Los Angeles has amazing events and amusements all year round, but the summer months are especially packed with plenty to do. As the weather warms over the West Coast and we leave the grey days of February and March, it’s time to start getting ready to enjoy all the warm-weather outdoor activities Los Angeles offers. Besides, studies have shown that spending time outdoors benefits your health. What better time to get outside than during LA’s mild summers?
If you’re planning to visit for business or just for fun, now is the time to get your travel itinerary laid out with plenty of ways to explore this city and its beautiful natural scenery and exciting events.
Hit The Beach
When visiting L.A., you can’t miss spending time outdoors, and what most people picture when they think of sunny SoCal is the beach. There’s a lot to see and do from Long Beach to Malibu.
If you’re looking to spend time by the sea, Dockweiler Beach is the perfect picnic spot, and Paradise Cove Beach, just off the cliffs of Malibu, is ideal for surfers. Kick back and rewind with a picnic and good company, swim and surf, or explore tide pools teeming with life.
Not into lounging and swimming? Why not stroll the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, where you can find unique shops, vendors, buskers, and people from all walks of life? It’s a lively, exciting place to be that can’t be missed, both for locals and tourists.
If you’re here to see the homes of the rich and famous, Carbon Beach is a public beach with a high-end, private feel. Tucked behind luxury homes, the soft sand and calm waters are superb for those who want a quiet, relaxing beach experience.
If you want more of the coast, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the area’s most famous and picturesque spots. Even just the drive down historic PCH is scenic and memorable, with plenty of sightseeing to be done along the way. It’s one of the most famous road trip destinations in the U.S. – find a map you want to follow and hit the road.
If you want the water without the sand and crowds, snorkeling is a fun, adventurous option off of Catalina Island. Make a day of it and sail there yourself! If you find yourself closer to the Balboa Islands, a set of three artificial islands, rent a paddleboard and spend a day out in the sun exploring the views from the water.
Are you worried about getting to Catalina or Balboa? Taking a shuttle can eliminate the hassle of traveling to and from, especially if you’re a visitor staying in a hotel in Los Angeles. You can even schedule a ride ahead of time to pick you up when the day of oceanside fun is through.
Go Hiking
Los Angeles is filled with fantastic hiking spots. Get above the clamor of the city by trekking your way up Griffith Park. Griffith is an incredible way to feel like you’re out in the wilderness without even leaving the Los Angeles area. It’s the city’s largest public green space, and plenty of trails there cumulate in unforgettable views.
If you want a hike with a distinctly Los Angeles vibe, Runyon Canyon Park is simple to navigate and a big hit with the fitness-minded. Get a workout, get outdoors, and
Or hike Mount Baldy, LA County’s highest peak, from which you can see Catalina Island on a sunny day. The round-trip hike is 11 miles, so dress comfortably, pack water, and come back in wintertime for skiing!
For more forays away from the city, Joshua National Tree Park is only a short shuttle ride away from central LA. Take in absolute silence at one of the Mojave Desert’s most picturesque spots. Bring your camera – there are plenty of places to pose amongst the joshua trees!
Dine al Fresco
Dining outside in Los Angeles is practically a way of life. From seats set out in front of a local eatery to chic rooftop dining experiences, there are plenty of hidden outdoor eating gems in LA to match various cuisine preferences.
Perch LA is a French-inspired bar and bistro with an amazing ambiance and even a few fire pits set out by the patio. In Hollywood, The Rooftop at Mama Shelter’s rooftop bar is filled with comfortable, colorful sofas for enjoying cocktails and listening to their live DJs. Over in Culver City, Bar Bohemian at Citizen Public Market is a petite outdoor spot with a greenery-flanked eating space and views that will wow.
Not on a rooftop but still perfect for outdoor eating, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, nestled right in LA, is mostly outdoors, with an open view of the wood-fired pizza oven. If it’s an oasis you’re after, you’ll want Botanica Restaurant and Market in Silver Lake, where you’ll dine on clams under a canopy of lush planters.
Go to a Music Festival
Warm weather brings festival season with it. It’s time to buy tickets, don sunscreen, and start hitting Los Angeles’ bustling festival scene. While most popular desert festivals of the summer are far off from the heart of LA, there’s still so much to enjoy right within the city and its suburbs.
The Just Like Heaven festival in Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Stadium in May lights up with indie artists and 2000s bangers. The BeachLife Festival down in Redondo Beach combines music and ocean waves to give you the best of both worlds. Or, you can rock out while supporting small artists at the LA Art Space Shoppable Art & Music Festival right in downtown Santa Monica.
Want something with a different feel? The Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival in June and the Smooth Summer Jazz Festival in August are both incredible experiences for jazz fans.
No matter what festival you hit this summer, make sure you’re well prepared. Pack your bag wisely, secure your valuables, and secure adequate transportation to and from the venue.
Explore LA Your Way!
Have an amazing time in Los Angeles – there’s no better place to spend your summer months! If you’re visiting, cut back on the stress of tackling LA’s notorious traffic by scheduling a ride from Xpress Shuttles ahead of time, especially if you’re coming from the airport. Or, simply plan your day trip and take the guesswork out of enjoying Los Angeles’ great outdoors.