Complete Guide To A Los Angeles Staycation
By Jane Lasky
There's no doubt that traveling abroad is exciting, but you know what's equally thrilling? Not traveling. Hanging out with your friends and family. Staycationing. Because the thing is, there's never a dull moment in the City of Angels—unless you plan one. Here's how to meet your relaxation quotient without leaving the city limits.
Get Away From The Fray
Casting your pole in this former reservoir that teems with everything from catfish and bluegill to crayfish and rainbow trout is a relaxing way to start off your Los Angeles staycation. Hit up Echo Park Lake on the East side in the afternoon after securing a fishing license and you're all set for some action—or not. No bites? Take a break and rent a pedal boat for leg-strengthening exercise and a better view of this body of water waiting for you in this improbable urban setting.
Take On Glitzy Tinseltown Newcomers
Just opened on May 2, 2017 at The Hollywood Roosevelt's Tropicana Pool, The Rosy Oyster beckons with a glimpse of some old-school Hollywood glamour. Choose a seat either indoors or out and expect to settle in for a while to sample the extensive oyster bar as you are the center of attention in a way that makes you feel like a movie star. Reservations are not an option, but the experience is worth a wait. Another new joint staycationers should check out (or, check into) is the dog-friendly Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown, a spiffy lodging facility featuring a touch-screen guide to the neighborhood in the lobby and cityscapes on the walls of the gussied-up guest rooms.
Go Rogue For Outdoor Art
The Garden of Oz is only open to the public for exactly two hours each week: On Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Situated not far from the Hollywood Sign on a steep, narrow Hollywood Hills street (3040 North Ledgewood Drive, to be exact), this magical area that bloomed into being in 1991 as a well-curated residential rose garden eventually evolved into Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument, No. 996. Explore the grounds and take in a cool collection of cooperative public art from some 75 creators in different themed sections such as Elvis and, of course, The Wizard of Oz. Expect all kinds of tile work and all manner of dual purpose sculptures (the throne is a must-see). Only in Hollywood.
Get In The Game
Craving company, a little competition and some simple grub? Go straight to Glendale's GameHaus for a unique haven that is home to some 1,000 board games. Located at historical Seeley Studios and adorned with exposed brick walls and giant steel pillars, this special spot will keep you involved for hours of fun. On the other hand, if you're keen to strategize more seriously during a staycation night, sign up to overtake one of many escape rooms in the City of Angels, like The Quest Factory, at which teams work against each other to be the first to uncover the key to freedom. Sound intriguing? It is! After all of that teamwork at either venue, head for 1739 Public House in Los Feliz for a night cap.
