21 of the Best Things to Do in LA—Nerdy Activities for Kids and Adults
This site contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Associates Program. At no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission from these links. I only make recommendations based on my experience. See my Disclosure Policy for more info.
While everyone else is recommending the Hollywood Walk of Fame for the millionth time, you’re searching for something different—themed bars where you can actually geek out, pop-up experiences that transport you into your favorite fandoms, and places that celebrate everything from Harry Potter to Star Wars.
As someone who’s waited in ridiculously long lines at Stranger Things pop-ups and scored invitations to the exclusive Magic Castle—I’ve spent years hunting down every geek-friendly experience in Los Angeles, originally for my app Nerd Out (a pop-culture event calendar, which I ran for 3 years).
Whether you’re a local looking to explore LA’s geek scene or a visiting fan hoping to make your trip legendary, this guide will lead you straight to the experiences that will make your inner nerd absolutely sing.
I’ll share museums, themed bars, studio tours, and more. As well as the temporary pop-ups I tracked down in the past, so you can get an idea of what LA offers and how to find current offerings.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a full game plan for experiencing LA the way only a true nerd can!
What are the best nerdy things to do in Los Angeles?
The best nerdy things to do in Los Angeles include the Scum and Villainy Cantina, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Magic Castle, and the Last Bookstore in Downtown LA. Two major openings land in fall 2026: the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on September 22 and the California Science Center’s Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center on November 13. Families should note that several picks on this list are bars or 21+ venues.
Cool Things to Do in Los Angeles, California, for Nerds
Best for First-Time Visitors
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Scum and Villainy Cantina
- The Last Bookstore
Opening in Fall 2026
- Lucas Museum of Narrative Art — September 22
- Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center at the California Science Center — November 13
Best for Families
- California Science Center
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn
21+ Only
- Scum and Villainy Cantina
- Guild Hall
- Break Room 86
- The Magic Castle (except weekend brunch and Young Adult Nights)
Plan These Ahead
- The Magic Castle — invitation or hotel reservation required
- Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn — third Sunday only, 11am–3pm
- El Capitan fan events — check the schedule before you go
- Academy Museum — special exhibits sell out well in advance
Skip If You’re Short on Time
- Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn — 20 minutes, and only one Sunday a month
- Geeky Teas — worth it if you’re already in Burbank, less so as a dedicated trip
Bars and Restaurants
1. Scum and Villainy Cantina
Best for Star Wars fans
The Scum and Villainy Cantina, located in Hollywood, CA, was originally a temporary exhibit; however, it has now become a fixture on Hollywood Blvd.
Self-proclaimed “friendly, neighborhood geek bar located in Hollywood, CA! All fandoms welcomed and cosplay is always encouraged.”
Featuring several events which include themed trivia nights, game nights, special guest events, karaoke, and more.
However, I wouldn’t recommend karaoke night as it’s rather loud.
I visited the Scum and Villainy Cantina back when it was a pop-up, and it definitely makes you feel like you’re in a galaxy far, far away.
Since I went early on, I got a challenge coin. These challenge coins can be shown to the bartender for 10% off your entire tab. You can now buy these for $50 from the bartenders.
The prices are pretty good for a themed geek bar, but the extra 10% off is an extra dose of star power.
It’s definitely one of the best nerdy things to do in Los Angeles!
2. Guild Hall
Best for board game fans
My favorite board game bar is Guild Hall!
They actually have two locations in LA County, but I primarily go to the one in Burbank, as that’s where I used to work.
I love going there and bringing along my favorite game or trying a new one from their massive wall of games.
Their food and drinks are also top-notch! I love their “meet your cheese board” for sharing.
They typically have a theme in conjunction with the release of a film or TV show, so if there’s something coming up you’re excited about, check out their page to see if they’re putting on anything special.
3. Break Room 86
Best for nostalgia
For my birthday many years ago, I went to Break Room 86, an 80s-themed Karaoke bar in Los Angeles’s Koreatown.
What’s fun about these themed bars created by Houston Hospitality, is that the entrance is always disguised.
In this case, it’s behind a vending machine.
Its counterpart, Good Time at Davey Wayne’s, which is 70s-themed, is behind an old refrigerator.
