Like Cheech and Chong, marijuana and Los Angeles are an iconic stoner duo. Medical cannabis has been legal here since 1996, and consumers have been able to buy recreational weed in Los Angeles since January of 2018. In past years, 4/20 (the longtime marijuana holiday) was celebrated all over the city with events, tribute parties and super-sweet dispensary deals.
And though COVID restrictions continue to de-escalate, many of the usual LA 4/20 (or 420-friendly) activities — dispensary browsing, moviegoing, restaurants, consumption-friendly art classes — are still in a relative state of limbo. Luckily, between speedy weed delivery and some amazing outdoor options, you can still have a reasonably safe 420-friendly day in Los Angeles.
Note: If you’re planning on spending a stoner’s day out in LA, make sure to double-check all venue hours to confirm sites are currently open for visitors. And although LA infection numbers are thankfully decreasing, there are still several hundred new infections in LA County every day—so while you celebrate, wash your hands, wear masks when necessary, and socially distance when possible. Follow all the guidelines of the businesses and public spaces listed.
Consumption Laws in Los Angeles
When planning out and executing your 420 activities, keep in mind that public cannabis consumption is technically prohibited in the state of California, and only allowed in private residences or privately-owned spaces that are permitted to host cannabis consumption. Possession and use of cannabis are also prohibited on federal lands in California.
As of January 1 2018, California residents 21 and over may legally carry up to 1 oz or 28.5 g of marijuana for personal use. 8 g of hashish or concentrated cannabis are also allowed for personal carry and use. When planning out your 420-centric activities, research and make sure you’re fully aware of what’s legal and what isn’t in localized areas.
Where to Buy Weed in Los Angeles
Skip the line at the dispensary this year and enjoy the miracle of Cannabis delivery in Los Angeles. Choose from the scheduled delivery menu, or peruse select products from the ASAP menu, which is delivered to your door in under an hour. Grassdoor carefully selects flower from an elite network of growers in California, always has quality edibles and concentrates in stock, and carries trusted vape brands like Pax Pods, Stiizy, and Select.
Grassdoor takes orders between 9:30 am and 10 pm, and services select zip codes in Los Angeles and Orange County. Enter your address to see if you’re in the zone.
Where to Consume
Once you’ve stocked up on provisions, it’s time to head out into the city for some exploring, eating, drinking, and relaxing. As previously mentioned, always be aware of local consumption laws and guidelines.
Nature Spots
Walk While You Whale-Watch in Malibu
Few things are better than a day at the beach, especially when there’s a chance to see awe-inspiring wildlife. The famed gray whale migration is often visible from Southern California shore, but for the best sightings of these majestic beasts, head to Point Dume in Malibu. April and May are great opportunities to see mother whales traveling their new calves, as they swim close to shore in order to avoid predators.
Go to the Batcave
Bronson Canyon in Griffith Park not only served as the Batcave in the 1960s Batman television series, it’s in TV classics like Bonanza, The A-Team, and Star Trek (both TOS and TNG!) as well as countless old Westerns and science fiction movies. It’s a mellow half-mile hike with a lovely tree-framed view of the Hollywood sign. Click here for directions.
Hike the Hollywood Reservoir
This semi-hidden gem is more of a stroll than a hike: a flat, three-mile route takes you around the perimeter of Lake Hollywood and offers a lesser-known view of the Hollywood sign. Proximity to fresh water means lots of nature sightings—keep an eye out for hawks, deer, and waterbirds (no dogs allowed). Click here for directions.
Check out the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
If you’re looking for a more cardiovascular 420 outing, head to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. With 282 stairs, the climb to the top is a serious workout, but the reward (a breathtaking postcard-worthy view of the ocean, the mountains, and downtown Los Angeles) is totally worthwhile. Do it for the ‘gram, if not your heart health. Park closes at 5 pm, so plan ahead. Find directions here.
Parks and Exhibits
Relax in Vista Hermosa Park
This beautiful 10.5 acre park is a slice of peaced-out nature right next to downtown LA. Bring a blanket, or just lie in the grass and enjoy the birdsong.
Go Inward at the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens
Founded in 1925 by Paramahansa Yogananda, this ashram and meditation center is in a former hotel at the top of beautiful Mount Washington. Wander the gardens (which include a koi fish pond, a small cactus garden, a rose garden, a sundial, a wishing well, and the “Leaf Temple,” a sunken garden where Yogananda often taught). Current visitor hours are 9 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday, but be sure to confirm before you go. Find directions and more information here.
Play Disc Golf in Elysian Park
For a truly throwback 420, grab a Frisbee and head to Chavez Ridge Disc Golf Course in gorgeous Elysian Park. It’s a challenging course, but luckily there are fruit cart vendors throughout the park providing hydrating nourishment (be sure to bring cash). Get to Hole 18 at dusk for an amazing sunset with a view of Dodger Stadium. Directions are here.
Spend Some Time with the Butterflies at South Coast Garden
The tropical butterfly exhibit at South Coast Botanic Garden may make you feel high even if you’re not (the curators suggest you wear bright colors to attract the butterflies to you!). Just make sure to reserve your timed ticket in advance.
Hit the Hammer Museum
Like most arts institutions, the Hammer has been closed due to the pandemic but re-opened on April 17th. For an arty 420, visit this small but stunning museum, which features classic European painting as well as provocative modern art. The latest exhibition, “Made in LA 2020,” showcases work by 30 Los Angeles–based artists. Admission is always free, just be sure to make a reservation.
Munchies
If you’re in need of snacks after all these activities, consider the trucks and venues listed below, which are all outdoors or open air (safety AND savings!).
Angel’s Tijuana Tacos
With numerous sidewalk locations, Angel’s serves up some of the best street tacos in Los Angeles, with tortillas made fresh on the spot, richly flavored salsas, and flame-grilled, perfectly seasoned meats. Their vegetarian burrito is also life-changing. Check here for a location near you.
Via Mar
There’s always a daily special on rotation at this Highland Park seafood gem, which serves incomparable Baja-style fish and shrimp tacos, as well as ceviche, oysters, calamari, mahi mahi, and a build-your-own-tostada option. Wash it all down with a margarita or an agua de tamarindo. Hours and directions are here.
Taco Zone
This Echo Park staple serves up delicious eats in a Von’s parking lot. Great for late-night snacking, try the suadero, a brisket-like tacos that’s a crowd favorite, and make sure to get a generous helping of the fresh salsa. Hours and directions are here.
Grand Central Market
This 30,000-square-foot European-style food hall has been operating in downtown L.A. since 1917. Its mission: “To celebrate the cuisines and cultures of Los Angeles…[and] to gather the city’s many communities around a shared table.” If you’re not feeling tacos, check out amazing vendors like Sticky Rice, Belcampo, Sari Sari, Horse Thief BBQ, Eggslut, McConnell’s and G&B Coffee. Hours and directions are here.
Verdugo Bar
This Glassell Park hangout features an outdoor beer garden where you can imbibe while enjoying the DJs and gourmet food trucks on rotation. Tuesday nights are trivia nights so get ready to game! Hours and directions are here.
