Tours & excursions

Evening visit to view the city and universe through public telescopes at this free hilltop observatory. Best at sunset to catch Hollywood Sign, downtown towers, and coast views, followed by planetarium shows ($6–$10).

Free guided hike led by park rangers with sweeping views of the Hollywood Sign and Los Angeles skyline. The Observatory offers monthly Sunset Walk & Talk programs that combine scenic views with expert interpretation of the landscape and city below.

Two-Michelin-starred Japanese kaiseki restaurant with only one seating per night for seven guests. Chef Brandon Go offers an intimate, precision-focused fine dining experience in ROW DTLA. Reservations extremely difficult—book months in advance.

Gustavo Dudamel conducts a complete cycle of Beethoven piano concertos at Walt Disney Concert Hall, December 5-6 and beyond. Free events available at 1pm December 5, with ticket options for evening performances.

Free viewing of illuminated vessels parading through Marina del Rey on December 12, 2026. A festive seasonal experience showcasing decorated boats in the holiday season.

Los Angeles' premier seafood festival featuring fresh catches, coastal cuisine demonstrations, and local seafood vendors. A day-long celebration of the region's fishing heritage and marine bounty.

A 1.4-mile coastal hike in Malibu offering sweeping Pacific Ocean views with frequent dolphin and migrating whale sightings. One of LA's most rewarding outdoor excursions combining scenery and marine wildlife viewing.

Departing from Santa Monica Pier, these guided boat excursions offer seasonal whale watching opportunities and coastal views along the Pacific. December through mid-April is peak gray whale migration season, with marine naturalists providing expert commentary on cetacean behavior and ocean ecosystems.

Embark on guided sunset cruises departing from Santa Monica Pier offering views of the coastline, marine wildlife, and the iconic pier at golden hour. Multiple operators offer daily departures with options for whale watching (seasonal) and dolphin encounters along the Southern California coast.

Watch the sunset from this iconic pier where the amusement park meets the Pacific Ocean. This quintessential LA beach moment brings locals and tourists together naturally, with rides, games, and unobstructed ocean views.

Rent a bike from Venice Beach boardwalk shops and cruise the flat, paved 7.5-mile coastal path to Santa Monica Pier in about 3 hours. Pass Muscle Beach, the Venice Beach Freakshow, and the skateboard park while experiencing quintessential LA bohemia.

A 7.5-mile flat, easy coastal walk connecting Venice Beach's bohemian energy to Santa Monica's iconic pier, passing street performers, vendor stalls, and iconic beachfront attractions with ocean views throughout.

A quintessential 2-5 mile coastal walk along the Marvin Braude Bike Path from Venice Beach's famous boardwalk and skate park to the historic Santa Monica Pier, the official end of Route 66. Experience street performers, vendors, and Southern California beach culture in one continuous route.

Descend a steep cliffside trail to reach Malibu's most photogenic beach, flanked by dramatic sea stacks, arches, and caves. Best at sunset and low tide for exploring the rock formations.

A 2.1-mile round-trip hike from Fern Dell Drive up West Observatory Trail offering 540 feet of elevation gain and spectacular views of the entire Los Angeles Basin. Ends at the free-admission Observatory with its iconic architecture featured in 'Rebel Without a Cause' and 'La La Land'.

The Back of Hollywood Sign via Hollywood Revisor is a 7.9-mile intense trail taking 3 hours 45 minutes through Hollywood Hills. This guided route rewards hikers with unique angles of the Hollywood Sign and views back onto the city that you won't find elsewhere.

Explore 4,310 acres of LA's largest municipal park with trails leading to panoramic city and ocean views, the LA Zoo, Autry Museum, and the iconic Griffith Observatory. Daytime hiking combines with evening telescope viewing and planetarium shows at the free art-deco landmark.

Ranked 25th in North America's 50 Best Restaurants with two Michelin stars. Taiwanese cuisine in an intimate ROW DTLA setting offering a tasting menu experience that showcases refined technique and seasonal ingredients.

Guided kayak expeditions explore Malibu's dramatic sea caves, rock formations, and secluded coves along Point Dume and El Matador Beach. Tours include instruction, equipment, and opportunities to spot sea lions and dolphins in their natural habitat.

