Daylight Saving Time starts Sunday, March 8, bringing longer, brighter evenings to Southern California. That extra hour of daylight is your cue to get outside. Here are a few ways to make the most of the longer evenings.
Hit a local trail
We’re lucky to have hills and canyons everywhere from Malibu to the Inland Empire. Now that it’s light out until 7:30 or 8 p.m., you can actually squeeze in a real hike after your shift instead of just circling the block.
Keep a lightweight layer in your car so you’re not freezing by the time you get back to the parking lot. The Hanes EcoSmart Fleece Hoodie from Amazon is inexpensive, soft and easy to throw on when the temperature drops fast after sunset. It’s the kind of basic you’ll use all spring.
And yes, the hills are actually green right now. Take advantage before everything turns back to brown.
Eat dinner outside
You don’t need a full backyard remodel to make weeknight dinner feel different. A balcony, a small patio or even a front porch works. Moving your regular Tuesday tacos outdoors instantly makes it feel like you tried.
If your patio’s looking rough after winter rains, a few simple upgrades go a long way:
- Lighting: The Better Homes & Gardens 20-Count Shatterproof LED Edison String Lights from Walmart are affordable, durable and bright enough to make your space feel like a neighborhood bistro. They’re easy to hang and can stay up all season.
- Warmth: Even in SoCal, evenings can dip into the 50s. Keep a couple of the Linden Street Plush Throw Blankets from JC Penney on your patio chairs. They’re oversized, washable and cozy enough that no one rushes back inside at 7:45.
Suddenly, dinner feels like an event instead of a routine.
The sunset tailgate
Not every evening needs to be productive. Watching the sky change colors is a great way to make the most of those longer evenings.
Pack a cooler, grab takeout and head to a coastal overlook or a park with a view. Throw a couple of the Ozark Trail Oversized Quad Folding Chairs from Walmart in your trunk so you’re not balancing on your bumper. They’re sturdy, roomy and easy to stash in the car full-time.
Low effort. High payoff. Zero reservations required.
Spend some time gardening
Those post-work daylight hours are prime time for digging in. Even a few pots on a balcony count. Gardening is one of the fastest ways to reset after staring at a screen all day.
Plant jasmine or lavender now and by early summer your whole space will smell incredible.
If you don’t already have tools, the Hyper Tough 10-Piece Garden Tool Set from Walmart covers the basics—trowel, pruner, cultivator and gloves—without overcomplicating things. You don’t need a full shed to get started.
Take a walk at the beach
This is the sweet spot in SoCal. It’s light out late, but the summer crowds haven’t fully arrived. You can actually find parking without a 20-minute loop.
A simple walk along the sand while the sky turns pink and purple is one of the best stress relievers around. Bring a lightweight layer, leave your phone in your pocket and just be outside.
Whatever you do, don’t waste that extra hour on the couch. We live in Southern California for a reason. Use the daylight while we’ve got it.
*Disclosure: Some of the links included in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
