Quick, easy, and fun getaway places

Karine's list of QUICK EASY AND FUN GETAWAY PLACES 

1. Anaheim Packing District 

Address: 440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805

Drive from LA: estimated around 40-45 mins

Website

2. Skirball Museum 

Address: 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Drive from LA: estimated around 25-30 mins

Website

3. ZUMA Malibu Beach 

Address: 30050 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu, CA

Drive from LA: estimated around 1 hour 

Parking: There's a parking lot there, but it's very small and sometimes time consuming to wait for others to leave. There is a whole street of street parking across the beach which is a much better option!

4. Pepperdine University 

Address: 324255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90263

Drive from LA: estimated around 50 mins - 1 hour 

Parking: You can go into the school by saying you're a guest! And there are several parking areas in the lots (but look out for the signs that need permits) and even street parking. 

LA Zoo

I've been to the zoo when I was about 10 and I think the was the last time I've ever been. From memory back then, I had so much and the zoo seemed so big. The animals seemed so big and I felt so small. It was actually an eye-opener when I went back recently. I don't want to say ALL zoos are like this nor is the LA zoo not taking care of their animals, but they just seemed so sad. The zoo's space seemed so small too. Just remembering it as a kid and remembering it as an adult seemed so different. 

I've also been trying something new. I would think of places I used to go to as a kid and go back there now. It's the same place, but so much different. It really amazes me how time, change, circumstance really affects a person. I won't look at the same place and feel the same thing if I come back in 5 years. 

Santa Anita Fair

Santa Anita has fun fairs with good food, horse races, and rides. I love horses so I went to go see the horse racing and it was my first time. I've never bet on a derby and actually didn't know how to do it when I got there. However, there is someone there who also explains how it works. They have a lot of brochures to help you bet on the races. See pictures and video below!

The food here is amazing and to die for! I had ribs, barbecue, and chili cheese fries. They cook it right in front of you and it's irresistible. 

This is a fun sliding ride that was there!

There were also a lot of rides and fair activities. There was ferris wheel, bumper cars, face painting, darts, and games. 

Melrose Trading Post

Every Sundays, the Melrose Trading Post has their annual open market and it is amazing. They sell things from vintage clothes, to new clothes, to books, clocks, accessories and almost anything you could think of. It's cheap, affordable, and has amazing stuff. It's been open every Sunday from 9AM to 5PM since 1997! You can even sign up to sell your stuff every sundays, but you will need to register with them to do so. It's a fun place to go to and the admission to look around and enjoy is only $3. It's a fun activity if you're bored on a Sunday with no much to do! 

See video below! 

Additional information: 

$3 Admission
Last Ticket Sold at 4:45PM
On the Campus of Fairfax High
7850 Melrose Avenue,
Los Angeles CA 90046

"Whitney Weston and Pierson Blaetz, co-founders of Melrose Trading Post, take you around their original market location at Fairfax High, which takes place every Sunday at 9 am to 5 pm and which the two founded through the nonprofit Greenway Arts Alliance in 1997 to support programs and services for students at the public high school. It also serves as small business incubator for industries of all types, including fashion, art, antiques, and more. Melrose Trading Post is "L.A.'s Favorite Outdoor Market." Best known for its curated, yet eclectic array of arts and crafts, vintage fashion, antique furniture, handcrafted artisan goods, and other one-of-a-kind treasures, the popular flea market attracts Angelenos of all ages. What's lesser known about Melrose Trading Post is that admission and vendor fees have always supported public education. At Fairfax High, Melrose Trading Post has provided students with jobs and helped fund college scholarships, library renovations, field trips, sports equipment, band uniforms, beautification projects, teacher programs, theater performances, and more, totaling well over six million dollars to date." - Melrose Trading Post

To learn more, visit www.melrosetradingpost.org

MELROSE TRADING POST at Fairfax High Every Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM since 1997

7850 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046 Corner of Melrose and Fairfax

*Valet Parking available or street parking

Summer in Big Bear

Most people go Big Bear's ski resorts in the winter, but it's also beautiful in the summer. It's a great day trip or for just a quick overnighter. The lake is beautiful and many people do water sports here. I only went an overnighter so I didn't have much time to do water sports. However, the community is great. There are local pubs, restaurants, and great people you could mingle with. Whether they were a local or just another visitor, I had great conversations with them. A quick and fun getaway place.

BIG BEAR ATV

Be sure to wear clothes that you feel you can get dirty and you need to wear long pants so you don't get hurt. I'm a bit of an adrenaline-junkie, but to be honest I was a bit scared when I was on this course (my friends weren't). It might be me slowly becoming a scared-cat. The course is beautiful because you're up on the trail where you can the landscape. It was an amazing view, but scary for me at the same time because I was scared that I would fall off the trail. There's also a lot of motorcycle riders and its really cool to see them on the trail. 

Website Link here 

Why Should you travel?

Why should I waste my energy, time, and money to travel? I grew up traveling and seeing the world because of my dad's job. However, I took advantage of it. So when I officially moved out and started my adult-life, I didn't really see the need to travel. Why should I waste my money on traveling when I can just save it up to go shopping. 

