Top Summer Activities in Los Angeles

Griffith Observatory | Venti Views

There is an abundance of summer activities in Los Angeles for visitors to enjoy. A myriad of festivals, outdoor attractions, and cultural sites create seemingly endless options. Below, we provide a curated list of top activities in the area, ensuring you have the best possible time exploring Los Angeles. 

Sample the L.A. Cuisine at Food Festivals and Patios

Los Angeles’s well-known food scene features an array of flavors from around the world. Summer is an ideal time to sample the city’s diverse cuisine, as it hosts numerous food festivals, including the Long Beach Taco Fest, the Lotus Festival, Roots & Yam Jerk Food Fest, and Peruvian Fest. Head to the many patios scattered throughout the Los Angeles area for a delightful dining experience, including several restaurants overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 

Enjoy World-Class Beaches

During the summer, temperatures in Los Angeles climb to sweltering heights. Fortunately, the city offers a plethora of ideal places to cool off. The Los Angeles area features several expansive beaches with soft sand, perfect surfing conditions, and gorgeous coastal scenery. From the smaller beaches of Malibu to the world-famous pier and open shoreline of Santa Monica, L.A.’s coast is an irresistible destination for beachgoers. 

Malibu | Tom Briskey

Hike Along Picturesque Trails

Despite being a sprawling metropolis, Los Angeles boasts abundant natural beauty. The L.A. area is home to incredible hiking destinations, providing the perfect opportunity for those seeking an active and adventurous summer day outdoors. In the city, renowned trails such as Runyon Canyon and routes around Griffith Observatory provide incredible vantage points overlooking downtown. Beyond the Los Angeles core, you can hike the towering Mount Baldy or visit the Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park. 

Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park | Dhoomil Sheta

Enjoy Family-Friendly Fun at Amusement Parks

Los Angeles is a great city for families with children, and one of the most beloved activities is exploring the area’s renowned amusement parks. Los Angeles’s adrenaline-inducing and awe-inspiring outdoor theme parks offer the perfect settings for creating unforgettable family memories. Below are a few sought-out locales:

Universal Studios Hollywood: A film studio and theme park with epic rides and attractions based on famous franchises, including The Simpsons and Harry Potter. 

Pacific Park: The acclaimed oceanfront amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier includes exhilarating rides and classic games. 

Six Flags Magic Mountain: The “Thrill Capital of the World” features 20 heart-stopping roller coasters.

Universal Studios Hollywood | Jason Leung

Jam Out at a Music Festival

Summer in the City of Angels presents an extensive array of prominent music festivals and events, promising music lovers a fantastic experience with thrilling venues to let loose and have a great time. The Hard Summer Music Festival, one of the city’s most renowned, is a downtown EDM festival that takes place at several locations, including the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, Exposition Park, and BMO Stadium. Big acts will include Skrillex, Kaskade, and Diplo. Also, the Head in the Clouds Festival, held at the Rose Bowl, is an exciting celebration of music from Asian artists. This year’s showcase will include Jackson Wang, Rich Brian, and many other major artists.