Sunny Sundays: Local Insider's Guide to the Best of LA

Sunny Sundays: Local Insider's Guide to the Best of LA - Hit the Beach Early

Nothing beats an early morning walk along the beach in LA. While many tourists and locals sleep in, you can have the sand and surf almost all to yourself in the early hours. Arrive just as the sun peeks over the horizon to experience the magic of dawn over the Pacific.

Head down to Santa Monica Beach just as the lifeguards arrive to set up for the day. You'll likely spot surfers catching first waves and joggers getting their morning workouts in. Bring your swimsuit if you want to be daring and take a quick dip - the water will be brisk but refreshing. Just be cautious, as lifeguards likely won't be actively patrolling yet. Or simply stroll barefoot along the water's edge and hunt for shells, sea glass and other treasures washed up overnight.

For a more lively early beach scene, check out Venice Beach Boardwalk. You'll find eclectic street performers and colorful locals already out and about. Grab an iced coffee and relax on a bench, enjoying free entertainment from jugglers, breakdancers, and more. Make sure to Instagram the beautiful murals along the way. Just blocks inland, Abbot Kinney Blvd also comes to life early if you want to browse chic boutiques and snag a mouthwatering breakfast burrito or açai bowl.

If you have kids in tow, skip the crowds at Santa Monica Pier and visit nearby Manhattan Beach instead. The wide open expanse of sand is perfect for little ones to scamper about. Take them to splash in the gentle shorebreak and scan for dolphins or whales offshore. Stop by Uncle Bill's Pancake House or Ercoles for an early pancake or egg breakfast. Then pick up picnic supplies at the Manhattan Beach Farmers Market, which runs 6am to noon every Tuesday. Spread out your haul on the sand and relax as the beach fills in around you later in the morning.

Sunny Sundays: Local Insider's Guide to the Best of LA - Brunch with a View

After an early start to the day, fuel up in style with a leisurely LA brunch boasting sweeping views. This is the quintessential California way to spend a laidback late morning into the afternoon. Linger over fresh, creative dishes, fancy cocktails, and panoramic vistas of the glittering Pacific coastline or the LA cityscape spread out before you.

For a beachside brunch experience, nab a patio table at Blue Plate Taco on the Santa Monica Pier. Their menu puts a playful Baja spin on familiar brunch fare like crab cake Benedict, breakfast tostadas, and cinnamon sugar pancakes. Nothing beats digging into Mexican comfort food while watching surfers ride the waves just below. Or check out the coastal cuisine at Fig in Fairmont Miramar Hotel. Photos of the beach are priceless, but Fig's oceanview brunch will cost you $60-80 per person. Enjoy live music on weekends as you tuck into lobster ratatouille hash and blood orange mimosas.

Head inland for stunning high-rise views. 71Above Restaurant and Skyspace sits on the 71st floor of the US Bank Tower downtown. Their Sunday brunch buffet lines the windows overlooking tiny cars and streets 710 feet below. After you pile your plate high with made-to-order omelets, carving station meats, and unlimited trips to the dessert bar, head to the Skyspace observation deck to cap your visit.

For unobstructed 360-degree vistas, book the private glass Atrium room at Perch LA. Suspended 13 stories in the air above downtown, floor-to-ceiling windows surround you as you swoon over French toast stuffed with lemon mascarpone and lychee Bellinis. After brunch, visit the outdoor observation deck for Instagrammable views. Or spring for a private glass elevator ride 200 feet up Perch's exterior column for unique, open-air perspective on LA.

Finally, toast the iconic Hollywood Sign with brunch at Yamashiro in the Hollywood Hills. Since 1914, this sprawling Japanese palace has overlooked the city. History and architecture buffs will marvel at intricate carvings, gardens and pagoda roof during the walk from the parking lot. Enjoy sweeping views of Griffith Observatory and the Sign as you dine on matcha pancakes with black sesame ice cream and a "Lebowski" white Russian cocktail (for you know, brunch). A stroll through the lush grounds after eating is the perfect digestion before your next LA adventure.

