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There is always something to do in the City of Angels. Breathable air, moderate room rates, and less rigorous tourist crowds turn March to May and September to November into the best time to visit Los Angeles. Spring is all about enjoying whale watching and poppy blooming, while fall is perfect for surfing, exploring the city and enjoying Disneyland with shorter queues (except Halloween and Thanksgiving). Pricey and misty peak season from June to August will guide you straight to overpacked beaches. However, summer can be entertaining as well, with its numerous events like LA Pride or 4th of July parties. Wintertime in the largest city of California is relatively warm, comfortable, and fully redresses frequent rainy days with dispersing crowds, deals on hotel rooms, and grand events like Grammy Awards and Academy Awards.

125 things to do in Los Angeles

Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival

March 19, 2025 Event

Every spring over a million purple blossoms drape from the tangled branches, and you can visit the place only during the annual Wistaria Festival

Cycling

April–October Activity

Picturesque scenery, varied terrain, and gentle weather conditions attract cyclists to the Golden State

Scenic Road Trips

all year round Activity

Driving along a large number of picturesque roads with stops near the highlights and most unique spots can be a perfect vacation plan

Paddleboarding (SUP)

May–September Activity

One of the most enjoyable and fun water activities is popular all along the California coastline

Disneyland

mid-January–early March | August–mid-November Activity

Try avoiding busy weekends and school holidays to enjoy shorter queues in the day full of rides and fun

Brown Pelicans

January–October Nature

Come and see unique brown pelicans in their natural habitat

Grammy Awards

February 2, 2025 Event

Everyone who loves music is waiting for this glamorous event to see the best shows and performances, best singers, and great bands

Palm Springs International Film Festival

January 2-13, 2025 Event

Meet some A-list stars and attend exciting presentations and special events followed by glamourous night parties

Touring the Movie Studios without Crowds

November–March (except holidays) Activity

Visit Hollywood and find yourself behind the scenes during real filming and see how TV shows are made or just see Universal Studios

Kiteboarding

April–August Activity

Just choose the right season and the right spot to enjoy your favourite water activity in the Sunny State

Hollywood Christmas Parade

December 1, 2024 Event

The Christmas fun starts in Hollywood with the main parade

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade

December 14, 2024 Event

This spectacular boat show is a great Christmas time family event

Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach

July 6–August 30, 2024 Event

One of the most unique art events in the world with plenty of art treasures to observe

Emmy Awards

September 15, 2024 Event

The biggest television event of the year

Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF)

February 4-15, 2025 Event

The red carpet is rolled out, and movie stars are ready to pose in front of the cameras

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival

May 17–19, 2024 Event

This three-day event can be the most romantic escape filled with the taste of good wine, spectacular flights, and pleasant time

Academy Awards (the Oscars)

March 10, 2025 Event

One of the most awaited events in the whole world. It's always exciting to watch the ceremony online, but being a part of it and seeing all your favourite stars passing by right in front of you is a unique experience

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade of Lights

December 18-22, 2024 Event

Enjoy the sight of hundreds of beautifully decorated vessels

US Open of Surfing

August 3–11, 2024 Event

If you are looking for some amazing moves on waves, this event is definitely for you

Perseid Meteor Shower

late July–late August (best in mid-August) Nature

Stars begin to fall in the middle of summer—get ready to make some wishes

Bald Eagles

November–March Nature

It is believed that the Bald Eagle symbolizes strength, courage, freedom, and immortality

Bird of Paradise

September–May Nature

The official flower of LA may even surpass tropical orchids

Bougainvillea Bloom

May–July | December Nature

Luxurious vines abundant with flowers are truly a fabulous decoration for Los Angeles

Hummingbirds

mid-February–early September (best in May–July) Activity

This wee zippy bird moves so fast that you'll have to try hard to take a nice picture

LA 4th of July Block Party, Events & Fireworks

June 30–July 5, 2024 Event

Celebrate Uncle Sam at the 4th of July Block Party with live music and fireworks

The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire

April 6-May 19, 2024 (selected dates) Event

Stroll the village lanes brimming with people and handicrafts demonstrating Renaissance times

Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival

July 10–September 1, 2024 Event

A picnic and a Shakespearean drama at Griffith Park is a perfect plan for a summer evening

Fiesta Broadway (Cinco de Mayo)

April 27, 2025 Event

The US largest festival of Mexican and Latin American world

Ice Skating

mid-November–mid-January Activity

The absence of snow is not a reason to give up this Christmas fun—skating outdoors

Rose Parade (Tournament of Roses)

January 1, 2025 Event

The main flower parade of the planet opens the season of New Year holidays in the USA

Surfing Santa Competition

December 8, 2024 Event

Dressed like Santa, surfers raise money for people living with autism

Pasadena Doo Dah Parade

November 24, 2024 Event

The strangest and most absurd parade in LA (even the entire planet)!

Loquat Season

April–May Food

Fans of exotic fruits will be delighted with this unusual citrus

LA Zoo Lights

mid-November–early January Event

Christmas nightly entertainment in the Zoo is for the whole family: thousands of garlands and Santa Claus

Free Museum Day

February 11, 2024 Event

From expressionism to pop art, antique collections to modern technology, props of famous television series to dried human heads—the Los Angeles museums amaze with their diversity

Camellias at Descanso Gardens

October–May Nature

A cool oasis in the middle of a hot city makes Descanso an excellent place for plant breeding—from camellias to less known plants

Whale and Dolphin Watching

December–May Nature

To see a giant mammal in the Pacific and hear its powerful voice is a memorable event

Nisei Week Japanese Festival

August 10–18, 2024 Event

Check out this annual festival to honor Japanese culture and food

LA Pride

June 9, 2024 Event

One of the largest gay pride parades in the USA

Abbot Kinney Festival

September 28, 2025 Event

Rejoice, eat, and have fun in the "cool block" of America!

LA County Fair

May 3–27, 2024 Event

Don't miss this spring carnival in the California state

Spring

March, April, May Weather

The main feature of spring are clear skies and stunning sunsets and sunrises

Birdwatching in Ernest E. Debs Park

late April | September–February Activity

This kingdom of birds is a delight to any nature fan

Diving around Santa Catalina Island

July–December Activity

Crystal clear waters near the island of Santa Catalina with its rich underwater world are perfect for diving

Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival

April 19-21, 2024 Event

Feel some Western charm at Santa Clarita valley recreating the atmosphere of its cowboy past

Outdoor Movies in Los Angeles

early April–late October Event

On warm summer nights, this pastime under the stars is very popular in LA

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

October 26, 2024 Event

A day for remembering the dead and celebrating life. This bright and joyful festival is the time to sing and dance and not to shed tears and grieve

Big Horn Sheep

December–February Nature

Large animals, dense, and stocky with low and strong limbs, live in the mountains in the vicinity of Los Angeles

Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove

mid–November–mid-February Nature

Monarch Butterflies have a unique ability to navigate and reach precisely a place located thousands of kilometres where they have never been before

Elephant Seal Watching

December–May Nature

It is impossible to miss this beach: you can watch endlessly funny Elephant Seals

Jacarandas in Bloom

late April–early June Nature

For several months some streets and residential quarters of the city become purple from the blossom of the jacaranda

Chino Hills State Park Wildflowers

March–May (best in late March) Nature

Photographers spend days here trying to capture all of that fragrant tenderness with their cameras

Skiing and Snowboarding

December–March Activity

It is possible to go skiing and surfing in Los Angeles on the same day

Joshua Tree Rock Climbing

mid-October–early May Activity

This favourite place for rock climber training offers over 8,000 routes

Cactus Blooming

April–May Nature

Having visited Joshua Tree National Park, you will understand how beautiful and colourful the desert can be

Beach Season

late May–September Activity

The Pacific Ocean is cold, with huge waves, but the beaches are excellent for sunbathing and entertainment

