Michele StuevenFor a true summer treat, The Northwind Experience is now open to the public in Marina del Rey, ushering in a new chapter for a nearly century-old yacht with an historic maritime legacy.
Permanently docked at California Yacht Club’s F-100 dock, the 135-foot vessel is the only publicly accessible upscale food-and-beverage destination on the water in Marina del Rey with three levels of restored maritime details, custom lighting, fire features, and panoramic harbor views.
The Northwind Experience’s programming includes dining, cocktails, weekend brunch, live entertainment, private events, and full-vessel buyouts, complemented by seasonal chef collaborations, tasting events, and cultural programming throughout the year. The yacht also serves as a venue for weddings, celebrations, brand activations, film productions, and private gatherings.
Originally commissioned in 1930, the Northwind has a distinguished history, having hosted Sir Winston Churchill, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and other notable travelers and dignitaries over the decades.
The culinary program is led by Chef Charles Voudouris, whose career includes leadership roles at the Versace Mansion, Viceroy Anguilla, and Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak. Reservations, event inquiries, and upcoming programming are available here.
Lower deck of the Northwind (Michele Stueven)
The Grammy Award-winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus will team up with Pacific Symphony, soprano Kaitlyn Lusk, and voices/LA, and for the highly anticipated summer events, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, In Concert, which makes its Los Angeles debut with four performances, Thursday, July 16 through Saturday, July 18 at The Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
The film will be projected on a 60-foot screen accompanied by Howard Shore’s Academy – and Grammy Award-winning score performed live on stage by 238 musicians, led by guest conductor Ludwig Wicki, and will include some 78 Pacific Symphony musicians, 110 singers from voices/LA, and 50 members of LACC, as well as Lusk and a soloist from LACC. Tickets ($62.09-$201.93) are available here.
Just a quick drive from Orange County and LA, Skull Canyon is an outdoor playground that turns adventure into a full-blown thrill fest with the scenic canyon views.
Spanning 160 acres with stunning views, Skull Canyon soars more than 80 feet above the canyon, with twin ziplines, and a massive Monster Zipline that features more than 9,000 feet of cable and dramatic 300-foot drops. The Extreme Zipline Tour packs a punch with five ziplines and a scenic hike.
The Sky Gym elevated obstacle course offers climbing, balancing, and aerial challenges for all ages and skill levels. Choose from the Sky Gym Max (from $69 per person), offering over 100 elements and up to 50 feet high, including the “Leap of Faith,” or the Sky Gym Lite (from $39 per person), with 48 elements at a more accessible height perfect for kids and adults. There’s also the Canyon Climber (from $10 per person), a 30-minute climbing experience with five routes up to 26 feet high, great for all ages.
Courtesy Skull Canyon