LA After Dark: The Best Nighttime Fun in the City of Angels

When the sun goes down, LA lights up—find the city’s best evening spots!

Published: June 10, 2026
Los Angeles Skyline at Night

As the sun sets over Los Angeles, the city’s energy hits a whole new level. Whether you’re searching for glittering city views, lively entertainment, delicious bites, or just a memorable way to soak up that West Coast vibe, LA at night has you covered. We’re about to show you all the best spots and experiences that guarantee your evenings will be the highlight of your trip. 

Our favorite things to do at night in LA include: 

  • Griffith Observatory Tour 
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood 
  • Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales 
  • Madame Tussauds Hollywood 
  • Santa Monica Pier 
  • The Haunt Ghost Tour 
  • Rooftop Drinks at Perch 
  • Downtown LA Art Walk 

Griffith Observatory Tour 

Want to see the City of Angels shine from above? Head to Griffith Observatory in the early evening—when the city begins to light up, the views get magical. The Observatory’s classic Art Deco exterior makes a dramatic first impression, but what really wows us are the telescopes open to the public at night. Peer at Saturn’s rings, trace constellations, and join other sky-gazers on the lush terraces for epic photo ops. 

Inside, the planetarium comes to life with star shows that dazzle kids and adults alike. Exhibits invite hands-on stargazing, and friendly staff love pointing out their favorite features in the night sky. Whether you’re a science geek, a starry-eyed romantic, or just after an unforgettable view of LA’s shimmering sprawl, the Observatory delivers in style. Bonus: On clear evenings, the outdoor telescopes are always a hit. 

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood 

Experience Hollywood after hours on a studio tour that keeps the magic going even as the city winds down. Warner Bros. Studio Tour is known for giving fans an insider’s peek at active soundstages, famous sets, and legendary props. During later tours, the working lot feels extra atmospheric—quiet, mysterious, and just a little bit glamorous. 

Walk in the footsteps of movie stars and imagine all the afterhours antics these studios must’ve seen over the years. The tour guides spice up the evening with tales of Hollywood lore, bringing old sets and props to life with behind-the-scenes stories. There’s something thrilling about being among these storied backlots as the sun sets, making it one of our top picks for a night in LA. 

Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales

Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour

If you’re looking for something totally different after the sun dips, try a Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach! Evening and sunset tours let you spot dolphins leaping alongside the boat, whales gliding through moonlit waves, and sometimes even shimmering bioluminescence in the water. It’s a rush to sail into the evening, sea breeze in your hair, listening to stories about LA’s biggest marine residents. 

Onboard naturalists keep things interesting with fun facts, and there’s always plenty of space on deck to catch the views. You’ll end your trip with windblown hair, salty clothes, and a story no one else at dinner will be able to top. Added bonus? You’re only a short drive from the Aquarium of the Pacific—why not make a full ocean-themed evening of it? 

Madame Tussauds Hollywood 

When LA’s streets light up, so do the stars—at Madame Tussauds Hollywood, you can rub shoulders with them all! This famous wax museum is open into the evenings and offers a glittering, crowd-free escape right on Hollywood Boulevard. Snap selfies with ultra-realistic figures—from classic Hollywood legends to Marvel superheroes to today’s pop icons—under glowing neon lights. 

The three-story space buzzes with energy, and after dark, everything feels just a touch more glamorous. It’s the perfect place to be silly, grab photos, and relive your favorite movie scenes with friends. If you’ve spent your day sightseeing nearby, Madame Tussauds is a fun, festive way to keep the Hollywood magic going after dinner. 

Santa Monica Pier 

There’s something special about the carnival lights and ocean breezes at the Santa Monica Pier after dark. As the sun goes down, the pier glows with colorful bulbs, classic amusement rides, and live music drifting over the waves. Play vintage games in the arcade, grab a funnel cake, and maybe try your luck on the neon-lit Ferris wheel for a glittering view of LA’s coastline. 

Want to keep the night going? Cruise the boardwalk for street performers and local food vendors, or catch late-night comedy or live jazz at a nearby club. Santa Monica after sunset feels relaxed, fun, and full of possibilities—a perfect blend of beach-town chill and pure California excitement. 

