By Armella Stepan
Mostly sunny skies are on the horizon for Santa Monica and Los Angeles County’s Beach Cities from now through Christmas. This means that rest, relaxation, and some al fresco fun are in store for you and your family before this year is done. Here are some activities that are sure to spark some joy:
MARVIN BRAUDE BIKE TRAIL
They say that a family that plays together, stays together. You can test this theory on a very long leisurely bike ride during a trip to Santa Monica. Few cities in America can lay claim to having a 22-mile paved bike trail complete with an ocean view. The north end of the Braude Trail begins at Will Rogers State Beach in the Pacific Palisades and it ends at Torrance County Beach to the south. Bike rentals are plentiful as well. Happy trails!
IT’S SUNSET SEASON
From November through January the sun sets directly west of the Santa Monica Pier producing some of the most beautiful sunsets of the year. The iconic solar powered Ferris Wheel lights up the night with a mesmerizing light show that never gets old. Best viewing spot? The beachfront restaurants at Shutters on the Beach or Hotel Casa del Mar, ask for a table at the north end.
CHRISTMAS CRUISING
California’s car culture has always made it next to impossible to come to Los Angeles without renting the car of your dreams. Convertibles are great, but the nights can get a little chilly this time of year. Instead, try exploring the city’s holiday light shows behind the wheel of an all-electric luxury car.
Elon Musk must have been channeling his ‘inner elf’ when he laid claim to the X in Xmas with the Tesla Model X’s ‘Holiday Show’ coupled with the car’s ‘Santa’ driver assist mode. There is no better way to take in the city lights than with Santa, his reindeer and jingle bells in full color and sound on your dash and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Wizards and Winter” concert when you park.
HAPPY PLACE POP UP
Speaking of cruising, keep that fun Model X another day and drive-thru the Happy Place pop-up coming to Westfield Century City. Its previous incarnation was as a popular walk-thru Instagram exhibit that took LA by storm in 2017. After an extensive world tour, Happy Place returns to its L.A home and it has evolved for these socially distant times. Happy Place – The Drive Thru will feature over 18 unique and vibrant exhibits and exists because their creators believe that the world could use a lot more happiness. Perhaps the understatement of 2020. Tickets available here.
Are you ready for your beach retreat? At Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar, when you stay more, you can save up to 25% off and receive a one-time $100 hotel credit per stay. Offer is subject to availability at the time of reservation. Blackout dates may apply. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Reserve now.
