How to Make the Most Out of Summer

Milla Jans, Photojournalist

The Crystal Cove State Park is a calming location to go with friends: there is a trail leading down to the beach and nearby restaurants. (Milla Jans)

Summer begins with the end of the school year and students anticipate the following times of relaxation or preparation for the next school year. Elizabeth Shneyvas (9) states, “Without school, I enjoy going to the beach, going swimming, and hanging out with my friends over the summer.” Seeing friends or significant others is an enjoyable way to spend the summer vacation and there are countless activities that people could do to have fun with others. These outings can include having a pool party, spending a day at the beach, going on a picnic, visiting the museums that Southern California has to offer, or simply staying indoors and away from the heat. Follow this guide to have a memorable and exciting vacation during the never-ending summer days.

Without school, I enjoy going to the beach, going swimming, and hanging out with my friends over the summer.

— Elizabeth Shneyvas (9)

Pool Party

Pool parties have always been a classic summer hangout for friend groups and are the perfect way to cool down during California’s summer. Community and backyard pools are the best places to consider hosting a pool party, since they are generally easy to use for planning. Decorations can be a cute option for creating a “party” atmosphere but are unnecessary. Swimming games such as Marco Polo, Sharks and Minnows, and Colors can be played as well: they are a useful game for getting everyone involved. Don’t forget floaties, water guns, and snacks to enhance the joyful mood.

Beach Days

Taking a trip to the beach is another epitome of the ideal summer day and is a spot for adventure, building sand castles, and frolicking in the ocean. The closest beaches near Yorba Linda High School include Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach, which are popular sites for people to visit for a day trip. Laguna features art galleries and areas that visitors can wander around in with shops, restaurants, and souvenirs stores. Places such as the Crystal Cove State Park are the ultimate locations for pictures and nature walks since it has a scenic trail leading to the beach. Sunsets on the ocean are especially beautiful to encounter and watch and are the best manner of ending a day.

Picnics

Yorba Linda and cities nearby are home to countless parks, many with tables and fields that can be used for picnics. Rolling out a blanket and enjoying picnic food along with friends is a good option for planning a day out. Summer weather is generally incomparable to any other for having a picnic, as it makes the outdoors attractive with blooming flowers. However, be sure to choose a shady spot to ensure that everyone is comfortable. Picnics are a pleasant and easy way to enjoy the presence of others and the charm of nature.

The Getty Center in Los Angeles is another site perfect for hangouts or dates that features gardens, historical and modern art, and incredible architecture and views. (Milla Jans)

Museums

SoCal possesses museums bursting with culture and works of art that provide insight into the different forms of human artwork throughout the centuries. Some museums include artifacts, paintings, and sculptures dating back to hundreds or even thousands of years ago. For people who enjoy stunning architecture and historical and modern art, museums are the perfect places to go for group hangouts or dates. There are several museums near Yorba Linda, including The Richard Nixon Library and Museum, OCMA, and the Fullerton Museum Center. Though much further, taking the time to visit exhibits in Los Angeles would be worth the wait. There is much to explore at the Getty Center, the Hammer Museum, and The Broad, which are known for their free admission and alluring art attractions.

The list of ideas for getting together with people could go on and on, but a few other popular options encompass watching movies, going to the mall, and picking strawberries. With summer on its way, any of these ideas can serve as inspiration for a satisfying day.