How Angelenos savor summer’s simple pleasures—from concerts to quiet afternoons: Street Beat

As the summer sun warms Los Angeles, residents and visitors alike look for ways to embrace the season’s slower pace—whether it’s escaping the city for a weekend or soaking up local culture. The question, “What is your favorite summertime activity?” sparks a variety of responses that reflect the region’s diversity and spirit.

Some Angelenos gravitate toward the natural beauty surrounding the city, from the beaches of Long Beach to the hidden lakes and ponds scattered throughout the county. For families, fishing trips become not just a hobby but a tradition, a chance to pass down outdoor skills and create lasting memories across generations. Parents and grandparents often treasure these quiet hours by the water, watching the sheer joy and excitement the experience brings to children.

Others find summer’s rhythm in Los Angeles’ vibrant arts scene. The season’s outdoor concert series, from the iconic Hollywood Bowl to the intimate jazz festivals of Leimert Park, draw music lovers from across the city and beyond. These gatherings transform ordinary evenings into events, blending melody with the uniquely L.A. mix of food, fashion, and open-air camaraderie.

For those with more local tastes, summer weekends are a time for relaxation and recharge. Backyard barbecues, dips in the pool, and lazy afternoons spent reading or simply enjoying the quiet can feel like a luxury amid the city’s usual hustle. Teachers and others working through the school year relish the chance to slow down and savor small moments at home.

Even as some activities—like a trip to Las Vegas—aren’t strictly seasonal, they still carry the excitement and spontaneity that define summer for many. For some, the season’s appeal is less about any one tradition and more about the freedom to choose, whether that means exploring new cities or revisiting familiar haunts.

Angelenos shared their summer favorites in their own words: