Everybody loves a good trip to L.A. From Hollywood to Santa Monica, there is something for all visitors who come to the City of Angels.
Spring is an especially good time to visit, with more reliably warm weather (although Los Angeles never gets very cold), noticeably shorter lines, and easier admission into top attractions.
If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles in Spring 2018, check out our list of some of the best activities and attractions, including…
- Knott’s Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm
- Pacific Park at Santa Monica Pier
- Huntington Library and Gardens
- Newport Landing Whale Watch
- Explore Griffith Park
- and more!
Save on Springtime Activities in Los Angeles
Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the Go Los Angeles® Card.
Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate.
Check out all available Los Angeles attractions, passes, and prices.
Please note, some of these special spring events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go Los Angeles® Card.
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm
Come visit Knott’s Berry Farm to enjoy their amazing annual event, the Boysenberry Festival.
This year, the festival is expanding to three weeks, March 16 – April 8, 2018.
Located in the Ghost Town region of the park, this special event celebrates the iconic berry at the heart of Knott’s heritage.
Knott’s Berry Farm is the birthplace of the Boysenberry and each spring, Knott’s celebrates the flavorful berry and its historic roots with unique food and live entertainment during the Festival.
Enjoy dozens of boysenberry-inspired drinks, food, snacks, and more. Sample new adult beverages at the Wine and Craft Brew Tasting Garden.
Delight in an extensive line up of live entertainment from Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree to all kinds of live music.
Getting In: Admission to Knott’s Berry Farm and admission to the Boysenberry Festival are both included with the Go Los Angeles® Card.
Butterfly Pavilion at the Natural History Museum
From March 18 to September 3, 2018, the Natural History Museum in L.A. opens up their famed Butterfly Pavilion to the public.
See these delicate little beauties flit and flutter around, and perhaps even land on you!
The best time to visit is about mid-morning. Due to its popularity, you’ll need a timed ticket to enter the pavilion.
Getting In: Natural History Museum tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles Card.
Commune with Whales
Image credit: Dana Point Festival of Whales Facebook page.
Marvel at the majestic gray whales and their calves as they migrate north along the Southern California coast.
In honor of this amazing natural event, Dana Point Harbor throws a two-weekend party that includes a parade, a street fair, and even a whale-themed musical performance.
Families can also enjoy arts and crafts. Want to see the whales up close? Hop aboard a whale-watching cruise.
Getting In: Newport Landing Whale Watch tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles® Card.
Enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is one of those magical places that delight kids and adults in equal measure. There’s the fascinating behind-the-scenes studio tour, then dozens of rides and attractions to enjoy afterward.
Some of the popular areas of the park include the newer “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” (beloved by all), several Simpsons attractions, and the wonderful “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem” ride.
Don’t forget to explore Universal CityWalk after you’re done with all the rides and attractions – it’s a great evening activity with food, dining, and entertainment options.
Getting In: Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood is included with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles® Cards.
Soak up Celebrity Culture
If you’re in Los Angeles, why not take advantage of your proximity to Hollywood to explore some of the most exciting elements of cinematic culture?
First, pay a visit to Madame Tussauds, where you’re guaranteed to “meet” your favorite celebs across a variety of themed exhibit areas.
Then, head to the Hollywood Museum, where you can see props, costumes, and sets from iconic Hollywood blockbusters.
Getting In: Admission to Madame Tussauds Hollywood and admission to the Hollywood Museum are both included with the Go Los Angeles® Card.
Explore Griffith Park
Image credit: Los Angeles Zoo Facebook page / George Stoneman.
There’s nothing quite like the great outdoors in spring; with the first hints of warmer weather and the blooming trees and flowers, it’s a truly beautiful time to enjoy nature.
This year, spend some time exploring the expansive and impressive Griffith Park.
There’s the fascinating Griffith Observatory (which offers free admission!), several bike trails and driving paths, a golf course, and even the L.A. Zoo and Botanical Gardens. That’s just the beginning, too!
Getting In: Admission to the L.A. Zoo is included with the Go Los Angeles® Card.
Visit Santa Monica
Visitors often forget about this little paradise nestled on the Los Angeles coastline, but locals love it for a number of reasons.
There’s so much to do, so many places to dine and shop, you’ll never run out of ideas.
Take the kids to the charming Pacific Park or the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Rent a bike and enjoy the leisurely pace of life by the beach.
Or, just get in some sunbathing – just stay out of the chilly water!
Getting In: Admission to Pacific Park and admission to the Santa Monica Pier Aquariumare both included with the Go Los Angeles® Card.
Roam Seasonal Gardens
Image credit: Huntington Library Facebook page.
While it is a little bit of a hike from downtown Los Angeles (you can actually get there via mass transit, however, it’s just a longish ride), the Huntington Library is a fabulous attraction that combines the appeal of a historic research library, an art gallery, luxurious gardens, and literary artifacts all into one inspiring destination.
Be sure to explore the gardens in particular this time of year – the roses are spectacular. Visitors might also enjoy the “Orbit Pavilion,” a garden art installation that echoes the shapes and sounds of the International Space Station and 19 Earth satellites. It was even designed by people who work at NASA!
Getting In: Admission the Huntington Library and Gardens is included with the Go Los Angeles® Card.
Local Events
LA Times Festival of Books
USC Campus
April 21-22, 2018
This is one for the book lovers. The LA Times Festival of Books is a fantastic free event that promises tons of bookish fun and excitement.
In addition to dozens of famous author readings and signings, you’ll also enjoy special workshops, professional talks, and of course, plenty of books for sale.
Getting In: Admission to the LA Times Festival of Books is free.
Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival
Santa Clara
April 19 – 22, 2018
Image credit: Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival Facebook page.
Have a taste for country western tunes? Got a kid who is horse-crazy? Then the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is a must-see event for you and your family. Unfolding at historic Old Town Newhall, this year’s festival promises to be a great one.
Guests will enjoy musical acts spanning the gamut from bluegrass to spoken word, delicious BBQ fare, fascinating tours of local venues like the Reagan Library, and unique goods at original, Western-inspired vendors. Come with your cowboy boots on!
Getting In: Admission to the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. For more information, please visit the event website.
PPLA Food Fare
Santa Monica
March 1, 2018
Image credit: PPLA Food Fare / Time Out Los Angeles.
Known for being the oldest culinary event in Los Angeles, the PPLA Food Fare brings together over one hundred restaurants, chefs, caterers, wineries, bakeries, and more.
From high-end cuisine to inventive food trucks, you’ll be able to sample cuisine from all across the city at this fantastic event.
Getting In: Admission to the PPLA Food Fare is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. For more information, please visit the event website.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Monterey Park
April 21- 22, 2018
Image credit: Descanso Gardens.
Few things signal the onset of spring quite like the fragrant blooming of the delicate cherry blossom.
This year in Los Angeles, the Cherry Blossom Festival in the nearby city of Monterey Park will be the place to celebrate these delightful natural wonders.
Enjoy musical performances, guided nature walks, delicious food, and even origami classes.
Getting In: Admission to the Cherry Blossom Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. For more information, please visit the event website.
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival
Various locations
May 3 – 12, 2018
Image credit: LA Asian Pacific Film Festival.
Founded in 1983, the annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is now a local institution.
Having shown thousands of original films over that time period and presented hundreds of seminars, panels, guest speakers, and awards, they’ve certainly got the credibility when it comes to showcasing great art.
It’s the largest festival of its kind in SoCal and you won’t find anything like else quite like it. A must-see for film buffs.
Getting In: Admission to the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles® Card. For more information, please visit the event website.
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