Forget the freezing cold and snow—winter in Los Angeles is a completely different kind of magic. This is the city’s secret season, when the notorious crowds thin out, the sunny skies are often clearer, and a crisp, pleasant energy takes over the city. Finding the best things to do in Los Angeles this winter is the key to unlocking the real LA, a place brimming with celebrity stories, vibrant outdoor life, and unique experiences you can’t get any other time of year.
1. Go Whale Watching in the Pacific
Winter is the peak season for whale watching in Southern California. From December through April, thousands of majestic gray whales migrate from Alaska down to Baja, passing right by the LA coastline. Seeing these enormous animals breach the water’s surface is a truly awesome, unforgettable experience.
2. Hike to the Hollywood Sign
In the summer, hiking in LA can be a hot, sweaty, dusty affair. Winter is the perfect time to tackle the city’s most famous trails. The air is cool and the views are often crystal-clear after a rain. The hike to get up-close (or behind) the Hollywood Sign offers breathtaking panoramas of the entire city.
3. See the La Brea Tar Pits
Where else can you see Ice Age fossils in the middle of a bustling city? The La Brea Tar Pits are one of LA’s most unique attractions. You can see active tar pits bubbling up and visit the museum to see the incredible skeletons of mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves that were trapped here thousands of years ago—a fascinating look at prehistoric animals and life.
4. Go Ice Skating by the Beach
It’s the perfect, quirky LA experience. While it’s not exactly beach weather, you can still put on a t-shirt and ice skate at an outdoor rink just blocks from the ocean. The most famous one is in Santa Monica, offering the bizarre and wonderful feeling of gliding on ice under palm trees.
5. Stroll the Venice Canals & Boardwalk
Winter is the best time to experience Venice. With fewer crowds, you can comfortably explore the weird and wonderful life of the famous boardwalk, from street performers to bodybuilders. Afterwards, find the real hidden gem: the quiet, beautiful Venice Canals, built in 1905 to be a “Venice of America.”
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6. Visit The Getty Center
Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the Getty Center is a world-class destination for art, stunning architecture, and immaculate gardens. The views of the LA basin and the Pacific Ocean are unmatched. It’s an inspiring, civilized way to spend an afternoon (and admission is free, though parking is not).
7. See the Stars at Griffith Observatory
No trip to LA is complete without a visit to this iconic landmark. Griffith Observatory offers some of the best views of the city skyline and the Hollywood Sign. Go just before sunset to watch the city light up, then head inside to look through the powerful telescopes and explore the cosmic exhibits.
8. Explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Yes, it’s the ultimate tourist trap. But you have to do it at least once! It’s fun to find the stars of your favorite celebrities, put your hands in the famous footprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre, and soak in the chaotic, only-in-Hollywood energy of it all.
9. Window Shop on Rodeo Drive
Even if you don’t have a platinum credit card, a walk down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is an essential part of the LA experience. In winter, the street is decked out in opulent holiday decorations, making it the perfect place for a glamorous stroll and some truly unbelievable people-watching.
10. Eat Your Way Through Grand Central Market
A downtown LA landmark since 1917, this bustling food hall is where you can taste the city’s incredible diversity. From trendy egg sandwiches at Eggslut to authentic tacos, delicious ramen, and classic deli food, this is the place to get a true taste of LA life and create some delicious stories of your own.
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