The gorgeous metropolitan city of California, Los Angeles, is the hub of entertainment and celebrities belonging to the industry. It is a city abounding in glam and glitz and with a highly active life, particularly nightlife. Travel enthusiasts opine that the best time to explore the city is at night. Various kinds of thrilling activities and attractions make LA a coveted nightlife destination. Along with the nightclubs, bars, and pubs in the city, you can check out live performances, neon light shows, late-night eating thrills, walking tours, etc.
The most interesting thing is that Los Angeles caters to the tastes of almost all kinds of travelers and tourists. Whether you are on a solo trip, or on one with friends, there’re entertainment options for everyone. According to frequent travelers, the city has two distinct modes – the day and night modes. While both are vastly different from each other, this aspect makes each mode unique. Exploring LA at night is something that you will cherish for a lifetime. Mentioned below are some of the most interesting things to do in LA at night:
Griffith Observatory
Are you looking to find a gateway to the stars (not celebrities) at night? Reach the Griffith Observatory from where you can enjoy a lovely view of the twinkling LA skyline. Get a scintillating view of the stars in the dark through huge telescopes and lenses. You can hike to the observatory through Griffith Park and enjoy the lovely sunset from there. The sky watching and stargazing experience from the observatory is simply out of the world.
By Matthew Field, CC BY 2.5, Link
Address: 2800E Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Timing: Friday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm; Monday to Thursday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/cYz5N1aW4ekW9SrJ8 | Phone Number: +1 213.473.0800
Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is in close vicinity to Universal Studios Hollywood. It is a three-block-long pedestrian-friendly walkway, with high-end, branded retail stores and reputed restaurants and studios lining the streets. Enjoy a movie at the 18 screens CityWalk Cinema or at 3D IMAX Theater. The place comes to life at night, bustling with energy and vibrancy.
By Boris Dzhingarov, CC BY 2.0, Link
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, Los Angeles, CA 91608 | Timing: Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm; Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 09:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wpuoJar6RhvYbd1g8 | Phone Number: +1 818.622.9841
Museum of Neon Art
The illumination from neon lights is bright and vibrant. The Museum of Neon Art plays a crucial role in encouraging learning and expression by collecting, preserving, and interpreting electric, neon, and kinetic art. This museum is unique, and one of a kind in the world dedicated to such a kind of art in electric media, exhibiting kinetic and electric fine art. Check out some historic neon signs at the venue.
By AndrewKeenanRichardson, CC0, Link
Address: 216 S Brand Boulevard, Glendale, Los Angeles, CA 91204 | Timing: Friday & Saturday: 12:00 noon to 07:00 pm; Sunday: 12:00 noon to 05:00 pm; Monday to Thursday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xB7q139DXpq1oydT8 | Phone Number: 1.818.696.2149
Pacific Park
This amusement park located in the famous Santa Monica Pier is a favorite destination for any family with kids. There are different kinds of midway games and several varieties of rides at the park. However, the Ferris wheel is the biggest attraction and looks dazzling in the dark when it is lit up. People queue up in the park to get a ride on the wheel. Entry to the park is free, but there are tickets for individual rides and games. Check details before heading to Pacific Park for hassle-free enjoyment.
Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA 90401 | Timing: Friday to Sunday: 11:00 am to 09:00 pm; Monday to Thursday: 12:00 noon to 07:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ujG4PCAJXxEbqxm7A | Phone Number: 1.310.260.8744
Walk of Fame
Your trip will remain incomplete if you don’t visit the renowned Walk of Fame. The place is visited by millions of globetrotters every year. Expanding over 15 blocks of Hollywood, names of stars are embedded in brass on the street floor. Along with silver screen legends, names of stars from various arenas are included in the Walk of Fame. Take a stroll at the place or can enjoy a drink or two or have dinner at vintage pubs or indulge in some glam gossip with the locals.
