Rooftop Yoga and LA’s Best Social Distancing Outdoor Activities

Kevin and I have been searching out the best social distancing outdoor activities in LA. We’ve practiced our best downward dog with rooftop yoga — overlooking the skyline of downtown LA. We’ve uncovered an art gallery where it’s Halloween year-round — projecting spooky movies on an outdoor big screen (next to the famed filming location of Michael Myers’ house from the classic horror flick Halloween).

Even though many of our favorite indoor activities are closed, it doesn’t mean you have to be bored at home. We’ve been trying out a different outdoor activity nearly every day since the pandemic began. In fact, we’ve done so much, it’s hard to keep track. Or maybe I’m just getting old? I did just celebrate my birthday after all — with goats and wine.

Not so sure about what you can do outside right now safely? We’ve gone ahead and done the research for you — whittling down our list of LA’s best social distancing outdoor activities. Okay, full disclosure…while we’ve been impressed by nearly every outdoor activity, not EVERY business has adapted so well. Kevin and I recently attended an outdoor drive-in movie at a fancy hotel on the sunset strip. But there was just ONE minor problem — the audio kept switching between the movie’s dialogue and a mariachi band on FULL BLAST. Let’s just say, the movie wasn’t La Bamba…. and they didn’t make our “best of” list. Check out our top 5 picks below.

5. A Walking Tour of the Sunset Strip and Venice Canals with Voice Map Audio Tours

Early on in the pandemic, we mostly did virtual walking tours, including a very fun virtual graffiti tour of downtown LA’s art district. But we really missed getting outside. That’s when I came across Voice Map, a company that specializes in outdoor, self-guided walking tours in cities across the US and around the world.

We’ve done three different tours with Voice Map, including two on the Sunset Strip and one through the Venice Canals. Even after living in LA for nearly a decade, we learned something new on these tours. Best of all, it’s nearly impossible to get lost. You simply download the app, which includes an easy-to-follow GPS map and an audio tour guide that gently cuts in to say that you “might have gotten off track.” It’s so polite…much nicer than my straightforward approach with Kevin of “Do you know where you’re going?” And only to realize that he doesn’t when he responds, “I thought I was following you?” Sigh…

The audio tours cost anywhere from $1.99 and up. Sure, there are some free audio tours we’ve done. But they aren’t as easy to follow as Voice Map. This feature is especially handy if you’re exploring a city you’re not so familiar with. After your Venice Canal tour wraps, you’ll likely be hungry for a quick bite to eat. We recommend ordering ahead online from Tito’s Tacos in Culver City. Tacos and a walking tour? I think we’ve found a fun combo!

4. Sugarmynt Gallery in Pasadena…Where it’s Halloween Year Round

SugarMynt Gallery has long been on my list of places to check out. I guess it only took a pandemic for us to make the trip. The art gallery is located in the picturesque neighborhood of South Pasadena. You’d never guess that this idyllic section of Pasadena was the filming location for the 1978 horror classic, Halloween. In fact, the art gallery is located next door to the original Michael Myers house, and walking distance from many of the horror movie’s shooting locations. Inside the gallery, you’ll find spooky artwork along with behind-the-scenes photos from the first two Halloween movies as well as Hocus Pocus memorabilia and photography.

Gallery owner Sararose Orlandini, along with her dad, will happily show you around and share their love of all things Halloween. Head towards the back of the gallery to see concept artwork from Hocus Pocus, signed by illustrator Giacomo Ghiazza (priced at a reasonable $25 per print). The big draw for us to visit the gallery, though, was the outdoor screening series. It feels super VIP — limited to just 18 people a night during these pandemic times. We signed up to see Monster House, a fun, not-so-scary movie (since Kevin hates horror films, though ironically loves Halloween movies).

Every group is well spaced apart, and you’re even allowed to bring in outside food and drinks (including alcohol). We recommend bringing a blanket along with a picnic dinner. Entry is just $15 per person and tickets sell out far in advance. Check out their events calendar and book directly from the gallery’s homepage.

