Los Angeles and Southern California are famous for their palm trees, sunshine, and clear blue skies, but there are many more just that. This article is for you if you’re a night owl and want something different from beaches or skies. Most people like me are not ready to go to bed right after dinner, so if you’re looking for something adventurous, fun, and exciting things to do, the city of LA is the place for you. You’ll find lively places like comedy clubs, brewery tours, casinos, bars, and Nightclubs in LA. Believe me, this place is completely different at night, and you won’t want to miss any of it. The dazzling, colorful neon lights, the huge Hollywood sign, and a bit of the strange all come out and make Los Angeles come alive at night.
From romantic nights out, views of the city’s lights from above, theatres, and beautiful eateries, there’s something for everyone. For a few of the most memorable experiences after dark, here are the top 25 fun things to do in Los Angeles at night.
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The Santa Monica Pier is home to a beautiful, classic amusement park beside the sea. The Santa Monica Pier glows with neon lights after dark has welcomed visitors from all around the globe since 1909. Since then, Santa Monica Pier has become one of the world’s most popular and photographed locations. This iconic pair is famous for its carnival, the home to the Pacific Park’s Ferris Wheel.
Take a ride on the famous Ferris Wheel and roller coaster, and afterward, grab some food at Marisol Cocina Mexicana or Pier Burger before dancing at Rusty’s SurfRanch. Also, don’t forget to click your selfie or take a photo with the US Route 66 Sign while you’re there. Once your rides are done and your belly is full, enjoy the carnival by playing at the arcade. Here, there are over 200 games, and when you get tired of that, there are always plenty of street performers that will dazzle you. If that’s not enough for you, you can take a walk along the pier and visit the shops and the various vendors to purchase a memento or two.
Must Read: Discover Los Angeles ultimate travel guide
The Griffith Observatory offers a beautiful view of the stars above the sky and the “stars” below. This place allows visitors from all around the globe to walk around its grounds. Even at night, once the observatory is closed. The Griffith Observatory is famous among people who are looking to wander around LA at night. The observatory’s beautiful view has an unparalleled panorama of the Los Angeles skyline. This view can be enjoyable in the dark during the sunset (7 pm to 9:30 pm). Thursday thru Sunday, the observatory welcomes you to watch the sky closely at night through the free public telescopes.
The observatory provides demonstrations of the telescopes so that you can enjoy the most out of it. You can also attend a night star party, which occurs once every month between 2 pm and 9:45 pm. This place is best for family outings. You can bring your telescopes and the local amateur astronomers inside you.
Pro tip: plan your trip to Griffith Observatory a bit early. The road leading to its parking lot opens till 10 pm.
Hollywood Boulevard is for sure the most famous tourist attraction in Los Angeles. The boulevard offers 15 blocks of star pavement, recognizing over 2,783 celebrities. No person’s trip to Hollywood would be complete without walking down the famous Walk of Fame. The area around the boulevard glows with reflected neon lights at night, brighter than my house. So, take a stroll and find your favorite TV Celebrity, actor, actress, director, producer, musician, or even the fictional character of Disney or Marvel. The area is free to visit and perfect for those seeking nighttime activities in Los Angeles.
One area I truly love to visit when I’m in LA is Abbot Kinney. It’s a smaller area filled with art, food, and fashion, and it is always packed in the evening. If you. Have a change, make sure you visit during the first Friday of every month between 5 pm and 10 pm to enjoy tasty food, from short-rib burgers to Desi street food served by dozens of food trucks.
Located next to Universal Studios, CityWalk is an entertainment hub with cozy restaurants, cocktails, bars, shopping complexes, and a movie theater with a 7-story IMAX. Here you can attend shows and adventures at Universal Studios with extended hours. Just a quick heads though, the shows are not offered during the winter season. Visiting Universal Studios is a must at night when you’re in Los Angeles. Universal is open until 9 pm, which will give you plenty of time to enjoy rides, concerts, and other events that are held in the open-air shopping center.
If you’re a clubbing kind of person looking to party at some of the best nightclubs in Los Angeles, head over to Sunset Strip. It is a mile and a half long and covers everything between the West side of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Here, you’ll see a row of colorful billboards along the streets filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs that attract both tourists and locals. Visitors mostly visit here to shop, eat, and visit attractions nearby.
