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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Is Los Angeles Safe?

Eternal sunshine, movie makers, star-studded hilltops, and a strip of sunny beaches - Los Angeles is an enviable city on California’s coastline. The real-life La La Land is where dreams are made, and not just for wannabe film stars. However, turn the city on its head and L.A. has a more cynical side including infamous gangs and criminal neighborhoods. So you might be wondering, is Los Angeles safe to visit? Yes, Los Angeles is safe for tourists. In reality, L.A. is in fact a safe city to visit, with most tourist attractions and sites of interest situated within affluent neighborhoods overlooking the ocean. Of course, like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas, but overall it’s very easy to stay safe in L.A. To cover your bases, we’ve put together an insider guide to staying safe in Los Angeles... Yes, Los Angeles is safe for tourists. In reality, L.A is in fact a safe city to visit, with most tourist attractions and popular sites situated within affluent neighborhoods overlooking the ocean. Of course, like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas, but overall it’s very easy to stay safe in L.A. To cover your bases, we’ve put together an insider guide to staying safe in Los Angeles... Transportation in Los Angeles Los Angeles is a sprawling city and whilst public transportation is available, the most recommended way to travel is by car. If car hire isn’t an option for your trip to the city, then rest assured, taxis including Uber or Lyft, and the reliable bus system are also safe. It is recommended however to avoid public transportation at night time if you are unaccompanied or traveling through neighborhoods with a higher crime rate. Check out our full guide to getting around LA for more information. Los Angeles crime threats Like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets and petty theft in crowded areas. At key tourist spots such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and on public transport, be aware of concealing your money, keeping your wallets in front pockets, and holding purses tightly. If possible, don’t carry valuables around with you, and check your bags if you are bumped by a group of people. Similarly, remain alert to potential scams such as tampered ATMs, distracting flashing signs, and fake talent scouts. Never follow an individual who approaches you claiming to be a producer, casting agent, etc. and if you’re unsure, ask for a business card that you can use to do an internet search. There are legitimate talent scouts in Hollywood - just be sure to do your research and always tell someone where you are going. Although not a high risk, to avoid more serious crime, be careful not to wander into dangerous neighborhoods by sticking to the main streets. Natural disasters in Los Angeles Natural disasters are not a high-risk concern in Los Angeles. There have been earthquakes, but the last most dangerous major earthquake occurred in 1994. If you are however caught in a serious earthquake, you’re encouraged to either: Get under a sturdy desk or table if indoors and cover your head and neck with your arms Stay clear of windows, mirrors, or anything that may fall Avoid elevators, running in the street, trees and power lines Pull to the side of the road away from bridges and overpasses and stay inside the car Duck into a doorway if you are near buildings on a sidewalk If you are swimming in the ocean, you need to be aware of strong currents known as riptides. If you find yourself being carried offshore, try not to panic or swim against the current and instead swim parallel to the shoreline. Once the current stops, you’ll be able to swim back to shore. Solo travel and female travelers in Los Angeles The risk for female travelers in Los Angeles is low. For solo travelers of either gender, the advice applies to follow common sense, avoiding certain neighborhoods in the dark, deserted areas, and poorly lit streets. Another way of staying safe is to inform hotel staff or hostel guests where you’re going and keep emergency numbers close on your phone. You could also join a guided tour as a great way to see the city, stay safe, and meet new people! To summarize Los Angeles might not actually be a city of angels but it's definitely a safe destination to visit for all travelers. With a little common sense, tourists can see and enjoy this fantastic city with very little risk to their own safety. Save on admission to top Los Angeles attractions with Go City® 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. Whichever Los Angeles pass you pick, you'll have your pick of LA's very best bits!
Eppie Shepherd
LA Skyline Banner
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Los Angeles Family Vacation Ideas

Los Angeles is a great city for families to visit. Whether you’re interested in Hollywood and pop culture, or the great outdoors there’s something the whole family will love here. After all, if there's something LA does really well, it's entertainment. If you’re planning a family trip to LA, check out our edit of the top kid-friendly attractions in the region, curated by industry experts and representing some of our personal favorites. Our top Los Angeles family vacation ideas include: Universal Studios Hollywood Knott’s Berry Farm & Soak City Pacific Park Aquarium of the Pacific Natural History Museum Bike Rentals California Science Center & IMAX Harbor Cruise Griffith Park & LA Zoo Walk of Fame & Hollywood Attractions Universal Studios Hollywood One of the most popular family attractions in Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood combines the best of a studio tour with all the fun of a theme park. Everything is turned up to 11 here! First, enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of real backlots, sound stages, and more. Then, hit up their phenomenal rides and attractions, from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and beyond. Last, but not least, save some time to explore Universal CityWalk, a shopping and dining destination that complements the park itself. Knott’s Berry Farm & Knott’s Soak City Pacific Park Pacific Park is the perfect beachside attraction for the whole family to enjoy. It's more of a classic amusement park, where you can hop aboard charming rides like their solar-powered Ferris Wheel. Then, get your thrills on with the West Coaster, a steel roller coaster right at the water’s edge. There are also many gentler rides for the little ones, like Inkie’s Wave Jumper and Inkie’s Pirate Ship. Come for the rides, stay for the cotton candy and carnival-style games. Aquarium of the Pacific Natural History Museum Featuring an expansive collection of natural and cultural artifacts from throughout history and across the globe, the Natural History Museum in Downtown LA is a great family attraction. Exhibitions highlight biodiversity and cultural change in fascinating ways. Walk through halls of dinosaur fossils, gemstones and minerals, and ancient Latin American archaeological treasures. A visit here is sure to inspire curiosity in everyone in the family! Griffith Park & LA Zoo Bike rentals California Science Center & IMAX If you’re already planning on going to the Natural History Museum, a nice complement is the California Science Center IMAX, also located in Exposition Park. They offer permanent exhibits on a variety of topics, like Air & Space, Ecosystems, Creative World, and more. Their special exhibitions are awesome, too, and include things like the Space Shuttle Endeavour and Body Worlds: Pulse. Special exhibitions change over time and may not be there at the time of your visit, so check the calendar before you go. Harbor cruise or whale watching Walk of Fame & Hollywood attractions Hike in Runyon Canyon Save on admission to top Los Angeles attractions with Go City®   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
Disney and Universal
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Disneyland vs Universal Studios Hollywood - Comparing the two popular Southern California theme parks

Both are amusement parks with themes from popular movies; movies which each theme park owns exclusive rights to represent.
Casey Makovich

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