It’s time to celebrate your favorite parents-to-be. The only question is, where? There are as many places to host baby showers in LA as there are fitness studios (and one of those actually made our list!). So we dug deep to find the most unique venues in the city. Read on to discover the best, and most unexpected places to host the expecting.
photo: Photography by Peerspace
Peerspace
Peerspace is to meeting venues what Airbnb is to overnight lodging. For an hourly rate, choose from a wide selection of rental properties around the city. Who knew planning a baby shower could be so much fun? With hundreds of cool places to choose from, there is a location to suit everyone’s taste. You can find a fully furnished bungalow in Venice with an outdoor patio, a bohemian chic cabin in the Hollywood Hills or even a soothing Downtown loft with an all white décor. Most locations have a 4-hour minimum, and some charge an additional fee for cleaning. Whether your budget is wallet-friendly or of no consequence, the ideal place to host is out there, and you won’t have to clean your home to host!
Online: peerspace.com
photo: Perch Restaurant
Perch LA
Perch offers some of the most exquisite views of downtown LA, making it the perfect place to celebrate mama bird before nesting begins. A few areas of the restaurant are available to rent, and each one maintains a totally unique set up. For groups of 22 or less, a seated brunch on the 5th street patio is the way to go. Bar Thirteen is another option which is located on the 13th floor of the building, overlooking Pershing Square. This space can accommodate up to 60 people and features a speakeasy décor, but guests will be so enamored by the views, they may not notice.
448 Hill St.
DTLA
213-802-1770
Online: perchla.com
photo: Lia N. via Yelp
Au Fudge
As soon as you set foot in this enchanted space, you’ll want to trade in your red soles for a pair of glass slippers. Staff will happily accommodate groups for brunch who choose either a semi-private or private room for the occasion. Part restaurant and part creative space, this WeHo gem will give the guest of honor a glimpse into her future. On-site childcare is available for an additional fee if guests would like to bring their own kids. Fairy tales come to life when little ones discover the secret door along the back wall. If that isn’t enough to wow them, head to the treehouse—they may never want to leave! Au Fudge is the sweetest place for groups who cherish magical moments and love precious things (like someone else watching your child while you eat a meal) and your chance to provide babysitting for parents who are expecting their second (or third or fourth…) bundle of joy.
9010 Melrose Ave.
West Hollywood
424-204-9228
Online: aufudge.com
photo: Côte Shop
Côte Shop
Every mama-to-be deserves a toxin-free pampering experience, and this nautical-themed nail space smells like a warm ocean breeze. Gather your best girls for an afternoon of pampering before those nails get chipped washing breast pump parts. Consider yourself warned before perusing the retail side as the eclectic jewelry and children’s gifts are impossible to leave on the shelf. With the option of a partial or full buyout (additional per service charges apply), you can order in food and decorate as you like. Pizzana and SusieCakes are right next door which makes this is a decadent one-stop shop for all your hosting needs.
11714 San Vicente Blvd.
Brentwood
310-820-0906
Online: coteshop.co
photo: Jack Miller via Creative Commons
Malibu Bluffs Park
Laid back folks looking for some fun in the sun should make a reservation at Malibu Bluffs Park. This six-acre community park caters to large groups, so extending an invite to guests and their families, is a no brainer. There’s a playground for toddlers and big kids (recommended for ages 2-12), a soccer field, baseball diamonds and even hiking trails. Visitors will inevitably wander from the picnic tables to explore the park and walk on the bluffs before returning for the melted chocolate diaper game. With incredible panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, it’s a park like no other. There’s a whale watching deck equipped with telescopes, and they even allow alcohol (beer and wine must be consumed in a tent) on the premises, unlike most city and state parks in LA. Did someone say rosé? Cheers!
24250 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu
310-317-1364
Online: ci.malibu.ca.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Malibu-Bluffs-Park-6
photo: PS818
Public School 818
If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, PS 818 is Earth. This Sherman Oaks gastropub caters to both sexes and feels upscale yet unpretentious. The private dining room offers a relaxed vibe that will make this spot an instant favorite for all grownups. Guests will enjoy an array of craft beer and delicious bites while playing traditional baby shower games or forgoing them all together in favor of beer pong and the biggest Jenga you’ve ever seen. Friends will not only rave about your shower but keep this winner on tap for all their events.
15300 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
818-728-9818
Online: psontap.com/locations/ps818
photo: SLS Hotel Beverly Hills
SLS Hotel Beverly Hills—SLS Suite and Altitude Pool
For an intimate gathering and the ultimate indulgence, book an SLS Suite and treat the girls to one of the more luxurious experiences in LA. Welcome guests with a champagne toast en suite and then make your way to a reserved cabana at the Altitude pool (additional fee for the cabana and a food/beverage minimum is required). Savor light fare and sip signature cocktails while enjoying spectacular views of LA. As guests lounge poolside, the Concierge Team will set up, tailor and decorate the room to your preferences. After spending the better part of the afternoon relaxing, return to the suite and shower the guest-of-honor with cake, presents and well wishes. Then load the gifts in her car and take off; of all the gifts they receive, your parents-to-be will be most grateful for the overnight stay.
465 S La Cienega Blvd.
Beverly Hills
310-247-0400
Online: slshotels.com/beverlyhills
photo: SoulCycle
SoulCycle (Culver City)
While some women can barely walk in their third trimester, others seem to have more pep in their step than ever. If your mama-to-be is the latter type, hosting at SoulCycle is a blast. For those die-hard fitness fans, nothing could be more exhilarating than rounding up the squad and going for a soulful ride. Known for their electrifying playlists and talented instructors, SoulCycle promises an invigorating experience that accommodates every level of rider. After the heart-pumping/mind-blowing 45 minute class, riders are welcome to convene on the spacious terrace for refreshments and any other goodies you wish to provide.
8820 Washington Blvd.
Culver City
310-322-7685
Online: soul-cycle.com/studios/clvr/1038
Do you have a secret spot for showering your expectant besties? Let us know in the comment section!
—Janelle Connor
