Summer’s not over until we say it is. In LA, that means soaking up one more drop of sunshine, adventure, and indulgence before fall rolls in. Our latest SBP guide is a fast, fun checklist of must-dos — one more beach day, one more dinner party, one more splurge day, one more perfect LA moment. Let’s make 'em all count.
One More Beach Day
Sure, LA beaches are year-round treasures, but there’s something magical about closing out summer with sand between your toes. Here’s where to post up:
Santa Monica Beach: With its wide stretch of golden sand and bustling shoreline, Santa Monica offers up the quintessential LA beach day. Start with a morning ride down The Strand, take a dip in the Pacific, and end with rooftop cocktails at Calabra, Élephante, or (if you’re a member) San Vicente Bungalows.
Hermosa Beach: With its laid-back vibe, Hermosa is the perfect spot for surf lessons or a competitive game of beach volleyball. Once the sun sets, grab a slice from Redwood Pie on Pier Avenue, sit down for more elevated eats at Attagirl, or keep it casual with a beer and smashburger at Tower 12 as you keep the beach-day energy going well into the evening.
Manhattan Beach: Refined yet relaxed, Manhattan Beach offers pristine sands and a charming downtown filled with stylish boutiques and upscale restaurants. Sunbathe, swim, then linger for a sunset dinner at one of the local hot spots — from Fishing with Dynamite to Izakaya and MB Post.
One More (Spontaneous) Dinner Party
Because the best nights are often the ones you don’t overthink. Grab a few friends, pick up some farmers market finds, and open a bottle (or three).
Backyard Pizza Night: Nothing brings people together quite like pizza. Fire up the Ooni or use a classic grill, and let everyone create their own signature pie. It’s casual, interactive, and guaranteed to end with happy guests and empty plates. Pro tip: make it easier on yourself by picking up dough from your favorite pizza place (Lodge Bread FTW).
Tapas & Wine Spread: Stock up on cheeses and charcuterie (SM folks, look no further than Andrew’s or Lady & Larder), olives, and a few Spanish reds, and suddenly your living room feels like a wine bar in Barcelona. The key is to keep it simple — small plates, good music, and plenty of conversation.
Potluck Al Fresco: Assign everyone a course, set out a few lanterns or string lights, and dine under the stars. The beauty of a potluck is in the variety — expect a table full of surprises that tastes like the sum of your friendships.
One More Sunset Hike
LA sunsets just hit differently. With their pinks and oranges set against the last moments of the day's blue skies, our sunsets are the perfect Insta moment — or, even better, to be savored on a favorite trail, taking you just a little closer to the sky.
Griffith Observatory Trail: The ultimate LA hike: the Hollywood Sign on one side, DTLA glowing on the other, and the Observatory as your finish line. At sunset, it feels like the whole city is putting on a show just for you.
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook: A quick-but-sweaty stair climb that pays off big. From the top, you’ll see the city unfurl from downtown to the sea, bathed in that dreamy orange-and-pink glow. Bring water…and a camera.
Abalone Cove Trail (Palos Verdes): Coastal cliffs, ocean breezes, and tide pools that sparkle in the fading light. It’s a little farther from the city, but trust us: watching the sun melt into the Pacific here is pure end-of-summer magic.
One More (No-Reason) Splurge
Because sometimes you just deserve it — no special occasion required.
Spa Day at Regent Santa Monica Beach: Treat yourself to some well-deserved R&R at the Guerlain Spa, right on the ocean in Santa Monica. Think soothing treatments, relaxing vibes, and the sound of waves in the background. PRO TIP: You can book through Resort Pass.
Dinner at Nozawa Bar: This intimate, reservation-only omakase is as exclusive as it gets. Down a discreet back hallway of Sugarfish Beverly Hills, you’re treated to a multi-course journey of masterfully crafted sushi, served directly by the chef, all in a sleek, upscale setting. A true one-of-a-kind LA experience.
Cooking Class at Violet Cooking School: Skip the usual dinner reservation and get hands-on at Violet Cooking School. Roll pasta, bake pastries, or try a new cuisine with the guidance of pro chefs — it’s fun, interactive, and delicious.
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One More Perfect LA Moment
Only-in-LA moments are to be savored and shared. Grab the gang that you've been meaning to see and head to these quintessential al fresco LA activities.
Outdoor Movie Night at Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Spread out a picnic blanket, open a bottle of wine, and watch cult classics under the stars with hundreds of fellow Angelenos. It’s quirky, cinematic, and quintessentially LA.
Smorgasbord LA: Spend a Sunday wandering the Arts District’s iconic open-air market, where you can sample everything from handmade dumplings to gourmet donuts, browse local vendors, and soak up the buzzing, only-in-LA vibe.
Friday Night Jazz at LACMA: Lounge on the lawn, sip a drink, and catch world-class jazz surrounded by art and the glow of the Urban Light installation. Totally free and endlessly cool.
