Best things to do in LA: Iconic beach is set to be completely transformed

Los Angeles is one of those cities where there’s always something new and interesting to discover.

And as one of the host cities for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the city is more alive than it’s ever been.

Whether you’ve been before and are looking for something new to do, or it’s your first visit, but you want to skip the main touristy attractions, here is a round up of new, exciting, and unique things to do in Los Angeles.

Dataland

This new spot in Downtown LA (opening mid-June) is the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to AI arts. It’s full of mind-bending, immersive digital installations, created with a mix of human creativity and machine learning.

It’s been described as a “a living museum” where visitors can walk among “digital sculptures”, and the inaugural exhibition was inspired by a trip to the Amazon Rainforest.

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Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

During the warmer months, this cemetery (home to the graves of Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Burt Reynolds), is turned into an outdoor cinema.

Locals pack picnic baskets, blankets, and bottles of wine to watch classic movies projected onto the side of a mausoleum, complete with pre-show DJs.

Smorgasburg LA

In town on a Sunday? Don’t miss this massive outdoor market featuring dozens of local vendors with various street foods that will make your head spin.

Some must-try dishes are the lamb egg rolls from withBee, chocotacos from Sad Girl Creamery, banana pudding from Banana Mama, and the mushroom sandwich from Champignon Eats.

The Venice Canals

Skip the chaotic Venice Beach boardwalk and walk a few blocks inland to this peaceful historic district.

Built in 1905 to replicate Italy, you can stroll along pedestrian walkways, across tiny arched bridges, and check out the neighbourhood’s eclectic beach houses.

Koreatown (K-Town) Late Night

If you’re a night owl, take note. Koreatown is the dense, neon-lit heart of LA’s late-night food culture.

Skip a standard sit-down restaurant and do a DIY food crawl: grab Korean fried chicken at Louders, sing karaoke in a private room, hit up a 24-hour Korean BBQ joint, and finish with specialised desserts like rotating-wheel pastries or boba.

What’s on in LA for the FIFA World Cup 2026

LA is rotating official “Fan Zones” through major landmarks during the tournament.

These will feature massive screens, beer gardens, live DJs, food pop-ups, family-friendly activities, and more.

Locations include:

• The Original Farmers Market
• Union Station Downtown
• Downtown Burbank for the final matches

The iconic Venice Beach will play host to the Fan Zone for the knockout matches on July 10th and 11th, with tickets starting at just $10.

Koreatown Block Party

For the highly anticipated Mexico vs. South Korea group stage match, LAFC is hosting a massive street block party in Koreatown. Expect incredible energy and plenty of delicious street food vendors.

LACMA’s “Fútbol Is Life” Exhibition

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is running a special exhibition called Fútbol Is Life: Animated Sportraits by Lyndon J. Barrois, Sr., which merges stop-motion animation with iconic moments in football history.

The Bike Shed Moto Co

This massive motorcycle club/restaurant/lounge in the Arts District is partnering with LAFC for massive indoor/outdoor watch parties. It’s got a great industrial-chic vibe, delicious comfort food, and you know the crowd will be riled up and passionate.