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

Image of Furniture, Bookcase,

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.

Image of City, Urban, Road, Street, Path, Sidewalk, Metropolis, Downtown, Person, Bag, Handbag, Car, Vehicle, People, Plant, Shop, Shopping Mall, Advertisement, Bus, Pedestrian,

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

Image of Water, Waterfront, Pier, Car, Vehicle, Person,

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.

Image of Neighborhood, Palm Tree, Plant, Tree, City, Road, Street, Urban, Path, Summer, Boy, Male, Person, Teen, Sidewalk, People, Skateboard, Building,

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.

Image of Alcohol, Beer, Beverage, Urban, Glass, Person, Juice,

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
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Blog

Los Angeles Neighborhoods Guide - Where to Go & What to Visit for Tourists

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? We highlighted a handful of the top attractions, places to see, and which neighborhoods in Los Angeles to visit during your vacation. The Beach Communities Los Angeles County’s 60-mile beachfront boasts a myriad of distinct beach communities stretching from Malibu in the north to Palos Verdes in the south. No trip to L.A. is complete without some time spent exploring the beach communities, so be sure to check them out. Four of the area's most popular beaches are Santa Monica, Malibu, Long Beach, and Venice Beach. Santa Monica Head to Santa Monica to explore its bustling ocean pier, beautiful ocean-front hotels, artsy vibe, and abundant shopping. Things to Do in Santa Monica Santa Monica Pier: No trip to LA is complete without experiencing the Santa Monica beachfront. Enjoy some classic, ocean-side fun. Take a spin on the thrilling rides at Pacific Park, check out the spot where the iconic Route 66 meets the ocean, explore all things sea life at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, try your hand at fishing, and more. Hop on a tour bus and get the inside scoop on a Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour for a breezy ride up the Pacific Coast Highway and a chance to spot a celebrity. Walk along the iconic Santa Monica State Beach and check out the unique architecture of its beachfront properties. Pick up a souvenir and get some shopping in at the Third Street Promenade downtown. Visit The Getty Center, L.A.’s visual arts mecca and a gorgeous sight in itself designed by Richard Meier with beautiful gardens, open spaces, and one of the best views of the city. Malibu Malibu is best known for its celebrity residents and their ocean-side mansions. The 27-mile coastline is considered the most beautiful rural landscape in L.A. Plus, surfers love the big waves. Head to Santa Monica Pier to pick up a guided tour of the celebrity homes and prime real estate. Long Beach Famed for a number of top attractions from museums to cruises and beyond, Long Beach is a great family destination. It's located south of Los Angeles and is easily reachable by car. Things to Do in Long Beach Visit the supposedly haunted and definitely historic vessel Queen Mary, which offers plenty of special seasonal events and tours. Explore the fascinating Aquarium of the Pacific, which focuses exclusively on the marine life of the world's largest ocean. Take a whale watch cruise or harbor cruise to explore the beautiful waters of the Pacific. Indulge your creative side with a visit to the Museum of Latin American Art or the Long Beach Museum of Art. Get your shop on at the Pike Outlets. Venice Beach Famous for its Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach is home to some of the most bizarre and eclectic characters in L.A. Things to Do in Venice Beach There’s nothing like a little people-watching on Ocean Front Walk where you’ll find street musicians, fortunetellers, and hundreds of skateboarders. Visit the world-famous Venice Beach Skate Park and spend some time scoping out the talent. The Westside and Beverly Hills By Scott Catron (Sunset on HollywoodUploaded by zaui) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia CommonsThe area known as the Westside, located between the beach communities and Hollywood, contains some of the most well-known neighborhoods in Los Angeles such as Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, and the ever-trendy West Hollywood. Things to Do in Hollywood Below are few fun ideas, but check out our post on things to do in Hollywood for even more! Take a tour of the famous Dolby Theatre®, the home of the Academy Awards®, and get an insider’s look at this iconic Hollywood institution. Tour the famed TCL Chinese Theatre (home to the world's largest IMAX screen). Snap photos with your favorite celebs (or at least their life-like wax representations) at Madame Tussauds Hollywood and see memorabilia from your favorite movies at the Hollywood Museum. Go behind the scenes on a guided walking tour that hits all the highlights of Hollywood or hop on a bus and see the Movie Star Homes of Hollywood A-listers. Get a workout in with a hike up Runyon Canyon Park for some fresh air and breathtaking views of the city and surrounding area. Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and check out the star-studded tiles along the famous Walk of Fame. Things to Do in the Westside and Beverly Hills Check out the Museum of Tolerance, a fascinating institution dedicated to promoting tolerance and understanding. Travel back in time to the Ice Age and check out the world’s largest and most diverse collection of extinct Ice Age animals and plants at the La Brea Tar Pit and Museum. Don’t even think about leaving L.A. without a visit to a working studio. The 2-hour guided Sony Pictures Studio Tour lets visitors step inside the gates and explore the place where movie magic happens. Cruise along palm tree-lined Sunset Boulevard from downtown to the Pacific Coast Highway and make a stop at Rodeo Drive, the famous 2-mile strip of high-end shopping in Beverly Hills. Downtown Unlike most cities, Downtown is not the center of attention in Los Angeles but its many attractions make it worth a visit. Things to Do in Downtown L.A. Visit the GRAMMY Museum®, one of L.A.’s best pop culture museums. Get the best views of the city at OUE Skyspace, an open-air observation deck with a famous glass Skyslide. Shop, dine, and browse through the eclectic Grand Central Market. Participate in popular local events like the monthly art walk. See a show at the Disney Concert Hall, a site to see in itself, designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry. Browse through exhibits at the Japanese American National Museum, located in the heart of downtown L.A.’s Little Tokyo historic district. See if your favorite band is in town or catch a local sports game at the Staples Center multi-purpose sports arena. The San Fernando Valley Nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Fernando Valley is home to lots of entertainment and prime shopping. Things to Do in San Fernando Valley Be sure to get in a day of theme park fun and thrills at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Visit the impressive historical Mission San Fernando, which was first opened in 1797! Scope out the murals on the Great Wall of Los Angeles. Glendale & Pasadena Just north of the city are Glendale and Pasadena, two large cities in Los Angeles County and home to some of L.A.’s top attractions. Things to Do in Glendale & Pasadena Go behind-the-scenes on a studio tour and enjoy thrilling rides, shows, and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood (ticket included with 3, 5, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles Cards). Take the kids to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, home to more than 1,100 mammals, birds, and reptiles from around the world. Rent a bike for the day and explore the scenic trails around Los Angeles’ best kept secret, Griffith Park. Save on Attraction Admission in Los Angeles Neighborhoods While you're out there exploring all that L.A. has to offer, we're sure you'll want to pop into an attraction or two or four. Consider picking up a Los Angeles attractions pass to help you save up to 50% on combined attraction admission versus paying at the gate.
Casey Makovich
Blog

