I spent three years living in Southern California, and while it’s not a place I ride for on the deepest of levels, it might be the most geographically blessed place in the country. (I’ve dumped a bunch of Los Angeles recs and info into a separate blog post) Within an hour (give or take traffic), you can be at the beach, in wine country, in the mountains, or at a swanky rooftop dinner.
That kind of range makes for a perfect birthday weekend. This year’s celebration turned into a 4-day mix of sexy dinners, vineyard views, and a beach day that felt like summer camp for adults.
Overview
- Thursday: Birthday Dinner @ Tao + Rooftop Drinks
- Friday: Birthday Dinner #2 in Silver Lake
- Saturday: Temecula Wine Country
- Sunday: Manhattan Beach
- Final Thoughts: Why LA Actually Works for Birthdays
Thursday Night: Birthday Dinner @ Tao
Birthday dinner #1 was at Tao in Hollywood.
LA has a reputation, and this place fits the bill. The ambiance is stunning. The crowd is beautiful. The lighting is cinematic. The food? Just OK. I went in with low expectations because Tao falls into that “you go just for the vibe” category. But I was pleasantly surprised at the food. It’s a chain, of course; I’ve been to their Vegas, NYC and Chicago locations.
The atmosphere is moody – coated in dramatic red, the food was better than I expected. For a birthday dinner, it feels festive.
Rooftop drinks after Downtown @ Perch – I rarely go downtown for a night out unless it’s a warehouse rave. I think Perch is a bit touristy, but sometimes it’s fun to be touristy in your own city.
Friday Night: Birthday Dinner #2 @ Bacari in Silver Lake
Birthday dinner #2 was at Bacari Silver Lake because it’s my birthday and I do what I want. (different group of friends) Bacari is very much a scene at night. Twinkly lights, cozy corners, good share plates, great cocktails.
Ended the night by walking to Black Cat for a night cap. I love cats, so…of course I’ll pose with the art.
Saturday: Temecula Wine Country
Stop One: Robert Renzoni Vineyards
We started the day at Robert Renzoni, and it was exactly the vibe I wanted – relaxed, scenic and live music. Starting your birthday in a vineyard feels very correct.
Stop Two: Europa Village Wineries & Resort
Europa Village is like if wine country met Disney World. It’s massive. Different levels, different “villages,” multiple tasting rooms, restaurants, photo ops everywhere. You can wander for hours.
If I lived even slightly closer to Temecula, I would absolutely get a membership here. It feels like the kind of place you could host events, celebrate milestones, or just spend a random Saturday.
And there’s really good pizza.
Before driving back north stop for Ice Cream at Handel’s Homemade ice cream for a birthday sweet treat.
Sunday: Manhattan Beach, But Make It Simple
We closed the weekend with a day at Manhattan Beach, my favorite beach.
No reservations. Just music, games, sunshine, and friends. Bring food, drinks, and good energy. My friends over at Dipped came through with a hot dog machine and a tent to block the sun.
Final Thoughts: Why LA Actually Works for Birthdays
Southern California might not be my forever place, but for a birthday weekend, it delivered. I had two glam dinners in Hollywood and Silver Lake. Sipped wine in Temecula and ended it all at the beach.
Great start to a new year. ✨