While the days begin to oscillate between mild and boiling, outdoor pursuits still reign this month. September is the perfect time to make the most of the California weather and there’s no better way to do that than soaking up the sunshine with a gorgeous, new rooftop spot and invigorating open-air activities. Get inspired by this list of things to do in September in L.A.
1. Get Into The Spooky Spirit And Book Your Tickets To Haunt O’ Ween’s 200,000-Square-Foot Halloween Playground
2-15. Sunbathe At One Of These 13 Cliffside Havens
- Credit: Adele Payman via Unsplash
While there’s nothing better than cooling off in the ocean, melting amongst droves of people makes it a little less appealing. So, taking a little drive and seeking out less popular beaches will be the only way to survive the heat during a pandemic. Whether you’re looking to surf, sunbathe, play beach volleyball or explore rocky coves, there’ll be something for you here.
16. Pose, Slay And Indulge In Heavenly SMiZE Ice Cream At Tyra Banks’ Brand-New Beautyverse
Angelenos, it’s time. ModelLand by icon Tyra Banks has finally opened its gleaming doors in L.A. You can step into the multi-room world in Santa Monica where you’ll discover your true potential through this sensational nexus of technology, retail and all things beauty. You and your friends will get a personalized session where you showcase your fierceness on the catwalk, werk your angles at a pose party with the Smize Masters and celebrate with copious amounts of dreamy SMiZE ice cream. Who knows, you may even be picked as the new face of a campaign. Get your tickets here and get ready uncover the most incredible version of you.
17-36. Take In A Sunset At One Of These 20 Sky-High Hotspots
There’s never a bad season for cocktail soirees on any of L.A.’s incredible rooftop spots. The view, innovative drinks, L.A. attitude and those killer sunsets are a winning combination. However, you can dedicate the last of the warmer weather with a visit to one of these fine spots. From the French Riviera-inspired Bar Lis in Hollywood to Mexico City’s Cha Cha Cha outpost Downtown, there’s an international spirit to the experience at these sky-high havens.
37. Be Transported Back 3,000 Years And Go Face-To-Face With The Egyptian Gods At National Geographic’s Beyond King Tut
At Beyond King Tut, Egypt’s world wonders, golden treasures and ornate artifacts will encompass your surroundings, pulling you through a fascinating, untold story of the boy king you and the mysterious world of Ancient Egypt. This experience puts you inside a tomb of the past and allows you to investigate history through a modern lens. Catch this remarkable exhibit from October 7. Book your tickets in advance here.
38. Snag A $3 Cinema Ticket At One Of These 47 Theaters On September 3
For one day only (September 3), these 47 theaters in L.A. will be honoring National Cinema Day with $3 tickets for every format. The entire event is being put on by The Cinema Foundation and more than 3,000 theaters across the nation will be observing the celebration. Find all the SoCal locations here!
39. Start Planning Your Fall And Get Coveted Tickets To L.L.A.’sacabre Cocktail Soirée
Roam through an ominous residence at this macabre cocktail soirée, where a deeply sinister tale unfolds. This fall, guests are invited to sip on chilling concoctions, dabble in the dark arts, mingle with supernatural specters and unravel the secrets of Vaughan Hall. Your invitation awaits you here.
40-44. Enjoy An Enchanting Candlelight Concert At One Of These Prime Locations
The wildly popular Candlelight concerts have never ceased to captivate audiences across the globe. The series brings talented musicians who perform live shows in beautiful settings, all bathed in Candlelight. These exclusive events honor top artists across a range of venues and now you can catch them at these iconic spaces for a unique evening around the city. Here’s a list of concerts happening this September:
- The Best of Hans Zimmer at JW Marriott Anaheim
- Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole at The Hollywood Roosevelt
- A Tribute to Selena
- A Tribute to Juan Gabriel at Ovation Square Long Beach
- An Evening with Vitamin String Quartet
45-47. Visit These 3 Curious Local Gems
- Credit: @thenoahbaker via Instagram
Leaving the city can be daunting during these uncertain times, luckily there are plenty of local gems that are worth checking out at least once. If you’ve been to any of these spots already, then this may be the perfect time to become a tourist in your own city and rediscover these quirky little gems.
