Tessera: The LA Winter Break Bucket List: 10 Festive, Student-Friendly Things to Do Near USC
Got your bags packed, but you're sticking around for the winter break? Good, because staying in USC LA during the holidays is the ultimate cheat code. While many students head home, you have the unique opportunity to experience Los Angeles without the usual academic grind. If you’re new to the area, though, you might be asking: "What are the best fun activities for college students when everything slows down?"
Don't worry, LA never truly slows down. We’ve compiled the ultimate bucket list of ten festive and budget-friendly fun activities perfect for your college winter break, whether you’re looking for vibrant group adventures or quiet, solo excursions.
Your Ultimate Guide to Fun Activities for College Students in USC LA
Embracing the USC LA Winter Break Climate
If you’re imagining snow days and freezing temperatures, think again! One of the biggest perks of spending your winter break here is that Los Angeles barely registers winter.
- Temperature: Think 65°F to 70°F sunny days. Lows rarely dip below 45°F. It’s basically perfect hoodie weather.
- Sunshine: LA’s winter is often characterized by clear skies, we skip the gray!
- What to Wear: You can ditch the giant snow boots. Just pack light layers and a decent jacket for the evenings, and remember those sunglasses!
Top 10 Student-Friendly Winter Break Adventures
This list is designed to give you a mix of everything, from tapping into the incredible resources right next to campus to exploring the festive vibe of Downtown LA.
Low-Cost & Solo-Friendly Fun
1. Dive into Exposition Park’s Museums (Budget-Friendly): You’ve got world-class culture right next door! USC students get free admission with their ID at spots like the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM).
2. Downtown LA Library Day Trip (Free): The Los Angeles Central Library is a stunning architectural masterpiece downtown and the perfect spot for a quiet, introspective day. For a curated self-guided route hitting the best landmarks like the Central Library, Angels Flight, and Grand Central Market, consult this DTLA Walking Tour Itinerary.
3. Bookstore and Boba Study Crawl (Low Cost): Take advantage of the quiet campus! Grab a treat from USC Village and find a cozy nook for an intentional study session or just a good book. This is one of the easiest fun activities for college students on campus to help you recharge.
4. Exposition Park Rose Garden Visit (Free): When you need frebsh air and a beautiful backdrop, this enchanting garden is free to stroll through most of the year.
Group Adventures & Festive Activities
5. Ice Skating in Downtown LA (Moderate Cost): Few things feel more festive than skating outdoors. Check out winter activities like the rink at Pershing Square, framed by skyscrapers. For current seasonal dates and ticket information, check a local guide like Time Out Los Angeles.
6. Grand Central Market & Angel’s Flight (Low to Moderate Cost): Explore this historic food hall downtown for a group lunch with endless, affordable options.
7. L.A. County Holiday Celebration (Free): On Christmas Eve, ditch the couch for the magnificent L.A. County Holiday Celebration at The Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. It’s a spectacular, free showcase of local L.A. artistry. You can grab all the details and times on The Music Center’s official website.
8. Themed Movie Night at Tessera (Free): Don’t forget the amazing amenities right where you live! Host a holiday movie marathon or game tournament utilizing the resident lounge, game room, or rooftop lounge at Tessera. These in-house fun activities for college students on campus are the definition of easy, no-stress fun.
9. Beach Day Excursion (Low Cost): The mild winter climate means you can still head to Santa Monica or Venice. It’s a great group activity that offers a unique California-style winter break experience.
10. Local Holiday Lights Tour (Free): Go explore the neighborhood holiday light displays. Grab your friends, some hot chocolate, and enjoy the USC LA area's festive glow.
Winter Break Costs: Keeping It Budget-Friendly
A major concern is money. Here’s a quick guide on how much you can expect to spend for these fun activities.
- Free: These require $0 and include activities like USC Museum Admission (with ID), utilizing Tessera Amenities, and the L.A. County Holiday Celebration.
- Low Cost: Expect to spend between $5 - $20. This covers public transit fares (if not covered by your U-Pass), coffee, or boba.
- Moderate Cost: Budget $20 - $50. This covers costs such as ice skating admission and rental (e.g., Pershing Square admission is typically $22, including skates).
The best budget hack? By choosing a USC off-campus apartment with a full kitchen, you take control of your food budget, saving you significant money every month compared to a mandatory meal plan. For safety during these excursions, always remember to stick to well-lit main pathways and travel in groups when possible, especially after dark, as recommended by the USC Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Make Tessera USC Your Winter Break Basecamp
Whether you’re stepping out to see the city lights or settling in for a cozy night by the fire pit on the rooftop, make the most of your college winter break at Tessera. Our luxury student apartments, just steps from the USC campus, are the perfect launchpad for all your USC LA adventures.
Curious about what makes us the best choice? Read more about Luxury Student Housing at USC: What Makes Tessera Stand Out? for a deep dive into our amenities and location. If you're comparing places to live, get smart tips on the factors to consider when renting off-campus housing in our comprehensive USC Student Housing Guide: What to Consider When Renting Luxury Off-Campus.
Schedule a tour today to see why Tessera is the ultimate home base for exploring all the incredible seasonal fun activities for college students.
