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31 Best Things to Do in LA in January (2023)


Beautiful overhead view of Echo Park and DTLA in the background with the Los Angeles skyline

Los Angeles in January is fantastic for those seeking warm, sunny weather and outdoor adventures. With average high temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low-70s, you can spend your days basking in the sun at the beach or exploring the beautiful hiking trails in the nearby mountains. You can also start the year with your choice of hit concerts, new dining experiences, and exciting sporting events in LA. Get ready to soak up all that LA has to offer with our guide to Los Angeles in January.

While it may be sunny outside, you can enjoy a fun winter activity by skating at Ice in Santa Monica. This ice skating rink is in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica. The ice rink is large, leaving a good amount of room to skate freely on the 8000-square-foot ice. It's open until January 16 and on-site skate rentals are available.


Location: 1324 5th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401


Things to Do in LA (TOP PICK)

Experience a bird’s-eye view of Los Angeles with this classic hiking experience. Everyone should visit Griffith Park's 53-mile-long network of trails at least once in their lifetime. The most famous trails head to right above the Hollywood Sign; making for some great photo opportunities.


Location: 2700 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027


One of the last theatres built by film producer Alexander Pantages offers a walking experience of the history of Hollywood’s seedy underbelly. The visitors are advised to wear comfy shoes and expect anything during the tour. There are different stories told and interesting stops during the tour.


Location: 6233 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, CA 90028


This hidden gem of a museum offers a unique insight into the San Fernando Valley which consists of popular cities like Calabasas (Kardashians), Burbank (Movie Studios), and plenty more. They have themed events to apprise the visitors about the people who shaped the region as it appears.


Location: 16781 Stagg Street, Van Nuys, CA 91406

Come to the Laugh Factory, every Sunday, for Chocolate Sundae Comedy. A live comedy show featuring veterans as well as new performers to fill your night with laughs. Famous Hollywood artists like Kevin Hart, Kat Williams, and Tracy Morgan have all performed here.


Location: Hollywood 8001 Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90046


Want to try something completely different and environmentally friendly? Come to the Urban Gardening Workshop and find out how to beautify your home garden and create natural compost. The LA Sanitation and Environment specialists are here to help. The January agenda includes: fruit tree pruning and planting bare roots. The event usually takes place on Saturdays of every month.


Location: 5400 Griffith Park Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027


Who doesn't love cars? Who doesn't love coffee? Well, you can have both at this event in LA on January 29th. The event showcases unique cars. Enthusiasts can attend it in a family-friendly environment. Many come to share their experiences and personal cars with the LA community.


Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027


Space is within reach and participants can now experience the galaxy by walking through it at Astra Lumina. This spectacular night walk leaves visitors in awe with a truly immersive experience. It’s arranged on an 87-acre botanic garden. Dates are flexible.


Location: 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274


Hollywood Carnival is a party presentation, celebration of multiple cultures. There are lots of different bands that perform during the January 27th event.


Location: 740 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014 United States


Want to see tour into history of prohibition in LA? Walk to amazing places, have cocktails and enjoy delicious food while turning the pages of history. Check their website for tour dates.


Ready to party in 2023? Come see the two-time Grammy-nominated artist Tiësto, performing on January 27th at Exchange LA. One of the best DJs of all time, and considered the world's most traveled music artist, catch his event live in the city of LA.


Location: 618 S. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA, United States


The 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards are just around the corner. Skybar is hosting a pre-event red carpet gala at the end of the first week of January. Come join the star-studded night on the 7th of January.


Location: 8440 Sunset Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90069


A classic Mexican restaurant celebrates its 100th birthday this year. Come grab some chips and salsa while sipping a refreshingly cold margarita right before you get your sizzling hot steak fajitas.


Location: 2310 E 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90033


Feeling artsy? What a great way to start the year by creating an art canvas during this interactive social event. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience for those who want to express themselves while sipping wine and chatting with fellow artists. Each event has a different art design so you can always come back for more.


Location: 1459 Venice Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90006


The famous rapper GZA is performing live at Crypto Arena on January 18th. He is presenting his second solo studio album Liquid Swords. You might even get lucky enough to play one-on-one chess the real GZA.


