5 Places To Escape For The Day in LA

 

There’s no shortage of places to go or things to do in Los Angeles, but sometimes a much needed escape from routine chaos is in order. I’m sharing my top five places to get away for the day that are simple yet sweet, and best of all easy to plan (or not plan).

#1 Malibu Wines

Open daily, the picturesque tasting ‘room’ at Malibu Wines is more like an outdoor wine park, with its patch of astroturf for relaxing picnics (bring your own blanket), various tasting bars, picnic tables to reserve, live music on the weekends and plenty of other Instagram-worthy elements. Need a wine selection tip? The 2010 Reserve Cabernet is a must! Parking is free in the main Malibu Wines lot during week days, with a $14 valet on the weekend (or catch the free shuttle at 32111 Mulholland Highway, 1/2 mile from Malibu Wines tasting room). If you’re looking for a little more adventure with your wine tasting, reserve a spot on one of their Wine Safaris! I’ve spent a couple birthdays here and trust me when I say it’s a total wine win.

Address: 31740 Mulholland Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 / Phone: (818) 865-0605

 

#2 The Getty

This gem is a must-visit for every L.A. local or visitor! Entry is free with $15 parking (only $10 after 4pm) – from the lot you just hop on the Getty Center Tram to glide up the hillside and voila, you’ve made it to The Getty Center. From artwork, sculpture and photography, to the dining facilities, panoramic city views and architecture, a day trip may not be enough to fully experience this great escape but you can def do it all! Oh, and I love to bring a picnic for a sunset session. Perfect weekend activity.

Address: N. Sepulveda Blvd & Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049 / Phone: (310) 440-7300

 

#3 Marina Del Rey Hotel

The Marina Del Rey Hotel’s newly renovated accommodations offer room and pool views of the gorgeous Marina Del Rey Harbor (the world’s largest man-made harbor), on-site dining at SALT Restaurant and Bar and a truly friendly staff. You can visit the pool just for the day and indulge in cocktails and bites to sooth your sunny situation even further. It’s like a vacay with all of the amenities but without the room charge. Perfect for a day with the gals.

Address: 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 / Phone: 310-301-1000

#4 The Griffith Observatory

Having your head in the clouds is a good thing when it comes to visiting Griffith Observatory. Perched on Mt. Hollywood, the observatory is touted as one of L.A.’s “greatest cultural attractions,” visitors can view the Pacific Ocean, Downtown L.A. and even into space, all for FREE! Now how’s that for an out-of-this-world day trip ;) ?

Address: 2800 E. Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90027 / Phone: (213) 473-0800

#5 Malibu Paradise Cove

If you’re interested in finding a stunning beach, with a little less human traffic, Paradise Cove Beach in Malibu is your spot! The Beach Cafe is the only restaurant around which makes it quaint and intimate but with tons of beach to let you run wild. It’s the only place in Malibu right on the sand with its own private beach & cove and for any surfers out there, boards are permitted (my hub’s pretty stoked on that)!

Address: 28128 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265 / Phone: (310) 457-2503