of arcade games, too! Getting In: Pacific Park tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass.

Knott’s Berry Farm

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Knott’s Berry Farm takes its name from the original, small-scale operation that was America’s first theme park. Now, it is a local favorite and longtime legend in the theme park business. This park is a great choice if you have kids of different ages, as you’ll be able to find family rides, rides for little kids, and rides for older kids all in the same park. Don’t miss their famous water slides, either! Getting In: Knott's Berry Farm tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass.

LEGOLAND® California Resort

Every kid’s dream park, LEGOLAND® California is where the best toys in the world come to life. Enjoy the intimacy of playing with LEGO and making your own creations, as well as the excitement of enjoying LEGO rides, slides, and other attractions. Visit the beloved Heartlake City, scope out Miniland USA, and visit all the Star Wars-themed models and rides. You should also check out the NINJAGO exhibits and attractions, which have been immensely popular since their opening. Immerse yourself in the world of these stealthy warriors, and test your own ninja skills at multiple interactive attractions. Getting In: LEGOLAND California tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass.

California Science Center

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If you’re looking for educational fun for the scientifically-inclined kids, this is the place for you. This free attraction provides over 150 quality, hands-on exhibits, interactive demonstrations, and more. Don't miss hands-on live animal interactions and immersive history lessons. You can also enjoy an IMAX movie at the California Science Center, giving you entry to an IMAX movie of your choice where worlds as small as an atom are brought to life on the big screen. Getting In: Admission to the California Science Center is free. California Science Center IMAX tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass.

Heal the Bay Aquarium

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For those of you who love all things marine, the Heal the Bay Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier is the perfect destination and a great thing to do in Los Angeles in the summertime. Meet specimens from over 100 species, from sea stars to swell sharks. If you happen to be in the area on a Sunday, be sure to stop by for their special shark events, including a feeding and a live presentation at their open tank exhibit. Getting In: Santa Monica Pier Aquarium tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass.

LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens

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Conveniently located in Griffith Park near a number of Hollywood attractions, this charming little zoo is filled with animals exotic and domestic from around the world. In fact, there are more than 1,000 different species of creatures, including several rare or endangered species. The Botanical Gardens themselves contain well over 7,000 plants – quite the sight! If you're looking for something extra special, pop by the Zoo during select nights in June and July for their "Roaring Nights" musical event series. On June 26th, July 24th, and September 11th 2020 spend some time at the LA Zoo after hours for everything from live bands to lawn games to food trucks. Getting In: LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass.

Huntington Library & Gardens

This multi-faceted attraction is among our favorite almost-hidden gems in the area. Enjoy lush, cultivated gardens, a world-renowned research library, and an impressive art gallery. Plus, a series of textual exhibits featuring a Gutenberg Bible, an original folio of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, and more. Special exhibitions are often fascinating, too. For example, there's one this spring and summer highlighting the Orbit Pavillion, from NASA themselves. The Huntington Library is a must see and great thing to do in Los Angeles in the summer. Getting In: Huntington Library & Gardens tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass.

First Fridays at the Natural History Museum

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Spend some time at one of L.A.'s most popular museums - the fascinating Natural History Museum in DTLA. The first Friday of every month this summer, you'll get to enjoy the truly fantastic combination of science, history, and DJs in an after-hours party that can't be beaten. You'll also be treated to scientist talks, guided tours, and special musical performances. And of course, spend some time with the resident dinosaur fossils! Events vary depending on the date. Getting In: Regular Natural History Museum tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass. This event is separately ticketed and is not included with the pass.

Mariachi USA Festival Hollywood Bowl June 20, 2020

The first Mariachi Festival was held in 1990 and the event has been going strong ever since, running for over 30 years. The event showcases the best Mariachi bands from the U.S. and Mexico all on one stage. Featuring traditional dancing and fireworks display that is well worth the price of admission, the Mariachi USA Festival is the only annual Latino-themed event at the Hollywood Bowl. Getting In: The Mariachi Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles pass.

Let's Recap

So there you have it. Our picks for some of the top things to do in Los Angeles in the summer. There are lots of fun attractions and activities so you won't be short of things to do. The hardest part will be deciding what to do first! Please note, the summer events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Plan to visit some of these top attractions during your trip. Whether you are traveling with your family or a couple of friends, we're sure you will have a great time.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Make the Most of Your LA Saturday: 10 Unforgettable Experiences

