Things to do in Los Angeles for Birthday

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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Make It an Epic August: Essential LA Experiences

August in Los Angeles feels electric. Mornings bring gleaming sunshine, afternoons buzz with energy, and the city’s famous beaches, parks, and museums swing into high gear. Whether you want to soak up open-air concerts, thrill your tastebuds at food festivals, spot dolphins off the coast, or just snap that perfect Hollywood shot, LA’s calendar in August never lets up. We’ve scouted out classic attractions, new discoveries, breezy bike tours, and quirky summer happenings so you can experience LA with all its summer sparkle, no matter your mood. Ready to plan the ultimate sun-kissed escape? We’ve got you sorted.  Our favorite things to do in LA in August include:  Universal Studios Hollywood  Whale Watching & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales  Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking  Griffith Observatory Tour  California Science Center + IMAX movie  Madam Tussauds Hollywood  Knott’s Soak City water park  Getty Center Guided Tour  Open-air outdoor cinema  Smorgasburg LA food fest  Universal Studios Hollywood: Thrills, Movie Magic & Summer Shows  Hollywood comes alive at Universal Studios. In August, blockbuster energy fills the air—think summer crowds, splashy parades, and brand-new showtimes. If you love action-packed rides, movie-inspired lands, and a healthy dose of Hollywood nostalgia, this theme park is impossible to beat. Enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for spell-casting, or let dinosaurs chase you at Jurassic World — The Ride (spoiler alert: you will get soaked, perfect for a hot August afternoon).  The real treats of summer here are the extra entertainment spectacles. The park rolls out exclusive seasonal shows, character meet & greets, and interactive street parties, all set against that famous panoramic hilltop view. Don’t sleep on the famed Studio Tour—riding the open-air tram through real sets and FX explosions is a quintessential LA experience, and when the sun’s beaming, you’ll want those shady moments. Food trucks and themed eateries keep you fueled (Butterbeer, anyone?) for a day where every corner promises a new wow moment. Whether you arrive early to beat the heat or stick around for fireworks, Universal in August feels as close as you’ll get to stepping inside the silver screen.  Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales: Summer’s Splashiest Wildlife  August is prime time for hitting the water along Southern California’s spectacular coast, and few adventures compare to a half-day on the Pacific in search of dolphins and whales. From Newport Beach—about an hour’s scenic drive from LA—you’ll climb aboard a comfortable vessel for an unforgettable close-up with the region’s stars. Humpback, blue, and fin whales roam these waters in summer, while pods of acrobatic common dolphins steal the spotlight with their leaps and spins.  The crew brings infectious enthusiasm, layering in fascinating ocean trivia and making sure you catch every tail slap or spout. There’s nothing like the salty breeze, warm sun on your face, and blue waves glinting all around. We love how every trip feels unpredictable—one day it’s a sea lion sunbathing on a buoy, the next it’s a parade of pelicans overhead or a giant whale surfacing right beside the boat. There’s ample space onboard for photos (bring your zoom lens!) and most tours last just a few hours, leaving time to grab fish tacos harborside or stroll Newport Pier. For any traveler, this is the purest SoCal summer joy—wildlife, ocean vistas, and a touch of explorer magic.  Griffith Observatory Tour: The Sky’s the Limit  August stars shine bright above LA, making this hilltop observatory a dreamy destination for daytime discovery and magical twilight views. Perched high above the city in Griffith Park, the Observatory is as much about jaw-dropping panoramas as hands-on science. Take a guided tour for behind-the-scenes access and fun astronomy snippets—think space telescopes, meteorite fragments, and the history of how Angelenos mapped the cosmos.  The Observatory’s planetarium shows are legendary. Day or night, you’ll learn what’s visible in the sky that week (August’s Perseids meteor shower is a treat if your trip’s timed right). Then, stick around for the iconic sunset—there’s nothing like watching the LA skyline’s glass towers start to twinkle as the sky turns gold and purple.  The paths winding up to the Observatory are thick with fragrant sage, while the lawn outside buzzes with stargazers and local astronomers setting up telescopes. Everyone’s invited to try a peek! You’ll leave with a headful of galaxy facts, about 100 terrific photos, and maybe plans to return for a free public telescope night. It’s the LA sunset experience even locals treasure.  California Science Center + IMAX Movie: Cool Down, Fuel Up on Wonder  Looking for a midday break from August’s sizzle? The California Science Center is the perfect spot to duck into a world of hands-on wonder. This destination mixes jaw-dropping space exhibits—NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavour is the star!—with everything from living ecosystems to themed galleries for kids and adults alike.  Summer brings special programming and rotating exhibits, plus the IMAX Theater, which soars you across the planet (and beyond) with their gigantic screen and immersive sound systems. The films range from deep-sea dives to journeys through the cosmos, and on a hot afternoon, nothing’s more refreshing than a couple of hours in that plush, darkened theater.  