21 Golden Ideas for a Staycation In Los Angeles in 2025

Planning a staycation in Los Angeles but stuck in a rut with the same old plans? We've got you covered. While going to a new exotic location is always exciting, sometimes work, budget or life in general means we need to stay in our city. Luckily, when your city is Los Angeles, a staycation can be just as incredible as any getaway.

Are you on a low budget but still want to do something fun? Or, feeling fancy and want to try a luxurious getaway nearby? From a day at the beach to a one-night stay at Hotel Bel-Air, there are so many ways to relax and recharge in the city of Angeles. In this guide, we'll share some fun ideas to make your LA staycation unforgettable. 

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• Family Staycation In Los Angeles
• Cheap Staycation In Los Angeles
• Romantic Staycation In Los Angeles For Couples
• Luxury Staycation In Los Angeles
• Staycation In Los Angeles FAQs

Family Staycation In Los Angeles

1. Learn Local Delicacies with Cooking Classes

Whether you're planning activities for your family staycation in Los Angeles or simply want to try something new, the kitchen can be a fantastic way to explore your skills. With cooking classes in Los Angeles, you can learn more about the city's culinary essence, which explores global cuisines ranging from Mexican flavors to Asian tastes. The best part? You don't need any skills to get started, and the entire family can join in!

2. Capture LA With Your Lens

The funny thing about being a local? You often miss some of the most amazing spots in your own city. One of the best ways to rediscover LA is through photography classes in Los Angeles. If you're starting to build a passion for capturing unique moments, these classes will teach you more than techniques, lighting and angles. You'll discover hidden gems in Los Angeles on a walk-and-shoot guided experience and explore different ways to tell stories through your lens.

3. Build a Stronger Team with Engaging Activities

This one is for all the digital nomads, slaving away at the coworking spaces in Los Angeles. Forget trust falls and awkward icebreakers games, this is Los Angeles, where team building activities take a whole new meaning. There are some insanely good indoor activities in Los Angeles involving art or a variety of hands-on experiences ideal for uniting your team. Team building activities in Los Angeles offer a fun playground to choose from. 

4. Channel Your Inner Artist

Discover your artistic side by booking painting classes in Los Angeles. They're fun ways to spend a local vacation, as you explore techniques ranging from watercolor to oil painting. You can also add another layer of fun with paint and sip sessions in LA, designed to blend artistic activity with your favorite drinks. Explore all the different art classes LA has to offer and find the one that speaks to your inner Picasso.

5. Discover New Scents with Candle Making Classes

Imagine making your favorite new scent that reminds you of your partner? You don't have to break the bank on Yankee Candles; instead, go romantic (and maybe a little cheesy) with this date idea in Los Angeles that should be part of your staycation itinerary. Candle making classes are a fantastic way to explore a new hobby. During these candle-making classes, you'll learn how to craft candles from scratch, giving them your own personalized touch with your favorite fragrances, whether you want to go for a warm vanilla or a more summer citrusy vibe.

6. Hit the Dance Floor!

Ready to let yourself loose? Whether you want to explore Latin rhythms with salsa, Arabesque belly dancing, downtown LA hip hop or even ballroom, dance classes in Los Angeles are a fun way to release endorphins. Perfect for date nights or solo adventures to meet new people, these classes offer not only a killer workout but also a great way to boost your confidence. 

7. Mix and Match with Drinks (for the Grown-Ups)

One of the fun things about planning a staycation in Los Angeles for couples, is discovering activities that go beyond the usual dinner-and-drinks routine. If you and your partner enjoy a good cocktail, why not shake things up with mixology classes in Los Angeles? You'll master the art of crafting classics, experiment with bold flavors and maybe even create your own signature drink — one that's just as unique as the two of you.

Cheap Staycation In Los Angeles

8. Go Roller-Skating in Santa Monica

Plan the best staycation in Los Angeles by looking at the city through tourists' eyes. And what better way to do this than to cruise down the iconic Santa Monica boardwalk? Grab your skates (or rent a pair) and soak in the breathtaking ocean views and sunshine. It's the kind of scene that makes you feel like you've stepped straight into a movie. Make it a complete luxury staycation by ending your skate at a luxury hotel in Santa Monica like Shutters on the Beach or Hotel Casa Del Mar.

