Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

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Photograph: Jakob N. Layman

2. Grab a bite at Grand Central Market

Downtown L.A. has seen waves of change since this food hall first opened in 1917, and so too has the lineup of vendors here. But one thing stays consistent: People flock to GCM from all corners of L.A. to mix and mingle among rows of spices, produce and vintage neon signage. Tacos Tumbras a Tomas serves the hall’s go-to taco, particularly the carnitas and al pastor. But you’ll find worthwhile bites from the recent influx of trendy eateries, too, like Sticky Rice, Shiku, Sari Sari, Horse Thief BBQ, Eggslut, McConnell’s, the Donut Man and G&B Coffee.

Have a little bit of this and that at the rest of SoCal’s best food halls.

What is it? A historic library, museum and sprawling gardens that was the bequest of entrepreneur Henry E. Huntington.

Why go? The Huntington’s distinctly themed gardens are easily the most stunning manicured outdoor spaces in SoCal, especially its recently expanded Chinese garden. The library and museum are equally impressive; all require reservations on weekends.

Don’t miss: The Huntington’s gift shop is fantastic any time of the year, but the holiday market on November 19 takes things up a notch.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Shutterstock

See L.A. from above at Griffith Park

  • Things to do
  • Griffith Park

What is it? A 4,000-plus–acre rugged park in the center of the city.

Why go? The trails, the flora, the views, the howls of coyotes down the canyons at night, the twinkly lights of Downtown in the distance—L.A. may not have a grassy, centralized park, but Griffith’s massive, hilly wilderness makes for a stellar alternative.

Don’t miss: Even when the Griffith Observatory is closed (it’s open Tuesday through Sunday), you can still drive or hike up to the grounds of the landmark Art Deco dome to take in the unparalleled views. Wherever you end up hiking, we highly suggest listening downloading Ellen Reid’s Soundwalk, a location-based musical composition that transforms as you move about the park.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano

Practice your acceptance speech at the Academy Museum

  • Museums
  • Movies and TV
  • Miracle Mile
  • price 2 of 4

What is it? A permanent home for the history of moviemaking that’s finally open.

Why go? The collection includes the sorts of cinematic treasures you’d expect from the people who put on the Oscars, like the Rosebud sled for Citizen Kane, R2-D2 and the sole surviving shark from Jaws. Expect some of those displays to give way to fresh selections early next year. Oh, and the gift shop is pretty fantastic, too.

Don’t miss: The museum’s first gallery rotation celebrates the art and photography of French New Wave pioneer Agnès Varda, as well as a deep dive into The Godfather, including costumes and props—like Vito Corleone’s desk and, yes, a horse head. Also make sure to see “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971,” which explores how Black filmmakers have played a vital role in cinema since its inception.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano

Have tacos and egg sandwiches from Grand Central Market

  • Restaurants
  • Downtown Historic Core
  • price 2 of 4

What is it? A European-style food hall that’s been operating in Downtown L.A. since 1917.

Why go? Even if you’re not there for the food, it’s worth a trip; people from all corners of L.A. mix and mingle among rows of spices, produce and vintage neon signage. Of course, if you’re hungry it’s a great place to get cheap pupusas, carnitas tacos and aguas frescas, as well as food from handsome, trendy eateries like Shiku, Fat & Flour, Sticky Rice, Sari Sari, Horse Thief BBQ, Eggslut, McConnell’s and G&B Coffee.

Don’t miss: Tacos Tumbras a Tomas serves the hall’s go-to taco, particularly the carnitas and al pastor.

Take a food tour of Downtown L.A.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy Museum Associates/LACMA

Pose in front of streetlights at LACMA

  • Museums
  • Art and design
  • Miracle Mile
  • price 1 of 4

What is it? Chris Burden’s Urban Light, a piece made up of 202 cast-iron street lamps gathered from around L.A. and restored to working order, that stands outside of the massive museum.

Why go? Yes, snag your streetlight selfies. But you’d be selling yourself short if you don’t venture beyond the photo-friendly installation; LACMA’s collections boast modernist masterpieces, large-scale contemporary works, traditional Japanese screens and by far L.A.’s most consistently terrific special exhibitions. 

