5 Group Activities Perfect for Los Angeles Wedding Guests
There are many details that go into planning a wedding, and if many of your guests are traveling to your event from out of town, it means that you may have the additional responsibility of showing them around Los Angeles during their stay. While you can always give your loved ones ideas of places to see during their visit, it is also a nice touch to plan a group event or excursion that will have your guests remembering your wedding – and their vacation in Los Angeles – for a lifetime.
While there are a plethora of things to do in LA, here are some of our favorites:
1. Tour of Los Angeles
Taking a tour of Los Angeles is a great way to entertain a large group of people for the day. You can charter a vehicle and get a great guide, so that your company can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sites of Los Angeles.
Our favorite destinations include Hollywood Boulevard, where you can see the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. If your group wants to see the famous Hollywood Sign, your tour can take them to one of many viewing spots. For a great view of Los Angeles, consider the Griffith Observatory.
You can also check out the sites of Beverly Hills and go shopping on Rodeo Drive (pictured above) or on Melrose Avenue. A tour of the city could include a group lunch at one of the many restaurants or a trip to one of the LA's great museums. The options are endless. With so many things to do in Los Angeles, your group will get a taste of the city and you will give them a day worth remembering.
2. Evening Dinner Cruise
Would you rather be on the water in a boat than in the water swimming? If so, a day or night cruise is a great option for you and your guests. You can enjoy the water while skimming through the ocean on a yacht or a cruiser. From day cruises to party cruises, dinner cruises and sunset cocktail cruises, a short ocean cruise is an unforgettable activity. There are many different companies in LA and Orange County that conduct these tours, so be sure to research the best one for you!
3. Day at the Beach
No visit to Los Angeles is complete without visiting one of the world-famous beaches. If you have a large group of people coming into town for your wedding, it is a good idea to organize a beach day. There are some incredible beaches in the Los Angeles area, from the South Bay (Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach) to Venice, Santa Monica, and Malibu. You can find a spot near one of the many volleyball nets that are seen along the shoreline, or in one of the more quiet cove areas. For a memorable day for all ages, set up some beach chairs and umbrellas and bring some fun beach toys. Orange County is also nearby if your group wants to explore Laguna Beach (pictured above) or Newport Beach.
If you just want to just sit back and relax, then the staff at the Annenberg Beach House can help you organize a fun day for your entire group. Originally owned by Marion Davies and William Randolph Hearst, this former mansion (and playground for the rich and famous) is now a community beach house located along five acres of beach. Just steps from the beach, enjoy volleyball courts, a swimming pool (the original pool from the 1920s has been refurbished) and a children’s water play area called the “splash pad.”
4. Whale Watching Excursion
What could be a better day than hanging out with your wedding guests on a chartered boat in the middle of the ocean? Catching sight of a whale, of course! Whale watching is a very popular and fun way to enjoy the ocean – without getting sand in your bathing suit. While whale watching used to primarily be a fall and spring activity, you can now enjoy seeing whales almost year-round due to the migration patterns in the last few years. You'll see grey whales, blue whales, and humpback whales, among others. Witness the majesty of the largest animals on earth in their natural habitat, all from the deck of a boat while enjoying the beautiful Los Angeles weather. This is also an exciting activity for the kids in your group, who might not get to participate in the night-time activities.
5. Sports & Concert Activities
Do you have some big sports fans in your wedding party? Why not set up a fun night for them at Staples Center or Dodger Stadium? Both of these venues have pricing and options for any sized group. You can enjoy watching the Lakers, Clippers, or Sparks on the basketball court, or see the Kings score goals on the ice at Staples Center (pictured above). Contact the venue to reserve a grouping of seats, or even rent out a group space to enjoy a sporting event. You can also do this for any concert at Staples Center.
At Dodger Stadium, there are many options available depending on your group size. You can watch the Dodgers battle it out on the field while you relax in an executive suite that has waitstaff and catering. If you want to be with the roaring crowd of the stadium, then go for an all-you-can-eat party in the right field pavilion, which is cost effective for large groups. You can even host your own tailgate party in the event space behind centerfield. Whatever you choose, your sports fans will have an exciting and memorable time.
For more ideas on where Los Angeles wedding guests can stay, eat, and play, read our Guide to Los Angeles for Out-of-Town Guests.