Mother’s Day events and ideas in L.A.

Los Angeles—and California as a whole—is a pretty amazing place, botanically speaking. Even though some of us can reach out our windows and pluck an avocado from a tree, a trip to one of L.A.’s many manicured gardens reveals vegetation that simply can’t be found on our city streets—just don’t try plucking a flower for mom at any of these spots.

She put up with your back seat shenanigans for years, so the least you can do is chauffeur your mom around for the day. From wine tasting in Santa Barbara to vintage hunting in the desert, these are the perfect out-of-town getaways for Mother’s Day.

Impress your mom with your cooking and packing skills with a picnic in one of L.A.’s public parks. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a devoted dog owner, there’s a slice of nature that fits your lifestyle—roll out a blanket or take a stroll through one of these spots.

Brush up on a bit of culture this Mother’s Day with a trip to one of L.A.’s finest institutions. Stick to something scenic like the Getty Villa for a special treat, though we’re sure your mom will get a kick out of you marveling at the Natural History Museum’s dinosaur bones like a little kid.

Relax, unwind and be pampered from head to toe. Being a mom can be tough work, and since you’re reading this page about treating your mother to the very best, we’re going to assume she did a pretty good job raising you. In other words, treat the woman to a top massage, scrub or facial.

Flowers are nice, sure. A box of chocolates, too. But the real way to your mom’s heart? Brunch. Lucky for you, Los Angeles does brunch like it’s nobody’s business. Whether your mom loves a classic eggs Benedict or a decadent plate of French toast, these brunches will have her thinking you’re the best son or daughter ever.

Angelenos may not have invented heavy drinking at 10am with a side of bacon and eggs, but we've certainly perfected it. These 10 L.A. restaurants serve the ultimate bottomless brunch, from a rooftop perch with all-you-can-eat-and-drink to a charming French bistro with endless champagne and mimosas.