Each year, Los Angeles magazine’s team of writers and editors compiles the city’s most unforgettable experiences. Below, discover where to have fun across Los Angeles, from new arrivals making a splash to steadfast favorites.
Arts and Crafts
Credit: Courtesy of Little Artist Party
From celebrity birthdays to neighborhood celebrations, LITTLE ARTIST PARTY has become one of Los Angeles’ go-to children’s party entertainment companies. Founded by Arsineh Hoonanian, the company specializes in creating imaginative, hands-on experiences through arts and crafts, interactive activities and themed events. Its client list includes the Kardashian, Jenner and Hilton families, along with many other high-profile Los Angeles clients, while bringing the same creativity and attention to every celebration. littleartistparty.com
Author-Run Bookshop
Find your next read or join in the community fun at ZIBBY’S BOOKSHOP. Part of Zibby Media founded by Zibby Owens, the bookstore allows customers to browse the many shelves organized by genre as well as feeling. Explore the section of works selected for Zibby’s Spring Most Anticipated List and see which authors earned a place on the shelf. An August Book Club event will be held at the store Aug. 22, and Owens will release her next book, the memoir-in-essays Between Chapters, Sept. 22. 1113 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 424-387-1744, zibbymedia.com
Bubble Show
Credit: Courtesy Arman Avetisyan
Water, fire, air and smoke are foundational elements in Eastern philosophy. Add soap, and you’ve got the building blocks of Arman Avetisyan’s amazing traveling bubble show, BUBBLE SHOW ILLUSION LOS ANGELES. The teenage illusionist has performed for Chanel West Coast and Nick Cannon, and will amaze your party guests with his outrageous costumes, ethereal soundtrack and flaming, smoking and double, triple and mega bubbles big enough to fit you inside. “I chose bubble art,” he says, “because it combines science, creativity, theater and imagination.” @arm_show_
Candymaking Demonstrations
For more than 50 years, Jerry Rowley has been making sweets at LOGAN’S CANDIES in Ontario. Rowley’s nearly century- old shop features more than 700 varieties, including handmade toffee, brittle and marshmallows. Rowley noticed customers transfixed by the art of turning sugar into beautiful, handcrafted gems and began offering formal demonstrations. You can enjoy the candyman’s art and free warm samples. For $5, you can even get in there and bend your own candy cane. 125 W. B St., Ontario, 909-984-5410, loganscandies.com
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Concert Series
Off The 405 with LeenalchiCredit: Leenalchi/Swan Studio
OFF THE 405, Getty Center’s annual free outdoor summer concert series, brings exciting performers to the courtyard stage — set against stunning architecture and breathtaking sunset views. Since 2009, the series has filled the Getty with the sounds of summer, and this season’s acts include Leenalchi, Horse Lords and Laurel Halo. Each night kicks off with a DJ set at 6 p.m. Aug. 22 is the last show, and in March 2027, the Getty will close for renovations until 2028. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood, 310-440-7300, getty.edu
Cool Events
Credit: Michael Murphy
The VENICE HERITAGE MUSEUM has officially relocated to a new, vibrant, city-owned home. Moving from its original Main Street location, the museum celebrated its grand reopening at Westminster Park. This transition to a dynamic, shared community space preserves and highlights Venice’s eccentric history, tracking stories from its 1905 founding by Abbot Kinney to its kaleidoscopic history with rock and roll legends, skateboard stars and surfing. Located just steps from the Ocean Front Walk, it is a must-see for both locals and global tourists — an inclusive space to explore rotating multimedia exhibitions. 1234 Pacific Ave., Venice, veniceheritagemuseum.org
Classic Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel’s ExteriorCredit: Courtesy of Dorchester Collection
