Last Updated: August 24, 2026
There's something magical about living in Los Angeles, where in a single day you can spend the morning skiing the mountains in winter—or hiking their scenic trails during the rest of the year—then head to the beach in time to watch the sun melt into the Pacific. From the sun-bleached beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu to the palm-lined streets of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, this city is layered with unforgettable experiences: restaurants buzzing with energy and the more than occasional celebrity sighting, live music spilling out of intimate venues, scenic waterfall hikes tucked into quiet canyons, oceanfront bike paths carrying the sound of crashing waves at your side, world-class museums filled with inspiration, and hidden gems that have been here all along, just waiting to be discovered.
WestsideLosAngeles.com was created to open your eyes to all of it—to remind you that life isn’t meant to rush past in a blur. These 500+ pages are an invitation to explore more deeply, to slow down and savor each moment, to try something new, and to truly live in the city so many people only dream about. Don’t let it pass you by. The best of Los Angeles is here—go experience it. - Cheryl Travis
September 2026 is an exciting time to explore Los Angeles, with a mix of classic Hollywood, live sports, outdoor entertainment, music, dining, and new cultural attractions. Film lovers can celebrate Hollywood history at Cinecon 62 at the Landmark Nuart Theatre over Labor Day Weekend, while movie fans can also enjoy outdoor screenings at Burton Chace Park, the Melrose Rooftop Theatre, and the Venice Canals’ Row-In Movie Night. Sports enthusiasts can cheer on the UCLA Bruins, Los Angeles Dodgers, LA Galaxy, and Los Angeles Rams as their seasons heat up, while beach lovers can head to the Hermosa Beach Open for exciting volleyball action. For a more relaxed evening, Jazz at LACMA offers free live music, while restaurants such as Cecconi’s West Hollywood and La Boheme provide stylish settings for fall dining. One of the month’s biggest cultural highlights is the September 22 grand opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, offering visitors a new destination for exploring art, storytelling, and cinematic history. With warm days, comfortable evenings, and an incredible variety of events and experiences, September is an ideal month to discover the best of Los Angeles.
September brings an exciting lineup of must-see events across Los Angeles and Greater LA, with major concerts, theater productions, cultural showcases, and thrilling sports action. Highlights include Guns N’ Roses at the Rose Bowl, Boy George & Culture Club and Chicago & Styx at the Kia Forum, OneRepublic and Andrea Bocelli at the Hollywood Bowl, Journey at Crypto.com Arena, and Lauren Halsey’s emajendat featuring Erykah Badu. Theater fans can enjoy Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Little Shop of Horrors, while sports enthusiasts can catch the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers in late-season baseball, LA Galaxy soccer, and the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers as football season gets underway. With so many highly anticipated events taking place throughout September 2026, now is the perfect time to explore the highlights and secure tickets before popular performances and games sell out.
September brings an exciting lineup of live music to Los Angeles, with major stadium and arena shows alongside intimate performances for fans of nearly every genre. Highlights include Guns N’ Roses at the Rose Bowl on September 5, BTS at SoFi Stadium September 1–6, Chicago and Styx at the Kia Forum on September 6, and Iron Maiden at BMO Stadium on September 25 and 27. Other notable performances include Journey, Le Sserafim, Beck, OneRepublic, Andrea Bocelli, Robyn, Billy Strings, Chance the Rapper, Kehlani, and Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, making September an especially strong month for rock, pop, country, hip-hop, and classic music fans. With so many high-profile concerts scheduled throughout Los Angeles and surrounding areas, fans should plan ahead and reserve tickets early for the shows they don't want to miss.
Few cities celebrate creativity like Los Angeles, a place that leads the nation in the number of museums and theaters while fueling a constantly evolving music and gallery scene. Cultural landmarks such as The Broad in Downtown L.A., the hilltop Getty Center in Brentwood, and LACMA along Museum Row anchor the city’s art world, while spaces like the Underground Museum in West Adams push boundaries with innovative film programming. Music lovers can experience the power of the LA Philharmonic inside the architectural marvel of Walt Disney Concert Hall or enjoy open-air performances at the Hollywood Bowl, picnic blanket included. Wander a neighborhood art walk, explore the Arts District’s bold street murals, or stumble upon live painting and performance—whether it’s books, film, opera, or experimental art, Los Angeles expresses creativity with confidence, diversity, and unmistakable flair.
Our curated event listings help you discover everything from family-friendly theater to cutting-edge LGBTQ performances, Latin music festivals, and magic shows that'll leave you wondering how they did it.
Explore: Ballet • Classical Music • Comedy • Concerts • Family Entertainment • Jazz • Latin Events • LGBTQ Events • Magic Shows • Musicals • Opera • Plays
Each LA neighborhood has its own personality, and knowing where to go makes all the difference. Our detailed visitor guides break down what makes each area special—where to eat, what to see, and the hidden spots most tourists miss.
Coastal Communities: Start your morning in Santa Monica with coffee on the pier, spend afternoon browsing Venice's Abbot Kinney Boulevard, then watch the sunset from Malibu's El Matador Beach. The South Bay trio of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach offers a more laid-back beach town vibe with excellent restaurants and bars.
Westside Neighborhoods: Beverly Hills isn't just about Rodeo Drive shopping—though that's worth a visit. Nearby Brentwood offers upscale dining and boutiques without the tourist crowds, while Century City has transformed into a modern urban center. West Hollywood pulses with nightlife and celebrity-frequented restaurants, and Pacific Palisades provides a quieter escape with stunning coastal views.
Iconic LA: Hollywood still delivers the classic LA experience—walk the Walk of Fame, catch a show at the Hollywood Bowl, or hike up to the Hollywood Sign. Westwood, home to UCLA, blends college-town energy with Persian restaurants and the historic Westwood Village.
Explore Guides For: Beverly Hills • Brentwood • Century City • Hollywood • Malibu • Manhattan Beach • Hermosa Beach • Redondo Beach • Marina del Rey • Pacific Palisades • Santa Monica • Venice • West Hollywood • Westwood • Beverly Grove
Los Angeles offers an abundance of stunning outdoor destinations perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From picturesque beaches like Venice and Malibu, to the city’s most beautiful parks, such as Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Take a scenic hike with breathtaking ocean views on the iconic Los Liones or Point Dume Trails, or explore epic waterfall hikes like the famed Eaton Canyon. For surfing enthusiasts, LA's top surf spots, including Zuma Beach and Huntington Beach, provide world-class waves. Rock formation hikes, such as those at Vasquez Rocks, offer dramatic landscapes, while charming reservoirs like Echo Park Lake provide tranquil spots for picnics and boat rides. Cyclists can enjoy scenic beach bike paths along the coast, while beach volleyball players can find some of the best courts in Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach. With so many outdoor activities to explore, LA’s natural beauty is endless.