15 Best Things To Do At Night In Los Angeles

Los Angeles after dark is so inviting for any traveler. In this travel guide, let’s find out what LA nightlife is like with our favorite things to do at night in Los Angeles.

Hop on a Hollywood bus tour

There are many amazing LA locations that offer thrilling events and attractions.

I recommend taking one of the bus excursions if you’re unsure how to fit them all into your itinerary or simply want to relieve the stress of moving from one place to another.

It’s the ideal way to guarantee you experience all Los Angeles offers, as the bus tour allows you to step off and explore the neighborhoods and monuments.

You’ll see local sights and celebrity mansions by taking an open-air bus trip around Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

Discover well-known sites, including the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, and the Chinese Theater. As you travel through Beverly Hills and pass the homes of Tom Cruise, Taylor Swift, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many others, keep an eye out for any celebrity sightings.

Join LA’s ghostly adventure 

Do you enjoy horror things? A tour of the haunted Hollywood is a great way to combine Hollywood glitz and glamour with some sinister lore.

You’ll journey with a guide to some of the eeriest places in the region and hear ghost stories that you won’t find on a standard Hollywood tour.

Talk about local mishaps, catastrophes, and crimes in some well-known places.

If you’re curious, you’ll even get the chance to attempt talking to some spirits:

• Hollywood’s dark secrets are the subject of the haunted tour.
• Visit some of the most mysterious locations in the area.
• Talk to any neighborhood spirits if you dare.
• Become familiar with Hollywood in a new way.

View Hollywood from a helicopter

Bring your cameras since this Hollywood helicopter trip is perfect for pictures, and get up close and personal with the renowned Hollywood Sign that everyone talks about.

This Hollywood helicopter tour tells the tale of how Hollywood got to be the top birthplace and shooting location for movies if you are new to the city of Los Angeles.

The pilot will keep you informed on all the intriguing facts about the town where the Stars were born, thanks to his more than 20 years of flying expertise!

Depending on the tour, there are spectacular views you must not miss: Hollywood & Highland, The Hollywood Sign, Chinese Mann/Grumman’s Theatre, Downtown Los Angeles SkyScrapers, El Capitan Theatre, Griffith Park Observatory, and many more.

Spend a night at LA museums

You’ll see a pattern if you glance through the list of must-see sights in Los Angeles: there’s a lot of outdoor recreation. So, dedicating a day to a museum may be a challenging task.

In reality, it’s difficult to choose anything other than a sunny day at the beach when the temperature is in the seventies, especially if you’re traveling from a place with a cooler climate.

However, Los Angeles’ museums are must-go, regardless of the weather. These museums are undoubtedly up there with the best in the country, on par with those in New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C.

Also, you’re in luck because many offer beautiful outdoor campuses with hilltop views, sculpture gardens, and sunny courtyards.

• Madame Tussauds – opens until 8 pm most nights.
• Hollywood Wax Museum –  opens until midnight.
• Ripley’s Believe it Or Not – opens until 11 pm from Sun – Thurs and till midnight on Fri & Sat.
• Museum of Illusions – opens until 10 pm.
• ​​Museum of Neon Art – opens till 7 pm.

Hike up to the Hollywood sign

Nothing is more significant than this well-known monument perched atop the hill that provides a panoramic view of Los Angeles. Thankfully, you may still visit this old sign for free!

Although the Hollywood Sign attracts many tourists each year, viewing it from Hollywood Boulevard can be challenging.

You should ascend the Hollywood hills if you want a decent view of the landmark.

However, a few Hollywood hiking excursions will take you to one of the greatest viewing places, despite the fact that most tourists prefer to drive closer to the sign.

Each hike will last between two and three hours, so be prepared to work out.

Stroll the Universal CityWalk

Indulge in one-of-a-kind sweet snacks, experience classic Mexican fare like fajitas, tacos, and enchiladas at Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, or simply pick up the newest clothing, accessories and Universal merchandise—Universal CityWalk has it all!

Why would you go anywhere else with acres of fun and enjoyable atmosphere, including shopping and delectable foods, drinks, and treats?

Check out Universal CityWalk®, which is close to Universal Studios Hollywood, for a fun family activity at night.

You don’t need to purchase a theme park ticket to enter this pedestrian-friendly boardwalk with stores, eateries, dessert shops (like Voodoo Donuts), a movie theater, and neon signs.

Opening hours: Universal CityWalk stays open until 9 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, until 11 pm on weekends, and until 10 pm on Sundays.

See the stars at Griffith Observatory

This famous Los Angeles landmark, which has appeared in films including Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land, is another excellent idea for Los Angeles nightlife.

