California Travel
California Travel anaheimer
California
California is the most populous state in the USA, with close to 40 million residents, but outside of major urban areas, you can find large areas of pristine nature and lots of adventure to be had.
My home state is also a magnet, attracting new residents and millions of visitors annually. The mild climate year-round, long sandy beaches, and snow-covered mountains make it an ideal place to live and work (mostly).
The one thing that repels some people away from California is the traffic. It is unbearable in the major metropolitan areas. So, if you plan to live here, stay away from city centers and work close to home.
Along with wonderful nature, California has an abundance of major attractions like the Disney Resort, SeaWorld San Diego, Universal Studios, Lego Land, water parks, and National Parks.
In the nature department, California was blessed with a great variety of environments like the Coastal Redwoods (Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Northern California), Giant Sequoia (Sequoia National Park and Yosemite), Lakes (Tahoe, Mammoth, Big Bear), and Rivers (Merced, Smith, Klamath) and amazing rock formations and mountains (Yosemite, Kings Canyon).
I like to brag about my home state, so the following is a recap of all the great destinations and adventures in California and links to more detailed articles about each. I hope you enjoy it.
Please feel free to add your own experiences and favorite places.
Los Angeles (City and County)
This sprawling metropolitan area offers amazing attractions and activities like amusement parks, museums, shopping malls, sports complexes, and beaches.
You can spend some time in Downtown LA and visit iconic places like City Hall, The Last Bookstore, Pershing Square, Grand Park, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Museum of Contemporary Art – to name a few.
While in downtown, don’t forget to visit the Oue Skyspace observation tower. From the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of LA extending to the mountains and the ocean.
Note: The observation tower closed down. In its place you will find the new restaurant Vista Patio.
LA County encompasses many interconnected and diverse cities with unique attractions. Going towards the beach, you can visit Santa Monica, Venice, or Malibu – each with its unique character.
At Santa Monica, you can enjoy the long beaches and the Santa Monica pier with carnival rides. For more fun, you can spend some time at the Third Street Promenade, which is a short walk from the pier.
Further to the south, take a stroll through Venice Beach with its quirky street performers and food and trinket vendors. A few blocks inland, you will be transferred into our own version of the Venice Canals, with beautiful villas and gardens along the banks of the canals.
Visiting The Getty Center or the Getty Villa is a must for museum lovers. At the Getty, you can enjoy modern architecture, art collections, and beautiful landscaping with gardens and fountains.
Right in downtown, take a look at the Museum of Contemporary Art with its unique collection of modern sculptures, photography, and paintings.
Further away from downtown, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and La Brea Tar Pits are worth a visit. At LACMA, you can spend days browsing the art exhibits in several buildings. At the Tar Pits, take a peek at ancient fossils preserved in Tar.
And don’t forget the California Science Center, where you can learn how things work, watch an Imax movie, or visit the Space Shuttle – all next to the University of Southern California’s (USC) beautiful campus and Exposition Park.
And, of course, a visit to LA is incomplete until you venture into Hollywood and Universal Studios. Walk on the main boulevard in Hollywood and step over the Stars of the famous and infamous. At Universal, witness how movies are made, take a few thrill rides, and go through Diagon Alley at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Right outside Universal Studios, you can enjoy a stroll along City Walk with lots of shops and dining experiences. At the City Walk, you can also go skydiving (the indoor variety).
Further to the north, you can explore the Angles National Forest in the Gabriel mountains, with many hiking trails and waterfalls.
Go to Sturtevant Falls, Monrovia Falls at Canyon Park, or Eaton Canyon Waterfall for a nice hike and rewarding waterfall at the end – or go to San Antonio Falls for a thrilling adventure repelling through the waterfall.
Further above San Antonio Falls, take the ski-lifts to Mount Blandy Winter Sports Center for some fun in the snow during winter or hiking and dining during the warmer months.
You can also enjoy a stunning waterfall above Malibu at Escondido Falls.
Orange County
OC is home to the Disney Resort in Anaheim, with 2 parks, an entertainment district, and several hotels. You can spend days hopping between Disneyland and California Adventure, or you can just spend an evening at Downtown Disney with many shops, restaurants, and an AMC movie theater.
Many visitors come to OC for Disneyland, but the area has much more to offer, like beaches, art colonies, surfing tournaments, great parks, and many entertainment venues.
If Disney parks are not enough thrills for you, go to Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park - with many rollercoasters and a Wild West theme. Knott’s also hosts the very popular Halloween Scary Farm.
Right next to Disneyland, you can enjoy some great food at the Garden Walk – with popular eateries like Cheesecake Factory, PG Chang, and Buba Gump. Then, enjoy a stroll through the shopping center or attend a concert at the House of Blues.
For a more relaxing time, go to Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, or San Clemente. All are beach towns, but each with a distinctive character.
Laguna Beach is known as an artist colony with many galleries and two different Arts festivals. As you walk between the galleries, shops, and restaurants downtown, stop at the hidden Sculpture Garden adjacent to Dawson Cole Fine Arts Gallery.
Once you had your fill of art and food, head to the beach for some fun in the sand or on the surf – or take a stroll along Heisler Park on the bluffs overlooking the ocean. All along the bluffs, you can take ramps or stairs down to some secluded coves and beaches.
Huntington Beach, to the north, is known as Surf City USA, with many surfing competitions held on its beaches. Along with the long stretches of beach in HB, you can find a lot of dining experiences on Main Street, the Pier, and the new Pacific City Mall.
Newport Beach has a long Bay with many Islands where the rich and famous live. Take a bay cruise and learn about the great mansions dotting the islands – or get more adventurous and go on a Dolphin and Whale watching tour.
If you prefer, you can just spend some time at the Fun Zone with many rides for the kids and good seafood restaurants.
Another great beach town is on the southernmost border of Orange County. San Clemente feels like a Mediterranean coastal town with its white homes nestled on many hills. San Clemente State Beach is the main attraction for nature lovers, with RV and tent sites overlooking the ocean.
While in San Clemente, try the Coastal Trail for a 2.3-mile hike or bike. Start from the north end, at North Beach, and continue on the dirt road, passing through several beaches. Around mid-point, stop at the Pier for a well-deserved rest and tasty lunch or dinner at the Fishermen’s Restaurant. The restaurant sits on the pier with great views all around.
Although OC is mainly urban sprawl, you can still find very good hiking places. My favorite hikes are at Crystal Cove State Park. The park is huge, with a nice campground, a long stretch of beach right on PCH, and a long network of trails going inland.
Other great hikes are at Buck Gully in Newport Beach and Top of the World at Laguna Beach.
Catalina Island
Newport is also a launching pad for trips to Catalina Island. The island is a short boat ride from Newport Beach, but it feels like a different country.
A large portion of the island is set aside as a conservancy to protect the plants and wildlife. At the main city, Avalon, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along pedestrian roads, swim at the beach, go snorkeling in the clear waters, go ziplining, or spend hours hiking the protected trails.
San Diego County
SD is the southernmost coastal county in California, with very popular attractions like SeaWorld, Legoland, a world-famous Zoo, and the Wild Animal Safari Park.
If you are not in the mood for theme parks and zoos, spend some time at Balboa Park, with many museums, gardens, and sports complexes. Some of my favorites are The Fleet Science Center, Air and Space, and the Museum of Arts. Also, at the park, you can attend a free organ concert in an open theater every Sunday.
For some great dining and shopping, don’t forget to visit the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown. The gas lamps are especially beautiful at night when the streets are busy with revelers enjoying the great weather and the many nightclubs in the neighborhood.
A few blocks away, you can reach the waterfront with many attractions like the Convention Center, Harbor Cruises, the USS Midway carrier, the Maritime Museum, and Seaport Village.
Outside the San Diego city limits, you must visit La Jolla Village for spectacular ocean views and nature hikes. At La Jolla Cove, you can have a nice hike overlooking some interesting rock formations, get close to the seals, or go down into a sea cave. At Black’s Beach, you can enjoy the beautiful sands or become a naturist and bear it all.
A visit to La Jolla is incomplete without a hike through Torrey Pines State Reserve. This park and beach have many trails with stunning views of the ocean.
The town of Carlsbad in SD County is home to Legoland and the famous Flower Fields. The Flower Fields are seasonal but definitely worth a visit when the flowers are in bloom. You get to walk among rows upon rows of multi-colored flowers or take a ride on the Tractor Wagon through the fields.
The waterfront offers a long hiking trail with many dining places right on the beach. For more nature walks, visit one of the Lagoon conservation areas or go deeper inland to Hosp Grove to hike around an extinct Volcano.
Big Bear and Arrowhead
Southern California is known for its mild weather year-round, but you don’t have to go far if you love winter sports. The San Bernardino mountains are high enough to have snow-covered mountains during the colder months.
When ski resorts are open, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or sledding through the snow. During the off-season, you can still have fun hiking through the many trails or just enjoy a picnic on the lake shores.
Big Bear Discovery Center is a good place to start your visit, learn about the area, hike the trails around it, and maybe stop for a snack or lunch.
Palm Springs
This oasis in the middle of the Sonoran Desert grew rapidly to become a major tourist attraction despite the harsh conditions. With temperatures soaring to the 110s most summer days and freezing in winter, it is a wonder anyone wants to live or visit here.
But they do, and they spend some time at the major resorts partying around pools, playing golf, or doing some shopping and dining on the main drag, Palm Canyon.
Nearby, you can take the Aerial Tramway to a Height of 8500 ft to the top of the San Jacinto State Park for some hiking or winter fun. Also, close by, you can have a wild ride on ATVs through the sand dunes.
Joshua Tree National Park
The first time I saw Joshua Tree NP, I thought I just crossed through the Twilight Zone and into another planet. The eerie landscape, rock formations, and the uncanny Joshua trees combined to transport me to a different state of mind.
Within the NP boundaries, you can enjoy an abundance of hiking and biking trails, camping, bouldering, and rock climbing.
At night, enjoy a stunning view of the heavens. Due to low light pollution and clear skies, the stars shine bright, providing a rare view for visitors escaping the city.
Imperial County and the Badlands
Imperial County is the most desolate land in Southern California. Expect to see long stretches of desert and very little vegetation and people. But you can still have some unexpected fun here.
At Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) and the nearby Badlands, you can take your favorite 4-wheel toy and have an adventure of a lifetime. The campgrounds at the SVRA are primitive, so don’t expect showers or hookups. But the reward is a stunning night sky full of stars – after all, the rowdy riders go to sleep.
Go to the Badlands at your own risk. It is very rough terrain with huge boulders everywhere, but it is fun to try to navigate through this challenging landscape.
Another great spot for primitive camping and fun on the sand dunes is Glamis, close to the Arizona border. This stretch of dunes is about 45 miles long with many dry washes running through it – ideal for more 4-wheeling fun.
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
One of California's most amazing destinations is a Road Trip along the famous Pacific Coast Highway 1 (PCH). This highway goes all the way from San Diego to the Northern tip of California, passing through beautiful ocean views, historic bridges, coastal forests, and great beaches.
The southern part of PCH goes through densely populated areas like San Diego, Orange County, LA, and Ventura. After you pass Ventura, you will come across more laid-back towns like Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Monterey, and Santa Cruz.
Along the way, don’t forget to visit Hearst Castle and Big Sur. At Hearst Castle, enjoy some guided tours to learn about the history of this huge estate on the hills.
At Big Sur, have fun swimming or tubing on the river, camp along its banks, and visit the many National Parks in the area.
Channel Islands
This archipelago of islands sits off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura and is a protected nature area – it is part of the National Parks system. A boat ride away, and you will be transferred into a pristine world of wildlife, steep cliffs, and beaches – away from civilization.
At this National Park, you can enjoy the long hiking trails on several islands or you can go Kayaking through coastal caves. Overnight camping is also allowed, but you must bring everything you need.
Pismo Beach and Oceano Dunes
Another beach town along Highway-1 (PCH) with lots of sand and surf, a pier, and wine vineyards. During the cooler months, Pismo Beach becomes a sanctuary for Monarch Butterflies.
As an extension to the beaches in Pismo, a large area was set aside for 4-wheel fun on the sand dunes. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) is 5.5 miles of beach dunes open to the public to enjoy with their favorite 4-wheel toys. You can rent ATVs right at the park entrance and get them delivered where the action is.
Monterey
You can’t pass by Monterey without a visit to the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and Fishermen’s Wharf.
The aquarium offers a large collection of sea life exhibits and some hands-on experiences for the kids. The aquarium is also in the middle of Cannery Row, with many shops, restaurants, and bars.
At the Wharf, enjoy great seafood while observing the sea lions and otters from the windows. For the kids, go to the Dennis The Menace Playground right next to the Wharf. This playground has many fun rides for the kids and paddle boats on the large pond.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is known for its natural beauty, pristine coastline, redwood forests, lifestyles, and socially liberal leanings. It is also home to the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a large student population and beautiful camps with great views of the ocean.
You can’t visit Santa Cruz without walking or biking on West Cliff Drive. This scenic drive takes you from the Municipal Wharf to Natural Bridges State Park.
The drive (or walk or bike) itself is amazing, with a great view of the bay, coves, and surfers below the cliffs. Towards the end of the drive, you are rewarded with rocks forming natural bridges along the shore. You will find a nicely shaded campground and a sandy beach inland from the rock formation.
You can enjoy tasty clam chowder and other seafood at the wharf at the many restaurants with a commanding view of the bay around you.
From the pier, you can see the famous Beach Boardwalk with many carnival rides. The view is especially dazzling at night with all the rides lit up. After gazing at it from afar, you can just walk a few steps to enjoy the rides.
Close to Santa Cruz, you can spend some time hiking or having a picnic in the Redwood Forest. There are two main attractions in the forest. You can go on a train ride through the woods and up the mountains at Roaring Camp Railroad, or you can go Ziplining at Mount Hermon for a great adventure.
PCH Again
You can drive on the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Cruz to San Francisco instead of taking the freeways. The drive is long but very rewarding.
If you choose to take this road trip, you will come across some sleepy beach towns like Davenport, Half Moon Bay, and Pacifica. You will also pass some beautiful State Parks and Beaches like Año Nuevo and Bean Hollow.
At Año Nuevo, go for a long hike over the sand dunes to see the Elephant Seals sunbathing and playing in the sand.
At Bean Hollow Beach, enjoy the view of huge waves breaking at rugged formations of black volcanic rocks. And on the beach, gaze at the wild vegetation with vibrant colors.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a huge urban area with many destinations and attractions. Most visitors flock to Pier-39 and Fisherman’s Wharf when they first get to SF. You can find the best Clam Chowder at the Wharf and you can go on a cruise or rent a bike right next to Pier-39. The pier and the wharf are great destinations but are usually very crowded.
Also iconic in SF are Cable Cars, the crooked Lombard Street, and China Town. Try to catch one of those cable cars and ride around SF streets.
Once you visit those places and enjoy the aquarium, shops, and seafood restaurants, head to lesser known places like Coit Tower with a 360-degree view of SF; Angel Island for some great hiking; and the Marin Headlands with a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge from above. During foggy mornings, you can be higher than the cloud bank and feel like you are walking on the clouds.
For a relaxing time with nature, go to the Golden Gate Park or head further out to the Muir Woods.
The Golden Gate Park offers more than a thousand Acres of parks, ponds, flowers, and venues. The Conservancy of Flowers and The Academy of Science are my favorites.
Muir Woods is a National Monument on the outskirts of SF with majestic Redwood trees and a creek with wood bridges crisscrossing it.
Finally, a visit to San Francisco is incomplete without taking the ferry across the Bay to neighboring towns or going on a cruise between the two bridges.
Yosemite National Park
Up in the Sierra Nevada mountains, you can find America’s first national park with sheer cliffs, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and forests.
At his stunning place, you can spend your time hiking on the valley floor or through the expanse of meadows, mountains, and woods.
From the valley floor, you can climb through steep trails to several iconic waterfalls or take a longer journey through the John Muir trail.
The Mist Trail is very close to the roaring Nevada Fall and connects to the higher Vernal Fall. In between, you can relax at Emerald Lake.
If you don’t feel like hiking, just take the Grand Bus Tour through popular points of interest like the Giant Sequoia and Glacier Point.
Another great way to experience the Yosemite Valley is by riding a bike along the many trails and connecting to Mirror Lake.
For an extreme adventure, go on a whitewater rafting trip. The Tuolumne River will challenge you with level 4 and 5 rapids, so be an expert or go with a tour operator.
And finally, you can spend some time volunteering to help restore habitats and get close to nature.
Further North
California doesn’t end at San Francisco, but my journey ends here. Northern California is waiting for me to discover it, but I am looking forward to visiting the great National Forests covering a large swath of the land and the many rivers that run through it.
If you know a favorite town, national park, or adventure in Northern California, please post an article or send me an email through the contact form.
Anaheim, California
Anaheim, California anaheimerPeople usually flock to Anaheim to visit the Disney Resort, with amusement parks, shopping, restaurants, and hotels.
But Anaheim has much more to offer, like parks, hiking trails, entertainment, ethnic food worldwide, flight simulators, spectator sports, golf, and tennis.
I live in Anaheim and experience it all. So here is a guide to some of my favorite places in and around Anaheim.
At the end of this page, read a brief history of Anaheim.
Disney of course
A guide to Anaheim is not complete without talking about the Disney Resort. You can read the detailed Disney guide here.
The resort area includes the two parks Disneyland and California Adventure, several hotels, and Downtown Disney.
Downtown Disney is a hub of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that connects the resort's other properties.
You can visit downtown Disney without purchasing tickets to the parks. While here, enjoy a movie, dinner at an upscale restaurant like Catal and La Brea Bakery Café, watch street performers or bands, shop for Disney merchandise, or visit the Lego store and Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Read the detailed Disney guide here.
Anaheim Downtown
Downtown Anaheim, also known as CtrCity, is a revitalized section of town with housing, shops, restaurants, breweries, and entertainment.
On Center Street, you will find places like Pour Vida Latin restaurant, Hummus Bean Mediterranean restaurant, Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center, and The Rinks Anaheim ICE.
Every Thursday, Center Street becomes a pedestrian-only walkway with a Farmers Market where you can find sweet treats, lots of fresh produce, and unique gift items.
A few blocks away, on West Santa Ana Street, you can find the Packing District, featuring a brewery, Park, and vendors selling snacks like crêpes and Mexican street food.
Across the street, the modern MAKE building draws a hip crowd for beer, wine, and BBQ.
Pearson Park
This Family-friendly Park offers picnic areas, hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, and ponds.
The Amphitheater features concerts and special events. It was built in 1927, replicating the eloquent Spanish-style architecture with terra-cotta roof tiles, Wisteria, and Bougainvillea-shaded column-supported arbors, and a towering Mexican Fan Palms landscape.
The Park also has a public pool and tennis courts.
Parking can be difficult during events, so use alternate transportation.
Yorba Regional Park
Yorba Regional Park is in the east end of Anaheim. It is one of the largest parks in the area, with acres of turf, trees, lakes, and streams.
It also has multiple playgrounds for kids of all ages, a very long bike trail, volleyball courts, a horseshoe pit, two baseball diamonds, and a physical fitness course.
Bike and paddleboat rentals are available at the park.
The lakes are stocked with fish – so you can do some fishing. A variety of duck and goose species make this Park their home.
Bring some birdseed or bread to feed the ducks – or you can buy some from the concession store. Read more about the Park here.
Oak Canyon Nature Center
Oak Canyon Nature Center is in the Anaheim Hills area. It is a hidden nature sanctuary in the middle of urban development.
The center has many hiking trails with varying difficulties. They range from easy to moderate. A year-round stream meanders through the park and crosses many of the trails.
Check out more details and directions at www.anaheim.net/ocnc.
Look for "Outreach Programs" - Those are interpreted nature walks. A park ranger will guide you through some of the trails while providing useful information on assorted topics. Those walks are a hit with the kids, especially the "Insects and other Amazing Arthropods" program. Read more here.
The Garden Walk
The Garden Walk is a shopping, dining, and entertainment center a few blocks away from Disneyland Main Gate.
Take a break from the Disney Resort, catch a movie at the AMC Theater, go Bowling at Bowlmor Lanes, spend time on a flight simulator at Flightdeck, listen to live music, and dance at House of Blues and Heat Ultra Lounge.
For great dining experiences, visit Fire+Ice for Mongolian fusion cuisine, PF Chang's for fusion Chinese, or the Cheesecake Factory for amazing cheesecakes and an eclectic selection of dishes.
See the complete Disney area dining guide here.
Little Arabia
Several blocks around Brookhurst and Ball Streets evolved into a haven for Middle Eastern shops and restaurants. It is now officially designated as Little Arabia and a well-known destination if you are looking for some great Arabic and Mediterranean eats.
So, what can you find in this district?
You can enjoy ethnic markets, restaurants, cafes, hookah lounges, clothing stores, hair salons, and much more.
My favorite restaurants are El Mahroosa Cafe, Alwadee Bakery & Restaurant, Zait & Zaatar, Olive Tree restaurant, and Zankou Chicken.
For ethnic groceries, visit Altayebat and Super King. Super King rivals major grocery stores with its large space and wide selection.
Visit the Little Arabia website for a complete directory.
Dining
Fire+Ice – Gardenwalk
This Mongolian fusion-style all-you-can-eat buffet lets you fill a bowl with your favorite ingredients and then cocks the mix on a huge grill right before you. You pick the sauce and the spices to make it your own creation.
Even though it is a Mongolian grill, you can still design dishes with a Mexican or Italian flare.
They also offer a well-stocked salad bar, but I advise minimizing your salad and returning for more grilled creations.
Some of the ingredients available are beef, shrimp, scallops, fish, cauliflower, and broccoli.
The drinks were excellent, too. We tried the Pina Colada and the Mai-Tei.
After your meal and drinks, you can spend time exploring the shops at the Gardenwalk.
400 Disney Way, Anaheim, CA 92802PF Chang’s
My list of special dining places usually avoids chain restaurants, but I can’t skip this fusion of Asian with inventive dishes and extended happy hour.
If you like Asian food, you love the variety and quality of the selection. During our last visit, we started with the Lettuce Wraps, Shrimp Dumplings, and the Kung Pao Dragon Roll.
We picked Mongolian Beef, Crispy Honey Shrimp, and Stir-Fried Eggplant for the main course. Everything was delicious, and the portions were just right.
For dessert, we had two helpings of the Banana Spring Rolls – because one is never enough.
The drinks are also exceptional. Every cocktail on the menu tastes just right; we especially like the Coconut Mojito and the Mei Tei.
My favorite location is the Garden Walk in Anaheim. After our meals, we can browse through the stores or walk to Downtown Disney for more fun.
321 W Katella Ave Suite 120, Anaheim, CA 92802Roy's @ Garden Walk
Dining at Roy's is like taking a culinary safari across the Pacific Rim. This fusion cuisine restaurant offers seafood dishes like Hibachi Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi, or my favorite, the Shellfish Sampler.
If you prefer items from the land, try their Braised Short Ribs of Beef or Katsu Chicken.
For starters, you can try their selection of Sushi rolls, Poke, or Shrimp Tempura.
The wine list and the mixed drinks are just right. On a recent visit, we tried their Mango Mojito and the 1988 Martini. Both were excellent.
Leaving the best for last, for dessert, we tried both of their creations. The Pineapple Upside Cake and the Chocolate Soufflet were a good end to our meal.
The only drawback is the prices. On the plus side, the Garden Walk Roy's has a nice patio with Hawaiian-style torches.
Tamba 30 (Indian)
This Indian cuisine gen is hidden in a small strip mall in downtown Anaheim. This restaurant offers delicious authentic Indian dishes and lunch Buffett.
During our last visit, we started with an assortment of appetizers. Our favorites were Veggie Samosa and Paneer Pakora.
We shared the chicken Teka Masala and the Lamb Curry for our main dishes. Both were very tasty, and the portions were large. We had lots of leftovers.
We ended our meal with "Gulab Jamun" - a very sweet milk-solid-based balls of joy.
30 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805Nearby
Anaheim is centrally located in Orange County, with many destinations and adventures nearby.
Some of the best beaches in Huntington Beach can be found a few miles away. Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.
You can take a Whale and Dolphin watch cruise from Newport Beach or a trip to Catalina Island.
In neighboring Buena Park, you can visit Knott's Berry Farm for thrilling rides and popular restaurants.
Also, Buena Park has a beautiful Ralph B. Clark regional park with ponds and hiking trails.
Fullerton offers many hiking and biking trails, lakes, botanical gardens, and the Mock Museum.
In the city of Orange, you can visit the Outlets of Orange shopping mall with a large 31-theater movie complex.
Orange is also home to Irvine Regional Park, with plenty of trails, lakes, and a Zoo.
History and more
Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California, south of Los Angeles. Anaheim is one of the largest and most populous cities in Orange County and is known for being the home of the Disneyland Resort, the Anaheim Convention Center, and two major sports teams: the Anaheim Ducks ice hockey club and the Los Angeles Angels baseball team.
The city was founded by fifty German families in 1857 and incorporated as the second city in Los Angeles County on March 18, 1876, and later became part of Orange County.
Anaheim changed from largely agricultural when Disneyland opened in 1955, which led to several hotels and motels around the area, with residential districts soon following.
The city also developed into an industrial center, producing electronics, aircraft parts, and canned fruit. Anaheim is a charter city.
Before the German families moved in, the Tongva people inhabited the area since 3500 BCE. The Tongva village at Anaheim was called Hutuukuga.
Before the Tongva, Anaheim, Placentia, and Fullerton's area was part of the Rancho San Juan Cajón de Santa Ana, a Mexican-era rancho grant given to Juan Pacífico Ontiveros in 1837 by Juan Bautista Alvarado, then Governor of Alta California.
Read more at Wikipedia.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake anaheimerBig Bear Valley is well known for its winter sports fun. But a new adventure awaits you after the snow melts and the skiers flee the area.
During the summer months, the ski resorts offer more adventures, like scenic chairlift rides, slides, and hiking trails.
The valley and mountains around it are full of hiking and biking trails waiting to be explored. Many trails start near the “Big Bear Discovery Center”.
Highlights |
Big Bear, CA, is known for winter sports |
You can Ski, Snowboard, Snowshoe, or Snow Tube, or just stroll along the frozen lake |
Summertime fun includes boating, hiking, ziplining, bobsledding, Stargazing, and dining |
Outside the Yosemite valley, you can go on long hikes, visit the Giant Sequoia trees, or go whitewater rafting |
Big Bear Discovery Center offers maps, passes, a café, a souvenir shop (Adventure Outpost), and expert advice from the on-duty rangers. |
Big Bear Discovery Center
Located adjacent to Big Bear Lake on Highway 38, the center offers maps, passes, a café, a souvenir shop (Adventure Outpost), and expert advice from the on-duty rangers. You can also join educational Naturalist-led interpretive programs and events.
From the balcony of the discovery center, you can enjoy a great view of the Lake nestled in the middle of the San Bernardino Forest - a perfect photo opportunity.
The trail to the Lake
We decided we wanted to enjoy a hike close to the lake, so we started by talking to the rangers. They were very friendly and helpful. They gave us a map of the area showing all the trails. They showed us how to walk from the Discovery Center to the Alpine Pedal Path - which runs adjacent to the lake.
The best way to find this trail from the Discovery Center is to look for signs of the “Cougar Crest Trail” and then turn left towards the lake.
The trail is paved asphalt, making it popular with bikers. It meanders through forests and meadows with many views of the lake. Along the trail, you can find many shady benches to catch your breath and admire nature. Close to the shoreline, you can find picnic tables and barbeques (closed during fire season).
The trail is about 3.5 miles long and is considered very easy. It is easily accessible for hikers, skaters, joggers, and even strollers and wheelchairs.
Nature Trail Loop
This short half-mile loop is great for families with kids. It is a very easy hike in the middle of the forest.
You can do this hike on your own, or you can go with a volunteer naturist on a guided tour. As you walk, learn about the local plant life, wildlife, and some interesting historical facts.
Cougar Crest Trail (Bertha Peak Trail)
Take this trail to Bertha Peak for a more strenuous hike for a commanding view of Big Bear Lake. The hike is about 7 miles round trip and may take up to 4 hours to finish. It is considered moderate difficulty.
It starts from Cougar Crest trailhead near the Discovery Center. If you park at the trailhead, you will need an adventure pass. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the free parking at the center and walk to the trailhead. This will add a 1-mile to your hike.
The hike is a steady climb while you gain about 1400 feet of elevation. It gets harder towards the top due to rough-rocky terrain. But you can start enjoying great views of the lake and the snow-covered mountains around the 2-mile marker.
The Cougar Crest trail joins the Pacific Crest Trail at the 2.5-mile point and takes you to Bertha Peak.
You have an unobstructed view of the mountains, valley, and lake below at the Peak. Take a picnic, relax, and enjoy the view.
Pine Knot Trail
For another great view of Big Bear Lake, take this 7.5-mile trail to Grand View Point. With an elevation gain of over 1000 feet, it is not an easy hike – but very rewarding.
Along the way, enjoy the wildflowers, oaks, pines, and an occasional view of the lake. At the top, you can see the San Gorgonio wilderness and Catalina Island.
You can skip most of the hike and find directions to Grand View Point via Skyline Drive for quick gratification.
Other summer activities
If you are not into hiking, you can still have fun in the summer with activities like ziplining, bobsledding or just taking a scenic chairlift ride.
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
During summer, ride on the chairlift to the top, then come down on the bobsleds or a water slide. If you prefer, you can try the go-karts and the miniature golf.
In the winter months, slide down the snow-covered slopes on an innertube.
Snow Play
Winter is here, and the kids are screaming for you to take them to the snow. Where would you take them?
You can stop along the way to Big Bear and find a good spot for sliding. But be warned, those spots are rare, and parking places are almost impossible to find. Many popular spots are actually off-limits – but people use them anyway. Bring your own inner tube or slid.
You can try one of the official snow play areas. In my opinion, they are the safest places to have fun in the snow, but they are usually expensive.
Expect to pay around $35 per person. Everyone in your group has to pay – whether they are sliding or not.
Alpine Slide snow play has the advantage of offering an escalator to the top – so you can avoid the long and exhausting climb. Inner tubes are provided.
Alternatively, you can go to Big Bear Lake and find a more peaceful and safe area – for free. Try any picnic area or campground. My favorite is next to Serrano Campground (this is also close to the Discovery Center). This place doesn’t have steep hills but lots of snow. It also overlooks the frozen lake - offering great views of the lake and the mountains.
Dining
Although Big Bear is a mountain resort city, it is big enough to have many dining options, from Fast Food chains to fancy restaurants. Over the years, we tried many of those establishments. Here are my favorites:
The Pines Lakefront
This restaurant made it to my list primarily for the view overlooking the lake. The food is ok, and the service is excellent.
On the last visit, we started with Tempora fantail shrimp and Jalapeno Poppers. We tried the Tilapia dinner on mashed potatoes and the St. Louis Ribs for the main course. The fish was excellent, but the ribs were just OK.
The wine list is extensive, with great selections. The open bar can make any drink you desire.
All in all, it was a very pleasant experience.
Teddy Bear Restaurant
An excellent place for breakfast. The portions are large and tasty. We ordered the Veggie and Cheddar omelet and the Teddy Bear Benedict. Both were extra delicious and satisfying. We had leftovers for the next day.
The place gets very crowded in the morning, so expect to wait for your table. They also only accept cash.
Himalayan Restaurant
For classic Indian cuisine, go to the Himalayan. You can’t go wrong with traditional dishes like Curry, Tandoori, or Masala. Try their butter chicken and mellow momo appetizers (dumplings) for something unique. Vegetarians will be pleased with the large selection of veggie-only dishes.
Laguna Grill Restaurant
To satisfy your Mexican food cravings, visit this restaurant on the lake. They offer traditional Mexican dishes, a daily happy hour, and $1 Taco Tuesdays. If you have someone in your group who does not like Mexican food, they can find a few items like a club sandwich and a French dip sandwich.
Oakside
Oakside restaurant serves American dishes with beers and cocktails – with nice outdoor seating. Some outdoor tables have a fire pit. The menu has items to satisfy any taste, from appetizers to share to sandwiches to full entrée items.
While visiting for lunch, we tried the fish and chips with roasted Brussels sprouts and the Lobster pizza. Their basil and berry cocktail is a must.
Fast food and chains
If you are in a hurry or want to visit something familiar, you can find places like Burger King, Taco Bell, and McDonald's or casual dining places like Sizzler.
40971 North Shore Drive (Highway 38) Fawnskin, CA 92333 (909) 382-2843
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Snow play, Alpine Slide, Go-carts, Waterslide
800 Wildrose Lane Big Bear Lake, Ca 92315Boat rentals, boat tours, Jet Skiis, Parasailing
439 Pine Knot Blvd Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 (909) 866-7766Scenic Sky Chair Rides – at Snow Summit
Take the sky chair to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the views, hike, or bike down to the base. Enjoy a BBQ at the top. This is not available during Ski season.
880 Summit Blvd Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 909-866-5766Castle Rock Trail, Big Bear, CA
Castle Rock Trail, Big Bear, CA anaheimerHiking up the Castle Rock Trail to the viewpoint is tough but rewarding. Once you get to Castle Rock, you'll have sweeping views of Big Bear Lake and the mountains surrounding it.
Since the whole hike is under two miles, I've included an easy extension to a hidden mountain lake, Bluff Lake, which also features ruins from an 1890s mountain resort. There's a lot to see packed into this short hike, and it's worth the effort.
For the average hiker, this trail can take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete, depending on one's pace and the amount of time spent at the viewpoint. It's important to note that the trail has a moderate to steep incline so the duration might vary based on individual fitness levels and hiking experience. Always ensure you have adequate water and are prepared for the conditions.
Step-by-Step Hiking Instructions
- Starting Point: The trailhead is well-marked. Check out the notice board for any updates before you start your hike.
- Initial Climb: Right from the beginning, the hike is steep and climbs up the left bank of a (usually dry) stream.
- Trail Markers: Look out for wire bins filled with rock. You will follow These trail markers on the way up to Castle Rock. You should never be more than a few minutes away from one. If you are, you've gone the wrong way.
- Mid-section Views: This middle section, where you first start getting views of Big Bear Lake, has many little side trails. Again, look for the stone markers and follow them.
- Reaching Castle Rock: As you approach Castle Rock, the trail winds around to the left of the rock. Continue around to the far side of Castle Rock. Another old-school sign tells you that you've arrived.
- Scramble to the Top: If you want to scramble to the top of Castle Rock, look for the notch behind the viewpoint area. There's a rope to help you up the first part, and there's another challenging boulder right after that. If you're not comfortable with this scramble, don't do it. Just enjoy the views below.
- Extension to Bluff Lake: If you want to hike another mile to Bluff Lake, continue onto Bluff Lake after Castle Rock. The beginning of this section is steep, but it eventually levels out. The Castle Rock Trail ends at Kidd Creek Rd. (2N86). Make the right onto the dirt Forest Service road. The road dead-ends at a small cabin. Hike toward the cabin and through the gate into Bluff Lake Reserve. You'll pass the remains of John Healy Williams's cabin, which dates back to the 1890s.
The Castle Rock Trail is especially popular in the fall due to the changing colors of the leaves and the cooler temperatures. The scenic views and fall foliage make it a favorite among hikers this season.
Trailhead Location
The Castle Rock Trail is located on the south side of Big Bear Lake.
Address:
Castle Rock Trail 1W03, Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.Parking can be challenging due to the trail's popularity. A small parking lot is just east of the trailhead, and a few other turnouts are nearby. It's recommended to park head-in and be cautious when walking along the road to the trailhead.
Cougar Crest Trail, Big Bear Lake
Cougar Crest Trail, Big Bear Lake anaheimerCougar Crest Trail is also known as Bertha Peak Trail. This is a challenging trail in the Big Bear Lake area with commanding lake views.
To learn more about Big Bear and the trails around it go here.
The hike is about seven miles round trip and may take up to 4 hours to finish. It is considered moderate difficulty with a 720-foot elevation gain.
It starts from Cougar Crest trailhead near the Discovery Center. If you park at the trailhead, you will need an adventure pass. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the free parking at the center and walk to the trailhead. This will add 1-mile to your hike.
Tip: It is a rocky trail with some steep inclines. Make sure to wear hiking shoes and bring your hiking poles.
It gets harder towards the top due to rough-rocky terrain. But you can start enjoying gorgeous views of the lake and the snow-covered mountains around the 2-mile marker.
The Cougar Crest trail joins the Pacific Crest Trail at the 2.5-mile point and takes you to Bertha Peak.
Tip: In the summer it can get hot up in the mountains. Bring lots of water with you.
The trail is mostly shady at the beginning, with good tree cover, but the trees thin out towards the top. About halfway up, there is a conveniently located bench with a splendid view - a great place to rest and enjoy the sights.
Tip: In colder months, even without snow, the peak can get very cold and blustery. You will need a jacket. If add snow to the equation, the trail become treacherous.
When you reach the peak, you will have an unobstructed view of the mountains, valley, and lake below the Peak. Take a picnic, relax, and enjoy the view.
The trail is popular with mountain bikers, so watch out for runaway bikes.
The Cougar Crest Trail is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains. It is a challenging hike, but the views are worth it.
Brea, CA
Brea, CA anaheimerCalifornia is known for the gold rush, which caused many prospectors to head west to strike it rich. But California also experienced a black gold rush when oil (petrol) was discovered.
Brea started as a village for oil field workers, but when the oil boom became the oil bust, Brea became a citrus producer with orange and lemon fields instead of drilling fields.
You can still see some oil drills on the hills above Brea, but they are dwindling.
Over the years, Brea turned into an important retail center because of the large Brea Mall, several mini-malls, and the recently redeveloped Brea Downtown.
Read more about Brea's history here.
Main Attractions
Brea Downtown
Brea's downtown area underwent a major revitalization project in the 2000s and became a meeting place for Brea residents and visitors for the food and the entertainment.
You can enjoy a movie at Edwards Theaters, or catch a comedy show at the Improve or just take a stroll between the shops and restaurants.
Downtown has a large variety of cuisine to satisfy every taste.
Some of the amazing restaurants that I love here are Bruxie, Elbows Mac n' Cheese and Roll Em Up Taquitos, Cha cha's Latin kitchen and Bruno's Italian kitchen, TAPS fish house, Yard house, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ, and Izakaya.
There's also ample parking, whether on the street or in the parking structures.
Not Another Escape Room
If you love the challenge of escape rooms, you will love this one where your objective is not to escape - but to find the clues, solve the puzzles, and complete the objective before time runs out.
And if you love science fiction, pick the Time Machine Room. When you enter, you are informed that the time machine's inventor went missing.
Your mission is to investigate this disappearance, locate the missing scientist and prove once and for all if time travel is even possible.
Brea Improv
Who doesn’t like to laugh? If you love comedy, the Brea Improv is a good place to bust your gut.
I recently went with my wife to watch a specific comedian, but we were surprised by the long lineup of acts – both local and visiting.
The Brea Improv has a 500-seat showroom with a nice theater for the performers. The back wall is electronic and can adapt based on the show.
Read more about the Improv here.
Shopping
Shopping, of course! With the Brea Mall occupying more than a million square feet and full of major stores like Macy's and Nordstrom, you must spend some time here.
Besides the big-name store, you can find plenty of boutique shops, electronics, games, and restaurants.
A large food court offers a sampling of world foods for every taste.
The Outdoors
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy several parks like Sports Park, Arovista Park, Craig Regional Park, Tri-City Park. Close to the city, you can visit Carbon Canyon and Chino Hills parks.
Brea Sports Park
This is a large park with a play area, ball fields, walking, and hiking trails. The play area is divided for children 2-5 years of age and 5-12 years.
It is the perfect park for kids who love slides, climbing steps, climb-up poles, and walls. The ground is made from foamy cushion rubber, protecting kids from most falls.
There is a lot of shade on the playground and the parking lot.
Note: The field use is prioritized for Brea-based organizations through arrangements with the Community Services Department.
Arovista Park
Arovista is another large park in Brea Featuring play areas, barbecues, picnic tables, restrooms, baseball diamond, soccer fields, volleyball court, amphitheater, concession stand, football field, and basketball courts. It is lighted so that you can enjoy night games.
Giant Birch trees help keep this park shaded for more enjoyable hot days. The park also has a lot of room for walking and jogging.
Craig Regional Park
This park is managed by Orange County and is characterized by rolling hills, a large variety of trees, a small lake, three year-round creeks, and a rose garden.
The park offers many walkways, playgrounds, picnic tables and park benches, bicycling, and hiking/walking trails.
A three-acre lake is visited by many annual migratory birds - and Fishing is allowed with a License. You can also launch model radio-controlled sailboats.
Six picnic shelters and two group areas provide shade with tables and barbecues. In addition, there are picnic tables and barbeques scattered throughout the facility.
The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including three softball fields, one baseball field, jogging trails, and a sports complex with basketball, volleyball, racquetball/handball courts and horseshoe pits.
Tri-City Park
The park is officially in the city of Placentia, but it borders Brea and Yorba Linda.
A variety of recreational opportunities, including bicycling, walking, model sailboating, Fishing, and playgrounds, are available.
An 8-acre lake gives the park a natural beauty and attracts many migratory birds along with the ducks and geese.
Fishing for catfish and bluegill is allowed with a California Fish and Game License. Launching of model radio-controlled sailboats is also permitted.
When I used to work in Brea, I used to bring my bag lunch here and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing meal on the lake before going back to the grind of work.
Dining
Yes, you can eat in Brea Downtown or at the Brea Mall, but the dining scene in Brea is not limited to those places. Some of my favorite restaurants are scattered around town.
Cheesecake Factory
This one is on the Brea Mall grounds but detached. At the factory, we come for the cheesecake, but we stay for the great food and drinks.
This is by far my favorite restaurant chain, and the menu is so huge it requires some studying before ordering.
They offer sandwiches, steak and seafood, flatbread and pizza, and pasta dishes.
The dessert menu is phenomenal. You can start with the traditional cheesecake, but be adventurous and try oreo® dream extreme, cinnabon®, cinnamon swirl, or even the low carb cheesecake.
El Torito Grill
Before you even order, they bring you freshly cooked tortilla or chips with three different types of salsa and sweet butter.
Their margaritas are excellent too, but if you prefer something different, they have a selection of cocktails.
Some of my favorite dishes here are the Fajita, Shrimp Enchiladas, and any of their combos.
For dessert, you can pick deep-fried ice cream, berry tostada, or Mexican flan.
Brea Improv
Brea Improv anaheimerWho doesn’t like to laugh? If you love comedy, the Brea Improv is a good place to bust your gut.
I recently went with my wife to watch a specific comedian, but we were surprised by the long lineup of acts – both local and visiting.
The Brea Improv has a 500-seat showroom with a nice theater for the performers. The back wall is electronic and can adapt based on the show.
The performers covered a variety of comedy styles. Most were amazing and made the room erupt in laughter continuously. A few were not so successful but we encouraged them for trying.
During our visit, the headliner was Ahmed Ahmed, an Egyptian-American actor, comedian, producer, and director. In 2014, he starred as “Ahmed” on TBS’ hit comedy series Sullivan & Son. His act was brilliant and non-discriminating. He poked fun at everyone and was extremely funny.
The improv serves food and drinks that you can enjoy before or during the show. I was not very impressed with the food.
We ordered the chicken club sandwich and beef tacos. The tacos were just ok and the club was dry and tasteless. I did see other people enjoying their food, so maybe I just picked the wrong dish.
The drinks were excellent. They had a variety of beers and wines and a full bar. I tried the Blue Moon IPA and my wife ordered several mixed drinks.
The Improv has a busy schedule of standup comedy and concerts. Go to their website here to find the next act and buy tickets.
All in all our experience was excellent. We loved the showroom, the drinks and most of all the comedians.
Brea Improv
180 S Brea Blvd, Brea, CA 92821Phone: (714) 482-0700
Buena Park, CA
Buena Park, CA anaheimerBuena Park means "the beautiful park" in Spanish and is a small city on the edge of Orange County and bordering LA County.
It is primarily a residential area with single-family homes, but its claim to fame is the entertainment zone that includes Knott’s Berry Farm amusement parks, Pirates Dinner Adventure, Medieval Times, and a few upscale restaurants.
Let’s start with Buena Park’s E-Zone.
The Entertainment Zone
Knott’s Berry Farm
It all started as a berries stand beside a family farm in Orange County, CA. Soon, the Knott family added preserves and pies, then the famous Mrs. Knott’s chicken restaurant. To keep customers waiting to be seated entertained, the Knott’s added shops and attractions and later built a ghost town.
A major entertainment company now owns the property and has grown into a major theme park with several themed towns and many rides to satisfy every taste.
