LA Friends Weekend: Food Halls, Bikes, Beaches & Live Music
A fun, fast-paced 2-day Los Angeles plan for a group of friends: big food-hall breakfasts, museum & rooftop vibes, a playful lake paddle and live music night in Echo Park, then a Santa Monica bike cruise, pier time, shopping and a competitive Topgolf evening. October (Autumn) timing — warm days, cooler evenings — perfect for rooftop sunsets and beach rides.
Highlights
- Brunch at Grand Central Market
- Contemporary art at The Broad
- Sunset rooftop drinks at Perch LA
- Pedal boats on Echo Park Lake
- Santa Monica bike ride to Venice
- Evening games at Topgolf El Segundo
Itinerary
Day 1
Downtown to Echo Park: start with a lively food-hall breakfast, get a culture hit at The Broad, soak in skyline views on a rooftop, enjoy playful pedal boats on the lake, then dinner and live music in Echo Park.
Brunch at Grand Central Market — Graze and share
Sample tacos, egg sandwiches, pastries and cold-brew from different stalls and share small plates at the communal tables — great for groups who want options.
Tips from local experts:
- Go late-morning (around 10:00) to beat the peak lunch rush; pick a central table and let others know the spot via a group chat.
- Split a few stalls’ dishes family-style (Eggslut, Sarita’s Pupuseria, DTLA Cheese) to keep shared costs low and try more flavors.
- Carry a small change envelope or use one person’s card per stall to simplify payments — many vendors accept cards but cash lines can be quicker.
The Broad — Quick, contemporary art visit (timed entry recommended)
See contemporary favorites and the Broad’s highlights. Aim for the free timed-entry tickets or standby line for those who want the main galleries.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve free same-day timed tickets online first thing or arrive early and join the standby line for smaller groups — bring ID if you reserved.
- If the Infinity Mirror rooms are on your wish list, check the separate reservation rules in advance — those often sell out and require extra planning.
- Pack light (small bags) — the museum checks larger backpacks and lines can slow groups; designate a meeting spot outside for phone pics and regrouping.
Perch LA — Rooftop drinks and skyline lunch
Elevated French-inspired small plates and cocktails on a rooftop with downtown views — ideal for a relaxed midday break and photo ops.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a high-top or corner table for your group (4–6+)— Perch gets busy for sunset, so booking is key.
- Order shareable plates and a pitcher or two to keep the bill split-friendly and social.
- October evenings cool off quickly — bring a light layer for the walk down from the rooftop and ask for a heater if you’re staying later.
Transfer to Echo Park Lake (short drive/ride)
Quick transfer from DTLA to Echo Park — short Uber/Lyft or 15–25 min drive depending on traffic. Stretch your legs before the lake activity.
Tips from local experts:
- Pick a single car for the group or request 2 rides if you have bikes to avoid multiple pickups — traffic can add 10–20 minutes during warm evenings.
- If using Lyft/Uber, choose the ‘quiet’ pickup spot suggested by the app near Perch to avoid circle-the-block delays.
- Bring light layers — October afternoons are warm but evenings cool off by the lake.
Pedal boats on Echo Park Lake — playful group time
Rent a pedal boat and cruise the lake for skyline views, lily pads and chilled-out group fun — perfect for team selfies and relaxed competition.
Tips from local experts:
- Call ahead (or check local vendors) to confirm pedal-boat availability — October afternoons are usually calm and ideal for a 60–90 minute rental.
- Share one or two boats rather than individual rentals to keep costs down and the vibe social; bring a small dry bag for phones.
- Pick a late-afternoon slot if you want golden-hour photos — sunsets are earlier in October, so plan around 4:30–5:00 for the best light.
Dinner at Elysian Brewing Company — communal beers & bites
Casual brewery with long tables and shareable plates; order a flight of beers so everyone can sample local brews.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve or arrive early for large communal tables — Elysian is super group-friendly and beer flights are perfect for sharing.
