Summer is the perfect time to fill your youth with sentimental and heartwarming memories by living through aesthetic summer scenes from coming-of-age movies. Whether you want to have fun with friends or discover yourself, add these picturesque activities to your summer bucket list to romanticize life.
Swim in a lake
If the sweltering sun is ruining your vibe, take a dip in a cool, refreshing lake. Forests and nature simply wash away worries, so step outside and let your inner self reconnect with the wilderness. California boasts beautiful clear lakes like Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, or Big Bear Lake: try taking a mini road trip with friends and having a splashfest, or traveling alone and sunbathing like you’re the main character.
Have a retro day
Jump straight out of a 2000s teen movie with a day filled with neon lights, arcades, and rollerskating. If you are on a budget or simply want to stay home, invite some friends over and wholeheartedly embrace the Y2K trend by scrapbooking, taking Polaroids, and playing board games. Blast 80’s rock on full volume and have timeless adventures!
Witness magic at night
From late night drives with the windows rolled down to wacky photoshoots, adventures past sunset are inherently aesthetic. Take it to the next level by witnessing spectacular sights like the floating lanterns at the Water Lantern Festival in June, glimmering bioluminescence on San Diego beaches, or dazzling fireworks at Disneyland. For a simple yet magical ambiance, stargaze into the otherworldly canopy of constellations or venture through city lights beneath a colorful, dream-like haze.
Start a summer vlog
Vlogs are not only exciting to watch but also addictingly entertaining to record! Capture candid moments as you explore your summer side quests — picture fields of vibrant flowers, coquette picnics at the park, late-night bonfires at the beach, and the laughter of friends on impulsive excursions. Romantic, comedic, or chaotic, choose the genre of your life and record memories that normal pictures can’t quite replicate. For the complete 2000s experience, purchase a used camcorder from eBay or a local thrift store to replicate that grainy and nostalgic look.
Have a slumber party
Nothing screams teen movies more than chaotic sleepovers! Painting together as cookies bake, face masks and gossip while painting nails, building a tent to camp in the backyard, or wild pillow fights paired with karaoke; the vibe for the night is flexible for any friend group. Use this opportunity to bring out the best and worst of your friends as you spend the night unsupervised.
Life may not be a movie but it’s clear that you are your own main character. Rather than committing to static months of rotting away or cramming in three different internships, fill the pages of your story with these coming-of-age moments and make summer feel like a dream.