On our recent visit to Knott’s, the kids and I had a blast. We went on a Friday and were lucky that the park was not crowded. We went on many rides, and we could ride more than once on some of the popular ones.
Bigfoot Rapids, Pony Express, Ghost Rider, and the Silver Bullet are some of the most popular rides.
There is also an area dedicated to the younger kids.
You can read the whole of Knott’s guide here.
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA
Pirates Dinner Adventure
The name says it all—a great place to watch a pirate show and enjoy dinner.
The show was excellent and performed mostly on a huge 18th-century Spanish galleon anchored in a 250,000-gallon indoor lagoon.
It was also interactive, with my wife and two kids selected to participate in one of the races. Many other children were chosen from other activities, and they were thrilled to be pirates for a day.
The three-course meal served with the show was very good and filling.
You can read more about Pirates Dinner Adventure here
7600 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA
Medieval Times
Going to Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament feels like stepping back in time to an age of castles, kings, knights and stallions, battles of honor and chivalry, and great duels to the death.
If you enjoy movies like The Sword in the Stone or shows like Merlin, then you will feel at home in this medieval 11th-century castle.
The show is a big production with as many as 75 actors, 20 horses, many weapons, and a large arena.
During the tournament, you witness awesome sword fights, jousting matches, and a falconer showing off the grace and obedience of her Falcon.
As for the food, when we decided to visit Medieval Times, we weren’t expecting a gourmet meal, but we were pleasantly surprised with a good and filling meal.
Read more about Medieval Times here.
7662 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA
Outdoor Recreation
The city of Buena Park has several open spaces for outdoor activities, including the Ralph B. Clark Regional Park – a large space with lakes, picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails.
Ralph B. Clark Regional Park
The parklands range from large open grass areas to gently rolling hills of native plants to sheer sandstone cliffs to the north.
For sports enthusiasts, the park offers sand volleyball courts, three softball fields, and a baseball diamond and tennis courts.
The park also has an interactive center that allows the visitors to explore the prehistoric history of Orange County through displays, programs, and guided tours.
8800 Rosecrans Ave, Buena Park, CA
Dining
Dining in Buena Park is an adventure where you can discover cuisines from around the world. You can enjoy dinner and show, upscale restaurants, hole-in-the-wall places, and, of course, fast food if that is your desire.
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong (Korean Bbq)
Orange County is full of Korean BBQ restaurants, so it is hard to decide where to go.
But I think I found the perfect place to try Korean BBQ.
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong is located inside a mostly Korean strip mall in Buena Park.
Every table in this place has a grill in the middle. As you are seated, you will notice that the table is already full of appetizers and condiments around the grill.
The best way to experience this place is to order a combo of meats for the whole table.
For the two of us, we ordered the beef combo, which came with Thinly Sliced Brisket, Prime Marinated Beef, Prime Boneless Short Rib, Soybean Paste, and Kimchi Stew.
The best thing about this experience is that the waiter will grill the meat for you to perfection. Of course, you can do the grilling yourself if you are so inclined.
We devoured our beef with a large selection of sides, including kimchi, boiled potato slicked with sugar and soy, fish cake noodles, sheets of rice paper, and a bean sprout salad.
The meal was satisfying, the service excellent, and the price very reasonable.
The restaurant we visited is in Buena Park, but they also have a location in Los Angeles.
5171 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621
Ozen Sushi
A little shack in a residential area is hard to miss, but if you love Sushi, you must stop here.
Ozen offers a large selection of rolls, Sushi, Sashimi, and hand-rolls – ala-cart and all-you-can-eat. Everything is fresh and tasty.
We usually get the all-you-can-eat option and try new things along with our favorites. We tried the Ozen roll, Crunch roll, Rainbow roll, and salmon and tuna sushi during our last visit. We also had crunch and spicy tuna hand-rolls. All came out as expected and mouth-watering.
For dessert, we enjoyed several flavors of their ice cream macarons. Our favorites were green tea and mango.
While visiting, you can also try their selection of Japanese beers and Saki.
If you prefer, you can order from the extensive menu with Bento boxes and non-sushi items. All bento boxes come with rolls, tempura, and miso soup.
7185 Lincoln Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620Outback Steakhouse
Steak lovers can’t miss this American Cuisine restaurant. The steaks are cooked just right, and the service is excellent.
For starters, we ordered their famous bloomin’ onion and coconut shrimp. Both were very tasty.
We tried steak with unlimited shrimp, baby-back ribs, halibut, and the Philly cheesesteak sandwich for our main courses.
We completed our meal with the “Chocolate Thunder from Down Under” – a delight of pecan brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, warm chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.
7575 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620Claim Jumper
This place is for you if you love traditional American cuisine, especially steak and potato.
It was difficult to find a table here due to long waits, but recently, they started to take reservations.
Some of the delicious selections here are classic cheeseburger, chicken pot pie, meatloaf & mashed potatoes, BBQ baby back ribs, and prime center-cut filet.
On a recent visit, we tried the ribs, chicken Pot Pie, and the Country Fried Steak. We loved every choice.
The service was also excellent. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. He made us feel welcome.
We ended our meal with a scrumptious Berry Butter Cake.
School Food
Usually, whenever I hear “School Food,” I cringe. It mostly brings back bad memories. But this Korean restaurant changed my mind. I wonder if Korean kids actually eat this food at school.
The place offers tasty dishes like Spicy Ramen, Soup Topokki, Spam Rolls, Kimchi Fried Rice, and Mari Special Rolls. If you are very hungry or ordering for a group, try the Combo Roll.
This restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the newest mall in OC – The Source.
6940 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621Shopping
Until recently, the Buena Park Mall was the only shopping area worth mentioning. However several new hot spots opened up with unique shopping and entertainment offerings.
Buena Park Mall and Krikorian Theaters
This place used to be the hob of shopping and fun in Buena Park and still offers a lot of great places.
You have the two main anchor stores, Sears and Walmart, with many unique shops in between.
Several restaurants are located inside the mall and around, offering many dining options.
You can visit Buffalo Wild Wings, Aburi Sushi, and John’s Incredible Pizza (and arcade) in the mall.
Around the mall, you can dine at places like Olive Garden, Chillies, and Asia Buffet.
Krikorian Multiplex, with 18 theaters, is always showing the latest movies, comfortable reclining seats, and great sound.
8390 La Palma Ave, Buena Park, CA
The Source
The source is the newest addition to Buena Park’s shopping experience. The multilevel mall has shops and restaurants with a primarily Korean feel. They even have a K-Pop music store with album sales and merchandise.
CGV cinema shows the latest mainstream movies along with foreign films. You can enjoy some movies while experiencing 4DX.
The 4DX experience allows films to be augmented with various practical effects, including motion seats, wind, strobe lights, simulated snow, and scents.
6940 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA
Beach Galleria Mall
This mini-mall has a unique collection of stores and restaurants. You must visit this place if you love Japanese and Korean cuisine and merchandise.
Some of the great places here are 85-degree Bakery, Baekjeong Korean Bbq, Sup Noodle Bar, H Mart, and Daiso Japan (Variety).
Note: South La Mirada Rd splits the mall into two sections. The stores mentioned here are in the north section.
5171 County Hwy N8, Buena Park, CA
VR Universe, Buena Park
VR Universe, Buena Park anaheimerVR Universe is a virtual reality games center at The Source, Buena Park.
The Source is a four-story shopping, dining, and entertainment complex mainly geared towards the Asian population of Orange County, with Korean, Chinese, and Japanese stores and restaurants.
The mall is becoming more international with American, Italian, and Mexican choices.
If you have a couple of hours to kill while at the source, head to VR Universe on the third floor for some mindless fun.
I say mindless because you don’t have to use your brain too much, just your coordination skills.
The place has Chinese VR equipment, including a few one-person games and two group game cages.
When we first entered, we were greeted by friendly staff who explained the games and made suggestions.
We picked the cage games and selected two to try: Dead Hospital and a Jurassic-themed game.
The VR headset was very good, with a comfortable fit and clear picture.
The Dead Hospital game was basically a Zombie Attach, and the Jurassic game had many Dynos attacking us from every angle.
Both games were fun to play and very intense, but there were some shortcomings.
There was no way for the players to communicate and coordinate. I would have appreciated coordination when facing foes from every direction.
There was no indication of the player’s health or the remaining shots in our weapons, and when some instructions were displayed, they were in Chinese.
The car and motorcycle races looked like fun, but we didn’t try them during this visit.
If you are a diehard gamer, you probably should skip this place. Otherwise, go have fun and ignore the shortcomings.
California Adventures
California Adventures anaheimerIn my travels, I constantly seek out exhilarating experiences, ranging from serene to extreme. Activities like skiing, off-roading, surfing, air combat simulations, glider flights, and canyoneering top my list. This guide offers insights into these adventures and more, perfect for thrill-seekers.
Below is a curated list of my top adventure picks in California. Some destinations might require a bit of a drive, but the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Follow the links for in-depth stories and details (Note: Some links redirect to external sites).
Exhilarating Adventures
Zipline Thrills
Experience the rush of ziplining over Catalina Island's lush landscapes. The island, easily accessible by boat, offers an Eco Zipline Tour that combines adrenaline with stunning vistas. Discover more here.
Book the Catalina Zipline Tour here.
Air Combat Experiences
Feel the thrill of aerial dogfights in vintage fighter planes over California's sunny skies or the Nevada desert. Available in Fullerton, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Book this unique adventure here.
ATV and Dirt Bike Excursions
Embrace your inner daredevil with a day of ATV or Dirt Bike riding in the vast California deserts. Options are available for all ages and skill levels. Explore my favorite spots for ATV fun:
- Ocotillo Wells
- Oceano Dunes
- Palm Springs
- ATV Rentals near Palm Springs (Ocotillo Wells)
- Hummer or Jeep Off-Road Adventures
- Explore Joshua Tree National Park by Jeep
- San Andreas Fault Jeep Tour from Palm Springs.
Scenic Airplane Tours
Enjoy a bird's-eye view of California's iconic landmarks, cities, and coastlines with an expertly guided airplane tour. Experience Los Angeles from above here.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
For a serene yet thrilling experience, a hot air balloon ride is a must-try. The gentle ascent offers a unique perspective of the landscape below.
Bike Tours
Explore the beauty of coastal San Diego or the scenic 17-mile drive in Monterey on a guided bike tour. Options range from family-friendly to more adventurous routes. Learn about the La Jolla Plunge Bike Tour here and discover the Monterey e-bike adventure here.
Bungee Jumping Off the Bridge to Nowhere
Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with a bungee jump from the Bridge to Nowhere, nestled in Southern California's rugged canyons.
Canyoneering Adventures
Embark on a canyoneering journey, traversing mountain trails, rappelling beside waterfalls, and navigating through streams and canyons.
Read about my adventure on Mt. San Antonio here.
Glider Flights
After experiencing the simulated flight at California Adventure, take to the skies for real with a serene glider flight over San Diego County.
Helicopter Tours
See Southern California from a new perspective with a helicopter tour over downtown LA, Hollywood, or the coastline. For the adventurous, some tours offer a chance to pilot the helicopter.
Indoor Skydiving
Simulate the thrill of skydiving in a safe, controlled environment with indoor skydiving. Perfect for families and first-timers. Find out more here.
Jet Ski Adventures
Experience the thrill of jet skiing on the open water, a perfect choice for those hot summer days. Read about the Catalina Jet Ski adventure here and discover Jet Skiing in the Emerald Coast here.
Paragliding:
Paragliding offers an unparalleled sense of freedom, soaring with the wind as your guide. Weather-dependent, this adventure is a must for those seeking the ultimate flight experience.
Snorkeling
Immerse yourself in the underwater world with a snorkeling adventure. Catalina Island offers some of the best spots for up-close encounters with marine life.
Surfing Lessons
Learn to surf with professional instructors at iconic locations like Huntington Beach, Dana Point, or San Clemente.
Rock Climbing
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, Joshua Tree National Park offers some of the best rock climbing experiences in the world.
Ocean Fishing
Embark on an ocean fishing adventure with expert guides around Catalina Island, Newport Beach, and Dana Point, equipped with all the necessary gear for a successful catch.
Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park anaheimerFinding a secluded area in Southern California to step away from civilization and commune with nature is hard, but luckily for us, the Channel Islands are a short boat ride away with beautiful nature and great adventures.
The eight islands making up the Channel Islands are only a few miles away from the coast of Southern California, but they might as well be worlds away. Those islands have never been connected to the mainland, so they have their own species of animals and plants.
The sea level was much lower during the ice age, so the channel between the Channel Islands and the mainland was much shallower. The Chumash natives used canoes to travel the short distance and live off the land and the sea.
Now, the islands are mostly uninhabited, except for Santa Catalina Island. (Read more here).
Interesting facts: The Channel Islands are often called the North America’s Galapagos for its unique wildlife that can only be found on the island.
Five of those islands are now protected as part of the National Park. No private ownership is allowed, and no development of any kind. Visitation to this national park is limited, so you have a good chance to find the solitude you seek.
This archipelago offers many opportunities for nature lovers to hike, snorkel, or canoe through some interesting caves.
Interesting facts: About 10% of the global blue whale population passes through the Channel Islands National Park each summer, making it home to the largest aggregation of blue whales in the world.
If you don’t own your own boat, then there are only two ways to get to this national park. The most common way is to hitch a boat ride with the “Island Packers” concessionaire from Ventura Harbor or Oxnard. The boat ride is between 1.5 to 2 hours – sometimes more. The Island Packers captains like to stop for wildlife along the way.
If you are so inclined, you can fly to the islands. “Channel Islands Aviation” will take on ½ day, full day, or overnight trips to Santa Rosa Island. This flight will cost you a minimum of $1200.
If you have your own boat, you can explore independently. The Channel Islands National Park website has special instructions for boaters. Read carefully before you go.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz is the largest island in the archipelago off the coast of California. It is about twenty-two miles long with a coastline that has steep cliffs, gigantic sea caves, coves, and sandy beaches. It is a haven for nature lovers with many hiking trails, camping, kayaking, and snorkeling.
This island is home to animal species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world, like the Santa Cruz Island Horse, the Island Scrub-Jay, and the Santa Cruz Island Fox. The fox is very cute and prevalent everywhere you go on the island.
Interesting Facts: The weather at the islands is usually very mild with temperatures hovering in the 60 and 70, but they do get cold and hot spills, so check the weather ahead of your visit
There are two ways to get to the island: by sea. Island Packers boats can moor at Scorpion Anchorage or at Prisoners Harbor. Each has a distinctive character and unique chances for adventure.
Tip: After you disembark from the boat and after a short walk look for large metal lockers. It is important to leave all food and drinks in those lockers to prevent tampering by wildlife. Also, it is convenient to keep your heavy stuff so you won’t have to lug it around during your activities.
At Scorpion Anchorage, you can see the remnants of the ranching era, stay at Scorpion Ranch Campground, check out the exhibits at the visitor center, go on hikes to Potato Harbor or Cavern Point Loop, or just relax at the beach.
Interesting Facts: Santa Cruz Island has one of the largest known sea caves in the world: Painted Cave.
At Prisoners Harbor, you can stay at Del Norte Camp – after a grueling 7-mile hike or hike to Pelican Bay.
At each point, you can go on a ranger-guided hike for an introduction to the island and its flora and fauna.
During our visit in September, we disembarked at Scorpion Anchorage and went on a guided hike with a volunteer ranger.
Before the hike, we had to listen to some instructions about the island. We were reminded that it is a conservation effort, so we cannot take anything out. It is also important to remember to take our trash out with us.
Tip: There are no concessionaires on the island. Don’t expect to buy food or water. Make sure to bring enough for your stay. The one source of water at Scorpion campground is not reliable. It is often infested with Yellow Jackets.
After the mandatory lecture, we took off on the Cavern Point Loop hiking trail. The trail goes through the visitor center and campground and up a steep incline to reach the cliffs overlooking some spectacular views.
This is considered a short and easy hike – around two miles – with a few steep inclines.
On the day of our hike, the weather was too hot. We needed lots of water and a few stops before we reached the top. In the end, it was worth the effort.
From the top, you can see Ventura and Santa Barbara in the distance. Looking down, you can see some sea caves and kelp forests.
Interesting Facts: Although the island is closest to the city of Ventura (20 miles), it is actually part of Santa Barbara County.
Heading back, we decided to continue the loop on our own. Most people in the group doubled back for an easier exit. The trail we took hugged the cliffs, affording us much better views. The drawback was the steep steps we had to take down back to the visitor center.
Since we were heading back the same day, we didn’t have time to do another hike. We just ate lunch at a picnic table in the shade and lazed around on the beach until departure.
Tip: The beach next to Scorpion Anchorage is very rocky. If you plan to wade into the surf, you should wear water shoes or sandals.
During our next trip, we will camp out and venture deeper into the island. We will also join a kayaking guided tour through the caves.
The concessioner, Island Packers, has a booth close to the campground where you can rent snorkels or kayaks or arrange a tour – but if you didn’t book in advance, you might be out of luck. For information and reservations, you can go to Island Packers.
Other Islands in the National Park
There are four more islands to explore in this Galapagos of the North. Each has its own distinct character and opportunity for adventure. Soon, I will be visiting Santa Barbara, Anacapa, San Miguel, and Santa Rosa Islands and writing about them. If you have been to those places, please send me your experiences and photos.
Kayaking the Channel Islands
Kayaking the Channel Islands anaheimerThe Channel Islands are only a 1-hour boat ride from the coast of Southern California but might as well be a world away.
Once you cross the channel separating the archipelago from the mainland, you are already in a unique environment with steep cliffs, verdant valleys, and indigenous flora and fauna. The climate is also much cooler than the mainland.
The waters around the 5 protected islands are teaming with marine sea life and kelp forests with lots of caves carved into the cliff walls by the relentless ocean surf.
Read more about the Channel Island National Park here.
The pristine nature, clear waters, cliffs, and caves make this park ideal for an adventure in Kayaking and Snorkeling.
To go Kayaking in the national park you can either bring your own equipment or you can go with the only outfitter on the Island: Channel Islands Adventure Company.
Tip: If you are bringing your own Kayaks, make sure to reserve space for your equipment with Island Packers.
Channel Islands Adventure Company offers several Kayaking adventures and Snorkel rentals. We recently went on their “Discovery Sea Cave Kayak” tour and we had a blast. This tour takes place around Santa Cruz Island and starts at Scorpion Anchorage.
Tip: Before you go on any of the Kayaking tours, carefully read the instruction on the website and on your reservation confirmation.
This was our first time Kayaking and I was very apprehensive about venturing into the ocean and fighting the waves, but I am glad we did.
The guides were very professional and friendly. After getting outfitted with floatation jackets, helmets, and water shoes we hiked to the launch location at the beach. The water wasn’t cold so we did not need wetsuits. They are available if you need them.
Tip: Make sure to leave enough time between your island arrival time and your tour start time to change into your swim attire and get outfitted with your gear.
The guides gave us detailed instructions on Kayaking, but being a newbie, I had a lot of questions. We practiced on dry land using the paddle, responding to hand signals, and jumping back on the kayak in case we flipped over. In retrospect, I think we needed more hands-on practice in the water.
Tip: The beach is very rocky so make sure to wear water shoes. If you didn’t bring any, you can borrow some from the outfitter, but there is no guarantee you will find your size.
We started paddling away from the beach towards our first cave. As soon as we left the protection of the harbor we started fighting the waves and the wind. The sea on that day was a little rough.
As we skimmed the surface we could see all kinds of fish swimming around the kelp. The kelp got very thick in some areas and hindered our paddles, but we managed to get to our first cave.
This cave is actually more like a tunnel. It cuts through the cliffs and opens up on the other end of the Island. This acted like a wind tunnel making entering the cave mouth more difficult - but we pushed through and made it to the other mouth. What a great feeling of accomplishment.
Tip: If you never kayaked before then remember: 1. Sit up straight – make sure you have good back support. 2. To get the best out of your paddles, the strength of your pull is not everything. The length of time you pull the paddle through the water is key. 3. When you paddle, make sure the concave side is sweeping through the water. Get some more tips at REI.
A few kayaks in our group were trailing way behind so the guides took turns towing them closer to the group.
Once everyone made it through the first cave, it was decision time. The winds kicked up and the seas became rougher, so the guides gave the group a choice: Head back or continue to the next cave. We all choose to continue.
Tip: There are no services on the island, so you have to bring your own water and food and take your trash out with you. The outfitter station provides some water so you can refill your canteens or water bottles.
The second cave wasn’t as dramatic. It was larger with a closed-end. We had fun paddling into it and admiring the view from inside. Afterward, we turned around and headed back to our launch point. Paddling back, the wind was on our backs speeding up our return to the shore.
Kayaking to and through the caves is great fun, but just being on the water paddling close to the cliffs and battling the waves is a wonderful experience.
Tip: you have to walk for some distance from the beach the outfitter station where you will hand the gear and change clothes. So make sure you have enough time to make it back to the boat. After our tour, we barely made it in time to board.
The tour took around 2 hours. By the time we got back to the beach, I was exhausted and every muscle was hurting, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. As a matter of fact, I am planning to go with the Adventure Company on their full day “Painted Cave Kayak Tour” – which includes breakfast, lunch, and Snorkeling.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park anaheimerThe first time I saw Joshua Tree NP, I thought I just crossed through the twilight zone and into another planet. The eerie landscape, rock formations, and the uncanny Joshua trees combine to transport me to a different state of mind.
This 800,000-acre park straddles the Mojave and Sonoran deserts in California. It is home to the most stunning rock piles, mountain ranges, desert views, and an unexpected oasis here and there.
The park was named after the most prevalent tree in the area. Mormons passing through the area called it Joshua Tree because it resembled their prophet, Joshua, praying to God.
Within the NP boundaries, you can enjoy an abundance of hiking and biking trails, bouldering, and camping. The park is also a world-famous destination for rock climbers.
Tip: You don’t have to be a professional rock climber to enjoy the rocks at Joshua Tree NP. A lot of formations are easy to climb. My family and I often scramble up the rock formation, find the path of least resistance and end up at the top with stunning views of desert and trees.
It took Mother Nature millions of years and many cataclysmic events to finally present us with this natural wonder. It all started with cooling lava flows. Then underground streams started the lengthy process of sculpting the rocks. Mix in several tectonic shifts and several millions of years of wind and rain erosion. The result is unique formations like the Wonderland of Rocks, Arch Rock, and Skull Rock.
For more details about the natural history of Joshua Tree NP, visit the official website here or at Wikipedia.
There are many ways to enjoy this colossal park. It all depends on your interests and how much time you have. The best way to enjoy it is to camp for a few nights at one of the campgrounds. The advantage of camping overnight is that you can explore the park at your own pace.
Tip: Temperatures in this high desert can soar to 100's during the summer month. If you visit during the hot months, make sure you have plenty of water.
During the day, explore the campground area or take trips to various hiking trails and rock formations. During the night, enjoy an unobstructed view of the stars – no city lights to spoil the view.
If roughing it under the stars is not your thing, some camps offer RV sites. There are a total of nine campgrounds to choose from – only 2 have water and toilets (Black Rock Canyon and Cottonwood).
Not planning to camp out? You can take a day trip and explore a few sites. Finally, you can always stay in a motel in one of the nearby towns, like Twenty-Nine Palms. Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley – or drive from Palm Springs.
Whether you are camping or day-tripping, make sure you explore some of the following:
Start at the North Entrance (29 Palms)
From highway 62, take the Utah trail into the park. Stop at Oasis visitor center for passes, maps, guided tours, and souvenirs. Keep going on the Utah trail and show your passes or pay at the gate.
Tip: If you arrive after hours, the attendants may be already gone. If that happens, be ready to pay on your way out.
Take Park Boulevard through the park. This main road passes several important stops and campgrounds like Live Oak; Skull Rock trail; Jumbo Rock campground; Geology Tour Road; Ryan Campground; Cap Rock trail and Hidden Valley trail.
Live Oak Picnic Area
"Live Oak" is a dramatic rock formation with a few oak trees at the base. It was named after an old Oak tree that still thrives between the rocks. Most Oaks in the park are too small to be called trees, but this one stands tall and healthy.
This is a day-use area, so no camping is allowed. But you can still enjoy a quick hike or climb the rocks for a better view of the surrounding area. You can also enjoy lunch or a snack at the few picnic tables or on top of a rock.
Jumbo Rock Campground – Skull Rock
A campground nestled around jumbo boulders. You don’t have to camp here to enjoy the views. Just before you reach this campground, you will say a sign on the road for “Skull Rock”. Park near the camp entrance or across the street, then take the 1.7 miles (2.74 km) hike around the area. Look for a rock that looks like a face or skull.
You can park on the street next to the sign, or you can go a little further and park at the camp – close to the entrance. Look for a rock that looks like a face or skull.
The best way to see Skull Rock is to hike a few feet on the right side of the road (away from Skull Rock) and climb to the top of the boulders. You can snap the best photos from this vantage point.
After you enjoy the view from across the street, head toward Skull Rock and scramble to the top of the boulders next to it. If you arrive at the right time, you can enjoy a dramatic view of the sun setting behind the rocks.
Tip: If you are planning to camp here, you must plan ahead. It is very popular and always crowded.
Related Books
Geology Motor Tour
An 18-mile motor tour leads through one of Joshua Tree National Park’s most fascinating landscapes.
Tip: The road is very rough on this tour, so 4-wheel drive vehicles are strongly recommended.
There are 16 stops along a dirt road, and it takes approximately two hours to make the round-trip. Get a self-guided tour brochure from the visitor center or at the start of the road.
Some of the highlights of the tour are Boulder Outcrops; Malapi Hill; Pleasant Valley and Gold Coin Camp.
If you are feeling adventurous, instead of turning back at the end of the Geology tour road, continue on to Berdoo Canyon drive. This is a more rugged road that takes you through a camp that was used by the California Aqueduct builders. This is a moderate to difficult drive for 4WD.
Hidden Valley Trail
Further along Park Boulevard (heading northwest) you will find this hidden nature trail. It is easy and family friendly. The trail winds between multicolored rocks. Watch out for a rock that looks like a Trojan’s head. Picnic tables are available.
Arch Rock Nature Trail
This trail is on Pinto Basin Road, which connects to Park Boulevard. After you go through the north entrance, turn left instead of right and stop at the White Tank campground.
The trail starts from the campground at site # 9. It winds through several rock formations, the most dramatic is a 25-foot rock that looks like an Arch. You can climb around and through the arch.
Nearby, you can visit the White Tank. A tank is a reservoir built by early settlers to collect rainwater and runoff.
Cottonwood Springs
If you keep going south on Pinto Basin Road, you will reach the Cottonwood visitor center.
From there you can easily get to a nature trail and a small oasis with California fan Palm trees. Another more difficult trail takes you to Lost Palms Oasis. This hike will take from 4 to 6 hours. The last part of the trail will climb to an overlook above the oasis.
After enjoying the view from the top, climb down a steep descent to take refuge under the palm trees. Also, from Cottonwood Springs, you can visit Mastodon Peak with sweeping views of the San Jacinto Mountains, Salton Sea, and the Sonoran Desert.
Joshua Tree, 49 Palms
This secluded oasis is hard to get to but worth the effort. After hiking through rugged terrain with an elevation gain of 350 feet (0.11 km), we were rewarded with palm trees and a spring.
Along the way, we encountered weird rock formations, hardy desert plants, and panoramic desert views. Many of the slopes were dotted with Red Barrel cacti, which add some color to this stark landscape.
The trail is well maintained with many steps in places to ease the climb – a little. After climbing steadily for about 45 minutes, we reached the summit then started climbing down. It was easy going from there, but we kept reminding ourselves that we had to climb another 350 feet (0.11 km) on the way back.
On the way down, we started to see the tops of palm trees peeking through the hills. That gave us hope that the journey is almost over.
Warning: This hike is considered moderately strenuous. If you have a heart condition or uncontrolled diabetes, you should avoid this hike.
It is both refreshing and surreal to find this green valley in the middle of this desolate desert. The palms are nestled around a spring with giant boulders all around. To get down to the spring level, we had to scramble down those boulders.
Our reward at the end of this grueling hike was a picnic lunch. We sat on the rocks and enjoyed our sandwiches and drinks. The place was crowded with hikers, but we managed to find a somewhat secluded spot for our lunch.
Note: This trail is only for hiking. The terrain is too rugged for biking.
The hike took us around 3 hours in total – One hour and change each way and a long rest at the oasis.
This oasis is located at the north end of the Joshua Tree National Park – on the outskirts of Twentynine Palms city. Although it is officially within the boundaries of the park, there is no entrance fee.
Plenty of parking is available at the trailhead and primitive restrooms. No facilities on the trail or at the oasis.
Stargazing
Living in cities, it is almost impossible to have a good view of the stars. You would have to go to a place like Joshua Tree NP for a wonderful view of the heavens.
In this high desert, it is easy to avoid the glare of human civilization. Just walk a few feet away from any road or camp, and you are in total darkness. Also, the skies are clear most nights of the year due to the low rainfall.
Read the full review stargazing article here.
Joshua Tree North Entrance
74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 (760) 367-5500Cottonwood Visitor Center
Pinto Basin Rd., Joshua Tree National Park, CAStargazing at Joshua Tree National Park
Stargazing at Joshua Tree National Park anaheimerLiving in cities, stargazing is almost impossible. You would have to go to a place like Joshua Tree NP for a fantastic view of the heavens.
In this high desert, avoiding the glare of human civilization is very easy. Just walk a few feet away from any road or camp, and you are in total darkness. Also, the low rainfall makes the skies clear most nights of the year.
Tip: To get the best view of the heavens, try to avoid the bright moon spoiling your view. Check the moon phase calendar here https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/usa/los-angeles
Sky is the Limit Observatory
For first-time stargazers, I recommend visiting the "Sky is the Limit Observatory," located just before the north park entrance and Twentynine Palms.
A large group of like-minded people gathers to enjoy the heavenly displays every Saturday.
Many volunteers bring their large telescopes, allowing people to view the Planets and Star Clusters.
Tip: When walking in the dark, use flashlights with red filters. Regular flashlights create a lot of light pollution and spoil the view for everyone.
You don't need a telescope to enjoy the show. Use your naked eye or binoculars to see many stars, constellations, the Milky Way, and a few shooting stars.
Best spots for stargazing
Campgrounds
If you happen to be camping at Joshua Tree, then all you must do is walk a few steps away from camper lights, where you will be plunged into total darkness.
Tip: It can get very cold at night in the high desert. Dress in layers and bring extra blankets.
Road pullouts
As you drive around the park, you will notice those pullouts or small parking spots. Many of them are next to popular points of interest, like Cap Rock, Jumbo Rocks, and Skull Rock. Wherever you park, walk a few feet away from the vehicles to enjoy a great sky view.
How to watch the stars
During my first stargazing visit, I wasn't fully prepared. I was trying to view the sky while standing up. I enjoyed some of the views, but before long, my neck started to hurt from looking up. I also got very cold, even while wearing a jacket.
I advise bringing a sleeping bag or thick blankets to lie on the ground. Lie down and cover up to enjoy an amazing view above.
Oceano Dunes SVRA
Oceano Dunes SVRA anaheimerSVRA stands for State Vehicular Recreation Area, which really means lots of fun and adventure for you and me.
Oceano Dunes is around 3 hours drive north of Los Angeles, CA - right next to Pismo Beach. The beautiful scenery along the way will make those 3 hours pass quickly.
Oceano Dunes is my favorite off-road adventure place. It has everything going for it. The weather is always perfect (or at least acceptable), it has lots of dunes, it is right on the beach, and it is right next to a gorgeous beach city: Pismo Beach – with restaurants, shops, beaches, and hotels.
You can use any type of vehicle on the dunes. People bring their 4-wheelers, ATVs, UTE, or dirt bikes to play on the sand and on the beach.
You can also rent a vehicle at one of the rental shops right outside the park on Pier ave. See the list of shops below.
Once you set up your rental, you can pick it up inside the SVRA area.
You can camp right in the park, but for people who would like to avoid roughing it, you can rent an Airbnb, motel, or hotel room in several cities around Oceano Dunes.
You can also make it a day trip from Anaheim. Because the highway to Oceano Dunes passes through major population areas, you are never far away from a restaurant, rest stop or lodging.
If you plan to camp then make reservations ahead of time. The available spots disappear quickly. Call 1-800-444-7275 or visit the California parks reservations website www.reserveamerica.com.
Tip: Although weather is almost always great for off-road fun, you still need to plan ahead. Under some rain and wind conditions, crossing the Arroyo Grande Creek into the SVRA might become treacherous, especially for RVs.
The dunes area available for off-road activity is around 1,500 acres. It used to be 3,500 but 2000 acres were set aside for preservation and restoration. The park is threatened with closure due to pressure from environmentalists. So please tread carefully around protected areas, read and obey the park rules.
Tip: The dunes are always changing. When you first take your ATV on the sand, go slow and get familiar with the crests, dips and doughnuts.
The best way to enjoy the dunes is to start at the beginning of the sand highway between markers 4 and 5. The first time through, take the highway all the way to the border of the SVRA. This will give you an idea about the expanse of this park. On the way back, you can start making excursions into other dunes and valleys.
The park has many diverse formations. You can find an immense dune with a pointy ridge – jumping the ridge is somewhat dangerous, but trying to balance along the rim is thrilling enough for me. You can find little dunes – with little jumps. You can find a huge depression shaped like a bowl, in which you can ride your ATV around the rim. If you lose speed while you are trying to run the rim of this bowl, you will tumble all the way down – and laugh about it.
Tip: There is a reason for every safety rule at the park. Please follow the rules. Most importantly, make sure that your flag pole is standing straight and high enough to be noticed by other vehicles coming from behind a dune. And please wear a helmet!
A great interactive map of the park is available at http://www.ccwheelers.com/intermap.html - with photos of each landmark.
Tip: Rental places tell you to park on the street on Pier Ave, but be aware that parking is extremely difficult so consider taking an Uber or Lyft.
I recently rented two ATVs from Steve's for one hour and had a blast with my daughter. We were fortunate to find parking on the street, and we hitched a ride with their shuttle to their location near post # 2.
We watched a short safety video, received our helmets and goggles, received some instructions on the ATV operation, and then took off.
We picked the automatic ATV, and it was straightforward to operate. All we had to worry about was the throttle and the brakes, although I never touched the brakes. My duaghter's ATV stalled at one point, and she had to push the start button.
We booked one hour only, and it was more than enough to explore the dunes. By the end of the hour, my palms were red and my thumbs were hurting, but it was worth it.
This wasn't my first experience at Oceano Dunes and it wouldn't be the last.
North Park Entrance End of Grand Avenue Grover Beach CA South Park Entrance End of Pier Avenue Oceano CARanger Station:
(805) 473-7220
ATV Rentals at Oceano Dunes
BJ's ATV Rentals
http://www.bjsatvrentals.com
197 Grand Avenue
Grover Beach, CA 93433
Tel: 805-481-5411
Steve's ATV
http://www.stevesatv.com
332 Pier Ave.
Oceano, CA 93445
Tel: 805-481-2597
Arnie's ATV Rentals
311 Pier Ave
Oceano, CA 93445
Tel: 805-474-6060
Ocotillo Wells SVRA
Ocotillo Wells SVRA anaheimerSVRA stands for State Vehicular Recreation Area, which really means lots of fun and adventure for you and I.
Ocotillo Wells is part of the much larger “Anza-Borrego Desert State Park”. It was set aside for off-road vehicle recreation. It is a great place to experience the solitude of the beautiful desert, gaze at the stars or go wild with your 4-wheel drive SUV, ATV or dirt bike.
The park is a long drive from LA and Orange Counties, but closer to San Diego and Palm Springs.
You probably want to camp for the night. Depending on the weather, you can make it as casual or as professional as you like. My son and I used to sleep in the back of my SUV – with the seats pulled down. It does get cold at night, so make sure you have good sleeping bags or thick blankets.
Three camping areas are available with shades, toilets and fire rings. But you are not limited to the camping areas. You can camp anywhere you like – just be weary of possible riders around you. There are no fees for camping or using the SVRA. Most campgrounds are accessible by RVs.
Tip: Before you enter the SVRA (from Highway 78), keep going until you find the ranger station in the town of Ocotillo Wells. You can pick maps, self-guided tour information and tips from the rangers and you can pick up some supplies from town.
Once you get your maps and stake out a camping place, now you are ready for the fun. Explore the many rock formations and sand dunes. Stay away from protected areas. Some areas are protected to allow the various native plants and animals to recover and thrive. While other areas are protected because of archeological finds.
ATV Rentals
Most people don't own their own equipment. There are many ATV rental shops close to the park.
You can try the highly rated San Diego Motor Sport Rentals - 5965 US Hwy. 78 - Ocotillo Wells, Borrego 92004 - (760) 767-4020.
Also nearby Quad Shop - 6001 CA-78, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 - (760) 238-3839
It is highly recommended that you call ahead and reserve your ATVs.
Some of the most popular trails and formations:
BLOW SAND HILL:
This is probably the biggest sand dune in the area. It is very popular with all kinds of vehicles. I was able to drive my Isuzu Rodeo SUV up and down the hill and I have seen a lot of dirt bikes and ATVs.
DEVIL’S SLIDE:
Experience the thrill of sliding down a 200 foot-high hill or try to climb the 200’ using your dirt bike or ATV. Many try, but few succeed.
Tip: Because of the sand dunes and valleys, your vehicle might become invisible to other riders around you. You must mount a flag or a whip to make sure you will remain visible from a long distance.
SHELL REEF:
Looking at it now, it is hard to believe that this area used to be under sea level about 40 million years ago. Park under the reef and go exploring. You will find shells and pieces of the reef.
The rangers ask that you do not ride your vehicles on and around this formation.
San Felipe Wash (and others):
You can also have the time of your life riding along the main washes. San Felipe Wash runs all the way from the west end of the park back to highway 78. You can go under the highway and up to a store and restaurant. You can speed up a little bit along the wash because it is mainly open and flat, but watch out for the rocks and driftwood. Stay away from the wash on rainy days.
Tip: There is no water available in the area. Bring plenty with you, especially on warm days.
Location:
5172 Highway 78Borrego Springs CA
Ranger Station:
(760) 767-5391 (Don't hesitate to call for help)
More information at: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1217
Even more at: http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Ocotillo_Wells_OHV_Area.
Books about adventures in California:
- Anza-borrego Desert Region: A Guide to State Park & Adjacent Areas of the Western Colorado Desert
- Fodor's Southern California 2009: with Central Coast, Yosemite, Los Angeles, and San Diego (Fodor's Gold Guides)
- Southern California SUV Trails: A Rough-road Guide to Thirty-two Interesting Four-wheeling
- Excursions in the Western Mojave Desert
- Where to Go Really 4 Wheeling in California
California Stargazing Spots
California Stargazing Spots anaheimer
Stargazing
California, often celebrated for its stunning landscapes and diverse attractions, also offers some of the most breathtaking stargazing opportunities in the United States. From remote deserts to pristine mountain ranges, the Golden State boasts an array of destinations where you can marvel at the beauty of the night sky.
Tip: To get the best view of the heavens, try to avoid the bright moon spoiling your view. Check the moon phase calendar here.
As someone who has had the privilege of visiting these celestial oases, let me take you on a journey through some of the best stargazing places in California.
Joshua Tree National Park
Located just a couple of hours east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park is a haven for stargazers. The park's unique landscapes, dominated by its namesake Joshua Trees, create an otherworldly atmosphere.
The park is certified in International Dark Sky, ensuring minimal light pollution and pristine night skies.
Interesting Fact: Joshua Tree National Park is where the high Mojave Desert meets the low Colorado Desert, making it an ideal spot for observing celestial wonders.
You can read more about Joshua Tree Stargazing here.
Death Valley National Park
A few hours north of Joshua Tree, Death Valley National Park is another stargazing gem. With some of the darkest skies in the United States, it's a perfect place to witness meteor showers and the Milky Way. The park also offers ranger-led astronomy programs during certain times of the year.
Interesting Fact: Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, is in Death Valley National Park, providing a unique backdrop for stargazing.
Find more information about ranger programs here
Yosemite National Park
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite National Park is famous for its iconic landscapes and incredible stargazing opportunities.
Visit Glacier Point for panoramic night sky views and learn about the stars during ranger-led astronomy programs.
Read more about Yosemite here.
Interesting Fact: Yosemite's El Capitan, a renowned rock formation, is a popular spot for astrophotography, framed by the Milky Way.
Some of the most popular stargazing locations are Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome, Badger Pass, Cooks Meadow, Tunnel View, Cloud's Rest, Olmstead Point, Young Lakes, El Cap Meadow.
Mount Wilson Observatory
Just a short drive from Los Angeles, Mount Wilson Observatory offers urban stargazers an escape from the city lights. Home to historic telescopes and ongoing research, this observatory allows visitors to explore the cosmos in an educational and immersive way.
Interesting Fact: Mount Wilson Observatory was where astronomer Edwin Hubble made his groundbreaking discoveries about the universe's expansion.
Check the observatory website for public stargazing nights.
Big Sur
On the central coast of California, Big Sur is known for its rugged coastline and dramatic landscapes.
Big Sur is an excellent place for stargazing because it's bordered by the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, which provides exceptional views of the dark sky.
Here are some places to stargaze in Big Sur: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, McWay Falls, and Pacific Valley Bluff Trail.
Bask in the serenity of the night sky while listening to the waves crash along the Pacific coastline.
Interesting Fact: Big Sur is home to Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world, offering an incredible vantage point for stargazing.
California's diverse geography and commitment to preserving its natural beauty make it a top destination for stargazers – you just need to step away from civilization for a minute.
Whether you're an amateur astronomer or simply appreciate the wonder of the night sky, these stargazing spots offer an unforgettable experience.
Do you know more stargazing locations? Let us know.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island anaheimerCatalina Island is a short boat ride from Los Angeles or Orange counties, but very far off in ambiance and charm. You can very easily forget you are in California and let your imagination take you to a Mediterranean Island.
Visiting the island today, it is hard to believe that it was established as a home for Native American tribes and later as a beef ranch. The development of Catalina into its current status as a tourist destination happened in waves. The person with the biggest influence on the island’s development was the chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. He purchased the majority of the island around 1919 and got to work improving it.
In 1975 Wrigley’s son Phillip handed his shares of the island to the Catalina Island Conservancy, which now owns 88% of the island and is in charge of Catalina’s conservation, education, and recreation.
For a more detailed history of the islands go to Wikipedia.
Catalina’s climate is considered very mild. The temperatures vary between 64 and 75 Fahrenheit throughout the year – with some cold spells in winter and warmer highs in the summer.
Catalina Lore: The last time it snowed in Catalina was in 1949.
Getting There
The most affordable way to get to the Island is by boat service from several ports. You can take the Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer for about $75 round trip.
A more expensive way is to hire a Helicopter for around $250 round trip. The rich and famous can fly into the Airport in the Sky or use their own boats and yachts.
On my most recent trip, I went with Catalina Express from Long Beach. They also have service from San Pedro and Dana Point. The long beach terminal is very nice with convenient multilevel parking. The trip on their boats takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. See more here.
The boat ride itself is part of the fun. The boat departs slowly from the Long Beach Landing with great views of the Long Beach skyline, Shoreline Aquatic Park and Shoreline Village. Then you will pass by the Queen Mary and might catch a glimpse of a cruise ship preparing for departure.
The boat then heads to Catalina at full speed. During the trip, you can get some refreshments and snacks from the fully stocked bar.
For an additional $15, one way, you can enjoy priority boarding and the Commodore lounge with complimentary drinks and leather-trimmed seating.
As you approach Catalina you will first notice the cloud-covered mountains – and as you get closer you will see the city of Avalon with its famous landmarks. The most iconic is the round Casino building that never had any gambling.
To the left side of Avalon, you can spot the Wrigley mansion where William lived with his wife Ada in the early 1930s. Straight ahead you can see the beaches and the Green Pleasure Pier.
Cabrillo Mole pier is usually your starting point for your visit. When you first disembark from your ferry, the first thing you will see is a lot of fishermen.
You should also notice the Catalina Adventure Tours sign on your way out. If you haven’t already planned your stay on the island, you can stop at this tour operator and book a Glass Bottom Boat tour, a Submarine tour, or an inland adventure. Another major outfitter on the Island is the Santa Catalina Island Company. They have many ticket booths throughout the town and offer great adventures. More about the adventures and attractions later.
Where to stay
Although you can visit Catalina just for a day, to really explore the island you will need to spend several days.
