Sun’s Out Buns Out: How to Beat the Heat in LA
By Samantha Romero ‘16
1.Go to The Beach
A fast cure from the summer heat is a trip to the beach! Check out my blg post West Coast Best Coast for the 6 Must-Visit Beaches in sunny California.
I love taking a self-care day and heading to the beach with my girls. Whether you simply want to lay out and soak in the sunshine or take a dip in the ocean here are some of the things you can do at the beach.
Paddle Boarding: This is a great relaxing way to cool down outdoors, plus you might even get a bronze tan! You can choose to wade through the water while sitting on your board or you can challenge yourself and try stand-up paddleboarding. It’s a great ab workout and enjoyable too. If you feel overheated simply take a dip in the water and come right back onto your board.
Surfing: By far my favorite activity is surfing. If it’s your first time don’t worry! There are plenty of surfing classes to choose from online and on the coast. I recommend checking out Groupon , I found a great deal that offers a 2-hour surfing lesson along with the rental of a wetsuit and surfboard for only $49.
Boogie Boarding: If you rather stay close to the coast, boogie boarding is your best bet, plus it’s loads of fun!
Bike Ride: Stay dry and enjoy a summer breeze by trying a bike path along the coast. If you don’t own a bike there are several bike rental shops.
Yoga: Check the calendar events for beaches, sometimes they offer free yoga classes on the beach, one of the best kind of yoga studios!
2.Museum Hopping
Escape the heat and get your daily dose of art at one of LA’s many museums. Some local one’s in LA include LACMA, MOCA, and The Broad. However, one of my favorites is the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens.
Additional Museums: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, La Brea Tar Pits, Hammer Museum, California Science Center, Getty VIlla, Griffith Observatory, J. Paul Getty Museum, etc.
Quick Tip: Don’t forget to bring your student ID for a student discount.
3.LA Shopping Malls
Take refuge at a shopping mall with their blasting air conditioning. While staying cool, catch up on all the latest trends at your favorite stores. Plus, bring some friends along to catch up and grab some lunch. My favorite is The Americana because of it’s variety of stores ad tasty restaurants, check it out!
Here are some local malls to check out: Santa Monica Place, The Beverly Center, The Grove, The Americana at Brand, and Westside Pavillion.
4.Visit a Water Park
If you haven’t been to a water park then it’s a definite must. From racing down 30 ft water slides to obstacle courses in a pool, water parks a great alternative to the typical pool layout. Plus, there are usually loads of ice cream vendors so you can find your chill.
Water parks to check out include: Raging Waters Los Angeles, Splash Zone, Knott’s Soak City, and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor.
5.Grab a Drink and Layout at A Rooftop Bar
If you rather stay in the city, no problem I got you covered with some of the best rooftop bar and poolside options. My favorite is Ace Hotel, because you get a lovely view of the city skyline while also enjoying a relaxing time by the pool.
Check these out: The Ace Hotel Bar in DTLA, Sixty in Beverly Hills, and Suite 700 at Shangri-La in Santa Monica.
6.Visit a Local Movie Theatre
Grab your friends and make a trip to the cinema. If you’re up for something new I recommend trying IPIC Theatre in Pasadena. This upscale cinema chain offers plush seating, gourmet dining & cocktails, plus in-theater service. If you would like to try a vintage theatre then I recommend El Capitain Theatre in Hollywood, you might even catch a pre-show from the orchestra.
Quick Tip: Try matinee hours and bring along a student ID for discounted tickets.
7.Cool Down with Ice-cream
Say no more! Ice cream is the next best thing after air conditioning during these hot summer days. Check out my blog post on the must-try ice cream shops in LA.
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