Quarantine Adventures in Los Angeles

I am most definitely someone who can't sit still. Not traveling this year is really hurting my soul. I love having something coming up: a concert, a road trip, a flight. Obviously, COVID-19 has altered those plans for me. So, coming back to my LA apartment for a month to quarantine with my roommates after basically being in my house for four months, I knew I wanted to make the most of it, while still being safe. My roomies and I have been able to do so many fun activities and make such precious memories despite the global pandemic. Here are all my recommendations!

Horseback Riding in Malibu

When my best friend came down to visit for my birthday week, we decided to go horseback riding (you're always 6 feet apart from other riders because of the horses). We rode with Malibu Riders where they capped the number of people riding (there were only 2 other people with us) and the instructor was wearing a mask. We also got to see the ocean and it was an absolutely beautiful, clear day. It was my first time horseback riding and it was so fantastic!

• While we were exploring Malibu, we came across this Sorenity Rocks Malibu Crystal shop (who also had a dog, so that was an immediate draw).

• For the best Indian appetizers in Malibu, go to Bollywood Indian Restaurant #3. We got samosas and the cheese naan.

Venice Canals

I can't believe I have not been to Venice Canals until now. Quarantine has really made me appreciate Los Angeles in a way that I hadn't ever before. These canals were manmade in in 1905 by the developer Abbot Kinney. The canals are in a residential area, so you won't find any boat rentals there, although you may be able to find shops near the Venice Boardwalk! The houses are absolutely adorable and it felt so peaceful to spend my evening here. The beach is only a 5 minute walk too, so you could make your way there before/after.

Solstice Canyon, Malibu

Fairly out of shape, my roomies and I found this moderate hike completely doable and it even had a little waterfall at the end! Almost everyone we encountered wore a mask when walking past another person, so that made me feel completely safe. They have a water refill station at the beginning of the trail, and there is plenty of shade. We also found this adorable succulent shop called Cosentino Malibu where we got a great deal on succulents and some pots!

Point Dume, Malibu

My gbig (grandbig) from my ex-sorority (more on that in a later post) and another sorority "member" took me on a picnic trip in Malibu to celebrate my belated 21st birthday. This was the most iconic picnic ever and this spot was a dream, overlooking the cliffs, the beach, and the ocean.

Griffith Observatory

I hadn't been to Griffith since I was a kid with my family. It did not disappoint. Me and my roommates even found parking right next to the Observatory since there were less people (close parking in LA? Unheard of). I looked at recent photos taken at Griffith as photo inspiration, and did a mini shoot with my roommates. We even had a little picnic at the front. I would highly recommend visiting this gem and taking advantage of the smaller crowds!

Underrated Beaches Around LA

Before quarantine, my go-to beach was most definitely Santa Monica. I loved 3rd Street and people watching on the pier. However, with a pandemic, Santa Monica is not ideal. There are just too many people, especially on the right side of the pier. Here are my alternative recommendations:

• Malibu is elite. I absolutely love Malibu - it is so beautiful and so serene. El Matador Beach is such a gem. With less parking space (less crowds) and beautiful rock formations, this beach is my favorite. Especially at sunrise or sunset (1st row).

• For a more traditional beach in Malibu, check out Zuma Beach!

• On the other side, Lighthouse Beach is a gem. The lighthouse isn't completely in sight, but it is a beautiful beach.

• Manhattan Beach is a little further but it is worth it! There are cute houses lining the sidewalk (2nd row).

• If you really love the Santa Monica area, check out the area on the left side of the pier. Try "Cha Cha Chicken" for great Jamaican food and then walk down to the beach (5 minutes).

Airplane Watching at In N Out

This was one of the first things my roommates and I did together. I love planes and watching the huge commercial planes land was such a treat, and all that while eating an In N Out grilled cheese? Amazing. You can also check for incoming flights on the LAX website! We saw a ton of Southwest flights landing. Only word of caution: the In N Out by the airport was exceptionally busy when we went. We went inside and ordered our food - it probably took a total of 10 minutes for the four of us compared to 45 minutes in the drive through. Just remember to wear your mask and social distance! There was plenty of space to spread out.

Long Beach Getaway

With my old roomie moving to Long Beach, we took the opportunity and stayed at her apartment for the weekend. I will say it was overwhelmingly obvious that people in Long Beach are NOT as COVID cautious as people in West LA are, so we stayed away from the main beaches. Let's just say I have never seen a beach that crowded in LA pre-coronavirus. We did, however, go kayaking in Naples (Kayaks on the Water), this super cute and trendy neighborhood in Long Beach, and drove 25 minutes to Huntington Beach (which was much more scenic) to rent this super cute group bike that we rode during sunset (Wheel Fun Rentals)!

Other tips:

• Go to The Funnel House (third picture) for funnel cake or Churriño Gourmet Dessert (first picture) for the best churros.

• Go to Lola's Mexican Cuisine for amazing Mexican food. They had to-go margaritas!

• 2nd Street is adorable. It gives me 3rd Street vibes from Santa Monica.

• There is also stand-up paddle-boarding, jetskiing, and parasailing in Long Beach. We decided not to go parasailing though because it did not feel COVID-safe since there were going to be others on a small boat in close proximity.

Those are all the places we've been to thus far! There is definitely a way to live your best life while staying safe and taking precautions. Hope this helps. :)

-Ambika