10 epic things to do in Los Angeles at night

Los Angeles and Southern California are well-known for their palm trees, sunshine, and blue skies. No visit to the City of Angels is complete without visiting some of LA’s famous landmarks or the beaches in Santa Monica and Venice during the day. But once the sun sets, the dazzling neon lights come on, and that’s when Los Angeles truly comes alive.

From romantic nights out on the town to local gourmet food tours, there are plenty of options for exciting activities and places to visit in Los Angeles. To make the most of the nightlife, try these fantastic things to do in Los Angeles at night.

1. Drink at one of Hollywood’s themed bars

Hollywood and the Sunset Strip are at the center of the Los Angeles nightlife scene, particularly its nightclubs and bars. Take a speakeasy bar-hopping tour that will take you to underground and exclusive bars, each with its unique theme and entertainment.

Hot tip:

Take some time to enjoy the different vibes in each bar. Each venue offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

2. Sparkle in the glamor of Hollywood after dark

While a daytime stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame is entrancing, Tinseltown is most colorful at night. Many of Hollywood’s popular restaurants, theaters, museums, and bars are most active at night. Head to Madame Tussauds Hollywood and grab dinner at Hard Rock Café to give your night a great start.

Hot tip:

Once you’ve enjoyed Madam Tussauds and dinner, visit other great late-night attractions, such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not and El Capitan Theater.

3. Look up to the night sky at Griffith Observatory

For one of the more relaxing and family-friendly things to do in Los Angeles at night, head up into the Santa Monica Mountains for a visit to Griffith Observatory, one of the best things to do in LA at night for free. Once the sun sets and the telescopes come out, enjoy a thrilling vista of the wonders of space.

Hot tip:

A visit to the Samuel Oschin Planetarium will treat you to a spectacular and awe-inspiring view of the cosmos.

4. Have a romantic sunset on a luxury cruise

Cruising the waters of Marina del Rey is one of the most stylish ways to enjoy Los Angeles during the summer nights. Pay a visit to this popular coastal community and head out on a luxury boat cruise of the marina. Sip a glass of wine and choose from a selection of fruits, cheeses, and meats as you relax and gaze on a sunset to remember.

Hot tip:

Keep a lookout for the unique wildlife in the marina. During your voyage, you may spot sea lions, birds, dolphins, and even whales.

5. See Universal Studios after dark at Universal CityWalk

Universal Studios is one of the oldest movie studios in Los Angeles, and today houses a theme park and a working studio with active tours. While the park is a lot of fun during the day, there’s even more to do at the nearby CityWalk. From massive cinemas and concert venues to fine dining options, you can spend as much time here as at the park.

Hot tip:

The centerpiece of Universal CityWalk is the Universal Cinema, featuring 18 cinemas and a seven-story IMAX screen with 4K projection.

6. View the city lights of LA from above by helicopter

One of the top things to do in Los Angeles at night is to go on a helicopter flight high above the City of Angels. See the twinkling lights of the LA skyline from a new and exciting vantage point as you fly over sights like the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena), Universal Studios, and Hollywood. This activity is perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends, and is one of the most fun things to do in LA.

Hot tip:

Time your helicopter flight at sunset so you can catch the sunset from above.

7. Watch the LA Dodgers play at Dodger Stadium

Dodger Stadium is one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the United States and home to the LA Dodgers. Major League Baseball games take place here throughout the year. Take your seat to enjoy an electrifying night of sports action.

Hot tip:

Even non-sports fans will find something to enjoy in the atmosphere of a live game. Experiencing one like a local gives you great insights into baseball culture.

8. Sample new flavors on a food-tasting tour

There’s so much excellent food in Los Angeles that you might feel a little overwhelmed with dinner choices. Going on a personalized food-tasting tour will enable you to discover the best cuisine LA has to offer. Along the way, learn about LA food history and culture, and get a few tips to make your stay even better.

Hot tip:

Each tour is personalized according to your tastes and interests and will allow you to sample multiple dishes from LA eateries.

9. Learn about the dark side of Hollywood on a haunted walking tour

Hollywood has its share of dark and creepy stories, and you can learn more about the dark side of Tinseltown on a haunted walking tour. Visit sights like the Pantages Theatre and Roosevelt Hotel and learn about the crimes, famous deaths, and spooky tales associated with these evocative places.

Hot tip:

While not for the faint of heart, this tour is a great way to delve into a side of Hollywood’s history that you may not find elsewhere.

10. Test your skills in a virtual reality escape room

Experience a family-friendly activity in LA that’s a little different: a virtual reality escape room. Choose from a unique selection of VR escape room games, from the adventurous to the scary. With immersive audio and visual effects and cutting-edge 3D technology, this experience is not to be missed.

Hot tip:

Each game can be played solo or with up to six players. Each player is given a private area to interact in, with communication provided via headsets.

FAQs

What are some free things to do in LA at night?

Some of the best free LA activities at night are the Griffith Observatory, walking along the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, The Grove, the Getty Center, and The Broad. Head to LACMA to see the Urban Lights installation light up.

What are the best areas for a nighttime stroll in Los Angeles?

Take a walk around the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see how vibrant and colorful the area is at night. Universal CityWalk, Santa Monica Pier, and the Sunset Strip also offer plenty of attractions for anyone looking for an interesting evening stroll.

What are the most popular night tours in Los Angeles?

A wide variety of tours feature exclusive clubs and bars in Hollywood and various landmarks lit up at night. There are also true crime and ghost tours that will take you to iconic sights and reveal the spooky stories associated with them.

What are some fun things to do in LA at night with kids?

Perhaps the best family-friendly activity in LA after dark is visiting theme parks such as Universal Studios and Disneyland. Strolling along Santa Monica Pier while eating ice cream is a great option, too.

What are the most romantic things to do in Los Angeles at night?

One of the most romantic things to do in LA at night is to head to the Griffith Observatory to look at the stars and view the sunset. Other excellent romantic options include a luxury cruise from Marina del Rey at sunset or Santa Monica Pier after dark.