5 Unique Things to Do in Los Angeles

By BT Editor
September 27, 2022
Los Angeles airport sign
Harold Stiver/Dreamstime

Los Angeles is known as “City of Angels” or the "Entertainment Capital" is known for world-class museums, championship sports teams, beautiful beaches and one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. Travel beyond these typical tourist activities and enjoy 5 unique Los Angeles experiences.

1. Haunt O' Ween LA: The Biggest Family Halloween Experience

Haunt O' Ween LA
Haunt O' Ween LA - Courtesy of nbclosangeles.com

September 30 – October 31, 2022 at 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills
Duration: there is no time limit - spend as much time as you'd like!
Cost: $40 - $70 - all ages welcome. Children under the age of 2 go free

Enjoy every Halloween activity in one expansive family-fun adventure.
Go trick-or-treating in the Town of Haunt O' Ween, wander through the streets of Ghoul City, visit the Farm House, venture into the Hidden Hollows…Explore over 200,000 sq ft. full of performances, games, decorations, photo ops, rides, and more immersive entertainment. Take part in a dance-off in the spooktacular Beyond the Grave Rave or jump the sugar off in multiple custom bounce houses & inflatable slides. Make your own potions at the Moonlight Magic DIY Potion Bar. Participate in an exclusive “Daniel Spellbound” experience hidden within the adventure. Enjoy a wide selection of food & beverage, including adult treats!

Get Tickets for the Haunt O' Ween LA Experience

2. Flutter: A Multi-sensory Immersive Experience

Flutter
Flutter Experience - Courtesy of Flutter

Now – End of 2022 at Flutter, 217 S La Brea, L.A.
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cost: $35 - $90 - all ages welcome

Need an escape? Make your way to flutter! Rated as America’s number one art experience, enjoy the one-of-a-kind immersive adventure where art and happiness meet. Flutter has brought incredible artists together to transform 14 rooms into spaces that will inspire you to play, create, imagine, and explore. Let the guide take you through the multi-room experience with a different sensation and adventure in each art-filled space. From projection mapping and virtual reality to painting and dancing, there is something around every corner to stimulate your mind. If a museum and a playground had a baby, it would be flutter!

Get Tickets for the Flutter Experience

3. Candlelight Día De Los Muertos: Celebrating the Day of the Dead

Candlelight
Candlelight - Courtesy of Fever

November 1, 2022 at Ovation Square Long Beach
Duration: 60 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted)
Cost: $35 - $70 - 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Los Angeles. Get your tickets now to discover the music from traditional songs to music from Disney Pixar’s Coco by Divisi String Quartet at Ovation Square Long Beach under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Get Tickets for the Candlelight Día De Los Muertos Experience

4. 2nd Annual Long Beach Oktoberfest

Octoberfest LA
Octoberfest Longbeach - Courtesy of Fever

Now – October 9, 2022 Friday thru Sundays at 855 Elm Ave, Long Beach
Duration: there is no time limit - spend as much time as you'd like!
Cost: $20 - $125 - 21+ with valid ID on Fridays. All ages are welcome on Saturdays and Sundays. Children ages 14 and under enter free of charge

It’s Long Beach’s second annual Oktoberfest extravaganza! Celebrate all things German with authentic Bavarian beer, delicious food, and more. The world-famous Festmeister Hans und Die Sauerkrauts will command the stage with music, performances, and games. And don't forget to don your Lederhosen or Dirndl as dressing up for the event is highly encouraged. The brats and beverages are waiting for you!

Get Tickets for the Long Beach Oktoberfest

5. House of Spirits: Vaughan Hall

House of Spirits: Vaughan Hall
House of Spirits: Vaughan Hall - Courtesy of Fever

October 15 – October 31, 2022 Mondays & Thursdays thru Sundays at Casa Vertigo, Los Angeles
Duration: 2 hours. Pre-show lounge opens 45 minutes before your scheduled show time.
Cost: $65 - $101 - 21+ with valid ID - You are encouraged to dress up for the evening, be it in costume, cocktail attire, or your favorite time-period clothing!

This is an immersive theatrical cocktail soirée, where adults do Halloween in a haunted mansion. Enjoy miniature craft cocktails and enjoy a night of macabre magic, tarot readings, strange roaming specters, secret games. There is a dark legend surrounding Vaughan Hall, but the truth behind the legend is far more disturbing. You will have 2 hours to savor a flight of miniature craft cocktails, sample darkly decadent chocolate truffles, and unravel the mystery to learn the sinister truth behind the demise of the Vaughan clan. The characters and themes of House of Spirits: Vaughan Hall are loosely based on the famous haunting of Loftus Hall in Ireland. The show also touches on Irish folklore and myths throughout the centuries.

