According to the 10-day forecast, Los Angeles is finally going to be pulled off nature’s rotisserie wheel of 100+ degree days, welcoming temperatures more favorable to physical activity beyond sitting and sweating for a few days (humidity compliments of Hurricane Odile). Unfortunately, the same forecast predicts yet another heat wave after a brief respite in the 80’s, so don’t put away the bikini and/or banana hammock just yet.
The obvious escape routes point towards our beloved coastline, including the small secret pocket beach I recently disclosed. But there are some other spots across LA County offering relief without the sand, crowds, and perpetual hunt for a parking space to consider the next time the thermostat peaks:
Aztec Falls
It’s the beach without the ocean and one of the best fresh water diving spots in all of California, offering leaps of faith for all levels (from 5ft boulders to 60ft cliff drops into deep dark green pools). Finding the swimming holes can be an adventure in itself, but thankfully some kinds souls have shared a series of photos highlighting key landmarks leading to the “secret” spot up in the San Bernardino Mountains. (See photo above)
The Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain at Grand Park
The unofficial water park of Downtown Los Angeles, the 1960’s era Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain was restored then reopened in 2012 under the guidance of the Los Angeles Conservancy, and is now one of the centerpieces within the 12 acre Grand Park. Everyone is invited to wade in the splash pad for free amongst the shower of 79 interactive water jets surrounding a 6,200 square foot pool. And there’s even some mochi ice cream awaiting just a few blocks down the street after you finish your reel around the fountain.
Iceland Ice Skating Center
One Yelp reviewed called Iceland Ice Skating Center in Van Nuys, “more Tonya Harding than Nancy Kerrigan.” Indeed, there’s nothing fancy about this skating rink, its best days last seen during the cinematic reign of John Hughes films. But the price to chill on ice is still pretty nice: just $8 admission and $5 extra to rent skates.
Free Television Show Screenings
I’ve only attended one live TV show screening in my life and I pulled the unlucky card for an episode of Maury Povich tackling the depressing topic of male anorexia. There’s a slim chance you might draw a similarly poor topic while sitting in on Dr. Phil at Paramount Studios, but at least it’s air conditioned. A variety of other sitcoms, game shows, and your grandparent’s perennial favorite, are available to choose from throughout the week, all for absolutely free. Personally, I’d choose Team Coco if you’re free around 2:30 p.m. on a weekday.
Palm Springs Aerial Tram
This last destination is also a few hours outside of Los Angeles, but I’m including it because it’s probably the most scenic and dramatic relief from scorching temperatures I like to recommend. It’s true, Palm Springs during the early autumn months can be brutal, with non-stop NBA score temperatures. But hop onto the 360 degree rotating Palm Spring Aerial Tram which begins at the foot of the Palm Springs basin then ascend 2 1/2 miles up into the San Jacinto Mountains. The 8,500 ft ride up results in a 30+ degree shift in tempateratures; 104 degrees at the base turns into a most pleasant 70 degrees up at the pinnacle. Trails up top range from a ¾ mile (1.2 km) loop to a 11 mile roundtrip hike up to the second highest point in southern California where you can see the neon glow of Las Vegas as the sun sets.
More on The Bold Italic's Los Angeles coverage here.
Aztec Falls Photo: Russell Brennan/Creative Commons