Los Angeles is more than just a city; it’s a playground waiting to be explored! After a week of cracking down on those assignments and hitting the books, it’s time to let loose and soak in all the fun that LA has to offer. Whether you want to relax in a cozy café or shop until you drop, LA is the place to go. In terms of transportation, USC provides access to free public transportation to all students, so you can just hop onto the bus or train and easily get to your destination at no cost.
LA's Nature Side
For me, I alternate between nature and city. Growing up on Maui, I NEED beaches and surfing. It has essentially become part of who I am and is an instant cure to stress and difficult weeks. My favorites have become Dockweiler and Manhattan Beach to spend quality time with friends. Although these beaches are much colder than the ones I am used to, they are still so much fun. I thoroughly recommend trekking to Dockweiler Beach with all your friends, starting a bon fire, and enjoying the wonderful atmosphere by the seaside. Manhattan Beach has also become one of my favorites due to its considerably close proximity to campus and opportunity to surf. There are surf shops along the shore that offer affordable rentals so you can enjoy the surf with great equipment. If you are not into surfing, the volleyball nets, chill vibes, and delicious eats around make it a wonderful place to spend the day. Aside from the ocean, there are a wide array of great hikes and hidden treasures in the area.
Exploring the City
For my city and shopping Trojans, I recommend The Grove LA and Rodeo Drive. The Grove is a beautiful outdoor shopping mall with a marvelous movie theater. It is home to a plethora of delicious restaurants, trendy cafés, and retail stores. Whether you want to shop or just enjoy the area, The Grove is a perfect place to spend the afternoon with friends and is even easily accessible through the Metro lines. The Grove is also right next to the Original Farmers Market, which boasts a variety of vendors everyday. Beware visiting on an empty stomach… you will eat everything in sight! The spread of yummy eats is absolutely mind-boggling. Overall, Los Angeles truly has activities for everyone!
