This year, SBP has a collective goal to experience “new things” in Los Angeles—which, as you can tell, is deliberately broad considering there’s absolutely no shortage of activities in our 503 square miles. So, why don’t you join us? Whether you’re new to the city or a lifelong Angeleno, we can guarantee you’ll discover something you haven’t done yet. From viewing LA at 6,000 feet to fine-tuning your pinball skills, consider this your ultimate bucket list for 2022.
Visit the Academy Museum
The much-anticipated Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is now open and beckoning your visit. Here, you can find exceptional exhibits and programs that illuminate the world of cinema and collections of iconic movie treasures, from Dorthy’s ruby slippers to the sole surviving shark from Jaws. Get your tickets here.
Bike The Strand
On a sunny weekend morning, grab your bike and head to The Strand for an idyllic cruise along the coast. Running 22 miles along the shoreline from Will Rogers State Beach all the way to Torrance State Beach, The Strand offers countless spots to stop and refuel, from Great White in Venice to Martha’s in Hermosa Beach.
Check Out Pipilotti Rist’s Exhibit at MOCA
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA is now featuring a surreal, warehouse-sized art exhibition from Swiss video artist Pipilotti Rist that is not to be missed this year. You can find more than thirty years of her work on display, from videos to large-scale installations to sculptures that are an immersive playground of color. Get your hands on a ticket here.
Snag an Invite to Magic Castle
It should be everyone’s goal in 2022 to get an invite to Magic Castle. The exclusive, private club (dubbed “the most unusual private club in the world”) puts on numerous, mind-blowing magic shows each evening with a full-service dining room and several bars with a strict, elegant dress code. All you have to do is find a member to go with…game on.
See LA from 6,000 Feet at the Mount Wilson Observatory
Perched in the San Gabriels, the Mount Wilson Observatory offers one of the most remarkable views of Los Angeles (plus, it’s a lot less crowded than Griffith). Simply purchase a Forest Service Adventure Pass in order to park at the site and you’ll enjoy free admission. Bonus points for those who go at sunset and gold stars for those who take advantage of rare, ticketed stargazing events.
Study DTLA Architecture on a Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tour
Want to learn more about LA’s unique architectural history? Save gas in your car and join one of the Los Angeles Conservancy’s walking tours that brings you through downtown’s most historic and iconic buildings. Just be sure to reserve a spot ahead of time since the tours book up fast. Grab a ticket here.
Hone Your Pinball Skills at EightyTwo
Any Licorice Pizza fans here? Either way, pinball has a unique story in Los Angeles and you can immerse yourself in every bit of it at EighyTwo, LA’s first arcade bar that has more than 50 classic pinball and arcade machines. There’s also a full bar with craft cocktails, an outdoor green space with patio seating and nightly DJs, if you needed any more convincing.
Recenter at the Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades
Betcha didn’t know about the Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades, huh? With shrines and waterfalls, a hilltop Temple, a retreat for silent renewal, and an ashram for monks, the Lake Shrine offers an incredible setting to come and find peace of heart and mind. It’s free, but keep in mind that reservations are required. Snag a spot here.
Let Your Pup Off-Leash at Rosie’s Dog Beach
Turns out you don’t have to go all the way to Huntington Beach to let your pup run wild in the sand. Rosie’s Dog Beach is a four-acre waterfront spot in Long Beach and it’s the only legal off-leash dog beach in LA county. Since there are no fences marking the dog-friendly area, be sure to stay between Granada Avenue and Roycroft Avenue.
Explore the LA Zoo Botanical Gardens
The Los Angeles Zoo is home to more than 270 species of exotic animals, but did you know their botanical gardens are just as epic? A true oasis in the heart of the city, the gardens feature botanical wonders from all over the globe, like Hong Kong orchid trees and Mexican fan palms (to name a few). Plan your visit here.
Sign Up for a Surfrider Beach Clean-Up
We all love living along the coast, but there’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes to create the perfect weekend beach day. So, we’re putting it on our list to help out this year. Surfrider hosts beach clean-ups throughout LA, bringing individuals, families and even businesses together to pick up trash and keep the coast clean. Get involved here.
Meander the Long Beach Flea Market
We all know the Rose Bowl Flea Market, but have you visited the one in Long Beach yet? Some might even say it’s better. On the third Sunday of every month, the Long Beach Flea Market brings in well-curated vintage pieces from vendors all over the city. Hunt for one of a kind pieces within the endless array of vintage goods and collectibles to easily add some personalized flair to your home. Check out the schedule here.
What are you hoping to check off your bucket list this year? Any best-kept secrets we missed? Shoot us an email at [email protected] and let’s chat.