Welcome to our guide on sensory-friendly activities in Los Angeles!

In a bustling city like LA, finding inclusive and accommodating activities can be the difference between enjoying the day or going home with a migraine. Whether you're a local resident or on vacation, we've curated a list of experiences prioritizing comfort, accessibility, and enjoyment for everyone.

First, who will benefit from going to “sensory-friendly” activities?

Sensory-friendly activities are designed to accommodate individuals with sensory processing difficulties or sensory sensitivities, such as:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Sensory processing disorder (SPD)
• Highly sensitive person (HSP)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

The goal is to minimize sensory overload and create a more comfortable environment for individuals who are sensitive to stimuli like loud noises, flurescent lights, crowded spaces, smells, or tactile sensations.

What are examples of sensory-friendly activities you can find in any city?

A sensory-friendly activity is any activity that allows your nervous system to relax and avoid overstimulation. Here are a few examples you can find anywhere:

• Your local library or independent bookstore
• Nature walks, parks, and trails
• Restaurants that offer outdoor seating away from busy streets
• Museums and aquariums that offer special sensory-friendly times (you can look on their website or call)
• Wellness cafes and stores that play quieter music, offer calming environments, and nourishing treats
• Your local AMC theater likely offers sensory-friendly showings

Here are a few of our top recommendations while you’re in LA:

Enjoy the Griffith Park Ferndell Trail

Los Angeles is known for its warm weather which makes outdoor activities like nature walks accessible year-round. Nature walks are a great sensory-friendly option because you’re outside in nature, getting fresh air, and avoiding too much stimulation.

The Griffith Park Ferndell Trail is described as a “lush rainforest.” You can walk alongside a stream (that’s created by a natural spring!) for the entire half-mile trail. If you stop during your walk and look closely, you’ll see fish, frogs, turtles, and crayfish in the ponds. Last, the natural redwoods and huge ferns will make you feel like you aren’t even in LA!

At the end of your walk, stop by The Trails Cafe, which offers sandwiches, sweet baked goods, and coffee in a tranquil environment.

Check out this guide for more scenic walk ideas in the area.

Watch a Sensory Friendly Film at AMC

AMC partnered with the Autism Society to offer sensory-friendly showings for people with autism and other needs. During these screenings, they keep the lights up and the sound down to avoid overstimulation. This also allows people to move around the theater as needed so they're not restricted to one space.

For adults:

Catch a sensory-friendly film Wednesday evenings.

For kids:

Catch a family-friendly, sensory-aware movie on the second and fourth Saturday each month.

Click here to find local theaters and movie times near you.

Browse the Los Angeles Central Library

When in doubt, exploring your local library or independent bookstore is a great option for someone who struggles with overstimulation. They are naturally quiet spaces typically with dim lighting, less noise, and the crowds are kept to a minimum. The Los Angeles Central Library offers a beautiful backdrop to explore whether you’re a local or visiting.

Visit the Children’s Museum at La Habra

Every Tuesday from 2 to 4 pm, the museum hosts “Sensory Friendly Tuesdays.” During this time, the museum dims the lights, lowers the music, and decreases the amount of people who can attend so it’s less crowded. Their goal is to accommodate children with autism and sensory processing differences.

Learn more about their Sensory Friendly Tuesdays.

Nourish your senses at the Goop Boutique in Brentwood  

Inside this spacious, 1,300-square-foot store, you’ll find a clean beauty apothecary, home goods, and even a living room with a daybed in case you need a place to sit after exploring the city. Goop is known for wellness, but also for creating calm atmospheres that put you at the center of your own life. If you want to indulge yourself and your senses, treat yourself to a visit to this spot.

Learn more about the Goop store in Brentwood.  

Relax with a candle-lit sound bath at Boheme Yoga

Boheme Yoga is proud to create an inclusive space for BIPOC and LGBTQ+. They regularly host candlelit immersive sound baths that are particularly regulating for those with sensory sensitivities. This is a great space to unwind and immerse yourself in a soothing environment that feels safe for your nervous system.

And, if you're not in LA, you can experience one right at home via YouTube! 

Check the events page at Boheme Yoga to see their upcoming events, including when their sound baths take place.

Eat at Alfalfa in Santa Monica

If you’re looking for a health-conscious, cozy place that focuses on serving joy, then look no further. Alfalfa offers salads, breakfast burritos, bone broth, and gluten-free doughnuts.

You can order at the counter and then wait outside for your food to get away from the crowd, avoid having to chit-chat with servers throughout your meal, and simply enjoy the sunshine and healthy food.

What’s Next?

If you’re new around here, we’re Divergently 👋

We’re building a haven of helpful content for people who struggle with anxiety, burnout, and overstimulation, as well as people who identify as highly sensitive, empaths, trauma survivors, neurodivergent folks, and those with formal diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and more.

For most of our lives, we exist in neurotypical environments that don’t cater to our needs. This leads us to feel different and unsupported. But with the right information and tools, our environments, support circle, and perspective can change.  

If you’re living in Los Angeles or visiting, we hope this guide offers you sensory-friendly options that calm your nervous system while still giving you a fresh experience out of your house. We’re excited to bring you more city guides throughout North America and abroad.

Up next is Atlanta! Subscribe here to stay in the loop.

Do you know of sensory-friendly activities in LA that you recommend? Let us know! We’re always on the lookout for ways to improve our content and hear from our community.