Hey, planning your week in LA? You've picked a fantastic time! The city is buzzing with that undeniable summer energy, offering everything from sun-kissed outdoor adventures to vibrant nightlife and incredible cultural experiences. Get ready to dive into the best of what Los Angeles has to offer right now!
Perched on the slopes of Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline, the Pacific Ocean, and the iconic Hollywood Sign. Beyond the stellar views, you can explore fascinating astronomy exhibits inside the free-to-enter building or embark on one of the many surrounding hiking trails within Griffith Park.
Tip: Visit about an hour before sunset on a weekday for the best views of the city transitioning from day to twinkling night, and to avoid weekend crowds and parking woes.
For those looking to break a sweat with a side of celebrity spotting and stunning vistas, Runyon Canyon offers a variety of trails from easy to challenging. It's a quintessential LA experience that combines fitness with incredible views of the city and beyond.
Tip: Go early in the morning to beat the heat and find easier parking; bring plenty of water as there's not much shade on the trails.
Spend a sunny day at the expansive Santa Monica Beach, known for its soft sands and lively atmosphere. Then, head to the historic Santa Monica Pier, home to Pacific Park with its Ferris wheel and roller coaster, and the Heal the Bay Aquarium tucked underneath.
Tip: Rent a bike and cruise along the Marvin Braude Beach Trail, which stretches for miles along the coast, offering fantastic ocean views.
Just a stone's throw from Dodger Stadium, Elysian Park offers serene green spaces and several spots with stunning, lesser-known views of the Downtown LA skyline and the surrounding mountains. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quiet picnic.
Tip: Seek out 'Angel's Point' for an iconic view that beautifully frames the city against Dodger Stadium, especially at sunset.
A legendary Cuban bakery with multiple locations across LA, Porto's is famous for its incredible pastries, cakes, and Cuban sandwiches. Be prepared for a line, but it moves quickly, and the guava cheese rolls and potato balls are worth every second of the wait.
Tip: Don't leave without trying their famous 'Refugiados' (guava and cheese pastry) and a fresh Cafe con Leche.
This historic public market in Downtown LA has been operating since 1917 and is a vibrant hub of diverse cuisines, from tacos and Thai food to oysters and artisanal ice cream. It's a fantastic place to sample a wide array of flavors under one roof.
Tip: Go with a group so you can order a variety of dishes from different vendors and share to get the full GCM experience.
For a unique dessert experience, head to Magpies Softserve, known for its scratch-made soft serve and inventive softserve pies. They use real ingredients to create bold, nostalgic flavors that are far beyond your average ice cream cone.
Tip: Keep an eye out for their seasonal flavors and try a 'pie slice' for a truly decadent treat.
Los Angeles is blessed with an abundance of farmers markets throughout the week and especially on weekends, offering fresh, local produce, artisanal goods, and delicious prepared foods. It's a great way to experience the local community and taste the bounty of California.
Tip: Check out the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesday or Saturday mornings for a bustling atmosphere and some of the best produce in the city.
The Silver Lake neighborhood is a hub for indie music, offering a variety of intimate venues where you can discover local talent and catch touring acts. The Silverlake Lounge, The Echo, and The Moroccan Lounge are staples, often featuring live music almost every night.
Tip: Check the schedules for The Echo and Echoplex – they often host diverse indie rock shows and DJ nights, with tickets usually around $15-30.
This weekend (July 26-28), immerse yourself in the retro vibes of the Surf Guitar 101 Festival in Long Beach. This niche event celebrates instrumental surf music, bringing together international, national, and local bands, along with themed vendors.
Tip: Embrace the theme and maybe even don some vintage surf-inspired attire to fully enjoy the unique atmosphere.
LA is the epicenter of comedy, and catching a live stand-up show is a must-do. Iconic clubs like The Comedy Store on Sunset Strip or The Laugh Factory often have surprise drop-ins from famous comedians perfecting their sets.
Tip: Look for early shows or weeknight performances for a more intimate experience and often slightly cheaper tickets.
