With its beautiful scenery, warm temperatures and sunny weather, Southern California rivals even Mexico and Florida as the ideal spring break location. If you are staying local for spring break, try some of these unique, local activities to make for a memorable week.
Hollywood Cupcake Tour
Everyone has heard of the Hollywood sign tour, the movie star home tour and the double-decker LA city bus tour, but not too many people have heard of the Hollywood Cupcake Tour. This two-hour walking tour allows you to see the sights of Hollywood while savoring all the best sweets and treats Hollywood has to offer. Start out at Georgetown Cupcakes and then move on to French Pastry Cafe Tartine O Chocolat for macaroons, Magnolia Bakery for homemade American favorites, Joan’s on Third for gourmet desserts, Dessert for specialty cupcakes, and if you still have room for more, finish off the day with a salted caramel cutie pie at Simplethings. With all those delicious baked goods, you’ll be glad that it’s a walking tour. And the best part: the cost per-person is only $50. Check out the website for more information: www.greatfoodtours.com.
Dine Orange County
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience but don’t want to pay the high price, try taking advantage of one of the dining deals offered during Dine Orange County Week. This event takes place Feb. 23 through March 1 and provides a great day or night out without costing too much. Savor all the best tastes of Southern California by trying one of the 122 participating restaurants — you can even turn your dining experience into a full day or night out, with many restaurants offering deals on dinner and a movie or live show. Lunches range from $10 to $20 and dinners range from $20 to $40. Go to www.ocrestaurantweek.com for additional information.
“The Book of Mormon”
If you want to see a critically acclaimed musical over spring break, “The Book of Mormon” will be playing at Pantages Theater in Los Angeles through May 11. With music and lyrics from Trey Parker and Matt Stone, best known as the creators of “South Park,” it has gained an overwhelmingly positive critical and audience response. It has also won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical and a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. While tickets can be a little expensive — starting at $88 each — this highly comedic and entertaining show is definitely worth it. Go to www.hollywoodpantages.com for additional information.
Cirque Du Soleil’s “Totem”
There’s nothing more entertaining than a night out under the big top, especially when there’s one so close to home. Through March 16, Cirque du Soleil will be showing their new, visually stunning show “Totem” under the big top on the Santa Monica Pier. The show traces the journey of humankind from its origins as amphibians through its evolution as a species that ultimately desires to fly, mixing rich symbolic tributes to ancient civilizations with colorful costumes and world-renowned acrobatics for a truly entertaining show. Tickets start at $55 for weekdays and $60 for weekends. Check out www.cirquedusoleil.com for more information.
Capital Cities Concert
If you’re more into music than shows, Capital Cities is playing on two different dates during Pepperdine’s spring break with tickets starting at $87. Head to the famous Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood on either Feb. 28 or March 1 at 8 p.m. to hear the indie-pop duo play some of their most famous songs such as “Safe and Sound,” “Kangaroo Court” and “One Minute More.” With the venue’s central location in West Hollywood, you can easily find restaurants to dine at before the show begins. Check out www.livenation.com for answers to any questions about the concert and ticket information.
The Huntington Library
If you are looking for a museum that’s more removed from Los Angeles, The Huntington Library in San Marino, near Pasadena, is the perfect place. With its extensive library collection that features many first-edition works by famous authors, a priceless art gallery with both American and European works and breathtaking botanical gardens each with their own unique theme, you can easily turn a visit to the Huntington into an all-day experience. While there, you can also try The Huntington Library’s famous Rose Garden Tea Room, which serves tea, freshly baked scones and a variety of small finger sandwiches among other light treats in an open room overlooking three acres of roses. Admission to The Huntington Library is $12 on weekdays and $13 on weekends for students with their full-time student IDs. The Tea Room is a separate fee of $29.50 and reservations should be made in advance. Go to www.huntington.org for more details.
From sweet treats and fine dining to shows and museums, Southern California’s wide variety of entertaining activities make it a vacation destination in itself — minus all the hassles of traveling. Try exploring all that our area has to offer for spring break starting with these activities and you won’t be disappointed.
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Follow Danielle Accovelli on Twitter: @DanielleAccovel
