As summer is officially in full swing, here are some personal suggestions that I either want to do or plan to do one of these summer days.

SWIM: El Matador State Beach.

North of Malibu, El Matador is a beautiful secluded strip of beach that looks unlike most Los Angeles area beaches. Jetting rocks cut through the sand creating a picturesque landscape that almost makes you feel like you’re in Greece. If gas prices and high costs are keeping you away from a summer vacation, this is a perfect alternative for a quick escape! Located at 32215 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. (310) 377-0360. Learn more.

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TASTE: Seasonal Summer Fruits.

Growing up, one of my favorite things about summer was the seasonal fruit: peaches, melons, strawberries, cherries, blackberries and all the rest. A great place to find all of these mouthwatering treats is your local farmers’ market. You can easily find a certified local farmers’ market here. My personal favorite is the Hollywood F.M. on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a great selection of produce, local cheese, and unique hand crafted goods like soaps and scarves. You can be sure to find an eclectic group of people there every week. The Hollywood F.M. is located at 1600 Ivar Avenue Hollywood, CA 90028. (323) 463-3171. Learn more.

LEARN: Venice Eco-Fest.

The people who brought you Earth Day LA are now bringing you a Green Day at the Beach. This Saturday, June 28^th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., you can check out Ed Beagley Jr. from Planet Green’s Living With Ed who will be there speaking on a solar powered stage. There will also be booths featuring green products, alternative energy solutions and a variety of organic food vendors including ydt favorite, Green Truck. Event Located at 1 Windward Ave. Venice, CA 90291. (866) 220-2370. View this event, and many more, at the ydt Events Calendar.

COOL OFF: The Library Ale House.

Summer means staying cool, and cool, refreshing beer can sometimes do the trick. Voted one of L.A.’s best “beer selections,” The Library Ale House offers over 29 beers on tap and at least a dozen more in bottles, with most selections coming from West Coast brewers. This month’s featured brewery is Stone Brewing from San Diego, most famous for its Arrogant Bastard Ale, which Lauren will tell you is one of her favorites! Stop by for their healthier spin on traditional pub food. Bring a book, get a pint, and relax the day away. (If you forget your book, don’t worry, it is a library after all.) Located at 2911 Main Street. Santa Monica, CA 90405. (310) 314-4855. Learn more.

Categories:  Hollywood, Malibu, Santa Monica, Thursday--Weekend Guide, Venice