Things To Do in L.A. Before Summer Break
By: Sian Salazar ‘25 (Guest Blogger)
It’s shocking to me that we only have 3 weeks left in the school year. This semester flew by so incredibly fast. One blink and midterms season was over. Another and we’re already approaching finals.
This is really a bittersweet time. On one hand, I absolutely cannot wait to go home and never worry about POSC-345 again. On the other, I’m really going to miss having the city of L.A. at my fingertips. Since we’re running out of time for this semester, I’ve put together a little guide on how to spend our last couple of weeks here at USC before we have to say goodbye (just for the summer, though!).
Without a Car:
I know most students here at USC don’t have a car or access to one, but fear not. There are still plenty of things to do that are accessible by Metro or on foot.
L.A. Festival of Books
If you’re a reader like me, you’re probably already out-of-your mind excited that LA Festival of Books is back for 2022. Even better, they’re returning to the USC campus, meaning that we USC students have literally no excuse not to check it out. The Festival boasts exciting names like Amanda Gorman, Janelle Monáe, and Veronica Roth—there really is something for everyone!
Street Art in Santa Monica
Santa Monica is the go-to beach destination for every USC kid because of its easy accessibility through the Metro. Luckily, Santa Monica has a lot more to offer than just the beach. If you make your way down to Montana Ave, you can check out some of the neighborhood art that’s been popping up along the street. According to their Instagram, “one tree on each block has been transformed into a unique illuminated work of art.”
Mini Night Market
If you’ve been around in Los Angeles for any period of time, it’s likely that you’ve heard of the 626 Night Market. It’s an event that doesn’t happen all the time, and unfortunately, it has an entrance fee. Luckily, the organization is now hosting the 626 Night Market Mini, which has no entrance fee (that’s right, it’s free!), and features some of their best and most popular vendors. This weekend (Saturday and Sunday) from 1pm-10pm, head over to 1324 5th St in Santa Monica, near the 3rd St Promenade—easily accessible from the Metro!
FIDM: Art of Costume Design in Film
Lucky for us, most of downtown is easily accessible by the Metro and just a couple of minutes of walking. The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise Museum in DTLA has free admission from 10am - 5pm Tuesday through Saturday. Their current exhibit is Art of Costume Design in Film, which celebrates “the imagination, tenacity, and accomplishments of film costume designers and their teams who bring movie characters to life.” If you watched Will Smith slap Chris Rock live at the Oscars, you probably also saw the amazing nominees for Costume Design this year. All of their amazing costumes will be on display at the FIDM Museum through June 4, 2022, so be sure to stop by and check it out!
With a Car:
If you happen to have a car, the city and its neighboring towns opens up to you even more. Los Angeles is so spread out that many of its hidden gems and best-kept secrets are pretty hard to access by public transportation alone, so count your lucky stars that you have a car (or a friend who’s willing to take you places).
Odd Nights at the Autry
Odd Nights is held at the Autry Museum on the 3rd Friday of every month. and features 80 local vendors, food trucks, and a full bar if you’re 21+. This month, that falls on Friday, April 15th. There’s also live music and massive inflatables, if you’re into that. This April is actually the first time they’ve hosted an event since the pandemic began—2 years!—so don’t miss up on this opportunity to check out this LA staple.
Descanso Gardens: Your (Un)natural Garden
How many times have you been told not to touch the art you’re looking at, or to keep your hands to yourself? Well, you can forget about that at the Descanso Gardens. 30 minutes North of L.A. in La Cañada Flintridge is Descanso Gardens, which boasts an exhibit by an artist who wants you to touch his art. Adam Schwernet’s (Un)natural Garden boasts a host of art installations “throughout the landscape will intrigue visitors’ senses and invite participation.”
Los Angeles is just one of those cities in which you’ll never be bored. No matter the time of day or the time of year, there’s more than enough for its residents to do. Hopefully there’s enough here to keep you and your friends busy for the last couple of weeks we have in this wonderful city. I haven’t even left yet, but I’m already excited to come back and explore more in the Fall.
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