We made it! Now it’s time to celebrate with this list of incredible things to do in L.A. this month.
Last year felt like a lifetime. But the new year is finally here and with it comes tons of exciting activities. While things aren’t quite back to normal, there are still (safe) ways to keep you busy for the month. Whether it’s horseriding in the Santa Monica mountains or planning your post-lockdown bucket list, here are 60 fantastic things to check out this January:
1. Shake And Destress With Open-Air Silent Disco Yoga
It’s been a rough year, so naturally, your number one priority for the new one should be your physical and mental health. And there is no better way to shake off that 2020 anxiety and reconnect with yourself than this fresh take on yoga. Your journey will start with a welcome tea. Then you’ll have 3-4 custom music selections to choose from to make you feel your best self. Book your session here.
2. Create Your Own Beautiful Ceramics In A Live Pottery Class With Gina Zycher
Handcrafted artworks can add character to any space and they definitely beat any the run of the mill items you’d pick up at Target or IKEA. In this hour-long class with well-known LA-based studio potter Gina Zycher, you’ll learn how to shape your own ceramic creation from scratch. You’ll be taken through the in and outs of the clay artform that Zycher uses to make her own vibrant works. Discover your new favorite hobby and book your spot here.
3. Catch A Classic Movie On A 52-Foot Screen
The Rooftop Cinema Club has taken over the Santa Monica Airport with an incredible lineup of films. While it was only supposed to be around for the holidays, the movie mavens have chosen to bless Angelenos with another month of magic. Tickets sell out fast and this cinematic experience is not to be missed, so don’t wait! Find out more here.
4-13. Explore These Surreal Places You Won’t Believe Are In L.A.
It’s no secret that Los Angeles is utterly brimming with diversity and creativity, so why not use this time to discover and rediscover local gems? From tiled gems to enchanting structures based on fairytales, every corner offers a new adventure. Here are some of our favorite weird and wonderful places across Los Angeles that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world
14. Take A Virtual Wizarding Tour of The MET
Join this virtual, interactive magic-inspired tour at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This tour is a virtual adaptation of “Griffins, Goblets and Gold,” the interactive tour at the Met. Make connections between the books and the art, see places and spaces that might remind you of those in the stories, and be prepared to discuss some of the influences on the series. Book your ticket to this enchanting world here.
15-24. Escape To One Of These Lush Hidden Gardens Around L.A.
While it’s not always possible to head to some of the glorious national parks or go on a retreat in some of California’s incredible outdoor destinations, Angelenos are spoilt for choice when it comes to pockets of greenery to explore. So if you’re looking for a little outdoor solitude but don’t necessarily have a day to dedicate to the whole of Griffith Park, then here are the lesser-known spaces in L.A. to explore.
25. Float Over The California Countryside With A Hot Air Balloon
Defy gravity and glide amongst the clouds above the scenic landscapes of Perris-Temecula Valley. Once your feet are firmly back on the ground, you’ll be treated to delicious snacks and coffee. Book your flight here.
26. Tantalize Your Taste Buds With This Hot New Mixology Experience
Ladies and gents, get ready to enter a world of tipsy temptation. Come inside the Speakeasy On Demand and indulge yourself while Madame Lulu and her terrific troupe lead you through a night full of tantalizing cocktails and fabulous performances by some of the top cirque, burlesque and theatrical performers in the world! Tipsy temptation awaits. Book your tickets here.
27. Look Back On All The Incredible Moments From 2020
While we would all rather leave 2020 behind, some moments weren’t absolutely terrible. Take a look at some of the most memorable events that happened in L.A.
28-32. Hike To One Of These Amazing Spots While Tourists Are Away
It’s time to head to all the trails you’d normally avoid because of tourists. Sure, the new restrictions have knocked the cheer right out of us, but hiking trails are still open! And nothing is quite as joyous as enjoying the iconic treks across the city with fewer people interrupting the breathtaking views of L.A. See our top five trails to take advantage of during these quieter times here.
