The vastness of Los Angeles in square miles is matched by the variety of what to do and see. For any sort of occasion, check out our recommendations of the best things to do in Los Angeles.
The Best Things To Do: At Night | With Family | As a Couple | Alone | For Your Birthday
2800 E Observatory Rd 90027 / (213) 473-0800 / Website
Bask in the glory of space and Los Angeles all in one place. When the sun goes down, the views of the city from the Griffith Observatory outlooks are breathtaking. But what’s more stunning might be from a smaller viewpoint. Step up to a telescope and look into a peephole for an astonishing look at the sky.
Various
Angelenos sure do like to reap the benefits of mild weather year round. Case in point: our abundance of outdoor cinema experiences. From the city-immersed Rooftop Cinema Club and Melrose Rooftop Theatre to the Cinespia’s Hollywood Forever Cemetery extravaganzas, there’s nothing like a good meal and then movie under the stars.
Various
Nights in Hollywood have been made legendary by pop culture, and you should learn why yourself. The twinkling enclave of Los Angeles is full of the city’s hottest bars, which in turn make for the best places for dancing. Get groovy at ‘70s-themed Good Times at Davey Waynes, shake it at No Vacancy, salsa at La Descarga or relive Studio 54 revelry at Sunset at The Edition.
900 Wilshire Blvd 90017/ (213) 688-7777/ Website
The right way to start a night out in L.A. is taking in our infamous sunsets. We think you should also have an excellent craft cocktail in hand while taking in the sherbert sky, so head up to the Intercontinental LA’s rooftop bar for the best view of the city.
2301 N Highland Ave 90068/ (323) 850-2000/ Website
Los Angeles has a number of legendary, must-visit music venues, but few are as historically relevant, architecturally significant and just plain cool as The Bowl. It’s the ultimate spot for classical music, movie screenings and your favorite artists. Arrive early for a picnic (you can typically bring in beverages and food!) and then settle in for some performance magic.
200 Santa Monica Pier 90401/ (310) 458-8900/ Website
The pier hits all the marks: fun, food and entertainment. Ease into your visit by taking in the sparkling Pacific Ocean from the top of the ferris wheel before diving into topsy turvy rides and getting competitive in the arcade. You can fuel up with traditional fair eats like churros or hop over to sit-down restaurants like Maria Sol, Seaside on the Pier and Rusty’s Surf Ranch.
1418 Descanso Dr 91011/ (818) 949-4200/ Website
For the environmental lovers, you can spend the day admiring Southern California’s unique, gorgeous landscape. The Descanso Gardens features a rose garden, seasonal horticultural displays, presentations of lilacs, maple, cherry trees and iris and more. Any day here will make you appreciate the world’s great natural beauty, but for a really special visit, keep your eye out for events likeCarved and Enchanted Forest of Light.
Various/ Website
More than just a grower of fresh vegetables and fruits, Underwood Family Farms is a guaranteed fun day for the family and you’ll leave for home loaded with high-quality produce. With a history dating back to 1867, Underwood Family Farms is the site of birthday parties, school tours, animal center visits, a fall harvest festival, springtime activities and Christmas festivities.
5905 Wilshire Blvd 90036/ (323) 857-6000/ Website
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is home to the largest art museum in the West. Spend the day connecting with ancient cultures and diving into special exhibitions. Covering 6,000 years of artistic expression around the world, there is plenty to see among the museum’s 149,000 objects. After taking it all in, you can finish the day walking through the Urban Lights right outside.
15225 Palisades Village Ln 90272/ (310) 525-1380/ Website
More than just a place for shopping, The Palisades Village has some of the city’s all-time favorite restaurants. The family can scatter to their eatery of choosing and everyone can meet on the lawn for a sunny picnic. End the feast with a trip to McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams.
Cliffside Dr & Birdview Ave 90265/ (310) 457-8143/ Website
Gorgeous scenery certifies a good date, even one that involves light exercise. A number of trails can be found around Point Dume, but no matter which one you choose, you’ll be surrounded by the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
1200 Getty Center Dr 90049/ (310) 440-7300/ Website
Did you know that you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to The Getty? Pack up your favorite lunch and snag a few La Croixs so that when you’re done enjoying the art, the two of you can unwind together before you have to sit on the 405. You’ll want to grab a spot on the lawn next to the Central Garden so that you can take in the lush trees, flowers and plants. Take a stroll through afterward and you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a Parisian garden.
395 Santa Monica Pl 90401/ (310) 656-8800/ Website
The best way to the heart is through the stomach, so there’s no better idea than to ensure both you and your partner know how to whip up a decadent meal. Learn from one of the best cooking schools in Southern California and in just a few hours, the two of you will have learned to craft French macarons or make sushi.
