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100 days of summer

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Looking for something to do this summer? Whether you’re looking for relaxation, a good meal, respite from the heat or adventure, there are a wide range of activities to help make the most of your summer. Here are 100 from which to choose:

May

Silver Lake Jubilee

Set for Memorial Day weekend, the two-day Silver Lake Jubilee promises a bevy of local bands, as well as a free block party, comedy shows and literary talks. https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2012/03/silver-lake-jubilee-2012-unveils-lineup.html

Cost: $20 for one-day general admission; block party free

Dates: May 26-27

Contact info: 4000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles; https://jubilee.is

Categories: Entertainment

— S.O.

Golden Gate Bridge 75th anniversary

Head to San Francisco to celebrate the iconic bridge’s milestone with fireworks, live music, exhibitions and a parade of classic boats. If you miss the celebration, events will be held throughout the year.

Dates: May 27

Cost: Free

Contact information: San Francisco waterfront; https://goldengatebridge75.org/celebrate/

Categories: Travel, Entertainment, Kids

— J.L.

Eat|See|Hear

Sit under the stars for a night of entertainment, live music and food trucks. Watch a 52-foot-wide projection screen and enjoy food from the Coolhaus truck, the Lime truck and more. Some of the live bands scheduled to play include So Many Wizards, Max & the Moon and Act As If.

Cost: $10

Dates: Saturdays, from May 26 to Sept. 15

Contact info: https://eatseehear.com/

Categories: Entertainment, Eating

—J.H.

Summer beer garden and whole animal roasts at Tender Greens Hollywood

Summer barbecue fans will want to definitely check out this whole animal roast at the Tender Greens in Hollywood. Get recipes and tips from participating chefs. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat-and-drink feast of the roast, sides and beer pairings.

Cost: $40 per person

Dates: 4th Sunday of the month from May 27 to Oct. 28

Contact info: 6290 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; https://www.tendergreensfood.com/locations/hollywood/

Categories: Eating

— J.H.

L.A. Times Battle of the Burgers

Get together with friends and have a burger cook-off, then send the best recipes to the Los Angeles Times and enter the Battle of the Burgers. Winners will be invited to the Los Angeles Times test kitchen, have their recipes appear in the paper and also be invited to demo their recipes at the Taste event over Labor Day weekend.

Cost: Free to enter

Dates: Entries accepted through May 30; voting May 31 to June 11

Contact info: https://www.facebook.com/latimesfood/app_111303815673587

Categories: Eating

— J.H.

Yoga at the Los Angeles County Arboretum

Take a stroll through the garden at the Arboretum before an hour-long traditional Indian hatha yoga class.

Price: $30 per month for Arboretum members, $35 per month for non-members

Dates: Thursday mornings until June 28

Contact info: Los Angeles County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia; https://www.arboretum.org/index.php/events-and-classes/details/yoga_in_the_garden/

— M.R.

Categories: Fitness

Pick strawberries

If you think strawberries are those sour white fruits you buy at the supermarket, then you haven’t had them fresh from the vines. At the Carlsbad Strawberry Co., you can handpick your strawberries right in the fields. Just buy a bucket and then start filling it to the brim with the sweetest berries you can find.

Cost: $8.75 for a small bucket, $18 for a large

Dates: Until mid-July

Contact: Cannon Road and Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad; https://www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/index.htm

Categories: Kids, Eating

— J.L.

South Bay Art Walk

Over 30 local artists will be showcasing their paintings, drawings, sculptures, jewelry and more at Miramar Park. The park is located on a grassy hill, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Cost: Free

Dates: First Sunday of the month through September

Contact info: Miramar Park, 201 Paseo de la Playa, Torrance; artbysander@att.net

Categories: Kids, Arts & Culture

— J.H.

June

Idyllwild

A laid-back town nestled high in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild is a place to “get away from it all.” But it’s even more charming when local artists set up shop to paint outside during the Plein Air Festival.

Cost: Plein Air Festival free to watch

Dates: Plein Air Festival, June 8-10

Contact info: Idyllwild; https://artallianceofidyllwild.memberlodge.org/Default.aspx?pageId=1149025&eventId=391321&EventViewMode=EventDetails

Category: Travel, Kids, Arts & Culture

— S.O.

Free National Parks day

Celebrate Get Outdoors Day by visiting any of the National Parks for free.

Price: Free

Date: June 9

Contact info: https://www.nps.gov/index.htm

Categories: Travel, Kids, Fitness

— M.R.

L.A. Film Festival

The festival opens with the North American premiere of Woody Allen’s “To Rome With Love” and closes with the world premiere of Steven Soderbergh’s “Magic Mike,” with many more screenings in between. Discussions with the cast and creator of AMC’s “Breaking Bad” as well as the creator and director of HBO’s “The Newsroom” are on the agenda for the festival.

Price: Tickets go on sale May 29

Dates: June 14-24

Contact info: https://www.lafilmfest.com/

Categories: Entertainment, Arts & Culture

— M.R.

Cars Land at California Adventure

New dining, shopping and, of course, rides, including Radiator Springs Racers, will be part of California Adventure’s 12-acre addition that opens this June.

Price: $80 for general admission to California Adventure

Dates: Opens June 15

Contact info: 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim; https://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneys-california-adventure/cars-land/

Categories: Kids, Entertainment

— M.R.

