Quick Facts
- Top Country Spot: Desert 5 Spot in West Hollywood for live bands and a boot-shaped disco ball.
- The Burrito Holy Trinity: Baran’s 2239 (Hermosa), Dialog Cafe (West Hollywood), and Brother’s Burritos (Hermosa).
- The Workout: When training for Dancing With the Stars, Dylan logs over 28 hours of cardio a week—nearly 4 hours of daily rehearsal.
- Wilderness Fix: Griffith Park is Dylan’s go-to for scale—it's 4,310 acres, over five times larger than Central Park.
- Local Surf Strategy: Trade the Malibu crowds for Huntington Beach or the kelp forests of Laguna.
Living the Active LA Lifestyle: Dylan’s Stomping Grounds
Since 2018, Dylan Efron has been redefining what it means to live in Los Angeles. While most people see this city as a sprawling grid of traffic and neon, Dylan treats it like a giant playground. Whether he's prepping for a grueling stint on Dancing With the Stars or just looking to blow off steam after a long week of production, his version of LA is less about red carpets and more about red dirt trails and salt-crusted wetsuits.
Lately, his schedule has been nothing short of punishing. Training for Dancing With the Stars isn't just about learning the steps; it's a full-blown athletic endeavor. Dylan maintains a rigorous training schedule of at least 4 hours of daily rehearsal, which totals over 28 hours of pure cardio per week. When you're burning that kind of fuel, your local "stomping grounds" become your sanctuary. For Dylan, finding peace in the sprawl means knowing exactly where to find the best break, the smoothest pavement, and the heaviest breakfast burrito.
The South Bay: Finding Home in the "Bubble"
For Dylan, home base is the South Bay. While the rest of the world flocks to the "carnival" atmosphere of the Venice Boardwalk, he prefers the more grounded, family-oriented vibes of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. It’s a strategic choice—you’re close enough to LAX for quick expeditions but far enough from the Hollywood noise to actually breathe.
He describes the South Bay as a "bubble" where life slows down. It’s the kind of place where you can walk your German Shepherd, Boey, down the Strand without being swarmed. While Venice is great for people-watching and soaking in the "weird" energy of LA, the South Bay is where the locals actually live and play. It’s about community, beach volleyball, and that distinct feeling of being in a small town that just happens to be attached to one of the biggest cities on earth.
The Breakfast Burrito Quest: Fueling the Shred
If there is one thing Dylan Efron takes as seriously as his outdoor expeditions, it’s the hunt for the perfect breakfast burrito. This isn't just a meal; it's a post-surf ritual, a reward for those 4 AM wake-up calls. When you're logging 28+ hours of cardio a week, you need high-density fuel that doesn't sacrifice flavor.
His absolute top recommendation is Baran’s 2239 in Hermosa Beach. But there’s a catch: they only serve breakfast on the weekends. Their "insane" specials are legendary among the South Bay surf crowd. For a more consistent weekday fix, he heads to Dialog Cafe in West Hollywood. His go-to order is the brisket verde burrito—heavy on the protein, rich in flavor. To stay hydrated during those long rehearsals, he pairs it with a Matcha Americano.
When he’s looking for something fast and affordable after a session in the water, Brother’s Burritos is the move. It’s a classic, no-frills spot that hits the spot every time.
Dylan’s Pro-Tip for the Ultimate Burrito:
- Keep it simple: Go for avocado, bacon, and eggs.
- The Secret: Skip the cheese. It keeps the meal lighter and more digestible for high-intensity activities like skating or dancing.
- Hydration: Always pair a heavy burrito with a clean drink like a Matcha Americano to avoid the post-carb slump.
Skating the City: From Venice to Hollywood
Skating is more than just transport for Dylan; it’s a way to interact with the city's architecture. While the Venice Boardwalk is the spiritual home of skating culture—and Dylan admits it's the obvious choice for a reason—he also loves the "video game" vibe of skating through the heart of the city.
One of his favorite, albeit chaotic, routes is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It sounds counterintuitive for someone who likes the outdoors, but skating through the throngs of tourists and street performers feels like navigating an obstacle course. It requires a high level of focus and agility, turning a commute into a high-stakes session. When he’s in the area, he often stops by Mister Freedom in West Hollywood for vintage gear and local skate-inspired fashion.