The Haunt Ghost Tour 

Turn your LA night into a spine-tingling adventure with The Haunt Ghost Tour. This guided walk through Hollywood’s shadowy boulevards delves into tales of famous hauntings, cursed theaters, and Tinseltown’s mysterious side. Guides amp up the drama with legends and lore, taking you from classic cinemas to hidden alleyways where the city’s restless spirits supposedly roam. 

What makes this tour stand out? It’s the theatrical flair—costumed storytellers and ambient city noises make even the boldest skeptics feel a chill. At night, Hollywood’s old glamour feels tinged with ghostly secrets, making this quirky, fun, and a little bit spooky. Whether you’re a supernatural skeptic or just love a good story, we always walk away grinning with goosebumps. 

Rooftop Drinks at Perch

Friends Toasting Drinks on a Rooftop

Downtown LA’s Perch rooftop brings a heavy dose of wow to any evening out. Perched 16 floors above Pershing Square, this French-inspired lounge serves up panoramic city views, flickering fire pits, and a buzzing after-work crowd. The bartender’s signature ‘Mezcalero’—mezcal, pineapple-jalapeño shrub, and fresh citrus—makes an ideal sunset sipper. 

The vibe? Think Parisian garden party—live jazz, string lights, and LA’s cityscape unfurling all around. Whether you order cheese plates, truffle fries, or just a perfectly poured French 75, you’ll find that Perch is where Angelenos go to toast the night in style. Insider tip: Book ahead for a front-row seat at golden hour. 

Downtown LA Art Walk 

If you’re looking for creative fuel after dark, hit the monthly Downtown LA Art Walk. Galleries, pop-up installations, and quirky boutiques spill onto the sidewalks, while local artists and street performers add to the festival vibe. Even if you’re not shopping, just wandering among the vibrant murals and electric crowds feels like you’ve stumbled onto a secret art party. 

Food trucks line the streets, and indoor-outdoor bars serve up craft cocktails well into the night. Keep your eyes peeled for spontaneous concerts or late-night poetry slams in tucked-away basements. Whether you’re here to hunt for the next big thing or just soak up the energy, the Art Walk adds a jolt of inspiration to your LA evening. 

 

There you have it! No matter what flavor your perfect evening has—a dash of glamour, a dose of adventure, a sprinkle of star-spotting, or plenty of delicious late-night eats—Los Angeles absolutely delivers after dark. So, charge up your camera, gather your crew, and get ready for an LA night you’ll be daydreaming about long after you leave.

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Madame Tussauds Hollywood or Things to Do with Friends in Los Angeles 

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Visiting Knott's Berry Farm - Discount Admission Tickets, Tips & More