Every night until 9:45 p.m., the Griffith Observatory offers free public telescope viewing of the stars and planets.

Every month, the Observatory also holds Public Star Parties where members of various groups, like The Planetary Society and the LA Astronomical Society, come out to answer questions and talk about what they can see through the telescopes.

All ages are welcome to attend these free programs, which continue until 9:45 pm.

Stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a rainbow of celebrity celebration, with nearly 2,700 stars.

We cannot tell you the best way to view The Hollywood Walk of Fame; you decide!

You can be more active throughout your visit or simply stroll down the sidewalk and soak in the stars.

To escape the crowd, plan your visit for early in the morning or later in the day.

And if you become peckish in between, don’t worry! There are several eateries and retail establishments nearby where you can take a break from sightseeing and get something to eat. 

Board an evening dining cruise

Many fantastic Los Angeles cruises offer meals on board, which is the ideal way to eat and enjoy the sites simultaneously!

Usually, the cruise dinner often lasts for around 2.5 hours. Join this elegant experience and savor decadent stunning food freshly made on board.

After that, take a beverage and head outside to the terraces to enjoy the breathtaking views of the marina.

Explore Los Angeles’s best eats

One of the most vibrant dining scenes in the nation is found in Los Angeles, where you can get everything from street food to Michelin-starred establishments.

Diners can pick from an incredible variety of international cuisines in a chic, modern dining room or a laid-back beachside patio.

To enjoy a trio of moles for supper, go to La Casita Mexicana, or dine at Felix in Venice, one of the best locations to get fresh pasta in the nation.

The trompos from Tamix, Leo’s, and Los Palomos are fantastic late-night options.

Still, there are also many excellent tacos al pastor created by indigenous Oaxacan chefs who received their training in Mexico City.

Dance the night away at LA nightclubs

There are numerous DJs spinning a diverse range of music in Hollywood, from festival superstars to neighborhood record collectors.

Avalon and Sound, two well-known dance clubs with a global reputation, are located in the neighborhood, but there are other attractions that range from mega-clubs to intimate venues.

If you are unfamiliar with Hollywood, keep in mind that parking can be difficult, especially on the weekends, and a ridesharing app might be your best bet.

It’s not difficult to visit several of these locations in one night because many are close to one another.

Rent a swan boat at Echo park

A swan boat is perfect for an intimate date night for couples or small groups of friends. 

I highly recommend booking a private swan pedal boat on Echo Park Lake to explore the tranquil side of Los Angeles and have a romantic and exciting day on the water.

Choose a convenient departure time, from early morning to late at night, then travel on your own to the departure location.

Set off on the river after receiving your life jackets, and as you peddle, take in the sights and views of the city.

Have fun at Santa Monica Beach & Pier

Thanks to the fine beaches, great weather, and abundance of attractions, Santa Monica State Beach is considered one of the greatest in the region.

It is home to unusual features like the Original Muscle Beach and the International Chess Park, in addition to the lovely stretch of sand.

What else? The beach provides conventional amenities like the Annenberg Community Beach House and the North Beach Playground. 

However, the beach’s famous pier may be its most prominent feature.

The Santa Monica Pier is the beach’s most famous landmark, stretching from the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Ocean Front Walk (the terminus of Route 66) to a location above Santa Monica Bay.

You can find it not just in innumerable pictures of the city but also in several movies, like “Forrest Gump.”

A historic carousel, the Heal the Bay Aquarium, and Pacific Park, which has a variety of attractions, arcade games, and food stands, are some of its most well-liked amenities.

Visit Little Tokyo & Chinatown

Little Tokyo is a significant cultural and civic hub for Japanese Americans residing in Southern California, with roots extending back to the 1880s.

Similarly, China Town, one of Los Angeles’ most well-known tourist attractions, remains the country’s first neighborhood wholly inhabited by Chinese people.

Go for a walking tour of Little Tokyo and China Town, one of Los Angeles’ most iconic and well-liked multicultural areas, which includes museums, eateries, and bars. You’ll be filled with fun and surprises.

Explore LA Farmers Market & The Grove

It used to be a typical phrase among Angelenos to say, “Meet me on 3rd and Fairfax.”

The Farmers Market and The Grove are two must-see locations that provide a community hub with a variety of food, shopping, and entertainment opportunities. They are both located at the intersection of the roadway mentioned above.

The Farmers Market and The Grove are independent organizations, but because of their close location, they work well together. Due to their proximity, it is easy to visit both places in a single trip.

There is always a steady flow of guests moving between the two attractions on any given day. Even a powered trolley is available to transport the less mobile between the Grove and the Farmers Market.

FAQs about things to do at night in Los Angeles