While our love for L.A. is no secret, the need to step into another world is undeniable. If you’re craving mood-boosting experiences, these options have you covered! Explore creative spaces, from Messi’s astronomical career as he rises to become the greatest athlete in history, to underwater adventures. Check out our list of the best immersive experiences in Los Angeles to visit right now!
1. Astra Lumina
An enchanting multimedia experience returning to South Coast Botanic Garden starting on November 8. This event features a magical night walk illuminated by vibrant lights and captivating sounds, inviting you to explore a celestial journey filled with stories of life and rebirth. It’s perfect for all ages and promises to be a unique addition to your list of immersive experiences in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
2. Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder
Dive into an enchanting world at Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder! This fully immersive experience brings beloved childhood games to life in vibrant, interactive rooms. Journey through themed worlds in a 360° LED theater, where underwater, prehistoric, and outer space scenes unfold around you. Perfect for all ages, it’s a sensory adventure you won’t forget!
📍 Location: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, 90401
3. Walk on illuminated trails lined with dozens of light sculptures at Lektrik LA
Step into a world of dazzling 3D art at Lektrik: A Festival of Lights, now lighting up Raging Waters LA! Explore over 40 handmade lantern displays showcasing vibrant rainforests, ancient Aztec art, and more, all brought to life by 150+ artists. You can also enjoy artisan stalls, live entertainment, and delicious food while immersing yourself in this holiday season’s most luminous celebration. Learn more here!
📍 Location: Raging Waters LA, 111 Raging Waters Dr, San Dimas, CA 91773
4. Dining in the Dark
Get ready to awaken all your senses with one of the most original immersive experiences in Los Angeles! Perfect for a romantic date, Dining In The Dark embraces the old saying that eye appeal is half the meal.
By eliminating sight, diners embark on a culinary adventure guided solely by taste, touch, smell, and conversation. Hosted at The Spotlight, Dining In The Dark is an exclusive event with limited availability.
📍 Location: 1601 North Cahuenga Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90028
5. See Yayoi Kusama’s dreamy ‘Infinity Mirrored Rooms’
Yayoi Kusama’s sparkling infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away can be seen without reservations on the third floor at The Broad.
This twinkly universe is a beloved installation by the iconic Japanese artist that lets visitors enjoy an endless universe and fill their Instagram feeds with a dazzling illusion.
📍 Location: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
6. Santa’s Secret Immersive Holiday Experience
Naughty or nice? Regardless of how your 2024, there’s no doubt this immersive experience will start the holiday season with a bang! At Santa’s Secret Immersive Holiday Experience, you’ll journey through a winter wonderland and step into Santa’s hidden speakeasy. Indulge in Christmas-themed cocktails and tasty bites while enjoying a live band and a dazzling variety show featuring unique acts, all infused with a sexy holiday twist!
📍 Location: Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Blvd Suite 860, Los Angeles, CA 90048
7. Experience VR Games
Is there anything better than playing video games and visiting arcades? Yes—experiencing an immersive adventure that makes you feel like you’re actually inside the game! Luckily, Los Angeles has venues that offer these kinds of experiences through countless gaming platforms you can enjoy in virtual reality headsets, whether alone or with friends on a weekend.
8. Explore the Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific offers a captivating look into the underwater world with a stunning variety of exhibits and educational programs. Home to over 11,000 animals across more than 500 species, including sharks, jellyfish, and sea lions, the aquarium showcases diverse marine habitats.
A highlight is the Pacific Visions wing, featuring interactive displays and immersive exhibits that emphasize ocean conservation. Oh, and you can enjoy free entry with your L.A. Library Card!
📍 Location: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.
9. De-stress at a rage room
There’s no art or technology involved here—just you and your feelings of anger desperately seeking release. This experience is certainly different, but it’s definitely immersive, as you’ll have the chance to get hands-on and destroy, smash, and obliterate everything in front of you with tools like baseball bats or axes.
It may sound intense, and it is! Los Angeles has many fantastic rage rooms where you, your friends, and even your coworkers can spend a stress-relieving afternoon in a unique way.
10. Have a thrilling day at a theme park
Few things are as immersive as riding a roller coaster at top speed or stepping into a haunted house at one of the many theme parks in Los Angeles. Cotton candy, popcorn, and hot dogs transport you back to your childhood, and when you add visits to Universal or Disney, where you can experience scenes from your favorite movies firsthand, an amusement park offers exactly the extreme immersion you’re looking for.
11. Visit the California Science Center
The California Science Center in Los Angeles is an outstanding immersive museum that offers hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages. One of the highlights is the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit, where you can try a Virtual Paddle Boat and navigate like the great inventor himself or the “Goose Bumps: The Science of Fear” exhibit, featuring interactive rooms that let you explore common fears in a fun and educational way.
The exhibits here are ideal for children, making the California Science Center a perfect destination for family outings, offering an unforgettable adventure into deeper knowledge!
📍 Location: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
12. Snorkel in the Pacific
This is for fans of wildlife and outdoor adventures. If visiting one of the many hidden beaches around L.A. or surfing isn’t enough, and you’re looking for more, then sign up for snorkeling in the Pacific. Grab your wetsuit and dive into the Pacific Ocean for a truly immersive experience under the sea, swimming in crystal-clear waters and exploring everything that lies beneath the surface.
13. Catch a game at Cosm
Cosm is a must-visit spot for sports fans seeking for a completely unique sports bar. The massive 87-foot LED screen and stadium-style seating, bring you right into the action, making this spot one of the best immersive experiences in the city! With unique spaces like The Hall and The Dome, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a passionate fan or just looking to relax. Plus, ticket prices are designed to fit all budgets!
📍 Location: 1252 District Dr, Inglewood, CA 90305
Originally written by Melissa Maynard.