The Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Los Angeles
People ak me all the time about where to go and what to do when they visit Los Angels.
Everyone from friends and family, to strangers and people I bearly know. It always takes me houers to write about my favorite places and the “must see” places, so from now on, I’m just gonna give them a link to this post :D
The ultimate LA-guide!
Thanks to its gorgeous year-round weather, Los Angeles is the epitome of the Southern California lifestyle. As the days grow longer and the nights heat up in the summer, LA offers even more things to do under the sun and stars. From outdoor movies and concerts to red-hot hotel pools and world-famous beaches, read our guide to the best ways to have summer fun in LA.
OUTDOOR MOVIES
For movie fans, the summer outdoor movie season in Los Angeles is the best of all worlds: classic films and modern hits, shown on a big screen under the stars, with plenty of great food and drink. Gather your friends and enjoy hours of entertainment with our guide to LA’s outdoor movies.
Friday Night Flicks – Pershing Square (May – Oct.)
Pershing Square in Downtown LA has hosted its Friday Night Flicks series since 2008. The 2013 season launched May 3 and runs through October, featuring over 25 free movies grouped by genre, such as Flashback 80’s for May, Summer “Camp” in June, and Halloween films throughout October. Films are shown on a 20 foot inflatable screen and start at 8:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to pack a picnic and bring blankets and lawn chairs. Family dogs are welcome if they are well-behaved and kept on a leash.
Cinespia – Hollywood Forever (May – Aug.)
Launched in 2002, Cinespia hosts on-site screenings of classic films in and around Los Angeles. Cinespia shows films from the 1930s through the 1990s, mostly in open-air settings at historic locations. Its most popular series runs weekly between May and August on Saturday (and occasionally Sunday) nights at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Cinespia also screens films at other locations throughout the year.
The al fresco Hollywood Forever screenings take place on the Fairbanks Lawn (named for the adjacent crypt housing both Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. and Jr.), and films are digitally projected against the west wall of the Cathedral Mausoleum, which houses the crypt of Rudolph Valentino among many others. Online tickets are $12.
Dinner and a Movie – Big Bar (May 20 – Sep. 16)
Every third Monday of the month from May to September, Big Bar at Alcove Cafe presents Dinner and Movie, featuring classic and cult films paired with special food and cocktail menus inspired by the featured flick. Films are shown on a 17-foot screen on the garden patio. The 2013 season kicked off on May 20 with Raiders of the Lost Ark, featuring themed cocktails like “Abducted in Cairo” and “Monkey with a Little Vest.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is at 8:00 p.m. Admission is free. Seating is first-come, first-served for those seeking the full dining experience.
EAT|SEE|HEAR (May 25 – Sep. 14)
Eat|See|Hear boasts an image that’s 3.5-stories tall by 52 feet wide, with full digital, High Definition projection and state-of-the-art audio. Every screening features some of LA’s favorite food trucks and an opening performance by an up-and-coming band. The 2013 season kicks off on May 25 with The Princess Bride, and will travel to locations throughout Los Angeles every Saturday night until September 14. Four screenings are taking place at the Los Angeles State Historic Park in Downtown: Fight Club (Jun. 15), Stripes (Jul. 6), Pulp Fiction (Aug. 31), and Breakfast Club (Sep. 14).
Tickets are $15 per person, with a requested minimum of two people per car ($30 minimum per car). Admission for solo drivers is $30. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the band starts at 7 p.m. Movies begin about 30 minutes after sundown, around 8:30 p.m. Alcohol will not be served and is prohibited at City and State Parks, as well as any school campus. For tickets and full schedule, visit eatseehear.com.
STREET FOOD CINEMA (MAY 25 – SEP. 21)
Every Saturday night throughout the summer, Street Food Cinema features a mix of outdoor movies, food trucks, live music, interactive games and more. The 2013 season kicks off on Saturday, May 25 with Stand By Me and special music guest, Corey Feldman, one of the stars of the beloved movie. Street Food Cinema is based mainly at Exposition Park throughout the summer, with special nights at Los Angeles State Historic Park and select locations. Street Food Cinema is a dog-friendly event, so feel free to bring your four-legged friends. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for each screening. The band plays at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 8:00 p.m. General admission is $10 and reserved seating is $15. For more information and to purchase online tickets, visit streetfoodcinema.com.
OSCARS OUTDOORS (Jun. 5 – Aug. 24)
Oscars Outdoors is a summer screening series at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science’s open-air theatre, located on the Academy Hollywood campus. The series features a permanent 40 x 20 foot screen, a 10,000 sq. ft. plaza, and lawn seating. Food trucks are curated by Roaming Hunger. The 2013 season kicks off with two special free screenings: Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing on Wednesday, June 5; and an advance screening of Twenty Feet from Stardom on Thursday, June 6. The weekend Oscars Outdoors program includes California-centric titles, and films with international locales from Paris and India to Neverland and Skull Island.
Online tickets to each screening are $5 for the public; free for children 10 years and younger; and $3 for Academy members and students with ID. Seating is unreserved. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and screenings begin at sunset. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly, and to bring a blanket or low lawn chair. Picnic baskets, beer, and wine are permitted. Smoking is not permitted. No pets, but service dogs are allowed.
For movie fans, the summer outdoor movie season in Los Angeles is the best of all worlds: classic films and modern hits, shown on a big screen under the stars, with plenty of great food and drink.