Little Saigon Night Market

In tropical Vietnam, night markets are essential for escaping the summer heat. Fortunately, you can enjoy a Vietnamese night market without traveling farther than Orange County, as the Little Saigon Night Market returns for its second year in June. Enjoy cold sugar cane juice or egg rolls at one of the food stands. If you’re looking to do a little shopping, offerings will include clothing, home goods and flowers.

Cost: Free

Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, June 15-Sept. 9

Contact info: Asian Garden Mall, 9200 Bolsa Ave., Westminster; https://www.asiangardenmall.com/seasonal-events/summer-night-market

Categories: Shopping, Home & Garden, Entertainment, Kids, Arts & Culture

—J.L.

Roger Medearis at the Huntington Library

See painter Roger Medearis’ scrapbook photographs, sculptures and paintings of life and landscapes in the Midwest, the East Coast and California. Work up an appetite walking through the gardens and then head to the Rose Garden tea room for tea and scones.

Cost: $15 weekday and $20 weekends for general admission

Dates: June 16-Sept. 17

Contact info: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino; https://www.huntington.org/huntingtonlibrary_02.aspx?id=10452

Categories: Kids, Arts & Culture

—J.H.

Derby Dolls

Head to the Doll House to see the all-female roller derby league.

Price: General admission starts at $10

Dates: June 16 and 17; July 7; Aug. 18; Sept. 8 and 20; fall and winter dates as well

Contact info: The Doll Factory, 1910 W. Temple St., Los Angeles; https://derbydolls.com/la

Categories: Entertainment

—M.R.

Father’s Day postgame catch at Dodger Stadium

As much as your pops would like more golf balls or another tie, take him out to Dodger Stadium and have a catch this Father’s Day.

Price: Free with game ticket

Date: June 17

Contact info: Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., Los Angeles; https://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/community/mlb_initiatives.jsp

Categories: Fitness

—M.R.

“Raising Arizona” at Oscars Outdoors

Kick off your summer of movies with Oscars Outdoors, held at the Academy’s new open-air theater in Hollywood. The Coen Brothers classic “Raising Arizona” is playing June 22.

Cost: $5 general admission

Dates: Friday, June 22; additional movies Fridays and Saturdays from June 15-Aug. 18

Contact info: Academy Hollywood, 1341 Vine St., Hollywood;

https://www.oscars.org/events-exhibitions/outdoors/index.html

Categories: Entertainment

—D.D.

Dwell on Design

The editors of Dwell Magazine set up shop at the Los Angeles Convention Center for three days to showcase the best in modern design.

Price: General admission starts at $20

Date: June 22-24

Contact info: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles; https://dod.dwell.com

Categories: Home & Garden, Shopping, Kids

—M.R.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles

Watch one of the country’s largest men’s choral ensembles perform their first country show, entitled “Fade to Blue.” Joining the group will be country singer LeAnn Rimes.

Dates: June 23 and 24

Cost: Tickets start at $18

Contact information: Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; https://www.gmcla.org/

Categories: Entertainment

—J.L.

Glen Campbell’s Goodbye Tour at Hollywood Bowl

Head out to the Hollywood Bowl for the “Goodbye Tour” of country music legend Glen Campbell.

Price: General admission starts at $17

Date: June 24

Contact info: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood; https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/performance-detail.cfm?id=4828

Categories: Entertainment

—M.R.

Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival

This year, the Independent Shakespeare Company will perform “The Winter’s Tale,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “The Comedy of Errors” at the Old Zoo at Griffith Park.

Price: Free

Dates: June 28-Sept. 2

Contact info: Old Zoo, Griffith Park; https://iscla.org

Categories: Entertainment

—M.R.

July

Mr. and Ms. Muscle Beach

Take your Independence Day festivities to Venice and admire the men and women who have dedicated many hours sculpting their bodies to compete at the 2012 Mr. and Ms. Muscle Beach.

Price: Free

Date: July 4

Contact info: Muscle Beach, Venice; https://californiabeachbodybuilding.com/

Categories: Entertainment

—M.R.

Pageant of the Masters

Art imitates life, but life also imitates good art. The Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach features more than three dozen living recreations of great works of art over 90 minutes, including Michelangelo’s “Pieta,” Vincent van Gogh’s “The Night Café” and Leonardo da Vinci “The Last Supper.” The theme for this year’s pageant is “The Genius,” which explores the connection between art and developments in science and technology.

Cost: General admission starts at $15 and includes admission to the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts

Dates: July 7-Aug. 31

Contact info: 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach; https://www.foapom.com/site/overview_pom.asp

Categories: Entertainment, Kids, Arts & Culture

—J.L.

The Santa Monica Pier Twilight Concert Series

Grab a bite to eat on the promenade then snag a spot on the pier as it transforms into a concert arena. Each night features a different theme, with ‘80s pop rock bands, reggae bands and salsa dancers all slated to perform. You can also put your dancing skills to the test at a tango lesson on Aug. 25.

Cost: Free

Dates: Saturdays, from July 7 to Sept. 8

Contact info: Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica; https://www.twilightdance.org/

Categories: Entertainment

—J.H.

Aesop Rock with Rob Sonic & DJ Wiz

Nod your head to the sounds of hip hop artist Aesop Rock, as he kicks off a tour celebrating his first CD release in five years, “Skelethon.”

Cost: $20

Date: July 13

Contact info: El Rey Theater, 5515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles;

https://www.theelrey.com/view-details.php?id=36222

Categories: Entertainment

—D.D.