Many lodging options are available. You can stay at one of the hotels right on the main street on the beachfront. This main thoroughfare is called Crescent Street and is mainly a pedestrian walkway. The hotels there are very convenient for beachgoers and families with kids. If your goal is to relax and enjoy the town and the beach, then those hotels are for you.
Another option is to stay at one of the Bed and Breakfast Inns sprinkled around town.
For the adventurers who are planning to get close and personal with nature, several campgrounds are available throughout the island.
My favorite way to relax and enjoy the island is to stay at a vacation rental away from the busy downtown.
Hamilton Cove Villas
We recently stayed at Hamilton Cove Villas and loved every minute of our stay. The villas are a luxury gated community that is located about 1.5 miles from the heart of Avalon. Each villa comes with a complimentary golf cart to help you get around during your stay.
Our villa had 2 bedrooms, 1.75 bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen.
The master bedroom was very large with an attached office/lounge area and a master bathroom with a luxurious bathtub. The villas also had a washer and dryer, BBQs, and flat-screen TVs.
The kitchen had a large refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave oven, coffee maker, and dishwasher. It was well stocked with utensils, pots, pans, and dishes.
The best part for me was the stunning ocean views from every window and from the large balcony surrounding the property. The balcony had a table and chairs which we used to enjoy breakfast while admiring the scenery around us.
The property also offers a shared spa, pool, and tennis courts.
Unlike hotels, maid service is not included automatically in your reservations. This is not an issue for short stays, but be prepared to do your own laundry and clean up after yourself for longer stays. If you can't live without maid service, you can request it for an additional fee.
Although you can walk down to the center of town, it is not recommended. The villas are situated on the slopes around Hamilton Cove, so climbing back up would be very strenuous and time-consuming.
Hamilton Cove is managed by Catalina Island Vacation Rentals (CIVR). You can view available properties and book your villa here.
Things to do in Catalina
Take a walk through Avalon
Avalon’s waterfront is full of shops and restaurants. Depending on your preference, you can spend hours enjoying the views, browsing through the shops, or dining on the beach.
This walk starts from Cabrillo Mole pier and follows the curve of Avalon Bay all the way to Descanso Beach. The seawall along the beach (aka Serpent Wall) shows beautiful murals depicting life in Catalina and telling tall tales about the sea.
The main track is called Crescent Street. Along the way, you will pass by activity outfitters like bike rentals and parasailing. Then you will see families enjoying a day at the beach. The first beach has a pontoon that kids can swim to and jump off.
Next on your walk is the Green Pleasure Pier. The pier is your launch point for many water activities like paddle boats, kayaking, and glass-bottom boats. It is also home to several casual restaurants.
On the left side, you can browse through the many boutique shops offering resort fashion, artwork, and souvenirs. You also pass by Island Spa where you can get a massage, soak in a pool or get a hot sand therapy.
Crescent connects to Casino way through the famous “Via Casino Arch“. Continue your walk along Casino Way enjoying the commanding view of the round building. The casino was just a gathering place and was never used for gambling. It has a large ballroom on the second floor and a movie theater. It is also home to the Catalina Museum.
The casino facade showcases 3 large murals and the interior walls have the original Art Deco murals by John Gabriel Beckman. A guided tour is available for a fee and runs 3 times starting at 11:45 am. The 40-minute tour costs $12.
After your visit to the Casino, continue on to Descanso beach club. The club is a private business that offers water activities, cabanas, bars, and restaurants. But the beach itself is open to the public. If you rent one of their cabanas or beach chairs you can also enjoy drinks and food delivered to the sand. Because it is a private facility, alcoholic beverages are permitted on the beach.
Descanso Beach is also the starting point of one of Catalina’s most exciting adventures: Zip-lines. More about the Zip-Line adventure later.
Discover Avalon Tour
If you are visiting Catalina Island for the first time, consider going on the Discover Catalina tour. This tour takes you to the most popular spots in and around Avalon. Many of those points of interest offer stunning views of the town below, the ocean, and the distant mainland shore.
Some of the tour highlights: are Hillside Homes, Zipline Tour entrance, Beautiful Wrigley Home, Mt. Ada, and wildlife along the route.
Our driver, Carlos, was Friendly, funny and Knowledgeable about Avalon and Local History.
Taste of Catalina Food Tour
Another great way to explore Avalon is to take this 3-hour foodie tour. You get to try good food and drinks and learn about Catalina's history and culture.
We met our guide, Lili, at the waterfront in front of Steve’s Steakhouse. Lili gave us a quick introduction to the various people who called the island home and the founding of Avalon.
We started our culinary experience at Steve’s Steakhouse where we enjoyed a savory tomato soup, coconut shrimp, and a tender marinated steak.
During the tour, we enjoyed 5 more tastes and a ton of information. Lili was very informative and entertaining.
My favorites were: The coconut shrimp at Steve’s; The orange chicken at Ning’s Chinese Garden; The Dark Chocolate/Pistachios bars; Clam Chowder and exclusive beer at Bluewater Avalon; and the Salted Carmel Ice Cream float at C.C. Gallagher.
Towards the end of the tour we were so full, that we had to ration our tasting. We just couldn’t eat everything that was offered.
At Ning’s Chinese Garden, we played the Fortune Cookie game with Lili. Each person had to say their fortune while adding “ … in bed” at the end. Needless to say, there were a lot of comical situations.
We were so impressed with Bluewater’s food and location we went back the following day for lunch.
In future visits, we are planning to go back to CC Gallagher to enjoy their Sushi and Artwork. We will also have a full meal at Ning’s Chinese Garden.
The tour costs $89 for adults and is worth every penny. They also offer a happy hour tour for $69. Get more info here.
Rent a bike
Another way to enjoy Catalina is by bike. You can rent a bike from several shops in Avalon and ride your bike around town. The town is mostly on level ground until you get to the surrounding hills. If you want to explore up those hills, consider getting an eclectic bike or a Golf Cart.
If you are planning to do some biking through the wildlands you can contact Bike Catalina and get a shuttle ride to the airport. Then you can bike back to Avalon. The trails are mostly downhill with several steep inclines – especially towards the beginning of the trip. Go here for details.
Water activities
If you are looking for something more adventurous than a day on the beach, then try parasailing, kayaking, paddle boats, scuba, and snuba diving.
A lot of those activities can be booked and started from the green pleasure pier. You can just rent the equipment and have fun on your own, or you can join a guided tour for Kayaking or scuba diving. Kayak tours can last several hours and lets you explore hard-to-reach beaches and coves.
If you want to scuba dive on your own, Avalon city set aside an area next to the Casino for this purpose – called the Underwater Park. Concrete steps take you down all the way into the water for a convenient start.
Snorkeling is very popular in Catalina due to the calm clear waters around the Island. You can rent snorkeling equipment and go exploring on your own or you can join a guided snorkel tour and get some useful information and instructions from the experts.
One of the highly-rated outfitters is Catalina Snorkel & Scuba. Check out their info, ratings, and review at Trip Advisor.
Zipline adventure
A great way to get your adrenaline going without venturing too far into Catalina wildlands.
The adventure is run by the Santa Catalina Island Company and starts behind Descanso Beach.
After checking in, you get outfitted with your equipment and you get a quick lesson on zip-lining. If you need to store belongings before the tour, plenty of free lockers are available. A shuttle then takes you up a winding road through the hills to the highest platform of the ride.
There are 5 Zip-lines between 6 wooden platforms going all the way from the top hill down to the beach. Each Zipline has a different personality. Some are short and fast and other are long with great views. One of the runs took us close to 40 miles per hour – what a rush!
The guides were excellent. Mike and Deny were very friendly and informative. They filled our experience with jokes and tidbits about the area. The tour is billed as an Eco tour, which means you are supposed to get a lot of information about the environment, animals, and plants. Thankfully, the guides asked us how much “Eco” we wanted during the tour and tailored the tour according to our wishes.
If you are not the adventurous type, stay away from this ride. You will basically be suspended from a steel wire and propelled from one platform to the next by the force of gravity. If on the other hand, you decided to take the plunge then you need to trust the equipment and the guides.
The harness and Carabiner used are in excellent shape and can hold a lot of weight. The guides kept double-checking and tightening the harness before every run.
Once you overcome your fears and take the first leap you will relax and enjoy the views. From the platform or while sliding down the line you can see the beach far below and the Casino building in the distance. You will probably also spot some kayaks, speed boats, and parasails.
The Zip-line tour takes around 2 hours and costs around $109. Look for discounts at their website here.
East End adventure
This is a great way to get introduced to Catalina Island. It is a tour on dirt roads through the hills surrounding Avalon - riding an open Hummers. The tour is operated by Santa Catalina Island Company and starts from Tour Plaza - a few blocks from the beaches.
I arrived early and waited in the covered seats while enjoying the most delicious ice cream from Lloyd's of Avalon Confectionery. Several tours and activities start from this tour plaza.
A few minutes before the tour we climbed on the huge hummer and were handed cold water bottles and blankets. The blankets may be needed at the higher elevations due to wind and colder weather.
Our adventure started by driving through narrow Avalon streets and with a continuous stream of information about Catalina. Our guide was really knowledgeable about the history and the environment. He pointed out some important landmarks like The Wrigley Mansion; which is now called the Inn on Mt. Ada; Green Pleasure Pier; The Tuna Club – a fishing club; Cabrillo Pier – where the ferry’s land; The main port where Catalina gets most of its supplies.
Along the way, we saw the only gas station in Catalina with shocking gas prices approaching $8 a gallon.Heading up higher we left the main road and started on the dirt road through the wilderness. Most of Catalina Island is considered wildlands and it is protected by the Catalina Conservancy. The Conservancy owns close to 88% of the land and is responsible for keeping it pristine and protecting the flora and fauna.
As we climbed higher we started to notice the breathtaking views of the ocean from almost every direction. At one of the stops, we were able to see Avalon from a high vantage point. It was a great place to pose for photos.
It is a good thing we were in a hummer. The road is very steep and bumpy at times, but it is worth every minute.
Along the way, we caught glimpses of red-tailed hawks, Catalina (midget) foxes, a lot of squirrels, and bald eagles. The foxes are especially cute. They looked like a cross between cats and dogs.
Catalina Lore: Catalina is famous for its Bison (aka Buffalo). The North American Bison was brought to the island in 1920 as a prop for a Hollywood movie. When filming was done, it was cheaper to leave the Bison roaming the island.
On the way back we passed by some of the popular hiking trails like Hermit Gulch and Garden to Sky Hike. Those hikes start from Avalon and cross the dirt roads at the top. More about hiking later.
We also passed by several campgrounds, the Conservancy’s headquarters, and the water reservoir which is protected with the largest pool cover I have ever seen.
After 2 hours full of excitement and adventure we returned to the Tour Plaza and thanked our guide for a great trip. I will definitely be returning to try more adventures with the Santa Catalina Island Company. See tour details here http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/activities-adventures/land/east-end-adventure.
Hiking Catalina
I love hiking and Catalina is a haven for hikers from every level. You can find easy hikes from less than a mile long to very strenuous hikes that are 37 miles long.
Some of the hikes start from Avalon but the majority require some kind of transportation inland or to the other side of the Island.
One way to get to the hikes on the windward (west) side of the island is to take the Catalina Express ferry from San Pedro directly to Two Harbors.
Here is a list of the most popular hikes.
Hermit Gulch
This hike starts from the Hermit Gulch Campground in Avalon. You can walk up Avalon Canyon Road to get to the trailhead at the campground.
The trail is around 1.7 miles but it is a steep climb 1200 feet high. Your effort is rewarded with amazing views of Avalon and the ocean. Once you reach the top - at East Road - turn left and continue for a little while on East Road. Look to the right. You will be rewarded with a great view of the west end (windward).
This part of the trail climbs gradually up to 1600 feet with commanding views of the ocean from both sides. At this point, you can turn back to retrace your steps or turn left to start climbing down back to Avalon. The turn left will take by the Inn at Mt. Ada (the old Wrigley Mansion). The full loop is close to 12 miles long.
Garden to Sky Hike
This is an easy hike and it starts from the Wrigley botanical gardens. You can start by hiking to the gardens – a 20 to 40-minute hike from Avalon depending on your pace – and spend some time at the botanical gardens.
You will need to buy a ticket for around $7 general admission.
While there you can also walk up a flight of stairs to visit the Wrigley Memorial.
The trailhead to the hike starts from the gardens – but if you prefer to avoid paying for the entrance fee, you can take the Hermit Gulch trail around it. The sky trailhead is hidden behind the stairs to the memorial.
Tips: You will need to obtain a free hiking permit from the Catalina Conservancy. Permits are available online, at the gardens ticket booth and at many locations throughout Avalon.
The hike to the top is 1.2 miles and takes you to a viewpoint from which you can see the ocean from both sides of the island. At this point, you can backtrack through the garden and to Avalon or you can continue on a 4-mile loop with more breathtaking views.
Trans-Catalina Trail
This hike is not for the casual hiker. It will take several days to complete and will take you through 37 miles of rough terrain. The East End is also accessible to bikers.
You can start your trek from the Hermit Gulch trail or from Renton Mine Road. The trail has 5 main nodes:
- Node 1: Avalon to Black Jack
- Node 2: Black Jack to Little Harbor
- Node 3: Little Harbors to Two Harbors
- Node 4: Two Harbors to Parsons Landing
- Node 5: Parsons Landing to Starlight Beach.
Read full details at the conservancy’s website here.
Guided Hikes
A great way to explore Catalina hiking trails is with an expert. Those hikes are offered during the summer by the Catalina Conservancy. Check schedules here.
Some images were contributed by the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce.
Some images were contributed by the Santa Catalina Company.
Some images were contributed by Catalina Food Tours.
Jet Ski to Catalina
Jet Ski to Catalina anaheimerI visited Catalina Island many times, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would make the trip on a Jet Ski.
And that is what my Wife and I just accomplished in August 2023 – And what an amazing adventure it was.
This was our second ride on Jet Skis, so we were not very experienced. The first one was in Florida, near Fort Walton Beach. You can read about that adventure here.
The waters of Santa Rosa Sound – which separates Ft Walton Beach from Okaloosa Island – were calm and warm. It starkly contrasts the ocean waters between Long Beach and Catalina Island.
But on this adventure, we encountered rough seas with choppy waves, so our ride wasn’t smooth or easy, but we enjoyed the thrill of speeding above the waves. We enjoyed even more the rest stops at several points along the way.
This adventure started at Hotel Maya, Long Beach, where we met our guides in a small marina.
The excursion was led by Jetski2Catalina and was very well-planned and organized.
Our guides handed us our wetsuits and life jackets and explained important safety rules and hand signals.
The most essential rule to follow is to “Spread Out”! When speeding on our Jet Skis, ensure enough room between the riders. Imagine what could happen if someone fell off and another Jet Ski was right on his tail. It's not a pretty picture.
Talking about falling off, I did fall once. I was going too fast, and my hands slid off the handles. Luckily, I was not injured, but getting back on the horse wasn’t that easy. I did get help from one of the guides and took off again towards the island.
The trip had many memorable moments, but the best was when the Dolphins joined our group and swam around us. We stopped for a while to admire those playful creatures and, of course, to take pictures.
When we approached Catalina, a group of us decided to swim through a cave. I really wanted to do it but dreaded climbing back up on the Jet Ski, so I declined.
We finally pulled into the small town of Two Harbors and spent a couple of hours relaxing and having lunch.
When I planned this adventure, I reserved a pair of chaise longue chairs with umbrellas on the beach. We headed straight to our reserved spot, relaxed on the reclined chairs, and ordered lunch.
The food came from the nearby Harbor Reef Restaurant & Bar, but we avoided the long lines by ordering from the comfort of our chairs on the beach.
We ordered BBQ Nachos and the Harbor Reef Burgers with fries. They were all very delicious, and there was plenty of food. After the grueling workout we just endured, nothing was left for the birds.
The return trip was thrilling and exhausting, and we were relieved when we reached the marina in Long Beach.
And that brings me to an important warning. This is not a leisurely trip on calm waters. This is an adventure that requires stamina and good health.
We were sore in many places and ready for a long rest when we returned home.
Jetski2Catalina website https://www.jetski2catalina.com/ and the instructions they send you when you book have a lot of useful information to help you prepare for this adventure.
But it is worth repeating the following tips:
- Buy/bring long swim pants and long sleeve swim shirt
- Buy/bring tinted goggles to protect from the spray and the sun glare
- Buy/bring sunscreen
- Buy/bring a waterproof phone sleeve with a lanyard
- Buy/bring water shoes or sandals
- If you need to wear a hat, ensure you can tie it down. Mine flew away the first ten minutes
- Bring a lot of water
- Bring lunch and/or snacks if you don’t plan to buy it on the island
- You are allowed two bags on each Jet Ski
- There is a small waterproof compartment on the Jet Ski you can use for your phone or your wallet.
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park anaheimerOne of the newest additions to the State Parks system, Crystal Cove, spans 3900 acres of hills, canyons, trails, and beaches.
The park is a haven for people wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of civilization in Orange County, California.
Visitors can spend a day at the beach, hike, ride their mountain bikes, and enjoy backpacking, primitive wilderness camping, and Tent and RV camping.
At the newest addition to the park, the Moro campground, nature lovers can enjoy the restroom and shower facilities for a more relaxed camping experience.
The campground has tent and RV sites, connects to the beach via a tunnel, and offers direct access to the hiking trails.
Whether camping or just here for a day visit, you can try one of the 18-mile hiking trails through the canyons and Shaparal hills.
Start by getting a (map) of the park online or at the ranger station. There are too many trails to pick from and many chances to get lost.
Read more about the trails here.
The beaches can be accessed via several parking lots along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Tip: Once you get a parking ticket, it is good for any State Park parking lot for the whole day.
The beaches here are great for surfing, body surfing, rock climbing, and sea life exploration at the tide pools.
Read more about the beaches here.
If you prefer a more active day at the beach but don’t feel like going on a strenuous hike, you can take the pedestrian and bike trail running along the cliffs and overlooking the ocean. The trail has excellent views of the ocean and the beach below the bluffs.
The state park extends into the ocean with the Underwater Forest, as if the beaches and wilderness areas are not enough. A 1000-acre kelp forest offering divers amazing views of sea life.
Read more about the Underwater Forest here.
PCH Entrance
8471 N. Coast HighwayLaguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3539
Coastal Peak Park Entrance
20403 E Coastal Peak Newport Coast, CA 92657Crystal Cove Beaches
Crystal Cove Beaches anaheimerCrystal Cove State Park is both a beach and a wilderness area with many hiking trails, beaches, and historic beach cottages.
This 3-mile stretch of beach along the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the state park system's newest additions.
Heading inland, the park covers 3000 acres of hills, canyons, and trails. It also includes primitive campgrounds that only backpackers can reach.
To read about Crystal Cove trails, click on this link.
The beach system includes seven distinct areas. Each has its own character. The beaches connect during low tide – forming one long stretch of beach. But during high tide, the water blocks the way along the rocks.
Most beaches at the state park require a steep climb down the stairs or ramps towards the beach, so be prepared. You can avoid those steep inclines if you are at the Moro Campground.
Tip: Try to pack light for this beach trip. Just remember that you have to climb the same steep stairs or ramp on the way back up.
The beaches here are great for surfing, body surfing, rock climbing, and sea life exploration at the tide pools
Along the 3-mile stretch of beaches is an excellent pedestrian and bike trail. You can take this very easy hike instead of the El-Moro Canyon trail. The advantage: great views of the cliffs and the ocean. The disadvantage: You can hear the cars along PCH.
For additional exploration, try the other beaches at this state park, each with a distinct personality:
Moro Beach
Moro is the southernmost beach, closer to Laguna Beach and across from the new Moro Campground. Park in the day-use lot and walk through a short tunnel to this easily accessible.
Moro Beach is popular with bodyboarders, stand-up paddleboarders, surf fishermen, and kayakers.
Reef Point
Reff Point is popular for swimming, surfing, scuba diving, and tidepools. It also has Little Treasure Cove and Muddy Creek, emptying out onto the beach from Muddy Canyon.
Historic District at Los Trancos Beach
This beach is home to the historic district with vintage cottages. You can snag a reservation at www.reservecalifornia.com if you are lucky and persistent.
The parking lot is across the Pacific Coast Highway with a tunnel under the road. Walking through the tunnel to the cottages is a lovely experience – with green vegetation and running water.
At the cottages and right on the sand, you can enjoy a meal at The Beachcomber Café.
Pelican Point
The beach slopes gradually, so it’s a narrow beach at high tide and a wide beach with rocks in the surf at low tide. There are tide pools at the north end near Pelican Point, where scuba divers enter, searching for even more marine life.
Treasure Cove Beach
Treasure Cove Beach is popular with surfers and scuba divers exploring the reefs in Crystal Cove Underwater Park.
In the wall facing Treasure Cove is a cave that is accessible at lower tides. This area also has many tide pools to enjoy at low tide.
Little Treasure Cove
This beach is the northernmost boundary of Crystal Cove State Park. Little Treasure Cove is best when the rocks and tide pools are exposed at low tide.
On the bluffs above is an observation tower marking the best spot for whale watching.
Crystal Cove Hiking
Crystal Cove Hiking anaheimerCrystal Cove State Park is both a beach and a wilderness area with many hiking trails.
This 3-mile stretch of beach along the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the state park system's newest additions. Along with its pristine beaches, it covers 3000 acres of hills, canyons, and trails.
To read about Crystal Cove Beaches, click on this link.
It also includes primitive campgrounds that only backpackers can reach.
The newest addition is the Moro campground, which has some facilities. It sits in between the beach and the hiking trails.
Take a break from Orange County's main attractions' excitement to commune with nature and forget the hustle and bustle of civilization.
Some of the trails are easily handled by young children 6 and up. Younger children may need help. If the kids complain too much about the hike, remind them about visiting the beach afterward.
You can start exploring the state park by hiking in the wilderness area.
The park has about 17 miles of trails to pick from. Get a map online (map) or from the ranger stations. The map shows color-coded trails with a difficulty-level guide.
There are now 2 parking areas available for hikers. One of them is at the Moro campground day-use area. The other is outside the campground next to the main ranger station/visitors center. I usually park at the campground because it provides easy access to the beach and the trails.
Tip: The entrance to the wilderness part of the park may be a little confusing. Just remember that it is behind the El-Moro Elementary School.
The park is huge, with too many trails to pick from - it is possible to get lost, so plan ahead. Don't forget the map.
If you are looking for an easy hike, start from the trailhead at the top of the day-use area (away from the beach) and go over the wood bridge, then turn left. Follow the trail through Moro Canyon.
Tip: Another entrance to the park is located at Coastal Peak Park on the North end of the park. You can start your hikes at the top, but remember that you have to climb back up.
Moro Canyon is mostly level with a lot of shade. But get ready to exercise a little when you turn left at the first fork (Poles trail). There is a steep incline at this portion of the trail.
Once you reach the top, turn left onto the "No Dogs" trail again. This will take you down to the ranger station and the main parking lot. As you descend, you can enjoy lovely views of the ocean.
Keep going past the ranger station and turn left into the "Moro Canyon" trail, which will take you back to the wood bridge and the campground. This loop hike is about 2.5 miles.
Study the trail map and plan a longer loop if you prefer a bigger challenge.
For example, you can take the Moro Ridge to Moro Canyon loop for a 5-mile hike. Many trails have a great view of the Pacific Ocean, but Moro Ridge has the best continuous view.
Some people call this the Red Loop. The reverse route (Moro Canyon to Moro Ridge) provides more spectacular views because you face the ocean while descending to the Canyon.
Tip: Most of the trails are out in the open with no shade, so avoid going during hot weather and take lots of water with you. Moro canyon has some shade and follows a seasonal creek.
Expect to find sage, prickly pear cactus, monkey flowers, goldenbush, lemonade berries, deer weed, and oak. You can also find many birds, rabbits, and eagles.
Tip: Those trails are also popular for mountain biking, so watch out for speedy bikes going downhill.
Once you are done with the hike, keep your parking ticket and head out to the beach. Your ticket is good at all the Crystal Cove parking lots. If you are already at the campground, just use the underpass to the beach.
Another way to enjoy this extensive trail system is to start from the west entrance near Coastal Peak Park and follow the Pacific Ridge trail through dense brush and surreal rock formations.
We went on this hike on a cloudy day in August. The clouds brushed against the hills while a light drizzle cooled down the August heat.
The path we took was lined with many coastal plants with colorful flowers.
PCH Entrance
8471 N. Coast HighwayLaguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3539
Coastal Peak Park Entrance
(AKA Bommer Ridge Trail West Entrance)
20403 E Coastal Peak Newport Coast, CA 92657Dana Point
Dana Point anaheimerDana Point is a small beach town in southern Orange County, California. It has one of the few harbors along the Orange County coast, with easy access via Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
The city is a popular destination for surfing, watersports, kayaking, swimming, hiking, and whale watching.
The Dana Point harbor is a busy place with many specialty shopping and dining experiences and the launching pad for many seafaring adventures.
The harbor is also home to Baby Beach, with clam waters ideal for small children. While watching the kids play in the sand and the water, enjoy stunning cliffside panoramic views.
Visitors can take to the harbor's waters in several ways, including private yacht and sailboat charters, sailing and diving lessons, parasailing trips, kayaks, Jetskiis, and watercraft rentals.
The famed Catalina Express starts its regular service to the nearby resort area of Catalina Island.
Special events hosted at the harbor throughout the year include a Festival of Whales, a Tall Ships Festival, and a Holiday Boat Parade.
The harbor also hosts the Ocean Institute, an ocean education organization offering ocean science and maritime history programs for K–12 students and their teachers. It is also open to the public and operates ocean discovery cruises.
Near the harbor, the rolling hills of Dana Point rise in all directions, with multimillion-dollar homes interspersed with hiking trails.
The city was named after the headland of Dana Point, which was named after Richard Henry Dana, Jr., author of Two Years Before the Mast, which included a description of the area.
Dana described the locale, including neighboring San Juan Capistrano, as "the only romantic spot on the coast".
The whole area is designated California Historical Landmark.
Dana Point Headlands
The headlands are what gave the city its name. The headlands are prominent hill jutting into the ocean and offering amazing views of the harbor and beaches below.
The area is now a protected preserve with a nature interpretive center and hiking trails.
The Center is small but informative, with historical, cultural, and natural history exhibits.
A visit to the restrooms at the Center is a must because there are no facilities along the trails.
The Interpretive Center is FREE and used to be open to the public between 10 am and 4 pm (every day except Monday).
The main trail starts from the Center and winds through the headlands, with several viewpoints along the way.
The trail is marked clearly with wire cable with warning signs about the protected area. Stay on the trail until it exits through an iron gate into a residential area.
Don't be tricked like me into thinking that the trail ends at that gate. Keep going down the sloping road (Dana Strands Rd) and after you pass the houses, look for the trail to pick up to the left.
The trail then winds down a hill and into Strands Beach. You can turn back at that point or keep going and connect to the trail along Salt Creek Beach.
While walking through the headlands, take advantage of one of the viewpoints and try to spot whales and dolphins.
The only restaurant on the headlands, Charter House, overlooks the harbor and offers excellent views of the ocean and a delicious meal.
The Ocean Institute
It is an ocean education organization offering ocean science and maritime history programs for K–12 students and their teachers.
The Institute hosts many exhibits, aquariums, and hands-on exploration areas for kids of all ages to learn about marine life and the environment.
For me, the highlight was a cruise on the R/V Sea Explorer, a 70-foot marine science research vessel, to visit the dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.
The exploration cruise was planned for 10 am, but early arrivals attended an educational talk about the trip by Captain Mike. Mike is also a biologist who studied Gray whales in Baja, California, and spent most of his life on the water. Read more about the cruise here.
Salt Creek Beach
Salt Creek Park is located in the city of Dana Point, about 40 minutes from Anaheim. This beach is unique for several reasons: It is a long stretch of beaches (around 18 acres); It borders one of the luxury resorts (Ritz Carlton); It has a beautifully landscaped hill overlooking the beach – with picnic areas; It has a very good food stand, and it has an easy hiking trail.
You can enjoy this beach in any season. During colder days, take your breakfast/lunch with you, stake out a picnic area on the grass (or one of the marble tables) and enjoy your meal with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and surfers. Once you are done with your meal, you can take a leisurely hike on the sand or on the paved trail.
Doheny State Beach
This State Beach is protected in the state park system of California, located in Dana Point.
The beach located at the mouth of San Juan Creek, which flows from the Santa Ana Mountains southwest to the beach, where it forms a fresh-water lagoon.
The beach covers an area of 62 acres (25 ha) and includes a day-use surfing beach at the northern end, as well as campgrounds in its southern area.
The beach has tide pools and a visitor center with several aquariums.
Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale-Watching Safaris
The waters of Southern California are full of Dolphins and Whales year-round, but springtime is the best time to visit them. The weather is beautiful, and you have the added bonus of spotting a few whales during their migration north to Alaska.
For our latest sea adventure, we went to Captain Dave’s Dolphin Safari off Dana Point. Captain Dave operates a smaller catamaran from Dana Point Harbor with a net bottom up front and two glass underwater observation pods.
Catalina Express
The Catalina Express ferries operate from several Southern California locations, including Dana Point harbor.
They offer fast regular trips to Avalon and Two Harbors on Catalina Island.
Dana Point Dolphin Safari
Dana Point Dolphin Safari anaheimerThe waters of Southern California are full of Dolphins and Whales year-round, but springtime is the best time to visit them. The weather is beautiful, and you have the added bonus of spotting a few whales during their migration north to Alaska.
For our latest sea adventure, we went to Captain Dave’s Dolphin Safari at Dana Point Harbor.
Captain Dave operates a smaller catamaran from Dana Point Harbor with a net bottom up front and two glass underwater observation pods.
Tip: The weather is much cooler away of the shoreline, so make sure to wear layers and bring a jacket or windbreaker.
After some safety instructions, we headed into the ocean looking for Whales and Dolphins. The crew knew where they usually hung out, so it was relatively easy to spot the first whale. We got a glimpse before it decided to dive away, hunting for its favorite food at the bottom of the ocean. Most whales are just shy and won’t hang out around boats.
The Dolphins, on the other hand, were the exact opposite. Once we spotted the first pod (or maybe they spotted us), we were surrounded from all directions by the playful mammals. They would swim next to the boat, dive under then jump in front of us. We also spotted a lot of baby dolphins with this pod.
Tip: No food or beverages are sold on the boat. This is due to its small size. But the check in shack has plenty of snacks you can buy and bring on the boat. You are also allowed to bring your own food and drink.
While enjoying the views and the marine life, our captain Marie was busy explaining the different species we encountered, their feeding habits, and the whale’s annual migration. Her narration was both educational and entertaining.
We learned that California's waters host Fin Whales and Common Dolphins year-round. Blue Whales are only seen in the Fall and Spring due to their migration habits.
Other crew members were busy taking pictures and filming with a drone.
When the dolphins were swimming around the boat, I went down to the glass observation pod to watch them up close underwater. The pod is narrow and holds one person at a time. You have to lie face down to enjoy the best view. It is the closest to being in a submarine without actually diving under.
The trip took a little longer than 2 and a half hours and was filled with fun and learning. I really liked the small size of the boat. It felt more like a personal safari than a commercial endeavor.
On the way back to port, we encountered another Fin Whale that stayed above water long enough for us to watch and marvel at its size and grace. This was a good finale to our adventure.
Tip: Repeat sailings on Dave’s boat are 20% off for life. So, if you enjoyed it as much as we did, come back again during a different season for a different experience.
At the end of the tour, the drone operator showed us the footage he took. One of the clips had us on deck gawking at the dolphins. We were very impressed and bought a copy.
24440 Dana Point Harbor DrDana Point, CA 92629
https://www.dolphinsafari.com
Marine life cruise by Ocean Institute
Marine life cruise by Ocean Institute anaheimerI really love dolphins and am always looking for a way to get close to them. I went on several dolphin and whale watching cruises in California, but I especially enjoyed my latest trip with the Ocean Institute of Dana Point.
The Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization specializing in marine science education programs for school kids and teachers – with outreach programs for the general public.
Interesting Fact: The top-rated cartoon show SpongeBob SquarePants was conceived by biologist Stephen Hillenburg while teaching at the institute.
The Institute hosts several exhibits and hands-on exploration areas for kids of all ages to learn about marine life and the environment.
For me, the highlight was a trip on the R/V Sea Explorer, a 70-foot marine science research vessel, to visit the dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.
The exploration cruise was planned for 10 am, but early arrivals got to attend an educational talk about the trip by the captain Mike. Mike is also a biologist who studied Gray whales in Baja California and spent most of his life on the water. He really knows his stuff and is happy to share it.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that dolphins and Whales are off the same family? The biggest dolphin is actually the Orca (killer) whale.
As we started our cruise, we noticed a large colony of birds occupying the harbor seawall. The crew handed out picture cards showing the local birds to help us identify them – and pointed out the different species and their feeding habits.
One of the unique birds we encountered was the Black Oyster Catcher who looks for its favorite food in between the rocks. Along the length of the seawall, flocks of Great Blue Heron were flying majestically heading towards the cliffs nearby.
Tip: With the temperature dropping as the boat gets into deeper waters and with the wind blowing, you may get cold. Make sure to wear layers and bring a jacket or windbreaker.
Just outside the harbor, we came across a family of Sealions sunning on a buoy. They seemed like a lazy bunch – just sitting there with no care or worries. I am sure they will jump in the water eventually to catch some fish.
Some of them had tags because they have been rescued in the past. The tags help the biologists keep a tap on their health.
Interesting Fact: If you see a tag on the right side of the tail, then you are looking at a female. A left side tag indicates a male Sealion.
After this short stop, we headed into deep sea to find whales and dolphins. Before we encountered any, we came across a rare find. The boat slowed down to a stop to allow us to gaze at a huge Swordfish.
This swordfish spent a lot of time floating on the surface with the fin and the tail showing about the water. The crew was as surprised as we were. This is a very rare event in Southern California.
Not long after, we encountered our first pod of playful dolphins. Those were from the Common Dolphin family – which are the most prevalent in California. Those dolphins really like to race the boat and jump around for an appreciative audience.
Interesting Fact: The common dolphin we see in California (and in most oceans) is not the popularized dolphin in movies, TV shows, and theme parks. Those famous ones are the bottlenose dolphin.
The Sea Explorer has a bowsprit above the water with a mesh bottom that enabled us to watch the dolphins as they dipped under the boat.
Unfortunately, we did not encounter and whales during this trip. We did see a spout and waited for the whale to surface, but it decided to move along.
During this trip, we encountered an example of human's impact on the environment. A mylar balloon was floating close to where dolphins were playing and feeding. The boat changed direction and slowed down to allow the crew to fish the offending object out of the water.
On the way back we encountered more dolphins and enjoyed some complimentary hot drinks. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are available throughout the cruise on the lower deck.
We really enjoyed this cruise with the Ocean Institute. It was educational and fun at the same time. We look forward to visiting again to learn more.
24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr Dana Point, CA 92629
Salt Creek Beach
Salt Creek Beach anaheimerSalt Creek Park is located in the city of Dana Point, about 40 minutes from Anaheim. This beach is unique for several reasons: It is a long stretch of beaches (around 18 acres); It borders one of the luxury resorts (Ritz Carlton); It has a beautifully landscaped hill overlooking the beach – with picnic areas; It has a very good food stand, and it has an easy hiking trail.
You can enjoy this beach in any season. During colder days, take your breakfast/lunch with you, stake out a picnic area on the grass (or one of the marble tables) and enjoy your meal with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and surfers. Once you are done with your meal, you can take a leisurely hike on the sand or on the paved trail.
Tip: You will have to walk down a long, steep, paved road to get to the sand. So remember that you have to climb back up the same steep road to get to your car. Pack lightly or bring one of those big wheeled carts to carry your stuff. But don’t get discouraged. This beach is worth the added trouble.
Bring your swimsuit, surfing gear, and sand toys on warm days and enjoy a day of fun in the surf and on the sand.
Some other activities: body surfing, tidepool exploration, and sunbathing. During spring and summer seasons, the concession stand offers beach gear rentals.
While you are in the area, stop by Dana Point Harbor for great shopping, restaurants, and Whale Watching cruises. See the Dana Point harbor website at www.danapointharbor.com.
Beach details at: www.ocparks.com/Saltcreekbeach. Salt Creek Beach
33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. Dana Point, CA 92629 (949)923-2280Related Books:
Hillcrest Park, Fullerton
Hillcrest Park, Fullerton anaheimerI recently had an amazing hike at Hillcrest Park, joining the HikingOC group. I was truly awed by the park's beauty and its challenging stairways.
Hillcrest Park, nestled in the heart of Fullerton, California, is a testament to the city's dedication to preserving natural beauty within an urban landscape. This park, often called the "Crown Jewel of Fullerton," offers visitors an enchanting escape into nature. It boasts lush greenery, serene pathways, and a unique feature that sets it apart – a network of stairs that beckons hikers and fitness enthusiasts.
A Stairway to Natural Beauty
One of the most captivating aspects of Hillcrest Park is its intricate staircase system winding through the park's rolling hills. The park sits atop several hills, and these staircases provide both access and breathtaking views of Fullerton and Orange County.
Dedicated hikers often take on the main stairs, going up and down multiple times for an exhilarating workout. But beyond the stairs, you can explore trails through lush landscapes, enjoy picnic areas, and even find a kid's playground.
The staircases at Hillcrest Park offer a range of experiences:
- Main Staircase: A moderately challenging climb with a length of about 0.5 miles and an elevation gain of 150 feet. It provides access to the central areas of the park.
- Eastern Staircases: These offer gentler inclines, perfect for leisurely strolls. They come in various lengths, from 0.2 to 0.4 miles.
- Western Staircases: If you're up for more of a challenge and want to access the western trails, these stairs are for you. They range from 0.3 to 0.6 miles in length.
Picnicking in Tranquil Surroundings
Hillcrest Park is a hiker's paradise and a haven for picnickers seeking a peaceful setting for an outdoor meal. You'll find numerous picnic areas equipped with tables, benches, and barbeque grills, inviting you to savor a meal amid the tranquility of nature. Surrounded by towering trees and well-kept lawns, these spots provide an ideal backdrop for family gatherings, friendly get-togethers, or a romantic picnic for two.
The park also boasts a children's playground with features like a Balance Beam, Boulder to Climb, Monkey Bars, and Spring Rider. The ground is covered with woodchips for safer play.
Izaak Walton Cabin
The Izaak Walton Cabin serves as the meeting place for the Izaak Walton League, one of the oldest conservation organizations in the United States. This spacious cabin, rebuilt in 1998 after a fire in 1990, can also be rented for special events. For more information on reserving the cabin for your special occasion, you can contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (714) 738-6575.
Lions Field
Adjacent to Hillcrest Park is Lions Field, a sports facility used for various outdoor activities such as football, soccer, rugby, baseball, and softball. While primarily used by youth leagues, the general public can enjoy open play every Sunday from noon to 5 PM.
Access Points and Parking Hillcrest Park is conveniently accessible from various points, making it easy for visitors to explore its wonders. Here are some entrance and parking options:
- Harbor Boulevard Entrance: Located on the western side, this entrance leads you to the western trails and picnic spots. You can find parking along Harbor Boulevard and in nearby lots.
- Hillcrest Street Entrance: Found at the park's northern edge, this entrance provides access to the central areas, including the iconic staircase system. Ample street parking is available nearby, making it a convenient starting point for your adventure.
- Valley View Drive Entrance: Situated to the east, this entrance offers access to the eastern portions of the park, including playgrounds and open spaces. Designated parking areas are available here.
- Beverly Place Entrance: Located to the south, this entrance connects you to the southern parts of the park. Street parking is available nearby.
Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach anaheimerHuntington Beach is better known as Surf City; it boasts the longest uninterrupted stretch of beach on the West Coast.
The city has a lot of attractions, parks, theaters, malls, and restaurants – but let’s face it: the main attraction will always be the beach.
There are several beaches to choose from, each one with its own personality. Some of them are managed by the city, and others are part of the State Park system.
Beaches
Huntington City Beach (and Pier)
The Pier @ Main Street is the most popular beach in HB. It is usually bustling – and for a good reason. A wide sandy beach, spotless with fire pits and barbeques. Excellent surfing most days of the year, and plenty of surfers making the best of it.
If you love beach volleyball, you can either jump in and play a few games or watch various teams beating the ball around the net.
On some days, it gets too crowded on this stretch of beach because of surfing or volleyball competitions. You can check out the calendar before you make your way here.
Another reason this area is so popular is because of two concession stands on both sides of the pier. You can rent your beach equipment or find a tasty snack at Dwight's or Zack's.
My favorite place is Zack’s because they have a wide selection of bikes, surfboards, and bodyboards. They also have a broad selection of snacks and sandwiches for the hungry.
If you don’t feel like fast food, you can walk a few steps to several good restaurants. Two of them are right on the beach. Others are on Main Street.
Parking can be a challenge, especially at the weekend. If you get here early enough, you might be lucky to find a parking spot right on the beach. Otherwise, head to one of the parking structures around Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway - or part at Pacific City Mall.
Huntington Dog Beach
The dog beach in Huntington Beach is a paradise for dogs and dog lovers. It is located along Pacific Coast Highway, under a cliff between SeaPoint Ave and 21st Street.
Even if you don’t own a dog, you can come here to watch dogs train their owners to catch a Frisbee or a ball.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
It is one of the best beaches for swimmers and beginner surfers. The shallow waters prevent the waves from getting too high, making it ideal for families with smaller children.
This beach is located along Pacific Coast Highway between Warner Avenue and Seapoint Street – to the north of the pier.
Across the street, you can find Bolsa Chica Wildlife Preserve. A protected wetlands area with many birds, small animals, and plants. Read more here
Huntington State Beach
This is another great beach for swimming and bodyboarding. Surfing is limited to designated areas, giving swimmers more room to have fun.
At this beach, you will find a lot of fire rings, Barbeques, restrooms, and showers. It is also wheelchair accessible – with ramps and designated accessible parking areas.
This is located along Pacific Coast Highway, between Beach Boulevard and Brookhurst Street – to the south of the Pier.
Biking
Huntington Beach has one of the best beach bike trails in Orange County. It is paved, safe, and very long. The trail starts from the Santa Ana River at the south end of the state beach and runs through the city of HB, then continues north through Bolsa Chica state beach. It runs for 8 miles of mostly level and paved ground.
You can extend your ride by continuing north to Sunset Beach or south toward Newport Beach.
You don't have to bring your own bike. You can rent one at Zack's.
Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass 
The Pier
The Huntington Beach pier stretches 1850 feet into the Pacific Ocean and is considered one of the longest on the west coast. It sits high above the surf with commanding views of the beach and the town.
Cars and bikes are not allowed on the pier, so that you can enjoy a peaceful stroll there. You will also find a few shops offering souvenirs and kites.
A new shop opened close to the pier's tip that offers fishing supplies and rentals. You can grab everything you need to start fishing.
Towards the end of the pier, you will find Ruby’s restaurant. The food is acceptable, but the views are amazing.
When you reach Ruby’s, this is not the end of the Pier. Keep going around it to get to the tip of the pier and enjoy an unobstructed ocean view.
Pacific City Mall
This is the latest addition to the busy downtown Huntington Beach area. An open-plan mall with many shops and restaurants overlooking the beach.
The mall has anchor stores like H&M and Tommy Bahama and unique boutiques like Chico Hats and Molly Brown's Swimwear.
You can also find some great restaurants like Ola Mexican Kitchen, which serves tasty Mexican fare with amazing ocean views.
Another good choice for dinner is the Old Crow Smokehouse, which serves a variety of barbequed meats and fish.
Related Books:
- Sun, Sand & Surf: The Ultimate Guide To Orange County Beaches
- Afoot & Afield Orange County: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide
- Huntington Beach - Then and Now
Dining
Ola Mexican Kitchen
Ola is on the second floor of Pacific City Mall in Huntington Beach, with a commanding view overlooking Pacific Coast Highway, HB Pier, and the Ocean.
The food and service are excellent. We especially like Lobster and Shrimp Enchiladas, Fish Tacos, and Ribeye Fajitas.
The complimentary chips and salsa are more than enough for starters, but you can choose a more filling appetizer from the extensive menu.
To complete this delicious meal, we always order the Tres Leches, a traditional Mexican butter cake made with three kinds of milk.
21040 Pacific Coast Hwy F200, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Bluegold
Bluegold is another restaurant with a great view at the Pacific City Mall in Huntington Beach. This one offers new American cuisine with seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Menu items vary depending on availability.
We recently tried their breakfast while admiring the beach and pier views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
We ordered scrambled eggs and an omelet. They were both fluffy and tasty. The dishes come with salad, but if you prefer, you can order your favorite style of potatoes.
