If you’re looking for a chill place to get some drinks, head on over to Temple Bar. This eclectic Asian and urban themed bar sets the perfect chill mood for a fun (but not too wild and crazy) night out. The great thing about Temple Bar is that you have options to set your own tone and feel for the night. The main bar room is where you can just chill and sip on some apple martinis. There are booth tables lined up all against the wall where you can sit and relax. Get comfy, no worries because there are friendly waiters who will be glad to take your order at the table.
After a few drinks, you might get the feel to boogie down on the dance floor. That’s where the second room comes into the play, the dance room. This floor offers live music and performances by in-house / local DJs and other artists. Monday is jazz and electronica, Tuesday is more for the Indie Rock crowd, Wednesday is Hip Hop, Thursday is Latin, Reggae, and African beats, and the weekends are Hip Hop and soul.
If you build up an appetite after dancing, order some food. Their menu consists of delicious finger foods, salads, pasta, skewers, burgers, and desserts.
The cover charge is about $10 and drinks will run around $10 each as well. If you get there early enough, you might get lucky and win a free parking spot in the back.
With summer right around the corner, nothing beats spending a day at the beach. Although Los Angeles is home to a plethora of wonderful beaches, I have always been particularly fond of Venice.
This strip of beach is about 1.5 miles in length (north to south) and it’s bordered by Navy St and Washington Blvd. Besides the typical beach activities like playing frisbee, flying kites, swimming, and laying out on the sand...there are plenty of other things to see and do at Venice Beach.
The Boardwalk
Lined with souvenir shops, artists, musicians, and street performers – the Boardwalk at Venice Beach is a great spot for an afternoon stroll. If you’re looking for a little more activity, rent a pair of rollerblades or a bike for about $20 and then head off in any direction. The Boardwalk is part of the South Bay Bicycle Trail which spans 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County...so make sure you have enough energy for the trip back
Bars & Cafes
There are plenty of cafes along the boardwalk where you can sit down and enjoy the view; it’s also great for people watching. For something quick and affordable, grab a slice of pizza and then find a bench facing the ocean. On a hot day, why not grab a cold beer (or cola) at a neighborhood bar to cool down.
Souvenirs & Art
If you’re looking for some cheap souvenirs or pieces of art for the house, you’ve come to the right place. Venice Beach is home to tons of vendors who will sell you everything from fake designer sunglasses to hand carved trinkets.
Tarot Card Readings
Another thing you’ll find abundant at Venice Beach are the Palm and Tarot Card Readers…about 2-3 per block. Some have their own shops while others are nestled along the boardwalk between the street performers and the animal rights activists.
Parking
Parking in Venice is no picnic and you’ll be really lucky to find an available space along the street. Make sure you read the signs carefully because you don’t want to get a ticket, or worse, have your car towed away. If you don’t find parking along the street, there’s a lot on Rose Ave and Speedway that charges $4. Interestingly enough, there is another parking lot a few blocks south that charges $14.
Following along the ridge of the Santa Monica Mountains, Mulholland Drive offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. As you make your way along the windy road, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to park your car and take it all in. Depending on where you access Mulholland Dr, there are 2 fantastic spots that I would recommend.
From Laurel Canyon
If you’re headed up Laurel Canyon from West Hollywood, make a left at Mulholland Dr and head west for about 1 mile (make a right on Mulholland if you’re coming up from the Valley). You’ll pass a street called Skyline Dr and the lookout spot will be on your right hand side. Don’t get it confused with the overlook at the bend which resembles a sand dune. Once you arrive at the lookout spot, pull off the road and park your car on the dirt area designated for the overlook. Although the views are excellent in the day, my favorite time to go there is in the evening. Unfortunately, there’s a sign that says “Overlook Closed - 9pm to 6am”. If you don’t mind bending the rules once in a while, you can come by after 9pm at your own risk; there are people living nearby so I suggest keeping the noise at a respectable level.
