Southern California, while having temperate weather throughout the entire year, has its best season in the summer. With long sunny days and cool nights, SoCal is the place to be for summer break. While you’re finishing up final examinations and planning for graduation, it’s useful to start planning your summer vacation now. Here are a few tips on getting the most from your summer break in warm, sunny SoCal.
1. Hit The Beach
If Southern California is known for one thing, it is known for its beaches. With salty air and perfect waves, Californians flock to the beaches in the summer. While there are a number of beaches to choose from, my personal favorite is Laguna. Laguna Beach is a seaside resort city about an hour south of Los Angeles. It is known for its mild climate, scenic environment and artistic community. While visiting, there are many fun and unique shops to see. Every Saturday, a thriving farmer’s market can be found in the early morning. Anything from freshly picked sugar snap peas to homemade hummus can be found there!
2. Visit Catalina Island
While you’re at Laguna Beach, take some time to visit Catalina Island. On a clear day, Catalina Island can be seen from the beachside. Being a large tourist attraction, Catalina Island is known for its emphasis on wildlife, its dive sites and its mission-style resorts. It’s a perfect place to go scuba diving and explore the surrounding reefs. So if you’re looking to escape the typical California beach scene, catch a tour boat and enjoy what Catalina Island has to offer.
3. Take Up Dancing
While dancing can be taken up at any point in the year, it is the most fun to experience in the summer. Why? Because, just like you, other students are also on summer holiday and looking for a place to have fun and connect with others. Rather than going to the typical dance club, I suggest going to some type of formal dance studio. If you are not into taking actual lessons, ask about current social-dance events. Commonly, larger dance studios will have open dancing at night during specified days. My personal favorite is the Atomic Ballroom in Irvine. They hold evening dances each night, ranging from Swing to Salsa to Blues Fusion. This dance studio is known for being crowded and fun. So get out there and twist!
4. Read A Book And Sip Some Joe
I know, reading a book can be done at any point in the year. However, while you have some extra time, why not pick up a book or two and make productive use of your spare time? If you’re like me, you also enjoy drinking coffee or tea while you sink into a good story. This often leads me to one of my favorite coffee shops: Molinos Coffee. Located in the heart of Downtown Riverside, Molinos Coffee sits snuggly between other sidewalk shops. With aromatic drinks and tasty pastries, Molinos Coffee is the perfect place to relax and dive into a book.
5. Visit The Mission Inn
Over a century old and located in Downtown Riverside, the Mission Inn is a historical landmark. Comprised of hotel rooms, a spa, a museum, a small gift shop, and a restaurant, the Mission Inn holds a wealth of Californian culture and history. This multi-level mission consists of towers, winding stairways, beautiful gardens and elegant architecture.
6. Try New Cuisine
If you’re adventurous and enjoy trying new food, then the Forn Al Hara is the place for you. Set in Anaheim, Forn Al Hara is the best, authentic Lebanese bakery and pastry shop around. When you pull up to this sidewalk shop, you can smell the sweet and savory scent of fresh herbs and fragrant sweets. With freshly made baklava taunting customers from the glass case, it’s hard to order just one thing. Aside from the sticky sweets, I recommend ordering Za’atar. Za’atar is essentially the Lebanese version of pizza, only better. It consists of flat bread brushed in olive oil and seasoned with fresh herbs, sesame seeds, and a bit of salt. So next time you’re in Anaheim, don’t forget to stop by this delicious Lebanese haven.
