Best Way To Spend A Fall Day With The Family In The Los Angeles Area
Fall in Los Angeles is simply an extension of summer, at least where weather is concerned. Southlanders can count on sunny, hot days in which the entire family can enjoy. Whether that's done by going to a Dodger game, checking out a new restaurant or simply spending the day trying to perfect an uncharted water sport, the City of Angeles has it all. With that said, consider the following best options for how to spend an autumn day in LA with your entire clan while living life to the fullest.
Getting The Blues
Dodger Stadium
1000 Elysian Park Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 224-1507
www.losangeles.dodgers.mib.com
For good old-American baseball at its best, look no further than Dodger Stadium. Here, blue spirit thrives during the fall on the edge of downtown. From tailgate parties to Dodger dogs, picnic grub is definitely the fashion for this particular pastime, as is sitting in the stands wearing big gloves that make a very visual thumbs up whenever the Dodgers hit one out of the park. To be instantly one of the scene, take part in the 7th inning stretch as well as the wave should one of these massive crowd statements be started. Go Dodgers!
Getting Gas
Ford's Filling Station
9531 Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 202-1470
www.fordfillingstation.com
Chef Benjamin Ford (yes, that's actor Harrison Ford's son) introduced the gastropub concept to Los Angeles in 2004 and it has been going strong ever since. Still, there's nothing like the original outpost to get your fill of a standout American regional menu. Once seated in this brasserie-style eatery, expect all sorts of innovations offered on the menu. You will find such dishes like marinated pig's ear and fresh rainbow trout topped with salsa verde for extra zing. Speaking of zing, that's what you'll have in your step after dining with the family at this fabulous Culver City culinary spot that citizens from all over the city seek out on any particular warm fall day in LA.
Related: Hidden Gems in Los Angeles
High in the Sky
Malibu Kite Surfing
Malibu, CA 90263
(310) 430-5483
www.malibukitesurfing.com
Nothing says fun like flying a kite. But when you're connected to the kite by a surfboard, well, that's even more thrilling for those who would like to try out new water sport in the Southland. If kiting sounds like something you and your family would care to take on as a team, seek out Malibu Kitesurfing, arguably the best place to train for this exhilarating and rather rambunctious pursuit. First, you'll want to sign up for an introductory course that will teach you how to react when heading out into the Pacific with your rig in place. Sign up for a class today.
Bikes by Sea
Long Beach Hydrobikes
110 N. Marina Drive
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 546-2493
www.lbhydrobikes.com
If pedaling a cycle in the water instead of on land sounds like fun to your family, try taking a day out for hydrobiking fun. This racy sport is best done through this devoted Long Beach outfit that offers the entire tribe, including your family dog, a chance to get in on the action at a very reasonable price. So, grab your own personal pooch (who, by the way, rides free) and head for the open seas. Note: One destination popular with keen hydrobiking crowds are the Naples Island Canals, so ask about that option when you rent from Long Beach Hydrobikes.
Slumber Party
Lowes Santa Monica Beach Hotel
1700 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-6700
www.santamonicaloweshotel
For the one big splurge when the hot autumn weather's got you down and when you want to treat your family to a destination date on the water, book in for a full day of luxury at Lowes Santa Monica Beach Hotel. As the name infers, this deluxe property is located right on the beach, edging the Pacific and overlooking the Santa Monica Pier and all its carnival-like delights. On the premises are a host of top amenities including a huge pool, a great spa, some marvelous restaurants and even a dog park. So, if you're looking to answer every member of your clan's cravings for a fulfilling fall activity that will make memories, book this grand retreat that definitely provides enough respite and recharging to last out the entire fall season, and probably then some.
Related: Best Water Play in Los Angeles
Los Angeles freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.
