Los Angeles has always had a pulse for trends before they go mainstream.
From surf culture to streetwear to smoothie bowls, it’s a city that never stops reinventing itself.
And when it comes to vegan living? LA isn’t just keeping up, it’s leading the way.
If you’ve been meaning to recharge, eat well, and maybe do something new this weekend, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, here are ten ways to soak in LA’s sunshine, creativity, and plant-based goodness without any tofu clichés attached.
Let’s dive in.
1) Start your day with a plant-based brunch that actually delivers
If you think vegan brunch still means dry pancakes and sad fruit, you haven’t been to Sage Vegan Bistro in Echo Park.
Their jackfruit chilaquiles and biscuits with mushroom gravy could convert even the most skeptical diner.
I love coming here on Saturday mornings, partly for the food, but mostly for the atmosphere.
There’s this lazy weekend hum: dogs under tables, friends swapping stories, someone inevitably Instagramming their latte art.
If you’re more of a westside wanderer, Plant Food + Wine in Venice serves up something lighter.
Think cashew ricotta toast under the shade of olive trees. Start your day here, and it’s impossible to feel rushed.
2) Hit up the Melrose Trading Post
Sundays at Fairfax High School mean one thing: vintage, vinyl, and vegan snacks.
The Melrose Trading Post is a flea market that’s part treasure hunt, part community hangout.
You’ll find booths selling everything from 70s denim to handmade ceramics. But what I love most is the casualness.
You can sip an oat milk latte while bargaining over a band tee from 1994.
There’s always live music and usually at least one vegan food truck parked nearby.
Grab a wrap or smoothie, support a local maker, and let yourself get lost in the creative chaos for a couple of hours.
3) Go mural-spotting in the Arts District
Ever spent a day walking through the Arts District without a plan? Highly recommend it. The area is a maze of color, expression, and creativity, basically an open-air gallery.
Bring your camera or just your curiosity. Start near Mateo Street, and you’ll spot huge murals by local and international artists.
It’s one of those places where every corner has a story, sometimes painted, sometimes pasted, always worth seeing.
If you need a caffeine fix mid-walk, stop by Groundwork Coffee. They’ve got great almond milk cappuccinos and a few solid vegan pastries.
4) Spend the afternoon at the Vegan Exchange in North Hollywood
Every Sunday, Vegan Exchange LA turns a parking lot into one of the city’s best vegan food festivals.
Picture this: over 30 vendors, live DJs, happy dogs, and food that makes you rethink what’s possible without animal products.
This is where I first tried a vegan birria taco that changed my life. You’ll find everything from loaded fries to sugarcane-based shrimp.
If you go, go hungry. And bring cash since some stalls still run old-school. It’s equal parts community event and sensory overload in the best way.
5) Catch an outdoor movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
This one might sound morbid if you’re not from LA, but hear me out. Watching a classic film under the stars at Hollywood Forever Cemetery is pure magic.
The vibes are unmatched, hundreds of people sprawled on blankets, picnic baskets in tow, city lights twinkling just beyond the palm trees.
You can easily make it vegan. Pack a couple of burritos from Cena Vegan or a pizza from Cruzer Pizza in Los Feliz, toss in some kombucha, and you’re set.
Just check Cinespia’s schedule ahead of time because they sell out fast.
6) Visit the Gentle Barn
Need to get out of the city noise for a bit? Drive about 40 minutes northwest to The Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita.
It’s an animal sanctuary that’s been rescuing and rehabilitating animals for over two decades.
You’ll meet cows, pigs, chickens, and even a blind horse or two, all with stories that tug at the heart.
I’ve mentioned this before, but volunteering or visiting places like this has a way of grounding you.
It reminds you why veganism isn’t just about food, it’s about showing genuine empathy.
Visits are by reservation only, so book in advance.
7) Shop (and snack) at the Original Farmers Market
The Original Farmers Market on 3rd and Fairfax is one of those LA landmarks that’s both touristy and genuinely local.
It’s been around since 1934, but lately it’s caught up to the plant-based revolution.
You’ll find stalls offering fresh-pressed juices, vegan empanadas, and even coconut-based ice cream.
I love stopping by Fritzi Coop for their tofu scramble or Erewhon for a quick grab-and-go vegan sushi roll.
It’s a perfect mid-afternoon stop if you’re exploring The Grove next door. Just bring patience because parking can test even the most zen among us.
8) Take a sound bath in Malibu
If you’ve never done a sound bath, LA is the place to try one. Think of it as meditation meets music therapy.
You lie down, close your eyes, and let sound waves from crystal bowls and gongs wash over you.
Places like The Mindry in Malibu or Unplug Meditation in West Hollywood host sessions that are equal parts relaxing and otherworldly.
I went to one last month and left feeling like I’d been rebooted from the inside out.
Combine it with a vegan smoothie afterward, and you’ve basically hit reset on your nervous system.
9) Watch the sunset at Griffith Observatory
Cliché? Maybe. But clichés exist for a reason.
Griffith Observatory offers one of the best panoramic views in all of LA.
Hike up through the trails if you’re feeling energetic or drive to the top if you’d rather save energy for dinner later.
Pack a simple vegan picnic, maybe something from Honeybee Burger or Flore Vegan, and watch the sun dip behind the skyline.
It’s the kind of moment that makes you appreciate slowing down.
Also, if you’re into astronomy, stay a bit longer. The observatory often hosts free telescope viewings. Stars, city lights, and silence, not a bad combo.
10) End your night with live music and late-night bites
After dark, LA transforms. If you still have energy, catch some live music at The Echo, Hotel Café, or Gold-Diggers.
Most venues are surrounded by great late-night vegan options, with Monty’s Good Burger being the obvious go-to.
I grew up going to shows and still believe that live music is one of the best ways to reconnect with yourself.
Something is grounding about standing in a crowd, feeling the bass line move through your chest, and realizing you’re just part of something bigger for a few hours.
Cap the night with a milkshake, oat-based, of course, and fries. You’ve earned it.
The bottom line
Los Angeles doesn’t make it hard to live well as a vegan. It just asks you to stay curious.
The best weekends aren’t planned to perfection; they’re built around moments of exploration, community, and taste.
So, whether you’re wandering through murals, hanging with rescued animals, or watching a movie under the stars, remember: the best part of this city isn’t just what you eat.
It’s how it makes you feel, alive, connected, and a little more in tune with the world around you.