Out and About: 6 Eclectic Escape Rooms in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has much to offer when it comes to entertainment. It comes as no surprise that Los Angeles is known as the “Escape Room Capital” of the world. These LA-based escape rooms are created by prominent set designers, storytellers, industry creators, and most importantly… their entertainment-loving customers. If you enjoy what Hollywood has to offer when it comes to immersive entertainment based experiences, then you can’t miss these.

We have compiled a list of Escape Rooms that will satisfy any of your “puzzle-hungry” needs. Check them out!

Lab Rat – Los Angeles

Voted #1 by Escaperoomtips.com, Lab Rat by Hatch Escapes is a staple in the LA escape room scene.

The gist: Your group plays as human test subjects held captive by Timothy Ratkenstein, a maniacal researcher who is willing to do whatever it takes in order to complete his dissertation. Every part of this escape room is unique, with immersive storytelling, impressive engineering, a custom soundtrack, and a plethora of unforgettable moments.

Magical Kingdom – Koreatown

If wearing wizard robes (yes, they do provide them) and living in a Harry Potter-esque world is your thing, then don’t miss Maze Room’s Magical Kingdom.

The gist: Watch a cozy bedroom slowly transform into a clockwork fairylike escapade. The technology is immersive, and the payout is worth every penny. The Magical Kingdom set is very well-made, encourages and rewards curiosity, and comes with several fun surprises.

 Doggy Dog World – North Hollywood

Have you ever been curious of what is it’s like in the day and life of your four legged friend? Doggy Dog World allows you to live out this fantasy, while integrating thought provoking puzzles along the way.

The gist: This escape stands out as a real treat especially if you are looking to experience an escape room with the whole family. The age policy is 12+ (with parental supervision), and any child younger than 12 is allowed if you reach out via email them beforehand. The games are private to respect the privacy of your children and family as well.

Murder Co – Upland

For any fans of the Clue Universe, Murder Co is as good as it gets.

The gist: The actors of Murder Co exhibit performances that are masterful and make this escape room top tier when it comes to immersive theatre. The actors will interact with you, frighten you, and direct you, all with a fairly dark sense of humor. It’s a fresh take on the escape room genre, melding “immersive theatre” elements into the room. The adventure is exhilarating, entertaining, and more of an action/adventure rather than a bone-chilling experience.

A.I Tech Integration – Monterey Park

Dive into the digital unknown with A.I by Exit Game.

The gist: A corrupt A.I. has taken over the room, and you have to fight for control before getting permanently “deleted”. The room itself has an atmosphere of a Tron-like world. The advanced use of technology in this digital space leaves the player with a sense of immersion that they may have never experienced.  A.I. Tech Integration offers an overwhelming densely-packed assortment of puzzles with a fun futuristic atmosphere.

Zoe – Fullerton

Zoe gives the horror fan their gruesome fix.

The gist: This haunted house inspired escape room provides an arsenal of horrific puzzles. It does not help that the cast of actors are dedicated to scaring the daylights out of you.  Zoe is known as the “scariest escape room” in LA. Proven to not disappoint even the bravest of souls. Each confrontation within the incredibly detailed set is different than the last. The maze is paced in a way that will keep you on your toes.

Out and About: Hollywood Edition

This edition of Out and About is really a no brainer. What would the city of L.A. be without it’s star-studded history and sites? And while there are the obvious tourist options, there are also quite a few hidden gems. So spend a day the L.A. way out in Hollywood!

To start your day…

Runyon Canyon

While it may seem cliche, hiking Runyon Canyon is truly one of the better ways to start your morning whether it be a Hollywood outing or a weekly routine. The trail is pet friendly and offers stunning views of the city as well as a fun workout.

Lake Hollywood Park

If thats not enough fresh air, we recommend venturing to Lake Hollywood Park for a slight stroll as you gaze up at the Hollywood Sign.

Jane Q Cafe

Once you’re finished there, if you haven’t grabbed a morning bite, Jane Q is the ideal pitstop for a dose of AM energy. Tucked in the Kimpton Everly Hotel, the restaurant offers a chic cafe feel with gourmet dining options.

By the afternoon “bell”…

TCL Chinese Theatre

If your inner tourist is up for the crowd a stroll down the Walk of Fame is always an enjoyable outing if not just for the characters along the way. From famed handprints at the TCL Theatre to a bounty of hop on hop off tours, you’ll have no shortage of options.

Hollywood and Highland Center-Hollywood

If you feel like splurging, Hollywood and Highland Center is just down the street with choices that are wallet friendly. For more unique digs, Scout offers a plethora of vintage finds.

Paramount Studios Tour

After you’ve had you fill on the boulevard, why not take part in a tour of one of Hollywoods most famed studios?

Paramount Studios is the only studio still actually residing in Hollywood and it’s tour provides you a captivating glimpse of the silver screen both old and new. Whether you partake in the adventure is on your own accord, but surely afterwards you’ll need an afternoon reprieve.