OUTDOOR MUSIC
Thanks to the beautiful year-round weather, Los Angeles is home to some of the best outdoor music venues and events in the country. There are music events taking place day and night that will keep you in the groove from the spring all the way to the fall.
Jazz at LACMA (May 17 – Sep. 27)
Jazz at LACMA is a celebration of LA’s finest jazz musicians, and features the art of jazz as practiced by leading Southern California artists. Celebrating over 20 years at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the program continues to be one of LACMA’s most popular offerings, having previously featured such legends as Wayne Shorter, John Clayton, Kenny Burrell, Les McCann, Billy Childs, Arturo Sandoval, Cannonball-Coltrane Project and Ernie Watts. During the season, Jazz at LACMA takes place at 6:00 p.m. every Friday at the central BP Pavilion, near Chris Burden’s iconic Urban Light. Admission is free, there are no reservations for seating.
Saturdays Off the 405 – Getty Center (May 18 – Sep. 21)
Saturdays Off the 405 features performances by up-and-coming bands, along with DJ sets to open and close the night. The 2013 series kicks off on Saturday, May 18 with the electronic soul of the Danish duo, Quadron. Subsequent shows include electronic musician Robert DeLong (June 15), the neo-soul sounds of Pickwick (July 13), and indie rock band Geographer (July 27). To make the most of the evening, arrive early to explore the Getty Center’s world-class art collection, take in the spectacular views and breathtaking sunset from atop the hill, and stroll through the gardens. In addition to the music, the Getty’s Spotlight after Dark tours offer 20-minute explorations and discussions of art with a museum educator. Tours depart at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
All performances take place in the Museum Courtyard from 6:00–9:00 p.m. Entrance is free, and parking is $10 after 5:00 p.m. A cash bar will serve Getty-tinis and more, a snack bar will be stocked with nachos and other festival foods, and the Garden Terrace Cafe will offer sandwiches and salads. No outside alcohol is allowed on site. During Saturdays Off the 405, walk-ins are welcome at The Restaurant at the Getty Center, serving its fine dining experience from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Summer Music at The Farmers Market (May 24 – Sep. 6)
The historic Farmers Market at Fairfax and Third presents free concerts all summer long on Thursday and Friday evenings. Both nights feature top musicians from LA and beyond, performing on the lively West Patio from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Thursdays feature jazz, and Fridays are a showcase for blues, rock and Latin.
The 2013 season kicks off on Friday, May 24 with The International Swingers, an all-star rock band featuring Blondie drummer Clem Burke, Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock, Gene Loves Jezebel guitarist James Stevenson, and Australian vocalist Gary Twinn. Thursday Night Jazz launches on May 30 with the York Quartet, an all-female jazz ensemble led by bassist Jennifer York, best known as KNX-1070 AM’s daytime traffic reporter and formerly KTLA’s SKYCAM-5 “traffic diva.”
Greek Theatre (May 25 – Oct. 6)
The Greek Theatre is one of LA’s premier outdoor venues, named North America’s Best Small Outdoor Venue multiple times by Pollstar Magazine. Opened in 1929, the historic theatre is surrounded by trees in a picturesque setting within Griffith Park. The Greek’s 2013 season kicks off on Saturday, May 25 with the “Up in Smoke Tour,” featuring LA’s own WAR, the iconic comedy of Cheech & Chong, and the famed horns of Tower of Power. Other highlights of the season include: Barry Manilow (Jun. 14-16); LL Cool J with Ice Cube, Public Enemy, De La Soul (Jul. 7); Frampton’s Guitar Circus with Peter Frampton, B.B. King, Sonny Landreth (Aug. 24); fun. (Sep. 3-4); and Furthur (Oct. 4-6).
Sunday Sessions – Grand Park (May 26 – Aug. 25)
Beginning Memorial Weekend, enjoy the best in electronic music at Sunday Sessions, taking place 2:00-10:00 p.m. the last Sunday of each month at Grand Park in Downtown LA. The Eclectech’s Eduardo Castillo has curated a stellar lineup of local and international DJs who will rock Grand Park’s Performance Lawn, located between Grand Ave. and Hill St. Sunday Sessions will also feature food trucks, as well as cocktails by Pattern Bar. No cover.
Wine & Jazz Summer Series – Hollywood & Highland (Jun. 4 – Aug. 6)
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Wine & Jazz Summer Series takes place every Tuesday in the Central Courtyard at the Hollywood & Highland Center. The free event features a variety of jazz styles throughout the summer from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For $10, guests can enjoy 2 glasses of wine and a Wolfgang Puck fruit and cheese tray. Parking at Hollywood & Highland is just $2, one of the best deals in town.
CHINATOWN SUMMER NIGHTS (Jun. 15 – Aug. 17)
Presented by LA Chinatown and KCRW, Chinatown Summer Nights is a multicultural mix of music, food and summer party. Taking place in Chinatown’s West and Central Plazas, the series offers a variety of experiences, including: bites from Chinatown restaurants and gourmet food trucks; cooking demos; and hands-on, Chinese cultural activities presented by local organizations and museums. Guests can also sip on craft brews and dance to sets by KCRW DJs. Chinatown Summer Nights takes place on the third Saturday of the month, on June 15, July 20 and August 17, 2013. Each event runs from 5:00 p.m. to midnight, and there is no cover charge.
