07/12/2025
15 Unique Things to Do in Los Angeles & Pasadena — For Date Nights, Weekends & Group Fun
Los Angeles is a city that never runs out of surprises. But if you've already done the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Santa Monica Pier, it's time to dig deeper. Whether you're planning a date night, a weekend adventure with friends, a family outing, or just looking for something genuinely different — this guide covers 15 unique experiences across LA and Pasadena that go way beyond the tourist basics.
1. Fly a Boeing 737 MAX — Without Leaving the Ground
This one tops our list for a reason. At WeFly in Pasadena, you can pilot the only motion-powered Boeing 737 MAX flight simulator in the entire United States. It's not a video game — it's a full-size cockpit replica with realistic controls, 4K visuals, surround sound, and a motion platform that makes you feel every takeoff, turn, and landing.
- Perfect for: Date nights, birthdays, corporate events, families (kids 10+)
- Duration: 30, 60, or 120 minutes
- Price: Starting at $129
- Pro tip: Use code WEEKDAY for 30% off any session Monday through Friday
- Location: 1 W Mountain St, Unit 9, Pasadena, CA 91103
- Book: wefly.aero/order
They also have an Airbus A320 simulator (the only one in the USA too) and a Formula 1 racing sim starting at just $49. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or a complete beginner, expert instructors guide you through every step. It's easily one of the most unique things to do in the entire Los Angeles area.
2. Explore Old Town Pasadena
Old Town Pasadena is a charming stretch of historic buildings, independent boutiques, restaurants, and cafes along Colorado Boulevard. It has a completely different vibe from the rest of LA — walkable, relaxed, and full of character.
- Grab brunch at a sidewalk cafe
- Browse vintage shops and bookstores
- Catch a movie at a historic theater
- End with dessert at one of the local gelato spots
Best for: Casual dates, family strolls, weekend afternoon plans
3. Hike to the Hollywood Sign via Griffith Park
Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the US with over 4,000 acres of trails, scenic overlooks, and wildlife. The hike to the Hollywood Sign is iconic — and completely free.
- Mt Hollywood Trail — moderate, ~5 miles round trip with panoramic views
- Brush Canyon Trail — a more direct route to the sign
- Best done in the morning before the heat kicks in
While you're there, stop by the Griffith Observatory for free telescope viewings and one of the best sunset spots in all of Los Angeles.
Best for: Active dates, family hikes, weekend fitness, tourists
4. Visit The Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens
Located right in Pasadena, The Huntington spans over 120 acres of breathtaking gardens, world-class art, and rare manuscripts. The Japanese Garden and Chinese Garden are absolutely stunning.
- See iconic works like The Blue Boy by Gainsborough
- Walk through the Desert Garden with thousands of cacti
- Enjoy tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room
Best for: Romantic dates, family outings, culture lovers, visitors to Pasadena
5. Race a Formula 1 Simulator
If flying isn't your thing, how about racing? WeFly's Formula 1 simulator in Pasadena puts you behind the wheel of an F1 car on iconic tracks with force feedback steering, triple monitors, and motion simulation.
- Price: Starting at just $49 for 60 minutes
- Capacity: Up to 2 people at once
- Challenge friends to beat your lap time
- No racing experience needed
It's one of the most affordable and adrenaline-packed activities in the LA area — perfect for competitive friend groups, team outings, or a unique birthday celebration.
Book: wefly.aero/order/formula1
6. Stroll Through the Getty Center
Perched in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center offers panoramic views of Los Angeles, world-class art, and beautifully sculpted gardens — all for free (just pay $20 for parking). The architecture alone by Richard Meier is worth the visit.
- Ride the tram up the hillside
- See Van Gogh's Irises and Rembrandt's self-portraits
- Explore the Central Garden designed by Robert Irwin
- Catch a sunset over the Pacific on a clear day
Best for: Art lovers, romantic dates, family culture trips, photo opportunities
7. Browse The Last Bookstore in Downtown LA
The Last Bookstore is the largest independent bookstore in California and one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in LA. Walk through book tunnels, discover hidden rooms, and browse over 250,000 new and used titles.
- Free admission
- Located in a stunning old bank building on Spring Street
- The upstairs "Labyrinth" section is pure magic
Best for: Book lovers, creative dates, rainy day plans, kids who love reading
8. Catch a Show at the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is an iconic outdoor amphitheater nestled in the Hollywood Hills. From the LA Philharmonic to major pop and rock acts, a concert here on a warm evening is pure LA magic.
- Bring a picnic and wine (yes, it's allowed!)
- Seats range from budget bench seating to box seats
- The summer season runs June through September
Best for: Date nights, group outings, special occasions, music lovers
9. Explore the Vibrant Arts District in DTLA
Downtown LA's Arts District has transformed from an industrial neighborhood into one of the coolest areas in the city. Think murals on every wall, craft breweries, galleries, and some of the best coffee in LA.
