Travel

Upcoming trip to California? Know where and what’s open

California pledges to ensure that you are comfortable when you are able to visit. Here is what’s open to discover and live the California dream- by Dan Rosenbaum.

SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco is officially in Phase 2 of its COVID-19 recovery plan and has started the gradual process of reopening individual businesses and attractions. However, these changes are contingent upon the city’s continued progress fighting COVID-19.

Alcatraz – Alcatraz, San Francisco’s most famous attraction and one of the most visited national parks in the country, is ready to welcome visitors again—with some changes to keep you safe while visiting the prison.

Beaches – They may not be the hot and sunny kind that Southern California is known for, but San Francisco has no shortage of beaches. If you’re looking for a beautiful outdoor excursion where you can keep your distance, San Francisco’s beaches offer breathtaking views as well as plenty of hiking, surfing, relaxing and more.

Hiking – If you’re ready to go beyond regular walking tours and actually hike through San Francisco and beyond, there are options and space for everyone. One specific option is the new Crosstown Trail, which offers you the chance to bike, hike, and run along a 17-mile route that crosses diagonally through San Francisco. Venture through some of the neighborhoods, parks, and cultural sites that make this city special.

Restaurants – Northern California has robust agriculture, providing top-quality ingredients to the chefs of the city year-round. Even now, under the current situation, people in San Francisco can dine on some of the best food in the world, as the city’s restaurants retool their culinary excellence for take-out service.

PIER 39 – San Francisco’s top attraction, PIER 39, is officially reopened and is excited to welcome visitors back to the San Francisco waterfront. Guests will enjoy bay breezes, magnificent views, fun shopping, fresh seafood, beer, wine, and cocktails, all while sitting at new outside dining areas. The sea lions have been counting the days until they could entertain their fans once again.

BEVERLY HILLS

The City of Beverly Hills is allowing businesses to temporarily expand their services into adjacent outdoor areas such as alleyways and sidewalks through its #OpenBH program. Not only has this initiative greatly enhanced the al fresco dining experience in Beverly Hills, but it has also allowed numerous hair and nail salons to continue operating and serving their valued customers.

Beverly Hills Outdoor Salons

One of the worth visiting Spa is the BAO Foot Spa which is located in the heart of Beverly Hills, BAO Foot Spa is a high-end Chinese foot spa that offers you first class service at a very affordable price. Using the ancient Chinese art of reflexology, the treatments increase blood flow and rejuvenate the nerves all over your body.

When talking about Salons Brighton Salon is a contemporary yet inviting lifestyle salon for men and women where the spacious and bright salon allows for a fun, airy and sophisticated atmosphere. Nelson J Beverly Hills has been voted the top hair color salon in Los Angeles, and you can also visit Umberto Beverly Hills, an upscale and sleek in design, it is a favorite of models, celebrities and anyone seeking a day of pampering in Beverly Hills.

Outdoor Dining in Beverly Hills

With exceptional weather year-round, Beverly Hills has always offered a variety of excellent al fresco dining options. Many restaurants have been allowed to expand their services to adjacent areas, such as parking lots and the public right of way, including sidewalks and parklets. With so many options to choose from- Bon Appetit!

Avec Nous (a contemporary take on the classic French bistro), Chokolatta (place for people with genuine passion for cacao), Bombay Palace (a temple to Indian cuisine, earning a reputation as the oldest and most esteemed Indian restaurant in Beverly Hills), The Palm Beverly Hills (treats guests like family, serve great food, and always exceed expectations), Euro Caffe, Mr. Chow (the high-end Asian option is a fine dining establishment, offering innovative Chinese cuisine amidst elegance and excellent service), are some of which that are must try.

SANTA MONICA

Take advantage of Southern California’s warm weather with a trip to Santa Monica this season. With hotel deals, and thinned-out crowds, make it an ideal time to visit Los Angeles’ beachside city. Heading into 2020, Santa Monica has a host of new buzzed about restaurants, unique shops, hotel offers and cultural experiences.

Chez Jay Backyard (Pier/Ocean Ave.) Santa Monica’s iconic restaurant, Chez Jay, celebrates its 60th anniversary this fall with the grand opening of The Backyard at Chez Jay. The Backyard is a new patio hangout featuring more seating, ocean breezes, and an entirely new food and drink menu. Colapasta (Downtown Santa Monica) is Santa Monica’s new creative trattoria, specializing in fresh house-made pasta near Third Street Promenade. Erin McKenna’s Bakery (Montana Ave.) has opened a gluten-free, vegan bakery and Fia Restaurant (Wilshire Blvd.) is a landmark culinary collaboration between seasoned restaurateur Michael Greco and Michelin-starred chef Brendan Collins.

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