This bluff-top headland trail in Malibu climbs to a viewing platform offering some of the best shore-based whale watching in Los Angeles. Gray whales pass exceptionally close during their December to mid-April migration, making winter the ideal season for this excursion.

Quintessential LA hiking experience featuring three main trails—Runyon Canyon Fire Road, Western High Way Trail, and East Ridge Trail—with scenic overlooks at Clouds Rest and Inspiration Point. Located within walking distance of Hollywood with no fees or permits required.

Explore the Santa Monica Pier's aquarium featuring interactive exhibits and marine life viewing. The pier itself offers the iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel and Pacific Park amusement rides with ocean views.

Three-day outdoor music festival in Highland Park celebrating the legendary local record label's 30th anniversary with performances from Automatic, Los Retros, J Rocc, Sudan Archives, and Aloe Blacc. A deep dive into LA's independent music scene.

A 7.5-mile moderate guided walk along the iconic Southern California coast from Venice's eclectic beach culture and skatepark through to the classic amusement park charm of Santa Monica Pier, with continuous ocean views and dynamic beach life backdrop.

Expert-led tours of Malibu's most dramatic state beach featuring sea caves, golden cliffs, and tide pools. Guides ensure early arrival before lots fill and share geological and marine ecology insights.

Professional guides lead small-group hikes through Griffith Park to optimized Hollywood Sign viewpoints, Griffith Observatory, and panoramic city overlooks. Tours include history, geology, and navigation tips for one of LA's most rewarding outdoor experiences.

Car-free beach day using the Metro E Line from Downtown LA to Downtown Santa Monica ($5 or less), then walk or cycle along the coastal bike path to Venice Beach. Combines urban transit with access to two iconic beaches and the famous Santa Monica Pier.

Widely considered one of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in the country, known for premium cuts of beef and attentive tableside service where staff cook meat at your table. A ceremonial dining experience with high-quality ingredients.

Guided experience at Point Dume's dramatic cliffs with seasonal whale watching December through April and tide pool exploration. LA's most spectacular coastal geology with fewer crowds than city beaches.

The most popular urban hike in LA—a 3.5-mile moderate trail through packed dirt and paved paths that ascends to the Santa Monica Mountains with views of Los Angeles, the Hollywood sign, and on clear days, the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.

The most popular hike in LA—a 3.5-mile moderate loop in the Hollywood Hills offering panoramic views of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign, and on clear days, the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. Dogs allowed off-leash in designated areas.

A 3.5-mile moderate hike in the Santa Monica Mountains offering views of the Hollywood Hills and the Hollywood Sign. Popular with locals; arrive before 9am to secure free street parking.

A 2.8-3.5 mile loop hike with 750-900 ft elevation gain offering panoramic vistas of downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, plus views of the Hollywood Sign. Best experienced at sunrise (7-8am) for fewer crowds and optimal light conditions.

Explore the iconic Santa Monica Pier with its amusement park and aquarium, then walk the scenic coastal path to Venice Beach. This is the quintessential LA beach experience on a paved, flat, family-friendly route passing numerous beachfront attractions.

A 2.5-mile easy round-trip hike through a shaded riparian canyon past ruins of an old estate and a dramatic waterfall. One of the most accessible and beautiful hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains.

A 22-mile paved bikeable path from Santa Monica toward Venice Beach offering the best way to experience LA's famous coastline and understand the premium California beach lifestyle. Free and accessible for self-guided exploration or guided group rides.

This 7.5-mile moderate coastal walk transitions from the eclectic energy of Venice Beach—with street performers and the Venice Skatepark—to the classic amusement park charm of Santa Monica Pier. Continuous ocean views and dynamic beach life backdrop make this an essential LA experience.

Self-guided exploration of Downtown's Arts District featuring world-class restaurants like Bestia (Italian), Damian (contemporary Mexican), and Bavel (Mediterranean), interspersed with street art, galleries, and warehouse studios.

Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized Southeast Asian restaurant with vibrant curry, Asian street food, and reggae beats. Hot pink exterior with flower-filled interior; expect a wait but reservations help. Highly social atmosphere.