If you are an early riser, this place is not for you. They open for breakfast at 9 am.
During another visit, we went for dinner and drinks. While waiting for our table to be ready, we ordered The Perfect Storm (a rum drink) from the bar. We enjoyed a few sips of this delicious cocktail before we were whisked away to our table overlooking beautiful ocean views.
We tried the Lamb Shank with asparagus risotto for dinner and had an El Chapo margarita.
Both food and drinks were above expectations.
We couldn't resist trying Pumpkin Spice and Mocha Crunch cakes for dessert. Both were very tasty, but the Pumpkin Spice was exceptional.
21016 Pacific Coast Hwy d200, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Pacific Hideaway
Tucked inside the Kimpton Shorebreak resort, this restaurant offers a delicious California Faire with a great view from the balcony.
On a recent visit, we sat on the balcony and enjoyed our brunch while gazing at the pier and the surf.
We tried the SoCal Breakfast Burrito and the Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos. Both were very tasty and filling. I especially liked the burrito stuffed with Eggs, Onion, Bacon, Red Pepper, Cheese, Fries, and Avocado.
The finale was a baked cookie with bread pudding and vanilla ice cream.
500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CAPete's Sunset Grille
We found this place inside the Hyatt Resort. Although it does not have a great view of the ocean, it is a few steps from the bridge connecting the hotel to the beach.
It is an excellent place to grab a bite before walking to the beach. We enjoyed our lunch while enjoying the beautiful California weather out on the patio.
We tried the Cali Rueben and the Fish Tacos. They were both good but not exceptional. The service, drinks, and dessert were worth the visit. We loved the Mallory's Triple Layer Torte.
21500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CAThe Boardwalk at Hilton
This newer restaurant opened its doors in 2018 as part of the Waterfront Beach Resort expansion. This sit-down restaurant offers a diverse menu inspired by the coastal flavors of Southern California.
During our visit, we chose to sit outdoors right next to the pool, with great views of the ocean and the beautiful California weather.
We tried the Short Ribs Rigatoni and the Vegetable Curry. They were both tasty and filling.
While waiting for our dinner, we sipped on the Huntington Margarita, Passion Fruit Manhattan, and Bacardi Silver. The drinks were okay, but not the best we had, but the dessert made up for it. We ended our meal with an Apple Pie Ala Mod.
21100 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CAEvents
Huntington Beach hosts many popular events throughout the year. Check their calendar here for up-to-date info.
Here are some of the events worth mentioning:
The Great Pacific Air Show
The air show is a big event with three jet teams from three countries and more than two million people attending the three-day event. Every year, a different group of flyer teams is assembled to provide an amazing spectacle for millions of viewers.
The event can last up to 4 hours daily and is mostly free to attend. You can claim a spot on the beach to enjoy the show. But if you prefer, you can pay from $30 to $1600 for a reserved viewing area. You can get more details here.
Art-A-Faire:
Every Friday, 10 am to 7 pm. Arts, crafts, and handmade gifts. Sometimes extended into the weekend.
Surf City Nights:
Every week on Tuesday from 5 pm to 9 pm. Farmer's market, bounce house, street performers (musical and non-musical acts), restaurant samplings, sidewalk sales, and specials from local restaurants
Surf City Blues, Brews & BBQ:
At the microbrewery "Brew Bakers," every 3rd Saturday.
Bolsa Chica Wetlands and Mesa Tour:
Every third Sunday of every month (10 a.m.)
4th of July Parade
A 2-hour parade that starts from PCH and Main with a fireworks show at 9 PM.
Huntington Beach, CA300 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714-536-5281
Attributions:
Some photos are from Wikipedia
Irvine Spectrum
Irvine Spectrum anaheimerThe Irvine Spectrum is an entertainment and shopping complex in Irvine, a city in Orange County, considered one of the best places to live in the US.
The center has grown over the years from its humble beginnings in 1995 until the latest expansion in 2020.
It now features stores like Nordstrom, Sephora, Apple, and Target, a Ferris wheel, and a Regal Cinemas 21-screen movie theater.
It also has an eclectic selection of restaurants and snack outlets.
The little ones can enjoy a Merry-go-round, the Ferris wheel, and a new children's playground. They also love running through ground fountains and chromatic mist.
Here is a list of my favorite places at the spectrum:
Fun
Walking around and admiring the Moroccan architecture with many trees and fountains is a treat, but you can do much more.
You can spend some time at Dave & Buster's for video games, VR games, billiards, simulator rides, and dining.
The game selection here is impressive and includes group and arcade games. With classics like Speedball, you can earn tickets redeemable at the store. Get more information about D&B here.
Or you can join an escape room game at the Escape Game. This place has six escape rooms to choose from with varying degrees of difficulty. Check escape rooms and times here.
Or go to the 21-theater Regal movie complex to catch the latest movie in their IMAX, 4DX, or standard theaters.
Feel like a laugh? Then head to the Improve Comedy Club to enjoy some standup comedy and a meal.
How about something new? Go to Cakemix, where you can express your artistic talents and design your own cake.
For the kids in your group, try the giant wheel, carousel, and Spectrum Climber. The latter is a three-dimensional climbing sculpture standing 18 feet (5.49 m) tall and 49 feet (ca. 15 m) wide, with seventy-five platforms.
Dining
The array of dining options at the spectrum is refreshing. You can find styles and cuisines to satisfy every taste.
My favorites are The Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang, Fogo de Chao, Javier's Cantina & Grill, and Silverlake Ramen.
You can also enjoy a quick snack or drink at places like 85°C Bakery Café, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Cold Stone Creamery, Häagen-Dazs, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, or Starbucks Coffee.
PF Chang’s
My list of special dining places usually avoids chain restaurants, but I can’t skip this fusion Asian with inventive dishes and extended happy hour.
If you like Asian food, you love the variety and quality of selection. During our last visit, we started with the Lettuce Wraps, Shrimp Dumplings, and the Kung Pao Dragon Roll.
We picked Mongolian Beef, Crispy Honey Shrimp, and Stir-Fried Eggplant for the main course. Everything was delicious, and the portions were just right.
For dessert, we had two helpings of the Banana Spring Rolls – because one is never enough.
The drinks are also exceptional. Every cocktail on the menu tastes just right; we especially like the Coconut Mojito and the Mei Tei.
Javier's Restaurant
Javier's is one of the newest additions to the ever-expanding Irvine Spectrum. It is located near well-established eateries like The Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang, and Cucina, so why dine here?
Well, the food, of course. It is just delicious! But also, the ambiance and the service were excellent.
We started with some chips and salsa. The salsa was great but too spicy, so we ordered the guac to balance it out.
We then tried the two of their combo plates: the Enchilada with Taco and the trio of Enchilada, Taco, and Chile Relleno.
The food was delicious and plentiful. We had plenty of leftovers.
We also tried two of their margaritas, the Guava and Pineapple. I, personally, preferred the Guava Rita.
For a great end to the meal, we had the tres leches and the Corn Bread Pudding, and they were so tasty we didn't have any leftovers.
The Cheesecake Factory
We come for the cheesecake and stay for the great food and drinks. This is by far my favorite restaurant chain. The menu is so huge it requires some studying before ordering.
They offer sandwiches, steak and seafood, flatbread, pizza, and pasta dishes.
The dessert menu is phenomenal. You can start with the traditional cheesecake, but be adventurous and try Oreo® dream extreme, Cinnabon® cinnamon swirl, or even the low-carb cheesecake.
Shopping
I am not into shopping too much, but my wife and daughters love to browse boutique shops and name brands like Nordstrom, the Body Shop, Hollister, or American Eagle.
And, of course, everyone must stop the Barnes & Noble or the Apple Store.
For a complete list of stores at the spectrum, go here.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach anaheimerLaguna Beach is a seaside resort city that is much more than a beach town. The city is nestled amongst rolling hills and valleys overlooking the shoreline with great beaches, shops, restaurants, and art galleries - giving it a distinct French Riviera allure.
Laguna Beach is a great destination for a family looking to escape the heat of the inland cities or for couples looking for a romantic stroll on the beach.
Along with great beaches, hiking trails, and tide pool explorations, the city is famous for its artist community, which has plenty of art galleries and festivals.
During the summer months, make sure to visit the “Pageant of the Masters and Festival of the Arts” or the “Sawdust Art Festival” – or both.
The “Festival of the Arts” is an art show that gathers over 150 artists from Orange County to show off their handiwork. At night you can enjoy a concert while having a picnic.
At the same location, the Pageant of the Masters starts around 8:30, with local models bringing famous works of art to life.
The “Sawdust Art Festival” is an artist village that gets rebuilt yearly and features art exhibits, family entertainment, workshops, and food.
When you are not visiting the festivals and art galleries, try walking along Cliff Drive, visiting Sunset Beach, or going to the Top of the World. See more details below.
Things to do
Walk around town
Just park your car, stroll downtown, and enjoy the many shops, restaurants, and landmarks.
Laguna Beach has a lot of hidden gems; you just have to know where to look. You can stop at the visitor center on Forest Street to get some maps and info.
Another way to discover those gems and learn about Laguna's history is to join the Free Walking Tour. Recently, we went with David on this 2-hour tour and learned a lot of interesting facts while enjoying the scenery. Go here to book this free tour (and pay as you wish).
One of the fantastic discoveries that David pointed out is the "Dawson Cole Sculpture Garden." It is a serene place with fountains and beautiful sculptures of dancers. This is an excellent place for a break from your walk around town.
Heisler Park, Main Beach to Arch Cove
375 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651One of the best ways to enjoy Laguna Beach is to walk through Heisler Park, down to Main Beach, and on to Arch Cove. This is a long walk, but you can always relax on the beach and enjoy the views.
This walk starts from the south end of “Heisler Park” on Cliff Dr. around High Dr. or Maple St. Once you park, make your way to the footpath along the cliffs overlooking the ocean.
Tip: Parking is very hard to find around this park. Try parking on one of the side streets leading to Cliff dr. You might need to go further away from the park. Another alternative is to park in one of the city parking areas around Broadway Street (HWY 133) or Ocean then walk back to Cliff drive.
The Park itself is wonderful and worth a visit. It is clean and well-maintained, with good restrooms, picnic tables, and Barbeques. The park is also home to a large variety of shade trees, cacti, sagebrush, palms, and flowers.
After enjoying the park, continue your stroll along the path that commands the best ocean views from any Southern California beach town. It is perched high up the bluffs, with several pathways leading to small, secluded coves and beaches.
Towards the south end of Heisler Park, Cliff Drive veers left into shops, residences, and crosses PCH. You want to stay to the right, where you can find a gazebo overlooking the ocean with a spectacular 360-degree view.
Right on that corner, you will also find one of my favorite restaurants, Las Brisas, where you can enjoy Mexican cuisine with a splendid view. They also offer a great Sunday brunch. The patio, with a full bar, is first come, first served.
Between the Gazebo and the restaurant, a footpath goes down to “Main Beach.” Once you reach the bottom of the path, you are at one of SoCal's most popular and busiest beaches.
Continue your walk along the boardwalk, take your shoes off, and stroll on the sand as far as your feet can. I personally love to walk through the surf and get my feet wet.
Tip: If you decide to visit Main Beach, keep in mind that it is one of the busiest beaches in OC. No parking at the beach, but you can park in town across Pacific Coast Highway.
On your right, you can watch the waves and the surfers. On the left, you will see lots of hotels and restaurants.
One of my favorites is the “Ocean View Bar & Grill”. The balcony is right on the sand, with great views in every direction. The best time to visit is during breakfast hours when it is less crowded. If you visit at lunch or dinner, reservations are recommended.
If you continue walking south on the sand, you may encounter some rocky formations. During high tides, your path might be totally blocked.
You can try to scale those obstacles but be careful. They could be slippery and rough on your feet.
If you prefer to play it safe, climb one of the stairways back to the street level and go down the next stairs.
Toward the end of this walk, you come to Arch Cove at Pearl Street Beach. The beach is famous for its Arch, which you can walk through at low tide. If you prefer not to walk all the way to this point, you can get to it from street level at 1791 Ocean Way. See Thousand Steps Beach below.
Tip: At any point during this fun walk, if you get tired, just go to PCH and hop on the free shuttle.
On the way back, you can retrace your steps or hike back along PCH to enjoy the shops.
Thousand Steps Beach
Pearl Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651Another secluded beach in Laguna, Thousand Steps Beach, is named for its length. The beach is at the bottom of a long stairway with around 250 steps. Going back up the steps probably feels like 1000 steps, as well. The official name is Pearl Beach because it is located on Pearl Street.
At the south end of this beach, there is a natural formation Arch called Keyhole. You can walk through the arch during low tides, which will lead you to another lovely beach called Woods Cove. At high tides, you will have to wade or swim through it.
The beach is also famous for its blowhole. Water rushes through the blowhole with every wave, then recedes. Adventurous swimmers dive into it and swim under the rocks through a little underwater cave. Watch these videos to get an idea: https://youtu.be/GmgVl31gRvk. or https://youtu.be/g0q5OHQEc9s.
Sunset Beach at Montage Resort
Wesley Dr. at PCH, Laguna Beach, CA 92651This beautiful and leisurely walk is located at the south end of Laguna Beach. It is famous for its tastefully landscaped walkways and great sunset views.
This walk starts at the intersection of Wesley Dr. and PCH. You can park at the free underground car park or the Montage Resort.
Heading north along the path, you will find beautiful flower gardens, palm trees, and the occasional bench overlooking the beach below. On the right, you will see a great blue mural and nicely maintained restrooms.
Towards the end of the concrete path, you will reach a dirt path with several benches – a nice place to rest before you turn back. It is also the prime spot to relax and enjoy the sunset.
Several paths along the way will lead you down to the beach, where you can enjoy the sand and surf.
Read about our hike from Sunset Beach to Aliso Beach here.
Top of the World
W Ridge, Laguna Beach, CA 92651This nicely appointed park has an amazing view from the highest point in the Laguna Beach hills. The park itself is an excellent place to have a picnic or play tennis, but most people come for the views and the extensive hiking trails.
Park your car in the free parking lot or on Alta Laguna Road, then walk through a small wooden bridge and up a short trail to get to the beginning of the viewing area. From that vantage point, you can feast your eyes on a panoramic view of the ocean. On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island and the Channel Islands in the distance. Closer by, you can gaze at the multi-million-dollar homes of Laguna Beach.
If your goal is to hike, there are a lot of hiking trails starting at this point. A sign at the entrance shows a map of Aliso and Woods Canyon Wilderness trails. You can spend a couple of hours or a full day hiking in this area.
One of my favorite hikes is called the Car Wreck Trail. It is so-called because a wrecked car is at the bottom of the ravine. No one knows how the car ended up so far away from any road.
The hike is strenuous due to the steep trail, rocky path, and deep grooves from flash floods. You can make it a little easier by going down to the car wreck and looping around another trail for the climb back up.
Tip: Please remember to take lots of water with you, especially on warm days.
Start at West Ridge trail (off the viewing area). Turn right onto Mathis trail. Turn right again into the Car Wreck trail. This is where it gets tough. Towards the bottom of that trail, you will see the wrecked car nestled in the trees.
As you descend beyond the car wreck, the landscape changes around you into a wooded area with lovely shade trees, a stream, and some benches to rest your feet.
You will start your return trip on the “Oak Grove” trail. After a pleasant stroll, you will turn left and climb back onto Mathis trail. This climb is more gradual, but it is long. Keep going until you hit the West Ridge trail again, then turn left to the main viewing area. You just completed a 7-mile hike.
Pageant of the Masters and Festival of the Arts
This summer-long event is a haven for art lovers. You can start your visit to this open-air gallery by strolling through the art exhibits showcasing the work of local artists.
You can find artistic photography, oil paintings, sculptures, and handmade jewelry. There is also a section dedicated to junior artists.
Grab a drink from one of the bars, then sit in the garden and enjoy the day's musical performance. You can also enjoy your drink while browsing the exhibits.
If you prefer a full sit-down meal, visit the Terra Laguna restaurant and enjoy your meal under the open sky. Unfortunately, I couldn't say under the stars because in Laguna Beach, most summer nights are cloudy. The restaurant is not top-notch, but it is convenient as no other restaurants are nearby.
The highlight of the evening is the Pageant of the Masters, which starts at 8:30. In a large open-air theater, popular art comes alive with the help of an orchestra and a cast of volunteer models.
The show changes every year. In 2021, the show is "Made in America" - celebrating all the great American artists and their creations.
The show extends beyond the stage. Wherever you are seated, you will catch performances all around you on the surrounding hills. For the best view, try to find a seat in the middle section, "S." If you are too close to the stage, you will miss some of the action.
Dining in Laguna Beach
Sapphire - Laguna Beach
Although this restaurant is not right on the sand, it has a great ocean view across the Pacific Coast Highway. The large porch seating area has plenty of tables with amazing views.
Sit back and enjoy a delicious meal for lunch or dinner. On weekends, you can also enjoy their brunch menu.
We happened to visit in between lunch and dinner on a Friday. They have a reduced menu for that period. Although the items on the menu were few, they were all good choices. We tried Mama's Fish Tacos and the Kobe Beef Havarti Cheeseburger - both were tasty and filling.
The drinks were excellent, too. We tried the Sapphire Squeeze, Lychee Mojito, and The Perfect Storm.
This place is also an excellent spot to study or work while enjoying the view. They offer good free Wi-Fi.
Parking is behind the restaurant in underground-covered car park. Remember to take a token from the restaurant reception before you leave.
1200 S Coast Hwy #105B, Laguna Beach, CA 92651Las Brisas
From the top of a cliff overlooking the beaches of Laguna, this Mexican/American restaurant offers Mexican Fusion dishes, an ocean breeze, and a grand view. The prices are high, and the place can get overcrowded, but you are here for the view.
One way to enjoy this restaurant is to get the weekend brunch. It is not a buffet but a 4-course Prix Fixe menu for $45. You can’t go wrong with their tacos, prime rib, and lamb chops for dinner.
During our last visit, we ordered Oysters and Salamon tostada for starters. The main courses were Asparagus Omelet and Baked Eggs. We ended our meal with Sorbet and Flan. All the dishes were delicious, and the meal pace was excellent.
After a leisurely meal, you can walk along the cliff in Heisler Park or down to Main Beach. Heisler Park extends for several blocks with commanding ocean views and beaches below. Read more here.
361 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651Splashes
This hidden gem is inside the Sand and Surf Resort in Laguna Beach. The restaurant is right on the sand, seating indoors and on the patio. Both options afford great views of the ocean and the sounds of surf breaking on the beach.
The food is delightful, too. We like to go for breakfast before a brisk walk on the beach. We had Strawberry and cream Pancakes and the Wild Mushroom Benedicts during our last visit.
If you don’t prefer those items, they have a wide selection of pastries, omelets, bagels with salmon, fruits, and even steak and eggs.
The resort is a wonderful place to spend a few days exploring Laguna Beach and Orange County, especially during the warm months.
1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651The Beachcomber Cafe
Enjoy delicious creations right on the sand at Crystal Cove State Beach. The location, inside the historic district and between cottages built in the 1920s, adds to the ambiance.
As you sit and enjoy your drinks and meal, you will love the view, with many beachgoers, the ocean breeze, and the surf in the distance.
During our last visit, we shared a “Tonga lei for 2”, a huge glass of rum cocktail for sharing. For starters, we ordered Tiny Ahi Tacos and Artichoke dip.
Our main course was Maine Lobster Club, Ahi Ahi Tacos, and a Tuna melt. I especially enjoyed my Lobster Club. For dessert, we shared Beignets and a Bread pudding.
It is important to note that there is no parking near the café. You must park across the street at the State Park parking lot (Los Trancos Parking lot). You can take a beautiful hike down to the beach or ride the shuttle for $1.50 per person.
15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA 92657C'est La Vie
A French restaurant right at Main Beach in Laguna. Sitting on the porch and listening to the surf while sipping our coffee and enjoying French pastries is a nice start to our morning. The restaurant also serves a full breakfast and brunch. They have a selection of Crepes and Omelets.
This place is a bakery and a full-service restaurant. Passers-by on Pacific Coast Highway stop to order croissants, macaroons, or French doughnuts filled with custard. But if you stop for dinner, you can order specialties like Grilled Riviera Octopus, Ahi Tartare Napoleon, or Cotes D' agneau (Lamb) - or enjoy a dinner Crepe.
373 S Coast Hwy #2111, Laguna Beach, CA 92651South of Nick's
The restaurant is part of the Hotel Compass with indoor and outdoor dining. The balcony seating has the best view of the ocean.
They serve traditional Mexican dishes along with seafood specials.
During our visit, we tried the Lobster Enchiladas and the Filet Mingon Fajita. Both were very tasty and filling.
For dessert, we tried their Helado Con Churros. Don't let the name "Churros" deceive you. This is a unique, moist and flavorful concoction topped with ice cream.
540 S Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CAHarvest at the Ranch
The Ranch Resort is a hotel and golf court hidden in a quiet valley in South Laguna Beach. The Harvest restaurant overlooks the golf course with splendid views of the hills.
Sitting outdoors on a summer weekend is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy a delicious meal.
The menu is seasonal and always made with fresh organic ingredients. During our last visit, we enjoyed a Harvest Dry Aged Burger, Black Bean and Mushroom Burger, and a Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad.
We shared a slice of Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream for dessert.
We loved the food, the view, and the service. We will be going back to try their breakfast menu.
The Ranch at 31106, S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CAThe Promenade on Forest
This pedestrian-only section of Forest Street deserves its own mention. You can find great eateries on each side of this street - most with outdoor patio seating. My favorites are Brussels Bistro, Alessa, MOULIN, and 230 Forest Avenue.
Brussels Bistro
Forest Avenue is now closed to cars, allowing restaurants to offer outdoor seating. We decided to try Brussels Bistro, located at the corner of Forest and PCH - and we were pleasantly surprised.
The food and drinks were excellent. We tried their Trout Almondine and the Beet Salad. Both were delicious. The trout was cooked just right, and the mashed potatoes were perfect.
My wife and I had the Zombie in the Park, and we both loved it. We had seconds.
For dessert, we ordered the Crepes Flambee. It wasn't the best dessert we had. The crepes were ok, but they were smothered with the sauce.
I would still recommend this restaurant for its great-tasting dishes.
222 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CAAlessa
Alessa is an upscale Italian restaurant with tasty creations that please the pallet and the eye - and the service is excellent.
On our last visit, we tried two ravioli dishes. We started with Zucca, a butternut squash ravioli with ricotta cheese. We then tried the Nonna Titina ravioli with cheese and spinach.
We enjoyed our meal with delicious drinks. I had the house Merlot which had a hint of plum and cherry flavors. My wife enjoyed a strawberry and basil mojito.
234 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA230 Forest Avenue
There is a reason this restaurant won several awards - excellent food and service.
We encountered this place by chance as the restaurant we had reservations for was closed. So, we walked along our favorite Forest Avenue promenade and decided to try it.
The place was crowded, but the receptionist was able to fit us in.
We enjoyed a few cocktails, a cheeseburger, a kale salad, and the fisherman chowder. The cheeseburger and salad were delicious - the chowder, not so much.
For the drinks, we loved their fig Margarita and the mango martini.
If you are really hungry, try their hearty meals like Togarashi seared ahi, seafood arrabbiata pasta, and maple brined pork chop.
230 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651Sunset Beach to Aliso Beach
Sunset Beach to Aliso Beach anaheimer Set at the southern end of Laguna Beach, this scenic walk is renowned for its meticulously maintained paths and stunning sunset vistas.
Your adventure begins at the Montage Resort or Aliso County Beach.
As you venture north, the path unfolds into a vibrant tapestry of flower gardens, lofty palm trees, and inviting benches, each providing a peaceful view of the beach below. This walk is more than just a pathway; it's a visual feast with the endless ocean on one side and lush greenery on the other. Highlights like a vivid blue mural and well-maintained restrooms enhance the coastal charm.
The concrete path eventually transitions to a natural dirt trail dotted with benches. This area is perfect for a relaxing break, particularly at dusk when the sky is ablaze with sunset hues. Photographers and nature lovers will find this spot ideal for capturing the panoramic ocean views.
Branching off the main path are several trails leading to the beach, inviting you to experience its soft sands and calm surf.
One such path, at the north end of the trail leads you to Goff Island, a small, picturesque rocky islet known for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife. While it is not accessible for public exploration, its scenic charm can be admired from the shores of Sunset Beach, making it a popular subject for photographers, especially during sunsets.
The journey from Sunset Beach to Aliso Beach begins at the southernmost beach ramp. As you near Aliso County Beach, the scenery shifts, with dramatic cliffs forming a stunning backdrop to the seascape.
Aliso Beach itself, with its broad stretch of golden sand, is perfect for relaxation, play, or picnics. The transition from Montage Resort's refined beauty to Aliso County Beach's natural openness is smooth, offering varied experiences within a short walk.
Crossing Aliso Creek, which flows into the ocean, is part of this adventure. Depending on the water flow and tides, you might need to wade through the creek. During our walk, timing our steps with the waves added an element of excitement.
The creek's mouth is also a birdwatcher's paradise, serving as a natural sanctuary.
Parking Options:
- At Montage Resort: 30801 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
- At Aliso Beach: 31131 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
This route is more than just a walk; it's an exploration through diverse landscapes, from elegant gardens and imposing cliffs to serene beaches and a peaceful creek. It's an essential experience for anyone visiting Laguna Beach, showcasing the tranquil beauty of the California coast.
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead anaheimerLake Arrowhead, also known as “The Alps of Southern California,” is a town in the San Bernardino mountains.
The beautiful lake is an artificial reservoir built as part of a failed commercial venture. Now, it is a major tourist attraction and a recreational area.
When visiting Lake Arrowhead, you will probably end up at the Village – a retail and entertainment complex overlooking the lake.
You can buy clothes and trinkets in the Village, or even groceries. Or you can enjoy Belgian Waffles, Pizza, wine tasting, sandwiches, tea, and coffee.
For an inexpensive meal, McDonald's has a large restaurant with a splendid view from a terrace overlooking the lake.
On summer nights, you can also catch a free summer concert.
The area offers many recreational activities every season of the year.
You'll find skiing nearby at Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Mountain High.
At the community of Blue Jay at Lake Arrowhead, try out ice skating at the Ice Castle.
In summer, go hiking around the lake, swim in the refreshing water, or rent a boat to explore the lake.
You can also take a tour on Lake Arrowhead Queen Paddleboat or rent a bicycle to go mountain biking.
A visit to the nearby Wildhaven Ranch will give you a chance to see wildlife indigenous to the area.
Nature lovers will enjoy the Heaps Peak Arboretum with gardens, hiking trails, and interpretive information.
One of the best ways to enjoy Lake Arrowhead is by staying at a resort or renting a cabin for a few days.
From your Basecamp, you can explore Arrowhead and the natural wonders surrounding it.
Hiking Trails
Will Abell Memorial Trail
This 1.9-mile loop trail near Lake Arrowhead is considered a moderately challenging route. It takes an average of 59 min to complete.
It is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
An adventure pass is required to be displayed in vehicles when using the Forest for recreation purposes.
The trail has lots of shade and a view of Lake Arrowhead at the top!!
Depending on the time of the year, you may see many wildflowers.
Forest Overlook Trail
If you are looking for an easy hike, enjoy this 1.9-mile out-and-back trail. It will take an average of 37 min to complete, and it is usually not crowded.
It is a beautiful trail that runs along a road, so expect some road noise.
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
An adventure pass is required to be displayed in vehicles
Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California anaheimerWelcome to Long Beach (LB), a vibrant California gem boasting its unique ports, bustling shopping centers, and picturesque beaches.
This coastal city, nestled at the southern tip of Los Angeles County and bordering Orange County, is a melting pot of culture and excitement.
Long Beach's allure lies in its stunning waterfront attractions. The majestic Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner turned museum, anchors the city's maritime charm.
Fun Fact: Once a world-class ocean liner, the Queen Mary is now a floating museum and hotel, permanently docked in Long Beach.
Nearby, the Aquarium of the Pacific offers a window into oceanic wonders, while the Cruise Terminal and Catalina Boat Terminal serve as gateways to further coastal adventures.
Fun fact: Long Beach's port is one of the largest shipping ports in the world, adding a dynamic industrial flair to its scenic coastline.
But there's more! Long Beach pulsates with annual events like the high-speed Grand Prix of Long Beach, the colorful Long Beach Pride Festival and Parade, and is home to the renowned California State University, Long Beach. Discover more about Long Beach on Wikipedia.
Ease of access is key in Long Beach, and its own Airport provides a tranquil alternative to the bustling LAX, perfect for domestic travel.
From my experiences, the city's offerings - like the enchanting Aquarium, luxurious cruises to Mexico, the scenic boat ride to Catalina Island, delightful harbor cruises from Rainbow Harbor, the lively Shoreline Village, adventurous Jet Skiing to Catalina, and festive New Year's celebrations at the Queen Mary – have left indelible impressions.
Let me guide you through my favorite Long Beach spots:
Rainbow Harbor and Shoreline Village
This bustling epicenter is a stone's throw from Downtown LB, linking major attractions. Here, explore the Aquarium, shop at the Pike Outlets, visit the convention center, embark on harbor cruises, and dine at exquisite restaurants offering panoramic views.
Parking is plentiful, with structures nearby and a large facility at the Pike.
Stroll along the Marina and the boardwalk connecting Shoreline Village to Shoreline Park, and immerse yourself in harbor views, local snacks, and waterfront dining.
Fun Fact: Long Beach boasts a scenic 5.5-mile beachfront bike path, perfect for cyclists and inline skaters.
Extend your journey to Shoreline Aquatic Park, boasting a grassy hill and a charming lighthouse, offering a commanding view of the harbor and the Queen Mary.
For a longer exploration, follow the pedestrian path to the Catalina Express Terminal.
An observation tower provides a unique vantage point between Rainbow Harbor and Shoreline Village. Climb up for a connecting walkway to the Convention Center, offering a panoramic view of the area, including the picturesque Rainbow Lagoon Park with its iconic swan boats.
Fun Fact: California State University, Long Beach, has a unique architectural landmark - the Walter Pyramid, one of only three true pyramids in the United States.
Beyond Rainbow Harbor, engage in various activities: bike rentals, whale-watching tours, Aquarium visits, boat rentals, and a nearby Ferris Wheel. For the adventurous, the trail from Shoreline Aquatic Park to Belmont Shore stretches for 5 miles, perfect for a scenic walk or bike ride.
301 E. Ocean Blvd, Suite 1900
Long Beach, CA 90802
Aquarium of the Pacific
A family favorite, the Long Beach Aquarium is a treasure trove of marine life. Though not the largest, it's a delightful blend of entertainment and education. With both indoor exhibits and an enchanting outdoor area, it offers a comprehensive marine experience.
Inside, the Southern California & Baja Gallery showcases the impressive Blue Cavern Tank, mimicking Catalina Island's marine life. Neighboring exhibits feature giant kelp forests and their diverse inhabitants. The Northern Pacific Gallery introduces visitors to sea otters, giant Pacific octopuses, Japanese spider crabs, jellyfish, and sea anemones.
Fun Fact: The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is the largest in Southern California and one of the most visited in the nation.
Before stepping outside, don't miss the 4D theater's immersive nature films on a 180-degree screen. Outdoors, explore shark, manta ray, and penguin habitats. A highlight is the Lorikeet Forest aviary, home to rainbow lorikeets and violet-necked lories. Here, you can interact directly with these colorful birds by feeding them nectar.
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Pike
The Pike, a sprawling outlet mall, offers a unique shopping experience with stunning harbor views. Home to over 30 retailers, the mall is a shopper's paradise, featuring a mix of restaurants, cinemas, comedy clubs, and hotels, alongside an iconic carousel and Ferris wheel.
Historically, the Pike was an amusement park and pier, adding a layer of nostalgia to its modern charm. Anchor stores include Converse, Forever 21, Gap, Levi's, Nike, and H&M. Culinary delights range from Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. to P.F. Chang's, alongside entertainment options like Cinemark and the Laugh Factory.
Fun Fact: The city is home to an impressive collection of Art Deco buildings, including the Villa Riviera and the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium.
Mother's Beach
Mother's Beach (Marine Park), a serene beach tucked in Alamitos Bay on Naples Island, offers a safe haven for families. Its calm, shallow waters are perfect for young children, while kayakers enjoy the peaceful bay. Lush trees provide ample shade for a relaxing day by the water.
Jet Ski to Catalina Island
Embarking on a Jet Ski Adventure to Catalina Island is an exhilarating experience. Starting at Hotel Maya, Long Beach, this adventure, led by Jetski2Catalina, promises thrilling rides, occasional choppy waves, and delightful encounters with dolphins. The journey is well-planned, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Dining
Long Beach's culinary scene is as diverse as its attractions. From casual bites along Rainbow Harbor and Shoreline Village to upscale dining at the Pike, there's something to suit every palate. Here are some personal favorites:
Gladstone's
At Gladstone's, enjoy sumptuous seafood and stunning patio views. The Seafood Linguini with crab is a must-try, along with their other specialties like Hawaiian Mahi Mahi and Swordfish.
Parker's Lighthouse
Parker's Lighthouse offers a splendid dining experience with multi-level seating and breathtaking views of the harbor. Their Fish and Chips and Arugula and Strawberry Fields Salad are highly recommended, perfectly paired with local craft beer.
Other Restaurants
Other notable spots include Tequila Jack's for Mexican cuisine and Islands for gourmet burgers. For a quick snack, options like WaBa Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, and Cold Stone Creamery are readily
Tips for Visitors
- Visit between late May and early October for the best weather and outdoor activities.
- Utilize the Passport Shuttle for free transportation around downtown Long Beach and major attractions.
- Rent a bike to explore the scenic beachfront bike path and the city's vibrant neighborhoods.
- Don't miss the Long Beach Museum of Art and the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum for a taste of local culture.
- This area offers a variety of dining options with great views of the marina and Queen Mary.
- For a unique shopping experience, head to Retro Row on 4th Street, known for its vintage shops and indie boutiques.
- Check out the monthly flea market at Veterans Stadium for unique finds and local crafts.
- Explore the calm waters of Alamitos Bay or the Naples canals by kayak or paddleboard.
- Plan your visit around local events like the Long Beach Jazz Festival, Pride Parade, or the Toyota Grand Prix.
- While Long Beach isn’t known for surfing, its beaches like Mother’s Beach are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Baja Cruise from Long Beach
Baja Cruise from Long Beach anaheimerMy first cruise experience was an eye-opener. I never expected to have so many new experiences on a 4-day trip, but by the end of the 4th day, I was regretting not booking a longer voyage.
Our cruise took us from Long Beach to Santa Catalina Island in California to Ensenada in Mexico and back.
Carnival offers 3- and 4-day trips to Ensenada, but we picked the 4 days because of the stop at Catalina.
The boarding process was boring and lengthy – but easier than airports. You still must go through a long line for passports and customs and you have to go through metal detectors. But once you are done with this part, you can relax and enjoy your trip.
The best thing about cruising is that it is all-inclusive. Once you step foot on the boat you don’t have to worry about anything. Room, food, soft drinks and entertainment are all included.
Our ship for this cruise was the Paradise which was built in 1998 and started service in 2004. It was my first cruise, so I was in owe of its size and beauty. Carnival now has more modern ships that service this itinerary like the “Imagination” and the “Inspiration”. Paradise now serves the Caribbean sailings.
Paradise could hold around 2000 passengers spread out among more than 1000 cabins. Some are Grand or Junior suites, but the majority are regular (small) size with the distinction of interior or ocean view. We picked the ocean view but were disappointed with a tiny circular window that barely has a view.
We really enjoyed our time on this ship. We spent time exploring the ship, going to comedy shows, dance clubs and a major theatrical production. The kids loved the club designed for young children. We all enjoyed the food choices and quality.
Our time off the ship was also great. We spent several hours on Catalina Island (CA) and went on an excursion to La Bufadora (Ensenada, MX). More about shore excursions later.
Meals
All meals are included with your cruise fees in the main dining rooms, but if you like a change of pace, you can dine at one of the restaurants like “Sushi at Sea” or “Chef’s Table”.
Breakfast and lunch are usually severed buffet-style while dinner can be at a buffet or at a table-service dining room. There are 2 main dining rooms, the Destiney and Elation.
Dinner
If you choose the Elation for your dinner, you can show up any time between 5:45 and 9:30 PM. But expect to wait for your table during busy times.
At the Destiney room, you must pick a dining time for your party for the whole cruise. You can go at 6 or 8:15 PM. Once you set your time, you always have to dine at that time or go to one of the buffets. And you will always eat with the same table mates.
We picked the fixed time – at 6 PM – because we had our 2 young children with us. The food was very good and the whole experience was very enjoyable. At some point during dinner, the servers break into song and dance. Very funny and entertaining. The desserts were excellent too.
We did get bored with the food choices and decided to hit the buffet instead on one of the nights.
We did not try the Elation, but I understand that the food is basically the same.
You can also have breakfast at one of the dining rooms. It is mostly buffet style, just like the other breakfast and lunch areas on the ship.
The attire for both dining halls is causal, except for Elegant Night, when everyone dresses in their finest evening attire.
Breakfast and Lunch
For a buffet style breakfast or lunch head to Paris Restaurant (on Deck 10). This place has indoor and outdoor seating. We really enjoyed our meals outside with great views of the ship and the ocean.
The buffet is divided into sections like “Salad Bar”, “Off the Grill” and “Carnival Deli”.
For more variety, you can go to “Guy's Burger Joint” or “BlueIgunana Cantina” – both on Deck 10 too.
Room Service
Yes, you can order your breakfast and select lunch items straight to your room for free. You can plan ahead by placing your order on the door at night, select your preferred time and receive your meal within 30 minutes of your specified time.
Additional dining options
When you get tired of the same dining places every day you can patronize one of the for-fee restaurants like "Chef's Table" (various locations), Sushi at Sea (Deck 9) and "Cafe lle de France" (Deck 9).
State Rooms
Most of us will end up in an interior or ocean view cabin with a total of 185 ft space. The main difference is that the ocean view cabin has a small porthole. The rooms are cramped with up to 4 bunk beds, a small TV, dresser/vanity – but no mini fridge.
The worst thing about the room is the tiny bathroom. We were stunned when we saw the closet-sized room they called a bathroom.
The beds were ok with the top bunks foldable when not in use. We didn’t really mind the size of the cabin because we hardly spent any time there. It was only used for sleeping after a long day of fun.
For a more luxurious stay, you can pick the Grand or Junior suites.
The Grand suite has up 445 ft of space with a large balcony, larger bathrooms with soak-in bathtubs and separate living and sleeping rooms.
The junior suite is about half the size of the Grand, a smaller bathroom and balcony. Both suites cabins have mini refrigerators.
Fun and Entertainment
Once you board and settle in your stateroom, you don’t need to leave the ship to have lots of fun. The onboard activities cater to all ages and tastes. You can go dancing, watch a theatrical production, swim, dance, enjoy a comedy show or gamble at the casino.
If you still want to leave the ship, there are plenty of shore excursions you can sign up for – for a fee. You can even leave your kids at the kid’s club during your excursion.
Start your day
You can start your morning with exercise classes, yoga and stretching. Or you can take an educational class like Spanish lessons.
Carnival also offers a Q&A session to answer questions about the ship and the itinerary.
Later in the day
You can also join a board game at one of the bars, take some dancing lessons or join a table tennis game.
Weather permitting you can enjoy a swim with the kids or have more wet fun at the small water park.
Are you into golf? There is actually a nine-hole golf course on board that should keep you busy for a while.
After all those activities you need to unwind. Grab one of the reclining deck chairs, sit, relax and sip a drink or two. And if you want to get away from all the noise, go relax with your partner at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.
At night
The main entertainment at night is the theater show. This is a big production with song and dance in a nice theater with stadium seating. The seats have trays so you can enjoy food and drink while watching.
At the Queen Mary Lounge, you can enjoy comedy shows. Check the schedule because one of those shows is adults-only.
You can always spend your money at the casino and hope to win big.
Children’s Activities
Our kids were 5 and 6 at the time of the cruise, so they spent a lot of time at the Kid’s Club. The club had 3 age groups (2 to 5, 6 to 8 and 9 to 11). This allowed the staff to cater their attention and activities for each group. My kids loved the club and did not want to leave when we picked them up.
Although I did not experience it myself, I did notice teenagers roaming the ship in groups and having great fun. It turned out that Paradise had special activities for 12 to 14’s and for 15 to 17s. This includes their own dance clubs and group games.
Shore Excursions
You can book your excursions ahead of time or at the service desk on deck 7. We picked a trip to Catalina Island in California (without the kids) and a tour to La Bufadora in Ensenada.
Catalina Island, California
There is no cruise ship port at the island, so we had to disembark from a side door onto speedboats. Once we landed on the island, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll on the main promenade and visited the unique shops. Read more about Catalina here.
While in Catalina you can join other great excursions. On different visits, we tried the Zipline Adventure, Kayak Expedition, Taste of Catalina Food Tour and East End Adventure by Hummer. We especially enjoyed the Hummer tour.
We felt guilty for leaving the kids on the ship and bought them souvenirs. When we got back, we noticed that they didn’t even miss us.
Ensenada, Mexico
The ship docked at the cruise ship port. It was easy to disembark right into a large plaza with shops and restaurants.
We found our tour bus and went on a 1-hour ride to explore La Bofadora (the Blower).
The bus parks a distance away from the cliffs and you have to walk through many vendors selling all kinds of trinkets, street tacos and sweets.
Once you reach the cliffs, you are treated with a spectacular view of the ocean and the geysers erupting between the rocks. For the adventurous, you can also take a Kayak tour to La Bofadora.
Back in town, we went on a walk to explore the shops and restaurants. Before we boarded the ship, we stopped the large souvenir shop and bought a few things. I bough s sombrero that looked very nice on me, but never wore it again back in the States.
While in Ensenada you can take a variety of executions like Wine Country ATV Adventure, A Taste of Mexico or Baja Off Road Buggy Adventure.
The Taste of Mexico tour is especially interesting. You start by having a taste of authentic food at several restaurants in the center of Ensenada. You then participate in a Mexican Cuisine cooking lesson.
The trip back
On the way back to Long Beach, we enjoy another day at sea, eating our way through the different buffets, enjoying some dancing and some comedy shows – and relaxing on the deck chairs or watching the sunset.
The kids spent more time at the club face painting, working on some art projects and playing group games.
This was a wonderful experience for the whole family and we look forward to a longer cruise somewhere more exotic.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles anaheimerLos Angeles is a sprawling metropolitan area with an amazing array of attractions and activities. The area is infamous for its long grids of streets and freeways and until recently it wasn’t very friendly to public transit.
But things are changing for the better. It is now possible to visit many of the iconic places in LA by rail or by express bus. So, get your backpack, phone, and camera ready and follow me on this exploration tour.
But be warned: There is so much to see and do, you will probably need several days to complete this itinerary.
Union Station
If you are coming to LA by train, then most probably you will have to stop at Union Station. This is the central hub of all trains, metro light rail and busses – even bikes.
The station was built in 1939 as a consolation of several terminals and is considered the largest station in the West. Its main building is registered as National Historic Place.
As you arrive at Union Station, you will disembark from your train and end up in a long hallway connecting the West and East portals. Follow the signs to your next ride. The metro rail lines are underground. The connecting trains are on the upper level.
But before you jump on the next tram, you may want to take a break and have a meal at one of the restaurants or snack shops – located at either East or West portals.
You can also grab a bike from the “Bike Share” program and explore the city at your leisure. Pricing for bike rentals is $3.50/30 minutes but you can get a discount if you buy a monthly or annual pass.
Tip: If you are planning on several trips on the metro system, buy a 1-day or 7-day pass that works for all rail lines and buses.
See a useful station map here.
El Pueblo de Los Angeles
Before you start your adventure on LA’s subway, you should consider a visit to the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. It is a short walk away from Union Station.
Tip: Make sure to exit from the Alameda street exit. The monument and adjacent Olvera street are right across the street from Alameda.
This historic district was first established in 1781 and used to be the center of Los Angeles during the Spanish and Mexican rule. It is home to many historic buildings and statues and home to the famous Olvera Street (Calle Olvera).
At Olvera Street, you can stroll along a narrow street and enjoy shopping at the colorful street vendors or grab a bite of authentic Mexican food. During my visit, I had lunch at El Paseo Inn. I enjoyed some very tasty enchiladas while watching people from their patio overlooking Olvera street. The service was excellent and friendly.
There is a Plaza at the center of this district that hosts many events throughout the year. For a listing of events go here.
