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Tags: 2025, Los Angeles, California, wellness, arts & culture, Culinary
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Best in Class Sports, Entertainment, Artistic Institutions, A Booming Culinary Scene and Neighborhood Gems: Here Are The Top 25 Reasons to Visit Los Angeles in 2025
From Expanded and Newly-Opened Cultural and Sporting Institutions to Distinctive Wellness Experiences and Significant Transportation Upgrades, LA Tourism Reveals The Top 25 Reasons to Visit in 2025
LOS ANGELES (2025) – Los Angeles in 2025 remains a must-visit destination for visitors with new openings, hidden gems, and exciting news from iconic landmarks. Inviting travelers to explore unforgettable experiences at every turn, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is spotlighting significant milestones and must-visit spots across the city's many regions in the year ahead.
“2024 was a monumental year for Los Angeles,” said Adam Burke, President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism. “From being passed the Olympic flag in Paris to the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series win and the opening of major entertainment institutions like Intuit Dome, the energy and excitement both in and about the City of Angels continues to rise. 2025 promises visitors to Los Angeles even more venues, shows, restaurants and arts & culture attractions to experience. There's truly something for everyone here in LA, and we're thrilled for locals and visitors alike to experience all the exciting openings, transformations and surprises across the region next year.”
Global travel trends indicate that travelers are looking to immerse themselves in unique experiences—discovering hidden gems, exploring the arts and curating itineraries filled with special moments like seeing an up-and-coming performer at Andy's Jazz & R&B Club or visiting the oldest mochi shop in Little Tokyo. Los Angeles Tourism is here to assist, with exciting highlights for every type of traveler visiting LA. In 2025, the city of Los Angeles is…
Fostering Community Through Arts & Culture:
Boasting more museums and art galleries per capita than any other city in the U.S., Los Angeles is a hub for storied cultural institutions, dynamic public works and a vibrant street art scene
PST Art: Art & Science Collide Marks USA's Largest Art Event (City-wide)
Southern California's landmark arts event (previously Pacific Standard Time), returned in September 2024 and will run through February 2025 with more than 818 artists and 50 exhibitions, marking the largest art event in the United States. This year's theme explores the fascinating intersections of art and science, from biotechnology to sustainable agriculture and ancient cosmologies to Indigenous science-fiction. Exhibitions in Los Angeles include World Without End: The George Washington Carver Project on view at the California African American
Museum, and Cyberpunk: Envisioning Possible Futures at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
NHM Commons Recently Opened at The Natural History Museum (Exposition Park)
Since debuting a major $75 million transformation in November 2024, The Natural History Museum is now home to a new 60,000 sq. ft. indoor-outdoor wing, strengthening the museum's connections to the community in Exposition Park. See Gnatalie, a more than 75-foot-long green-boned sauropod. Get up close to L.A. artist Barbara Carrasco's landmark mural, L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective, and see an exhibition of notable specimens found by local community scientists and collected and researched by our own scientists. The addition is designed by Los Angeles-based Frederick Fisher & Partners and Mia Lehrer's Studio-MLA and is now open for the public to enjoy.
Commemorate Cultural Anniversaries at LACMA and Griffith Observatory (Mid-Wilshire, Griffith Park)
2025 marks the 60th anniversary of The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) as well as the 90th anniversary of Griffith Observatory. The largest art museum in the western United States, LACMA is known for exhibiting and interpreting works of art from new and unexpected points of view and is expanding in 2026 with the new Peter Zumthor–designed David Geffen Galleries. To learn more about the museum's 60th anniversary programming, visit LACMA's website throughout 2025. Since opening its doors in 1935, Griffith Observatory has become the most-visited public observatory in the world, welcoming over 1.6 million visitors a year. The observatory offers a unique hybrid of public observatory, planetarium, and exhibition space, and boasts an impressive view of the iconic Hollywood Sign. 90th Anniversary programming will be announced throughout 2025.
Destination Crenshaw Celebrates Black Legacy (Crenshaw, South LA)
Originally set to open last year, the $100 million outdoor art and culture experience in the heart of South Los Angeles is transforming a 1.3 mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard into a thriving commercial corridor with a focus on Black art, history, culture and community in Los Angeles. The outdoor museum will feature community spaces and pocket parks with more than 100 commissioned works by artists including Melvin Edwards, Maren Hassinger, Charles Dickson, and Artis Lane in a truly dynamic expression of Black American culture in the United States.