By Gorodilova, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Hollywood Boulevard, Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90028 | Timing: Open 24 hours | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vAzhbfNjGLPHxyZy9
Make it Spooky with Ghost Hunters of Urban Los Angeles
Don’t be dazzled by the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles. Besides the star-studded, glamorous lifestyle, the city has some interesting ghost stories, as well. There are many places and streets of LA, which are dark and considered haunted and spooky. People say that various kinds of cries, screams and other noises can be heard in many of these haunted buildings. Tours are arranged for exploring these places. If you have the nerves, definitely give this a try.
By Jim Winstead, CC BY 2.0, Link
Heal the Bay Aquarium
Previously known as the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, Heal the Bay Aquarium is a private-public aquarium. There are 100 local species for exhibition at the aquarium. Heal the Bay is dedicated to the protection of animals and people in the Bay area. Moreover, various kinds of educational programs and hands-on activities are arranged at the place for better knowledge of marine science.
Address: 1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA 90401 | Timing: Monday to Friday: Closed; Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 noon to 04:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/b4goghgKnQcE4aTQA | Phone Number: 1.310.393.6149
Visit the Home to Hollywood Stars Beverly Hills
Want to know the secrets and scandals of the famous and rich in Los Angeles? You have to visit Beverly Hills as it is the hub of celebs and stars in Hollywood. Your tour guide will show you houses of the most popular and affluent stars, including Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Hugh Grant, Whitney Houston, etc. Don’t miss visiting the Golden Triangle, Sunset Strip, and Beverly Hills Hotel at Beverly Hills. Who knows, you might be lucky in bumping into some star or celebrity while touring the place and enjoying the nightlife in LA.
Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/q5pp3hXynbqMY2se9
Urban Light at LACMA
One of the most popular spots in the city, people come here for a stroll and click snaps. It is accessible 24 hours, but the beauty can be enjoyed at night. Urban Lights are right in front of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). There are 202 vintage street lamps in the sculpture, which are positioned in amazing symmetry in row format. At night, these lamps light up, giving the place a beautiful appearance. A great romantic destination for tourists and locals alike.
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By skinnylawyer, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Timing: Open 24 hours | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xXt329DeFEhKNbMH6 | Phone Number: 1.323.857.6597
Go Indoor Skydiving with iFLY
We all want to experience flying, right? Fulfill your wish by visiting iFLY Hollywood. There is a device, which can actually imitate the skydiving experience without any kinds of risks. Powerful fans are used to lift up individuals from the ground and feel what it is like to skydive from a plane. Passes are available for the venue, which helps in reducing the cost of tickets considerably. This is among the most interesting things to do at night in Los Angeles.
Address: 1000 Universal Studios, Boulevard #1, Universal City, Los Angeles, CA 91608 | Timing: Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: 11:00 am to 07:00 pm; Friday: 11:00 am to 06:00 pm, Sunday: 11:00 am to 09:00 pm; Monday & Tuesday: closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/s2o8kiyqFC2D2Mjc8 | Phone Number: 1.818.985.4359
The Almighty Opp
This is one of the most eccentric and strange activities in which you can participate at night. Almighty Opp is a puppet show, which is extremely mysterious. The show is hosted on the last Saturday of every month in the corner of Koreatown. You can see guests coming and assembling at the corner of Elmwood and Western, which is close to arcade bar Blipsy. The puppet show starts at 09.00 pm and runs for quite some time.
The puppetry and bizarre music make the whole event eccentric. The most interesting thing to watch out for is that the shows are weird, strange, and funny and sometimes also look for participation from the audience. However, every month, a group of dedicated regulars can be spotted at the event.
Address: Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA 90004 | Timing: 09:00 pm, last Saturday of every month | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/26gcE2k7vpwx44yd6
Go to Chinatown
Los Angeles’s Chinatown is really fascinating if you are a food lover. Not only this, there are many interesting activities in which you can participate in Chinatown. Explore wide varieties of authentic Chinese food in the various restaurants in Chinatown. You can also visit the Union Station or the Chinese American Museum in Chinatown if you have time. Don’t forget to go shopping in the many tiny shops which line the street selling curios and gift items at cheap rates.