Orange County Fair

The fair’s selection of fried foods should be enough to lure you, but if you desire more, you’ll also find rides, games, exhibits, shopping, demolition derbies, rodeos and live entertainment. Performers this year include Adam Lambert, Dead Man’s Party and Mariachi Sol De Mexico De Jose Hernandez.

Cost: $12 for general admission

Dates: Wednesdays to Sundays, July 13-Aug. 12

Contact info: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa; https://ocfair.com/2012/index.asp

Categories: Shopping, Eating, Kids, Entertainment, Arts & Culture

—J.L.

CitySolve Urban Race Los Angeles Ultimate Urban Adventure Race

Is your favorite show ‘The Amazing Race?’ Here’s your chance to participate in a real scavenger hunt of your own and explore Los Angeles. Form a team and solve clues and face physical and mental challenges around the city for a chance at qualifying for the National Championship in Miami, where the winner will receive $6,500.

Cost: $50 per person by June 21; prices increase after

Date: July 21

Contact info: https://www.citysolveurbanrace.com/2012/los-angeles-urban-adventure-race.html

Categories: Fitness

—J.H.

Gilroy Garlic Festival

If you love the stinking rose, you’ll love the Gilroy Garlic Festival. It’s three days of garlic, crafts and live entertainment. The festival features cooking competitions, demonstrations from acclaimed chefs and a Garlic Festival Queen.

Cost: $17 for general admission

Dates: July 27-29

Contact info: 7050 Miller Ave., Gilroy; https://www.gilroygarlicfestival.com

Categories: Kids, Travel

—J.L.

August

Nike 3-on-3 basketball tournament

Strap on those knee braces, lace up those Jordans that have been buried in the back of the closet since he retired (the third time — yeah, that whole Wizards thing wasn’t just a bad dream) and get a couple of friends together to enter the Nike 3-on-3 basketball tournament down by Staples Center.

Price: Entry fee starts at $180 per team for adults (prices increase after July 1)

Dates: Aug. 4 and 5

Contact info: L.A. Live, 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles; https://nike3on3.com/

Categories: Fitness, Entertainment

—M.R.

Perseids Meteor Shower

Head away from the city lights for the best views of the meteor showers. In the morning hours after midnight, as many as 50 to 80 meteors per hour can be expected.

Cost: Free

Date: Aug. 12

Contact info: https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide

Categories: Travel, Kids

—D.D.

Orange International Street Fair

The Orange International Street Fair features live entertainment, shopping and row upon row of vendors serving from food around the world. The fair sets up in historic downtown Orange, which is worth a stroll, fair or not.

Price: Free

Dates: Aug. 31-Sept. 2

Contact info: Historic downtown Orange, https://orangestreetfair.org/the-fair/

Categories: Shopping, Eating, Kids, Arts & Culture

—J.L.

September

Tchaikovsky and fireworks at the Hollywood Bowl

What better way to spend a summer night than under the stars listening to classical music? The acclaimed Los Angeles Philharmonic will play works from composer Tchaikovsky. The closing piece is the “1812 Overture,” which is accompanied by fireworks.

Cost: General admission starts at $15.50

Dates: Sept. 7 and 8

Contact info: 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood; https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/performance-detail.cfm?id=4885

Categories: Entertainment, Kids

—J.L.

Ongoing / Any time

Cuts, Shaves, and Cocktails

Enjoy traditional barbershop services with a twist -- customers receive a complimentary cocktail with every haircut or shave. No need for a cut? Head to the back of the shop and enter the speak-easy, complete with nine grilled-cheese sandwich options.

Cost (cocktail included): trim, $20; haircut, $40; shave, $30; beard trim, $20

Contact info: 10797 Washington Blvd., Culver City; https://blindbarber.com/

Categories: Eating, Shopping

—D.D.

Sweet and savory ice cream

Expand your taste in ice cream and experience the savory-sweet side of frozen desserts at Neveux Artisan Creamery & Espresso Bar. Explore unique flavors such as Basil Olive Oil, Strawberry Balsamic, and Coconut Curry Lemongrass.

Cost: small, $3.75; medium, $4.50; large, $5.25

Contact info: Neveux Artisan Creamery & Espresso Bar, 7407 ½ Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; https://www.neveuxartisancreamery.com/

Categories: Eating, Kids

—D.D.

Explore the Getty Museum’s Central Garden

Is there anything better than a stroll through the Getty Museum’s Central Garden an hour before sunset on a sunny summer day? In a word: No. The garden was created by Robert Irwin and the design takes up 134,000 square feet. The tree-lined walkways, the stream and waterfall, the specialty areas — there’s no other experience like it in Los Angeles. In the “Bowl Garden” alone you can find kangaroo paw, golden angels’ trumpet, crape myrtle, floribunda roses, sage and verbena. The space feels majestic and intimate at the same time.

Cost: $15 for parking

Contact info: https://www.getty.edu/visit/see_do/gardens.html

Categories: Entertainment, Kids, Arts and Culture

A.S.

Escondido Canyon Park hike with dog

This one-mile trail leads to the base of Escondido Falls, a beautiful, 150-foot multi-tiered waterfall. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.

Cost: Free

Contact info: Escondido Canyon Park, 27200 Winding Way, Malibu; https://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=12

Categories: Fitness, Kids

—D.D.

