Hidden Gems & Hot Days: The LA Summer List
The official start of summer was apparently June 20th (!!!) and I am already loving the new season vibes. The weather is heating up and the people are eager to soak up some vitamin D. Lately, I've been curious to seek out activities for this summer that will get me out of the house and diversify my routine. I want to find fun things to do other than the obvious outdoor activities like hiking and going to the beach (even though I will still obviously do those of course!). Another caveat: I don't want to spend a ton of money. It's easy to splurge on concert tickets, a luxurious spa day, or a trip to a theme park, but that's not what I'm looking for. If you're a creative person who wants to broaden your horizons and have new experiences, this list is for you!
I took figure drawing classes in college, and I remember loving them! So, I’m really excited to reconnect with something from my past that brought me so much joy. But if you haven't done this before, what a great way to get out of your comfort zone and explore a new creative endeavor. Backhouse has a calendar of stellar crafting events, and I can't wait to try them all!
One of my best friends is an amazing ceramic artist, and I’ve always been curious to see what I would create given the opportunity. So this handbuilding class is perfect! Pot also offers wheel throwing and an array of other fun options, and I just can't think of a more fun afternoon!
free (kinda)
There’s nothing I love more than a good estate sale. And this website is the holy grail for finding out where they are and which ones are worth your time. I like to grab a coffee, plan my route, put on a good playlist, and spend my Saturday morning sifting through other people's vintage gems until lunchtime.
free
From 6-8 every Friday night until November, grab your friends and pack a picnic for a free concert in the park! Need I say more?!
Watch a classic movie in Griffith Park under the stars with delicious food and drink? Yeah, I can get into that — especially when I saw that they had a Dolly Parton night and were showing 9 to 5!
I've lived in LA for 7 years and I've always wanted to rent a swan boat on the Echo Park lake. Every time I drive or walk by it looks so fun! So next time my sister and niece visit, we’re definitely going to do it!
I’m not usually one for guided group activities, but walking through a historic neighborhood, looking at architecture, and then being able to go inside too?! Sign me up! There’s so much unique history in LA, and I’m always eager to hear it.
Bowling $55
I’m not talking about Lucky Strike here—this place is vintage. Opened in 1961 with 39 lanes, billiard tables, and arcade games, it’s a total vibe, and I’m really into it.
Volunteer free
My first experience volunteering with the LA Food Bank was so fun, and I can’t wait to do it again this summer! My friend and I signed up a few weeks ahead of time for a Saturday morning slot and spent four hours helping sort and bag food. It was a great experience, and I look forward to spending more time with such an amazing organization.
I have a confession to make: I bought all the materials and tools to make silver clay jewelry, but it’s a lot harder than it looks. So, I’m going to take instructions from the professionals—and when I’m done with this class, I’ll be a pro! Right?! This class is the most expensive on the list, but you also get a real silver ring as a result, so I think it’s 100% worth it!