Relaxing Things to do in Los Angeles

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
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!
Image of Water, Waterfront, Pier, Nature, Outdoors, Sky,

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.

Image of Animal, Dinosaur, Reptile,

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?

Image of Animal, Mammal, Sea Life, Whale,

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.

Image of Animal, Sea Life, Jellyfish,

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.

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Child, Girl, Fitness, Warrior Yoga Pose, Working Out, Yoga, Diaper,

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!

Image of Baby, Person, Food,

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!

Image of Palm Tree, Tree, Boy, Male, Person, Teen,

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
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Knott's Berry Farm
Blog

Buena Park’s Top Free Finds Beyond Knott’s Berry Farm

Double your fun near Knott’s Berry Farm—for zero extra cost!
Friends at Universal Studios Los Angeles
Blog

Wallet-Friendly Fun: Free Attractions by Universal Studios LA

Skip the tickets—discover artsy, outdoorsy and quirky free fun steps from Universal Studios.
pool party
Blog

February in LA: Sun, Stars and Surprises Await

Dreaming of an LA getaway but not sure if February is up for the challenge? Good news—Los Angeles delivers its signature sunshine, plenty of big events, and just enough cozy moments to make this short month sing. Whether you crave a crowd-free stroll down Hollywood Boulevard, want to soak up Pacific views on a bike, or can’t wait to eat your way through Lunar New Year festivals, LA is bursting with energy just when the rest of the country needs it most. With awards season in full swing, romantic Valentine’s Day vibes and adventures from whale watching to museum-hopping, February in LA has its own special magic. Come chase it with us!  Here’s our lineup of must-do February activities in Los Angeles:  Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales  GRAMMY Museum  Griffith Observatory Tour  Lunar New Year Celebrations  California Science Center IMAX Movie  Highlights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking  Battleship IOWA Museum  Hollywood Museum  Enjoy Oscar buzz at the Dolby Theatre guided tour  Cozy up at Café Gratitude  GRAMMY Museum  What goes on behind the glitz and glamour of the world’s biggest music awards? This is the spot to find out. The GRAMMY Museum in downtown Los Angeles is vibrant, interactive, and packed with jaw-dropping memorabilia from the legends who have shaped music history. Think Michael Jackson’s sparkly glove, iconic outfits, lyric journals, plus installations for every major genre.  February is the museum’s moment to shine, with fresh buzz from the annual GRAMMY Awards. You’ll find limited-time exhibits highlighting nominees, music innovation labs, and listening booths where you can experience the power of Grammy-winning performances. The mood here is energetic—expect to find families, music nerds, and selfie-snapping friends alike.  Fans of pop, rock, country, jazz, hip hop (and everything in between) are guaranteed to discover something memorable. You can step into a replica recording booth, test your DJ skills, or feel the weight of a GRAMMY trophy. Whether you’re a lifelong music lover or just want a dose of that special LA soundtrack, the museum delivers.  Griffith Observatory Tour  February is LA’s secret stargazing season—the air’s fresh, skies are clear, and (thanks to winter’s early sunsets) the stars pop in the lavender dusk above the city. Where better to take it all in than the legendary Griffith Observatory? Perched on Mount Hollywood, it offers panoramic views over Downtown, the Hollywood sign, and right out to the sweep of the Pacific.  Join a guided tour for a fun, info-packed look at historic telescopes, clever exhibits, and celestial wonders. The planetarium shows are unforgettable, especially when they cap off a sunset hike. Even if you’re not an astronomy buff, the architecture alone—classic Art Deco flourishes and sun-drenched terraces—make you want to linger. The surrounding parkland bursts with wildflowers this time of year, so bring your walking shoes for a loop along the West Observatory Trail.  Feeling romantic? Evening visits here are surprisingly dreamy—a low-lit walk around the terraces with the city sparkling below is pure LA movie magic.  Lunar New Year Celebrations  February means it’s time for the city’s most dazzling festivities: Lunar New Year. LA’s Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities celebrate with vibrant parades, delicious food, lion dance performances and more. Head to Chinatown, the San Gabriel Valley, or the big street festivals around the city for a taste of the action.  The Golden Dragon Parade is a local institution: dragon dancers weave through crowds, confetti flies, and food stalls tempt you with everything from dim sum to mouthwatering BBQ. Don’t miss the nightly light installations and lion dances by Central Plaza—the atmosphere sizzles with hope and happiness for the year ahead.  We especially love the family-friendly feel: kids can get their faces painted and adults can sample traditional nian gao (sticky rice cake for good luck). It’s one of LA’s most vivid, photogenic winter traditions, and no trip in February is complete without soaking it up.  