Welcome to Summer in Los Angeles
There’s something magical about Los Angeles in July. Sunlight pours over palm trees, food trucks tempt you at every turn, and there’s a buzz in the air—on the sand, in the hills, and where movie dreams are made. Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’re a frequent LA explorer, July brings a calendar packed with outdoor concerts, world-class museums, and new summertime adventures at every corner.
We’re here to help you build a July itinerary filled with that perfect LA blend: a little movie magic, some seriously gorgeous stretches of sand, and plenty of only-in-July happenings. Want fireworks with your theme park thrills? Dreaming of whale watching or biking along Venice Beach? We’ve got it all mapped out below. Let’s get started!
Our favorite things to do in LA in July include:
Universal Studios Hollywood
Getty Center Guided Tour
Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales
Knott’s Soak City Water Park
Griffith Observatory Tour
Highlights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking
Aquarium of the Pacific
Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour
Outdoor movie screenings and concerts
The best Independence Day fireworks displays
Universal Studios Hollywood: Blockbuster Summer Thrills
Summer and movie magic—a match made in LA heaven! Universal Studios Hollywood comes alive in July. You can stroll sunny Main Streets, duck into the shade of Hogwarts, and step into the hilarious (and refreshingly cool) world of Springfield, home of The Simpsons. The weather is spot-on for riding open-air trams through the legendary studio backlot, spotting famous sets, and enjoying street performances between attractions.
If you love thrill rides, July means longer daylight hours and perfect blue skies for classics like Jurassic World or the high-adrenaline Revenge of the Mummy coaster. For kids (and kids at heart), there’s Minion Mayhem and endless meet-and-greet photo ops with your favorite characters. Don’t miss the dazzling WaterWorld stunt show, which delivers crowd-pleasing excitement every time.
There’s plenty of shady cafés for cooling off with LA’s signature frozen lemonades and gourmet burgers, and with shorter summer nights, the park sparkles after sunset. If you visit on the weekend closest to July 4th, enjoy special Independence Day fireworks over the Hollywood Hills—a picture-perfect end to a day of play. Whether you’re a theme park aficionado or just love good old-fashioned fun, Universal Studios consistently packs in everything summer should be: adventure, laughs, and blockbuster memories.
Getty Center Guided Tour: Art, Gardens, and Summer Views
What’s better than panoramic city views on a clear July day? Experiencing those views while surrounded by world-class art and the scent of blooming gardens at the Getty Center. Perched atop a hill in Brentwood, the Getty becomes a sanctuary with cooling breezes, striking modern architecture, and gallery spaces filled with masterpieces.
Take a guided tour to discover fabulous European art, photographs, and decorative arts that span centuries—but don’t feel pressured to rush. The tours move at a gentle pace, highlighting entertaining stories behind the art as well as the ingenious techniques behind the museum’s stacked-stone buildings. The gardens shine in July, especially the Central Garden with its winding stream and technicolor flowers, which provide an ideal picnic or photo spot.
The whole experience feels just the right mix of relaxed and enriching. Art lovers can appreciate rare pieces up close, while everyone else soaks up the sun on grassy terraces overlooking the city. Admission is free, making this a budget-friendly way to enjoy culture and summer serenity, with easy access from the Westside or Santa Monica.
Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales: Wild Encounters on the Water
Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales: Wild Encounters on the Water
July brings playful pods of dolphins and the tail end of blue whale migration to SoCal’s coast, making this the best time to head out on a whale watching trip from Newport Beach. From the marina, climb aboard a comfortable vessel with wraparound decks perfect for ocean breezes and up-close wildlife viewing.
The friendly crew provides running commentary—sharing fun facts, pointing out sightings, and handing out high-fives when dolphins surf the boat’s wake. Spotting a blue whale (the world’s largest animal!) is exhilarating, but you’ll likely see several species, including curious sea lions and acrobatic common dolphins that sometimes number in the hundreds.
This activity fits every sort of traveler—families, couples, and even solo adventurers looking for something unique. Pack your sunscreen and a camera, and enjoy being rocked by the waves with the California coastline as your backdrop. After your cruise, Newport Beach’s waterfront is packed with lunch spots serving fresh seafood and ice-cold drinks—the perfect reset before heading back to LA proper.
Knott’s Soak City Water Park: Slide Into Summer
Nothing says July like a day in the water, and Knott’s Soak City (in nearby Buena Park) promises splashy fun for everyone. This vibrant water park has something for every age—towering tube slides for the thrill seekers, kid-friendly splash pads, and a classic lazy river for ultimate relaxation.
The atmosphere feels celebratory all summer long—lively music, colorful chairs, and plenty of shade for cooling off between rides. Challenge friends to race down dueling slides, or float together around the Sunset River. For smaller kids, Gremmie Lagoon is a scaled-down watery wonderland. Lifeguards and attentive staff keep things safe and welcoming, while food stands serve up icy drinks, pizza, and sweet treats whenever you need to refuel.
If you’re the sort who never sits still on vacation, Soak City’s endless variety—from gentle wave pools to heart-stopping drop slides—will keep your pulse (and spirits) high. It’s a guaranteed way to make the most of a sun-soaked LA day, and you’re just steps away from all the food and classic fun of nearby Knott’s Berry Farm when you’re ready to refuel.
Griffith Observatory Tour: Sky-High Science & Magical City Views
July evenings were made for stargazing, and nowhere does it better than the Griffith Observatory, perched above the sparkling city lights. Day or night, a guided tour here immerses you in LA’s most photogenic and storied science destination—think Hollywood history, cosmic wonders, and some of the best panoramas around.
