Top 10 Places to Experience Summer in LA

The City of Angels comes to life in the summer, with plenty of activities to keep you busy all season long! With everything from scenic hikes to trendy free concerts, LA’s summer season is packed with options to keep you entertained through fall.

1. Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

A summertime rite of passage in LA, movie nights at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery draw crowds to watch their favorite classics under the stars. With a lineup of timeless movies like The Graduate and Big, patrons are encouraged to bring blankets & picnic set ups. Make sure to buy tickets in advance, cause these sell out quick!

2. Day Trip to Catalina

Only a hop and a skip away from LA, Catalina is the perfect destination for a quick vacation from the city! Even though Catalina is only an hour-long ferry ride from LA, this small island feels like a different world, filled with outdoor activities and plenty of golf carts to get around.

3. Picnic at the Hollywood Bowl

From jazz nights to Sunday Sunset Concerts, the summer season at the Bowl is filled with exciting concerts, movies, and attractions. Nab yourself a box seat and bring along a whole picnic for you and your crew to enjoy.

4. Live that Hotel Life

Jumping into a pool on a hot summer day is about as refreshing as it gets. And with special day-pass rates, you don’t have to be a hotel guest to hang by a luxury pool. Luxury hotels like the Beverly Hilton, Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey, and Mr. C all offer day passes for non-hotel guests.

5. Free Concerts at KCRW Summer Nights

KCRW DJ’s spin your favorite tunes for a food-truck fueled summer block party under the stars. Held at several locations including Union Station and the Hammer Museum, you can’t go wrong with free music for the community.

6. Go on a Waterfall Hike

Hiking is one of LA’s most beloved past times, but hikes with the payoff of a majestic waterfall at the end add a whole new level of insta-worthy excitement. Check out this list of the best Waterfall Hikes near Los Angeles to find the right one for you: https://www.thrillist.com/travel/los-angeles/best-waterfall-hikes-in-la

7. How 'Bout Them Dodgers?

No matter what team you root for, a classic home baseball game is a summertime must. Whether you’re in the nosebleeds or right on the field, make sure to enjoy a famous Dodger-dog during the game!

8. Free Jazz at LACMA

Featuring jazz legends all summer long, this free night of live music is one of the most popular in LA. As a bonus, the LACMA is open free to SoCal residents after 3 PM, so you can have an opportunity to peruse the new exhibits before your night of jazz!

9. El Matador State Beach

A secluded beach in Malibu, El Matador is known for its picturesque sea caves and huge protruding rocks. With all the Malibu hot-spots just minutes away, you’ll be blown away by this picture perfect slice of nature.

10. Yamashiro Night Market

This farmer’s market pops up in front of Yamashiro (a famous sushi restaurant up in the Hollywood Hills) every Thursday night all summer long. With gorgeous views of LA and delicious food, this summer attraction is perfect for the foodie in your life.  

Header image copyright belongs to Cinespia.org.