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Food

Get Free House-Made Soft Serve Ice Cream In Silver Lake This Thursday!

June 21, 2016 by Amatullah Guyot

Everyone’s trying hard not to melt in this L.A. heat wave, so what better way to cool off than a little free ice cream?

But where can you get free ice cream?!?!

Well, Magpies Softserve in Silver Lake is here to save the day!

In celebration of their opening this Thursday, the Eastside’s newest ice creamery is giving away free soft serve ice cream.

Thursday hours are from 11 a.m. till 9 p.m., and they’ll have treats on the house all day (until supplies run out?) in celebration of their opening, with flavor offerings that  include (but are not limited to) Thai iced tea, Maria con dulce de leche, Cuban espresso, strawberry rhubarb, sweet corn and honey, green tea brown rice and yuzu honey.

Owners Warren and Rose Schwartz, came up with the idea of doing “a chef-y Dairy Queen” while on vacation as they enjoyed a cone at the nostalgic ice cream shop. The couple plans to focus on soft-serve flavors made from scratch as well as life inspired flavors.

According to Eater LA, Schwartz intends to provide a true ice cream experience complete with just about everything from the soft serve mix to the toppings being made in-house.

For the non- dairy folks out there, there are also plenty of options including caramelized pineapple coconut, horchata and almond cashew cream.

Note that the flavors do change daily, so it’s probably a good idea to try as many as you can 😉

Magpies Soft Serve is located at 2660 Griffith Park Blvd in Silver Lake.

Enjoy!

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Cool Spots

16 Awesome L.A. Spots Perfect For Catching a Gorgeous Sunset

August 11, 2015 by Amatullah Guyot

If you’re anything like me then summer time in L.A. means you’re looking for as many reasons as possible to get outside and soak up the sun rays.

So what’s my favorite excuse? Chasing sunsets!

Given our our temperate, sunny SoCal weather mixed with miles upon miles of westward/southern facing coastal terrain and our incredible variety of local parks and hiking spots, there are many great vantage points where you can enjoy epic sunsets in and around Los Angeles.

With that in mind, here’s a list of a few premium locations throughout L.A. county where you can catch a gorgeous sunset perfect enough to share on your Instagram or just enjoy a special moment with your friends or sweetie.

Enjoy the rundown (in no particular order).

[RELATED: 10 Free Places With Breathtaking Views of Los Angeles]

1. Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes

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Perfect for a sunset stroll or simple hike with extensive views of the ocean and beyond. More information.

2. Manhattan Beach Pier

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Definitely a classic and my personal favorite when it comes to watching the sunset. So many different angles to shoot from, especially with the pier.

More information.

3. Barnsdall Park

Located in Hollywood this park is nothing short of amazing views for picnics or watching the sunset. Don’t forget to check out the Hollyhock House while at the park. More information

4. Griffith Park

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Want to see what the sunset over Los Angels looks like? Head to Griffith Park but be sure to get there early as parking is limited and traffic builds around sunset. More information

5. Hilltop Park in Signal Hill

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Kind of a secret in the LBC, but this park offers nothing short of panoramic views from LA Harbor to the Hollywood Hills. Also a great place to watch the sunrise. 😉

More information

6. The Getty Center

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Who doesn’t love art, cool architecture and an elevated view of the sunset? It’s the perfect excuse to visit The Getty Center. More information

7. Venice Beach Skatepark (or Palm Tree Grove on the Boardwalk)

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Venice Beach in general is an eccentric place to visit but the sunset views make the trip well worth it.

More information

8. Angels Gate Recreation Center / Korean Bell of Friendship

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Located in San Pedro, many people aren’t aware of this historic landmark on top of a hill that on looks the ocean which makes it a perfect spot for sunset watching on a clear evening.

More information

9. El Matador State Beach

El Matador State Beach Sunset

El Matador State Beach. Credit: CheWei Chang via flickr

This beach isn’t for surfing or swimming because of the rocks but it makes for great silhouette shots during sunset.

