The 50 best things to do in Los Angeles

What is it? A handful of ice skating rinks that are open for skating sessions—but only for a few weeks.

Why go? The sheer novelty and absurdity of being able to bask in beachfront sun by day and glide around an icy rink by night. And for the fun of pretending that winter in L.A. is a thing. Skating makes for a perfect date-night or family-friendly activity.

Don’t miss: Most of these rinks are a holiday thing, but Santa Monica’s rinks is open till mid-January, and West Hollywood just joined in on the fun with its first rink at West Hollywood Park, open January 13 to 26.

What is it? A Getty-funded series, titled “Art & Science Collide,” that is staging themed exhibitions at more than 50 SoCal museums.

Why go? Formerly known as Pacific Standard Time, the every-few-years initiative has debuted a dizzying number of exhibitions, including one on climate and social justice at the Hammer, a George Washington Carver spotlight at CAAM, a new diorama hall at NHM and dozens of others.

Don’t miss: “Future Imaginaries” at the Autry, which showcases more than 50 works by Indigenous artists, including a surreal spacescape from Wendy Red Star and several nods to Star Wars.

What is it? Celebrations across the region to usher in the Year of the Snake.

Why go? With Chinese New Year officially arriving on January 29, you’ll find a bunch of events throughout this month and next, including celebrations at the Huntington and USC Pacific Asia Museum. Arguably the biggest of the bunch is Chinatown’s Golden Dragon Parade, as well as a festival in Alhambra.

Don’t miss: Monterey Park’s free festival, held in the heart of L.A.’s Chinese community from January 18 to 19. The street fair typically kicks off Saturday morning with traditional dragon and lion dancers.

What is it? A 4,000-plus–acre rugged park in the center of the city.

Why go? The trails, the flora, the views, the howls of coyotes down the canyons at night, the twinkly lights of Downtown in the distance—L.A. may not have a grassy, centralized park, but Griffith’s massive, hilly wilderness makes for a stellar alternative.

Don’t miss: Even when the Griffith Observatory is closed (on Mondays), you can still drive or hike up to the grounds of the landmark Art Deco dome to take in the unparalleled views. Wherever you end up hiking, we highly suggest listening downloading Ellen Reid’s Soundwalk, a location-based musical composition that transforms as you move about the park.

What is it? A historic library, museum and sprawling gardens that was the bequest of entrepreneur Henry E. Huntington.

Why go? The Huntington’s distinctly themed gardens are easily the most stunning manicured outdoor spaces in SoCal, especially its recently expanded Chinese garden. The library and museum are equally impressive; all require reservations on weekends. In the past couple of years, the Huntington has also renovated its historic Rose Garden Tea Room (and recently added a walk-in wine service from 3 to 5 pm) and rebuilt a 320-year-old house from Japan.

Don’t miss: The Huntington’s library and galleries are home to iconic treasures such as one of only 12 Gutenberg bibles in the world printed on vellum (ca. 1455) and Thomas Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy (1770), which the institution restored itself in recent years.

What is it? A permanent home for the history of moviemaking that opened just a few years ago.

Why go? The collection includes the sorts of cinematic treasures you’d expect from the people who put on the Oscars, like C-3PO and the sole surviving shark from Jaws. The museum’s gallery rotations currently celebrate Casablanca and Boyz N the Hood, plus composer Hildur Guðnadóttir and documentarian Lourdes Portillo. Oh, and the gift shop is pretty fantastic, too.

Don’t miss: During our most recent visit, we spotted new props on display from Star Wars, The Matrix and the MCU, and also visited the new exhibitions on cyberpunk and color technology—where you can snap a shot of the legendary ruby slippers.

What is it? An exhibition from the Icelandic–Danish artist Olafur Eliasson that brings a new series of optical installations to MOCA’s Little Tokyo location.

Why go? Don’t let the reflective, colorful pieces fool you into thinking this is some run-of-the-mill “immersive” exhibit: Olafur Eliasson’s works invite you to admire the everyday miracles of physics that shape how we see the world. The towering, mirror-lined stacks near the entrance and the two kaleidoscopes are our favorite of the bunch.