They also have fun quirks like the drink menu at Break Room 86 comes in VHS cases, and they had a Michael Jackson impersonator the night I went.
Any 80s fans will surely love how immersive the bar is.
Museums
4. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Best for movie fans
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is the largest museum in the world devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking, so if you’re visiting the United States, it’s a must!
It offers fantastic exhibitions and programs that highlight the world of cinema, so if you’re a movie nerd, this is the place for you!
I enjoyed seeing ET (one of my favorite films), costumes from everything from The Wizard of Oz to Black Panther, and learning about the people behind the camera.
For movie fans, it truly is one of the coolest things to do in LA.
🎥 Their exhibits do change, so make sure to check what’s on before you go, as some special ones sell out well in advance. 🎟️
5. Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
Best for Star Wars and storytelling fans
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is an upcoming museum founded by filmmaker George Lucas and his wife, businesswoman Mellody Hobson.
Once completed, the museum will hold several forms of visual storytelling, including painting, photography, sculpture, illustration, comic art, performance, and video.
The museum is expected to open on September 22, 2026, so I haven’t been yet, but being part of the legacy of the man who created Star Wars and Indiana Jones makes it well worth adding to this list of the best things to do in Los Angeles.
6. California Science Center
Best for science fans
I have gone to the California Science Center many times, most often for special exhibits like the one on Angkor and the Maya.
They always have such detailed exhibits that I walk away feeling I’ve learned a lot. There are also sometimes films that accompany the exhibits, allowing you to absorb even more.
Even if you don’t luck out into taking a trip during one of these phenomenal exhibitions, their permanent collection is still worth the trip.
I saw the Endeavour before they set about moving it and was awestruck by it, but it’ll be back when the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens on November 13, 2026.
Endeavour will be mounted with two real solid rocket boosters and ET-94, the last flight-qualified external fuel tank, standing nearly 200 feet tall, with visitors able to walk beneath the main engines and ascend to viewing platforms.
The Science Center is calling it the only place in the world to see a complete, authentic shuttle system in launch position.
If you’re super into space, there’s also the Griffith Observatory, though it is often very crowded, so make sure to show up early.
I also enjoyed seeing a sister shuttle, the Discovery, during my trip to Washington, DC.
7. The Petersen Museum
Best for car fans
🏎️ A nerdy trip to LA would be remiss without visiting the Petersen Automotive Museum, which is the best car museum in LA and one of the world’s largest automotive museums! 🎟️
When I visited, they had a special Hollywood Dream Machines exhibit, curated in collaboration with San Diego Comic-Con, but it has since been transformed (get it, cause of Transformers) into the Cars of Film & Television section of the museum, which features picture cars.
Some of the vehicles I saw that seem to have stayed are those from the Transformers and Batman franchises.
Even if you’re not a big movie fan, as long as you’re interested in cars, you’ll enjoy this.
8. Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn
Best for Disney fans
Tucked into Griffith Park is Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn, which features artifacts and displays related to Disney and his lifelong fascination with trains.
It’s also the barn, which was originally located in the backyard of Walt Disney’s Holmby Hills home.
I will warn you, this is a small exhibit, so it won’t take much time at all (20 minutes), so don’t expect some massive Disneyland-sized museum.
But if you’re a Disnerd, you’ll love it.
It’s also only open on the third Sunday of the month from 11 am–3 pm.
If you are a history nerd, make sure to check out the Reagan Library, which also has special exhibits. I went to one called the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives back in 2012, but I have also been to one on Pompeii and da Vinci.
Studio Lots & Theme Parks
9. Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Best for movie fans
I don’t talk about my old “day job” much on here, but I worked on a TV show produced by Warner Bros., which granted me the luxury of visiting the Warner Bros. Archives whenever I wished.
They are but a small section of the larger Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Hollywood.
They do update them if you’ve been before, so maybe you’ll see something you haven’t on this list of nerdy things to do in LA, since Wonder Woman was huge when I last visited in 2019!
I should mention that I haven’t done the official studio tour, but I’ve done parts of it as a perk of being an employee.
🎞️ As a former employee who worked just a building over from the Archives, you really can’t get any closer to the magic of filmmaking than on a Hollywood studio tour! 🎟️
I’ve even brought actors and actresses to the Archives at their request. So, you never know who you’ll see while strolling the lot!
