What should we do in LA on Thanksgiving?

November 17, 2014 8:51 PM

My girlfriend and I are going to LA for Thanksgiving week and since we're not going down to join in any particular gathering, I wanted to query the hivemind for good things to do on Thanksgiving day. Are there any cool restaurants or events we should be booking now?

We'll be staying in Redondo Beach, but have a rental car, so it doesn't matter too much where as long as it's in the general vicinity. We're also open to more general suggestions of fun things to do that week. We'll be there Tuesday (25th) evening through Sunday (30th) evening.

posted by Cogito to Travel & Transportation (4 answers total)

If you're in the mood for a fancy-restaurant experience and willing to drive a bit north of Redondo, my two faves on the westside: If you can get a reservation at Joe's, that's what I'd do. Or if you're somewhat more made of money, Melisse. (Yeah, the Thanksgiving dinner sticker price actually looks pretty reasonable at Melisse, but check out their wine list before you decide.)
posted by town of cats at 9:56 PM on November 17, 2014

I've been drawing a total blank on this since I saw it last night, but I'm going to second Joe's because Joe's is a great answer to so many things in life.
posted by Room 641-A at 7:39 AM on November 18, 2014

Ooh, if you are bike people you should rent bikes and spend a day exploring the bike path along the beach. That link has info about specific sections of the bike path, including the South Bay. (I've ridden from Santa Monica to Redondo and back and I'm not the most active person in the world.)

If you want a casual ride around Santa Monica and Venice Beach you can go to the Santa Monica Bike Center or grab a bike from one of the Perry's along the bike path.

I think the most romantic thing you could do would be to go to the Santa Monica Pier, take a sunset ride on the ferris wheel, and smooch when you get to the top.
posted by Room 641-A at 8:00 AM on November 18, 2014

Just walk northwards on the Strand to Hermosa and Manhattan. You will eat up a lot of time, very pleasantly. If the tide is low, walk along the water.

I am not sure whether The Bottle Inn is open on that day, but it would be worth checking. Very elegant Italian food, by the beach, walkable from where you are.
posted by Danf at 8:11 PM on November 18, 2014