April in LA: Blooms, Beaches, and Big Adventures

Ready for spring in LA? Here’s everything you need for an unforgettable April getaway.

Published: June 12, 2026
Los Angeles Skyline in Spring

Spring in LA is pure magic—wildflowers burst into color, the beaches come to life, and open-air events pop up all over the city. Whether you’re into discovering star-studded Hollywood, pedaling the coast, exploring cutting-edge museums, or savoring the tasty side of town, there’s something new to try around every corner. So, if you’re looking for the perfect way to fill your April itinerary, let’s explore the best of Los Angeles when it’s in full spring swing. 

Our top things to do in LA in April include: 

  • The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes 
  • Highlights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking 
  • Natural History Museum 
  • Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales 
  • Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour 
  • California Science Center IMAX Movie 
  • La Brea Tar Pits and Museum 
  • Aquarium of the Pacific 
  • Blossom-Spotting at Exposition Park Rose Garden (Free) 
  • Dinner with a View at The Proud Bird 

The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes 

April brings perfect hiking weather, which makes it the ideal time to tackle the classic Hollywood Sign Walk. This experience is more than just a cardio fix—you’ll wind up Box Canyon and through Griffith Park’s scenic trails, all while learning quirky LA trivia and catching panoramic city views. The vibe is relaxed and social, as guides share behind-the-scenes stories that’ll make you see Tinseltown in a whole new light. 

Of course, reaching the viewing point behind the iconic white letters feels exhilarating: sweeping 360-degree vistas, from downtown to the Pacific, and plenty of primo photo ops. Spring wildflowers start making appearances, adding pops of yellow and purple to the hillsides. It’s not just a bucket-list moment—it’s a reminder of why LA’s landscape is just as dazzling as its movie magic. 

Highlights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking 

If your idea of an April day means ocean air and boardwalk fun, saddle up for a Santa Monica and Venuce Beach Guided Tour along LA’s legendary beaches. This ride rolls you from the classic Santa Monica Pier—think Ferris wheels and artists sketching the waves—down to the mural-filled streets and skate parks of Venice Beach. April’s mild mornings and breezy afternoons are perfect for pedaling. 

You’ll cruise past Muscle Beach, snap murals for your feed, and watch street performers turn the sidewalks into front-row entertainment. The guides are laidback California locals who love pointing out hidden coffee spots or the best taco stands. Between the sunshine, sea views, and cool neighborhood discoveries, this bike tour turns the coastline into your personal playground. 

Natural History Museum 

Craving a dose of culture—and maybe a few dinosaurs? April is a stellar month to hit the Natural History Museum, where you can wander among towering skeletons, glittering gems, and hands-on exhibits. The famous Dinosaur Hall is a jaw-dropper, with T. rex fossils that wow kids and grown-ups alike. 

What really sets springtime apart is the museum’s luscious outdoor Nature Gardens, which burst into bloom this month. Butterflies flit around pollinator plants; docents lead nature walks and gardening demos; and there’s always a chance to spot something in the discovery lab. It’s part museum, part botanical oasis, all good vibes. 

Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales

Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour

April is a fantastic time for whale watching off the Southern California coast. Board a Newport Whales Tour and sit back as the crew searches for Pacific gray whales migrating north, along with playful dolphins that love to swim alongside the hull. You might even spot sea lions lounging on buoys or the rare blue whale if you’re lucky. 

These trips are casual, friendly, and perfect for families or ocean lovers. The salty breeze, views of the coastline, and the thrill of spotting marine life up close make it a memorable spring adventure. Bring your camera—there’s nothing like a breaching whale on a sunlit April morning to make your LA trip stand out. 

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour 

April is when LA wakes from its (mild) winter slumber, so you’ll want to see as much as you can. That’s where the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off comes in—it lets you roam from the Walk of Fame to Beverly Hills at your own pace. Every open-top ride is an instant sightseeing opportunity, with live or recorded commentary spilling Hollywood secrets and neighborhood history. 

