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Blog: Tips & Info

LA Staycation Guide

Female traveler exploring LA staycation spots by car

Los Angeles, CA — Staycation Inspiration

10 Things To Do In Town

  1. The Getty Center
    • Vibe: Elevated and artful
    • Description: Explore European art, architecture, and manicured gardens with sweeping city views.
    • Special Events: Friday night music series in summer
    • Best Time: Spring and early summer
  2. Griffith Observatory + Hike
    • Vibe: Iconic and expansive
    • Description: Hike to panoramic views and check out the observatory’s exhibits and telescope.
    • Special Events: Monthly star parties
    • Best Time: Sunset or spring mornings
  3. Venice Beach + Abbot Kinney
    • Vibe: Eccentric and coastal-cool
    • Description: Soak up street performers, skate park action, and stylish shops and eats nearby.
    • Special Events: Venice Art Crawl (quarterly)
    • Best Time: Summer
  4. LACMA + Urban Light Installation
    • Vibe: Creative and Instagrammable
    • Description: Dive into a world-class art collection and snap pics at the iconic lamp post sculpture.
    • Special Events: Special exhibitions and jazz nights
    • Best Time: Year-round
  5. Hollywood Bowl Picnic + Show
    • Vibe: Classic LA night out
    • Description: Pack a picnic and catch live music in a legendary outdoor amphitheater.
    • Special Events: July 4th Fireworks Spectacular
    • Best Time: Summer and early fall
  6. Grand Central Market
    • Vibe: Flavorful and buzzy
    • Description: Sample local eats like pupusas, egg sandwiches, and Filipino rice bowls.
    • Special Events: Food pop-ups and DJ nights
    • Best Time: Lunchtime, any season
  7. The Broad + Downtown Art Walk
    • Vibe: Modern and edgy
    • Description: See iconic works by Yayoi Kusama and Jeff Koons, then explore downtown galleries.
    • Special Events: Monthly Downtown Art Walk
    • Best Time: Year-round
  8. Echo Park Swan Boats
    • Vibe: Whimsical and low-key
    • Description: Paddle around the lake with skyline views and a lotus garden backdrop.
    • Special Events: None
    • Best Time: Spring and fall
  9. Runyon Canyon Hike
    • Vibe: Scenic and social
    • Description: A go-to trail for celeb sightings, fitness vibes, and sweeping views of LA.
    • Special Events: Outdoor yoga classes
    • Best Time: Mornings year-round
  10. El Matador Beach (Malibu)
    • Vibe: Dramatic and photogenic
    • Description: Hidden caves and craggy cliffs make this Malibu spot a stunner.
    • Special Events: None
    • Best Time: Golden hour, late spring