Don’t miss: You’ll need a timed ticket, but look for reservations on the first Friday of the month (5–8pm) to visit for free.

What is it? A European-style food hall that’s been operating in Downtown L.A. since 1917.

Why go? Even if you’re not there for the food, it’s worth a trip; people from all corners of L.A. mix and mingle among rows of spices, produce and vintage neon signage. Of course, if you’re hungry it’s a great place to get cheap pupusas, carnitas tacos and aguas frescas, as well as food from trendy, foodie-favored eateries like Shiku, Fat + Flour, Sticky Rice, Broad Street Oyster Co., Eggslut, McConnell’s and Villa’s Tacos.

Don’t miss: Tacos Tumbras a Tomas serves the hall’s go-to taco, particularly the carnitas and al pastor. And Glendora’s famed The Donut Man also has a stall here, selling its doughnuts filled with fresh strawberries (February to September) and peaches (July to August).

Take a food tour of Downtown L.A.

What is it? Chris Burden’s Urban Light, a piece made up of 202 cast-iron street lamps gathered from around L.A. and restored to working order, that stands outside of the massive museum.

Why go? Yes, snag your streetlight selfies. But you’d be selling yourself short if you didn’t venture beyond the photo-friendly installation; LACMA’s collections boast modernist masterpieces, large-scale contemporary works, traditional Japanese screens and by far L.A.’s most consistently terrific special exhibitions.

Don’t miss: The color-focused showcase of Mesoamerian art, as well as an exhibition on cosmology. Also, if you live in L.A. County, book a reservation for a weekday after 3pm to get in without paying a cent.

What is it? A former reservoir turned public recreation area at the center of one of L.A.’s most buzzing neighborhoods.

Why go? The historic Echo Park Lake in recent years finally became a family-friendly destination worthy of its bold backdrop: the Downtown skyline amid the lotus flower blooms, fountains and the Lady of the Lake statue.

Don’t miss: You can pedal your way through the lake in a swan boat ($13 per hour) or stroll around the path that hugs its borders. We also recently checked out Piknik, the first restaurant to return to the reservoir’s charming boathouse in quite a few years.

What is it? A free, contemporary art museum in Downtown L.A.

Why go? Three little words: Infinity Mirror Rooms. The persistently popular museum has two mirror-laden Yayoi Kusama installations (the more immersive of which you can reserve in advance). Of course, there’s plenty more to see, from Robert Therrien’s oversized Under the Table to a half-dozen Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings.

Don’t miss: The museum is hosting a free environmentally minded exhibition on Joseph Beuys, and also partnering on a project tied to it that will plant 100 native trees in L.A.

What is it? The winter edition of the semi-annual restaurant week, which runs from January 24 to February 7.

Why go? It’s an easy way to try new restaurants during eat-your-feelings seasons, with dozens upon dozens of the city’s hottest dining destinations offering set menus for as little as $15 for lunch and $25 for dinner.

Don’t miss: Look out for our picks for the best deals as the two-week event approaches.

What is it? A comedy club operating out of the classic Coronet Theatre on La Cienega.

Why go? The Largo is L.A.’s home for cultured, bankable singer-songwriters and brilliant comedians. The likes of Aimee Mann, John Doe and perennial hot-ticket artist-in-residence Jon Brion ply their trade in the 280-seat theater. But most nights, Largo rounds up a consistently stellar stable of comedy talent, from showcases hosted by Patton Oswalt, Nick Kroll, Judd Apatow and Kate Berlant to improv shows by Ben Schwartz and live recordings of Paul Scheer’s popular podcast How Did This Get Made?

Don’t miss: If you want a good seat, check in to will call early, as seat assignments are first-come, first-served. Fill the time by grabbing a beer or glass of wine at the adjoining cash-only bar, the Little Room.

What is it? An 18,000-capacity arena in Inglewood that’s the new home for the L.A. Clippers as of late last year.

