From soaking in natural waters to getting a dose of culture for free, get ready for the best summer in Los Angeles!
Sophie Len - Staff Writer•
A new season brings on new plans — and summer is far from over in Los Angeles. With the sun shining, our city always has a jam-packed amount of incredible happenings, and some of these cannot be missed this season. Curate the perfect summer by browsing our curated selection of the hottest parties, shows, incredible exhibits, and experiences below. The ultimate summer bucket list in L.A. awaits you!
1. Have a gorgeous picnic at one of these 11 L.A. scenic parks
It’s summer and taking in the small pockets of nature our city does offer is a must. Contrary to popular belief Los Angeles has plenty of parks to picnic, journal in, and soak the sun in. From a dreamy rose garden to a hidden oasis right in the middle of the city, these are the 11 best parks for picnicking in Los Angeles.
2-16. Visit these 15 museums and galleries for free
Get your cultural fix at one of these world-class galleries and museums in L.A. You can marvel at masterpieces from around the world from various decades or take in poignant contemporary works from the voices of our time, and you can do it all for free every day of the week. See a few of our top choices below and check out how to visit for free here.
- Explore 6,000 years’ worth of artistic expression and take in LACMA’s free jazz concerts
- Explore the universe for free and admire the Art Deco surroundings at the Griffith Observatory
- Get the full list of exhibits you can’t miss here!
17. Live your summer Barbie dreams at World of Barbie
BARBIE is the hottest film of the summer! Not only has your favorite doll stepped onto the big screen, but she has now come to life at World of Barbie in Santa Monica — and she’s welcoming you to explore her iconic Dreamhouse,stylish Camper Van, and so much more to live out your summer Barbie dreams. This experience is full of them! Learn all about the World of Barbie experience and get your tickets here.
📍 Location:395 Santa Monica Pl, Santa Monica, CA 90401
18. Sip on champagne and brunch on this unforgettable cruise on Newport Beach waters
Nothing beats an oceanside brunch, and now you can really dive in with a brunch cruise. The water will be flowing and so will the bubbly! This is one event you definitely want to cross off your summer bucket list. There’ll be live jazz, sweeping ocean views, and a tasty brunch buffet to feast on. RSVP for this brunch cruise here!
📍Location: Hornblower Cruises & Events Newport Beach, 2527 West Coast Highway #101, Newport Beach, 92663
19. Step into another world at one of these 8 immersive experiences in Los Angeles
While traveling is a no-brainer during the summer, not all of us have the luxury. But not to worry! There are some incredible ways to transport yourself somewhere else with these incredible immersive experiences in Los Angeles.
- Bubble World: a multi-sensory adventure with over 10 immersive rooms inviting you to interact with every kind of imaginable bubble. It truly is a dreamland!
- FRIENDS™ Experience: Created by the show’s producers, Themed Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television Group, you can relive your favorite moments from the popular FRIENDS TV show. Pivot on over!
- Get the full list of 8 immersive experiences in L.A. here!
20. Witness beautiful blue whales with Newport Landing Whale Watching
Looking for an adventure? Every Summer and early fall, the natural beauty known as the “Giant Blue Whale Migration” brings in hundreds of blue whales to the waters off Laguna and Newport Beach. Over 780 whales were viewed last year’s summer/fall, and 130 of those were giant blue whales – which were once considered a rare sight in SoCal – and now you can experience this beauty up close with Newport Landing Whale Watching. Find out more here!
21. Take an iconic hike to the Hollywood sign
Experience the Hollywood sign in a whole different way — up close and personal! Get ready for an awe-inspiring hike with an expert tour guide. This extraordinary tour hike is an experience you’ll surely want to cross off your summer bucket list — don’t miss out and book your Hollywood sign tour hike here!
22. Party it up on a pedal boat in the Newport Beach Harbor
Have the ultimate summer party on the water with your besties by booking the 14-passenger Newport Beach Brew Boat! Cruise through the beautiful harbor and sip on brews — all under the supervision of a certified US Coast Guard captain and deckhand, of course. You can even blast your own tunes with the BlueTooth speakers on board — now it really is time for a party! Make this summer unforgettable and grab your tickets for Newport Beach Brew Boat here.
Location: 2901 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA
23. Dance till you drop to all the best Latin music at BRESH, “The Most Beautiful Party in the World”
After previous sold-out shows in LA, South American fiesta BRESH is back for the summer! If you’ve never heard of the vibrant celebration, think of BRESH as a touring band that’s really a party. It’s popped off all across the world, a hot spot for DJs, musicians, and influencers. Get ready to let it all out on the dance floor, and get your tickets here!
24. Dance the warm night away with L.A.’s hottest DJs at KCRW’s Summer Nights
In typical tradition, KCRW Summer Nights are here all summer long! Angelenos get to dance the warm nights away with some of KCRW’s best DJs and musical guests at our favorite L.A. locations like The Hammer Museum, Descanso Gardens, Chinatown, MOCA, and more! Find the full schedule here and more details here.
25. Cool off with one of our 15 favorite ice cream shops in Los Angeles
The heat in Los Angeles has been no joke. Our usual bearable 80 degrees has been hitting the 90s! Lucky for you, we have a delectable cure to cool you off. Whether you’re craving soft serve, ice cream, gelato, or a tropical paleta — check out our 15 favorite ice cream shops here.
26. Have family fun at one of these water parks near Los Angeles
>Some of us are looking for creative ways to cool down this season, and nothing quite compares to diving into a refreshing pool of waterfrom agiant water slide or soaking in the sun poolside in a cabana — these water parks near L.A. have something for everyone this summer!
27. Head to one of our local beloved beaches
It wouldn’t be the summer without the beach! It’s time to soak up the magic of the golden coast. Whether you’re looking to surf, swim or just sunbathe and hang on the sand — these are the best beaches in Los Angeles.
28. Soak in the sun poolside at one of these rooftop pools in Los Angeles
This may be typical summer business to some, but it’s beyond that. Whether you’re looking to book a daycation in style or you’re just craving a few hours of sunbathing with a co*cktail in hand, we’ve rounded up the best hotel pools in Los Angelesto make your planning a bit easier. Check out our list of best rooftop pools here!
There you have it, Los Angeles! We hope you have the best summer with our bucket list above. Go on and cross off those plans!
See more: 38 Free Things To Do In Los Angeles
