Los Angeles Spring Break Vacation

It's time to book your Spring Break getaway - and where better than LA? You'll need some activities in between all those parties, so here are our top things to do in LA in February & March.

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024
Spring Break in Los Angeles

Plan a vacation full of sea, sun, and Hollywood fun this Los Angeles Spring Break. LA is filled with tons of great attractions you and your friends will love.

LA is also a temperate city with comfortable weather in the springtime, so it will actually feel like a getaway, regardless of how cold the weather still is where you’re coming from. If you’re planning on a spring break trip to LA but haven’t decided on what to do yet, check out our favorite attractions:

  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Madame Tussauds
  • Aquarium of the Pacific
  • A Whale Watching Cruise
  • Santa Monica Beach
  • And more!

Want to save money on those bucket-list attractions? 

Check out passes from Go City and you could save yourself up to 50% on your must-sees – perfect!  

☀️Compare Los Angeles passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️ 

Head to Universal Studios Hollywood

You can’t go to L.A. without paying a visit to the one and only Universal Studios Hollywood. There’s nothing quite like this theme park-slash-working studio that attracts hordes of visitors each and every day, and it’s a sight not to be missed. Begin with a thorough tour of the Universal backlot and see where the movie magic happens. You’ll be touring through active lots, so keep your eyes peeled for any special celebrity sightings!

Universal Studios

Then, head to the theme park portion of Universal where you can spend the rest of the day enjoying heart-stopping rides, delightful exhibits, and charming installations featuring cultural favorites like the Minions or the Simpsons.

Don’t miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, among the newer areas of the park and a massive favorite with kids and teens. You can also spend some time exploring Universal CityWalk, which offers shops, restaurants, and more for those wishing to continue the Universal experience. 

Getting In: Tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood are included on 3, 5, and 7-Day passes

"Meet" your favorite celebrities

Madame Tussauds Hollywood
The image shown depicts wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds

You can’t come to Los Angeles without exploring a little bit of Hollywood! That’s where the plethora of great celebrity attractions come into play. Start with a visit to Madame Tussauds Hollywood, the place where you’re honestly most likely to meet your favorite celebrities (or at least, get them to pose for a picture with you). It’s a fun attraction for kids and adults alike, so it’s a win on any itinerary. 

Getting In: Admission to Madame Tussauds Hollywood is included on all Los Angeles passes.

Tour celebrity hotspots

If you’re looking for even greater access to famous people, then hop aboard a bus tour that features celebrity homes and estates in the area – as a bonus, these tours often take you along sweeping ocean vistas as well as by ginormous beautiful houses.

Do you like the idea of a tour, but are more interested in famous movie sites than people’s homes? Check out a Hollywood behind-the-scenes tour to see legendary filming locations as well as iconic places in the history of L.A. theater culture like the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame. 

Getting In: Celebrity homes tour tickets and Hollywood behind-the-scenes tour tickets are both separately ticketed.

Visit the Hollywood Museum

Hollywood Museum

Explore the history behind the silver screen with a visit to the fascinating Hollywood Museum, filled with amazing props and artifacts from movie and T.V. history. You'll find real items that played an iconic role in Hollywood culture, like Cary Grant's Rolls-Royce "Roller" and more.

There are galleries of photographs, restored makeup and dressing rooms, and tributes to major stars and their signature props like Judy Garland's Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz. It's not just for fans of Old Hollywood, either! You'll find props, sets, and objects from films like Jaws, Silence of the Lambs, and There's Something About Mary. 

Getting In: Admission to the Hollywood Museum is included on all Los Angeles passes.

Get some thrills at LA's finest theme parks

friends-eating-ice-cream-outdoor

A vacation in California means that you have to check out some of their amazing theme parks! Daredevils will find tons of theme parks an easy drive away from Los Angeles, with everything from rollercoasters to water slides. A popular option is local legend, Knott's Berry Farm, one of the first theme parks in the country. It remains delightfully entertaining for guests of all ages.