Contemplate serenity

Ignore your friends who don’t want to set foot in downtown Los Angeles and insist they join you for a quiet visit to the James Irvine Japanese Garden at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center. Or come alone. It’s used for weddings and receptions but its greatest use may be one of simple contemplation. The (relatively) tiny space includes a stream, blooming trees and flowers. A 30-minute meditation should settle the most tumultuous of minds.

Cost: Free

Contact info: https://www.jaccc.org/garden.php

Categories: Kids

—A.S.

IRIS Nights Lecture Series

Visit the Annenberg Space for Photography on Thursday nights to listen to world-renowned photographers and experts talk about current exhibits.

Cost: Free, with reservations

Dates: Thursday evenings, ongoing

Contact info: Annenberg Space for Photography, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles; https://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/events/iris-nights

Categories: Entertainment, Arts & Culture

—D.D.

Go-kart racing

Move into the fast lane and drive an electric go-kart through a 13-turn race track, speeding along at up to 40 miles per hour. Not bad, given that you’re sitting only a few inches above the track.

Cost: adults, $20 for 14 laps; racing license (valid for 1 year), $6

Contact info: K1 Speed Torrance, 19038 S. Vermont Ave., Gardena;

https://www.k1speed.com/torrance-location.html

Categories: Entertainment, Kids

—D.D.

Walk the canals of Venice

For locals, Venice Beach is often lost in a haze of cliches. Weight-lifting/chain-saw juggling/multiple piercing cliches. Plus, parking on a summer weekend can be miserable. Why bother? Unless….you take an afternoon, or, even better, an early morning, on a week day and abandon the beach for a stroll on the neighborhood canals. Admire the pedestrian bridges and modern architecture that is interspersed amid decades-old bungalows. Imagine what life was like as Angelenos strolled the same paths 100 years ago.

Cost: Free

—A.S.

Categories: Fitness, kids

Flower shopping

Brighten up your home or workplace and shop for a bouquet (or three) at the Flower District in Downtown Los Angeles. Wander the rows of colorful flowers and find great bargains for your lonely vases.

Cost: Price of flowers

Contact info: Downtown Los Angeles around 8th and Maple streets. https://www.laflowerexchange.com/index.html

Categories: Shopping, Home & Garden

—D.D.

Gamble House tour

Try a new lunch location and bring a bagged lunch to the terrace of Pasadena’s Gamble House. Tuesdays at 12:15 and 12:45 p.m., docents lead a 20-minute tour of the historic house and its grounds.

Cost: $5

Dates: Tuesdays, ongoing

Contact Info: Gamble House, 4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena; https://www.gamblehouse.org/tours/brownbag.html

Categories: Home & Garden

—D.D.

Explore the UCLA Sculpture Garden

There are UCLA graduates who decided to attend the Westwood campus solely because of the campus sculpture garden (formerly known as the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden). Check out the Noguchi, the Calder, the Lipchitz and the Rodin. Then take off your shoes and stretch out on the grass and abandon every worry in the world.

Cost: free, but $1 to $11 for self-service parking

Contact info: https://hammer.ucla.edu/collections/detail/collection_id/6

Categories: Kids, Fitness

—A.S.

Champagne & oysters

Indulge in a decadent meal that is meant for the hottest days of summer: a tray of oysters on a bed of ice with a glass of champagne (or cava) in hand.

Cost: Prices vary

Contact Info: L&E Oyster Bar, 1637 Silverlake Blvd., Los Angeles; https://www.leoysterbar.com/

Categories: Eating

—D.D.

Picnic at Manhattan Beach

Some of our beaches fulfill a lot of stereotypes: pale sand and great bods, volleyball and families, picnicking and regularly emptied trashed bins. Naturally, those beaches are popular in the summer and hard to get near during the day. So our advice is: Don’t bother going to Manhattan Beach….until about 5:30 or 6 p.m. Then carry your towels, your dinner and your sweat shirts and spend a couple of hours enjoying the best part of the day.

Cost: The sand is free; pier parking lots are $1.50 per hour

Contact info: https://beaches.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dbh/home/detail/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wps/wcm/connect/dbh+content/dbh+site/home/home+detail/manhattan+1

Categories: Kids, Eating

—A.S.

Start a community garden

Although starting a community garden isn’t an easy task, it is certainly the most rewarding. Spearhead an initiative to get your neighbors involved in turning an ugly, empty lot into something beautiful.

Cost: Varies

Contact Info:

https://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Common_Ground_Garden_Program/Grow_LA_Victory_Garden_Initiative/, https://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/files/97080.pdf

Categories: Home & Garden, Kids

—D.D.

Bocce Happy Hour

Meet with friends for a round of drinks and a game of bocce at Tin Roof Bistro. Their “Bocce Hour” (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. everyday) features food and drink specials while you enjoy the Italian sport outdoors.

Cost: Bocce ball free

Contact info: Tin Roof Bistro, 3500 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach; https://www.tinroofbistro.com

Categories: Eating, Entertainment

—D.D.

The Museum of Jurassic Technology

Who can explain the Museum of Jurassic Technology? Many words have been written and yet nothing really prepares you for spending an hour or two in an exhibit space that was designed to mess with your mind. Try it and then give us a call and try to explain what you’ve just seen.

Cost: Suggested donation for adults is $5

Contact info: https://www.mjt.org/

Categories: Entertainment

—A.S.