With April’s clear skies, you can grab a seat on the top deck and let the palm trees roll by. Pick your favorite stops for shopping, a museum, or just some people-watching at a sunny café along Melrose. It’s the ultimate no-fuss option, especially if you want to hit a bunch of spots without worrying about logistics or parking. 

California Science Center IMAX Movie 

Nothing beats catching a film in LA’s Largest IMAX Theater—and the California Science Center’s spring film series is always a crowd-pleaser. From outer space adventures to deep-sea documentaries, the IMAX experience here delivers jaw-dropping scale and sound. It’s a great way to duck out of the midday sun or enjoy an evening of family-friendly fun. 

While you’re here, don’t miss the rest of the center: hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which is always a knockout with science fans. With flowers blooming in the nearby Exposition Park, it’s an ideal mix of indoor wow-factor and outdoor relaxation. 

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum 

For a one-of-a-kind LA day out, step back in time at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. Besides spotting those famous mammoth sculptures bubbling in pools of tar, you’ll get to peek inside working fossil labs where scientists clean and classify bones found onsite. Every visit feels like a live dig, with guides happy to answer oddball questions about saber-tooth cats and giant sloths. 

April is a beautiful month in Hancock Park, with the grounds around the museum in full bloom and local wildlife on the move. After your fossil fix, take a stroll through the green spaces sprinkled with public art and native plants. It’s the ultimate combo of quirky history and fresh air. 

Aquarium of the Pacific

Sea Lions at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Bring on the undersea adventure at Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific. April is the sweet spot—less crowded than summer, but teeming with energy from recent spring babies and seasonal exhibits. Colorful reefs, playful sea otters, and hypnotic jellies make every tank a highlight. 

If you fancy getting hands-on, there are outdoor touch pools where you can gently meet moon jellies or bamboo sharks (don’t worry, they’re totally safe!). The aquarium’s staff are fantastic at blending education with fun, so whether you love learning about conservation or just snapping pics of clownfish, you’ll leave inspired—and maybe plotting your next beach day. 

Blossom-Spotting at Exposition Park Rose Garden 

Spring in LA isn’t just a theory—it’s a full-color reality at the Exposition Park Rose Garden. In April, thousands of roses bloom in neatly kept beds, filling the air with poppin’ colors and sweet garden scents. Entrance is free, making it a go-to spot for picnics, lazy strolls, or dazzling photo backdrops. 

Located right between the Natural History Museum and the California Science Center, it’s the perfect break between culture hits. Local families, wedding parties, and selfie-seekers all flock here on warm afternoons. Grab a coffee, plop onto a bench, and enjoy a slower side of Los Angeles that’s just as beautiful as any silver screen scene. 

Dinner with a View at The Proud Bird 

When the afternoon gives way to golden hour, why not settle in for a meal with planes taxiing outside your window? The Proud Bird, located by LAX, is a casual, aviation-themed food bazaar with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the runways. Watch jets zoom by or land through the restaurant’s panoramic glass as you tuck into global favorites—BBQ brisket, shrimp tacos, loaded burgers, and specialty cocktails. 

The vibe is fun and family-friendly, with aviation memorabilia and even a few old fighter jets parked out front. Order a local craft beer or specialty lemonade, and enjoy the unique combo of aviation history, comfort food, and outdoor patio seating. It’s a classic LA experience you won’t find anywhere else, pairing flavor with unforgettable sights. 

 

April is one of the best times to experience Los Angeles, with sunny weather, blooming landscapes, and endless ways to explore. Whether you're relaxing at the beach, discovering world-class attractions, or enjoying the city's vibrant food scene, spring brings fresh energy to every corner of LA. Follow your curiosity, embrace the laid-back atmosphere, and make the most of everything the City of Angels has to offer. Happy exploring! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near the Aquarium of the Pacific or Things to Do with Family in Los Angeles 

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Relaxing Things to do in Los Angeles
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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! 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. 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? 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. 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. 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! 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! 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

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