Best Things To Do Labor Day Weekend In Los Angeles
(credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Those three days that unofficially fall between summer and autumn are days to be wrapped up in memories until the next holiday comes along. With that in mind, choose to do something special on Labor Day weekend, like getting together for a barbecue, settling in for a family singalong or going fishing at your favorite spot. For those who want to go a bit more fancy, following are five ways for Angelenos to celebrate in style on the American holiday weekend that ends on Monday, September 1.
(credit: Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour)
Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour
1 St. Catherine Way
Avalon, CA 90704
(877) 778-8322
www.visitcatalinaisland.com
A two-hour tour of Santa Catalina Island via zip line will surely get the next part of 2014 off to the right start. Opt to enjoy this adventure starting at Hog's Back gate. From there, five independent zip lines drop from this high point through Descanso Canyon until finally reaching the beach, your drop-off point. During all of this zipping through wild terrain, you'll stop at a number of eco stations along the way down, thus getting to know a whole bunch about Catalina Island and all of its natural assets. In fact, that's what this zippity-do-dah is all about.
(credit: Descanso Gardens)
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 949-4200
www.descansogardens.org
Brilliant roses, crape myrtle and cassia are all in bloom through Labor Day weekend at Descanso Gardens, a giant botanical garden that entertain Angelenos and visitors alike all year 'round. An entire day devoted to the local blooms found in places like the rosarium and the lilac garden are augmented by the Japanese Tea House and a stunning bird sanctuary, Those who visit will not only get a chance to enjoy the flora but also the silence at this stunning outpost that runs its own miniature Enchanted Railroad diesel train around the premises.
(credit: Amanda I./Yelp)
Ace Hotel
929 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 623-3233
www.acehotel.com
How about getting out of the house while still staying in the City of Angeles, earning you a rest from your regular routine? Add to that a chance to be pampered at the same time. Check into a hotel of your choosing in whatever area of LA seems to beckon. One great idea is to plunk you and your family down into the middle of downtown Los Angeles at newly opened Ace Hotel for a chance to see the inner city from the inside. This boutique retreat is housed in the former United Artists building, built in 1927, an extremely ornate icon. Inside, a stark contrast to the modern rooms deliver retro flair, up to and including amenities such as Revo radios. And the best part of this pet-friendly palace? There's a swimming pool on the roof, a great place to splash around during Labor Day weekend.
(credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 221-3343
www.cinespia.org
A night under the stars during Labor Day weekend can be done in so many ways, but one of the most enchanting (and, OK, a bit terrifying, too) is to head for Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Saturday, August 30 to enjoy an outdoor screening of "A Clockwork Orange." As part of the Cinespia summer series at this famous burial site, this Stanley Kubrick film, arguably his most famous flick, will give new meaning to the concept of maverick movie watching of the scary kind and al fresco style to boot.
(credit: Cesar R./Yelp)
Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas Barbecue
8136 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91402
(818) 780-6701
www.hoglywogly.com
You don't have to spend a fortune to go to a restaurant to enjoy a Labor Day barbecue, nor do you have to make a mess at your house in order to enjoy this tasty cuisine. Indeed, while Los Angeles lays claim to plenty of these types of dining outposts devoted to this form of outdoor cooking, this Valley eatery won't disappoint. Everything is cooked in an authentic brick pit, producing such favorites as pulled pork, Texas style hot links, spareribs and beef brisket. Had your share of the main course but not done yet? Order a slice of sweet potato pie, and an extra piece to take home for later. Talk about living high on the hog.
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