An iconic outdoor amphitheater, the Hollywood Bowl hosts a variety of concerts throughout the summer, from classical music with the LA Philharmonic to popular headliners. The experience of enjoying music under the stars is truly magical.
Tip: Pack a picnic with wine and snacks – it's a beloved tradition and can save you money compared to buying food at the venue.
This striking contemporary art museum in Downtown LA is home to a fantastic collection of post-war and contemporary art, featuring artists like Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, and Andy Warhol. Admission is free, though timed-entry reservations are highly recommended.
Tip: Book your free timed-entry tickets online well in advance, especially for weekend visits, to guarantee entry and bypass the standby line.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection spanning ancient to contemporary art. This week, you can check out ongoing exhibitions like 'ED RUSCHA / NOW THEN' through October 6, 2024, or enjoy 'Jazz at LACMA' on Friday evenings.
Tip: Don't miss the iconic 'Urban Light' installation by Chris Burden outside the museum, which is a popular spot for photos day or night.
Perched on a hill in Brentwood, The Getty Center offers stunning architecture, meticulously maintained gardens, and an impressive art collection, including European paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and decorative arts. Admission is free, but parking has a fee.
Tip: Take the tram ride up to the center – it’s part of the experience and offers fantastic initial views of the complex and city.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has been offering free general admission since January 2020. This week, you can explore their new collection installation, which forges bold relationships between beloved and lesser-known works since the mid-20th century, running until October 6, 2024.
Tip: MOCA's exhibits are often thought-provoking and engaging; take your time to absorb the contemporary perspectives presented.
Enjoy spectacular, free views of the Hollywood Sign, the vast city sprawl, and the Pacific Ocean from the terraces of Griffith Observatory. Inside, you can explore many of the astronomy exhibits without a charge.
Tip: Utilize the DASH Observatory shuttle from the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station to avoid paid parking and traffic congestion.
Take a walk down Hollywood Boulevard to see the famous stars embedded in the sidewalk, honor your favorite entertainers, and soak in the historic atmosphere of classic movie palaces like the TCL Chinese Theatre. It's a quintessential LA experience that costs nothing.
Tip: Look for the stars of your favorite celebrities, but also peek into the courtyards of the historic theaters for architectural gems.
Situated in the heart of Downtown LA, Grand Park is a 12-acre urban oasis connecting the Music Center to City Hall. It features beautiful fountains, spacious lawns, and hosts various free community events, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon.
Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch on the lawn with fantastic views of the surrounding civic architecture.
While The Getty Center boasts an impressive art collection, simply visiting for its stunning architecture, expansive gardens designed by Robert Irwin, and incredible city and ocean views is a free and enriching experience.
Tip: Take advantage of the free guided tours of the architecture or gardens to learn more about this remarkable complex.
For a unique and Instagram-worthy experience, hike up to one of the 'secret swings' in Elysian Park. These swings offer incredible, unobstructed views of the city skyline, making for a memorable photo opportunity.
Tip: Go during a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience at this hidden gem.
The Santa Monica Pier is a fantastic destination for families, featuring Pacific Park, the only amusement park on a pier on the West Coast. Kids will love the rides, carnival games, and the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel.
Tip: Below the carousel, you'll find the Heal the Bay Aquarium, a smaller, hands-on marine education center that's a hidden gem for curious young minds.
Home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the California Science Center offers engaging and interactive exhibits across various scientific disciplines. It's a wonderful place for kids of all ages to learn about space, ecosystems, and human innovation.
Tip: Be sure to reserve timed tickets online in advance for the Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit, as it's very popular.
Located in Pasadena, Kidspace Children's Museum is a 3.5-acre indoor and outdoor wonderland designed for children ages 1 to 10. With over 40 hands-on exhibits and daily programs, it inspires kid-driven discovery and joyful learning.
Tip: Check their schedule for special events or 'Kidspace Campout' programs during the summer for extra fun and exploration.
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a living museum, home to over 1,400 animals representing more than 250 species, as well as a botanical collection of over 750 plant species. It offers an exciting opportunity for kids to learn about wildlife and conservation.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and plan your route in advance to make the most of your visit, as the zoo is quite expansive.
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