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10 Spectacular Day Trips To Take From Los Angeles This Spring
Southern California is an international travel destination thanks to its wealth of beautiful nature escapes, unique small towns, scenic drives, and excellent weather year-round. We’re lucky to live within spitting distance of some truly spectacular locations, from picturesque national parks to fascinating beach cities. Next time you have a long weekend or a day off, consider embarking on one of these unbelievable day trips from Los Angeles, all of which you can reach by car in about two hours or less. Calling itself “LA’s backyard playground,” Angeles National Forest is one of the easiest Los Angeles day trips available. Explore 700,000 acres of diverse terrain from the high desert to the mountains, all with different levels of hiking difficulty, climates, and recreation options. Whether you’re seeking a low-elevation wildflower hike to make the most of your afternoon, or a steep snowy trek up Mt. Baldy, you’ll find that this local forest contains a lifetime of adventures for you to keep going back to. 🔎 Known for: Hiking, biking, camping, lakes, skiing 🚗 By car: 20 minutes from DTLA without traffic
You Could Sleep In Style On Your Next L.A. To SF Trip (Or Vice Versa) On This Developing Luxury Train
There might be a new way you can travel from Southern California to Northern California. Dreamstar Lines, an up-and-coming transit company, has signed an agreement with a leading freight company Union Pacific Railroad — marking the beginning stages toward an overnight service connecting Los Angeles and San Fransisco. The signed agreement between the two, known as the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), permits Dreamstar’s trains to operate on Union Pacific’s tracks. The freight company owns most of the path between the two major cities, however, Dreamstar would still need to create an agreement with Caltrain and Metrolink. “Our collaboration with Union Pacific...
‘Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition’ Celebrates The Filmmaker’s Distinctive Style
Feel like you’ve stepped inside Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Grand Budapest Hotel, or Moonrise Kingdom as you explore Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition, the upcoming experience that might as well be a set for the filmmaker’s next movie. Featuring stunning travel photography in the style of Wes Anderson, this charming exhibit which will open in mid-April at the Santa Monica Art Museum (1219 3rd Street Promenade). Tickets go on sale April 17 at 12pm, and you can get yours a full day before they go on sale by joining the waitlist here! Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition is a celebration of...
From Budget To Bougie: The 15 Must-Try Burger Spots In L.A.
As the birthplace and mecca of the cheeseburger, LA boasts a rich history intertwined with this beloved culinary creation: the burger. From its humble origins to its evolution into gourmet masterpieces, the burger scene in LA is as diverse as the city itself. In this journey, we’ll guide you through our meticulously curated list of the 15 best burgers in LA, showcasing the quintessential spots where burger aficionados can savor only the most mouthwatering and unforgettable culinary delights the city has to offer. A post shared by Goldburger (@goldburgerl) This spot stands out in LA’s bustling smashburger scene, with highlights...
From Billy Joel To Bruno Mars: All The Upcoming Shows & Concerts At The New Intuit Dome
As you may have heard, Intuit Dome is the new home of the LA Clippers and is set to host hundreds of sporting events and concerts yearly. This new venue on the block is located in Inglewood and offers a new destination for us to see our favorites on stage — from comedy to concerts! In fact, many artists have announced shows this 2024 — like Billy Joel, Bruno Mars, USHER, Sebastian Maniscalco, and more. We collected all the upcoming artists that will grace the Intuit Dome stage. Scroll through, make those plans, and grab your tickets while you can! 🗓️ Show dates: 🎟️ Tickets: Sales to the general public start on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. PST. Get them here! 🗓️ Show date:
All The Free Ways To Celebrate National Library Week In L.A.
This year’s National Library Week theme is “Ready, Set, Library!” It focuses on the fact that libraries not only give us a place to learn new skills but also a welcoming place to connect with others. Every year National Library Week allows us to honor the amazing library workers and celebrate our local libraries. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to remind us of all the fantastic resources available to us through our local public libraries. Here are 5 different ways you can celebrate National Library Week this year. There are so many uses for a library card besides just checking out books. (Although, of course, we love that too!) Read about the 14 different things you can get for free when you have an L.A. library card. Read all about it here. A post shared by LA County Library (@lacountylibrary) LA County Library will offer free in-person activities for all ages at many of its 86 libraries, as well as online events, ensuring that every community member finds something to spark their interest. Find all the information on the L.A. County Library website here.
