With all of the stressful events that have happened since the beginning of this year, it can leave anyone feeling drained, so why not take a moment to reset and recharge? After all, unwinding isn’t just a luxury — it’s essential for boosting mental clarity, improving your mood, and finding your center again.
Whether it’s a quick breather to listen to your favorite song, jot down thoughts in a journal, or connect with a friend, small moments of self-care can work wonders. And if you’re craving more of an escape, we’ve rounded up some of the best local spots in Los Angeles to help you relax and reconnect with your inner peace. Treat yourself — you’ve earned it.
1. Make plans for a scenic drive
For a refreshing change of pace, plan a scenic drive. Winding roads along the coastline, like Pacific Coast Highway or Mulholland Drive, offer beautiful views that allow your mind to wander as you enjoy the landscape. Check out our favorite drives here!
2. Have some tea at this intimate tea house
Shiloh offers a serene, late-night teahouse experience where you can unwind and connect with others over carefully brewed tea and meaningful conversation. Nestled in the Arts District, it’s a perfect retreat for those looking to escape from the city’s hustle and enjoy a meditative ambiance. Reservations are required to ensure a calm, intimate setting.
🌐 Website: teaatshiloh.com
📍 Location: Arts District, DTLA, location revealed after reservation.
3. Take a nice walk (or hike) at one of L.A.’s parks or beaches
If you’d rather be outdoors, take a leisurely scenic walk in a place like Griffith Park or Echo Park Lake. Even just a short stroll surrounded by greenery can lift your spirits. Check out some of our favorite L.A. parks and local beaches that are perfect for a walk.
4. Check out one of L.A.’s best bookstores
For a mental break, visit one of L.A.’s beloved bookstores. You can get lost in shelves filled with stories and knowledge — the perfect distraction and escape from reality. Find the best L.A. bookstores here!
5. Have a coffee pick-me-up at one of L.A. best shops
If you pick up a book from one of L.A.’s best bookstores, then head on over to a coffee shop. Grab a coffee to keep you energized and present as you savor a few quiet moments with a good read. Check out our favorite L.A. coffee shops here!
6. Recenter yourself with some positive affirmations
It may seem silly, but there is scientific proof that saying positive affirmations to yourself can improve your mood and mental health. According to MentalHealth.com, positive affirmations can boost mental well-being by forming new neural pathways, making it easier to maintain a positive mindset. Regular practice can also enhance self-worth by engaging areas of the brain associated with self-evaluation, helping you focus on your strengths and values while minimizing negative emotions. Don’t believe it? Try it for yourself.
7. Slow down with some tea
If you’re seeking a quiet space, why not visit a local tea house? Intimate spots like Chado Tea Room provide an inviting space to sip ., decompress, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere. Check out our favorite tea spots here!
8. Find a free hiking group
Sometimes to get out of your head, you need to step outside. And the truth is, hiking is far more enjoyable with a supportive people that can motivate and inspire you. Luckily Los Angeles is home to numerous hiking groups. Here are a few of our favorites that you can join for free:
Please visit them directly for details on how to join them.
9. Join this nature journal club
Santa Monica Montain’s Nature Journal Club brings people together to take in the beauty around them and reflect through nature journaling. It’s a creative way to document your relationship with the outdoors by observing and recording the details around you. It helps you become present — where you can sketch, write notes, or add photos to capture what you see, hear, and feel. There’s no right or wrong way to do it — it’s about curiosity and connection. Nature journaling can also help you learn more about the natural world, making it an enjoyable mix of art, science, and personal reflection.
🌐 Website: smmnjc.com
10. Go music diving at a local record store
If music soothes your soul, explore a local record store to discover some new sounds to add to your playlist. These simple moments can bring you back to the present, helping you recharge and refocus. Here are some of our favorites:
11. Escape with this outdoor music collective
Floating is a collective that gathers every week to connect Angelenos through nature and music. They offer two outdoor experiences, Soundscapes and Soundbaths. Their experiences combine the beauty of nature and the power of music to satisfy all of of your senses. Read more about them here!
🌐 Website:feelslikefloating.com
12. Practice breath work with online or IRL
The Open Studio blends traditional practices with sensory immersion to create a deeply calming wellness experience. Through a mix of meditation, yoga, breathwork, and music, the studio guides you through relaxation techniques designed to rejuvenate your mind and body. The music complements each phase of the meditation, helping you unwind, connect, and find a sense of peace. Plus, with Open’s app, you can access live and recorded classes anytime, from anywhere, so you can start a breathwork session right when you need it most — bringing calm within reach.
🌐 Website: o-p-e-n.com
📍 Location: 57 Market St., Venice, CA
13. Get something warm in your belly
Nothing warms the heart (and stomach) quite like a comforting bowl of soup, and Los Angeles has a rich variety of flavors from around the world to explore. From cozy, in-person spots to convenient takeout options, the city’s soup scene is diverse and satisfying. Whether you’re craving something familiar or adventurous, here are some of the best places to find a warm bowl of comfort when you need a little spirit lift.
14. Take a pottery class at POT Studio
POT Studio is a space created by the community for the community. They offer an incredible space with creatives and artists in mind by providing pottery scholarships, sliding scale classes, and even free classes monthly for all levels. You can really escape and let your creative juices flow by making tazas, vases, bowls — and even unique sex pots. Their goal is to make the art of pottery accessible to everyone and anyone.
(You can also find more pottery classes and studios in L.A. here.)
🌐 Website: potstudiola.com
📍 Locations:
- Mid-City: 3228 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018
- Echo Park: 1933 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026
15. Laugh it all out at a local comedy club
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world — from music to comedy. And our comedy scene is full of legendary performers and clubs. It may come to no surprise that laughter is a powerful stress reliever. It’s a natural antidote to a demanding day. Scientifically proven to stimulate the brain and release endorphins, laughter is one of the best medicines — and there are plenty of comedy clubs in L.A. where you can laugh it all out!
16. Get lost in a movie
Movies offer the perfect escape, allowing you to daydream and transport yourself to new worlds. Whether you’re visiting a nostalgic, vintage theater or indulging in an ultra-luxe cinema experience, Los Angeles is home to a variety of venues that promise to take you on a cinematic journey. Here are some of the best places in L.A. to enjoy a movie and get lost in a film.