Things to do in The South Bay Los Angeles

Looking for new areas of Los Angeles to explore? Well, you’ve come to the right place then! Lucky for you, Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with so many areas to discover, each one better than the next. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or just want to get a true taste of the city, this spot has so much to offer those visiting the City of Angels. Besides being to some of the best natural sights in L.A., the South Bay also boasts a strong museum game and a fantastic shopping and dining scene, too. Above all else, this laidback friendly neighborhood has a live like the locals vibe, offering a more authentic way to experience the city. If you’re not familiar with the area and need some handy advice, have no fear - we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite things to do in the region. How many of these classic South Bay attractions will you try? Check Out the Museums Los Angeles is primarily known for its exciting entertainment attractions and wonderful outdoorsy adventures. Yet beyond the sweeping landscapes and film sets, the city boasts a well-rounded museum scene, just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re new to the city or a seasoned visitor just looking to try something different, the South Bay is undoubtedly the place to be. There are countless museums to suit all types of interests here - all you have to do is pick your favorite! For artsy types visiting the area, we suggest heading over to the El Segundo Museum of Art. Breaking away from the typical gallery experience, this spot is less of a stuffy establishment and more of a welcoming whimsical art laboratory with a focus on education. Unique, quaint and thought-provoking all at the same time - hey, what’s not to love? But if art isn’t your jam, the South Bay is also home to some great history museums to check out. We recommend the Computer History Museum and the International Printing Museum, with one of the largest collections of kind in the United States. In addition, the area is known for its automotive and aviation institutions - if you’re a total electronics geek, The Western Museum of Flight should take your fancy. With so much to be discovered, it’s no wonder that South Bay is growing in growing in popularity each and every day! Spend Time in Nature In Los Angeles there’s a beach to suit everyone, and we mean everyone. Even just within the South Bay, there are a number of options to choose from for those who are looking to soak up the sun. The beaches here are a little less touristy than the shores of Santa Monica or Venice, but no less beautiful or fun. For first-time visitors to the South Bay, we recommend heading over to Hermosa City Beach, where you’ll find a sun-soaked shoreline complete with a bustling boardwalk, quaint stores and tempting eateries. Exciting activities to do here include swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, scuba diving and more. Volleyball tournaments and surf festivals also take place here throughout the year, so be sure to check those out. Another popular outdoor attraction in the area is Redondo County Beach, known for its carefree and laidback atmosphere. This spot is a great option for nature lovers, with Hopkins Wilderness Park and whale watching and nature cruises to be enjoyed. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, we suggest heading over to Manhattan County Beach. Here you’ll an upscale and pristine stretch with unique shopping, a wonderful pier and lots of bar and restaurant options serving up locally-sourced fresh seafood. Each spot has something a little bit different to offer, so there’s no harm in checking them all out whilst you’re there! For those who just can’t get enough of the outdoors, why not check out Sand Dune Park? Though this is one of the city’s lesser-known attractions of its kind, it’s a great way to soak up the city’s innate beauty. The park features a 100-foot high sand dune, making it a popular spot for families with young children. Visit any day of the week, and you’ll find kids running, jumping, playing and having a blast at this wonderful natural space. Near the slope, there’s also a children’s playground as well as other facilities including picnic areas and restrooms. The park also includes the Manhattan Beach Sand Dune Nature Preserve, with some great hiking trails with scenic flora, so be sure to check that out, too. Exhibiting the awesome natural attributes of the city, this space is perfect for any outdoorsy types visiting the area. Just remember to bring lots of sunscreen and water with you! Enjoy the Wonderful Architecture Another one of our favorite things to do in South Bay is visit the Wayfarers Chapel. Though visiting a chapel perhaps isn’t your usual tourist activity, this spot stands out for its unique architectural features. Designed by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright way back in 1951, the structure very much still stands the test of time, drawing in guests from near and far to its peaceful oceanside position. Though it is billed as ‘’the Glass Church’’, its warm wood and stone features complement its organic surroundings. Take time to admire its tasteful wooden beams and the light glimmering through the windows, and then step outside to enjoy the towering redwoods and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Undoubtedly beautiful and thoroughly serene, this stop offers something a little different from your typical L.A. attraction - but that’s what we love about it! No doubt, the South Bay is the perfect place for exploring a different side to the city. With its wonderful history, stunning beaches and fantastic museums to check out, this lesser-known area of Los Angeles has much to offer its visitors. Maximize your travel experience 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
los-angeles-california-skyline-sunset
Blog

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

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. 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. 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. 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. 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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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