Studio Courses At The Getty:
The Getty is definitely one of our favorite places in L.A., and the chance to enjoy a studio course in the inspiring space seems too good of an opportunity to pass up. The hands-on classes are taught by practicing artists, and are related to pieces that are currently on view. Check out the site to see what's happening each weekend!
The Getty Museum, 1200 Getty Center Drive; 310-440-7330.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding At Cove Paddle Fitness:
So maybe you won't be surfer gold like Kate Bosworth in Blue Crush, but stand up paddle boarding may still be right up your alley. Cove Paddle Fitness offers fun private lessons (in Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice and Marina Del Ray) that will get you out on the water and give you workout. It’s a win-win. Another option is ZumaJ right up PCH!
Cove Paddle Fitness, 310-429-2058.
Photos, clockwise from left: Courtesy of The Getty Museum and Cove Paddle Fitness.
Take A (Scenic) Hike:
There’s an endless amount of awesome trails in L.A., but our faves are on the Westside: Solstice Canyon and Temescal Gateway Park. Both hikes have breathtaking views of the ocean, some epic waterfall action, and make for a great Sunday day trip. Oh, and it's totally FREE (hint for Temescal: park on the street to avoid annoying State Park car storage fees!).
Solstice Canyon, Corral Canyon Road and Solstice Canyon Road, Malibu; Temescal Gateway Park, 15601 Sunset Boulevard, Pacific Palisades; 310-539-3200.
Bring Out Your Inner Michelin Chef At EATZ LA:
Awaken your inner Gordon Ramsay (minus the 'tude) at these awesome cooking classes. The large kitchen and small class size guarantees that the professional chefs will let you hone in on your cooking/baking techniques – they'll even teach you how to make sushi!
EATZ LA, 612 North La Brea Avenue (at Melrose Avenue); 310-824-3586.
Get Behind the (Pottery) Wheel at Bitter Root Pottery:
Feel like channeling Demi in Ghost? Then head to Bitter Root Pottery’s weekend classes to become a clay-molding pro. You’ll learn how to sculpt all sorts of masterpieces and be glazing and firing in no time. We were only half-kidding about the Ghost thing.
Bitter Root Pottery, 7451 Beverly Boulevard (at North Vista Street); 323-938-5511.
Indoor Rock Climbing at Rockreation:
Get your climb on at this Santa Monica adventure spot. They offer classes for all levels, and you’ll learn safety as well as the techniques of belaying and climbing an indoor rock wall like it’s Mount Kilmanjaro.
Rockreation, 11866 La Granga Avenue (at Armacost Avenue); 310-207-7199.
Jump 'n’ Jive at Third Street Dance:
One-two step your way over to 3rd Street for these awesome weekend dance classes. And don’t worry if you look more like McLovin than Julianne Hough while busting a move! The pros have you covered and will glide you through tango lessons on Saturday and hip-hop classes on Sunday.
Third Street Dance, 8558 West 3rd Street (at South Holt Avenue); 310-275-4683.
Feed Your Brain at UCLA Extension:
Get a little dose of the good ol' college days with UCLA’s extension courses. They’ve got a bunch of stellar courses like Classic Drawing (you'll be a DaVinci drawer in no time), language classes and an intro to Feng Shui. Sign us up!
UCLA Extension, 405 Hilgard Avenue, 310-825-4321.
Work Your Green Thumb At Guerrilla Gardening:
Looking to combine gardening with volunteering? Get in on Guerilla Gardening! The organization’s goal is to brighten up the City of Angels with pretty plants and flowers, and offer up gardening education. Perfect for the gardening-connoisseur, or even if you’ve just been itching to unearth your green thumb and get your hands dirty.
Guerilla Gardening; no phone.
Volunteer At Operation Gratitude:
Help out the troops with Operation Gratitude. The non-profit organization sends super-thoughtful care packages to U.S. soldiers and their families, and you can get in on the action by helping assemble them on weekends. Check out their site for upcoming dates and times.
National Guard Armory, 17330 Victory Boulevard (at Louise Avenue), Van Nuys; 818-758-2641.
Take Horseback Riding Lessons:
If you’re looking to channel your inner John Wayne, saddle up and go horseback riding at Traditional Equitation School (one of the oldest and largest in L.A.). Whether you’re a beginner or an ace, you’ll learn the art of classical riding and how to groom, saddle and handle a horse.
Traditional Equitation School, 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank; 818-569-3666.