One of a Kind Experiences For Every Type of Traveler:
A recent trend report from Eventbrite found that over 60% of travelers now actively plan vacations around live events, like concerts, tours and classes, as desires for unique, memorable experiences rise and surpass more traditional sightseeing activities.
Los Angeles is an exciting hub for interactive travel in 2025, with newly opened attractions across entertainment, music, wellness, and more, offering visitors fresh, immersive experiences that showcase the city's innovative spirit and cutting-edge attractions.
Exciting Openings: Entertainment, Nightlife and Live Performances (City-wide)
Los Angeles is gearing up for a thrilling array of entertainment and attractions in 2025, offering something for everyone. Jazz newcomers Andy's Jazz & R&B Club, recently opened by Anderson .Paak West Hollywood, and the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club, opening two performance spaces in Hollywood this March, add a fresh dose of live jazz and R&B performances. 2025 also promises major new destination debuts, like West Harbor in San Pedro, a new vibrant waterfront entertainment district with dining and shopping and Cinevita, a live cinema experience set inside the world's largest spiegeltent, located in Hollywood Park by SoFi Stadium.
Experiential Family Activities: New Hello Kitty Cafe, Immersive Museums (City-wide)
Los Angeles blends adventure, creativity, and interactive entertainment for visitors of all ages. Now open at Universal CityWalk is the Hello Kitty Cafe, a pastel pink haven serving sweet treats and specialty beverages, the perfect pairing for a day at Universal Studios Hollywood, where The World-Famous Studio Tour takes visitors behind the scenes to live film sets, where classic movies and beloved television shows were (and still are) filmed. Starting January 25, The Grammy Museum will be offering free general admission to anyone 17 and under, expanding the opportunity for young individuals to experience interactive exhibits, including the upcoming Sonic Playground, a new hands-on permanent exhibit opening next month. The Sloomoo Institute in Fairfax combines a mix of science and magic, offering a celebration of sensory play with freshly crafted slime, Kinetic Sand, Slimey Mirrors, Lake Sloomoo and more. The Balloon Museum's current exhibition “Let's Fly” explores the idea of lightness and flight.
Best-in-Class Wellness Destinations for Body, Mind, and Beauty (City-wide)
Los Angeles offers a range of wellness experiences to refresh the body, mind and soul. With with the numerous hiking trails in Los Angeles is the perfect way to discover why L.A. is the ideal place to get outside Shop for trendy, clean products In Larchmont at Thirteen Lune, highlighting beauty brands by Black and Brown founders, or at one of multiple new Credo Beauty locations throughout the city. 444IV Wellness Lounge, at the intersection of Slauson and Overhill is your haven for holistic IV therapy and tech-forward wellness solutions. In Downtown, Hotel Figueroa features a wellness-focused Herbals & Longevity Elixirs Menu at Café Fig, developed with herbalist Adriana Ayales, and its Rest & Recovery Suite offers a cutting-edge sleep experience with products designed to optimize rest and reduce stress. The Four Seasons Westlake Village has an entire department dedicated to wellness at their Center for Health and Wellbeing and is hosting a 'White Lotus' inspired wellness retreat in partnership with the Max series ahead of the new season in February.
Vogue World in Hollywood, A Fashion Lover's Dream (City-wide)
In October 2025, Vogue World will return to the U.S., this time descending on sunny Los Angeles. Vogue World: Hollywood will celebrate the rich conversation between film and fashion, centering the most inspiring characters in cinema history. To gear up for the momentous occasion, fashionistas should be sure to check out LA Fashion Week in March held at the historic Union Station, source unique fabrics in the Fashion District, or hunt for hidden treasures & vintage pieces at flea markets across the city like Melrose Trading Post, Silverlake Flea or the Rose Bowl Flea Market.
Transforming Tourism:
Los Angeles is making significant strides in enhancing transportation, making it easier than ever to navigate the city. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, the city is introducing new opportunities for visitors to explore its constantly evolving neighborhoods. Simultaneously, LA's diverse and burgeoning hotel scene offers fresh, exciting experiences for both new and returning visitors.
