California's largest city, Los Angeles, is the hub of virtually every conceivable lifestyle and activity. Its megacity status almost guarantees that every taste can be satisfied. From twilight hikes in Santa Monica to dancing in downtown hot spots, Los Angeles has fun evening activities for you to enjoy every night of the week.
At the Beach
Early evening is a nice time to go inline skating on the boardwalk at Venice Beach or to walk the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. You can view the colors of the sunset at El Matador Beach, one of the many cliff-foot strands or pocket beaches that make up the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach area, 10 miles north of Malibu. Dockweiler Beach in Playa del Rey is the only place in Los Angeles County where it's legal to start a bonfire. Gather up your friends and family and head to the beach for a healthy grilled meal, followed by a bonfire once the sun sets.
Hollywood Hype
The Hollywood glitz and glamor seems bigger and brighter at night. Take the hike up Mulholland to view the Hollywood sign or walk down Hollywood Boulevard. As the daylight fades, you'll see the club-goers in their stilettos, street musicians, performers and other tourists out people-watching. Go searching for stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame which is located on both sides of Hollywood Boulevard between LaBrea Avenue and Gower Avenue.
Bright Lights and Stars
Take a moonlight hike into the Santa Monica Mountains to view the city lights below. Attend the monthly public star parties held at the Griffith Observatory to view the moon, visible planets and stars. If you have questions, you can talk to the knowledgeable amateur astronomers in attendance. Stroll through the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on a Saturday evening and pay your respects to stars, such as Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino and Johnny Ramone. Stick around until nightfall and watch a classic movie screened outdoors sponsored by Cinespia Cemetery.
Arts and Culture
The Downtown Art Walk is held on the second Thursday of every month. You can self-tour the many museums, art galleries and non-profit art venues in Los Angeles for free. The sunset reflecting on the architecture in the Getty Museum Courtyard and Garden Terrace is a sight to behold. On Friday and Saturday nights, the Getty Center stays open until 9 p.m. and it's always free. You can window shop and take in the sights and sounds while taking a cultural stroll through Little Toyko, Koreatown or Chinatown.
Dine and Dance Like the Stars
The infamous Sunset Strip is home to some of LA's most famous music venues such as the Roxy, the House of Blues, Whiskey A Go Go or the Viper Room. Walk the Strip to watch the club-goers line up for entry or visit one of these clubs yourself. You can dance the night away, like the rich and famous, at Hyde Lounge or Les Deux. In LA, you'll find a restaurant that caters to every taste. Visit The Stinking Rose in opulent Beverly Hills. Here, you'll find most of the menu items infused with garlic: from a garlic martini to a bowl of garlic ice cream. Dine at one of the establishments managed by celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck's Spago or Susan Feniger's Border Grill.
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