Things to Do in Inglewood

Toyota Sports Center entices skaters of all ages with a trio of glassy rinks smooth enough to be commandeered for official practices by the L.A. Kings. When the pros aren't reigning over the ice, guests can practice axel jumps during skating lessons or show up for public skating sessions to lap the flattened glacier in search of preserved saber-toothed zambonis. Toyota Sports Center also educates aspiring Great Ones with beginners hockey classes, hosts youth and adult leagues, and encourages visitors to bulk up off the ice at the fitness center, which is outfitted with free weights and treadmills for those slowly reconnecting with exercise on solid ground.

Thumping beats emanate from the ship, dissipating as they scatter across the tranquil waters of Marina Del Ray Harbor. Tiki torches stand sentry over two outdoor decks, where passengers sip beverages, sashay to the music, and send plumes of smoke into the sky from the cigar deck. Such maritime revelry is all in a day’s—or night’s—work for the Tiki Mermaid, a yacht designed to take up to 70 passengers on festive jaunts into the harbor. Swaddled in Polynesian-style decor, the dynamic vessel offers something for everyone, inviting guests to lounge in overstuffed sofas surrounded by tropical plants, dance on two enclosed floors or two outdoor decks, or peer overboard to summon the family of porpoises that raised them. During private and public parties, passengers enjoy a menu of first-rate appetizers and drinks prepared by the Tiki Mermaid’s master chef.

Brian Freeman wanted two things out of his career: to meet new people and spend time outdoors. With this in mind, Mr. Freeman's path seemed obvious. He would start giving bike tours. A self-described "fact guy," the expert guide draws upon his extensive knowledge of the Venice area to delight both tourists and California natives. From the Venice canals to the spacious mailboxes of celebrity homes, the expert guide tells stories about famous locations and uncovers some of the area's hidden gems. "Everyone always says they had no idea the tour would be so exciting," he says. "People think Venice is just the beach, but just a block away there is so much more."

Mr. Freeman doesn't keep his groups confined to the seats and cowboy saddles of bicycles. He frequently points out ideal spots for photo ops and occasionally pauses for activities, such as letting groups spray paint their names onto a legal-graffiti wall. He also supplies optional helmet cams that capture videos for souvenirs.

A fresh harbor breeze passes through the annual MarinaFest, where sailing aficionados and experts gather each spring to celebrate the boating lifestyle and the joys that trail in its wake. Throughout the two-day event, interactive attractions glean the attention of all ages, ranging from a standup paddleboarding clinic to free scuba-diving lessons in a fully equipped dive pool. As a variety of educational seminars dispense maritime knowledge, the lineup of activities includes special appearances from the _Bill of Rights_—a replica 19th-century schooner that sailed through New York Harbor during America's bicentennial—and teenager Abby Sunderland, who nearly became the youngest person to ever sail solo around the globe. Between eyeing the halyards and learning semaphore to communicate with mermaid figureheads, attendees can also skim through the products from a variety of exhibitors, showcasing everything from yachts to boating accessories, electronics, and watersports equipment.