- This Quaint Little Lane Is A Taste Of Europe Hidden In The Heart Of DTLA
- This Mosaicked Venice Gem Is Open To Explore Every Saturday
- Take A Trip Back In Time To The Retro Replica Of The Original In-N-Out In Baldwin Park
48-56. Cool Off Without Heading To The Beach At One Of These 9 Swimming Spots
- Credit: @alexbcamp via Instagram
SoCal is home to some breathtaking beachside scenery, but in the height of summer, you’re likely to see more bronzed bodies than sand. So, taking a little trek through incredible local landscapes to these little swimming havens might be a good alternative. Sure, they can get a little crowded, but if you time it right and go the distance, you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing pool to dip in. Find the complete list here.
57-62. Take A Lastminute Trip To One Of These 5 Quirky Desert Art Towns
- Credit: @jordandnorthrop via Instagram
Summer is coming to an end, but there’s still time for a little escape. If you’re looking for something that truly makes you feel like you’ve left the city, maybe even the planet then head to one of these fascinating dessert towns with mind-bending art and scenery. Find the list here.
63-75. Visit These 13 Museums & Galleries For Free
Get your cultural fix at one of these world-class galleries and museums in L.A. You can marvel at masterpieces from around the world from various decades or take in poignant contemporary works from the voices of our time, and you can do it all for free every day of the week. See a few of our top choices below and check out how to visit for free here.
- Get lost in Yayoi Kusuma’s infinite worlds or Takashi Murakamiat The Broad
- Explore 6,000 years’ worth of artistic expression and take in free jazz concerts in front of Urban Light at LACMA this summer
- Explore the universe for free and admire the Art Deco surroundings at the Griffith Observatory
- Marvel at the ever-evolving organic masterpieces of Robert Irwin at the Getty Center
76. Celebrate The Return Of he Beloved Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
After a two-year hiatus, the annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is back in L.A.’s Chinatown. The festival celebrates the full harvest moon and is a time dedicated to showing appreciation for all the bountiful harvests during the season—and most importantly, sharing it with loved ones. This year, Angelenos can expect traditional Chinese demonstrations, local vendors, live music, a moon ritual with mooncake sampling, and moon viewing through telescopes! Find all the details here.
77. Look Up And Catch The Big, Bright Full ‘Harvest Moon’
A ‘Harvest Moon’ is rolling into town and hitting up L.A. skies this September. The moon will be reaching its peak fullness for an incredibly bright and stunning phenomenon signaling the end of summer. Find out when it will be at its peak here.
78. Head to This Rooftop For A Cannabis And Cinema Night
It’s 420 every Sunday with The Cannabis And Movies Club. Head to the historic Montalban Theater rooftop for an evening of music and fun activities. Of course, there’ll be delicious food options that will satisfy all your munchies too. Find all the details of this exciting new sky-high cinema here.
79. Hike To A Secret Grotto Hidden Behind This Graffitied Tunnel
Step through the Topanga Time Tunnel and find a hidden natural oasis with an 8-foot grotto to cool off in. The Topanga Time Tunnel is off the beaten track and offers cascading pools that are feed by various canyon streams. You’ll have lush scenery and unique rock formations that will take your breath away. Find all the details here.
80. Dine At Kevin Hart’s First Vegan Restaurant In L.A.
Actor and comedian Kevin Hart has opened his first brick-and-mortar Hart House restaurant in Westchester. This exciting vegan fast-food joint is the first of two, with the second one coming to Sunset and Highland, replacing a former Mcdonald’s. Hart aims to make healthy, convenient food affordable and after trying the chick’n sandwich with mayo and pickles, we’re already craving more. Get the full scoop here!
If you’re looking for more things to do this summer, check out our list of free things to do in L.A. this summer.81. Get your kicks at Desperada—Hollywood’s hottest American West burlesque show
The first all-female Western cabaret has arrived in LA’s Vermont Hollywood theater. Desperada: Back to the Ranch features the good, the bad, and the beautiful cowgirls of the silver screen in a classic tale of good vs. evil. The glamorous and talented ladies of Hollywood’s heyday step from the film strip to the stage in a show unlike any other. With aerial acrobatics, precision whip, and much more, Desperada showcases L.A.’s talented movement community. The first performance is September 15th, with two more shows on December 1st and 2nd. Read more and get your tickets here!