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Best Activities To Do This Weekend In LA - January 22

hollywood 610
(credit: Shutterstock)

If there is a theme developing in determining the cool events happening around LA this weekend, it's a healthy mix of appreciation via artistic expression and athletic get up and go. The landscape of LA is so rich, the idea of a lazy weekend just seems wasteful. There is so much to enjoy, to decide to ignore it is to take this great city for granted. It's time to ditch the modesty and own our bragging rights when it comes to our home. Here are a few reasons why.

Friday, January 22
rain room
(Credit: Random International)

'Rain Room'
LACMA
5905 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 857-6000
www.lacma.org

Incredible is so often used and rarely supported. The 'Rain Room' is the exception. Leave it to LACMA to showcase one of the most innovative exhibitions in recent memory. London-based collective Random International has created a grand-scale installation that allows visitors to walk through rain without getting wet. Seriously. The technology behind the exhibit detects the human body throughout the room, essentially creating spotlight of dryness while simultaneously surrounded by water. The interactive element is plainly marvelous across the board. Tickets are tough to come by, but this is an absolute must as it won't be around for long.

Saturday, January 23
PHOTO LA  The REEF/LA Mart
(Credit: MJ Kim Pictures)

Photo LA
The REEF/LA Mart
1933 Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90007
www.photola.com

Celebrating their 25th annual congregation of photographic excellence, the folks behind Photo LA have pooled the greater community of photographers from the business, art, educational, and non-profit denominations, all under the same roof. The Reef at the LA Mart building in Downtown is bustling with fine showcase photography ranging from the historic to cutting edge contemporary in celebration of the craft. Complete with panel discussions, lectures, and installations from some of the world's most revered photographers, this is nothing short of a visual overload.
 

Will Rogers Trail Rides
(credit: Kristin D./Yelp)

Horseback Riding
Will Rodgers Trail
1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310) 459-2545
www.willrogerstrailrides.com

Offering one of the most spectacular views of Los Angeles stretching from Malibu to Catalina Island, Will Rodgers State Park offers horseback rides that culminate with the Inspiration Point Loop. A 50-minute ride on these majestic steeds through the former Will Rodger's estate would normally be good enough, but when the cherry on top is a unique glimpse of the entire Southland from one spot, it's unimaginable to skip on the chance to experience this. In addition to the horseback rides, guests can usually catch up with a free tour of the Will Rodgers house on the 180-acre property as well. Peek into history while getting a bird's eye view of where we call home.

Sunday, January 24
05_Queen mary Wheelhouse 1
(Credit: Queen Mary)

Queen Mary Tour
1126 Queens Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90802
(877) 342-0738
www.queenmary.com

The history behind the ship is worth a visit. In the late 30's, the Ocean liner was a favorite of stars like Clark Gable, Bob Hope, and dignitaries like Winston Churchill. The ship would then become instrumental in transporting troops during World War II, only to again transform into a cruise ship before docking permanently in 1967. Now a hotel on the water, the rooms offer modern amenities with much of the vintage fixtures and design still intact. Offering panoramic views of Long Beach, a stroll on the deck, a cocktail at the art-deco decadence of the Observation bar, or a first-class dinner at Sir Winston's Steakhouse, make for a perfect accent to your interactive history lesson.
 

LA RIVER NIGHT RUN
(Credit: Rob Rice)

LA River Night Run
Bowtie Parcel
2900 Casitas
Los Angeles, CA 90039
www.larivercorp.com

Stretching from Canoga Park, the San Fernando Valley and back down to Long Beach, there is a network of some 51-miles of pedestrian and bike pathways along the LA River. A massive transportation corridor in one of the most congested destinations in the country, this resource has gone largely ignored until now. The folks behind Greenway 2020 are working to restore all 51 miles of real estate with efforts that reinforce the idea of enjoy the resource. This Sunday, the LA River 5k Fun Run allows for a non-competitive hustle through s portion of the Greenway and a unique vantage point of the LA River. A chance to see the city at night along with throngs of Angeleno runners, efforts like these are fun ways to reinvest in our community.

Article by Ramon Gonzales.
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