They also have a sister water park, Knott's Soak City. Or, if you're willing to venture further out, Six Flags Magic Mountain is another excellent choice for adventure heads. This 260-acre park is filled to the brim with exciting attractions! 

Getting In: Admission to Knott's Berry Farm is included on all Los Angeles passes. Six Flags Magic Mountain is separately ticketed.

Explore LA's best aquariums

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What’s the fun of being in an oceanfront city without the opportunity to meet some wonderful aquatic animals? The gorgeously-situated Aquarium of the Pacific sits on the water's edge at Shoreline Aquatic Park and you should spend a morning here exploring.

You'll see animals in habitats that mimic the conditions of a diversity of global places, from Baja California to the chilly Northern Pacific and the sunny tropics. Kids will love the chance to see rare and exotic marine life!

Getting In: Admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific is included on all Los Angeles passes.

Embark on a whale watch

action-packed-humpback-whale-breaching-near

Or, if you prefer, block off a couple of hours for a thrilling whale watch! Depart from Newport Beach and spend the remainder of the day venturing through the California waters in search of whales and other marine life.  Dolphins, seals and rare species of whales frequent the area all year round, so don’t worry about heading home without that perfect photo. 

Getting In: Newport Beach Whale Watch tickets are included on all Los Angeles passes.

Roam Santa Monica

attractive-young-woman-walking-towards-santa

If the weather cooperates, it’s a good time to get a little bit of surf and sun into your spring break trip with a venture to Santa Monica State Beach. Grab your friends for a beach trip and splash around in the ocean (if you’re brave enough to handle cooler water), or stroll or bike along the waterfront paths.

Looking for something more thrilling and more classically vacation-esque? Hark back to your childhood with a visit to Pacific Park. It’s an old-school amusement park with an unbeatable waterfront location that offers classic rides, games, and treats. 

Getting In: Admission to Pacific Park is included with the Go Los Angeles pass.

Explore Griffith Park

los-angeles-california-griffith-park-entrance

If you aren’t from the area, you may not think of L.A. as having a particularly significant nature component. Fortunately for you (and for the locals), Griffith Park is here to prove you wrong! Made up of well over 4,000 acres of urban parkland, the area features miles upon miles of trails (perfect for biking or even just a relaxing stroll), the free Griffith Park Observatory, and the famous Hollywood sign.

Spend some time at the Los Angeles Zoo and the lovely Botanical Gardens. This small but diverse combo features plants and animals from around the world, perfect for some low-key browsing.

Right across the parking lot is the fun Autry Museum of the American West, which showcases some wonderful works of art, pottery, and even antique firearms. It’s a nice option for art lovers or history fans. For the golf lovers among you, there’s also a popular course just south of the zoo that attracts golfers from all over the area. Perfect for balancing out those Spring Break parties!

Getting In: Admission to the L.A. Zoo and Botanical Gardens is included on all Los Angeles passes.

Get out & enjoy the weather — on wheels!

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For something playful and energizing on your spring break, rent a mountain bike or a pair of roller skates to soak up the sun in Santa Monica. Offered through Perry's Beach Café, these rentals allow you to explore this fantastic seaside community while getting a bit of exercise. After your rental, be sure to linger at Perry's for a little for a meal at the café. They've got some tasty and healthy offerings that are sure to please all visitors. 

Getting In: L.A. Mountain Bike or Roller Blade Rentals are included on all Los Angeles passes.

Museums free-for-all

If you've got your eye on a museum or two in L.A. that you have yet to visit, then wait until February 2 and 3, when many of the city's best museums will be offering free admission. Some of the top participating institutions include the Getty Center, Institute of Contemporary Art, LA., the California Science Center, and many more.

Some of these museums may require admission tickets, but the tickets are free. For a full list of participating museums, please consult the event website. 

Getting In: Museum admission is free during this special event. Parking and special exhibits may incur additional costs. The Los Angeles pass will cover the cost of an IMAX movie at the California Science Center.

