Fun things to do in la tonight

We’ve made it to the end of the year, a time for introspection, reflection, resolution—and parties. Maybe you still have family and friends in town, or maybe you’ve come back to LA from a holiday away, or maybe you’re just ready to go out one more time before the calendar flips. There is a ton to do this weekend, much of which is centered on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, including NYE parties from casual to fancy, a traditional Japanese feast, and a Polar Bear Plunge for charity. And if you need more ideas, consider checking out one of the best new bars in town, a visit to a Jewish deli, or take advantage of this week’s rain to hit some fresh powder.

Ring in the New Year at a holiday event

Saturday, December 31
All over
Skip the mad barrage of party-hunting texts and the chase around town to find the one house party that’s actually fun and opt instead for an organized New Year’s Eve event. There are special evenings to be had across the party spectrum, whether you want to go for Old Hollywood glamor, a luxurious discotheque, a rowdy honky tonk dance, or a chill night of light beer and paella. Check them all out in our handy guide.
Cost: Parties range from free to $300, with most in the $75 - $125 range.

Carry MexItalian fusion into 2023 at Amiga Amore’s New Year’s pop-up

Thursday, December 29 - Saturday, December 31
MacLeod on York (Highland Park)
Chef Daniel Duran-Zecca has been popping up around Northeast LA with her Amiga Amore concept for a little while now, spreading the gospel of MexItalian fusion cuisine—a joining of her Mexican background with her husband’s Italian heritage. The couple is scheduled to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Highland Park next year, and you can get a sneak peak of Duran-Zecca’s thrilling cooking this weekend at another Highland Park newcomer, the second pub from British-inspired brewery MacLeod. Duran-Zecca will be serving a menu that includes Menudo Cappelletti, Ossobuco Tamales, Chile Colorado Linguini, and more.
Cost: Reservations are free for Thursday and Friday, $15 for NYE. Available via Tock.

Cheer on your alma mater (or pick a school at random) in the College Football Playoff

Saturday, December 31
All over
The end of the year also means we’re nearing the end of the College Football season, and this year both playoff semifinal games are set for New Year’s Eve. Maybe you have ties to Georgia, Michigan, TCU, or Ohio State, or maybe you just need an excuse to start your NYE revelry a little early. Either way, head to one of the

You'll find comedy clubs, bars, brewery tours, and nightclubs galore in Los Angeles, but sometimes you just want something a bit different.

If you're not ready to go to bed after dinner and are looking for something fun, unique, and exciting to do after the sun goes down, the city is full of lively places to hang out: spots with great views of the city's lights, movie palaces that are worth seeing, and great eateries to grab a meal after you're done with all that. Here are 19 great things to do in Los Angeles at night.

01 of 19

Hit the Rides at Santa Monica Pier

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

 Geoffrey George/Moment/Getty Images Plus

View Map Address200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

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Phone +1 310-458-8900

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The Santa Monic Pier is home to a classic seaside amusement park that glows with neon lights after dark. Take a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel and roller coaster, then grab a bite to eat at Mariasol Cocina Mexicana or Pier Burger before dancing at Rusty's Surf Ranch. And don't forget to take a photo with the US Route 66 sign, the last stop on the iconic road trip. If you're here in the summer, be sure to swing by for Twilight on the Pier, a free music festival held once a week. Note that the pier is open daily until 10 p.m.

02 of 19

Look Up at the Night Sky at Griffith Observatory

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

Wes Tennyson/Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0

View Map Address2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

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Phone +1 213-473-0800

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The Griffith Observatory not only offers fantastic views of the stars above but also of the "stars" below. The view from this famous vantage point provides an unparalleled panorama of the Los Angeles skyline, which is particularly enjoyable to look at during sunset.

From 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, you're welcome to peer up at the night sky through one of the free public telescopes on hand, with telescope demonstrators available to help you get the most out of your visit. Alternatively, you can attend a star party, held once a month between 2 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. During these events, local amateur astronomers set up their telescopes on the observatory's front lawn, inviting attendees and their families to learn more about the sun, moon, and planets by trying out their equipment.

