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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2 Days in Los Angeles - A Weekend in LA Itinerary That Covers It All

Spending the weekend in Los Angeles, but unsure what to do to maximize your time? Here’s our suggested itinerary for 2 days in Los Angeles that will showcase the best of LA in just a few days. From sightseeing tours and museums to amusement parks and beyond, L.A. has so much to offer that we know you’ll love your trip. This itinerary includes: Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens GRAMMY Museum® California Science Center & IMAX Exposition Park (free!) Natural History Museum Warner Bros. Studio Tour Six Flags Magic Mountain We’ve also put together a 1 day and 3 day itinerary, if you're looking to explore L.A. for more or less time. Save on Attraction Admission Pick up a 2-Day Go Los Angeles® Card and save off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 2 days in Los Angeles itinerary is just one of many ways to experience the area, there are tons of attractions, landmarks, and more to explore. 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Christmas Decorations at Griffith Park Trail
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Best Aquariums in Los Angeles
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Best Aquariums in Los Angeles

If you're looking for the best aquariums to visit in Los Angeles, check out our picks and make it an underwater adventure to remember! Including: Which U.S. city has the largest aquarium? What is the biggest Aquarium in L.A.? How many aquariums are in L.A.? Best Aquariums in Los Angeles Which U.S. city has the largest aquarium? You may be surprised to find out that the biggest aquarium in the U.S. is found in Atlanta. It's called the Georgia Aquarium, and it features a mind-boggling 10 million gallons of water! What is the biggest Aquarium in L.A.? The Aquarium of the Pacific is L.A.'s largest aquarium - more on that down below! How many aquariums are in L.A.? Los Angeles features four aquariums around the city, and we cover each and every one here! We've also added a few non-aquarium choices, just to spice things up, because we're kind. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Aquarium of the Pacific If you fancy spending the day in L.A.'s largest aquarium, hanging out with more than 11,000 animals, then Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the best aquariums in Los Angeles! The aquarium's centerpiece is its comprehensive portrayal of the Pacific Ocean, the Earth's largest body of water, stretching from the vibrant coral reefs of the tropics to the icy waters of the north. It's the only place to see so much coral and so many coral-residing creatures up close, so prepare for an explosion of colorful, exotic fish! There's also the Shark Lagoon, where you can pet - yes, pet - some of the many sharks that call it home, the Blue Cavern kelp forest tank, an aviary featuring hundreds of birds, and an entire penguin colony to marvel at. Brilliant stuff. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Heal The Bay Heal The Bay's aquarium is a hidden gem, often overlooked because it's nestled beneath the Santa Monica Pier, but underwater lovers shouldn't miss it! This family-friendly aquarium is part underwater showcase, part learning experience, featuring more than 100 different species of fish that call Santa Monica Bay home. Every Tuesday and Friday at 2.30PM, you can check out feeding events where you and your little ones will learn all about the fish and what they eat. And then on Sundays at 3.30PM, they have a shark feeding showcase, which is a little more on the gruesome side, but still fascinating nonetheless. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Situated a short stroll from the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a smaller facility that offers the most comprehensive insight into local marine life. The main exhibit hall alone boasts nearly 40 individual tanks featuring local marvels. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is more hands-on than some of the others on this list, with a touch pool that lets you get up close with the safer side of L.A.'s underwater life. The Exploration Center and Aquatic Nursery explore the aquarium's research into local life, as well as its breeding initiatives for certain dwindling species. After you're done exploring, you'll find Cabrillo Coastal Park right outside, featuring pristine beaches, the Point Fermin tidepools, and an excellent birdwatching location within the Salinas de San Pedro salt marsh. For a nature-filled day out, you know where to go. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Roundhouse Aquarium Only slightly bigger than many people's flats, the Roundhouse Aquarium is bite-sized fun that can be seen in no time at all. That doesn't mean it's not worth a visit, though! See sanddabs and juvenile rays as they gracefully glide in circular patterns within the sandy-bottom tank. Look, but don't touch - they don't do that here. Still, you'll get plenty of snaps of these wonderful creatures up close, so why not? For an extra dose of excitement, make sure to visit on Saturdays at 12.30PM, when you'll see leopard and horn sharks feeding. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: California Science Center So yes, technically, the California Science Center isn't an aquarium, but on the other hand, it does have a fully-functioning kelp tank, includes a walkthrough tunnel where you can see plenty of underwater wonders up close, and even has dive shows where the audience can ask the divers questions pre-dive. You'll also find a Deep Sea exhibit, where you can control mock-ups of underwater robots, all while learning about deep sea exploration and how it has progressed in the last 200 years. And while you can come for the underwater goodness, you can stay for all the other sciency stuff! See the Space Shuttle Endeavor up close, learn all about the progression of space travel, and even explore creepy crawlies in the Rot Room. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour Yes, this is another non-aquarium option, but it's the only way you'll get up close and personal with some of the ocean's most revered creatures! If the weather's good, take a whale and dolphin watching tour and see them up close. Board a 65-foot double-decker ship, which includes seating on both decks, sunbeds, and even a snack bar if you need to refuel. Then, sit back, and enjoy the experience. With any luck, you'll see humpback whales, orcas (also known as "killer whales"), and, if you really luck out, a blue whale. Seals and dolphins are also often sighted in L.A.'s waters, so keep an eye out and your camera on standby. The ship itself is luxurious and comfortable, certainly taking the sting out of any missed sightings. And, with your captain narrating the trip, you'll learn more about all of the above, as well as local conservation efforts and migration patterns. An all-round good time if the sun stays put! And that's everything you need to know about the best aquariums in Los Angeles, as well as all the other underwater highlights you'll find in the city! Of course, there's much more to Los Angeles than what you find beneath the surface, so go with Go City to make sure you see it all! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you'll see all the city's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley

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