Experience a Classic Los Angeles Saturday: Sights, Stars, and Surprises  Let’s be honest: spending Saturday in Los Angeles is like opening a never-ending box of surprises. There’s the drama of hillside city views, the fun of theme parks, people-watching on the beach, and food from every corner of the globe. You could lose hours wandering a sun-soaked pier or take your inner film buff behind the scenes at a Hollywood studio. Whether you crave sandy toes, star-spotting, science wonders, or outdoor adventure, LA serves it all up with that famed West Coast cool.  In this guide, we’re sharing ten of our favorite things to do on a Saturday in LA. Each spot brings something special, whether it’s pure fun, classic California vibes, or a fresh way to see the city. Come hungry, bring your camera, and prepare for a day you’ll brag about for ages.  Our top LA Saturday experiences include:  Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood  Griffith Observatory Tour  Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Discover Tour  Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Adventure by Unlimited Biking  Explore the Original Farmers Market  California Science Center IMAX Movie  The Getty Center Guided Tour  Stroll through Downtown’s Grand Central Market  Battleship IOWA Museum  Heal the Bay Aquarium at Santa Monica Pier  Griffith Observatory Tour: Views, Science, and a Touch of Movie Stardom  No LA visit is complete without a trip up to Griffith Observatory, perched dramatically above the city. On Saturday mornings, the trails and grassy lawns fill with locals walking their dogs, kids racing around the giant sundial, and tourists gazing wide-eyed at that famous panorama—downtown LA on one side, the Hollywood Sign on the other.  Join a guided tour for deep dives into the cosmos, the Observatory’s grand telescopes, and fascinating science exhibits. The vibe is relaxed and friendly: you’ll see families, couples, and space fans chatting with staff astronomers about solar flares and LA’s nighttime lights. Don’t miss looking through the Zeiss telescope (it’s free in the evenings), and spend some time soaking in the planetarium shows, which pack the wonders of the universe into a seriously fun package.  Movie buffs? Get ready to spot La La Land filming locations and scenes from Rebel Without a Cause. The domed Art Deco architecture is glorious inside and out. Bring your camera: the views are wild, but people-watching can be even better.  Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Discover Tour: See LA at Your Speed  Sometimes you want to hit all the highlights in one go—and LA’s Hop-On Hop-Off bus lets you do just that, minus the navigation stress. This classic city tour loops between all the neighborhoods you’ve heard about: Hollywood’s buzzing Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive’s luxe boutiques, Sunset Strip’s rock ‘n’ roll history, mellow Santa Monica, and more.  What’s so great here? Total freedom. Ride the full loop and soak in LA stories from your guide, or hop off whenever something grabs your fancy—snap a photo at the Chinese Theatre’s famous handprints, people-watch on Melrose, or just find the city’s best cold brew coffee. The open-top deck is awesome for sun-soaked city snapshots, and the live commentary keeps you in the know with all the best LA inside info.  On Saturdays, we love how this tour transforms into a roving parade: musicians, magicians, and tourists strike up conversations, creating a friendly, festive atmosphere. If you’re short on time but want maximum LA flavor, this is a stress-free way to see it all.  Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Adventure: LA’s Beach Life at Its Best  If you picture LA, you probably imagine palm trees, muscle beaches, and endless sunshine—so why not roll right into that postcard? Rent a bike or join an easygoing guided tour with Unlimited Biking, and explore the cyclist-friendly beach path that runs from Santa Monica down to hip Venice Beach.  This route is classic California: lively roller skaters, artists, surfers, and street performers keep the boardwalk buzzing all day long. Pedal past cheerful skate parks, beachfront cafes, and (if you’re lucky) a pop-up drum circle. Santa Monica Pier is a must for selfies under the old-school neon arch, while Venice’s murals and quirky shops offer endless distractions. Guides share fun facts—think secret canals, skate legends, and “where the stars weekend.”  Bike-friendly breezes, the thrum of activity, and endless people-watching make this an LA Saturday essential. Pop into Perry’s Café for an acai bowl pit stop, or snack on funnel cake from the pier. End your ride with sandy toes and that unbeatable “I could totally live here” feeling.  Explore the Original Farmers Market: Foodie Heaven Since 1934  If your perfect Saturday starts with something tasty, LA’s beloved Farmers Market is your spot. This bustling open-air spot has been serving the city for nearly a century, and its welcoming, communal vibes have only grown stronger. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or snack-hopping from stall to stall—there’s every flavor under the sun, from tangy Brazilian juices to old-school Jewish deli classics and bubbling cauldrons of gumbo.  What’s the signature? People rave about the sweet and spicy barbecue at Bryan’s Pit Barbecue, flaky beignets at The Gumbo Pot, and fluffy pancakes at Du-par’s—a market institution for generations. Or go full LA with vegan tacos or Korean BBQ bowls.  