Why go? Basketball season is here, but this slick-looking billion-dollar-plus venue across from SoFi Stadium will continue to host major concerts, as well. For better or worse, you won’t have to worry about running down your phone battery from all of those mid-show TikToks because there are USB-C power outlets at every seat.

Don’t miss: The team drafted some local all-star artists to create installations across the grounds, including a ship with sails made of backboards by Glenn Kaino and a massive, mesmerizing video piece from Refik Anadol.

What is it? A collection of 21 soundstage-sized installations that’s floated its way into Boyle Heights.

Why go? The “museum” part of the name might be a little bit of a stretch, but this touring show is way more fun than your run-of-the-mill made-for-Instagram attraction, whether you’re pushing a charcoal-tipped sphere or getting swept up in a staticky whirlwind of balloons.

Don’t miss: Stick to weekdays for more reasonably priced tickets ($39 for locals) to this otherwise quite pricey experience.

What is it? A 22-mile bike path, officially known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, that traces nearly the entire extent of L.A.’s westward-facing coastline.

Why go? It’s the best way to tour the coastline. The path starts at Will Rogers State Beach and winds its way all the way down to Torrance Beach.

Don’t miss: If you’d rather take the path at a walking pace, you’ll find pedestrian-friendly forks in Santa Monica, Venice and Manhattan Beach.

Take a guided bike ride along the coast.

What is it? A Sunday market with dozens of food vendors in the Arts District.

Why go? The weekly food fest is like an incubator for L.A.’s next big food spot, with more than 80 food and retail stalls at ROW DTLA. You’ll also find the I Love Micheladas beer garden for local brews and micheladas.

Don’t miss: Feast on Afro-Caribbean cuisine from withBee, Lebanese street food from Teta, ice cream tacos from Sad Girl Creamery and, just for January, Swedish-style hot dogs from Hej Hej—all new vendors that joined in 2025.

What is it? Just under a dozen destinations within a day’s drive of L.A. where you can ski or snowboard.

Why go? You can drive for about an hour into the mountains and meet snow in the winter. But burn through a bit of extra gas, and you’ll be rewarded with a proper high-altitude wonderland.

Don’t miss: Snow Valley, Mountain High and the twin slopes of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are all within a three-hour drive from most parts of L.A.

What is it? The 69-year-old iconic theme park has a brand-new ride: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the very charming successor to Splash Mountain.

Why go? The holiday decorations are down—and Haunted Mansion reverted back to its natural state (albeit with an expanded queue and a new retail shop). But that’s OK—there’s never a bad time to make the trek to Disneyland. If you haven’t been to the pair of parks in a while, there’s a lot that’s changed—and we’re not just talking about the additions of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus—so we suggest brushing up on some of our essential Disneyland tips first.

Don’t miss: The Princess and the Frog–inspired attraction is finally open in the newly reworked Bayou Country—and we have four tips to get a little less wet. And next door at California Adventure, celebrate Lunar New Year with special decor and dining from January 17 through February 16.

What is it? The Pantages is producing one of its most “Popular” plays, Wicked, through February 2.

Why go? Seeing the theater version of the smash-hit musical—in a gorgeous Art Deco theater, no less—is the perfect thing to tide you over between the big-screen Wicked and Wicked: For Good at the end of this year. The vintage entertainment palace is the headquarters of Broadway in Hollywood, which specializes in big-budget musicals. When it’s occupied by a long-running show such as Wicked or Hamilton, shows with shorter runs are booked into the Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars.

Don’t miss: Get your tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, making its long-awaited L.A. debut at the Pantages next month.

What is it? A celestial-themed, hour-long light-up trail at South Coast Botanic Garden with the same array of celestial-inspired displays.

Why go? We know, Christmas-light season is over, but there’s nothing Christmassy about this Palos Verdes trail, which returned toward the beginning of November. Its nine stellar installations are cosmically mesmerizing, and one of the only after-dark events of its kind to run through winter.