Knott's Berry Farm, America's first theme park, is an excellent place for you and your family to spend a day during your time in Southern California. Knott's is ideal for a day-long adventure, with its stellar a lineup of ride and attractions. There are even attractions geared towards all ages and styles, so there's something for everyone at this delightful attraction. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the Knott's Berry Farm. It's packed full of tips for visiting, ways to save on admission, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for Knott's Berry Farm Discount Tickets? We’ve got you covered – Knott's Berry Farm admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices. Tips for Visiting Knott's Berry Farm Present your Go City Card at the Guest Services Window for your general admission ticket. You'll see several ticket booths at the front of the park. But if you already have a Go City Card, head just beyond that area to the Guest Services building to get your tickets. Take your time and enjoy the park. There are some amazing craftsmen at work in Ghost Town. You won't want to miss the fine attention to detail given to the park's features. Knott's Berry Farm is a lovely park, and it's worth a leisurely stroll to enjoy the scenery. Try some boysenberries. Although they're sold throughout the country, buying a jar of boysenberries at the actual park is part of the Knott's experience. Cool off in the Voyage to the Iron Reef. One of the newest features at Knott's is a video game-like ride. You will wear 3D glasses and battle evil sea creatures. You'll want to ride it in the middle of the day when the sun is at its warmest point. Much of the line is in the shade and the ride is inside and air conditioned. The Sky Cabin ride is also air conditioned and offers an amazing view of the park from a height of 180 feet. Paying for the dryer is well worth the money. After you ride Bigfoot Rapids, use the dryer machine that sits on the right, outside the entrance to the ride. It costs a few dollars, but it's well worth it, particularly when your whole family can stand inside. When is the best time to visit Knott's Berry Farm? Any time is a good time to visit Knott's Berry Farm! With the seasonal celebrations and year-round schedule, Knott's offers fun and excitement every month of the year. You'll want to devote at least half a day to Knott's Berry Farm, so arriving near the opening hour will allow you to experience as much as possible at this fun park. What should I bring to Knott's Berry Farm? If you have any experience visiting theme parks, you know that it's important to stay hydrated when it's hot (and it's often hot in Orange County), so items like hats and sunglasses are an important part of your visit. Here are a few extra items you may want to bring along... Knott's features two water rides including the Timber Mountain Log Ride and Bigfoot Rapids, and you may want to bring water shoes for these rides. Even though you can use the dryer after you ride, sneakers definitely take a while to dry. Don't forget to bring a few sealable plastic bags to store your water shoes after you use them! Bring a canvas bag to store your goodies if you plan to do some shopping. There are several opportunities around the park to pick up handmade crafts and fun items like old fashioned photographs. You can store your bag and goodies in the park's lockers in Ghost Town. Shopping is so popular at Knott's that the park offers 45-minute entry passes just for shopping. Make sure your sunglasses have a strap or be prepared to take them off on most thrill rides and roller coasters. The attendants will ask you to remove your sunglasses for many of the fastest rides, so it's helpful to have a handy pocket for your shades. You may opt to bring your own water into the park. Make sure it's in an insulated cooler that's no larger than a foot. What is there to do at Knott's Berry Farm? Your experience at Knott's Berry Farm will likely be shaped by the age of your children and what you're all interested in as travelers. You'll probably get familiar with the roller coasters if your children are somewhere above 48" or 52" tall and love "twists, turns, and towering plunges." If the kids don't yet reach the minimum height requirement for the biggest rides, the park also offers a slew of family rides and children's adventures, so everyone will get to enjoy a few rides at any age. What roller coasters are there at Knott's Berry Farm? Here are a few of the roller coasters you might want to try out during your Knott's visit: Coast Rider: This unique ride takes you high in the air for an initial dive. Then, the track turns into a series of horizontal twists and turns. It feels like you're barreling down the Pacific Coast Highway in your classic car. GhostRider: A huge wooden roller coaster, GhostRider is visible from well outside the park. It reaches a top speed of 56 mph! It's the biggest ride in the park, and one of the longest wooden roller coasters anywhere on the planet. Montezooma's Revenge: This roller coaster travels in two directions and reaches its top speed of 55 mph in just three seconds. You'll feel some serious g-forces as the ride hurtles through its seven-story loops. Silver Bullet: Your feet dangle in the air on this inverted roller coaster that takes you high into the air for an initial plunge. Then, it will send you through a series of corkscrew turns. You'll spend a lot of time upside down on Silver Bullet. Supreme Scream: This ride sends you up a vertical tower that reaches 252 feet into the air. Then it drops you for a weightless plunge at 50 mph. Supreme Scream is an ideal ride if you want to feel a huge drop like you might experience on a roller coaster, but you don't want the jarring experience of racing along a track. Xcelerator: Knott's shares that this ride hurls you out of the starting gate from 0 to 82 miles an hour in just 2.3 seconds. If you love fast rides, head for Xcelerator first and then ride it again before you leave! It's definitely worth more than one trip through the line. What family rides are there at Knott's Berry Farm? If you're visiting Knott's with a few pint size adventure-seekers, you won't be short of rides. Knott's offers several "low thrill" rides for the