How One Of LA’s First Alcohol-Free Cocktail Lounges Was Created From A Tragedy
Amber Pennington and Arleo De Guzman don’t like the word “mocktail.” To them, it’s an old-fashioned term that suggests a cocktail without alcohol is inferior to one that will get you tipsy. But with their new cocktail lounge Free Spirited, they hope to redefine the traditional bar experience and do away with the stigma that sometimes comes with a sober night out. Pennington and De Guzman recently opened Free Spirited in Alhambra at 3020 W Main St. Both experienced with alcohol-forward bartending, they’ve spent a lot of time in bars and around alcohol. And while they enjoy the social elements and atmosphere of a bar, their feelings on alcohol have shifted over the years. I sat down with Amber and Arleo to ask them about their new cocktail lounge, how a drunk driving incident led them to open it, and just who a sober bar is for. This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
A New California Bill Proposes Reparations For Families Displaced By Dodger Stadium
A new California bill is proposing to provide reparations for families who were displaced by the construction of the original Dodger Stadium. As this happened in the 1950s, it’s possible that the descendants of these families will actually be the ones to receive these funds. The bill is called AB 1950 or The Chavez Ravine Accountability Act. If AB 1950 passes, it will require the city of Los Angeles to provide compensation for these families or their remaining descendants. Sadly, it’s estimated that about 1,800 families were displaced after the city claimed the land was needed for a project. Additionally,...
This Unassuming LA Staircase Is A World-Famous 1930s Filming Location
Drive past this unassuming staircase in Silver Lake and you’d be forgiven for paying it no heed. Unless you’re an old-timey film buff, it tends to blend in with the residential landscape. But look more closely, because the famous Music Box Steps are recognized ’round the world thanks to the antics of Laurel and Hardy, a slapstick comedy duo known internationally during their tenure from 1927-1955. A post shared by Chris Luna (@blue.suede.moon) The staircase acts like a main character in Laurel and Hardy’s film The Music Box (1932), which won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Live Action Short (Comedy)....
Olvera Street Is Home To The Oldest House In L.A. And You Can Visit It For Free
A survivor of military conflicts and natural disasters, Avila Adobe, LA’s oldest house, is a window into the city’s past reflecting its Spanish and Mexican heritage. During the Mexican–American War in 1846, American forces briefly occupied the adobe. Following the war, the Avila family reclaimed their home, but over time, it deteriorated. By 1928, the City of Los Angeles deemed it unsafe due to damage from an earthquake. Nowadays, Adobe Avila serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s Spanish and Mexican culture, for free. The Avila Adobe is a historic house in Los Angeles, California. It...
This Gastropub Offers Delicious $2 Gourmet Burgers And Happy Hour
We know spending can play a factor and even hinder dining outings, but let Secret LA help you out! We’ve found the perfect solution to make your dinner plans a little more affordable and enjoyable. For years, The Rockefeller has turned every Tuesday into the ultimate evening destination with their delicious gourmet burgers priced at ONLY two bucks. Yes, you read that right! Don’t let the price throw you off — because their chef takes pride in curating an exceptional burger with high-quality ingredients. Each month, the burger recipe undergoes an exciting rotation, ensuring a fresh and mouth-watering experience every visit. This unbeatable deal is always available at ALL their locations on Tuesdays starting at 3 p.m. So whether you’re in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, or Redondo Beach on a Tuesday — you can indulge in the same offer at any of The Rockefeller’s locations. But remember, it’s available until they run out. So early arrival is suggested. A post shared by The Rockefeller (@eatrockefeller)
Heads Up, Your Taxes Are Due Next Week: What To Know About 2024 Tax Changes And Dates
With the tax deadline just around the corner, here’s your friendly reminder to act fast, if you haven’t filed your taxes yet. Take the necessary steps to gather your vital tax documents and familiarize yourself with this year’s changes. Of course, tax laws and personal finances are complex, so at the end of the day, we highly recommend consulting a financial expert for your own individual needs. Here’s a condensed guide to keep you on track, and informed, by the April 15 tax deadline: Get ready for some shifts in your financial game plan! From a slight tax increase...
