WINTER WONDERLAND

Whether you like it or not, it’s a Winter WonderLAnd (even in LA). And while we don’t have the snow, the temperatures have dipped (a bit) — but don’t let that get you down. La La Land still has lots to offer when the ocean temps are less than enticing.

Why? Because most people (probably not unlike yourself) are thinking it’s too cold. Nonsense. I mean, you’re probably not jettin’ out for a swim, but it's a great way to beat the crowdes without shelling out the big bucks for the privilege. And even if the temps are a little chilly, we’ve got you covered (literally). With jackets, hoodies, and sweaters like the Irwin, Burns, and Vernon, you’ll be all warmed up for when the sun goes down.

Winter weekdays are the way to go. Are you going to walk onto the rides? No, but that’s never going to happen, so we settle for slightly less crowded.

PRO TIP: Get the Disney MaxPass. You will very literally maximize your experience, particularly if you arrive as the park opens. The Disney MaxPass is $15 per ticket, but it takes the Fast Pass experience into a digital form on your phone. Speaking from experience, if you start the MaxPass just as the park opens, you can time it so you’re basically going ride to ride all day long. And when you’re shelling out for the steadily increasing Disneyland experience, you may as well get as much bang for your buck.

From Monet to Manet, Rembrandt to Van Gogh, The Getty is a must-go. Located high on the Brentwood hilltop, The Getty is a place where you go for the art, but stay for the view. Boasting panoramic views, giving you a glimpse of the hills, downtown LA, and stretching all the way to the sea, it’s the type of place that would make your list, even without the added benefit of a cultural dive into the all-time greats of the art world.

PRICE: FREE (who can argue with that?)

What’s better than a doughnut? A warm doughnut, obviously. Bottom line, we can’t guarantee hot doughtnuts here, BUT the turnover on doughnuts (because they are seriously so good/in demand) practically guarantees you that one of any of their award winning variety is going to be fresh out of the frier and glistening with melty, glazy goodness. We’re not here to tell you which doughnut(s) to buy….BUT don’t even think about leaving without buying the Butter & Salt! It’s a game changer.

There are plenty of hikes in LA and all of them pleasing, but we’re gonna recommend making your way to Malibu for the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon where the ocean meets the mountains. It’s the best of both worlds. There’s nothing intimidating about this 2.4 mile hike, where you’ll experience panoramic views, wild sage, and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the PCH below. With plenty of free parking on PCH, or a $5 charge at the trailhead lot, you’ll be up and running (well, maybe walking) in no time.

And when the hike is over, consider stopping off at Malibu Seafood. I mean, it’s right there at the base, so why not? Inevitably, there will be a line, but a) it moves quickly and b) it’s well worth it! And did we mention the ocean view? Done.