By Contributing Writer
Things to Do on Weekends in Los Angeles
Unlike other metro areas, activities in
Los Angeles are not concentrated in one downtown district. In fact, Los Angeles is a sprawling city of activities where one can enjoy adventures from downtown to the valleys, all the way to the coast. There is always something to enjoy in Los Angeles, especially for those who are open to driving around the area and exploring different parts of the county.
Outdoors
LA Palm, royalty-free image by JSherbert
Despite the towering buildings of downtown L.A. that dwarf residential neighborhoods in the surrounding areas, Los Angeles still manages to maintain and regard its natural environments. There are a lot of outdoor places to love in Los Angeles. You can start the day hiking in Topanga Canyon, spend the afternoons strolling along the beach cities, and end the day camping at West Fork in the Los Angeles National Forest.
Venice Beach
N Venice Blvd & Pacific Ave
Venice, CA 90291
West Fork Camping
W Fork Rd
Los Angeles, CA 93563
Topanga State Park
20829 Entrada Rd
Topanga, CA 90290
Museums
Los Angeles has a thriving arts community comprised of huge museums like the LACMA and the Getty. It also has various galleries such as the Bergamot Station in Santa Monica and smaller, intimate museums like the Hammer Museum in Westwood. While some museums have entrance fees, others offer entrance free of charge.
LACMA
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90036
Getty
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, California 90049
Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan Ave., A3
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Live music
Los Angeles is a city known for all the glamor of its entertainment industry, but--even in a city like this--you can find venues that have a warm, local feel. The city is home to various intimate, live music venues such as Hotel Cafe-- which is one of the city's most popular venues for both established and aspiring musicians. The cafe has helped launched artists like Meiko and Sara Bareilles, as well as international artists like Asa. Other venues are landmarks of Los Angeles' extensive rock and roll history, such as Troubadour and Whisky A Go Go. These venues feature various kinds of music that run the gamut from rock to eclectic.
Hotel Cafe
1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Whisky A Go Go
8901 W Sunset Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Troubadour
9081 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
House of Blues
8430 W Sunset Blvd,
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Dining
The flavors and ingredients of cuisines from Los Angeles have local and international roots. It is home to restaurants of renowned chefs and celebrities like Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, Tom Colicchio, Ashton Kutcher, Mary Sue Milliken, and Susan Feniger. From soft tacos to chicken satay, Italian, and local cuisine, Los Angeles has a strong list of places to dine. There is always something new to try. Lounges and bars are also escapes. While they are known for their happy hour specials, some also serve food.
Spago
176 North Canon Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Craft
10100 Constellation Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Osteria Mozza
6602 Melrose Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Ciudad
445 S. Figueroa Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Dolce
8284 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Resources
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Los Angeles weather, royalty-free image by tpacific
