647 ideas to get your 2023 L.A. adventure planning started
When Gunnar Valgeirsson and Cristina Bodinger-de Uriarte met at a sociology workshop more than 20 years ago, the college professors did more than just fall in love — they vowed to keep dating long after they were married.
To illustrate the point, the passionate gardeners tackled The Times’ list of 41 of the coolest plant shops you can find only in L.A. as a way to keep dating alive in their relationship.
“Being able to identify local places to go and discover is a vital part of keeping our relationship fresh, even though we’ve been together 23 years now,” Bodinger-de Uriarte said. “We try to treat L.A. like we are visitors, because we have lived here a long time.”
In 2021, they started their weekend treks by organizing the plant shops by geographic location and then picked one part of town — spanning Montrose to Newport Beach — and hit three or four stores a day. They checked them all off their list this summer.
“What appealed to us right away is that they were all independent businesses,” Valgeirsson said. “Because it’s a small business, you really see the personality of the owner in the environment — we loved the variety at Tansy and the unusual pots at Juicy Leaf. You’re not just going to a plant store. You’re walking into an environment that is individualized. It’s so important in a world that tends to be generic.”
During their outings, the couple, who are in their 60s, encountered corners of L.A. they had never experienced before. With their feet on the ground, they marveled at Victorian homes in South Los Angeles and enjoyed a wide variety of exciting restaurants together. “I feel like it gave us a new key to the city,” Bodinger-de Uriarte said.
Although Valgeirsson had driven by many of their stops, getting out of the car and walking around was different. “It was liberating,” he said. “Los Angeles is so diverse and vibrant.”
Following a few tough years during the height of the pandemic, it can be hard to get back in the swing of planning local weekend adventures. Asked if they are up to tackling The Times’ 101 best restaurants in Los Angeles, Valgeirsson said he has “marked each of the 101 restaurant lists over the years” and they’ve tried a few, but Cristina is a gourmet cook and they enjoy cooking together.
Inspired by Valgeirsson and Bodinger-de Uriarte, here’s a list of more than 600 things to do in Los Angeles in 2023:
From tiny storefronts to longtime family-run institutions, we curated this list of our favorite places to shop for houseplants in and around L.A.
You don’t need to crowd the Griffith Observatory to get postcard-worthy views of the iconic landmark.
Whether you’re looking for ocean views or desert landscapes or soaring mountain peaks, Los Angeles offers miles upon miles of strikingly different trails.
Looking for a date spot in Los Angeles that’s not a restaurant? Check out these refreshing date ideas.
These are the 16 must-see works of art from permanent collections at the Huntington, LACMA, the Getty, MOCA, the Norton Simon, UCLA’s Hammer Museum and more.
Not all Los Angeles pub quizzes are created equal. Here’s a guide to local bar trivia nights that bring a little something extra to the game.
During October’s Filipino History Month, drive through the historic Filipinotown arch, eat Filipino street food at Dollar Hits and sip drinks at the iconic Tiki Ti in Hollywood.
From L.A. parks with exercise equipment to a stairway that rewards you with sweeping city views, these spots are perfect for an outdoor sweat-sesh.
Who is Griffith Park named for? What about Vasquez Rocks? The Broad? Mt. Baldy? Here are the namesakes of L.A.’s best-known landmarks.
Feeling sad or hopeless ? These 12 beautiful places in Los Angeles will lift your spirits.
We tallied a list with scores of classic Mexican restaurants across the region. Here are our top picks.
While these gardens are beautiful and inviting spaces, don’t mistake them for parks. They are more like living museums.
Where are the social equity marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles? Check out our list of weed shops built on social justice and community vibes.
Dive bars, live bands, noraebangs, ’80s nights or Hello Kitty decor — there’s a karaoke bar or private room in Los Angeles for everyone.
Whether you don’t have a car, you’re dodging high gas prices or you just like taking a bus or train, public transit can be a fantastic way to re-discover L.A.
It’s Donkey Kong meets cocktails.
From intimate clubs to picturesque outdoor theaters to state-of-the-art arenas and stadiums, there’s no better place to see live music than SoCal.
Which beaches in Los Angeles and Orange counties allow dogs? Check our list to find out.
If you’re searching for the best beach paths in Los Angeles to have a scenic, relaxing run or jog, look no further. Our list has you covered.
Shop for unique items at these outdoor flea markets in and around Los Angeles. From Long Beach to Ventura, we’ve selected our favorite spots.
Looking for things to do in Orange County? Try an escape room, whale watching, rock climbing, mini golf, seeing a show and more.
The 65 essential bookstores of L.A. County: Their vibes, customers, books and testimonies from customers, writers and owners.
Malibu beaches lined with mansions may seem private, but they’re not. Here’s how to enjoy hidden spots with wonky access rules.
Of all the remarkable things about tide pools, No. 1 on the list has to be this: Each visit offers an opportunity to observe something new.
Cheer up at one of these spots for stand-up comedy in L.A.
