Celebrating a birthday remains one of the best ways to give a celebrant the ultimate gift: a day that is theirs. But this doesn't stop at just acknowledging this special day. Many like to use their day to escape and relax, and others use it to seek out the world's joys. After all, a birthday is a celebration of life.
If you're looking for adventure, from hidden gardens to wild nights – whatever your budget is – here are ten places in Los Angeles where you can do fun things on your birthday:
1. Yamashiro | Hollywood
Self-acclaimed ‘the best place to celebrate birthday parties in Los Angeles’, this historic location invites celebrants and their guests to a night of indulging and delighting the senses with amazing aesthetics, ambience and flavorsome food. A truly unique experience, I think, is the outdoor dining arrangement of tent covers and heat lamps. Plan your birthday on the Yamashiro website.
Yamashiro images and information
2. Blue Ribbon Garden
This picturesque utopian-style backdrop is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Edible flowers and a brilliant porcelain fountain on the roof of the Walt Disney Concert Hall sound just like a fairytale, but this mass of land exists in the real world — and is free to enter. The garden is also made of a labyrinth of paths and staircases outside the Concert Hall. For a fantastical special day and the chance to leave with pictures and videos you’ll cherish for a long time, then Blue Ribbon Garden is the perfect place for you.
Blue Ribbon Garden images and information
3. Woodspoon
Inspired by African, European and Indian culinary and aesthetic influences, the food here is so delicious that offsite catering services are fully booked for the whole year. For partial or complete buyouts onsite, though, they can seat up to 20 guests, and orders can be made à la carte the full restaurant menu. Check out the Woodspoon website for the menu, contact information, and more.
Woodspoon images and information
4. Apothéke
As one might imply from the name of this bar, the drinks served here are apothecary (medicine) themed mixes. The infused drinks contain housemade organic ingredients; as the spirits help you shed your inhibitions, the herbs and other botanicals cause effects such as stress relief, aphrodisia and even better skin. On special occasions, Apothéke even holds cocktail-making classes. Check out their menu, and if you decide to plan something big, you can make enquiries here.
Apothéke images and information
5. Botanica Restaurant and Market
As we grow older and our priorities change, so do the things that make our lives easier. Whether you're a culinary genius or you barely ever cook, shopping for kitchen essentials, from spices to easy homemade snacks, is a great birthday experience for yourself or to give to someone else. At Botanica you can have lunch or dinner at the restaurant first. When you try anything off the restaurant menu, you experience refined cuisine made from the very pantry goods sold at the market.
Botanica Restaurant and Bar images and information
6. Chulita
With Taco Tuesdays, tequila and tasty dishes, Chulita attracts lovers of Mexican cuisine and mezcal from all over California. For semi-private and private buyouts, this chic spot offers custom menus and aesthetics based on needs, restrictions and preferences. They also provide further services in coordinating rentals, staffing and more. See sample menus and the inquiry form here.
Chulita images and information
7. Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles
This bar is located on a rooftop pool deck, though the pool area is only open to guests of the Freehand LA hotel. Their mixes and ingredients bring coastal tastes and experiences to the heart of the city. Visit the Freehand Los Angeles website for a virtual tour of the location and how to contact them about a custom event.
Broken Shaker images and information
8. The Broad
Except for special exhibitions and events, this contemporary art museum is typically free to enter. The Broad has a mobile museum guide and other digital resources that can be listened to on visitors’ headphones. This makes the museum an especially suitable location for spending the day alone or with a fellow explorer.
The Broad images and information
9. Bavel
Perfect for large yet intimate dinners, there’s a layout option for groups of every size. Special events like these often feature the cuisine and personal attention of Executive Chef Ori Menashe and Pastry Chef Genevieve Gergis, the top duo at Bavel. The restaurant opens at 5 pm, so visitors typically can't stop by during the day. However, the space is available for lunches, parties and other events in the case of a full buyout.
10. The Last Bookstore
I barely need to say anything for fellow book lovers to understand the excitement about a visit to the largest bookstore in the state. Besides tons of new and used books – including comic books – the building houses a record store, five art studios, a great yarn store, and other aesthetic features that boho dreams are made of. Visit The Last Bookstore’s website for events, schedules and additional visit-related information