Surfing

September–February Activity

Whether you are a professional surfer, an advanced rider, or a complete beginner, surfing in Los Angeles will be an unforgettable life experience

Hiking

October–June Activity

The stunning nature of national parks, canyons, lakes, and mountains in the vicinity of the City of Angels attracts with its beauty and unpredictability

Los Angeles Marathon

March 16, 2025 Event

Thousands dream to participate in this prestigious marathon in Los Angeles

Hawaii Cruises

April–August Activity

Be prepared for adventures when cruising the Pacific

Fire Rainbows

late March–September Nature

A curious optical phenomenon occurs quite rarely and only in special locations. If you are in the right time and in the right place, just look up to the sky

Poppy Season in the Antelope Valley

late February–early May (peak in late March–early April) Nature

After winter rains, dry hills burst with new life as billions of technicolor orange poppies bloom

Coachella

April 12-21, 2024 Event

One of the biggest and most popular music festivals is a chance to meet all stars in one place

Heart Rock Falls

March–November Nature

The power of water carved a heart in a solid stone. Such natural sites inspire and give hopes

Pacific Crest Trail

May–September Activity

From Mexico to Canada or reverse, a crest of mountains follows along the western states of the USA, washed by the Pacific waters—it's one of the world's most scenic natural corridors

dineLA Restaurant Week

July 12–26, 2024 Event

The tastiest time of the year in Los Angeles

Naples Boat Parade

December 21, 2024 Event

One of the most beautiful holiday traditions in California

LA Times Festival of Books

April 26-27, 2025 Event

Don't miss out on the largest book festival in the country!

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

March–early May Nature

Be ready to immerse yourself in colours: purple, pink, white and yellow!

Mount Wilson Observatory

April–November Activity

For over a century this observatory has gathered the most eminent astronomers

Long Beach Christmas Lights

December Event

Houses around Naples Island are known to put on the best displays in Southern California

Venice Canals Christmas Lights & Holiday Boat Parade

December 8, 2024 Event

Get inspired by the gorgeous lights on display in Venice Canals

Enchanted Forest of Light

November 17, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

A magical light display in Los Angeles County

Huntington Harbour Boat Parade

December 14–15, 2024 Event

A maritime extravaganza by the beach is one of the best in California

Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade

December 7, 2024 Event

A signature holiday event of Palm Springs and Coachella Valley

Chinese New Year

February 17, 2024 Event

Plenty of entertainment to celebrate the most important spring festival

Winter Fest OC

November 22, 2024-January 5, 2025 Event

Winter wonderland does exist in Southern California, you'll find it in Orange County

Matilija Falls

March–November Nature

A strenuous canyon hike to a few beautiful waterfalls

Thousand Steps Beach Pools

March–early June | September–December Activity

One of the best hidden treasures of the Orange County

St. Patrick's Day

March 16–17, 2024 Event

Grab a pint and celebrate everything Irish in LA

Hollywood Carnival

June 20–23, 2024 Event

A street extravaganza full of dancers, musicians and performers

West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval

October 31, 2024 Event

The most massive Halloween parade and celebration in the Los Angeles area

Tough Mudder Los Angeles

April 6-7, 2024 Event

A famous obstacle race is created to test your endurance and ambition

Cherry Blossom

March–late April Nature

Delicate sakura opens the tree blooming season in the Golden State

Glendora Mountain Road

all year round Activity

Alpine scenery is just an hour away from downtown Los Angeles

Angeles Crest Highway

March–November Activity

One of the most scenic mountain drives on the West Coast

Memorial Day Weekend

May 25–27, 2024 Event

Memorial services and festivals all over the greater LA

Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival (Playboy Jazz Festival)