Sunny Sundays: Local Insider's Guide to the Best of LA - Afternoon at the Museum

After the morning’s adventures at the beach and brunch, an afternoon at one of LA’s world-class museums is the perfect way to escape the midday heat while expanding your horizons. Even locals find themselves transfixed for hours wandering expansive galleries and grounds. With diverse collections covering art, culture, science, and history, you’re bound to discover something new that sparks your curiosity and imagination.

The sprawling Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is a don’t-miss. Spread over 20 acres in Mid-Wilshire, the museum houses over 150,000 works spanning ancient times to present day. You can admire European masterpieces, Islamic and Indian miniatures, contemporary installations, and so much more. One of the hottest tickets is the new building designed by architect Peter Zumthor set to open in 2024.

For a uniquely Californian art experience, check out The Broad in downtown LA. The contemporary art museum opened in 2015 and is free to the public (but advance tickets are recommended). The striking honeycomb-looking building holds billionaire philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad’s personal collection of 2,000+ works by 200 artists. Highlights include the mesmerizing Infinity Mirrored Room by Yayoi Kusama and massive tulip sculptures by Jeff Koons.

Film buffs will find paradise at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This temple to Hollywood history is fittingly located in a renovated 1930s department store on Wilshire Blvd. The interactive exhibits showcase iconic costumes, props, and equipment spanning cinema’s origins to today. The jewel is undoubtedly the jewel-box theater, letting visitors feel like a star at a movie premiere.

For an illuminating look at LA’s dynamic history from its native tribal roots to today’s diverse fabric, head to the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park. Wander halls filled with fossils, dioramas, cultural artifacts and more. Don’t miss the Becoming Los Angeles exhibit to immerse yourself in how the city you’re visiting came to be. Admission is free on the first Tuesday of each month.

If traveling with kids or simply wanting to relive childhood awe, the California Science Center is a must north of USC. Interactive exhibits on space, physics, biology, geology and more are sure to engage inquisitive minds. And the Space Shuttle Endeavor on permanent display is an unforgettable sight. Admission to the center is free, though special exhibits like the shuttle require paid tickets.

Sunny Sundays: Local Insider's Guide to the Best of LA - Take in Griffith Observatory

Perched 1,134 feet above Hollywood Boulevard, Griffith Observatory has been a beloved LA landmark since opening in 1935. This art deco building and its surrounding grounds offer one of the most iconic views of the city. Make your way up to Griffith Park to take in 360-degree vistas of glimmering skyscrapers, the Pacific Ocean, and of course, the monumental Hollywood Sign.

Even if you’ve seen hundreds of photos of the Griffith Observatory view, seeing it in person simply takes your breath away. As the afternoon sun begins to dip lower in the sky, the city below starts to sparkle and twinkle like its own galaxy. Head up to the roof to stand beneath the domed ceiling and get an unobstructed panorama from the San Gabriel Mountains to Palos Verdes. Then make your way over to the grassy south lawn - it’s often dotted with couples and families picnicking and sunbathing with the perfect urban backdrop.

Don’t forget to go inside Griffith Observatory to experience the technology that’s brought the cosmos closer to Angelenos since the 1930s. In the planetarium, recline beneath a dazzling recreation of the night sky in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Additionally, check telescope viewing schedules on the website or app so you can get glimpses of Saturn’s rings or craters on the moon with your own eyes. The Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater presents fascinating shows on black holes and other wonders.

For hands-on experiences, don’t miss the updated exhibits throughout the building. In Gunther Depths of Space, walk through a to-scale model of a canyon on Mars. At the Tesla Coil, see electricity dance through the air. And at the Seismic Station, feel what it’s like to be in an earthquake. Kids and kids at heart can also lie on a bed of nails or turn into a human gyroscope in the demonstrations on physics and perception.

Sunny Sundays: Local Insider's Guide to the Best of LA - Hike to the Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign is arguably the most famous landmark in Los Angeles, if not the world. Perched high in the Hollywood Hills, those huge white letters spelling out "Hollywood" look over the city as they have since the sign's inception in 1923. What better way to really soak in the sign's grandeur and legacy up close than embarking on the roughly 3-mile round trip hike to it? As challenging yet rewarding as the trail is, it offers unparalleled views and lets you stand at the base of those 50-foot-tall letters.

