Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in Los Angeles this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory
OutdoorsLos Feliz
Free planetarium with the city's best skyline-and-Hollywood-sign combo.
Venice Beach
OutdoorsVenice
Boardwalk performers, Muscle Beach and rollerbladers at sunset.
The Getty Center
CultureBrentwood
Free hilltop museum, Richard Meier architecture and ocean views.
Runyon Canyon
OutdoorsHollywood
Quick hike with celebrity sightings and the classic LA-basin panorama.
Grand Central Market
Food & DrinkDowntown
Century-old food hall — Eggslut, tacos, fresh juice under neon signs.
Santa Monica Pier
FamilySanta Monica
Ferris wheel, Pacific Park rides and Route 66's western terminus.
Where to eat
Bestia
$$$Italian · Arts District
Pasta and charcuterie in a warehouse — hardest reso in LA.
Guelaguetza
$$Oaxacan · Koreatown
Seven moles and live banda music on weekends.
Republique
$$$French bakery / bistro · Mid-Wilshire
Stunning Charlie Chaplin-era room, all-day pastries to dinner.
Howlin' Ray's
$$Hot chicken · Chinatown
Nashville heat in LA — the line is the lifestyle.
n/naka
$$$$Kaiseki · Palms
Niki Nakayama's 13-course modern Japanese tasting.
Live & on stage
Hollywood Bowl Summer Series
Hollywood Bowl · Jun – Sep · Mixed
FYF / Outside Lands LA
Exposition Park · Aug · Indie
Coachella Weekend (Indio)
Empire Polo Club · Apr 10–19 · Festival
Rose Parade
Pasadena · Jan 1 · Parade / Free
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach, The Getty Center. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.