APU's Top 10 Local Hot Spots

March 02, 2009 | Written By Stephanie Fritz '09

“What are you doing this weekend?” is a common question you hear students ask on Fridays. Whether you're an incoming freshman, or a current APU student, there are many fun-filled options in the area to help you relieve stress and take a break from studying. Here is a list of the Top 10 APU Hot Spots in no particular order.

1. Donut Man: About a 10 minute drive down Route 66 from APU is this 24-hour donut stand. They have the best donuts around and it’s a great snack for students pulling all-nighters. If you make the short journey at midnight, you will be greeted by delicious, freshly baked morsels.

2. Disneyland: Located in Anaheim, this world famous theme park dubbed the "happiest place on earth," is a manageable 30-minute drive from APU. Many Disneyland regulars get a season pass so they can go whenever they like.

3. Big Tree Park: Located right down Route 66 off of Grand Avenue, this quiet spot is a perfect place to sit and read or just to enjoy the day.

4. Regency Cinema: The recently renovated movie theater across from University Village offers prices ranging from $5-7. This is a great way to see a movie on a tight budget.

5. Tutti Frutti: This latest addition to the recent frozen yogurt craze, Tutti Frutti boasts a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It can be found right behind B-Man’s across from the East Campus baseball field and offers APU students a 15 percent discount.

6. Citrus Crossing: the new shopping center across from University Village. This center offers a variety of new, affordable eateries such as Quizno’s, Panda Express, Rolling Rice, Pinkberry, Kelly's Coffee, and even a Greek restaurant. Also available if your wardrobe is in need of an update for the rapidly changing weather are bargain clothing stores Total Fashion and ROSS.

7. Huntington Beach: Only one hour from APU, Huntington is the closest beach for students to drive to. Huntington offers shopping, bonfire pits, and volleyball nets for all-day trips to the beach.

8. Garcia Trail: This trail is one thing students should check off their list of things to do before graduation. It is roughly a one-hour hike up to the cross or to the “A” (for Azusa) on top of the mountain and the view is breathtaking. The trail starts off Sierra Madre where students can park their cars and start their hike.

9. BJ’s Restaurant in West Covina: Only a 10 minute drive from APU, students find this restaurant a popular place to go for birthdays, group parties, or even just a casual dinner. The most popular dish APU students rave about is their famous pizzookie (a thin, gooey chocolate chip cookie the size of a small pizza pan topped with ice cream).

10. High Sierra Semester: Through this program, students spend a semester studying in Bass Lake, near Fresno, California. The majority of the students return from this wilderness semester with positive feedback and exciting, adventurous tales. Those not in the program can visit the campus each semester during Family and Friends Weekend.

So, whenever you find yourself wondering how to fill up your weekend, pull out this guide and plan your own adventure, or go out in search for the latest APU hot spot.