On a side alley from Olvera street, you will see a sign for Avila Adobe – the longest-standing structure in LA. Adobe was built in 1818 and is open to the public. The tour is free of charge and takes you through the various rooms in the house and has a well-kept cactus garden in the courtyard.
Tip: Olvera street open at 10 am, so if you arrive early at Union Station, come back to this lively place for lunch or dinner.
Little Tokyo
Lille Tokyo is another historic district in downtown LA with a large population of Japanese Americans. It is only a 14-minute walk or 7-minute ride on the Gold Metro line from Union Station.
While here, you can just stroll around and enjoy the architecture and statues or you can visit the Japanese American National Museum, James Irvine Japanese Garden, two Buddhist Temples or the Japanese Village Plaza.
The area is also full of Japanese restaurants and shops. The all-you-can-eat buffet at Oiwake Restaurant offers a large variety of Japanese cuisine or you can sample great Sushi and Saki at Tenno Sushi.
Civic Center / Grand Park
The LA Civic Center / Grand Park is your first stop on the Red and Purple lines from Union Station.
Tip: Red and Purple lines take the same route from Union Station to Wilshire/Vermont station.
From this station, you can walk to places like Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles City Hall, or just spend some time at Grand Park.
The park is an oasis in the center of the city with beautiful fountains, pink-colored benches, and snack shops. During the summer months, free music and events are held here. Kids especially love the interactive splash pads and the new play area. The park welcomes visitors with a sign in almost every world language.
Tip: If you bring your kids to play here, make sure they have a change of clothes. They will definitely get wet.
The park is basically a long promenade that connects The Music Center on one end and the historic LA City Hall building on the other end.
LA city hall was built in 1928 and is still in use by the city government to this day. It was featured in many TV shows and movies like Superman, Dragnet, and V (the series).
Pershing Square
You can keep walking from Civic Center station to reach your next destination, but if you prefer to save your energy, just hop back on the Red/Purple Line and go to Pershing Square Station.
As you exit the station, stay on 5th ave and walk to Oue Skyspace observation tower. It is located at the top of the tallest building in LA and offers a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding area.
From this vantage point, you can see the Hollywood sign and the snow-capped mountains behind it. In the opposite direction, you can see all the way to the ocean. And in between, you can gaze down at the other tall buildings and Pershing Square.
The observation tower also has a glass slide that could be thrilling to try, but it is very short. I don’t think it is worth the extra ticket.
Note: The observation deck is permenantly closed as of October 26, 2020. It is now home to Vista Patio restaurant.
There is no time limit to your visit. You can zip through the 360-degree view or you can relax on the lounge chairs strategically located on both levels.
Pershing Square Park itself is worth visiting. It was renovated recently with modern art and fountains. There is always something happening here. In the winter months, an Ice Rink is set up for some winter skating.
A few steps away from the park you will find a very interesting place called “The Last Bookstore”. Even if you are not a book lover, this place is worth a visit. The store has a huge collection of books in every category. The second floor has more books and some art and craft shops. Sofas and benches are available everywhere so can visit with an interesting book.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is located in the middle between Civic Center and Pershing Square stations, so you can get to it by walking from either station. It is the only museum dedicated to modern art from 1940 and later. Right outside the museum, you can find a big metal sculpture made out of old airplanes.
If you are hungry for breakfast, there is a very nice restaurant right next to MOCA. The Grand Café at the Omni hotel serves a delicious breakfast buffet with a made-to-order omelet station. It is a little pricey, but worth every bite.
FigAt7th, LA Live and Staples Center
You can take the Red Line to 7th street station, or you can just walk to this next destination.
The FigAt7th mall is one of the newest shopping centers in downtown. You can find stores like H&M, Victoria's Secret, or Target. You can also find a food court with dining places like California Pizza Kitchen, George's Greek Grill, and Starbucks.
A few blocks from the station you can find LA Live and the Grammy Museum.
LA Live is an entertainment complex with several live music venues, movie theaters, and restaurants. It is also home to the Grammy Museum. If you like watching the music awards, then you must visit this place to learn about the history and winners of the Grammys.
And while you are here, you can’t miss the Staples Center - home of the Lakers and Clippers – and many touring concerts and events.
7th Street Metro Hub
7th street metro station is also a hub for several rail lines branching in different directions. From here, you can take the Purple like to go to Wilshire Center and Korea Town.
Or you can take the Expo like to connect to USC, The Science Center and other museums, Culver City, and Santa Monica.
The red line continues on to Wet and North Hollywood and Universal Studios.
The blue line heads south towards downtown Long Beach. This line also connects to the green line to take you to Los Angeles Airport.
You can find a very informative map here.
Koreatown
The purple line stops at 3 stations in this business and residential district: Wilshire/Vermont, Wilshire/Normandie, and Wilshire/Western. Shops and restaurants extend through several city blocks, but the center is around 8th and Western. Venture into side streets to discover some interesting gyms.
Koreatown can surprise with it specialty shops and entertainment venues. You can find unique toy shops or restaurant supplies, Karaoke bars, and places of worship.
Some of the must-visit places are:
Sing your heart out at The Shrine Karaoke bar with its Egyptian-themed interior and great-tasting Korean dishes.
Sample L.A.'s best biryani at Bangla Bazar & Restaurant – an out-of-place Little Bangladesh strip mall.
In the market for stationary? Go to Daiso – a Japanese chain store.
Stock up for your projects at Top’s Art Supplies – a family-owned business with interesting displays.
To get your fill of Korean BBQ, try Sun Ha Jang – famous for their BBA duck.
If you love K-pop music and culture, you can find the latest music and trends at the Music Plaza in Koreatown. Lots of CDs, accessories, and posters to choose from.
On the edge of Koreatown (on S. Western Ave), you can catch the latest Hollywood movies or a Korean flick at the CGV Cinemas Theaters. Right next to the theater you enjoy a Japanese meal at the Curry House.
LA Convention Center
From the 7th street station, take the Expo Line and disembark at the Pico station. A short walk takes you to the Convention Center where big shows and conferences are held.
The LA Auto Show is held here every year with a huge display of the latest models from all manufacturers. At this show, many carmakers unveil their concept futuristic cars.
Other shows and conferences include LA Fitness, Classic Auto Show, America's Got Talent Auditions, and US Naturalization Ceremonies.
Exposition Park and Science Center
The next stop on the Expo Line is the Expo/USC station. As you leave the station, you can cross the street to the north to visit the University of Southern California (USC) or go to the south to visit several museums, including the Science Center.
USC is a private research university that was established in 1880. Walking through the mostly pedestrian campus, you can enjoy the largest collection of Romanesque Revival buildings and beautiful gardens and fountains.
To learn more about the campus and various buildings you can take a self-guided tour. See details here.
The California Science Center is a premier science museum with several permanent exhibits and a few touring exhibits.
It is the final resting place for the Shuttle Endeavour. After making several trips to space and then traveling through the streets of LA, the shuttle is on display for all curious minds to gawk at. You can read a full article about the Science Center here.
Tip: if you are entering the Science Center from the Expo/USC station, then you are not going through the main entrance. You should go through Exposition Park, through the gates, through the ground floor and out the other gate to get to the main entrance plaza and the box office.
At the center, you can catch an IMAX film with a scientific twist. Some of the recent IMAX films playing here are Journey to Space 3D, A Beautiful Planet 3D, and Secret Ocean 3D.
Also in Exposition Park, you can find the Museum of Natural History. You can take a trip through 4.5 million years of history told by specimens, fossils, and dioramas. An abundance of interactive exhibits makes this museum fun for kids and adults alike. Read more about it here.
Finally, the park itself is famous for its rose gardens. As you pass through, enjoy the sights and smells of the multicolored roses.
Hollywood
Back at the 7th street hub (or starting from Union Station), take the red line to Hollywood. Existing at Hollywood and Highland station, you will find yourself right in the middle of the action.
The metro station is located right under the shopping center with the same name. The center is also home to the iconic Dolby Theatre and Chinese Theatre. The Oscars are handed out for best films every year at the Dolby theater.
Also at this center, you can find department stores like Forever 21, Guess, Gap, Hot Topic, and fun centers like Dave & Busters and Lucky Strike Live. For lunch or dinner, visit places like Cabo Wabo Cantina, Cho Oishi, Hard Rock Cafe, or Trastevere Ristorante.
Tip: The famous Hollywood sign is very prominent from several locations in this mall. It is a golden opportunity for some amazing photos.
Existing Hollywood and Highland center, you will be on one of the busiest streets in the US. People from across the globe come here to stroll along Hollywood Blvd. to look for their favorite celebrities on the Walk of Fame.
Tip: as you walk around on Hollywood Blvd., you will notice a lot of movie characters walking around or acting up – like Spiderman, Batman, etc.. Be aware that if you ask to pose with them for a photo, you are expected to pay a tip.
A few blocks away you can find entertainment places like Madame Tussauds, Wax Museum, and Guinness World Records Museum.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and La Brea Tar Pits
It is not on any rail line route, but you can’t miss this attraction during your visit to LA.
From the Hollywood and Highland area (or most of Hollywood Blvd.) you can take the 217 bus all the way to the museum at Fairfax / 6th street intersection.
LACMA is the largest art museum in the western USA. It holds more than 150,000 pieces of art filling 9 buildings on the sprawling campus. Go here for a map.
The museum’s collections cover periods from ancient to modern and cultures like South East Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Ancient Egypt.
Next to this museum, you will find the La Brea Tar Pits. Bubbling asphalt has been seeping from the ground for tens of thousands of years. Many unlucky animals got trapped in those tar pits and left their bones for future scientists to study.
To learn more about the Tar Pits, you can visit the museum that was built around them.
The Grove and Farmers Market
Bus route 217 will also take you to this high-end shopping center with stores like Nordstrom, Tommy Bahama, Apple, and Nike.
While visiting, you can catch a movie at Pacific Theaters or dine at one of the fine dining restaurants. Some of the distinguished eateries here are Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, Maggiano´s Little Italy, and Morels French Steakhouse.
But for a real treat, go to the LA Farmers Market adjacent to the Grove. The market is famous for fresh produce and lots of food vendors. At the food court. You can find all kinds of cuisines like Chinese, Japanese, American Grill, Greek, and Middle Eastern. See all the vendors here.
Tip: It is hard to find an empty table during busy lunch or dinner times - but there is an upper-level seating area that many people miss.
Heading back
After a day of fun, take the 217 bus back to Hollywood, hop on the Red Line and head back to Union Station. Make sure to get on the one going to Union Station and not to North Hollywood – unless you are planning to venture to Universal Studios.
Tip: From any of the destination mentioned in this article you can get back to Union Station by taking a combination of buses and rail lines. Use Google Maps and select the public transit option to find the fastest route.
Universal Studios
You will need at least a full day to explore Universal Studios and the adjacent City Walk. You can get to the studios by riding the Red Line from Union Station or from Downtown LA.
Universal Studios Hollywood is the longest-running still active movie studio in the world. It has many shows and rides based on popular movies. The newest addition to the studios “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” opened recently and provides Harry Potter fans with lots of new attractions.
For a full article about Universal Studios, go here.
The City Walk is right outside the park gates with a 3-block of shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.
Some of the venues here are Wolfgang Puck Bistro, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Hot Topic, Fossil, Sketchers, and IFLY Indoor Skydiving.
Further Away
If you have time, you can explore other great destinations in Southern California by rail.
Take the Metrolink Orange County line to Anaheim to visit the Disney Resort with 2 parks, Downtown Disney district, and several hotels. Read more about Disneyland and California Adventure.
You can take the Pacific Surfliner from Union Station to San Diego and visit Seaworld and many other attractions in this beautiful city.
Or you can use the Pacific Surfliner going north to Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo. At Pismo Beach, you can enjoy some 4-wheeling adventures at Oceano Dunes.
Astra Lumina
Astra Lumina anaheimerI am always looking for out-of-this-world experiences, but unless I win the lotto and go as a space tourist, I have to make do with closer-to-earth excursions.
When I heard about Astra Lumina, a magical night walk through a botanical garden with lights and sounds of visiting stars, I had to try it.
Through the magic of projections, lighting, and music, astral energy transforms the garden into a celestial pathway, connecting visitors to the stars and the vast world around them.
The creators, Moment Factory, laid out a path through this beautiful garden and filled it with light effects, lasers, and dreamy music that mesmerized visitors and propelled us into outer space.
This enchanting walk can take 45 to 60 minutes and goes through varied terrain. Some steep inclines may be difficult for the elderly, but we found some bench seats to rest and admire the scenery.
The ticket prices are reasonable, around $30 per person. They are timed tickets, which means you have an appointment to enter the gardens. But once you are inside, you can stroll at your leisure, rest on the benches, or visit the snack bar.
Important Note: The event contains many strong lighting effects, of which some may flicker or strobe.
Since this is an open-air activity, come prepared for the cold weather. We brought heavy jackets but still felt the chill, and I wish I had brought a beany too.
The botanical gardens are in Palos Verdes Peninsula, a large land mass jutting into the Pacific Ocean. The Peninsula is worth a visit on its own, with beach hiking trails, stunning cliff views, and distinguished restaurants.
Before the show, we enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner at Avenue Italy Cucina Italiana. The food and service were excellent, but the prices were a little on the high side.
26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
California Science Center
California Science Center anaheimerThe science museum is a great place to spend the day learning and having fun with the whole family.
The museum has great fixed exhibits like Creative World and Ecosystems and special temporary exhibits like Journey to Space. Special exhibits usually require a ticket you can purchase at the ticket booth.
Along with the exhibits, the museum has a large format IMAX theater that shows films with scientific themes. Some are shown in spectacular, vivid 3D.
The best attraction at the museum nowadays is the Endeavor final resting place. You must go through Ecosystems to get the Endeavor display. The first time I entered this hall, I was surprised at the spaceship’s giant size. It dwarfs the throngs of people gazing up at it.
On the walls surrounding Endeavor, you can experience a space station module, a space shuttle engine and many photos and videos of the shuttle missions.
Before you get to endeavor, you must pass through Ecosystems. It is worth lingering here for a while, so you can experience Earth’s Forest, River, Island and Extreme zones. You can also zoom in onto the L.A. zone for more intimate details about our environment.
And don’t forget to visit Creative World. This is a place for the whole family to interact and create. You build a structure and see the effect of earthquakes on your creation. Or you can see how the wind lifts the wings on an airplane in a wind tunnel. How about making some model cars move with the power of solar energy, or finding the perfect angle for a sailboat in the wind?
A great area for younger kids is the Discovery Room where they can play with hands-on toys and experiments or use preloaded iPads with educational games. They can also visit the Air and Space area and pretend to be astronauts piloting the Endeavor.
During my visit I watched the Journey to Space IMAX 3D movie. It felt to me like I was in the space shuttle and then visiting the space station. The view of our Earth from above is breathtaking.
On your way out, visit the “Explora Store” where you can find the perfect souvenir for inquiring minds. You can find kits, model spaceships, rock collections and much more.
Plan your visit and learn more about the center at the official website here: www.californiasciencecenter.org.
The Science Center is located next to the University of Southern California (USC) at Exposition Park.
Admission is free unless you want to watch an IMAX movie or visit one of the special Exhibits.
During our recent visit, we enjoyed the Maya exhibit, which included displays and artifacts about the Maya civilization. We also watched an IMAX film about the Maya and how some of their cities were discovered deep in jungles.
IMAX movie tickets are $8.50 and the Journey to Space exhibit is $6.50.
You can avoid traffic and parking fees by riding the Metrolink expo line, which takes you directly to exposition park – a few steps away from the museum.
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park DriveLos Angeles, CA 90037
Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens anaheimerTucked against the San Gabrial Mountains in Los Angeles County, Gardens is a retreat from civilization and a treat for soar eyes.
The Gardens are spread out over 150 acres of hills, meadows, lakes, and streams.
The botanic collections are divided into distinct areas; some, like the Oak Forest, look like pristine woodland, while others, like the Camellia Collection and Rose Garden, are more landscaped.
The admission fee is about $15 for a single visit and around $80 for an annual membership. If you buy the single visit ticket and change your mind, you can apply the purchase fees toward a membership.
And there is a good chance you will change your mind. The collections are so vast and appealing that you will need multiple visits to see everything.
So what can you see and do in the gardens? Get a full list of gardens.
You can stroll through the rose garden, which boasts a collection of 1600 roses from around the world.
You can hike through the Oak woodlands and forest and admire the Camellia Collection.
The gardens also offer the Enchanted Railroad ride, but it was closed during our visit.
You can also relax on benches throughout the park with great views of streams, waterfalls, and ponds with ducks.
A visit to the Japanese Garden is a must. This tranquil garden blends design elements from four classic garden styles. While there, cross an arched bridge and walk on shaded paths along a koi-filled stream to the teahouse.
The plants in this garden are all native to Asia and include camellias, azaleas, mondo grass, Japanese maples., and a few Cherry trees. The Cherry Blossoms are a beautiful sight in the spring.
Descanso Gardens also hosts several fun events for the whole family. One of the most anticipated events is the Enchanted Forest of Lights – which will return in 2021.
For tickets and membership, go here.
1418 Descanso DriveLa Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Ph. (818) 949-4200
Downtown LA Walk
Downtown LA Walk anaheimer
Downtown LA Walk
Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolitan area with amazing attractions and activities.
The best way to experience LA is by walking through downtown and surrounding areas and then hopping on one of the Metro lines to places further away.
The best starting place for this walking tour is Union Station, a transportation hub connecting LA with several major cities through Metrolink and the whole nation via Amtrak.
Union Station
If you are coming to LA by train, you must stop at Union Station. This is the central hub of all trains, metro light rail, buses, and even bikes.
The station was built in 1939 as a consolation of several terminals and is considered the largest station in the West. Its main building is registered as a National Historic Place.
As you arrive at Union Station, you will disembark from your train and end up in a long hallway connecting the West and East portals. Follow the signs for your next ride. The metro rail lines are underground. The connecting trains are on the upper level.
But before you jump on the next tram, you may want to take a break and have a meal at one of the restaurants or snack shops at either East or West portals.
You can also grab a bike from the “Bike Share” program and explore the city at your leisure. Pricing for bike rentals is $3.50/30 minutes, but you can get a discount if you buy a monthly or annual pass.
Tip: If you are planning on several trips on the metro system, buy a 1-day or 7-day pass that works for all rail lines and buses.
See a useful station map here.
El Pueblo de Los Angeles and Olvera St
Start your walk by visiting El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument and Olvera Street (Calle Olvera). It is a short walk from Union Station's Alameda Street exit.
This historic district was first established in 1781 and was the center of Los Angeles during Spanish and Mexican rule. It is home to many historic buildings and statues.
At Olvera Street, you can stroll along a narrow street and enjoy shopping at the colorful street vendors or grab a bite of authentic Mexican food. During my visit, I had lunch at El Paseo Inn. I enjoyed some very tasty enchiladas while watching people from their patio overlooking Olvera Street. The service was excellent and friendly.
A Plaza at the center of this district hosts many events throughout the year. For a listing of events, go here.
On a side alley from Olvera Street, you will see a sign for Avila Adobe – the longest-standing structure in LA. Adobe was built in 1818 and is open to the public. The tour is free of charge and takes you through the various rooms in the house. It has a well-kept cactus garden in the courtyard.
Tip: Olvera street opens at 10 am, so if you arrive early at Union Station, come back to this lively place for lunch or dinner.
Civic Center
After you spend some time at Olvera St and the El Pueblo de Los Angeles, take a pedestrian path from the plaza that takes you between 2 historical buildings: "Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church" and "LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes," and onto North Spring Street.
Spring Street takes you past several government buildings and courthouses, ending at the LA City Hall.
LA city hall was built in 1928 and is still used by the city government today. It was featured in many TV shows and movies like Superman, Dragnet, and V (the series).
As you cross between the two buildings, notice the nice garden with a wooden DOG statue. It was created in recognition of the many difficulties faced by people who journeyed from their homes hoping to find a better life in the United States.
Grand Park
Grand Park is across the street from City Hall and provides an oasis in the city's center with beautiful fountains, pink-colored benches, and snack shops.
During the summer months, free music and events are held here. Kids especially love the interactive splash pads and the new play area. The park welcomes visitors with a sign in many world languages.
Tip: If you bring your kids to play here, make sure they have a change of clothes. They will definitely get wet.
The park is a long promenade connecting The Music Center on one end and the historic LA City Hall building on the other.
Stroll through the park, catch a concert, get drinks and snacks from Starbucks, and sit and relax next to the fountains before crossing to your next destination.
The Music Center
Continue your walk from Grand Park by crossing Grand Ave to get to LA Music Center, one of the country's largest performing arts centers in downtown Los Angeles.
The Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County (better known as The Music Center) is home to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theater, Mark Taper Forum, Roy and Edna Disney / CalArts Theatre, and Walt Disney Concert Hall.
This is the place if you love classical music, ballet, opera, or theater.
The area around this large complex is walkable, with a nearby metro station, a beautiful park, restaurants, coffee shops, and the iconic city hall building.
The Jerry Moss Plaza is a 35,000-square-foot outdoor urban oasis connecting three of the venues at the center. Beautiful fountains, sculptures, and trees greet visitors on their way to their show.
The center also offers free or inexpensive events throughout the year, including the Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration, a Christmas Eve tradition.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
After admiring the Music Center and taking in the views from the plaza, continue on Grand Ave to the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
This iconic part of the music center was added in 2003 and became home to the LA Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
The exterior of the building is an architectural marvel with a riot of curves and reflections. At night, the multicolored lights turn it into a shining jewel in the middle of downtown.
Inside, the floor, walls, and ceiling flow into each other, continuing the sense of delightful confusion.
Read more about the Music Center here.
The Broad Museum
Continue from the music center on Grand Ave to this unique museum - right next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
The museum houses a 2,000-piece collection of modern art that sometimes defies comprehension. Some look like a child threw paint on a canvas, while others are worth a second look.
I was most impressed by the “Infinity Mirrored Room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away,” a mirror-lined chamber housing a dazzling and seemingly endless LED light display, and the oversized dining set that made me feel like a midget in the land of giants.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Right after you pass the Broad Museum, a pedestrian walkway across Grand takes you to a pedestrian-only walkway between hotels and apartments with a beautiful infinity pool and fountains. The museum will be on your right.
The museum has a unique collection of modern sculptures, photography, and paintings.
Entry is free, but you must reserve a time slot in advance.
California Plaza
The area that includes the pedestrian walkway, museum, Omni hotel, and two Plaza towers is known as the California Plaza.
The plaza is a lovely place to relax, shop, and attend a free concert - if you time your walk right. The amphitheater and the fountains make this a beautiful place to visit in the middle of the concrete jungle.
It also sits at a high point in Downtown LA - on Buner Hill - with great views of skyscrapers and a funicular that helps us navigate the steep climb down to Hill Street and our next destination.
Angels Flight
Angels Flight funicular connects the low-end at S. Hill Street and the high-end at the California Plaza and Grand Ave.
A one-dollar ride will take you on this short up or down steep incline. It is only a two-minute ride, but you will avoid the adjacent stairs and experience a part of history.
The original Funicular was built in 1901 and began at the west corner of Hill Street at Third and ran for two blocks uphill (northwestward) to its Olive Street terminus. You can read more about the history here.
Grand Central Market
Across the street from Angels Flight Funicular, you can visit Grand Central Market for a bite or shop.
This market was established in 1917 and offers an array of shops and ethnic foods from around the world.
Some of the cuisines represented here are Japanese, German, Mexican, Chinese, Texas BBQ, Italian, Korean, and Indian. You can see a full list here.
Pershing Square
Pershing Square is a few steps away from California Plaza and Grand Central Market.
The Square was renovated recently with beautiful landscaping, modern art, fountains, and a kid's play area.
This small sanctuary in the middle of town offers great views of the old and new DTLA and connects to other great places nearby.
There is always something happening here. An Ice Rink is set up for winter skating in the winter months. It is also home to the DTLA Proud Festival and live performances.
A few steps away from the square, you will find an interesting place called “The Last Bookstore.” Even if you are not a book lover, this place is worth a visit. The store has a vast collection of books in every category. The second floor has more books and some art and craft shops. Sofas and benches are available everywhere so you can visit with an interesting book.
FigAt7th, LA Live, and Staples Center
You can take the Red Line to 7th Street station or walk to this next destination.
The FigAt7th mall is one of the newest shopping centers downtown. You can find stores like H&M, Victoria's Secret, or Target. You can also find a food court with dining places like California Pizza Kitchen, George's Greek Grill, and Starbucks.
A few blocks from the station, you can find LA Live and the Grammy Museum.
LA Live is an entertainment complex with several live music venues, movie theaters, and restaurants. It is also home to the Grammy Museum. If you like watching the music awards, then you must visit this place to learn about the history and winners of the Grammys.
And while you are here, you can’t miss the Staples Center - home of the Lakers and Clippers – and many touring concerts and events.
7th Street Metro Hub
7th street metro station is also a hub for several rail lines branching in different directions. From here, you can take the Purple like to go to Wilshire Center and Korea Town.
Or you can take the Expo line to connect to USC, The Science Center and other museums, Culver City, and Santa Monica.
The red line continues on to West and North Hollywood and Universal Studios.
The blue line heads south towards downtown Long Beach. This line also connects to the green line to take you to Los Angeles Airport.
Inn of the Seventh Ray
Inn of the Seventh Ray anaheimerIn between Santa Monica and Malibu, this unique restaurant sits in the woods next to a creek with beautiful views and delicious food creations.
After taking winding highway 27 to the Topanga State Park we veered left onto Old Topanga road to reach this well-hidden gem.
After checking in, we were guided to our table at the Creekside with plenty of shade from the towering old sycamores. The sound of running water down below added to the ambiance to make this spot perfect for a late afternoon meal.
The service was top notch, but the food was something else. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing most ingredients from local organic farms and it is really very inventive.
Our party enjoyed Shrimp and Papaya Wraps and Turkey ArtichokePanini sandwiches with sweet potato fries.
On the weekend, the Inn serves a buffet-style brunch with many breakfast, lunch and dessert choices.
While waiting for your meal, you can descend down a short flight of stairs to the creek level to enjoy the scenery and take some photos.
This place has been called the most romantic dining in LA. Many a couple met her or had their wedding or anniversary.
No one knows for sure the full history of this spot, but it rumored that Chumash Indians used the intersection of 2 creeks as a meeting place. Later it was used as a private retreat for Aimee McPherson founder of the Foursquare Church. In 1973 the property was restored by the current owners and transformed into this wonderful dining destination.
Topanga State Park is right next door, so you can stop by after lunch for some stunning views and great hikes.
For a more rewarding hike with amazing ocean view go to Tuna Canyon Park. Read about it here.
Los Angeles Music Center
Los Angeles Music Center anaheimerThe Music Center is one of the largest performing arts centers in the country, and it is in downtown Los Angeles.
The Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County (better known as The Music Center) is home to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theater, Mark Taper Forum, Roy and Edna Disney / CalArts Theatre, and Walt Disney Concert Hall.
This is the place for you if you love classical music, ballet, opera, or theater.
The area around this large complex is walkable, with a nearby metro station, a beautiful park, restaurants, coffee shops, and the iconic city hall building.
The Jerry Moss Plaza is a 35,000-square-foot outdoor urban oasis connecting three of the venues at the center. Beautiful fountains, sculptures, and trees greet visitors as they make their way to their show.
The center also offers free or inexpensive events throughout the year, including the Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration, a Christmas Eve tradition.
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
The Chandler Pavilion is home to the Los Angeles Opera and Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance. It also hosted the Academy Awards for several years.
Los Angeles Opera produces standard operatic repertory as well as new and rarely staged operas. Some of the great works staged here are The Ghosts of Versailles, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Nicholas and Alexandra.
You can find a list of upcoming operas here. The list includes Tannhäuser, Cinderella, and Aida.
The ambiance and grandeur of the Pavilion are breathtaking, with beautiful chandeliers, an expansive lobby, and spiral staircases.
The Chandler Pavilion was home to the LA Philharmonic before it moved to Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
This iconic part of the music center was added in 2003 and became home to the LA Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Walt Disney's wife, Lillian, donated $50 million as seed money for this project honoring her husband, who loved the arts.
The exterior of the building is an architectural marvel with a riot of curves and reflections. At night, the multicolored lights turn it into a shining jewel in the middle of downtown.
Inside, the floor, walls, and ceiling flow into each other, continuing the sense of delightful confusion.
The main concert hall looks spacious and elegant, with seats terraced around the stage and a stunning pipe organ towering above the orchestra.
During a recent visit, I got the chance to listen to a beautiful performance of Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances. The orchestra played it flawlessly, and the acoustics in this hall were excellent.
Interesting fact: This piece was first performed on February 18, 1943.
During intermission, the bar offered some basic cocktails, wines, and snacks. In my opinion, the selection needs some improvement.
Also, by the time some people got their snacks, it was time to return to the performance. I was lucky to know that you can order your drinks and snacks ahead of time and have them ready on a table during intermission.
The Broad Museum
Although this contemporary art museum is not part of the music center, it is worth mentioning here. It is right next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall and offers a convenient stop before or after the show.
The museum houses a 2,000-piece collection of modern art that sometimes defies comprehension. Some look like a child threw paint on a canvas, while others are worth a second look.
I was most impressed by the Infinity Mirrored Room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away. A mirror-lined chamber housing a dazzling and seemingly endless LED light display and the oversized dining set made me feel like a midget in the land of giants.
Los Angeles Restaurants
Los Angeles Restaurants anaheimerRestaurants
I love food and am always on the lookout for new experiences and high-quality dining.
Los Angeles City and the broader LA county are full of places to explore, some with amazing views of the city skyline.
It is also remarkably diverse, with ethnic cuisine from around the world.
Here is a sampling of my favorite places.
Go for the view
Perch
Perch is a restaurant with a glamorous rooftop setting, French cuisine, small plates, handcrafted cocktails & grand views of the city in downtown LA.
The view of LA's skyline is breathtaking, but the food is even better.
From starters like surf n' turf skewers, Fromage and charcuterie plate, ahi tuna tartare, and French onion soup – to main dishes like filet mignon au poivre, steak frites, boeuf bordelaise, or pan-roasted salmon – you can't go wrong with your selection.
The prices are high but remember that you are paying for the delicious food plus the fantastic rooftop view.
For an excellent finish to this meal, we had the white chocolate bread pudding, which was very tasty.
448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 9001371Above
71Above is a high-end bar & lounge on the 71st floor that offers modern American cuisine & panoramic views.
Enjoy stunning ocean views, the downtown LA skyline, and the mountains as you sit at the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi.
Several seating options are available, from the boisterous bar to chef's tables and, my favorite, the edge tables. Those tables look out over the edge, directly lining the window facing West Los Angeles.
It is tough to reserve the edge tables, but the dining room is a good substitute.
You can enjoy delicious ala-cart dishes wherever you are seated or select the three-course meal.
This restaurant is open for dinner only.
633 W 5th St 71st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071Yamashiro | Hollywood
Yamashiro is a historic Hollywood landmark that sits 250 ft. in the hills above Hollywood.
The restaurant serves Sushi & Cal-Asian cuisine in a garden setting with a koi pond overlooking the city.
Yamashiro translates to "mountain palace," and the restaurant building was designed as a replica of a palace located in the mountains near Kyoto, Japan.
The food here is delicious. They do have a full Japanese cuisine menu, but we come here for the specialty rolls.
Parking at or near Yamashiro's is tricky. You can use their valet service but expect long lines and waits to get your car back. Alternatively, you can park at places like Hollywood and Highland and walk or Uber to the restaurant.
Expect to pay a premium for the food and the views.
1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CAThe Penthouse
The Penthouse is perched atop Huntley Hotel. This trendy American eatery is famed for cocktails & panoramic views.
This Santa Monica restaurant offers guests a dramatic 18th-floor rooftop dining experience with ocean views.
Enjoy signature craft cocktails while waiting for your Californian-inspired dinner, then go for a stroll along Ocean Ave to the Santa Monica pier and the beach.
1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403The Strand House
The Strand House has the best ocean view in Manhattan Beach.
A few steps away from the Manhattan Beach Pier, it is the perfect place to watch the sunset or enjoy a sunny beachside brunch.
The fresh and seasonal menus give the guests a new experience every time they visit.
We came for brunch and tried açai fruit bowl, eggs benedict, and wild mushroom omelet. If you prefer lunch items, they have burgers and chicken dishes.
After a delicious meal, a stroll on the beach and the pier is a must.
117 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266Go for the Food
El Paseo Inn (Olvera Street)
While strolling Olvera Street next to Union Station, we came across El Paseo Inn - an authentic Mexican restaurant.
We enjoyed some very tasty enchiladas while watching people from their patio overlooking Olvera Street.
The service was excellent and friendly, and the food was delicious.
Avenue Italy Cucina Italiana
This Italian restaurant is in the affluent Palos Verdes Peninsula and offers tasty dishes, wines, and desserts.
During a recent visit, we ordered the Osso Buco (Veal), Branzino (fish), and Fettuccini Capesante (scallop).
The food and service were excellent, but the prices were too high.
We ended our meal with delicious Tiramisu and Chocolate Mousse.
31243 Palos Verdes Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275Further away
It's not exactly in Los Angeles County, but it's definitely worth the drive.
Inn of the Seventh Ray
In between Santa Monica and Malibu, this unique restaurant sits in the woods next to a creek with beautiful views and delicious food creations.
After taking winding Highway 27 to the Topanga State Park, we veered left onto Old Topanga Road to reach this well-hidden gem.
The service was top-notch, but the food was something else. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing most ingredients from local organic farms, and it is very inventive.
128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd, Topanga, CA 90290The Getty Center
The Getty Center anaheimerThe Getty Center is located in Los Angeles and houses the main Museum, the Getty Research Institute, the Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Foundation, and the administrative offices.
The Museum has 5 Pavilions. The Exhibition Pavilion houses traveling collections of art while the other 4 Pavilions house the permanent collections. You can find the oldest art collections at the North Pavilion while the newest collections are located at the West Pavilion.
The art collections are extensive and diverse. It includes paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, decorative arts and photographs. Some of the artists represented are Monet, van Gogh, Renoir and Munch.
Tip: before your start your exploration of the center, watch the video tour. You can also watch the same video at: http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/videoDetails?cat=4&segid=10.
The center’s architecture itself is a piece of art nestled on top of a hill with great vistas. The courtyards between the buildings are filled with ponds and fountains. The Pavilions are connected by glass-enclosed bridges and open terraces.
Tip: Grab an audio tour device at the reception desk. They have audio tracks in several languages. Most pieces of art have a number next to them. When you punch the number on the device you will be rewarded with a brief description and highlights about the object.
From the main plaza you can walk down a tree-lined walkway to the central garden. A stream crisscrosses the walkway and goes over a waterfall into the center pond.
For families with kids, don’t forget to visit the activity center where you can create art with your children. All materials are provided free of charge for your enjoyment.
You can try the Café style dining with a menu that includes sandwiches, soups, salads, pizzas and pasta, tacos and burritos, and grilled items. Wine and beer are also available.
For a full-service dining experience, with a view of the Santa Monica Mountains, go to the restaurant. The menu is a fusion of Mediterranean and California cuisine.
If you prefer, you can have a picnic on the lawn adjacent to the Central Garden or at any of the Getty Center's public seating areas. You can also pre-order a picnic lunch from the Café at the Getty’s website.
Other dining options include a Café on a terrace overlooking the gardens and a coffee cart on the main plaza.
Admission and Parking:
A large parking structure is located at the bottom of the hill and costs $15. Entry to the center is free. No reservations are needed.
Once you park, you will ride a tram to the top of the hill where all the center buildings are. The tram ride itself is part of the fun for families with children.
The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, California 90049
The Getty Villa
The Getty Villa anaheimerThe Getty Villa is located in Pacific Palisades near Malibu. The building is a replica of the Villa Dei Papiri which is a Roman country house that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. The buildings and surrounding Roman-style gardens transports you through time and lets you experience life as a rich merchant in ancient Rome. The architecture of the Villa was designed to resemble an archeological dig.
Tip: before you start your tour through the Villa, catch a 12 minutes video about the history of the museum and its collections. You can also catch it at www.getty.edu before your visit.
The Villa houses a great collection of sculptures, pottery and jewelry from antiquities. The main cultures represented are Etruscan, Greek and Roman – with artifacts arranged by themes. For example, you will see Gods and Goddesses in one room and the Trojan War in another.
The family activity center is a must for visitors with kids. It offers quick art projects and a chance to decorate a Vase from the Greek or Roman times with your own decorations. The vases are replicas and the markers are erasable – so don’t worry about spoiling an expensive piece of art.
Outside the Villa exhibits, you can enjoy a small Greek theater, courtyards, ponds and fountains.
Tip: After parking in the parking structure, many visitors make the mistake of climbing the stairs all the way to the top, missing the gardens and the main courtyard. After the first flight of stairs turn right into a balcony with a clear view of the ocean then climb the small ramp to the main garden with a very long pond and fountains surrounded by statues. If you miss that entrance to the Villa, make sure to exit into that direction to enjoy the views.
Dining choice at the Villa:
You can dine at the Café which serves casual Mediterranean cuisine with comfortable seating indoors or outdoors. We decided to eat on the outdoor patio to enjoy great food and take in the views and architecture. Umbrellas provided protection from the sun for those who need it.
You can also grab a coffee and a snack from the coffee shop next doors.
If you prefer to be closer to nature, you can bring your own food or pre-order a picnic lunch at the Getty website and enjoy at one of the picnic areas.
Although entrance to the Villa is free, your still have to pay $15 for parking. You will also need to make reservations online at www.mtn.museumtix.com. The booking process may look like you are buying tickets for a show, but don’t worry, the tickets are free and you will not be asked for a credit card. You have to have the tickets to enter the Villa - one for each member of your group.
Entering the Villa grounds might be a little tricky. The only way to enter is to go north on PCH, watch out for the tiny gate right of off PCH. If you miss it, you have to go further down PCH and find a safe way to double-back to before the gate. The best bet is to reprogram your GPS navigation and find the best way back.
Books:
- The Getty Villa (Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum)
- Seeing the Getty Villa (Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum)
The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, California 90272
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach anaheimerManhattan Beach is a gorgeous little downtown with stunning sunsets on a clean beach, great restaurants, and a safe and happy vibe to spend the evening.
This coastal town sits between Hermosa Beach to the south and Los Angeles to the north, with a busy downtown district and great beach activities.
My favorite thing to do when visiting Manhattan Beach is to walk along the Strand – a long walkway connecting Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach.
Pedestrians and cyclists use this path, but in Manhattan Beach, the bike trail splits away from the main trail, making for a more pleasant and safe walk. Walking the Strand, you can admire the multi-million dollar homes terraced on a gentle slope.
The separate bike trail is actually part of the longer Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which runs along Santa Monica Bay.
For a different view, walk on the pier and watch families playing on the sand, surfers waiting for the right wave, and fishermen.
After a long walk or bike ride, we head to the restaurants in downtown. Some of the restaurants have great views of the beach – some from rooftops.
My favorites are Simmzy’s, Petros, Nick’s, and Magiamo.
We recently had dinner at Magiamo Ristorante – an Italian restaurant with a patio overlooking the ocean. The food, drinks, and dessert were excellent.
For starters, we had the Ahi Tuna Tartar Stack – an artful creation of Poke. Our main meals were potato-crusted Halibut and Skillet Braised Oxtail. Both were delicious and filling. For dessert, we tried the Butter cake and the Tiramisu. They were so tasty we wanted seconds.
This restaurant is expensive but worth it for the food and the view.
Here are a few fun things to do in Manhattan Beach:
At the Beach
As a coastal city, Manhattan Beach offers a variety of beach-related activities such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, surfing, and paddleboarding. You can also take leisurely walks along the shoreline or simply relax while enjoying the ocean view.
On the Pier
Take a stroll on the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier, enjoy the views, and watch the sunset. Fishing is also a popular activity on the pier.
Shopping and Dining
Manhattan Beach has a charming downtown area with boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, and eateries. Spend time shopping, trying out different cuisines, and enjoying the local atmosphere.
Beach Volleyball
If you're a beach volleyball fan, don't miss the annual Manhattan Beach Open Volleyball Tournament, which attracts top players and offers an exciting sporting spectacle.
Of course, you don't have to wait for the tournament to enjoy a friendly match on the sand.
Botanical Garden
Experience tranquility in this beautiful garden that showcases a variety of California native plants.
Monterey, California
Monterey, California anaheimerMonterey is a city located on the southern edge of Monterey Bay on California's Central Coast.
The city is known for its stunning scenery, rich history, and many attractions. It is most known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and Fisherman's Wharf.
Interesting Fact: Monterey serviced as the State's capital during the Spanish, Mexican, and USA rules.
Monterey is also a gateway to the unparalleled beauty of Big Sur and other beach towns like Carmel, Santa Cruz, and Pacific Grove.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The aquarium offers a large collection of sea life exhibits and some hands-on experiences for the kids. At the aquarium, you can visit 11 exhibits to learn about Sea life that lives in Monterey Bay.
There are 11 different exhibits to explore, including an interactive area for kids of all ages, called the splash zone.
Read the full story about the Monterey Bay Aquarium here.
Cannery Row
Cannery Row is a waterfront street in Monterey, California. It was once home to a thriving sardine canning industry, but the canneries closed in the 1970s. Today, Cannery Row is a popular tourist destination with shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Interesting Fact: Monterey is a popular destination for wine lovers, with several wineries located in the surrounding area.
The name Cannery Row comes from the fact that it was once lined with sardine canneries. The canneries were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and they helped to make Monterey a major fishing port.
Today, Cannery Row is a popular tourist destination for walking, biking, and people-watching. There are several benches and tables where visitors can sit and enjoy the view of the ocean.
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf was once used for commercial fishing, but it is now a popular spot for tourists and locals to visit.
The Wharf is a great place to enjoy seafood while observing the sea lions and otters from the windows.
It is also a launching pad for many Whale watching cruises and other boat excursions.
And of course, like any tourist attraction, you will find many gift and snack shops.
You can take the kids to Dennis the Menace Playground near the wharf, which has many fun rides and paddle boats on the large pond.
Also, across the wharf, you will find the Monterey State Historic Park and a small pedestrian-only mall.
I went to the Wharf for a whale-watching tour with Discovery Whale Watch during my visit.
I arrived early and went for breakfast and coffee at Crêpes of Brittany. After the cruise, I had a late lunch at the Crab House and enjoyed their Clam Chowder bowl with a salad. The meal came with a free order of Calamari, which was delicious.
Hiking and biking
The Monterey area has many walking, hiking, and biking trails, some with amazing ocean views.
Further away, you can enjoy unparalleled natural beauty in Pebble Beach, Garrapata State Park, Point Lobos, and Big Sur.
Monterey Bay Coastal trail
The 18-mile paved trail runs along the Bay and is popular for walking, biking, running, and rollerblading.
The trail starts in Castroville and ends in Pacific Grove. It passes through various landscapes, including beaches, dunes, forests, and wetlands. Along the way, you can see a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, seals, dolphins, and birds.
The trail passes through Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Although the trail ends at Lover's Point Park in Pacific Grove, you can extend your ride through the streets of Pacific Grove to connect to the Point Pinos Lighthouse and continue to the 17-mile Drive.
There are several benches and picnic tables along the trail where you can stop to rest and admire the views.
Point Lobos State Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a 7-mile stretch of stunning coastline located in Monterey County, California.
It is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including sea lions, seals, whales, dolphins, and more than 250 species of birds. The reserve is also popular for hiking, biking, and kayaking.
A 1.7-mile loop trail takes you past some of the reserve's most scenic spots, including Lobos Point, China Cove, and Point Lobos Arch.
If you follow the signs for Whalers Cabin Museum, you will reach Whalers Cove. The road dead ends at a parking lot and a restroom.
Interesting Fact: Monterey was the site of the first California mission, Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, which was founded in 1771.
A stairway will take you to Blue Fish Cove Scenic View, which has a commanding view of two coves and wildflower-covered hills.
From there, you can connect to the North Shore Trail, which runs close to the shoreline with more amazing views.
A network of trails will connect you to more viewpoints like Cypress Grove, Sea Lion Point, China Cove, and Bird Island Lookout.
Big Sur
For an unforgettable experience with towering cliffs, crashing waves, lush redwood forests, and cascading waterfalls, you must visit Big Sur.
There is so much to see and do here that you need several days to experience it all.
But if you are limited in time, take a short 50-minute drive to this place, and try a few hikes. For a one-day visit, I recommend visiting McWay Falls and Partington Cove.
If you have more time, visit Pfeiffer Falls and Bixby Bridge.