The June 15 kickoff event includes a special ceremony that honors martial arts legend, Bruce Lee. At 7:45 p.m., members of Lee’s family, elected officials and Chinatown community leaders will gather in the Central Plaza to break ground for a statue of the late icon. The dedication coincides with the 75th anniversary of “New Chinatown,” founded in 1938 after the original Chinatown was moved from Union Station.
Grand Performances – California Plaza (Jun. 21 – Aug. 24)
Grand Performances presents free performing arts that reflect the best of global culture and inspire community among the diverse peoples of Los Angeles. Taking place at California Plaza in the heart of Downtown LA, the Grand Performances lineup includes everything from brass horns to Latin alternative, classical Bernstein to sock puppets. Each week’s concerts are based on a theme, such as “Week 1: The Silver Screen” and “Week 3: Strong Women, Strong Voices.” Crowd favorites Ozomatli and Novalima are back for “Week 7: L.A. Stories,” performing on August 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Also making a return appearance are the complimentary bike valets for audience members. On select Fridays in July and August, Grand Performances hosts its popular Lunch Box series of noon concerts. Adding to the festive and communal scene, families, seniors, schools, youth groups and others bring picnic dinners to share under the twilight before evening performances.
Hollywood Bowl (Jun. 22 – Sep. 29)
The Hollywood Bowl is the largest natural amphitheater in the United States, and is renowned as one of the premier outdoor cultural venues in the world. Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, the Bowl been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since it officially opened in 1922. The 2013 summer season spans 14 weeks and features a wide variety of the world’s greatest artists from all genres of music, with Gustavo Dudamel and the acclaimed Los Angeles Philharmonic at its core.
Following the 35th annual Playboy Jazz Festival (June 16-17), the Bowl’s 92nd season officially begins on Saturday, June 22 with the 14th annual Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame concert, featuring inductees Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Patti Austin and John Legend. Summer highlights include: Weekend Spectacular concerts, featuring Pink Martini, Willie Nelson, Tony Bennett; Jazz at the Bowl series, including Natalie Cole, Buddy Guy, George Benson; KCRW World Festival series, with She & Him, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, M83, Rodrigo y Gabriela; and special events such as the July 4 Fireworks Spectacular with Josh Groban; Grease and The Sound of Music sing-a-longs; ABBA Fest; and the season finale, featuring the xx.
Twilight Concerts at the Santa Monica Pier (Jul. 11)
The 29th annual Twilight Concerts at the Pier returns on Thursday, July 11. Twilight Concerts at the Pier is one of LA’s favorite summer traditions, taking place every Thursday night from July to September on the landmark Santa Monica Pier. The popular series offers an eclectic lineup that showcases a different music genre every week, including reggae, funk, blues and indie rock. 2013 summer line-up TBA.
SUMMER FESTIVAL AT THE HUNTINGTON (Jul. 13 – Aug. 25)
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Southwest Chamber Music’s Summer Festival at The Huntington. Founded in 1987, the Grammy® Award-winning Southwest Chamber Music provides concert and educational programming that combines European classics, contemporary American works, and new music from Latin America and Asia. Four programs will take place at The Huntington Library every other weekend in July and August.
Ticket buyers can choose from Loggia or Lawn seating. The Loggia is an ideal venue for an outdoor concert—covered, but open on three sides for sunset views and excellent acoustics. Loggia patrons have unreserved seating in chairs on the same level as the performers, while Lawn patrons also enjoy wonderful sound while relaxing on a blanket under the stars. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.
HIKING IN LA
Getting acquainted with the numerous hiking trails in Los Angeles is the perfect way to discover why LA is the ideal place to get outside. Most of the hikes listed here are easy to moderate, so it’s not necessary to be an experienced hiker to enjoy them.
Getting acquainted with the numerous hiking trails in Los Angeles is the perfect way to discover why LA is the ideal place to get outside. Most of the hikes listed here are easy to moderate, so it’s not necessary to be an experienced hiker to enjoy them. However, it’s always wise to keep a few things in mind when you’re planning an excursion. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, carry plenty of drinking water, use sunscreen and wear sunglasses. Take along a camera, make sure you stay on the trails and have fun.
Heart-of-Hollywood Hike
- Trail: Runyon Canyon Loop
- Distance: About 3 miles round-trip
- Special Feature: The views at Cloud’s Rest, the off-leash policy for dogs and the occasional celebrity sighting
- Getting There: From Hollywood Blvd., head north on Fuller Ave. Park at the end of Fuller and enter the well-marked park. Take the trail to the right and complete the loop counterclockwise.
By no means is this hike a wilderness experience, so if you’re looking for solitude, you might want to try other trails. On the other hand, this is a great hike for people-watching, and it gives beginning hikers a chance to check out the Hollywood Hills and the amazing views at the trail summit, known as Cloud’s Rest. Whether you’re wearing the latest hiking gear or just sneakers and sun hats, this is a fun hike highlighted by million dollar mansions and priceless views of the Hollywood sign, the Sunset Strip and the LA Basin.
Griffith Park Trails
- Trail: Bronson Canyon
- Distance: Less than a mile roundtrip
- Special Feature: “To the Batcave!”
