Run clubs
Morning run clubs are LA's unofficial social network. Expect 3–5 mile loops, all paces welcome, and coffee afterwards. Silver Lake, Santa Monica and Pasadena all have strong scenes — the vibe is friendly, not competitive.
Local guides
The local’s guide to Los Angeles
Where Angelenos actually meet up, eat and hang out — and how to find people to go with. Written for newcomers and locals alike.
Local meetups & clubs
LA's social life runs on recurring, low-pressure meetups. These are the formats locals actually show up to — and the ones you'll find posted on Connect every week.
Pickup sports
Pickup soccer, beach volleyball and basketball run year-round thanks to the weather. Most games are free or a few dollars for field lights. Show up solo — captains balance teams on the spot.
Hiking groups
Griffith Park, Runyon and the Angeles National Forest host group hikes every weekend. Sunrise hikes double as networking for people who hate networking events.
Coffee & coworking meetups
Freelancers and remote workers gather at cafés across Highland Park, Culver City and Los Feliz. Look for recurring 'work-together' sessions — quiet work, social breaks.
Creative nights
Figure drawing, open mics, photo walks and writing groups run weekly across the eastside. Most are donation-based and genuinely beginner-friendly.
Food & where locals actually eat
LA's best meals are usually cheap, casual and in a strip mall. Food meetups — taco crawls, farmers market walks, supper clubs — are some of the easiest first plans to join.
Taco stands & trucks
The mariscos trucks of East LA and the al pastor stands around Boyle Heights are institutions. Taco crawls — a group walking between 3–4 stands in one evening — are a classic Connect plan.
Farmers markets
Hollywood (Sunday), Santa Monica (Wednesday/Saturday) and Atwater Village (Sunday) markets double as weekend hangouts. Groups often meet for coffee and a market lap before brunch.
Koreatown & San Gabriel Valley
Late-night Korean BBQ in K-Town and the Chinese food of the SGV are group-dining territory — these meals are built for sharing, so they make natural meetups.
Supper clubs & pop-ups
LA's pop-up scene is enormous: chefs testing menus in backyards, bakeries selling out of apartment windows. Following local food groups is the only reliable way to hear about them.
Culture & things to do
Beyond the tourist loop, LA's culture happens in neighborhood institutions — art walks, free museum days, outdoor cinema and live music in small rooms.
Art walks & galleries
Downtown LA Art Walk (monthly) and the gallery clusters in Culver City and the Arts District are free and social. Gallery-hopping groups typically end at a nearby bar.
Free museum days
The Broad (free with reservation), LACMA (free for LA County residents after 3pm weekdays), the Getty and the Huntington are all regular group-outing territory.
Outdoor movies & music
Summer means screenings in parks and cemeteries, concerts at the Hollywood Bowl (bring-a-picnic groups are a tradition) and free shows at the Levitt Pavilion in MacArthur Park.
Live music in small rooms
The Echo, Zebulon, Gold Diggers and Highland Park's Lodge Room book acts before they're big. Group ticket plans on Connect often form around these shows.
Put this guide to use
Real plans coming up in LA — join one and meet the people behind it.
- 🏃 FitnessFree
Venice Boardwalk Sunset Run
Easy 3-mile out-and-back along the Venice boardwalk to the Santa Monica Pier, finishing with stretching on the sand. All paces welcome — nobody gets dropped.
Fri, Sep 4 · 9:00 PMVenice9 going - 🏃 FitnessFree
Highland Park Morning Run Club
Three-mile out and back on the Arroyo path. Two pace groups, nobody gets dropped.
Sat, Sep 5 · 2:13 AMHighland Park12 going - 🏃 FitnessFree
Silver Lake Reservoir Walk & Talk
2.2 miles around the reservoir at conversation pace. We pair people up so nobody walks alone.
Sat, Sep 5 · 3:13 AMSilver Lake14 going - 🏔️ OutdoorsFree
Venice Canals Morning Walk
A slow loop through the Venice Canals with coffee after. Great for newcomers who want an easy first meetup.
Sun, Sep 6 · 4:13 AMVenice6 going - 🍜 FoodFree
Grand Central Market Lunch Club
Meet at the clock, split into small groups, everyone brings back one dish to share.
Sun, Sep 6 · 7:13 AMDowntown LA10 going - 🏔️ OutdoorsFree
Griffith Observatory Sunrise Hike
Meet at the Fern Dell trailhead before dawn and hike up to the Observatory for sunrise over the basin. Coffee after at Trails Cafe.
Sun, Sep 6 · 7:00 PMEcho Park12 going