THINGS TO DO!
Beach Day: On a warm, sunny day (most days from June-November in LA), grab a book, towels, a few cold drinks and snacks, and head towards the ocean. We recommend Santa Monica Beach for easy parking and gentle waves, but also love venturing up the Malibu Coast (Leo Carillo, Surfrider, and Zuma are for quieter crowds and bigger waves.)
What Is Art! LA is full of good art. Explore LACMA, The Broad, The Getty, Simon Norton, the Hammer, etc. We recommend checking out what’s on special exhibit and seeing what piques your interest. The Natural History Museum and Science Center are excellent choices for kids. You can also book tours at architectural gems around the city like Eames, Gehry, and Neutra as well as explore more independent galleries.
Gardens & Parks: The Huntington Gardens is one of the most magical (and under-hyped!) places in LA - truly perfect for a long, leisurely walk and spotting flora and fauna you didn’t even know grew on earth. Other great spots to lounge in the shade include Elysian Park, Vista Hermosa, Victory Park, and Lacy Park. For a city stroll, try the Elysian Park Trail Loop. For iconic LA scenery, Griffith Park is a must.
Hikes and Runs and Walks: Nick loves long runs along the LA River. Sage is an Elysian Park loop regular. We also frequent the Eagle Rock hills above our house, Deb’s park, and Griffith Park. To avoid crowds, try the Glendale Peak Loop. For longer hikes, explore the Santa Monica Mountains: Skull Rock Loop and Sandstone Peak for a challenge and Solstice, Temescal Canyon, and Inspiration Point for a more leisurely nature walk. Hikes in LA tend to be exposed without much shade, so bring on the SPF and hat game.
Farmer’s Market Season: One of the best parts of LA in the summer is the produce (FIGS!, cherries, the start of peach, plum, and pluot season, strawberries, grapes, watermelon…). We recommend Santa Monica, Mar Vista, Hollywood, LA River, Atwater, and Silver Lake Markets. Grand Central Market in Downtown LA (DTLA) isn’t really a farmer’s market but is a foodie mecca we highly recommend for lunch.
Eat good food! We’re biased but this city has amazing food. There’s something for everyone - incredible vegan food and the best Korean BBQ you’ve ever had. Cheap sidewalk eats and fancy splurge dinners. Great coffee and even better cocktails. We put together a list of our favorites for you - but you honestly can’t go wrong! If you don’t want to open the black hole that is that document, our regulars include: Kumquat Coffee for drip, a pastry, and a stroll (expect a line on weekends) or Creature for plants and coffee, Highly Likely or Amara Kitchen for brunch, Bub & Grandma’s for sandwiches (and amazing bread) on your way to the beach or park (order ahead), Villa’s Tacos if you need a taco fix close-by (although Sonoratown downtown is the ultimate), and Capri Club for a pre-dinner apertivo and walk from there to Queen St. or Wildcrust for dinner. We also love a the Grant cocktail to Dunsmoor or Barra Santos pipeline (but make a reservation, you’ll need it). Last minute, try your hand at walking into Sam’s Place and order a bottle of wine.
Insider tip: If you’re staying at the Pasadena Pool & Hotel, they have amazing breakfast burritos downstairs. Also crossaints at Artisanal Goods by CAR - trust.
Shopping Streets: For vintage finds fueled by Kumquat Coffee, visit York Street. Frogtown and the LA River offer a river walk and outdoor market vibe. The Arts District is great for ice cream at Salt & Straw, galleries, and boutique shops (stop by Hauser & Wirth Gallery and have lunch at Manuela). The Row LA provides easy parking and outdoor mall vibes. Melrose Ave and The Grove are famous for shopping, while Abbott Kinney is ideal for celebrity sightings and a friendly atmosphere.
ICONIC LA: If you’re new to LA and want to embrace the legendary spots, check out:
Disney (kids!)
Griffith Observatory
The Getty Center
Concerts at Hollywood Bowl or Greek Theatre
Dodgers Stadium Baseball
Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier
Swan boats at Echo Park
Smorgasburg every Sunday
Drive through IN-N-OUT!