3. Rooftop Yoga, One of LA’s Best Social Distancing Outdoor Activities

I’ve done virtual pilates, virtual meditation…Peloton. You name it, I’ve probably done some home version of it. But nothing beats getting outside and enjoying some fresh air to do a workout. Many studios around LA are getting into the outdoor action — such as Carrie’s Pilates Plus outdoor megaformer classes (my favorite workout) to Sweat Yoga which recently opened a West Hollywood studio and doing rooftop yoga on top of the 24 Hour Fitness parking lot. One of our favorite rooftop yoga experiences was with Sanctuary Fitness. They were doing a limited-time-only series, so definitely check directly with them to see if classes are still going.

Classes take place on Thursdays at 7 PM on the rooftop of The Bloc shopping complex in the arts district of downtown. The 1 hour class is challenging but completely zen. There is nothing like practicing warrior pose with downtown’s skyline glowing in the distance and soft dreamlike music playing in the background. And if it couldn’t get any more LA, there was a fog machine and film crew on the rooftop next to us shooting a television episode. Who knows, maybe you’ll see us on CSI?

To wrap up your couple date night (or fun date night for one!), we suggest driving to nearby Little Tokyo where countless restaurants are now al fresco during these pandemic times. And of course, if you have more time, you’ll want to check out our guide to spend a day in LA’s Little Tokyo.

2. Aquarium of the Pacific Goes Outdoors

If it involves getting up close with animals, by now you’ll know it’s a top pick from us. We love interacting with animals. So needless to say, we were thrilled to hear that Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach was opening up a portion of its outside exhibits. We’re not afraid to admit it — we’re totally those people who read EVERY description at an aquarium. So it isn’t any surprise that we spent about 2 hours roaming the outside exhibits. There are a few rules before you go. First, everyone must purchase an online timed ticket or make a free online reservation. Also, everyone must wear masks the entire time. You’ll find outdoor tanks with a wide variety of fish, along with sea lions, seals and playful penguins. But the aquarium went all out with the touch pools, including an area where you can pet jellyfish. Yes, real jellyfish.

Now, I can definitely say that I’ve never purposely touched a jellyfish. It just seems like you’re asking for trouble. While the jellyfish still do sting, you “shouldn’t feel anything.” At least, that’s what the aquarium attendant told me. But I won’t lie, I first watched the two little girls behind me do it first! But this isn’t the only animal encounter.  The aquarium also has a special section where you can buy food and feed Australian Lorikeets.

This experience was thrilling and frightening all at once. Upon entering the enclosure, the birds pounce on you. I’m pretty sure it’s how actress Tippi Hedren felt while filming Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. With that said, it was a lot of fun… and hey, nobody lost an eye.

1. Goats and Wine, LA’s Best Social Distancing Outdoor Activities

Peanut butter and jelly…Chips and salsa…Goats and wine? Some things just naturally go together. And now you can add goats and wine to that list. Move over, goat yoga.

When I suggested a goats and wine experience to Kevin, well, you can only imagine the onslaught of questions… Goats and wine? At the same time? Like cuddling a goat and sipping sauvignon blanc? Yes, yes and yes!

Twentynine Oaks Ranch, located in Agoura Hills just north of Malibu, has come up with what might be one of the most entertaining and unique things you can do in LA — combining playtime with goats and wine tasting. We joined Lynn, who runs the operation, for the 4 PM tasting that includes five different wines, each paired with food to enhance the flavor.

The goat and wine experience is kept small — with our group consisting of about 14 guests including ourselves. Many of the courses naturally include goat cheese, such as the dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in prosciutto. Or the delicious bruschetta that was paired with New Zealand’s Picton Bay sauvignon blanc.

This is a great birthday gift for any animal lover, or a special date night away from the craziness of LA. It’s truly hard to believe that a place like this exists so close to LA. Before the goats and wine experience wraps, you’re able to go back into the pen to say goodbye. Though, one of the cheeky goats kept posing with his butt to the camera. Oh well…

The experience costs $79 per person and can be reserved through the booking site Fever. The experience runs Thursdays through Sundays.

Want to read our entire feature on goats and wine? Check out our story on the goats and wine experience, perfect for a birthday celebration. Looking for other ideas for special occasions? Be sure to check out all our recommendations here, including 5 secrets spots in LA you (probably) never knew existed (but should!). Don’t live in LA? Or prefer doing virtual activities? Check out our top picks of virtual activities you can do from the comfort of home.