But I slowly realized that spending the energy, time, and money has lasting effects on your health and how you really see the world. It takes you away to realize the good things and get away from your space to clear your mind. It's a break and our minds/bodies need it!

Hashimoto Nursery

Flowers make me happy for some reason. I love flowers and I truly think this is one of the best gifts to get anyone. My mom loves flowers and grows a lot of them in the back yard. I on the other hand, love flowers, but can't seem to keep them alive. But I love going to places like the Hashimoto Nursery where they have all sorts of different flowers, plants, and outdoor decorations. 

To give you a background on the Hashimoto Nursery, it is the only left today after the pre-war business. Sawtelle had around 26 different Japanese-owned nurseries owned by the Japanese Immigrants to America and Neisei - those born in the US to Japanese immigration parents. It first started around 1928 when the first of the Hashimoto brothers settled in the Swatelle area. 

*Photograph courtesy of the Hashimoto Nursery website

"80 years and 3 generations later, Hashimoto Nursery is still family owned and operated, providing quality plants and friendly service to the Westside." - Hashimoto Family 

 

Website Link here. 

1935 SAWTELLE BLVD.LOS ANGELES, CA 90025USA

(310) 473-6232

INFO@HASHIMOTONURSERY.COM

A special place in my heart: Record Stores

I've always had an interest in records. I've seen then laying around at my grandparent's house, but never really thought more of it. In the winter, I went home to Korea for a friend's wedding. My grandpa and I usually go on a lot of adventures together. But with me living in California and working, it's always been hard to find time to go home. This winter I was only there for a short period of time, so I didn't get to spent as much time as I wanted with my grandpa. He said he wants to take me to the vintage stores and get me a record player. Then we can start buying all these records and play them around the house. Of course I was excited, but because I was pressed for time it was pushed back to something we would do in the summer. 

As nothing really goes as planned, my grandfather passed away in April and I really did not get a chance to say good bye. I was sorry I couldn't do this one last time with him, but I also shared so many hobbies with him. He taught me how to play the harmonica and I taught him how to work a computer. So I knew I would enjoy buying records. To be honest, I was very sad and didn't really know how to grieve. I've never lost anyone before. It was also hard because I was in California and the funeral was in Korea. I had met up with my cousin because she wanted to check up on me. It was like fate, my cousin said she wanted to go to records stores. It was chilling to hear that she was suggest going to record stores right after my grandpa had passed. 

I went to two record stores and it really brought back so many memories. 

THE RECORD PARLOR

The record parlor - http://therecordparlour.com

The record parlor is located at: 6408 Selma Ave. Hollywood, CA 90028 

It is truly a beautiful vintage looking shop. The Record Parlour is a mecca of pre-digital Entertainment and home to over 15,000 Records, rare Jukeboxes, restored Vintage Audio Gear, Music Memorabilia and much more. When I went into the store, it was just like remienicing and going back in time of older songs I had forgotten about. 

Another cool record store to check out is called AMOEBA. https://www.amoeba.com

Amoeba has more than just records though. It has music, movies, merchandise, and more. You can really take a couple hours to look through the whole entire store. 

Malibu Riders

I've been riding horses my whole life. I love horses, but it has always been so hard finding places to ride. Either it is extremely expensive or the course is sometimes just "bleh". Malibu Riders is one of the most affordable and sensual riding in the city. 

There are daily rides and you can call to reserve your space a head of time. These are daily and you can even show up (but I would recommend to reserve your place). You will need to show up around 30 minutes earlier than your riding time so you can sign a waiver and pick your horse. The amazing thing about Malibu Riders is that they have horse-actors! You can ride the same horse Jennifer Lawrence has ridden in the Hunger Games!! 

After getting to interact with your horse, you are off on your journey. Your riding-guide takes you through the course and the horses are very well behaved. You don't have to be a professional rider to be on any of these horses. The riding guide also gives you a lot of historical information about the landscape, the once Paramount ranch, landscapes where they've shot films/tv, horses, and more. They're very friendly and you really get a chance to ask questions too. 

These tours really varies on how many sign up for the daily rides. I went to ride horses twice and the second time it was just me and my friend. So basically, I had a private horse guide. 

What to wear: 

It really depends on the day, but I've seen many different dress wear for people who show up. Usually, you'd want to wear something comfortable and preferably long pants. Sometimes it does get very hot so you might need a hat and some sunscreen!

More additional Information: 

Malibu Riders has three different courses to choose from and ranges in time. 

Website link here. 

1. Agoura Hills (Malibu Creek) 

1 hour **3 mile loop ($50 per person)

Description: Malibu Creek State Park: This 1 hour ride starts at Paramount Ranch National Park, then takes you directly into Malibu Creek State Park. You pass through the ranch once owned by former President Ronald Reagan, then continue into a beautiful, majestic forest that opens up to an amazing view of Malibou Lake. This trail ride is a 3 mile loop located in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains of Agoura Hills. 

2 hours** 6 mile loop ($100 per person) 

Description: Malibu Creek State Park: 2 hour continues on from the 1 hour trail ride, completing a 6 mile loop that takes you deeper into the Santa Monica Mountains, overlooking Century Lake.

