It’s nearly summer time; let’s head to the Los Angeles Public Library and sign up for your summer reading challenge! No matter what age you are or what type of books you love to read, Los Angeles is full of astounding spaces for you to adventure in! From quiet sanctuaries to lively locations filled with friendly people, this list has something for all types of readers.
For those who want to enjoy their stories outside:
Barnsdall Art Park – Silverlake
Book Recommendation: White Oleander by Janet Fitch, 1999
Follow a young woman’s experience over the course of several years in the foster system of Los Angeles as she grows into her redemption in society.
Barnsdall Art Park is a sheer delight. With lots of accessible parking and a stunning view of Los Angeles, Barnsdall is a lovely place to spend a free day between the pages of a good book. Plus, every Friday between Memorial Day and Labor Day are Barnsdall Wine Tastings curated by Silverlake Wine. They have rotating food trucks, DJ’s, tours of the Hollyhock House; you’ll transition your daytime reading soiree into a night of magic!
Ocean View Park – Santa Monica/Venice
Book Recommendation: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
This friends to lovers tale of two polar opposite best friends is a tried and true beach read classic.
If you’re in desperate need of a beach day and searching for the perfect patch of sand then Ocean View Park is for you. Nestled right in between Santa Monica and Venice Beach, specifically between lifeguard towers 25 & 26, is the best place on the west side to curl up and vibe out. Plenty of accessible parking lots and it is close to Main Street which is full of fun shops and eateries make this the scene for the waves to hit your feet and the sand to be your seat.
The Getty Green – Brentwood
Book Recommendation: The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
An enduring masterpiece of gothic horror, exploring the corruption of humanity, our desire to sin, and the extremes that vanity will lead us to.
Art and book lovers unite – and feel free to picnic while you’re at it. The $25 parking fee (or $15 after 3pm) may seem steep, but The Getty boasts free admission! First stop is their green park, located near the rose garden. This sunny patch of grass has gorgeous views of Century City and is as quiet as the art inside. After you are finished filling your mind with the written word, take a walk around the museum to gaze upon all the paintings and busts you could imagine until it’s time to venture on home.
Lake Balboa Park – Lake Balboa
Book Recommendation: Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
Frank and April Wheeler are a bright, beautiful, talented couple in the 1950s whose perfect suburban life is about to crumble.
Lake Balboa Park is massive. Picnic tables, BBQ pits, and even fishing in permitted in certain areas around this park. With stunning acres of green and plenty of trees to sit beneath, Lake Balboa is a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Ample parking makes this a hidden gem for when you wanna feel like you’ve left LA, yet still maintain a comfortable proximity to the action!
Circle Park – Beverly Hills
Book Recommendation: Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann
Three friends search to make their mark, as they climb the ladder in the entertainment industry, when they find that they have to go down into the valley of the dolls.
This not so secret “Locals Only” Park in Beverlywood is utterly romantic and a perfect little pocket of a park. Pristine, recluse, it’s as if Circle Park appeared from a dream. You’ll have space to lay out and delve deep into the drama that awaits you no matter what story you’ve chosen for the day. Parking can be tough, so be sure to check all the street signs to avoid tickets.
For those who enjoy cozy up indoors!
Dinosaur Coffee – Silverlake
Book recommendation: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Moral of the story; don’t bring back mosquito blood from the beginning of earth’s development. You might get eaten by a t-rex.
Dinosaur Coffee on Sunset Blvd is one of the best coffee shops in LA. You’ve got your choice of seating with its outdoor patio, indoor tables, and back bar. Founded in 2014, and sold during Covid, the upgraded Woodcat Coffee will get you buzzed and ready to take on the day! They’ve a quaint selection of assorted pastries and all the WiFi you need to power your Kindle until the end of time…or their 6pm closing time.
Highly Likely – West Adams
Book Recommendation: I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
Follow the deck of cards with Ed as he discovers his true purpose of helping others as he unearths his destiny with his best friend!
Coffee, wine, beer, and a full menu with a darling seating area that is covered with plants? Sign us up! With two locations, West Adams and Highland Park, Highly Likely is great for you to feel social while you’re turning the page. With additional fun events like Drink and Draw, wine tastings, pop-ups and other fun events; your solo reading time soon turns into a multi-faceted adventure out on the town.
Bodega Wine Bar – Santa Monica
Book Recommendation: Treasure Island By Robert Louis Stevenson
Pirate adventures abound in this standstill piece about a young boy yearn for adventure.
No matter where you live in Los Angeles, Bodega Wine Bar is an instant classic and worth the drive. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (8am -10pm/11pm on the weekends), Bodega is your home away from home on the west side. Sit in either of their bar areas, while their open windows allow the smell of the ocean to waft in as you sail the pages of your novel. With a fantastic happy hour, and a stunning selection of wine by the glass, Bodega has all the pastries and meals to keep you situated for quite some time.
Republic of Pie – North Hollywood
Book Recommendation: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Join Anthony Bourdain as we learn about his journey into food and travel from his humble beginnings to running his own kitchen.
Republic of Pie is your safe haven in the valley. Yes, they have pies that will send you into a blissful food coma, but they also have a staff that genuinely cares about the environment they serve you in. Providing some of the best coffee north of the 101 freeway, they also have a delightful food menu for when you need something slightly more substantial in addition to their all American apple pie. Visit with new friends or sit mysteriously as you watch the afternoon slip away until you’re ready to pack up for the day!
Sightglass Coffee – West Hollywood
Book Recommendation: A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales
When a wealthy bachelor drops dead at a ball, a young lady takes on the decidedly improper role of detective in this action-packed debut comedy of manners and murder.
The best batches are small and are located at Sightglass Coffee. Sightglass is a picturesque coffee shop/restaurant that has it all. Snacks on the go, flowers, and even offers classes on pulling espresso for those who want to bring the flavor home. With a large indoor area and an adorable outdoor patio, feel free to join some of the larger community tables or find your own little corner as you sit back, relax, and read away while you enjoy coffee, wine, or whatever else you fancy on your freespace day!