The hike begins across the street from Griffith Observatory at the top of Mt Hollywood Drive. Look for the trailhead marked "Deronda Drive." You'll immediately dive into the chaparral wilderness of Griffith Park and start climbing the dusty trail. The steady incline gets your heart pumping. But glimpses through the brush of the Los Angeles basin below will inspire you onwards and upwards.

The first mile is the toughest, but soon the landscape opens up to panoramic vistas. With the smog, high-rises, and congested freeways left far below, it almost feels like you've escaped LA entirely. Keep trekking north, and the back of the Hollywood Sign will begin coming into view. Snap some photos of the iconic white lettering framed by blue skies and rugged ridges stretching westward.

In under an hour, you'll reach Mt Lee behind and above the sign. Now you can see that what appears solid from a distance is actually huge spaced-out letters made of sheet metal attached to scaffolding. Stand under and between those massive letters for a surreal experience and more epic photo opps. Some even clamber up onto the letters, though be warned this is illegal - law enforcement frequently patrols the area.

After properly taking it all in, it's time to begin the descent. Hiking down is always easier than climbing up, though still use caution not to slip or twist an ankle. Stop to enjoy more spectacular scenery from new angles on your way back to civilization. The sign looks completely different from this side, with the LA cityscape visible through the letters.

Finally, you'll complete the loop where you began near Griffith Observatory. While surrounded by nature much of the hike, city sounds and views welcome you back. It's a fitting re-entry to the bustling metropolis after your rewarding urban hike. Your legs will be weary, but the sense of accomplishment and memories will remain.

Sunny Sundays: Local Insider's Guide to the Best of LA - Sunset Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar

After an active day exploring LA, sunset cocktails at a rooftop bar offers the perfect chance to unwind and soak in those fiery pinks and oranges lighting up the sky. As the sun slowly sinks behind the Pacific's horizon or the cityscape's skyscrapers, there's nothing better than sipping creatively crafted libations as daylight fades to twilight. Rooftop bars take in the celestial show from on high, with unobstructed 360 degree views.

Downtown LA hotspots like Perch, Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel, and Upstairs at the Ace Hotel offer buzzing scenes and knockout views of the LA Basin. Situated on the 14th floor of the Pershing Square Building, Perch's sprawling outdoor patio gives new meaning to sky-high happy hour. Their menu elevates usual bar bites with lobster corn dogs and foie-gras dipped French fries. Nursing a pear elderflower spritz, you can watch the sky turn brilliant hues of orange and pink reflected in the mirrored windows of skyscrapers stretching toward the horizon.

For a glitzier vibe, head to The Rooftop by JG at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills. Think celebrities clinking champagne flutes near the poolside cabanas. The rotating cocktail menu pays homage to Hollywood's Golden Age with creations like the Marlene Dietrich with bourbon and blood orange. Share the truffle fries drizzled in elegant white truffle sauce and herb aioli as you take in sweeping views of the LA basin all the way to the Pacific Coast.

Prefer drinks with an ocean view versus cityscapes? Then make your way out to Malibu's Nobu Ryokan hotel to experience a true West Coast vibe. Their chilled sake cocktails like the Tokyo Sling with shiso and yuzu are ideal for pairing with their signature Japanese small bites. contempor

The beach towns scattered all along the coast offer laidback rooftop bars too. Head up to Casa Escobar in Long Beach for tropical feels with its Saturday Tiki Nights. Sip island-inspired rum cocktails and SoCal cervezas on the open-air patio. Look south down the coast as the sun's last light shimmers on the waves rolling into shore. Or check out Rooftop in Santa Monica for unbeatable views of the Ferris Wheel on the pier backed by a fiery painted sky.

Sunny Sundays: Local Insider's Guide to the Best of LA - Dinner and a Show

After a full day exploring LA, you'll no doubt have worked up an appetite. What better way to end the perfect Sunny Sunday than with dinner and a show to cap off your adventures? LA's dining and entertainment scenes shine at night, so dress up and get ready to be dazzled.

