Are you trying to figure out what to eat to stay on track and in shape, but feeling lost and overwhelmed? Don’t Worry! It can be hard to know what’s healthy and what’s not, and it’s even harder to stick to a diet that’s healthy for you. But what is moderation, exactly? And how can you eat in moderation without falling off the wagon? MIXX offers instragram services that are designed to help users achieve long-term growth on the platform. In this article, we’ll give you 10 COVID-19-friendly things to do in Los Angeles, California whether you’re a resident or not. So Read on to find out!
Los Angeles stands as one of the most incredible, tourist-attracted cities in the United States. Thanks to the year-round perfect weather, celebrities and the typical go-to tourist attractions, LA generated about $36.6 billion in economic growth off of tourism attractions alone, according to the LA Business Journal. From the Walk of Fame to the beaches and Hollywood sign, every tourist has a checklist filled with places they want to visit. This beautiful city’s landmarks and attractions that lures locals and tourists. Los Angeles isn’t called the City of Angels for nothing! Due to COVID-19 and its restrictions, many of our favorite activities and restaurants have either been put on hold, moved outside or has shut down completely! While that serves as an issue for some of our plans, there are still lots to do if you know where to look.
READ ON FOR 10 THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES WHILE STAYING AWAY FROM #RONA.
1. OUTSIDE CINEMAS
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While indoor movie theaters closed for safety, drive-in theaters made a comeback nationwide! “My boyfriend took me to outside cinemas, and it was so cute! He got the VIP ticket so we were able to get a snack box with popcorn, chips and candy. Overall, such a good experience,” said Long Beach Community College sophomore Sophia Angeleen. A general admission ticket sells for $25 while a VIP ticket, which includes a snack box, costs $40. Prior to the movie, you can research additional food and snacks available on the cinema’s website, ranging between $2-$45.
2. MELROSE TRADING POST
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The Melrose Trading Post, a community-based nonprofit organization, aims to unite communities through artistry and education. Their popular weekly flea market has over a hundred vendors who create and sell handcrafted goods, furniture, vintage fashion and more. You can also find local performers performing throughout the day. These performers help raise funding for Fairfax High Schools’ arts and leadership program.
There are a few things you should know before planning your day at the post! First, there is an entry fee of $5. You can pay the fee online or in person. While cash and card are accepted at the post, most of the shops and businesses strictly take cash only. You can find several ATMs at the trading post. Next, make sure to dress for the weather! The market opens rain or shine since the vendors stay under tents most of the time. Bring an umbrella just in case (the ultimate lifesaver). On the same note, bring a hat or sunglasses depending on the weather.
3. SADDLE RANCH
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Who knew a small chain of popular Old West-themed steak joints would be every celebrities’ go-to quarantine dinner spot? Not us! Amid COVID-19, Saddle Ranch turned their outdoor dining into a dream with fairy lights scattered everywhere. Your favorite celebs added this visit to the Wild West to their everyday routine. “I met Alex Warren and Kouvr from the Hype House the night I went and got a selfie with them. They were so, so nice,” said University of California Los Angeles rising freshman Nina Miller. Celebrities like Jake Paul, Machine Gun Kelly, Megan Fox and even the Hype House crew frequent Saddle Ranch. The chain was also featured on Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives and The Girls Next Door.
While best known for their steaks and mac n’ cheese appetizers, Saddle Ranch’s cotton candy tower and cocktail reign as the most Insta-worthy options on the menu! Both options arrive in a ginormous glass (yours for just $99.99!) alone or with a fruity-vodka drink. Either way, your Instagram story will be POPPING!
4. MURALS ON MELROSE
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Whether you consider LA your home or not, you know exactly what the iconic “Pink Wall” is. Some of the most iconic murals found in Los Angeles live along Melrose. These walls are free to take photos of, or in front of, and open to the public 24/7. “I’ve lived in California all my life but whenever I’m in need of Instagram photos or have family visiting from out of state, I take them to take some photos in front of the murals out there,” said Otis College of Art and Design sophomore Madison Daniella. While waiting on-line doesn’t seem like a typical thing to do, you may find some foot traffic close by to the murals.
