Los Angeles is one of those towns that gets the reputation for having an endless summer lifestyle. Though this is mostly true (we have so few cold, rainy months), summer is arguably the season when LA really comes to life. Open air concerts, picnics, and movie screenings are just a few of the summer activities in LA worth looking into. Surf culture too feels fully in bloom in the summer months as many people take off early from work on Fridays to put in a little R&R beach time.
Outdoor Concerts
Photo: Paul Antico
Whether you're into classical music, jazz or rock, LA offers some special opportunities to enjoy a musical performance in an outdoor setting. And, at spots like The Hollywood Bowl and the Ford Amphiltheatre, you can even enjoy food and wine while you watch show.
The Ford Amphitheatre
The Greek Theatre
Picnics
Stephen Clark
Picnics are a great way to connect with the family, enjoy a romantic date or just hang out with friends at LA's parks, beaches and other public outdoor spaces. And of course, as mentioned above, some of the city's outdoor music venues encourage audience members to bring picnic meals to events. Visit an eatery or gourmet shop that has your favorite foods and create your own to-go culinary cornucopia.
Hiking and the Great Outdoors
Stephen Clark
Most health-conscious locals know that hiking is one of the best work outs you can get--especially in some of the more hilly areas of LA. It's also a fun activity to share with friends or your dog.
Hollywood Cemetery Movie Screenings
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Hit the Beach
Photo © Carlo Allegri/Getty Images
One of the benefits of living in Southern California are our beaches, and of course a deeply ingrained local surf culture. You can head West to catch some surf and sand or just spend a day in Malibu complete with wine-tasting and an architectural historical tour.
Hit the Road
Photo: Megan Maloy/ Getty Images
California--in my humble opinion--is one of the most beautiful states to see en-route in a car. Beaches and breathtaking landscapes whoosh by as you zoom down coastal Highway 1. Even if you can't take a lot of time off to head to, say, San Francisco, there are some super short vacation destinations that are under four hours drive North or South from Los Angeles.
Fresh Food Shopping
Photo: City of Beverly Hills
With summer comes a refreshing array of ripe and seasonal fruits and vegetables for the picking (well practically). Rather than doing your shopping, in the usual drag-your-feet everyday way, consider heading out to a farmers market near you for a whole farm-fresh day and experience of food-purchasing and food-tasting.
