Posted by As Andy Samberg and Chris Parnell highlight in their legendary SNL skit, Sundays are a day for being lazy. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Of course lazy has different connotations for different people. For some it means literally melting into their couch. For others, maybe just slowing down their exploration of Los Angeles to a gentle crawl.
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With as much as there is to do in L.A. sometimes it’s nice to partake in low-key activities or simply bask in the beautiful outdoors enjoying that famous Socal sunshine.
Below you’ll find list of some of the things you can do when you just want to chill but more out of your Sunday than just watching Netflix.
However you want to approach it, just make sure enjoy your day of laziness!
[RELATED: 40 Fun & Free Things to Do This Summer in L.A.]
1. Beach Day
El Matador and Leo Carrillo are not usually as populated as Venice Beach so you can likely have a small section of sand all to yourself to sleep on (after covering yourself in sunscreen because safety first). Explore the caves at El Matador, check out the tide pools at Leo Carrillo or walk along the shore or one of the trails at Point Magu. Malibu Lagoon State beach includes surfer heaven Surfrider Beach but even if you don’t surf you can walk along the pier or visit the historic beach house Adamson House because nothing says chill like a beach house in Malibu.
2. Yoga/Sitting Group
Some may say that exercise is counterintuitive on a lazy Sunday but this ain’t p90x. Sometimes a good yoga session gives way to a great nap. You can regularly find a free yoga session on Runyon Canyon and InsightLA offers free sitting group sessions on Sundays.
3. Barnsdall FREE Art Workshop
Barnsdall’s free art workshops are open to families and people of all levels (so don’t sweat it if you’re an expert stick figure artist) and all materials are provided so you literally just have to show up. Easy!
4. Movie Day
Visit The Landmark or select AMC locations and get in on the “recline and dine” experience with comfy (assigned) seats and food (and sometimes even drinks) while you watch. Bonus for students: $8 tickets, $1 small popcorn for films that start after 6pm at Laemmle on Sundays.
[RELATED: A Handy List of The Best Theaters to See Discount Movies in Los Angeles]
5. Gardens Galore (and Museums too!)
The “descanso” in Descanso Gardens literally means “rest” so explore the grounds during their docent-guided weekend walks or find a bench and just take in the beauty of your surroundings.
Likewise, The Huntington Library has 12 gardens for you to wander but their Japanese garden is among the most popular. In keeping with the chill vibes required of a lazy Sunday what better place than a Zen garden? There’s also the Japanese Garden in The Valley that’s smaller in size but equally relaxing.
The L.A. County Arboretum and Botanical Garden features historical structures and a beautiful waterfall but perhaps the real star is all the free roaming peacocks. You’re bound to make some new and colorful friends (unless you’re not a fan of the flamboyant birds in which case be warned, they are everywhere).
Doctor’s House Museum and Gazebo is a Victorian-style home that offers tours on Sundays and admission is only $1. The interior is full of relics with each room providing a glimpse into what life was like in the late 1880s for the doctor and his family. Also in Brand Park is the Whispering Pine Tea House which hosts workshops and events related to Japanese Art and Culture.
Finally, Sunday may Visit a museum and learn something for free instead of lounging around scrolling through social media (or at least do that later). The Annenberg, Getty Villa and Getty Center, The Broad, and the Hammer Museum and offer free entrance (though you do have to pay for parking).
[RELATED: A Handy List of Free Museums in Los Angeles]
6. Picnic Time
Sometimes it’s all about just changing your scenery to make you feel a little better about doing nothing so grab your leftovers or whatever meals you had planned for lunch and set up a “picnic at the park” date with friends. Grand Park is the perfect spot and if you don’t want to pack a lunch you can find several eateries and/or food trucks nearby.
For those in The Valley, Lake Balboa (Anthony C. Beilenson Park) is home to swans, ducks, and a beautiful lake that is so inviting to look at that all you really want to do is enjoy (and maybe Instagram) the view.
To add a little fun to your picnic check out the Old Zoo at Griffith Park and explore the old stone structures and cages or visit Rocketship Park (Los Arboles Park), home to a 28-foot steel rocketship that offers some of the most amazing views of the city.
And there’s always the classic choice of the Rose Garden at Exposition Park with 15,000 bushes of roses, gazebos, and a gorgeous fountain – just make sure you don’t end up in the middle of wedding day photo shoot.
7. Sunday Brunch
Sunday is the ideal brunch day, so here are a few of my favorite spots I’d recommend you consider.
Joe’s Cafe
It’s plain ol’ comfort food goodness made fresh. The (dog-friendly) restaurant is famous for their stuffed French toast but I’m partial to the croissant sandwich with bacon, a fried egg, and smoked Gouda, either way you won’t be disappointed. On Sundays they only serve breakfast but it’s open till 3 p.m. so you can still get up at noon and not miss out.
Grand Cafe at Omni Hotel
Their breakfast buffet includes bottomless mimosas so basically it’s an all-you-can-eat brunch dream come true. Bonus: it’s walking distance from The Broad (which is free with a reserved ticket) so you can add a little culture to your Sunday outing.
Sadie’s Kitchen and Lounge
Their Sunday brunch is called “Brunch Drunk Love” so needless to say it’s a boozy brunch adventure with a soundtrack courtesy of local and touring artists. Their menu includes challah french toast and a banh mi breakfast sandwich.
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The Anchor
This cozy joint is known for its seafood, specifically their lobster roll. You can get that or the lobster benedict among other brunch staples plus bottomless mimosas, bloody mary’s, or micheladas for their weekend brunch special.
[RELATED: The Best Brunches in L.A. to Try This Fall]
8. Sunday Happy Hour
L.A. also have an impressive array of Sunday happy hour deals. I’ve noted a selection of a few favorites below.
Oliver Cafe + Lounge
It’s so L.A. when a place offers a “Chill Out Hour” featuring low-carb drinks like a wheatgrass martini but it’s also not surprising considering it’s adjacent to Equinox. They’ve also got specialty cocktails, wines, and dessert martinis (hello, tiramisu martini) plus a selection of appetizers. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Yen Sushi and Sake Bar
It’s the self-proclaimed home of the “all day, every day sushi happy hour” and whether that’s true or not it doesn’t matter because who doesn’t appreciate good yet affordable sushi? The menu includes sake, wine, beer, tempura rolls, and appetizers.
Palomino
Being punctual on Sundays defeats the purpose of a lazy Sunday so fret not because they offer all day, every day bar specials for food and drinks. The crab and artichoke dip is not a common happy hour treat so dig in.
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The Misfit
It’s walking distance from Third Street Promenade providing a perfect cap to a night spent (window) shopping and watching street performers. They have a selection of well drinks, beers, wines, and sangria. From open-7 p.m.
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9. Fun & Games at a Barcade
For those of you who don’t have a stash of quarters lying around Neon Retro Arcade is for you. They’ve got 45 videos games including Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac Man, Mortal Kombat, and Tron and quite a few pin ball machines and they’re all set on free play so you just have to pay a flat hourly fee.
EightyTwo features more than 40 arcade games and pinball machines from the 1970s through the 1990s so fanatics are bound to find their favorites and with fully stacked bar it has all the makings for an epic lazy Sunday. Blipsy Bar in K-Town and Playland Arcade in Santa Monica are also gamer havens that never disappoint.
What are your favorite things to do on a lazy Sunday in Los Angeles? Let us know your ideas in the comments below!
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