Whether you’re vaccinated, plan to be, or still unsure, one thing’s for certain – vaccinated folks can do a lot more these days in Southern California and across the globe, especially if you’re willing to keep a mask handy.
You’ll find plenty of
things to do in and around Southern California, from strolling along the
beach getting your daily dose of sunshine and vitamin D to enjoying an
outdoor concert at one of the region’s newly reopened venues.
Your ticket to entertainment
Thankfully,
theatre and music are once again alive and well in our area. Reserve a
seat at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa or Pantages
Theatre, where must-see again “Hamilton” plays through the beginning of
January 2022. Enjoy “My Fair Lady” this October at the immense Dolby
Theatre along Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame. The Pantages and Dolby
offer
season tickets to their Broadway in Hollywood shows, which feature such
upcoming musicals as “The Simon & Garfunkel Story,” “Pretty Woman”
and “Tootsie.” And remember to support smaller local theatres, as well,
as they begin to open their doors.
We
all feel a little safer outside these days, so why not spend a night
under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl, where crowd-pleasers like Andrea
Bocelli are on tap October 24. Since July, The Bowl’s operated at full
capacity. They require masks and encourage patrons who can get
vaccinated. They still serve food and wine, with James Beard
Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne at the
helm.
Consider a cruise
After
a year-and-a-half hiatus, many cruise lines resumed sailing. Guidelines
include vaccinations, pre-cruise COVID tests and masks worn in certain
areas on board the ship. This fall and winter, cruises depart SoCal
ports to destinations including the sunblessed Mexican Riviera and
beyond.
If you’re not
ready to venture so far from your comfort zone, consider a local harbor
cruise in Marina del Rey or Newport Harbor. Quench your thirst for
travel with a short trip to Catalina Island aboard Catalina Express. Or
consider a ride on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner® to San Diego, Santa
Barbara or San Luis Obispo.
Dine al fresco
Wherever
you live, you’ve probably noticed the evolution from indoor to outdoor
dining due to the pandemic. Last year, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti launched
L.A. Al Fresco to
help restaurants weather the first storm of closures, but the program
has thrived and continues. From Little Tokyo to Newport Beach,
opportunities to eat outdoors continue to expand. Grab a few friends you
haven’t seen in a while or switch it up with your significant other and
safely enjoy a meal outside. If you still prefer to dine in your own
backyard, they’ve got that covered, too. You’ll discover nearly as many
ways to order take-out and delivery in Southern California as there are
types of cuisine.
Whether
watching your favorite stars perform at local venues or dining at
nearby restaurants under the stars, you’ll find plenty of opportunities
to get away from home and out on the town.