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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at LMU chapter.

It’s almost summertime, and that means it’s time to plan your summer adventures! If you’re anything like us your to do list has been growing since August, but between homework, social events and work, you weren’t able to cross as many things off this year as you may have hoped. This summer is the perfect time to get that list under control. For those of you lucky enough to be staying in LA this summer, we have some fun ideas of things to do to spice up your summer days. From exploring museums to visiting new areas of the city, you’ll never have a dull moment in the City of Angels.

Stay Active

Summer is the perfect time to get back into the shape you were in pre-Lair food. Some fun ideas of ways to stay active this summer are hiking Runyon Canyon and doing yoga at Griffith Observatory. Nothing is better than a hike with a beautiful view of Hollywood and, on clear days, as far as Downtown LA. When you hike Runyon Canyon, you have these amazing views right in front of you – and so many adorable dogs! Another fun way to workout with some amazing views is yoga at the Griffith Observatory. Offered multiple times a week, this fun class is completely free.

Pamper Yourself

After a stressful school year, summertime is the best time to relax and focus on you. Try visiting one of our favorite nails salons: Olive & June in Beverly Hills. Not only is the décor adorable, but the manis are definitely worth your money. If a nail day isn’t enough to help you relax, check out the new Caudalie Spa on Abbot Kinney. The first of its kind on the West Coast, this spa offers services from wraps and body treatments to facials and skin tightening treatments that will definitely make you feel like the princess that you are.

 

Keep Your Mind Sharp

During the summer, it is far too easy to forget about school, which always makes coming back in August that much more difficult. This summer, keep your mind active by visiting some of the amazing museums in LA. Two of our favorites are the Getty Villa and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA.) Not only does the Getty have beautiful art, but is also has breathtaking ocean views from the hills of Malibu. If you aren’t up for the drive, take a trip to LACMA. Centrally located near the Grove and Melrose Ave., this museum is easy to get to and a fun way to spend a hot summer day. Escape the heat in exhibits ranging from Metropolis II, a sculpture made of toy cars and track representing Los Angeles, to an exhibit all about soccer. At LACMA, there is something for everyone.

 

Be A Tourist For The Day

Sometimes we tend to take the city we live in for granted, so take time this summer to be a tourist for a day. Two spots you need to visit are a Dodgers game and the Los Angeles Zoo. Nothing says LA pride like the Dodgers. Grab a ticket, a group of friends, a hot dog, and enjoy the game. A lot of people tend to forget that Los Angeles has a zoo. Even though we’re in college, you are never too old to visit the zoo and learn about the animals there. It’s a fun way to spend a day with your friends!

 

Explore The City

During the school year, many of us don’t venture far from LMU’s gates; summer is a great time to explore new areas of the city. Even if you don’t love art, the art district in Downtown LA is undeniably cool. Wander around the area during the day to enjoy the numerous graffiti pieces and you are guaranteed multiple Instagram-worthy pictures. Next, take a trip to Silverlake. This little area is located between Hollywood and Downtown LA (right below Griffith Observatory), and is filled with adorable little coffee shops and clothing stores. It’s the cutest little neighborhood that you won’t regret visiting.

 

Re-style Your Life

Take some time this summer to clean out your closet and refresh your wardrobe. Take a visit to the Melrose Trading Post one Sunday morning and you’ll discover some cool vintage finds and jewelry all at a reasonable price. Not only do they have clothing, but furniture, plants, music, vintage cameras, home décor, and so much more. You are guaranteed to find what you need! We also love taking trips to the Malibu Country Mart. With some of our favorite brands represented there, we always leave confident with our new clothes. Not only is there amazing shopping, but it’s also a celebrity hot spot. Don’t be surprised if you see some paparazzi there snapping shots of one of your favorite celebs.

 

Take A Road Trip

Once you’ve fully explored LA, expand your horizons and visit some of the exciting cities in the area. Two of our favorite day trips to take are to Laguna Beach and Santa Barbara. Laguna Beach is only about an hour south of LA. While there, you’re sure to have a fabulous day of shopping, eating, and tanning. Who knows, maybe you’ll run into our favorite Laguna Beach/The Hills girl Lauren Conrad while visiting her hometown. Santa Barbara is another great day spot. From swimming in the ocean, to visiting the pier, and riding bikes around town, you are guaranteed a fun filled day!