Summer on the East Coast screams short Fridays, not-long-enough Saturdays and Sundays, and probably includes some uncomfortable subway rides or bumper to bumper traffic. However, summer in Los Angeles brings in a different tone. How do you differentiate summer when everyday feels like summer? Or at least summer weather. As Los Angeles experts (self-proclaimed, of course), we’re letting you know what pools we’ll be laying by, what rooftops we’ll be watching movies on, and what restaurants we’ll be eating at this summer.
Marissa Stahl, VP of Operations
Santa Monica Pier Concerts. My absolute favorite thing to do in LA during the summer. Every Thursday, there are different performers at the Santa Monica pier. Everyone brings wine, cheese and blankets and camps out on the beach, with the music in the distance. It’s a great way to spend time with friends outside and be a part of a larger event in the city. Don’t miss out on it this summer.
Hollywood Bowl. An LA classic. You can’t go wrong with seeing any performance at the Hollywood Bowl in the Summer; I’ve seen everyone from Barry Manilow and Dolly Parton to John Mayer and The XX. It’s the perfect summer night that you can only find in Los Angeles. Pro-tip: park at the church down the hill on Franklin for $10 and avoid the stacked parking at the Bowl.
Rosenthal Wines. All of the fun of Malibu wines, without the drive through the mountains. Rosenthal is a great place to spend a Saturday with friends or stop by on your way up the coast.
Sunsets at El Matador Beach. I pretty much find any reason to go to Malibu and El Matador is one of my favorite spots. It’s on the northern end of Malibu, but the rocks and coves provide an amazing backdrop for the sunset. Perfect for an afternoon picnic or a magic hour stroll on the beach, it’s definitely worth the drive.
Follow Marissa at @marissacstahl.
Erin Dykstra, Account Director
Cinespia + Rooftop Cinema Club. Whether it’s a byo-picnic at Hollywood Forever Cemetery or a swanky rooftop with comfy chairs, outdoor movies are easily one of my favorite parts about summers in LA! They don’t start until the sun sets (around 8ish) so it’s nice to not have to rush to get there if you decide go to on a work night!
Palm Springs. Technically not LA but it’s nice to escape and hang poolside for a weekend!
Melrose Trading Post. This one is technically year-round but it feels so much more inspiring over the summer. I’ve been the past 3 weekends in a row and always manage to find something great whether it’s a new rug, a vintage jacket, or an outfit idea I saw on someone else who was shopping. I like to grab a coffee and go earlier in the day when it’s less crowded, then grab a coconut once it heats up!
Follow Erin at @eedykstra.
Allison Gehrke, Art Director
Glassell Park Pool. If you don’t have a pool, have no fear! There is a community pool in Glassell Park with a small entry fee – worth it to beat the heat.
Malibu Rock Pools. I’ll be honest, I’ve never been here, but I’m dying to check out these little rock pools nestled in the Malibu mountains. I HAVE hiked the surrounding trails that lead to a beautiful lake community. And it is quite a sight.
Griffith Park. This is so much more than a hiking trail. Check out the observatory midway, keep going to reach the Hollywood sign and awesome LA views, or skip the hike all together and get lunch at Trails Cafe.
OTM. I’m a stay-at-home and cook-my-own-meal kinda gal, so this app is my fun excuse to get out of the house and try new restaurants and cafes. You pay a small monthly fee and receive a free meal a day from a different food spot around LA. The places and meals change every Sunday, so it’s always fun to see what new meals we have in store each week!
Follow Allison at @imalicegray.
Phoebe Schramm, Account Director
Shangri-la Hotel Roof/Penthouse at the Huntley. Another great spot to enjoy rose by the ocean and catch a sunset. Cool off on the rooftop of the Shangri-la hotel and enjoy the views above the city. Make sure to get there before sunset because the rooftop fills up fast!
Laguna Beach. I like to head south for a little R&R almost every weekend. If you’re looking for gorgeous beaches, hiking, a relaxed beach town community and endless caves / rock pools to explore, look no further. This place is magical!
Follow Phoebe at @phoebenicolee.
Compiled by our Digital Specialist, Nora Henick.
Where are you headed this summer? Tweet us @somethingsocial or tag us on Instagram- @somethingsocial.
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