10 Things To Do Within 30 Miles

  1. Universal Studios Hollywood
    • Vibe: Immersive and playful
    • Description: Step into movie sets, scream on thrill rides, and explore Harry Potter World.
    • Special Events: Halloween Horror Nights
    • Best Time: Weekdays in spring/fall
  2. Descanso Gardens (La Cañada Flintridge)
    • Vibe: Calm and blooming
    • Description: Walk among cherry blossoms, camellias, and oak forests.
    • Special Events: Enchanted Forest of Light (winter)
    • Best Time: Spring
  3. The Huntington Library + Gardens (San Marino)
    • Vibe: Scholarly and lush
    • Description: Stroll through themed gardens and rare manuscripts in a museum-like oasis.
    • Special Events: Rose Garden Tea Room experience
    • Best Time: Spring and fall
  4. The Queen Mary (Long Beach)
    • Vibe: Vintage and mysterious
    • Description: Tour a 1930s ocean liner with haunted tales and period-style rooms.
    • Special Events: Halloween haunted tours
    • Best Time: Fall
  5. Santa Monica Farmers Market
    • Vibe: Local and sustainable
    • Description: Browse fresh produce and artisan goods steps from the beach.
    • Special Events: Chef demos and music
    • Best Time: Wednesdays and Saturdays, year-round
  6. The Comedy Store (West Hollywood)
    • Vibe: Hilarious and raw
    • Description: Catch up-and-coming comics and surprise drop-ins from A-listers.
    • Special Events: Roast Battles and themed nights
    • Best Time: Weeknights for cheaper tickets
  7. Rooftop Cinema Club (Various locations)
    • Vibe: Nostalgic and vibey
    • Description: Watch cult classics and new hits with headphones and city views.
    • Special Events: Themed screenings
    • Best Time: Summer and early fall
  8. Griffith Park Horseback Ride
    • Vibe: Western and scenic
    • Description: Ride through the hills for a peaceful view of LA’s skyline and the Hollywood sign.
    • Special Events: Sunset rides
    • Best Time: Spring and fall
  9. Japanese Garden at CSUN (Northridge)
    • Vibe: Peaceful and zen
    • Description: A serene escape tucked on a college campus with koi ponds and bridges.
    • Special Events: None
    • Best Time: Spring
  10. Malibu Pier + Fish Tacos
    • Vibe: Laid-back and beachy
    • Description: Chill on the pier, people-watch surfers, and grab fish tacos at Malibu Farm.
    • Special Events: Sunset yoga sessions
    • Best Time: Late spring through summer

10 Things To Do Within 60 Miles

  1. Laguna Beach Art Walk
    • Vibe: Coastal and artsy
    • Description: Galleries, shops, and live music fill the streets each first Thursday.
    • Special Events: Sawdust Art Festival (summer)
    • Best Time: Summer and early fall
  2. Catalina Island (via ferry)
    • Vibe: Island vibes without the flight
    • Description: Snorkel, zipline, or just chill in Avalon’s quaint harbor.
    • Special Events: Catalina Wine Mixer (yes, really)
    • Best Time: Summer
  3. Ojai Day Trip
    • Vibe: Spiritual and artsy
    • Description: Browse indie boutiques, hike to meditation spots, and try a lavender latte.
    • Special Events: Ojai Music Festival (June)
    • Best Time: Spring or fall
  4. Temecula Wine Country
    • Vibe: Sophisticated and fun
    • Description: Tour wineries and sip with vineyard views just outside LA’s hustle.
    • Special Events: Grape Stomp (fall)
    • Best Time: Fall
  5. Big Bear Lake (on the edge of range)
    • Vibe: Mountain escape
    • Description: Hike, kayak, or snowboard depending on the season.
    • Special Events: Oktoberfest, holiday lights
    • Best Time: Winter for snow, summer for lake
  6. Disneyland Day Trip (Anaheim)
    • Vibe: Magical and nostalgic
    • Description: Revisit childhood classics or check out new attractions at Disneyland or California Adventure.
    • Special Events: Halloween Time, Holiday Season
    • Best Time: Weekdays in early spring or late fall
  7. Pasadena + Rose Bowl Flea Market
    • Vibe: Vintage treasure hunt
    • Description: Browse rows of retro goods, furniture, and fashion finds.
    • Special Events: 2nd Sunday of each month
    • Best Time: Year-round
  8. Mount Baldy
    • Vibe: Adventurous and peaceful
    • Description: Go for a challenging hike or take the scenic ski lift for epic views.
    • Special Events: Moonlight hikes
    • Best Time: Spring and fall
  9. San Pedro Tide Pools
    • Vibe: Nature-loving and meditative
    • Description: Explore tide pools and watch waves crash at the edge of the Palos Verdes cliffs.
    • Special Events: Guided tide tours (seasonal)
    • Best Time: Winter low tides
  10. Orange County Beaches (Huntington, Newport)
    • Vibe: Surf, sand, and sunsets
    • Description: Cruise the PCH and pick your beach town vibe — laid-back or luxe.
    • Special Events: Surf contests, summer concerts
    • Best Time: Summer

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”