Make this Spring Break one to remember with Go City®

While you can’t cover everything with a discounted attraction pass, the Go City Los Angeles passes can help you save big on attractions you plan to visit during Los Angeles Spring Break.  From getting out on the water to getting up close to sea life safely from the shore to a day at a theme park, you'll be able to let your hair down in style.

 

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
Go City Travel Expert

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Best things to do near Los Angeles

With long, golden beaches, stylish promenades and an average temperature that rarely dips below 60 degrees, Los Angeles is a dream vacation spot for anyone who loves chasing the sun or life in the chilled lane. And with nearby mountain ranges circling the city to the east, and the pacific ocean brimming with explorable islands to the west, the city of angels really is the ultimate outdoor destination. Whether you prefer island hopping, walking trails or snooping on the rich and famous, these things to do outside Los Angeles will give you plenty of reasons to be ga-ga about la-la-land: Santa Catalina Island Laguna Beach Whale and dolphin watching Ojai Valley Palm Springs Big Bear Lake San Diego ‘Fly’ over to Catalina Nestled in the California channel islands south of LA is the small Island of Catalina, where the adventurous can get their adrenalin going with scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing or even jet ski rental. 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It’s bordered by Lake Casitas and the Los Padres National Forest, both excellent for hiking and horseback riding, and the surrounding country is dotted with olive groves and wineries, perfect for sampling! And if you’re still there at sunset you might witness a magical ‘pink moment’, when the entire Ojai Valley glows with stunning peach, pink and lavender hues. Be sure to have your camera and tripod handy! Spot celebs at Palm Springs As the name suggests, this stylish city is dotted with hot springs and spas and is a modern-day lair of luxury with lavish hotels, immaculate golf courses and magnificent mid-century architecture. It’s been a magnet for the rich and famous since the 1930’s, when Hollywood stars needed a place to escape within a couple hours of the city. Shopaholics will love the vintage boutiques and interior design shops on Palm Canyon Drive, while movie fans can get the goss on famous inhabitants of the past on a Celebrity Tour. 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Karleen Stevens
The signature globe logo at Universal Studios, Los Angeles.
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Universal Studios Vs Warner Bros. Los Angeles

