July 11, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

5 Fun Things to do on the Westside this Summer

With the price of gas so high, the idea of a “stay-cation†is appealing to more and more Westsiders. So if you’re looking for an alternative to the yearly trip to the French Riviera, consider all of the fun things you can do here.

surfing

1. Take Surfing Lessons
If you have been living in Los Angeles for a while and don’t know how to surf, shame on you! But it’s not too late to redeem yourself and take a lesson or two. Surfing L.A. offers lessons for beginners and advanced students of all ages in Pacific Palisades and Malibu. They provide the boards, wetsuits and boots, and offer several packages to choose from. If you want a one-on-one lesson, it will cost you about $150 but if you don’t mind learning in a group, an hour and a half with the instructor will cost you between $65 and $85 per person. For more information, visit www.surfingla.com

Wine Tasting

2. Go Wine Tasting
If you were thinking about taking a trip to Napa or Sonoma to go wine tasting this summer, why not consider going to some of the local wineries on the Westside? The Malibu wine country’s 50 vineyards produce 15 labels distributed across the country. Malibu Family Wines offers different packages for wine tasting and also hosts private events, gatherings and tours of the property upon request. Rosenthal Estate Wines is another big producer of Malibu’s finest wines. For more information, visit www.malibuwine.com or www.rosenthalestatewines.com

Horseback Riding

3. Ride a Horse
What could be more romantic or relaxing than taking a ride in the Santa Monica Mountains on the back of a gentle horse? Whether you are a first-timer who wants to learn how to ride, or you are planning a romantic day or fun afternoon with family and friends, an instructor can make it happen and take you on trails overlooking the most beautiful scenery on the Westside. Find out more about a real cowboy turned instructor on page 44. For more information, call (310) 450-6627, (818) 510-2245 or visit www.maliburiders.com

Santa Monica Pier

4. Rediscover the Santa Monica Pier
It’s been there since 1909, yet it doesn’t get old. The world-renowned pier is in our backyard and tourists from around the world come to enjoy food and rides over looking the ocean. Westsiders should take advantage of this amusement park located only a few minutes from their homes. If you haven’t yet, take a ride on the new Ferris wheel that was just inaugurated last month. Enjoy an ice cream while watching the sunset over the ocean. For more information visit www.santamonicapier.org

Hiking

5. Go Hiking
Summer is the perfect time and weather to get out of the city without driving too far. Revive your relationship with nature and take a hike up the many trails throughout the Santa Monica Mountains National Parks. The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority offers many public programs such as fitness hikes, educational hikes, nighttime hikes, etc. in Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills. For more information, visit www.lamountains.com

Summer is all about fun activities. Don’t forget to check out our calendar of events!

in News
Related Posts

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

The Reservoir Play Opens at Geffen Playhouse

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The play follows Josh, whose life is unraveling, as he receives unconventional support from his grandparents. Their unsolicited advice, judgments,...

Angelini Grill Opens Limited Run at Peninsula Beverly Hills

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The menu includes tableside Dover Sole, lobster salad, and a signature pasta tasting A new culinary collaboration, Angelini Grill, launched...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

The Bar at Century Plaza to Celebrate National Caviar Day with Exclusive Tastings

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The seven-hour event will feature exclusive caviar tastings and champagne pairings The Bar at Fairmont Century Plaza will host a...

Westwood Village Cooking Class to Showcase Spanish Paella

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The class will guide participants through crafting both seafood and vegetarian versions of the iconic Spanish dish Food enthusiasts will...

Unmasking ICE: Senators Push for Visible IDs After Secretive LA Immigration Raids

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bill Requires Federal Agents to Display Visible Identification During Raids U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) on...

Bacio di Latte’s Beverly Hills Gelateria Debut Blends Italian Tradition with California Cool

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Gelateria Features In-House Gelato, Espresso Drinks, and Decadent Signature Flavors Bacio di Latte has officially opened its latest U.S. flagship...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

Brentwood Feels Impact as Feds Slash Office Leases Across Los Angeles

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

New Tracker Reveals Over 70,000 Square Feet Cut in 2025 Alone Los Angeles County’s office market is experiencing a fresh...

Lost Bunny on the Beat: Beverly Hills Police Seek Owner of Wayward Rabbit

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Fluffy Wanderer Found Near City Hall, BHPD Caring for Missing Pet The Beverly Hills police are caring for a domestic...

Interview: The Dinah Creator Mariah Hanson on Legacy, Change, and the Future of Queer Celebration

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

After 34 Groundbreaking Years, Hanson Reflects on Joy, Power, and Her Final Dinah  We spoke with Mariah Hanson, the creator...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

One Last Bite: La Novia Bids Farewell with Final Pop-Up at Cardinale du Vin

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Inventive Latin-Asian Pop-up Serves Seasonal Small Plates for One-Night-Only La Novia, the pop-up kitchen known for its inventive Latin-Asian flavors,...