More information

10. Santa Monica Pier

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The famous pier is where Route 66 ends and a lot of fun begins. Home to classic piers items like a ferris wheel overlooking the ocean and a vintage carousel and a collection of restaurants, this is pier is the perfect place to watch the sunset and have fun.

Bonus tip: go on Thursday evenings for the Twilight Concert series for an evening of music, fun and endless beach vibes.

More information

11. Point Dume State Beach

Sunset Point Dume Malibu

Sunset at Point Dume in Malibu. Credit: Rain0975 via flickr

Located off the coast of Malibu, this promontory point shoots out into the Pacific Ocean. This beach is also a popular filming location for grand scale movies but an even greater spot for watching the sunset.

More information

12. Belmont Shore Pier

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Personally not my favorite beach but it’s not too shabby for a sunset photo session. Great views of the sun setting behind the city of Long Beach and port of Los Angeles for an alternative sunset view.

More information

13. Malibu State Creek Park

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Watching the sunset behind the hills and canyon is absolutely breathtaking. Just don’t stay out there too long because it gets dark real quick.

More information

14. El Porto Beach

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If you go a little north up the coast from the Manhattan Beach Pier you end up at El Porto, a popular surfing spot and location of numerous great white shark sightings (usually just juveniles) over the past few years. It’s also a great location to catch a sunset.

More information

15. The LA Skyline from Elysian Park

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If you didn’t know, Elysian Park is just beside Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Going the various ends of the parks offers various views of LA from the DTLA skyline to Dodgers Stadium and the Hollywood Hills. It’s a great location for watching the sunset over Los Angeles.

More information

16.  Levitated Mass at LACMA

Levitated Mass LACMA Sunset

Levitated Mass at LACMA. Credit: m-bot via flickr

LACMA is a must see when in L.A., at least check out Urban Lights and Levitated Mass which make for great pictures especially around sunset. Bonus tip, go on a Friday evening to attend the summertime Jazz concerts. Good music, art and sunsets…doesn’t get much better than that.

More information

There are many great spots in L.A. to catch a beautiful sunset. Let us know your favorite in the comments below!

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Happenings

A Friendly Reminder The U.S. Open of Surfing is Back in Huntington Beach Starting July 25

July 23, 2015 by Amatullah Guyot

It’s that time of year again where all the best surfing athletes go down to Surf City USA to compete in a weeklong battle of gnarly waves at the US Open of Surfing.

Of course The Vans US  Open of Surfing isn’t just about riding waves. There are also skating and BMX competitions as well as a wide range of art that will decorate the beach where the nine day event will be hosted.

Tons of freebies, lots of surfing and beachin’ ….the essence of what SoCal stands for, right?

This year’s schedule of events begins this Saturday July 25 and runs till August 2. The entire mega event is free to attend plus free samples from all kinds of food vendors and more are distributed both at the beach and on Main Street in Huntington Beach. They even have evening movie screenings at 7:00pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Keep in mind the surfing finals start on Sunday at noon.

U.S. Open of Surfing 2013

U.S. Open of Surfing, 2013. Credit: Amatullah Guyot

It’s recommended to bring sunscreen, water, camera, footwear and sunglasses since you’ll more than likely find a spot on the beach and picnic most of the day while tanning and watching the surfing competition.

The main events will take place near Huntington Beach Pier and off Main Street.

If you driving down to Huntington Beach then you have a few choices when it comes to parking; free but a mini hike away or pay and park nearby. If you park in the nearby residential area, be warned that its very hectic and a race to win a spot for your car.

For the paid parking, the price goes up especially during the competition period. Check out more on parking information here.

Just in case you can’t make it to any of the competitions there will be a live webcast streaming on the events site. Check on the main event site  for details.

Enjoy!

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Lifestyle

This is What an Afternoon at The Rose Bowl Flea Market Looks Like

July 11, 2015 by Amatullah Guyot

As a former self-diagnosed shopaholic now turned “normal” shopper who is always on the look out for deals, checking out the Rose Bowl Flea Market has been on my to-do list for a while.

Last month I finally set aside a Sunday specifically for the trip over to Pasadena to experience the flea for myself.