In the Archives, you get to see the real costumes and props used during filming and learn about the creation of films. There’s also photo ops!
My favorite part of the Archives has to be the Harry Potter tour section!
You can even get sorted into a Hogwarts House with the Sorting Hat!
In addition to the Archives, there’s Stage 48: Script to Screen, where you can find interactive Harry Potter exhibits.
While the larger and more extensive Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour is located in London, this is still a wonderful little exhibit if you want to do a movie studio tour in LA.
And if you’re as much of a Potterhead as I am and happen to be crossing the pond soon, there are tons of Harry Potter filming locations to see in England!
10. Universal Studios Hollywood
Best for theme park fans
Back when I had the Nerd Out app running, I occasionally hosted cosplay events.
A memorable one took place at Universal Studios Hollywood!
While I no longer host events like these, a day trip to the Wizarding World is still well worth the trip!
🎢 You can easily spend at least half a day at Universal Studios Hollywood, wandering through the Harry Potter section, then heading to Super Nintendo World or down to rides like The Mummy and Jurassic Park. 🎟️
There’s also the tram, which I highly recommend, as it takes you past film sets such as Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds, the house from Psycho, and much more. Making it a great destination for set-jetting nerds!
Stores
11. The Last Bookstore
Best for bookish people
They aren’t really the last bookstore, but they are the largest new and used bookstore in California.
They also play host to a record store, comic book store, five art studios, a yarn shop, the famous book tunnel you’ve likely seen on Instagram, and tons of books (of course).
Also, they are in a hundred-year-old bank building, so they have a vault and reportedly have ghosts!
I loved exploring the upper floors, especially the art studios, the most, but hardcore bookish nerds could get lost in here for days. And the best part—it costs nothing to explore!
12. Geeky Teas
Best for comic book fans
A great place to grab a cup of tea and play board games with friends—or even strangers—is Geeky Teas!
It’s a wonderful place to learn new games, as there are tons of people there hanging out and willing to teach, making it an epic place to meet other nerds.
On Discord, you can also join groups that meet up in person at Geeky Teas.
I’ve purchased tea and gifts for nerdy friends here so many times!
The owner, Donna, seen above, is lovely! She was a big supporter of my Nerd Out app.
Nearby, there’s also Mystic Museum, Blast to the Past (comics), and Halloween Town (costumes) in this area of Burbank, making this area one of the coolest things to check out in LA.
Miscellaneous
13. The Magic Castle
Best for magic fans
The Magic Castle is a venue, restaurant, and clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts for magicians and magic enthusiasts.
The Academy was started in 1952 by William Larsen Sr., who founded Genii magazine in 1936. On January 2, 1963, the Castle was opened by brothers Bill and Milt Larsen.
You need an invite to enter or at least a reservation at their hotel, but it is well worth the effort!
I got mine from an old coworker, but you can sometimes message magicians and see if they can hook you up.
I had a blast here with some friends and saw so many wonderful magicians perched around the Castle.
14. El Capitan Fan Events
Best for Disney and movie fans
I adore Indiana Jones, so when I found out there was a fan event for the latest installment, I had to go!
It was a blast watching the film with fellow fans who reacted as I did throughout.
It was simply electric!
And below, they had props from the films which I ogled eagerly.
If there’s a film you’re excited about, especially one that has something to do with Disney, since they own the theater, do check if they have any upcoming events.
Even if the film isn’t new, they sometimes have screenings for anniversaries and such.
Going to a screening here, in one of the city’s most historic theaters, is one of the cool things to do in Los Angeles.
Past Pop Ups & How to Find New Ones
These are pop-ups that were totally cool things to do in Los Angeles, but unfortunately, they’re no longer around, making them once-in-a-lifetime things to do in LA!
However, I showcase them so you know what types of events you can expect in LA.
How I typically discover them is on Facebook or on sites like Bucketlisters or Eventbrite.
15. Peach Pit 90210
The Peach Pit 90210 pop-up was so popular that they brought it back with the same folks who put together the Saved By The Bell and Good Burger.
The new and improved Peach Pit charges patrons for the privilege of entering.
