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

UPDATED DECEMBER 2024
By Katie Sagal
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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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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 Angels in March

Springtime in L.A. is full of excitement. When the flowers begin to bloom, the city awakens with a myriad of fantastic activities and events of all kinds. From the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and Santa Monica Pier to funky Venice Beach, L.A. has much to offer its visitors. Coming out of the wintertime, daytime high temperatures range from the upper 50s to the low 70s, so you’ll only need a light jacket. March is one of the best times of the year for exploring L.A. since the crowds are minimal, the days are longer, and you’ll be able to find easier admission into the city’s top attractions. So, without further ado, here is our roundup of some of the best things to do in L.A. for springtime. How many of these great springtime activities will you try? See the Sites Whilst L.A. can be pretty beautiful in the springtime, the West Coast is also susceptible to the odd rainy day. Still, just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all that the city has to offer. Though L.A. has a lot of fantastic indoor attractions, one of our favorite spots has got to be the Huntington Library. This place is actually a three-pronged attack, with a jaw-dropping main library, a fantastic art gallery and stunning botanic garden. The institute’s library houses over 430,000 rare books, original manuscripts, and historic documents. Meanwhile, the gallery is a total dream for art lovers, with 1,200 pieces dating way back to the 15th century. And as if that wasn’t enough, the Huntington Library’s botanic garden is known for showcasing 150 plant varieties on its 120 acres. A thoroughly one-of-a-kind experience, this one is a total must-see. No doubt Los Angeles has a lot to offer for cinephiles and pop culture lovers. Still, no attraction could be quite as iconic as the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This spot draws in around 10 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! Established way back in 1960, this attraction now spans over 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard, with over 2,000 stars and counting. If you’re going to find a particular star of your favorite celebrity or artist, use the Walk of Fame’s online Star Search tool to help you. We recommend checking out some of the other fantastic attractions in the area whilst you’re there, such as the TCL Chinese Theatre, El Captain Theatre, and Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a camera! Explore the City If you’re looking for a total crowdpleaser, look no further than Santa Monica Pier. Since opening to the public in 1909, this historic attraction has been drawing in visitors from near and far. Perhaps the pier’s most popular attraction is Pacific Park, a theme park complete with shopping, restaurants, as well as an arcade. Or, if you’re looking to just relax a little, why not head over to the Santa Monica farmers’ market? A great stop for all foodies, we love this spot for its delicious eats and laid-back atmosphere. This place works to showcase California’s rich agricultural heritage through a wide array of local vendors. And of course, it wouldn’t be a pier if you couldn’t try your hand at a little bit of fishing. With so much to see and do, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is a sprawling seaside metropolis, made up of countless exciting neighborhoods to explore. Still, when the sun comes out, one of our favorite places to check out has got to be Venice. Well-recognized for its bohemian spirit, nowhere quite says ‘’California’’ like this famed beachfront neighborhood. One of the most popular things to do here is hit the beach - that is, Venice Beach, of course. Still, that’s far from all that Venice has to offer. Another great activity in the area is the Venice Canals, where you can take a scenic stroll along charming beach houses, bunches of ducklings and romantic bridges. There’s also The Mosaic Tile House - once a rather simple and drab space, this spot has now been alchemized into an undoubtedly unique attraction now open to the public. As quirky as it is fun, we love Venice for its laidback and unassuming atmosphere. Soak Up the Atmosphere One of the best things about travel has got to be exploring the local food scene. Thankfully, you won’t have much trouble with that in L.A. - as one of America’s biggest food cities, Los Angeles comes to life in the springtime, with a whole host different events to choose from. Standing out as one of our favorites, Knott’s Boysenberry Festival kicks off right in the middle of March each year, with a unique lineup of seasonal dishes to take your fancy. To highlight the berry that started it all, the dishes focus on boysenberries in some way. There are also local crafters, live music and shows to be enjoyed. In addition, there are special activities and games for younger guests - so nobody feels left out! We love this event because it offers something a little different from your typical food festival. Of course, it just wouldn’t be an article about things to do in March without mentioning St. Paddy’s Day. There are a heck of a lot of ways to celebrate this traditional Irish holiday, but if you’re looking for a parade, we recommend heading down to Hermosa Beach, where you’ll find an exciting celebration of Irish culture. Other family-friendly activities include the St. Patrick’s Day Market and the Original Farmers’ Market. Still, there’s no shame in partying the day away on March 17th. For the best way to let loose, we suggest checking out the annual block party and pub crawl. Or, check out Tam O Shanter’s can’t miss event, with live music, green beer and plenty of fun and games. So as far as St. Patrick’s Day celebrations go, I guess you could say that Los Angeles has it covered. Los Angeles is an exciting city any time of the year; still, our favorite season has got to be the springtime. 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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