What’s Open in and near Los Angeles this weekend?
Here is a list of places that are open this weekend in and near Los Angeles that you can enjoy responsibly with restrictions. As things are slowly reopening, we’ll update you on the things you can do outside the house while following health orders. We’ll post a new list every Thursday to make sure you keep active and busy with your kids while social distancing. This list also includes fun virtual events that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home!
Places to go and things to do this weekend with your family:
The Santa Monica Pier is open with limited hours, 10 am – 8 pm. All guests should enter the Pier from Ocean Front Walk. Not all businesses on the Pier will be open during this limited operation.
Venice Boardwalk
Venice Boardwalk is open to the public. You can grab a bite to east and shop at stores.
Los Angeles State Historic Park provides an extraordinary opportunity for recreation in the heart of Los Angeles. Within its 32 acres of open space directly adjacent to Chinatown, you can wander pathways and enjoy a view of downtown, as well as discover and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of Los Angeles.
LA Zoo is open this weekend after months of waiting! The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is home to more than 1,400 mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles representing more than 270 different species, of which more than 58 are endangered. Advanced tickets are required and are available online.
Universal CityWalk is open from 12pm to 8pm. This phase of reopening involves reopening of some restaurants and retail stores. Self parking is free. You are required to wear a face covering (except when you are eating), and get your temperature checked at the entrance.
CatCafé Lounge
CatCafe Lounge is LAs only nonprofit cat cafe, specializing in rehabilitating rescue cats, and is now open at 50% capacity. You can make a reservation to spend time with these cute rescue cats.
Each Thursday and Friday in August, you can enjoy live musical performances at Dana Point Harbor. Performances are between 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Thursdays and from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Fridays. Check the website for a list of performers.
A variety of shopping and dining experiences has reopened at the Downtown Disney District, including the World of Disney store. They have implemented new health and safety measures based on guidance from health authorities. Expect temperature screenings prior to entry. Face coverings are required for Guests ages 2 and older.
The restaurants at LA LIVE are open. Click here for the lists of the restaurants.
Picnics at the Mission
Take your family of up to 4, a blanket, and enjoy a memorable meal in the Mission’s historic Central Courtyard gardens among the arches, butterflies, fountains and hummingbirds this weekend. Take advantage of all the delicious restaurants in the downtown. Order take-out from one of the Heritage Tourism Association members on your way to the Mission for a picnic. This program will be offered every weekend in August.
Annenberg PetSpace is open by appointment only for adoptions.
Battleship USS Iowa served our country proudly in WWII, Korea, and the Cold War. Today, the historic U.S. Navy ship is an iconic Los Angeles landmark and considered one of the region’s best outdoor museums for families and visitors of all ages. The outdoor museum is open during the pandemic.
Underwood Family Farms has opened the Moorpark Farm for pick your own fruits and vegetables. With plenty of fresh air and wide-open space, it will allow for visitors to select and harvest their own essential produce directly from the fields while maintaining social distance.
Descanso Gardens has reopened their doors to the visitors. To make sure they keep staff and visitors safe, Descanso Gardens has made some adjustments to how they operate. Now, all non-members must buy tickets online in advance. Members can enter without an advance ticket. No tickets will be sold at the garden.
The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern corner of the UCLA campus in West Los Angeles. The garden contains a diverse collection of plants from around the world, and is free to public daily. The garden is closed on Monday in observations of Memorial's Day.
Join for an evening under the stars with some of your favorite, classic flicks! Movies start promptly at 8:15pm.
Los Angeles County's beaches are open now with restrictions. That is they will be open only for active use like swimming, surfing, walking, biking. This means people will not be able to lay down on the beach or picnic. Beach parking lots are now open.
Some L.A. County splash pads and swim beaches have reopened as of July 9th, and will remain open through Sept. 30th. Children who play in the water at splash pads and swim beaches will not be required to wear masks, but parents supervising will be asked to wear face coverings and observe physical distancing. Group gatherings will also not be permitted. Click here for the list of 14 Splash Pads that are open.
