Discover Your City By Cruise This Summer
This feature is brought to you by City Cruises anchored by Hornblower, who are ready to whisk you off on a breathtaking cruise in cities across the country. Fresh air and unforgettable views are waiting at a dock near you, from San Diego and LA to San Francisco, all the way to Chicago, DC and New York. Click below to discover five reasons why a City Cruise is the perfect way to make the most of your time outdoors in a beautiful city. Non-stop sightseeing, delicious dining and the freedom of feeling the wind through your hair are just the beginning…
The Stronghold Climbing Gym
Type of climb: Boulder, top rope, sportFor: Gym rats who are tired of bouldering
Housed in the remains of an old California Edison steam power plant, this gym has 45-foot walls and is a go-to destination for indoor roped climbing in Southern California. Just east of the L.A. River from Chinatown, its pretty centrally located, too. Parts of both the roped and bouldering sections are reset weekly, and the entire gym gets a makeover no less than every eight weeks. Plus, the regulars here are eager to get outsidemembers bump into each other climbing at the local crags all the time. Bring your dog: Stronghold is pet friendly.
Day passes are $20. Gear is an extra $6. Memberships are $79 per month.
Palisades Park: Santa Monica Pier Loop
Distance: 3 milesType of run: Packed-dirt trailand stairsFor: Stair masters
For an elevated perspective on Santa Monica State Beach, Palisades Park on Ocean Avenue is a narrow, 26-acre strip of park that offers killer views of the Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Ocean. The parks dirt path runs roughly 1.5 miles from end to end. Runners can behold towering palms, sunsets, spry celebs, and tai chi enthusiasts. If you dont mind incorporating steep stairs into your run, you can extend it by descending from the bluffs to the beach bike path.
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Take A Romantic Champagne Cruise On A Gondola In Long Beach
Glide down the Naples Canals one of these 38-foot asymmetrical beauties as Gondoliers propel you down under the romantic, high-arching bridges as you travel past the Accademia, to the Ravenna, to the Toledo and the Neapolitan East and then the famous Treasure Island bridge. Its a true European experience on West Coast shores and you can make it date with a champagne cruise or make a full-blown mimosa brunch with you and your friends. Find out more here.
Discover Six Top Things To Do In Los Angeles Outdoors And Where To Eat Along The Way
Adapted from Alfresco Adventures ByMarina Chetner in the
Los Angeles glitters under year-round sunshine, yet nothing beats the county in the summer, when surfers skim the Pacific from sunup to sundown, yogis practice outside and hikers weave trails through thickets of wildflowers. Whats more, Californias seasonal produce informs LAs top-rated food scene, making it the perfect excuse to feast while frolicking in the great outdoors.
Aqua Surf SchoolHawaii introduced surfing to California more than a century ago, but LAs beach culture exploded in the 60s, when Gidget and the Beach Boys hit the shores. Today, the professional surfing circuit is a multimillion-dollar industry. Channel your inner Kelly Slater or Anastasia Ashley and reserve a private or group surfing lesson with Aqua Surf School, headquartered in Santa Monica. Or, opt for a summer surf camp, offered to kids ages 5 through 17 . Wet suits and surfboards are included. Top tip: Schedule a weekday class it will be less crowded, meaning youll catch a lot more waves. Prices vary based on the option. »310.902.7737, aquasurf.com
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Cheer On The Home Team At Dodger Stadium
Put on your blue and white, and take to the stands to root on the home team at Dodger Stadium. The 2020 World Series winners always put on a good show, especially for their hometown fans. Though the players are the star here, the stadium is also home to world-class baseball snacks, including the iconic “Dodger Dog.” The stadium even offers a vegan option so everyone can feel included.
Sip On Wine And Sail Across The Pacific On A Private Yacht
Hop aboard and sail straight into the luxurious embrace of The Old Plank Luxury Boat. Allow the salty air to blow through your hair, while you bathe in sunlight while you enjoy the wine and gourmet hors doeuvres on this 3-hour adventure. You might be lucky enough to have up-close encounters with wildlife as you experience the relaxing sway of the water. Book your Mediterranean experience on the Pacific shores.
