After a long and arduous school year, all students are looking forward to is the two month summer vacation in which they can at last, freely indulge in rewarding leisure and new experiences, either with friends or in their own company. 

However, there are those who find it challenging to figure out where to go on outings during the summer. Especially those who are interested in exploring the heart of Los Angeles, where one can find the most precious aspects of what makes it one of the most diverse cities in the world. 

Not to mention, adding an emphasis on taking advantage of travel and exploration during one’s youth adds to one’s own interest in seeking the hidden treasures of the world, even if it is in their hometown. 

Especially those who come to LA for the new adventures and fun escapes into cultural expression, there’s more than meets the eye and absolutely more to LA than just the basic tourist attractions listed on TripAdvisor. 

For NHHS students, summer is the one part out of the year in which they feel stress-free and completely happy. SAS Junior, Lucy Alfaro expressed, “I become carefree and outgoing and I really like that side of me. The freedom of being able to do what you want when you want is what makes summer fun.” 

For Lucy, one of the best things about summer is everything that is associated with it. Whether it be waking up late or going to the beach every week wearing her favorite bathing suits, being under the sun is what brings her happiness. 

In addition to that, Lucy shared her love for fashion and how it reflects LA’s culture and fashion artistry. “I think the Fairfax District represents the pits of LA streetwear, as it is home to places like Supreme, Golf Wang, RipnDip, Heaven by Marc Jacobs, etc.”

Which makes sense because if one looks at their social media homepages and simply searches “fashion”, specifically streetwear, most of it resides in LA or other big cities like New York and Paris. 

And when walking down the streets of Melrose and Fairfax, what catches the eye is the daring art carefully placed next to the organized jumble of designer stores and luxury fashion. Not to mention, fashion is such an essential part to creative expression, it’s no wonder that students like Lucy admire that scene in LA. 

Not to mention, anyone and everyone goes into these stores, which reflects the diversity of LA. You see young, old, people of all races and genders; the fashion scene in LA is where you can observe bustling crowds and cool people with a genuine interest in the subject.

In terms of entertainment, there are a plethora of things to do in LA. From amusement parks all over the place, to the LA County Fair, there is so much to do to fill up the entire summer. Film fanatic and SAS Sophomore, August Edwards, recommends Downtown, “The Alamo Drafthouse is always hosting fun screenings that can be interactive.” 

Because LA is the land of Hollywood with all the famous movie stars and blockbusters, the Alamo is an essential place to get a closer experience with “Old Hollywood” films and even step into a unique atmosphere that makes one feel like they’re experiencing entertainment in that era. 

August not only revels in the freedom summer brings, but she always makes sure to “have a great time, even when it’s not adventurous.” She adds to that, “Some of my favorite things to do over the summer are explore parts of the town I’ve never seen before!” 

The cool thing about LA though is that there’s always something new to try. LA is constantly evolving to make sure it stays ahead on current trends and embraces variety to encompass all who occupy the large city. 

Some well-known districts, but still accurately representative of LA’s innards August states, are “Mulholland Drive, Magnolia Blvd, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Silverlake, Laurel Canyon…etc., are always cool to see if you aren’t from around here.” 

And although that barely scratches the surface in how much there is to see in LA, these specific districts have some of the best views and connect every part of LA. Whether it be through actual hiking trails (such as the Mulholland Fire Road) or through of course, rich cultures (Chinatown to Koreatown). 

More on hiking, LA is known to be one of the best cities to embark on the outdoors. Cross country athlete and SAS Junior, Adriana Hernandez, who knows her way around trails in LA says, “For outdoor activities go to Griffith Park. I remember going with my brother and we were sweating so much after running for at least three miles.” 

There are multiple trails to take including one that leads up to the Griffith Park Observatory, or you can even go up the trail to the Hollywood sign which is a little more challenging, but worth the sweat and views. 

That being said, there are countless things to do in Los Angeles. Despite it being characterized as mainly a touristic city with hipster millennials who only drink iced coffee and eat avocado toast on a daily basis (which is such a stereotype), hardcore Angelenos would know that Los Angeles is meant for those who love diversity and experiencing new things. 

Los Angeles is a one of a kind location not just for its people, attractions, and views, but for its complex mixture of all sorts of ideas, backgrounds, and freedom that leaves its inhabitants, especially the Angelenos of NHHS, feeling prideful of their city.