There is no better time than summer to live the LA lifestyle to its fullest. From the best in breezy rooftop bars to memorable cultural experiences, the SBP team has curated the ultimate list of things to see and do this summer. Whether you’re a lifelong Angeleno, a fresh transplant, or just here for the epic sunshine (we don’t blame you), this is your go-to guide for making the most of summer 2025 in Los Angeles. Add to calendar!
Live Music & Movies Under the Stars
Hollywood Bowl: Catch legends like Diana Ross and Earth, Wind & Fire or geek out with Jurassic Park in Concert. There's no better place to sip wine and soak up the sounds of summer. Check out the full schedule here.
The Ford: This tucked-away amphitheater is where we take clients who want to feel like they've discovered LA's best-kept secret. Intimate performances that feel personal. Explore upcoming events here.
KCRW Summer Nights: Dance it out at cultural landmarks across LA, from Chinatown to The Hammer Museum. Fair warning: our office playlist has never recovered from last year's discovery of local indie bands here. See the schedule here.
Photo credit: @rooftopcinemaclub
Rooftop Cinema Club: Picture this: wireless headphones, a deck chair, and Casablanca playing against the downtown skyline. It's basically the most LA thing you can do without saying "I'm an actor, but I'm also writing a screenplay." Choose your location and buy tickets here.
Jazz at LACMA: Every Friday evening (now through October), LACMA hosts free jazz concerts featuring LA's finest musicians. World-class jazz with museum-quality art as your backdrop and golden hour lighting. Get the full schedule here.
Candlelight Concerts: Classical versions of your favorite songs in venues lit by hundreds of flickering candles. Tributes to The Beatles, Joe Hisaishi, and Hans Zimmer feel like stepping into a fairy tale. Check shows and get tickets here.
Fairs, Festivals & Cultural Vibes
Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival: Pack a blanket and catch timeless tales under the trees, because summer and Shakespeare just go hand in hand. Check the calendar here.
Smorgasburg LA: Every Sunday at ROW DTLA, indulge in a sensory overload of global eats, indie goods, and people-watching at its finest. Plan ahead here.
Lotus Festival (July 12–13): Echo Park Lake sets the stage for this annual celebration of Asian-Pacific cultures, complete with performances, food vendors, and lantern-lit boats. Learn more here.
Nisei Week (Aug 9–17): Dive into LA’s Japanese American heritage with parades, culinary delights, and traditional arts in Little Tokyo. Explore the events here.
Outdoor Adventures & Day Trips
Beach Days: Venice for the people-watching (and the stories you'll tell for years), Santa Monica for the perfect Instagram backdrop, or the shores of Malibu for when you want to pretend you're in a Nancy Meyers movie. PRO TIP from our beach-loving associates: a warm, sandy beach at golden hour, with your drink-of-choice in hand, is basically a spiritual (in LA) experience that’s not to be missed.
Blue Whale Migration Watching: Every summer, hundreds of blue whales migrate along the California coast near Laguna and Newport Beach. It's a bucket list experience that puts those generic "sunset at the beach" photos to shame. Choose from whale watching tours here.
Runyon Canyon & Griffith Park Trails: Two words — panoramic views. Three more words — hike before noon. Trust us, we've learned from our mistakes. The 2pm summer hike experiment shall not be repeated.
Hotel Pool Day Passes: Why fight beach traffic when you can soak up sun poolside at LA's chicest hotel rooftops? Many hotels sell day passes to non-guests — think of it as a mini-vacation without the packing. Explore the list of best hotel pools here.
Eat, Sip, & Shop Outside
Alfresco Dining Favorites
Élephante (Santa Monica): Coastal-chic vibes meet Instagram-worthy plates (and the sunset ocean views don't hurt either — it's like dining in a postcard).
Polo Lounge (Beverly Hills): Iconic, elegant, and a true LA classic. Book the splurge-worthy three-course Sunday brunch on the garden patio for peak Beverly Hills energy — white tablecloths, legendary people-watching, and an atmosphere that's both timeless and totally Instagram-worthy.
Photo credit: @butterflybyjose
Butterfly (Culver City): Bold, flavorful, and the taco game is unmatched. Their outdoor patio is where we've had some of our best brainstorming sessions — something about craft margaritas and gourmet tacos sparks creativity.
Violet Bistro (Westwood): Tucked away in Westwood with romantic brick patio dining and a charming rooftop terrace, Violet Bistro feels like a secret worth sharing. Don’t miss the Le Double Smashburger or Salade Mizou — comfort food with a French twist in a setting that’s equal parts cozy and chic.
Great White (Venice): Australian-inspired and effortlessly cool, like that friend who somehow always looks put-together in beachwear. Their healthy bowls make you feel virtuous while their cocktails make you feel like you're on vacation. BONUS POINTS if you also visit their newly opened location in Brentwood…conveniently located near SBP's flagship office.
Outdoor Markets
Santa Monica Farmers Market (Wednesday and Saturday, 8am-1pm) or Brentwood Farmers Market (Sundays, 8am-12pm) — because nothing says "I've made it in LA" like having strong opinions about heirloom tomatoes.
Shop in the Sun
Montana Avenue (Santa Monica): This quaint street offers boutique shopping with small-town charm. Think unique home decor, handmade jewelry, and fresh local designs, all set against the relaxed Westside atmosphere.
Abbot Kinney (Venice): Known for its artsy vibe, Abbot Kinney is your go-to for cutting-edge fashion and home decor. A stroll down this iconic street will leave you with plenty of Insta-worthy moments and a bag full of one-of-a-kind finds.
Platform (Culver City): The ultimate spot for design-forward everything — from fashion and furniture to art and accessories. If you’re looking for something new and bold, Platform is your destination.
Make This Summer Count
Whether you're catching Shakespeare in the park or hosting your own soirée at home, summer in LA is pure magic — and we're here to help you live it to the fullest. After all, the best adventures start with the perfect home base.