Spring into Southern California
It has been a long year, and we are just getting to April. Living in Southern California (SoCal) has had its ups and downs between juggling work, family, and stay-at-home orders; it is finally nice to see that bright light at the end of the tunnel. People are beginning to get vaccinated and that means we are all one step closer to being out in the world again, and what better way to do so than to spring into a handful of socially distant attractions within SoCal. We live in an area where options are limitless to go out to explore. So, we have rounded up the top 5 places to go out to explore in one day or a weekend getaway. It’s time to get out there and soak up the sun!
1 | Getty Center
Image by Grading Gardens: https://www.gradinggardens.com/the-getty-center/
Time to immerse yourself in art, architecture and beautiful gardens, the Getty Center (Los Angeles) and the Getty Villa (Pacific Palisades) do just that. Admission is free and you get to explore European art up to the 1900s set within modern architecture and gardens & Greek and Roman antiquities, truly an escape from day-to-day life of the city jungle. They will re-open mid-April 2021.
2 | Crystal Cove State Park
Image by California.com: https://www.california.com/guide-crystal-cove-state-park/
If you are looking for some fun on the Pacific coastline, Crystal Cove is for you with 3.2 miles of secret coves and tide pools, hikes, horseback riding and most of all beach! This destination creates an escape for all visitors, and it is also located a mile north of Laguna Beach and a mile south of Newport Beach to continue your exploring. Parking is just $15 for the entire day.
3 | Joshua Tree National Park
Who says you cannot have fun out in the desert? This national park offers just that, a massive 790,636 acres area for outdoor recreation and fun. If you are looking for surreal landscapes and an escape of city life this location is for you. Joshua Tree is known for its camping, rock climbing, desert ecosystems, wildlife and beautiful night skies. Don’t forget to check out Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, and Cottonwood Spring Oasis. Park entrance fee is $25 per vehicle and allows for a stay of seven days.
4 | The Grove
Image by Caruso: https://caruso.com/our-portfolio/the-grove/
We did not forget about our retail shoppers! The Grove is the one stop shop for the best retail therapy. It contains a popular range of retail stores and entertainment. Shoppers love the cool features sprinkled throughout the open-air mall, the movie palace and their infamous animated music fountain. Parking is free for the first hour, there is also an offer of $10 flat rate for first 2 hours of valet parking and validation is offered from select retailers.
5 | Griffith Observatory
The best place to understand and explore the cosmos and get an incredible view of Los Angeles. The Griffith Observatory is free and worth visiting! Not only does it offer the best free public telescopes and exhibits, but there is an array of hikes to get the body moving. Parking fee is $10 for the day.