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  • LA for First Timers, Plus Things to Do in LA at Night!

    Team Klook
    Team Klook
    Last updated 4 Jan 2025
    Universal Studio Globe and Hollywood sign

    Source: Universal Studio Hollywood Facebook and Unsplash

    It’s time for you to create memories that will last a lifetime!

    Besides being the home of Hollywood, Los Angeles is the epicenter of the music and film artists in the United States. If you are planning a visit to the City of Angels for the first time, we understand the struggle of deciding what activities to do. Fret not! Here are some LA trip ideas once you finally set foot in this sprawling city, especially if you plan to explore after dark.

    1. Hike up Mount Hollywood

    Active tourists looking to break a sweat, this LA trip idea is for you! Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the Los Angeles skyline by working up a sweat and hiking up Mount Hollywood. On a vantage point, get up close and personal with the world-famous Hollywood Sign and grab the chance to take selfies beside the landmark free of any photobomber.
    Hollywood sign in the mountain
    Source: Unsplash
    If you prefer to join a guided trek or tour to the Hollywood Sign, you can explore different options on Klook! You can also opt to visit the picturesque Griffith Park and the Griffith Observatory nearby. The guides will share exciting stories and facts about the neighborhood’s history, the local film industry, and celebrity culture. 
    Address: Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States

    2. Walk down Hollywood Boulevard

    No trip is complete without adding this to your LA itinerary! Discover the glitz and glamor of Hollywood Boulevard by checking out your favorite celebrity’s star at the Walk of Fame between Gower and La Brea Streets.
    Shoot your Instagram Story at Madame Tussauds where you'll meet the wax versions of some of the most popular personalities in the world. If vintage tourist spots are your thing, the Capitol Theatre and Hollywood Museum are the perfect places for you to go. A day is not enough to explore the hidden gems of Hollywood Boulevard so be ready for a second visit at this LA site.
    Car riding around Hollywood Boulevard
    Source: Unsplash
    Address: 6840 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90068, United States
    Contact Number: (877) 265-7417

    3. Stroll Santa Monica Pier

    Colorful Santa Monica Pier during night
    Source: Unsplash
    Another LA trip idea to enjoy your vacation in the sunny state of California is to visit its beaches. At Santa Monica Pier in LA, you'll meet people from all walks of life including celebrities. Be sure to take a ride at the site's Carousel Classic Ferris Wheel for a view of LA's stunning coastline.
    To make memories that will last a lifetime, don't forget to invite your family and friends to explore this tourist attraction. The evening scenery here also makes it one of the best things to do in LA at night!
    Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

    4. Visit TCL Chinese Theatre

    TCL Chinese Theatre is the premiere venue of star-powered red carpet events in Hollywood. Visit the famed Forecourt of the Stars to see the handprints of legendary actors! One of the top things to do in LA at night, you can also watch a film at this opulent pagoda-style movie house that has become a symbol of Hollywood.
    People watching movie in theatre
    Source: TCL Chinese Theatre Instagram
    Learn about the history of this cinema place through a guided tour with Klook. What are you waiting for? Now is the best time to fulfill your dream of stepping into the exact spot where the biggest Hollywood events take place. Perfect to add to your LA itinerary!
    Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk Los Angeles, CA 90291, United States

    5. Explore Universal Studios Hollywood 

    Now here’s an exciting LA trip idea you shouldn’t miss! Children and the young at heart will jump for joy when you bring them to Universal Studios Hollywood. This movie-based theme park has a myriad of rides, attractions, activities, restaurants, and shows that offer great entertainment. Thrill-seekers would love to hop onto "Jurassic World - The Ride," "Fast & Furious – Supercharged," "KingKong  360 3D" and "Transformers: The Ride- 3D".
    Universal Studio Globe
    Source: Unsplash
    Experience a hassle-free entrance by skipping the line when you book through Klook. Secure express or VIP tickets to save time and avoid the long queues at the attractions of Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Studios Hollywood
    Address: 100 Universal City Plz, Universal City, California 91608

    6. Wander around Rodeo Drive

    Shop until you drop at the upscale designer stores of dazzling Rodeo Drive. Make your way to Beverly Hills where there are many high-end shops lying along its strip. The palm trees along the street will greet tourists to the classic scene in LA. What are you waiting for? Add this to your LA itinerary and begin shopping!
    Busy people in Rodeo Drive
    Source: Unsplash
    Address: Los Angeles, CA 90210, United States
    Contact Number: (310) 285-2400

    7. Take a tour through Griffith Observatory

    If you want to add space exploration to your LA itinerary, then Griffith Observatory must be included in your must-visits. This 1935 art deco landmark will allow you to see fragments of meteors, gigantic models of planets, exhibitions, and so much more — making it one of the top things to do in LA at night. The public can check out its Zeiss Telescope residing in the observatory's dome.
    Griffith Onservatory at blue hour
    Source: Unsplash
    Be amazed by the high-tech Zeiss Mark IX Planetarium Projector by purchasing a ticket online. Klook your private tour at Griffith Observatory to get insights about its rich history!
    Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States

    8. Head to The Getty

    For history buffs, complete your first-timer LA itinerary at this art museum boasting of majestic architecture. Explore the city to the fullest by heading to The Getty Museum where you can find a vast art collection. If you need more convincing to go to this spot, we want you to know that they are offering FREE admission. Be in awe of their exhibitions starring American and European artists like Van Gogh and Rubens. After touring the museum, you can spend the rest of your day chilling at its grounds by setting up picnics with your loved ones.
    God view of the Getty Musuem
    Source: Unsplash
    Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, United States

    Things to Do in LA at Night

    people around tall white streetlamps at night
    Los Angeles is a city that never sleeps, which means there’s still plenty to do even after the sun sets. Here are a few things you can add to your itinerary if you’re still looking to explore at night!

    9. Discover movie memorabilia and more at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

    man standing in front of movie posters
    LA is a dream come true for cinema lovers, and if you want to immerse yourself more in the world of Hollywood, you can check out the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Here, you’ll get up close and personal with items and sets from iconic movies like Star Wars, the Wizard of Oz, Jaws, and more! The museum is open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays). Plus, it’s only a 3-minute walk from LA’s famous “Urban Light” installations!

    10. Watch an NBA basketball game at the Los Angeles Lakers’ homecourt

    Far view of a full basketball arena during a game
    Crypto.com Arena, home of the LA Lakers, has seen countless NBA championships and legendary moments. Watching an NBA game is one of the most unique things to do in LA at night, so this is your sign to snag a ticket and witness the excitement in real life. Tickets are still available for games until February 2025!

    11. Enjoy wine and cheese onboard a luxury cruise down Marina del Rey

    4 girls sitting on a boat in the ocean
    Marina del Rey is a waterfront destination popular for its relaxed, sunny California vibe. Lined along its coast are premier hotels and restaurants — plus, you can charter luxury boats, too! You can check out this cruise experience, which already comes with wine and cheese for you to sample. Watch the sun set over the North Pacific Ocean, and take those golden hour photos!
    Marina del Rey is less than 30 minutes away from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). If you’re coming from a late night flight, you can check out options for LAX airport transfers on Klook.
    What is Klook?
    Klook is a world-leading travel activities and services booking platform, covering over 400 destinations and over 100,000 travel services! Klook’s mission is to empower travelers around the world to discover, book, and experience the best things to do anywhere, anytime - including attractions, activities, car rental, tours, local transfers, wifi, and SIM cards.
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