By Claudia Passos
Take an authentic gondola ride in the Naples neighborhood of Long Beach, just 30 minutes south of Los Angeles
Do high airfares and fuel costs have you putting off that planned trip this summer? But the L.A resident is a fortunate person as he/she can drive to the top of the mountain in the morning, dine in a genuine Venetian gondola at noon, gaze upon a spectacular field of desert flowers in the afternoon and dance in a drum circle on the beach by moonlight – all on the same day and yes, all on the same tank of gas.
This time, summertime, this page will be a bit different, and I will list – yes in English, six unique things that you can do around L.A to have fun. Just some suggestions for you enjoy Southern CA and not miss a lot your “longdistance” planned trip:
1 – Take a hike, 7 Falls, Santa Barbara – Often called the most beautiful leg of the four-mile Tunnel Trail in Los Padres National Forest, the 7 Miles hike is enchanting, exhilarating, and not for the easily exhausted.
2 – . Turn off your mind, Peter Strauss Ranch Park, Agoura Hills – A woodsy slice of heaven once owned by the legendary actor of the TV Miniseries, this gorgeous stretch of California chaparral is where you go when you want to get away from it all.
3 – Revel in the arts, Bergamot Station, Santa Monica – Formerly the final stop of the Red Line trolley , Bergamot Station is now a complex of art galleries and a premier cultural destination on the West Coast Visitors – more than 600,000 of them every year!
Catalina Island is a charming seaside village combined with a protected, rugged wilderness, offering South Pacific vibe.
4 – Ride a genuine gondola, Naples, Long Beach – Only eight places in the western U.S. offer gondola rides – and here is one of the best of this list. A number of amenities packages are available, from lunch to dinner cruises to champagneand-desert voyages under the stars!
5 -Take the Catalina Ferry to Avalon then take a jeep Eco Tour of Catalina Island – First take the ferry fun ride . The ferry departures from the Port of Long Beach pretty much all the time and from multiple locations (during summer booking with 4 days minimum in advance), then already on the island, leave the other passengers behind and explore Catalina the way nature intended – through an eco-friendly tour in a top-down jeep.
6 – Be a beach bun, Crystal Cove Cottages, Corona del Mar – It is a 2,791 acre slice paradise, some 12 acres of which are right on the Pacific. The rustic Crystal Cove Cottages started life as a seaside colony, but now is available for rentals year-round. Moreover, they provide the coldest thing you will get to rent control on the California Coast – prices are kept artificially low to ensure their accessibility to most everyone. Super cool option for a couple or even two couples friends.
FAQ – Fun Things to Do Around L.A.
Q: What unique activities can I enjoy around L.A.?
A: L.A. offers a variety of unique experiences, from hiking in Hollywood Hills or nearby such as in the mountains of Malibu or at 7 Falls in the city of Santa Barbara to relaxing at Peter Strauss Ranch Park, exploring art galleries at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica, and riding a gondola in Long Beach or explore nature in Catalina Island.
The Bergamot Station in Santa Monica is an “arts and cultural hub” or a “campus-like arts center” due to its large concentration of art galleries, creative businesses, and events in a repurposed former industrial site.
Q: Where can I go hiking near L.A.?
A: You can go hiking at popular spots nearby or in L.A. like Runyon Canyon Park or Fryman Canyon Park for beautiful city views, or explore various trails in Griffith Park. For more rugged terrain, check out Malibu Creek State Park, or head to the San Gabriel Mountains to find waterfall hikes like Eaton Canyon Falls or even the Bridge to Nowhere – A challenging hike to a historic bridge in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Q: What is Bergamot Station?
A: Bergamot Station is an art gallery complex in Santa Monica, known as a cultural hotspot on the West Coast, attracting over 600,000 visitors annually.
Q: Can I ride a gondola in L.A.?
A: Yes! You can take a gondola ride in Long Beach, just 30 minutes south of Los Angeles, and one of the few places in the western U.S. offering this experience.
Q: How can I explore Catalina Island?
A: Take the Catalina Ferry from Long Beach, then enjoy an eco-friendly jeep tour of Avalon for a unique island experience.
Q: Where can I stay on the beach near L.A.?
A: Crystal Cove Cottages in Corona del Mar offers rustic beachfront cottages available for year-round rental, offering a peaceful retreat along the California coast, but you can stay directly on the beach or in beachfront hotels in areas like Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Long Beach.