- Walk along East 3rd Street for street art and galleries
- Grab coffee at Verve or Groundwork
- Eat at Bestia or Bavel for a special dinner
- Browse handmade goods at ROW DTLA
Best for: Creative dates, photographers, weekend brunch plans, group hangs
10. Take a Sunset Bike Ride Along the Beach
Rent bikes and cruise the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (also known as The Strand) — a 22-mile paved path along the coast from Pacific Palisades to Torrance. The stretch from Santa Monica to Manhattan Beach is especially scenic.
- Bike rentals available at Santa Monica Pier starting around $7/hour
- Stop at Venice Beach for people-watching and street performers
- End with fish tacos at a beachside spot in Hermosa
Best for: Active dates, family bike rides, weekend beach days, visitors
11. Discover the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena
Often overshadowed by the Getty, the Norton Simon Museum is a hidden gem in Pasadena with an incredible collection of European art, Asian sculpture, and Impressionist works — plus a gorgeous garden.
- Works by Picasso, Rembrandt, Degas, and Monet
- The Sculpture Garden is peaceful and photogenic
- Smaller and less crowded than the Getty — a more intimate experience
Best for: Art dates, quiet weekend outings, culture-seekers visiting Pasadena
12. Day Trip to Malibu
Just an hour from Pasadena, Malibu offers 22 miles of stunning coastline. It's the ultimate LA beach day — but there's more to it than just sand.
- Explore tide pools at Leo Carrillo State Beach
- Wine tasting at Strange Family Wines or Malibu Wines
- Hike Escondido Falls for a waterfall hidden in the hills
- Grab drinks with an ocean view at Duke's
Best for: Romantic day trips, weekend getaways, beach lovers, nature hikes
13. Rooftop Drinks with a View
LA's rooftop bar scene is unmatched. Some top picks:
- Perch (DTLA) — French-inspired rooftop with skyline views
- The Highlight Room at the Dream Hollywood — pool vibes and sunset cocktails
- 71Above — fine dining 71 floors above the city
- EP & LP on Melrose — trendy rooftop with Asian street food
Pair a rooftop dinner with a WeFly simulator session earlier in the evening for the ultimate date night combo in Pasadena and LA.
Best for: Date nights, celebrations, impressing out-of-town guests
14. Visit the California Science Center (Space Shuttle Endeavour)
Home to the actual Space Shuttle Endeavour, the California Science Center in Exposition Park is one of the best free museums in LA. Kids and adults alike are awestruck by the real spacecraft.
- Free general admission (timed tickets required for Endeavour)
- Interactive exhibits on ecosystems, air & space, and technology
- Adjacent to the Natural History Museum for a full museum day
Best for: Families with kids, science enthusiasts, rainy day activities, tourists
15. Go Vintage Shopping on Melrose Avenue
Melrose Avenue is ground zero for LA's vintage and streetwear scene. Walk the stretch between Fairfax and La Brea for:
- Vintage clothing stores like Wasteland and Crossroads
- Iconic murals and photo walls (the Paul Smith pink wall!)
- Sneaker shops, record stores, and quirky boutiques
- Great tacos and coffee between shops
Best for: Fashion lovers, creative dates, teenagers, Instagram content
Bonus: Build the Ultimate LA Day
Here's a sample itinerary combining the best of this list:
- Morning: Hike Griffith Park or explore Old Town Pasadena
- Afternoon: Fly a Boeing 737 MAX at WeFly in Pasadena (use code WEEKDAY for 30% off Mon–Fri)
- Evening: Rooftop drinks downtown or dinner in the Arts District
- Night: Concert at the Hollywood Bowl or sunset at Griffith Observatory
That's a day your friends, partner, or family will talk about for years.
Why Pasadena Is LA's Best-Kept Secret
While most visitors flock to Hollywood and Santa Monica, Pasadena quietly offers some of the best experiences in the entire region:
- The Huntington — world-class gardens and art
- Norton Simon Museum — Impressionist masterpieces
- Old Town — walkable dining and shopping
- WeFly — the only motion-powered Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320 simulators in the USA
- Rose Bowl Flea Market — one of the biggest and best flea markets in America (second Sunday of every month)
It's just 15 minutes from Downtown LA, easy to reach, and far less crowded. If you're looking for something truly special to do in Los Angeles — start in Pasadena.
Ready for the most unique experience on this list?
Book a flight simulator session at WeFly and discover why it's rated one of the top things to do in the Los Angeles area.
📍 1 W Mountain St, Unit 9, Pasadena, CA 91103 💰 Use code WEEKDAY for 30% off Monday–Friday 🎫 Book now at wefly.aero