Sunset Strip is a popular place for a good time, even in the dark. You can head over to “Whiskey a Go-Go ” for rock & roll tunes, and after that, grab some food at the “Rainbow Bar and Grill” (Known as Villa Nova). This bar &grill is also known for the location where Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio have their first date.
Long Beach is known as the home of Queen Mary. According to the Times Magazine, this place is one of the most haunted places in America. The 1930s Queen Mary is a retired British ocean liner that sailed for Cunard. If you’re into dark tourism or spooky experiences, this decommissioned ship offers several night tours to tell its haunted story to visitors worldwide. According to some sources, as many as 150 ghosts haunt its grounds.
Additionally, if you’re interested, you can explore the ship itself, hear horror stories, or even spend a night here, as some parts of the vessel also function as a hotel for those who want to stay here at night.
The famous Los Angeles Farmer’s Market is the best place to get the freshest local foods. The market has been open since 1934 and boasts 100-plus vendors. It sells freshly grown items like fruits, veggies, and flowers, as well as jewelry and clothes, and is open until 8 pm. Lastly, if you are a tourist, this is a great location to purchase souvenirs for your memories.
One of the most beautiful ways to see the city at night is a Helicopter Tour. The tours offered are generally a short 30-minute helicopter ride above the endless city lights of Los Angeles. This short ride will take you to some of the city’s most popular and famous places as they will create a picture-perfect moment of yours. If you want the experience of a lifetime, this ride is worth it.
Los Angeles is the home of many famous celebs and super funny superstars. If you’re a chill person, just like me, obviously you should visit a local comedy club like Laugh Factory or the Comedy Store. Both clubs are a great source of laughter and are known for launching the careers of famous comedy superstars such as Tim Allen, Jay Leno, and Eddie Murphy. And who knows, when you visit here, you might meet or attend a renowned comedian’s show or discover the next comedy superstar.
Built-in the year 1992, this Egyptian Theatre is a historical place and establishment on Hollywood Boulevard. Its more famous neighbor is the Chinese Theatre. The Egyptian Theatre itself hosts film festivals, movie premieres, advanced screenings, and other events.
In 1994, the theatre was severely damaged in the Northridge Earthquake, but in 2020, Netflix purchased it and restored it to its grandeur to include the ceiling’s sunburst organ grille.
We all know that Los Angeles has no shortage of professional sports teams. With two professional teams each for baseball, soccer, hockey, football, and basketball, there is a significant chance that a game will occur while you’re there. So, why not take advantage of all of this on your visit and head over to the Staple Center to cheer your favorite team?
Everyone, at least once in their lifetime, dreams of meeting their favorite Celebrity and taking pictures with them. I can tell you that now if you’re in Los Angeles, you can take photos with them without meeting them. The Hollywood Wax Museum offers precisely the place and might be the best alternative for taking pictures with pictures—my favorite without meeting. The Wax Museum was opened in 1995, and since then, it has been the most notable Hollywood attraction for tourists. Here, you can see wax replicas of all your favorite celebs, and you can visit here from 9 am to midnight. So, slap on a big smile and prepare for a night out with famous celebs and wax replicas.
If you are looking for the perfect place to shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment in the same area, this place is for you. The Grove is best known for its boutiques and outdoor dining options. It is the perfect place to enjoy the fabulous California weather with your family and friends.
The famous Hollywood Bowl is well known for introducing the biggest names in the music industry since the early 1920s. The Hollywood Bowl Amphitheater is an incredible tourist attraction in Los Angeles. If you are seeking some night-time fun and entertainment, check out the Hollywood Bowl, and if you are lucky enough, you may be able to take in a live performance while you are there.
If you are out with your friends in LA at night, you should consider visiting L.A. Live. This outdoor entertainment complex has over 20 venues perfect for an amazing night out. L.A. Live is a venue that is filled with bright, colorful lights and offers excellent music and endless entertainment to visitors. This area also has a movie theater, clubs, event venues, and a bowling alley. So, bring your friends and make your night one to remember.