Wave of Recent and Upcoming Hotel Openings + Renovations (City-wide)
LA has seen a wave of exciting hotel openings and renovations, adding new luxury experiences to the city's vibrant hospitality scene. Among the latest, the W Hollywood has undergone a complete transformation, positioning itself as the new West Coast flagship for the W Hotels brand. The Olivia Hotel in Westwood presents a chic, nature-inspired boutique experience with 56 guest rooms and a tranquil garden courtyard. In early 2025, new properties like Hotel Lucile in Silver Lake and Jordan San Gabriel in the Valley will further elevate LA's hospitality offerings with unique, modern accommodations. With these fresh openings and renovations, Los Angeles continues to redefine luxury and hospitality for every kind of traveler. Now through January 31, 2025, LA Tourism is working with 40+ hotel properties around the city to extend special offers like free breakfast, parking or a free third night, making now the perfect time to come to LA for a bucket list event and stay for the night to explore the city.
The Automated People Mover Simplifies Travel at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (Westside)
The Automated People Mover (APM) is the centerpiece of LAX's multibillion dollar Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP) which will enhance the traveler experience, provide flyers with time-certain access to terminals and open the long-awaited connection to the city's regional transportation system. This project is a key portion of LAX's $15 billion modernization program, considered the largest public works program in the history of the City of Los Angeles. The APM is an electric train system on a 2.25-mile elevated guideway with six stations total. Los Angeles International Airport anticipates that the system will be completed by early 2026. The APM will be free for all users and will operate 24/7.
Hollywood Boulevard Revamp For Pedestrians & Cyclists (Hollywood)
Los Angeles city officials and business leaders have announced a major reconstruction project for Hollywood Boulevard in hopes of increasing safety for pedestrians and bicyclists while revitalizing businesses along the boulevard. Named “Access to Hollywood,” the project will focus on a 3.6-mile stretch that will include removing some car lanes to install protected bike lanes and dedicated bus lanes, improving crosswalks and widening sidewalks.
LA Metro's Expansion Increases Connectivity (City-wide)
Los Angeles Metro continues to expand, opening light rail and subway lines throughout the city. First debuting in June 2023, the regional connector link allows riders to travel from East Los Angeles to Santa Monica, without transferring. Next, LA's metro system will expand to the Westside with the Purple (D Line) Extension Transit Project. This critical, highly-anticipated new addition to Metro's network will add seven new stations and a reliable, high-speed connection between downtown and the Westside. Opening in three sections, Section 1 is slated to open in 2025 and will include stations located at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La
Cienega. Metro's plan for better transit also includes connecting Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), with Airport Metro Connector Transit Station (AMC), allowing transfers between LAX and Metro's network.
Leading Sports Entertainment:
Los Angeles is fresh off a World Series Championship and gearing up for a decade of sports. The city will host NBA All-Star 2026, the 2026 U.S. Women's Open Championship, eight matches in the FIFA World Cup (2026), Super Bowl LXI (2027), and The Olympic & Paralympic Games in 2028. FIFA World Cup (2026), Super Bowl LXI (2027), and The Olympic & Paralympic Games in 2028 will all have key events at the iconic SoFi Stadium in Inglewood (amongst other venues), marking SoFi Stadium as the first venue to ever host all three global events.
The Clippers' New Cutting-Edge Arena (Inglewood)
Basketball fans and concertgoers are already enjoying the newly-opened Intuit Dome, the new 18,000-seat, $1.2 billion sports arena for the Los Angeles Clippers. Ushering in a new era of sports entertainment, the arena is a basketball fan's dream, with private courtside cabanas, backstage bungalows, loft suites, a public plaza, concert stage, retail shops and more. Since opening in August, the arena has already hosted star-studded musical performances from Billy Joel to Bruno Mars, with a special performance from Mary J. Blige on deck for 2025. The arena is designed so that every seat offers a great view, with a video board wrapping around the dome.
With 11 Pro Teams, LA is a Sports Tourism Hotspot (City-wide)
One city, a whopping 11 professional sports teams. Even if travelers aren't LA sports fans, there is a significant chance their favorite team will play in Los Angeles in 2025 against the Dodgers, Lakers, Sparks, Clippers, Rams, Chargers, Kings, Galaxy, LAFC, Angel City FC, and the new Rugby FC Los Angeles. With the city's reputation as the premier sports tourism hub, Los Angeles offers the perfect blend of world-class sports and dynamic attractions, making it an exciting destination for any sports enthusiast.