- Tip for groups: order a few boards and a couple of shareable mains so splitting is simple and economical.
- Street parking is limited; consider a short rideshare from Echo Park Lake to avoid circling — it’s worth it for a relaxed dinner.
Live music at The Echo — indie venue with energetic shows
Catch a lively local or touring band in Echo Park — standing-room shows with a friendly crowd and late-night energy.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the Echo’s calendar in advance and buy tickets early — many shows sell out; meet at a recognizable corner (e.g., Echoplex marquee) if you split into smaller groups.
- Wear comfortable shoes — this is a standing-room venue; bring earplugs if anyone’s sensitive to loud music.
- Plan a post-show meetup spot on Sunset Ave for a late snack or rideshare pickup — rideshares can surge after popular shows, so stagger departures if budget-conscious.
Day 2
Santa Monica seaside day: rent bikes, cruise the beachfront to Venice, relax on the pier and promenade, then finish with friendly competition and drinks at Topgolf El Segundo.
Bike rentals & seaside cruise with Blazing Saddles
Pick up beach cruisers or e-bikes and ride the Marvin Braude bike path — a relaxed, social ride from Santa Monica to Venice and back.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve bikes online for group discounts and to guarantee sizes; request locks and helmets for everyone (helmets are recommended).
- Plan a loop: Santa Monica Pier → Venice Beach boardwalk → Muscle Beach → back via Ocean Front Walk to keep it under 2 hours and paced for selfies.
- October mornings are pleasant but bring sunscreen and a light layer for coastal breeze; store valuables in a locked bag at the shop while you ride.
Santa Monica Pier — rides, arcade and classic photos
Stroll the Pier, ride the Ferris wheel for group photos, and enjoy street performers and snack stands — a classic SoCal group stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy an unlimited-ride wristband or split a few ride tickets for the group — the Ferris wheel is a must for sunset Instagram shots.
- Bring cash for small vendors/arcade games and to tip street performers if you enjoy the show.
- Head to the Pier’s west end for quieter photo spots and better sunset views in October (sunset comes earlier—check time).
Lunch at The Misfit — lively plates and cocktails
A buzzy spot near the pier that handles groups well — good for sharing plates and casual cocktails.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for patio seating if you want people-watching and breeze; staff are used to groups so note size when booking.
- Order a few sharable mains and cocktails to keep the vibe social and bills easy to split.
- If you want cheaper midday drinks, check Misfit’s happy hour windows — October often still feels summery at lunchtime.
Third Street Promenade — shopping, street performers and coffee
Browse local shops, catch performers and pop into stores for souvenirs or quick gifts — a great low-key social block to wander.
Tips from local experts:
- Set a 60–90 minute window and pick a meeting point (like the central fountain) so the group can split for different shops without losing time.
- Check out indie boutiques for unique LA souvenirs rather than the chain stores; street performers offer fun live moments for the group.
- If you need to stash purchases while continuing your day, use shop holds or your hotel valet — walking with too many bags is a drag.
Transfer to Topgolf El Segundo — early evening drive
Short drive south to Topgolf for an energetic evening of games, music and shared bays — great for friendly competition.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a bay in advance for your group size (4–6+) — this locks in a time and prevents long waits, especially on weekend evenings.
- Carpool or order two rideshares to split the fare; traffic between Santa Monica and El Segundo can add 15–30 minutes near rush hours.
- Bring a sweater for later — Topgolf patios cool off in October evenings even after warm days.
Topgolf El Segundo — games, food and evening vibes
Reserve a private bay, play crowd-friendly golf games, order shareable bites and pitchers — a lively way to cap the weekend.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a bay for your exact group size and get a mid-range package for multi-hour play; split the bay fee per person to keep costs predictable.
- Order appetizers and a pitcher early so food arrives while you’re playing — bays fill up with orders during peak times.
- Make a mini-tournament (teams of 2–3) to keep things competitive and social; Topgolf’s app shows scores so it’s great for playful bragging rights.
