Unexpected Labor Day weekend in Los Angeles - what's to do?

August 24, 2022 6:51 PM

I usually plan my vacations further in advance than this, but an opportunity came up to stay with family out in California -- flight arrives in California on 9/1 and departs 9/6. What should I do with my limited holiday weekend time there?

Here are some guidelines to shape recommendations:

--My physical activity capacity tops out at "pleasant nature walk" so hiking, cycling, climbing etc. is out.
--I will have access to a car, except when a family member needs to use it.
--Definitely want to squeeze some beach time into this.
--I'm curious about cultural tourist opportunities -- most of my previous California trips have been either entirely to see family or Disney-oriented.
--Gotta keep Sunday night (9/4) free

Thanks in advance, recommendation givers!

posted by The Pluto Gangsta to Travel & Transportation around Los Angeles, CA (7 answers total)

Best answer: There are a bunch of good museums. A couple of my favorites are The Broad and The Petersen Automotive Museum.

For beaches, I tend to prefer the beaches in Orange County over those in LA county, but it kinda depends on what kind of vibe you like. Crystal Cove State Park is really nice if you're willing to go down there. Laguna Beach if you're looking for more of a "beach town" feel. In LA county, I like Malibu and Santa Monica.
posted by primethyme at 7:07 PM on August 24, 2022 [3 favorites]

Best answer: Seconding The Broad. Great if you can get advance (free) tickets, but if not you can still go and wait in the line. Also adding The Getty Museum. Really full of legit treasures of all sorts. If you're into movies, the new Academy Museum is pretty amazing.
posted by BlahLaLa at 7:34 PM on August 24, 2022

Best answer: Do you like weird art stuff? If so, the Museum of Jurassic Technology is one of my favorite places in the world. The Bob Baker Marionettes are also on my LA Bucket List. The Huntington Library Botanical Gardens are just spectacular and are very walkable. Ooh, and the Museum of Neon Art is really fun. You can get delicious Porto's pastries just up the street in Glendale.
posted by annaramma at 9:23 PM on August 24, 2022 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Griffith Observatory? There's a mausoleum in LA, that was only about an hour to spend. Palos Verdes is a bit south, but not a difficult hike. Drive up to Santa Barbara for an afternoon?

Three's another botanical garden, and the Getty Villa, and 100% on the Petersen, even if you're not into cars.
posted by kellyblah at 9:47 PM on August 24, 2022

Best answer: If you're kid-free: the Comedy Store is a historic venue and still boasts excellent lineups on many nights.

The Hollywood Forever cemetery is worth a look and it's probably worth it to line up guide Karie Bible if you can.
posted by Sheydem-tants at 1:48 AM on August 25, 2022

Best answer: Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to Neptune's Net (just north of Malibu). Have a seafood feast.

Also endorsing...Huntington Library Botanical Gardens (amazing!), the Getty Museum and the Getty Villa, and the Broad.

Another day trip idea would be San Juan Capistrano ... visiting the mission and have a fancy tea service at The Tea House on Los Rios.
posted by tmharris65 at 2:14 AM on August 25, 2022

Response by poster: Belated update for anyone who wants to know what happened, I didn't have the time to visit most of the places you all recommended, but this was my itinerary:

Thursday: Arrive, see family
Friday: The Broad Museum, Grand Central Market, Angels Flight Railway
Saturday: visiting the beach, seeing relatives, dinner at The Bungalow, show at The Comedy Store
Sunday: seeing relatives, watching AEW All Out screened at a movie theater in North Hollywood
Monday: Petersen Automotive Museum, Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral
Tuesday departure
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 6:33 PM on September 26, 2022 [1 favorite]