Shaved Ice

Relive your Hawaiian vacation and grab a bowl of shaved ice to help cool off in the summer heat. Choose from a selection of flavors and toppings (be sure to sample mochi) at Get Shaved’s stores or any of their food truck stops in Los Angeles.

Cost: UFO, $2.25; small, $3; medium, $3.50; large, $4

Contact: Get Shaved, 1790 W. Carson St., Unit B, Torrance; https://www.getshavedice.com/

Categories: Eating

—D.D.

Walk the Hollywood Reservoir

Walk the path along the Hollywood Reservoir and enjoy the quiet. Mulholland Dam, built in 1924, houses Los Angeles’ drinking water — so, no pets are allowed on the trail — but there are gorgeous views of the water and the Hollywood sign.

Cost: Free

Contact: 2600 Lake Hollywood Drive, Hollywood;

https://www.hollywoodknolls.org/hollywood_reservoir.htm#Maps%20of%20reservoir

Categories: Fitness, Kids

—D.D.

Explore the tide pools at Little Corona

It’s not that we don’t love the wonders of Newport or Laguna Beach. We do. But our advice is to skip all that and head straight to Little Corona at Corona del Mar State Beach. Go early with a coffee and wake up with caffeine and the contemplation of tiny sea life in the tide pools that distinguish the area.

Cost: free, but parking is very limited

Contact info: https://www.visitnewportbeach.com/listings/index.cfm?action=display&listingID=177&menuID=72&hit=1

Categories: Kids, Fitness

—A.S.

Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour

Learn about the history of Catalina Island on this zip line tour (yes, you read correctly: zip line). Starting at the top of the hills and speeding through Descanso Canyon, adventurers will stop at different “eco-stations” to admire the view between zip lines and will end their journey at Descanso Beach.

Cost: $120 per person for 2 hours

Contact: Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour, 1 Descanso Canyon Road, Avalon;

https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/tour_zipline.php

Categories: Travel, Fitness

—D.D.

Indoor skiing & snowboarding simulations

There’s no snow in sight, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ski or snowboard. High-tech simulators in Beverly Hills will give you the experience of skiing but without the bulky snow jacket.

Cost: 30 minutes, $55; 60 minutes, $99; summer special only

Contact: SkyTechSport Ski & Fit, 243 N. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills; https://skytechsport.com/

Categories: Fitness

—D.D.

Order the quinotto at Mo-Chica

There’s nothing about Mo-Chica that shrieks “one of the more interesting dining experiences in Los Angeles,” but that’s what you can experience if you take the time to dine at the Peruvian restaurant near USC. Quinotto, a dish with wild mushrooms, quinoa grain risotto and crema fraiche, is just one of several dishes that might knock your socks off.

Cost: $12

Contact: https://mo-chica.com/.

Categories: Eating

—A.S.

Through the Mic Series at LACMA

Learn more about what the Los Angeles underground hip-hop scene has to offer at this special series offered at LACMA. The series was put together by hip hop artist Murs, and different artists will be performing in front of the museum’s “Urban Light” sculpture.

Cost: $15 general admission

Date: Third Thursday of the month, through October

Contact Info: LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; https://www.lacma.org/series/through-the-mic

Categories: Entertainment, Arts & Culture

—D.D.

The Echo Park Time Travel Mart

Visit The Echo Park Time Travel Mart and gather essentials for traveling into the past (or future). Need a Centurion helmet? Or a robot toupee? Get them both here. Profits from the store help support the 826LA writing and tutoring center.

Cost: Store entry free

Contact info: the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, 1714 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park; https://826la.org/store/

Categories: Shopping, Kids

—D.D.

Frisbee Golf

Play around at what is considered the world’s first disc golf course (located in Pasadena). Grab a group of friends to play or join one of the monthly tournaments.

Cost: Free

Contact info: Hahamongna Park, Pasadena;

https://www.dgcoursereview.com/reviews.php?id=608&mode=rev, https://www.ogdgc.org

Categories: Fitness

—D.D.

Whale watching in Newport Beach

Grab the family and board a vessel for some quality time out at sea. The Newport Landing Whale watching crew will take you on a two and a half hour whale cruise in search of giant blue whales and finback whales off Newport Beach.

Cost: $32 for adults

Contact info: (949) 675-0551; https://www.newportwhales.com

Categories: Kids

—J.H.

First Fridays at the Natural History Museum

Once a month the entire Natural History Museum stays open until 10 p.m. for an evening of live music concerts, tours and scientific discussions. This season’s discussions will be moderated by Michael W. Quick, PhD. (Department of Biological Sciences and Executive Vice Provost, University of Southern California).

Cost: For adults, museum and concert admission $18, museum admission only, $12

Dates: First Friday of the month

Contact info: 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles; https://tickets.nhm.org/WebStore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=nhmonline&C=NHMFirstFridays

Categories: Kids, Arts & Culture

—J.H.

Tour the Queen Mary

For more than 40 years the Queen Mary has been docked in Long Beach as a land-based cruise ship and hotel. Spend a day exploring the art deco design and take one of the walking tours. Focus on the ship’s haunted encounters or the ship’s involvement in World War II.

Cost: $24.95 for general admission

Contact info: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach; https://www.queenmary.com/default.aspx

Categories: Kids, Entertainment

—J.H.

Hiking yoga

Hiking and outdoor yoga are two great ways to enjoy the Los Angeles summer weather. Combine a cardio workout from hiking with the benefits of yoga in a yoga hike at Griffith Park. A trainer will take you through a trail with stops along the way for yoga.