It started like any other gloomy June day in L.A., but as I drove inland and headed up the 110 through the Arroyos the gloom burned off and the sky transformed into a beautiful, bright blue.

Once I parked my car I recounted my (reasonable) budget, recited my pledge not to spend too much, and off I went.

This is what I saw…

[RELATED: 20 Fun Things To Do in Pasadena Next Time You’re In The Neighborhood]

The Outside Entrance of The Rose Bowl

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

So basically this is what you see after paying $15 for the VIP parking at the Rose Bowl. It’s definitely a good thing to bring lots of cash.

There is also plenty of free parking (though further away), but if you plan on buying a fair bit of stuff, it’s worth it to be closer.

The Rose Bowl actually has a page with public transit recommendations if you’d prefer not to pay for parking.

The Line to get Admission to The Rose Bowl Flea Market

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Shopping is fun (for me at least) but you have to pay an admission fee to go to the Flea Market.

Admission varies by time:

  • Preview VIP admission From 5:00am – 7:00am is $20.00 per person.
  • Early bird admission from 7:00am – 8:00am is $15.00 per person.
  • Express admission from 8:00am – 9:00am is $10.00 per person.
  • General admission beginning at 9:00am is $8.00 per person.

Children under 12 are admitted free with an adult.

The line wasn’t so bad, I think I waited for 2 minutes max.

Rose Bowl Flea Market Admission Ticket

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

The admission tickets are pretty cool and have a vintage vibe to them. Also, getting a $2 bill was pretty neat, don’t judge me but I have never owned one before so I may have been a tad bit excited about it.

The Interior of The Rose Bowl

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Most of the stadium is open once you enter. This is were many sports events are held, it’s so weird seeing a sports arena so empty but cool nonetheless.

Some of the vendors and booths at The Rose Bowl Flea Market

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Vendors sell everything from clothes to rugs, antiques, vintage and new items too.

According to the official websit, they average something like 2,500 vendors and 20,000 buyers each month.

Western Themed Vendor at The Rose Bowl Flea Market

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

When browsing through some of the different shops and booths I saw a few cool things and many oddities as well.

The picture above shows one of the many vintage Western themed sellers. They had old nails from the 1700s and other knick knacks.

Freshers Lemonade Sold at The Rose Bowl Flea Market

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Shopping really is a mini cardio workout, especially if its in an open air stadium like the Rose Bowl on a really hot Sunday afternoon.

Thank goodness for Freshers frozen lemonade beverages, it was so refreshing and worth every dime.

Vintage Suitcases at The Rose Bowl Flea Market

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

I walked around the Rose Bowl and the theme of vendors changed every few feet from new items, to used, art related, used again and antique then it repeated again until I reached the entrance where I started the whole experience.

Succulents For Days at The Rose Bowl Flea Market

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

If I didn’t murder succulents like I have in the past, I would have purchased several gorgeous ones from the flea market.

Shopping T The Rose Bowl Flea Market

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

One thing I noticed form the all the “pro” Flea Market shoppers, bring your own reusable bags and if you’re a serious shopper then bring a cart or wagon to haul all of the neat purchases you will make. Wish I had thought of that…

Then again, good thing I didn’t bring my own… otherwise the budget might have gone out the window.

Weird Collectibles Were Sold at The Rose Bowl Flea Market

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

After all of the shopping and going around the entire Rose Bowl twice, chatting with a few people and finding things to purchase or take pictures of, nothing was as odd as the two headed rabbit display sold by a local Pasadena shop that also had jewelry made of insects.

This was by far the busiest and most crowded booth I saw at the entire Flea Market. I made the mistake of stopping by to take pictures and check-out the weird stuff, which resulted in my phone being stolen.

California Metal Piece at The Rose Bowl Flea Market

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

I ended my shopping excursion several hours after arriving. The flea market is pretty cool and fun but definitely set a budget before going!

As a reminder, the Rose Bowl Flea Market is held every second Sunday of the month.

For more information, check out the flea market page on the Rose Bowl stadium website.