Don’t miss: A colorful survey of Scandinavian design as well as free jazz concerts on Friday nights. Reservations are highly recommended; if you live in the county book one for a weekday after 3pm and admission is free.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Shutterstock

Bike the Strand

  • Sports and fitness
  • Cycling
  • Venice

What is it? A 22-mile bike path, officially known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, that traces nearly the entire extent of L.A.’s westward-facing coastline.

Why go? It’s the best way to tour the coastline. The path starts at Will Rogers State Beach and winds its way all the way down to Torrance County Beach.

Don’t miss: If you’d rather take the path at a walking pace, you’ll find pedestrian-friendly forks in Santa Monica, Venice and Manhattan Beach.

Take a guided bike ride along the coast.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Shutterstock

Pedal around Echo Park Lake

  • Things to do
  • Echo Park

What is it? A former reservoir turned public recreation area at the center of one of L.A.’s most buzzing neighborhoods.

Why go? The historic Echo Park Lake in recent years finally became a family-friendly destination worthy of its bold backdrop: the Downtown skyline amid the lotus flower blooms, fountains and the Lady of the Lake statue.

Don’t miss: You can push your way through the lake in a swan boat ($11 per hour) or stroll around the path that hugs its borders.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Michael Juliano

Take your pup to the only off-leash beach, Rosie's Dog Beach

  • Attractions
  • Beaches
  • Long Beach

What is it? A pooch-friendly paradise in Paradise.

Why go? The four-acre waterfront spot is the only legal off-leash dog beach in L.A. County. The park is named after the area’s late local canine celebrity, Rosie the English bulldog.

Don’t miss: The entrance. There are no fences marking the dog-friendly area—though you’ll know you’re in the right spot if you see the signs and colorful “Dogs at Play” sculpture—so you’ll want to stay between Granada Avenue and Roycroft Avenue between 6am and 8pm daily.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Michael Juliano

Gaze into infinity at the Broad

  • Museums
  • Art and design
  • Downtown

What is it? A free, contemporary art museum in Downtown L.A.

Why go? Three little words: Infinity Mirror Rooms. The persistently popular museum has two mirror-laden Yayoi Kusama installations (the more immersive of which you can now reserve in advance). Of course, there’s plenty more to see, from Robert Therrien’s oversized Under the Table to more than a dozen Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings.

Don’t miss: The first-floor gallery spaces are dark for now, though come mid-month they’ll host an exhibition from South African artist William Kentridge.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Stephanie Breijo

Have a street food feast at Smorgasburg LA

  • Things to do
  • Markets and fairs
  • Downtown Arts DistrictUntil Dec 18, 2022

What is it? A Sunday market with dozens of food vendors in the Arts District.

Why go? The weekly food fest is like an incubator for L.A.’s next big food spot, with more than 80 food and retail stalls at ROW DTLA. You’ll also find the I Love Micheladas beer garden for local brews and micheladas.

Don’t miss: The market hosts a record fair every third Sunday of the month.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano

Ride the tram up to the Getty Center

  • Museums
  • Art and design
  • Westside

What is it? A free hilltop art museum with a rolling lawn overlooking the ocean.

Why go? From the ocean to the mountains northeast of Downtown L.A., the panoramic views from this artopolis more than compensate for its relative inaccessibility (you need to ride a tram to the museum). So too do the masterpieces on display, particularly its Impressionist paintings and baroque and French decorative arts.

Don’t miss: Pacific Palisades sister institution the Getty Villa is absolutely worth a visit, too, and brimming with Greek and Roman antiquities. Both museums require a free reservation.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Shutterstock

Walk along the Venice Canals

  • Things to do
  • Venice

What is it? A series of small canals that run through the beachfront neighborhood—hence the name, Venice.

Why go? Tucked between the grimy Venice Boardwalk and the posh Abbot Kinney, the Venice Canals offer a completely different side of the famed beachfront neighborhood. Take a stroll through these three canal-lined blocks and you’ll discover an idyllic scene with arching pedestrian bridges, charming (and astronomically priced) beach houses and bunches of ducklings.

Don’t miss: Though you won’t find boat rentals anywhere along the canals, you can bring your own non-motorized vessel to tour the neighborhood at water level (enter via the launch ramp at Venice Boulevard).

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano

See L.A. from 6,000 feet up at the Mount Wilson Observatory

  • Things to do
  • Angeles National Forest

What is it? A mountaintop observatory, and a winding, scenic drive to get there.

