SUMMER L In this land of year-round indoor-outdoor living, summertime is as much a state of mind as it is a distinct season. Come June, subtle signals such as lingering sunlight and festival arrivals remind Angelenos to pack their picnics, pop open their beach umbrellas and downshift into stay-cation gear. Whether your ideal outing is on the dance floor, at the movies or in a cafe, you can do it all alfresco. Here are 10 quintessentially L.A. ways to soak up the sunny summer days and balmy nights, plus hot spots and don’t-miss happenings from Malibu to the South Bay. REACH THE BEACH As the mercury rises, L.A. denizens
join the throngs of visitors heading west to the county’s 72-mile coastline. Channel your inner Gidget at Malibu Surfrider Beach, honored as the first-ever World Surfing Reserve thanks to its perfect waves and its iconic role in modern surfing history. For a lazier day, settle under an umbrella-shaded double bed or a party-ready, 600-square-foot private cabana for up to 30 people at Malibu’s Paradise Cove. Visit Santa Monica’s genteel Annenberg Community Beach House to partake in a historic swimming pool, cafe, gallery, a kids’ play area and the Marion Davies Guest House, all on a public oceanfront site. Or, head to edgier Venice Beach—renowned people watching territory, especially on Ocean Front Walk and around the world-famous Muscle Beach. Want to flex your own muscles? Hit Manhattan Beach, where fitness and fun go hand-
in-hand. Stroll on the Strand, bike on the beachfront bike path, or play volleyball on dozens of first-come, first-serve courts north and south of the picturesque pier. In Rancho Palos Verdes, trade beach bunnies for the sea urchins, crabs and other critters inhabiting the tide pools at the rugged Abalone Cove Shoreline Park.
SAVOR SWEET SOUNDS Los Angeles summers are jampacked with live music at cultural venues all over town. Whatever the genre, the notes come alive in the open air. Experience this effect, preferably over a picnic in a box seat, at the historic Hollywood Bowl, which kicks off its season with a star-studded bash on June 22. Smaller, but no less magical on a summer night, is the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park, whose June lineup includes the Tenors, Pat Benatar and Barry Manilow. Meanwhile, the sum-
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