Guides

Things to do in Los Angeles by season

What to do in LA through the year: art first in cooler months, less exposed walking in hot spells, Griffith views as a bonus.

You don't need a completely different Los Angeles itinerary for every season, but it helps to change the balance. Give cooler days to art and a little outdoor time, move longer walks out of hot spells, and keep Griffith's views as a bonus rather than the whole plan. Here are five ways to choose an outing that suits the day.

1. Getty Center on a cooler day

Make the galleries your starting point, then add the gardens and terraces if you feel like being outside. The mix gives you a complete outing without committing to a long walk. Choose this for a slower winter or cooler-season day when art is the main reason to go.

Good to know

  • Admission is free with a timed-entry reservation; parking is charged.
  • Closed Mondays. Read current gallery and site closure notices on getty.edu before booking.
  • Treat the outdoor spaces as optional, so your visit still works if the weather changes.

2. Griffith Park in spring or fall

Use a comfortable day for the park's trails and canyons rather than saving every outdoor plan for summer. You can choose a walk towards Fern Dell or Mount Hollywood from the Observatory area. Make the route the plan, with a view stop if conditions suit.

Good to know

  • Choose a route using official maps and check current park access first.
  • Keep the walk shorter or switch to galleries during hot spells; there is no need to make a summit your goal.
  • Higher park roads get congested. The DASH bus serves the Observatory side from Vermont/Sunset Metro station.

3. The Broad during summer heat

When a long exposed walk doesn't appeal, give the day to art indoors. The Broad is a useful Downtown anchor because you can book a time and stop trying to fit outdoor sightseeing around the hottest part of the day. Decide in advance whether a special exhibition is part of your visit.

Good to know

  • General admission is free; a timed reservation is recommended.
  • Some exhibitions cost extra, and the Infinity Mirrored Room needs its own advance reservation.
  • Closed Mondays. Check opening hours before making this your indoor backup.

4. Santa Monica Pier for a summer coast outing

For a change from inland sightseeing, spend a day by the water at Santa Monica Pier. You can simply walk around or add Pacific Park rides if that suits your group. Keep it as a coast outing rather than a quick detour from Griffith or the Getty.

Good to know

  • Entering Pacific Park is free; rides and games are charged separately.
  • Ride hours change with the season and can be affected by weather or special events.
  • Check the operator’s rail and parking directions before setting out.

5. Griffith Observatory on a clear evening

In any season, a clear evening can be a reason to add the Observatory's terraces to your plans. There's also something to do inside: astronomy exhibits and live planetarium shows make the visit more than a lookout stop. Don't build the whole day around getting a particular sunset photograph.

Good to know

  • The building, grounds and public telescopes are free; planetarium shows are paid.
  • The building is closed Mondays. Check the visit page for current hours.
  • Sunset is a busy time, and parking is limited. Use the DASH bus and allow time for queues.

Quick tips

  • During hot spells, shorten outdoor plans and make a museum your main stop, not an emergency afterthought.
  • Check reservations and Monday closures before deciding which day belongs to which part of LA.
  • Want company? Check upcoming events in Los Angeles on Socroo below and find someone to go with.

Upcoming events

Things to do in Los Angeles (all year) Getty Center Griffith Observatory Griffith Park The Broad Pacific Park and Santa Monica Pier