The Best Outdoor Venues in Los Angeles for a Weekend Out
Los Angeles offers near-perfect year-round weather and an incredible range of outdoor venues spanning historic amphitheaters, rooftop cinemas, and coastal gathering spots. Here are the top outdoor venues in LA and how to make the most of them on a weekend.
1. The Hollywood Bowl (Hollywood Hills)
Best for: Iconic live music, picnics, and summer nights.
Why visit: Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, the Bowl is an quintessential LA experience. For select non-lease concerts, you can pack your own picnic basket with full meals, wine, and beer.
Weekend tip: Take the park-and-ride shuttles from Hollywood & Highland or the LA Zoo to avoid the notorious stacked parking lots. Arrive 90 minutes before showtime to enjoy dinner in the surrounding picnic grounds.
2. Greek Theatre (Griffith Park)
Best for: Intimate outdoor concerts surrounded by nature.
Why visit: Tucked into the eucalyptus-lined canyons of Griffith Park, the Greek offers a more intimate 5,900-seat amphitheater vibe than the Bowl. Excellent acoustics and great sightlines make any weekend show memorable.
Weekend tip: Pair an evening show with a late afternoon hike up to the Griffith Observatory or along the nearby canyon trails.
3. Rooftop Cinema Club (DTLA & Arts District)
Best for: Casual weekend date nights and skyline views.
Why visit: Combining skyline backdrops, deck chairs, wireless headphones, and cocktail service, this venue elevates open-air movie watching.
Weekend tip: Book a double deck chair in advance and arrive early to catch golden hour over Downtown LA before the film begins.
4. Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Hollywood)
Best for: Cinespia movie screenings and cultural festivals.
Why visit: During spring and summer weekends, Cinespia transforms the Fairbanks Lawn into a massive outdoor screening party with DJ sets, themed photo booths, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Weekend tip: Line up early on Santa Monica Blvd with blankets, low-profile beach chairs, and a picnic spread. Tickets for popular screenings often sell out weeks in advance.
5. The Ford (Cahuenga Pass)
Best for: Diverse arts programming and local artist showcases.
Why visit: Operated by the LA Phil, this 1,200-seat outdoor amphitheater features steep hillside seating and an intimate stage that showcases local indie bands, dance troupes, and world music.
Weekend tip: Like the Bowl, many Ford shows permit bringing your own food and drinks to enjoy on the entryway terrace before the performance.
6. Santa Monica Pier & Pacific Park (Santa Monica)
Best for: Coastal breezes, open-air festivals, and twilight events.
Why visit: Beyond the classic amusement park rides, the pier hosts weekend farmers markets, twilight concert series, and outdoor community events right over the Pacific.
Weekend tip: Take the Metro E Line straight to Downtown Santa Monica to avoid beach parking congestion.
Quick Weekend Checklist
Layer up: LA temperatures drop quickly once the sun sets in the canyons and near the coast.
Transit: Utilize Metro lines or dedicated venue shuttles where available.
Picnic policy: Always check the venue’s specific BYOB/food guidelines for the scheduled event before packing.