Don’t miss: There’s basically zero street parking within a reasonable walk of the gardens, so you’ll need to pay up for the on-site parking (or a shuttle on weekends).

What is it? An outdoor oasis of pools, mineral baths and hot and cold plunges tucked into a tropical plant-filled valley in Corona.

Why go? Like a wellness-focused playground for adults, Glen Ivy sits in the sweet spot where it’s close enough (about an hour or two drive) to go for the day, but far enough to feel like an escape from L.A. Though it’s largely more of a resort-like spa than its name implies, there is indeed a 104-degree naturally fed hot spring at Glen Ivy (you’ll certainly smell the sulfur).

Don’t miss: Winter offers a break from the sometimes-overbearing summertime heat and crowds. Visit on a weekday in the off season, and you can expect the swimming pools to be basically empty and the hot tubs sometimes busy but never overcrowded.

What is it? An independent video store and theater in Eagle Rock that hosts eclectic film screenings.

Why go? Vidiots is a must-visit for the city’s many cinephiles. Formerly a beloved Santa Monica video shop, the film nonprofit took over a nearly century-old theater in 2022 and screens indie releases alongside repertory picks, classics and hard-to-find features in both digital and film. Of course, it wouldn’t be Vidiots without a video store: The organization’s 50,000-strong DVD, BluRay and VHS collection are all available to rent. 

Don’t miss: While you’re at the shop, snap some pics in the on-site film photo booth. 

Note: The Getty Center is currently closed due to the Palisades Fire but is scheduled to reopen January 28. The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, while safe, is closed until further notice.

What is it? A free hilltop art museum with a rolling lawn overlooking the ocean.

Why go? From the ocean to the mountains northeast of Downtown L.A., the panoramic views from this artopolis more than compensate for its relative inaccessibility (you need to ride a tram to the museum). So, too, do the masterpieces on display, particularly its Impressionist paintings and baroque and French decorative arts. The museum is free, but requires a reservation, and parking ranges from $10 to $25 depending on what time of day you visit.

Don’t miss: Vincent van Gogh’s iconic Irises, part of the Getty’s collection. And no visit to the Getty is complete without a walk around the labyrinthine Central Garden.

What is it? The world’s most-Instagrammed bookstore, housed in an old bank building in DTLA.

Why go? One of the city’s best independent bookstores—certainly its largest and highest-profile—cleverly draws people in with its eye-catching book installations, but it’s not style over substance here. You’ll find a truly impressive collection of both new and used volumes, plus a rare-books annex, record shop, coffee bar and a robust calendar of literary events.

Don’t miss: Valley dwellers—and anyone who doesn’t feel like making a trip Downtown—should check out the Last Bookstore Studio City, a brand-new location that offers 500,000 books and Zen vibes.

What is it? A boozy new putt-putt place on Third Street Promenade that stays open late.

Why go? There are surprisingly few spots for putt-putt golf in L.A., so this project from Australian company Funlab is a welcome addition. The 27 themed holes offer hours of campy fun and let you cut loose and feel like a kid again—albeit with booze, in the form of playful cocktails.

Don’t miss: For a more traditional take on mini golf, Castle Park in Sherman Oaks and and Golf N’ Stuff (of Karate Kid fame) have you covered.

What is it? A 1921, Mayan-inflected Frank Lloyd Wright house atop a hill in East Hollywood.

Why go? Though the home’s privileged hilltop perch is admirable from the outside, it’s best experienced from within: The exquisite wood detailing, long concrete hallways and geometric furniture are well worth the $7 tour.

Don’t miss: Saturday tours tend to sell out, so make sure to book in advance or try a weekday if you can (Thu–Sat 11am–4pm). A new photography exhibition, “Janna Ireland: Even by Proxy,” opens January 16, with photos of the city’s only World Heritage site captured at its centennial. 

What is it? Super Nintendo World, Universal Studios Hollywood’s immersive Mario-themed land.

