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20 Things You Need to Do in L.A. This Spring

Admittedly the weather in Los Angeles doesn’t change so dramatically that the birth of spring from winter is some huge event, but it does offer up some new ways to get your fun on. Here are some must-do activities to check out this spring in L.A.

1. The Electric Dusk Drive In

via burrostyle.com

via burrostyle.com

The drive-in might not be ideal for a first date because of the whole being stuck in a car with a stranger thing, but second or third date in the fresh spring air? Killing it. The Electric Dusk Drive In is like a real old fashioned drive-in that offers drive in options and also some astroturf for those who would prefer lounging in chairs. Films offered include classics like The Big Lebowski, The Princess Bride, and Goonies.

2. Eat at Nobu Malibu

Nobu-Malibu-what-to-do-in-la

via ArchitecturalDigest.com

Suns out fancy sushi dining is in. Technically you can dine by the beach year round but your Instagram photos are going to be so much better when everyone actually looks like they’re getting a tan while they sip rose and nom on sashimi. Sorry East Coast friends.

3. Lounge at a Rooftop Hotel Pool

via StandardHotels.com

via StandardHotels.com

Pick a pool any pool! Nothing feels fancier than being able to get some sun on the roof of the nicest hotel in your neighborhood. It almost feels like it shouldn’t be allowed for non hotel guests. (Is is allowed.) Kick back with your boys, order an overpriced club sandwich, and remember to remove your shades when you’re trying to smile at a babe otherwise she’ll have no idea what’s happening.

4. Yamashiro Farmers Market

via Details.com

via Details.com

The Yamashiro farmers market isn’t your average, in fact it’s more like an evening street fair. Starting towards the end of May you can head up to the spot where it’s held by the Magic Castle and get your pretty fine street dining on. Think wine, beer, and fois gras tacos overlooking Los Angeles from your cush picnic table on the hill.

 5. Cinespia

via Cinespia.org

via Cinespia.org

Once spring hits L.A. it’s really quite challenging to make a case for going to a movie theater that isn’t outside. Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one part DJ infused picnic party and one part serious movie watching time. Pack snacks and as much beer and wine as your arms can handle for movie night in the cemetery. (Hard liquor is not allowed but you can wait.)

6. Go Hiking

via theguardianarms.com

via theguardianarms.com

Runyon Canyon is an obvious hiking choice but for good reason. It’s easy to get to, not completely treacherous conditions, and there are a ton of girls glistening in minimal clothing. Plus, sometimes they have even valet up there. If you’re a really serious hiker however you’re not out of luck either. There are actually quite a few waterfall hikes if that’s more your style, including Escondido Falls in Malibu and different hikes in the Santa Monica mountains.

7. Go to a Baseball Game

via zaagitravel.com

via zaagitravel.com

Sometimes it seems like the baseball season never ends, but whether you’re a big Dodger fan or not hitting a game can be a really fun group activity. Or a solo activity. Hey, no one’s judging. There are games all the time so it’s easy to get tickets and it’s the perfect excuse for eating hotdogs an drinking beer in the middle of the day.

8. Go Whale Watching

via frjacky.info

via frjacky.info

The coast can seem pretty far away when you’re an inland Los Angeles dweller, but the no traffic times highlight the fact that this just isn’t true. There is a whole world of sailing and boat cruises out there to be done. And get this…besides booze cruising, there are real live whales and dolphins to be spotted.

9. Outdoor Fitness Classes

via doscoverlosangeles.com

via doscoverlosangeles.com

For some reason a lot of fitness professionals like to do free workouts in public places. (No overhead, free advertising, whatever.) Trainers and yoga teachers alike have been known to host regular classes everywhere from the base of Runyon Canyon to the beach. If you need to lighten up your Crossfit bill, it’s always an option.

10. Go to Catalina

via TripAdvisor.com

via TripAdvisor.com

Don’t underestimate the fun factor of spending the day at a nearby island, Catalina could not be more different than Los Angeles. There is a ton of interesting history there, the locals are weirdly nice, and you can do anything from lounge beachside to go ride a zipline through the canyon. The ferry ride over is free on your birthday, even if you’re an adult.

11. Melrose Trading Post

via MelroseTradingPost.org

via MelroseTradingPost.org

This gem of a flea market at Fairfax High School is open every Sunday rain or shine, but it’s way more fun when the sun is shining. Where else are you supposed to stock up on records and kitschy vintage stuff to use as decoration for your summer BBQ parties?

12. Stand Up Paddle Boarding

via covepaddlefitness.com

via covepaddlefitness.com

Work on your abs and your tan at the same time with a little stand up paddle boarding in Marina Del Rey. The spring months are warm enough that you aren’t going to have any issues if you fall in, but you won’t even touch the water if you’re skilled. Take that challenge as you will.

13. Free Jazz Night at LACMA

via myshopify.com

via myshopify.com

LACMA in and of itself is worth a visit but the sprawling museum hosts free jazz nights in the warmer months. Get there early for grass seating and stock up on snacks and wine from the snack bar.

14. Hollywood Bowl

via TripAdvisor.com

via TripAdvisor.com

Depending on who you ask the Hollywood Bowl is one of the spots to catch a concert in the warmer months. There are endless drink and dining options so you might even enjoy getting there early, which is a novel concept. You can’t bring in your own food, but you can buy a picnic there is fine dining isn’t your speed. You have to wait until June for this one to start, but come summer it’s in full swing.

15. Brunch at Chateau

via thebeatofyourlosangeles.blogspot

via thebeatofyourlosangeles.blogspot

Chateau Marmont is one of the most legendary hotels in town, and there’s nothing like a fancy spring brunch on the Sunset Strip. Maybe it’s a little hyped, but it’s fun. And it looks like a castle. Your mom will be proud.

16. Follow the Food Trucks

via galleryhip.com

via galleryhip.com

There’s at least a food truck (or two) for everyone’s taste in L.A. but if you’re the type that has a hard time narrowing it down to just one the food truck events are definitely for you. The Truck It Fest in downtown happens every weekday for lunchtime in Alameda Square and offers a rotation of gourmet food truck options.

17. Malibu Wines

via expedia.com

via expedia.com

Los Angeles might not be a hot spot as far as wine tasting goes, but Malibu Family Wines doesn’t care about all that! They offer daily tastings as well as have plenty of spots for picnics and live music some weekends. Don’t be surprised that the place gets totally packed, and bring your own food because they specialize solely in wine. It’s a popular spot for girl’s birthday parties, so who knows who you’ll run into. You can also take a wine safari which is exactly what it sounds like.

18. Annenberg Community Beach House

via timeout.com

via timeout.com

Don’t let the “community” part of this beach house fool you, it was originally built as an estate by by William Randolph Hearst for Marion Davies. These days you can use the five acres of Malibu for swimming, ping pong, soccer, tennis, and beach volleyball.

19. Find Your Signature Cocktail

via dmagazine.com

via dmagazine.com

You can’t throw a stone in L.A. without hitting a speciality cocktail, pretty much every restaurant, bar, lounge, etc has a whole list of them. Why not start looking for soulmate of a drink throughout spring and then you’ll be set all summer long.

20. First Fridays in Venice

via laweekly.com

via laweekly.com

Abbot Kinney hosts First Fridays in Venice on naturally, the first Friday of each month. It’s a fun way to check out art, grab some food and drinks, and just wander around like streets aren’t even a thing.

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