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Poolside Cinema At Mr C Beverly Hills
Courtesy of Mr. C Beverly Hills
Feel like a movie mid-week? Head over to Mr. C Beverly Hills on Tuesdays in June, July, and August where hotel guests and locals alike gather on the yacht-inspired pool deck for a show under the stars. Reserve a cozy chaise or couch by booking the corresponding prix-fixe dinner menu comprised of Cipriani specialties like baked white tagliolini with ham, burrata pizza, and prosciutto and melon and summer-inspired bites like guacamole and chips. Add popcorn, boxed candy, wine, or pints of Peroni. Half the dates are cool for kids as they show films like Space Jam or Alice In Wonderland, but the other half of the schedule is far from PG with favorites like Pulp Fiction and Bridesmaids.
Surf Lessons With Fun Surf La
Learn to surf at one of the most famous beaches in LA during this class at Venice Beach! The lively 2-hour private or semi-private surfing lessons are ideal for everyone, from beginners to upper or intermediate surfers looking to level up or just enjoy the day.
Where: South of Venice Fishing Pier, Los Angeles
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Spend The Day Cruising
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail is a 22-mile paved bicycle path that runs along the Los Angeles County coastline, from the northern terminus at Will Rogers State Beach, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, to the southern terminus at Torrance County Beach in Torrance, and is open year-round.
Raise A Pint At Oktoberfest
Free$$While the Bavarian-themed Alpine Villages infamous Oktoberfest celebrations remain on pause this year, you can still stop by the market and pick up imported sausages and fresh-baked goods, plus German and other European biers for celebrating at home. However, if youre itching to don your dirndl dresses and lederhosen shorts, you can cruise up the 2 freeway to Montrose, which will host its 43rd annual Oktoberfest celebration on October 2, from 1210 pm, with live music from Past Action Heroes and the German-American Brass Band, food from Schreiners Fine Sausages and other vendors, plus rides, games, contests, and of course, lots of German beer. Admission is free.
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Hike To The Wisdom Tree
If youre up for a strenuous but short challenge, hike up to the highest point of Griffith Park to see the famous, solitary Wisdom Tree.
The Wisdom Tree stands proudly among the surrounding sweeping city views, making the hike to this viewpoint worthwhile. This tree is special because it was the only tree to survive a wildfire that occurred among these slopes in 2009. The hike to the tree and back takes 1.8 miles.
Park for free on Lake Hollywood Drive and walk up Wonder View Drive to the trailhead to begin your adventure up to stunning views!
Take A Street Art Tour Through The City
Since the mural ban of 2002 was repealed, muralists and graffiti artists have taken their creativity to the streets of LA.
Throughout the citys alleyways and walls are expansive, jaw-dropping artmany of which portray powerful messages reflective of the concerns and struggles of the ethnic communities that make up the rich history and diverse cultures of LA.
Take sight of these bold pieces by booking a private or public group tour through the Arts District of LA, which you can explore by foot or bike.
Book the LA Art Tour online here.
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Beachwood Canyon Secret Stairs
Beachwood Canyon is a magical, quaint neighborhood filled with gorgeous homes of a variety of styles dating back to the Golden Age of Hollywood. One of the citys first planned housing tracts, it has counted many silver-screen stars among its residents.
Tour Beachwood by way of its secret stairs, a network of staircases dating back to the streetcar era of Los Angeles. As the neighborhood is quite hilly, the Beachwood Canyon stairs are fairly challenging, adding an aerobic element to sightseeing. Theres a whole book on walking tours of LAs staircases, and the website for the book includes a PDF map and directions on how to get to and traverse the ones in Beachwood. It recommends starting at Beachwood Cafe.
Parking is scarce on the winding streets , so why not take Metros 180/181 bus lines or the Beachwood DASH bus up to the start of the walk? All of those buses pick up near the Hollywood/Vine subway stop and W Hotel on the Walk of Fame.