However you want to plan your visit, go early: The road leading to the parking lot closes at 10 p.m.

03 of 19

See the Stars Along Hollywood Boulevard

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

Betsy Malloy

View Map AddressHollywood Boulevard, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA

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Phone +1 323-469-8311

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No trip to Hollywood would be complete without a walk down the famous Walk of Fame. And at night, the sidewalks glow with reflected light. Spend time finding your favorite actors, directors, musicians, and even fictional characters like Mickey Mouse and Kermit the Frog. If there's one star in particular that you're looking for, head to the Walk of Fame's official website and look up their name on the Star Map.

04 of 19

Shop and Eat on Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley

View Map Address1118 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291, USA

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Phone +1 424-291-3120

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The lively part of Abbot Kinney is only a few blocks long, but it's always packed in the evening. In addition to boisterous bars and acclaimed restaurants including Felix and Gjelina, the quintessential California-cool boulevard is packed with people shopping at trendy stores like Rag & Bone, Vince, and Warby Parker. Come on the first Friday of every month between 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., when there are dozens of food trucks serving up everything from short-rib burgers to Desi street food.

Continue to 5 of 19 below.

05 of 19

Spend an Evening at Universal CityWalk

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

 ferrantraite/iStock Unreleased

View Map Address100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA

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Phone +1 818-622-9841

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Located next to Universal Studios Hollywood, CityWalk is an entertainment complex home to lively restaurants and cocktail bars, shopping, and a movie theater with a seven-story IMAX. You'll also find fun attractions like indoor skydiving at iFly Hollywood, a dancing water fountain display, and mini golf. Throughout the year, concerts and other live events are held in the open-air shopping center.

06 of 19

Dance the Night Away on the Sunset Strip

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

 Aerial Hollywood/Moment/Getty Images/Plus

View Map Address9009 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069-1818, USA

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Phone +1 310-278-9457

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If you are looking to party, some of the most infamous and raucous nightclubs in the country make their home along L.A.'s Sunset Strip, between Doheny Drive and Crescent Heights Boulevard. Here, you'll find everything from The Roxy to The Viper Room. Afterward, grab a snack at a favorite late-night haunt like the Pink Taco.

07 of 19

Spend a Haunted Night at the Queen Mary

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

Angel Di Bilio / Getty Images

View Map Address1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA

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Phone +1 562-435-3510

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Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, a retired British ocean liner that sailed for Cunard for decades. If you're into spooky experiences, the decommissioned ship hosts several night tours that focus on her haunted history. Among the different options, you can explore the ship and hear stories about some of its most famous "inhabitants," attend an interactive seance in the onboard theater, or "dine with the spirits" at Sir Winston’s Restaurant and Lounge.

08 of 19

Visit Farmers Market and The Grove

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

 CARUSO

View Map Address189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA

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Phone +1 323-900-8080

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This is perhaps the only place where you buy 24 carrots then head down the street to Tiffany’s to buy 24 carats. With more than 100 vendors, the charming covered LA Farmers Market sells fresh, locally grown produce along with flowers, jewelry, and clothes. It's a great place to go for food and entertainment, as well as souvenir shopping. Next to the market is The Grove, a high-end shopping complex with brands like diptyque and Nordstrom. You can continue your shopping excursion here, or opt to catch a movie or hang out and wait for the fountains to start dancing.

Continue to 9 of 19 below.

09 of 19

See the Skyline from the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

View Map Address7036 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA

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Phone +1 310-589-3200

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The view from Mulholland Drive isn't quite as spectacular as the one from the Griffith Observatory, but it’s a bit more accessible. Nestled above the Hollywood Bowl, the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook offers views of the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater, downtown L.A., and Griffith Park Observatory. It closes at sunset, and it can get crowded, so make sure you go early.