- Getting There: From Franklin Ave. in Hollywood, go north on Canyon Dr. until the road ends, at the “Camp Hollywoodland” parking lot. Cross the small, red concrete bridge on the right (east) side of the road. Walk around the vehicle barrier, keep left and follow the unpaved road for the short walk into Bronson Canyon.
Located in the southwest section of Griffith Park and easily accessible from Hollywood, Bronson Canyon has been a popular location for generations of filmmakers who make use of its remote-looking, somewhat alien setting. Bronson Canyon has been featured in classics like The Searchers and Invasion of the Body Snatchers, as well as more recent films like Star Trek VI and Army of Darkness. “Bronson Cave” is actually a 50-foot long tunnel, the remnants of a quarry that was founded in 1903 and originally called Brush Canyon. The tunnel entrance is best known as the mouth of the Batcave from the 1960s Batman TV series.
- Trail: Griffith Observatory West Trail Loop
- Distance: About 2.5 miles
- Special Feature: Views of Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood sign and the LA Basin
- Getting There: The hike starts at the Fern Dell picnic area near Los Feliz Blvd. You can pick up the trail near the creek past the restrooms. Stay to the right and head uphill toward the Griffith Observatory. You’ll be able to stop and enjoy views of the city along the way. As the path flattens out, you’ll see a trail to the right leading up to the observatory. On the way back, stay right all the way down the hill. The trail will curve around a bit and then take you back to the Fern Dell picnic area.
- Trail: Brush Canyon Trail
- Distance: About 2 miles
- Special Feature: Peace and quiet, as well as spectacular views near Mount Hollywood Dr.
- Getting There: You can park in the lot on Canyon Dr., located just past Bronson Park. From there, head uphill past the gate and pick up the trail on the fire road heading toward the Pacific Electric quarry. You’ll pass a park and a picnic area and then climb out of the canyon. After about 3/4 of a mile, the trail intersects with the Mulholland Trail. Follow the trail to the right and continue another 1/4 mile to Mount Hollywood Dr. To get back, follow the same route, taking a left at the Mulholland Trail junction.
Franklin Canyon Park
- Trail: Discovery Trail
- Distance: About 1 mile round-trip
- Special Feature: Franklin Canyon Lake and the Sooky Goldman Nature Center
- Getting There: From West Los Angeles, head north on Beverly Drive, following signs to Coldwater Canyon. Turn left on Coldwater/Beverly Dr., and turn left again on Beverly Dr., at Fire Station No. 2. The third right is Franklin Canyon Dr. Continue through the residential area to the park entrance. At the intersection of Franklin Canyon Dr. and Lake Dr. turn right to go to Franklin Canyon Ranch site, or turn left to go to the Sooky Goldman Nature Center and Franklin Canyon Lake.
Located near Benedict Canyon at the geographical center of Los Angeles, Franklin Canyon Park spans 605 acres and features over five miles of hiking trails. The park’s history dates to 1914, when William Mulholland built the Upper Franklin Canyon Reservoir. In the 1930s, the family of oil baron Edward Doheny used the canyon as a summer retreat. The easy stroll around the reservoir offers plentiful views of birds and wildlife, as well as access to other, more difficult trails such as the Hastain Trail, which rises to offer views from West LA to the Pacific.
Pop culture fans will likely recognize Franklin Canyon Park, which is frequently used as a TV and film location, including the famous hitchhiking scene from It Happened One Night with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. The 3-acre Franklin Lake was the “fishing hole” in the opening credits of The Andy Griffith Show, as well as the lagoon in the Universal Studios horror classic Creature from the Black Lagoon. The park was also the background for the cover photo of Simon & Garfunkel’s album Sounds of Silence.
Wilacre Park
- Trail: Betty B. Dearing Trail
- Distance: About 2.5 miles round-trip
- Special Feature: Panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley, TreePeople, “Rainforest”
- Getting There: From Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, take Laurel Canyon Blvd. about a mile south to Fryman Road. Make a right and you’ll see the large parking lot, which features restrooms, water fountains and picnic area.
Because its parking lot entrance is located on Fryman Road, the 128-acre Wilacre Park is often mistakenly referred to as Fryman Canyon Park. In fact, this hike can take you through three parks: Wilacre, Fryman Canyon and Coldwater Canyon. The well-shaded, dog-friendly Betty B. Dearing Trail starts off steep before it begins to level off after a quarter mile. One mile into your hike and you’ll be at Coldwater Canyon Park, home of TreePeople, a leading environmental nonprofit organization. The cul-de-sac at Iredell Lane leads you to the hidden Rainforest Trail within Fryman Canyon.
Will Rogers State Park Trek
- Trail: Rustic Canyon Loop/Inspiration Point Trail
- Distance: About 6 miles round-trip
- Special Feature: Exploring what was once the private ranch of a Hollywood star
- Getting There: Head to Will Rogers State Park in Santa Monica. The main road to the park is just off Sunset Blvd. about a half mile east of Chataqua Blvd. You can park the car near the visitor’s center. The hike begins just behind the main ranch house at the park, next to the sign for Inspiration Point Trail.
After about a mile, you’ll see the turnoff for Inspiration Point. It’s a quick detour and worth the effort to head up this side route for some spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the LA Basin and the Santa Monica Mountains. Follow Backbone Trail to the junction with Rustic Canyon. Follow that trail back to Will Rogers Park. After the hike, explore the park and enjoy a picnic on the massive lawn in front of the house.
