Things to do in Los Angeles for Birthday

By Sarah Harris
Published: July 18, 2024

There are countless great ways to celebrate your birthday in Tinseltown. No really - we mean it! Offering the perfect mix of vibrant chaos and bohemian chill, there’s a little something for everybody here. From catching your favorite comedians live on the Sunset Strip to soaking up the views of the city at the Griffith Observatory, L.A. is the place to celebrate in style. Whether it’s your 18th or your 50th, there’s sure to be something to pique your interest and make this milestone something to remember. Still having trouble narrowing down your options? Don’t fear! Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering, a big birthday bash or a fun treat for yourself, we’ve got you covered with the very best that the city has to offer. Have a read through our list of some of the best birthday activities in Los Angeles! No matter how you decide to celebrate in the City of Angels, we’re sure you’ll have a blast!

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Have a Laugh

How about getting older with some friends and spending the night at the comedy club? As the entertainment capital of the world, of course Los Angeles is home to some of the best comedy spots in the world - from highly-acclaimed venues to hole-in-the-wall dives, the city pretty much has it all. If you’re looking for familiar faces trying out some of their newest side-splitting material, we suggest heading over to the Sunset Strip. Running right through the center of West Hollywood, this emblematic 1.5-mile stretch is home to some of the best clubs in America. Some of our favorite places include Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store and Hollywood Improv. Or, if you want a more laid-back atmosphere, we recommend checking out the smaller clubs in Silver Lake and Koreatown. In these spots, you’re more likely to stumble across up-and-coming talent, quirky drag acts, sketch shows and more. Vibrant and fun, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a night out on the town in Los Angeles.

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Take a Trip

If you’re looking for something a little different to celebrate your special day - don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Offering the perfect day trip with a hit of escapism, Catalina Island is one of Southern California’s most underrated hidden gems. Catch the Catalina Express from Long Beach to make your way over to this convenient location set about 30 miles just off the coast of California’s mainland. Billed as the ‘’Hidden Paradise in Southern California’’, this spot has much to offer all types of travellers. The city’s main tourist hub is Avalon, which boasts great shopping and unbeatable dining, as well as some of the island’s top attractions. Some of our favourites include Catalina Island Museum, Lover’s Cove and Catalina Casino. The island is also a great spot for nature lovers, with stunning palm-fringed beaches and exciting adventure activities to choose from. Try testing your bravery by ziplining over Descanso Beach, or hiking across the island’s mountainous coastline. A thoroughly brilliant excursion, this charming island is the epitome of fun and relaxation.

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Spend the Day in Nature

If you feel like a physical and mental challenge to prove that you’re just as young as you were yesterday, head over to Griffith Park where you’ll find magnificent slopes and scenic, pristine trails for miles. Covering over 4,000 acres, this fantastic emblematic greenspace is known for being one of the largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States. Of course, there’s a whole lot to see and do here, though one of the most popular activities has got to be walking the trails which provide panoramic views of the iconic Hollywood Sign. Keep your eyes peeled en route, since the attraction is home to a wide array of wildlife - visitors can expect to see everything from foxes and deer to bobcats and even the occasional mountain lion! Aside from the park’s popular hiking trails, this spot is also home to some great Los Angeles attractions. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Greek Theatre is a great place to enjoy concerts and performances set against the natural backdrop of Los Angeles. And if that doesn’t quite take your fancy, head over to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens at the northeast corner of the park to see some furry (or slimy friends). You can even see remnants of the Old Los Angeles Zoo which shut way back in 1966 on the east side of the park. Complete with abandoned animal enclosures and cages, this spot is now been turned into a unique picnic spot with tables and chairs.

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Have a Blast!

Another one of our favorite places to celebrate in L.A. has got to be Six Flags Magic Mountain. Perfect for any adventurous types visiting the city, this iconic attraction does just what it says on the tin: offer world-class entertainment for all ages. As one of the most popular theme parks in the U S of A, the park draws in over 30 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! Visitors are guaranteed a great day of fun, with over 19 rides and attractions to choose from - the most of any amusement park in the world! Go up high, dip down low and enjoy adrenaline-pumping twists and turns on some of the best award-winning rides in the world. Or, make a splash at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a fun-filled aquatic experience located right next to the amusement park! Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, this spot is sure to put a huge smile on your face.