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Cool Spots, View Points

This is What My First Time at The Downtown Art Walk Looked Like

July 8, 2015 by Amatullah Guyot

On the second Thursday of every month The Downtown Art Walk transforms seven blocks of DTLA into a vibrant (and free!) pop-up street fair. There is music and crowds and food trucks. There is every type of street art imaginable. Combine those elements with the normal hustle and bustle of a Thursday in downtown and it creates quite a scene.

What I enjoy about the Art Walk is that it’s perfect for those of you (like me) who are clueless about L.A. art culture. If I had to put it in a single word, I’d call it an introduction. In one night you can become exposed to a massive array of art from street performances and pop-up stands to the more refined works found in the nearby galleries. A realization kind of hit you… “Woah, there’s a lot going on here I didn’t even know about.”

That said, I went to my first Art Walk a few weeks ago, and this is what I saw…

The View From a Downtown L.A. Parking Structure

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

This is the view from the parking structure where I left my car to attend the Art Walk. Let me start out by saying… PARKING SUCKED… not that this is a surprise. I scored super cheap parking at one of the furthest parking structures from all of the fun, then hiked with my camera in hand to search for art.

If you plan on braving the traffic and driving to DTLA like I did then here are a few tips. The further you go from the central hub of the Art Walk, the cheaper parking becomes. Also, closing times vary per parking lot, so don’t forget to ask. And bring CASH!

Art Display Near One of Many Public Parking Lots During The Downtown Art Walk

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Art stands were set from the moment I stepped outside of the structure where I left my car, each one more unique than the next.

Diffrent Art Stands Set-up Along Spring Street During the Downtown Art Walk.

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

People walked with friends or their dogs to enjoy a of the enticing art from sculptures to paintings on old records, and bongs made from recycled bottles. Going to the Art Walk helps you define art in a new way.

A Handmade Bottle Keychainn Table at The Downtown Art Walk

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Along with viewing various art, there was also the opportunity to buy wares from as small as stickers and keychains to as big as life size sculptures and paintings. I bought a few little things but part of me wishes I could afford to purchase a few of the expensive framed pictures and paintings.

Random Drum Circle and Musicians Playing During The Downtown Art Walk

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

I stumbled across these guys who were playing loudly and crossed the streets to check them out. Good music vibes anyone?

Art Displays in Front of The Last Bookstore During The Downtown Art Walk

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

The hustle and bustle of everyday downtown traffic and drama continued as The Downtown Art Walk was in full swing and hitting its peak hours.

Artist Painting on a Skateboard During The Downtown Art Walk

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Some artists were so inspired (or maybe they were bored) that they painted and created new things like this guy. I walked past him maybe five times watching how his skateboard piece progressed, the last I saw, it was really coming along.

An Art Gallery Located Within The Last Bookstore

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Not only was there art for public viewing along the streets but there were a variety of galleries set up especially for the Downtown Art Walk. The one pictured here is from a gallery on the second level of  The Last Bookstore, which definitely worth a view.

Abstract Sculptures Displayed at The Downtown Art Walk

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Some of the oddest art sculptures I stumbled upon in front of The Last Bookstore while exploring all of the ground that The Art Walk Covered.

Keep Calm and Feed Art Walk

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

What’s an awesome event without food to refuel? The Art Walk had a parking lot set up  for all of the great food trucks to hangout out in. I didn’t order anything to eat but I thought this sign was pretty cool to entice art goers to eat.

A Homeless Artist Paints Freestyle During The Downtown Art Walk

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Of all the things I saw, I think this dude was the coolest and sweetest. I loved how he just set up his “studio” on the corner and decided to just paint for the day. Some people took pictures of him and moved along, others joined him and painted with him.

One of the Formal Art Galleries Opened to the Public During The Downtown Art Walk

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Besides street art, there were also formal art galleries where photography was not allowed but there were some really neat things on display. One of the galleries presented a live ballet studios practice session open to the public to view.

Hotel Barclay at Sunset in Downtown Los Angeles

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

This view is basically how I ended my late afternoon adventure at The Downtown Art Walk.

