Ready to take on Los Angeles, but not sure where to start? From the sun-soaked beaches of Santa Monica to the glitzy backlots of Hollywood, this city is home to day-brightening activities that pack in adventure, laughter, and tons of Instagrammable moments—especially when you bring your friends along for the ride. Whether you want to cheer together at a baseball game, bike the boardwalk, snap selfies with A-list wax figures, or eat tacos at sunset, LA is your playground. Let’s break down the experiences and attractions that make every group get-together unforgettable in the City of Angels.
Our favorite things to do in LA with friends include:
Universal Studios Hollywood
Highlights of Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour
Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour
Natural History Museum
Knott's Berry Farm
Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour
GRAMMY Museum
The Hollywood Museum
Heal the Bay Aquarium
Universal Studios Hollywood: Movie Magic With Your Besties
Universal Studios Hollywood: Movie Magic With Your Besties
Do you and your friends finish each other’s movie quotes? If “themed adventure” speaks your group’s language, Universal Studios Hollywood is your go-to. The vibe here is unbeatable: everyone’s buzzing with anticipation, roller coasters whoosh by overhead, and you’re guaranteed at least one “we need to ride that again!” moment, no matter the age of your group.
Why is this such a fun friends’ outing? Three words: adrenaline, nostalgia, and endless selfies. Jump straight into blockbuster worlds on attractions like Jurassic World—The Ride, and melt into giggles as you scramble through The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash with your crew. The world-famous Studio Tour is a must—peek behind the scenes of movie sets, spot iconic props and hope for a surprise encounter with Jaws (hint: you might get a splash). The shops and food stalls on Universal CityWalk serve up enough sugar and souvenirs to fuel your afternoon.
For competitive souls, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a group favorite. Wands at the ready for spells, dueling for the best butterbeer photo, and trying not to scream during the high-flying Forbidden Journey ride—these are memories for the group chat and the scrapbook. Cap it all off with a group dinner at the CityWalk (Bubba Gump’s for shrimp, Voodoo Doughnut for the ultimate sweet treat), then toast to a day you’ll wish you could replay.
Highlights of Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour: Ride the Coast in Style
A group that pedals together, stays together—especially in LA’s coolest coastal neighborhoods! The Highlights of Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking takes your squad from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, through lively Venice Boardwalk, and into hidden beachy corners with colorful murals, quirky street performers, and panoramic Pacific vistas.
Why do we always recommend this tour? First, it’s active—enough for a guilt-free ice cream after, but totally doable for all fitness levels. You’ll weave past Muscle Beach (flex those biceps with your friends for a photo op), marvel at skateparks, and roll into “Instagram alleyways” lined with ever-changing graffiti art. Along the way, the guide doles out tidbits about LA’s creative history, famous residents, and beach bum legends.
With the ocean breeze in your hair and friends beside you, it’s impossible not to feel that sunshiny, carefree California energy. Stop for snacks at the pier, grab a group selfie with the sunset in the background, and finish up with sandy toes and full hearts. If you want to extend the fun, keep your bikes a bit longer with Unlimited Biking’s rentals and explore Abbot Kinney’s boutiques or Third Street Promenade’s shops. It’s a group day that absolutely sings summer, any time of year.
Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour: Star-Spotting With Friends
Let’s be honest—star-spotting and Hollywood dream-chasing is so much better with friends. The Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour offers a breezy double-decker ride past the city’s most extravagant zip codes: Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, and Hollywood. The guide’s stories are half-glamour, half-gossip, and always entertaining—you might finally find out who really lives behind those immaculate hedges.
The best part? You all get to act like tourists together, snapping photos where Hollywood legends hang out and competing to see who can spot the swankiest mansion or coolest classic car. There’s plenty of time for dramatic group selfies under the palm trees and in front of Insta-famous spots like the Hollywood sign and Rodeo Drive.
Insider tip: The open-top bus feels like your own private sightseeing party, with a soundtrack of clever stories and movie trivia. It’s a laid-back way to cruise LA’s legendary streets with none of the usual parking drama. After, your group can wander Sunset Strip or hit a cafe—maybe Alfred for their signature iced vanilla lattes. Whether you’re a die-hard film buff or just here for the ride, this is Hollywood fun at its finest.
Natural History Museum: Time Travel With Your Crew
Sometimes you just need a break from sun and surf to step into another universe, and LA’s Natural History Museum is the perfect place. This isn’t your average dusty museum—it’s vibrant, interactive, and packed with hands-on experiences that will have your group exploring together. Wander through halls of towering dinosaurs (the T. rex trio is easily one of the best group photo ops in town), get up close with ancient gems and glowing minerals, and uncover mind-boggling fossils together.
The museum’s standout is its seamless way of mixing the “wow” of natural science with cool stories and creative, immersive exhibits. The sprawling Nature Gardens outside make for a great post-museum hang or even an impromptu picnic after you’ve checked out the butterflies. And did we mention the special exhibitions? Whether it’s dioramas of prehistoric LA or live animal encounters, there's always something to keep the group curious and engaged.
If your friends are craving an afternoon where you all laugh, learn, and compare awkward photos in front of a woolly mammoth, a visit here delivers. Bonus: Exposition Park’s beautiful grounds are next door, so stroll on over and enjoy one of LA’s favorite green spaces as you recap your favorite discoveries.
