L.A. County beaches may be closed to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, but with June gloom giving way to sunnier skies, it doesn't have to be a cruel summer spent indoors on Independence Day. Walking and biking done safely are great activities and a welcome alternative to getting stuck behind the wheel dealing with holiday traffic.
Celebrate your independence from the car and hit the outdoors on foot or by bike for the holiday weekend. Before getting those steps in or pedaling, commit to these precautionary measures: stay locally if possible, wear a face covering, practice physical distancing, and stick with members of your household only. And wash hands properly when you return home.
There are bike trails of various distances in Ventura County, LA County, and Orange, Riverside, and San Bernadino counties. Get rolling with LA Times’ list of bike paths to hit this summer. Fun rides that are also Bruin approved are the Ballona Creek Bike Path and Metro Orange Line Bike Path.
Most L.A. County trails remain open. Hikers should wear a mask, pass with care, avoid groups, and leave no trace. Be sure to check the county trails website before you go.
Not into inclines? Stroll a California State Park site like the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Topanga State Park, or Los Angeles State Historic Park. Visitors should check parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve to see which destinations and parking areas are open.
There are also virtual events to enjoy from home.
Grand Park 4th of July Block Party Home Edition
Grand Park and The Music Center are bringing the party to you virtually! Entertainment lined up includes musical performances, comedy routines, and cooking demos. To honor L.A. County’s cultural diversity, local artists and community partners who represent the vitality of Los Angeles will be profiled.
The patriotic celebration typically at Rose Bowl Stadium will feature a virtual concert, including cello music performed live from the 100-inch telescope dome on top of Mt. Wilson, an art and light show, and salutes to U.S. veterans and military personnel, plus messages of thanks to first responders and frontline workers for their efforts during COVID-19. The one-hour online-based event will culminate with a flyover of Pasadena and its most historic landmarks.
The show goes on, virtually! In addition to a live-streamed concert and singalong, a squadron of WWII fighter planes will fly over Pacific Palisades.
Happy 4th of July, Bruins!
Photo Credit: Getty Images