While this is an area that people do not generally know or talk about, the LA Art Walk occurs every Thursday. The LA Art Walk is where people gather and make their way to the art galleries. If you want to visit, make sure you head over to the visitor’s center, which is open until 10 p.m. Now, as you wander your way through the galleries, you will find bars and restaurants, making this a perfect place to spend the night in Los Angeles.
If you love music and want to learn more about your favorite tracks, visit The Grammy Museum. This museum offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can explore the history of music and the creative process of Grammy winners. If you plan to visit, check their website for activities and new exhibits available after hours.
If you’re still wondering where to go to Los Angeles at night, don’t worry; we have more suggestions for you. Visit the Museum of Neon Art, the only museum in the world dedicated solely to electric art. At this unique museum, you can learn about the process of creating neon art and the science behind it. This neon art form combines a fascinating mix of chemistry and physics, and by the end of your visit, you will have a bright, vibrant sign that can easily be seen from far away.
Sometimes, walking and getting away from the city is the best way to end your day. The Sierra Club offers night hikes at Griffith Park on weekdays. These hikes are available for all skill levels, from beginner to expert, and are perfect ways to enjoy nature, see the stars, and get some fresh air. So, if you need a break from the busy city life, join a night hike and experience a peaceful evening outdoors.
Welcome to the home of the California Roll! Enjoy a bite in Little Tokyo, a perfect spot for a night out in L.A. This area is rich in culture and history and is one of America’s three most historic Japanese areas. So, if you’re looking for an authentic meal, make sure to drop on by Little Tokyo.
Dinner on a cruise is a great way to enjoy a meal while watching the sunset. Los Angeles offers several dinner cruises that last about three hours each and are perfect for solo female travelers, couples, or your next girls’ trip. Dinner cruises combine delicious food with lovely views, making it a perfect night out in Los Angeles.
The famous El Capitan Theatre was built in the 1920s and is known for its East Indian-inspired interior and Spanish Colonial exterior. Originally, the El Capitan Theatre hosted off-Broadway plays, but in 1941, it was transitioned into a movie theater. In 1989, Disney and Pacific Theatres teamed up to restore El Capitan Theatre to its original form. So, if you’re out late at night in Los Angeles, consider visiting and taking in a show.
There are over 100 places to watch a movie, but the New Beverly Cinema stands out. This cinema, owned by director Quentin Tarantino, showcases classic and cult favorite films. Tarantino personally handles most of the monthly programming, often selecting films from his private collection. The theatre uses only 35mm film, as Tarantino says, “As long as he’s alive, the New Beverly will be showing double features in 35mm.”
If Quentin Tarantino has a new movie, there’s no better place to see it. You can always expect something unique, whether it’s viewing pre-show content or purchasing memorabilia from the film. Sometimes, the New Beverly also hosts post-show discussions to get you even more involved in the process.
Los Angeles is a city full of dreams, history, and haunting pasts. It offers plenty of things to do at night and one among those plenty things are ghost tours. If you are a person who enjoys ghost tours or dark tourism, join one of the famous ghost tours. It offers you to learn more about the city’s history of paranormal activities and haunting incidents. By joining this tour, you can visit prime crime locations, local lore, and even scary hotels. So, join a ghost tour and meet some ghostly friends while learning about the darker side of Los Angeles.
Now, if you’re ready to have the time of your life and are ready to explore 25 of LA’s most famous spots at night, you won’t regret it. The city is just as lively at night as during the day, and If you love adventures, Los Angeles has plenty to offer. You can find exciting indoor and outdoor activities and enjoy unique experiences.
Just a few of the popular nighttime activities to add to your itinerary include stargazing or spending a night on a haunted ship. You can also try new dishes, taste authentic cuisines, and learn more about the city’s history. You never know what adventure awaits or who you or who you might bump into while you’re exploring Los Angeles at night, but we’re sure you’ll end your day with great memories. So, pack your bags, grab your comfy shoes, and get ready to explore an eclectic city with plenty of random things to keep you entertained as you live each day to Travel Till You Drop!
Hi, Jill Here
Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.
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