Newly Single and Living in Los Angeles? 10 Ideas for Summer Fun

Are you newly single and living in Los Angeles? 10 ideas for summer fun are ready and waiting.

If you’re spending your first summer solo after being in a long-term marriage or relationship, it can create a mixture of feelings.

I remember the first summer after my divorce as if it were yesterday.

Summer vibrates with aliveness. Strawberry and watermelon stands line the country roads, the long summer days reinvigorate you with energy, and the warm nights have a certain romance.

Even though my marriage had ended, I still wanted to be a part of it all. You may feel as I did, a bit lonely and left out, or like a spectator watching people live through their summer in ways that you used to.

SO, WHY WATCH?

It’s entirely reasonable to feel uncomfortable at first. After all, you’re adapting to your new life. But, there are so many experiences you can have now that you’re single.

If you’re ready to stretch these newfound muscles, begin by taking the initiative to seek out a friend or to make a plan to do a few things on your own. After one or two tries at this, you won’t be uncomfortable anymore.

BEING SINGLE IN THE SUMMER CAN BE A FUN ADVENTURE

No matter your budget, or the time you have available between work and children, YOU don’t have to sit on the sidelines. Jump in, and see what fun you can create.

Create Serendipitous Moments

Discover a fortunate happenstance or pleasant surprise by designing new adventures, big or small. Life doesn’t come knocking on your door. You have to seize the day and create a chance.

I love this quote by Jose Manuel Barroso:

“What people call serendipity sometimes is just having your eyes open.”

You miss a lot when your eyes are closed to what’s around you.

Here are 10 ideas for making your summer fun in the City of Angels:

1. Read a good novel or self-help book

The New York Times best-seller list has great suggestions for books to read this summer. Included are “Come Sundown,” by Nora Roberts, “Into the Water,” by Paula Hawkins and “The Girl With the Make-Believe Husband,” by Julia Quinn.

2. Plan a day trip into the city or take a drive up the coast

Take a relaxing road trip to beautiful Santa Barbara, or attend free jazz concerts at LACMA, featuring such legends as Wayne Shorter, John Clayton, Kenny Burrell and Arturo Sandoval. There are so many fun and exciting things to do whether you take a day trip or enjoy the downtown.

3. Eat at restaurants with beautiful outdoor dining

Los Angeles has some of the best restaurants in the country, and given our nice weather, you can enjoy delicious food AND an outdoor ambiance. Here are a few recommendations from TimeOut.com:

Salazar, AOC, Gracias Madre, Alcove Cafe and Bakery, Viviane, Plant Food + Wine and Firefly offer beautiful and relaxing outdoor dining for your summer pleasure.

4. Go to a free summer concert outdoors

Along with a fabulous lineup at the Hollywood Bowl, an incredible array of free concerts are available this summer. Check out KCRW Summer Nights, Twilight Concerts at the Santa Monica Pier, Sound in Focus, Summer Nights at the Hammer Museum and Off the 405 at The Getty.

5. Enjoy the best ice-cream in LA

For those extra warm summer days, you may want to indulge in some of LA’s finer ice cream shops. Wanderlust Creamery, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, Sweet Rose Creamery, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Mashti Malone’s are just waiting for your arrival.

6. Grab your favorite bottle of wine and watch the sunset

Take your favorite red or white and enjoy the sunset on your back patio or at a destination of your choosing. Magical moments are ready for the making!

7. Sip an oceanside drink at a rooftop bar

LA has some great rooftop bars where you can enjoy a cold drink and gaze at beautiful ocean views or the skyline of downtown. Check out Mama Shelter, Standard Downtown, and Skybar to name a few.

8. Kick back on lazy days and enjoy naps

Enjoy the long days with some Z time. On a hammock under the shade of a tree, or sunbathing on a lawn chair. Summer is chill time when life slows down. Relax, unwind and catch a few!

9. Find a new recipe, chill some white wine and invite friends over for dinner

Connecting with old or new friends over a meal is good for the soul. Create your welcoming community table by instigating a potluck around a theme. You may just start a new tradition.

10. Go to an outdoor movie

There are two things we love about L.A. – the film industry, and spending as much time as possible outside. Click on Outdoor movies to see what is available for your viewing pleasure.

If you’re newly single, summer is a great time to begin to redefine your life by exploring your interests. You get to try new things and find out so much about yourself. As difficult as starting over can be, the delightful experiences come as you create these adventures, have purposeful fun, and discover so much about yourself.