For an only-in-Hollywood experience, catch a movie premiere at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre. This 1927 movie palace has hosted countless star-studded premieres over the decades. As you walk the red carpet into the pagoda-style exterior, imagine you're Norma Desmond being fawned over by fans and paparazzi. Luxuriate in the ornate auditorium, complete with a ceiling of a blue sky with billowing clouds and twinkling LED "stars". Then marvel at the 50-foot screen and immerse yourself in the magic of the movies. After the film, stroll the Hollywood Walk of Fame and check out the celebrity handprints imprinted in concrete outside - you might even spot a few superstars leaving the venue.

Or for a memorable meal before a show, delight your palate at celeb chef restaurants situated conveniently close to LA's renowned theaters. Before catching a comedy, drama or musical at the Ahmanson or Mark Taper Forum downtown, dine at glitzy Osteria Mozza. Nancy Silverton's upscale Italian featuring homemade pastas and sophisticated cocktails will energize you for the performance. The lively ambiance at Kendall Jenner and David Dobrik's new Pizza Girl in Hollywood is perfect for pre-gaming a comedy showcase at Laugh Factory on Sunset or improv at legendary Groundlings Theatre. Nothing beats laughing on a full belly.

Dine leisurely downtown pre-theater at Otium, the garden-like flagship of chef Tim Hollingsworth. Dishes like scallops with black rice and uni emulsion are as artful as the cultural performances at the Walt Disney Concert Hall next door. Patina Restaurant in the same complex also dazzles with a seasonal tasting menu to savor before symphony or opera shows. For a pre-Broadway musical meal, impress your tastebuds at Joachim Splichal's Patina at Hollywood Bowl, with California cuisine almost as stunning as the setting.

If you prefer cozy, historic venues like Hotel Cafe for live music, Bar Lis is a charming French bistro on the same block. Sink into a leather banquette with a frothy absinthe cocktail to set the mood for an intimate show. For a casual vibe before rocking out at the legendary Troubadour, grab Korean wings and soju cocktails at Sun Nong Dan across the street. Nothing like beer and fried chicken before a mosh pit.

Sunny Sundays: Local Insider's Guide to the Best of LA - End the Night Dancing in WeHo

After a fulfilling day of LA adventures followed by dinner and a show, you'll likely still be buzzing with energy. So keep the night going by heading to West Hollywood – or WeHo as locals call it – to dance the rest of the evening away. Centered along Santa Monica Boulevard, WeHo comes alive after dark with pulsating music, flashing lights and beautiful people looking to party. Its vibrant late night scene offers something for every taste, from dive bars and leather-filled clubs to chic lounges.

For an unforgettable experience, check out Sound Nightclub, a palatial four-room megaclub housing the city’s largest dance floor. State-of-the-art sound systems pump out today’s hits, retro throwbacks and the best remixes spun by A-list DJs like Steve Aoki. Arrive looking red carpet ready, as paparazzi are often on hand to snap photos. Make your way past the elegant waterfall entrance into different themed rooms, each with its own lush look and vibe. Fur-adorned go-go dancers in cages add that iconic WeHo energy. Bottle service is a must for a true VIP treatment. Table reservations can top $5,000 here on weekends!

For a more laidback scene, head to crowd-pleasers like The Abbey or Flaming Saddles. The Abbey is the world’s best known gay bar, where boys and gals have mingled for over 30 years. With different indoor rooms plus a huge outdoor patio, there’s always a party going on somewhere in this complex. Their iconic drag brunch is a fabulously fun weekend option too. Meanwhile, Flaming Saddles combines leather and lace with a country music twist. Learn some line dancing moves between contemporary pop songs!

Not ready to call it a night? WeHo’s after hours scene has you covered. As the clock strikes 2am, make your way to clubs staying open until 4am, 5am or later. Continue letting loose Latin style with salsa dancing at Club Bahia. Or wind down with chill vibes at The Fifty Bar spinning old school hip hop and R&B. If you’re really looking to rager until sunrise, Hyde Lounge and Skybar at the Andaz Hotel are among the few spots pouring drinks and keeping energy levels high with DJs when most of LA is sound asleep.