Are you stuck on campus over spring break? Envious of your friends who got to go to Cabo? Dying to get out of Westwood for once? Well, luckily for you, you go to school in one of the most dynamic cities in the country, and there are a lot of unique adventures waiting right outside your apartment door! Here’s a list of places in the Los Angeles area that are perfect remedies for your spring break blues.
The Getty Villa, Pacific Pallisades – Sure, you’ve already been to the Getty Museum before (heck, you can probably see it from your dorm room), but have you heard of the Getty Villa? Located in Pacific Pallisades, a beatiful little beach town just south of Malibu and only about twently minutes away from us, this museum gives the Getty Museum a run for its money. With exhibits that showcase ancient Rome and Greek artifacts, stunning architecture modeled after a real Roman villa, and beautiful gardens with an ocean view, this place offers a chance for a fun culture-filled (and Instagram worthy) day.
The Griffith Observatory – With its Art Deco architecture, interactive science exhibits, and breathtaking views of the city, the Griffith Observatory is a must for your UCLA bucketlist. Why not visit it over break? Bring your hiking shoes; there are tons of trails in the hills surrounding the observatory!
Venice Beach – It’s not spring break without the beach, and there is a ton of things to see and do in Venice! Walk the boardwalk and just enjoy peoplewatching, sunbathe on the sand, check out some of the neat restaurants in the area, and explore the canal walkway!
(Picture by Desiree Eaglin)
Window Shopping on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills – Put on your best outfit and head over to Rodeo Drive, the famous high end shopping district of Beverly Hills. Everything there is most likely out of any college student’s budget, but it’s so much fun to window shop, try on ridiculously overpriced clothes, and celebrity watch. There are plenty of semi-affordable food places in the area, like Sprinkles Cupcakes! The best part is that it is only a few minute bus ride away from campus.
Take a (mini) Road Trip to Orange County! – The famed OC is only about an hour drive south from UCLA, yet it has such a different feel from Los Angeles. If you want a break from the big city life, grab a group of friends and head down for a day trip. Make it a beach day at one of its famed beaches like Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, or Laguna Beach. Or go shopping at the world famous South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. To get the best of both worlds, check out the Fashion Island shopping district in Newport Beach, with its array of high-end to affordable shops that have a gorgeous ocean view.
Fashion Island, Newport Beach