Frank B. Bonelli Swim Beach
You can enjoy the swim beach at Frank B. Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas between Thursdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm from July 9th through Sept. 6th, with restrictions. Face coverings are required outside of water. Physical distancing is required inside and outside of water.
The swim beach at Santa Fe Dan Recreational Area in Baldwin Park is open now through Sept. 9th, Thursdays through Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. Face coverings are required outside of water. Physical distancing is required inside and outside of water.
Rose Bowl Aquatic Center
The World-Class Rose Bowl Aquatic Center is open at reduced capacity. Water fountains are disabled and lockers are still closed. They will be running family safe swim lessons for preschool levels 1-3 endurance and school-age levels 1&2. The shop is also open.
Pottery in the park is a new series of open-air pottery classes on Sundays.
Long Beach's Belmont Pool has also reopened as of June 29 for lap swimming and water exercises. Showers are closed. Reservations are required for the pool.
Wildlife Learning Center is open and offers tours to families. You need to wear masks, and maintaining the recommended 6-foot social distancing guidelines between your group and the tour guides.
South Coast Botanic Gardens are open for walk or hike, but you are required to make reservations through their online system in advance so that they can control number of people that enter the garden. You are also required to wear protective face coverings during your visit, and practice social distancing.
L.A. County Arboretum tickets are limited to preserve safe distancing. Members are required to reserve free tickets online prior to visiting. Non-members must buy tickets online in advance. When visiting, you are required to wear a mask or other face covering. However, all indoor spaces are closed and all classes, events, and tours activities are suspended.
Exploring Los Angeles Chinatown is a rewarding adventure. Select restaurants and stores are open in Chinatown. Check the website for openings.
The Aquarium is open the public for outdoor activities only. Advance timed reservations, face coverings for all visitors age 2 and older, and temperature checks will be required.
The Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area in the Baldwin Hills area is open, including its parking lot. The vehicle entrance fee is $6 on weekends and holiday, free on weekdays. Playgrounds and picnic areas in the park remain closed.
Westfield Century City is open with modified hours from 11 am to 7 pm Mondays through Saturdays, and 12 pm to 6 pm on Sundays. Click here for all the restaurants and retails that have reopened. Click here to find out if your nearest Westfield Mall is open.
Enjoy fresh air and celebrate warm sunny days with an outdoor stroll among friends and family around The Fountain at the Grove. Click here for a list of restaurants and retails that are open now.
Eataly Los Angeles is open daily from 8:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m., and also for pick up and delivery with authentic Italian meals. Order Neapolitan pizzas, authentic pasta dishes, and more on Caviar, Uber Eats,Postmates, Grubhub, or DoorDash for pick-up or delivery. The rooftop restaurant, Tara is also open for dine in offering wood-fired grill dishes.
Take a WaterBus for a unique water's-eye view of Marina del Rey with your family. Eight boarding stops throughout the Marina offer opportunities to dine, and recreate in one of the most beautiful Southern California residential and tourist areas.
The Original Farmers Market is open daily from 10am-7pm. 90% of the Market's restaurants, grocers and retailers are back and open to serve you. For a list of open merchants click here. Patio tables and chairs are back in the Market for socially-distanced dining. Many Market grocers and restaurants provide home delivery through Mercato.com and various delivery platforms including Doordash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, Postmates and ChowNow.
LA County bike paths reopened on May 21, 2020. To find LA Bike Paths, click here for a map.
The Last Bookstore is California’s largest used and new book and record store. They store over 250,000 new and used books including tens of thousands of vinyl records and graphic novels. They have something for everyone.
NHMLA is reopening its' Butterfly Pavilion and Nature Gardens on August 28th for members. The outdoor spaces are open Friday through Sunday. You need to make a reservation before your visit.
Concert in Your Car is a drive-in music series in Ventura. You can find the full schedule on the website.
