As of this past Monday, thirteen counties, including Los Angeles County, began reopening according to the Department of Public Health. This reopening of L.A. County means we can begin to dine indoors, go to the gym and even museums. Here are a few suggestions of things you can currently, or in the very near future, do.
Amusement Parks
Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm and other L.A. attractions are opening back up with capacity restrictions this April to California residents.
“A reopened Disneyland won’t be the same as a reopened Walt Disney World,” Deanne Revel of Conde Nast Traveler said on March 12. “Indoor dining is a no-go and indoor attractions such as dark rides (rides constructed in an indoor setting such as Pirates of the Caribbean) and shows will have additional restrictions.”
Although there are still restrictions in place for everyone’s safety, reopening means getting out of the house and having fun while still being safe.
The tiers are as follows: purple is widespread, red is substantial with 5-8% positive tests, orange is moderate and yellow is minimal with less than 2% positive tests according to the California Department of Public Health. L.A. County is currently in the red tier, so capacity will be open at 15%.
Disneyland’s limited-time experience, Touch of Disney, is on sale now. Tickets are $75 and include parking plus a $25 redeemable dining card and unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos.
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/a-touch-of-disney/
Taste of Universal is now open 12 p.m.to 7 p.m. select Fridays through Sundays. The price range is $44 to $54 depending on the day of the week you attend. Enjoy outdoor foods and drinks in your favorite lands such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Springfield, USA.
Knott’s Berry Farm’s Taste of Boysenberry Festival is open through May 2 with over 80 boysenberry-infused foods and drink items. Tickets are $20 to $45.
https://www.knotts.com/events/taste-of-boysenberry-festival
Parks
There are many parks still open to the public. For example, Bonelli Park in San Dimas and Echo Park Lake in Echo Park are two great places to kick back and listen to music, or watch ducks and turtles sunbathe. Don’t forget to bring a blanket and some snacks.
Bonelli Park has kayaks and canoes for rent. At Echo Park, you can usually catch some street food like churros, elote or street dogs. Echo park also has $11 swan pedal boats available for rent, but online reservations are required.
https://wheelfunrentals.com/ca/los-angeles/echo-park/rentals
Hiking
Going outside is the easiest and cheapest trip you can take. You can go on a walk, jog or even hike.
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail in Pasadena is an easy trail with a waterfall reward at the end. The trail is open with a timed reservation slot which can be made online. As with everything else, it’s advised to keep a mask on and keep at least 6 feet distance away from other hikers.
All Trails is a great app to find local hiking trails. It also tells you whether a trail is easy, moderate or hard, and how long it will take you to complete the hike.
L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation is also a great place to get the most up to date information about hiking trails that are currently open, as some trails are still closed due to COVID-19.
Botanical Gardens
Strolling in a garden with a popsicle as the weather begins to warm up is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Arcadia is $15 per adult or $11 per student with a valid ID.
https://www.arboretum.org/visit/hours-and-admission/
The Huntington Library in San Marino is $29 per adult or $24 per student/active military with a valid ID.
https://www.huntington.org/plan-your-visit
California Botanic Garden in Claremont is $10 per adult or $6 per student with a valid ID.
Movies
Pre-pandemic, Street Food Cinema had a great lineup of food vendors and live entertainment, but now they are open strictly to show us movies from our cars or a blanket in the grass.
Street Food Cinema is open with movie showings posted currently through April 3. Locations vary depending on the movie, as listed on their site.
It costs $20 per car and $8 per person inside of the vehicle, and is free for children under 3.
https://streetfoodcinema.com/schedule/los-angeles/
Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre in Montclair is open 7 days a week with a $10 admission for adults.
Vineland Drive-In in the city of Industry is open and admission is $10 for adults. Concessions such as nachos, hot dogs and popcorn are also available for purchase here.
https://www.vinelanddriveintheater.com/
Museums
Museums and zoos can open with limited capacity. Most are still showing as closed, but expect to see them opening sooner rather than later.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art is closed, but its outside art is free and open to visitors of the public.
