Hello! I hope this post finds you safe and well. During this challenging time where the rules change daily, I thought it would be nice to put together a list of things that you can do in Los Angeles during COVID for fun! I hope that you will take all the necessary precautions as you start going on adventures again. I will do my best to keep this list as up to date with information as I can. Please let me know if you think I should add anything.
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As we all know, what is and is not open can change weekly. For now, though there is still a good amount of things that you can do in Los Angeles during COVID. Most of these I have done myself and have felt completely safe.
What LA Hiking Trails Are Open
As far as I can tell every single hiking trail in the LA area has reopened. Most of the trails have closed restrooms and reduced capacity. The only trail for now that requires a reservation is Eaton Canyon. You can find out more information about getting a reservation here.
LA Gardens That Are Open
If you want to enjoy the outdoors without having to hike you can visit one of the many gardens that are open. Not all of the gardens have reopened but for now, you can visit Descanso Gardens, The Huntington Library (which even has two free days in July), and the LA County Arboretum. Advanced tickets are required. Most parks have reopened, I have been enjoying picnics at Brand Park in Glendale.
What Can You Do at the LA Beaches
It seems that other than on holiday weekends the beaches will stay open! You can swim, surf, sunbathe, bike, have a picnic, fish, and more. I went paddle boarding in Marina Del Rey the other day and it was so much fun. The main activities that you cannot do right now are play volleyball or other group activities. Piers are allowed to reopen but the rides at the Santa Monica Pier have to remain closed for now.
At Dockweiler Beach they have removed the fire pits, but if you would like to have a bonfire on the beach you can go down to Huntington Beach in Orange County.
Drive In Movie Theatres in Los Angeles
This summer in Los Angeles we have a lot of choices for drive in movies. There are the permanent locations like the Paramount Drive In, the Vineland Drive In. We also have pop up drive ins like the Tribeca Drive in at the Rose Bowl, Street Food Cinema, and the upcoming My Valley Pass Drive In which will be at the Westfield in Sherman Oaks. The Rooftop Cinema club recently opened up with a new location as well.
Concerts In Your Car
If you are willing to drive to Ventura you can attend concerts with bands like Third Eye Blind. You can find more information here.
Farmers Market
The majority of farmers’ markets have reopened, and the famous farmers’ market at The Grove is open as well. If you want to go to an actual farm you can visit Underwood Family Farms and pick your own fruit and veggies.
Museums That Are Open
The Natural History Museum will have its outdoor exhibits open like the Nature Garden and Butterly Pavilion. The cost will be $6. You can get your tickets here.
Take A Trip to Catalina
Whether you go for a day or a weekend getting away to Catalina Island sounds fabulous right now.
Visit The Gentle Barn
You can do a drive-thru visit to the Gentle Barn and see some animals. Tickets are $28 per person and include a vegan lunch.
Drive By Filming Locations
Recently, I have been enjoying driving by various homes that have been used in film and tv shows. This past week I found the Golden Girls home which is located at 245 N Saltair Ave in Brentwood. You can find The Brady Bunch House and the Boy Meets World House in Studio City.
Dine Outdoors or Get Some Shopping Done
Areas like The Americana at Brand and The Grove are able to welcome guests to dine outdoors and do some limited in-store shopping.
Other Activities
You can go to the CityWalk at Universal Studios and the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach has reopened as well. You can visit the Happy Place drive thru. The MODS Museum at the Beverly Center has reopened as well.
Los Angeles Restaurants That Are Open For Dining
This list could get long real quick so for now I am just going to list ones that I have been to myself. If you want a romantic date night out I would recommend visiting Yamashiro in Hollywood. Aroma Coffee and Tea in Studio City is another great and more affordable option.
You can take a ride on one of the swan paddle boats at Echo Lake Park.
Take a class at Crafted in San Pedro. I came here pre COVID but they are taking precautions and limiting the number of guests. You can make candles and so much more.
Take a wood painting class at Board and Brush in Santa Monica. They have currently moved their classes outdoors.
If you are willing to drive to Orange County, Knott’s Berry Farm is hosting a really fun Food Festival.
