Life in LA
Life in LA
The UCLA Medical Center is located in one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the country. Los Angeles offers an endless variety of cultural, entertainment, and recreational opportunities to fit any lifestyle. From world-class museums and theaters to beaches, hiking trails, and vibrant neighborhoods, there is truly something for everyone.
Our trainees take full advantage of living in beautiful, sunny Southern California and enjoy spending time with family, friends, and one another outside of the hospital. Whether relaxing by the coast, exploring the city’s diverse food scene, or discovering new local favorites around Westwood, life in Los Angeles offers countless opportunities to recharge beyond the microscope.
Food
Food lovers will feel right at home in Los Angeles. Known as a true culinary destination, LA offers an incredible variety of dining experiences that reflect the city’s rich cultural diversity. Exploring new restaurants quickly becomes a favorite weekend activity for many of our trainees.
Beyond discovering great food, our trainees also enjoy making boba and coffee runs around Westwood and visiting the local farmers market in Westwood Village, held every Thursday. These simple traditions have become a fun way for trainees to relax, connect with one another, and experience the vibrant neighborhood surrounding UCLA.
Local Flavors in Westwood
- Iconic Westwood eateries: Enzos, Diddy Riese, Zankou Chicken, Saffron & Rose, Shaherzad Restaurant, The Apple Pan
Recreational Activities
Los Angeles is famous for its beautiful beaches, and UCLA is just five miles from the nearest shoreline. Popular activities include surfing, biking, beach volleyball, and running along the coast. If you ask around on Monday morning, there’s usually at least one trainee who spent part of their weekend relaxing at the beach.
Beyond the coast, Los Angeles offers an abundance of outdoor activities. The area is home to numerous hiking trails and bike paths, as well as scenic campsites. For those who enjoy winter sports, several world-class ski resorts are just a short drive away. Even on a regular weekday, it’s not uncommon for trainees to head to a local yoga or fitness class after work—so be ready to swap those scrubs for workout gear.
- Beaches (Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach)
- Santa Monica Pier
- World Class Skiing (Big Bear and Mammoth ski resorts)
- UCLA Recreation Center
- Hiking, biking, and camping (Griffith Park, Will Rodgers State Park, Joshua Tree National Park)
Entertainment
As the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles offers an incredible variety of activities for music lovers, theater enthusiasts, and sports fans alike. Our trainees frequently organize group outings to attend concerts, plays, Broadway musicals, and film screenings at some of the city’s many iconic venues.
With several major professional sports teams calling Los Angeles home, trainees also enjoy gathering to attend games and cheer on their local favorites. In addition, the area is home to multiple family-friendly theme parks, making it easy for those raising children—or anyone who’s still a kid at heart—to enjoy a day of fun and adventure.
Sports
- Lakers (Home of the Los Angeles Lakers)
- Clippers (Los Angeles Clippers | The Official Site of the Los Angeles Clippers)
- Rams (Los Angeles Rams Home | Los Angeles Rams - therams.com)
- Chargers (Chargers Home | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com)
- Dodgers (Official Los Angeles Dodgers Website | MLB.com)
- UCLA Athletics (UCLA - Official Athletics Website)
Iconic Venues
- Hollywood Bowl (Hollywood Bowl)
- Walt Disney Concert Hall (About the Walt Disney Concert Hall | LA Phil)
- Greek Theater (Los Angeles Theater: Broadway Shows, Musicals, Plays, Concerts in 2026-2027)
- Crypto.com Arena (Crypto.com Arena)
Musicals/Theater
Theme Parks
Museums/Cultural Attractions
Los Angeles has some of the most iconic museums and landmarks in the world, with engaging exhibits to bring out the inner artist in every budding pathologist. Even hiking up to the Griffith Observatory and scoping out the night sky gives a “starry sky” pattern a whole new meaning. There are so many unique attractions to check out in LA.
- The Getty Center/Getty Villa
- LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
- Griffith Observatory
- La Brea Tar Pits
- Huntington Library
- The Broad
- Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Weekend Road Trip Destinations
One of the perks of living in Los Angeles is the easy access to a wide variety of incredible weekend getaway destinations. Within just a few hours, trainees can escape the city and explore beaches, deserts, mountains, and vibrant entertainment hubs.
Just a short drive away, Las Vegas offers world-class dining, entertainment, and nightlife. Palm Springs provides a relaxing desert retreat known for its beautiful resorts, mid-century architecture, and scenic hiking trails. San Diego is a favorite coastal destination where trainees enjoy beaches, waterfront dining, and visits to Balboa Park and the famous zoo.
For those who love the outdoors, Yosemite National Park offers breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and unforgettable hiking opportunities. Trainees can also take a ferry to Catalina Island for a peaceful island getaway, where snorkeling, kayaking, and seaside relaxation await.
With so many incredible destinations nearby, weekend road trips are a popular way for our trainees to unwind and experience the natural beauty and unique attractions of California.
- Las Vegas
- Palm Springs
- San Diego
- Yosemite
- Catalina Island
