Inside LA: Discover What's New in Los Angeles for Summer 2025
Inside LA: Summer Highlights & Upcoming Events
Welcome to your quarterly update from Los Angeles Tourism, your go-to resource for helping clients explore LA like insiders. LA is welcoming exciting hotel openings, new attractions, expanded international air service, and a multibillion-dollar transformation at LAX.
This edition dives into Venice, Malibu, and Manhattan Beach — iconic coastal neighborhoods known for luxury stays, vibrant dining, wellness experiences, and cultural gems like the Getty Villa. With the Pacific Coast Highway fully reopened and over 300 days of sunshine each year, LA’s beaches and outdoor attractions are more accessible than ever. Nearby, Sonesta Los Angeles Airport (LAX) is newly renovated, offering premium amenities. Citadel Outlets, LA’s premier outlet shopping destination, is elevating the experience with VIP packages, a luxury lounge, and the upcoming Pan Am Hotel. Looking ahead, the city is preparing to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 at SoFi Stadium — start planning now with our curated resource guide.
Don’t miss this edition’s Hidden Gems of LA, where Francine Sheridan, our Regional VP for Europe and the Middle East, shares her favorite under-the-radar spots in Malibu.
Discover all this and more as we share all that makes Los Angeles the best destination for your clients’ travels.
Sincerely,
Your Global Tourism Development Team
What’s New in Los Angeles
LA continues to add to its offerings with four new hotels that recently opened: Whisky Hotel in Hollywood, AC Hotel Pasadena, Sandbourne Santa Monica, and Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX (see more below). Hotel Lucile in Silver Lake is slated to make its debut this summer. New openings like Beethoven Market, a vibrant dining venue in Mar Vista, and the soon-to-open Dataland — the world’s first Museum of AI Arts — are among LA’s newest must-visit experiences.
Experience FIFA World Cup 26 in Los Angeles
As excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Los Angeles is ready to welcome the world to this international football (soccer) tournament. With world-class venues, iconic attractions, and unparalleled hospitality, the City of Angels is set to deliver unforgettable experiences on and off the pitch. Looking for inspiration for your clients? We’ve created a dedicated resource on our website to help you plan the perfect LA experience during the tournament.
Ready for Takeoff: New at LAX
The LAX/Metro Transit Center, which opened in June, now connects Metro’s C and K Lines to the airport via a free shuttle. By 2026, LAX’s new Automated People Mover train will link the transit center directly to the airport’s Central Terminal Area, offering a seamless transit experience. The airport’s multi-billion enhancement project continues with Central Terminal Area curbside improvements slated for completion by the end of 2027 including improvements to the inner and outer lanes, lighting, garages, and landscaping.
New international air service this summer from Athens, Beijing, Lisbon, Oslo, Rome, Shanghai, and Querétaro makes LA more accessible than ever.
Neighborhood Spotlight: LA’s Beach Cities
Los Angeles' breathtaking beach cities, including Venice, Malibu, and Manhattan Beach, offer travelers endless opportunities to unwind or explore. With the Pacific Coast Highway now fully reopened, visitors can enjoy renewed access to LA’s cultural treasures and coastal charm. From iconic attractions like the Getty Villa and vibrant street art in Venice to active pursuits along the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail, these coastal gems provide unparalleled appeal. With relaxing wellness experiences, unique dining options, and luxury accommodations, the region is a must-include destination for crafting memorable travel itineraries.
Pro-tip: Recommend your clients explore LA’s Beach Cities on two wheels! Tour operators such as Bikes and Hikes Experience LA offer guided bike tours, allowing visitors to discover hidden gems within the vibrant neighborhoods of LA by electric or traditional bike.
Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX: A Newly Renovated, Premium Airport Offering
Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX is a newly renovated, premium LAX-adjacent property (less than a mile from the airport) that combines modern updates with mid-century charm throughout its fully refreshed guest rooms, reimagined lobby, and four updated restaurants. Beyond its comprehensive renovation, the hotel offers extensive business and leisure amenities, including 14,000 square feet of event space, while its Westchester location provides easy access to major attractions like Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, SoFi Stadium, and The Kia Forum.
Luxury Corner: Shop Exceptionally at Citadel Outlets
Leading outlet shopping destination, Citadel Outlets is home to more than 130 sought-after global brands at a remarkable value. Enhancing the shopping experience for the discerning traveler, its curated VIP packages include access to a luxury lounge offering personalized comfort and premium service featuring light bites and complimentary champagne. Citadel adds to its offerings with the debut of the Pan Am Hotel in summer 2026. The new property will capture the golden age of air travel and pair it with thoughtful in-room amenities such as custom-designed storage areas built specifically to accommodate two oversized suitcases, a nod to the needs of travelers who often shop or journey with extra-large luggage. The hotel will feature two dining venues and a fitness center.
LA Tourism’s Regional Vice President for Europe and ME, Francine Sheridan, shares her hidden gems found within this stunning coastal setting.
- Start your day at Malibu Farm Restaurant: Located on the historic Malibu Pier, this full-service restaurant is a great way to jumpstart your day with an early morning coffee or breakfast. The fresh, local, and organic produce is paired with spectacular views and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Discover the artwork and architecture of the Getty Villa: Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Getty Villa is modeled after a first century Italian villa and has a rich and interesting history. This free museum is home to more than 4,000 years of ancient Greek and Roman art and tranquil gardens that invite you to wander and explore.
- Take the VW Bus Tour with Malibu Wine Hikes: The VW Bus tour is a unique way to experience the stunning Saddlerock Ranch vineyard in Malibu. Ride in a classic, colorful VW vehicle and drink wine while the sun shines! This tour involves two-to-three stops to enjoy some of Saddlerock Ranch’s best views while enjoying cheese, charcuterie, and some of the vineyard’s own wines.
- Dine and stroll at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe: Drive up Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu until you reach the super-chill spot of Paradise Cove, ideal for causal alfresco dining especially for breakfast or lunch. Follow your meal with a walk along the beach and a look at the Malibu beachfront homes of movie and rock stars, giving you a glimpse into the celebrity LA lifestyle.
- Live like a local at the Malibu Country Mart: This high-end outdoor shopping complex is filled with boutiques and restaurants. It also shows seasonal events such as movies under the stars in summer – a very LA experience!
- Watch the sunset at El Matador State Beach: El Matador boasts one of the most picturesque coastlines in California. Beautiful anytime, the beach really shines as the ideal spot to wrap up your day in Malibu by watching the sunset.