There are a lot of ways to celebrate a birthday in Los Angeles - but who would have expected anything less? Whether you’re looking to grab a drink at one of the city’s most iconic comedy clubs or take it easy exploring Griffith Park, you’re sure to have a blast! Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Los Angeles in September

There’s a lot to do in Los Angeles, especially in the fall. Though the West Coast may be lacking in scenic seasonal foliage, the area more than makes up for it with an exciting array of activities and events of all kinds. Explore the city on sightseeing tours, soak up culture at museums and galleries, or choose from the many free things to do. Trust us when we say that you’ll never be bored here - rather, you might struggle to fit it all in! Whether you’re a culture vulture, an artsy type, or a foodie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Still daunted by the prospect of exploring a new city? Don’t worry, this L.A. bucket list is a good place to start, with a great mix of attractions and activities to keep you busy! Which classic fall L.A. activities will you try? See the Sites When exploring a new city, it’s always a good idea to check out the local galleries. Thankfully, Los Angeles is chock-a-block with fantastic cultural institutions, ranging from the big hitters to fun speciality museums. Still, one of our favorites has got to be the Getty Center for its impressive and broad repository. Combining art, architecture and nature all into one, this popular visitor attraction really is a total must-see. Perched atop a hill in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, the establishment offers spectacular 360-views of the city. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy one of the finest collections of artwork in the world - no really, we mean it! The Getty’s collection includes everything from historic manuscripts and Renaissance paintings to Baroque sculptures and 20th-century American photography. Highlights include Vincent van Gogh’s masterpiece Irises, Rembrandt van Rijn’s joyful self-portrait Rembrandt Laughing, and the Center for Photographs. In addition, the Central Garden is a total sight to behold. A thoroughly unforgettable cultural experience, the Getty Center is perfect for those who are looking to incorporate a little education into their travel experience. As the bustling epicenter of the American entertainment industry, L.A. has long been a significant draw for pop culture lovers and creative types alike. Those who are looking to dive into all of the glitz and glam will have countless attractions to choose from, though few are quite as iconic as the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stretching for 1.3 miles down Hollywood Boulevard, this unique attraction draws in over 10 million visitors each year - and it’s easy to see why! Standing as one of Tinseltown’s most emblematic attractions, the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been representative of strong ambition, accomplishment and creative thought ever since its establishment way back in 1960. If you’re looking for the particular star of one of your favorite celebrities, we recommend using the Walk of Fame’s Star Search tool on their website to assist. As one of L.A.’s most beloved tourist hotspots, the Walk of Fame should rank high up on any first-timer’s itinerary. Explore the City Los Angeles is a wonderful city comprised of countless different neighborhoods. Though L.A. has districts for almost every area of interest, we especially love Venice for its artistic nature and laid-back personality. Of course, one of the top visitor attractions of Venice has got to be its world-famous beach. September is a great time to grab a lounge chair and soak up the sun, since the weather will still be warm, whilst the crowds should have just died down - just remember to bring plenty of sunscreen and water! And whilst the area is known for its fantastic beach, that’s not all that there is to do here. Another popular tourist activity in the area is walking the Venice Canals. Nestled between the Venice Boardwalk and the Abbot Kinney, this quiet spot provides a scenic tour of some of the neighborhood’s most charming beach houses. In addition, Venice is home to some of the city’s quirkiest attractions, including The Mosaic House and Muscle Beach. With so much to see and do here, this place is a total crowd-pleaser. Another one of our favorite places to visit in Los Angeles in September is the Santa Monica Pier. A quintessential West Coast attraction, the Santa Monica Pier has been drawing in visitors from near and far since its establishment way back in 1909. This spot is great for those travelling in groups, since there is a lot of choice for exciting activities to choose from. One of the pier’s most popular attractions has got to be Pacific Park, an admission-free amusement park with lots of exciting rides, restaurants, stores and more. Another great stop is of course, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, which features over 100+ local marine life and animal species. Or, if you’re looking to just kick back and relax, we highly suggest checking out the Santa Monica Pier Farmers’ Market. Celebrating California’s rich agricultural heritage, this spot is widely known for purveying fresh fruit and veggies as well as some seriously delicious eats. Grab a bite and enjoy your food whilst watching the sun set over the Pacific - what could be better than that? Try Something Unique As the entertainment capital of the world and home to the stars, Los Angeles presents countless places to catch a movie - and in many forms! Still, what better way to see a movie than set against California’s wonderful natural backdrop? With Street Food Cinema, spend time with your loved ones and watch the stars under the stars. This service is known for its impressive programming, with everything from new blockbusters and old classics to quirky indie movies to choose from. Don’t fill up before you head out because this place has lot of great food trucks serving up freshly-made dishes put together by local artisans. There are lounge chairs laid out to sit on, though we recommend bringing blankets to keep yourself warm if you’re going for a late-night show. With its laidback atmosphere and fun vibe, this is the perfect way to relax after a long day of exploring! Fall in Los Angeles can be a wonderful time of the year. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Los Angeles in January