2. Agoura Hills (Paramount Ranch) 

1 hour **3 mile loop ($50 per person) 

Description: This ride is a 1 hour, 3 mile loop located just behind Malibu. One of its features is a great old western town that has been used in hundreds of movies. The scenery is amazing. It has beautiful forests and an abundance of wild life. Deer, coyote, and bobcat sightings are common. There are also streams that flow all year and the horses love to drink and splash in them. The Paramount Ranch trail is our most popular ride, and it is sure to please kids and adults alike.

3. Malibu - Zuma Canyon (Call) 

1 hour ride **($100 per person)

This ride takes you into the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains, revealing breathtaking ocean views. On a clear day you may be able to spot multiple coastal Southern California islands (Catalina Island, Santa Barbara Island, and San Clemente Island). The trail goes through a beautiful forest-like canopy. In spring and summer, native wild flowers are abundant. A very relaxing and therapeutic ride!

*Please call for details and availability of the 1 Hour ride

71 Above

With the new opening of the Skyspace and the US tower bank in Downtown LA - I decided to try 71Above. It is a 360 panoramic view of Downtown LA. If you sit at the dining table, you will HAVE to get the three course meal. It is $70 per person. If you want to sit at the bar, they have smaller plates and you won't need to order a course menu.

If you want to get a window seat (which is a bit hard to do) you will need to pay a deposit depending on the table. The deposit rages from $200-$600 depending on the size of the party. This deposit goes to your check at the end. If there are any additional changes that go over the deposit, you will just pay it. I thought it was a bit pricey for a reservation of two people at a window seat to be around $210 - including tip. So I decided to just get the $70 course menu. The food was great, but I will have to say it was a bit pricey for not being able to sit at the window seat. I still got a great view of Downtown LA, but didn't get to fully enjoy it.

From the menu, I got the RADICHHIO - lemon, caper, parmesan, chervil, anchovy, and garlic breadcrumbs. It was really good, but was a bit bitter for me towards the end. 

Second, Steak tartare - farm yolk, mustard, truffle, chives, and crostini. The steak tartar was amazing. They give you three additional sauces on the side that you could spread on your bread. 

Main, Spring lamb - loin, crepinette, ramp pansies, lava, plum, picked mustard. The lamb was delicious. On the side, you can the flowers covering the baked sweet potato. It went very well with the lamb!

Additional Information:

Website Link 

There is a dress code here

The Broad Museum

"The Broad is a new contemporary art museum founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles which opened in September of 2015. The museum is designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler and offers free general admission. The museum is home to the 2,000 works of art in the Broad collection, which is among the most prominent holdings of postwar and contemporary art worldwide, and has launched an active program of rotating temporary exhibitions and innovative audience engagement. The 120,000-square-foot, $140-million building features two floors of gallery space and is the headquarters of The Broad Art Foundation’s worldwide lending library, which has actively loaned collection works to museums around the world since 1984. In its inaugural year, The Broad museum far exceeded attendance projections, welcoming over 820,000 visitors." 

- The Broad

The new contemporary museum has art work ranging from installations, all works of art, and collections that any age could enjoy. The installations includes work by 1950's Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, and Cy Twombly. Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha, and Andy Warhol's works of the pop art era in 1960's is seen. Moving into the 1980s, the installation presents a rich concentration of works by artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kara Walker, Keith Haring, Barbara Kruger, and Jeff Koons.

Additional Information:

Visit today !

The Broad also has the Yayoki Kusama's Infinity Mirror room. You can enter the museum and reserve your spot with an iPad kiosk in the center of the lobby. Once you reserve it, it will text you when it is your time to come in. You are allowed inside for 45 seconds and may request for two people to be inside together. 

Getty Villa

The Getty Villa has an educational center and a museum which has dedicated their studies to the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The Getty Villa and the Getty Center are two different museums people often get confused with. The Getty Villa is also known for their beautiful and sanctuary gardens. The gardens were mirrored and grown like the ones in the homes of the ancient Roman home. The open spaces has fountains, arbors, reflecting ponds, sculptures, herbs, flowers, trees, and a variety of plants used by the Romans. Picture above shows the Outer Peristyle Garden. The Peristyle pool also makes the garden brighter.

The architecture at the Getty Villa is absolutely breath-taking. The Getty Villa is modeled after the first-century Roman country house - Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum, Italy. It was constructed in the early 1970's. 

You can also explore a wide selection of books, gifts, apparel, and even jewelry at the Getty Store. For me, I personally enjoyed reading all of the books there. They have educational books and even fun books for adults to read too. 

Take a look at the Getty Villa Reimagined!

Additional information: 

Plan a Visit ! 

Admissions is free, but you will need to reserve a time slot in order to go. These start from 10am with 30 minute intervals. I once made the mistake of going without making a reservation and ended up not being able to go in. Don't make the same mistake! 

Parking is also $15. 

Address:

17985 Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Palisades, CA90272

Hours of Operation:

Wednesday–Monday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.Closed Tuesdays
Holiday closures: Thanksgiving, December 25 (Christmas Day), and January 1