Founded in 1912 — before the city of Beverly Hills even existed — THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL remains one of the area’s most glamorous landmarks. While a renovation and new food and beverage concepts will be unveiled this fall, summer is a perfect time to visit the Dorchester Collection’s Pink Palace. Dine at the famed Polo Lounge, which just celebrated its 85th birthday. Watch a favorite film from Aug. 11-13 on summer movie nights. Visit the spa for a treatment in collaboration with Augustinus Bader. And peruse an art display by ’70s fashion photographer Arthur Elgort. 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-276-2251, dorchestercollection.com
Martini Hour Deals
Dante Beverly Hills on the rooftop of the Maybourne Beverly HillsCredit: Wonho Frank Lee
DANTE BEVERLY HILLS has been a popular choice for scenic cocktails with live music and sweeping views ever since it opened on the rooftop of the Maybourne Beverly Hills in 2023. Founded in New York in 1915 and revamped a century later by Linden Pride and Nathalie Hudson, Dante has claimed the No. 1 spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list for its impressive Negronis, martinis and inventive cocktails. Come for the $10 Martini Hour every day from 3 to 5 p.m. to try a menu of the famed libations, from the classic to the dirty. 225 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-860-7989, dantebeverlyhills.com
Cuban Bandleaders
Havana-born Grammy winner and multi-instrumentalist Arturo Sandoval captures listeners with his electrifying Afro-Cuban sound. This legendary performer and composer continues to shine with the release of new album Sangú, adding to a long list of his landmark contributions to music and film alongside classical performances and beloved albums. arturosandoval.com
Garden Escape
Credit: Lisa Romerein
If you’re in need of a break from city chaos, check out THE HUNTINGTON. The monolithic library and art museum is home to a lush botanical garden featuring towering cactuses and succulents, a Japanese garden with a traditional moon bridge and an expansive, Suzhou-style scholar’s garden complete with a koi-fish-stocked lake. Visitors can also enjoy a 320-year-old Shoya House that once served as the private residence of a Japanese village headman. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626-405-2100, huntington.org
Immersive Fan Experience
The Experience at CosmCredit: Photo courtesy Cosm
COSM LOS ANGELES turns watching into a full-body spectacle, using Shared Reality technology and an 87-foot dome display to pull guests inside live sports, immersive films and cultural events. Set at Hollywood Park near SoFi Stadium, the venue pairs wraparound visuals with refined dining, making courtside, ringside or frontrow energy feel communal, cinematic and distinctly L.A. 1252 District Drive, Inglewood, cosm.com
Intimate Event Space
Credit: Courtesy of The Parlor Bloom
After building a following with her luxury event planning company, Anita Gohari teamed up with co-founder Shushana Djavaheri to transform this Westwood space into THE PARLOR BLOOM — a whimsical, Bridgerton-inspired venue perfect for bridal and baby showers, birthdays and other refined soirées. The glam space adorned with marble, florals, ceiling drapery and rich materials hosts fully-catered celebrations as well as a signature high tea, with premium teas and curated bites made from organic local ingredients that are free of seed oils. 1735 Westwood Blvd., Westwood, 310-922-2298, @theparlorbloom
Live Music Venue
Credit: Courtesy Marcus Jones via Adobe Stock
Nearly 60 years since Aretha Franklin became the venue’s first musical performer, it remains obvious why the industry’s biggest acts often opt for this 17,500-cap arena. THE KIA FORUM doesn’t have a bad seat in the house and, thanks to a renovation completed in 2014, it is home to stellar acoustics that other concert destinations across town can’t quite match. The Inglewood establishment also attracts residencies that have ranged in recent years from Rush and Maná to Lady Gaga and Harry Styles. 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, 310-862-6200, thekiaforum.com
Local Casino
Credit: Courtesy Yaamava Casino
At YAAMAVA’ RESORT & CASINO at San Manuel, you don’t need to bet on a good time. Beyond the slots, table games and tournaments, visitors can enjoy live performances from music’s biggest acts, as well as outstanding food and drink, shopping from luxury retailers and a tranquil spa. 777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland, 909-864-5050, yaamava.com
Low-Impact Workout
Credit: Courtesy of Pvolve