Los Angeles is an exciting and extraordinary city with its unique own flair. A popular West Coast destination, L.A. is known for presenting a vibrant mix of urban and nature attractions to choose from. It’s the perfect amalgamation for those who want to see a little bit of everything. From quaint seaside towns to must-see sights and remarkable cuisine, Los Angeles has much to offer everyone. One of the best things about travelling during January is that it is off-peak season for California, meaning that there should be fewer crowds and better chance of finding great deals on accommodation and flights. Still not sure where to start? Don’t worry! This is how to get the best out of the city, from the beach to the city. Take note of the ideas that pique your interest and start planning your dream West Coast vacation today! Hit the Classics Though California is known for its sunny weather, Los Angeles can get a little milder in the wintertime. Still, just because the city cools down during January doesn’t mean you’ll be running out of options for interesting things to do - in fact, far from it! Luckily, Los Angeles is brimming with things to do when it comes to spending the day indoors. Standing out for its one-of-a-kind repository and breathtaking architecture, the Getty Center tops the list as one of our favorite visitor locations in the area. Located atop a hillside in the Brentwood area of L.A., the institute provides spectacular 360-degree views of the cityscape. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy one of the finest art collections in the Western Hemisphere. Highlights include Van Gogh’s Irises, Rembrandt van Rijn’s joyful self-portrait Rembrandt Laughing, and the Center for Photographs. After seeing the art, step outside to take in the museum’s meticulously well-curated gardens. The perfect spot for all creative types, this spot is well worth the visit. As the epicenter of the film industry and home to the stars, it only makes sense that Los Angeles presents a myriad of cool things to do for cinephiles and pop culture lovers alike. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour provides an exciting look into one of the oldest film studios in the world. Experience the magic of Hollywood and learn more about the artistry, technology and hard work which goes into all of your favorite films and TV series. Highlights include the iconic Central Perk set, props and costumes from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and soundstages used to create the Big Bang Theory. Along the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a friendly and professional guide to explain some of the interesting behind-the-scenes details and answer any questions you may have. This tour lasts about two to three hours, we strongly recommend wearing your comfiest shoes. Whilst you’re in Hollywood, we also suggest checking out some of the other cool visitor attractions in the area, like the Burbank Town Center, the Gordon R. Howard Museum and the Burbank Aviation Museum. Find Fun Activities When the weather is a little dull, a trip to the aquarium is a great idea for a day out. From bright topical fish to delightful penguins and gentle manatees, the Aquarium of the Pacific pretty much has it all. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, this spot is highly revered for its massive and impressive living repository. The aquarium features over 11,000 animals across over 500 species - so you know that there’s plenty to see here! Take a trip through an underwater world of color and learn as you go through a broad collection of engaging and educational exhibits. For those who like to get in touch with nature, this spot also offers hands-on exhibits where you can touch crabs, turtles, stingrays, and even sharks! Both exciting and fascinating, this spot is the perfect place to unlock that sense of childlike wonder. If you love food like we do, you definitely won’t want to miss out on our next stop. Located just downtown, Grand Central Market has been drawing in visitors from near and far since opening way back in 1917. From herbs and spices to fresh Cali produce and unbeatable ramen bowls, this place really hits the spot. Don’t miss out on warm handmade pupusas or fresh raw locally-sourced oysters, all washed down by a large glass of craft beer in the adjoining beer garden. Although the main draw of this spot is most certainly the food, that’s not all there is to do here. Visitors can also choose to browse whilst they eat, with a wide array of local crafters and artists choosing to trade here. We especially love this spot for its small kiosks punting speciality pantry items, so be sure to check those out. With its delicious eats and vibrant atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better place to grab food in the city. Try Something Different For those looking for something a little different, we’ve got you covered! Offering and thoroughly engaging day out, the Petersen Automotive Museum is well-recognized for its fantastic collection of unique, rare and historic vehicles. Set along Los Angeles’ Miracle Mile, the museum instantly stands out for its sleek wavy steel cutout construction and sweeping roofs. Inside, there are 25 galleries with over 350 vehicles on display, so you know that there’s a lot to see here. The museum features three themed floors; history, industry and artistry, highlighting the cultural impact and application of the automobile. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or an engineering geek, this spot is sure to wow! No doubt, Los Angeles is one of the most exciting visitor destinations in the U.S. of A.. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to the city, you’ll never be short of new things to see and do. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
ET at Madame Tussauds Hollywood
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