Summer in Los Angeles has an abundance of fun and exciting activities. Memorable experiences include escape rooms, beautiful ocean landscapes, iconic destinations, refreshing drinks, and trendy shops.
We’ve put together a curated list of 25 experiences that adults will be sure to enjoy. Whether you are visiting for the week or looking for some summer activity inspiration, this list has you covered!
1. Quest Room Escape Rooms
Quest Room (our escape room company) is a top, highly rated activity in Los Angeles. Our Hollywood-quality immersive escape room experiences include cinematic staging, outfitted actors, incredible storytelling, intricate puzzles, and unforgettable themes.
Themes include mind-bending horror, adventurous fantasy, and more! We offer private bookings with varied levels of adaptive difficulty so groups can choose their comfort levels.
Locate a Quest Room center in several places throughout LA, including Culver City, Koreatown, Hollywood, and Redondo Beach. Our escape rooms are perfect for team building events or to bond and make lasting memories with friends. This spot is also perfect for especially hot or rainy days in Los Angeles when you’re looking for something exciting to do indoors.
2. Rooftop Bars in DTLA & Hollywood
LA's nightlife is at an all-time high in the summer months. A thumping rooftop bar is the place to be for cityscape views, glamorous craft cocktails, and pulsing live music under the stars.
Check out Perch in DTLA or Barlista in Hollywood, which is a new rooftop lounge. Gather your crew and head out for a rocking night out with the skyline. Many rooftop bars also offer food options for friends who want a bite to eat.
3. Venice Beach Drum and Skate Circle
Check out the Venice Beach Drum and Skate Circle down on the Venice Beach Boardwalk. There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, with amazing street performers (including a dog that rides on a skateboard!), drummers, and human skaters. Feel free to watch or take part in these high-energy activities.
Try a fresh taco or tropical smoothie while you walk and take it all in. Venice Beach brings out some of the most unique people around. So, grab a friend, buy a snack, and join in the fun!
4. Griffith Park Observatory & Evening Hike
Griffith Park Observatory allows for excellent sunset views of the city. There are multiple trails to walk with a group of friends, family, or a special sweetheart. Pack a picnic and hike up to the Observatory, where you can check out the IMAX theater and space exhibits before stargazing.
If you want a romantic outdoor option, this is a perfect activity for you. In addition to the hike and star views, take advantage of photo ops with the iconic Hollywood sign in the background.
5. Secret Movie Screenings via Rooftop Cinema Club
The Rooftop Cinema Club is a unique evening opportunity in LA. Catch various films shown in memorable outdoor rooftop locations. Night skylines, cozy blankets, and twinkle lights are what's in store for this fun night-out activity.
Tickets include things like headphones, popcorn, and bar options. For friends or couples looking for a cozy, relaxing, comforting evening out with a bit of Hollywood glamour, this is a great option.
6. Escape to Catalina Island for a Day
Catalina Island offers zip-lines, snorkeling, kayaking, and more! Use the ferry to make your way to the famed Catalina Island. Stroll through Avalon (the historic bay) and enjoy the many shops available for tourists and locals. Try amazingly fresh seafood, play a round of golf, or relax on the beach.
If you have the time, stay the night in one of the many hotels available. When it is time to return to the mainland, keep a close watch on your ferry tickets as there is no refund for lost, stolen, or damaged tickets.
7. Indulge in LA's Best Food Trucks
Summer is the best time to catch LA's food trucks. If you are tired of the normal restaurant options, no fear! LA's food trucks are here to make your mouth happy.
From sugary soft doughnuts to Korean fusion and some of the most incredible tacos, LA has a winning food truck sampling for you. Grab the map dedicated to food trucks and hit the road with your hungry friends.
Bonus: Some food trucks offer summer-only food options that are worth the wait!
8. Concerts at the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is an amphitheater for outdoor concerts located in the Hollywood Hills area. Swing along to diverse styles of music like classical, indie, smooth jazz, and mariachi. Bring your beer, cocktails, or wine to sip on while basking in the sound of beautiful tunes and evening California weather.
There's something unforgettable about enjoying live music with the iconic LA skyline in the background. Many locals also attend these concerts, so jump into the local culture and get your groove on.
9. Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is a well-known fun spot that includes a Ferris wheel, carnival rides, fair food, and arcade games. Bring your camera and shoot some selfies at one of the most photographed locations in the world! It has a festive vibe that is not just for kids.
Pro Tip: Grab a Ferris wheel ride just before sunset to enjoy the overhead views!
10. Paddleboarding at Marina del Ray
When the sun comes out, go play on the water at Marina del Ray. Rent a paddleboard, kayak, or even an electric boat!
Watch impressive yachts and beautiful waves, and see the local pelicans dive for their dinner. It's a peaceful, stylish, sporty spot to enjoy the outdoors while staying cool.
Bonus: Some lucky visitors spot dolphins swimming about, so keep your eyes open!
11. Festivals With Summer Treats and Night Markets
Ready to eat and shop? LA offers food and bar festivals all summer long. You don't want to miss these amazing line-ups, including Smorgasburg, 626 Night Market, and other artisan markets. Smorgasburg, for instance, is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers nearly 100 small business options for patrons to peruse.
These specially curated markets include the finest up-and-coming SoCal food, beverage, and shop options. Stroll around, sample foods, listen to music, and buy from local vendors. The energy is high and perfect for friends to discover their new faves together.