Griffith Park's trails have reopened but it is limiting car traffic in several ways. The Friends of Griffith Park warned that gates will be closed to cars at Vermont and Commonwealth avenues and that the park’s Fern Dell entrance will be closed to vehicles (except residents) at Los Feliz Boulevard.
Exposition Park is open to public with social distancing but Natural History Museum remains closed.
Exposition Park is open to public with social distancing and you must wear mask when you visit, but Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits remains closed.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has reopened most of its trails, parking lots, and restrooms. National Park Service urges hikers to wear face coverings and keep social distancing.
Outdoor certified farmers markets are open to ensure that fresh food is available to residents and are allowed to operate under certain conditions. Click here for a list of all the farmers markets that are open.
Board and Brush in Santa Monica has moved its art workshops outdoors. Choose from projects like home decor, doormats, cornhole sets, planters, and more. Adults may drink wine, and kids get Capri Sun.
Burton Chase Park
Burton Chase Park is open and you can enjoy the 10 acres of lush lawn and trees extended into the Marina’s main channel offering magnificent boat and ocean vistas.
Unleash your child's imagination at Under the Sea Indoor Playground, which is open now from 10am to 4pm on weekdays.
Castle Park has is open daily for mini golf only. Tickets are $10.99 per person. Parties for mini golf can include up to 5 people.
Taste of Knott’s will celebrate classic flavors from around the park including new and one-of-a-kind food, drink and merchandise offerings throughout Ghost Town, Fiesta Village and Boardwalk. With over 35 food and drink items to choose from, the Taste of Knott’s event will offer more food variety with the addition of Mexican-inspired cuisine, Knott’s famous BBQ offerings and classic Knott’s dishes pulled from the pages of the celebrated Knott’s Berry Farm Cookbook.
See giant blue whales, finback whales, gray whales and many more in their natural habitat at a whale watching cruise! With one the largest marine protected parks just outside of Newport Bay, whales and dolphin of all types can be viewed as soon as you leave the bay. Use promo code ‘mommy50’ in the ‘promo code/voucher code’ box and it will take 50% off your entire whale watching order for whale watching in Newport Beach.
Malibu Beach RV Park is open during social distancing. You can rent a RV site or tent camping spot, which is on the third level, separate from the RV sites and is a walk-in camping area.
Southern California Railway Museum has reopened as of May 30th! Train and Trolley tickets are now available online. As they re-open their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have outlined safety precautions when visiting the museum.
The Mission Tiki drive-in theatre is open nightly. You can view the movie from within your vehicle with social distancing. A $10 adult ticket and $1 kids ticket allows you admission for two movies playing on the same screen. This means you'll get to see two movies for half the price!
This Drive-In Theatre offers the current double-feature movies for you to enjoy in the comfort and safety of your cars. The drive-in theatre is open nightly. You must view the movie from within your vehicle, and practice social distancing.
iFLY is the most technologically advanced body flying tunnels in the world. Select iFLY locations are now open with reservation.
Arlington Garden is a three acre garden on Caltrans-owned land. The garden is open to everyday except on Tuesdays during COVID-19, and is free to the public. You may not use the furniture, maintain six-feet from others, wear a face mask, and bring your own hand sanitizer during social distancing.
Gilchrist Farm is resuming Horseback Riding Lessons beginning May 30 with some careful distancing and scheduling!
Tanaka Farm
Tanaka FArm is open for strawberry picking by reservation only. The Strawberry Picking Tour allows you to pick your own strawberries out in the fields right where they grow!
Arlington Garden is a three acre garden on Caltrans-owned land. The garden is open to everyday except on Tuesdays during COVID-19, and is free to the public. You may not use the furniture, maintain six-feet from others, wear a face mask, and bring your own hand sanitizer during social distancing.
California Botanic Garden is open with limited capacity on Wednesdays through Sundays from 8am to 1pm and 3pm to 8pm. Members may visit without reservation, but the general public will need to purchase ticket in advance.
