Venice
Photograph: Courtesy veeterzy

Your guide to summer in Los Angeles

Head outdoors, eat an ice cream cone, crash a pool party and discover more things to do in the summer

Michael Juliano
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Los Angeles may have comfortable enough weather throughout the year, but summer in L.A. just hits different. Sure, we do Halloween parties and Christmas lights pretty good, but we do summer even better thanks to long days, cool nights and an endless list of things to do in the city. So get excited for the season with our comprehensive round-up of fun events and things to do in the summer in Los Angeles, including the best beaches, sunniest spots for a drink on a rooftop, seasonal things to do and more.

Summer in L.A.

Relax on the beach
Things to do

Relax on the beach

From Venice and Santa Monica to Manhattan Beach and Playa Vista, here are the top spots to sunbathe, surf and play.

Eat and drink outside

The best rooftop bars in L.A.
Bars

The best rooftop bars in L.A.

Check out L.A.’s best bars with a view, from Venice’s beachside sunsets to rooftop bars with city views over the Strip.

Summer trips

Things to do outdoors

Best hikes with city views
Things to do

Best hikes with city views

In a city where open space is sparse and the sprawl can feel endless, climb up to escape from it all.

5 great places to have a bonfire
Things to do

5 great places to have a bonfire

There isn’t a much more quintessential California experience than having a bonfire on the beach while watching the sunset.

More things to do in the summer

Free things to do in L.A.
Things to do

Free things to do in L.A.

Use this guide to find free things to do in L.A. when you need a budget-friendly day out.

Month-by-month summer events