Knott’s Berry Farm: Thrills, Nostalgia, and Legendary Fried Chicken
Just a short road trip southeast lies one of California’s most iconic theme parks, and your whole group will thank you for adding Knott’s Berry Farm to your itinerary. Known for a clever mix of wild rides, old-school Americana, and Peanuts-themed nostalgia, there's something here for every friendship dynamic. Grab a map and let the adventure begin.
Are you a brave bunch? Test your nerves on Silver Bullet, GhostRider, or HangTime. Prefer to keep things a little more mellow? The Calico Railroad and Timber Mountain Log Ride promise plenty of laughs without any white-knuckle moments. Wander Ghost Town to discover quirky shows and try your hand at gold panning, or ham it up in a Wild West group photo.
Here’s the not-so-secret must-do: Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. This legendary spot has been around since the 1930s, dishing out juicy fried chicken, fluffy biscuits, and homey berry pie. It’s comfort food perfection, best devoured family-style with your favorite people. End the day grabbing berry jams at the Marketplace and agreeing: the theme park joy never gets old.
Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour: Ocean Adventures You’ll Never Forget
Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour: Ocean Adventures You’ll Never Forget
Looking for something unique (and likely to spark lifelong travel stories)? Hop on the Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales, just south of LA in scenic Newport Beach. This experience makes every group feel like part of a real-life documentary—ocean breeze on your cheeks, scanning the bright blue water for spouts, fins, and playful dolphins.
What’s the appeal for your friend group? Spotting a whale breach or a pod of jumping dolphins is the ultimate “did you see that?!” moment, especially when everyone’s watching for wildlife together, cameras ready. Skilled naturalists on board share ocean facts and help identify each creature, adding a dose of awe and learning to your adventure. The ride itself is exhilarating, and on calm days the deck is the perfect place for group “Titanic” reenactments (just don’t drop your sunglasses).
On your way back, wind down at one of Newport Beach’s seafood joints—the view from The Crab Cooker, with its fresh fish and beach-town vibe, is tough to beat. A full afternoon of sunshine, ocean spray and group cheers whenever a fin appears? That’s what friendship is all about.
GRAMMY Museum: Feel the Music With Your Besties
For crews with playlists as varied as LA traffic, consider a stop at the GRAMMY Museum in Downtown LA. This spot hits all the right notes for music fans, with immersive exhibits, interactive mixing stations and glittering displays of Grammy outfits and instruments. Everyone in your group can geek out over different genres—rock, pop, hip-hop, and even classical are all here, and there’s always something new thanks to rotating exhibitions.
What sets this museum apart for friends? You can actually make (and giggle through) your own music videos, test your music trivia knowledge in digital games, and belt out your favorite tunes at singalong booths. The fourth floor, with its wall of classic red carpet looks and legendary artists’ memorabilia, is a selfie wonderland.
After you’ve rocked out, the museum’s central downtown location puts you steps from LA Live (check for live events or games), and near restaurants like Broken Spanish, famous for tamales and seriously good cocktails. Altogether, it’s a cultural highlight that’s as celebratory as your favorite playlist on road trip day.
The Hollywood Museum: Glitz, Glam, and Behind-the-Scenes Gold
Located in the historic Max Factor Building, The Hollywood Museum is one of those under-the-radar stops that surprises every friend group. Inside you’ll find four floors packed with real movie props, elaborate costumes (including the infamous Marilyn Monroe dresses), and dazzling makeup rooms from Hollywood’s golden age.
Every friend crew can find something to love, whether it’s the eerie dungeon level with classic creepy movie sets, or the wall of Lucille Ball memorabilia for old-school TV fans. Costumes from superhero flicks? Check. Oscar-winning scripts? Absolutely. Rare photography and tiny behind-the-scenes details? All here.
There’s an infectious, nostalgic energy that will get even movie skeptics reminiscing about their favorite on-screen moments, and the building’s art deco architecture is an experience all its own. Top it off by walking Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame just outside—the Museum makes the perfect launching pad for downtown Hollywood discoveries, from sipping milkshakes at Mel’s Drive-In to hunting for that perfect celebrity star.
Heal the Bay Aquarium: Discover Underwater Wonders Together
Down at the Santa Monica Pier, Heal the Bay Aquarium delivers just the right mix of marine discovery and beachside fun. This charming spot lets friends of all ages get hands-on with tidepool animals, meet rescued sea creatures, and learn how to help protect LA’s magical coastline.
Why does it hit the mark for groups? First, it’s compact—no getting lost, plenty of time to see everything, and always nearby the pier’s arcades, food stalls and amusement rides for extra post-aquarium fun. With friendly staff and plenty of interactive exhibits, you’ll find yourself swapping sea star trivia, snapping fisheye selfies, or debating which local shark looks friendliest.
Besides, finishing up your visit with a classic funnel cake or a ride on the historic carousel is peak Santa Monica. Want to extend the aquatic fun? The nearby Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach (also available with your pass) is a larger option, perfect for an all-day group outing.
Ready to Make Group Memories in LA?
Making the most of LA with friends isn’t about ticking off a list, but about finding the experiences that get you laughing, sharing wide-eyed awe, and heading home plotting your next LA adventure together. Whether you’re thrill-seeking, sea-gazing, music-loving or simply here for the tacos and sunsets, you can craft a trip that matches your group’s vibe perfectly. LA’s best memories are always meant to be shared—so round up your favorite people and let the city surprise you.
Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do in Los Angeles in the Morning or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes.
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