The major winter holidays have ended and the winter months may have you starting out the new year wondering what to do with your time. Although winter in LA is mild compared to many other areas of the U.S., it still tends to be cooler, wetter, and cloudier than the rest of the year. Since it’s not the best time to catch some rays on the beach, here are some fun activities to make sure you get the most out of LA in the winter.
Take a Tour of Los Angeles
There’s so much to do in LA, and a guided tour is a great way to see a lot, get the lay of the land, and learn interesting facts along the way. Glitterati Tours offers seven different tours of the City of Angels as well as a tour of beach cities like Santa Monica, Malibu, and Venice. They can even create a custom tour just for you. Whether it’s Hollywood and the entertainment industry, Beverly Hills celebrity homes, historic landmarks, arts and culture, or the infamous scandals in LA’s history, you’ll enjoy these guided tours in a luxurious Lincoln Navigator SUV with a multi-media iPad presentation. Their professional, friendly, and knowledgeable guides keep their fingers on the changing pulse of the city and can accommodate your requests. They are sure to make your winter in LA an unforgettable experience.
Whale Watching
Winter in LA is the best time of the year to go whale watching. Gray whales migrate from the Bering Sea in Alaska to Scammon’s Lagoon in the Baja Peninsula in Mexica during November and December and swim back north in March and April. All winter you can see these majestic animals swimming along the coastline. Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach, and San Pedro offer boat trips out of LA.
Go to a Museum During Winter in LA
There are nearly 100 museums in LA, so you can fill the winter months investigating everything from art and history to illusions and battleships. Some of the most popular or well-known museums to visit in LA are the Getty Center which has art collections from Van Gogh, Monet, and Cézanne; the Griffith Observatory which offers free admission to enjoy its planetarium, exhibits, telescopes, and the best views of the LA basin; and the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum where visitors can experience the Ice Age.
Hike to the Hollywood Sign
While you can hike to the Hollywood sign any time of year, doing so in the winter months offers a special treat. Besides the weather being comfortable enough to walk without breaking a sweat, winter offers the best sunsets. Sunsets are more vivid because the humidity is lower and the air is cleaner, leaving fewer particles to wash out colors in the sunsets. Also, since the Earth spins closer to the sun in winter, the angle makes the sunset colors last longer.
See a Theatre or Opera Performance
Winter in LA is the perfect time to escape the elements outdoors and be comfortable and entertained while watching a live concert, Broadway show, or opera performance. With a multitude of concert halls and venues, there’s something for everyone’s liking.