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Pasadena Chalk Festival
Photograph: Riley CarithersPasadena Chalk Festival

Father’s Day events and ideas in L.A.

From food truck grubbing to oceanside golfing, here’s your guide to planning the ultimate Father’s Day itinerary

Michael Juliano
Written by
Michael Juliano
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In a city brimming with some of the best restaurants, breweries, hiking and more, there’s no need to fret when searching for Father’s Day events and ideas. With L.A. as your playground, the options are endless for things to do with dad. Whether he prefers golfing by the ocean, chowing down at some of the best steakhouse restaurants, surfing the waves or catching a comedy show, our fair city offers a slew of impressive options to fill your day. Use our guide to find the perfect way to spend quality time with your pops with these Father’s Day events.

Father’s Day events and things to do with your dad

For the outdoorsy dad
  • Things to do

From secluded mountain treks to unparalleled people-watching, take your dad on one of the best hikes in L.A. with great views of the city. Whether your dad is more cityscape gawker or ocean gazer, we’ve got the trek for you.

For the dad who hangs ten
  • Things to do
  • Classes and workshops
  • Malibu
  • price 1 of 4

If your dad walks on water—or surfs, paddles or kayaks on it—spend the day with him at Malibu Surf Shack. This seaside shop has rentals, lessons and tours for all skill levels and all water sports. Cruise the kelp beds and watch for dolphins. Make sure to check out some of our other favorite surf shops, too.

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  • Things to do
  • Angeles National Forest
  • price 3 of 4

Hoping to impress your pops with an unforgettable—and daring—experience? Adventure-loving dads can get a taste of the great outdoors via Ziplines at Pacific Crest, a zipline experience located 75 miles from L.A. in the San Gabriel Mountains. Soar through the tree tops at one of two courses, which bring guests up to 300 feet above ground. Take the plunge off the tree platform and fly through over 1,500 feet of mountain terrain. Crazy? Maybe. Liberating and totally worth it? Absolutely.

  • Things to do
  • Newport Beach
  • price 4 of 4

Treat dad to 18 holes, and then set him loose at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach. A full-service spa, the largest circular pool west of the Mississippi and a 400-acre golf course with its own golf academy—this resort boasts luxury at its every turn. Enjoy stunning views of the ocean and an escape from the city. Call ahead to book a tee time and post-golf nosh at the restaurant.

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For the kid at heart
  • Things to do
  • San Gabriel Valley
  • price 2 of 4

Your dad has spent a lot more years dealing with a daily commute than you have. Blow off some traffic-induced steam at Speed Zone’s four go-kart tracks. Take the lead in the Top Eliminator Dragster, a 300-horsepower NHRA dragster, and then carhop to the Grand Prix, a track modeled after the Formula 1 and Indy Car racing circuits. There’s also the classic Slick Trax for drift-style racing on finely polished concrete and ultimate Turbo Track—faster than Slick Trax and open to up to twenty drivers. Bonus: there’s a bar. And mini golf. And a mini bowling alley. And an arcade.

  • Movies
  • price 2 of 4
  • Downtown

Known for excellent film choices and a steady supply of snacks and booze, Rooftop Cinema Club is your snazzy, comfortable and less stressful alternative to other outdoor movie screenings. Taking full advantage of beautiful city views, RCC promises to offer some of the most unique and incredible movie-going opportunities for film lovers.

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For the art enthusiast
  • Art
  • Street art

Every Father’s Day weekend, more than 600 artists create temporary masterpieces in chalk on the streets of Pasadena at the Paseo Colorado shopping center during this street painting festival—the largest in the world—while 100,000 onlookers watch where they walk. Styles of artwork run the gamut from classical to contemporary. Bonus: There’s a Police Classic Car Show on Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

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For the pampered dad
  • Things to do

Even the most larger-than-life dads need some TLC. Treat your old man to a massage that will make him feel like a new man. Whether he prefers a sports massage or Thai massage, read on for our picks for the best massages in L.A. at every price level.

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