Our picks of places to go + things to do to make the most out of your July.
EAT HERE → Maré Santa Monica, an extension of Midcourse Hospitality Group’s popular Melrose location, opens this week in the iconic JiRaffe’s location on Santa Monica Blvd. Featuring many of the same menu items from their Melrose location, new items include a Radish Roasted & Shaved Sandwich, Crispy Octopus, Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi and Moorish Chicken. The new location also features an expanded wine and cocktail list, with cocktails by Jeronimo Medina. Nightly dinner service will be offered from 5 to 10 pm most evenings, with an additional lunch service in the coming weeks.
GET A SCOOP HERE → Salt & Straw, the “farm-to-cone” shop hailing from Portland, will feature seasonal flavors all July 
with their Berry Series. The flavors will be served at all three L.A. locations, including the new Studio City shop. Indulge in Birthday Cakes & Blackberries; Strawberry with Cilantro Lime Cheesecake; Honey Vinegar with Raspberry Fig Cobbler; Meyer Lemon Buttermilk with Blueberries; and PNW Wild Foraged Berry Sherbet. Flavors available by the scoop and pint until July 28.
GO SEE THIS → sound. at the Schindler House featuring internationally renowned cellist Charles Curtis on July 30. Curtis will perform the L.A. premiere of a new work by Tashi Wada, Bach’s Suite No. 2 in D minor and more. All part of The Society for the Activation of Social Space through Art and Sound (SASSAS), the performance continues a 16-year tradition of adventurous sounds and concerts, combining experimental music and unconventional settings.
SHOP HERE → M.R.K.T. at Concept 8366 1/2, a creative space by Liberty Fairs that features new concepts every month in an effort to support the community. Founded by designer Tom Pen, M.R.K.T. will take over the space for the month of July. Showcasing their super-sleek accessories including briefcases, backpacks, messenger bags, dopp kits and a chance to grab the label’s limited-edition retro eyewear collaboration with Raen. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 7 pm.
HEAD TO → Twilight Concerts at The Santa Monica Pier, the free concert series beginning Thursday July 7 and running through Sept. 8, can be enjoyed from a blanket on the beach every week at 7 pm. Best of all, searching for parking or sitting in traffic is a thing of the past thanks to the new Expo Line. Lineup includes performances by Mayer Hawthorne, BØRNS, Psychedelic Furs, Save Ferris and more. Snapchat will be the top sponsor this year, with plans to add games, carnival-like booths and art installations.
GET ‘A THOUSAND FEET HIGH’ HERE → Skyslide at the U.S. Bank Tower (L.A.’s tallest skyscraper) allows daredevils to enjoy sweeping views of the city. The slide, spans from a window on the 70th story to a terrace on the 69th. Designed by M. Ludvik Engineering, the slide is made from thick glass panels and supported by a metal frame that hangs off the side of the tower. Grab a mat and hurtle through the tube…the experience is rather short compared to similar designs around the world.
WATCH THE PONIES HERE → Del Mar Racetrack officially opens on July 15. Grab “The Party on Opening Day” ticket to experience gourmet food trucks, a beer garden, photo booths, private wagering, shaded seating, and a lineup of different DJs. The entire season runs (or should we say gallops…) until Sept. 5, with a variety of activities and events for the entire family including, Friday free concert series, family days on Saturday and Sunday, and a handful of food & drink events.
BIKE HERE → L.A.’s Metro Bike Share launches July 7 allowing Angelenos to pick up one of 1,000 bikes from 65 different bike hubs throughout DTLA. Riders can add a pass to their existing TAP cards or get a new card. The only catch? The launch date bikes will be accessible exclusively to pass holders until Aug. 1, when they’ll be open to everyone.