Why go? High up in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Mount Wilson Observatory affords terrific views of the surrounding region. Admission to the area is free, but you’ll need to buy a Forest Service Adventure Pass in order to park at the site and its adjoining picnic area as it’s located within the Angeles National Forest.

Don’t miss: Take a self-guided tour of the grounds, or a seasonal docent-led tour ($15) of the observatory on weekend afternoons (same-day tickets are available at the Cosmic Cafe). For late-night stargazing, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for the rare ticketed event.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano

Have an oceanfront, roadside meal at Neptune’s Net

  • Restaurants
  • Seafood
  • Ventura County
  • price 2 of 4

What is it? A postcard-worthy seafood shack on the Pacific Coast Highway toward the western edge of Malibu.

Why go? The fried ocean bites and weekend biker crew make Neptune’s Net a unique destination. (Alternatively, dine up the coast with locals at Malibu Seafood, where the long line is worth the wait for fresh fish and seafood, or grab a superlative lobster roll at Broad Street Oyster Co.).

Don’t miss: Take your food across the street and park in the dirt patch by the water, with views of surfers and kite boarders.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano

Cross county lines to explore OCMA’s new home

  • Museums
  • Art and design
  • Costa Mesa

What is it? The Orange County Museum of Art, a free contemporary art museum in Costa Mesa.

Why go? After spending most of its nearly six decades around Newport Beach, OCMA’s new Morphosis-designed home at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus now boasts about double the gallery space to show both permanent and temporary collections of (largely California-based) artists.

Don’t miss: The museum opened with its signature California Biennial, a colorful Fred Eversley exhibition and a show inspired by its founders dubbed “13 Women.”

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Photograph: Courtesy Unsplash/Anthony Fomin

Explore the twisted exterior of the Walt Disney Concert Hall

  • Music
  • Music venues
  • Downtown
  • price 3 of 4

What is it? A concert hall and home of the LA Philharmonic designed by famed local architect Frank Gehry.

Why go? Cruise along Grand Avenue and you can’t miss the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a twisted metallic explosion of Frank Gehry’s imagination. You can look inside the stunning auditorium on a self-guided tour, but the exterior is also just as exquisite.

Don’t miss: Climb up the staircase on Grand Avenue, near 2nd Street, and you’ll find a garden hidden behind the hall. Bring a bagged lunch or a climb along the building’s lustrous exterior.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Michael Juliano

Stand underneath a space shuttle at the California Science Center

  • Museums
  • Science and technology
  • USC/Exposition Park

What is it? A space shuttle, Endeavour, that’s permanently housed at the California Science Center.

Why go? The final ship to be built in NASA’s space shuttle program, Endeavour inspires a reach-for-the-stars ambition unlike any other exhibit in the city. And its story is distinctly rooted in L.A.: Endeavour was built in Palmdale and, almost 123 million miles later, rolled along our streets to its temporary resting place in the museum (the permanent one just broke ground).

Don’t miss: Make sure to venture just outside of the Endeavour space to see an unused massive orange fuel tank that NASA donated to the museum.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy Unsplash/Andrew Sterling

Take a scenic drive around the Palos Verdes Peninsula

  • Things to do

What is it? Ten miles of streets, mostly along Palos Verdes Drive, hugging the coast from the Torrance border to San Pedro.

Why go? The first third of the drive sticks mostly to spectacular real estate a few blocks inland, but after you round Point Vicente, the drive changes dramatically. For a few miles past Terranea, there’s nothing but undeveloped oceanfront hillsides, winding roads and golden-hued bluffs.

Don’t miss: Take a stroll by the Point Vicente Interpretive Center for views of the nearby lighthouse.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Alissa Walker

Hike the Silver Lake Stairs

  • Things to do
  • Walks and tours
  • Silver Lake

What is it? Dozens of public, outdoor stairways scattered around Silver Lake’s verdant hillsides.

Why go? These WPA era staircases are well-suited for a workout or a fitness-included tour of the area. Though some homeowners have tried to prevent open access, make no mistake: These sets of stairs are for public use. You can find an exhaustive list in author Charles Fleming’s Secret Stairs.