Why go? The colorful, kinetic land lets you throw shells on an augmented reality-enhanced Mario Kart ride, punch ? and POW blocks for coins, and dine inside an adorable Toad-themed café (order the short rib, trust us). We’ve had a chance to visit a couple of times now, and it’s by far the most significant—and greatest—addition to the park since the still-pretty-magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Don’t miss: Just outside the theme park gates, CityWalk now boasts L.A.’s first-ever Hello Kitty cafe, with treats that are almost too cute to eat. Tip: If you catch a movie at CityWalk during your visit, you’ll get a $30 cash rebate—which takes the sting off the $35-and-up parking price.

What is it? A gorgeous and instantly recognizable outdoor amphitheatre that’s been hosting concerts since the LA Philharmonic first played there in 1922.

Why go? Nestled in an aesthetically blessed fold in the Hollywood Hills, the 18,000-seat venue can bring out the romantic in the terminally cynical. It’s the summer home of the LA Phil (and boozy picnics), but many don’t realize the grounds are open year-round.

Don’t miss: As long as there’s no performance going on (which is most days in the winter and spring), it also doubles as a public park, where you can picnic or even get in a workout on the venue’s stairs. During the busier summer season, you’re also welcome to bring your own food to ticketed shows (and even booze to LA Phil-produced ones). 

What is it? A series of small, Italianesque canals that run through the beachfront neighborhood—hence the name Venice.

Why go? Tucked between the grimy Venice Boardwalk and the posh Abbot Kinney, the Venice Canals offer a completely different side of the famed beachfront neighborhood. Take a stroll through these three canal-lined blocks, and you’ll discover an idyllic scene with arching pedestrian bridges, charming (and astronomically priced) beach houses and bunches of ducklings.

Don’t miss: You can bring your own nonmotorized boat to the canals and tour the neighborhood at water level (enter via the launch ramp at Venice Boulevard).

What is it? A 101-year-old theater built by the same architect as the Chinese Theatre and home to the first Hollywood premiere.

Why go: The Egyptian Theatre is back after a three-year restoration project. Now under the ownership of Netflix, the streamer will hold special events and premieres there on weekdays. But the American Cinematheque, the nonprofit that first revived the venue in the ’90s, will continue to program it on weekends with excellent cinematic picks and Q&As.

Don’t miss: It’s not the only old theater to make its return recently: The Vista, now under the ownership of Quentin Tarantino, is once again regularly screening films (and serving coffee in an adjacent shop).

What is it? A pooch-friendly paradise in Paradise (that doubled for Venice in L.A.’s Olympic handoff).

Why go? The four-acre waterfront spot is the only legal off-leash dog beach in L.A. County. The park is named after the area’s late local canine celebrity, Rosie the English bulldog.

Don’t miss: The entrance. There are no fences marking the dog-friendly area—though you’ll know you’re in the right spot if you see the signs and colorful “Dogs at Play” sculpture—so you’ll want to stay between Granada Avenue and Roycroft Avenue between 6am and 8pm daily.

What is it? A hillside botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge that harbors a year-round collection of native flora.

Why go? This delightful tribute to the horticultural magic of Southern California includes more than 600 varieties of camellia (best seen in winter, throughout January and February), as well as groves and hillsides of native plants.

Don’t miss: There’s always a seasonal bloom to scope out, including—as mentioned—camellias in the winter, and tulips and the Japanese garden’s cherry blossoms in the spring (usually in March or April). And the charming Descanso Railroad that opened last summer—complete with model trains and a train you can ride on—is a must-see.

What is it? A concert hall and home of the LA Philharmonic designed by famed local architect Frank Gehry.

Why go? Cruise along Grand Avenue and you can’t miss the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a twisted metallic explosion of Frank Gehry’s imagination. You can look inside the stunning auditorium on a self-guided tour—or catch some classical music before Gustavo Dudamel departs next year—but the exterior is also just as exquisite.

Don’t miss: Climb up the staircase on Grand Avenue, near 2nd Street, and you’ll find a garden hidden behind the hall. Bring a bagged lunch or a climb along the building’s lustrous exterior.