June 15-16, 2024 Event

An all-star jazz festival held in an iconic location

Long Beach Jazz Festival

August 9-11, 2024 Event

The only jazz festival in Southern California

Sherman Oaks Street Fair

October 20, 2024 Event

The largest one-day street festival of the San Fernando Valley

Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival

September 28–October 27, 2024 Event

Tens of thousands of pumpkins in one place

Point Dume

all year round Nature

A beautiful beach overlooking Malibu

LA Korean Festival

September 26-29, 2024 Event

The biggest event in Los Angeles Koreatown

LA Fleet Week

May 22-27, 2024 Event

An old Californian end-of-summer tradition

Halloween Events in California

September–October Event

Amusement parks, scary attractions and amazing costume parties throughout the state

Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade and Fireworks

June 15–July 5, 2024 Event

The Surf City hosts the biggest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi

Labor Day Weekend

August 30–September 2, 2024 Event

Say farewell to the summer in Los Angeles

Christmas Lights and Events in Palm Springs

late November–December Event

Winter holidays in the desert can be fun!

New Year's Eve & New Year's Day

December 31–January 1 Event

Ring in the New Year like Holywood's elite

Monterey Park Lunar New Year Festival

January 18–19, 2025 Event

Discover a vigorous celebration in the Los Angeles metropolitan area

Tarantula Migration

September–October Nature

Watch a fascinating natural phenomenon in California's parks and deserts

Painted Lady Butterfly Migration

March Nature

The skies get filled with beautiful winged creatures

Monarch Butterfly Migration in Los Angeles

mid-October–early February Nature

Explore the incredible butterfly wintering grounds, just a short drive from Los Angeles

Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival

April 27-28, 2024 Event

What a tribute to the beauty of Japanese culture!

Great White Sharks

August–September Nature

As ocean waters warm up, white sharks start their annual migration between Mexico and Southern California

Escondido Falls

November–April Nature

A hidden waterfall near Los Angeles is a perfect one-day getaway from the city

Paradise Falls

September–May (all year round) Nature

One of a few waterfalls thriving in the hot and dry climate of the Thousand Oaks area

Switzer Falls

November–April Nature

One of the most attractive waterfalls in Los Angeles County

Hermit Falls

all year round, but best in May–September Nature

A small waterfall in Santa Anita Canyon near Arcadia

Fall Colors near Los Angeles

mid October–November Nature

Los Angeles has a reputation of a summer destination, but it can have an autumn vibe as well

Wings Over Camarillo Air Show

August 17-18, 2024 Event

Witness impressive flight demonstrations and aerobatics on California's Central Coast

Los Angeles Comic Con

September 26–28, 2025 Event

A vibrant celebration of popular culture and diversity

Comic Con Revolution Ontario

May 17-18, 2025 Event

The two-day family-friendly popular culture convention at Ontario Convention Center

Los Angeles Beer Festival

April 6, 2024 Event

Drink the night away at this unique beer fest

Marilyn Monroe's House

all year round Activity

The final residence of the famous actress where she spent her last days

Oxnard 4th of July Events

July 4 Event

Parades and festivities in Channel Islands Harbor

Big Bear Lake Fall Colors

late October–early November Nature

Scenic fall foliage hikes in San Bernardino National Forest

Mexican Riviera Cruises

November–May Activity

The best cruise destination for the active type of travelers

Morro Bay Witches & Warlocks Paddle

October 26, 2024 Event

Over 500 witches celebrate Halloween paddling in Morro Bay

All Hallows Fantasy Faire

October 26–27, 2024 Event

Celtic New Year’s Celebration in a historic Gold Rush area

Koroneburg Renaissance Festival

May 25–June 23, 2024 (on selected dates) Event

Entertainment for the whole family with over 20 years of history

Tehachapi Apple Festival

October 12-13, 2024 Event

The best party of fall season in Downtown Tehachapi

Coast Starlight Train Trip

all year round Activity

The 35-hour Coast Starlight journey passes through astonishing views of the Cascade Range, Mount Shasta, and the Pacific Ocean shoreline

Pacific Surfliner Train Trip

all year round Activity

A comfortable trip along the coast of California, passing vibrant beaches and surf cities.

Krampus in Los Angeles

December 7–8, 2024 Event

A celebration of Christmas and everyone's favorite Alpine monster

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