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The ATD International Conference 2026 is officially happening in Los Angeles, and the city is already buzzing. L&D leaders, sales enablement pros, training consultants, and talent development folks from over 80 countries are making their way to the Los Angeles Convention Center from May 17 to 20, 2026.
After years of ATD rotating through cities like Washington DC and others on the East Coast circuit, the conference is landing in LA this time around and honestly, it could not have picked a better backdrop.
If you are someone who flies in a few days early or plans to stick around after the expo, this is your sign to explore the city.
Between the keynotes, the EXPO floor and the networking dinners, there is a full, gorgeous city right outside the convention center doors just waiting to be discovered.
These are the 7 best things to do in LA during ATD Conf 2026, whether you have a couple of free hours or a full day to play with.
Watch the Sunset at Santa Monica Pier
If you do one touristy thing in LA, make it this. The Santa Monica Pier sits right on the Pacific Ocean and the sunset views there are, quite simply, spectacular.
The iconic Ferris wheel, the smell of ocean air, street performers, and that warm California glow that makes every photo look filtered without a filter.
It is about a 20-minute drive from downtown LA and totally worth it after a full day of conference sessions. Go around 6:30 or 7pm during mid-May and you are golden.
Best time to visit: Evening, right before sunset. May weather in LA averages around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit so you will not need a jacket.
Hike Up to the Griffith Observatory for the Hollywood Sign View
Want to feel like a local? Lace up some sneakers and head to Griffith Park. The trail up to Griffith Observatory gives you one of the best views of the Hollywood Sign in the city, plus a jaw dropping panorama of all of LA.
The observatory itself is free to visit and has some genuinely cool space and astronomy exhibits inside. May is one of the best months to do this because the weather is warm but not scorching, and the trails are dry and easy to navigate.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning before sessions start, or right after the expo closes. Parking can be tricky so consider rideshare.
Spend a Morning at Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice Beach is a whole vibe. The boardwalk is home to street artists, skaters, muscle beach gym legends, and some of the most colorful people watching you will find anywhere on the planet.
Walk down the canals that give Venice its name, grab a cold brew from one of the cafes on Abbot Kinney Boulevard (locals call it one of the coolest blocks in America), and just soak it in.
It is casual, it is fun, and it gives you that full LA experience in about two to three hours.
When to go: Sunday morning or any weekday morning before 10am for a more relaxed vibe.
Eat Your Way Through Grand Central Market
Downtown LA's Grand Central Market has been around since 1917 and is basically a food lover's dream. We are talking tacos, ramen, pupusas, egg sandwiches, fresh juice, and more, all under one roof. It is walking distance or a short rideshare from the convention center, which makes it the perfect lunch or dinner spot between conference days.
May is also when LA Taco's annual Taco Madness event typically takes place at nearby Grand Park, so if you happen to catch that, even better.
Must try: Tacos from Tacos Tumbras a Tomas and the egg sandwich from Eggslut. Yes, that is what it is called, and yes, it is worth it.
Visit the Getty Center (And Get in Free)
The Getty Center is one of those places that makes you feel genuinely cultured with zero effort. The art collection is world class, the architecture is stunning, and the views of LA from the hilltop are incredible.
Best part? Admission is completely free (you just pay for parking). The first Friday of every month also offers free parking, so if your schedule lines up, plan around that. It is a bit of a drive up into the hills, but the views alone make it worth it.
Good to know: Give yourself at least two to three hours. The outdoor gardens and terraces are just as impressive as the galleries inside.
Catch a Show on the Sunset Strip or in Hollywood
LA in mid-May is packed with live music and shows. The Sunset Strip is legendary and has clubs and venues like the Whisky a Go Go that have launched some of the biggest names in rock history.
There are also theaters in Hollywood running shows through the conference week. If you want to decompress after a full day of L&D content and networking, a live show in LA is one of the best ways to do it.
Check what is on at the Pantages Theatre or any of the Strip venues during your stay.
Vibe check: This is more of a late evening activity. Perfect for winding down after Day 1 or Day 2 of the conference.
Take a Day Trip to Malibu for Lunch by the Pacific
If you have a free afternoon, specifically May 16 (the day before the conference kicks off) or May 21 (day after it wraps), consider driving up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu.
It is about 30 to 40 minutes from downtown LA and the drive itself is one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the country. Have lunch at one of the oceanside restaurants, walk on Zuma Beach, and take in views that feel almost unreal.
This is the kind of experience that makes people fall in love with California.
Best for: The day before or after ATD. It is a slow, relaxed experience, not something to rush through between sessions.
One More Thing Before You Go
If you are at ATD International Conference 2026 and you work in sales enablement, sales training, or revenue performance, come find us at Booth #1001.
SmartWinnr will be on the expo floor and we would love to have a real conversation about how your team learns, practices, and performs. No pitch decks, just good discussions.
Stop by, say hello, and let us show you what we have been building.
Join Us at ATD; Register Today
See you in LA!