kiddos, as well as some rides that offer fun without crazy speeds, twists, and spins. Here are a few: Calico Railroad: You'll ride an authentic locomotive train from the nineteenth century. Plus, you'll hear a few cool tidbits about the park's history along the way. Guests have been riding the railroad since the early 1950s at Knott's, and the park shares that the railroad has "the highest crime rate in all of Orange County." What does this mean for you? Take a ride on the railroad to find out! Timber Mountain Log Ride: A classic "log flume" ride, Timber Mountain Log Ride travels through an elaborate recreation of a 19th-century mining town. The ride was updated in 2013 with new effects and features. Voyage to the Iron Reef: This new ride is interactive and is as fun for adults as it is for children. You'll get a pair of 3D glasses and a "ray gun" that you'll use to shoot invading attackers from the bottom of the ocean. It's an awesome experience with the entire family. What rides are there for kids at Knott's Berry Farm? Knott's also provides the youngest thrill-seekers with quite a few mini adventures including the Balloon Race hot air balloon ride and the Huff and Puff mini mining car ride. You'll also see the Rocky Mountain Trucking Company ride where kids travel along a little highway in their miniature 18-wheeler. Seasons of Fun Be sure to check out the seasonal celebrations at Knott's if you're visiting Southern California in the fall or winter. Knott's Scary Farm is the terrifyingly fun Halloween festival, and it runs during the month of October. If your family includes toddlers or small children, you'll want to try Knott's Spooky Farm. It's the tame version of the Halloween celebration. Knott's Merry Farm comes along during the holiday season. The entire park is decorated, and you'll see a nightly tree lighting ceremony. If your vacation is scheduled for the spring, you might get to see the Knott's Boysenberry Festival. It features live entertainment and "farm fresh fun." What attractions are near Knott's Berry Farm? While Knott's Berry Farm itself is located in Buena Park, quite a way away from downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood attractions, there's still fun to be had elsewhere in the neighborhood! If you're visiting in the summer, Knott's Soak City is almost next door to Knott's Berry Farm and features water rides and wave pools. It's their sister waterpark and has recently undergone a renovation to upgrade rides and add to the overall park experience. There's also a Medieval Times location right nearby, which is tons of fun for those who love historical flair in their dining experiences. Visitors may also enjoy Pirate's Dinner Adventure, a similar attraction. Buena Park Downtown is a nearby shopping center slash entertainment complex that can also provide plenty of entertainment. Get some mall time in, take in a movie, and more. Where to eat near Knott's Berry Farm? Knott's will allow you to exit the park for a meal and return, as long as you have a hand stamp. But you have many options for eating inside the park, too. Each themed section of the park offers a particular type of food. For example, you'll find cheeseburgers and fries at The Boardwalk and Mexican food in Fiesta Village. If you have a hankering for fries, visit Papa Loca in Fiesta Village. It sells six different kinds of loaded fries. You'll find some gluten-free and vegan options at the Cantina. The best place to sit down inside to eat is at Camp Snoopy's Grizzly Creek Lodge. If you'd like to take a stroll right outside the park for dining, you'll find several options along Grand Ave., which runs along the eastern side of Knott's. If you're in the mood for fried chicken, visit Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. You'll find a TGI Friday's right across the street from the entrance, as well as a Claim Jumper immediately north of the park. Save on Tickets with a Go Los Angeles Card Remember, the Go Los Angeles® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes Knotts Berry Farm tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple L.A. attractions for one low price.
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Looking for things to do this 4th of July weekend in the Los Angeles area? Take advantage of the holiday and embark on a relaxing getaway to Los Angeles. From parades to fireworks, there are plenty of ways to get your patriotism on! If you’re looking for Los Angeles 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things to do in Los Angeles in July, including... Knott's Berry Farm Celebrates The 4th Of July Aquarium of the Pacific 4th of July BBQ 4th of July Block Party - Grand Park Marina del Rey Fireworks AmericaFest Celebration - Rosebowl and more... Knott's Berry Farm Celebrates The 4th Of July Celebrate Independence Day at Knott's Berry Farm with world-class live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show the whole family will love. Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm, with bonus fireworks shows in early July if you can't make the 4th. With extended hours, 10am – 11pm, there is more time to enjoy all that Knott’s has to offer. Visit knotts.com for the entertainment show schedule. July Fourth Late-Night BBQ at the Aquarium of the Pacific Take the whole family to the Aquarium of the Pacific for a unique July 4th you'll never forget. This Fourth of July BBQ features a ton of great local grilled fare plus adult beverages and much more. Then, you'll also get late-night access to the Aquarium itself - what better way to encounter some of their rare sea creatures? The aquarium will be open until 10pm. Enjoy the perfect view for the waterfront fireworks show, too, set off by the Queen Mary historic haunted vessel (more on her below!) Please note: July Fourth Late Night BBQ is separately ticketed and is not included on the pass. All-American 4th of July aboard the Queen Mary Spend an entire day celebrating the history of America aboard the magnificent Queen Mary. Soak up live entertainment, games and activities for kids, special historic tours, and a patriotic film. 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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.
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