LA Greater Area
Score a front row seat for Onstage LA
Leave it to LA STAGE Alliance to keep supporting artists and engaging audiences whatever the obstacles. Its onstage:LA series has created a virtual performance venue, and all shows are free. (Reserve your tickets now for “The Present,” a Geffen Playhouse Zoom production limited to 25 households per show.)
13 glorious walks in the park
Like everything these days, it’s “check before you go.” But except for high-density areas, the outdoor spaces at these nature destinations are open with some restrictions. There’s still plenty of fresh air, sunshine and greenery to go around.
Open-air art across LA
Alleyways, yards, trees, bushes, rocks, fences, telephone poles and more: anything can be a canvas for the 100 intrepid artists of “We Are Here / Here We Are,” organized by the downtown gallery Durden and Ray. Use the show’s Google Map to find every work, then explore virtually or IRL.
So Cal’s classic drive-through adventures
The car craze of the ‘40s-‘60s spawned drive-thru everything, from liquor stores to laundromats. A few of the best gems still remain – and these days, new curbside food joints and drive-in movies are making a comeback. Here are some of the originals, still working the car window with a smile.
San Francisco Bay Area
New Oakland street art
The boarded-up businesses are bad—but you can always count on the indomitable spirit of Oakland to make lemonade out of lemons. Artists are using plywood as canvas for a series of breathtaking murals with social justice themes blossoming across downtown.
Hidden hiking gems
One silver lining of the pandemic has been rediscovering the joys of the Bay Area’s ample and gorgeous parks and open spaces. The downside is it seems everyone else in the area is doing the same thing. Luckily there are still some hidden gems where you can still get your nature fix and socially distance, from Mt. Tamalpais Watershed in Greenbrae to Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve in San Jose.
Let’s hit the road!
If you’re like most people, you’re probably postponing air travel this summer in favor of drivable in-state destinations. Here’s all the latest news you need to know about California road tripping, including safety precautions and best practices and the best way to find a campsite.
Feel like Chinese takeout tonight
Soup dumplings, Cantonese barbecue, hand-pulled noodles: Our mouths are watering. If you’ve got the craving, check out this list of 21 essential Chinese restaurants in San Francisco that are open for takeout and delivery. Many—but not all—are located in Chinatown and the Avenues. All are delicious.