Location: 1720 East 16th Street Los Angeles, CA 90021


Switching diets this year? Junkyard Dog offers a robust, plant-based menu, including Croissant Sandwiches, Truffle Mac, and Truffle Mushroom Burgers. Oh, and don't forget to try the yummy, plant-based pizza.


Location: 4330 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029


Universal Studios Hollywood offers an atmosphere of magic as you step in the world of Harry Potter. Don't miss the best attractions in the theme park. Make sure to experience the mysteries of Hogwarts™ castle and the other Harry Potter-themed rides.


Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608


The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku is now available at the Arboretum in Los Angeles. Forest bathing reconnects man with nature and helps boost your mood and promotes natural healing. A certified guide helps you navigate the 127-acre botanical garden within the famous Arboretum.


Location: 301 North Baldwin Ave Arcadia, CA 91007


Don't miss seeing an extradoniary duel between Lebron James of the LA Lakers and Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks. This NBA event takes place on the Lakers home court; Crypto Arena. The match will be held on the 13th of the month and is one of the many sporting events worth watching in LA this January.


Location: 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015


The label Set Active is a well-known brand in the activewear world and its flagship 2023 pop-up in LA will showcase Set’s core collection, limited drops, and exclusive merchandise to visitors.


Location: 8476 Melrose Ave, LA, CA

An event in Los Angeles where the "Ideas Worth Spreading" is going to be discussed. TEDx is known for having masterful speakers. The venue Million Dollar Theater will host these special seminars in LA.


Location: 307 S Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013

The Association has a special event, every Friday, that offers tequila tastings from a list of exquisite and premium categories. The tastings begin at 9 PM, but guests can continue to enjoy the night well beyond, listening to great DJs and dancing with their friends on the dance floor.


Location: 110 E 6th St Los Angeles, CA 90014


Thinking of trying something new this year? If you want to give comedy a chance then come see (and join) Flappers Open Mics. Grab some drinks, share some laughter, and maybe catch a special performance by a famous comedian.


Location: 102 E Magnolia Blvd Burbank, CA 91502


The Los Angeles Club Crawl offers an experience to join the nightlife of Downtown LA. You'll have a party guide as well as a community of bar-hopping and club-dancing adventurers to mingle with.


Location: 830 South Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90014


Experience roller skating, Disney style! This special event at the Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale, offers rollerskate rentals for only 7 dollars. Don't miss it on January 20th.


Location: 5110 San Fernando Road Glendale, CA 91204


Looking for love in the new year? The Next Fun Things gets a lot of people together to help you accomplish that goal. A good date is difficult to find in LA so why not take a chance on some curated, dating fun?


Location: 832 South Olive Street Los Angeles, CA 90014


Are you one of the many people with a fitness resolution? If you are looking for a challenge then join this half marathon course which is 90% Griffith Park trails. The trail starts from the zoo and then goes to hills, with beautiful views. Be ready at 7 am on January 7th.


Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive Los Angeles, CA 90027


Whether it’s Salsa or Bachata – one can book a spot with the world-famous Javier Campines. Every Tuesday they offer a Salsa class and Wednesdays are booked for Bachata lessons. Beginners are welcome.


Location: 11606 San Vicente Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90049


Discover new ways to capture the architecture of the city with your iPhones or iPads. The Apple Store provides guides and information about the angles and lines for capturing the best details. This interactive event takes place on multiple dates in January at The Grove.


Location: 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA


It's time. For cheeseburger week. From January 22nd to January 27th, visitors can join Pasadena's special event. Take a cheeseburger challenge and enjoy different varieties of almost every kind of cheeseburger imagined.


Location: 1500 West Colorado, Pasadena, CA


Uncorked in LA showcases around 150 wines inside a venue full of entertainment, food, and other vendors. Don't miss the exclusive offering this month.


Location: 800 N Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012

 

What's your favorite thing to do in LA in January? Did we miss one of your favorites? Comment below and let us know. If you are looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles, be sure to subscribe to the LA Today VIP list to stay up-to-date with the newest attractions, hidden secrets, and best events. 🌴LA TODAY

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