How to Have the Perfect Sunday in L.A., According to Jessica Alba

Sundays have always held a special place in Jessica Alba’s heart. Growing up in a close-knit family in Pomona, California, her Sundays were filled with the comforting rituals of sleeping in and enjoying elaborate family dinners. These childhood memories, where homemade tortillas and dishes like enchiladas and al pastor were staples, have influenced how she now spends her Sundays with her own family. As a successful actress, entrepreneur, and mother of three, Alba has learned to balance the demands of her career with the joys of family life, and her ideal Sunday in Los Angeles reflects this balance perfectly.

Alba, who has starred in numerous films such as Fantastic Four and Honey, as well as the TV series Dark Angel, has seen her career evolve over the past two decades. Her latest project is Netflix’s Trigger Warning, released this summer, and she’s also busy with the second season of Honest Renovations, her Roku Original home improvement series. Despite her hectic schedule, Sundays are reserved for family, relaxation, and self-care, making them an essential part of her routine.

On a perfect Sunday, Alba starts her day leisurely at 9 a.m., waking up to an almond milk latte prepared by her husband, Cash Warren. The day begins with small, comforting rituals that set the tone for a relaxing day. “My husband makes me an almond milk latte, and my son gives it to me with a kiss,” Alba shared, adding that she enjoys these quiet moments in bed, sipping her coffee while engaging in a bit of mental exercise with the New York Times crossword puzzle, Wordle, and Connections. This morning ritual is Alba’s way of easing into the day, combining relaxation with a bit of intellectual stimulation.

By 11 a.m., Alba likes to incorporate some physical activity into her Sunday. Whether it’s hopping on her spin bike or taking a hike, she enjoys staying active while soaking in the beauty of Los Angeles. One of her favorite spots is Franklin Canyon, a serene location with the added convenience of a nearby bathroom. After working up an appetite, Alba and her family often enjoy acai bowls for lunch, a special treat that they either order in or prepare themselves. Alba loves the creativity of making their own smoothie bowls, especially when it involves chopping up fruit and arranging it in a visually pleasing way. For takeout, Ubatuba Açaí and Açaí, Por Favor are among their go-to spots, with Alba preferring almond butter in her bowl, while her kids opt for Nutella.

The early afternoon is a time for more intimate activities with her children. Alba shares that her son, Hayes, is particularly active in the mornings, so by 1 p.m., she can usually coax him into spending some quiet time with her in her closet, where they paint together. These watercolor sessions are accompanied by calm music, offering a peaceful environment for mother and son to bond. Afterward, they embark on a little adventure around the yard, searching for plants and bugs. Equipped with insect and plant identifiers, they learn about the different species they encounter, turning these moments into both fun and educational experiences.

Alba’s Sundays also include moments of solitude and mindfulness. Around 2:30 p.m., she retreats for a meditation session, complete with sound bowls. This is a time for Alba to center herself, journal, and reflect. Occasionally, her son joins her, playing with chimes or drums, but more often than not, this is a sacred time for Alba to reconnect with herself, free from distractions. Meditation, journaling, and even pulling cards are all part of her routine, helping her maintain a sense of balance and calm amid her busy life.

As the afternoon progresses, Alba begins to prepare for one of the highlights of her Sunday: dinner with her family. By 3:30 p.m., she’s in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and prepping the meal. Her go-to Sunday dinner typically includes roasted veggies—root vegetables, broccoli, or cauliflower—seasoned with olive oil and salt. For the main course, roasted chicken is a staple, with Alba often preparing two small organic birds. She spatchcocks the chickens, ensuring the skin gets perfectly crispy, and seasons them with a mix of spices, offering both a spicy and a milder lemon pepper option. The entire process takes about two hours, during which her daughters set the table and her son handles the napkins and drinks. Dinner is a cherished time for the family to come together and reflect on their weekend, sharing their “rose and thorn” moments.

As the evening winds down, Alba’s focus shifts to her son’s bedtime routine. By 7:45 p.m., it’s time for Hayes to get ready for bed, a process that often involves reading three stories and telling a few more before he finally falls asleep. Alba humorously admits that this routine can take longer with her than with her husband, as Hayes tends to prolong the bedtime process with her. It’s a sweet, though sometimes lengthy, ritual that highlights the strong bond between mother and son.

Finally, around 8:30 p.m., Alba enjoys some quiet time with her husband and daughters, watching a show or movie together. Favorites include Bridgerton and Dark Matter, offering the perfect way to end the day on a relaxing note. Alba sips on chamomile lavender tea while her daughters enjoy a dessert from the freezer. To ensure a seamless transition to bed, Alba often completes her skincare routine before settling in for the night, allowing her to “roll into bed” without any additional tasks.

For Jessica Alba, Sundays are all about balance—between activity and relaxation, family time and personal time, and indulgence and mindfulness. Her approach to Sundays reflects her desire to create a space where her family can relax and recharge while also making room for the simple pleasures that bring them closer together. In a city as vibrant and bustling as Los Angeles, Alba has found a way to craft the perfect Sunday that nourishes both body and soul. Whether it’s a hike in Franklin Canyon, a homemade acai bowl, or a quiet moment of meditation, Alba’s ideal Sunday is a testament to the power of intentional living and the joy of spending time with loved ones.