Don’t miss: Highlights include the heart-painted Micheltorena Stairs (Sunset Blvd and Micheltorena St) and the Music Box Steps (Vendome St and Del Monte Dr), of Laurel and Hardy fame.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Shutterstock

Fly a kite by the Korean Bell of Friendship

  • Things to do
  • San Pedro

What is it? A mighty metallic bell and pavilion in San Pedro donated by South Korea in 1976.

Why go? Perched over the Pacific, this grassy spot overlooking the ocean is known for its namesake bell, with an ornately painted hipped roof. The exposed hillside is an ideal spot to fly a kite thanks to persistent winds coming off the ocean.

Don’t miss: The bell rings only four times each year: Fourth of July, National Liberation Day of Korea (Aug 15), New Year’s Eve and during Constitution Week in September.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Tobin

Get some fresh air at Malibu Creek State Park

  • Attractions
  • Parks and gardens
  • Santa Monica Mountains
  • price 1 of 4

What is it? An 8,000-acre mountainous park that looks unlike anything else in L.A.

Why go? With dramatic gorges, open pastures, lush forests, hidden pools and jagged peaks, Malibu Creek is simply one of the most stunning spots in Southern California.

Don’t miss: A bit of silver screen history; you can spot remnants of the M*A*S*H set and splash in the rock pool that was featured in Planet of the Apes. Consider using your library card to secure a free parking pass.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Shutterstock

Admire the coastline atop Temescal Gateway Park

  • Things to do
  • Pacific Palisades

What is it? A Pacific Palisades hillside park with multiple viewponts of the ocean.

Why go? With a variety of terrain, flora and views of the Pacific and city, Temescal Canyon Park is great for trail runners, hikers and dog walkers. You’ll experience vast, breathtaking views that span from Catalina to Downtown and enough varied terrain to keep you and your furry friend going—all the way to the Valley, should you dare.

Don’t miss: The stop signs. Seriously. They’re photo enforced, and you’ll be sent a $100 fine if you roll through.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy @mai_perspective

Watch the sunset from El Matador

  • Attractions
  • Beaches
  • Malibu

What is it? A small but beautiful state beach in Malibu dominated by rocky coves.

Why go? Because it’s easily the most scenic stretch of coastline in the region. It’s only accessible via a steep gravelly path from a paid parking lot. But the effort is worth it, whether it’s to watch the waves lap against the rocks or see the sunset.

Don’t miss: The tide. The beach here is pretty narrow and sand comes at a particular premium when high tide rolls in.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy Disneyland Resort/Christian Thompson

Sling webs and pal around with Spider-Man at Avengers Campus

  • Things to do
  • Event spaces
  • Anaheim
  • price 3 of 4

What is it? A Marvel-themed, superhero-filled land at Disney California Adventure Park.

Why go? If you’re an MCU obsessive, then you’re going to want to add Disneyland’s newest area to your Infinity Gauntlet. You can see Spider-Man’s high-flying stunt-double animatronic launch 65 feet in the air, feast on a hilariously-proportioned Ant-Man–inspired chicken sandwich and encounter acomic-universe–deep roster of costumed character encounters.

Don’t miss: Ready or not, the holidays are here—at least at Disneyland. The seasonal festivities kick off November 11, including seasonal fireworks and a parade, plus the holiday edition of “it’s a small world.”

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Victor Leung

Hike to Eaton Canyon Falls and back in less than an hour

  • Things to do
  • Pasadena

What is it? A 50-foot waterfall located in an easy-to-access canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Why go? Los Angeles is a beautiful place, and it’s not afraid to flaunt it. Case in point: Eaton Canyon. The Pasadena-area park is one of the most accessible and easygoing trails where you’ll truly feel like you’ve slipped into the wilderness.

Don’t miss: On weekdays only, you can cut out the most boring part of the hike and park outside of the Pinecrest Gate, which is just barely over a mile from the waterfall.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy Unique Markets

Get some holiday shopping done at a local craft fair

  • Shopping

What is it? Pop-up fairs of mostly handmade gifts held at spots around the city.

Why go? Perfect both for crossing people off your list and treating yourself to a little something special, holiday markets are your chance to procure unique year-end gifts directly from the makers themselves.

Don’t miss: Most of the markets arrive in December, but Renegade Craft Fair hits town in mid-November, as does the Pasadena edition of Jackalope Art Fair.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Stephanie Breijo

Travel back in time at the drive-in

  • Movies

What is it? About a half-dozen drive-in movie theaters in SoCal that are still going strong.

