Los Angeles, CA — Staycation Inspiration
10 Things To Do In Town
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