Attractions and Adventures
17-Mile Drive
The 17-Mile Drive is a scenic road through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula in California.
It is a must-do for any visitor to the area, as it offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, world-renowned golf courses, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
The drive is seventeen miles (ca. 27 km) long, but it is best to allow at least 2–3 hours to complete it, as there are many stops that you will want to make along the way.
The 17-mile Drive is a truly unforgettable experience, and it will certainly leave you with lasting memories.
The 17-mile Drive is inside a private community, so a vehicle has an entrance fee of $12. Pedestrians and bikers can enter for free.
If you have a restaurant reservation, you can enter for free.
I recently went on an e-bike tour of the 17-mile drive with Big Sur Adventures and loved it.
Whale Watching
Monterey Bay is home to a variety of whales, including humpback whales, gray whales, blue whales, and orcas.
They love the abundant marine life here, and they either live in the bay or they make it a stop on their migration route.
The best time to go whale watching in Monterey Bay is during the spring and fall when the whales are migrating, but you could find whales and dolphins anytime.
I went on a whale-watching tour with discovery tours in June, and we observed many dolphins and several gray, blue, and orca whales.
We also encountered Sail jellyfish, also called Velella velella.
Dennis The Menace Playground
This popular playground in Monterey, California, is named after the comic strip character. It is in the El Estero Park Complex, a 45-acre park with various amenities, including a lake, a paddle boat concession, a group BBQ picnic area, and an exercise course.
It features a variety of play structures, including a giant adventure ship, a climbing wall, a suspension bridge, and a hedge maze. There are also several slides, swings, and other traditional playground equipment.
Dennis the Menace Playground is a great place for families to spend a day of fun and adventure.
Lovers Point Park
This 4.4-acre park in Pacific Grove, California, is near the tip of Monterey Bay, about 1 mile (1.61 km) west of Monterey's Cannery Row. The park is on a bluff overlooking Lover's Point Beach.
Lover's Point Park has a large lawn, picnic tables, barbecue pits, and a children's swimming pool. The park also has a beach volleyball court and rocky outcrops.
The beach at Lover's Point Park is west facing, with a concrete wall and breakwater protecting it from the north. This makes it one of the few safe swimming beaches in the area. However, the water is cold year-round.
Point Pinos Lighthouse
This is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the United States West Coast. It is in Pacific Grove, California, at the northernmost tip of the Monterey Peninsula.
The lighthouse was built in 1855 and was lit for the first time on February 1, 1855. The original lens is still in use today.
The lighthouse is 89 feet (ca. 27 m) tall and is made of brick. It has a square base and a cylindrical tower. The lighthouse is painted white with black trim.
Interesting Fact: The lighthouse has been used in several movies and television shows, including "The Birds" and "The X-Files."
The light is a third-order Fresnel lens that produces a 50,000-candlepower beam that can be seen for up to 17 miles (ca. 27 km).
Point Pinos Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can walk up to the lighthouse and climb to the top for panoramic views of Monterey Bay.
There is also a museum at the lighthouse that tells the history of the lighthouse and the surrounding area.
The lighthouse is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free.
17-Mile Drive
17-Mile Drive anaheimerOn a gloomy and drizzly day, I arrived at the Big Sur Adventures store in Pacific Grove to start my e-bike tour through the famous 17-mile drive.
I could have wished for a warmer and sunny day for this adventure, but I understood that the sun rarely shines around the Monterey Peninsula.
Anyway, I was ready for this weather with my rain jacket and waterproof backpack.
The check in at Big Sur Adventures was super easy and the staff were friendly. They had water bottles and snacks laid out for the riders, and I grabbed some for my backpack.
My tour guide, Johnathan, informed me that I was going to have a private tour today because other riders canceled due to the weather. My luck, their loss!
This isn’t my first e-bike tour, so it didn’t take long to get acquainted with my bike and hit the road.
My bike was comfortable to ride and easy to operate. This model allowed me to either use pedal assist or use the throttle (more like a motorcycle). I mostly used the pedal assist to get in some workout, but I did need the throttle on a very steep part of the tour.
I soon found out that many of Monterey’s roads have bike dedicated bike lanes, which made the trip easier. But we did come across a few roads with no bike lane, and Johnathan helped me navigate those roads.
Big Sur Adventures store was close to the entrance of 17-Mile Drive, which happens to be in a private gated community called Pebble Beach.
If you decide to do this route in a car, you will need to pay an entrance fee, but for bikers like us, it was free. We just zipped through the gate.
Johnathan was an excellent guide. He picked the right spots with the best views, and he provided just the right amount of commentary about the nature and the history of the area.
Along the way, we saw exclusive golf courses like Spyglass Hill, Cypress Point and Pebble Beach, and we admired the homes of the rich and famous.
We made stops at vantage viewpoints to admire the bay and coves and some interesting residents like Seals and Seagulls.
Some of the landmarks we visited include Spanish Bay, Cypress Point, Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, and Seal Point.
At bird rock, we say a large group of Seals sunbathing on the rocks or jumping in the water.
At Cypress Point Lookout, we got a panoramic view of the Del Monte Forest and the Pacific Ocean.
We finally reached the end of the drive at Pebble Beach Visitor Center near the Pebble Beach Resort, where we took a much-needed break and had a snack.
I also walked through the resort’s main lobby to a get a magnificent view of the bay from their porch. The resort is beautiful and has its own golf course, but a room there will set you back an average of $1000 per night.
Heading back was as thrilling as the journey to the end of the drive.
I thoroughly enjoyed my 17-mile drive tour with Big Sur Adventures and would go back to try their other tours. You can check them out here.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur, California anaheimerBig Sur is a rugged and mountainous section of the Central Coast of California, between Carmel and San Simeon. It is frequently praised for its dramatic scenery, including towering cliffs, crashing waves, cascading waterfalls, and lush redwood forests.
The name “Big Sur” is said to come from the Spanish phrase "El Sur Grande," which means "the big south." The region was originally inhabited by the Ohlone people, who were forced out by Spanish settlers in the 18th century.
Big Sur became a popular tourist destination in the early 20th century thanks to its stunning scenery and its proximity to Monterey and Carmel. The region is home to several state parks, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Garrapata State Park, and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Big Sur is also home to a few small towns, including Big Sur Village, Nepenthe, and Lucia. The region is known for its laid-back atmosphere and its abundance of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, swimming, rafting, and fishing.
Big Sur Village and Dining
The village is a collection of lodges, grocery and gift shops, and restaurants. It is a mid-point along the windy Pacific Coast Highway and a great place to stop for a breather, admire the redwoods and bite.
I stopped for lunch at Big Sur Roadhouse during my recent visit, where I enjoyed a hearty cheeseburger with onion rings.
The food was just right, but the outdoor seating overlooking the river was spectacular.
If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience at Big Sur, visit Nepenthe,
perched on a Big Sur cliffside, offering California faire on a terrace with breathtaking views.
Hiking
There are several great hiking trails in Big Sur, including the Pfeiffer Falls Trail, the McWay Falls Trail, and the Lobos Trail.
Below, I describe two of my favorite hikes at Big Sur, but for a more comprehensive list, go to CA State Parks Website.
McWay Falls Trail
The McWay Falls Trail is a short, easy 0.4-mile out-and-back hike in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur, California.
The trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking McWay Falls, a 60-foot waterfall that cascades down a cliff and onto a sandy beach. The beach is a pocket beach created by a landslide in 1983.
Important Note: There is no beach access at McWay Falls. Any attempt to get to the beach is a citable offense. This area is extremely hazardous. Please stay on the trail.
The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with a wide path that is mostly flat. The first part of the trail passes under Highway 1, and then it continues along the cliffside, with views of the ocean and the waterfall. The viewpoint is located at the end of the trail, offering stunning views of the Falls and the beach below.
Expect a crowd at this popular hike, and parking can be problematic. When I visited in June 2023, the overflow parking lot was closed, creating more congestion.
Pfeiffer Falls
Pfeiffer Falls is a 60-foot waterfall located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park in Big Sur, California.
You can reach the falls via two trails. The shorter one is a 0.75-mile out-and-back trail, which is closed due to a landslide. So, you will need to take the longer Valley View Trail, which is a 3-mile loop. This trail includes some rough spots and steeper inclines.
Regardless of your trail, the waterfall at the end is breathtaking. You can sit on benches to relax and enjoy the view.
If you are adventurous, you can jump over a wooden fence to get right under the waterfall.
Camping
There are several campgrounds in Big Sur, both private and part of the State Park system. Some of the popular ones are Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Kirk Creek Campground, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground, Riverside Campground & Cabins, Fernwood Campground and Resort, and Big Sur Campground & Cabins.
Most of the campgrounds have RV hookups, but only Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Big Sur Campground have a dump station.
During one of my visits, I rented an RV and stayed at Riverside Campground for a week. Pulling in and hooking up was easy, and our site was close to the river.
The kids loved swimming and tubing in the river, and we had enough trails for their small bikes.
Although the RV was comfortable, it needed a lot of work, especially going to the dump station.
So, we admired the cabins on the hill from afar and made a pact to come back and stay in a cabin.
Staying in a cabin was a much more relaxed experience. The cabin was clean, modern, well-appointed, and comfortable.
Nearby exploration
Partington Cove
Partington Cove is a small cove located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur, California. The cove is accessible via a 1.1-mile out-and-back trail that begins at a large pullout on Highway 1.
The trail descends steeply through a redwood forest, a creek, and a tunnel before emerging at the cove.
The creek has several cascades before it flows into the cove, which is surrounded by towering cliffs.
The Main trail bends to the right before you reach a wood bridge and the tunnel. If you keep going on the narrow trail straight ahead, you will come upon a magnificent view of the creek and cascades and end up at another smaller cove.
After this detour, retrace your steps, cross the wooden bridge, and go through the tunnel to reach the bigger Partington Cove.
Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is located on PCH 6.7 miles (ca. 11 km) south of Carmel and eighteen miles (ca. 29 km) north of Big Sur.
The 2,939-acre park was established in 1979 and offers diverse coastal vegetation with trails running from ocean beaches into dense coast redwood groves.
You can find Sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters in coastal waters, and in the distance, you can spot California gray whales passing during their yearly migration.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium anaheimerThe Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of California's most popular tourist destinations and one of the largest worldwide.
Located in Monterey, California, at the end of Cannery Row, the aquarium is home to over 35,000 marine animals from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
The aquarium is divided into eleven different exhibits, each of which highlights a different aspect of the marine life in Monterey Bay. Some of the most popular exhibits include:
The Kelp Forest
This exhibit allows visitors to see a kelp forest up close. Kelp forests are important habitats for many marine animals, including sea otters, fish, and invertebrates.
The Open Sea
This exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the open ocean. Visitors can see sharks, fish, and other marine animals that live in the deep sea.
The Monterey Bay Shores
This exhibit highlights the animals that live along the shores of Monterey Bay. Visitors can see sea lions, seals, and birds that live in this habitat.
The Splash Zone
This exhibit is an excellent place for kids to learn about marine life. Visitors can touch and interact with sea stars, crabs, and other animals.
Tides
This exhibit explores the diverse types of tides and how they affect marine life in Monterey Bay. Visitors can see how the tides move the sand and rocks on the beach and how they impact the animals that live in the intertidal zone.
Jellies
This exhibit is home to a variety of jellyfish, including moon jellies, sea nettles, and box jellyfish. Visitors can learn about the distinct types of jellyfish and how they survive in the ocean.
Sea Otters
This exhibit is home to a colony of sea otters. Visitors can watch the sea otters playing, swimming, and grooming. The exhibit also features a display of the history of sea otters in Monterey Bay.
Wildlife Viewing Station
The fun extends outdoors at the aquarium. Remember to visit the deck for splendid bay views and try spotting some wildlife.
Here are some additional facts about the Monterey Bay Aquarium:
The aquarium was founded in 1984.
It is the most visited aquarium in the western United States.
The aquarium is home to over 1,200 species of marine animals.
The aquarium receives over two million visitors each year.
The aquarium can get very busy, so plan ahead and buy your tickets online at https://www.montereybayaquarium.org.
886 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940Mount Baldy Resort
Mount Baldy Resort anaheimerMount Baldy, AKA Mount San Antonio, is the highest peak (10,069ft) in the San Gabriel mountains northeast of Los Angeles.
The snow-capped peak offers a great backdrop to the LA skyline and can be seen from Orange and San Bernardino counties.
Mount Baldy is also a winter sports recreational area with hiking trails, skiing, tubing, and cabins for rent.
Whether planning a snowy adventure or just hiking or sightseeing, the first chair lift will take you on a scenic ride to the Top of the Notch.
Scenic Chairlift Ride
The 15-minute ride on the Sugar Pine chairlift from the parking lot to the Top of the Notch is an adventure in its own right.
As we ascended, we soared above the trees in the canyon below us, and up ahead, we could see the lodge and chairlift house. On the way down, we admired the valley sights below.
This chairlift operates all year round and offers quick access to summer hikes and winter fun. The scenic ride costs from $20 to $30, depending on the day of the week.
Mt Baldy Lodge and Restaurant
The lodge offers six cabins for rent with a swimming pool, full-size sand volleyball court, basketball, cornhole, ping pong, and horseshoe courts.
The attached restaurant serves American pub-style cuisine with friendly service, pool tables, a full bar, and a large dining room that is kept warm as a refuge from the chilly weather. The patio offers magnificent views of the valley while you enjoy your meal.
Adjacent to the lodge, you will find the Ski rental shop. Mt Baldy Resort management advises you to book rentals with your chairlift tickets because supplies run out quickly.
Snow Play
Mt Baldy is one of the most accessible snow-play areas in Southern California. Just a 15-minute chairlift ride away to start your sliding and tubing fun.
The $79 ticket allows for a full day of snow play and includes the chairlift round-trip.
Note: The ticket price varies slightly depending on the day of the week, and the lowest price is mid-week.
Skiing
Although it is a small ski resort, it is considered one of the best in Southern California and the most affordable. Depending on the day, you can get an all-day chairlift ticket for $60-$90.
It offers over 4,000 acres of skiable area with 26 runs on three mountains with four chairlifts. You can enjoy those runs whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Of Course, there is also enough space for beginners. Group Ski and Snowboard lessons are available daily (the website currently does not show any lesson packages – call to find out).
The only disadvantage is that fresh snow at this location is not always available.
Interesting fact: The vertical drop from the summit to the base is 2100 ft. making it one of the longest runs in the USA.
Hiking to the summit
Devil backbone is the most popular trail to the Mt Baldy summit. You will enjoy magnificent views along the trail, but at the top and on a clear day, you will have a stunning view from the ocean to the desert.
You can start your hike from Top of the Notch after riding the Sugar Pine chairlift.
If you want to challenge yourself, you can forgo the lift and hike along a service road from Manker Campground, Mt Baldy, CA, 91759, USA.
Warning: It is not advisable to hike this trail when it is covered in snow. It is perilous. Check Mt Baldy weather report here before you go.
This hike is about three and a half miles one way with a gain of 2200 feet in elevation.
Read the turn-by-turn hiking guide at hikingguy.com. This guide takes you back on a different trail that bypasses the ski area, so if you prefer, you can turn back on the same trail.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach anaheimerNewport Beach is a bustling coastal town in Orange County, California – full of sandy beaches, piers, bike paths, malls, and restaurants.
The beaches in Newport are known for surfing, bodyboarding, bodysurfing, swimming, and fishing.
So if you are not at the beach engaging in those fun activities, what else can you do in Newport?
You can go walking on the beach, bike riding, visiting the shops and restaurants at the pier, spend time with the kids at the fun zone, or go on a Dolphin and Whale watching tour.
You can also rent boats or jet skis and ride leisurely in the bay or venture out to the ocean.
And if you love shopping, you can spend a great deal of money at the Fashion Island mall. Fashion Island also has two food courts and many high-end restaurants.
Balboa Peninsula
Balboa is a long stretch of land that juts into the ocean and protects the harbor from the surf. It is mostly a quiet residential area with a few hotspots of activity.
The beaches on both sides are open to the public, but the trick is to find a parking spot and get to the beach.
The main attraction for beachgoers is at Newport Pier – where you can find some parking and lots of shops and restaurants. Here you can also find bike rentals and surf shops.
For a more subdued experience, head to the second pier -Balboa Pier – for more parking spaces and fewer crowds. Across the street from this large parking lot, you can have some fun with the family at the Fun Zone.
Fun Zone
If you are looking for some fun activities in and out of the water, you can find it here. Kids of all ages can enjoy rides on the Ferris Wheel, play arcade games, Bungee jump, slide inside a giant transparent plastic sphere, or enjoy snacks at the food court.
The fun zone is also home to several casual dining restaurants with great views of the bay.
Newport Landing
This port serves as a gateway for water activities. You can go on a bay cruise, whale and dolphin watching, or board the Catalina Flyer to Catalina Island. You can also rent boats and jet skis here.
Dolphin and Whale watching
Davey's Locker runs several Whale and Dolphin watching tours. The boats will take you through the bay waterway and into the ocean.
The captain tries his best to find dolphins or whales, but if you happen to be on one of the rare trips with no sightings, they will give you a deeply discounted voucher for a return trip.
Read about my trip with Davey's Locker here.
Balboa Island and Ferry
The ferry takes pedestrians, bikes and cars from the peninsula to Balboa Island and back.
You can also get to the island through a bridge over the South Bay, but parking on the island is almost impossible.
The island is a quiet neighborhood with multi-million houses. You can walk through many narrow alleys and discover some hidden gems - but the main walking path is a pedestrian-only boardwalk that surrounds the island.
Most businesses and restaurants are located along Marine ave, but you can find a few right at the ferry terminal.
If you are biking through Newport Beach, you can take your bike on the ferry but the main walking path around the island is closed to bikes.
Biking
I love riding my bike through Newport Beach, especially along the Balboa Peninsula. My favorite route starts from the edge of Newport on Seashore dr. You can park along this street or inside the residential park and head into the peninsula.
The trail first continues on Seashore dr, but when you reach 36th street intersection, veer right into Ocean Front Way –a paved bike and pedestrian trail. This trail will take you into Newport Pier and the busy shopping and dining area.
After you cross this bustling area, you can continue biking on Ocean Front until you reach Balboa Pier. But just before the pier, ocean Front will turn into Newport Balboa Bike Trail.
Right after Balboa Pier, you are at the thinnest part of the peninsula. You can cross Balboa Blvd to peek at the bayside of this peninsula. You will have to switch to Balboa Blvd anyway to continue your trek because the bike trail ends around E Street.
Your bike trip is not over yet. You can continue on Balboa blvd until you dead-end into West Jetty View Park and a popular beach with the locals.
This bike ride is about 5 miles, but it can be extended in several directions for a longer or a more challenging ride.
You can start from Huntington Beach for a 10-mile ride or from Seal Beach for a 17-mile ride. Alternatively, you can reverse direction, start from West Jetty View Park, head to the Santa Ana River Trail for a much longer ride.
Hiking
Yes, you can still hike in Newport Beach. A few pristine wilderness areas were preserved for nature lovers. Most notable are the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Buck Gulley.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Newport Bay extends inland to form the back bay and the upper bay - a 1000-acre area of bluffs and waterways.
The surrounding bluffs were set aside to preserve animal, bird, and plant species. Biking and hiking trails crisscross the preserve providing vantage points to admire nature and observer wildlife.
Close by, Newport Dunes resort provide a great place to camp and a launching pad for upper bay adventures.
Buck Gully
If you feel like a nice easy hike close by, Buck Gully in Newport Beach is an excellent choice. Just a few steps away from the beach, and in the middle of million-dollar homes, you can find this hidden oasis of lush wilderness and running water.
Read more about this hike here
Crystal Cove
This State Park sits between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. The park has about 17 miles of trails to pick from – some with stunning ocean views. Read more here.
Dining
Newport Beach is a big city with a lot of dining options. Around Newport Pier, you can find several upscale restaurants like 21 Oceanfront, Rocken Baja Lobster, and Urban Corner - and plenty of Pizza, snacks, and dessert shops.
If you are at Balboa Pier or the Fun Zone, you can also find two restaurants with excellent views, Harborside and Newport Landing restaurants - and lots of smaller food vendors.
On the other side of the bay – close to Pacific Coast Highway – you will find high-end restaurants like Rusty Pelican or Billy's at the Beach. You can also grab a delicious meal at restaurants inside beach resorts like A&O Kitchen + Bar at Balboa Bay Resort.
After a refreshing hike at Buck Gulley, you can grab a meal at SideDoor.
21 Oceanfront
One of my favorite restaurants in Newport Beach, this place offers Prime Steak and Seafood with an international flair.
The dining hall is grand with great views of the beach and strict attire requirements: Business Casual, No Beach Attire, No Baseball Caps, No Beanies. The outdoor patio seating is more relaxed.
During our last visit, we tried the Wedge Burger and the Prawn Linguini. Both were excellent with large portions. But before our main course, we enjoyed a Lobster Bisque and a Clam Chowder.
To finish this delicious lunch, we shared a Banana Bread Pudding, with extra Vanilla Ice Cream, and a Blueberry Lemon Drop.
After our meal, we walked on the pier for a little exercise and to enjoy the views.
Newport Landing
Newport Landing is an upscale but casual restaurant next to the Fun Zone. Balcony seats are especially scenic with a panoramic view of Newport Harbor, Balboa Island, Newport Center, and Saddleback's distant peaks.
As you enjoy your meal, you can watch the ferry going back and forth and the many water fun activities.
The restaurant offers an eclectic menu of seafood and Italian dishes. Some of my favorites are the Half and Half – basically, fish and chips with coconut shrimp; Shrimp Linguini; or the catch of the day.
For dessert, you can't go wrong with the Mud Pie or the Crème Brulee.
OC Dog Parks
OC Dog Parks anaheimerOur canine friends also need places to frolic and enjoy nature, and Orange County is full of Dog Parks where they can roam free and meet other dogs.
In addition to parks and beaches dedicated to dogs, there are several dog-friendly public beaches.
Costa Mesa Bark Park
The Costa Mesa Bark Park is a fenced-in, off-leash dog park located at 890 Arlington Drive in Costa Mesa, California. It is open daily from 7:30 am to 8:45 pm, except Wednesdays when it is closed for regular maintenance.
The park has two separate areas for dogs: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Each area has a variety of amenities, including:
- Picnic tables
- Water fountains for dogs and people
- Shade trees
- Artificial turf
- A double-gated entryway to prevent dogs from escaping.
Fullerton Pooch Park
The Fullerton Pooch Park is a fenced-in, off-leash dog park located at 201 S. Basque Ave. in Fullerton, California – near the Fullerton Public Library.
It is open daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
The park has three separate areas for dogs: one for small dogs, one for large dogs, and one for all dogs. Each area has a variety of amenities, including:
- Picnic tables
- Water fountains for dogs and people
- Shade trees
- Artificial turf
- A double-gated entryway to prevent dogs from escaping
Garden Grove Dog Park
The Garden Grove Dog Park is a fenced-in, off-leash dog park located at 13601 Deodara Drive in Garden Grove, California. It is open daily from dawn to dusk, except Wednesdays when it is closed for maintenance.
The park has two separate areas for dogs: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Each area has a variety of amenities, including:
Picnic tables
- Water fountains for dogs and people
- Shade trees
- Artificial turf
- A double-gated entryway to prevent dogs from escaping.
Huntington Central Park Dog Park
A small, fenced dog park is in Huntington Central Park on the east side of Edwards Street between Ellis Avenue and Talbert Avenue.
This area is provided for dogs to run free without leashes. Posted rules must be obeyed, and one area is provided for larger dogs, with another for small dogs and puppies.
This park is open 6 AM to 6 PM daily.
Huntington Dog Beach
Huntington Dog Beach is a 1.5-mile stretch of beach in Huntington Beach, California, which is open to dogs off-leash. It is between Golden West Street and Seapoint Street and is open daily from 5am to 10pm.
The beach is a popular spot for dog owners and furry friends to play. Dogs can run and swim in the ocean, play fetch, or just relax in the sand. There are also a few dog-friendly restaurants and shops nearby.
Irvine Central Bark
The City of Irvine's Central Bark Dog Park, opened in 2000, features almost three acres of open field for off-leash play. The park includes:
Watering facility for dogs.
- Main yard with a separate fenced area for small or frail dogs.
- Covered seating.
- Lighting fixtures.
- Handicap access.
Central Bark is closed every Wednesday for park maintenance. For information on Central Bark closures due to weather or other circumstances, view the City of Irvine's Field Conditions web page here or call 949-724-MUDD.
Laguna Beach Dog Park
Established on October 17, 1992, the Laguna Beach Dog Park was the first dog park in Orange County and one of the few in Southern California at that time.
The Dog Park is owned, operated, and maintained by the City of Laguna Beach.
Located about 2.5 miles (ca. 4 km) from Main Beach on Laguna Canyon Road, the park is open every day 6 AM – DUSK (except Wednesdays), weather permitting.
The park has two separate areas for dogs: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Each area has a variety of amenities, including:
- Picnic tables
- Water fountains for dogs and people
- Shade trees
- A double-gated entryway to prevent dogs from escaping.
Laguna Niguel Pooch Park
Laguna Niguel Pooch Park is a one-acre fenced-in dog park located at 31461 Golden Lantern in Laguna Niguel, California. It is open daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
The park has two separate areas for dogs: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Each area has a variety of amenities, including:
- Picnic tables
- Water fountains for dogs and people
- Shade trees
- A double-gated entryway to prevent dogs from escaping
- One (1) fire hydrant (non-functional)
- One (1) restroom (portable)
- Wood chips for ground cover
- A chain-link fence around park
- Doggie waste stations.
Barker Ranch Dog Park
This half-acre dog park is part of the new Baker Ranch development in a cul-de-sac from Bake Parkway.
The park features separate off-leash play areas for large and small dogs, water fountains, benches, and a few shade structures. The ground is covered with artificial turf designed specifically for dogs.
Park Hours: Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Amenities:
Artificial turf
- Entrances for large and small dogs
- 5,300 square feet (ca. 5 a) for large dogs
- 3,400 square feet (3.16 a) for small dogs
- Dog water stations in each play area
- Benches
- Perimeter fencing
Orange Yorba Dog Park
An invitingly green, shady escape in the middle of Orange, CA, Yorba Park.
Comprising 8.54 acres, it is the perfect place for dogs and their owners to socialize and play.
Features
- Doggie Bag Stations
- Drinking Fountain
- Drinking Taps for Dogs
- Jumpers Allowed (Permit required)
- Separated Large/Small Dog Areas (by fence)
- Sitting Benches.
City of San Clemente Dog Park
The City of San Clemente Dog Park is a fenced-in, off-leash dog park located at 301 Avenida La Pata in San Clemente, California. It is open daily from 6:00 am to sunset.
The park has two separate areas for dogs: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Each area has a variety of amenities, including:
- Picnic tables
- Water fountains for dogs and people
- Shade trees
- Artificial turf
- A double-gated entryway to prevent dogs from escaping.
Seal Beach Arbor Dog Park
Arbor Dog Park is a two-and-a-half-acre grass park with several large shade trees, open from dawn to dusk.
The park is entirely fenced with concrete surfaces for the larger double-gated enclosure being used as an entry and a smaller double-gated enclosure being used as an exit.
Parking is available outside the dog park enclosure.
Park facilities include drinking fountains for both 2 and 4-legged animals, Coke and water vending machines outside of the fenced-in area, and covered trash cans inside the park.
Bellis Park Dog Park
The dog park in Buena Park, CA, is a grassy, fenced area for off-leash play located directly north of the tennis courts at George Bellis Park.
The recreation area has drinking fountains and trees to help keep pups cool. The park is closed weekly on Thursdays until 10:00 AM for maintenance.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
Your furry friend can roam freely on the following beaches:
Huntington Dog Beach is the most popular dog beach in Orange County. It is in Huntington Beach and is open daily from 5 am to 10 pm. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
West Street Beach is in Laguna Beach and is a great option for dogs who love to swim. Dogs must be on a leash from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily.
Little Corona Del Mar Beach is a small, secluded beach located in Corona del Mar. Dogs are allowed off-leash year-round.
Corona Del Mar State Beach allows dogs on the beach from 5 am to 10 am and from 4:30 pm to 10 pm daily. Dogs must be on a leash at all other times.
Balboa Beach allows dogs on the beach from 5 am to 10 am and from 4:30 pm to 10 pm daily. Dogs must be on a leash at all other times.
Aliso Beach Park is a large park with a beach that allows dogs off-leash. There are also several hiking trails in the park that dogs are allowed on.
Treasure Island Beach is a small beach located in Dana Point. Dogs are allowed off-leash year-round.
Dana Point Headlands Beach allows dogs on the beach from 5 am to 10 am and from 4:30 pm to 10 pm daily. Dogs must be on a leash at all other times.
Orange County Dining
Orange County Dining anaheimerOrange County is a sprawling metropolitan area and part of the much larger Southen California urban jungle.
This expanse of 50 cities and unincorporated communities is full of Attractions, Theme Parks, restaurants, and unique dining experiences. This article explores the unique dining experiences and exceptional finds in the OC.
The views
Orange Hill Restaurant
Nothing out of the ordinary about the food served on the hill, but the view is to die for. After driving up a steep hill and handing your car to the valet, you will be amazed at the view overlooking Orange County.
The view is especially beautiful at night with the city lights twinkling while you are enjoying drinks and dinner. If you time your dinner right, you will also be treated to the Disneyland fireworks show.
You will need to make a reservation ahead of time and make sure to request indoor or outdoor seating. The outdoor balcony with fire pits has the best views.
The menu offers modern American fare with a long list of appetizers, steak, and seafood choices. Prices are high – you are paying for the view. The best deal is their 3-Course Prix Fixe Menu. You will get a starter, a dessert, and a choice from three main entries.
On our last visit, we tried the Lamb Chops, Filet Mingon, and the New Your Steak. All were cooked perfectly. The toffee pudding dessert was to die for.
My only complaint is about the service. It was slow at times, and they kept bringing items at the wrong times.
6410 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92869Las Brisas
From the top of a cliff overlooking the beaches of Laguna, this Mexican/American restaurant offers Mexican Fusion dishes, an ocean breeze, and a grand view. The prices are on the high end, and the place can get overcrowded, but you are here for the view.
One way to enjoy this restaurant is to get the weekend brunch. It is not a buffet, but a 4-course Prix Fixe menu for $45. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with their tacos, prime rib, and lamb chops.
During our last visit, we ordered the Oysters and Salamon Tostadas for starters. The main courses were Asparagus Omelet and Baked Eggs. We ended our meal with Sorbet and Flan. All the dishes were delicious, and the meal pace was excellent.
After a leisurely meal, you can walk along the cliff in Heisler Park or down to Main Beach. Heisler Park extends for several blocks with commanding views of the ocean and beaches below. Read more here.
361 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651Splashes
This hidden gem is inside the Sand and Surf Resort in Laguna Beach. The restaurant is right on the sand with seating indoors and on the patio. Both options afford great views of the ocean and the sounds of surf breaking on the beach.
The food is delightful too. We like to go for breakfast before a brisk walk on the beach. During our last visit, we had Strawberry & Cream Pancakes and the Wild Mushroom Benedicts.
If you don’t prefer those items, they have a large selection of pastries, omelets, bagels with salmon, fruits, and even steak and eggs.
The resort itself is a great place to spend a few days, especially during the warm months, to explore Laguna Beach and Orange County.
1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651Raya at The Ritz-Carlton
Another restaurant with a great view, but this one also offers inventive and delicious dishes to go with the view. Each dish is a unique creation of flavor and artistic presentation.
We came here after an educational Dolphin Watch cruise from Dana Harbor, ordered some drinks, and shared two excellent dishes. Both the Thai Curry Buddha Bowl and the Achiote Salmon were excellent. The Bowl was a new experience for us, with quinoa, black bean, broccolini, avocado, corn, sweet potato, and a soft egg – with curry. What an interesting mix.
After our lunch, we climbed down for a nice walk on the beach. The Ritz is located at the edge of Salt Creek Beach, so we enjoyed a long stroll before returning to our car.
1 Ritz Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629Ola Mexican Kitchen
Ola is on the second floor of Pacific City Mall in Huntington Beach with a commanding view overlooking Pacific Coast Highway, HB Pier, and the Ocean.
The food and service are excellent. We especially like their Lobster and Shrimp Enchiladas, Fish Tacos, and Ribeye Fajitas.
The complimentary chips and salsa are more than enough for starters, but you can choose a more filling appetizer from the extensive menu.
The complete this delicious meal, we always order the Tres Leches, a traditional Mexican butter cake made with three kinds of milk.
21040 Pacific Coast Hwy F200, Huntington Beach, CA 92648The Beachcomber Cafe
Enjoy delicious creations right on the sand at Crystal Cove state beach. The location, inside the historic district and in between cottages that were built in the 1920s adds to the ambiance.
As you sit and enjoy your drinks and meal, you will love the view, with lots of beachgoers, the ocean breeze, and the surf in the distance.
During our last visit, we shared a “Tonga lei for 2”, a huge glass of rum cocktail for sharing. For starters, we ordered Tiny Ahi Tacos and Artichoke dip.
Our main course was Maine Lobster Club, Ahi Ahi Tacos, and a Tuna melt. I especially enjoyed my Lobster Club. For dessert, we shared Beignets and a Bread pudding.
It is important to note that there is no parking next to the café. You have to park at the State Park parking lot ( Los Trancos Parking lot) across the street. You can take a beautiful hike down to the beach or ride the shuttle for $1.50 per person.
15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA 92657C'est La Vie
A french restaurant right at Main Beach in Laguna. Sitting at the porch and listening to the surf while sipping our coffee and enjoying some French pastries is a nice start to our morning. The restaurant also serves full breakfast and brunch. They have a selection of Crepes and Omelets.
This place is a bakery and a full-service restaurant. Passers-by on Pacific Coast Highway stop to order croissants, macaroons, or french doughnuts filled with custard. But if you stop for dinner, you can order specialties like Grilled Riviera Octopus, Ahi Tartare Napoleon, or Cotes D' Agneau (Lamb) - or enjoy a dinner Crepe.
373 S Coast Hwy #2111, Laguna Beach, CA 92651Bluegold
Bluegold is another restaurant with a great view of the Pacific City Mall in Huntington Beach. This one offers new American cuisine with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Menu items vary depending on availability.
We recently tried their breakfast while admiring views of the beach and the pier from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
We ordered scrambled eggs and an omelet. They were both fluffy and tasty. The dishes come with salad, but if you prefer you can order your favorite style of potatoes.
If you are an early riser though, then this place is not for you. They open for breakfast at 9 am.
During another visit, we went for dinner and drinks. While waiting for our table to be ready, we ordered The Perfect Storm from (a rum drink) the bar. We enjoyed a few sips of this delicious cocktail before we were whisked away to our table overlooking beautiful ocean views.
For dinner, we tried the Lamb Shank with asparagus risotto and had an El Chapo margarita.
Both food and drinks were above expectations.
For dessert, we couldn't resist trying Pumpkin Spice and Mocha Crunch cakes. Both were very tasty, but the Pumpkin Spice was exceptional.
21016 Pacific Coast Hwy d200, Huntington Beach, CA 92648Sapphire - Laguna Beach
Although this restaurant is not right on the sand, it has a great view of the ocean from across the Pacific Coast Highway. The large porch seating area has plenty of tables with amazing views.
Sit back and enjoy a delicious meal for lunch or dinner. On weekends, you can also enjoy their brunch menu.
We happened to visit in-between lunch and dinner on a Friday. They have a reduced menu for that period. Although the items on the menu were few, they were all good choices. We tried the Mama's Fish Tacos and the Kobe Beef Havarti Cheeseburger - both were tasty and filling.
The drinks were excellent too. We tried the Sapphire Squeeze, Lychee Mojito, and The Perfect Storm.
This place is also a good spot to study or work while enjoying the view. They offer good free WiFi.
Parking is behind the restaurant in underground-covered parking. Remember to take a token from the restaurant reception before you leave.
1200 S Coast Hwy #105B, Laguna Beach, CA 92651The Boardwalk at Hilton
This newer restaurant opened its doors in 2018 as part of the Waterfront Beach Resort expansion. This sit-down restaurant offers a diverse menu inspired by the coastal flavors of Southern California.
During our visit, we chose to sit outdoors right next to the pool, with great views of the ocean and the beautiful California weather.
We tried the Short Ribs Rigatoni and the Vegetable Curry. They were both tasty and filling.
While waiting for our dinner, we sipped on the Huntington Margarita, Passion Fruit Manhattan, and Bacardi Silver. The drinks were ok, but not the best we had, but the dessert made up for it. We ended our meal with an Apple Pie Ala Mod.
21100 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CAThe Experience
Fire+Ice – Gardenwalk
This Mongolian fusion style all-you-can-eat buffet lets you fill a bowl with your favorite ingredients then cocks the mix on a huge grill right in front of you. You pick the sauce and the spices to make it your own creation.
Even though it is a Mongolian grill, you can still design dishes with a Mexican or Italian flare.
They also offer a well-stocked salad bar, but my advice is to minimize your salad and go back for more grilled creations.
Some of the ingredients available are beef, shrimp, scallops, fish, cauliflower, and broccoli.
The drinks were excellent too. We tried the Pinicolada and the Mai-Tei.
After your meal and drinks, you can spend time exploring the shops at the Gardenwalk.
400 Disney Way, Anaheim, CA 92802School Food
Usually whenever I hear “School Food” I cringe. It mostly brings back bad memories. But this Korean restaurant changed my mind. I wonder if Korean kids actually eat this food at school.
The place offers tasty dishes like Spicy Ramen, Soup Topokki, Spam Rolls, Kimchi Fried Rice, and Mari Special Roll. If you are very hungry or ordering for a group, try the Combo Roll.
This restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the newest mall in OC – The Source.
6940 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621Pirates Dinner Adventure
It is always fun to watch a show while enjoying a good dinner. The show full of pirates and gunfights was very entertaining and the food was not bad at all.
We enjoyed a three-course meal starting with soup or salad, a choice of roasted half chicken or ham, and ended it with Apple Cobbler ala mode.
You can read the full review here.
Medieval Times
Step back in time to witness a tournament and enjoy a feast. The competition is full of sword fights, jousting, and horsemanship.
The food is about average. You get soup, rotisserie chicken, potato, corn, bread, and a pound cake for dessert.
With general admission, you may end up at the higher rows, but you can upgrade and get a guaranteed seat on the first 2 rows.
Read more about Medieval Times here.
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong (Korean Bbq)
Orange County is full of Korean Bbq restaurants, so it is hard to decide where to go.
But I think I found the perfect place to try Korean Bbq.
Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong is located inside a mostly Korean strip mall in Buena Park.
Every table in this place has a grill in middle. As you are seated, you will notice that the table is already full of appetizers and condiments around the grill.
The best way to experience this place is to order a combo of meats for the whole table.
For the two of us, we order the beef combo, which came with Thinly Sliced Brisket, Prime Marinated Beef, Prime Boneless Short Rib, Soybean Paste, and Kimchi Stew.
The best thing about this experience is that the waiter will grill the meat for you to perfection. Of course, you can do the grilling yourself if you are so inclined.
We devoured our beef with a large selection of sides including kimchi, boiled potato slicked with sugar and soy, fish cake noodles, sheets of rice paper, and a bean sprout salad.
The meal was satisfying, the service excellent, and the price very reasonable.
The restaurant we visited is in Buena Park, but they also have a location in Los Angeles.
5171 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621
Nova Kitchen and Bar
Nova Kitchen restaurant bills itself as a place to engage and tantalize the five senses of taste, smell, sight, touch, and sound. The result? An ethereal and magical experience.
I wouldn't go as far as ethereal and magical, but it was a delightful experience.
The decor is elegant and the music exciting, with excellent service and exquisite food.
The restaurant is part of the Hyatt Regency hotel complex in Anaheim. It offers Asian Fusion cuisine and a great selection of cocktails and wines.
During our visit, we ordered the rainbow, spicy tuna with mango salsa, and a shrimp tempura roll. They came out quickly and were very tasty.
For drinks, we tried the Hibiscus Zest, Lights out Tokyo, and the Sunrise Tokyo - all were just right.
Our dessert was the recommended Chocolate Ganache Cake which came with ice cream - very delicious.
The prices were on the high side but expected at a high-end place like this one.
12361 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840
The Food
SAVOR Stone Hearth Pizza & Wine
SAVOR at the Anaheim Sheraton Convention Center became my instant favorite for the exceptional pizza and great service.
We went for dinner, and as soon as we were seated, we were treated to a homemade soup and a charcuterie of regional cheeses and meats. The selection was delicious, but I caution you, don't indulge too much. Leave room for the real treat.
Meanwhile, the check was busy cooking up some unique wood-fired pizzas for our main course.
The wait staff kept bringing pizzas with weird names like Honey Bear, Cherry Bomb, The P, B&J, The Gladiator, Farmers Market, and The Shroom, and we kept eating.
Every pizza was tasty, and the break was perfect, but we had to stop the train because we were too full.
The meal ended with delicious dessert pizzas.
I would defiantly come back for more but maybe starve myself all day first.
1855 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CAThe Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
The Winery Restaurant is a great place to enjoy a meal with a wine pairing or just go out for drinks.
They have a wide selection of wines and mixed drinks, and the serving staff are eager to recommend the right drink for your meal.
During our visit, we ordered the Hawaiian Mahi Mahi, Veggie Ragout, and Garlic-Herb Roasted Chicken. While waiting for this feast, we ordered the Bread & Butter service – which is not complementary, but tasty.
The main course arrived, and it was delicious. I especially enjoyed my Mahi Mahi and the Ragout.
For dessert, we ordered the apple crisp, which wasn't anything special. In hindsight, I should have gone with the server's recommendation of Crème Brulé.
The service was superb, and our waiter was attentive and friendly. We even had visits from the manager to ensure that we were enjoying our visit.
The prices are on the expensive side and the portions were just right—don't expect to have any leftovers.
2647 Park Ave, Tustin, CADimassi's Mediterranean Buffet
Open Buffets are dangerous for me, especially when the food is so delicious. This place is right on the edge of OC, in Cerritos, but deserves mention here.
Dimassi's is a chain that started in Texas and finally made it to California. The restaurants offer a big spread of authentic Mediterranean dishes, starting with a selection of salads, three flavors of hummus, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and pita chips.
The main dishes include several rice varieties, some with lamb and others with beef or veggies.
Of course, you can't have Mediterranean food without a selection of meat like gyro, kafta, kabob, lamb shank, or fried chicken.
There isn't enough room to list all the savory selections, so head to the menu for more enticing details.
12727 Towne Center Dr, Cerritos, CARomano's Macaroni Grill
We visited Romano's Macaroni Grill for a Mother’s Day celebration, and we enjoyed the food, drinks and dessert selections.
The restaurant is a casual dining chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine. The founder, Phil Romano, also founded other popular restaurants like Fuddruckers and Old Country Buffet.
The restaurant has a large selection of Italian-American dishes, including pasta, pizza, seafood, and steak.
During our visit, we tried “create your own pasta plate”, Mama’s Trio, Butternut Asiago Tortellacci, and a Shrimp Caesar Salad.
The full bar offered a large selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. We tried the Strawberry Margarita, Cucumber Margarita, and Ultimate Bellini. They were all tasty, but my favorite was the Bellini.
My kids are all grown up now, but I remember when they were little, Romano's Macaroni Grill was a treat for them. If you have little kids, the waiter will use a paper tablecloth and provide a set of crayons for the kids to scribble on the paper. By the end of the meal, we would have a kid’s masterpiece.
For a great finish to our delicious meal, we ordered the tiramisu and chocolate cake to share. Both were very tasty.
Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen
Desi means the Indian subcontinent region, but it is also the cuisine of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India.
Khan Saab is the perfect place to experience the Halal flavors of this region with a California twist.
During our visit, we tried the Classic Chicken Curry, the Lamb Rogan Josh, and the Aloo Gobi. They are all curry dishes, but the Aloo Gobi is a vegetarian dish with potato, cauliflower, and tomato sauce. All were flavorful and mildly spicy.
The main dishes do not come with sides; you must order them. So we ordered basmati rice and garlic Naan bread.
Since this is a Halal place, you can't order alcoholic drinks, so the restaurant offers a mocktail drinks menu. We tried the Mango Mojito and the Mango Mimosa. Both were delicious, but I enjoyed the mimosa more.
For dessert, we tried their recommended Chocolate Samosa. It came with vanilla ice cream and was very tasty.
The service was excellent. Our waiter was friendly and kept checking on us.