Cost: $20 per hike

Dates: Check web page

Contact info: Griffith Park, 2800 East Observatory Ave., Los Angeles; https://www.hikingyoga.com/contenidos/contenidos_masinfo.php?id=67&secc=contenidos

Categories: Fitness

—J.H.

Yamashiro farmers market

The Yamashiro farmers market is unlike any farmers market in the city. The nighttime market offers beautiful views of the city, located in back of the Yamashiro restaurant. Listen to live music and stroll the vendors, which include fresh produce, clothing, candles and prepared foods, including offerings from the Yamashiro Grill.

Cost: Free

Dates: Thursdays until the first Thursday of October

Contact info: 1999 North Sycamore Ave., Los Angeles; https://lacityfarm.org/yamashiro.cfm

Categories: Free, Shopping

—J.H.

Croquet at Roxbury Memorial

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first timer, this recreational lawn game is fun for everyone. The Roxbury Memorial Park is one of the only places in the city that has a croquet green where you can spend the afternoon with friends playing this game.

Cost: Fees will vary, call for more information and reservations (323) 937-4343

Contact info: Roxbury Memorial Park, 471 S. Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills; https://www.beverlyhills.org/services/rec/parks/roxbury.asp

Categories: Fitness, Kids

—J.H.

Stroll the Colorado Street bridge in Pasadena at sunset

The Colorado Street bridge, built in 1913, is a beautiful, must-see landmark in Pasadena, known for its Beaux Arts arches. At sunset the lights that line the bridge illuminate a romantic path into Old Town, the downtown area of the city. Walk the bridge and then enjoy the many shops and restaurants the city has to offer.

Cost: Free

Contact info: West Colorado Boulevard and Loma Vista Avenue, Pasadena; https://www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/

Categories: Fitness, Kids

—J.H.

Leimert Park Art Walk

Leimert Park is a thriving community of artists located in South Los Angeles. Walk the streets and duck into the small coffee shops and art galleries or check out The Leimert Park art walk, which brings the best the area has to offer into one place. It’s a bustling scene of DJs, poets, rappers, artists and a famous drum circle.

Cost: Free

Dates: Last Sunday of the month

Contact info: 43rd Place between Leimert Boulevard and Crenshaw Boulevard, Leimart Park; https://www.leimertparkartwalk.com/

Categories: Free, Entertainment, Arts & Culture

—J.H.

Taco truck tour

Los Angeles is full of great taco trucks, so why choose just one for dinner? Next time you feel like tacos, try at least two trucks in one night. Start at Tacos Leo in the parking lot of the 76 station at Venice and La Brea for pastor tacos, then finish at the taco truck up the street at La Brea and Olympic called El Chato for a killer burrito.

Cost: Tacos start at $1 at Tacos Leo

Contact: Venice Boulevard and La Brea Boulevard, Los Angeles; https://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-leo-los-angeles

Categories: Eating

—J.H.

Beach rollerblading

Rollerblading on the strand of any beach can be fun, but it’s especially enjoyable seaside in Manhattan Beach. Don’t own your own roller blades? Rent a pair from the Hermosa Cyclery then head to the beach to people and glide down the strand.

Cost: adult sizes $6 an hour or $18 all day

Contact: 20 13th St., Hermosa Beach; https://www.hermosacyclery.com/rentals.html

Categories: Kids, Fitness

—J.H.

Desert Hot Springs

In need of relaxation? Take a dip in Desert Hot Springs. The city is built over natural hot mineral water aquifers and is home to over 20 spas. It’s a particularly interesting experience in the middle of the summer.

Price: Spa use starts at $5 at the Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel

Contact info: Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel, 10805 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, https://www.deserthotsprings.com/stay-play.php

Categories: Travel

—J.L.

Gold Line tour

Explore a new slice of the Southland by riding the Gold Line to East Los Angeles, a route that debuted in 2009. Take the train to Libros Schmibros, a cozy used book store and lending library, or one of the area’s many eateries. Check out this list of spots compiled by The Times: https://www.latimes.com/theguide/restaurants/la-fo-goldline11b-2009nov11,0,7465528.story.

Cost: $1.50 for train ticket

Contact info: https://www.metro.net/around/rail/gold-line/

Categories: Arts & Culture, Eating

—J.L.

Bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach

Grab supplies for s’mores and head to Dockweiler State Beach west of LAX airport. You’ll hear the roar of planes overhead, but Dockweiler is one of the few Los Angeles County beaches that permit bonfires. Arrive early to stake out your pit.

Cost: Free

Contact info: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=617

Categories: Kids

—J.L.

Angels Flight

This 111-year-old funicular takes you up and down Bunker Hill in downtown Los Angeles. A ride takes about a minute, so while you’re in the area, visit Grand Central Market, located across the street, or stroll through downtown’s art galleries along Spring and Main between 3rd and 8th streets.

Cost: $.50 for one-way fare

Contact info: https://angelsflight.org/

Categories: Kids, Arts & Culture

—J.L.

Fullerton Art Walk

Spend a Friday night in downtown Fullerton, where you’ll find about three dozen venues participating in the city’s monthly art walk. Pick up a map at any of the venues and go on a self-guided tour.

Cost: Free

Contact info: Historic downtown Fullerton; https://www.fullertonartwalk.com

Categories: Entertainment, Arts & Culture

—J.L.