Topanga State Park Trek
- Trail: Los Liones Trail to Parker Mesa Overlook
- Distance: About 7 miles round-trip
- Special Feature: The magnificent views at Parker Mesa Overlook
- Getting There: The hike begins in Pacific Palisades at the end of Los Liones Drive, just north of Sunset BLvd. Leave the car in the parking lot at the end of the street. From there, follow the trail up to East Topanga Fire Rd. and follow that to the turnoff for the Parker Mesa Overlook.
Switchbacks and steep hill climbs characterize the first two miles of this hike. With an elevation gain of about 1,300 feet, it’s definitely a tougher climb. But you can find your reward as you gaze out from a vantage point atop the bluff. Enjoy a picnic lunch or relax on a bench while taking in the overlook.
Solstice Canyon Hike
- Trail: Solstice Canyon / Rising Sun Trail
- Distance: About 3 miles round-trip
- Special Feature: Tropical Terrace and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean
- Getting There: From Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Central Malibu, take Solstice Canyon Rd. to the entrance, located at Corral Canyon Rd.
Solstice Canyon is an easy hike along a shaded trail that is partially paved before it gives way to a fire road. A babbling brook is the soundtrack as the trail leads you to Tropical Terrace and the foundations of a house designed by renowned architect Paul Williams, who also designed homes for Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball, as well as the Theme Building at LAX. For space and science geeks, Solstice Canyon is a must-see; it was one of only three sites in the world where TRW tested satellite equipment for space missions. Depending on the time of year, a waterfall cascades into a pool in the rocks behind the former home. Do some exploring and you’ll find a statue of the Virgin Mary in a nearby grotto. You can take Solstice Canyon back, or work up a sweat on the switchbacks that take you to the Rising Sun Trail at the top of the hills. Panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean are your reward for the huffing and puffing. Unlike the cooler Solstice Canyon path, the aptly named Rising Sun Trail has zero shade, so plan accordingly.
Escondido Canyon Waterfall Trek
- Trail: Escondido Canyon and Falls
- Distance: 4.2 miles round-trip
- Special Feature: The waterfall at the end of the trail
- Getting There: Head northwest on PCH from Santa Monica for about 17 miles. Not far from Solstice Canyon and just past Latigo Canyon Rd., you’ll see the turnoff for East Winding Way, where you can park in the well-marked lot. Follow the paved road toward the mountains. It’s a little less than a mile to the end of East Winding Way. You’ll see the entrance of Escondido Canyon Park clearly marked at the end of the pavement.
From the trailhead, it’s about a mile-long trek to the falls. The trail crosses Escondido Canyon Creek several times, so prepare to get your feet wet if you’re hiking in the rainy season. This is a gradual climb that drifts in and out of tree covering, alongside canyon walls. Soon, you’ll be standing at the base of the 50-foot-high Escondido Falls, admiring the multi-tiered cataract flowing over moss-covered rocks.
In the springtime, the waterfall is usually quite active, but the amount of water varies depending on the time of year. Scramble up the rocks to see the upper level and even more of the falls — the upper tier is about 100 feet high. Wading in the pool beneath the falls is a great way to cool off before heading back along the same route.
Vasquez Rocks Trek
- Trail: Foot/Horse Trail, History Trail
- Distance: About 3 miles
- Special Feature: Otherworldly rock formations, Pacific Crest Trail
- Getting There: From Santa Clarita in northern LA County, take the Golden State Freeway (I-5) north to the Antelope Valley Freeway (CA14) north toward Palmdale/Lancaster. Exit on Agua Dulce Canyon Rd., turn left and follow the signs to the park entrance.
Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a 905-acre park located in Agua Dulce, about an hour north of Downtown LA. The park’s striking, multi-colored rock formations reach heights of 150 feet and are the result of tens of millions of years of seismic activity and erosion. Vasquez Rocks takes its name from the outlaw Tiburcio Vásquez, who used the area as one of his many hideouts. A portion of the famed Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches 2,663 miles from Canada to the Mexico border, passes through Vasquez Rocks. The gentle incline and numerous trails provide plenty of options for exploring the park. The excursion is especially memorable when combined with views from atop the famous rocks. Note that there is very little shade throughout the park, so plan accordingly.
Star Trek fans will instantly recognize Vasquez Rocks from Captain Kirk’s battle with the Gorn in the Season 1 episode “Arena,” several other episodes, as well as the film series. Dozens of classic TV shows have filmed at Vasquez Rocks, including Bonanza, The Rifleman, Kung Fu, Mission: Impossible and The Twilight Zone. Vasquez Rocks was also featured in movies such as Dracula (1931), Blazing Saddles (1974) and Little Miss Sunshine (2006). Because of its significance as a prehistoric site for the Shoshone and Tataviam peoples, Vasquez Rocks was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
EIGHT GREAT BEACHES
Los Angeles is the best city to experience the quintessential “Endless Summer” in Southern California. We round up eight of the best beaches in LA, from Malibu to the South Bay.