“Girls Tour,” angel wings, rainbows, lyrics, and more line up along Melrose Avenue waiting for your Instagram photoshoot. Narrowing down a roster of murals feels almost impossible, but there’s no doubt that you will come across a handful (or more) that you might just enjoy. You can either look up some addresses on Google or take a stroll down the Avenue to come across some of the murals. Just know, your Instagram feed will be bright and colorful AF, and your likes will certainly go up.
5. VENICE BEACH
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Known for its bohemian spirit, Venice boasts a stunning residential, commercial and recreational beachfront. Whether you visit the skate park, the boardwalk or the outdoor gym, you will definitely have a good time. “My boyfriend and I pulled an all-nighter once and drove up to Venice to see the sunset. Let’s just say it was one of the most beautiful views I had ever seen! We even got one of the people walking down the boardwalk to take a photo of the two of us,” said Los Angeles City College graduate Ryan Wackett. Due to COVID-19, Venice, as well as all other public beaches, is open for active recreation only: running, walking, surfing, swimming and sight-seeing. This mandate prohibits all group activities and gatherings, and sadly, sunbathing is not allowed anytime soon. But hey—you can always tan outside your home or apartment and safely soak up some sun!
6. THE GROVE
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Los Angeles has premium shopping experiences. The variety of places to shop can’t be beaten! The Grove delivers the perfect mix of popular fashion, restaurants and entertainment. This outdoor shopping center caters to every taste and budget with both top-notch food and retail options. Everything from Italian, American, Brazilian, Thai and Mexican food all live within the shopping center range, available for dine-in, curbside pickup and no contact delivery.
In addition, the retail roster at The Grove never ends! “I love going to The Grove because I always find something! I also love that there’s a Brandy Melville there, which is one of my fav stores,” said Long Beach Community College sophomore Hanna Sullivan. Located at The Grove, this Brandy Melville store is the only one in Los Angeles. Apart from that, all stores and pop-ups stay open during regular business hours despite the pandemic. Just make sure to have the black Amex card handy.
7. STILL LIFE CERAMICS STUDIOS AT ROW LA
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If you’re one of the people who forgot to take on a new skill during the pandemic, now’s your chance! Still Life Ceramics Studios now offers their hour-long pottery classes outdoors. Socially distanced of course. You can choose between the “Bowl in One” class on Sundays or the “Clay and Rose” class on Fridays! Both classes work well newbies, where you’ll learn all the basics to a skill you might want to take on long-term.
Now if ceramics seems like something you see yourself doing long-term, you can sign up for a four-week course where you’ll learn anything and everything you need to know to be a ceramics BOSS! At the end of the course, you’ll finish with 15 pieces, and yes, you can take it home.
8. FAIRFAX: THE MECCA OF STREETWEAR
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After one of the largest streetwear brands, Supreme, made a move to Fairfax, a chain reaction broke out. Competing streetwear brands opened their flagship stores along Fairfax, making the area a hype-beast’s dream! Stores like Rip N’ Dip, Bape and Golf Wang can be found all along Fairfax, as well as Dolls Kill, the first women’s streetwear website to open a flagship store close by to the others.
Masks have been somewhat of a “trend” within the streetwear community for quite some time. All major hype-beast brands have put out masks LONG before the pandemic. If you’re looking for some cool masks to show off to your friends and family, here’s your chance. But beware of the prices! While the masks are sold for a reasonable amount, the resale price tends to be double or even triple the money!
