Drink Hot Toddies
Move over hot chocolate! Stay warm this winter with a hot toddy. Add a fireplace and that cozy atmosphere can’t be beat on a chilly winter night. Head to Dominick’s or Sassafras for one tonight.
Ice Skating
Get a workout, have some fun, and probably fall on your butt a few times. Check out Culver Ice Arena. It’s a full-sized arena that’s open year-round. Also check out the outdoor rinks at Pershing Square in Downtown LA, ICE in Santa Monica, and in downtown Burbank.
Visit The Watts Towers
Ok, I’ll admit…this is on my to visit list for 2014. The towers, by Sam Rodia, consists of 17 sculptures constructed on structural steels and covered with mortar. The urban treasure also has mosaics of broken glass, sea shells, and ceramics. Also, don’t forget to check out the Watts Tower Art Center for exhibits from local artists.
Korean Day Spas
One of the best feelings is a hot tub on a cold and rainy day. Now, add in saunas and steam rooms and you’re talkin! You can find all of this and more at all of the Korean day spas in our lovely city. Spa entrance fees are super inexpensive ($15-25/day), and include access to pools, saunas, and steam rooms. If you really want to unwind, treat yourself to a body treatment for extra. Also, ask about entrance fees being waived with any treatment. Some to check out: Wi Spa, Natura Spa, Olympic Spa, and Hankook Sauna & Spa.
Mount Baldy Day Trip
Only an hour drive north of Los Angeles and you’re on the snow topped mountains you see in the distance. If you’re missing the snow from the east coast, then this is the place for you. Enjoy snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snowball making. End your trip by warming up in the lodge.
Detox/Retox Saturdays at Golden Road Brewery
Start your brisque Saturday morning with a yoga session outside! Head on over to Golden Road Brewery — home of some delicious brews — for a yoga class on the outside lawn followed by beer and breakfast. Hey, you deserve it!
Volunteer and Pick Fruit Outdoors
Volunteer at Food Forward, a nonprofit that organizes volunteers to pick locally grown produce and then delivers the goods to food banks and special events in the community. They pick fruit every month all over Los Angeles.
Corralitas Rails
Los Angeles has some of the best hiking spots around. This urban hike from Echo Park to Silver Lake is tucked away and a hidden path that follows the old Pacific Electric Red Car that ran from 1896 to 1955. Slightly under a mile, you’ll find staircases and remnants of the trolley line along the way.
Hike in Malibu
Speaking of hikes.Whether you’re a hiking pro or a novice, you’ll enjoy every moment of the hike from Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak. The seven-mile journey has some of the most amazing views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Just be sure to bundle up.
Museum Day at the Hammer
The Hammer Museum is a go-to spot for inspiration and culture during the chilly months. Located in Westwood, they have free weekly Mindful Awareness sessions to de-stress and relax every Thursday. Curate exhibitions here.
Go to a Live Taping
We live in the city of entertainment, so why not take advantage? Attending a live taping of a TV show. Plus, tickets to be in the audience are free. For Conan, click here, for Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson, and more, click here, for Chelsea Lately, The Price Is Right, America’s Got Talent, Let’s Make A Deal, and more, click here, for Wheel of Fortune, click here, and for Jeopardy!, click here.