The Getaway: Leo Carrillo State Park
Located in Malibu 28 miles north of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway, Leo Carrillo State Park offers a beach that stretches for more than a mile, dotted with sea caves, tidepools and other beach-combing delights. The park is named after the actor and preservationist who served on the California Beach and Parks Commission for 18 years. A small visitor center offers interpretive displays, as well as guided nature walks and campfire programs. Picnic areas, campsites and RV facilities are also located in the park, so if you’re looking to set up shop for a while and enjoy the scene, this might be the perfect spot.
35000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 805.488.1827
The Hopeless Romantic: El Matador Beach
Depending on how hard you try, you might be able to find a more romantic experience in LA, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more romantic beach than El Matador. Located about 10 miles northwest of Malibu, this secluded pocket beach has rocky shores, robust waves and some of the clearest water in LA. But don’t be deterred by the lack of facilities or the rugged path to the shore; once there, you’ll find that it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunset dinner in one of the hidden coves.
32215 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 310.305.9503
The Surf Spot: Malibu’s Surfrider Beach
A little love on the beach <3
When it’s time to get out the surfboard, apply a new coat of wax and zip on the wetsuit, there’s no better place to be than Surfrider Beach in Malibu. As the waves roll in and begin to curl near the shore, surfers paddle furiously to catch those perfect waves of ocean bliss. You don’t have to be an experienced surfer to appreciate the act of surfing, the cool vibe at the beach or the toned bodies of the surfers. In fact, sometimes it’s better to just be a spectator when the crowds get hectic and you’re fighting to catch a wave.
23050 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.305.9503
The Classic Stretch of Sand: Santa Monica State Beach
Located just north of the Santa Monica Pier, this is one of the most popular beaches in LA. At two miles long, it seems to go on forever and offers plenty of space to stretch the legs, set up for a game of volleyball or go for a bike ride. Bring the sunscreen, a little cash for parking and a beach towel or blanket. Let the sun, sand and surf do the rest.
380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 310.305.9503
The People Watcher: Venice Beach
Venice Beach is one place where it’s almost as much about the people as it is about the surf or the sand. In fact, the world famous Ocean Front Walk often upstages the Pacific Ocean. As you’re strolling the boardwalk, keep an eye out for Harry Perry, the turbaned guitar player on roller blades who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. This is also the place to see bodybuilders, chainsaw jugglers and a full complement of palm readers, folk artists and other colorful characters.
3100-2700 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, 310.305.9503
TV Star: Manhattan Beach
At Manhattan Beach, it’s all beautiful people, shiny cars, big sunglasses and little lap dogs. But that’s in the trendy area of town next to the shore, where scenes from many television shows have been filmed. On the sand, you’ll find beach volleyball at courts that seem to go on for miles, and bodysurfing near the pier. Check out the aquarium at the end of the pier, with its interesting sea creatures and touch pool. When it comes to getting in the water, you should know that surfing is limited to the south side of the pier and boogie boarding is confined to the water north of the pier. Swimming is prohibited in the areas immediately adjacent to the pier.
400-500 The Strand, Manhattan Beach, 310.305.9503
The Hipster Hangout: Hermosa Beach
There’s a certain hipster vibe at Hermosa Beach and its surrounding seaside community that you won’t find at other LA beaches. You’re just as likely to see people shopping and relaxing in outdoor cafes as you are the tanned and toned beach gods and goddesses that frequent the sandy shoreline. Pier Plaza is the place to hang out when you’d rather skip the sunscreen and beach towels. Once you’re on the shore, a pristine expanse of sand awaits, with volleyball nets, plenty of space for sunbathing and sandcastle building, and a paved walkway for strolling or biking.
Hermosa Ave. and 33rd St., Hermosa Beach, 310.305.9503
The Family Favorite: Cabrillo Beach
Popular among travelers and locals hitting the beach with kids in tow, Cabrillo Beach is a tranquil setting near San Pedro, with everything you need for the perfect family outing. Located on a thin peninsula near Point Fermin Park, the beach actually has two sides — one outside the breakwater that’s open to the surf, and one that’s open to the harbor. Depending on the activity, you can select either side and enjoy some adventure or some well-deserved relaxation. After you’re finished with the beach, head to the nearby Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and enjoy the interactive exhibits, tidepool touch tanks and other unforgettable attractions.
3720 Steven M. White Drive, San Pedro, 310.305.9503
LA’S HOTTEST HOTEL POOLS
Here in Los Angeles, pools are an art form, and hotels go way beyond swimming laps. With LA’s perpetual sunshine and mild year-round climate, swimming pools are attractive destinations no matter when you visit.
Here in Los Angeles, pools are an art form, and the hotels on this list are going way beyond swimming laps. With LA’s perpetual sunshine and mild year-round climate, swimming pools are attractive destinations no matter when you visit.
You need to be a hotel guest if you want to take a dip in many of these pools, but some welcome non-guests who just want to enjoy the atmosphere.
The Standard Downtown LA
Few hotel pools are as iconic as the one at The Standard Downtown LA, which is likely why Travel + Leisure voted it one of the top 10 hotel swimming pools in the world. Situated on the rooftop, the outdoor pool is as hip as it is relaxing. Funked out vibrating waterbeds and a cocktail lounge highlight the pristine water, but extras like movie nights and DJs take “pool party” to the next level.