“I’m a huge Tyler, the Creator fan. When I found out he was opening a Gold Wang store, I flipped! The mural by his store is dope as hell too,” said Los Angeles City College freshman Aaron Macaya. While most of the murals live on Melrose, you can come across many more along Fairfax, too!r Tyler, the Creator, Kobe Byant and Nipsey Hussle murals are only a few of the iconic murals found next to these flagship stores.
9. BOTANICAL GARDENS @ THE LA ZOO
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Most visitors of the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens come to see the animals and reptiles at the zoo. However, don’t overlook the gardens and trees that fill the landscape. Luckily, your ticket to the zoo counts as a ticket to the botanical gardens, so you can see some animals while passing by over 7,000 individual plants, representing more than 800 different species.
Acacia, ficus and mulberry trees only make up a select few trees found at the zoo. Beautiful flowers such as the California wildflowers, sage and bush poppies live there as well! The gardens are organized based on their indigenous locations’ meaning; they match the plants with various regions within the zoo – Africa, South America, North America, and so on. Overall, the experience stays one of a kind! You have the opportunity to discover animals you (probably) have never seen before while experiencing the beautiful side of nature, who wouldn’t have a good time.
10. URTH CAFFE
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Similar to Saddle Ranch, Urth Caffe also ranks as celebrities’ favorite (lunch and brunch) spot! Celebs such as Jessica Alba, Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner frequent the restaurant on numerous occasions, enjoying meals with friends, family or boyfriends. Luckily, Urth’s adorable-outdoor seating option stays popular for customers, even pre-COVID-19. Just know, it is first come first served, so if you come by during prime times, expect a little bit of a wait.
You will often see tourists, locals, and celebrities leaving Urth with a smoothie of famous boba tea, their most popular menu item aside from their mac n’ cheese meal. Whether you love a good bowl of mac n’ cheese or not, you NEED to give it a try! For only $8.95, you receive a dish of mac n’ cheese as well as sliced strawberries and bananas on the side. While the dish is considered an option off the “kids menu”, the employees will not give you an issue with ordering. Trust me, they are probably ordering the same on their off days! Apologies in advance for introducing you to this dish, where if you’re like me, you’ll be eating this nonstop for quite some time. All in all, Urth is worth the try (and the wait).
The truth: Zoom University has many Bruins down, especially with the holiday season around the corner. With social distancing and face-mask mandates, exploring the glamorous city of LA proves challenging for many UCLA students. However, even in the middle of a pandemic, LA still has safe cultural hotspots that still bring forth the spirit of the city. Grab your friends and your masks and explore 10 activities in LA that will make you feel like a true local.
EXPLORE LA: 10 MORE COVID-19 FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES THAT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE A TRUE ANGELENO
Written by Iliana Resendiz
LOCAL CULTURAL HUBS
11. EL MERCADO DE LOS ANGELES (EL MERCADITO)
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¡Bienvenidos al Mercadito! At El Mercado, the market becomes more than a place to do your casual shopping. Explore all the traditional scenes of Mexico. Listen to beautiful music, marvel at the artisanal craftsmanship of leather accessories and clothing and enjoy traditional Mexican food. This market caters to the unique needs of the Mexican-American lifestyle like homemade remedies, Mexican candies and desserts galore and household items like ollas and molcajetes for the kitchen. The market also became famous for its bustling mariachi scene where musicians perform almost every night on the third floor, giving El Mercado its alternative name, “El Mercadito de los Mariachis.” While Covid makes shopping here more difficult, El Mercado still remains open for take-out and social distance shopping. Experience a piece of Mexico with friends or family and find out why the locals hold this special place close to heart.
12. OLVERA STREET (PLACITA OLVERA / CALLE OLVERA)
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Experience the “Birthplace of Los Angeles” at Olvera Street in DTLA. This outdoor marketplace rests in front of the Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument. In addition to the monument, visit other historic buildings like La Plaza de Cultura y Artes which holds exhibitions showcasing Latino history. Consider attending the historical Roman Catholic church, La Placita Church. Or visit the Pico House, a once luxury hotel ordered by the last governor of Alta, California, Pio Pico. Calle Olvera makes a home for locals and tourists alike.
