Let’s be honest: Los Angeles turns up the temperature dial every summer, and sometimes “endless sunshine” sounds more “sauna” than “paradise.” But don’t sweat it—LA is filled with splashy escapes, air-conditioned wonderlands, and laid-back hideouts where you’ll barely notice the sweltering sun. Whether you dream of shark spotting from the cool depths, exploring funky museums, or kicking back with a beach breeze in your hair, we’ve uncovered the best ways to savor your LA trip while dodging the worst of the heatwave. Ready to hit the city without breaking a sweat? Here are our sun-safe picks.
Here are our favorite things to do during a heatwave in Los Angeles:
- Aquarium of the Pacific
- California Science Center IMAX Movie
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood
- Natural History Museum
- Heal the Bay Aquarium
- GRAMMY Museum
- Knott’s Soak City Water Park
- Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales
- Cool Off in the Getty Center's Galleries
Aquarium of the Pacific
When the sun gets aggressive, let the waves do the heavy lifting for you at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. This oceanside attraction makes it easy to forget the heat, with shimmering tanks and underwater tunnels offering close encounters with everything from playful sea otters to hypnotic jellyfish. Stepping inside is a cool, blue-tinged slice of heaven—made even better by interactive exhibits for all ages. Nothing says “refreshing” quite like watching sharks glide by at the massive Predator’s Tunnel!
We love how the aquarium feels alive with local color and marine magic. You can catch daily presentations, get splashed by touch pools, and spend ages just tracing the dance of tropical fish. Kids have room to roam, adults find plenty of quiet nooks, and everyone learns something new. Outdoors, shaded patios offer a breeze, and the café serves up fish-and-chips with harbor views. It’s educational, fun, uniquely Southern Californian, and—best of all—perfectly chilled.
California Science Center IMAX Movie
Whoever invented the IMAX format probably did it for days like these. The California Science Center’s IMAX Theater isn’t just air-conditioned—it’s like teleporting to another universe, equipped with a screen larger than life and sound that shakes your sneakers. The film schedule rotates through wild nature documentaries, journey-to-space adventures, and epic deep-sea dives, bringing science to life in ways that leave you wide-eyed and, crucially, shiver-cool.
Slide into those plush seats, grab freshly popped popcorn and revel in a cinematic experience that makes you forget all about the weather outside. The Science Center itself, just next door, is worth a stroll—permanent exhibits range from hands-on space shuttles to earthquake simulators, all indoors and climate controlled. We think it’s the best way to outsmart the sun: learn a little, gasp a lot, and come out feeling cooler (literally and figuratively).
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Melt into air-conditioned celebrity glamour at Madame Tussauds Hollywood, where you can rub shoulders with waxy legends from Hollywood royalty to pop superstars—all without breaking a sweat. Each air-conditioned gallery is more dazzling than the last, packed with hyper-realistic figures, movie-themed sets, and playful props that practically beg for a selfie. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy Hollywood’s star power minus the hot and crowded sidewalks.
Wander through sets from classic films, take to the stage for your own karaoke triumph, or re-create red carpet poses. Madame Tussauds is especially fun in groups, with everyone competing for the best celebrity snap. And, honestly, isn’t it better to hang out with Beyoncé and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a cool, spacious hall than to risk a sunburn waiting for actual A-listers? It’s entertainment, escapism, and a brisk break all wrapped into one.
Natural History Museum
Dinosaurs didn’t have air conditioning, but you certainly do! The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County transforms even the hottest days into discovery mode, with its grand halls packed full of towering skeletons, sparkling gemstones, ancient fossils, and immersive dioramas. Step into this museum and you’ll find yourself transported from Ice Age LA to the land of T. rex and Triceratops—a much cooler way to do time travel!
The museum’s light-filled rotunda and interactive areas keep things lively and educational for visitors of all ages. Check out the Butterfly Pavilion (seasonal and partly outdoors for brave souls—hello, garden breezes) or meander through the Nature Lab, where you can meet snakes, tarantulas, and turtles all living their best lives in chilly comfort. We love how the museum manages to make learning feel relaxed and even cozy. Expect to lose track of time—and forget all about the sizzle outside.
