SPRING BREAK THE LA WAY

Spring has sprung, and whether you’re local, or here on vacay, we wanted to offer up suggestions on making the most of this wonderful place that is Los Angeles. So, let’s do it! Spring Break the LA way!

FLOWER POWER
Consider a drive to Lake Elsinore for the Super Bloom! Fair warning, parking is limited, and it will be a rush. Anxious visitors are lining up as early as 5:30 am to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon, and while crowds were expected to be in the range of 10,000-20,000, as many as 40,000-50,000 were showing up last week, forcing road closures, as traffic mitigation was rethought. But rest assured, Walker Canyon has re-opened! The sight really is something to behold!

CLEAN YOUR QUIVER
Los Angeles certainly saw an unprecedented amount of rain this winter, keeping us out of the water, but the sun is back, and we’re starting to see that ’75 and sunny’ again that too often we take for granted. With that said, time to clean your quiver! So, pull out your longboard, fish, and funboard and wax 'em up. South swell is coming!

WHALE WATCHING
No boat? No problem! Nearly as much as we enjoy a good activity, arguably more rewarding are the ones that don’t cost a thing! So, consider whale watching in Malibu, where spotting whales in migration is as simple as heading outside around Point Dume and looking into the ocean. Seriously. Now is the time to go. The only remaining question is, water you waiting for?

PIER PLEASURE
By now, you’re probably getting a little hungry, so scoot on over to Malibu Farm at the pier! Whether going for breakfast or lunch, you will not be disappointed. And if the food wasn’t good enough (and it is), the experience is enhanced ten-fold with consideration to the location literally being on the pier, offering views that could make even a pirate blush!

TAKE A SPIN ON THE STRAND
'4 wheels move the body, but 2 wheels move the soul,’ so consider taking a spin on ‘The Strand.’ The 22-mile path, more formally knows as Marvin Braude Bike Trail extends from Will Rogers State Beach all the way to Torrance Beach. If you’re game for a leisurely cruise with a view, this is just the thing for you. Don't have a bike? No big deal! Rent some wheels on the cheap at any of the many rental locations along The Strand, and you’re off!

VENICE SKATEPARK
And if you happen to take the bike path all the way to Venice, be sure and stop at the legendary Venice Skatepark. The park boasts two bowls, a snake run, and multiple street features which draw a myriad of talent from all over the world for your viewing pleasure. Definitely worth your time!

SUNSET IN SANTA MONICA
What a day! Time to wind down, take it all in, and how better to do that than a sunset in Santa Monica? There’s just nothing quite like standing on the sand with the ocean waves drowning out the noise of bustling pier, as the lights of the ferris wheel slowly move, and day turns into night. Whether the setting sun has plans for cotton-candy skies or a fiery orange dream, take the time to bask in the ocean breeze under the palm trees.

INSIDE SCOOP
Whether you’re 5 or 105, the truth is ‘we all scream for ice cream,’ and we’ve got just the place for you: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Fantastically located in the heart of Venice, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams serves up scoops both in the traditional variety while offering a bevy of wonderfully unique creations, all of which are truly delicious. At johnnie-O, we have a strongly held belief that an ice cream joint is only as good as the cone in which it’s served, and Jeni’s knocks it out of the park with their Buttercrisp Waffle Cones! Get one. Even if you’re a strict, calorie-counting cup person, indulge, if only for the evening. You won’t regret it. The cone offers a pleasant crisp with that buttery, subtle chew that will have you wishing they’d given you two cones. And don’t forget to sample to your heart’s content. It’s encouraged. And if we may make a suggestion or two: Brambleberry Crisp and Gooey Butter Cake! A perfect end to a perfect day! What do you say?