Los Angeles serves a complete buffet of attractions, nature, food, commodities, cultural diversity, and overall fun. So, if you ever need a break from engineering headaches or are simply bored during a break at campus, you can be assured that there is always a myriad of options ready for exploration. Here are some of my recent adventures during my time at USC so far.
Nature
Los Angeles is riddled with beaches. So far, I have only visited Santa Monica Beach and Manhattan Beach. Having never grown up near a beach, I appreciate having this staple of nature and everything that comes with it at my fingertips. Whether it is swimming, spikeball, surfing, exploring the piers, eating, etc., there is always something to do. And, if you get lucky enough, you might even have a professor that will take the class to their beach house at the end of a long and windy semester; like I did.
If beaches are not your thing, then hiking in the mountains is always an option as well. As someone that never had a real hiking experience before coming to USC, I was pleased with my first experience doing so. Like many others, hiking to the famed Hollywood sign is still on my bucket list.
The City
Outside of nature, downtown Los Angeles offers a plethora of cultural, shopping, and entertainment experiences. Little Tokyo and the Farmer’s Market are notable places that I have visited and enjoyed. If anime or Japanese culture in general is your thing, then Little Tokyo is definitely the place to be. Even if it is not, I would still implore to visit this beautiful Japanese microcosm. Ramen, traditional clothing, anime collectibles, or vintage clothing are all replete throughout Little Tokyo.
Food
After a lengthy trek throughout Los Angeles, food is the first thing that comes to mind. Right outside of the USC main campus, there is what I would call the best burritos that I have ever had. Lasso My Taco. I repeat. Lasso My Taco…They never fail to hit the spot during a late-night study session or simply hanging out with friends. However, there are many more places with a wide variety of cuisines all around campus. Everything from Mexican, Indian, Chinese, and even fusions!
As you may find yourself roaming LA nature and/or cityscape, definitely take advantage of the resources available through USC. The best part about traveling to these locations is that the metro station is directly located in USC. This means it really only takes you a short walk to get to your mode of transportation. Other resources such as the Lyft Rides Program also make closer locations more accessible. The Los Angeles area has gifted me many memories to my college experience that I am sure it will continue to add to.