Heal the Bay Aquarium
Beneath the Santa Monica Pier lies Heal the Bay Aquarium, a compact, family-friendly spot brimming with fascinating marine life from Southern California’s own backyard. Escape the heat by stepping into this subterranean world, where touch tanks invite you to gently meet starfish, sea urchins, and more. All the tanks here are filtered with ocean water, creating a naturally cool environment for both critters and humans alike.
The vibe is casual, friendly, and packed with surprises. From wiggly sea cucumbers to camouflaged octopuses, you’ll get a sense of the local ecosystem—and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Best of all, after your aquarium fix, the shaded pier above offers ocean breezes and classic boardwalk energy just steps away. Pair this spot with a stroll on the sand at sunset, and you’ll discover why we think summer in LA is hard to beat—even when the thermometer spikes.
GRAMMY Museum
Los Angeles is famous for its music scene, and nowhere does it feel more alive (and air-conditioned) than inside the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live. This award-winning museum celebrates the legends, beats, and behind-the-scenes stories of the music industry, with everything from vintage costumes to interactive mixing boards. Every gallery is curated to keep you engaged, inspired, and, yes, blissfully cool.
Wander among artifacts from the world’s biggest performers or mix a virtual track in the “On The Red Carpet” exhibit. There are listening stations for every genre, and temporary exhibits mean there’s always something new to see for repeat visitors. What we love most: the GRAMMY Museum’s four floors are packed with hands-on activities. You leave both smarter about music history…and just a little smug that you skipped the summer heat in such style.
Knott’s Soak City Water Park
Knott’s Soak City Water Park
Nothing beats a heatwave like waves—specifically, the splashes, slides, and lazy rivers at Knott’s Soak City in Buena Park. It’s the classic water park experience, stuffed with colorful slides that twist and drop, a relaxing wave pool, and loads of play zones for both little kids and the young at heart. Shade-filled loungers and snack stands mean you’re set for splashy fun all day long.
We recommend aiming for the early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds (and maximum cool). With dozens of attractions, from high-speed rides like Old Man Falls to a mellow float on Sunset River, there’s something for everyone who wants to dodge the sunshine and dive into fun. It’s laughter, shrieks, and cool water thrills—summer magic at its finest.
Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales
Swap smoggy sidewalks for salty breezes aboard a Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour with Newport Whales. No air conditioning can compete with the real thing: Pacific Ocean wind whipping through your hair while you scan for whales, dolphins, and playful sea lions riding the waves. The temperature instantly drops once you set sail—it's nature’s answer to AC, and the sea views alone make it worth every sun-drenched minute you escaped on land.
This tour is about thrill and tranquility all rolled into one. Guides keep you entertained with fun marine trivia and sightings are surprisingly common—from graceful gray whales to acrobatic pods of dolphins playing alongside the boat. Kids can channel their inner marine biologist while adults snap postcard-worthy photos with sapphire waves as a backdrop. You’ll return to shore with salt in your hair, a fresh breeze in your lungs, and a newfound appreciation for California’s wild side—all without breaking a sweat.
Cool Off in the Getty Center's Galleries
The Getty Center sits high above LA, promising gorgeous city views—but step inside, and you’re greeted by blissful, modern air-conditioning and walls filled with creative genius. The sprawling white pavilions keep the California sun at bay, and the masterpieces within span centuries, from Renaissance paintings to bold installations and contemporary sculpture. Each gallery is designed with your comfort in mind, flooded with diffused natural light but consistently cool, no matter the heat outdoors.
We love the ambiance here: serene, inspiring, and with plenty of benches for world-class people-watching or art reflection. Don't skip the lush gardens, but save that for a shady stroll after you’ve cooled off indoors. The Getty’s café offers fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, and pastries—all with panoramic views. Whether you’re an art lover or simply craving a peaceful place to recharge, this is our pick for the dreamiest, coolest afternoon LA can offer.
So, when the LA sun won’t quit, your adventure doesn’t have to either. Dive into aquariums, soak up culture and AC at museums, set sail for salty breezes, or make a splash at the water park—Los Angeles is full of cool surprises that promise fun, relaxation, and serious sun-dodging style. Wherever you roam, there’s a perfect, chill spot waiting to make your heatwave holiday the coolest trip yet.
Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do When it Rains in Los Angeles or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes
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