Los Angeles is a weird place. Honestly, most people show up with a checklist that looks like it was written in 1995. They hit the Walk of Fame, get Elbowed by a guy in a dusty Shrek suit, and wonder why they spent four hours in traffic for a photo of a sidewalk. You've probably heard the clichés. The "City of Angels" is just one big parking lot, right? Wrong.
If you're looking for a fun thing to do in Los Angeles in 2026, you have to look past the neon signs. The city has shifted. It’s no longer just about seeing where movies are made; it’s about stepping into them—or, increasingly, stepping into the future of art and tech.
The Museum Scene Is Mutating
Forget the stuffy galleries where you have to whisper. Right now, the biggest buzz in DTLA is DATALAND. Opening this spring at The Grand LA—that twisty Frank Gehry building—it's the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to AI art. Refik Anadol, the guy who turned MoMA’s data into fluid sculptures, is behind it. It feels less like a museum and more like being inside a dreaming computer. You aren't just looking at a painting; you’re standing in a 25,000-square-foot "Infinity Room" where machine intelligence is literally reacting to your presence.
But wait. If you want something more "Old Hollywood" but actually impressive, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is finally hitting its stride in Exposition Park. George Lucas didn't just dump a bunch of Star Wars props here. It’s a massive, $1 billion exploration of visual storytelling. You’ll see Norman Rockwell paintings next to original comic art and Ralph McQuarrie’s concept sketches. It’s a reminder that LA is the world’s campfire, and we’re still obsessed with the stories we tell.
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Eating Is the Main Event
People ask me where to eat, and I basically tell them to ignore the "Best Of" lists from three years ago. If you want a fun thing to do in Los Angeles that actually tastes like the city, you go to Grand Central Market. Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, you’ll wait for a pupusa at Sarita’s or a pastrami sandwich at Wexler’s. But it’s the only place where the 1917 architecture meets the 2026 vibe perfectly.
Then there’s the pop-up culture. This year, the big news is René Redzepi. The Noma chef basically brought his entire team here for a residency, and it’s being treated like the "Gastronomic Olympics." If you can’t snag a reservation—and let’s be real, you probably won't—head to Wilde’s in Los Feliz. It’s this rustic British-heritage spot that everyone is obsessed with right now. Their sticky toffee pudding is dangerous.
Don't Ignore the Valley
People love to hate on the San Fernando Valley. Their loss.
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The Japanese Garden (SuihoEn) in Van Nuys is a literal oasis built on reclaimed water. It’s quiet. It’s zen. It’s the exact opposite of the 405 freeway. If you want to feel like a local, grab a coffee at 10 Speed in Calabasas and just drive. The hills there are greener than you’d expect, especially after the spring rains.
The "Set-Jetting" Craze
You've seen it on TikTok, but "set-jetting" is actually a legitimate way to see the city now. People aren't just going to Universal Studios (though the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster is terrifyingly fast). They’re going to the actual streets.
There’s a guy who runs a tour of the Hollywood Sign using comedians and their dogs. It’s exactly as chaotic as it sounds. You’re hiking up towards the sign, a dog is trying to chase a lizard, and a semi-famous stand-up is roasting your choice of footwear. It’s way better than a tour bus.
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For a weird, slightly sordid history fix, look for the Esotouric walking tours. They do a "Main Street Vice" tour that covers the dark, gritty history of DTLA that the tourism board would probably rather you forget. It’s fascinating, honest, and very "Noir."
Getting Around Is Actually Changing
Shocking, I know. But the Automated People Mover at LAX is finally live. No more white-knuckle shuttle rides through the horseshoe. You can actually hop on the train and connect to the Metro.
The Metro D Line extension is also a game-changer. You can finally get to the Miracle Mile—home to LACMA and the Academy Museum—without needing a car or an expensive Uber. It makes the city feel... smaller? In a good way.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning a trip this month, do these three things:
- Check the Dine LA Schedule: If you’re here between January 23 and February 6, over 400 restaurants have prix fixe menus. It’s the only time you can eat at places like Spago or Bestia without a massive bill.
- Book DATALAND Early: The tickets for the AI museum are timed and they sell out weeks in advance. Don't just show up.
- Go to San Pedro: The new West Harbor waterfront just opened its first phase. It’s got a 6,200-seat amphitheater and great seafood. It’s the "new" Santa Monica, but without the tourist traps.
Los Angeles isn't a city you "visit." It’s a city you navigate. Find a neighborhood, stick to it for a day, and stop trying to see everything at once. You'll have way more fun.