Why go? For nearly a year, it was one of the only ways to see a first-run movie that wasn’t on your couch. But even with regular theaters open again, we still think it’s tons of fun and cost effective.

Don’t miss: We particularly love the programming at Mission Tiki in Montclair.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: John Borden

Step inside the sunny Wayfarers Chapel

  • Things to do
  • Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates

What is it? A glassy chapel designed by architect Lloyd Wright on an oceanfront road.

Why go? Accessible via a dramatic oceanfront drive—no matter which direction you approach from—architect Lloyd Wright’s enchanting glass church drinks in tree-dappled sunlight through its faceted shell. All are welcome to admire the serene sanctuary’s intimate structure—though you may have to do so from the outside if there’s a wedding in progress.

Don’t miss: Across the street, Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is the perfect starting point for beachfront trailheads.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy Unsplash/Robson Hatsukami Morgan

Hit the slopes at a ski resort

  • Travel

What is it? Just under a dozen destinations within a day’s drive of L.A. where you can ski or snowboard on fresh power—and some of them are just a freeway away.

Why go? You can drive for about an hour into the mountains and meet snow in the winter. But burn through a bit of extra gas and you’ll be rewarded with a proper high-altitude wonderland.

Don’t miss: Snow Valley, Mountain High and the twin slopes of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are all within a three-hour drive from most parts of L.A.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/vagueonthehow

Picnic—even off season—at the Hollywood Bowl

  • Things to do
  • Event spaces
  • Hollywood
  • price 2 of 4

What is it? A gorgeous and instantly recognizable outdoor amphitheatre that’s been hosting concerts since the LA Philharmonic first played there in 1922.

Why go? Nestled in an aesthetically blessed fold in the Hollywood Hills, the 18,000-seat venue can bring out the romantic in the terminally cynical. It’s the summer home of the LA Phil (and boozy picnics).

Don’t miss: As long as there’s no performance going on (which is most days in the winter and spring), it also doubles as a public park. During the busier summer season, you’re welcome to bring your own food to ticketed shows (and even booze to LA Phil-produced ones).

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Benny Haddad

Tackle 282 steps at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

  • Things to do
  • Culver City

What is it? A Westside lookout best known for its 282 steep, concrete stairs to the top.

Why go? The views from the top offer some of the best views of the region, with the ocean on one side and the Downtown L.A. skyline on the other (set against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains in the winter). Once you reach the summit, sit at the long park bench and take in the 360-degree views.

Don’t miss: If you’d rather not beat up your knees, take a shortcut and drive up to the top of the hill and park in one of the many empty spaces ($6).

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Jakob N. Layman

Survey DTLA architecture on a Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tour

  • Things to do
  • Walks and tours
  • Downtown Financial District
  • price 1 of 4

What is it? Take a fuel-efficient walking tour and cherish Los Angeles’ urban architectural heritage.

Why go? The Los Angeles Conservancy walking tours take in the city’s top sights and most beautiful buildings, including Downtown’s historic theaters and Art Deco buildings (on a weekly basis) as well as the modern skyline (monthly). Be sure to reserve a place well ahead, because the tours are incredibly popular.

Don’t miss: The tour of Victorian homes in Angelino Heights (first Saturday of the month) is perfect for Halloween-time.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano

Get an early start to Christmas lights season

  • Things to do

What is it? Colorful displays that’ll start to switch on all over the city starting in mid-November.

Why go? The twinkly beauty speaks for itself, so we’ll answer this question instead: Why go now? For events that start in November, the crowds tent to be considerably lighter—and tickets sometimes cheaper—than in December.

Don’t miss: Lightscape has the distinction of being the first ticketed event to open for the season, with L.A. Zoo Lights and Enchanted not far behind. Look out for more events and free neighborhood displays in December.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Jakob N. Layman

Become a pinball wizard at EightyTwo

  • Bars
  • Downtown Arts District
  • price 2 of 4

What is it? An Arts District arcade bar.

Why go? If ever there was a bar to geek out in, this one is it. L.A.’s first arcade bar boasts more than 40 classic arcade cabinets and pristinely preserved pinball machines—all fixed with cup holders for endless booze-fueled sessions. An homage to the golden age of arcade games, cocktails here have names like Kill Screen, Zangief and Dr. Mario.