Get Tickets for House of Spirits: Vaughan Hall

Note: If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission from our partners - thank you!

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Top 5 Most Beautiful Beaches In The US

A beach vacation is the perfect way to spend time as a family and is a great opportunity to reconnect and forget about the stresses life can bring. The combination of the sea and the sun is ideal for creating unforgettable memories you and your family can cherish forever. However, with over 1,000 beaches in the United States, it can be difficult to decide where to go. Florida alone, for example, has 189 beaches and 360 miles of coastline The Family Vacation Guide took a deep-dive into Instagram and Tripadvisor data to determine which beaches are the most beautiful, and which you absolutely cannot miss visiting. And it’s perhaps no surprise to learn that every single one of the country’s top 5 most beautiful beaches can be found in Florida.#5 Navarre Beach, FloridaNavarre Beach, Florida - Courtesy of visitflorida.com 8.37 beach beauty scoreNavarre, a compact beach community found just east of Pensacola at the far northwestern tip of Florida, beckons with 12 miles of pristine white shoreline. Nestled between Gulf Islands National Seashore and Navarre Beach Marine Park, this beach community offers solitude and simplicity. Its pristine beaches are named among the best in the nation year after year, and visitors compare crossing Navarre Bridge to transcending paradise time and time again. Relaxation is the main attraction in Navarre. Visitors can sun on the beach, swim in emerald waters, enjoy a picnic in the park or pedal along a scenic bike path.#4 St. Pete Beach, FloridaDon Cesar Resort on St. Pete Beach, Florida - Courtesy of doncesar.com 8.68 beach beauty scoreReady for a break? Kick back on the sandy white beaches of St. Pete, as the balmy waters of the Gulf of Mexico lap at your toes. With an average of 361 days of sunshine per year, St. Pete Beach is guaranteed to please. You can also find the architecturally and historically grand Don CeSar resort (Pink Palace - yes! it's really PINK) which is a must see! #3. Clearwater Beach, FloridaClearwater Beach, Florida - Istock/Morgan Somers 8.74 beach beauty scoreCompleting the top three Florida beaches is Clearwater Beach. This beach is a great place to go with the family. The amazing weather and white sandy beaches make it a wonderful option to explore. Its calm waters also make this beach a great place to jet ski or paddleboard, which could be a fantastic experience for you to share with your family.#2. Pensacola Beach, FloridaPensacola Beach, Florida 9.12 beach beauty scoreRunners-up on our list is Pensacola Beach, just eight miles along the coast. This beach in Florida also boasts beautiful sea and sand, which makes it a great place to make a sandcastle or two. After a busy day in the sun, you’ll want to put your head down on a comfy bed.#1. Panama City Beach, FloridaPanama City Beach - Istock/TerryKelly 9.52 beach beauty scorePanama City Beach has been crowned the most beautiful beach in the US. The mixture of white sand and blue clear water has this Florida beach topping our list, and after enjoying some of the best things to do in Panama City Beach with kids, you can round the day off with a phenomenal view of the sunset. This beach will certainly give you and your family that ‘wow’ factor. Methodology - To calculate which beach in the US can officially be crowned the most beautiful, they looked at Tripadvisor reviews and found the total number and percentage of reviews mentioning the word, ‘beautiful’. They also looked at how many times each beach had been hashtagged on Instagram, to create an overall score of how beautiful each beach is. To see the full rankings and article click here.

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September 3rd is World Skyscraper Day