Located in the busy downtown Fullerton district
229 E Commonwealth Ave Unit A, Fullerton, CAHarley Laguna Beach
Harley is a few steps from the beach but hidden away on a side street. You don't come here for the view or the beach - you are here for the food and the elegant decor - and excellent service.
It is a casual restaurant focused on creative, seasonal menus with fresh catches of the day.
I found it very interesting that the menu changes every day and highlights the catch of the day, including the name of the fisherman and location. It can't get any fresher than this.
On our last visit, we ordered the "Rod and Reel caught local Dorado Mahi Mahi" and the "Santa Maria Wood-Grilled Pachamama Pork Chops".
Other than the long and sexy names, what is so special about those dishes? In a word - delicious!
Both came with a great presentation and the right sides to complement the taste. Both are also very low-carb.
To go with this tasty food, we ordered the Funkasaurus (with rum) and the Hibiscus Martini.
370 Glenneyre St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651Javier's Restaurant
Javier's is one of the newest additions to the ever-expanding Irvine Spectrum. It is located near well-established eateries like The Cheese Cake Factory, PF Chang, and Cucina, so why dine here?
Well, the food of course. It is just delicious! Bus also the ambiance and the service were excellent.
We started with some chips and salsa. The salsa was great but too spicy, so we ordered the guac to balance it out.
We then tried the two of their combo plates: the Enchilada with Taco, and the trio of Enchilada, Taco, and Chille Relleno.
The food was delicious and plentiful. We had a lot of leftovers.
We also tried two of their margaritas, the Guava and Pineapple. I personally preferred the Guava Rita.
For a great end to the meal, we had the tres leches and the Corn Bread Pudding, and they were so tasty, we didn't have any leftovers.
536 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA.PF Chang’s
My list of special dining places usually avoids chain restaurants, but I can’t skip this fusion Asian with inventive dishes and extended happy hour.
If you like Asian food, you love the variety and quality of selection. During our last visit, we started with the Letus Wraps, Shrimp Dumplings, and the Kung Pao Dragon Roll.
For the main course, we picked Mongolian Beef, Crispy Honey Shrimp, and Stir-Fried Eggplant. Everything was delicious, and the portions were just right.
For dessert, we had two helpings of the Banana Spring Rolls – because one is never enough.
The drinks are also exceptional. Every cocktail on the menu tastes just right; we especially like the Coconut Mohito and the Mei Tei.
My favorite location is at the Garden Walk in Anaheim. After our meals, we can browse through the stores or walk to Down Town Disney for more fun.
321 W Katella Ave Suite 120, Anaheim, CA 92802Alessa
Alessa is an upscale Italian restaurant with tasty creations that please the pallet and the eye - and the service is excellent.
On our last visit, we tried two ravioli dishes. We started with Zucca, a butternut squash ravioli with ricotta cheese. We then tried the Nonna Titina ravioli with cheese and spinach.
We enjoyed our meal with delicious drinks. I had the house Merlot which had a hint of plum and cherry flavors. My wife enjoyed a strawberry and basil mojito.
234 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA
Ozen Sushi
A little shack in a residential area is hard to miss, but if you love Sushi, you must stop here.
Ozen offers a large selection of rolls, Sushi, Sashimi, and hand-rolls – ala-cart and all-you-can-eat. Everything is fresh and tasty.
We usually get the all-you-can-eat option and try new things along with our favorites. During our last visit, we tried the Ozen roll, Crunch roll, rainbow roll, and salmon and tuna sushi. We also had crunch and spicy tuna hand-rolls. All came out as expected and mouth-watering.
For dessert, we enjoyed several flavors of their ice cream macarons. Our favorites were green tea and mango.
While visiting, you can also try their selection of Japanese beers and Saki.
If you prefer you can order from the extensive menu with Bento boxes and non-sushi items. All bento boxes come with rolls, tempura, and miso soup.
7185 Lincoln Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620RA Sushi
A delight for the eye and the pallet, RA Sushi is located in the District in Tustin with both indoor and outdoor seating.
On our last visit, we enjoyed several rolls, hand rolls, and sashimi dishes. My favorites were the Viva Las Vegas and the Crunchy Shrimp Tempura rolls.
For dessert, we tried their coconut cream brulle and the Cinamon Tempura Ice Cream. both were delicious.
Roy's @ Garden Walk
Dining at Roy's is like taking a culinary safari across the Pacific Rim. This fusion cuisine restaurant offers seafood dishes like Hibachi Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi, or my favorite the Shellfish Sampler.
If you prefer items from the land, try their Braised Short Ribs of Beef, or Katsu Chicken.
For starters, you can try their selection of Sushi rolls, Poke, or Shrimp Tempura.
The wine list and the mixed drinks are just right. On a recent visit, we tried their Mango Mojito and the 1988 Martini. Both were excellent.
Leaving the best for last, for dessert, we tried both of their creations. The Pineapple Upside Cake and the Chocolate Suflet were a good end to our meal.
The only drawback is the prices. On the plus side, the Garden Walk Roy's has a very nice patio seating with Hawaiian-style torches.
Outback Steakhouse
Steak lovers can’t miss this American Cuisine restaurant. The steaks are cooked just right and the service is excellent.
For starters, we ordered their famous bloomin’ onion and coconut shrimp. Both were very tasty.
For our main courses, we tried steak with unlimited shrimp, baby-back ribs, halibut, and the Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
We completed our meal with the “Chocolate Thunder from Down Under” – a delight of pecan brownie topped, vanilla ice cream, warm chocolate sauce, and whipped cream.
7575 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620Fire Lake Grillhouse
Many hidden gems are located inside hotels and this one is inside the Radisson Blu Anaheim.
The hotel has several restaurants and bars, each with its unique atmosphere and food selection.
We visited Fire Lake on Thanksgiving day and tried their Thanksgiving feast.
The feast is a 3-course meal, with each course priced separately, so you can decide how much to eat - and pay.
The meal started with a Squash Soup made with brown butter sage crème fraiche.
The main course was Smoked BBQ Spiced Turkey Breast, gravy, cranberry hibiscus sauce, yucca stuffing. The meal was delicious and satisfying.
You get to pick a side out of the available 4 options. We picked the mashed potatoes with cheddar and the Brown Butter Okinawa Sweet Potatoes Casserole.
The mashed potatoes were ordinary, but the sweet potato casserole was out of this world.
Of course, you can't have a Thanksgiving feast without pumping pie. We tried theirs and it was very tasty.
If you are not here for a special occasion like Thanksgiving, you can try their signature dishes like Fig & Venison Flatbread, Roasted Skuna Bay Salmon, or Bone-In Prime Filet.
1601 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805Tamba 30 (Indian)
This Indian cuisine gen is hidden in a small strip mall in downtown Anaheim. This restaurant offers delicious authentic Indian dishes and lunch Buffett.
During our last visit, we started with an assortment of appetizers. Our favorites were the Veggie Samosa and the Paneer Pakora.
For our main dishes, we shared the chicken Teka Masala and the Lamb Curry. Both were very tasty and the portions were large. We had lots of leftovers.
We ended our meal with "Gulab Jamun" - a very sweet milk-solid-based ball of joy.
30 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805Brussels Bistro
Forest Street is now closed for cars allowing restaurants to offer outdoor seating. We decided to try Brussels Bistro, located at the corner of Forest and PCH - and we were pleasantly surprised.
The food and drinks were excellent. We tried their Trout Almondine and the Beet Salad. Both were delicious. The trout was cooked just right and the mashed potatoes were perfect.
My wife and I had the Zombie in the Park and we both loved it. We had seconds.
For dessert, we order the Crepes Flambee. It wasn't the best dessert we had. The crepes were ok, but they were smothered with the sauce.
I would still recommend this restaurant for their great-tasting dishes.
222 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CALatte Ristorante
A delightful Italian restaurant in a strip mall located in Anaheim Hills. There is nothing special about the location, but the food was perfect. We enjoyed every bite and we ended up with a lot of leftovers.
For starters, we tried the Mozzarella Capres and the Garlic Bread. For our main meal we ordered the Eggplant Parmigiana, Pollo Parmigiana, and Capellini Gamberi (shrimp). Everything came out just right and was very tasty.
My wife tried their Riesling wine. She liked it so much, we ordered a bottle to go. They offer a $10 discount on the bottle with a meal.
We finish our diner with the dessert of the day and a tiramisu. The dessert of the day was an orange stuffed with delicious orange sorbet.
The service was also exemplary. Our main waiter and others were always around in case we needed something.
751 S Weir Canyon Rd # 151, Anaheim, CAAdvice: if you have a choice, don't dine in their outdoor tent. There is too much noise from the parking lot and neighboring establishments.
Claim Jumper
If you love traditional American cuisine and especially steak and potato, this place is for you.
It used to be difficult to find a table here due to long waits, but recently they started to take reservations.
Some of the delicious selections here are classic cheeseburger, chicken pot pie, meatloaf & mashed potatoes, bbq baby back ribs, and prime center-cut filet.
On a recent visit, we tried the ribs, chicken Pot Pie, and the Country Fried Steak. We loved every choice.
The service was also excellent. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. He made us feel welcome.
We ended our meal with a scrumptious Berry Butter Cake.
Craft by Smoke and Fire
This unexpected gem is on Anaheim's Center Street Promenade and is famous for smoked briskets, BBQ, Steak, and Craft cocktails.
The place is spacious, with outdoor seating and live music.
On a recent visit, we chose to sit outside to enjoy the California weather and watch people on the promenade.
We ordered brisket tacos, a brisket burrito, and a smash burger. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent.
For dessert, we tried their bread pudding, it wasn't the best pudding we had, but it was a nice end to our meal.
Hanagi at the Majestic
Hangai is a hidden gem for Sushi lovers. It is inside the Anaheim Majestic Hotel near Disneyland and offers unique Nigiri and Rolls along with other Japanese dishes.
We went for the Sushi, but they do have other cooked dishes to satisfy all tastes.
We wanted to taste several of the chef's creations, so we ordered the Chef’s omakase nigiri 12 pieces. The plate was full of nigiri samples and was fulfilling on its own, but we also decided to try the double shrimp tempura roll - both were exceptionally tasty.
I also enjoyed the attentive service at Hanagi. The waiters continuously asked if we needed something, recommended dishes, and refilled our drinks.
I would definitely return to this place to try their other Sushi offerings.
Hoshi Sushi and Lounge
This Japanese cuisine restaurant is in Amerige Heights Town Center, Fullerton, and offers a large selection of dishes and rolls.
The food was delicious, and we were pleasantly surprised by the prices. The restaurant offers a 40% discount on the total check and free ice cream.
On our most recent visit, we ordered Crazy Roll, Double Crunch Roll, Rose Roll, and Salmon with Mango Roll.
We enjoyed every bite, and the rolls were more than enough for three adults.
1889-2291 W Malvern Ave, Fullerton, CAPalm Springs
Palm Springs anaheimerWith extreme weather that can reach 110 F in the summer and freezing temperatures in winter, why would anyone want to spend any time in this desolate desert town?
In spite of the desert conditions, Palm Springs attracted many people throughout its history for various reasons.
First, the Cahuilla Indian tribes made this area home and called it Se-Khi, which means boiling water, for the hot springs bubbling from the sand.
Then people with some medical conditions started flocking to the area to take advantage of the dry and hot weather.
In the early 1900s, several hotels and resorts were built to attract the rich and famous.
Read more about Palm Spring’s history at Wikipedia.
Now the area has many permanent residents along visitors enjoying all kinds of events and activities.
As a visitor, you can just chill at one of the resorts and enjoy dining, water activities, golf, tennis, nightclubs or just along the main drag “Palm Canyon”.
The more adventurous can take the Aerial Tramway to a height of 8500 ft, enjoy the cooler weather and hike through the San Jacinto State Park.
Or you can rent an ATV (quad) and speed through the sand dunes.
If you are a party animal, try to catch one of the festivals like Festival of Lights Parade, Splash House Pool Party, Village Fest, Spring Break or, Gay Pride.
Read About it:
Fun around town
Walk around
Most major hotels and resorts are within walking distance from the main street “Palm Canyon”. So leave your car behind and take a walk along this busy street. You will find lots of unique shops and restaurants. Statues and monuments celebrating famous people and native American culture are almost on every corner. A few of those statues are for people like Sonny Bono, Lucille Ball and Gene Autry. Towards the west, you enjoy the views of the stark mountains that cast a long shadow on Palm Springs.
Palm Canyon at night has a festive personality with brilliant lights and loud music blaring from restaurants and bars.
Also within walking distance are Regal Cinemas. If you have some time to kill during the heat of the afternoon it is a good place to catch a movie.
Fun Nearby
Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs right below the San Jacinto mountains. So to escape the desert heat, take the Aerial Tramway to a height of 8500 ft and enjoy a much cooler climate and some stunning views.
Before you start on your trip, explore around desert station. There is a nice waterfall outside with a nice view of ascending cars.
The tram ride is part of the fun. The cars rotated 360 degrees giving every passenger the chance to see in all directions. As you climb to your destination you can see the desert below and the mountain up ahead.
Tip: Try to travel light. The car will be cramped. One backpack should be enough for your trip.
The cars are standing room only and they really packed with people. The car holds up to 80 passengers with their gear.
Tip: If you are afraid of heights, you can get a place away from the windows and avoid looking down.
Once you make it to the mountain station, you can start exploring.
At the station, you can look to the east side for amazing desert views and the tiny city of Palm Springs down below. On the west side, you can enjoy the forest of San Jacinto State Park.
Once you are done exploring the mountain station, you can descend down a winding path to the State Park and take a short hike.
The nature trail around the station is easy with designated viewing points called “Notches” – numbered from 1 to 5. From those vantage points, you can admire various desert views.
For the more adventures, there are plenty of wilderness trails, but you need a special permit to go on one of those.
Tip: Remember that winding path going down? Now you have to take it back up to the station. That is the most difficult part of this hike.
Once you make it back to the top, it is time for lunch. There are 2 dining choices at the mountain station. You can get a snack from the Cafeteria style restaurant or you can dine in style at Peaks Restaurant.
We recently tried the Peaks and really enjoying our lunch. The food was pretty good but expensive. What really enjoyed is the panoramic view of the desert below. When eating at The Peaks you're mostly paying for the view, not the food.
All-in-all, our trip on the Aerial Tramway was exciting and worth the money. We enjoyed breathtaking views, had some workout on our hike and enjoyed a good meal. I highly recommend this adventure to everyone.
Tickets are $24 for adults. If you are planning to come often for hiking or skiing, then an annual pass for $160 makes sense. They also have a summer pass for $75.
Read another Aerial Tramway review here.
Off Road Rentals
It is always fun to ride on a 4-wheel ATV and speed around on the sand dunes. Usually, you would need to specially designated vehicular activity areas to enjoy the dunes. Off-road rentals on the outskirts of Palm Springs offer you a convenient alternative.
This is a privately owned area with plenty of sand dunes to fulfill your need for thrills. You can rent an ATV for $40 for about 40 minutes of fun.
Tip: Make sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
You start by entering a cave-like building to view a safety and instructions video. You really need to pay attention to the instructions, especially if it was your first time.
Then you go to a friendly attendant who collects your payment and directs you to where you get your helmet and goggles. Goggles are required for kids under 18. Adults can wear their own glasses. This is to protect you from sand during your ride.
At the starting line, the attendants will match you with the right ATV for your size and weight and provide you with your final instructions.
Tip: You can pay by credit card, but be prepared to leave the card with the staff while you ride. They run it through while you are having fun.
The tracks start on level ground to help you get used to your ATV. Once you feel confident, you can start climbing some dunes at varying heights. If you stay at the bottom, you can still have lots of fun going fast, doing doughnuts or spinning down sinkholes.
If you go up the hill be prepared to stall or get stuck. But don’t worry, if you do get stuck and attend will help you get unstuck. You will also learn the trick very quickly.
The ride was exhilarating and felt very long, even though it was only 45 minutes. The staff were very friendly and helpful.
At the end of your ride, you are offered some cold drinks while you drop off the equipment.
Where to eat
Lulu California Bistro
On our last day at Palm Springs, we went to Lulu’s Cafe for breakfast. They had a variety of choices from southwestern to crepes to make your own omelets to a traditional breakfast. For those that don't really enjoy breakfast Chicken quesadillas presented themselves on the menu and saved the day. The coffee was excellent and the view of the mountains was wonderful and relaxing.
Maracas Cantina
The restaurant stays open quite late as we sat down at 9:00 PM. The majority of restaurants had already closed by that time so we were happy to have located it. As a family that frequently dines at El Torito Grill, we were extremely pleased by the authenticity of Maracas. El Torito does not compare. The Chili Relleno was doused with a creamy heartwarming cheese and a breading that tickled your tongue. The chili did not take much effort to cut and made eating it so much more enjoyable.
Where to stay
The city has many hotels, motels and resorts to satisfy every taste and budget. You can get very good deals at motel chains like Extended Stay America, Renaissance Palm Springs, Best Western Inn and Comfort Inn.
If you prefer to live in luxury, try one of the high-end hotels like The Westin, L’Horizon, Hard Rock or La Quinta.
Tip: Choose your hotel wisely. Some hotels are party hotels and others are geared toward families. If you are looking for the party atmosphere, look for places like Hard Rock hotel, Palm Springs Rendezvous or Avanti Hotel. But if you have kids then try places like Marriott's Desert Springs, Omni Rancho Las Palmas or Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.
Were recently stayed at the Hard Rock hotel and our experience was mixed. We enjoyed the comfort, service and Rock music theme, but we did not enjoy the noise level. Read the full review below.
Hard Rock Hotel
If you love Rock n’ Roll, then this is the hotel for you. The rooms are elegantly designed with photos of Rock and Roll legends.
The beds were firm but comfortable with soft or hard pillows, your choice. The room comes with a coffee maker and a mini fridge packed up with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You also get a shelve with a choice of snacks.
Tip: Be warned! The snack shelve and the fridge are weight sensitive. If you remove any of the items, you will get charged for it automatically. The prices are very high. You will end up paying $4 for a can of soda and up to $95 for a bottle of Champaign.
The best feature of the hotel is the location. It is one block off Palm Canyon Road with all the shops and restaurants. You are also within walking distance to other venues like movie theaters.
The staff are very friendly and helpful. They answer calls right away and provide directions when asked.
The pools area is large with cabanas, a Jacuzzi and a full bar. Towels and lounge chairs are provided. The only problem is that it is overcrowded with standing room only. There is no room for real swimming or playing in the water.
The rooms at night were very noisy with drunk people running around and screaming. The staff responded to our complaints after midnight and talked to the offenders, but our night was already ruined.
I recommend this hotel for Hard Rock lovers and party animals, but not for families with kids or for relaxation.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway anaheimerPalm Springs and the surrounding area offer a lot of leisure and adventure opportunities and require many articles to cover the whole spectrum of activities.
This article is dedicated to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and the adventures that await you at the top of the San Jacinto mountains.
For more info about Palm Springs, read the full article here.
After enjoying expansive desert views on the valley floor, get ready to be transported to a totally different world at the San Jacinto alpine forest. The state-of-the-art rotating tram cars pick you up from the Valley Station - suspended from a 2 mile stretch of steel cables - and deposit you at the Mountain Station. The trip will take you from an elevation of about 2,600 feet (806 m) to about 8,500 feet (2,596 m. You will experience a temperature drop of about 40 degrees. This is similar to traveling from the Sonora desert to the Canadian tundra in 11 minutes.
Tip: Try to be one of the first people on the tram car. This way you can get a window view.
On your way up you will experience stunning views of the desert, the granite rock pillars that form the base of the mountains, lush vegetation nestled among the rocks and a bird’s eye view of Palm Springs.
The Mountain Station is nestled on the edge between two worlds. On one side it overlooks the Coachella Valley – which is part of the Sonora Desert. On the other side, it overlooks the Alpine forest of the San Jacinto Mountains. Outside the Mountain Station, the land is part of the Mount San Jacinto State Park.
Important Note: During peak hours there usually a long wait to get on the tram. It could be as long as 2 hours. The lines might be shorter if you arrive at opening time or late in the day.
There is a lot to discover inside the station, but the adventure starts at the end of the ramp that leads you down into the forest. But before you descend down the ramp, stop at the ranger station store and talk to the rangers. Get a map of the area and sign your kids up for the junior ranger program.
Things to do in the Forest
Hiking
The State Park and Wilderness area offer 54 miles of hiking trails. Trails range from the easy nature walk to the strenuous trek to the peak of San Jacinto.
We took the nature walk which took us in a loop close to the mountain station. Along the way, we enjoyed the shade of the forest trees, crossed several bridges over streams (dry during summer) and climbed some interesting rock formations.
The kids watched out for information posts and clues along the way so they can answer the questions for the junior ranger program.
If you want to do a more strenuous hike, you will need to obtain a wilderness permit from the ranger station.
During the cold months, and especially after a snowstorm, the area become a winter wonderland. Hiking through the snow is a challenging but very rewarding experience. Make sure you wear the right shows for the snow/ice or rent a snowshoe.
Family Snow Fun
Take the whole family to enjoy some fun with the snow. Build a snowman or have a snowball fight. Ride a sled down the gentle slopes. You can bring your own, or buy one at the adventure store.
Camping
Primitive campsites are located in four designated campgrounds throughout the Wilderness area. Wilderness permits are required for any hiking or backpacking. For the more adventurous and well-experienced, snow camping offers a special way to spend a winter weekend.
Guided Nature Walks
This is a very valuable program in which a volunteer takes you on a nature walk to learn about the natural environment in the forest. Those walks are free of charge. They are only available memorial day through labor day. Go here to check times.
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country ski enthusiasts have found the State Park to be unsurpassed in its challenging terrain. You can bring your own equipment or you can rent skis, boots, and poles at the Adventure Center.
Snow Shoeing
For those wanting to take a walk during the winter into the backcountry, snowshoe rentals are available. Wilderness permits are required for anyone venturing outside of Long Valley.
Tip: The Tramway’s Annual Maintenance is scheduled for September 13 through October 1, 2010. Reopening Saturday, October 2, 2010. Check their website before you go.
Read About it:
Back at the Mountain Station
Once you are done with your adventures in the forest, come back to the mountain station for additional fun and relaxation.
You can watch a movie about the history and construction of the tramway. You can browse the gift and souvenir shop. You can stroll along the balconies overlooking the desert. And the best part, you can climb to the top viewing platform that offers a 360-degree view of the whole area. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Salton Sea to the south and to Mount Charleston north of Las Vegas.
Where to eat
Picnic
Bring your own snacks or picnic and enjoy your meal at provided picnic tables. Just make sure all the food and drinks are packed away in your backpacks before boarding the tram. Food and drinks are not allowed on the tram.
Pines Café’
You can get sandwiched, Pizza or Salads at the cafeteria-style restaurant on the second floor. Food is what you expect from this kind of restaurant. If you buy the combo ride-and-dine ticket, expect to eat at this place.
Peaks Restaurant
We decided to have our lunch at the Peaks Restaurants because we liked the menu items and the stunning view from every table in the restaurant. The tables were arranged in 3 terraces so each one would have a view of the desert floor – way below.
It took a while to get a seat, but it was worth the wait.
We ordered the Avocado Bruschetta for appetizers. The appetizers were delicious, but the portion was small. It would be nice if the waiter warned us about the portions so we would order more dishes.
For the main meal, we ordered the Fish and Chips and Cup of Tortilla Soup & Turkey Pomodoro.
The fish was crispy and tasty. The chips were spiced just right. The Tortilla Soup was very spicy and mouthwatering. Turkey sandwich was excellent.
The service, on the other hand, was slow. The waiter seemed tired and bored even at 1 o’clock.
The prices were a little above average, which is expected for this kind of resort.
My rating for this restaurant: 4 stars for food; 3 stars for service and 5 stars for the view.
Note: During construction on the 3rd level, the Peaks moved to be at the same location as Forest View.
Forest View Restaurant
We came to this restaurant for the amazing forest view from the floor to ceiling windows but we were pleasantly surprised with the food quality and service.
To avoid the wait, we made reservations through OpenTable and were seated right away.
We ordered the Flat Iron Steak and the Spinach Salad. Both were delicious and the steak was cooked to order.
We also enjoyed beer and cocktails. The restaurant has a nice selection of tab and bottled beers. The bar can make any mixed drink you like.
We ended our meal with a very tasty Bread Pudding.
Snack bar
The snack bar at the Valley Station offers a small selection of sandwiches, salads, and drinks. The outdoor seating area offers a great view of the mountain and the tram cars. You can also enjoy a nice waterfall.
Observation Deck
Also at the Valley Station, you can take a short flight of stairs to a balcony overlooking the tram station. You can watch the tram cars docking and departing.
Back at Palm Springs
Enjoy a stroll along Palm Canyon Drive – the main artery and commercial and cultural center of Palm Springs. Shop for gifts, have dinner at one of the fine restaurants or pay a visit to one of the museums like Palm Springs Air Museum; Palm Springs Art Museum; or Children's Discovery Museum.
For more info about Palm Springs, read the full article here.
Do you have more time on your hand? Consider visiting the Joshua Tree National Park close by. Read about Joshua Tree NP here.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
One Tramway Road
Palm Springs, CA. 92262
1.888.515.8726
Sacramento
Sacramento anaheimerSacramento is the capital of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of the county of the same name.
Its location at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers gives it a rich natural backdrop to go with its important cultural, economic, and political influence.
Highlights |
Walking Around |
State Capitol Tour |
Food Tour |
Historic River Cruise |
Discovery Park |
Museum of science |
Sacramento Zoo |
Dining in Sacramento |
Sacramento is also the fourth-largest metropolitan area in California with a population of 2,680,831.
As I was entering this fabulous city in June 2023, I was wondering why did it take me so long to finally visit?
Well, I am just glad that I made it here, and I was ready to enjoy all its rich history, its vibrant arts and culture scene, and its many outdoor activities.
Interesting Facts: Sacramento was founded in 1848, during the California gold rush. The city quickly grew as a major center for gold mining and commerce.
The city is home to several museums, including the California State Railroad Museum, the California State Capitol Museum, and the Crocker Art Museum.
Sacramento is also home to many theaters, including the Sacramento Theatre Company and the Sacramento Music Circus.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Sacramento is home to many parks, including the American River Parkway, William Land Park, and the Sacramento Zoo.
Sacramento is also home to many golf courses, and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and hiking.
Sacramento is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. The city has a low cost of living, a mild climate, and a strong economy. Sacramento is also a diverse city, with a population that is made up of people from all over the world.
Walking Around
The best way to learn about a new city is to take a walk, and downtown Sacramento is very walkable, with a score of 93.
This score means that you can get around to most destinations in the city on foot.
You can start by exploring the State Capitol Building and its park, walk through K street – which is a main pedestrian only street, follow Capitol Mall Street to the Golden Tower Bridge and visit Old Town Sacramento along the river.
Other places you can reach on foot include the Stanford Mansion, Sutter’s Fort State Park, the Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, Golden 1 Center, River Cruises, and the Sacramento River Bike Trail.
State Capitol Tour and Museum
My priority was to visit the State Capitol and witness our democracy at work. Anyone can visit the Capitol and walk around the first floor, but to really experience the whole building, join a docent led tour on weekdays, every hour on the hour 10 am to 4 pm.
I arrived at 9:30 and signed up for the tour at the information desk. While waiting for the tour to start, I peeked at the original governor’s rooms, Secretary of State, and treasurer's offices.
Interesting Facts: The initial architectural plan was to have visitors enter through a “doorway to democracy”—outside, a classical portico was meant to have a grand staircase and function as a doorway filled with statues. However, the staircase was never built due to construction costs.
The three Governor's rooms served as the Governor's offices from 1869 to 1951. I especially liked the anteroom, which is decorated in a Victorian style, with dark wood paneling and ornate chandeliers.
The tour started in the Rotunda, which is the central hall of the Capitol, with a large dome ceiling and a marble floor. Our guide explained that there are two domes on top of each other.
We then visited the Governor's Rooms, which were once the offices of the Governor of California.
Interesting Facts: Sacramento was hit by two earthquakes within days of one another in 1892, and the California State Capitol building damaged. Renovations took place between 1975 and 1982 to fix the damage, and it was recorded as the largest restoration project in U.S. history at that time.
We stopped by the hall of flags, which exhibits over 100 flags that represent State history and its official icons.
We then ascended the ornate stairs to the Senate and Assembly chambers, where the California Legislature meets.
The chambers are beautifully decorated and designed like a theater with the floor as the “stage” with the public overseeing the workings of government from the gallery (balcony). Everywhere you look, you see symbols that reflect the democratic process.
The tour ends with a visit to the Capitol Museum, which is located on the first floor of the Capitol.
The museum is a great place to learn more about the history of the Capitol and the state of California.
Interesting Facts: Sacramento is a very diverse city. The city's population represents over 100 different countries. This diversity makes Sacramento a great place to learn about different cultures and to meet people from all over the world.
During my visit, a large demonstration was happening outside the Capitol, with drums beating and loud music and songs. The protest was led by the Childcare Providers Union, and the protestors were asking for better pay and conditions for childcare workers.
This unexpected event added a special tone to my visit because it demonstrated an important tenant of our democracy: The right to free speech and assembly.
State Capitol Park
The California State Capitol Park is a 40-acre park that surrounds the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The park is home to a variety of trees, plants, and flowers, as well as several monuments and memorials.
A daily free tour is offered at 11 am during the summer and at 1 pm in winter.
Some of the most notable features of Capitol Park include:
The park is a great place for a walk to enjoy the trees and flowers or to visit the memorials.
Whether you take the tour or explore on your own, make sure to visit the California Vietnam War Memorial, the Peace Garden, World War II Memorial, Peace Officers Memorial, and the Native American Heritage Plaza.
The park is open to the public from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, seven days a week. Admission is free.
Downtown Sacramento Historical Food Tour
I always try to catch a food tour when I visit a city for the first time. It is the best way to learn about the cities, history, culture, and the food scene.
During my June 2023 visit, I went with Local Roots Food Tours on the Downtown Sacramento Historical Food tour with our guide Dawnie.
Interesting Fact: Sacramento is considered the Farm to fork capital because of its extensive farmland and a year-round growing season. The city also hosts the annual Farm-to-Fork Festival, where big name chefs compete for the best recipes.
Interesting Facts: Sacramento is known for its farm-to-fork food culture. The city is home to several farmers markets, and many restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.
Dawnie was very knowledgeable about Sacramento, the local murals and the food scene. The tour had a delightful selection of food and drinks, and I discovered new places I wouldn't usually find on my own.
For example, if it weren't for the tour, I wouldn't know about K street and its history.
Interesting fact: Due to the regular flooding in the Sacramento area, the city was raised around 10 feet (ca. 3 m) from its original level. With this great effort in 1864, what used to be the first floor of many buildings became the basement.
We started our delightful journey at Mayahuel where we tried their watermelon mocktail.
Interesting Fact: Sacramento is known as the “City of Trees”, a distinction dating back to 1855. You can find trees in the city parks, and along the two rivers. Many of those trees were lost in 2023 due to the heavy rains and high winds.
We then visited Lit deli and had a tasty Samoa with mango lacy. After our taste of India, we visited a unique place called There & Back. It is a restaurant where you ditch your devices and play board games with family and friends. We didn’t have time for a game, but we tried their avocado toast.
Our next stop was at Temple Coffee, where we enjoyed the smells and tastes of freshly brewed coffee.
Our final stop was at Whired Wine Window, a unique concept in wine service in Sacramento. WHIRED stands for white + red wine. You get your wine from a window and sit outside to sip your wine while enjoying the California sunshine.
Historic River Cruise
Sacramento has two major rivers running through it, so it is natural to go on a river cruise.
I went on the Historic River Cruise with City Cruises, and it was a delightful experience.
I grabbed a beer from the onboard bar and found a seat in the shade on the upper deck of our boat, the Capitol Hornblower.
As we were departing the cruise terminal in Old Town Sacramento, we saw the floating hotel “Delta King” which used to run between San Francisco and Sacramento.
Along the way we saw some historic landmarks and bridges and passed a large building shaped like a ship that turned out to be a river water intake facility.
We then reached the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, where you could clearly see the demarcation line between the two rivers.
We passed by a large park called Discovery Park and a huge expanse of marshland. This whole section is a good example of how the area was before development.
Both Sacramento and American Rivers are used for recreation and fishing. We saw many jet skiers, speed boats, and fishing boats.
This marshland and the Discovery Park were totally flooded after the heavy rains of 2023.
On the way back, we passed under the Tower Bridge (AKA M street bridge) with its golden color and its vertical lift gate. The captain informed us that until recently, the gate had to be lifted for his boat to pass. The river waters subsided in late May to allow passage without interrupting street traffic.
After the cruise, I paid a visit to Discovery Park, where I enjoyed a short hike along the river.
Discovery Park and the American River Parkway
Discovery Park is a 302-acre park situated at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers and is part of the American River Parkway.
The American River Parkway is a 23-mile-long park designated a National Wild and Scenic River and is a popular spot for hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and fishing.
Things to do in this park system:
Hiking and biking: The park has over 30 miles (ca. 48 km) of trails for hiking and biking. The trails range from easy to moderate and offer stunning views of the rivers and surrounding area.
Boating and fishing: Discovery Park has a boat launch ramp and two fishing piers. The park is a popular spot for fishing for bass, catfish, and striped bass.
Picnicking: The park has 12 picnic areas with tables, barbecues, and drinking fountains. There is also a group picnic area that can accommodate up to 200 people.
Playground: The park has a playground with a variety of equipment for children of all ages.
Discovery Park is open year-round from 6am to 10pm. There is an entrance fee for vehicles, but pedestrians and cyclists can enter for free.
Museum of science and curiosity
Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) is a science museum in Sacramento, California. It is located in the Natomas district of the city and opened to the public in 2020.
MOSAC is filled with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and events for all ages.
Some of my favorites were:
The Body Quest, which explores the human body through interactive exhibits and games.
The Water Cycle, which teaches visitors about the water cycle and how it affects our planet.
The Energy Zone, which explores different forms of energy and how they are used.
The Planetarium was the best exhibit in my opinion. The show was delivered by a guide who had control over what was shown in the 360-degree dome. She provided many details about the solar system and delivered it in a way that was enjoyable for both adults and children.
Another one I enjoyed is Destination Space, where you can pilot a Mars rover or test rockets.
MOSAC also offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults, such as summer camps, after-school programs, and workshops. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
California Museum
The California Museum tells the story of the state's history, culture, and people. It is located in the heart of the city's downtown area, at 1020 O Street.
The museum opened in 2005 and has since welcomed over 2 million visitors. It is home to a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as a variety of educational programs and events.
During my visit, I walked through the California Hall of Fame, which honors 230 of the state's most accomplished individuals. the Gold Mountain exhibit, which tells the story of the California Gold Rush, and the California Dream exhibit, which explores the state's diverse cultures and heritage.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events for all ages, including school field trips, teacher workshops, family programs, and adult lectures.
The California Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of California. It is open 10am to 5pm daily and admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $6 for children ages 5-11.
Sutter Fort
Sutter's Fort is a reconstructed 19th-century fort in Sacramento, California, United States.
It was founded by Swiss-American John Sutter in 1839, and served as the headquarters of his agricultural empire.
The fort was a major stop for settlers traveling west on the California Trail, and it also played a role in the early days of the California Gold Rush.
Interesting Fact: The fort was the site of the first California state flag raising in 1846.
The fort is made of adobe bricks and has a rectangular shape. It is surrounded by a 12-foot-high (3.7 m) adobe wall, and has four corner towers.
The fort has 21 buildings, including a blacksmith shop, a carpenter shop, a bakery, a storehouse, and a barracks.
There is also a museum inside the fort that exhibits artifacts from the fort's history.
Sacramento Zoo
The Sacramento Zoo is a zoo in William Land Park in Sacramento, California. It opened on June 2, 1927, with 40 animals. At that time, it occupied 4.2 acres, which remained the case until the early 1960s, when the zoo expanded to its current 14.3 acres.
The zoo is now home to over 400 animals representing over 100 species from around the world, but during my visit in June 2023, many of the cages were empty.
Some of the zoo's most popular animals include elephants, lions, tigers, giraffes, and gorillas. The zoo also has several educational exhibits, such as the African Plains exhibit, the California Trail exhibit, and the Rainforest exhibit.
Throughout the zoo grounds, you will notice animatronic dinosaurs, which makes the zoo experience more exciting for children.
The Sacramento Zoo is open year-round and admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $9 for children ages 2-11.
If you frequent the zoo often, you can get an annual pass for the family.
Also on the William Land Park ground you can find Fairytale Town, a 12-acre park with 26 storybook-themed playsets, a petting zoo, two performing arts stages, and several gardens.
Dining in Sacramento
Like any major city, Sacramento has no shortage of great restaurants, but Sacramento is also known for it is Farm to Fork culture due to the abundance of agriculture nearby.
I mentioned a few as part of my review of the Food Tasting Tour above, but here are more of my favorites:
Vines at Hyatt: I stopped here for a snack of Humus Plate with veggies and pita chips. I fell in love with the service and an ambiance.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar: A unique experience with delicious food. As the revolving belt items passed in front of me, I grabbed what I liked, but I also ordered specialty items from the touch screen above the belt. A robot brought my special requests to me.
Rio City Café: This riverfront restaurant in Old Town is the perfect place for lunch while admiring river traffic passing by. I ordered the land and sea burger which was stuffed with goodness and their tasty sweet potato fries.
Boxcar East Frozen Yogurt: While waiting for my river cruise in Old Town, I decided to cool off with some frozen treats, and I found the perfect place on Front Street. They had a large selection of yogurts and ice creams, but I settled for my favorite cookies and cream. The indoor seating is a great respite from the heat.
San Diego
San Diego anaheimerThe city of San Diego and the greater San Diego County are home to beautiful beaches, popular attractions, hiking trails and many more adventures.
Many people come to the city to enjoy SeaWorld’s exhibits and shows or the world-famous San Diego Zoo, but there is much more to explore around town.
You can spend days visiting the museums at Balboa Park, take a sunset dinner cruise in the harbor, or climb aboard an Aircraft Carrier.
Or if you prefer, you can visit the Cabrillo National Monument, hike through Torrey Pines State Park or go on the Sunset Cliffs trail for stunning views of the ocean.
And if you have more time you can drive away from the city to enjoy San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido or Lego Land in Carlsbad.
Plan your visit to San Diego at the official website here.
A brief history
Even though some Native American tribes lived in the area for thousands of years, San Diego has the distinction of being the first area of California to be discovered by Europeans.
Since the first discovery by Juan Cabrillo in 1542, the area changed hands several times. First, it was a Spanish territory. Then it was claimed by Mexico after Mexican independence from Spain. Finally, it became a US territory in 1848 after the American Victory in the Mexican–American War.
The city started to flourish when the US Navy became interested in its great natural harbor and its location.
Interesting Facts: The top employer in the city is the United States Navy.
Read more about San Diego’s history at Wikipedia.
Where to stay
Your decision on where to stay depends on many factors like what are you planning to do, your budget, and your arrival time.
If you are planning to mainly explore downtown, then you should consider one of the hotels right in the Gaslamp Quarter or downtown waterfront. Some of the best choices are the Marriott Marquis Marina, Hilton Bayfront, and Grand Hyatt. For a budget hotel in or close to downtown, you can try Porto Vista, Wyndham Bayside, or Westin.
If your main goal is to visit SeaWorld, then try the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Masson Bay or the Bahia Resort. For budget choices, try places like Holiday Inn Express, Wyndham Garden, or Travel Lodge SeaWorld.
Read more about where to stay here.
Things to do in San Diego
There is plenty to explore without leaving town. You can take a stroll in the Gaslamp Quarter with plenty of shops and restaurants, rent a bike and ride along the bayfront, visit SeaWorld, go on a cruise or spend a day at Balboa Park.
Build your own discounted San Diego Go Card Here - Multi-attraction Pass.
Gaslamp Quarter
One of the best ways to get to know a city is just to get out and walk around. And one of the best walks in San Diego is in the Gaslamp Quarter.
This is an area of about 16 city blocks with a major shopping mall anchoring one corner.
You can start your walk at the Westfield Horton Plaza mall. The mall itself is a destination for shoppers and gawkers alike due to its unique architecture.
Right outside the mall, there is a small park with a nice fountain and statues of the San Diego founding fathers.
The quarter streets are named by letters and numbers. You can explore any of the streets, but the main thoroughfare is 5th avenue. This street is the longest stretch and has the most shops, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Interesting Facts: Did you know that San Diego was home to everyone’s favorite wacky children’s author, Ted Geisel – more frequently referred to as Dr. Seuss?
The quarter is especially beautiful at night when all the Gaslamps are let and the streets are bustling with people and the music is blaring from the nightclubs.
Tip: The best way to enjoy San Diego attractions is by getting a go-city card. Build your own here.
If you plan to dine at the quarter, try La Puerta Mexican restaurant, Greystone the Steak House, or Meze Greek Fusion.
La Puerta is famous for its street tacos. They also have a great surf & turf burrito. Happy hour is very busy and loud but you can expect good prices.
At Greystone, you can’t go wrong with any of the meats. Try the New York Steak or Filet Mignon. If you are hungry, try the short ribs tacos for starters. The place is a little pricey, but if you go during happy hour, you will get to try different cuts at reduced prices.
My favorite is Meze Greek Fusion on Sixth Street. This restaurant offers authentic Greek cuisine with a California flair. Meze means small plates, but the menu offers full meals for every appetite. For starters, you must try the Lentil Soup, Baba Ghanosh, Dolma or Fiery Fetta Dip. For the main meal try the Lamb Chops or traditional Greek favorites like Falafel or Gyro plates. And finally, don’t skip the Baklava for dessert.
For Japanese cuisine lovers, stop at Ramaki on the edge of the Gaslamp Quarter where you can get some great Raman, Poke, and Sushi.
For a dessert or a snack, you must try Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop. Their ice-cream flavors on waffle cones are to die for. Once you are done with your dessert, you can go shopping for a collection of chocolates for your family and friends – or indulge yourself.
If you keep walking down 5th avenue you will reach the waterfront where you will find the Convention Center, some of San Diego’s iconic hotels, Seaport Village and the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier.
Seaport Village
Seaport village is about a 20-minute walk from the Gaslamp Quarter. Close enough to include it in the same walk.
The village resembles an old harborside town with its unique shops and casual dining places. You can also enjoy fine dining at 4 waterfront restaurants.
Seaport also hosts some unique events like Surfin Santa Arrival and Busker Festival. Many restaurants book live music events. My favorite is the Bit of Greece at the Greek Islands Café.
One caution! The village is a tourist trap. Shop at your own risk.
Interesting Facts: San Diego has the most ideal climate with temperatures averaging 70 all year long
In spite of that warning, you can still have lots of fun. Browse through the shops. Try a few things like flying a kite or face painting. Enjoy the street performers.
The Headquarters are right across the street from Seaport Village. It is a new plaza with more boutique shops and dining options. You can find known places like the Cheese Cake Factory, Starbucks, or Sunglass Hut. Or discover new places like Gelato Paradiso, Geppetto’s Toys, and Lori L. Fine Art Gallery.
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier
A few steps away from the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, or the Cruise terminal, you will find this must-see attraction – a real Aircraft carrier!
The USS Midway was the longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier – active from 1945 to 1992. After its long military service, it is now berthed in San Diego harbor and opened to the public since 2004.
Before you even get on this magnificent ship, you will be amazed by its size and design. As you approach its berth, you will be wondering how this behemoth could float – let alone carry crew and airplanes.
After you get your tickets ($20 adult), you will climb some steep stairs to reach the hanger deck. This is where the aircraft were stored and maintained before launching. The deck was huge with many types of fighters on display.
The hanger deck also has a row of flight simulators. There are 2 types to choose from Air Combat and Flight avionics. It is a neat way to pretend you are on a mission launched from the carrier.
The admission price includes a free audio tour. If you decide to use it, you will get 2-minute audio clips about various marked locations throughout the ship. You don’t really need the audio. There are a lot of volunteers at the important spots with a lot of valuable information. Many of the volunteers are retired navy sailors.
From the hanger deck, you can go up to the flight deck where the planes launch or land. More planes and helicopters were on display. You can inside some of them and explore.
From the flight deck, you also have a great view of San Diego and the Bay. On the port (left) side, you can see a nice statue of the famous sailor kissing a nurse at the end of WWII.
If you go down from the hanger deck you will come across the galley where food is prepared, the mess deck – where the enlisted eat, the laundry, sickbay, the brig, and a fire station.
Tip: If you are claustrophobic you may want to avoid the lower decks. It is very cramped and stuffy in places.