If you haven’t been at least once, I wholeheartedly recommend checking it out!

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Food

Just a Friendly Reminder You Can Get a FREE Slurpee at 7-Eleven on July 11th

July 7, 2015 by Amatullah Guyot

Need something sweet to help keep you cool this week?

Rather than cake and ice cream, how about a free Slurpee?

Check it.

As is now their annual tradition, 7-Eleven celebrates the date of their namesake by offering a free Slurpee for all customers on 7/11.

Freebies are available on a first come, first serve basis at participating 7-Eleven stores from 11:00am – 7:00pm on Saturday, July 11.

All you have to do is show up at a participating 7-Eleven location and select your choice of flavor to receive your free small Slurpee (but don’t take it lightly because last year there were long lines at quite a few 7-Eleven locations).

This is turning out to be a very #ThirstyThursday. #Slurpee

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Check here for the nearest 7-Eleven location to you.

Cheers and Happy 7-Eleven Day! =)

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Cool Spots

An A-Z List of L.A.’s Most Instagrammable Spots

June 29, 2015 by Amatullah Guyot

Have you ever considered just how valuable Instagram is for previewing a Los Angeles destination before you ever step foot outside your door?

Well, we’ve created an A-Z list of L.A.’s most Instagrammable spots for you to explore, whether your goal is to chase sunsets or uncover oddities and angles of our city you might otherwise have missed.

Just click on any of the locations below and you’ll view a hashtag that’s full of Instagrams that other L.A. explorers have already taken. Our goal is that by browsing these galleries you will be inspired to check out parts of Los Angeles you didn’t even know about before… and maybe even take a few photos of your own.

Of course a list like this is never going to be ‘complete’ so if we missed your favorite spots then be sure to let us know in the comments section below.

That said, if/when you do check out some of the places below, be sure to tag us @WeLikeLA and/or use #WeLikeLA on Instagram.

Happy exploring!

[RELATED: An A-Z List of Cool Stuff to Do in L.A.]

A photo posted by Amatullah (@amatullahguyot) on

A

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Ace Hotel in DTLA (Rooftop)
Adamson House
Amoeba Music
Angels Flight
The Arts District
The Automobile Driving Museum

B

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
Ballona Creek
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Barnsdall Park
The Bat Caves
Baxter Stairs (The top)
Blue Ribbon Garden at the Walt Disney Concert Hall
Binocular Building
Bowers Museum
The Bradbury Building

C

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
California Science Center
Capitol Records Building
Carroll Ave
Case Study House #22
Chandelier Tree
Clutter’s Park
Colorado Street Bridge

D

Descanso Gardens
Dodgers Stadium
Dominguez Rancho Adobe

E

Eames House
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
Echo Park Lake
Eaton Canyon
Egyptian Theatre
El Matador Beach
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
Elysian Park
Ennis House
Exposition Park Rose Garden

F

Ferndell Nature Museum at Griffith Park Farmers Market
Fort MacArthur

G

Gamble House
The Getty Center
The Getty Villa
Grand Central Market
Grand Park
Greek Theatre
Greystone Mansion
Griffith Park
The Grove
The Great Wall of Los Angeles

H

Hollyhock House
The Hollywood Sign
Hollywood Pantages Theatre
The Hollywood Bowl
Hilltop Park
Hsi Lai Temple
Huntington Library Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hotel Erwin

I

In-N-Out Burger (Westchester Location)
International Chess Park (Santa Monica)

J

Japanese American National Museum
The Japanese Garden

K

The Korean Bell of Friendship
Kyoto Garden atop the Double Tree Hilton

L

La Brea Tar Pits
L.A. Live
The Last Bookstore
Levitated Mass
Little Tokyo District
Little Ethiopia
Little India (Artesia)
Los Angeles Central Library
Los Angeles City Hall
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Los Angeles Flower District
Los Angeles Times Building
Los Liones Canyon
Llano del Rio Ruins

M

The Magic Castle
Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Manhattan Beach Pier
Melrose Avenue
Melrose Trading Post
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak
MOCA
The Mosaic Tile House
Mullholand Drive
Murphy Ranch

