Welcome to the sunny paradise of Los Angeles, a top summer destination where a plethora of excitement and adventure await! This diverse city is famed for its dynamic energy and a wide variety of summertime events and activities that cater to all tastes and interests.

From star-studded concerts at the iconic Hollywood Bowl to the highly anticipated night market in Downtown Santa Monica, get ready to create unforgettable experiences with our carefully curated list of the 7 best activities for your ultimate summer bucket list in Los Angeles.

Immense Yourself in Nature

For outdoor enthusiasts, Los Angeles offers an abundance of natural delights waiting to be explored. Venture into the breathtaking hiking trails of Temescal Canyon and Topanga State Park. As you wander through lush forests and traverse scenic trails, you’ll find yourself completely immersed in the tranquility of nature, surrounded by fascinating wildlife, and spectacular vistas.

Water lovers will find their haven in the sparkling waters of Big Bear Lake and Santa Monica Beach. The coastal beauty of this city has a wide range of activities for relaxation and enjoyment under the sun, regardless of whether you choose to surf, paddleboard, or simply unwind at the sandy shore.

Besides, the City of Angels proudly houses many family-friendly parks and outdoor picnic areas, such as Exposition Park, Griffith Park, and Echo Park. Pack a delicious picnic feast, spread out a cozy blanket, and bask in the warm summer ambiance.

Experience Musical Magic at the Hollywood Bowl

Nestled in California’s Hollywood Hills, Hollywood Bowl stands as an open-air, iconic amphitheater known far and wide for its bewitching musical shows. As summer arrives, this famed venue draws music enthusiasts with a variety of events and concerts. The Bowl is also a cultural hub that offers a diverse mix of entertainment, including dance performances, film screenings, and comedy shows, creating a colorful tapestry of artistic experiences. Hollywood Bowl’s 2023 lineup promises a star-studded event, featuring a batch of highly anticipated performances. Here are a few of the upcoming concerts at the Hollywood Bowl this summer:

• June 17-18: Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival
• June 27-28: Snoop Dogg & Friends
• June 30: Louis Tomlinson: Faith In The Future World Tour 2023
• July 2-4: July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with The Beach Boys

With over 17,000 capacity, an enchanting atmosphere, exceptional acoustics, and breathtaking vistas, this world-renowned iconic venue is the perfect place to enjoy summer music under the stars.

Explore Aerial Adventure Parks

Los Angeles is home to a variety of must-try aerial adventure parks that will take your summer to new heights. These parks offer thrilling activities and challenges for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Castaic Lake’s Go Ape offers a unique “Treetop Challenge”, a 2-3 hour adventure of tree-to-tree crossings, Tarzan-like swings, and lengthy zip lines. Aside from that they also have Treetop Journey, Forest Escape, and Axe Throwing.

Whittier Narrows’ TreeVenture is another popular destination and one of the largest recreation areas in Los Angeles County. It presents the “Treetop Adventure” course that offers a series of rope courses and ziplines high above the ground. These parks allow you to embrace the outdoors while engaging in challenging and exhilarating aerial experiences.

Savor the Flavors of Summer

As a paradise for food enthusiasts, summer in Los Angeles brings an array of scrumptious experiences that will tempt your tastebuds. Here are the two must-visit events as you indulge in the food festivals and scenes in the city.

A Taste of the Nation

• Date: June 11, 2023
• Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Location: Media Park, Culver City, CA 90232
• Admission: $35 for youth (ages 4-16), $25 for children (ages 0-3), $115 for general admission

Not only does this event allow you to enjoy delectable cuisines from more than 100 renowned restaurants in Los Angeles, but it also supports a great cause – No Kid Hungry. With a selection of culinary delights to choose from, you can sample dishes from diverse cuisines while making a positive impact. Moreover, A Taste of Nation presents activities for children which include various games and face painting, ensuring that the event is a family-friendly affair for everyone to enjoy.

626 Night Market

• Date: June 30 – July 2, 2023
• Time: 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Location: 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
• Admission: $6. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is free.

The 626 Night Market is another not-to-be-missed event. This popular night market showcases more than 100 vendors, including dessert shops, food trucks, and restaurants. Activities, live music, and games for all ages further enhance the ambiance of this festivity. Apart from being a festive and fun event, it’s also a great place to experience Asian cuisine and culture.

Sign Up for Summer Camps

As you plan your ultimate bucket list, remember to consider the amazing and numerous summer camp options in Los Angeles for your kids. Aloha Beach Camp is the ideal choice for a unique aquatic adventure. The camp caters for kids and teens ages 4 – 15. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in and learn various water sports, including wakeboarding, surfing, jet skiing, and boogie boarding. For your convenience and the safety of your little ones, this day camp provides free transportation throughout the Los Angeles area.

To get a head start in the world of technology, enroll your child at Camp Tech Revolution at UCLA. For innovation enthusiasts, the camp has over 40 STEM course options, including virtual reality, gaming, robotics, web design, coding, and more. Camp Tech Revolution is an award-winning summer camp that nurtures tech skills and sparks creativity.

Join the Juneteenth Celebration

• Date: June 18, 2023
• Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Location: Vermont Ave. & W. Century Blvd.
• Admission: Free to all

Another free event at CicLAvia – South Los Angeles will take place on June 18, 2023. The Juneteenth Celebration not only commemorates the end of slavery in the country but also promotes respect for all cultures and self-development. In addition, there will be live music from national and regional artists, stalls selling various services and goods, as well as food trucks offering delectable foods from different parts of the world. Fun activities, giveaways, guest speakers and performers, and on-site services are also available during the event.

Have Some Family Fun

Embark on a family adventure in Los Angeles and discover the vibrant attractions in the city that will educate and entertain both young and old. Start your journey at the California Science Center, where little ones can dive into imaginative play, educational experiences, and interactive exhibits. From the human body to space exploration and dinosaurs, the center provides an array of exhibits that will ignite curiosity. For even more immersive experiences, don’t miss the IMAX theater and planetarium.

Continue your expedition by visiting some of the many parks and playgrounds in Los Angeles. Let the kids freely slide, climb, and swing while you join in the fun or relax in the shade. Topanga State Park, Griffith Park, and Runyon Canyon Park are among the top parks for family-friendly outdoor fun.

Make lasting memories at the Los Angeles Zoo and Heal the Bay Aquarium. Get up close to furry and underwater friends and learn about wildlife.

For some friendly competition, head over to K1 Speed Burbank and Boomers Los Angeles. Challenge each other on go-kart tracks and mini-golf courses. The city promises the perfect blend of educational exploration and excitement for a memorable experience for the whole family.

The Bottom Line

Los Angeles is an unparalleled summer destination packed with thrilling opportunities and extraordinary experiences. From cultural festivities to family-friendly attractions, the city offers a diverse array of ventures that cater to all interests and ages. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, the summer months in L.A. are the perfect time to explore the city and check some items off your bucket list. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy all the things the city has to offer this summer. So, start planning your adventures now and get ready to make treasured memories in the City of Angels.