After being diagnosed with scoliosis and growing frustrated by how high-intensity workouts aggravated her back pain, Rachel Katzman discovered the world of functional fitness and co-founded low impact training method PVOLVE in New York in 2017. The strength-training and resistance-based workouts designed to mimic everyday movements quickly caught on, and Pvolve opened a studio in West Hollywood in 2020 — followed by franchise locations in San Diego, Carlsbad, Santa Monica and more. Jennifer Aniston discovering the program — also offered virtually — and getting involved led to an unexpected PR boost in 2023. Multiple locations, pvolve.com
Malibu Retreat
One of Calamigos Ranch’s five poolsCredit: Catherine Dzilenski
Situated in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains is CALAMIGOS RANCH RESORT & SPA, a nearly 90-year-old, family-owned haven for wellness and rejuvenation. A stay here can include a workout at state-of-the-art fitness studios, massages, body treatments and paddleboard lessons at the private beach club. Enjoy California’s finest seasonal produce and wood-grilled meats at The Ranch Club restaurant or opt to dine poolside or in bed. It’s hard to believe this retreat just o. Pacific Coast Highway is so close to the bustling city. 327 Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu, 818-575-4400, calamigos.com
New Hotel
Cameo Beverly Hills’ restaurant ZampoCredit: Courtesy Cameo Beverly Hills
Unveiled in January, CAMEO BEVERLY HILLS houses 138 rooms and suites enhanced by soaring views of the city, private balconies, abstract artwork and a glamorous aesthetic. Designed by Premier, the hotel features private pool areas, the stylish lobby lounge Silhouette and Zampo, its signature restaurant serving Peruvian-Japanese fusion food. Enjoy an exclusive experience shaped by thoughtful design and personalized service. 1224 Beverwil Drive, Pico-Robertson, 310-277-2800, cameobeverlyhills.com
Luxury Meeting Spot
Credit: Courtesy Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
The FOUR SEASONS HOTEL LOS ANGELES AT BEVERLY HILLS has been seriously stepping up its hospitality game. In addition to replacing its rooftop restaurant with La Ola coastal Mexican eatery, the hotel has been hosting pop-ups in the lounge (like The Penalty Box for World Cup game viewing) and restaurants for collaborations — such as this summer’s Pizzeria Sei at Culina. That, coupled with the elegant lobby — always adorned with fresh flowers from Jeff Leatham — makes this a versatile destination for work meetings, friend catchups, romantic dates and more. 300 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Grove, 310-273-2222, fourseasons.com
New Cocktail Bar
Credit: Julian Mercado
On Los Feliz’ bustling Hillhurst Avenue, VANDELL is an upscale neighborhood drinking spot in the former Nossa Caipirinha Bar space. Park Hospitality’s Michael Francesconi and Matthew Glaser (Donna’s) teamed up with Shawn Lickliter (Manzke) and Vay Su (Republique) on this swanky destination inspired by classic European and New York cocktail bars. Take a seat at the 12-seat bar, in the back room or at front cafe tables and enjoy shared plates alongside inventive cocktails — divided on the menu into light, market fresh, spirit forward, olden days and zero proof categories. 1966 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz, 323-922-1002, thevandell.com
Puppet Show
Credit: Terrell Tangonan
Part of the charm of L.A.’s beloved puppet playhouse, the BOB BAKER MARIONETTE THEATER, lies in the vintage marionettes and classic productions, but late founder Bob Baker dreamed of new spectacles that never materialized. This spring, his protégés debuted Choo Choo Revue, a delightful rail journey across the continent featuring an all-new cast, from a glittery Broadway bigfoot to a singing pelican with surprises inside. All aboard, because the first new show in 40 years concludes for the season on Aug. 30. 4949 York Blvd., Highland Park, bobbakermarionettetheater.com
Radio Show
On weekday mornings from 6 to 10 a.m., KROQ’s KLEIN/ALLY SHOW reminds Angelenos why radio still matters. Hosts Kevin Klein and Ally Johnson are known for their unscripted style, irreverent banter and honest conversations about everyday life, blending unpredictable humor with heartfelt insight to keep you company on your morning commute. The unfiltered morning program is also available to stream on Audacy, Spotify and Apple Podcasts platforms. audacy.com
