Los Angeles has long cherished its slightly daffy and highly delightful “dream factory” reputation.

This means that loads of outlandish larks, attractions, and happenings have bubbled up around the region over the years, events and offerings that are very real even if they seem, for a moment or two, to be entirely made-up.

This prompts any slightly cautious Southern Californian to head into April 1 with a note of wariness: Is that fantastical food or weird festival really a prank or could it be the next hot trend?

The first day of April is delivering in 2026, as it usually does, with a few SoCal landmarks and restaurants in the not-so-serious swing of things.

Randy’s Donuts is enjoying its “health era” with the introduction of a Caesars Salad Donut. “Who says you can’t have your greens and eat donuts, too?” is the intriguing query shared on social media.

Honestly, with all of the quirky culinary mash-ups and odd combos in recent years, this does sound sort of tempting. We’d try it, Randy’s Donuts, so do think it over.

The Queen Mary listed the Soviet B-427 submarine, the historic vessel that has sat next to the Long Beach ocean-liner for nearly 30 years, for sale on the morning of April 1. “Serious inquiries only,” says the “listing,” which goes on to reveal what prospective buyers can expect from the submersible, which was formerly opened to the public but has been shuttered for over a decade.

The massive submarine is the “ultimate conversation starter,” promises the post, while the “vibes” of the bathroom are “submarine” (as to be expected).

And the Rose Parade announced formation of the Rose Parade Weather Modification Research Initiative (RP-WMRI), an eyebrow-raising endeavor that ensures the pomp-packed New Year’s Day tradition only takes place under sunny skies.

The most recent Rose Parade outing was on the soggier side, a rare occurrence, but it looks like the Tournament of Roses team isn’t willing to take chances on another soaked spectacular wending its way through Pasadena.

Happy April Fools’ Day to the local places finding ways to weave a bit of whimsy into some of their best-known goodies, sights, and experiences, but fall for these playful pranks, we most definitely will not… fingers crossed.