How to stay cool this summer

LA is a great place to spend the summer, except when it gets so hot all you want to do is run around naked and sit in an ice bath. Luckily, there are more than a few ways to stay cool, both indoors and outdoors this summer. Here are some ideas you may not have heard of.

Grab a scoop

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! But we’re not talking about your typical chocolate and vanilla flavors. LA’s newest - and coolest - frozen treat spot is Magpie’s Softserve in Silver Lake. They make their soft serve mix and toppings in-house, and their flavors change daily. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to try a limited summer treat, like Sweet Corn and Honey or Strawberry Rhubarb.

Take a Swim

If you don’t have a pool at your house or apartment this summer, there’s still a few places you can take a dip. One of the best swimming pools in LA is The Annenberg Beach House, just up the PCH from the Santa Monica Pier. With spectacular views, playground, gallery, Marion Davies Guest House, community/cultural events, historic pool, free Wi-Fi and more- there's something for everyone to enjoy! Three times this summer they offer Sunset Swim for adults, with fun activities and complimentary fruit bars.

Hit up a Pool Party

You don’t even have to get in the pool to enjoy the epic pool parties at Skybar at The Mondrian Hotel. This Sunset Strip hot spot has poolside day parties, “Dive In” movies, and concerts all summer long. You can also get creative with their “Creative Hour,”a weekly event with programs from local artisans such as Succulent 101 from Rolling Greens Nursery to Mixology from Cocktail Academy. Skybar is a place to see and be seen, so grab your trendiest bathing suit and head to the pool for a cocktail and tunes.

Just bowl with it

When the heat gets to be too much, look for the air conditioning. LA’s newest oldest bowling alley, Highland Park Bowl, just reopened earlier this summer. Established in 1927, it was recently lovingly refurbished to the tune of $2 million, and it’s positively gorgeous. Adults only after 8 pm, this stunning piece of LA history offers amazing signature cocktails and wood-fired pizza. Even if you don’t like to bowl, it’s worth a trip for the decor alone.

Go local

Farmers Markets will never be the same once you visit the famed Larchmont Market, everySunday from 10am to 2pm. Casablanca lilies, Bonsai trees, organic Asian vegetables and homemade apple pies are among the treats for sale- Your Sunday mornings will never be quite the same! While it’s open year round, there’s nothing like the Southern California summer bounty. Pick up ingredients for a Sunday dinner alfresco or just enjoy the sunshine as you sample fruits and tempt your senses.