We’ve been very restricted for nearly a year now. Daily life looks different than it did a year ago, but there are still ways to have fun and enjoy your environment.
California is packed with activities, and while some are off limits right now, others are still permissible. Playing it safe doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your life. It just means you need to take precautions and explore some new ways to enjoy yourself.
Keep in mind, I am not a doctor. I don’t know your specific situation, and I cannot guarantee safety. All of the activities suggested could reasonably fall into a lower-risk category, though some may require some modifications to be more safe.
Go For a Scenic Drive
There’s beauty around every turn in California, and this includes the roads that extend across the state. California is home to some of the best drives you can find in the country. If you want to get out of the house, consider exploring the state by car.
Each part of the state has different areas to explore. Route 66 ends in Santa Monica, Avenue of the Giants will take you through the redwoods, and you can hop on the Pacific Coast Highway in NorCal or SoCal. Along the way you’ll find some stops and attractions. Some outdoor stops can be explored outside of the car as long as you’re not too close to others.
Go For a Hike
There are plenty of trails you can hike in California, and if you haven’t been embracing them yet, now is a good time. Hiking is great exercise, it allows you to enjoy the California weather, and it allows you to leave the house. Even if you’re visiting a trail you’ve been to before, you can take your time and try to find something new.
This is a lower risk activity, but make sure to to pack accordingly. Bring water, some snacked, sunscreen, and a mask. You may not need to be masked the whole time, but if you get too close to anyone outside of your bubble, put the mask on. Better to be safe than sorry.
Find a New Coffee Shop, Then Walk There
Most restaurants are under strict regulations, and you can’t sit inside and have a meal. Chances are there’s a coffee shop nearby you haven’t been to. Do a quick Google search, then find out how to walk there. Even if it’s a longer walk, you’ll get some exercise while trying someplace new.
Local businesses will appreciate the support you’re giving when you check them out. Just remember to bring a mask and to wear it while ordering (at the very least). You won’t be able to sit down in the restaurant, but you can take a leisurely stroll home while you enjoy your beverage.
Have a Virtual, Local Happy Hour
We might all be getting sick of video meet ups, but there’s still no denying they’ve made it possible to stay in contact with others. Next time, spice up your gathering by enjoying some local beverages. Make sure you get some drinks exclusive to your home and share your thoughts with guests.
Bonus points if you’re talking to another Californian. With proper preparation, you might be able to send each other local drinks. This way you can get the flavor of another city without needing to travel there yourself.
Grow Something Regional
If you’ve noticed you home is a little bare and lifeless, you might want to add a few plants. Chances are, your environment is best suited for specific types of plants. Even if you’re living in an apartment or a condo, the California weather will allow you to grow plants that need a lot of sun.
Maybe you want a cactus, some fresh tomatoes, or a citrus tree. You can start small with a couple of pots and soil. This doesn’t have to be a huge process or expensive endeavor. When you have nothing but time and sunshine, it’s nice to see a plant sprout and add some character to your living space.
Check Out a New Beach
California is known for its beaches, and quarantine hasn’t stopped the waves from crashing in. You’re going to want to keep a distance from others and take masks just in case you can’t social distance, but it’s not too hard to keep six feet of space from others when you’ve got miles of sand. If there’s a beach you haven’t been to before, now would be a good time to take a drive and check it out.
Check local regulations beforehand. If you can sit a chat for a while, this would be a great place to set up camp. You could also take a walk or go for a run. The exercise is nice, but the environment is even nice. Perhaps you’re a dog lover, you could watch the dogs at a dog beach, or take your puppy for a day out. There’s no wrong way to enjoy the beach, unless your way breaks COVID protocol.
Clean Out Your Closet and Add Some Cali Style
Sadly, many people have been hit by the pandemic. Many have lost income, and in the future they won’t have a lot of money to spend on clothing. You can use your time at home, if you are fortunate enough to do so, to clean out the closet and donate some things you’re no longer wearing.
What are you going to do with all of your free space? Fill it up, of course! If you have the money to so do, buy something you’ve had your eyes on. Or, just save the space for the future when you get more clothing. Regardless, there’s never a bad time to get organized and make some donations.
Check Out the San Diego Zoo
Here’s something you can do for free for five minutes or five hours. The San Diego Zoo offers some live cams of their most popular exhibits. It’s no substitute for going to the actual zoo, but it’s better than nothing.