Community Corner
Winter Adventure Day Trips in Los Angeles
Los Angeles enjoys more sun than snow, but you can still celebrate the winter season at these festive and budget-friendly activities around town.
Written by Danielle Directo-Meston
Thanks to cool climates and mostly sunny skies, winter weather in Los Angeles usually involves throwing on sunglasses and a light scarf. Even with the absence of snow days, there are plenty of ways to get into the seasonal spirit in the City of Angels. From a mountainside ski getaway to America's oldest Christmas Tree Lane, here are four budget-friendly options for enjoying winter in L.A. The best part? They're all accessible on one gas tank or less
Mount Baldy and Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts
Find out what's happening in North Hollywood-Toluca Lakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
8401 Mt Baldy Road
Mt Baldy, CA 91759
Find out what's happening in North Hollywood-Toluca Lakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
(909) 982-0800
Why Go? Breathtaking views and kid-friendly activities make this ski area a winter go-to for hikers, thrill-seekers and families looking to get away from the big crowds at other local ski resorts. Skilled skiers flock to this spot for its natural terrain and lack of long lift lines, and visitors can find food, drinks and a warm place to unwind at the Mt. Baldy Lodge.
Insider Tip: Don’t forget to bring tire chains if you’re heading up. Save more money by searching for deal vouchers online, but be sure to read the fine print and confirm whether reservations are required.
Must Do: Let the little ones get their exercise for the day at Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts' snow tubing park. For gorgeous sights from 8,000 feet above sea level, take the Sugar Pine Chair Lift (lift No. 1; located at the end of Mt. Baldy Road), which drops riders off at the Top of the North Restaurant. On a clear day, the 20-minute ride offers incredible views as far as Catalina Island and the Mojave Desert.
The Fine Print: The Mt. Baldy Ski Lift ticket office is open Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and scenic rides run from Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square
532 South Olive
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 624-4289
Why Go? Experience a winter wonderland in the heart of downtown. Bring the kids, grab your friends or make it a date and skate beneath some of the City of Angels’ historic buildings.
Insider Tip: Ditch the costly fees at the parking lot and take the Red Line Metro to the Pershing Square stop. For a relaxing day without the crowds, visit the ice rink on a weekday.
Must Do: Plan a family visit to the Winter Holiday Festival on December 14, when kids can enjoy a train ride, performances, hands-on activities, “snow” and more.
The Fine Print: The ice rink is open daily until January 20, 2014; hours vary. Admission is $8 for 60-minute skating sessions, and skate rentals are $2.
Sierra Madre Boulevard & Washington Boulevard
Pasadena, CA
(626) 449-4100
Why Go? Whether you’re watching the grand procession from the sidewalks of Colorado Boulevard or from the comfort of your own couch, the Showcase of Floats is the ultimate up-close-and-personal experience for folks who’ve made the Tournament of Roses Parade a part of their New Year’s Day tradition. “The workmanship that goes into the smallest detail is right here,” gushes one online reviewer after seeing the massive floral masterpieces.
Insider Tip: Avoid the crowds and visit on the morning of January 2. Got young kids? It’s recommended that you leave strollers at home, as the “difficult” terrain can be a challenge. Bring snacks, as on-site concessions can be costly.
Must Do: Get to know the lay of the land and pick up the brochure map at the entrance.
The Fine Print: The floats are on display January 1 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and January 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance on line or at the event until 3 p.m. each day.
Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena
Santa Rosa Avenue between Woodbury Avenue and Altadena Drive Altadena, CA
(626) 403-1123
Why Go? The charming city of Altadena has been stringing holiday lights on its deodar trees for over 90 years, earning them the trophy for the "oldest large-scale outdoor Christmas display in the world." Originally planted in 1885, the nearly-one-mile stretch of trees were first decorated with lights in 1920 by a local department store owner looking to attract customers. Today, over 10,000 lights illuminate this California historic landmark every holiday season.
Insider Tip: The entirety of Christmas Tree Lane can be enjoyed during a brief drive or a 20-minute stroll, but Altadena is worth its own day trip for its cute boutiques and mom-and-pop eateries that line Lake Avenue. Spend the afternoon exploring the area, then end your evening at the massive illuminated trees.
Must Do: Witness the spectacular grand lighting ceremony on Saturday, December 14, when Altadena's Winter Arts & Crafts Festival takes place. The festival kicks of at 2 p.m., and the light ceremony takes place at 6 p.m.
The Fine Print: The lights are typically up until mid-January; call for exact dates.
