We have all been there: it’s summer and you’re bored out of your mind. Here are a few activities you can do during the summer to make it more enjoyable.

Go apple picking

There are many farms near LA where you are able to pick different fruits during the summer. One of these farms is Riley’s Apple Farm in Yucaipa. It consists of a three-acre apple orchard. During apple season, Riley’s hosts weekend activities that include hayrides, archery, knife throwing, and apple cider pressing among the few. This apple farm also allows you to pick raspberries and blackberries during their season in mid-July.

Another good option during the summer is Tanaka Farms. Located only an hour from Los Angeles, it is a 30-acre farm where you can pick your own watermelons. Admission costs $17 and includes a wagon ride as well as a taste of other fruits and vegetables grown on the land.

Go on a road trip

A fun and interesting way to spend your summer is traveling by car. One option is driving Route 49, located in northeastern California, and stopping along the way to enjoy what California has to offer. Route 49 passes through many historic mining communities of the 1849 gold rush.

You can also go on a road trip to visit many national parks such as Joshua Tree where visitors are able to hike through the boulders of Hidden Valley.

Located only 128 miles or 2.5 hours from LA, Solvang is a charming Danish-themed village complete with windmills. This popular tourist spot near Santa Barbara includes an outdoor theatre and the Vintage Motorcycle Museum.

Visit museums

There are many incredible museums to visit in LA. Among them are LACMA, the Peterson Automotive Museum, The California African American Museum, the Annenberg Space for Photography (free admission), the Japanese American National Museum, the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, and the Museum of Tolerance.

This list of museums, all located near the Los Angeles offers something for all, from art to history and photography. Some have discounted admission on certain days. Check their websites for more information.

Stargaze

On a breezy summer night, wouldn’t it be nice to gaze at the bright stars which are normally difficult to see due to the city lights?

A popular spot for stargazing is Templin Highway in the Angeles National Forest, located only 45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles.

Another great place where one can admire the stars is Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve in Antelope Valley. This location is about an hour and a half from downtown Los Angeles.

A closer location for those in the Venice or Santa Monica area is Malibu Creek State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains. This is an amazing location due to its dark sky. Those who visit will definitely leave content.

Last but not least, a good option is always the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park. The observatory also offers free, public star parties one Saturday per month which run until 9:45 p.m. The next star party is being held this Saturday.