Brown Mountain To Ken Burton
Distance: 17 milesElevation gain: 4,000 feetFor: Switchback slayers
While this loop in the San Gabriel Mountains is quite popular, and thus can be heavily trafficked, its accessibility, moderate yet fun terrain, and abundance of spring wildflowers make this ride a must.
To get there, take Fern Truck Trail to Brown Mountain Road, and follow that to the start of the newly reopened Ken Burton Trail. Once you tackle the initial switchbacks, follow the wash west until you pick up the Gabrieleno Trail, which eventually leads out of the forest and down to the popular Windsor Avenue parking lot. If you prefer a rowdier descent back to your starting point, take Brown Mountain Road back down from Fern Truck Trail instead and descend on El Prieto. Watch out for hikers coming up the trail and the loads of poison oak.
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Snow Night In Leimert
Described as “the Black Greenwich Village” by the late John Singleton, Leimert Park is hosting Snow Night in Leimert on Friday, December 17. Taking place at Leimert Park Plaza from 5pm to 9pm, the family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Enjoy free snow sledding, live music, arts & crafts, hot chocolate, fresh treats, and a holiday night market with local vendors like Sole Folks. To RSVP, visit the City Council 10 website.
Visit Santa Monica Pier And Beach
Opened in 1909, the historic Santa Monica Pier has a lot to offer people of all ages! And the beach is always free to enjoy.
Taking a stroll down the pier will lead you through a number of souvenir kiosks, and past a number of restaurants, street performers & musicians on any given day.
For a fee, experience the rides at the lively amusement park, Pacific Park, or spend some time in the piers aquarium.
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Walking/hiking & Views Views Views
Runyon Canyon One of the most scenic hiking trails in the area is just two blocks from busy Hollywood. Several Runyon Canyon trails through the wild chaparral and evergreen trees lead to magnificent views of Los Angeles and the ocean spreading out below.
Griffith Park + Samuel Oshcin Planetarium Hiking one of the trails of a 53-mile trail network in Griffith Park is a favorite LA pastime. Drive to the Griffith Observatory to take the trail leading from there to hike to the top of Mount Hollywood, the parks highest peak. Views of the Los Angeles Basin are fabulous! Return to the parking lot, walk over to the Samuel Oschin Planetarium for a stellar experience. Look through telescopes, explore exhibits and see live shows. Have lunch or dinner in the Café at the End of the Universe. The park closes at dusk the Café closes at 9 pm, the Planetarium at 10 pm.
Climb Mount San Antonio, aka Mt. Baldy Experience the highest mountain in the San Gabriel Mountain Range several ways. Of the 4 popular routes, the best option for unseasoned hikers is to start at the Ski Area parking lot and either hike the service road to Top of the Notch Restaurant, 7800 feet up, or take a 15 minute ride up in the ski lift. Take in spectacular views over a great breakfast, lunch or sunset dinner. Seasoned hikers can continue on for 3 ½ miles along Devils Backbone to reach the summit.
Climb The Kelso Dunes
The most fascinating Southern California nature site you’ve never heard of, the Kelso Dunes are a 45-miles-square region on the edge of the Mojave Desert. At only 650 feet tall, it’s an easy climb, and since it’s closed to vehicles, it’s just you hiking in. Strange fact: The sands are famous for their boom sound, a low rumbling that happens with every step you take, as hot sand spills over cooler sand below. These singing sands are only observed a few places in the world, including the Namib Desert of Africa. Pretty cool, right?
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Eat All The Treats At Grand Central Market
Downtown Los Angeles is home to endless delicious restaurants, but if you’re hoping to get a little taste of everything, head to Grand Central Market. The market has been serving the public since 1917 and is now home to both food vendors selling produce and other locally-sourced goods, as well as restaurants like Clark Street Bread, Eggslut, Horse Thief BBQ, and more.