Long Beach Flea Market

Choose from over 800 sellers at the Long Beach Flea Market, where you’ll find art, crafts, toys, jewelry, plants, clothes, furniture and kitchenware.

Cost: $5

Dates: Third Sunday of the month

Contact info: 4901 E. Conant St., Long Beach; https://www.longbeachantiquemarket.com/

Categories: Shopping

—J.L.

Drive-in movie

Drive-in movies may have gone out of fashion, but with ticket prices at conventional theaters soaring to upward of $12 for a new release, perhaps it’s time to relive the bygone days. At the Mission Tiki drive-in, you get two movies for $7. Bring a picnic basket along and enjoy dinner before your film.

Cost: $7 per person for a double feature

Contact info: 10798 Ramona Ave., Montclair, https://www.missiontiki.com/#/now/

Categories: Kids, Entertainment

—J.L.

Run a half or full marathon

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a morning run. Why not extend your jog to 13.1 or 26.2 miles? Marathons are a great way to see a city, whether new or familiar. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to train.

Cost: San Francisco, $115 for half and $155 for full; Half Moon Bay, $80 for half and $125 for full; Lake Tahoe, $120 for half and $130 for full

Dates: San Francisco half and full, July 29; Half Moon Bay half and full, Sept. 23; Lake Tahoe half and full, Sept. 30

Contact info: https://www.runningintheusa.com/Race/List.aspx?State=CA

Categories: Fitness, Travel

—J.L.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

During this 10-minute ride, you’ll climb nearly 6,000 feet, from Chino Canyon to near the top of Mt. San Jacinto. At the top, take in the scenery and grab a bite at Peaks Restaurant.

Cost: $23.95 for round trip adult fare

Contact info: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs; https://www.pstramway.com/

Categories: Travel, Kids

—J.L.

Explore Southland ethnic eats

Southern California offers a wide range of cheap ethnic food for adventurous eaters. This summer, try picking off as many restaurants as you can from our list of 50 cheap eats.

Cost: Price of a meal

Contact info: https://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-50-under-5-html,0,368005.htmlstory

Categories: Eating

—J.L.

Solvang

If you can’t afford to visit Denmark this summer, drive about two hours north of Los Angeles to Solvang, a domestic substitute. You’ll find windmills, Danish cookies and wooden clogs. The picturesque city is easy to see on foot, but you’ll also find shops that rent surreys and bikes.

Cost: About $40 for round trip gas

Contact info: https://www.solvangusa.com/

Categories: Travel, Kids, Eating

—J.L.

Bike the Santa Ana River Trail & Parkway

Starting in Huntington Beach, the Santa Ana River Trail stretches all the way to San Bernardino. Biking the trail, you get a little bit of everything. It passes through marshlands, urban areas, rivers and forests.

Cost: Free

Contact info: https://www.santaanarivertrail.org/home.html

Categories: Fitness

—J.L.

Drinks at Veranda bar, Hotel Figueroa

After a concert or basketball game at the Staples Center, enjoy drinks by the pool at this ornate, Moroccan-themed hotel dating back to the 1920s.

Cost: Price of a drink

Contact info: Hotel Figueroa, 939 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles; https://www.figueroahotel.com/

—J.L.

Hike Mt. Wilson

Take advantage of long summer days and hike to the top of Mt. Wilson. It’s no easy climb, as a round trip from Chantry Flat is about 13 miles and will take you a full day. Along the way, you’ll pass through rivers and a 50-foot waterfall. Once you reach the top, your reward is an observatory, café and panoramic views of the San Gabriel Valley.

Cost: Free

Contact info: Chantry Flat Recreation Area, Arcadia; https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles/

Categories: Fitness

—J.L.

Coastal California road trip

If you’ve made the drive to the Bay area from the Southland, you probably took Interstate 5. It’s fast but lacks in scenery. This summer, take your time and cruise California’s coast along Highways 1 and 101. You’ll pass through picturesque destinations such as Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey and Santa Cruz. This route isn’t recommended if you’re prone to carsickness, as the roads can be winding.

Cost: About $300 for round trip gas

Info: https://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-tr-roadtrips-page,0,7114926.htmlstory

Categories: Travel, Kids

—J.L.

Hsi Lai Temple

Find inner peace at His Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights. This picturesque temple offers classes in meditation and Buddhism, which are available in English, as well as art exhibitions and tours. While you’re there, have a vegetarian meal at the temple’s dining hall.

Cost: Temple entry is free

Contact info: 3456 Glenmark Drive, Hacienda Heights; https://www.hsilai.org/

Categories: Kids, Entertainment, Arts & Culture

—J.L.

New Bev Cinema

You’ll find David Lynch retrospectives and grind house specials at the New Beverly Cinema, where its program of classic, cult and foreign films are presented in 35mm.

Price: $8 for general admission double feature

Contact info: https://www.newbevcinema.com

Categories: Entertainment

—S.O.

Bike/walk the 6th Street Bridge

The historic 6th Street Bridge, with its signature steel arches, is slated to be because of an unusual decaying condition. Visit the landmark before it’s gone forever. https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-historic-river-bridge-20111119,0,887670.story

Cost: Free

Contact info: 6th St. Bridge, near E. 6th Street and Mateo Street, Los Angeles

Categories: Fitness

—S.O.

Ricky’s Fish Tacos

Owner Ricky Piña sets up shop in a tiny East Hollywood parking lot most weekdays for lunch. Be sure to check his Twitter for specials, ranging from lobster to angel shark meat.