Millennium Biltmore Hotel
Leave it to the Millennium Biltmore to feature an indoor pool just oozing with culture and class. The pool’s architecture is reminiscent of Roman baths, but tranquility is the prevalent feeling here. Take a dip, then head to the adjacent steam room and dry sauna to further unwind.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
If pools could talk, the one at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel ought to have some good stories. Surrounded by sultry palm trees and flanked by the famous Tropicana Bar, the David Hockney-designed pool is classic Hollywood — great drinks, loud music and energy buzzing with excitement. During the day, things settle down for some peace and quiet, and you never know what celebrity will plop down on the lounge chair next to you.
W Hollywood Hotel & Residences
High above the iconic intersection of Hollywood and Vine, the WET Deck at the W Hollywood offers stunning views of Los Angeles and Hollywood. Monday through Friday, the WET Deck promises a laid-back scene, complete with your own W lounge chair or private luxury cabana. Saturday and Sunday, the hotel pumps up the energy with a lively pool party. During summer weekends, WET Deck is a high-energy, adult environment, as noted by the hotel itself: “If you’re seeking a relaxing getaway…traveling with children, or wanting to soak up the sun in a peaceful, quiet environment, we can suggest one of our sister properties that may be more suitable.”
Mondrian
The Mondrian’s pool boasts views of LA that few hotels can match. Sophistication is the name of the game here, and the Mondrian’s sky-high layout is perfect. The gorgeous pool is the center of attention, with the upbeat soundtrack provided by the adjacent SkyBar.
The Hotel Wilshire
The rooftop pool at the Hotel Wilshire is a destination in itself, featuring a sleek and modern terrace setting, private cabanas, and breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Snap a picture of the iconic Hollywood Sign, then enjoy innovative American comfort food and creative cocktails from The Roof on Wilshire. Comfortable seating, intimate fire pits, a surround-sound system, and high speed WiFi complete the experience.
Thompson Beverly Hills
Open seasonally every night to hotel guests and members, ABH (Above Beverly Hills) offers exclusive poolside gatherings, intimate cocktails, and appetizers and meals. Take in the city views from the rooftop, or for an altogether different perspective, head to the indoor gym downstairs and peek through the portholes for glimpses of the blue water.
W Los Angeles – Westwood
Featuring a sophisticated look created by celebrity designer Thom Filicia, the WET Pool at the W Los Angeles – Westwood offers a variety of seasonal events, including outdoor movie screenings in the summer and the CHILL ice skating rink in the winter. Amenities include private cabana rentals, cocktail and cuisine service from The Backyard restaurant and complimentary WiFi.
Warner Center Marriott Hotel
The weather is no object when it comes to indulging in some quality pool time at the Warner Center Marriott. Enjoy gorgeous views year-round within the comfort and convenience of the atrium-inspired indoor pool. Or, for some sun and some fresh air, head outside where you can lounge the day away in a garden setting while people-watching at the pool.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
Literally steps from the beach, the Loews pool not only boasts amazing ocean and Santa Monica Pier views, but it also observes a host of thoughtful details that keep guests coming back — think water aerobics classes, happy-hour specials to get things started each night, grown-up games during the summer months (with Loews Hotels prizes at stake), and blankets and fireplaces to keep the party going when the weather gets chilly.
Viceroy Santa Monica
Classy and sophisticated, the Viceroy’s tree-lined pool, designed by Kelly Wearstler, lures an elegant and laid-back crowd with bottle service, designer cocktails, comfy lounge chairs, cozy cabanas that add privacy to any poolside gathering, and background music that makes for a festive atmosphere, while still allowing you to have a conversation with your pool-mates.
Custom Hotel
The Custom Hotel has certainly made a splash with its sleek outdoor pool and comfy cabanas. No wonder it’s the venue for the much-publicized pool parties, complete with poolside DJs, fancy cocktails and Angelenos showing off their tans, though this year, the parties are being privately booked.
Terranea Resort
The coastal Terranea Resort has perfected the pool experience by offering three choices for getting your swim on. There’s one for families with a 140-foot waterslide and a splashy fountain for giggling little ones, an adults-only option for those seeking tranquility, and a salt-water oasis that welcomes those fresh from an exhilarating spa treatment. All three have ocean views and are ringed by cabanas for refuge from the sun.
TOP 10 OUTDOOR FILM LOCATIONS
For film fans, hikers and lovers of the great outdoors, here are ten of our favorite big-screen backdrops that have appeared in Oscar-recognized films.
By Harry Medved and Bruce Akiyama, co-authors of Hollywood Escapes: The Moviegoer’s Guide to Southern California’s Great Outdoors
Outdoor enthusiasts and moviemakers have long sought the same kind of destinations: awe-inspiring, far-flung and picturesque locales that make you say, “take me there” and grab the attention of Academy voters. Luckily for Los Angeles locals and visitors alike, many of those memorable cinematic places are right underneath our noses, in our own backyard. Two of this year’s Oscar nominees for Best Picture, Argo and Django Unchained, were partially filmed in our region, although you would never know it from their exotic locales.
For film fans, hikers and lovers of the great outdoors, here are ten of our favorite big-screen backdrops that have appeared in Oscar-recognized films.
1. ZUMA’S POINT DUME BEACH, MALIBU
Oscar Nod: Planet of the Apes (Honorary Award to make-up artist John Chambers)
Malibu’s Westward Beach Drive will take you to a wide swath of white sand underneath spectacular headlands and rewarding whale-watching spots. Point Dume was the site of Dr. Evil’s Volcano Island in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and the memorable finale of the original Planet of the Apes.
2. MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK, CALABASAS
Oscar Nod: HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY (Best Picture Winner)
Beloved by M*A*S*H fans as the location of the 4077 army hospital, this scenic Santa Monica Mountains wonderland has also appeared as Wales in John Ford’s How Green Was My Valley, a Southern ranch in Elvis Presley’s first film, Love Me Tender, and a Shangri-La swimming hole in 1937’s Lost Horizon. Park features include the Rock Pool, climbing wall, and an extensive overnight campground. The park’s visitor center played a New England home in From the Terrace with Paul Newman.
3. GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY, HOLLYWOOD HILLS
Oscar Nod: REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (Best Supporting Actress Nominee Natalie Wood)
Multiple hiking trails converge at this 1935 retro-futuristic LA landmark. Best known for its starring role in James Dean’s Rebel Without a Cause, the Griffith Observatory more recently made appearances in Devil In a Blue Dress, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Transformers and Gangster Squad.
4. BRONSON CANYON CAVE, GRIFFITH PARK
Oscar Nod: JULIUS CAESAR (Best Actor Nominee Marlon Brando)
Nestled in the foothills above Hollywood Boulevard and at the northern end of Canyon Drive, Bronson’s iconic quarry has been seen in everything from classic Westerns (The Searchers, Ride the High Country) to beloved sci-fi (Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Robot Monster). The cave is most famously identifiable as “The Batcave” on the 1960s Batman TV series.
5. POINT FERMIN, SAN PEDRO
Oscar Nod: CRASH (Best Picture Winner)
This seaside urban green space, complete with a 1874 Victorian lighthouse, historic Band Shell, and sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, is located near the southern terminus of LA’s Harbor Freeway. It’s here that detective Jack Nicholson discovers what happened to the missing reservoir water in Chinatown. Surrounding highlights include Walker’s Cafe (Gods and Monsters), Fort MacArthur Military Museum (Pearl Harbor), the 1932 Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse (Face/Off), and the Korean Friendship Bell (The Usual Suspects) at Angels Gate Park. The entrance to Angels Gate was the setting of a pivotal scene in Crash, when Matt Dillon rescues Thandie Newton.
6. LA COUNTY ARBORETUM, ARCADIA
Oscar Nod: MARATHON MAN (Best Supporting Actor Nominee Laurence Olivier)
You can get lost in this vast city park located east of downtown LA, which was originally a private ranch and botanical garden used for filming Tarzan the Ape Man and Alfred Hitchcock’s Notorious. The main attraction is the 1885 Queen Anne Cottage, best known for its role on TV’s Fantasy Island and as the Florida home of Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand in Meet the Fockers.
7. ARROYO SECO’S GABRIELINO TRAIL, PASADENA
Oscar Nod: BACK TO THE FUTURE (Best Original Screenplay Nominee), shot at the nearby Gamble House
This shady jungle-like forest near Pasadena’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) served as a crime scene for Murder by Numbers with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Gosling. Other films shot in this surprisingly lush glen at the edge of the Angeles National Forest include Michel Gondry’s Human Nature and Rob Reiner’s North. Neighborhood landmarks include the Colorado Street Bridge (from Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid), the Huntington Gardens (Bridesmaids), the 1908 Gamble House (Doc Brown’s home in Back to the Future), and the Langham Hotel (Saving Mr. Banks with Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson).
8. VASQUEZ ROCKS NATURAL AREA PARK, AGUA DULCE
Oscar Nod: LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (Best Supporting Actor Winner Alan Arkin)
Named after Tuburcio Vasquez, the famed Mexican bandit who used this spooky desert backdrop as his hiding place, Vasquez Rocks are the strange rock formations that can be seen along Highway 14 (the Antelope Valley Freeway) in northern Los Angeles County. Its most famous appearances include TV’s Star Trek, Blazing Saddles, Bill & Ted’s Bogus Adventure, Short Circuit and as the modern Stone Age family community of Bedrock in 1994’s The Flintstones. The rocks can be glimpsed during a road trip scene in Little Miss Sunshine. Nearby movie ranches include Melody Ranch, seen in Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar-winning Django Unchained and the site of the annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival.
9. PARAMOUNT RANCH, AGOURA
Oscar Nod: BEAU GESTE (1939 Art Direction Nominee)
Paramount Pictures bought this expansive Santa Monica Mountains parcel in 1927 as a wilderness backlot. The first 3-D blockbuster, 1953’s Bwana Devil, used these Malibu hills as an African jungle setting, but it’s best-known for its still-intact Western town, which played a Colorado hamlet in the 1990s TV series, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. The ranch is located just a few miles from the Kanan Road exit off the 101 Highway.
10. LEO CARRILLO STATE BEACH, MALIBU
Oscar Nod: Clint Eastwood’s LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (Best Picture Nominee)
The highlight of this picturesque shoreline at Malibu’s northwestern end is a hidden sea cave near Lifeguard Tower #3. It was the site of Drew Barrymore’s and Adam Sandler’s first kiss in 50 First Dates and the witches’ ritual incantation in The Craft. The rocks nearby can be seen in Gidget, Beach Blanket Bingo, Grease, The Karate Kid and the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, when Keira Knightley gets Johnny Depp drunk on rum.