When my friend and I were seated on the patio, I heard a couple next to us who didn’t see that on the site when they booked the tickets.
Food and drinks are extra!
Aside from a bite, there were photo ops, including the Peach Pit 90210 After Dark nightclub, Wildcats Class of ’93 graduation, a jukebox, a phone booth, and a mini dining area.
It’s one of the most compact but well-coordinated pop-ups I’ve been to.
They included a 45-minute reservation seated inside the Peach Pit 90210 or on the patio. Only reservation holders are allowed in, so you won’t be able to access the location without one.
There was also merch for sale; my friend got one of the Peach Pit T-shirts for her friend.
I have to note that the staff there was wonderful! Everyone had a great attitude, even though I’m sure it was rough churning out a constant flow of people every 45 minutes.
Of course, I was wearing my Riverdale Pop’s Chock’lit Shoppe shirt in honor of Luke Perry.
16. Stranger Things Pop Up
Let me start by saying that this was the LONGEST line I’ve ever been in for any pop-up in LA!
And we had an ACTUAL reservation!
Yet we still had to wait an hour and a half outside in the sun.
Luckily, it was towards the end of the day, so the sun wasn’t too much of an issue, but I imagine it was awful for those in line for the Stranger Things pop-up from noon to 3 p.m.!
The Stranger Things popup for season 3 was fashioned to look like Starcourt Mall.
Since we got there late in the day, the ice cream was already gone, but we were still able to see this adorable Scoops Ahoy ice cream truck!
The inside of the Stranger Things pop-up was a blast from the 80s past!
Entering, you first land in the Flash Studio covered in neon, scrunchies, and jean jackets.
We were able to dress up in these items and then shoot Polaroids and our own photos.
From there, you journey into the Hawkins pool and are greeted by a male and female lifeguard.
Well, not actually greeting, more like shouting about no running or splashing.
From there, you enter Eleven’s bedroom, which looks exactly like the TV series, complete with props.
Moving forward you head into a dark room with a bathtub, meant to look like what’s inside Eleven’s head.
Then I went into a laboratory where men dressed as scientists were speaking what I can only assume is real Russian (since I don’t actually know any Russian).
They even snatched my friend’s phone and took that lovely photo with a lot of teeth. I crossed over dead and mutated rats, through a mirrored hallway, and then onto an overlook of the town of Hawkins.
This was the best photo op the Stranger Things pop-up experience had to offer!
It’s a lovely photo as they really put the money behind the set, lights, and camera.
They even had someone directing where to look and stand, which really helped make it pop!
17. Ready Player One Challenge
During the premiere of Ready Player One, they set up a pop-up where fans could enter the OASIS.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to experience this in person, as the tickets sold out fast!
However, I did have my friend Kari, who was able to get in.
Fans got a chance to step into Parzival’s shoes at a pop-up exhibit called The Ready Player One Challenge.
The immersive experience included video clues to three hidden keys, the ability to walk around the “stacks,” and finally, a secret entrance into the OASIS.
With a DeLorean on the property, you could make all your ’80s dreams come true.
They also had actors living in the stacks, playing IOI agents, and various pop culture icons.
18. Spellman House
The Spellman House exhibit promoting the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina TV series on Netflix was one of my favorite nerdy things to do in Los Angeles.
Spellman House only lasted two days, but it was also used for the premiere party before opening to the public.
Attendees could participate in an immersive experience by putting themselves into Sabrina’s world.
Choosing between the Path of Light or the Path of Night, the experience started off with a witchy makeover brought to you by Teen Vogue.
Witches and warlocks could sign the Book of the Beast or visit the Altar Room in the Spellman House.
The exterior was even part of the exhibit as it had a projected image that changed with characters like Sabrina and Salem moving through the Baxter High windows.
The best part of the experience was the video they took of visitors as they walked through Baxter High, which looked straight out of The Craft.
19. Mermaid Museum
Another pop-up dedicated to bringing awareness to a TV series was the Mermaid Museum.
Freeform and PopSugar teamed up to celebrate the premiere of Freeform’s series, Siren.
Featuring a live mermaid, a speakeasy-inspired fishing store, photo ops, and giveaways.