From Beverly Glen
If you arrive via Beverly Glen (or Benedict Canyon) from West Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, make sure to stop by the Charles and Lotte Melhorn Overlook on the 13800 block of Mulholland Dr. If you’re headed eastbound, you’ll pass Deep Canyon Dr and the overlook will be on your left. Unlike the lookout on Skyline, there is no designated area to park your car (unless you’re handicapped)…so you’ll have to park and then walk over. There are a few benches at the overlook so you can just sit down and enjoy the spectacular view. This overlook is probably best enjoyed in the day because it can get a little cold in the evening…and you won’t have the comfort of turning on the heater in the car.
Mulholland Scenic Overlook
On Mulholland Dr (nearest cross street: Skyline Dr)
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Charles and Lotte Melhorn Overlook
On Mulholland Dr (nearest cross street: Deep Canyon Dr)
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Located in Santa Monica, the Pier offers a plethora of activities that will keep you busy for hours.
Aquarium
The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is located right below the Carousel. There are a total of 8 different exhibits to enjoy, including 3 touch tanks that will allow you to get up close and personal with over 30 different species of marine life.
Arcade
The Playland Arcade features over 200 different arcade games, from the newer titles to traditional favorites, such as Pac Man, Air Hockey and Pinball.
Fishing
If you’re looking for a relaxing activity, grab your fishing supplies and head out to the Pier. It’s also a great activity to enjoy on a date, especially the first. While you probably won’t catch anything, you’ll have plenty of time to talk and get to know each other better. The best spots for fishing can be found towards the end of the Pier.
Theme Park
Located on the Pier, Pacific Park is a small amusement park with something for everyone. There are about a dozen rides in total, including a steel rollercoaster and the iconic ferris wheel – both providing a spectacular view of the Pacific Coast.
Getting There
The main entrance to the Santa Monica Pier is on Colorado Ave and Ocean Ave. You can park your car at the Pier lot, but if you want to save a little money and don’t mind the walk, park your car at the Santa Monica Mall structure (located 2 blocks away on Colorado & 2nd). If you arrive in the day (8am to 5pm), you can park for 3 hours at no cost; in the evening (5pm to 2am), there’s a $3 flat rate.
If you’re looking to enjoy a sunset/sunrise or just a view of the Pacific Coast during the day, there’s an ocean lookout in the Pacific Palisades where you can sit back and take it all in. The bluff has about a half dozen benches to choose from, or alternatively, you can park your car in the cul-de-sac and enjoy the view from there. Since it’s a residential neighborhood, you should do your best to keep the noise down.
Getting There
If you're traveling westbound along Sunset Blvd, you’ll want to make a left turn on El Medio Ave. Once you’re on El Medio Ave, simply drive all the way down till the road ends and park your car. If you take the Freeway, simply take PCH to Sunset Blvd and make a right. Once you reach El Medio Ave, you’ll want to make another right.
Where: Basque, 1707 N. Vine St, Hollywood, CA 90028
Music: DJ Coolwhip
Cost: Cover is usually $20/person
Additional Info: Head out to Basque in Hollywood this Friday night for some great music and dancing. As always, you need to be 21 to enter and you should dress to impress.
Located only a few blocks from Hollywood Blvd and extending North to Mulholland Dr, Runyon Canyon Park is a one of the city’s best kept secrets. The 130 acre urban wilderness offers ample opportunities for hiking, with a variety of trails available to suit both the novice hiker and those looking for something a little more challenging. Runyon Canyon is also known for its breathtaking views of the city which can be seen from about a half dozen viewpoints throughout the park. Depending on which direction you’re facing, you’ll be able to get a pretty good view of the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood sign, downtown Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sunset Strip.
Getting Here
There are only three access points that feed into Runyon Canyon Park – two from the South and one from the North. If you’re coming in through the South, you can enter from either Vista St or Fuller Ave; both entrances are only 2 blocks North of Hollywood Blvd. If you prefer to access from the North, there’s an entrance from Mulholland Dr.
