Entertainment

LA has options for people with every interest. As grad students, many of us look for things to do that are nearby and inexpensive. Although it can be hard to find inexpensive options in LA, it is not impossible! 

Food

• • Westwood

    • There are many restaurants in Westwood that are walkable from campus. Westwood is heavily populated by undergrads so there are many less-expensive options, as well as well-known chains like Chipotle and Cava. There is also a farmers market on Thursdays that has good food options. 

Sawtelle

• • • Also known as Japantown, Sawtelle is located about 15 minutes away from campus and has many great restaurants. It can get busy at night but many grad students eat here when they go out.

Santa Monica

• • • The restaurants in Santa Monica span a wider range in terms of type and price of food. You can find very expensive, trendy restaurants, as well as more reasonably priced, casual options. You can take the Big Blue Bus from Westwood to downtown Santa Monica in about 20-30 minutes. 

Koreatown

• • • Located a bit farther from campus, and known as “K-town”, this is an area known for korean restaurants and all-you-can-eat korean bbq. You can find options ranging from affordable to very expensive but people love coming here.

Downtown LA

• • • There are some options, but not as many as you might expect. At night, much of downtown LA is quiet but there are pockets of night life. The Arts District has restaurants and bars and always has people around. If you’re going to downtown LA be aware of your surroundings as they can change dramatically from one street to the next. 

  • General tip: look for happy hour deals at most restaurants to save money

Movies

• • There are several movie theaters nearby. If you’re looking for a cheap option, consider creating a free membership at AMC. With it, you get $7 movies on Tuesday (roughly 50% cheaper than a typical ticket).

Outdoor Activities

• • Hiking - There are many hiking opportunities within an hour of LA, including in the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains, and Will Rodgers and Malibu Creek State Parks. There are also a number of national parks located within driving distance (although many are a ways away).

  • Winter Activities - some grad students enjoy skiing/snowboarding in the winter in Big Bear or Mammoth. 

    • If you’re interested in skiing/snowboarding, fill out the Ikon College Discount Form located here: https://linktr.ee/uclasnowteam24

      • Once submitted, you will get a season pass at the student discount rate

Night Life

• • There are many options for going out at night. It is easy to look any of these places up to get a sense of their vibe before going, and each of them has many different places to choose from. The following are some well-known areas to look into but by no means an exhaustive list:

    • Santa Monica 

    • West Hollywood

    • Hollywood

    • Downtown LA (really only the Arts District)

Travel

• • Many grad students find some time to travel, and there are options for everyone. 

    • San Diego is a ~2 hour drive from LA and has lots to do

    • There are many national parks within driving distance of LA, including Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Sequoia, Channel Islands, and Pinnacle.

    • You can find round-trip flights to nearby cities like Las Vegas or San Francisco for under $100. 

    • The drive up the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful and can take you all the way up the coast of California, past well-known places like Big Sur

  • Consider participating in the “SoCal Challenge” 

    • Surf/swim in the Pacific Ocean at sunrise

    • Ski/Snowboard/Hike in the snow on Big Bear Mountain mid-day

    • Watch the sunset in the Joshua Tree desert in the evening

    • (Consider getting an In-N-Out burger on the way?)

Community Events

• • Farmers markets - put on weekly in Westwood, Santa Monica, and Venice on various days of the week

  • Flea markets - put on weekly. Try Venice Artists & Fleas on Saturdays or Melrose Trading Post on Sundays

  • “First Fridays” food trucks on Abbot Kinney Boulevard

Well-known places

• • Downtown Santa Monica

    • Santa Monica Pier (roller coaster, ferris wheel, arcade, funnel cake)

  • Downtown Venice

    • Venice Boardwalk (vendors, shops, “muscle beach”, skate park)

    • Abbot Kinney Boulevard

  • Downtown LA

  • Century City

    • Westfield Century City Mall (featured in the Barbie movie)

  • Hollywood/West Hollywood

    • Hollywood sign 

    • Walk of fame (stars)

    • The Grove (fancy outdoor mall)

  • Beverly Hills

    • Rodeo Drive (very expensive stores)

  • Malibu

    • Beaches

    • Beach-side restaurants