2019 in Los Angeles was unusually rainy and cloudy for the first part of the year. We are so used to (and spoiled) by our sunshine 🌞 that it had us seriously craving those long, warm summer days.
Well, don’t worry Angelenos its August now and Summer has finally arrived! And those warm sunny days are here every day (at least for now) to help you forget about all those clouds we had in the Spring and the start of Summer.
And in this article we have you covered for when you are looking for ways to beat the heat on these long Summer days.
1 – Play in a Splash Pad @Grand Park
Description:
Grand Park located in the heart of our cities civic center and has developed into the cultural centerpiece for Downtown LA.
There are constantly free and community-centric events going on all year in Grand Park. But one of our favorites is when their epic Splash pads open up for Summer.
Right in front of the beautiful grand fountain dozens of little, jumping sprays of water dance out of the concrete to the delight of kids and adults alike.
You can pack up a picnic and a bathing suit and cool off in the most fun way possible.
Location:
200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Pic Credit:@grandpark_la
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Grand Park is located in an amazing area to conveniently explore the best of what DTLA has to offer. Within short walking distance to the Music Center, Disney Concert Hall, The Broad, Otium, MOCA and much more.
So bring a towel and some dry clothes so you explore DTLA culture after cooling off at the splash pads.
2 – Enjoy Epic Water Rides @Knotts Soak City
Description:
If you want to get Wet and Wild take a quick trip South to Buena Park for one of the best water attraction rides in SoCal, Knotts Soak City.
Yes, there is just cooling off and there is cooling off while enjoying epic and thrilling rides.
Knott’s Soak City, is a water adventure park right next door to Knott’s Theme Park.
Soak City boasts 17 speed, tube and body slides for tons of wet ‘n’ wild good times. There are thrilling over the top rides like seven-story slide Shore Break, which offers six different thrilling water slide experiences.
Or a few more low key family friendly rides like The Wedge raft ride which allows you to navigate some gentle twists and turns on your way down the slide tower — along with a few surprise drops, just to keep things interesting.
Be sure to bring your towel and your swimsuit, because no one gets out of Soak City without getting wet!
Location:
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
PIC Credit:@visitanaheim
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You can usually get discount tickets to Knotts Soak City at Goldstar so be sure to check their first.
Here is a LINK
3 – Burn Your Core w/ SUP in Marina del Rey
Description:
Not only is Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) a great way to cool off and relax on the water but it offers a killer workout as well!
There are some great flat water locations in the Los Angeles area where you can get in a good workout with worrying about falling in.
If you are experienced just hit up one of the rental spots and you will be on the water in minutes.
If you are a beginner I highly recommend Sup with Wade. You can see his 5 Star Yelp Reviews here
I personally took a lesson from him and can vouch that he has earned his stellar reputation with his humor, teaching style and passion for SUP!
Location:
PIC Credit:@thenoeltoledo
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If you are beginner Stand Up PaddleBoarder we highly recommend you start with flat water (a Marina, Lake etc). I have gone many times in a Marina and had no problems.
When I went once in the actual Ocean I could barely stand up, and it was a totally different experience.
One of the best spots for beginners is Marina del Rey because of the calm still water and easy rental options available.
4 – Do Some Laps at an Olympic Worthy Pool @ Los Angeles Swim Stadium
Description:
Swim like a world champion in a real-life historical Olympic pool that is now open to the public.
The John C Argue Swim Stadium was actually specifically constructed for and originally used for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
This Olympic worthy facility has both a family pool and a competition pool and both are in operation year-round.
It is a beautiful pool and facility and how many people can say they have swum in a place designed for Olympians?
Location:
PIC Credit@alonthemove
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This is a public run pool so there is a ton of inefficiency. Mainly being there is a ton of rules and no one to explain them to you. We put some tips below to save you some headaches.
Tip 1 – You enter to the far left of the building & buy a ticket then circle back to the entrance. If you have small children, you each get a matching wrist band which means you agree to stay close to your child at all times while in the facility.
Tip 2 – once you enter, you go to the locker room & change into your swim clothes, they won’t let you into the pool area unless you are ready with your swimsuit on.
Tio 3 -They won’t let you bring stuff into the pool area. You must store your bags & there are two options for this.
A)- Use lockers and bring your own lock. B) – use their “bag drop off” where you can leave your bags & they give you a pin with a # which you attach to your swimsuit & bring back to exchange for your bags.
4 – Next you shower off before heading out to the pool. Other than yourself in your swimsuit, you can only take a towel, your flip flops, your sunscreen & a water bottle.
5 – Take the Kids to a Water Playground @Verdugo Aquatic Center
Description:
The Verdugo Recreation Center is a sweet little Summertime gem for folks in Burbank looking to catch a break from the Valley heat.
Its a nice large outdoor pool on one side and a kids water playground on the other. They also have 2 very popular water slides. It’s not what you would get from a full water park but much better than what you would expect at a community pool.
If you live in the area its a no brainer to hit this place up for some fun Summer fun in the water. They have plenty of fun water structures to entertain the kids and an amazing full size pool for the more serious swimmer.
Location:
3201 W Verdugo Ave, Burbank, CA 91505
PIC Credit:@willflanninganrealty
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You do not need to live in Burbank to use the facility but you will receive a discount if you do and can prove residency.
This spot is popular and pretty much sells out every day its open during the Summer. You can call for presale tickets (only 40 available each day and open only to Burbank residents) or you can just show up about a 1/2 hour before opening to stand in line for same day tickets and you should be OK.
Here is their schedule
6 – Take a Natural Dip @Malibu Creek Rock Pools
Description:
We are getting back to nature for our last suggestion. A spectacular nature it is! There are of course many amazing hikes to choose from in the Los Angeles area but not many have a beautiful Creek to take a dip in and cool off as a reward.
This trip is more for an experienced hiker who doesn’t mind getting wet but if that’s you then adding Malibu Creek Rock pool to your list is a must. You will want to be very careful though. It is named Rock Pool with good reason so just jumping in you could get hurt.
Location:
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
PIC Credit:@giuliascavuzzi
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To get to the trailhead: The entrance to Malibu Creek State Park is located on the west side of Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road between the 101 and PCH, 6.1 miles from the coast (just south of Mulholland Highway). There is a $12 entrance fee to park inside the park and there is also parking available outside the park
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!