Spring break is right around the corner, for those of us who may not have time to plan a trip and skip town, here are some last-minute local activities and destinations that offer fun and entertainment for our LBCC students.
Watch the sunset or fly a kite at the Korean Friendship Bell
The Korean Friendship Bell is a bronze bell gifted by South Korea to commemorate the friendship between America and South Korea. This historic San Pedro location is no more than 30 minutes away from LBCC. The bell offers an ocean view atop a hill equipped with a playground, basketball courts and areas perfect for picnics to watch the sunset or maybe even fly a kite.
Rosa Zamorano is a San Pedro resident that frequents the park with her two kids and can attest to its beauty.
“I’ve been taking my girls to play here for some time now, it is nice that they can play on the playground or ride around on their skates and I can have a view to enjoy until they are finished, it’s a good spot for everyone,” Zamorano said.
The Korean Friendship Bell is located at 3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731 within Angels Gate Park.
Have a bonfire at Bolsa Chica State Beach
Take advantage of the lengthy sunny days and rising temperatures by heading to the beach.
Bolsa Chica is home to 200 fire pits, several picnic areas, and a few restaurants with beach views. Bonfire pits are first come first serve and great for making smores with friends and family. A day pass is $15 per vehicle to enter but if you don’t mind walking you can utilize the Sunset Beach public parking lot across the street from the Bolsa Chica State Beach entrance by the Jack In the Box.
Pick your own strawberries at Tanaka Farms
Tanaka farms offer strawberry picking tours during the Spring. Attendees get to take a wagon ride through the farm, visit the barnyard animals and take home a one pound basket of strawberries that you can pick directly from the farm.
Admission is $20 per person and Tanaka Farms is located at 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612. Reservations are required and can be made at the link below. https://www.tanakafarms.com/strawberry-picking.
Immerse yourself in California’s coastal wetlands at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a nearby hike for nature lovers with over 200 species of animals. The reserve is a 1,300 acre coastal estuary with a 4.5 mile trail. There are also shorter paths along the main trail for those who do not want to do the full trail. The trailhead starts at the reserves parking lot at, 18000 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648.
Tiara Church is a hiker from the Long Beach area that came to hike and bird watch at the reserve. The reserve is a common spot for bird watchers since it is home to several species like pelicans, geese, seagulls, hawks, falcons, and sometimes even turkey vultures.
“My mom and I come here to try and see some cool animals. One time we saw a sea lion and another time we saw a vulture. There seems to always be something different from the last time we came,” Church said.
Ride the AquaLink from Shoreline Village to Alamitos Bay
Long Beach Transit offers affordable boat rides through the AquaLink Friday through Sunday. For only $5 passengers can ride the boat through Long Beach’s bay from Shoreline Village to Alamitos Bay. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax on the ocean and it offers a unique way to bar hop through Long Beach with a variety of bars and restaurants within walking distance of the docks.
The Shoreline village stop is at Aquarium Dock 4 behind P.F. Changs and operates from 12:15 to 7:00 p.m. on the weekends.
Try a new food at Smorgasburg Los Angeles
Smorgasburg is the country’s largest weekly open-air food market in America. Attendees can find food from every culture and diet like octopus tacos, vegan bao buns, churros, and fully loaded hot dogs. There is also a family-friendly beer garden for those who are interested in drinking.
Smorgasburg is every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021, and is free to enter.