Where To Get Free Last Minute Solar Eclipse Glasses In Los Angeles
Today marks an extraordinary astronomical event: a solar eclipse, or more precisely, a partial one. This presents a unique chance for residents of Los Angeles, as the next occurrence won’t happen for another five years. It’s time to prepare to witness it today, ensuring the safety of your eyes with protective gear and securing the best views of this captivating phenomenon. Here’s where you can obtain solar eclipse eye glasses for free. Library cardholders have the exclusive opportunity to obtain two pairs of solar eclipse glasses from most branches. Additionally, several branches, such as the Sylmar Branch, Studio City Branch, Playa Vista Branch, and Edendale Branch, are organizing special viewing parties where you can join fellow enthusiasts to witness the eclipse. 📍Locations:
Staff Picks: The Best Street Taco Spots Around Los Angeles
Tacos and Los Angeles are practically synonymous. Ask anyone in this city what their favorite taco spot is and chances are they have a dedicated place they frequent religiously. I decided to ask the Secret LA team what their go-to taco spot is — and I collected their answers below! (Including some of my own.) This is your sign to support local vendors/businesses and get yourself some tacos. Scroll on through and try not to drool! A post shared by tacos kesly (@tacoskesly) Picked by John A., Secret LA Video Producer
All 99 Cents Only Stores Start Liquidation Sales Today, As Beloved Chain Announces Closures
99 Cents Only Stores, known and loved for its wide variety of products at just 99 cents, has announced it will close all 371 U.S. locations. This move marks a significant and sad change for many who have long relied on the chain for affordable shopping options. The company’s liquidation is set to begin today, April 5. The decision to shut down all 371 stores comes after the company faced several challenges. Mike Simoncic, the Interim CEO of 99 Cents Only Stores, said in a statement, “Unfortunately, the last several years have presented significant and lasting challenges in the retail...
Discover Aerial Acrobatics, Craft Cocktails, & Fine Dining At Illustrium: AirOtic Soiree
Sip on magical cocktails, dine on food from top-rated chefs, and join a cast of world-class acrobats as they put on a classic cirque-style with Illustrium: AirOtic Soiree. The show opens on May 3 at Clifton’s Republic (648 S Broadway), with performances every Friday and Saturday night. From New York to Chicago, AirOtic has been wowing audiences with its extravagant production that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a 1920s cabaret. Now, the show is headed to Los Angeles. At Illustrium: AirOtic Soiree, you’ll witness stunning aerial acrobatics with a sultry twist, as well as burlesque, hand-crafted cocktails, and even some fine dining! Throughout the course of Illustrium: AirOtic Soiree, you never know what to expect next. The performers interact with the audience, soar into the air, and take you on a journey beyond imagination.
Dine Nearly A Thousand Feet Up In The Air At This LA Restaurant
Soaring above Downtown LA atop the US Bank Tower, 71Above offers unparalleled cityscapes. Forget the lines at Soarin’ Over California — L.A.’s skyline boasts few true high-rises and even fewer with stunning 360-degree-view restaurants perched on top. In that sense, this stpo is truly one-of-a-kind. Chef Javier Lopez takes modern American cuisine to new heights at 71Above. This stunning restaurant boasts breathtaking oceanfront views from Malibu to Laguna Hills, alongside a dramatic panorama of Los Angeles and the surrounding mountains. 71Above offers a delightful prix-fixe menu for dinner only. To experience the full culinary journey it is ideal to participate in this coursed tasting experience. 📱 Phone: (213) 712-2683 🌐 Reservations: 71above.com 📍 Location: 633 W 5th St 71st floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Dine With The Stars At Wolfgang Puck’s Restaurant
Merois, Wolfgang Puck’s upscale rooftop haven at The Pendry, doesn’t break new ground, but that’s not why you’re here. Breathtaking city views are the backdrop for a seafood-centric menu featuring delights like raw Peruvian scallops and charred octopus. Run by Puck’s son Byron, flawless service reigns supreme. The attentive staff ensures your water glasses are full, plates are whisked away, and the hefty price tag feels well-earned. After all, Wolfgang Puck’s fine-dining formula thrives for a reason: it delivers. 🍽️ Must try: Lobster, Crab, and Peking duck. 📱 Phone: (323) 918-3410 🌐 Reservations:pendry.com 📍 Location: 8430 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
This 1931 Building Houses A Restaurant Serving Authentic Roman Pasta In LA
From the mastermind behind Felix, a notoriously hard-to-get-into spot famous for its legendary cacio e pepe, Mother Wolf in Hollywood is another Italian cuisine gem in the city. This spot isn’t your typical early-bird joint, the party starts as soon as you step into the grand, high-ceilinged dining room. The vibe? Think Las Vegas meets Carbone meets a Roman banquet hall, all under the roof of a slightly more sophisticated Madonna Inn. With ornate chandeliers, a vibrant bar area that outshines even the Sunset Tower’s evening crowd, and more celebrity sightings than a Hollywood premiere, this place is an absolute must for every Angeleno. 🍽️ Must try: Cacio e pepe, Squash blossoms, and Wild boar ragú. 📱 Phone: (323) 410-6060 🌐 Reservations: motherwolfla.com 📍 Location: 1545 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
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Secret Los Angeles is your guide to things to do and places to go in L.A., from events and culture to the best restaurants, bars and attractions.
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