I loved the fishing store the most because it really felt like you were part of the show.
Actors played along to bring you into the Bristol Cove world.
The other parts of the pop-up were more general in mermaid theme, which was still cool, just not really Siren entrenched.
20. Breakup Bar
Though not mentioned on its website, the Breakup Bar was created to support another Netflix series, The Breaker Uppers.
You can add to the 8-foot wall of broken relationships while watching classic breakup movies.
The menu features champagne, punches, and wine-based cocktails.
Cakes, fondues, macaroons, and an awesome gelato cake are available!
A ticket to the Breakup Bar includes a complimentary cocktail or sparkling wine flight.
Space was very limited there, and we had tickets and still had a bit of a wait to get in.
21. Freeform’s Halloween House
For Halloween Freeform, which is part of Disney, hosted a Halloween House that celebrated several notable films such as Hocus Pocus, Scream, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
This was one of the most well done nerdy things to do in Los Angeles because of how well the sets were designed.
They also had actors dressed as the characters you could take photos with, along with plenty of props!
Final Thoughts
Every pick on this list goes well beyond the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so even if one of the other options tickles your fancy, you’re in good hands!
If you happen to be in LA for a bit, check out this perfect Los Angeles itinerary for 5 days!
And here are even more fun and cheap things to do in LA, as well as an ultimate LA travel guide to help you out!
FAQs
How do you get into the Magic Castle?
You need either an invitation from an Academy of Magical Arts member or a reservation at the Magic Castle Hotel next door, which includes access. There’s no way to simply buy a ticket at the door.
I got my invitation through a former coworker, which is the most common route — ask around, because members are more plentiful than you’d think.
If you don’t know anyone, some travelers have luck politely messaging working magicians on social media. It takes effort, but the Castle is genuinely worth it: I spent an evening moving between rooms watching close-up performers, and there’s nothing else like it in Los Angeles.
Where can I find pop-up experiences in Los Angeles?
LA’s pop-up scene moves fast — most of the ones in this guide lasted anywhere from two days to a few weeks. I tracked them for years for my Nerd Out app, and the sources that worked best were Facebook events, Bucketlisters, and Eventbrite.
Follow the studios and streamers directly too. Netflix, Freeform, and Disney all built pop-ups around specific premieres, so a show you already love announcing a new season is often the tip-off.
Tickets for the best ones sell out within hours, so set alerts rather than checking casually.
What’s the best Harry Potter experience in Los Angeles?
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood is the big one — Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle, and the rides — and it’s easily a half-day on its own.
For something smaller, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour includes a Harry Potter section in Stage 48: Script to Screen, with interactive exhibits and a Sorting Hat.
I saw the Archives side of it as a Warner Bros. employee, and the props and costumes are the real thing.
If you’re a serious Potterhead, nothing compares to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London or to visiting the filming locations in England.
What nerdy things are there to do in LA with kids?
Several picks work well for all ages.
The California Science Center is the standout, especially once the Air and Space Center opens in November.
The Petersen Automotive Museum has the Cars of Film & Television section with Transformers and Batman vehicles.
Universal Studios Hollywood covers Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.
Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn is small but charming, though it’s only open the third Sunday of each month, 11 am–3 pm.
The Magic Castle is a 21+ club, with two exceptions: ages 5 and older can attend weekend brunch, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Young Adult Nights admit ages 13 and up on select evenings approved by Castle management. Outside those windows, the 21+ rule has no exceptions.
Skip the bars — Scum and Villainy, Guild Hall, and Break Room 86 are adult venues.
Related California Travel Guides
- Which Hearst Castle Tour is the Best? California Day Trip Guide
- Pompeii: The Exhibition Review: Devastating 2,000-Year-Old History
- 21 Nerdy Things To Do In Los Angeles That Every Geek Will Love
- The Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit is Truly Worth It: An Honest Review
Want to remember this? Pin this 21 Nerdy Things to Do in Los Angeles: Unique Geek Guide article to your favorite Pinterest board!
These look so fun! If only I lived closer.
Thank you! Yeah, they seem to only be coming to larger cities.
READY PLAYER ONE CHALLENGE looks so beatiful! Wish we were there when this event happened.
Hopefully, they’ll bring it back!