What I love to do most on Mother’s Day is be somewhere beautiful with my two favorite people in the world – my daughters. How lucky we are to live in L.A. where we have so many options from which to choose. Here are a few of my favorite spots that we have enjoyed throughout the years.

An Elegant Afternoon

This year, we had the pleasure of savoring a pre-Mother’s Day high tea at one of the prettiest hotels in the city—The Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills. The hotel serves afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge on the weekends.

The three of us loved being cozy in the lobby and listening to the live harpist. Since my daughters are now young adults, we first toasted our special day together with champagne from Veuve Clicquot. It’s a very special feeling sipping tea and savoring delectable sandwiches with your daughters, who used to love playing dress up and serving pretend tea in their princess cups.

The setting in the lobby is modern and elegant with gold utensils and aquamarine teacups and plates. The tea selection is from TEALEAVES, handcrafted by tea artisans in Vancouver, Canada, and served at many luxury hotels around the world. Our assortment of savory sandwiches and sweets arrived beautifully arranged on a three-tiered gold serving stand. 

What’s wonderful about afternoon tea is that no one is in a rush. It’s designed to be leisurely. We sip our tea, we sample a roasted chicken sandwich, the smoked salmon, cucumber brioche and we talk and we laugh and we connect.

After your high tea, you can explore the neighborhood together. The Historic Doheny Greystone Estate is nearby. The grounds are spectacular and perfect for a post tea stroll. There is no fee for parking or admission, but do check ahead of time to make sure the grounds are open. The property does occasionally close for filming or special events. Some other favorite spots for us is grabbing a slice of pizza from Mulberry Street Pizzeria and a scoop of original swirled with pomegranate frozen yogurt from Pinkberry and enjoying our treats outdoors at the Beverly Canon Gardens.

Brunch with City Views

Located in Pershing Square in DTLA, Perch LA is on the rooftop of the historic Pershing Square Building, designed in 1924 in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. There is a rooftop restaurant on the 13^th floor and a rooftop bar on the 16^th floor. I have met one of my daughters here for after work drinks and the city views of the downtown skyline is stunning. It’s a great spot to linger and chat.

Lots to explore in DTLA while you’re here. Spend the afternoon amongst books, comics and vinyls at The Last Bookstore. Grab a baked-from-scratch individual pie treat at the Pie Hole in the Arts District. Visit Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms at The Broad.

A Day in the Garden

Descanso Gardens and the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens are two of my favorite places to spend a day with my family. I love being out in nature, amongst live oaks and native matilija poppies. As we walk the trails and paths, the talking and laughing comes naturally. I find myself smiling the whole time we’re together.

I remember the first time my kids asked what I wanted to do for Mother’s Day and I suggested the Huntington. My youngest daughter was curious. “That’s what you want to do? See flowers?” Now, many years later, they too appreciate a day away from screens, work and traffic. Our city’s tranquil gardens have become our personal oasis that we look forward to visiting again and again.

Ocean Hikes and Greek Food

As we always say in our family, “the beach never gets old.” Malibu and Zuma are our favorites. We have spent many days on the sand — we pack our food, Frisbee, chairs and boogie boards and we’re set for the day.

A wonderful way to spend Mother’s Day together is to hike Point Dume Cove Trail in Malibu. This is just over a mile and moderate in difficulty, with some sections that are narrow. We often see families on this trail with young kids. Dogs are not allowed on the trail. The ocean views high above the cliffs are remarkable, and the trail is filled with wildflower blooms in the spring.

Post hike, we love to have a little touch of Greece in Malibu at Taverna Tony. Our go-to favorites are hummus, tabouli, grilled eggplant and grape leaves stuffed with rice and mint and served with their lemon dill sauce.

Stroll and Savor

The Culver Steps in Culver City is a great spot for families. I find myself here with my daughters quite often. You can grab some ice cream at Salt & Straw or a bagel from Pop’s Bagels and sit outside where you’ll see couples reading, kids playing and dogs being adorable. There are lots of different restaurant options here and all along Culver Blvd. Plus a Trader Joe’s and an Erewhon, to pick up a quick snack or a smoothie.

The Village Well Books & Coffee is a quaint, locally-owned bookstore with a coffee shop in the back, where you can order chia coconut pudding, overnight oaks, paninis, salads and a wide variety of coffees and teas. We have had several brunches at Café Vida, where they serve all-day breakfast. We also love the fries and brussels sprouts at Public School. For fresh tagliatelle or gnocchi head over to Pasta Sisters, located inside the Helms Bakery complex in Culver City. And while you’re there, you can explore the furniture, design and art stores nearby.

Happy Mother’s Day!