N

Natural History Museum
Nethercutt Collection
Nick Metropolis
Norton Simon Museum

O

Ocean Trails by Trump National Golf Course
The Old LA Zoo
Old Chinatown Central Plaza
Old Trapper’s Lodge
Oldest McDonald’s restaurant (in Downey)
Olvera Street

P

Paramount Ranch
Playa Del Rey (abandoned ship)
Pershing Square
Petersen Automotive Museum
Pink’s Hot Dogs
Point Dume
Point Vicente Lighthouse
Port’s O’ Call Village
Port of Los Angeles

Q

The Queen Mary (in Long Beach)

R

Randy’s Donuts
RAT Beach
Robertson Boulevard
Rodeo Drive
Rosie’s Dog Beach
Runyon Canyon

S

Santa Anita Park
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Stairs
Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple
Shakespeare Bridge
The Shambala Preserve
Shoreline Village at Rainbow Harbor
Silver Lake Reservoir
Sixth Street Viaduct (dtla)
South Coast Botanic Garden
Spadena House aka The Witch’s House
The Standard in DTLA (Rooftop)
Sunken City
Sweet Candy

T

TCL Chinese Theatre
Temescal Canyon Gateway Park
Theme Building (at LAX)
Third Street Promenade
Time Travel Mart
Tongva Park
Travel Town Museum

U

Union Station
Universal City Overlook
Urban Light (LACMA)

V

Vanalden Cave
Vasquez Rocks
Venice Beach Boardwalk 
Venice Canals
Vincent Thomas Bridge
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
Virginia Robinson Gardens

W

Wacko Soap Plant

Wayfarers Chapel
Whimsic Alley

X

If you have any ideas… 🙂

Y

Yamashiro Hollywood

Z

Zen Center of Los Angeles
Zuma Beach

We know we didn’t hit everything (yet) on the above list. If you know of a cool spot and/or hashtag we should include feel free to comment below or you can even email us at [email protected].

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Cool Spots

This is What a Day at the Venice Beach Boardwalk Looks Like

June 12, 2015 by Amatullah Guyot

As a photographer, I enjoy exploring Los Angeles through the viewfinder of my camera. I often challenge myself to investigate locations around the city that have unique stories to share. Places where I can point, click, and capture something truly unique.

Venice Beach seems like a logical location for just such an adventure, and yet up until a few weeks ago I (kind of embarrassed to say) had never been.

That said, I took day out of my schedule, grabbed my camera bag and went down to the boardwalk to see what I might find.

And this is what I captured…

Venice Beach Sign

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Upon arriving to Venice Beach, the famous sign greets you. It’s actually hard to get a decent picture without being honked at by the oncoming traffic or bumping into a group of tourists who are trying to get the same shot as you.

Hotel Erwin Rooftop Bar View of the Venice Boardwalk

Photo Credit: Amatullah Guyot

I wanted to get a wide angle view of the boardwalk so I headed up to the rooftop bar at Hotel Erwin (one of the best rooftop bars in L.A. ).

Definitely worth a visit to enjoy the view and a few drinks.

The Entrance to Venice Beach Boardwalk

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

If you continue walking past the Venice sign you reach the beginning of the Boardwalk populated by mini-shops,  some performers (I’m told the cooler entertainment is out earlier in the day and on the weekends) and lots of palm trees exist but be sure not to get run-over by the many skateboarders who will trash talk you for getting in their way.

Walking along the Venice Beach Boardwalk

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

The shops and vendors along the Boardwalk sell anything and everything from bongs and pipes, to over priced selfie sticks, clothing and souvenirs, and beach toys.

Weird Attire is Normal in Venice

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

With all the things you can buy, there are many sights that you see too…some you just can’t not see kind of like the dude in the picture above who we will simply classify as a typical Venice Beach weirdo eccentric. I honestly wasn’t sure if he’d bother me if I took his photo, so I tried to grab the shot as discreetly as possible.

