Quarantine Escape Routes

During a time as strange and isolated as now, it has become almost impossible to venture outside of our bedroom doors. With all the encouragement schools are giving students to get out of the house and explore their surroundings, the question of “where can I go without catching covid?” travels through our brains. For someone like me who struggles with their mental health, being around others during the pandemic has caused me major anxiety, and that is why I have pushed myself to discover a few hidden gems in the Los Angeles area. 

On the other side of the trail, up a flight of creaky wooden stairs awaits the top of the world. The view looks over the coast and all the cities near it. Many come to picnic and take photographs as well as throwing their blankets down to bathe in the sun on its bright days. This spot has become one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. 

With the inability to travel this year, the more I could change up my scenery the better. What began as a walk around the hills of Hollywood quickly turned into a journey to the dog park next to the Hollywood sign. A big patch of grass stretching as big as a football field where people could properly distance themselves while letting their dogs socialize became one of my favorite spots. There were days I could spend hours watching people and meeting new furry friends, while enjoying the mountain views. 

A walk up the road next to the Los Angeles River leads to a street called Wonder View Drive. The name speaks for itself as it develops into a lush trail with breathtaking views. The hollywood sign looks reachable and the river sparkles on clear days. 

As my love for mountains grew, my need for adventures in the sand increased. Right on the Pacific Coast Highway lies a gate and a door leading to a residential area called Dog Beach. When the tide is low, one can travel miles down the shore with views of bright blue waters and clusters of rocks. The magic of such a perfect place almost makes you forget about whatever reality’s waiting back at home.