Walk The Venice Beach Boardwalk And Canals
A short distance from Santa Monica, the Venice Beach Boardwalk provides one of the most eclectic atmospheres and people-watching spots in all of LA.
Peruse the many souvenir kiosks, check out the body-builders at the open-air gym, and see whos grinding the pavement at the skatepark.
For a quieter environment, walk a few blocks inland and stroll along the tranquil canals and footbridges that pay homage to those in Venice, Italy.
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Old Tonys On The Pier
This classic spot on the Redondo Beach Pier is now serving on its outside patio. Theres even live music! Kids love the spaghetti and chocolate mousse, parents can enjoy the old-school seafood, live music, solicitous waiters, and the feeling of enjoying a quasi-date night.
Everything is purple at the Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival.
+ Fabulous La Restaurants With Outdoor Seating For Kids
If social media is any barometer, there are a lot of LA parents who are tired of making dinner every night. Not to mention breakfast, lunch, snacks, brunch, and dessert. Now that outdoor dining is open again, families can get back to eating out … As soon as we can find restaurants with outdoor seating that have enough space to truly observe social distancing, are comfortably furnished, give kids space to play, and have fabulous food for adults & kids alike. As mythical as that sounds, it turns out there are a plethora of amazing outdoor restaurants in Los Angeles that fit the bill.
Whether you crave Mexican, pizza, vegan meals, dim sum, or afternoon tea, we found it. If you want to eat on the beach, dine with peacocks, or on a fairy light-strewn patio, its on the list below. Bon appètit!
Eat in your own greenhouse at Lady Byrd Cafe in Echo Park. Photo by Ali Buck
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Saddle Ranch Chop House
If youre thinking this is the mechanical bull bar where you maybe did shots once, youre right. But the bull is stabled right now, and both locations are open and serving up great people watching and fabulous kid food on their outdoor patios. Kids should save up their sugar allotment, because they will definitely want both the Red Bear to drink and the Cotton Candy Tower or Roast Your Own SMores Platter for dessert.
Here’s where you can have the best pillowy pita and creamy hummus ever. Photo courtesy of Momed
Santa Monica To Venice
Distance: 5 milesType of run: Paved pathFor: Scene seekers
Its roughly 2.5 miles from Santa Monica to the heart of Venice Beach along what might be the most widely recognizable strip of Southern California beachfront property. This short portion of the larger 22-mile bike path, known locally as the Strand, has a pedestrian walkway and will delight anyone who wants a taste of the bustling, iconic scene surrounding the world-famous Santa Monica Pier. If youre planning to do some of the touristy things anywaylike checking out the Ferris wheel and the aspiring Arnolds at Muscle Beachwhat better way than while on a run?
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With All Of The Gorgeous Weather In Los Angeles There’s No Need To Stay Inside
Spend a day in the California sunshine and enjoy these outdoor activities for less than $20 each.
1. Perry’s Beach Cafe & Rentals
Explore the Santa Monica and Venice beachfront and get some exercise by renting rollerblades or a mountain bike from Perry’s Café & Rentals.
2. Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Mingle with amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles at the LAIR at Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Zoo admission is $17 for adults, and parking is free.
3. Runyon Canyon Park
Visit Runyon Canyon for a star-studded hike and yoga in the park. Although yoga classes are free, donations are recommended. Classes are held three to four times daily.
4. Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Catch a movie during the Cinespia screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery during the summer. Don’t forget a picnic, wine and blankets. Tickets are $8-15.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers / Dodger Stadium
Make your way to Dodger Stadium to root for the home team. And you can’t get the full game day experience without ordering a Dodger Dog, one of LA’s iconic foods. Individual game tickets for Top Deck seating start at just $8.
6. Pacific Park
Cap off a day at the beach by riding the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Pacific Wheel at Pacific Park, on the historic Santa Monica Pier. Take in panoramic views of the Southern California coastline for $5 per ride. To enjoy all of Pacific Park’s 12 rides as many times as you like, purchase an All-Day Unlimited Ride Wristband for $20.
8. Grand Park
