Top 10 Ways

Our team has been counting down the days until summer and it’s finally here! But what is the best way to ring in these next few months and make it the best summer yet? We put together a list of our top 10 ways to kick off the summer and hope you agree!

Watch a movie amongst Hollywood’s departed

It isn’t summer in L.A. until the first cemetery screening brings hoards of movie-lovers to Hollywood Forever, toting folding chairs, picnic blankets, snack spreads and lots of booze. Each year, Cinespia brings classic cult favorites to the hallowed resting place of such Hollywood greats as Rudolph Valentino and Bugsy Siegel. It’s an L.A. rite of passage, a quintessential summer experience and one of the best film venues in the city. Cinespia

Sip oceanside drinks at the best rooftop bars

What is it that they say about smog? Oh yeah, beautiful sunsets. Make L.A.’s haze work for you at these cocktail bars and beachside spots, where the views rightfully rival the booze. From Downtown Los Angeles’ rooftop bars to Malibu’s seaside cabanas, here are the city’s best bars with a view. Best LA Rooftop Bars

Go camping

Everyone needs to escape the city sometimes—even this one—and there’s no better place for hiking, camping and exploring than Southern California. We’re surrounded by miles of beachy coastline forested mountains—maybe save the desert for another season. Pack your bag, grab a map and take your pick of these rustic weekend getaways. Camping in Southern California

Discover the best hikes in L.A. with waterfalls

Looking for a hike that won’t have you sweating bullets by the end? Head outdoors and experience these five trails with waterfalls; they’ll keep you cool by journey’s end with some of the area’s most impressive waterfalls. Take a hike

Take a day trip to Catalina

If you’re looking for weekend getaways out of L.A., Santa Catalina Island is a close and beautiful bet. The little strip of land—accessable by ferries from Long Beach or San Pedro—has all the makings of a well rounded vacation: Rich history, beach town relaxation and outdoorsy adventure. It’s only 22 miles from the mainland, but whether you stay for a day or the whole weekend, you’ll be on island time in no time. Catalina Weekend Getaway Guide

Stroll the Venice Canals

Tucked between the grimy Venice Boardwalk and the posh Abbot Kinney, the Venice Canals offer a completely different side of the famed beachfront neighborhood. Take a stroll through these three canal-lined blocks—hence the name, Venice—and you’ll discover an idyllic scene: arching pedestrian bridges, charming beach houses, bunches of ducklings and the occasional paddle boarding bulldog. Though you won’t find boat rentals anywhere along the canals, you can bring your own non-motorized vessel to tour the neighborhood at water level (enter via the launch ramp at Venice Boulevard). Venice Canals

Bike the Strand to Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach boasts two miles of sparkly coastline, almost all of it stacked with dreamy hillside homes. Most of the activity is centered around the walkable waterfront slope of Manhattan Beach Boulevard, with additional shops and an increasingly essential dining scene trailing along Manhattan Avenue as well. Head down to the beach for countless volleyball nets, the Manhattan Beach Pier and the Strand, the bike and walking path that traces the shoreline. The Strand

See free movies on the beach

The best things in life really are free—love, happiness, and an evening spent watching movies on a giant inflatable screen at the beach. On select dates from June until August, pack up your folding chairs, grab your kids and head to Long Beach for this unique outdoor screening. Bring your own picnic, or munch on eats from the nearby snack stand during kid-friendly flicks. Moonlight Movies On The Beach

Listen to music under the stars

Every Thursday, head to the Santa Monica Pier for free bands on the beach during their Twilight Concert series. Pack a picnic (and arrive early to get a spot on the sand near the speakers) to enjoy as the local talent plays sunset sets with crashing waves in the distance—it’s a quintessential L.A. music experience. Twilight Concert Series

Wine Tasting in Malibu

You don’t have to go far some awesome wine with great views. Malibu Wines is a great place to taste, picnic, and enjoy the beautiful mountains of Malibu. Live music on the weekends makes this a great place to spend the summer long summer days, and cool summer nights. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, check out their Safari Wine Tour! Malibu Wines 

Don’t forget to bookmark our summer events calendar with details about all the best happenings around town this summer and constantly updating!

Source: Timeout LA