After Hours: Country Dancing and Late-Night Bites
When the sun goes down, Dylan doesn't head for the standard velvet-rope clubs. Instead, he looks for places with a bit more character. His top recommendation for a night out is Desert 5 Spot in West Hollywood. It’s a rooftop bar that feels like a portal to a high-end roadside saloon in Pioneertown.
What makes it special? The country-themed dance floor, the live bands, and the kitschy-yet-cool boot-shaped disco ball. It’s where Dylan goes to practice his two-step when he’s not in the DWTS studio. It’s unpretentious, energetic, and perfectly fits his rugged aesthetic.
For food after a long rehearsal, he often ends up at Koi Sushi with the DWTS cast. It's a bit more "LA scene," but the quality of the fish is undeniable. If he’s feeling more casual, he’ll head to Abbot Kinney for sunset bar hopping and track down a food truck for some patacones (fried green plantains).
Late Night Scouting Report:
- Desert 5 Spot: Best for country vibes, live music, and people who actually want to dance.
- Koi Sushi: The spot for high-end post-work dinners with a group.
- Abbot Kinney Trucks: Look for the plantain trucks for a quick, salty snack between bars.
Into the Wild: Hiking and Climbing
People often forget that Los Angeles is surrounded by genuine wilderness. Dylan uses these spaces to reset. His favorite backyard playground is Malibu Canyon Creek. It’s a versatile spot that offers everything from intense trail running with ocean views to technical rock climbing sections. It’s rugged, steep, and provides the kind of vertical gain that keeps your legs ready for any expedition.
Then there’s Griffith Park. While tourists flock to the observatory, Dylan appreciates the park for its sheer scale. Spanning 4,310 acres, it is more than five times the size of New York City's Central Park. You can get lost in the interior trails and completely forget you’re in a city of millions. It’s his go-to for long-distance training runs where he can clear his head and just move.
Ocean Deep: Surfing and Diving Spots
For Dylan, the ocean isn't just for looking at; it's a place to work. While Malibu is the iconic surf spot, the crowds can be a nightmare. Dylan’s strategy is to head south. He prefers Huntington Beach for its consistent surf and slightly more manageable crowd levels. It’s a "surfer's surf" spot—no frills, just good waves.
When he’s not on top of the water, he’s underneath it. Dylan is an avid free diver and spear fisherman. He spends a lot of time in Laguna Beach, specifically exploring the marine protected areas. The kelp forests there are world-class, offering a hauntingly beautiful underwater landscape that feels light-years away from the 405 freeway. Whether he's diving for lobster (in season) or just exploring the reefs, it’s his ultimate form of "active meditation."
Casual Date Nights: Seafood with a View
When it comes to dating or just a casual night with friends, Dylan keeps it coastal. In the South Bay, Fishing With Dynamite is his choice for high-quality, fresh seafood. It’s small, intimate, and the oyster selection is top-tier.
However, if you want the real local experience, he points people toward Captain Kidd’s in Redondo Beach. It’s a half-fish market, half-restaurant institution. You can walk in, pick your catch from the case, and have them cook it right there. His ultimate low-key date night? The $13 fish tacos. It’s unpretentious, delicious, and exactly the kind of "hole-in-the-wall" gem that makes LA worth living in.
FAQ
Where does Dylan Efron go country dancing in Los Angeles? Dylan recommends Desert 5 Spot in West Hollywood. It’s a rooftop venue known for its authentic country aesthetic, live bands, and a signature boot-shaped disco ball that perfectly sets the mood for two-stepping.
What are Dylan Efron's favorite breakfast burrito spots in LA? His top three picks are Baran’s 2239 in Hermosa Beach (for weekend specials), Dialog Cafe in West Hollywood (for the brisket verde burrito), and Brother’s Burritos for a reliable, affordable post-surf meal.
Where does Dylan Efron suggest for outdoor activities in LA? For hiking and rock climbing, he points to Malibu Canyon Creek. For massive scale and trail running, he recommends the 4,310-acre Griffith Park. For water sports, he frequents Huntington Beach for surfing and Laguna Beach for free diving in the kelp forests.
Join the Adventure
Looking to explore more off-the-beaten-path destinations or get the gear you need for your next expedition? Follow along as we track the best local secrets from athletes and explorers who know these cities best. Whether you're hitting the pavement or the waves, the best way to see LA is to get out there and move.
