10 Things to Do In LA This Summer

By Lauren Brose ‘15

Although California is known for its year-round subtropical climate, barely-there winter, and the infamous “May Gray” and “June Gloom,” nothing beats the weather that inhabits the summer months of Los Angeles.  There is much to look forward to whether you’re trying to take it easy or dance through the morning. Trust me, LA is filled to the brim with things to do–– I guarantee you’ll never be bored.

1. Street Food Cinema

This summer-long festivity opens May 2 at Exposition Park (literally across the street from campus) with the 30th anniversary of the coming of age classic, The Breakfast Club. Street Food Cinema is hosting an eclectic selection of food trucks at each event with mouthwatering names such as Funtime Kettle Corn, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, and KnowRealityPie. Not every event is at Expo Park, but many–– 500 Days of Summer (May 23), Thelma & Louise (May 30), The Interview (June 20), and Rocky Horror Picture Show (July 18)–– still are. In addition to the food trucks and the outdoor movie theatre, there will be live music opening the show each night.

2. First Fridays

If I had to choose any part of Los Angeles to live in, I’d tell you that Venice Beach is my spirit city. It reminds me of my home in Orange County–– namely the narrow streets with tightly packed beach houses near my favorite spot in Newport and the amazing coastal views off of PCH. When it comes to First Fridays though, I stay off the sand and stick with Abbott Kinney Blvd, where on the first Friday of each month, the street is lined with a variety of food trucks. They have everything from snacks to desserts to drinks and to full meals of all variations. Amazing food trucks congregating in a city I can vibe with… Abbott Kinney, you are my soul mate.   : )

3. Twilight Concerts @ Santa Monica Pier

The 31st annual Twilight Concert series returns to Santa Monica Pier this July! Free on Thursday nights from 7-10PM, this event is an absolute must to attend. Hang tight for the 2015 line-up which hasn’t been revealed yet! Santa Monica is perfect –– there’s so many great restaurants nearby as well as fun things to do near or on the pier! Check out the carnival of rides and games that is situated at the pier’s end. Here’s a map of the concert event (yeah, it’s that’s crazy they had to make a map for it).

4. Road Trip

I know tons of Californians who have, with the exception of Vegas, visited very few or none of the other states . This is because, honestly, there is so much traveling within California that can be done (and also can be found in other states) there really is no point venturing beyond the state. We have Sierra Nevada mountain ranges; hundreds of miles of beaches like Big Sur (pictured above); National Parks such as Yosemite, Sequoias, and Joshua Tree; metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles and San Francisco; wine country in NorCal; and even Mexico just south of San Diego. I don’t mean to sound vain or prideful since California has always been my home, but I believe the geographic outline of California is the United States in a nutshell. You’d be blown away with the variation in culture. 

5. Escape Room L.A.

Booking through the month of August, Escape Room is a real-life adventure that takes groups into one of two rooms: “The Detective” or “The Cavern.” The object of the game is to work collaboratively in groups of 11 to beat the clock and “escape” from the room within the hour. The tasks involve puzzle solving with the use of clues and games that will require some thinking outside the box. This is great if you are able to find a group of 11 friends who are interested. If not, smaller groups can combine to bring the total number of players to 11. I have never done Escape Room before but i’ve heard of friends who have and they absolutely loved it! This is on my list of things to do this summer for sure.

6. Hard Summer

Because don’t you wanna tell your friends and family you spent your weekend dancing to The Weekend? (I know I do).

Top artists I’d see:

• ODESZA
  
• Caribou
• Jauz
  
• Jamie XX
  
• RL Grime
  
• Hannah Wants

7. FREE Roga (run + yoga) in Santa Monica

Roga at the Santa Monica Pier runs (literally) from July 13 - August 31. It begins with an 8AM run under the Pier situated at Colorado and Ocean. The run begins on the beach and features the best views around. There are 2 and 5 mile courses available, runners of all levels are welcome, and those who prefer walking are also invited to join. At 9AM, we yoga. Meet at the west end of the pier and you should definitely bring your own yoga mat.

8. Show Your PRIDE

Christopher Street West Association, Inc. is an LA based nonprofit organization that is dedicated to carrying out human rights initiatives that are within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and beyond. The festival facilitates a supportive community that celebrates all genders and sexual orientations identified. This 3-day celebration will feature headliners Kesha, Fifth Harmony, and Tamar Braxton. Tickets are sold in either daily passes or full weekend passes.  @LAPride

9. Baja Sharkeez on Wednesdays

This tradition has been going on for a number of years and is expected to return this upcoming summer! Every Wednesday evening, buses load up in the Starbucks parking lot by row and we all trek over to Manhattan Beach’s Baja Sharkeez and completely take over the bar that night. This event is 21+ but immensely fun to attend because you’re able to see all of your USC classmates who’ve decided to stick around for summer for internships (and the perfect beach weather). 

10. See Entourage

Ugh, ‘nuff said.