Ed. note: As of Jan. 22, 2025, there are still two active wildfires in the Los Angeles area and red flag warnings are in effect for portions of Southern California; you can find the most up-to-date forecast on the National Weather Service site. Fortunately more than 98 percent of Los Angeles County was not in an affected area and the majority of the city’s iconic sites and experiences remain intact and are accessible to visitors. Visit the Travel Alerts page for resources to monitor the situation and the FAQs: Traveling to Los Angeles Right Now page to answer any travel-related questions.
Not surprisingly, movies are well represented here: Grab one of the plush recliners seats at Universal Cinema, a 18-screen multiplex, plus an IMAX theatre projecting films seven stories high. And for thrills of a different kind, experience the sensation of freefalling while skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel at iFLY Hollywood. Free outdoor concerts feature lights shows and plenty of room for dancing—though you might have find someone to hold all the shopping bags you’ll be toting, what with stores like Abercrombie & Fitch, Sephora, and Billabong lining the plazas and walkways.
You won’t go hungry either. Choose from the outposts of Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs, Vivo Italian Kitchen, Bucca di Beppo, and Antojitos, or have a sweet treat while perusing the super-cute merchandise at Hello Kitty and Friends Café and Sanrio Smile Shop. Don't miss the whimsical milkshakes and chocolates at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, which also serves a full all-day menu. CityWalk is also home to some notable transplants from outside the Golden State, such as Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and the first California branch of Portland’s VooDoo Doughnut.