Boasting world-class restaurants, beautiful attractions, stunning ocean views and a temperate climate, there are no shortage of fantastic places in LA to celebrate with mom. Whether she loves a decadent brunch, relaxing outdoors, celeb spotting, or all of the above, we’ll help you find the perfect place to celebrate together. Here are nine top spots to visit this Mother’s Day in Los Angeles.

Things to Do on Mother’s Day in Los Angeles

1. Tour the Gardens at The Huntington

Nothing says Mother’s Day like flowers, and The Gardens at The Huntington have those in abundance. The roses are in full bloom, so make sure that your visit includes a stroll through the three-acre Rose Garden.  There are more than 1,200 different varieties, so make note of Mom’s favorite and you’ll have next year’s gift taken care of. Continue onto one of the other gardens or stop for scones and tea sandwiches in the Rose Garden Tea Room.

Where: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino

2. Visit The Getty

Whether you decide to visit the The Getty Center or The Getty Villa, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy for an hour or an afternoon. In addition to vast art collections, both locations feature breathtaking views, interesting architecture, and carefully manicured gardens.  Spend time wandering around the grounds and exploring on your own, or take one of the many free tours.

Where:
The Center – 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles
The Villa – 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades

3. Celebrate at Malibu Café

The Malibu Café has you covered if little ones will be involved in your Mother’s Day festivities. From 9am until 3pm, the whole family can enjoy gourmet food in a picnic setting with plenty of activities for moms and kids alike. There will be ten-minute mommy massages and a special cocktail cart for the ladies, card crafting stations for the kiddos, and a photo booth to document all the fun.

Where: 327 Latigo Canyon Road, Malibu

4. Dine at Scopa

If your mom enjoys an indulgent Italian meal, treat her to a dinner at Scopa. Offering plenty of small plate options as well as hearty pasta dishes, patrons can select a few things to share or enjoy an entree independently. Do you have a sweet tooth? Order a traditional affogato or for a fun and nostalgic option, try the Fluffernutter.

Where: 2905 W. Washington Boulevard, Venice

5. Drink and Dine at The Ivy at the Shore

Does your mom read People Magazine cover-to-cover every week? Treat her to brunch at The Ivy at the Shore in Santa Monica. Like its sister restaurant on Robertson Boulevard, The Ivy at the Shore is a well known for its celebrity patrons. The A-list clientele isn’t the only draw, however. The upscale comfort food and inventive cocktails are definitely worth the trip. Ask for a table on the tree-shaded patio to enjoy the ocean breezes and increase your odds of spotting a celebrity.

Where: 1535 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica

6. Relax at Spa Montage

Pamper your mom and enjoy some relaxation of your own with a spa day at the Spa Montage. Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, the Spa Montage provides the luxury experience that every mother deserves. If you’re not quite ready to go your separate ways after your massages and facials, extend your afternoon at The Montage with a stop at The Garden Bar or The Rooftop Grill.

Where: 225 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills

7. Visit the Griffith Observatory

Get in some exercise while enjoying some of the most dramatic views in the city when you take advantage of the many hiking trails around the Griffith Observatory. There are plenty of easy trails of varying lengths, most with views of the iconic Hollywood sign. The observatory itself is open from 10am to 10pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to check it out before or after your hike.

Where: 2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles

8. Explore Larchmont Village

Of the many neighborhoods that make up the city of Los Angeles, Larchmont Village is one of the most charming. Their weekly farmer’s market falls on Sunday, making this a perfect stop for Mother’s Day. You can grab a snack from one of the food vendors and then start shopping for everything you need to prepare for dinner’s feast. Don’t forget to stop by the flower stall to create a custom bouquet for Mom.  

Where: 209 N. Larchmont Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90004

9. Dine at Geoffrey’s Malibu

If you want to make a weekend of it, take advantage of the Mother’s Day Eve menu at Geoffrey’s Malibu. Book an outdoor table for 7pm, and toast Mom as the sun sinks into the Pacific. The three-course prix fixe menu has something for everyone, from the vegetarian to the most ardent carnivore. As dessert is served, you can surprise Mom with the next day’s itinerary.

Where: 7400 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA

If you plan it right, you can fit in a few of these meals and activities into one day to create an epic Mother’s Day weekend for your mom or the leading lady in your life.