The best things to do in Lancaster

“Locals know The Last House on Mulholland sits in the primary viewing corridor, essentially the foreground of the Hollywood Sign, so if you're showing friends around or just want a no-fail skyline flex, this vantage reliably delivers clean, unobstructed frames and a steady stream of people-watching.”

“Trade your usual neighborhood loop for a cart ride through real film history. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour rolls you past working sets, storied backlots, and a treasure trove of props, so you can flex that local bragging right that Hollywood is actually your backyard.”

From the Hollywood newsletter, August 26, 2026

“The Greek Theatre is stacking the week with Tucker Wetmore tonight, Train’s Drops of Jupiter celebration Monday, and Tori Amos Tuesday, plus Undertale: The Determination Symphony to cap it. Quick hop from Glendale, and the vibes are peak summer night.”

From the Glendale newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Antelope Valley Country Club keeps golf fun with a classic Bill Bell Sr. layout, legit practice areas, and public tee times if you’re just sneaking in a round. Roll off 18 and hit The Grill for rotating Friday dinners and those house-made cheesecakes locals swear by.”

From the Palmdale newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“The Old Los Angeles Zoo serves up moody stone enclosures, shady picnic nooks and easy trail access, so you can snack, explore, then wander into Griffith Park for a quick hike. It’s equal parts history lesson and quirky hangout, plus the photos basically take themselves.”

From the Los Angeles newsletter, August 24, 2026

“If you love live music with a side of sunset, Hollywood Bowl nails it. This historic amphitheater mixes every genre on one stage, lets you bring a picnic and wine, and throws in those big LA Phil and movie nights that feel like a summer tradition worth the drive.”

From the Lynwood newsletter, September 5, 2026

“AV Fair & Event Center is the Antelope Valley’s year-round hub for good times, rolling from community exhibits and local vendors to Turf Club bingo nights, plus the Annual Antelope Valley Fair when it hits. Peek the events calendar and grab a friend... odds are something fun is happening this week.”

From the Lancaster newsletter, September 23, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing kiddo energy or your own inner railfan, Griffith Park & Southern Railroad sends antique-style locomotives over a mile of track with a bridge, shady forest, and an Old Western Town, plus a T-6 simulator and seasonal rides like Halloween and holiday lights.”

From the Adelanto newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Whether you’ve got kids to entertain or just need a mood boost, Barber Family Farm delivers cuddly chaos in the best way with pigs, bunnies, alpacas, and legit pony rides. Family-run, community-hearted, and tied to meaningful animal therapy work, they also do parties and pop-up petting zoos around town.”

From the Palmdale newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Los Angeles Zoo has a great-ape baby boom, including a new gorilla sibling for Angela plus an orangutan and three chimpanzees, and keeper talks plus a bird show make it feel like a backstage pass. Perfect for a low-key weekend wander with nature and zero screen glare.”

From the Burbank newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Rain, heat, or June gloom, The City Golf lets you grind in indoor bays across Koreatown, Sherman Oaks, and the new West LA spot using Foresight GCQuad and Falcon data plus TourPutt for honest putting feedback. Book a lesson or get dialed with a Steve Lee fitting.”

From the Los Angeles newsletter, August 4, 2026

“The United Theater on Broadway is a gorgeously restored 1927 Spanish Gothic spot serving concerts, talks, and more, and this week’s lineup is legit with Afro Cuban All-Stars on August 7 and Little Feat on August 8. Grab a mezzanine moment at the Broken Locket Lounge for extra sparkle.”

From the Norwalk newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Westfield Century City delivers an outdoor, stroll-friendly mix of Alo Yoga and UNIQLO, bites at Eataly or Katsuya, plus AMC Theatres for a movie. Heads up, the Mutiny Hang Challenge hits Aug 7-8 and Student Gear Up Day lands Aug 8, so you can shop, snack, then test your grip like Statham.”

From the Downey newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Vista Theatre keeps it cinematic with classics, midnight weirdness, and new epics presented in glorious 35mm or 70mm. If your living room speakers are tired, treat yourself to a real deal big screen and let the Egyptian decor vibes reset your week.”

From the Los Angeles newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Private golf course and country club offering a range and practice area, plus tournaments.”