The Trails – From The North
Easy (30 minutes / 0.5 miles): Entering from Mulholland Dr, take the trail leading to Indian Rock, the highest point in Runyon Canyon with spectacular 360 degree views of the city. This trail is about a half-mile in length each way.
Intermediate (90 minutes / 2.45 miles): Entering form Mulholland Dr, take the Western High Way route at the split and head up to High Point (0.7 miles); it’s the second highest point viewpoint in the canyon and provides an excellent view of the South and West. Afterwards, you’ll continue down Western High Way (0.5 miles) and then come back up the Central Fire Road to Mulholland Dr (1.25 miles).
The Trails – From The South
Easy/Intermediate (45 minutes / 1.6 miles): Entering from either Fuller Ave or Vista St, head up the Central Fire Road and around the East Ridge until you reach the Cloud’s Rest Viewpoint (0.85 miles). Spend a little time enjoying the scenery and then head down the slope and steps to yet another viewpoint, Inspiration Point (0.3 miles). Afterwards, you’ll simply take the Lower Fire Road back down to Fuller Ave (0.45 miles).
Intermediate (90 minutes / 2.15 miles): Entering from the Vista St, take the Western High Way route up to High Point (0.5 miles) for some excellent views of the city. Afterwards, you’ll continue your hike until you reach the Central Fire Trail (0.55 miles) and then make your way back down to where you started (1.1 miles). Before coming down the Central Fire Trail, you’ll have an opportunity to make your way up to Indian Rock (0.4 miles). This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the city and is the highest point in the park.
As a native of Los Angeles, I take a lot of things for granted – namely, the beauty and tranquility of the Pacific Ocean. Whether or not you grew up in the Los Angeles, there’s no denying that there are few things which can compare. The sound of the waves breaking against the rocks, the sunlight glistening on the water, the ocean breeze, and that irreproducible salt water scent. It really touches all of your senses and helps you tune out even the most stressful of days.
On a clear day, head out for a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and take in all that it has to offer. Start in Santa Monica and just drive northbound until you feel like turning back. It’s also a great idea for a date or something to enjoy with a significant other. If it’s nearing the end of the day – park your car, walk down to the shore, and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
If you really want to experience the coastline and soothe the senses, you can rent a convertible for about $80; in fact, why not make a day out of it. Leave in the morning and take PCH north until you reach Santa Barbara (it’s about a 2 hour drive) and spend the day there. If you enjoy listening to music while you drive, take some CDs with you because the radio reception drops in and out.
Click here to find additional scenic routes in and around Los Angeles.
If you’re in the South Bay and want to take in some fantastic views, head over to Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. An affluent suburb of Los Angeles, the bluffs of Rancho Palos Verdes make for an ideal location to enjoy scenic views – specifically, the Palos Verdes Coast and Catalina Island. If you really have your heart set on seeing Catalina Island, check the weather before leaving as it tends to get really foggy up there.
You can park your vehicle at the parking lot right off Palos Verdes Dr for $5. The park offers 2 different beaches for you to enjoy – Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove. Once you park, you’ll have to take a trail in order to get to Abalone Cove Beach; the trail can be accessed directly from the parking lot. In order to get to Sacred Cove Beach, walk south along Palos Verdes Dr (from the parking lot) and you’ll run into 2 trails that will lead you there.
You can enjoy a view of the coast from the grassy area atop the 180-foot bluff. If this is a romantic outing, why not pack some sandwiches and have a picnic. Afterwards, head down to the shore via a steep trail and take a walk along the beach; the trail is approximately ¼ mile in length.
If you’re looking for a chill place to get some drinks, head on over to Temple Bar. This eclectic Asian and urban themed bar sets the perfect chill mood for a fun (but not too wild and crazy) night out. The great thing about Temple Bar is that you have options to set your own tone and feel for the night. The main bar room is where you can just chill and sip on some apple martinis. There are booth tables lined up all against the wall where you can sit and relax. Get comfy, no worries because there are friendly waiters who will be glad to take your order at the table.
If you’re in the South Bay and want to take in some fantastic views, head over to