Los Angeles' first-ever Navy Week has just started, offering Angelenos a chance to mix and mingle with some of our nation's finest.
CBS LA tells us that the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Princeton, USS Chafee, and USS Champion will be docking at the port of Los Angeles, and all the ships will be open to public tours. You can view the tour schedule here.
Other than ship tours, there will be some family-friendly events, like the Navy Band, "Leap Frog" parachuters, and a Navy Simulator, according to the event's website. Furthermore, the LA Zoo is hosting a Navy Day on July 29. But if New York's Fleet Week is any indicator, Angelenos should be looking forward to something a little more racy. Here are our six suggestions for where off-duty sailors should go to have a good time in LA.
Prince O' Whales in Playa Del Rey: A beachside dive bar with karaoke and comedy nights, it's perfect for a gritty, maritime vibe.
Venice's The Whaler: It's a little more upscale, with live music and cocktails like the Whaler Margarita, the Wet Me Wild, and a classic Mai Tai.
Son of a Gun, near the Beverly Center: It features small plate seafood dishes and a big community table perfect for a visiting group of sailors.
The HMS Bounty in K-Town: It peddles inexpensive bar food and grog in a relaxed atmosphere.
Paco's Tacos in Mar Vista: This restaurant boasts delicious guacamole, handmade flour tortillas, and legendary margaritas. Get a pitcher at the Centinela location, which features aquariums and a nautical theme.
Crustacean in Beverly Hills: Navy members looking to splurge will enjoy some pricey yet delicious seafood, but the most aspect by far is its aquarium floor, which evokes a glass-bottomed boat.