Although Spring Break just ended, summer is approaching soon, so hang in there, we can do this! I thought it would be interesting for me to share some of my favorite study and hangout spots that you might want to visit during these hot and breezy days, or save for the summer even.
My first and also all time favorite spot is the Orange of Circle located 5 minutes away from Chapman University. It has a nice roundabout, where in the center is a Plaza Park with a fountain, benches, and shades. While the area around it is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops. I recommend checking out Urth Caffe, Blue Bowl, The Pizza Press, and Bruxie. Typically, I love to start with some Bruxie’s chicken waffles and enjoy it in the Plaza Park, then I would grab some ice cream from Afters
and take a walk down to the Orange Antique Store. The antique store here is my favorite spot to check out vinyl records and vintage figurines. On that note, there are multiple antique stores in this area; they are close to one another, so if this interests you, check all of them out and see what each has. Afterwards, I would stop by a coffee shop to get some work done. Lastly, before I leave, I make sure to grab some acai bowls from Blue Bowl; it is nice that they charge by the bowl’s size and you can get unlimited toppings. I find the Orange of Circle very filling with lots of options, and is gas efficient as well since all the places are walking distance
The second recommendation is Signal Hilltop Park by Cherry Hills here in the city of Long Beach, a ten minutes drive from the university. The park is high up on a slope, so from there you can get the best view of the whole city, and if you are a sunset watcher this place is for you. This is a perfect spot for couples and group activities. It does get a little windy and chilly at night, so do not forget to bring some blankets. Likewise, if you need to take a breather, then this is a nice quiet and meditation spot. Some of my friends brought charcuterie boards for picnics and did photoshoots here. Simply put, a nice place to get away from the crowded city.
The next place is the Lion Lighthouse down in Aquarium Way right next to the Aquarium of the Pacific;
this place has an atmosphere similar to Signal Hilltop. The lighthouse itself is located in the Aquatic Park. Surrounding it is a bay area with seaside restaurants, and they also have boat tour service; the children seemed to enjoy the tour a lot. Likewise, a scenic place for pictures; I saw people doing wedding photoshoots here as well. I also heard, at night, the lighthouse has a very beautiful neon color pattern as well. I have never stayed late enough to see the lights, so if you have seen it or will check it out, let me know in the comments!
The last two places I recommended might not be ideal for work since there is no internet connection out in the open air, so I'm hoping this last place will help generate some productivity. This last place is Bella Terra Plaza, 10-15 minutes away from campus by freeway depending on the traffic. There is a Barnes and Noble that I find especially warm and comfortable. It is a nice, quiet 2 story bookstore, with a Starbucks on the first floor, hence the warm aroma of coffee is spread throughout the store which I think aids with relaxation. You can get some work done here, or check out some books. I notice that they have expanded the manga section in recent years, so if that is your interest you might want to check it out. The plaza also has Cinemark, Costco, a sushi restaurant, and some retail stores. This makes it much more convenient to tune in to a movie, enjoy some good food, shop, while being able to get some work done.
That is it on my list of favorite spots to hangout and work. Additionally, I picked these places because they are cost and gas efficient which is ideal for students’ wallets. On that note, if you are interested in trying out eateries, hosting a professional group meeting in a modern designed setting, then check out SteelCraft; it is 8 minutes away from campus. Let me know your favorite hangout and work spots!
Comments