Catch Shohei Ohtani and the World Series Champions at Dodger Stadium (Elysian Park)
Shohei Ohtani has done it again! The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar just won his third Most Valuable Player award, this time for the National League. This comes after winning the American League MVP in 2021 and 2023 with the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani is only the second player in Major League Baseball history to win a Most Valuable Player award in both leagues. The MLB 2025 season will be one to watch – Heralded as one of the most talented players to ever play the game, Ohtani will continue to draw die-hard fans from across the globe to Dodger Stadium this year.
Los Angeles Chargers Announce Official Opening of The Bolt (El Segundo)
The Los Angeles Chargers officially opened "The Bolt," the team's new state-of-the-art training facility and corporate headquarters. The facility boasts expansive views of the LA Basin and sits within four miles of LAX, popular South Bay beaches and SoFi Stadium. The ground floor includes an expansive locker room, training & medical space, weight room, hydrotherapy room, recovery room and more, with direct access to practice fields, a lap/rehab pool and an outdoor lounge featuring a BBQ, firepit and full sun outdoor televisions. The top floor features a soon-to-be-completed private, members-only club, lounge, and dining area. Most importantly, access will be granted to the public. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Uncovering 'Awayborhoods' and Neighborhood Gems:
A recent trend report from Priceline revealed that young travelers are seeking down-to-earth travel spots brimming with culture and nestled away from bustling city centers, coined 'Awayborhoods'. Additionally, more than 1 in 3 Gen Z and Millennial travelers participate in local activities like grocery shopping while traveling, truly immersing themselves in local destinations.
Los Angeles is a city of unique neighborhoods, each offering something special for locals and visitors. Whether a fitness enthusiast, adventure seeker, music aficionado, or foodie, travelers will always find something new to discover in LA neighborhoods.
History and Hidden Gems in The San Fernando Valley (The Valley)
From history and pop culture to modern attractions, The San Fernando Valley is enticing travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences paired with classic movie-making nostalgia. Visit landmarks like the 18th-century Spanish mission and iconic movie sets, or experience Universal Studios Hollywood with Super Nintendo World and the Studio Tour. Explore the NoHo Arts District, enjoy vintage shopping on Ventura Boulevard, and savor breakfast at spots like Romancing the Bean in Burbank or Beck's in Encino. The Valley also offers great dining, from retro classics like Casa Vega to trendy new spots such as the Topanga Social food hall.
Laughs, Tears and Dancing in Hollywood (Hollywood)
Hollywood is a hotspot for live entertainment, offering a diverse range of performances throughout the year. Next year, theater enthusiasts can catch Wicked at the Pantages Theatre, followed by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child starting in February. Comedy lovers will find themselves at home with iconic venues like The Comedy Store and Laugh Factory, each regularly hosting top talent. For those looking to dance the night away, the city's nightlife scene is booming with fresh spots like The Keys, a three-story EDM club on Sunset Boulevard, and The Moon Room on Melrose, where cocktail hours give way to lively parties. Mars Hollywood, with its plush red velvet couches, transforms into a vibrant party scene behind the popular Mother Wolf restaurant.
Dodgers Fan Delicacies, Mochi, & More in Little Tokyo (DTLA)
With roots dating back to the 1880s, Little Tokyo in DTLA is a vibrant cultural hub for Japanese Americans and one of only three official Japantowns in the U.S. A National Historic Landmark District since 1995, Little Tokyo is home to the annual Nisei Week festival and iconic spots like Fugetsu-do, a family-owned mochi and manju shop that has been serving traditional Japanese sweets for over 120 years. Superfans of Shohei Ohtani can immerse themselves in Japanese culture while snapping pictures at the larger-than-life Ohtani mural at the Miyako Hotel, one of three Ohtani murals in LA. Head to Far Bar for free sake shots with every Ohtani home run, or visit Okayama Jobo Bakery for delicious Dodgers hat-themed pastries during baseball season. Whether indulging in mochi, exploring cultural landmarks, or enjoying a sweet treat, Little Tokyo offers a rich blend of history, food, and local flavor.
Soak up 300+ Days of Sunshine in Venice (Venice)
With 75 miles of coastline and iconic surf spots, Los Angeles is the ultimate destination for sun and surf. Venice Beach stands out with its vibrant boardwalk, where the energy of the city meets the rhythm of the waves. Whether swimming, surfing, or exploring scenic running paths, Venice offers plenty of outdoor activities to energize the body and soul. The neighborhood is also a wellness haven. Breathwork, meditation, and yoga studio, Open, offers peaceful spaces for relaxation and mindfulness and Den Mother provides holistic healing experiences for balance-seekers. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Venice is the ideal locale for those looking to stay active while rejuvenating and embracing a healthy lifestyle. Located a few blocks from Venice Beach, Abbot Kinney Blvd. is a vibrant collection of boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bars that attracts visitors from all over. Be sure to try brunch favorite Gjelina or Fiorelli Pizza, a perfect spot for the whole family.
