Every so often, you look at the clock and realize it somehow became way too late. Maybe it was a Netflix binge you just couldn't stop or a long day at work that left you too tense to relax, but whatever the situation, you're just not in the mood to hit the hay. When those nights come around, there's no shortage of ways to pass the time until the sun starts to peek out or you eventually pass out—whichever comes first. Here are nine options around LA to inspire your late night rambles.
1. Sing your own lullaby at Max Karaoke Studio. With locations in Torrance, Santa Monica and Little Tokyo there is probably one near you and they stay open until at least 3am every night. You can rent a private room and bring your own refreshments, be they Sleepytime Tea or something a bit stronger.
2. Scoop up some galbi jjim or ox bone soup at one of Koreatown’s late-night eateries. If a big, hot meal doesn’t get you ready for bed, make your way to the nearby Wi Spa. Open 24 hours, the mega spa offers all manner of steam chambers, treatment rooms and hot tubs.
3. Run your errands while nobody else is crowding the shops. Many Vons grocery stores across the city are open 24 hours or at least until 1am, as are a number of Ralphs locations—including one with its own wine bar.
4. Tune into the radio to hear DJs play music that’s too interesting for drive-time. Los Angeles is lucky to have some of the coolest independent radio stations broadcasting today and setting your dial to the likes of KXLU or KCRW in the wee hours will give you a chance to hear the personal and quirky selections of music lovers who aren’t beholden to the Top 40.
5. Nosh on a humongous pile of pastrami barely contained between slices of bread at Canter’s. Run by the same family for more than 80 years, a late (late) night feast under the iconic neon sign at this deli is a quintessential Los Angeles experience.
6. Ride on an owl. Okay, maybe not literally, but since 1906, Los Angeles’ overnight transit has been known as Owl Service. Back then, street cars linked Downtown with the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Over time it expanded, transitioned primarily to buses and changed up the routes. Now Metro has 38 different lines offering Owl Service hours.
7. Laugh a little with a late-night comedy set. The Upright Citizens Brigade comedy clubs offer performances that don’t even start until midnight multiple nights each week. One of the most popular, long-running shows is called, creatively, The Midnight Show.
8. Pick up some doughnuts for breakfast. While the sugar rush might not help you fall asleep, there are plenty of places willing to provide you with a yeasty treat at all hours. Try SK Donuts, California Donuts or the all-time classic Randy’s Donuts (you know, the one with the giant doughnut on top).
9. Ghost hunt at one of LA’s many haunted sites. From murder houses to spooky hotels to Hollywood noir, there’s no shortage of places to check out—and it’s not like ghosts hang out in the daytime. Of course, with this one, whenever you do eventually fall asleep, you might find yourself with nightmares.
What do you like to do when counting sheep just isn't in the cards? Let us know below.