Vintage Clothes and Other Things for Sale

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

So back to shopping, everyone who works on the boardwalk is trying to sell you something from clothes, food, art and massage services to Los Angeles souvenirs and “the remedy to all” marijuana at the green dispensaries. No lie but they are everywhere along the Boardwalk.

Some of the Venice Beach Artwork and Vendors Along the Boardwalk

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

One thing about Venice is true, there are a lot of palm trees and Venice pride all around. The picture above is a view is from the sand on the beach looking onto the Boardwalk.

This Muscle Beach Mannequin is Showing Off His Guns

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

If you head north on the Boardwalk, towards the Venice Pier, you must stop by Muscle Beach and check out all the beefed up dudes who workout while everyone watches and takes pictures. The only beefed up person I saw was the mannequin.

The Muscle Beach Gym on the Venice Beach Boardwalk

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Unfortunately no-one was working out when I visited Muscle Beach. There was one guy who who was just walking around from the different gym equipment and didn’t really do much. One of the tourists asked if he was going to do some reps and he was just like “Ehhh, I don’t feel like it.”

The Policemen at Venice Beach Stroll Along the Beach

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

I’m not sure if this is common or not but I though it was pretty cool, the beach, I spotted a few policemen on horses. They were going around to take pictures with all the sun bathers who were females only. It was kind of funny and sad when this teenage boy asked if he could take a pictures with them and the policemen said no.

The Venice Beach Boardwalk and a Plane Taking off from LAX

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

I’ve heard that surfing is crowded and competitive in Venice but it’s not too bad to watch when the waves are nice or even a few planes takeoff from LAX.

Don’t you just love how unique LA is from other cities with some much going on in just one view?

Venice Beach Basketball Court

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

Pick-up basketball game anyone? There are several courts along the Boardwalk, famously featured in the film White Men Can’t Jump.

The Venice Beach Skatepark

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

So  the skatepark nestled between the Boardwalk and the beach is where all the “cool” skaters have to be a good at their game or they’ll get dogged by the other skaters.  

Skater at Venice Beach Skatepark

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

When I was at the Skatepark I noticed that a few of the skaters were hyper-territorial about the park and separated into different groups of friends. They were trash talking each-other on their tricks and such. I must admit it’s pretty neat to watch the cool things they can do with a board.

Venice Beach sunset

Credit: Amatullah Guyot

I ended my short trip by watching the sunset behind a row palms.

Not a bad way to end a day at the boardwalk.

If you’re looking for more fun things to do in the neighborhood while you over in Venice Beach, check out this rundown of things to do in Venice Beach we’ve already compiled.

The Venice Beach Boardwalk is located along Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291.

For more information on a visit to Venice Beach, visit venicebeach.com.

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Happenings

Just a Friendly Reminder The LA Film Festival Starts Next Week

June 6, 2015 by Amatullah Guyot

Grab your popcorn and take your seat, the LA Film Festival is taking over the city between June 10 and June 18 for a nine day cinematic celebration.

The 21st annual LA. Film Festival, produced by Film Independent, will be showcasing some best in American and International cinema, including many filmmakers who have developed their craft here in Los Angeles.

The 2015 edition includes  more than 200 feature films, shorts, and music videos paired with red carpet premieres, special events and intimate meetings with renowned directors and actors.

Festival director Stephanie Allain told the L.A. Daily News that this year there is a special emphasis on independent film and diversity:

“We have fully embraced the mission of Film Independent, which is to support the community of artists who are diverse and have innovative points of view. Forty percent of (this year’s films) are by women and over 30 percent are directors of color.”

L.A. Film Festival 2015

Image via Film Independent on Facebook

Some of the most highly anticipated films for this year’s festival include Dope (previously seen at Sundance), the drug-addiction documentary A New High, and  Paul Weitz’s comedy Grandma, which stars Lily Tomlin and will screen on opening night.

The Festival screening venues are listed below, with showings spread across 9 days from June 10-18.

  • Regal Cinemas L.A. Live Stadium 14
  • The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live
  • FIGat7th
  • Union Station
  • LACMA

For more information and to purchase tickets for individual showings or festival passes, check out the complete list of screenings on the L.A. Film Festival website.