APL Hole in the Wall

APL Hole in the Wall is the perfect place to refuel before the rest of your day continues. Offering gourmet take-away dishes like the Serious Sandwich- pit-cooked shaved prime New York strip with pickle salad, sweet onions, and freshly grated horseradish. Delicious!

Before the evening sets…

Ai Weiwei Exhibit at Jeffrey Deitch Gallery-Hollywood

A visit to the Jeffrey Deitch Gallery should be next on your list for a necessary dose of arts and culture. Peruse the selection of fine art but leave room for a different style of entertainment. Depending on your general mood, dinner and a show is always the perfect evening with family, friends, or that significant other.

UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT — FYC @ UCB Event at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre Sunset, Los Angeles

For those with a funny bone, Upright Citizens Brigade will provide the laughs you so seek having famed comedians grace their stage both past and present. But for a more quintessential Hollywood experience, enjoy a showing at the theatre where most of the city’s blockbusters are premiered.

El Capitan Theatre

El Capitan has rolled out it’s red carpet for a bounty of feature films and still serves as a taste of Old Hollywood glamour. While their show offerings are limited, the time spent there is well worth it.

Aladdin the Musical at The Pantages Theatre

For something more lively, The Pantages offers a season full of broadway hits, with past shows like Aladdin and current productions of Wicked.

Curtis Stone and his team at his famed Hollywood restaurant Gwen.

With your inner tourist pleased and likely tired, our last recommendation is for a night that ends enjoying the culinary wonder of Curtis Stones’ Gwen. The restaurant is one of the famed chefs notable ventures into luxury dining and it does not disappointment. Known for their selection of gourmet meat, it is both a taste experience as it is an evening highlight.

No matter how you chose to spend your day Out and About, we hope you enjoy each moment in the city of stars!!

Weekend Events: January 4-6, 2019

It’s a new year, it’s a new you. Whether or not you followed through on your resolutions so far in 2019, you deserve to treat yourself to a weekend of fun in LA. In the city of stars there is no shortage of thrills. We rounded-up the best “Angeleno” approved events to spruce up your first weekend of the year!

Read below for events happening in and round LA January 4-6.

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Friday, January 4th

First-Time Fridays at LACMA

You haven’t been to LACMA you say? Well luckily for you, LA’s Contemporary Museum of Modern Art accepts this and offers First Time Fridays. This monthly event invites guest to explore the museum from 3:00pm-8:00pm for LA residents. If you let the ticket office know it is your first visit to LACMA, you will receive a free poster and discounts at the LACMA store, LACMA Cafe and C+M.

Click here for more details.

Abbot Kinney First Fridays

AK’s neighborhood block party returns this Friday on the “coolest block in America”. Whatever your craving, you’ll be sure to find something with new and old food trucks joining the event and merchant discounts plus late hours.

Click here for more details.

LA Lakers vs. New York Knicks

NBA tickets to see the Los Angeles Lakers play the New York Knicks are sure to be selling quickly! Fans from both sides of the nation won’t want to miss this exciting regular season game! If you want to be there to catch all of the action you’d better act now. Secure your seats so you can cheer on your favorite team!

Click here for more details

Saturday, January 5th

Watson Adventures’ Thrilla at the Getty Villa

Roam for Romans on a unique scavenger hunt that transports you to ancient Greece and Rome via the Getty Villa. You’ll follow a trail of clues and answer fun, tricky questions. Discover facts you never knew about the odd aspects of gods, goddesses, and the inventors of the toga party.

Click here for more details

Golden Globes Foreign Language Nominee Symposium

Discover the best foreign language films of 2018. This year’s five nominees include Capernaum from Lebanon, Girl from Belgium, Never Look Away from Germany, Roma from Mexico, and Shoplifters from Japan. The symposium will also include a free roundtable with the Directors for each of the nominated films. The panel will be moderated by Mike Goodridge, former HFPA member and VP turned festival director and programmer. Advance sale tickers are available until 5:00pm January 4 but will still be available for standby the day of.

Click here for more details

Bricks LA 2019

Come share your love of Lego and discover hundreds of fan created models at the Pasadena Convention Center ! Enjoy their vendor area with new, used, and unique brick accessories as well as building techniques and panel discussions. It will be a weekend of fun for all ages.

Click here for more details

Sunday, January 6

Annual Carroll Shelby Cruise-In

Come see some of the fastest, rarest and most beloved Shelby’s of all time. The Petersen will celebrate Carroll Shelby’s birthday by having a cruise-in on the third floor parking structure of the museum. All car enthusiasts are invited to participate in the car show and contest. Coffee and snacks will be provided.

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A Faery Hunt Magical Adventure

Named by Nickelodeon the “Best Children’s Theater” in Los Angeles, A Faery Hunt delights as a magical adventure. Auntie Angelica leads the audience on a gentle journey to help the Faery royalty! With the help of the audience and the Faeries, it’s a musical filled afternoon with fun, laughs and surprises.

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LA Kings Holiday ICE at L.A. Live Final Day

Just because the holidays are over, doesn’t mean the fun has to be. Don’t miss out on the last day of the LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. Live. Skate your way through the weekend as a family fun activity or date night.

Click here fore more details