California Science Center IMAX Movie  If February throws you a rare rainy day, we’ve got the perfect indoor fix: immerse yourself in a next-level film at the California Science Center’s IMAX theater. This is not your average cinema—expect massive screens, heart-thumping surround sound, and a lineup of science and nature films that launch your imagination into orbit.  The experience is cinematic but also hands-on. Before or after your IMAX adventure, wander through the Space Shuttle Endeavour Pavilion or test out interactive exhibits about the universe, biology, and more. It’s educational and wildly fun for everyone—from families with curious kiddos to adults who just want an out-of-this-world escape.  The theater often debuts new releases in February, ranging from deep-sea documentaries to thrilling astronaut stories. Afterwards, refuel at the center’s café, or walk over to the nearby Natural History Museum for a second shot of discovery.  Battleship IOWA Museum  LA’s harbor comes alive with history at the Battleship IOWA, a floating museum docked in San Pedro. Step aboard “the Battleship of Presidents” and you’ll be walking the decks where Eisenhower, Reagan, and even Roosevelt all made history.  The tours (both self-guided and with friendly staff) take you from the top deck’s panoramic views to below-deck cabins and gun turrets. You’ll find interactive installations that explain everything about life on board—from radar systems to the crew’s favorite mess menu items. Kids love climbing up and down ladders, testing out the captain’s chair, or scanning for dolphins off the side.  The nautical vibe is matched by knockout harbor views, and if you visit in February, you’re likely to dodge the biggest crowds. The museum sometimes hosts special military heritage events or shipboard movie nights—so check ahead for fun surprises.  Hollywood Museum  Step into four floors of Hollywood magic just steps from the Walk of Fame. From February’s hustle and bustle of awards season, the Hollywood Museum is a can’t-miss for any film or TV fan eager to get the inside scoop. Here, the drama of cinema past and present surrounds you at every turn.  Expect fabulous exhibits on classic stars—Marilyn Monroe’s makeup case, Indiana Jones’ whip, Hannibal Lecter’s actual jail cell from “Silence of the Lambs”—but also plenty of up-to-the-minute costumes and props. Themed exhibits often focus on Oscars’ history in February, letting you see vintage statuettes, iconic fashion, and much more.  The pink Art Deco Max Factor building, with its lavish décor and maze of secret rooms, adds an extra thrill to the experience. Don’t be surprised if you lose track of time sifting through nostalgia in the TV memorabilia basement—it’s packed with rare gems. The staff love to chat film trivia, so come ready with questions!  Enjoy Oscar Buzz at the Dolby Theatre Guided Tour  Every February, LA buzzes with awards show excitement. The Dolby Theatre crowns this glitzy season—the real home of the Oscars since 2002. On a guided tour, you get a proper taste of the Hollywood A-list treatment: stand on the stage where stars have given their emotional speeches, explore VIP lounges, and check out behind-the-scenes stories of nerves, gowns, and golden statues.  The guides know all the showbiz secrets, and the lavish Art Deco lobby sets the mood. Whether you fancy yourself a future star or just want to snap a red-carpet selfie, this tour is made for making memories. And if you’re in town during awards week, you’ll feel the electric buzz all over Hollywood—leading up to the big night itself.  Stick around for people-watching outside or catch a movie at the adjacent Chinese Theatre. Awards season brings special pop-up exhibits, rooftop parties, and themed cocktails to Hollywood’s bars and cafés. Soak up the star-studded atmosphere—there’s nothing else quite like it.  Cozy Up at Café Gratitude  After a full day of LA adventures, reward yourself with a meal that feels as good as it tastes. Café Gratitude is a beloved local chain known for nourishing plant-based dishes, warm ambiance, and a welcoming, laidback vibe that melts away the city’s noise.  Each dish has a playful, affirming name (order the “I Am Grateful” for a classic rice bowl with spicy tomato sauce—or the “I Am Thriving” mushroom risotto for winter comfort). Bright walls, creative murals, and lots of indoor plants set the scene for easy conversations and plenty of “where did you get this recipe?” moments.  Drinks—from fresh juices to organic wines—arrive with a smile, and the menu always features something seasonal. February means plenty of winter vegetables, vibrant root soups, and blissfully rich desserts. Whether you’re vegan, health-focused, or just want to feel like an LA local, this is the cozy, delicious reset you’re looking for.    February in Los Angeles is anything but ordinary. One visit and you’ll see why locals think of this month as a secret sweet spot—short lines at star attractions, outdoor adventures in t-shirt weather, spirited festivals, fresh music and movie magic everywhere you turn. LA comes alive with a rhythm all its own: whales breaching off sun-kissed beaches, street parades full of color and kindness, cozy moments in artsy cafés, and just enough glamor to remind you that you’re in the entertainment capital of the world. So pack your layers, your camera, and a sense of adventure—February here is open for exploration.    Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Universal Studios Los Angeles or Things to Do Near Knott’s Berry Farm.    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! 

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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