“Premium cinema featuring reclining seats, seat-side service, comfy seating and upscale fare.”

“Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA turns film night into a vibe with wireless headphones, comfy Adirondack chairs or loveseats, and cocktails at golden hour... plus lawn games and those DTLA sunset views. Programming swings from new releases to cult classics, queer cinema and drag nights, so weeknights actually feel fun.”

From the Riverside newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Part of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, Eileen Norris Cinema Theatre is home to the 341-seat Frank Sinatra Hall, tuned to THX standards invented by Academy Award winner Tomlinson Holman. Expect thoughtfully curated films, opera broadcasts, and lectures in a comfy room that treats sound like a co-star.”

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.”

“Bowlero Lancaster keeps game night fresh with 32 slick lanes, an action-packed arcade, billiards, and a legit sports bar for post-frame fuel. Rally your crew, roll a few, then stick around to see why this spot is about to rebrand as Lucky Strike Lancaster.”

From the Lancaster newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Brain Dead Studios is the rare spot where cult gems and classics share the screen with live performances, plus legit food that beats sad popcorn. The programming skews adventurous, think City of God to Wet Hot American Summer... so check the calendar and catch something weird and wonderful.”

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 23, 2026

“Heartwell Golf Course is Long Beach’s lit-up par-3 where you can squeeze in 18 under the lights, dial in wedges on the range, then grab breakfast-or-lunch cafe bites. Historic bonus... it’s where a young Tiger Woods carded his first ace.”

From the Long Beach newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Whether you want a night out with jaw-dropping live performances or a behind-the-scenes tour that lets you step beyond the red carpet, Dolby Theatre keeps the calendar packed. Make it a Glendale-to-Hollywood field trip this week, and remember why living next door to the spotlight is actually pretty fun.”

From the Hollywood newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Globe Theatre Los Angeles brings DTLA’s historic movie palace vibe to life with an Art Deco inspired Absinthe Lounge, a VIP mezzanine, an LED wall, and a roaring Void sound system. Great for catching live shows or throwing an unforgettable celebration with serious production chops.”

From the Camarillo newsletter, September 6, 2026

“New Beverly Cinema keeps Los Angeles movie lovers happily analog with gloriously projected 35mm, midnight oddities, Kiddee Matinees, and special events like live-scored silents.”

From the Los Angeles newsletter, August 20, 2026

“A. mashup of selfie ops, Jumanji 4D and 7D experiences, and The Hollywood Rooftop Restaurant and Bar where weekend brunch, movie-inspired cocktails, and wax celeb cameos make for an oddly perfect night with friends or out-of-towners.”

From the Oxnard newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Laemmle Royal programs the best indie, foreign, and art films on the Westside, with curated series like Anniversary Classics and the occasional filmmaker Q&A that turns a screening into a conversation. Ditch the endless scroll, let a real human’s taste pick your movie, and make it a midweek reset.”

From the Santa Monica newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.”

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

“Whether you’re dialing in your swing or playing mini golf-style games with friends, Swing Factory Golf brings the course indoors with simulator bays, a bar, and plenty of seating. Ideal for after-work swings, weekend hangs, and LA days when you’d rather skip the traffic to the range.”

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Stoner Park Swimming Pool is a seasonal outdoor spot in West Los Angeles with a water slide, city-run swim lessons, and a swim team. Low-key, family-friendly vibe makes it an easy go-to when you want a simple, close-to-home swim that keeps everyone happy.”

From the Santa Monica newsletter, September 12, 2026

“For nights when streaming just won’t cut it, Hollywood Legion Theater serves up big-screen vibes in a historic Hollywood setting that film nerds love. It’s part of Hollywood Post 43 of the American Legion, so your ticket supports a local veterans community while you catch something worth talking about.”

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“Experience a film with meals based on scenes in the movie, in a themed, intimate setting.”

“Need a group-friendly spot where everyone actually has fun? Lucky Strike Mar Vista brings 28 slick lanes, an energetic arcade, and legit craft food and cocktails with a lively sports bar vibe. Worth the drive when your crew wants something different than the usual Camarillo dinner-and-a-movie.”

From the Camarillo newsletter, September 11, 2026