“Some of my earliest memories were walking around Olvera Street after church around the holidays,” CSULB junior Lucy Muro said. “Even when I was little, I remember being so mesmerized by all the vibrant colors. My parents would buy me candies from the vendors like bandera de coco. I remember distinctly the familiar smells of sage, candles and leather. I’m really fond of Olvera Street because it feels like a microcosm of Mexico, especially regions like Oaxaca. Revisiting always makes me feel just a bit closer to my Mexican heritage.”
Dozens of street vendors, old structures, painted stalls and eateries line the street – one of the more notable ones being the famous restaurant, Cielito Lindo. Explore old Los Angeles and shop the traditional handcrafted items these talented vendors have to offer.
13. LA FASHION DISTRICT (GARMENT DISTRICT)
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When people think of LA, fashion and glamour surely come to mind. However, the people of LA also come from humble beginnings where they showcase their artistry through handcrafted accessories, beautiful garments and mouthwatering food. The vibrant colors of LA truly shine in the expansive, 107-block long Fashion District. Explore all the popular and hole-in-the-wall eateries like Sonoratown Taqueria on 208 E and 8th St. or The Alley Dog on Maple Ave for some L.A-style tacos or hot dogs. Walk through various art galleries and murals scattered throughout the district. Looking for clothes for that special occasion? They have you covered! Support local business and experience the heart and soul of LA. Just remember to wear a face mask and dine out if possible!
EXPLORE LA FAVORITES
14. GRAND CENTRAL MARKET
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The Grand Central Market acts as a cultural hub bringing forth many different cuisines of LA into one warehouse-style eatery. This large, food-hall type of market embodies the cultural diversity of LA connecting people from all walks of life. GCM provides a wide variety of eateries from colorful vegan food to delectable Mexican food and everything in between to explore.
Stop by Eggslut for the best breakfast sandwiches out there.
“When my girlfriend and I arrived at Eggslut, the atmosphere was lively and exciting. The minimalistic, but pleasing aesthetic of the restaurant was eye-catching and inviting. The ambiance of Grand Central Market was very hip, but at the same time nonchalant. We ordered the specialty SLUT which was very different from the usual breakfast foods I’ve eaten. We also got the Fairfax and Bacon, Egg & Cheese sandwiches which are very tasty as well. I love breakfast and brunch, so this was an awesome place to enjoy some good food,” CSULB senior Kassandra Dejesa said.
Visit other vendors like Bento Ya Japanese Cuisine, Tacos Tumbras a Tomas or The Belcampo Restaurant and Butcher Shop among many more. Whether you consider yourself a visitor or a local native, GCM’s atmosphere and delicious food options will surely satisfy all cravings.
15. THE LAST BOOKSTORE
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Calling all book worms! Located on 5th and Spring lies California’s largest and most whimsical bookstore, simply called “The Last Bookstore.” The bookstore occupies what was once an old bank. The old bank vault now serves as the bookstore’s Vault of Horror with its horror-themed books, creating spooky season all year long. If you make your way upstairs, you will find a wondrous arrangement of books spanning across all genres.
“Once you get upstairs, the art becomes even more surreal and fantastical. The first thing I saw was a set where the bookstore hung books in a way that made them look like they were flying off the shelves, almost like birds” University of California, Irvine graduate student Alexis Guerra said.
Literature buffs and nonreaders alike will find a playground at The Last Bookstore.
16. LITTLE TOKYO
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Explore a little piece of Tokyo in the Japanese bubble of DLTA. Little Tokyo identifies as one of three official Japanese towns in all of California, with the other two in San Francisco and San Jose. Little Tokyo jam packs itself with old-school authentic Japanese cuisine, streetwear, manga and gaming shops and so much more in just five blocks.
