There’s no need to plan some big fancy vacation over spring break when honestly, most of America comes to Los Angeles to vacation, ammirght? We’ve pulled together fantastic last-minute ideas that are not only close by, they don’t require a ton of planning but will give you the entertainment, relaxation, and memory-making you deserve.
#1. Visit Little Tokyo
photo: Go Little Tokyo via Facebook
Spend your staycation in Little Tokyo where there are endless possibilities for exploration and exposure to another culture without using your passport. To make the most of your time, use the website Go Little Tokyo to help plan your trip (whether you just spend the day or spend the night).
The site showcases walking tours, events that are happening, and even how to get there (use the Metro to make your adventure even more fun). Once you get there, shop at Japan LA, a boutique anime culture shop full of toys, apparel, and accessories. Make sure to check out the gallery in the back of the store showcasing the best in “kawaii” (cute) art from all over the world. Continue on an art walk and stop by the larger than life mural by Katie Yamasaki called“Moon Beholders” located at the end of the Japanese American National Museum’s Plaza.
Hungry? The newly opened, vegan donut shop, Donatsu, is a twist on the traditional offering flavors like matcha-pistachio and churro. Or, visit a Little Tokyo staple, serving the neighborhood for over 100 years and known for its family tradition and style, Fugetsu-Do. This Japanese confectionary crafts delicious mochi and manju. If you are there before Mar. 31st, try their spring special, sakura mochi, inspired by the Japanese cherry blossoms.
If you do want to make it an overnight trip (and why not?) there are plenty of hotels in the area. Check out Mikado, Miyako Hotel, New Daimaru Hotel, or the historical Little Tokyo Hotel that has been in operation in Little Tokyo for 100 plus years.
Online: golittletokyo.com
#2. Spend the Night at Mr. C
photo: Mr. C Beverly Hills
Mr. C Beverly Hills, the Venetian-inspired luxury hotel known for its enviable pool deck and complimentary Bellinis provided at check-in, is offering some additional perks to their family-friendly stays, called “Little C” amenities. These perks can be added to any suite and include: Complimentary Chicco strollers, play yards, a complimentary welcome Mr. C teddy bear and a plate of freshly baked homemade cookies with Nutella spread and sprinkles with a cup of milk. There are also complimentary plush, child-size bathrobes and Honest Company bath and body Discovery Set.
Hungry? A “Little C” menu is available at the Mr. C restaurant, poolside, and in-room dining and features classic Cipriani dishes like Baked White Tagliolini Pasta with ham, Mini Margherita Pizza with Buffalo mozzarella, Spaghetti alla Bolognese; breakfast items such as Belgium waffles with Nutella and beverages like virgin Little C Bellinis. There are also Little C branded coloring books and $15 group classes at Shorty Kid Yoga.
1224 Beverwil Dr.
Los Angeles
Online: www.mrcbeverlyhills.com
#3 Take Instagrammable Photos Around Town
photo: Andie Huber
Up your Instagram game and get some shots in front of LA’s most Instagrammable walls. Pro tip: Some of our favorite coffee and treat shops also happen to be close or next to these LA backdrops so you could also call it a food tour. Win-win.
#4. Explore Professional Possibilities
photo: California Science Center Space Shuttle Endeavour
Become an astronaut, an archeologist, a botanist, or a NASA engineer, all before returning back to school.
#5 Burn Off that Energy
Check out our list of awesome spring camps and see if anyone still has space…you never know. And if you can’t get in, burn off that enviable energy by hitting up these waterfall hikes, climb the steps at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (look out for snakes! We saw one on our last climb!), or spend the day at one our favorite kid-friendly beaches.
#6 Get Out of Town
photo: Mathew Foster via flickr
If you want to leave Los Angeles but can’t leave town for the full two weeks, these nearby spots will provide the adventure you crave within driving distance.
Find out why the land of pools, hikes and umbrella drinks is at the top of our list. Check out our top favorite things to do (and stay) in Palm Springs.
Craving more mountain-vibe over the desert? Just 90 miles from Los Angeles lies the lakeside town of Lake Arrowhead.
Live la dolce vita and cruise over to Catalina for the day (or two) and finally see why this Mediterranean-esque escape is a way better vacation than flying for 15 hours with kids in tow.
Seeking a little vino with your spring break? Head to Solvang for a quick getaway. Not only is it super kid-friendly, but it’s certainly closer than Napa or Sonoma.
Craving a good old-fashioned road trip? Explore Highway 1 and the 10 towns that dot the coastline, going as far north as Ragged Point if you want. You could even get paid $100 to visit this area along the way.
To see what Red Tricycle Editors are up to this month, follow us on Instagram!
—Andie Huber
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Feature photo: Chanikarn Thongsupa via Raw Pixel