10 of 19

Be in a Studio Audience

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

Fewer and fewer sitcoms use live audiences these days, but there are still opportunities to watch a television program being filmed. Many shows are taped throughout the day, but late-night shows may tape two episodes back-to-back, with one episode's taping running into the evening. These tapings can last up to several hours (a far cry from the hour you get to see on TV!) so be prepared. 

11 of 19

Go Under the Spell of Old Hollywood at the Magic Castle

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley

View Map Address7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028-8600, USA

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Phone +1 323-851-3313

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If you stay at the Magic Castle Hotel (or know a professional magician who can get you a pass), you can spend the evening at the exclusive Magic Castle Club next door. You'll find a variety of magic shows on display—ranging from sleight-of-hand tricks in an intimate gallery to grand illusions on the big stage—as well as a full-service dining room and a selection of bars. But be warned: To maintain a classic Hollywood vibe, all members and guests are required to dress in evening wear or business attire that is conservative, formal, and elegant.

12 of 19

Catch One of the City's Many Sporting Events

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley

View Map Address1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA

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Phone +1 213-742-7100

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The Los Angeles area has no shortage of professional sports teams. With two professional teams each for hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, and football, the chances of a game happening on a night that you’re there are very good. If you're hoping to catch sight of a celebrity while you cheer on your favorite team, the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center will be your best bet.

Continue to 13 of 19 below.

13 of 19

Watch a Film at the Famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

Betsy Malloy

View Map Address6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, USA

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Phone +1 323-461-3331

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TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman's Chinese Theatre) is a Hollywood classic, having hosted red carpet premieres and other special events since it first opened in 1927. Today, it's part of a multiplex, but you can still catch a movie inside the original theater (or, if you prefer, a film within the world's largest IMAX auditorium).

Even if you don't see a movie here, we recommend signing up for the 30-minute VIP tour of the theater. During your visit, you'll learn all about its history, including fun facts about past Hollywood premieres. Afterward, check out the Forecourt of the Stars, which is filled with famous stars' footprints and handprints.

14 of 19

Explore the Historic Grauman's Egyptian Theatre

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley

View Map Address6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA

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Phone +1 323-461-2020

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Built in 1922, the Egyptian Theatre is a historic establishment on Hollywood Boulevard. Like its more famous neighbor, the Chinese Theatre, the Egyptian hosts retrospective film festivals, movie premieres, advanced screenings, and other film events. Although it was badly damaged in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, Netflix purchased it in 2020 to give it a "rewind rehab," and will restore architectural details throughout the space, including the ceiling's sunburst organ grille. Renovations are expected to be complete in late 2022.

15 of 19

See a Movie at a More Intimate LA Theater

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

 Wikimedia Commons

View Map Address4473 Sunset Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

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Phone +1 323-660-6639

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Residents of the Los Feliz neighborhood routinely line up down the street to see a movie at the Vista Theater. It's a charming throwback to grander days of movie-going, with its beautiful Egyptian-themed interior and, similar to TCL Chinese Theatre, a small courtyard with handprints and footprints out front. And here's a bonus: the theater has only one screen, so you won’t have to argue about what to watch.

16 of 19

Watch Classic and Cult Cinema at the New Beverly Cinema

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley

View Map Address7165 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036-2548, USA

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You could go to the movies in a hundred places in L.A., but this one is different. Owned by director Quentin Tarantino, the New Beverly shows classics and oddball cult favorite films. Tarantino does most of the monthly programming, choosing films that sometimes come from his private collection. The theater is also known for refusing to use digital projection. Tarantino says, "As long as I'm alive and as long as I'm right, the New Bev will be showing double features in 35mm."

If Tarantino has a new film out, there's no better place to see it. Expect to see unique pre-show content as well as memorabilia from the film. Early during its run, the New Bev sometimes hosts post-showing discussions.

Continue to 17 of 19 below.