34-39. Plan Your Post-Lockdown Bucket List
The halt on travel has not only made us appreciate all the incredible natural spaces the city has to offer a little more, but it’s also made us think more carefully about how we spend our time. So while you may have to stay put, for now, you can use this time to curate an incredible California bucket list. Here are a few ideas:
- Stay In On Of These Cute Wagons In A Serene, Rural Setting Near L.A.
- 10 Surreal Places Around L.A. That Will Transport You To Another World
- This Charismatic Dive Bar In Bombay Beach Is 223 Feet Below Sea Level
- Two Rare Waterfalls Flow Onto Beaches In California, And They’re Absolutely Magical
- These Breathtaking Black Sand Beaches Offer An Exotic Escape On California Shores
40. Get A Taste Of Blazing Gourmet Cuisine With Craft Cocktails And Breathtaking Views At L.A.’s Hottest Dining Experience
While the hospitality industry has been a little quieter than usual, Gastro Garage has been reigniting the scene at W Hollywood with a culinary spectacle that’s keeping the night skies aglow. The rooftop’s already popular ‘Torched’ pop-up experience serves up dinner and a show as chefs (or “gastro mechanics”) cook your meal in front of you using industrial-sized torches! Think vintage-style garage workmen toasting upscale fare to perfection with blowtorches, in a luxurious outdoor setting. Plan ahead and book this unique experience here.
41. Support Local Businesses With Takeouts
The vibrant hospitality scene in L.A. is undoubtedly one of the city’s greatest assets. It adds a rich and complex dynamic that unites West Coast melting. Whether it’s the street food tacos, incredible Oaxacan food, mindboggling micheviches, or high-end sushi, the lives of Angelenos just wouldn’t be the same without these passionate culinary creators. With the new L.A. County order goes into effect, ceasing all in-person dining, the best way to make sure these businesses are here tomorrow is to enjoy their offerings as takeouts and deliveries. So, we asked our Secret L.A. readers to name some of their favorite local restaurants, bars and wineries. See the full list here.
42. Craft And Design Your Own Holiday Decor With This Wood Workshop
Turn your house into a home with gorgeous signs and decor crafted by none other than yourself. At this DIY wood workshop, you’ll delve into the beauty of different woods and become familiar with knots and natural variations that make each design unique. Then, you’ll learn how to sand, distress and assemble your boards. After that, the real fun begins. Choose whether you want to paint or stain your board and personalize the using their custom stencils from incredible graphic designers. Book your session here.
43. Buckle Up And Go On A Multisensory Ride At The Electric Mile Drive-Thru
If you’ve been waiting for something to fill the stadium-sized hole in your life, then the wait is over…well, almost. The creators of Electric Daisy Carnival–the largest electronic dance music festival in North America–are bringing an electrifying drive-thru event to Santa Anita Park in Arcadia on January 1, 2021, with their signature high-octane festival energy! Expect a kaleidoscopic holiday experience that will have the whole family completely mesmerized.
44. See If You Can Stay One Jump Ahead Of The Puzzle With This Virtual Escape Room
Inspired by the colorful world of 1001 Nights, this virtual escape room works outside of the creative limits of physical escape rooms, bringing daring puzzles and magical events to the comfort of your home. Book your ticket and see if you’re better than a common thief.
45. Pretend It’s Winter With These Delicious Hot Chocolate Treats
L.A.’s version of winter is more like fall to anyone from a city with actual seasons. While we’re not complaining about the warmer climate, we are partial to enjoying the seasonal treats even if it’s still sunny over here—which means winter calls for at least a few hot chocolates. Besides, numerous studies have shown that chocolate may help anxiety thanks to the stress-reducing antioxidants. Not to mention its ability to increase serotonin levels! So after this year, drinking hot chocolate is basically just a necessary therapy. Here are 5 places to get indulgent cups of pure heaven to get you through the season.
46-55. Be A Tourist In Your Own City At These Empty Attractions
With L.A.’s usual influx of tourists halted and the surge in cases sending the city into a new lockdown tier, it’s a bit like walking around a giant set with no actors. So, if you’ve ever wanted actually to see Hollywood Boulevard’s paving, now is the time. Here are 7 iconic attractions that will probably never be this quiet again (we sincerely hope, at least).
Featured Image: The Japanese Garden