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With the price of gas so high, the idea of a “stay-cation” is appealing to more and more Westsiders. So if you’re looking for an alternative to the yearly trip to the French Riviera, consider all of the fun things you can do here.

1. Take Surfing Lessons
If you have been living in Los Angeles for a while and don’t know how to surf, shame on you! But it’s not too late to redeem yourself and take a lesson or two. Surfing L.A. offers lessons for beginners and advanced students of all ages in Pacific Palisades and Malibu. They provide the boards, wetsuits and boots, and offer several packages to choose from. If you want a one-on-one lesson, it will cost you about $150 but if you don’t mind learning in a group, an hour and a half with the instructor will cost you between $65 and $85 per person. For more information, visit www.surfingla.com

2. Go Wine Tasting
If you were thinking about taking a trip to Napa or Sonoma to go wine tasting this summer, why not consider going to some of the local wineries on the Westside? The Malibu wine country’s 50 vineyards produce 15 labels distributed across the country. Malibu Family Wines offers different packages for wine tasting and also hosts private events, gatherings and tours of the property upon request. Rosenthal Estate Wines is another big producer of Malibu’s finest wines. For more information, visit www.malibuwine.com or www.rosenthalestatewines.com

3. Ride a Horse
What could be more romantic or relaxing than taking a ride in the Santa Monica Mountains on the back of a gentle horse? Whether you are a first-timer who wants to learn how to ride, or you are planning a romantic day or fun afternoon with family and friends, an instructor can make it happen and take you on trails overlooking the most beautiful scenery on the Westside. Find out more about a real cowboy turned instructor on page 44. For more information, call (310) 450-6627, (818) 510-2245 or visit www.maliburiders.com

4. Rediscover the Santa Monica Pier
It’s been there since 1909, yet it doesn’t get old. The world-renowned pier is in our backyard and tourists from around the world come to enjoy food and rides over looking the ocean. Westsiders should take advantage of this amusement park located only a few minutes from their homes. If you haven’t yet, take a ride on the new Ferris wheel that was just inaugurated last month. Enjoy an ice cream while watching the sunset over the ocean. For more information visit www.santamonicapier.org

5. Go Hiking
Summer is the perfect time and weather to get out of the city without driving too far. Revive your relationship with nature and take a hike up the many trails throughout the Santa Monica Mountains National Parks. The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority offers many public programs such as fitness hikes, educational hikes, nighttime hikes, etc. in Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills. For more information, visit www.lamountains.com

Summer is all about fun activities. Don’t forget to check out our calendar of events!

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