Rock Pop-Ups
HINANO CAFE remains an iconic Venice Beach institution, serving legendary, classic backyard-style burgers on an ancient flattop grill since 1962. There is a reason it was Jim Morrison’s favorite dive and is still a local haunt. This sun-soaked spot preserves old L.A.’s rock-and-roll soul and is home to pop-up shows from legends like Weezer. There is no better place to grab an addictive cheeseburger, catch a local band and soak up authentic Venice vibes. 15 Washington Blvd., Venice, 310-822-3902, hinanocafevenice.com
Semi-Private Airline
Credit: Aero
Established in 2019 by Uber co-founder Garrett Camp, semi-private airline AERO aspired to deliver a private jet experience without the high price tag. The sleek Embraer 135 jets accommodate 16 firstclass seats and offer amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi and food and drinks from Erewhon (as well as curated experiences, like wines from local vineyards en route to Napa). Aero now flies from Van Nuys to destinations including Aspen, Las Vegas, Los Cabos, Maui, Sun Valley, Thermal, New York City and East Hampton — with a route to Miami coming this November. 16233 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, 323-745-2376, aero.com
Singles Spot
Inspired by Japanese jazz kissas, old world alleyways and tucked away cafés, this listening-meetswine bar bills itself as a space rooted in analog culture. ONLY THE WILD ONES in Venice is the ideal spot to take your dating life offline, trading swipes and matches for the familiar crackle of vinyl against a night of shared plates, aperitivo and curated bottles designed to turn strangers into friends. If the date goes well, head upstairs to Force of Nature, a speakeasy with an outdoor bar overlooking a community garden. 1031 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 424-722-9558, onlythewildones.com
Summer Event Venue
Credit: Elizabeth Asher
There’s no better place to celebrate live music and entertainment in Los Angeles than the iconic, 18,000-seat outdoor amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills. The HOLLYWOOD BOWL offers an eclectic array of summer programming, ranging from a celebration of Wes Anderson films and their music to St. Vincent, Lucy Dacus, The Black Crowes and more. Live sets are still to come this season from Muse, David Byrne and Orville Peck, to name a few. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323-850-2000, hollywoodbowl.com
Tarot Card Reader
ANGIE BANICKI calls herself an “explorer of the soul,” and she’s the tarot card reader Hollywood celebrities, entertainment executives and politicians call when they want honest, compassionate and intuitive guidance. She offers one-on-one sessions, weekly virtual gatherings, courses and retreats, and has been enlisted by brands like Netflix, Jimmy Choo and Dior for events — where she uses her own Explorer of the Soul deck to lead seekers toward truths as they navigate life’s challenges. angiebanicki.com
Train for a Day Trip
Credit: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner/Lossan Rail Corridor Agency
The nine-hour PACIFIC SURFLINER traces a 351-mile route through San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with portions hugging the SoCal coastline and departures offered daily. Skip the traffic for a quick trip or ride down the whole line, enjoying iconic views and onboard amenities like the Market Cafe, free Wi-Fi and complimentary snacks and drinks. The Surfliner can transport you to beach towns or thriving cityscapes without the headache of the freeway. pacificsurfliner.com
TV House Tour
Every little detail of the Brady Bunch house, from the iconic floating staircase to Tiger’s doghouse out back, was meticulously recreated for the 2019 TV show A Very Brady Renovation. The original cast reunited at a Valley ranch house used in the establishing shot of the original and built a simulacrum of the interior. The Gen-X superfan owner is opening this only-in-L.A. attraction, THE BRADY EXPERIENCE, in Studio City through Halloween to benefit Wags & Walks dog rescue. thebradyexperience.com
WRITTEN BY:
HALEY BOSSELMAN, INDIA BROWN, LEO LI, MICHELE MCPHEE, CHRIS NICHOLS, YEVA OHANJANYAN, IRVIN RIVERA, JASMIN ROSEMBERG AND KIARA VELEZ