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What to Do for Father's Day in LA (Top 7)

7 things to do for Father's Day in LA, from Santa Anita and Dodger Stadium to a free visit to Griffith Observatory, rechecked in July 2026.

By LA Today·Updated Jul 27, 2026 Verified July 2026
The short answer

For a classic Father's Day outing, catch a Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium. For something more special, book Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills. And if Dad just wants free and outdoors, Griffith Observatory costs nothing to visit.

Father's Day in LA works for almost any kind of dad, whether he wants a day at the track, a ballgame, a steak dinner, a museum, or a round of golf. All 7 picks below were rechecked in July 2026.

01

Watch the Horse Races at Santa Anita Park

285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia
Thoroughbred horses and jockeys racing at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.
VariesHorse racingFather's Day event

The historic Santa Anita Park runs live racing all Father's Day weekend, with a dedicated Father's Day event page for specials on buffets, whiskey, and more.

Good to knowCheck the track's official Father's Day event page for that year's specific specials before you go.
See Father's Day eventView on map
02

See the Dodgers Play

1000 Vin Scully Ave, Los Angeles
Los Angeles Dodgers action at Dodger Stadium.
VariesBaseballFamily-friendly

A Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium is a reliable Father's Day pick, hot dog and cold drink included. The All-You-Can-Eat Right Field Pavilion is worth considering if Dad's bringing an appetite.

Good to knowBuy tickets in advance, Father's Day weekend games sell out.
Get ticketsView on map
03

Eat Steak at Mastro's Steakhouse

246 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills
Entrance of Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills.
$$$Bone-in ribeyeUpscale

Mastro's in Beverly Hills is known for its steaks, including a 40oz Tomahawk, in a sophisticated dining room at the center of Beverly Hills.

Good to knowSave room for the butter cake, it's the restaurant's signature dessert.
Make a reservationView on map
04

Explore the Autry Museum of the American West

4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles
The Autry Museum of the American West in Griffith Park.
$Western history$

Formerly known as the Gene Autry Museum, the Autry Museum of the American West covers Western art, history, and artifacts in Griffith Park, a solid pick for a dad who loves the American West.

Good to knowCheck the museum's current exhibitions before you go to see what's on view.
Plan your visitView on map
05

Stargaze at Griffith Observatory

2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory overlooking the Los Angeles skyline at sunset.
FreeFreeSpace & astronomy

General admission to Griffith Observatory is always free, with space and astronomy exhibits and some of the best skyline views in the city.

Good to knowParking near the Observatory fills fast, arrive early or plan to walk up from a lower lot.
See hoursView on map
06

See Dinosaur Hall at the Natural History Museum

900 W Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles
Dinosaur Hall skeletons on display at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
$Dinosaur Hall$

The Natural History Museum of LA County's Dinosaur Hall is a reliable pick for a dad who loves natural history and fossils, in Exposition Park near USC.

Good to knowPair it with a stop at the nearby California Science Center, which is free, if you want to make a full afternoon of it.
Plan your visitView on map
07

Hit the Range at Woodley Lakes Golf Course

6331 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys
Open fairway lined with mature trees in morning light
$Driving range18-hole course

Woodley Lakes, an LA city golf course in Van Nuys, offers both a driving range and a full course, good for beginners and experienced golfers alike.

Good to knowBook a tee time or a lesson online ahead of time through GolfNow to guarantee a spot.
Book a tee timeView on map

A few more worth knowing

  • The museum once known as the "Gene Autry Museum" is now the Autry Museum of the American West. Same institution in Griffith Park, updated name.

Frequently asked

What's a free thing to do for Father's Day in LA?

Griffith Observatory offers free general admission year-round, with space and astronomy exhibits and skyline views.

Is there a Father's Day event at Santa Anita Park?

Yes, the track runs live racing all Father's Day weekend with a dedicated Father's Day event page for food and drink specials.

Where's a good upscale restaurant for Father's Day in LA?

Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills is a reliable splurge pick, known for its 40oz Tomahawk steak and butter cake dessert.

What happened to the Gene Autry Museum?

It's now branded as the Autry Museum of the American West, same location and focus on Western history and art in Griffith Park.

Is there a good golf option for Father's Day in LA?

Woodley Lakes Golf Course in Van Nuys has both a driving range and full course, suitable for beginners and experienced golfers.