5955 Melrose Ave 90038/ (323) 460-4170/ Website
Sometimes it is best to leave the food to the experts, especially when you’re all in on a romantic evening. Chef Michael Cimarusti fine dining seafood restaurant presents one of the city’s very best tasting menus. Book a reservation for an unparalleled culinary experience and to impress your date.
23130 Sherman Way 91307/ (818) 578-4146/ Website
You don’t have to go all the way to Napa for a romantic getaway. Pop over to Malibu Wines in West Hills for a day of tasting your favorite reds, whites, rosés and beers.
Address/ Phone/ Website
When shopping is serious, it’s sometimes best to go at it alone. We think you need your time to sift through rows, piles and racks of shoes, sunglasses, art and more, especially at a place like Melrose Trading Post. The weekly Sunday event takes over Fairfax High School with a shopper’s dream of vintage finds and trending pieces.
Various/ Website
When you want to commit your day to listening to new music or binging an enticing podcast or getting through the year’s hottest book, we say get out of your room. Our weather is too beautiful too often to stay cooped up. You can have your day of relaxation and appreciate our city’s best attributes— great weather, abundance of rooftop pools, spectacular city views— from a pool lounger. Many hotel pools are open to the public on weekends during the summer, but when the season winds down, you can always look for what’s available on Resortpass.
9882 S Santa Monica Blvd 90212/ (310) 975-2736/ Website
Experiencing one of the city’s most esteemed culinary traditions involves an appreciation of all things tea. Soak it all in with a solo reservation at The Living Room’s esteemed afternoon tea. Set to music from a classical harpist, enjoy the tower of sweet and savory delights while sipping one-of-a-kind teas and Champagne by Laurent Perrier.
317 S Broadway 90013/ Phone/ Website
Head out on the ultimate solo food mission. A downtown landmark since 1917, the Grand Central Market is a showcase of cuisines and cultures— the perfect place for a foodie’s dream feast where you can cultivate your very own smorgasbord from all the different vendors. The lineup includes Eggslut, Broad Street Oyster Co., Golden Road Brewery and La Tostadería, among many others.
42505 CA-1 90265/ (310) 457-3095/ Website
Experience the rich diversity of seaside L.A. with a drive up PCH. Between bustling Santa Monica and the rolling Malibu hills, a drive up the coast will bring mindful clarity by way of salty air, crashing waves and true blue skies. We love a good drive, but drives in this town must be purposeful, so set your GPS to Neptune’s Net for a quintessential beach day meal. Choose from a menu of clam chowder, grilled fish plates, burgers, fish tacos and seafood baskets.
Various
When you celebrate your birthday with a large group, you want everyone to feel included, and no dining experience brings people together quite like feasting over Korean barbecue. Then, before anyone gets too sleepy from the savory meal, head to karaoke and inspire group sing-alongs with oldies favorites and current hits.
225 North Canon Drive 90210/ (310) 860 7886/ Website
For an intimate, luxe birthday celebration, opt for the finer things. The Cigar and Whiskey Bar at The Maybourne has an impressive collection of special reserves from the Scottish Highlands and premier Japanese distilleries. It is also home to more than 1,000 cigars from the Caribbean and Central America.
216 S Alameda St 90012/ (213) 537-5550/ Website
Sometimes the best birthdays are a lowkey gathering of friends— to which we say why not do it over a pint? Angel City Brewery has plenty of space, good food and top-notch beers. What’s more, it often hosts live DJs and trivia, making it the right level of party for a relaxed celebration.
3014 W Olympic Blvd 90006/ (213) 427-0608/ Website
Your birthday is always a good time to enjoy one of the best Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles. The James Beard winner has an extensive menu of Oaxacan dishes like mole negro, tlayuda, chiles rellenos and more. With a vibrant menu and live music, Guelaguetza is a festive dining experience whether you visit for your birthday or not.
707 E 4th Pl 90013/ (213) 626-8200/ Website
Birthdays are always a good time for a little nostalgia so with a craft cocktail in hand, take on your favorite classic arcade games at EightyTwo. With 55 pinball and arcade machines, a full bar, a 3,000-foot-patio and bumping music, the night will never get boring.
To dive into Los Angeles various enclaves, check out our neighborhood guides of Hollywood, downtown, Malibu and Beverly Hills.
Photography by: Unsplash/Cedric Letsch; Unsplash/Venti Views; Unsplash/Matthew LeJune; Unsplash/ Adrian N; Unsplash/Carlos Bastias; Unsplash/Sean Foster