Wander the aisles and you’ll find gourmet olive oils, artisan cheeses, just-baked baguettes, and picture-perfect produce stands. Everyone here is chatty and quick with a recommendation—and you might just lunch next to a famous face. Saturdays are the best day for soaking up the market’s friendly neighborhood energy and spontaneous live music. Follow up your meal with a whirl through the shops at The Grove next door.  The Getty Center: Art, Gardens, and LA’s Greatest Views  A Saturday at The Getty Center feels indulgent—in the best possible way. Rising above Brentwood on a sun-dappled hilltop, this museum is as famous for its breathtaking gardens and architecture as its world-class art collection. Start your visit by boarding the tram up to the galleries, taking in sweeping city-to-ocean views.  Inside, everything feels easy and airy: gallery-goers wander through rooms packed with French furniture, European masterpieces, and luminous photography. Outside, the carefully landscaped gardens are downright dreamy—think maze-like hedges and fountains, perfect for slow strolls and contemplation.  A big part of the Getty’s appeal is atmosphere: there’s a relaxed hush in the galleries, and patio spaces are prime for soaking up sunshine or a casual coffee break. On Saturdays, the center buzzes with creativity—family art activities, outdoor sketchers, and live music on the lawns. Don’t leave without a wander through the Central Garden (designed by artist Robert Irwin), where flowers, sculptures, and city views collide in unbeatable style.  Grand Central Market: Downtown’s Global Food & Flavor Hub  If you land in DTLA on a Saturday, Grand Central Market is the place to be. It’s a tribute to LA’s unmatched foodie spirit: open since 1917 and reborn as a global street-food lover’s dream. The vibe here is pulsing with energy, blending locals and visitors from every background in one colorful, bustling arcade.  Food? Options are endless. G&B Coffee delivers hipster-quality espresso that wins nationwide awards. Eggslut keeps the lines hopping for lush breakfast sandwiches (the Fairfax is legendary), while Tacos Tumbras a Tomas serves mountain-high carnitas plates. Samoa Boy brings treats you didn’t know you needed, like coconut buns and mango-studded shave ice.  Pull up a counter stool, mingle with LA’s creative set, and watch the world go by. The seating is communal, so you’ll swap recommendations and maybe make a new friend. While Saturday can be lively, the turnover is quick and the buzz genuinely fun—perfect for refueling on your LA adventure.  Battleship IOWA Museum: Step Aboard History on the Waterfront  Ever imagined yourself as captain of the high seas? Head for the Port of Los Angeles and climb aboard the Battleship IOWA, a floating museum with real cinematic swagger. The decks have hosted presidents, troops, and filmmakers—now it’s your turn to explore.  The self-guided tour covers everything from the bridge to below-decks gun turrets. There’s a dash of nostalgia in every corridor: handwritten notes from sailors, black-and-white photos, and displays packed with WWII-era memorabilia. Kids (and the kid in all of us) love climbing through the ship’s ladders, checking out big gun displays, and hunting for “Vicky,” the ship's resident bulldog mascot.  Staff and docents share personal sea stories—don’t be shy about asking for their favorites! The ship’s outdoor spaces offer panoramic harbor views; bring a windbreaker for chilly sea breezes. Saturdays often bring pop-up events, veterans’ story hours, or local Southern California food trucks to the dock. It’s an essential stop for history buffs, Navy fans, and pretty much anyone keen to see an LA original off the beaten path.  Heal the Bay Aquarium: Underwater Wonders at Santa Monica Pier  Few spots say “coastal LA” quite like the Santa Monica Pier, and tucked beneath the action is one of the city’s most delightful micro-attractions: Heal the Bay Aquarium. It’s small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm, color, and hands-on wonder. Step inside and you’re greeted by swirling schools of native fish, friendly staff helping kids meet sea stars at the touch tanks, and the soft burble of LA’s underwater wildlife.  What makes Heal the Bay Aquarium extra special is its local focus. You’ll discover animals and habitats pulled straight from Santa Monica Bay—giant octopuses, curious eels, and sometimes baby sharks. Volunteers are around to answer every “what’s that?” and share easy ways to protect the ocean, making the whole place both educational and uplifting.  Quiet early hours are ideal for families, while afternoons buzz with curious visitors coming off the boardwalk. Pair a visit here with a stroll along the pier for old-fashioned amusements, photo ops, and maybe a sunset view from the Ferris wheel.  Roundup: Saturday in LA Never Looked So Good  Saturdays in Los Angeles are legendary for a reason—this city is playful, creative, and always ready to surprise you. No matter how you explore—from movie backlots to beachfront bike tours, food markets to museums—LA serves up options as diverse as the city itself. Each experience on our list promises something fun and memorable, served with a side of sunshine and that one-of-a-kind LA energy.  Whether you come for the celebrity history, cool coastal vibes, or simply killer tacos, Los Angeles has your Saturday sorted. Trust us: no two weekends are ever the same.    Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do When it Rains in Los Angeles or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes   Step up your sightseeing with Go City®     We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!    
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