Evening
Kick off the weekend of sunshine and surf by checking into a hotel in Redondo Beach. This laid-back beach city offers ample opportunities to watch seasoned surfers, professional volleyball players and, of course, vibrant waterfront sunsets. Make sure to take advantage of LA’s Big Summer SleepOver promotion, which offers 20 percent off hotel accommodations, including the Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel.
Photo by Barlo - Hotel Erwin
MorningIn the morning, make the drive to Venice Beach and start the day with breakfast at Barlo restaurant inside Hotel Erwin, a contemporary boutique hotel just steps away from the sand. Barlo offers "barn to belly" dishes that evoke the diverse flavors of Venice, with a focus on simplicity and farmer's market ingredients in a comfortable setting. Fill up on morning staples like breakfast tacos, blueberry ricotta pancakes and made-to-order omelets before spending the day in the sunshine ($25).
After breakfast, head out to the famous Venice Ocean Front Walk, a bustling oceanside promenade filled with bikini-clad beach-goers, tattoo-splashed surfers and active outdoor enthusiasts. It’s easy to spend the entire morning perusing the lineup of clothing boutiques, surfboard shops, record stores, vintage outfitters and upscale retailers, all within walking distance. While strolling along the boardwalk, discover first-hand why Venice Beach is known for people watching.
Afternoon
To do some sightseeing on a set of wheels, stop by Perry’s Cafe, a casual beachfront eatery that also offers rollerblade and bike rentals. Rent two cruiser bikes for an hour ($20), and take to The Strand, a 22-mile paved bicycle path that runs along the shoreline. While pedaling along the path, you can spot people throwing Frisbees, surfing, flying kites and soaking up the California sunshine. After working up an appetite, return your bikes to Perry’s Cafe and sit under their signature red umbrellas while grabbing a quick sandwich or burger ($25).
Continue the day with cultural sightseeing by spending a couple hours at the Santa Monica Museum of Art ($10), which is an easy 15-minute drive from Venice Beach. This cultural complex features a variety of artistic mediums and contemporary exhibits, from provocative paintings to stunning video installations.
Afterward, drive to Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade for window-shopping and an afternoon snack like Pinkberry frozen yogurt ($10). Take your treat to go, and walk along the pedestrian-friendly promenade and its surrounding blocks, which are home to more than 500 brand name shops and independent boutiques.
Evening
For a great deal on dinner and cocktails, hit up the happy hour at Copa D’Oro, which runs from 5:30 p.m–8 p.m. on Saturdays. You can fill up on $5 classic cocktails like the French 75 and Pisco Sour as well as discounted appetizers and entrees.
Choose another hotel from LA’s Big Summer SleepOver promotion to save 20 percent, such as the Four Points by Sheraton LAX.
Morning
For your last day of vacation, enjoy Southern California’s picturesque ocean views and local flavors with a day of wine and food tasting. Start out at a nearby farmers market, such as the bustling Main Street Farmers Market in Santa Monica. Here, you can fill up on freshly baked pastries, raw pressed juices, brightly colored berries and specialty sausages. Assemble a lunchtime picnic before starting the scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu. This 45-minute drive offers breathtaking views of jutting cliffs, sprawling mansions, towering palm trees and brilliant blue waves.
Pull into Malibu Family Wines, a hilltop vineyard and winery that offers a wide array of estate-grown wines, from robust Cabernet Sauvignon to luscious dessert wine. Sample their award-winning wines at the quaint outdoor tasting room. Click here to get 2 for 1 tastings.
After a weekend of leisure and California sunshine, you’ll come to realize why the laid-back lifestyle comes second nature in these beautiful beach cities.