The tour reveals the stories behind the Art Deco domes and their famous appearances in movies, but you’ll also get to peek through high-powered telescopes and explore hands-on exhibits that explain everything from moon phases to the sun’s solar storms. At sunset, the view is pure California drama—the mountains glowing gold, the city slowly lighting up, and the Pacific shimmer in the distance.
Visiting in July means warm evenings, ideal for public telescope viewings (often hosted every night the sky is clear). Friendly staff and volunteers are always on hand to answer cosmic questions or point out Saturn’s rings. The experience leaves you feeling inspired whether you’re obsessed with astronomy or just in it for the killer Instagram shots.
Highlights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking
If you want to experience the ultimate LA summer, hop on a bike and cruise the palm-lined paths of Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Unlimited Biking offers cheerful guided tours that hit all the famous spots plus the hidden gems, with plenty of photo stops.
Cycle past Santa Monica Pier—alive with artists, snack carts, and beachgoers—then zigzag through Venice’s bohemian boardwalk, where street performers paint, dance, and keep the good vibes alive. Guides share stories about the area’s surf-and-skate legacy, famous films shot on location, and the artists who give these neighborhoods their unmistakable personality.
In July, you’ll find impromptu volleyball games, electric scooter races, and food trucks lining the walkways. Sunset rides are especially memorable—the ocean glows pink and orange, and locals gather to watch the color show. Finish your ride with a lemonade or an ice cream cone at a beachside café, toes in the sand as you soak up the sounds of summer.
Aquarium of the Pacific: Dive Into a Cool Coastal Adventure
Aquarium of the Pacific: Dive Into a Cool Coastal Adventure
Sometimes, even in LA, you need a break from the sun, and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is the city’s best underwater escape. Families (and anyone feeling beachy) will love spending a July afternoon here—no sunscreen required. The enormous aquarium is home to thousands of sea creatures from giant sea turtles to vibrant coral reefs and touch pools filled with bat rays.
Try the shark lagoon or the playful penguin habitat, and don’t skip the outdoor decks where you can watch seals and sea otters, or picnic with a view of Long Beach Harbor. All summer, special events add extra fun—like ocean-themed craft stations for families or animal encounter talks that let you meet staff experts.
The whole place feels like a mini-vacation from the city’s bustle, with cool ocean breezes on the terrace and an endless parade of jellies, seahorses, and kaleidoscopic tropical fish inside. The neighboring harbor is also home to high-speed boat tours and waterfront eating spots—think fresh ceviche and French fries by the water.
Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour: Explore LA Your Way
Want to see LA without worrying about parking or maps? The Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour brings a fun, elevated view of the city’s best highlights—ideal for a breezy July day. Air-conditioned double-deckers loop through neighborhoods like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica, letting you sightsee at your own relaxed pace.
Plug in your headphones for quirky commentary about movie palaces, celebrity homes, and Route 66 history. Jump off at must-sees like the Walk of Fame or Rodeo Drive for shopping and people-watching, then rejoin the tour whenever you’re ready. The open-air upper deck is perfect for soaking up sun and snapping the skyline, while shaded areas keep you cool during midday hours.
July brings seasonal celebrations—think lively parades, food truck festivals, and live outdoor music—so it’s a great month to explore different districts. This tour frees you up to choose your own adventure: try a farmers’ market, poke around Melrose’s vintage shops, or catch a street performer’s set in Venice. City sightseeing, made joyful and easy.
Outdoor Movie Nights and Concerts: LA’s Open-Air Magic
Summer in LA means moonlit movie nights and al fresco concerts in the city’s beautiful parks and amphitheaters. July’s calendar is packed; bring a picnic blanket to Griffith Park’s ‘Movies Under the Stars’, or catch indie films with skyline views at Rooftop Cinema Club.
Music lovers should hit up the Hollywood Bowl, where legendary acts, orchestras, and big family concert events take over the stage. Pack a picnic or treat yourself to wine and cheese from the Bowl’s gourmet vendors, then settle in as the band plays under the stars (bonus: many July concerts end with firework shows you’ll remember for years).
Smaller venues like The Ford, Pasadena’s Levitt Pavilion, and Echo Park Lake also deliver intimate July performances from jazz to world music. The vibe is laid-back, family-friendly, and wonderfully community-minded—plus, the snack options always include festival faves like tacos, chili dogs, and snow cones.
The Best Independence Day Fireworks Displays
When it comes to celebrating the Fourth of July, LA goes all out. The city’s skies light up with dozens of firework shows, block parties, and beachside extravaganzas. Classic favorites include the super-synchronized show at the Hollywood Bowl—often paired with a live orchestra—or the massive, crowd-pleasing beach displays in Marina del Rey and Redondo Beach.
Bring your own picnic to Grand Park DTLA and watch local families compete for the best blanket spot; or, catch the citywide booms from the Griffith Observatory lawns, where you can see multiple fireworks on the horizon at once. Some local theme parks throw in extra entertainment, like Knott’s Berry Farm’s all-American firework finale and Universal Studios’ high-flying celebration.
The sense of summer joy is contagious—LA in July feels like a giant, open-air party. Whether you’re in the middle of the crowds or watching from a hilltop, these fireworks displays deliver a magical, only-in-LA kind of night.
Wrap Up Your July in LA
July is LA at full speed: the surf’s up, tacos are tastier than ever, and the energy in the streets is pure California gold. Whether you’re feasting on museum masterpieces, diving into ocean adventures, or grooving at open-air concerts, you’ll find endless ways to make your summer unforgettable.
So pack your sunscreen, charge your camera, and get ready to enjoy long sunny days and warm, lively nights—there’s no better time to experience the city’s unbeatable blend of culture, sunshine, and pure summer freedom.
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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