24-Hour Fun in Koreatown (Koreatown)
Koreatown ("K-town") – once the epicenter of Golden Age Hollywood – is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Today, Korean and Latino populations contribute to the area's rich cultural diversity. K-town is known for having one of the largest concentrations of nightclubs and 24-hour businesses and restaurants in the country. From casual fare to elevated bites, Koreatown boasts a plethora of dining options for all palates and budgets including Korean BBQ at Chosun Galbee, moody bar bites at Dan Sang Sa and The Prince, and global favorites Parks BBQ and Guelaguetza.
Critically Acclaimed Destination Dining:
Culinary tourism continues to rise, with a recent Virtuoso report showing that 70% of travelers are now seeking out food experiences when traveling. Los Angeles offers a diverse array of dining experiences ranging from upscale, Michelin-starred restaurants to trendy food trucks and authentic ethnic eateries, making it a city where every palate can find something to savor.
A Culinary Capital with an Array of Global Cuisines (City-wide)
Los Angeles is one of the most densely populated and ethnically diverse counties in the United States, and as a result, its culinary diversity is unparalleled. From a mouthwatering blue-corn taco at Villa's Tacos in Highland Park and Thai Town institution Jitlada to Little Ethiopia's recently reopened dinner service at Meals By Genet and Koreatown newcomer Danbi, visitors will experience the world's flavors without leaving LA.
MICHELIN® Status Experiences (City-wide)
As of August 2024, LA is home to 189 MICHELIN rated restaurants with 11 new establishments gaining recognition this year. The breadth of restaurants across the city acknowledged in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide emphasizes LA's growing star status as a global dining destination. Travelers will find prestigious fine dining, industry-leading sustainability and conservation, and affordable fare from some of the world's most talented chefs. New recognitions in the 2024 guide include Vespertine in Culver City, which received two stars and a Michelin Green Star, as well as new one star spots Holbox, Meteora and Uka.
Dine LA Restaurant Week Returns this Winter (City-wide)
This winter, Dine LA, the biannual 15-day dining event produced by LA Tourism, kicks off on January 24 through February 7. The program spotlights restaurants across LA County, inviting Angelenos and visitors to enjoy the city's critically acclaimed dining scene at a variety of price points. The community-driven initiative returns once again in summer 2025 for more flavorful fun!
Farmer's Markets Every Day of the Week (City-wide)
Los Angeles is home to a variety of renowned farmers' markets, offering fresh produce and artisanal goods every day of the week. From the iconic Hollywood Farmers' Market on Sundays to the Culver City, Crenshaw, Historic Downtown, and Larchmont markets, many neighborhoods host vibrant, community-driven markets that showcase local vendors and fresh, seasonal offerings. Los Angeles takes pride in its top-tier farmers' markets, ensuring there's always something fresh to discover.
There's something for everyone in Los Angeles, and 2025 is the perfect time to plan your visit. For more inspiration and recommendations on all of the unique ways to experience Los Angeles, visit DiscoverLosAngeles.com.
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ABOUT LOS ANGELES & LOS ANGELES TOURISM
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is the non-profit destination marketing and sales organization for the Los Angeles tourism industry and the ultimate resource for where to stay and play in the LA area.
Los Angeles is a dynamic, ever-evolving destination – where diversity thrives, and everyone is welcome. Discover the true LA by exploring its more than 30 culturally rich neighborhoods, each one offering a distinct vibe. LA is home to more than 300 days of warm sunshine, 75 miles of idyllic shoreline, more museums and performing arts venues than any other U.S. city, and an innovative culinary scene led by influential tastemakers. A global creative capital and the epicenter of the sports universe, LA presents limitless possibilities for visitors from around the world. For more information, visit discoverlosangeles.com, follow at facebook.com/DiscoverLosAngeles, or @discoverLA on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
MEDIA CONTACT
BerlinRosen| latourism@berlinrosen.com
Melissa Yunk, LA Tourism | myunk@latourism.org
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