Not going out of town for spring break and unsure what to do all week? Don’t worry- spring break is the perfect time to relax, recharge, and enjoy some fun activities with friends, family, or on your own. Luckily, we live in LA, a city filled with hundreds of entertaining things to do all day every day. So here are a few ideas for spring break activities around LA that won’t break your bank!
Rise to the challenge with a hike
Spring is the perfect time to explore the outdoors, and what better way to do that than by hitting the hiking trails? LA is home to some of the best hiking trails that offer stunning views and a great workout. Whether you’re an avid hiker or you struggle to take your dog on a walk, LA has some of the best trails for all skill levels. One popular option is the Hollywood Sign Trail in Griffith Park, a four and a half mile hike that leads to the Hollywood Sign and back. It is considered a moderately challenging route that takes an average of two hours to complete. Bonus: dogs are welcome, so bring your preferred pooch! LACES teacher Ms. Van has tried out this hike, she says “I enjoyed the hike a lot, I loved the nature and missed it when returning.” For something shorter, head to Paradise Falls in Thousand Oaks, which is just under three miles and takes a little over an hour to complete. The best part about this trail is the beautiful 40-foot waterfall you’ll come across. The best part? It’s completely free!
Relax your day away at the beach
Thankfully, we live in sunny California, which means endless beach days, and spring break is the perfect time. Whether you’re looking to work on your tan, play some beach volleyball, or take a dip in the ocean, LA has plenty of gorgeous beaches to explore. Head over to Santa Monica Beach or Venice Beach for a classic beach day. “Santa Monica beach was really warm and fun. I loved hanging out with my friends and soaking up the sun,” said senior Audrey Han. If you’re looking for a late-night activity and prefer a beach bonfire, you can check out Dockweiler Beach. No need to reserve fire pits at Dockweiler, but quick tip: they tend to fill up quickly, so get there early-no later than six p.m. Parking at these beaches is around $5-$10, but the fun and relaxation are free!
Check out different cultures on Olvera Street
If you’re looking for a more unique experience, head over to Olvera Street in Downtown LA. This beautiful spot is home to a Mexican-style outdoor marketplace filled with handmade items, delicious food stands, and whimsical shops. You can take a walk through the vibrant area and experience the stunning culture of LA as well as the fun atmosphere. Exploring Olvera Street is completely free, but a fair warning, it’s hard to resist making a few purchases!
Cozy up with a movie night
If you’re in the mood for something more low-key, why not host a movie night at home? Invite some friends over, put on your all-time favorite movie (or a few for a marathon), and cook up some homemade snacks. Whether it’s popcorn, homemade cookies, or a pizza, you can enjoy a fun movie marathon while staying budget friendly. If you’re still itching to get out, try going to an outdoor movie screening. One good option is the Rooftop Cinema Club at the Level Hotel in Downtown, where tickets are $30, and include a seat and a drink. For a more affordable option, check out the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where tickets are just $12.
Shop ‘til you drop at the Melrose Trading Post
If you love vintage shopping, unique fashion, or browsing through fun pieces, the Melrose Trading Post is the place to go. Held every Sunday at Fairfax High School, this outdoor flea market is filled with racks of vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, vinyl records, artwork, room decor and other one of a kind items. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, it’s a great place to walk around and take inspiration from the unique pieces. You can grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks and vibe to the live music from local bands. The entrance fee is only $5, which goes toward supporting the high school’s arts programs, so you can shop till you drop while also giving back!
Learn a little at a free museum
Just because you’re not in school doesn’t mean you can’t learn a little. Los Angeles is home to some of the best museums, and many offer free admission! If you like art, check out the Getty Center in Brentwood. Specifically, they are having an exhibition on historical photo books by female artists until May 11th honoring Women’s History Month. You can also take a look at LACMA in Beverly Grove. Mr. Kuffel, LACES art teacher, has visited many times. “I liked some pieces more than others, I really liked Metroplus 2 which was put together by my old professor so it was cool to see. I love music on friday nights, and salsa music on saturdays, the whole thing is a lot of fun.” said Kuffel. He also reminds us that they have free entry for students, and you can get there with a free bus pass! If art isn’t really your thing, you can try out the California Science Center in Exposition Park. There you can experience different ecosystems and touch live sea creatures, check out real aircrafts and watch live science experiments. Whether you’re a science nerd, history buff, or artsy fartsy, there’s somewhere to explore in LA. Plus, your teachers will definitely be impressed when you tell them about your education-filled spring break.
Picnic and paddle at Echo Park Lake
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy your break is to slow down and give your mind a good rest, and Echo Park Lake is the perfect place for that. Pack some snacks, a cozy blanket, and head over to this beautiful lake for a relaxing evening picnic. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can rent a pedal boat (shaped like an adorable swan) for just $13 per person and pedal around the lake while taking in the gorgeous city sunset. LACES student Samuel Estrada has tried this and says, “I loved being in the middle of the lake surrounded by nature and animals. It was hard but I bonded with my family because you have to be coordinated with each other.” Breathing in the fresh lake air and pedaling along the blooming flowers and swimming animals will take your mind away from any stress and allow you to really unwind. You’ll come back refreshed, ready for the rest of your week, and maybe a little damp if you’re not careful in your boat.
Go on a foodie adventure around town
You may have heard before that LA is a “melting pot” of many cultures, and with these different cultures comes thousands of different cuisines and delicious bites to try. If you’re feeling a little peckish, instead of sitting down at an expensive restaurant, grab some friends and turn it into a food tour by trying out LA’s best cheap eats. Start in Grand Central Market in DTLA, where you can try everything from freshly made Italian pasta from the restaurant Knead to $5 tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas. If you’re craving something sweet, head to Donut Friend in DTLA or Highland Park, where you can get a unique-looking donut for any flavor profile for only $4-$6. For incredible street food, visit Mariscos Jalisco on Olympic Boulevard for their famous shrimp tacos, or explore Sawtelle for the best authentic ramen and sushi. After this, you might not need to do anything else over break because you’ll be in a food coma for days, but it’s worth it.
Whether you’re hiking through scenic trails, lounging on the beach, browsing unique marketplaces or trying out some of the city’s best authentic foods, spring break doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable. These activities are fun, affordable, and make for a perfect week off. So, grab a friend or family member and go make the most of your time!
