I don’t know about you, but I’m more than ready for summer to begin. I realize those in cold-weather Eastern states consider Californians “weather wimps” and they are absolutely correct.
An acceptable weather year for me is one where I can wear shorts for 300 days or more. On my personal scale, this was a dreadful year. Far too many frosty mornings, frigid evenings and days with the heater on and the windows closed. Officially summer begins June 21, however, I target Memorial Weekend as the beginning of my summer.
Now that we’re into April, I’m getting a little excited. Also, I hereby make a solemn promise not to complain about the scorching heat when the temp soars above 80 degrees in late August.
After all, isn’t our favorable climate the main reason we live here? It’s definitely not for the rapidly moving freeways or abundance of parking places available. If that’s what you’re seeking, move to South Dakota. Of course there’s more than sun-filled days and balmy, pleasant evenings to love about summers in SoCal. Throughout the area there is an assortment of fun and exciting things to do, and happily many of them are free.
You’re just a click away from an extensive list of fairs, festivals, outdoor concerts and iconic local landmarks. Just jump on Google and explore the myriad variety of events throughout this glorious time of year.
To get you started and make things a little easier, here are a few of my favorite summertime activities. An always-unique experience and extraordinary way to kick off the summer is to spend the day leisurely strolling up and down the Venice Beach strand. Talk about a memorable, one-of-a-kind experience.
There is no finer place in the Golden State to people watch. If you have out of town visitors, you must include an excursion to Venice, and bring your camera. It is a place your guests will never forget.
If you have the energy, you can continue walking a little further and cruise around the Santa Monica Pier. Not quite as extreme as Venice, however well worth your time. The number of cities offering free summer concerts always amazes me. Redondo Beach, Culver City, Manhattan Beach and El Segundo are just a few of the local cities that provide musical performances all summer long.
And if you don’t mind driving a few miles, most cities in Orange County present equally enjoyable gigs.
Dana Point offers probably the most scenic venue in California for their concerts, overlooking the Pacific and their spectacular Fishing Village and harbor.
A little research on your part will reap satisfying rewards in the area of free entertainment. An added attraction at most of these events is the advent of the gourmet food trucks.
No need to eat homemade tuna sandwiches and stale chips anymore. The food sold from many of these upscale wagons is fantastic.
Beginning with Memorial Day and through Labor Day somewhere close by there is a fair or festival every weekend. You may have to take a little drive, however, most venues are well worth it.
One of my favorites is the iconic Orange County fair, which usually runs for 30 days in July and August. A variety of outstanding music, every food known to man, fascinating demonstrations and a wide assortment of thrill-rides makes the OC Fair one of the best in California, if not the country. So, you get the picture, tons of fun and hundreds of entertaining things to do during this time of the year. I could go on for 10 pages listing the interesting events I’ve attended over the years.
Along with the idyllic weather, the summer activities offered to all of us is simply too good to pass up. So, here’s your assignment in preparation for summer: Get on the computer and start a list of cool stuff to do this year.
And when the time arrives, turn off the TV, pack up the kids and start exploring the magic of Southern California. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