The Gentle Barn is excited to reopen to the public at California location, with new Gentle Drive-Thru. You can experience The Gentle Barn in a whole new way. This new drive-thru experience will take you behind the scene to areas of the California property that is normally not open to the public. Starting with a tour of the Sun Chlorella: Healing Center in Agua Dulce, just 10 miles up the road. Then down to the main Gentle Barn property, and ending with you casting a wish in the wishing well.
Go Kart World is an outdoor driving skills facility with six tracks that accommodate all ages and driving skill levels. In accordance with the CDC mandate, they have closed down their arcade but the Go Kart Track is open. They provide hand-sanitizer and gloves and requiring face masks and social distancing. They are disinfecting the Go-Karts after every race.
On Saturday nights, LACCD's Van De Camp College Campus transport visitors to the old-school Electric Dusk Drive-In theater. You can either watch the movie from the comfort of your own car, or you can set up picnic to enjoy the silver screen under the stars. There's also a Snack Shack on-hand, serving up traditional movie-theater fare like popcorn, candy, and grilled hot dogs and hamburgers.
Hollywood Bowl To-Go Dinners
Hollywood Bowl Supper To Go is available for curbside pickup at the Hollywood Bowl every Thursday through Saturday starting June 11, 2020 between 4pm to 7pm.
Priates Dinner Adventure has reopened as of August 1st. Pirates Dinner Adventure is open with enhanced health and safety measures including a newly added outdoor area. They are operating with a limited capacity to comply with the latest government requirements. All guests must make a reservation in advance.
Take a mini-car on a fun tour of L.A. with Sunnday Scoot mini-cars. Sunnyday is open now with modifications including social distancing, and online check-ins. You also need to wear a mask.
Great Wolf Lodge resort in Garden Grove is now open and offers both indoor water park fun and dry-land experiences. Your stay includes access to 105,000 sq ft water park's 14 slides, four pools kept at a warm 84 degrees year-round. Excluding the water park, all additional amenities are open to the public. This includes our restaurants, spas and MagiQuest.
The Garden is open sunrise to sunset. Face masks and 6' social distancing are required. No events scheduled at this time.
Orange County beaches are also open now with restrictions. For a full list of California beaches that are open, click here.
Outdoor Areas including our Butterfly Pavilionat are now open to public. You need to reserve your tickets online in advance. Masks are required for anyone three years or older and must cover your nose and mouth at all times while on Museum property.
Online tickets purchased in advance are required for ALL guests, including Santa Barbara Zoo Members during the pandemic. To ensure adequate social distancing between guests, attendance is capped each day to limit the total number of guests in the Zoo at one time. No tickets required for children under 2.
The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park are open again. Each park will operate with limited on-grounds capacity and reduced hours of operation, with limited shopping, dining, and other experiences available at both parks.
LA Living Desert in Palm Springs has opened the Zoo and Gardens to the general public as of June 15, 2020. The indoor spaces have remained closed. Entry will be limited to 200 guests per hour. All tickets must be purchased in advance using their online systems. Reserve your tickets two weeks in advance for contact-free admissions. The zoo is open from 8 am-1:30 pm, with last admission at 1 pm.
LEGOLAND California Hotel has reopened as of July 17th. To celebrate their reopening, LEGOLAND Hotel is offering rooms for just $169 per night.
The train and Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park including bike and paddle boat rentals are open now. Visitors are required to social distance and wear face masks in line and for the train ride. Restrooms will be open as well with hand sanitizer stations. Pony rides and horse rentals will be open as well. Playgrounds remain closed and group areas and picnic benches are taped off and may not be used.
Orange County’s Sportfishing, Whale Watching & Charters are open now with restrictions. They are currently only offering small household charters. However, they will resume business and open back up on Monday, May 25th! Click here for rules and restrictions.