Don’t miss: Swing by the last Sunday of the month for an open pinball tournament (or join the L.A. Pinball League, which plays on Tuesday nights).

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Rozette Rago

Hunt for antiques at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

  • Shopping
  • Nov 13, 2022

What is it? A staggeringly colossal flea market held outside of the Rose Bowl the second Sunday of each month.

Why go? The sheer size and scale of this flea market means that it encompasses multitudes: new and old, hand-crafted and salvaged, the cheap and the costly. There are plenty of duds, to be sure, but come out early enough and you may go home with that perfect purchase.

Don’t miss: Stray from the main loop around the stadium; there are rows and rows of old furniture, albums and vintage clothes and accessories that fill the adjacent parking lot.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy Yubo Dong, ofstudio photography

See the past, present and future of street at Beyond the Streets

  • Art
  • Galleries
  • La Brea

What is it? A permanent brick-and-mortar retail and gallery space on La Brea from the onetime MOCA exhibition and touring pop-up.

Why go? The second show at the gallery includes colorful paintings from L.A. duo DABSMYLA, as well as the debut of history painting works from Gregory Rick.

Don’t miss: The space switches up its exhibitions every six to eight weeks, so look out for new works in December.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Shutterstock

Achieve your farm-to-table dreams at the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market

  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • Santa Monica

What is it? A series of farmers’ markets held every week year-round in Santa Monica.

Why go? The next time you’re at a restaurant and tempted to ask the waiter where your astoundingly fresh beets came from—don’t. We’ll save you the trouble and answer for you: the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market.

Don’t miss: While the market occurs on a couple of days in various parts of Santa Monica, the best day to go is on Wednesday along Arizona Avenue.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Shutterstock

Relax on the sand at Point Dume State Beach

  • Attractions
  • Beaches
  • Malibu
  • price 1 of 4

What is it? One of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches and a frequent Hollywood filming location due to its iconic rock face.

Why go? If you can’t find a free space along Westward Beach Road or you’re willing to pay for parking, you’ll be rewarded with this wide and rarely crowded patch of sand and surf. As all the parking spots are only steps from the sand, Point Dume is the perfect place to pack a picnic for a beachfront meal as seals and dolphins frolic during sunset—just watch out for those hungry seagulls.

Don’t miss: An easygoing dirth path climbs from the sand to the top of the point, with tons of yellow wildflowers in the winter and spring.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy Descanso Gardens

Stroll through SoCal flora at Descanso Gardens

  • Attractions
  • Parks and gardens
  • La Cañada
  • price 1 of 4

What is it? A hillside botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge that harbors a year-round collection of native flora.

Why go? This delightful tribute to the horticultural magic of Southern California includes more than 600 varieties of camellia (best seen between the middle of February and early May), as well as groves and hillsides of native plants.

Don’t miss: The seasonal blooms, including—as mentioned—camellias in the winter, and tulips and the Japanese garden’s cherry blossoms in the spring. Look out for the return of the beloved Enchanted: Forest of Light toward the end of the month.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Michael Juliano

Look out on L.A. from Los Angeles City Hall

  • Things to do
  • Downtown

What is it? A grand, white concrete tower that’s served as L.A.’s city hall since 1928.

Why go? It’s the cheapest way to take in an elevated view of Downtown and beyond. If you’re ever passing through the Civic Center during weekday public hours, enter on Main Street—then you owe yourself a visit to the 27th floor observation deck.

Don’t miss: Look for the 1984 Olympic torch near the Spring Street exit.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy Amoeba Music

Load up on records at Amoeba Music

  • Music
  • Music venues
  • Hollywood
  • price 1 of 4

What is it? A warehouse-sized record store in the middle of Hollywood.

Why go? Sure, Spotify is great, but anyone in search of that arcane track off of that mid-’80s Tom Robinson album knows it isn’t perfect. Neither is Amoeba, but it is the largest independent record store in the United States, and the variety of music on offer is amazing, the prices are fair and the staff really know their music.

Don’t miss: Its new address. The shop recently moved from its longtime home on Sunset Boulevard to a spot at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Argyle Avenue.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Michael Juliano

Raise your wand at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

  • Attractions
  • Theme parks
  • Universal City
  • price 3 of 4

What is it? A Harry Potter-themed land at Universal Studios Hollywood (which also recently unveiled a new Nope attraction). 

