By Armella Stepan
Weather forecasters are predicting a plethora of sunny days for Los Angeles between now and the end of this crazy year. Al fresco activities are quite in vogue (not to mention highly recommended by the CDC) so we found the brightest holiday activities in the area that will quite literally electrify your holiday plans.
SUNSET SEASON IN SANTA MONICA
From November to 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.
MALIBU ELECTRIC BIKE TOURS
Take a leisurely self-propelled or electric-assisted bike tour through a particularly picturesque section of Malibu. Enjoy the mountain and vineyard views along rugged yet easy terrain. The tour finishes with a tasting of four Saddle Rock Wines. Maximum of eight guests per group to assure comfortable social distancing. More details here.
VENICE CANALS HOLIDAY LIGHTS
This tucked away neighborhood of Venice was originally developed as an homage to the Italian City for which it is named. Charming homes and cottages abut a series of small waterways speckled with colorful rowboats. Many residents of this aquatic enclave take great pride in lighting up their unique neighborhood during the holidays. Venice Street Art Tours has expert guides who can show you both the electric and the eclectic sides of this historic beach town.
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.
For something a little sportier, the ‘it’ electric car of the moment is the Porsche Taycan. Described as ‘driving in its most electrifying form,’ the first fully electric Porsche may actually cause you to forget about holiday lights altogether and inspire a moonlit cruise up the Pacific Coast Highway instead.
Either way, be sure to check with your hotel’s concierge for a map to the best holiday light shows and charging station locations.
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.