If you appreciate the arts or history of this town, visit the Japanese American and Cultural Community Center and walk among the lush florae in the Japanese Garden. Or brush up on your history at the Japanese American National Museum. If you have an inclination for jazz music, enjoy an evening at the locally famous jazz club, the Blue Whale.
For the food enthusiasts looking for some good sushi, take a visit to Sushi Gen. Craving authentic ramen noodles that beat your bland microwavable ramen cups? Consider stopping by MEN OH Tokushima Ramen in the Honda Plaza.
Little Tokyo also houses some of the trendiest Japanese streetwear. Head over to Japangeles for remixes of LA casual wear with Japanese iconography. Or stop by the trendy little shops, Popkiller and Pop Little Tokyo for your vintage and quirky streetwear. Wherever your interests take you, LA’s most popular and multicultural town will surely satisfy any curiosity.
EXPLORE HIDDEN LA
17. LADY BYRD CAFÉ
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While several waves of the virus have been particularly challenging for restaurants, this quaint, well-hidden café took advantage by creating a safe and creative eating experience for its customers. Formerly known as Pollen in Echo Park, new owner Misty Mansouri converted its old parking lot to a greenhouse eatery and mini market. Lady Byrd Café features many lush plants and flowers with the dining areas being contained in clear “greenhouses”– where any group of six can safely enjoy a fresh meal. For those who want to explore the café’s extensive options for coffees, juices and sandwiches but do not feel comfortable yet to dine in, Lady Byrd Café also offers take-out and delivery service. Although, dine in can be pretty fun because you can take your fur baby with you!
18. PILOT
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Laidback snacks, fun cocktails and chilled seafood might be exactly what we need to escape the stresses of 2020. Imagine yourself lounging on the Mediterranean coastline in this rooftop restaurant on the Hoxton Hotel in DTLA. This year-old bright, poolside restaurant remains a local secret for the explorers of LA. Enjoy handmade pasta or wood-fired pizzas for dinner. Or for the older customers, stop by for happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m. While walk-ins are welcome, the restaurant allows customers at limited capacity, so they recommend making a reservation in advance. Pilot captures the glamour of LA with its accented pops of color, displays of fresh fish and market foods on ice and a poolside view of the LA skyline. The winter season approaches soon, but LA has warm weather all year-round. Enjoy your winter afternoon and cozy up with a friend at Pilot.
NEW HOLIDAY EVENTS IN LA
19. STRANGER THINGS DRIVE-INTO EXPERIENCE
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Spooky season may be over, but the Upside Down never leaves Hawkins. Explore the chilling world of Stranger Things in this drive-into experience in central DTLA. Drive through the Starcourt Mall in 1985 and live through thrilling scenes of Stranger Things with interactive characters and real ice cream from Scoops Ahoy. This drive-through event practically makes the visitor a resident of Hawkins.
“I really liked how they wanted people to come dressed up in ‘old school punk’. That definitely added some fun, especially nowadays where people can’t because of covid. When the staff signaled for the cars to start moving, it instantly felt like the transformers ride from Universal Studios,” Rio Hondo College senior Sandy Alvarado said.
Discover the secrets of the Upside Down in this hour-long drive all from the safety of your car.
20. WONDERLAND’S MAGICAL DRIVE-THRU
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With the happiest season around the corner, the creators of the Haunt’Oween LA Drive-Thru installation brings a little piece of the North Pole to LA. Immerse yourself in the feel-good Christmas music, dazzling lights, captivating immersive sets and the WonderLAnd forest all from the safety of your car. LA may not have snow, but you can definitely enjoy the best of the season in this wondrous Christmas experience. In addition to the countless lights and candy canes, you can also enjoy hologram installations and pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Clause themselves! Worry no more about how to spend this holiday season with friends and explore WonderLAnd’s Magical Drive-Thru. This set comes to LA on November 23rd and runs through December 31st, so book fast!