Los Rios Rancho is open in Glen Oak for raspberries and strawberries U-Pick through end of October. They offer more than 3 acres of pristine foothill berry patches to pick from. Join for their slow cooked meats, fresh baked goods, artisan crafts, mountainous nature trails, seasonal fruit picking, and country dances. (1 1/2 hour drive from LA)
Stone Soup Farm
Celebrate the much beloved blackberry and raspberry with Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard's 3rd annual Summer Berry Fair on Oct 30th from 10am-4pm. Enjoy meandering through the lush paths of the Woodland as you pick vine ripened berries, tour the reproduction Farmhouse with interactive activities, taste summer inspired fare, and enjoy the beauty of the seasonal gardens. (1 1/2 hour drive from LA)
Rentals in the Newport Dunes opened Friday, May 22, for taking out kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, peddleboats and Duffy boats.
Channel Islands Dolphin Adventures specializes in safely leading small groups on dolphin and whale watching excursions out of the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard CA. They take you on a tour aboard a state-of-the-art 30ft commercial tour boat.
Most National Forests are open for walking and hiking. Hikers should practice social distancing, and stick to wide roads instead of single-track trails that are too narrow.
Heritage Square is open on Friday, Saturday & Sunday in July for Self Guided Walking Tours. View the lovely historic buildings from the outside, stroll through the beautiful grounds and take a look at the garden in progress. Tickets are available online.
The 3.1 mile loop trial near Pasadena is now open to public for hiking. Everyone need to practice social distancing and wear facial coverings while on the trials. Lot 1 is the only open parking lot and you can only park there for 90 minutes.
The drive-In will operate at 50% capacity. Customers must leave 9’ spacing between vehicles. General admission is $10 for adults and $3.50 for kids 5 through 8. Kids under 5 are free.
Street Food Cinema Drive-In
Watch a movie in the great outdoors while staying safe and cozy in your car. Car entry is $20 and general admission is $8 per person. This weekend's movie is Mrs. Doubtfire.
Monrovia Canyon Park is open to public from 6:30 am to 6 pm. You must have reservations to access the trails in Canyon Park. The park is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Access to the Waterfall Trial remains closed.
Catalina Express continues to operate for essential travel to and from Catalina Island twice a day. All passengers and employees are required to wear a face covering or mask when in the terminals or on board the vessels.
Catalina Island's remote beaches are open for those who have the permission and ability to access them. Access to beaches in Avalon is currently not permitted.
The Conservancy's remote moorings have been reopened. The Harbors General Store is open as is the West End Galley for meals and drinks to go. Moorings in Avalon remain closed.
Mount Baldy Resort is open for Scenic Lift Rides on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 9am to 6pm. Scenic Lift tickets may be purchased in advance online or at the walk up window located at the Counterweight Cafe. Face coverings are required and you need to practice social distancing.
Oasis Camel Dairy Farm is open now! They are booking private tours where you can meet and feed camels and other animals.
Govenor Steve Sisolak announced that Las Vegas’ resorts, and hotel-casinos can reopen throughout Nevada as of June 4th! Click here for all the hotels that have reopened in Vegas.
VIRTUAL EVENTS YOU CAN ENJOY FROM COMFORT OF YOUR HOME
Lincoln Park Zoo is home to nearly 200 species. In this virtual experience, you will start your day with an intimate look at the fascinating animals living at Lincoln Park Zoo. Following the meet-and-greet, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about your favorite animals, live from home! Zoom Stream is is $10 via Goldstar, and is offered each Saturday!
This live virtual tour is designed a lot like the Classic Virtual Tour with ZOOM, but devotes special moments with sloths in rehab being prepped for the wild! Learn from your knowledgeable guide, live, on how to care for, raise, and release orphaned sloths back into the wild. This opportunity is rich with individual stories of rescued wildlife. During this LIVE virtual tour, you will be told fun facts about each species. Available through October 30th. This virtual tour is $18 via Goldstar.
Join Toucan Rescue Ranch for an authentic virtual experience with ZOOM. This opportunity covers animal rescue stories and cool animal facts! During this LIVE virtual tour, you will be told an introductory presentation explaining TRR history, mission, and programs as well as an all-access walk of the property sharing the large variety of parrots, toucans, macaws, owls, sloths, spider monkeys, weasels, and more! Available through October 30th. This virtual tour is $15 via Goldstar.
