It’s officially the end of Summer. I don’t think any of us anticipated this year would go the way it has, but we’ve made the best of it. As we head into Fall, it seems like a COVID-free California will end up being a Christmas wish. Sad times! So getting creative with our activities outside is a definite must. And since we can’t travel like we used to, those of us in LA are lucky that we have so many local experiences to choose from. The art of the staycation has made its comeback, and people across the country and around the world are exploring their hometowns like never before. If this year has taught us anything, it’s to appreciate what we’ve got.

So if you’re looking for a few tips on how to create the perfect staycation here in Los Angeles, here are a few ideas to get you started.

Take a Malibu Vineyard Tour

Malibu Wine Hikes, Malibu Bike Tours, and Malibu Wine Safaris are three tours that all take place at the beautiful Saddlerock Ranch and vineyard in the Malibu mountains. If you’re into hiking or biking, the 2 hour guided tour takes you through the terrain of the property with incredible views to match. If you’d rather take a more leisurely route through the experience, they also offer a safari style tour or a 4x4 tour where you can ride through the property and make stops along the way.

Go to a Drive-In Movie

Some of our favorite throwback activities are making a comeback, and one of my favorites is drive-in movies. Early on when hubby and I were dating, we went to a drive-in movie for an impromptu date and I was surprised at how great it was. With upgraded sound systems, gone are the days of the static-y movie experience. And you won’t have to worry about sneaking food in, bring an entire meal and drinks to enjoy! Try out Mission Tiki, Paramount Drive-In, Vineland Drive-In, and the yearly pop-up Streetfood Cinema.

Stroll Through a Botanical Garden

I’d say no matter where you travel to in the world, visiting a botanical garden is something to add to your itinerary. Some of the most beautifully serene locations around the world can be found in outdoor gardens and parks. LA is home to several that are worth a visit. A word of advice- although it’s Fall, temperatures don’t tend to drop until late October so make sure you check the weather before you go. Don’t be like this girl I know who went when it was 116. It’s me. I’m that girl. Anyway, my recommendation for the best gardens you should check out are Huntington Library, LA County Arboretum, Storrier Sterns Japanese Garden, Arlington Gardens, Descanso Gardens. Worth a visit once it reopens- The Japanese Garden.

Stay at a Boutique Hotel

A night at a boutique hotel is a great way to bring the vacation experience home. What’s great about boutique hotels is that they are smaller so you’ll feel better about social distancing and large crowds. I tend to prefer the vibe and decor of boutique hotels. They’re usually newer and more modern than larger chain hotels. They tend to be marketed as upscale so they may run a little more pricey. But even one night is worth the getaway. A few local options to try are Hotel June, Silver Lake Pool and Inn, Le Parc Suite Hotel, Mama Shelter, or Mosaic Hotel.

Dine Outside

With new regulations for dining establishments due to COVID, many restaurants are amping up their outdoor operations. And we’re lucky to have basically perfect weather here in LA during the Fall, so dining outside will be the best way to get your staycation on. Trying new foods is probably my favorite thing to do on vacation, particularly because it’s the perfect way to people watch and experience the local culture. I made a list of the best restaurants in LA to check out, and while you’re out , stop at these great outdoor patios for a picture perfect view: Alta West Adams, Pilot (Rooftop), Conservatory West Hollywood, Firefly, Poppy + Rose,

Pictured below: Alta West Adams, Conservatory West Hollywood

Skate or Bike Along the Beach

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, or the Strand, is a 22 mile path that stretches from Will Rogers State Beach at Pacific Palisades to Torrance County Beach. The path is smooth, so it’s perfect for novice or advanced users.

Take a Scenic Drive

Another vacation favorite of mine is to rent a car and take a scenic drive. LA is never short on views, so this is the perfect time to pack some snacks, get in your car, and play tourist. Mulholland Drive offers views of Downtown LA, the Los Angeles Basin, the Hollywood Sign, the San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Universal City and the San Gabriel, Verdugo and Santa Susana Mountains. Sunset Boulevard is a 22-mile city drive that spans from Downtown LA to Malibu. If coastal views are more your speed, then take the Pacific Coast Highway. You can take the PCH all the way up and down the coast, so you can decide how long you want to be out on the road. A shorter but equally beautiful coast drive is around the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Take Palos Verdes Drive for a gorgeous view of the South Bay.

Take a Class

Now is the time to try something new. If you’re into trying new foods, you can take a live virtual cooking class with EATZ, HipCooks, or Gourmandise. They’ll give you a list of ingredients to have on hand, and you could make it a group date with friends. If making art with your hands is more your speed, Still Life Ceramics offers online and in-person outdoor pottery classes, an even a class that ends with a glass of rosé.

Take a Walking Tour

LA Conservatory offers in-person and virtual walking tours of Downtown LA and other historic parts of Los Angeles. Discover the history of various parts of LA, as well as the unique architecture that can be found throughout the city.

Hopefully you’ve found something on this list that you plan to try this Fall. As always, tag me in your pictures on Instagram using @fmnv.co or using the #FMNV hashtag.