Things to Do at Night in LA

Star Gazing

While Los Angeles is full of stars of the Hollywood type, outdoor enthusiasts may get more thrills from stars of the heavenly variety. A great vantage point for such an activity is the observatory at Griffith Park. Admission to the observatory is free, and free telescopes are available through 9:45 p.m. on days the observatory is open. Guides are also on hand to help you make the most of your star viewing. The Griffith Observatory is closed on Mondays and some holidays.

Griffith Observatory
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 473-0800
griffithobservatory.org

Night Hikes

Just because the sun goes down doesn't mean your hiking boots have to go back in the closet. Every Thursday at 7 p.m., the Sierra Club meets to hike at a brisk pace for a five-mile round trip not for the novice hiker. Sturdy shoes, windbreakers and a sense of adventure are recommended for this free activity. Because of their popularity, the night hikes, which were canceled for a while, came back full force in early 2008 and have been plodding along ever since. Hikers meet at the park's visitor center on Crystal Springs Road, but not if it rains after 5 p.m., which cancels that week's hike.

Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-913-4688
http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithPK/

Beaches

An evening at the beach can be just as grand as a day at the beach, provided you are properly prepared. Los Angeles' dozens of beaches offer amenities from equipment rental to restaurants. A simple stroll beneath the stars can also make for a relaxing and romantic activity, just be sure to bring a jacket in case the evening becomes cool and a flashlight just in case you need help watching your step.