What is it? Outdoor movie season is still a thing in the winter, thanks to the L.A. weather.

Why go? Rooftop Cinema Club has flipped on the space heaters and is serving up hot drinks for its “Fireside Films” series. You can catch an outdoor screening in DTLA just about every night in January. (The Dark Knight, Pride & Prejudice, La La Land and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice are some of the month’s highlights.)

Don’t miss: New screenings and series are announced all the time, so make sure to check our calendar each week.

What is it? Ten miles of streets, mostly along Palos Verdes Drive, hugging the coast from the Torrance border to San Pedro.

Why go? The first third of the drive sticks mostly to spectacular real estate a few blocks inland, but after you round Point Vicente, the drive changes dramatically. For a few miles past Terranea, there’s nothing but undeveloped oceanfront hillsides, winding roads and golden-hued bluffs.

Don’t miss: Take a stroll by the Point Vicente Interpretive Center for views of the nearby lighthouse. Also, part of the peninsula is literally in the midst of a slow-moving landslide, which has already closed the iconic Wayfarers Chapel—so, you know, explore the area while you still can. 

What is it? Dozens of public, outdoor stairways scattered around Silver Lake’s verdant hillsides.

Why go? These WPA-era staircases are well-suited for a workout or a fitness-forward tour of the area. Though some homeowners have tried to prevent open access, make no mistake: These sets of stairs are for public use. You can find an exhaustive list in author Charles Fleming’s Secret Stairs.

Don’t miss: Highlights include the heart-painted Micheltorena Stairs (Sunset Blvd and Micheltorena St) and the Music Box Steps (Vendome St and Del Monte Dr), of Laurel and Hardy fame.

What is it? A mighty metallic bell and pavilion in San Pedro donated by South Korea in 1976.

Why go? Perched over the Pacific, this grassy spot overlooking the ocean is known for its namesake bell, with an ornately painted hipped roof. The exposed hillside is an ideal spot to fly a kite, thanks to persistent winds coming off the ocean.

Don’t miss: The bell rings only four times each year: Fourth of July, National Liberation Day of Korea (Aug 15), New Year’s Eve and during Constitution Week in September.

What is it? About a half-dozen drive-in movie theaters in SoCal that are still going strong.

Why go? During the pandemic, it was one of the only ways to see a first-run movie that wasn’t on your couch. But even with regular theaters open again, we still think it’s tons of fun, nostalgic and cost-effective.

Don’t miss: Some theaters are only open seasonally, while others only screen on weekends, so you’ll want to check the schedule before you drive over.

What is it? A Westside lookout best known for its 282 steep, concrete stairs to the top.

Why go? The views from the top offer some of the best views of the region, with the ocean on one side and the Downtown L.A. skyline on the other (set against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains in the winter). Once you reach the summit, sit at the long park bench and take in the 360-degree views.

Don’t miss: If you’d rather not beat up your knees but still want the view, we’ve driven up to the top of the hill and parked in—on a weekday, at least—one of the many empty spaces ($6).

What is it? A warehouse-sized record store in the middle of Hollywood.

Why go? Sure, Spotify is great, but anyone in search of that arcane track off of that mid-’80s Tom Robinson album knows it isn’t perfect. Neither is Amoeba, but it is the largest independent record store in the United States, and the variety of music on offer is amazing, the prices are fair and the staff really know their music.

Don’t miss: Its new address. The shop recently moved from its longtime home on Sunset Boulevard to a spot at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Argyle Avenue.

What is it? Take a fuel-efficient walking tour and cherish Los Angeles’ urban architectural heritage.

Why go? The Los Angeles Conservancy walking tours take in the city’s top sights and most beautiful buildings, including Downtown’s historic theaters and Art Deco buildings (on a weekly basis), as well as the modern skyline (monthly). Be sure to reserve a place well ahead of time, because the tours are incredibly popular.

Don’t miss: The tour of Victorian homes in Angelino Heights (first Saturday of the month, 9:45am), which takes you past some gorgeous houses you’ve probably seen onscreen. Afterward, walk down the hill and grab brunch in Echo Park. 