17 of 19

Go From the Beach to the Bar at The Kettle

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

Wikimedia Commons

View Map Address1138 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266-5330, USA

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Phone +1 310-545-8511

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Located just a couple of blocks from the pier in Manhattan Beach, The Kettle is a late-night favorite for all kinds of local characters. Welcoming hungry customers since 1973, The Kettle serves up classic diner fare, including buttermilk honey-fried chicken and biscuits, braised pot roast, angel hair carbonara, and burgers. It's open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday, and from 6 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday.

18 of 19

Have a Corned Beef Sandwich at Canter's Deli

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

 Wikimedia Commons

View Map Address417 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA

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Phone +1 323-651-2030

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LA's classic Jewish deli, founded in 1931, is open 24 hours a day, except on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Go for late-night lox and bagels, corned beef, and matzoh ball soup, or pick up freshly baked goods in the morning. The adjacent cocktail lounge, open from 10:30 a.m. to 1:40 a.m., hosts local bands and open mic nights, with the likes of The Doors, Joni Mitchell, and members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers having shown up for midnight jam sessions over the years. Check the schedule to see what's on before your visit.

19 of 19

Eat a Hot Dog at This LA Institution

Fun things to do in la tonight
Fun things to do in la tonight

Evan Hurd Photography/Corbis Historical/Getty Images 

View Map Address709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038-3338, USA

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Phone +1 323-931-4223

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Pink's Hot Dogs, an equal part hot dog joint and iconic L.A. institution since 1939, serves hot dogs and loaded chili-cheese fries all day, but it's also a popular spot at night. Most of its "dogs" are, not surprisingly, named after celebrities or movies, such as the Lord of the Rings Dog (BBQ sauce and onion rings) and the Brando Hot Dog (mustard, onions, chili, and shredded cheddar cheese).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What can you do in L.A. if you're under 21?

    There are plenty of things you can do in L.A. if you're under 21, including catching a movie at TCL Chinese Theatre, grabbing a late-night bite at Pink's Hot Dogs, and taking a ghost tour of the Queen Mary.

  • Where is the party scene in L.A.?

    A lot of the city's top nightclubs, bars, and lounges can be found in Downtown and Hollywood, including The Edison, The Rooftop at The Standard, and The Mayan.

  • What food is L.A. famous for?

    Some of the top foods to try in L.A. include tacos, French dip sandwiches, and Dodger dogs from Dodger Stadium.

    What to do in LA when you are bored?

    Top 10 Free Things to Do.
    Explore Hollywood. ... .
    Visit Santa Monica Pier and Beach. ... .
    Walk the Venice Beach Boardwalk and Canals. ... .
    Enjoy the Views from Griffith Observatory. ... .
    Enjoy a Self-Guided Tour. ... .
    Explore Downtown LA. ... .
    Watch a Live Recording! ... .
    Go Hiking!.

    Where can I go at night to chill in Los Angeles?

    Sunset Boulevard is one of the most famous streets in LA, and it's interesting day or night..
    Sunset Tower Hotel..
    The Roxy Theatre..
    The Viper Room..
    Sunset Plaza..
    Book Soup..
    The Comedy Store..
    Rainbow Bar & Grill..
    The Laugh Factory (has open mic nights with no cover charge every week)..

    What can I do right now in Los Angeles?

    Top Attractions in Los Angeles.
    Universal Studios Hollywood. 36,956. Amusement & Theme Parks. ... .
    The Getty Center. 14,639. Speciality Museums. ... .
    Griffith Observatory. 20,496. ... .
    Petersen Automotive Museum. 2,431. ... .
    5. Walt Disney Concert Hall. 3,065. ... .
    Staples Center. 3,476. ... .
    Griffith Park. 3,193. ... .
    La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. 3,217..

    What can a couple do in Los Angeles hours?

    The Best Things to Do When You Only Have One Day in L.A..
    Hike to the Hollywood Sign. ... .
    Visit Griffith Observatory. ... .
    Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame. ... .
    Roll Down Sunset Boulevard. ... .
    Lunch at In n Out Burger. ... .
    Explore Getty Center. ... .
    Stroll on Santa Monica Pier. ... .
    Sunset at Venice Beach..