When the first skyscrapers were built in Chicago and New York in the 19th century, no one could imagine how this new trend would end up transforming the urban skyline of cities across the globe. In fact, the success of skyscrapers is such that many of them have become must-see attractions, especially if they have incredible viewpoints at the top. September 3rd marks World Skyscraper Day and to commemorate this date Musement, has compiled a ranking* of the world's most Instagrammed skyscrapers. Skyscapers in the US make up half of this list - see where they ranked: #2. Empire State Building (New York) Image by Leonhard Niederwimmer on Pixabay More than 4,200,000 mentionsThis symbol of the Big Apple was the first building to have more than 100 floors in the United States. In addition, it was also the tallest skyscraper in the world between 1931 and 1972. Built in a record time of 410 days, the Empire State Building attracts more than 4 million visitors each year. It’s now open 365 days a year, and the 360-degree views of the city from the observatories on the 86th and 102nd floor are a pleasure for tourists and locals, both day and night. #4. One World Trade Center (New York) One World Trade Center - Istock/william87 More than 797,000 mentionsOne World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. It’s part of the World Trade Center, the new complex built after the tragic attacks of September 11. Its height of 1,776ft (547m) is a nod to the year the United States Declaration of Independence was signed. Visitors can ride the Skypod elevators to the observation deck between floors 100 and 102 in just 47 seconds. Once there, in addition to enjoying the views, the interactive exhibitions allow you to delve both into the history of the building and the city itself. #5. Willis Tower (Chicago) Willis Tower - Istock/alexphi More than 561,000 mentions. Located in the heart of Chicago, after its completion in 1973, the Willis Tower held the title of tallest building in the world for 25 years. Its enormous success on social media is due in large part to its Skydeck, the observation deck on the 103rd floor, which attracts more than 1.7 million visitors a year. And as if this weren’t impressive enough, in 2009 The Ledge was unveiled. This glass balcony offers a unique perspective of the Windy City at more than 1,300ft high. On a clear day it’s possible to see up to four different states: Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. #9. 30 Hudson Yards (New York) 30 Hudson Yards - IStock/WillEye More than 74,000 mentionsThe popularity of this building located at number 30 in the Hudson Yards neighborhood, west of Midtown Manhattan, is due in large part to the Edge, the incredible outdoor deck opened in March 2020. At 1,100ft high, it’s the highest viewing platform of its kind in the western hemisphere. From here, visitors can admire some of the Big Apple's most iconic attractions, including Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. The brave will get a thrill from seeing the city far below them, as they walk on the glass-bottomed area of the observation deck. #10. One Vanderbilt (New York) One Vanderbilt - Flickr/Anthony Quintano More than 59,000 mentionsAlthough it opened only two years ago, One Vanderbilt has already carved out a deserved place in our top 10 ranking. At 1,401ft tall, it’s one of the newest skyscrapers in the ever-changing New York skyline, and the observatory between the floors 91 and 93 has become one of the most popular attractions in the city. The transparent glass cubes jutting out 1066ft above Madison Avenue, also offer a rare thrill for those unafraid of heights. In addition to the dreamy views, the combination of art and technology explains its success and the installation by Kenzo Digital offers visitors a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience. Complete Ranking: 1. Burj Khalifa (Dubai), more than 6,300,000 mentions. 2. Empire State Building (New York), more than 4,200,000 mentions. 3. Taipei 101 (Taiwan), more than 816,000 mentions. 4. One World Trade Center (New York), more than 797,000 mentions. 5. Willis Tower (Chicago), more than 561,000 mentions. 6. Petronas Towers (Kuala Lumpur), more than 221,000 mentions. 7. Lotte World Tower (Seoul), more than 110,000 mentions. 8. Shanghai Tower (Shanghai), more than 104,000 mentions. 9. 30 Hudson Yards (New York), more than 74,000 mentions. \ 10. One Vanderbilt (New York), more than 59,000 mentions. \ *Methodology: To carry out the study, the 100 tallest skyscrapers in the world have been taken into consideration and the number of mentions on Instagram of the two most popular hashtags of each building has been analyzed. Data from July 2022.

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5 Unique Things to Do in Atlanta

Atlanta known as “Hot ‘Lanta” is home to CNN, The World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium and the National Center for Civil & Human Rights! Travel beyond these typical tourist sites to 5 unique Atlanta experiences. Note: If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission from our partners - thank you! 1. The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience Courtesy of Fever Now thru Sept. 25th Wednesday - Sunday at Building 1, Pullman YardsDuration: 90 minutesCost: $45 - $124 - 16+ with valid ID; guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult Your presence is requested at the most exclusive ball of the season! With this Bridgerton ball, now is your chance to secure your invitation to an immersive experience transporting you straight to the Regency era. Prepare to mingle with other members of the Ton as you sip on cocktails and partake in an evening of music and dance. Rumour has it that Her Majesty Queen Charlotte is looking for the diamond of the season, but will you be the one to win her favour? Get Tickets for this Bridgerton Experience 2. Find the Dinner: Surprise dinner in a restaurant! Courtesy of Fever Anytime at a surprise restaurant! The chauffeur will drive you there.Duration: 2 - 3 hoursCost: $159 - $209 - 21+ with valid ID If you're a foodie who loves a good surprise, this plan was made for you. Wegame presents its catalog of Find the Dinner experience packs, from Find the Gourmet to Find the Deluxe. Let them guide you, with transport included, to a surprise restaurant in your city. This gastronomic experience will be adapted to your tastes and preferences, so you're sure to leave with a good taste in your mouth. Get Tickets for this Surprise Dinner Experience 3. Candlelight: The Best of Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole Courtesy of Fever September 28th 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m at Magnolia HallDuration: 65 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted) - 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adultCost: $35-$50 Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Atlanta. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole by PureSoul Atlanta at Magnolia Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight. Get Tickets for this Candlelight Experience 4. Sleepy Hollow Bar: A Spectral Cocktail Experience Courtesy of Fever Starting September 16 - October 16 & 31st Thursday through Sunday at Underground AtlantaDuration: 1 hour and 30 minutes Cost: $65 - includes 3 cocktails - 21+ with valid ID Our Sleepy Hollow experience welcomes you! Your presence is requested in the Western Woods, where they say no sane person should go. You will find a clearing under the moonlit sky: a spot hidden in the woods overflowing with cocktails, dark music, merriment, and life! As our guest on the night of the Harvest Festival, we welcome you to enter our tavern and enjoy three gothic drinks. We fine folk may have a gift for you here, as well as games of yore to enjoy at your leisure... you may even experience the rare touch of an eerie witch. You’ve probably heard the Hollow is a place where blood runs cold, haunted by a warrior without a head and bathed in red. But please, worry for naught! What awaits you is an eve of fantastical joy in the woodlands that are yours to explore! Get Tickets for this Sleepy Hollow Experience 5. Illuminarium Atlanta Courtesy of Fever Monday through Sunday at Illuminarium, AtlantaDuration: as long or short as you like Cost: $25 - all ages are welcome Illuminarium Atlanta offers the best artistic experiences with the help of the latest tech to guarantee family fun! Come visit three of the amazing exhibitions at Illuminarium Atlanta with this cultural bundle pack. From the astonishing paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe to the deep wonders of SPACE, passing through the long rabbit hole in Wonderland, there's sure to be fun and learning for everyone. Combination Fit 25 Admission for 1 - includes admission for SPACE, Waking Wonderland, or O'Keeffe Get Tickets for this Illuminarium Atlanta Experience