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By Colin W, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Los Angeles, CA | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/SNryEzeiv6pZTFGZ9
The Original Farmers Market
If you want the freshest of fresh foods, you must visit the Original Farmers Market. Right from everyday produce to quirky and unusual foodstuffs – you will find them all in this market. Along with grocery shopping, you can also enjoy local meals – lunch and dinner, at the place at a reasonable price. The market started with about 12 farmer carts, and now it has more than 100 shops as well as restaurants.
Address: 6333 W, 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036 | Timing: Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm; Friday & Saturday: 10:00 am to 09:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/TheOriginalFarmersMarketLA?share | Phone Number: 1.323.933.9211
Downtown Art Walk
Every second Thursday of the month, you can visit Downtown Art Walk. It is recommended that visitors reach the Visitor Center from 06:00pm to 10:00pm and obtain the map of the area. You will find galleries and various events related to art in the area. Exploring the place is highly fulfilling. There are many bars, restaurants and food trucks in the area offering quick bites and local delicacies. Perfect for an evening or night out.
Address: 411S. Main Street, Ste. M102, Los Angeles, CA 90013 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GhdrZ8gkTTmszD4Y8
The Queen Mary
The transatlantic Ocean Liner, Queen Mary is a floating museum. There are many spooky things about the floating ship. Celebrity passengers boarded this ship once – their spirits haunt the decks till date, and you can learn about their secrets too. Different tours are conducted depending upon the number of exhibits you want to see. If you want to see everything there, purchase the Grand Voyage Passport. Paranormal tours and dining facilities commence once it is slightly dark in the evening. This is one of the best fun things to do in LA at night.
By David Jones, CC BY 2.0, Link
Address: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, Los Angeles, CA 90802 | Google Map Location: https://g.page/the-queen-mary-hotel?share | Phone Number: 1.877.342.0738
Have Some Donuts
If donuts are your weakness, satiate your sweet tooth craving with some of the best varieties. Don’t forget to visit California Donuts and Randy’s Donuts in the city, where you will get the freshest and fluffy donuts. These are brightly colored and topped in different varieties. The moment you see them, you will want to have them. Deal with your sugar-fix at any time of the day at these confectionery stores.
By The Erica Chang, CC BY 3.0, Link
California Donuts:
Address: 5753 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028 | Timing: Sunday to Monday: 04:00 am to 07:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Lh5oXPRvtmJV6W5s8 | Phone Number: +1 323.871.0778
Randy’s Donuts:
Address: 805 W Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90301| Timing: Open 24 Hours | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3Cj8r7M5bghF4zdC8 | Phone Number: +1 310.645.4707
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Los Angeles and Hollywood are synonymous. Visit Madame Tussauds wax figurines, which are life-size and intricately designed replicas of famous celebrities and Hollywood stars. The figurines look so real that you would mistake them to be alive. Walk down the red carpet and get your photographs clicked with celebrities. Let your friends get envious as to how you managed to grab the snaps! You can spill the beans later! This trip to the museum is worth remembering for a lifetime!
By Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 6933 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90028 | Timing: Sunday to Monday: 11:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/MadameTussaudsUSA?share | Phone Number: 1.323.798.1670
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Do not forget to pay a visit to Ripley’s Believe It or Not. There are 32 branches of Ripley’s globally, and the one at LA is prominent. There are about 300 exhibits in the museum, which are truly awe-inspiring and compel you to think if such a thing is actually possible. The odd facts, the revelries of weird occurrences, and bizarre birth defects will make you think about many things of life. Some prominent exhibits at the place include the likes of a two-headed cow, a vampire killing kit, and Michael Jackson’s portrait, which is made up of candy entirely. On visiting the place, you might start believing ‘truth is stranger than fiction’.
Address: 6780 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90028 | Timing: Monday to Thursday: 11.00 am to 10.00 pm; Friday & Saturday: 10.00 am to 12.00 am; Sunday: 10.00 am to 10.00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Dzc8M5CNSSjPxukF8 | Phone Number: 1.323.466.6335
When you are planning a trip or vacation to Los Angeles, this guide will help you in exploring some of the best places in the city during the night. With proper information on things to do in LA at night, you can chalk out a better plan. Late-night activities in this city are thrilling and exciting and worth experiencing and treasuring with your family and friends.
