With spring quarter halfway through, there is still time to soak up the sunshine. Here’s where you can go to take advantage of the sunny weather – even during your busy days.
Sunset Canyon Recreation Center
If you are looking for a relaxing space to sit out on the grass and enjoy the sun, Sunset Canyon Recreation Center is the place for you! Grab a towel, some sunscreen and a good book to make the most of this space. Consider bringing snacks or lunch to enjoy while tanning to fully take advantage of this area. You can even make progress on your schoolwork while enjoying the outdoors. This location is especially convenient as it is located on the Hill next to Hedrick Summit, so it is an easy walk over from your dorm if you are living on the Hill. Additionally, there is a pool where you can cool off after laying out in the sun, and if you’re lucky, you can claim a lounge chair to sit on while you dry off!
Wilson Plaza
Do you have awkward breaks between classes on a day with nice weather? Wilson Plaza might be the solution for you. Located in the central part of campus near the Tongva Steps, Wilson Plaza is the perfect place to take advantage of the sunshine and warmer weather while you are on campus. While sitting on the grass, you can take in the fresh air and grab a quick drink or snack from a nearby restaurant or cafe on campus. While you can get some work accomplished as you sit at this location, many students are seen relaxing or tanning on the grass here as well. So if you feel like you need to reconnect with nature during a break in your busy day, consider stopping by Wilson Plaza!
Kerckhoff Patio and Ackerman Union Patio
While on campus during a school day loaded with classes, you will surely need to stop somewhere to pick up lunch. What better place to do this than Ackerman Union? With numerous restaurants and cafes, this location attracts many students during the lunch hours of 11 a.m. to 3:59 p.m., when meal swipes are accepted as payment at on campus restaurants. To escape some of the crowds sitting indoors, take your food to the patio of Ackerman Union and enjoy the outdoors where you can sit in the sun or shade! Kerckhoff Patio is also a great place to bring your coffee, tea and other food (also available for purchase using meal swipes during the above hours) while on your lunch break when it’s warm and sunny outside.
Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden
Located between the Public Affairs Building, Macgowan Hall, Charles E. Young Research Library and Bunche Hall, the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden is another on-campus spot where you can go to take in the beauty of nature. As a quieter part of campus, the Sculpture Garden is a wonderful place to focus on your work or simply sit or lay in the grass and admire the artwork and trees surrounding you.
Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu Beaches
Beaches are, of course, an amazing place to enjoy the outdoors, especially when the sun is shining bright. People residing in inland cities escape the heat and take advantage of the warmer weather by spending a day at the beach. As a UCLA student, you can make the most of living close to the coast by visiting local beaches where you can lay out in the sand and swim in the ocean. Beaches in Santa Monica are located closest to UCLA, followed by other beaches in cities such as Venice and Malibu. However, some beaches in these areas, including Will Rogers State Beach, are closed to the public as a result of the recent wildfires in the region. Still, many local beaches are open to the public and ready to be visited by beachgoers.
All of the above locations are perfect spots to visit to make the most of the upcoming warm weather and catch a tan, even if you only have brief breaks throughout your day. Be sure to check out these sunny spaces, and of course, don’t forget your sunscreen!