Cost: $3 and up

Contact info: 1400 N. Virgil Ave., Los Angeles; https://twitter.com/#!/rickysfishtacos

Categories: Eating

—S.O.

Salvation Mountain

The adobe-clad monument to universal love and goodwill is famous the world over as a folk art treasure. But artist Leonard Knight, who worked year-round to maintain the “mountain,” entered a convalescent home last year, and its future is uncertain. Be sure to visit in case preservation efforts fail. https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-salvation-20120226,0,4744945.story

Cost: Free

Contact info: Salvation Mountain, Niland; https://www.salvationmountain.us

Categories: Travel

—S.O.

Cinespia

Pack a blanket and snacks for a film screening under the stars every Saturday throughout the summer at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Price: $8 to $10; parking $10

Dates: Saturdays

Contact info: Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd; https://www.cinespia.org

Category: Entertainment

—S.O.

Spoke(n) art ride in Northeast L.A.

Northeast L.A. art galleries throw open their doors late into the night every second Saturday of the month. Travel between galleries with a crew of cyclists.

Cost: Free

Dates: 2nd Saturday of the month at 6p.m.

Contact info: 6 p.m. at 3714 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles; https://bikeoven.com/spokenart

Categories: Entertainment, Fitness, Kids

—S.O.

Bouldering at Stoney Point Park

The towering boulders of the 76-acre Stoney Point Park are a favorite for climbers, as well as plain old hikers adventuring over rocks and through tight spaces. There’s an endless variety of ways to getting to the top, which provides one of the best views of the San Fernando Valley.

Contact info: Stoney Point Park, Chatsworth; https://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/facility/stoneyPointPk.htm

Categories: Fitness

—S.O.

Silver Lake stairs

Step out for an urban tour of Silver Lake’s secret public staircases — former access routes left over from the days before car culture took over. With a little searching, you can find hiking routes online for free, but of course there’s also an app for that (as well as a paperback guide written by Charles Fleming).

Cost: Free; $1.99 (app); $16.95 (book)

Contact info: Silver Lake, https://www.secretstairs-la.com, https://www.secretstairs-la.com/app/silverlake1/about.html

Categories: Fitness

—S.O.

Birding at Debs Park

Located off the 110 Freeway in Montecito Heights, Debs Park is one of the most underrated green spaces in the city. The Audubon Center there hosts free nature hikes and bird-watching programs for the entire family, presented in both English and Spanish.

Cost: Free

Contact info: 4700 North Griffin Ave. Los Angeles; https://www.audubondebspark.org

Categories: Fitness, Kids

—S.O.

Public sound bath at the Integratron

Aerospace dropout George Van Tassel claimed that aliens had given him the plans to build a time-traveling rejuvenation dome out in the Mojave Desert. The Integratron’s current owners regularly host “sound baths,” in which quartz bowls are played within the dome, accentuated by its unusual acoustic properties. https://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-outthere20-2008jun20,0,6416796.story

Cost: $15

Dates: Two weekends each month

Contact info: 2477 Belfield Blvd., Landers; https://www.integratron.com

Categories: Travel

—S.O.

Saturdays off the 405 at the Getty

The Getty offers live indie band performances, DJ sets and art tours this summer, all against the backdrop of the museum’s panoramic views of Los Angeles.

Cost: Free admission; parking $15

Dates: Summer dates include June 16, July 14 and July 28

Contact info: The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles; https://www.getty.edu/museum/programs/performances/saturdays_405.html

Categories: Entertainment

—S.O.

Learn to surf

What, you’ve lived in Los Angeles all this time and haven’t learned to surf? Embrace the California stereotype and sign up for lessons at the surf school at your nearest beach.

Cost: Varies

Contact info: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=surf+lessons&find_loc=Los+Angeles%2C+CA

Categories: Fitness

—S.O.

Arroyo Seco bike path

Taking a ride through the Arroyo Seco bike path is especially satisfying — the winding route often offers views of those poor schmucks sitting in traffic on the 110 Freeway.

Cost: Free

Contact info: Arroyo Seco; https://www.arroyoseco.org/ArroyoSecoBikepath.htm

Categories: Fitness

—S.O.

Jimmy Kimmel

The Jimmy Kimmel Show is always a blast to attend, but the outdoor mini concerts are an added bonus. Tickets usually go fast, so check in often for upcoming shows.

Price: Free

Contact info: https://abc.go.com/shows/jimmy-kimmel-live

Categories: Entertainment

—M.R.

Forever Marilyn in Palm Springs

Check out the 26-foot-tall re-creation of Marilyn Monroe from the 1955 film “The Seven Year Itch” in Palm Springs.

Price: Free

Dates: On display until June 2013

Contact info: N. Palm Canyon Drive and E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs

Categories: Travel, Entertainment

—M.R.

Los Angeles Conservancy tour

Take a walk and learn a bit about the historic architecture of downtown Los Angeles.

Price: $10 for general public

Dates: Weekend mornings

Contact info: https://lac.laconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walking_tours

Categories: Entertainment, Kids, Arts & Culture

—M.R.

Indoor sky diving

Want the feeling of jumping out of a plane without, you know, having to jump out of a plane? Check out iFly at Universal CityWalk.

Price: Packages for first-time fliers start at $59.95

Contact info: Universal Studios CityWalk, Universal City; https://www.iflyhollywood.com/

—M.R.

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