And, as always, enjoy!

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Happenings

Brace Yourselves… L.A. Beer Week is Coming on June 20th

June 5, 2015 by Amatullah Guyot

Brace yourselves: L.A. Beer Week is coming and it’s the perfect way to jumpstart the first official week of summer (if you’re old enough to drink that is).

Back for its 7th annual installment, LA Beer Week tips things off with a kickoff festival on June 20 and is followed by an expected 200+ mini events citywide during Beer Week 2015, including tap takeovers and beer dinners at local craft-brew spots all over Los Angeles. Make sure to check back on the L.A. Beer Week website for upcoming details of specific events.

The kickoff fest takes place at Exposition Park on Saturday, June 20  from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and will include 75+ attending breweries, live music and entertainment, food trucks, educational panel discussions, and a VIP private area.

L.A. Beer Week

Image via L.A. Beer Week on Facebook

General admission tickets for the Kickoff fest (which includes a commemorative tasting glass and samples of over 200 different types of beer, cider and home brewed sodas) are going for $45 via Eventbrite. Unfortunately it looks like the VIP tickets are already sold out.

All attendees must be 21+ or older and IDs will be checked at the entrance. Parking on site is available for $15 (cash only) per vehicle, so you may want to take public transit if you’re inclined.

Exposition Park is located at 700 Exposition Park Drive Los Angeles, CA 90037.

Have fun, and remember to drink responsibly!

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Happenings

So There are Free Outdoor Movie Screenings on the Redondo Beach Boardwalk Every Friday in June

May 28, 2015 by Amatullah Guyot

Grab your beach chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to chill out at the Redondo Beach Boardwalk for free sunset movie screenings throughout the month of June.

Each screening takes place on a Friday starting around 8:00pm (dusk) and is scheduled to end by 10:00pm. The movie series is being put together by The Redondo Pier Association.

Make a date or family event out of it, but either way it’s perfect for kicking off the weekend with beach vibes.  Just be sure to get there early to secure the perfect spot for your picnic setup.

Redondo Beach Pier Sunset

Redondo Beach Pier Sunset. Credit: Neil Kremer via flickr

Big Hero 6 and Up have already been selected to screen on the first two Fridays, but the final two Friday films are TBA (we will provide an update once those movies have been announced).

June 5 Big Hero 6

June 12 Up

June 19 Earth to Echo

June 26 Dolphin Tale 2

If you need information on parking for the event, check out the parking page on the Redondo Beach Pier website.

The Redondo Beach Pier movie screenings will take place at 100 Fisherman’s Wharf Redondo Beach 90277.

 

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News

So Disneyland is Going to Be Open 24 Hours Straight This Friday to Celebrate Their 60th Anniversary

May 20, 2015 by Amatullah Guyot

The happiest place on earth is turning 60 and celebrating its diamond anniversary with 24 hours of non-stop fun. Sleeping Beauty’s castle will be drenched in diamond lights and a revamped up fireworks display with light up the night sky as Disney celebrates the occasion.

Among the highlights are a ‘Disneyland Forever’ fireworks show will be accompanied a brand new ‘Paint the Night’ parade featuring Disney characters and 1.5 million LED lights.

Plus, there will even be a new ‘World of Color’ water and light show hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and Mickey Mouse.

Think this might be up your alley? Here’s what you need to know about the Diamond Celebration at Disneyland:

Disneyland opens at 6:00am. on May 22 for a 24-hour kickoff of the Diamond Celebration. Regular admission is required and crowds often reach maximum capacity at these special events. Plan to arrive at the gates by 5:00 a.m. and buy a Park Hopper ticket if you plan to see both Disneyland and California Adventure in 24 hours.

Even if you can’t make it this Friday, keep in mind extended hours are expected throughout the summer months and are generally 8:00. to midnight.

And just in case you aren’t one of the lucky people that get to attend the 24 hour party then there is always the live webcast if you’re really want to be there.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Disneyland’s official website.

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