Guided tour of the Arts District's warehouse galleries, street art, and acclaimed restaurants including stops at Bestia, Bavel, or other neighborhood gems. Small-group walks explore the district's industrial-to-cultural transformation with insider restaurant and gallery commentary.

A guided exploration of the most beautiful beach in Malibu—a dramatic cove with towering sea stacks, caves, and golden cliffs accessed via a steep path from parking. Ideal for photography and dramatic coastal scenery.

An iconic Art Deco landmark offering unparalleled panoramic views of Los Angeles from the dome, plus planetarium shows and stargazing opportunities. Open daily except Mondays with free admission and available ranger-led tours.

Free telescope observing most nights at this iconic hilltop observatory, plus planetarium shows. Perched high above the city, it offers spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign while providing access to the cosmos.

This 1.5-mile coastal exploration at Leo Carrillo in Malibu reveals sea caves and a natural arch, best visited at negative low tide. The adventure combines geology, marine life discovery, and stunning coastal scenery in a less-crowded Malibu setting.

An easy coastal walk at Malibu's northwest end with unbelievable 360-degree views of Santa Monica Bay, the Malibu coast, Santa Monica Mountains, and Catalina Island on clear days.

Iconic Route 66 terminus featuring a historic amusement park, aquarium, and food stalls with expansive coastal views. The pier's small amusement park and attractions make it a centerpiece experience for first-time LA visitors.

Departing from Santa Monica Pier, these sunset cruises offer views of the coastline, marine wildlife spotting, and the iconic pier and Ferris wheel from the water. Weather-dependent but highly photogenic.

A 4.1-mile guided loop from Pacific Palisades into the Santa Monica Mountains with steady ascents and ridge views spanning downtown to the ocean. More challenging than Runyon with fewer crowds and superior payoff.

World-class art museum on a hilltop featuring Van Gogh's Irises, 150,000+ objects spanning 6,000 years, and a central garden with exceptional architecture. Free admission with $20 parking, making it one of the world's finest art experiences at minimal cost.

Richard Meier-designed complex with free admission featuring ornate French furniture, Impressionist pieces, and rotating exhibitions. Panoramic views from the hills to Downtown LA compensate for the hilltop location; parking available at $25 ($15 after 3pm, $10 after 6pm).

Perched high in Griffith Park, this iconic landmark offers free evening telescope viewing and demonstrations of the Tesla coil inside the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, with unparalleled city views.

Free admission to this historic observatory perched high above Los Angeles with spectacular city and Hollywood Sign views. Explore 4,200+ acres of Griffith Park trails for hiking, horseback riding, and outdoor recreation with observatory telescopes and planetarium shows available.

Guided hiking and outdoor activities through one of North America's largest urban parks, offering ridge walks with city views, horseback riding options, and proximity to the Griffith Observatory for morning or evening combinations.

Explore the independent cafes, vintage shops, and galleries of Los Feliz while walking to Griffith Park. This hip neighborhood rewards slow exploration with its design-forward boutiques, indie music venues, and tree-lined streets.

Drive Pacific Coast Highway to explore Malibu's dramatic coastline featuring Malibu Creek State Park, El Matador Beach, and Dan Blocker Beach—combining scenic driving with accessible beach hikes and state park trails.

130-acre dog-friendly park in Hollywood with overlapping hiking loops and excellent views over the Hollywood Sign and surrounding mountains. Easy to moderate trails; often crowded but popular for good reason.

One of the widest beaches in Southern California packed with surfers, sunbathers, and volleyball players. The famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym and 1,300-foot pier offer scenes of fishermen and expansive ocean views; connected to Santa Monica via a buzzing bike path.

Guided exploration of Venice's charming residential canals and the famous bohemian boardwalk. Tours cover street art, local history, and the eclectic mix of vendors, performers, and beach culture.

Intimate neighborhood walk through the Venice Canals, exploring charming pedestrian bridges, waterfront paths, and historic homes. Guides share the canals' development history and point out architectural details while maintaining the area's peaceful, residential character.

Curated walk down Venice's iconic one-mile dining and retail destination with stops at 3-4 local restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. Tours highlight seasonal menus, local designers, and the street's evolution into a world-class culinary corridor.