Why go? This meticulously detailed land, which features shops and edible delights in Hogsmeade village and a thrilling ride inside Hogwarts Castle, should delight even those Muggles unfamiliar with the Potterverse—particularly if you have a mug of Butterbeer in your hand.

Don’t miss: From November 25 to January 1, you’ll want to hang around after dusk for “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts,” a short, festive projection show that illuminates Hogwarts Castle.

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Book online

Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Steven A. Miller

Step inside the precursor to Disneyland at Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn

  • Museums
  • History
  • Griffith Park

What is it? A model train workshop housed inside of a red barn that used to reside in Walt Disney’s Holmby Hills backyard.

Why go? Walt Disney used to ride his own 1/8th scale live-steam railroad—the “Carolwood Pacific Railroad”—around his backyard until he shifted his focus to a much bigger project: Disneyland. In 1999, the red barn that he used as his workshop was moved to Griffith Park’s Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum. Every third Sunday of the month, you can visit the barn to find a collection of train models and memorabilia.

Don’t miss: Legendary Disney artists and engineers are known to pop in during open hours.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy Unsplash/Audrey Fretz

Spend time with your dog at the South Coast Botanic Garden

  • Things to do
  • Walks and tours
  • price 2 of 4

  • Nov 27, 2022

What is it? A once-a-month block of dog-friendly hours at the Palos Verdes botanical garden.

Why go? To spend some quality outdoor time with your four-legged best friend, of course. Every third Sunday of the month, you can roam the gardens’ 87 acres with your fur baby.

Don’t miss: Nabbing a reservation. You (the human) will need a reservation, while your best friend (the pup) will need to remain on their leash at all times, including in the parking lot.  

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Buy ticket

Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/J Jakobson

Find your zen at the Lake Shrine

  • Attractions
  • Parks and gardens
  • Pacific Palisades

What is it? A meditation garden in the Pacific Palisades.

Why go? Get lost in your thoughts at one of L.A.’s best kept secrets: the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine. Set on a 10-acre site that was used as a film set during the silent era, its lovely gardens offer some increasingly rare assets today: peace and tranquility.

Don’t miss: A reservation. You’ll need one right now to visit the meditation gardens, which are open for free from Wednesday through Sunday.

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Places to hang out with friends in los angeles

Photograph: Mark Pickthall, courtesy Field of Light, Uluru, Bruce Munro 2016

The 40 best things to do in the world right now

  • Things to do

Going out and doing things satisfies our need to explore, to learn and to grow (and then to brag about it on social media). Our hope is that the DO List becomes not just your bucket list, but your inspiration to experience and appreciate the corners of magic in the world.

What is there to do in LA with friends?

No one's setting up playdates for you anymore, but never fear—we've got some ideas to keep you from being #ForeverAlone..
Hang out at the dog park. It's a little less creepy if you have a dog. ... .
Hit the gym(s) ... .
Start swiping on Tinder. ... .
Join a sports league. ... .
Volunteering. ... .
Join a book club. ... .
Take an art class. ... .
Take an improv class..

Where can I make out in LA?

Best Make Out Spot near me in Los Angeles, CA.
All "Make Out Spot" results in Los Angeles, CA. Showing 1-60 of 1454..
1 Jerome C. Daniel Overlook above the Hollywood Bowl. ... .
2 Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. 4.7 mi. ... .
3 Universal City Overlook. ... .
4 Mulholland Drive. ... .
5 Griffith Park. ... .
6 Vista Hermosa Natural Park. ... .
7 Lake Hollywood Park..

What is the best place to hang out with friends?

Other Fun Places To Go With Friends.
Bowling..
Amusement Parks..
Pottery Class..
Ziplining..
Go-Karts..
Local Park..
Movie Night..

Where can I go chilling in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles Relaxing.
Garden of Oz – Enchanted Hollywood garden. ... .
Perry's at the Beach – Put your feet in the sand! ... .
Travel Town – All aboard! ... .
Greystone Mansion – Beverly Hills. ... .
LA Historic Park – Beautiful view DTLA. ... .
Norton Simon Museum – Gorgeous art collection. ... .
Hidden Swing in Elysian Park – Sightseeing..