Los Angeles never stops reinventing itself. From brand‑new museum exhibitions to classic SoCal sunsets, the City of Angels serves up a fresh mix of culture, cuisine, and coastal cool every season. Use this 2025 cheat‑sheet to hit the essentials and sprinkle in a few local favorites that first‑timers often miss.
1. Greet the Sunrise from Griffith Park
Beat the crowds with an early‑morning hike to Griffith Observatory for sweeping views of Downtown and the Hollywood Sign. Pair the panorama with Ellen Reid’s GPS‑activated Soundwalk soundtrack, which morphs as you move along the trail.
2. Wander the Huntington Library & Gardens
Reserve ahead to roam 120 acres of themed gardens—the newly expanded Chinese Garden and restored Rose Garden Tea Room are must‑sees. Inside, rare Shakespeare folios and Gainsborough’s Blue Boy await.
3. Party with Dinosaurs on First Fridays
On the first Friday of each spring month, the Natural History Museum transforms into an after‑hours mash‑up of live music, scientist‑led talks, and pop‑up bars. Come for the fossils, stay for the DJ sets.
4. Snack Your Way Through Grand Central Market
Since 1917 this downtown food hall has dished out global flavors. Devour breakfast at Eggslut, split a carnitas taco at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, and grab a strawberry‑filled doughnut from The Donut Man to go.
5. Festival‑Hop at the Rose Bowl
Pasadena’s storied stadium now hosts a trio of back‑to‑back May music fests—from indie‑nostalgia vibes at Just Like Heaven to the pan‑Asian sounds of 88rising’s Head in the Clouds.
6. Glide Across Echo Park Lake in a Swan Boat
Pedal a whimsical swan boat past lotus blooms and the downtown skyline for a picture‑perfect hour on the water.
7. Step Into Movie Magic at the Academy Museum
Gawk at C‑3PO, Dorothy’s ruby slippers, and rotating exhibits that unpack everything from cyberpunk design to Parasite’s storytelling secrets.
8. Chase Wildflowers on the Pacific Coast Highway
Spring drives up the PCH reveal pockets of color at Leo Carrillo and Point Mugu. Stop for tide‑pooling or a beachside picnic.
9. Explore Arts District Murals
Former warehouses now flaunt technicolor street art. Start at Mateo & Palmetto, then hunt for pieces by local legends like WRDSMTH and Vyal One.
10. Catch the Sunset on the Pacific Wheel
End the day 130 feet above the ocean on Santa Monica Pier’s solar‑powered Ferris wheel—stunning golden‑hour selfies guaranteed.