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5 Unique Things to Do in Chicago

Chicago known as “The Windy City” is a city that known for its jaw-dropping architecture, vibrant music scene, amazing food, — including deep-dish pizza — and iconic neighborhoods! Travel beyond the typical tourist sites to these 5 unique Chicago experiences. Note: If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission from our partners - thank you! 1. Louvre Fantastique: The Exhibition Courtesy of Fever Now thru Sept. 18 Thursday - Sunday at 2120 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook - lower level of the old Sears buildingDuration: 90 minutesCost: $20 - $38 All ages are welcomeIn this exhibition, you will have a chance to see over 70 masterpieces from the Louvre's™ priceless collection! Watch as these masterpieces come to life with three-dimensional recreations, projection mapping, augmented reality, and hands-on interactive features. Exhibit goers can experience the magic of the Louvre™ and its timeless art in an entirely new and dynamic way. Walk through the annals of art history, reimagined! Get Tickets for this Louvre Fantastique Experience 2. Chicago Loop Secret Food Tour Courtesy of Fever Various dates starting at 521 S Dearborn St, Millennium ParkDuration: 3 hoursCost: $87 - 18 and olderJoin this 3-hour tour of Chicago's food scene, and see what sets this friendly mid-western metropolis apart. On this tour of the 'Chicago Loop', a local guide will share with you some hidden gems and great stories about the city. Taste where the world-famous dipped Italian beef sandwich was invented, try some of the best deep dish Chicago pizza. Really appreciate how important the immigrants that built this town are to the food scene. Get Tickets for this Chicago Food Experience 3. Sinatra Under the Stars Courtesy of Fever Sundays, September 11 & 25th 6:30pm & 8:30pm at Aire Rooftop at the Hyatt Centric The Loop Hotel or Guild RowDuration: 65 minutesCost: $55 - 21+ with valid IDSinatra Under the Stars will transport you back to a time when Sinatra reigned the scene. Enjoy a classic cocktail under the stars and melt away “those little town blues.” Don’t miss this evening of classic jazz with a touch of some hot takes on contemporary songs performed by some of Chicago’s brightest talents. Sit back and relax to the sounds of Sinatra at two of the best venues that Chicago has to offer! Get Tickets for this Sinatra Experience 4. Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele Courtesy of Fever September 28 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. at Stan MansionDuration: 65 minutes (doors open 45 mins prior to the start time and late entry is not permitted) - 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adultCost: $28-$55 Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Chicago. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Adele by the Metropolis String Quartet at Stan Mansion under the gentle glow of candlelight. Get Tickets for this Adele Candlelight Experience 5. Harry Potter™: Magic at Play Harry Potter™: Magic at Play - Courtesy of Fever Starting November 11, 2022 – May 14, 2023 at Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan AveDuration: 60 minutesCost: $34 - $68 All ages are welcome, children ages 2 and under enter freeHarry Potter™: Magic at Play is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings the Wizarding World to life through hands-on magical moments and active play for witches and wizards of all ages. Explore three floors of fun inspired by Harry’s adventures in discovering the Wizarding World. Journey from Privet Drive to Platform 9 ¾™, discover and represent your Hogwarts™ house, make your own magic in Hogwarts™ classes, find your position on the Quidditch™ team, and so much more! Get Tickets for this Harry Potter Experience