(credit: istockphoto)
The longer you live in LA, the easier it is to pass straight by the city gems on a daily basis and forgo of all the wonderful things Los Angeles has to offer. This summer is the perfect time to take the town by storm and spend a proper LA weekend embracing some of the city’s best entertainment, activities, cuisine and culture. These spots are also great LA landmarks to capture essential memories of the perfect LA weekend. For those visiting, and rather not be a slave to the selfie, flyphotographer has a great service where they will connect you with an LA-based photographer for your very own paparazzi style photo session around the city.
credit: Mark Ralston/Getty Images
Friday
Split out of work early on Friday and kick off the weekend with your favorite partner in crime. In a city overflowing with pop culture and movie legends, have you ever thought about taking a traditional tour of the city? Felix In Hollywood Tours hosted by historian, Philip Mershon, the TMZ Hollywood Tours, or perhaps even a helicopter tour of the city are all great ways to get reacquainted with Los Angeles and discover new areas and haunts in under 2 hours. You’ll find out facts and tidbits about the city you love and even new places to explore on your own.
As the sun begins to set, ring in the weekend with happy hour at one of LA’s Best Rooftop Bars, enjoy LA’s free weekly music event with Jazz at LACMA or dinner at the newly opened Mastro’s in Malibu. If comedy is more your style, grab tickets to 40 is The New Groundlings for an evening of hilarious sketches and improv.
(credit: Pro SUP Shop)
Saturday
Weekend mornings are for enjoying the outdoors and embracing the beach life. Practice sunrise yoga, or take a bike ride in Santa Monica to watch the surfers and dolphins play. If you choose, you can take a stroll to the beach and rent a bike there at the many shops that line the beach. Consider finally learning to stand up paddle board with the team at Pro SUP Shop in Marina Del Rey – you know you’ve always wanted to try. While passing through Venice, make sure to stop by Local 1205, Gjelina Take Away or The Rose Cafe for a nice lunch and some fresh juice as you stroll down Abbot Kinney.
Open until 9pm on Saturdays during the summer, plan to visit art, architecture and garden tours in the afternoon at the Getty Villa. Admission is always free, but an advance, a timed-entry ticket is required which cuts down significantly on crowds. Parking is $15, but pay once and you can then visit the Getty Center for no additional charge the same day. The Getty Center is also open until 9pm throughout the summer.
Summer evenings wouldn’t be complete without catching a show at the Hollywood Bowl though. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic and enjoy some vino while listening to the smooth sounds of your favorite musicians as fireworks light up the sky. Everyone from The Beatles to Bruno Mars, John Mayer and Pharrell have played this iconic venue and it never disappoints.
(credit: Gabriel Bouys/Getty Images)
Sunday
Following your early morning hike in Griffith Park to the Mount Hollywood summit with breathtaking views of LA, unwind at MESSHALL Kitchen in Los Feliz for a classic cocktail brunch. If you’re weekend finds taking in a performance at the Greek Theater they also have a great “Dine + Ride” deal with custom menu.
Those with families might consider a day at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Griffith Observatory or the California Science Center. Then again, the town is filled with art and culture, so take your pick from the best museums in LA including The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live downtown.
Many visitors are surprised to find out how much fun LA locals have at the cemetery. Sounds creepy? Hardly. CINESPIA celebrates classic flicks and cultural events on the lawn of The Hollywood Forever Cemetery. It is not uncommon for the stars of the screening to introduce the programs and participate in Q&A. It’s a great night for all.
More than 48 hours later, if you are still up for some late-night shenanigans, head to the Sunset Strip and go out with a bang. Let the artists at Mark Mahoney’s Shamrock Social Club help you commemorate your quintessential LA weekend with that custom tattoo you’ve been itching to get. Too much for you to handle, but you still want to end your ride with a more mellow rock and roll vibe? Nothing beats after-hours at Swingers Diner on Beverly Blvd. for midnight snacks including a menu with delightful bites ranging from their multi-grain banana pancakes or the Jamaican grilled jerk chicken. Enjoy!
Nicole Standley a.k.a. JetSet Mom, is a social influencer + lifestylist covering luxury travel, fine-dining, fashion & pop culture for The JetSet Family. Follow her latest travels and escapades on Instagram, Google+ and Twitter.