The vibe inside the Science Center is pure curiosity—families, groups of friends, and solo travelers all get hands-on with live animal encounters, illusion-busting displays, and sometimes even robots that dance. It’s spacious, bright, and easy to navigate, with a cafe for sandwiches and cold drinks when your feet need a pause. We love pairing a visit here with a quick stroll through Expo Park’s rose gardens or checking out nearby museums that make this corner of LA a cultural feast.  Madame Tussauds Hollywood: Rub Shoulders with the Stars  Who says you can’t meet all your favorite celebrities in one afternoon? At Madame Tussauds Hollywood, it’s one dazzling photo op after another. Located right on buzzing Hollywood Boulevard, this ultra-fun wax museum lets you pose with perfect (and uncannily lifelike) replicas of everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio to Zendaya, Marvel heroes, classic icons, and chart-topping musicians.  August means crowds and sunshine on the boulevard outside, but step indoors and you’ll find air-conditioned comfort and selfie opportunities galore. Each set is intricately themed—glam red carpets, pop star stages, even a wild Pacific surf zone—so every snapshot tells a story. The vibe is playful and friendly: no one’s too cool to get goofy, dress up in provided accessories, or act out their red-carpet fantasies.  What sets this spot apart is its Hollywood heart. You’re smack in the middle of the Walk of Fame, with easy access to the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre tours when you’re done. Whether you’re a movie buff, pop culture lover, or just in it for top-quality people-watching, Madame Tussauds is pure LA entertainment.  Getty Center Guided Tour: Art, Gardens & Views  Set high on a hill above the west side, the Getty Center is not just a museum but an experience—a blend of art, architecture, and those famous LA-light-filled gardens. In August, the tram ride up from the parking area reveals sun-drenched views stretching to the ocean. On arrival, join one of the free guided tours for insider stories about masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Monet, plus lessons on the museum’s futuristic travertine architecture.  Step inside cool, airy galleries, then wander out to the sculpture gardens, where streams trickle through flowerbeds and visitors lounge on the grass with iced lattes. The air here feels pure and calm—a world away from the city’s bustle. In summer, the Getty hosts garden concerts, sculpture walks, and creative workshops, making it perfect for everyone from art aficionados to curious newcomers.  The real showstopper? The 360-degree terrace views at sunset, when August’s golden hour turns downtown skyscrapers and the Santa Monica Mountains into silhouettes. Bring a sketchbook or camera, grab a gelato from the cafe, and let the creative buzz wash over you. For anyone wanting a mix of culture and total chill, the Getty Center is LA’s go-to.  Open-Air Cinema: Movies Under the Stars  Long, warm August nights call for one thing: outdoor movies! LA’s open-air cinema scene is legendary—join locals sprawled on blankets at spots like Hollywood Forever Cemetery, The Rooftop Cinema Club, or Griffith Park’s Autry Museum lawn. Each venue spins classic films, cult hits, or recent blockbusters, with festive touches like pre-show DJs, local food trucks, and cool breezes swirling under the stars.  What’s so special here? It’s more than just a movie—it’s a full-on LA summer party. Grab a popcorn bucket (or that trendy Korean fried chicken box), order frosty cocktails, and vibe to the DJ’s sunset playlist. Watching a film as the sun sets behind swaying palms is both cinematic and pure Los Angeles magic. Film selections change every week, so check listings and buy tickets in advance (they often sell out!)  Experiencing an open-air movie lets you blend in with Angelenos and soak up that classic outdoor spirit, whether you’re cheering for retro rom-coms, animated crowd-pleasers, or spine-tingling thrillers. Don’t forget a jacket—nights stay cool even in August!  Smorgasburg LA: The Ultimate Summer Food Feast  Every Sunday, Downtown LA’s ROW DTLA becomes food heaven thanks to Smorgasburg—America’s biggest weekly open-air food market. Imagine rows of creative food stalls, scents of BBQ mingling with sizzling bao buns, craft soda samplers, and a parade of Angelenos grazing and chatting over their culinary finds.  August means new pop-up vendors, live music, and fresh-squeezed lemonade to keep you cool. Standout bites include the legendary fried chicken sandwich at Hotville Chicken, vegan sushi from Cena Vegan, beautiful mochi ice cream, or spicy birria tacos best eaten with plenty of napkins. Craft beer gardens and boutique shopping stalls round out the festival vibe—everything is casual, friendly, and supremely social.  We love Smorgasburg for its contagious community spirit. There’s no “just looking” here—grab something wild (ramen burgers! lobster fries!) and find a shaded spot with views of LA’s industrial-chic skyline. If you love food, creativity, and people-watching, you’ll want every Sunday to taste like this.  August in LA: There’s No Place Like It  So there you have it: endless ways to soak up Los Angeles in August, whether you’re cooling off with dolphins, cruising boardwalks, feasting your way through food markets or dancing beneath starry skies. This city glows in summer, and with a mix of classic attractions and only-in-LA surprises, you’ll find every day brings a new adventure. Get ready for long sunny mornings, laughter-filled nights, and a vacation that sparkles from start to finish. See you in the city of angels this August!    Enjoyed this? Check out our favorite ways to spend an L.A. morning, and peruse our pick of the best downtown markets.   Step up your sightseeing with Go City®      We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.     See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!  

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