We were there for a Grunion Run, which can go past 2 am. Still tons of people on the beach at midnight the Saturday night that we went. Regular police patrols. Sand is a wonderful temperature. No sunscreen required. Yes, we got in the water!

Wokcano is open until between 2 am or 4 am depending on the night. Fantastic Asian food and sushi in a cool atmosphere.

Cute American diner with a huge menu. Mood flipped over from dark, late-night hangout to bright and breakfast while we were there eating dinner at 5 am.

The pier is open 24 hours/day, though attractions and restaurants do close. Pacific Park closed at 12:30 am the Saturday night we were there, but the pier was still packed with people.

Most chain stores were closed by 10 pm, though a tourist shop or two was open until 11 pm on a Saturday night. Not sure how late the street performers stay, but they were still going at midnight the Saturday night we were there. And, of course, the Walk of Stars.

Not much else going on in this part of town at night, but good bowling 24/7. We always came at 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. Friendly staff, and any lane you want! They have bumpers for the lanes and balls down to 5 lbs. for the little ones.

It was open until midnight on a Tuesday night in summer. Gourmet frozen yogurt plus mix-ins on a cold slab.

Jake's was open until midnight on a Tuesday night in summer. Cute little American diner with a billiard club below.

Mostly magazines -- one aisle not kid-appropriate -- but for your late night puzzle craving, this is the place to go! The area around here is hopping with people going to bars and improv comedy shows, even at 12 a.m. on a Monday night. Not as child-friendly of an area as other places on this list.