12. Echo Park Pedal Boats
Head over to Echo Park and rent a pedal boat for a sporty yet relaxing lake ride. Choose the popular swan boat or a classic pedalcraft and enjoy the shade from the overhead canopy while you paddle.
You can rent by the hour for a more economical adventure and will enjoy the sights from a different perspective. The summer lotus blooms will give you Instagram-worthy shots for you and your crew to share with the world.
13. Urban Pool Parties and Day Clubs
Saturdays in LA call for adult pool parties in places like The Standard or The Hollywood Roosevelt. With DJs, cabanas, drinks, crowds, swimsuits, and splashes, this energizing activity is perfect for meeting new friends.
Pro Tip: Most locations do offer guest passes, so you do not need to book into a hotel room to attend.
14. La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Step into history with the world's only urban fossil excavation site! La Brea Tar Pits and Museum feature a real-life paleontology dig, strange creatures, and other intriguing educational information to expand your knowledge. It is a fascinating and awesomely strange spot that you and your friends will enjoy.
Bonus: The museum is air-conditioned and rarely overcrowded.
15. Haunted LA Tours by Night
Haunted tours are gaining popularity. For those who find these tours hauntingly enjoyable, you will check out places like Griffith Park, Biltmore, and old theaters at night with a ghost tour group. This guided tour is a spooky summer activity for friends who like a bit of a scare!
16. Wine and Art Night
Get in touch with your creative side with a wine and art night in LA. Paint along to live music while sipping on your favorite wine and even meet some local artists. When the night is over, you and your friends are relaxed, have exercised your creativity, and get to take your new art piece home.
17. Griffith Park Horseback Rides
Put on your cowboy boots for a lively horseback ride through Griffith Park. Catch views of the Griffith Observatory and Los Angeles while traversing beautiful canyon trails.
Don't worry if you are not a seasoned rider; the horses are well-trained and all experience levels are welcome. During the summer months, check out a guided tour during sunset!
18. The Broad Museum & DTLA Food Crawl
Elevate your artistic mind when visiting the Broad Museum. Check out their satisfying modern art collection with free tickets available the same day.
After you have your fill of art, check out the DTLA Food Crawl nearby. Grand Central Market, the Row, and foodie pop-ups are all ready for the tasting. This outing idea is perfect for both day and evening.
19. Surf Lessons at Malibu or Manhattan
Surf lessons at Malibu or Manhattan Beach are an exciting way to start your day for both beginners and seasoned surfers. Try a group lesson at sunset if you want to meet new people or several of your crew want to learn together. Surfing is an iconic LA activity that will both challenge and refresh you!
20. Coastal Cruise on Pacific Coast Highway
Borrow a friend's convertible, or rent a sporty ride and take the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Santa Monica to Malibu. You will enjoy the beach views, cafes, and beautiful homes along the way. It is a scenic, classic California activity that will allow you and your company a bit of chill time.
21. Comedy Shows in West Hollywood and DTLA
If you are in the mood for some humor, LA has you covered with headliner comedians and stand-up mic shows. Hollywood Improv and Laugh Factory are ideal places to start for laughs, drinks, and a fun crowd.
22. Arts District Murals & Brewery Crawl
DTLA Arts District houses amazing murals and craft breweries. Enjoy a fun night out while walking along and snapping selfies with unique murals in the background. Grab a craft drink while you stroll from a local brewery like Angel City or Arts District Brewing.
23. Rooftop Sunrise Yoga in Venice
Want an early start to your day? Try a sunrise yoga class on Venice Beach. If you are tired of crowded beaches and loud activities, sunrise yoga offers a chance for peace, quiet, and a bit of relief from the fast-paced city life. Grab a friend, your mat, and some comfy clothes, and come to the beach for a beautiful morning session.
24. Celebrity Home Tours
Want to see where some of your favorite actors live? Take a bus tour around expensive LA neighborhoods to see selected stars' homes. While this is typically a tourist activity, locals may learn some interesting celebrity tidbits as well!
25. OUE Skyspace and Skyslide
If you are looking for a daring activity and aren't too afraid of heights, check out the 70th floor of the US Bank Tower in LA. It boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the city and a glass skyslide on the outside of the building. The adrenaline rush makes this an exciting and unforgettable activity, and one of the most beautiful ways to see the city.
3-Day Itinerary Suggestion
Here is a curated 3-day activity schedule combining various fun Los Angeles options, including indoor and outdoor, free and paid activities. If you want to plan ahead for an LA summer trip, using our itinerary will help you make the most of your vacation time!
Morning: Arts District mural walk
Afternoon: Brewery crawl & casual lunch
Evening: Quest Room escape room adventure challenge
Morning: Catalina Island ferry trip
Afternoon: Beach time or hiking
Evening: Hollywood Bowl concert
Morning: Sunrise yoga at Venice Beach
Afternoon: Santa Monica Pier activities
Evening: Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway at sunset
Have Fun in Los Angeles This Summer
Los Angeles activities can keep you busy all summer long! It’s no wonder that LA saw over 46 million visitors in 2022. From beautiful outdoor concerts to romantic outdoor movies, mouthwatering drinks, fried food, and Hollywood-quality escape rooms, this list of 25 summer activities in Los Angeles will keep the heat and boredom at bay for you and your crew.
Whether you are looking to catch performances, live music, community events, or just soak in the sun on the beach, there's plenty of fun for you and your friends to join in on. There's never a dull moment in Los Angeles, and with this list, there won’t be a dull moment for you this summer!