Your Super Awesome Guide to Memorial Day Weekend in Los Angeles

If you’re looking to spend this Memorial Day Weekend in Los Angeles soaking up the sun and chowin’ down on some meaty eats, then you are in good company (the millions, actually)! Here are my picks if you’d like to experience a low-key, super cheap, awesome Memorial Day Weekend in Los Angeles that begins as early as Friday, May 24th, and concludes with National Hamburger Day deals on Tuesday, May 28th. 

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Sun & Fun

You would have to be crazy to go to the beach on Memorial Day weekend right?? Not if you head there early and plan ahead!

My two favorites right now are Crystal Cove between Laguna and Newport Beach and Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach. If you’re heading to Crystal Cove, I suggest making a reservation at The Beachcomber Cafe to coincide with your visit. You can literally hang out on the beach right in front before you’re sat at your table.

Insider Tip: OpenTable isn’t available for day-of reservations, so if you don’t plan ahead, make them there BEFORE exploring the beach. Otherwise, be prepared to wait 2 hours. Breakfast starts at 7 am:)

Looking to include your fur baby on this holiday? Rosie’s Dog Beach allows for off-leash fun and is the only off-leash dog beach in L.A. County! Located in the Belmont Shore area of Long Beach, the beach is open from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Hungry? Head to nearby Panxa Cocina and enjoy outdoor patio seating for Fido and friends.

Also not to be missed is the Memorial Day Carnival at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia from Saturday, May 25th to Monday, May 27th. Purchase a wristband for $30 for Unlimited Rides and enjoy 15% off with this link. Also happening at Santa Anita is the California Beer Festival and the Smorgasburg BBQ Invitational. Those take place on Saturday and Sunday. Doors open at Noon, and all the information can be found at this link.

Accidentally Wes Anderson is on at the Santa Monica Art Museum after an amazing run in Tokyo, Seoul, and London. The immersive exhibit is like stepping into a surrealist short film, and you are the star. Timed tickets begin at $18.

It’s also one of the last weekends to check out The L.A. County Fair in Pomona, with Rides, Concerts, and all things Carnival. Hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday to Sunday, and you can purchase tickets beginning at $25 on their website or $30 at the door (for adults).

Classic Americana

Nothing is more American than baseball, so while the Dodgers are away, head out to Anaheim for Country Weekend at Angels Stadium. The Angels play the Cleveland Guardians from Friday, May 24th to Sunday, May 26th, with featured events like Country Music Performances, Fireworks, and Cowboy Hat Giveaways. Get your tickets below for as low as $4 for some games!

• Friday, May 24th at 6:38 p.m. for a Cowboy Hat Giveaway
• Saturday, May 25th at 6:38 p.m. for Fireworks and a Post-Game Performance by Kip Moore
• Sunday, May 26th at 1:07 p.m. 

Eats & Treats: Memorial Day Food Specials

From Friday, May 25th to Monday, May 27th, The Palm restaurant will be serving a special two-course meal beginning at $59. Options include a Caprese Salad to start and a 6 oz. Filet + Shrimp Bruno ($59).

Monday, May 27th celebrates North America’s 50 Best Bars with a Mirate Los Feliz pop-up at The West Hollywood EDITION. Max Reis, beverage director at Mirate, will be guest bartending from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Lobby Bar. 

Also, on Monday, all California Sizzler locations will serve their limited-edition Steak and Unlimited Shrimp Entree beginning at $21.49, depending on your location. The special includes a 6 oz. Tri-Tip Steak alongside unlimited golden-fried shrimp!

Tuesday, May 28th is National Hamburger Day, closing out National Burger Month. Johnny Rockets will be celebrating with a special contest to win a Pool Float, plus get $5 off a PEPSI Float with any burger purchase. This will be available from May 28th to JUNE 30th. 

Also on the menu are deals like a Free Hamburger at Burger King with any $.70 purchase to celebrate their 70th anniversary and a Free Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger at Wendy’s when you spend just $.01. Both will be available from May 28th to June 2nd. You’ll need the appropriate restaurant app to redeem.

Music & Arts

Memorial Day weekend in Los Angeles continues at LACMA in mid-city, where outdoor concerts take place practically all weekend. Friday, May 24th, at 6 p.m., features Jazz with Katisse while Saturday, May 25th is the debut Latin Sounds concert at 5 p.m. with Ozomatli. These are FREE to attend.

On Sunday, May 26th, dust off your cowboy boots and head to Desert 5 Spot in Hollywood for their Swimsuits & Cowboy Boots Wild West Pool Party & Trading Post, which takes place from 2 p.m. on and features local vendors, DJs, and specialty cocktails. Admission is FREE!

If you’re looking to really kick it up a notch this Memorial Weekend in Los Angeles,  Skybar at Mondrian Los Angeles in West Hollywood will be hosting a Deep House Brunch on Saturday, May 25th, with tickets beginning at $30. There’s also a Boat Party in Long Beach the following day that you can include for just $25 more.