9. Explore Little Tokyo and Koreatown

You don't need a plane ticket to plan a cultural adventure to East Asia. For a budget-friendly staycation in Los Angeles, Little Tokyo offers a fun way to feel like you're traveling abroad. This neighborhood offers authentic ramen spots, mochi cafés, anime shops and the Japanese American National Museum! Then take 6th Street and move West as you trade sushi for gimbap. Koreatown feels like you've just walked into downtown Seoul, with steaming mandu houses, the smell of sizzling BBQ and all the KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) you can eat. Head to Galleria Market for all your K-cosmetics and BTS posters. It's the perfect low-cost way to escape your routine and experience something new. 

10. Stroll Through the Arts District

Los Angeles art galleries are known for being bold and thought-provoking, and the Arts District is where the creativity comes to life. For a more cultural family staycation in Los Angeles, spend an afternoon wandering the colorful streets with its street murals and trendy galleries. You can also enjoy its cozy cafés, like Blue Bottle for a shot of artisan espresso, a craft cold brew, or a foamy cappuccino. 

11. Hike to the Hollywood Sign 

A cheap staycation in Los Angeles can be as fun as hiking to the Hollywood Sign. Even if you've lived in LA your entire life, you've probably only run around Runyon Canyon and possibly the Santa Monica Mountains — but never actually visited the Hollywood sign. Not only do you get those iconic views, but you'll also sneak in a solid workout — talk about a win-win! Choose the popular Brush Canyon route or head up the Mt. Hollywood Trail for sweeping cityscapes and a close-up of the legendary sign. 

Romantic Staycation In Los Angeles For Couples

12. Plan a Picnic at the Beach 

When staying in the city, one of the best plans is to go to the beach. You're in Cali after all. There are so many different beaches to choose from, but the advantage of being a local is that you can go to those spots that aren't too overcrowded. Think of Leo Carillo, where you have a rocky beach, cliffs and a more traditional one. Or, Palisades Bluffs that offer amazing ocean views from above, and it's also close enough to walk to the beach.

A sunset picnic at the beach is among those first date ideas in Los Angeles that never disappoints. You can pack light meals and snacks like hummus and veggies, cookies, sandwiches and candy — or a complete meal that you made at your cooking class — and there you go! 

13. Jazz Night & Drinks 

For the ultimate romantic staycation in Los Angeles, discover the hidden music scene the city has to offer. Enjoy the sound of jazz as you and your partner have nice drinks in a cozy and lively atmosphere. A great place is The Baked Potato, where not only is the music great, but also their food (and guess what, their baked potatoes are a must-try). For a more elegant and upscale vibe, you can also visit Vibrato Grill Jazz on Beverly Glen, just make sure to make a reservation as the place is always packed. 

14. Rent a Bungalow at Hotel Bel-Air

Resorts in Los Angeles offer the ultimate experience to relax and release some stress. And Hotel Bel Air is widely known for offering premium hospitality. While this iconic 12-acre estate in Bel-Air boasts "discreet pastel‑pink bungalows" scattered throughout its lush gardens, these aren't standard rentable units — they're part of its boutique-style suites and accommodations offerings, merging seamlessly with the landscape and providing serene, residential-style privacy. Perfect for a luxurious romantic getaway or a stylish group adventure!

15. Catch a Movie Under the Stars

Sure, a movie night might sound like a classic date idea, especially because you're in Tinseltown, but why not take it up a notch by watching it under the stars? As part of your romantic staycation in Los Angeles, plan an alfresco movie night at one of the city's many outdoor or rooftop screening spots. 

Whether you're cuddling up in the grass at Grant Park in Pasadena, catching a film at L.A. State Historic Park, or heading to seasonal events like TBA in La Habra, there's something magical about watching your favorite films with the city skyline as your backdrop. You can even visit the city's most active cemetery, Hollywood Forever, to sit among Hollywood royalty like Cecil B. DeMille, Judy Garland, Peter Lorre and David Lynch — and watch their films. Just don't forget to check the calendar for upcoming showings and snag your tickets early! 

16. Bike or Skate Through Venice Beach

Feel the warm ocean breeze through your hair, as you cruise side by side with your partner through the streets of Venice Beach. With its iconic boardwalk, colorful murals and laid-back energy, it's the perfect spot for a carefree ride and a dose of California sunshine. Plus, you can go for a treat afterwards in one of their cute cafés! It's time to stop being a spectator and actually join in the activities. Get a skate lesson or dare to enter Muscle Beach and get schooled by the locals. 

Luxury Staycation In Los Angeles

17. Relax in a Spa Day at the Four Seasons

Resorts in Los Angeles offer the ultimate luxury experience, and Four Seasons at Beverly Hills is on the top of the list, offering elevated dining options, outdoor spaces, a spa and other luxurious accommodations. If you're looking for the best staycation in Los Angeles for couples, a night (or two) at the Four Seasons can be the best plan to unwind without leaving the city. 

18. Have Dinner with a View

One of the best things about LA is its incredible range of culinary offerings. You can go from grabbing bites at a legendary food truck to dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or sipping cocktails at a bar that feels like a full-on experience. And a great way to spend an afternoon with your loved one is exploring one of the rooftop restaurants in Los Angeles.

71Above offers a high-end dining experience with stunning views and standout dishes like grilled octopus with smoked chimichurri or their indulgent caviar service. For something more laid-back, head to Dante Beverly Hills, where you can linger over brunch, savor delicious plates and toast with their signature cocktails. For true foodies, do a food show dive by visiting all of the restaurants that have been featured on Chef's Table, Top Chef, Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen or Somebody Feed Phil like n/naka (Chef Niki Nakayama), Black Market Liquor Bar (Antonia Lofaso) or Caldo Verde (Suzanne Goin).

19. Enjoy Wine at Malibu

If you're into wine, then among the activities to plan in your luxury staycation in Los Angeles is wine tasting. Malibu offers a variety of vineyards and chic tasting rooms where you'll get to see first-hand the production of amazing wines. Among the most popular vineyards are Malibu Wines, Native Bloom Winery and Cielo Farms.  

20.  Book a Night at The Beverly Hills Hotel

For the ultimate luxury staycation in Los Angeles experience timeless glamour by booking a night at The Beverly Hills Hotel — an icon of Hollywood luxury since 1912. From its pink façade to its vibrant gardens and legendary pool, this gem offers world-class service right in the heart of LA. 

21. Canyon Escape in Topanga

Get away from the noise and traffic by planning a quick escape to Topanga. Within just a short drive from the city, this bohemian gem is ideal for a weekend of hiking rugged trails, exploring artisan shops and sipping coffee at a sun-dappled café. You can book a stay at a boutique hotel or a dreamy Airstream rental that allows you to breathe and relax from all the chaos. 

Staycation In Los Angeles FAQs

Is It Cheaper To Stay In A Hotel Or Airbnb In Los Angeles?

Airbnb can sometimes be cheaper than hotels in Los Angeles, especially for longer stays or larger groups, but prices vary widely depending on location, season and amenities. Budget-conscious travelers may find better deals in neighborhoods outside major tourist hubs.

What Is The Nicest Area To Stay In Los Angeles?

For a blend of luxury, convenience and iconic LA charm, Beverly Hills is hard to beat, while Santa Monica offers a beachside vibe with upscale dining and shopping just steps from the ocean.

Planning a staycation in Los Angeles is easy when the city is basically a playground for every budget and mood. Want to save a few bucks but do something fun? Grab your bike and cruise along Venice Beach! Feeling fancy? A night at The Beverly Hills Hotel can be just what you need to recharge. Either way, one thing is for sure: there's no better place for a staycation than LA.

For even more fun ideas for Angelenos, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!