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

By Katie Sagal
los-angeles-california-skyline-sunset

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

six-flags-magic-mountain-hurricane-harbor

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

aerial-view-santa-monica-pier-california

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

knotts-berry-farm-surroundings-sky

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

california-science-center-los-angeles-exhibitions

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

bay-aquarium-california-jellyfish

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

botanical-garden-los-angeles-city-view

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

dinosaur-exhibit-nature-history-museum-los

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

Continue reading

Relaxing Things to do in Los Angeles
Blog

Relaxing Things to do in Los Angeles

If you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, you've come to the right place. From whale watching to yoga on a sandy beach, we've got you covered. Check out our picks of the best relaxing things to do in the city, and prepare for some much-needed R&R! Including: Fishing at Santa Monica or Venice Beach Natural History Museum Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour Yoga on Huntington Beach and more! Guided Pier Fishing at Santa Monica or Venice Beach If you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, why not choose a spot of fishing? If you're new to the area, or even new to fishing, you needn't worry. Join this guided fishing adventure, choose between Santa Monica or Venice Beach, and then go throw some hooks - or something. Your guide is more of an instructor, and an experienced one at that. They'll bring all your gear and show you how to use it. If you're a seasoned fishing pro, show them how it's done. But don't be too adverse to picking up some new tricks. Look out for fish, rays, and even sharks as you try to reel in a big catch. Natural History Museum You can even travel back through time in a relaxing fashion. How, you may ask? Well, take a trip to Los Angeles' Natural History Museum and explore millions of years of history! If you're a history buff and looking for things to do in the city, it doesn't get much better than this. Step inside the museum's doors, and you'll find one of the biggest collections of ancient artifacts on the planet. Dinosaur fans will be well-served thanks to the appropriately-named 'Dinosaur Hall', which exhibits 300 real dinosaur fossils, as well as 20 complete dinos of varying shapes and sizes for you to gaze at. That's just one of the many amazing exhibits at LA's Natural History Museum, so why not take a relaxing stroll around the premises and see what else you'll find? Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour If natural history isn't your thing, how about some very-much-alive nature? Yes, even in LA, you can go whale and dolphin watching. And, on this tour, you'll do just that. So, if you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles, this should be top of your list. You'll hop on board a 65-foot double-decker ship, replete with sundeck, both indoor and outdoor seating, and a snack bar if you get hungry. Then, you'll take the waves to spot some freaking whales and dolphins! Get lucky, and you may spot any number of humpback whales, orcas, and even a blue whale if you're super lucky. You're also likely to see some dolphins, which is obviously awesome. Seals, too - this tour is the gift that keeps on giving! If you're a fan of ocean life, book this tour right now. Aquarium of the Pacific If you'd rather see underwater wonders up close and personal, take a relaxing trip to Los Angeles' Aquarium of the Pacific. There's so much to see and do here; we'd recommend blocking out an afternoon in your vacation calendar to see it all. With over 100 exhibits to explore and 19 major habitats to walk through, you'll need all the time you can get! Meet finned friends at Shark Lagoon, hang out with some penguins, and check out the Pacific Visions immersive cinema experience to see the ocean like never before. All that and much, much more await you at Aquarium of the Pacific. Yoga on Huntington Beach Is there anything more relaxing than finding inner peace? How about doing it on a sunny Los Angeles beach? Align your chakras today at a yoga session on Huntington Beach! Pick a morning or evening session and join an experienced yoga instructor as you downward dog your way to Nirvana. And what better setting than Huntington Beach? It's one of Orange County's finest. Whether you're a seasoned stretcher or a complete newbie, all are welcome to this calm, mindful environment. Then, when you're done, you'll be in top shape to enjoy many of LA's more exhilarating attractions! Downtown LA Food and Culture Tour Just because you're looking for relaxing things to do in Los Angeles doesn't mean you should ignore your belly! Take a day off your diet and explore LA's vibrant food culture on this tour of downtown! You'll pass City Hall, The Music Centre, and The Walt Disney Concert Hall, plus hidden gems like The Last Bookstore. Make sure your phone has plenty of picture space! Then, try delicious morsels at the Spring Arcade Building food market and Grand Central Market. Just make sure you bring some dollars so you can sample as much as possible! If you're looking for a great way to immerse yourself in LA's food culture, book a tour and get immersed! Rent a Beach Cruiser or Roller-Skates And finally, how does a relaxing beach bike ride sound? Good? Why not rent a bike and take your time cycling around LA's serene sands? Or, if two wheels don't cut it, rent some roller skates instead! The area is brimming with things to do and see. You can visit the historic Santa Monica pier and pass the homes of some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Travel through Venice Beach and see all the weird and wonderful denizens of Los Angeles going about their day. Soak it all up, and then return your bike to Perry's Cafe and grab a coffee. And hey, maybe a cake too. After all, you just burned off a ton of calories - why not treat yourself? And those are our picks of the best relaxing things to do in Los Angeles! Of course, vacations aren't always about relaxing. So, if you want to hit up some of LA's more heart-thumping experiences in between your relaxation time, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of LA's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
skyline-los-angeles-during-sunset
Blog

Los Angeles Staycation - Ideas to Plan a Fun Weekend at Home

We all love a good vacation. But sometimes, life gets in the way and we can’t get out of town for a variety of reasons. That’s where the idea of a Los Angeles staycation comes in handy. Explore your local city with fresh eyes, seeing and doing things you’ve never done, or only done once. You could even stay in a hotel to make it seem like more of an escape from daily life. If you’re in Los Angeles looking for some ways to explore your hometown, then check out this list of our favorite things to do in L.A. for a fun staycation. Our top staycation ideas include: Aquarium of the Pacific OUE Skyspace L.A. Natural History Museum California Science Center Newport Landing Whale Watch Cruise L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens Roller-Skating in Santa Monica The Huntington Library & Gardens Griffith Park Save on Admission Looking to save on tickets to your favorite Los Angeles staycation ideas? Pick up a Go Los Angeles® Card to save up to 50% on top area museums, tours, activities, and more. See all available attractions and prices – here. Newport Landing Whale Watch Cruise In search of something truly special for your staycation? Then a whale watch cruise it is! This delightful and educational excursion is an excellent way to not only see more of your city via the water, but also to appreciate the natural environment in a way you might not have before. Come here to see these majestic creatures in the wild, from Giant Blue Ways to smaller Minke Whales. The kind of whales you’ll see varies seasonally, so be sure to ask your captain what to expect! Getting In: Whale watch tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card. Roller-Skating in Santa Monica If you’re in search of some old-fashioned fun, why not try your hand at roller-skates after all these years? Cruise around the Santa Monica Boardwalk on your skates, and enjoy the fresh air and exercise. Adults and kids alike will delight in this fun activity. You can rent skates easily from Perry’s Beach Café, which also doubles as an excellent place for some tasty lunch or snacks (see above - doesn't it look relaxing?) Getting In: Perry’s Beach Café rentals are included with the Go Los Angeles Card. Don’t Forget to Save There you have it – our favorite suggestions for Los Angeles staycation ideas. Whether you’re the type that loves to explore and learn new things, or just love to kick back and relax, we’re sure you’ll be able to create that perfect staycation plan. Remember, if you’re looking to spend wisely while enjoying your local attractions, pick up a Go Los Angeles® Card today!
Katie Sagal
Couple in Los Angeles
Blog

Romantic Things to Do in Los Angeles for Valentine's Day

Twinkling lights, fairground rides and theatre tours... spending Valentine's Day in LA is a fabulous idea. Here are our best date ideas.
Katie Sagal

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.