What is it? A staggeringly colossal flea market held outside of the Rose Bowl the second Sunday of each month. The next market will be held February 9.

Why go? The sheer size and scale of this flea market means that it encompasses multitudes: new and old, handcrafted and salvaged, the cheap and the costly. There are plenty of duds, to be sure, but come out early enough and you may go home with that perfect purchase.

Don’t miss: Stray from the main loop around the stadium; there are rows and rows of old furniture, albums and vintage clothes and accessories that fill the adjacent parking lot.

What is it? A small but beautiful state beach in Malibu dominated by rocky coves.

Why go? Because it’s easily the most scenic stretch of coastline in the region. It’s only accessible via a steep, gravelly path from a paid parking lot. But the effort is worth it, whether it’s to watch the waves lap against the rocks or see the sunset.

Don’t miss: The tide. The beach here is pretty narrow, and sand comes at a particular premium when high tide rolls in.

What is it? A series of farmers’ markets held every week year-round in Santa Monica.

Why go? The next time you’re at a restaurant and are tempted to ask the waiter where your astonishingly fresh beets came from—don’t. We’ll save you the trouble and answer for you: the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market.

Don’t miss: While the market takes place a few different days of the week in various parts of Santa Monica, the best day to go is Wednesday, along Arizona Avenue (8am–1pm).

What is it? A once-a-month block of dog-friendly hours at the Palos Verdes botanical garden.

Why go? To spend some quality outdoor time with your four-legged best friend, of course. One Sunday a month, you can roam the gardens’ 87 acres with your fur baby. We were able to bring our dog to nearly every corner of the grounds, with the exception of the rose garden and a few other small paths that are closed off to pups.

Don’t miss: You—the human—will need a reservation, while your best friend—the pup—will need to remain on their leash at all times, including in the parking lot.

What is it? A grand, white concrete tower that’s served as L.A.’s city hall since 1928.

Why go? It’s the cheapest way to take in an elevated view of Downtown and beyond. If you’re ever passing through the Civic Center during weekday public hours, enter on Main Street—then you owe yourself a visit to the 27th-floor observation deck.

Don’t miss: Look for the 1984 Olympic torch near the Spring Street exit.

What is it? A model train workshop housed inside of a red barn that used to reside in Walt Disney’s Holmby Hills backyard.

Why go? Walt Disney used to ride his own 1/8th-scale live-steam railroad—the “Carolwood Pacific Railroad”—around his backyard until he shifted his focus to a much bigger project: Disneyland. In 1999, the red barn that he used as his workshop was moved to Griffith Park’s Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum. The model trains are open to riders on Sundays (11am–3pm), and every third Sunday of the month, you can visit the barn to find a collection of train models and memorabilia.

Don’t miss: Legendary Disney artists and engineers are known to pop in during open hours.

What is it? An Arts District arcade bar.

Why go? If ever there was a bar to geek out in, this one is it. L.A.’s first arcade bar—it was founded in 2014—boasts more than 55 classic arcade cabinets and pristinely preserved pinball machines—all fixed with cup holders for endless booze-fueled sessions. An homage to the golden age of arcade games, cocktails here have names like Kill Screen, Wizard Mode and Dr. Mario. There’s also a big outdoor patio and a listening bar with a DJ spinning full time. 

Don’t miss: If you’re feeling competitive, join the L.A. Pinball League, which plays at EightyTwo on Tuesday nights.

What is it? One of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches and a frequent Hollywood filming location, due to its iconic rock face.

Why go? If you can’t find a free space along Westward Beach Road and you’re willing to pay for parking, you’ll be rewarded with this wide and rarely crowded patch of sand and surf. As all the parking spots are only steps from the sand, Point Dume is the perfect place to pack a picnic for a beachfront meal as seals and dolphins frolic during sunset—just watch out for those hungry seagulls.

Don’t miss: An easygoing dirt path climbs from the sand to the top of the point, with tons of yellow wildflowers in the winter and spring.