Ever had the urge to pull back the curtain and peep behind the scenes of Hollywood’s legendary movie industry? Well, now’s your chance. Between them, Warner Bros. and Universal Studios have produced some of the best-loved movies and TV shows of all time. We’re talking nothing less than Jurassic Park, Spartacus, Psycho, Back to the Future, La La Land and many more classics that span the entire history of movie-making. We put these two titans of the silver screen head to head in our expert guide to all things Hollywood. Universal Studios Vs Warner Bros. Los Angeles: the Lowdown You’ll recognize Warner Bros. Studios by the iconic water tower emblazoned with the company logo that’s been standing sentinel on the lot since the studios opened here in Burbank way back in the late 1920s. But there’s so much more to this movie-making mecca, with studios and sets that you’ll know and love from films and TV shows as diverse as My Fair Lady, Blade Runner and – for viewers of a certain vintage – 70’s TV favorite The Waltons. Fans of 90s TV juggernaut Friends will also delight at the opportunity to hang out in a painstakingly recreated Central Perk Café. Hollywood’s Universal Studios over in the San Fernando Valley has been around for even longer. Known as ‘the entertainment capital of LA’, the lot opened in 1915, later adding a theme park, which is what really differentiates it from its Burbank rival. Classics including The Sting, Die Hard 2 and Creature from the Black Lagoon were filmed on the stages here and a tour of the working studio highlights these and other household name productions. But it's the adjacent theme park that's the big draw here, with Harry Potter, Minions and Transformers experiences providing some of the heavy hitters. Warner Bros. Studios: What to See and Do The standard tour of the Warner Bros. Studios includes one hour of expert commentary from your guide, after which you’ll likely want to spend another two hours or so exploring the various exhibits at your leisure. Guided Studio Tour This is the part where you get to feel the true thrill and excitement of modern movie-making. Film buffs will be in clover as they speed through backlots in golf carts, visiting sets, stages and exterior locations from the likes of The Dark Knight, Gilmore Girls and Friends. There’s also a chance to visit Stage 48 for an immersive ‘script and screen’ experience that explores all aspects of the production process, from screenwriting and storyboarding to set design and special effects, as well as including authentic memorabilia from some of the planet’s best-loved movies and TV shows. You might even spot live recordings taking place (this is a working studio after all), and it’s not unheard of to run into the occasional Hollywood star! The One with the Perfect Selfie Friends fanatics will find much to enjoy at Warner Bros. Studios. Snap the perfect selfie on a replica sofa in front of the (actual) fountain from the opening credits and unleash your best Gunther impersonation over coffee in the lovingly recreated Central Perk Café, where you can also choose to dine in Monica’s apartment. Or indeed Chandler and Joey’s if you prefer things a little more laidback. Heck, there’s even a Friends boutique, with exclusive merch and gifts including branded mugs, keyrings and yup, even socks. Best of the Rest There’s an opportunity to visit even more real sets, including the likes of The Big Bang Theory, as well as recreating classic movie scenes in front of a green screen. Think flying Harry Potter’s broomstick, or gunning Catwoman’s motorbike through the mean streets of Gotham. Exhibitions that include blockbuster franchises like Harry Potter and the DC superheroes universe cap a quite excellent day out for movie buffs. Universal Studios: What to See and Do You won’t want to miss the Universal Studios tour either, though here it’s more of an amuse bouche to the main event: stacks of theme park rides for thrill-seeking film fans. Guided Studio Tour There’s a whopping 400 acres of active studio lots to explore at Universal. Hop aboard the tram and take in the famous sets and scenes accompanied by expert narration by none other than Jimmy Fallon. See the sets from Jordan Peele’s 2022 horror epic Nope, come face to face with some of Hollywood’s best-loved creature feature monsters, including King Kong and the shark from Jaws, and hold onto your hats for the high-octane tour finale based on the Fast & Furious film franchise. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Whether you’re Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here, where you can visit Hogwarts Castle, visit the Hogsmeade shops and – best of all – experience some of the park’s top rides. Hagrid ushers you on board the Flight of the Hippogriff, which swoops and soars over the friendly giant’s pumpkin patch and hut, while Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey uses a sprinkling of magic to take you through the halls and passageways of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry before flying high over the castle grounds. Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge Strap in, pop on your goggles and get ready to take on the mighty Bowser on this thrilling 3D ride that replicates some of your favorite locations from the classic video game. Speed through underwater courses and up into the clouds, collecting coins and throwing shells along the way in your bid to win the coveted Golden Cup. Best of the Rest There are stacks more movie-themed zones to explore, including an epic Transformers ride that pits you against four-storey-high 3D Decepticons, a laugh-a-minute gentle Minions ride that ends, of course, with an interactive dance party, and the terrifying immersive universe of Jurassic World, where you’ll need your wits about you if you want to avoid becoming lunch! Fast facts: Warner Bros. Studios Tickets You can get the standard studio tour with an attraction pass from Go City, and save $$$ if you’re planning to visit two or more big attractions while you’re in town. Or pimp up your tour with a variety-pack of options available on the official website, including access to the Prop Department and lunch in the Central Perk Café. Opening Hours Open daily from 8:30AM to 3:30PM daily. Closed June 13–14. Getting There Warner Bros. Studios is at 3400 W Warner Dr, Burbank, CA 91505. Bus routes 155, 222 and 501 connect from downtown LA. Parking is also available for $15. Fast facts: Universal Studios Tickets You can buy tickets and VIP experiences direct from the official website, or get one-day access with an attraction pass from Go City and save when visiting multiple attractions, including Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Studios, the Hollywood sign tour and more. Opening Hours Park hours vary throughout the year, but it generally opens daily from morning until late. You’ll find the most up-to-date opening hours here. Getting There Universal Studios is at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608. There are multiple ways to get there, including by bus and metro, and a range of parking options are also available. You’ll find all the latest information here.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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