If you have more time, you can watch videos about the carrier, try your hand with knot-tying, climb on some bunks, get inside cockpits, go to jail or take one of the guided tours. See more adventures here.
Balboa Park
This is a sprawling 1200-acre park full of open spaces, gardens, hiking trails, and lots of museums. The park is also home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
In 1915, the parklands were used to host the San Diego Panama-Pacific International Exposition which celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal and lasted for 2 years. Later many of the park's buildings were recommissioned as museums.
You can spend a day just walking around and exploring the history and architecture, picnicking in the green zones, riding a mini train, going on a carousel, or visiting the International Village.
But you will need several days to experience the variety of museums. The park has an amazing collection of museums like "Air and Space", "Science Center", "Natural History" and "Museum of Art".
Downtown Historic Trolley Tour
One of the best ways to explore the city of San Diego is by taking the historic old town trolley. You can jump on and off the trolley at any of the 10 stops throughout the day.
Interesting Facts: The first drive-in restaurant in the United States was opened in San Diego by the man who later founded Jack in the Box in 1951.
Along the way, the driver will share with you interesting San Diego history and tips about places to see and things to do.
You can start your tour at any of the 10 stops along the route, but the main starting point is at Old Town San Diego.
Some of the other important stops are the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Island, and Balboa Park.
Waterfront Park
Twelve acres of land were set aside for this beautiful waterfront park. The park offers picnic areas, clean bathrooms, and a small water park where kids can get wet and have a blast.
When the kids get tired of water play they can have more fun in the modern playground.
If you did not bring your own picnic, they have a small cafe where you can get some snacks and drinks.
The park is right across from the Embarcadero and behind the County Center building in Little Italy.
The water park opens from 11 am to 7 pm while the main park has longer hours.
After the park, the whole family can walk to Little Italy on India street, do some shopping or dine at one of the restaurants.
Cabrillo National Monument
At the tip of Point Loma Peninsula, the monument commemorates the explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who was the first to set foot on the west coast of North America.
This park has a museum, movie theater, tide-pool exploration and a stunning view of San Diego harbor and downtown skyline from a high vantage point.
If you are interested in the tide pools, make sure to check the low tide schedule. See official website for more details.
Also at the highest point of the park, you will find the Point Loma Lighthouse. It was closed down in 1891 because it was always shrouded in fog due to its height. A newer one was built at a lower elevation.
The park is also close to the "Maritime Museum of San Diego", so you can make a side trip to visit the museum.
SeaWorld
Sea World is the only park in which you can get up close and personal with sea creatures and get an education while having fun. You can meet Shamu the killer whale, watch the Dolphins play their tricks, visit the sharks in their natural habitat, go to the North Pole on an icy safari and peek at the Penguins – and you get all that fun for a bargain.
Shows that you shouldn’t miss are Orca Encounter; Sea Lions Live; Dolphin Days; A trip to Wild Arctic; Shark encounter. For thrill-seekers, try one of the rides: Journey To Atlantis; Manta; Shipwreck Rapids, and Wild Arctic (the ride).
Read the full SeaWorld review here.
Outside of Town
On the outskirts of the city of San Diego or further inland, you can find many more attractions and adventures. Visit the beaches at La Jolla, go to Lego Land and the flower fields in Carlsbad, or go on a Safari in Escondido.
For even more activities, go mine for gold, hike, camp, or picnic in the mountains at Julian.
Interesting Facts: San Diego County is home to the most missions in the country. Take the mission trail to visit Mission San Diego de Alcala, Mission San Luis Rey, Mission San Antonio de Pala and Mission Santa Ysabel.
Build your own discounted San Diego Go Card Here - Multi-attraction Pass.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in San Diego County close to the city of Escondido. It spans 1800 acres of land and is stocked with 2600 animals from 300 species. It is also home to thousands of plant species – some of them in a protected preserve.
The main attraction is a vast open area with free-ranging animals that vary from the fierce lions to the tame Giraffes. The only way to enjoy this vast flora and fauna is to join a Safari. More the on Safari options later.
Read the full SD Zoo Safari Park article here
La Jolla – Beaches and Hiking
La Jolla is a little town on the outskirts of San Diego with nice beaches, hotels, golf courses, a state park and the famous University of California, San Diego.
No one knows for sure where the name originated, but some say it means the place with holes – referring to the many caves and coves on the shoreline. Others say it means the Jewel. In either case, is a jewel on the beach and it is full of caves and coves – making it a very interesting place to visit and explore.
Tip: Alcohol is not permitted on any of San Diego beaches. So leave your beer behined.
So spend some time at La Jolla Shores beach or go snorkeling at La Jolla Cove. If you prefer you can go hiking at Torrey Pines State Preserve or even learn how to Glide at the Glider Port.
A bike ride through San Diego
A bike ride through San Diego anaheimerAfter enjoying a great e-bike ride through Santa Barbara, we decided to do the same in San Diego. We booked a tour with “Another Side Of San Diego”. This tour operator offers many private and group tours. See their offerings here.
We selected the “Old Town & Balboa Park eBike Tour”. We have visited both places in the past but thought it would be fun to go at a more leisurely pace.
This tour starts from their location near Old Town. Jeff, our tour guide, began by explaining how to use the e-bike and gave us some time to practice. This is important because e-bikes can differ in handling and operation.
After we mastered our bikes, we passed by Old Town and learned about the historic buildings. Unfortunately, we could enter due to park regulations.
Tip: the bikes do not have a basket for belongings or water. Jeff was willing to carry our stuff, but I would have preferred to hold my own water, camera, and phone. So bring a backpack or a waist bag.
Jeff regaled us with the town’s history and important buildings. We quickly learned that Old Town is not the real birthplace of San Diego. It actually started as a settlement on the hill with the Presidio Fort. Later a mission was established close to the fort. This location was chosen due to the commanding view over the San Digo harbor.
Even though it is not the real first settlement, the Old Town Historic Park is still worth visiting. It is a good representation of early period San Diego with its adobe buildings, museums, and shops.
To get to Presidio hill, we had to peddle up a steep incline. Thankfully, the e-bikes peddle-assist came in handly. We still had a workout, but it was more manageable.
On our way to Balboa Park, we had to pass through some busy city streets. This part of the tour was not very enjoyable, but there is no avoiding it. It is a major city, after all. Next time I am going to try The La Jolla Coastal Bike Tour. We will probably encounter less traffic and enjoy the ocean views.
The best part of this tour is entering Balboa Park and enjoying the long stretch of trails with no cars. The parks 1200 acres are full of open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, walking trails, museums, theaters, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
You can learn more about Balboa Park and the Zoo by following the links.
Heading back, the ride was mostly straight or downhill. We still had to pass through some busy streets, but it was more relaxed and a good ending to our tour.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park anaheimerThe city of San Diego and the greater San Diego county are home to beautiful beaches, popular attractions, hiking trails, and many more adventures.
Many people come to the city to enjoy SeaWorld’s exhibits and shows or the world-famous San Diego Zoo, but there is much more to explore around town.
You can spend days visiting the museums at Balboa Park, take a sunset dinner cruise in the harbor, or climb aboard an Aircraft Carrier.
Read the full San Diego review here.
Balboa Park is a sprawling 1200-acre park full of open spaces, gardens, hiking trails, and lots of museums. The park is also home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
In 1915, the parklands were used to host the San Diego Panama-Pacific International Exposition which celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal and lasted for 2 years. Later many of the park's buildings were recommissioned as museums.
Interesting Facts: Kate Sessions is known locally as “the mother of Balboa Park”. She designed a lot of the park's landscaping and spent years planting trees.
You can spend a day just walking around and exploring the history and architecture, picnicking in the green zones, riding a mini train, going on a carousel, or visiting the International Village. The park is home to so many Museums, you will need days to explore them all. Some of my favorites are "Air and Space", "Science Center", "Natural History" and "Museum of Art".
To see the full list, go to the official website here.
Each museum requires a full review by itself to describe all its wonders, but I will be covering a few of them in this review.
For young children, several play areas are placed throughout the park. Some are near the museums. The best one is “Pepper Grove Playground” which is a large play area with picnic tables – right next to the Science Center.
Tip: Tuesdays are free admission days to all museums at the park, but only for San Diego residents.
The park is also home to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion – the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ. This unique organ contains 4,725 pipes ranging in length from the size of a pencil to 32 feet.
Tip: A free organ concert is performed every Sunday at 2 PM. The plaza is also host to special summer events. You can find an event calendar here.
Events
The park also hosts many events throughout the year like the Haunted Trail on Halloween, the Ethnic Food Fair, the Chinese New Year Festival, and the Native American Annual Powwow.
On a recent visit, I got to watch energetic Native dances and browse handicrafts and arts on display at the Powwow.
I also enjoyed some amazing Pipe Organ music at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
San Diego Air & Space Museum
As you approach this museum, you are greeted by the sight of 2 stealth bombers – a good sign of things to come. If you love planes, helicopters, and spaceships, then you must see this place. The curators managed to put together a large collection of aerospace memorabilia and lots of aviation history in one place.
You can start your journey through the history of aviation by viewing the Wright Brothers replicas of the Wright brother's 1901 and 1902 gliders and learning about their wind tunnel experiments.
Interesting Facts: Charles Lindbergh made history when he flew from San Diego to New York and then non-stop to Paris on the Spirit of St. Louis in 1927.
Then you can witness the advancement of both military and commercial aviation through the decades. Some planes on exhibits are the Memphis Bell, Stealth fighters, the Predator drone, the Spirit of St Luis, the Blue Angels.
Tip: The best way to enjoy San Diego attractions is by getting a Go City Card. You pay one price and get all the attractions you want. Go San Diego Card
For a little interactive fun, you can get into the cockpit of a helicopter and try the weird Cyclic Stick control. The cyclic control changes the pitch of the rotors.
For space buffs, the museum shows replicas of Gemini, Mercury, and Apollo along with space suits and photo collections.
Tip: as you walk through the exhibits, look up! A lot of aviation’s history is floating above your head.
When you have your fill of gawking at planes and spacecraft, you can try to fly one for yourself. Flight simulators rides are available for an additional fee. You can choose between single and multi-rider sims with various mission types.
During my visit, the Da Vinci exhibit was on display. You have to pay a little extra to get into this area, but it is worth every penny.
Da Vinci was the ultimate innovator. He explored and worked on so many concepts decades ahead of his time. Many of his inventions were so revolutionary, it was not possible to bring them to fruition during his lifetime.
Browse around to view Da Vinci’s gliders, tanks, robots, helicopters, design drawings, and of course his famous paintings like the Mona Lisa.
My only regret about this place is that it 95% air and 5% space. It would have been much more engaging if it covered more of the Space Age.
On the way out don’t forget to visit the fountain area at the center of the museum. While relaxing and enjoying the water fountains, you can gaze up at the hanging military planes.
Reuben H Fleet Science Center
I was always fascinated by science and technology. So it was only natural for me to visit this science museum.
The center has around 12 permanent exhibits and rotating visiting exhibits. Some of the permanent ones are “So Watt!”, “Look! Touch! Listen!”, "Origins in Space", "San Diego's Water" and “Tinkering Studio”.
Lots to see, so go to the center’s website here and plan your visit.
At the “So Watt!” energy exhibit, you get to investigate where our power comes from. A nice interactive solar power display shows how light is converted into electricity which then drives a floating ping pong ball.
Did you want to know where your water in San Diego comes from? The “San Diego's Water” display shows water sources and how it is delivered to your tap.
Yong minds can explore their senses through the “Look! Touch! Listen!” experiments dotting the whole museum floors. In one experiment, one person whispers into a hyperbolic saucer while another listens to the amplified sound reaching across the room to the other end.
On the other side of the museum, inquisitive minds can try to generate electricity with Jacob’s Ladder or make a ball levitate.
The “Origins of Space” exhibit currently shows the latest NASA images of deep space.
At the “Tinkering Studio”, ignite your inner Da Vinci and work with others on projects covering STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).
During my latest visit, the guest exhibit was “Science Fiction, Science Future” – a great way to connect my childhood fantasies with current and future advances.
I truly believe that if you can dream it, you can make it happen. Many of the fantasies spawned by science fiction writers became realities - airplanes, space flights to the moon, and solar energy to name a few.
In this exhibit, you can try to move an object with your mind, read your DNA, interact with a robot or play a holographic game. You can also explore the ideas of Teleportation, Wormholes, and Cyborgs.
Finally, a science museum is not complete without an IMAX theater or a planetarium. This one has both.
The center’s Heikoff Giant Dome Theater is an ideal venue to project the latest IMAX films and digital celestial shows. Some of the amazing shows projected on this dome: Under the Sea, Island of Lemurs, and Aircraft Carrier. For the latest show schedule go here
Tip: Both the Science center and the Natural History museums are on the main pedestrian promenade (El Prado street). In between the two popular museums, there is a nice water fountain – a good place for pictures. If you take a pedestrian bridge in front of the Natural History museum you will end up at a beautiful cactus and rose garden with many photo opportunities.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Natural history is the history of our planet and its inhabitants. It is always interesting and informative to learn how the earth formed and how the various plant and animal species evolved.
This museum has 5 floors of permanent and visiting exhibits with 8.2 million artifacts – a lot to see and experience.
My favorite exhibits are:
Whales - Giants of the Deep: this is a visiting exhibit from New Zealand that lets you get close to the giant whales and learn about their biology. You can also examine fossils of whale ancestors or listen to whale songs. If you dare you can crawl through a giant replica of a whale’s heart.
Fossil Mysteries: This is a permanent exhibit that showcases 75 million years of Dinosaurs and Mastodons that used to live in the area. As you enter from the first floor, you will come face to face with a giant T-Rex and a flying Pterodactyl.
In one area of the exhibit, a photographic and fossil evidence exhibit tells the story of the dinosaur extinction.
Did you know that San Diego is one of the 35 most biodiverse regions in the world? I didn’t know that. I learned it at the Coast to Cactus exhibit in this museum. Using multimedia exhibits, hands-on experiments, and live animals you get to experience the richness of life in the area.
Build your own discounted San Diego Go Card Here - Multi-attraction Pass.
The fourth level has a photographic gallery with award-winning photos of nature and animals. It is also home to a future library.
Tip: When you take the stair to the upper levels, notice the panoramic view from the stairwell. Looking down, you will see a giant fig tree. This tree was planted 100 years ago (1915) but likes like it is much older.
Finally, don’t miss the giant movie screen at the museum. Admission is included in the ticket and it shows 2D and 3D nature features. You can catch a 3D movie about whales or about the coral reefs. Get the latest showtimes at the museum’s website here.
San Diego Museum of Man
The museum’s building itself is a magnificent piece of architecture. It shows a lot of detail on the façade and an intriguing mix of styles joining Baroque, Churrigueresque, and Rococo to present a unique Spanish colonial style.
Once you are done admiring the architecture, step inside and admire the collection of artifacts representing early native American cultures.
The museum showcases ancient American civilizations such as Maya, Hopi, and Kumeyaay with a special exhibit about Ancient Egypt.
The “Footsteps Through Time” exhibit takes the visitor through millions of years of human evolution. Go through the Time Tunnel to experience the 200 most significant human inventions.
At the “Maya: Heart of Sky, Heart of Earth” exhibit, experience the ancient Mayan civilization through its large monuments and archaeological discoveries.
Interesting Facts: Contrary to common belief, the Mayans are not extinct. Their descendants still live in central and Latin America. Learn about some of the ancient traditions that may have survived today at this museum.
The Pharos and ancient Egyptian civilization fascinated generations of people across the world. The wealth of monuments and artifacts they left behind is a treasure for archeologists and students who are still trying to understand this culture.
To become an archaeologist for an hour and go through the hieroglyphs, tablets, and mummies and learn about the history. The museum has a large collection of original mummies and artifacts.
For the kids, there is an area set aside for Egypt-themed kid-friendly activities.
The San Diego Museum of Art
Art lovers must spend some time here. The museum has a large collection of artworks spanning millennia. Some sculptures date back to 5000 BC all the way up to the contemporary period.
You can experience this collection by geographic location.
Start with the Asian collection of paintings, ceramics, and metalwork. Learn about the beliefs and traditions of each culture through their art. Most fascinating are the Indian statues and the Persian Islamic calligraphy.
Moving into Europe you will come across masterpieces by Carlo Crivelli, Giorgione, Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Van Gogh – to name a few.
At the Arts of Africa, The Pacific, and the Native Americas, you will experience Hawaiian pendants, native American woven baskets, and a diverse collection of African art.
One of my favorite collections is the Quilts and Colors exhibit. This is a touring exhibit from the Boston Fine Arts Museum that shows the brilliant and vibrant designs that go into each hand-crafted quilts.
To see a full list of collections and to plan your visit, go to the museum’s website here.
The Prado Restaurant
This award-winning restaurant sits close to the Art Museum and the visitor center at Balboa Park. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, but you should really try the patio. It is in a garden setting with water fountains and overlooking Japanese Friendship Gardens.
The food is expensive but very high quality. You really can’t go wrong with their large selection of salads, sandwiches, and burgers. I really enjoyed my Grilled 8oz Kobe Cheeseburger which came with seasoned fries.
Japanese Friendship Gardens
You can find gardens and trails all over Balboa Park, but you can only enjoy the immaculate attention to detail in gardening at the Japanese Friendship Gardens.
Pay the small entrance fee and step into the calm of streams, waterfalls, and exotic plants from Japan.
The main trail starts from the top viewing area with a commanding view of the whole garden. Pass through a Koi pond and a Bonzi exhibit then start descending to the valley below.
The trail gently slopes down with plenty of benches to relax on a admire the scenery.
Depending on the season you will see blooms of Cherry blossoms, Camelia, Iris,
Dwarf Pomegranate, or Crape Myrtle. See more here.
International Cottages
The 39 cottages represent nations from around the world and are a great way to sample international culture.
While strolling along this lively section of the park, you can visit places like India, Ukraine, Lebanon, Mexico, and Denmark, admire their art and listen to their songs.
See the full list of cottages here.
Important Information
Park Map
You can find a useful color map of the park here. The map shows the museums, carousel, zoo, iconic buildings, and restaurants. It does not show the hiking trails.
Parking
Parking can be very difficult, especially on weekends and holidays. You will probably end up parking at Inspiration Point parking lot (on the east side of Park Blvd., between Presidents Way and the Balboa Park Activity Center).
Parking is always free and you can ride a free tram from the lots to any of the main destinations.
Tours
Many tours start from the visitor center which is located at the Hospitality Building on El Prado street (Close to the Museum of Art).
Some tours are free and offered by various organizations at the park. You can also purchase a one-hour audio tour from the visitor center.
Biking through Coastal San Diego
Biking through Coastal San Diego anaheimerSan Diego County's coastline extends from the Mexican border through several beach towns and up to the Orange County border.
It alternates between long stretches of sandy beaches and cliffs with stunning views of the ocean.
Throughout the years, we explored many of the beaches by car. This time we decided to go on a 4-hour bike ride along this beautiful coastline.
My wife and I were very ambitious! We wanted to start from the city of San Diego and pedal all the way to Carlsbad. It was a great plan, but it hit the rocky road real quick.
We started our trek from the Point Loma Heights neighborhood, where we rented our electric bikes from Top Jolt Bicycle shop. This place came highly recommended with a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor.
The first part of this adventure took us through local streets where we had to compete with cars on the road. The drivers mostly respected our right of way. Our struggle on those side streets didn't last for long. We soon reached clearly marked bike lanes which made the ride much more enjoyable.
We soon left the streets altogether and entered the Ocean Beach Athletic Area, which led us to the San Diego River Bikeway.
The bike trail followed Mission Bay Drive close to Sea World, circled around Mission Bay and Sail Bay, entered a residential area for a short distance then entered another bike trail at Pacific Beach.
Just before we circled the bay, we hit a major snag in our plans. One of our bikes had a loose seat that made it impossible to ride. We contact Top Jolt for help, and the owner was ready to jump into the van and rush to our aid. But luckily, we didn't have to wait. We found a guy with tools who helped us tighten the seat.
We continued our ride through Pacific Beach, La Jolla Hermosa, and finally made it to La Jolla Cove. All along the way, we enjoyed great views of beaches and coves – and plenty of people enjoying the beautiful weather.
On some stretches of the beach, the trail got so crowded we could hardly bike through. But we made it half-way to our planned destination, had a picnic lunch at a lovely park overlooking the ocean.
After some much-needed rest, we started our trek back. Even though we hit almost the same trails and streets, we got to enjoy different views.
The electric bikes help us overcome some of the steep climbs along the way, but at the same time, they were somewhat limiting. Towards the end, the battery charge indicator was all the way down to 1 bar.
I couldn't help wondering how we will make it all the way to Carlsbad or Oceanside for our next trip.
If you like to follow our trail, go to this Google Earth Map.
Carlsbad
Carlsbad anaheimerHome to Legoland, the flower fields, a water park, an Aquarium and beautiful beaches, this sleepy little beach town is becoming a major tourist attraction in Southern California.
Carlsbad sits between Oceanside and San Diego with a long stretch of beaches, several creeks, and lagoons, making it a perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a rest stop on a long journey.
Most families with children flock to Carlsbad to spend a day or two at Legoland. The theme park is filled with rides and experiences based on the popular Lego toy brand. And if a park full of thrills is not enough, you can go next door to the new Water Park and Sea life Aquarium.
Interesting Fact: Captain John Frazier discovered mineral springs on his farm in 1882. He and two other men founded the city of Carlsbad, and the mineral water from the springs was bottled and sold. The city became a popular destination for health seekers. In 1895, a fire destroyed the original hotel at the springs, but it was reopened in 1993 as a spa. Carlsbad Mineral water is also sold at the location for $1 a gallon. Read more about Carlsbad history here.
When you have your fill of theme parks, head to the flower field for a wonderful walk among the colorful flowers, head to the beach for a nice stroll along Pacific Coast Highway or visit the Museum of Making Music.
Legoland Theme Parks
The original Legoland park is geared towards younger children, but there are many attractions with the whole family in mind.
One of the must-see attractions is a replica of “Washington DC” with a presidential motorcade. The theme changes depending on the sitting president and current events.
Other lands to visit:
Miniland USA: Over 1 million Lego bricks that have been used to create miniature versions of famous landmarks from around the United States.
LEGO City: This land is full of kid-friendly rides and attractions, including the Lego City Deep Sea Adventure submarine ride, the Lego City Fire Academy, and the Lego City Driving School.
LEGO Kingdoms: This land is themed around medieval knights and castles. You can ride the Dragon Coaster, go on a quest in the Forestmen's Hideout, or build your own Lego knight in the Royal Joust.
LEGO Ninjago World: This land is based on the popular Lego Ninjago TV show.
THE LEGO MOVIE World: This land is based on the popular animated movie, The Lego Movie. You can ride the Unikitty's Disco Drop, build your own Lego creation in Emmet's Super Suite, or meet some of your favorite characters from the movie.
For kids of all ages, head to the LEGO LIFE ZONE to build and share your Lego creations. Parents can cool off in the air-conditioned rooms and charge their devices while watching their kids.
Legoland water park has many innovative rides like “Build a Raft River” – where you first design and build your raft and then float down the river – as well as the traditional wet fun for all ages.
The Flower Fields
The “Carlsbad Flower Fields” is a seasonal attraction, but a must-see for everyone. About 50 acres are set aside to grow a variety of colors of the “Tecolote Giant Ranunculus” (also known as the Persian Buttercup).
The flowers usually bloom from mid-March to mid-April. Call ahead to check if the flowers are in bloom because it varies depending on weather conditions every year. In 2018, the bloom continued until early May.
Tip: If you just want to admire the flower fields without paying the entrance fee, go to Armada drive which runs along the top of the fields. This is only good for a high-level view, but a good intro to the fields.
During the peak bloom, you can enjoy rows upon rows of flowers on a sloping hill. You can walk around among the flowers and take pictures or you can ride the tractor-pulled wagons that take you around the fields. The wagon goes around the fields and makes frequent stops to enjoy the view and take photos.
Interesting facts: Carlsbad has a windmill, located at Palomar Airport Road and the 5 Freeway/Coast Road. While the windmill is part of a catering and conference complex it was part of the original Pea Soups Andersen’s.
Close to the main entrance, you can stroll through an Artist Garden, go through a maze, relax, and watch the kids frolic in Santa’s Playground or go panning for gold. Several concessions stands serve coffee, snacks, kettle corn and frozen lemonade.
On the way out, you can stop at an Armstrong shop to pick up some potted plants or cut flowers – or anything else you need for your garden.
Food Tasting Tour
I always try to take a food tasting tour with a reputable company when I visit a new city. It is one of the best ways to learn about a new place's history, culture, and cuisine – and, of course, because I love food.
Carlsbad Food Tours provided the food tasting tour, and I thoroughly enjoyed the three hours we spent with Ben, our tour guide. He was friendly and informative, and provided a wealth of information about the city and the food scene.
Interesting Facts: Carlsbad is named after a 19th century spa in the former Czech Republic known as Karlsbad.
The tour had us stopping at six establishments, including a winery, where we tasted a variety of savory and sweet samples.
Every place selected by the tour company for us was great, but I had a few favorites.
To start with, “The goods donuts” were unique and delicious. Ben mentioned that every day they may have a different selection of special. Our special was the “Butter salted caramel” and we loved it.
Frog landers crêpes were my second favorite. We tasted their Supreme Crêpe which was filled with Brie, Bacon, mozzarella, Spinach, and Tomato.
Last, but not least, we tried a selection of three wines at the Witch Creek Winery, and we finished our tour with a strawberry shortcake from the strawberry shack connected to the winery.
One other place I did not mention, was Cacciotti's Italian Restaurant, where the food was so good, we came back for dinner and dessert the same day.
It is important to mention that the tour wasn't all about the food. We also got to admire some street art and landmarks along the way and learned about the founding of Carlsbad.
I recommend this food tasting tour to anyone staying in Carlsbad or passing by. You can more information about this tour and others here.
The Waterfront
Carlsbad is a beach town, so you must spend some time at the beaches. You can stroll along the Seawall Trail, visit one of the State Beaches or hike along the wetlands of a lagoon.
Seawall Trail
The seawall trail starts at the intersection of Carlsbad Village Dr. and Carlsbad Boulevard (which is an extension of Pacific Coast Highway). This also happens to be one corner of Carlsbad Village, with many shops and restaurants.
The trail is paved with upper and lower sections and splendid views of the beach and the ocean. The upper trail is always busy with hikers, bikers, and skaters. It is hard to navigate during peak hours – like weekends and holidays. On the lower side, only pedestrians are allowed, so it is a much better walk.
Interesting fact: The first skateboard park in the world was in Carlsbad. Skateboarding became popular in the 60s – the thing for surfers to do when they couldn’t surf – and grew increasingly in the 1970s. There is a wonderful recently built skate park by the Carlsbad Safety Training Center off El Camino Real.
The seawall trail is about 1-mile long and ends at Tamarack Beach, which has a lifeguard station and restrooms. You can extend your hike beyond this beach, but the trail meanders between side streets and homes before it reconnects with the beach.
Carlsbad State Beach
This long stretch of sandy beach is divided into 2 main sections. The main beach for day use, and the South Beach for camping.
The main beach is open to all and is popular for swimming, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, and beachcombing. It has showers and restrooms.
The campground sits atop the cliffs, with stairs and ramps down to the sand. It is very popular during the summer months, and you will need reservations many months in advance. Spaces are available for RVs with hookups, electricity, and Wi-Fi.
South Ponto Beach
This beach is very popular with surfers and gets very crowded in summer. The beach is located on a sandbar protecting the Batiquitos lagoon from the ocean. There is also a surfing school at the southern end of the beach.
Museum of Making Music
The museum has a collection of over 10,000 musical instruments and artifacts from around the world.
The collection includes instruments from ancient civilizations, as well as instruments from popular music genres.
For example, in the Guitar exhibit, you can see the early attempts at a guitar like instrument, the progression of bigger and louder acoustic guitars and the evolution of electric guitars.
I was surprised to see a Harp Guitar and watched a video of a musician playing it.
The museum also has a variety of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about music making. My favorite was the hands-on keyboard and synthesizer section and the electric drums set.
And of course, there must be an exhibit for making music electronically using the latest MIDI instruments.
The Museum of Making Music offers a variety of programs and events for visitors of all ages. These programs include concerts, workshops, and educational classes.
The museum also offers a variety of resources for teachers and students.
I enjoyed my visit to this unique museum and learned about the history and culture of music making.
If you ever played an instrument, or contemplated playing one, this is the place for you.
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is a 27-acre park in Carlsbad, California, which was once the home of actor and conservationist Leo Carrillo. The ranch was built in the 1930s and is now a popular tourist destination.
The ranch features a variety of buildings, including a hacienda, a barn, and a cabana. There are also hiking trails, a reflecting pool, and a cactus garden. Visitors can take guided tours of the ranch or explore it on their own.
Leo Carrillo was a well-known actor in the 1940s and 1950s. He is best known for his role as Poncho on the television series The Cisco Kid. Carrillo was also a passionate conservationist and worked to protect the environment. He donated his ranch to the city of Carlsbad in 1961.
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is an excellent place to learn about the history of the American West and the life of Leo Carrillo. It is also a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Hiking
Batiquitos Lagoon
Batiquitos is a tidal lagoon at the southern end of Carlsbad with wetlands and a nicely maintained trail. The coastal wetlands are managed by the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, and the volunteers operate a nature center with exhibits of the wildlife in the area.
From the nature center, the trail follows the shoreline of the lagoon, with stunning views of the marshes and avian residents of the wetlands. Along the way, many trees and covered benches offer protection from the sun.
The trail is about 3-miles long with one gentle hill and considered easy. It runs along the north side of the lagoon.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Agua Hedionda is another protected preserve run by a volunteer foundation. Before you go on this easy 2.5-mile hike, spend some time at the discovery center.
This center has exhibits of the region’s birds and wildlife and a history hall showing the geological eons that formed the lagoon.
The center also has a small aquarium and a touch pool where kids can pet some sea creatures. Right outside the center, you find a native plant garden and a short trail that winds in a loop through the lagoon. Along this short trail, you can take side trips to some shaded and secluded areas.
For more adventure and workouts, find the longest trail at the corner of Kelly Drive.
Hosp Grove Trails
Several trails wind through this eucalyptus tree grove, with great views of the city and the ocean. The trail climbs for about 100 feet (ca. 30 m) for a commanding view of the Buena Vista Lagoon and the ocean behind it.
An extinct volcano in Carlsbad with lush vegetation, a lake and a well-maintained hiking trail. The trail is about 3 miles (ca. 5 km) long, with 400 feet (ca. 122 m) elevation.
You don’t have to make this climb to the top of Mt. Calavera (Skull Mountain), but if you do, you will be rewarded with expansive views in all directions – all the way to the ocean.
The trail can be confusing at times, so watch out for the signs along the way.
Food Safari in San Diego
Food Safari in San Diego anaheimerMy wife and I recently ventured through the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego to sample the local delicacies and learn a few things about its history.
We did discover a few great places, but we learned that the downtown area used to be a haven for drunken sailors and houses of ill repute. Thankfully, it is now a place for the whole family to stroll around, shop, and enjoy world cuisines and delicious treats.
We started our journey at the Royal India restaurant around lunchtime. The first thing that grabbed my attention were the fanciful decorations and authentic statues and pottery. But I soon forgot about the ambiance as I browsed through the mouth-watering buffet choices.
I usually avoid buffets, but in this case, it was a nice way to sample different dishes. Everything I tried was very flavorful and fresh, but my favorite was the Chicken Tikka Masala and Samosa. The kheer (rice pudding) was a great way to end the meal.
We knew we still had a lot of places to visit on this tour so we tried hard not to stuff ourselves, but it was a losing battle.
Build your own discounted San Diego Go Card Here - Multi-attraction Pass.
After this great beginning, we started walking towards our next stop, Berkeley Pizza. Along the way, we learned some interesting facts about the area. It all started when in 1867 Alonzo Horton, known as the father of downtown, purchased some land and developed “New Town” to the south of the established Old Town. The city later added 50 gas lamps to light up the streets - which gave the area its current name.
Very quickly New Town filled up with gambling halls, saloons, and brothels and became a thriving red-light district. But in 1912 the city cleared up the area in preparation for the Panama-California Exposition.
After this quick history lesson, we entered Berkeley Pizza to try their deep-dish Chicago-style pizza. The place is very small and always crowded. I thought this is a good sign, the pizza must be phenomenal. But I was disappointed. The slices had way too much tomato sauce and the pepperoni was too greasy. The crust and cheese were very good, so maybe I was just unlucky with my choice.
Our next stop made up for the disappointment. We headed towards Le Parfait Paris, a French bakery.
Along the way, we stopped at the Gaslamp Museum. This small museum is a nice way to learn about San Diego and its main founder Horton. The garden outside the museum overlooks several historic buildings and has a statue of Bum the dog who led many parades and ran with the fire brigade.
At Le Parfait Paris, we delighted our eyes and our palettes with the large selection of pastries and desserts. It was hard to choose our treat, but we ended up with 2 flavors of macaroons - the best macaroons ever. We liked this place so much, we went back the next day for breakfast. They actually offer much more than dessert. You can order Crepes, Quiche and Panini.
After that delectable interlude, we started walking towards El Chingon. This restaurant has multiple personalities. You can sit outside and enjoy your meal while gawking at people walking by or you can sit inside with the noisy sports bar as your background music. We went for the third option, a quiet second floor that overlooks the bar below.
While sitting on our secluded balcony, we were served homemade chips and salsa. They bring a tray with several flavors of house salsa in bottles.
Along with the chips and salsa, we tried their “Al Pastor”, the slow-cooked pork taco. It was very rich and tasty and full of meat. Our only disappointment was when we ordered the house margaritas. We had to wait a very long time for our orders and they weren't anything special.
After this pork and margaritas stop, I was glad we had a long walk ahead of us. We needed to digest all this food.
Our destination was the Little Italy neighborhood, but along the way we got to visit Horton Plaza Mall, US Grant Hotel, and Spreckels Theater.
Horton Plaza is an outdoor 5-level shopping and dining mall right in downtown San Diego. Its bright colors and tricky architecture make it a unique place to visit. Stairways and pathways between the various sections and floors don't connect. So you have to browse around to find the next section.
The Plaza has some of the large anchor stores like Macy’s and Forever 21 and plenty of small stores. It is not considered a major mall, but it's within walking distance from downtown hotels and the waterfront.
The US Grant Hotel is a historic place with 11 stories and 270 guest rooms. The hotel was built by Ulysses S. Grant, Jr., son of President Ulysses S. Grant, who named the hotel after his father.
Build your own discounted San Diego Go Card Here - Multi-attraction Pass.
The hotel is infamous for its restaurant the “Grant Grill”. Women were not permitted at this place before 3 pm until a group of women in 1969 staged a sit-in. After the bad publicity, the restaurant was forced to abandon its men-only policy.
The Spreckels Theater is another historic place in downtown San Diego. It started life as a live performance theater but now can show movies. Spreckels is a well-known name in town. John Spreckels was responsible for building the Hotel Coronado and financing the San Diego-Arizona railway.
After this long detour, we arrived at Little Italy with its busy streets and festive shops and restaurants. This little neighborhood started as a fishing town with immigrants from Italy founding Tuna fishing fleets and a large canary. All canneries closed by the 1980s, but the neighborhood transformed itself into a shopping and dining destination.
We ended our food safari at Davanti Enoteca in Little Italy. This restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes with a few American standards. By the time we arrived here, we were already stuffed, so we only had a dessert. We tried their tasty focaccia with cow cheese and topped with honey – a sweet and sour delight.
We were guided through this food tour by Eric from “Bite San Diego” who was very knowledgeable and friendly. If you are interested in taking a similar food tour, ask them for their Downtown Walking Tour.
Other great dining experiences in San Diego:
Over the years I enjoyed a great variety of cuisine in San Diego. Some of my favorites are listed below:
Full Moon Sushi
A great place for Sushi lovers with unique Rolls, Sushi, and Sashimi along with a full hot-dish menu and bar.
Embargo Grill
A small place in a strip mall next to SeaWorld that offers great Caribean dishes. Try the "Key West" - a grilled marinated chicken with curry and Rum Cranberries. You can also build your own dish by picking your meat, sides, and sauces.
The Donut Bar
Yes, it is a donut place, but their creations and huge and delicious. The menu changes daily depending on available fresh ingredients.
Ramaki Japanese Restaurant
A small hole-in-the-wall restaurant offering fresh Poke and traditional Japanese dishes. You can build your Poke bowl yourself from the Poke Bar.
Historic Trolley Tour
Historic Trolley Tour anaheimerThe city of San Diego and the greater San Diego county are home to beautiful beaches, popular attractions, hiking trails and many more adventures.
Many people come to the city to enjoy SeaWorld’s exhibits and shows or the world famous San Diego Zoo, but there is much more to explore around town.
You can spend days visiting the museums at Balboa Park, take a sunset dinner cruise in the harbor or climb aboard an Aircraft Carrier.
Read the full San Diego review here.
One of the best ways to explore the city of San Diego is by taking the historic old town trolley. You can jump on and off the trolley at any of the 10 stops throughout the day.
Along the way, the driver will share with you interesting San Diego history and tips about places to see and things to do.
You can start your tour at any of the 10 stops along the route, but Tthe main starting point is at Old Town San Diego.
This State Park is a collection of protected historic buildings that were turned into a living museum of San Diego life in 1800’s.
While in old town you can enjoy visits to Spanish Adobe style homes, buy souvenirs from stores or dine at one of the unique restaurants. Casa de Estudillo is especially interesting with its unique style and interior courtyard.
Tip: Many hotels have shuttles to Old Town. Ask your concierge for schedules and make sure you can get back to old town before the last one. You can also find a list here.
The second stop is at the Embarcadero where you can find attractions like the USS Midway, Harbor Cruises and Whale watching excursions. From here you can walk to the next stop or you can hop back on the trolley.
Interesting Facts: In San Diego, it’s illegal to shoot jackrabbits from the back of a streetcar. I wonder why they had to make this law.
Stop number three is at Seaport Village where you can spend time shopping, dining or enjoying the street artists. Seaport Village is also home to some interesting art galleries and a candle shop.
Build your own discounted San Diego Go Card Here - Multi-attraction Pass.
The fourth stop is at the Marriott – close to the convention center. The marina right at the Marriott is an interesting destination by itself. But from there you can take the little ones to the Children’s Museum for some hands-on fun.
The next stop is at the Horton Plaza and Gaslamp Quarter. Spend some time at the mall or walk around the quarter for some unique shops and dining experiences. Also in the area, you can find a movie theater, House of Blues and Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts.
Tip: When you board the trolley for the first time, you will get a sticker to place on your clothes. This is your ticket to hop on and off the trolley. The stickers do not stick to some material. You can place the sticker on any piece of paper or on a credit card to avoid losing it.
Stop six is also at the Gaslamp Quarter closer to the waterfront. This side has destinations like the historic district, Chinese historic district and Altitude Sky Lounge at the Marriott. The lounge is a good place to dine, dance and enjoy the views.
Stop seven gets you to the Hilton Bayfront which is at the south end of the convention center. From this stop, you can walk to Petco Park baseball stadium and the Ferry to Coronado Island.
Interesting Facts: The first driver across the Coronado Bridge when it first opened was Ronald Reagan in 1969.
The eighth stop takes you into Coronado Island close to the beach and the famous Hotel Del Coronado.
The ride from stop 7 to stop 8 takes you over the Coronado bridge with amazing views of the bay, downtown San Diego and the island. The bridge connects San Diego downtown to Coronado island and crosses over the SD bay.
Interesting Facts: The Hotel Del Coronado is the country’s largest wooden structure.
Stop nine takes you to the heart of Balboa Park where you can find a lot of nature walks, museums, gardens, restaurants and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
The last stop is at the Little Italy neighborhood. This area has a lot of history and full of boutique shops and Italian restaurant.
Interesting Facts: From the early 1930s to the late 1970s, San Diego was the tuna capital of the world.
While here you can visit the Piazza Basilone Memorial – a tribute to the neighborhood’s soldiers who died during the Korean War. The Piazza has tables, benches and water fountains. You can relax and have a picnic.
If you happen to be here on Saturdays, you can enjoy the farmers market.
At the end of your epic tour of San Diego, jump back on the trolley and head back to old town to complete the circle.
Tip: The best way to enjoy San Diego attractions is by getting a Go City Card. You pay one price and get all the attractions you want. Go San Diego Card
I loved this tour and would recommend it to everyone exploring San Diego. Just leave your car behind and enjoy the sights. Most major hotels offer shuttle service to Old Town or are a few steps away from a trolley stop.
Historic Trolley Tours offer another tour to the beaches and La Jolla. I did not try it, but planning on it during my next trip to San Diego.
You can find an interactive route map here.
Build your own discounted San Diego Go Card Here - Multi-attraction Pass.
La Jolla
La Jolla anaheimerLa Jolla is a little town on the outskirts of San Diego with nice sandy beaches, coastal cliffs, hotels, golf courses, a state park and the famous University of California, San Diego. It is also famous for the La Jolla Cove and Caverns.
The nearby city of San Diego and the greater San Diego County are home to beautiful beaches, popular attractions, hiking trails and many more adventures. Read the full San Diego review here.
No one knows for sure where the name originated, but some say it means the place with holes – referring to the many caves and coves on the shoreline. Others say it means the Jewel. In either case is a jewel on the beach and it is full of caves and coves – making it a very interesting place to visit and explore.
Interesting Facts: The Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla is the largest oceanographic museum in the country.
La Jolla Cove
A beautiful cove and beach with a nice path for walking and viewpoints to gaze at the waves and the sea lions.
The cove is also right next to the underwater park with clean water and plenty of sea-life for snorkelers and divers.
The scenery around the cove spectacular. From the moment you park your car and start walking you will come across breathtaking views.
Tip: There are a few available parking spots at street level and next to the Cave Store, but they run out fast. Also next to the Cave Store you kind find a parking structure.
From the cliffs, you can see a large arch with waves breaking against it. Big trees hang from the edge of the cliff and lots of wildflowers decorate the slopes.
As you walk down the slope, you come upon a park and stairs going down to a very small beach. At high tide, this beach stip all but disappears. It is mainly used as a launching pad by snorkelers and divers.
Along this park, there are cliffs occupied by seals and seagulls. You can climb down and get very close to the lazy seals.
The Cave Store is also the only entrance to the La Jolla Cave. Pay $5 to descend into a steep stairway down to the water level. As you approach you will hear the surf breaking against the rocks and the cave walls. The cave opens onto the Ocean with a nice view of the cliffs in the distance.
Tip: Another great way to enjoy La Jolla Cove it to rent a bike and take a ride along this paved trail.
Once you are done exploring the cave, you can extend your adventure by catching a trail that starts behind the store and goes further up the cliffs. This easy dirt trail offers amazing views of the ocean and has a variety of colorful vegetation.
Tip: The best way to enjoy San Diego attractions is by getting a Go City Card. You pay one price and get all the attractions you want. Go San Diego Card
Across the street from the beach area, you can find many hotels, stores and restaurants. George's Ocean Terrace offers a high-end dining experience with great ocean views.
Closer to the cove you can dine at Brockton Villa Restaurant. This place is famous for their brunch, especially the French toast. The view from the patio is breathtaking.
Build your own discounted San Diego Go Card Here - Multi-attraction Pass.
La Holla Shores
One of the most popular destinations in La Jolla is La Holla Shores beach. It is a one-mile stretch of sandy beach that is always crowded with sun worshippers, swimmers and kayakers.
While at the beach you can rent bikes
Tip: Alcohol is not permitted on any of San Diego beaches. So leave your beer behind.
At the south end, you can find the La Jolla Underwater Park – a popular place for divers and snorkelers.
To the north, you will find the Scripps institute Birch Aquarium, Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve and Black’s beach.
Torrey Pines State Natural Preserver
A 2000-acre stretch of coastal cliffs and a lagoon protected by the State with stunning views of the ocean and challenging hiking trails.
It is also home to the Gilder Port from which you can watch gliders launch above the cliffs and the waves. If you dare you can join a class and learn how to fly.
Right next to the glider port and slightly to the north you will find a very steep trail with hundreds of steps down to the beach. The hike very invigorating, but remember that you have to climb back up those steep steps.
Build your own discounted San Diego Go Card Here - Multi-attraction Pass.
Another difficult but short hike is the “High Point” trail. But the view from the top is amazing. You can a panoramic view of the preserve and the lagoon.
For an easy hike, try “Guy Fleming Trail”. It is less than a mile with mostly level ground and 2 overlooks with great views.
Black’s Beach
This is a secluded stretch of beach under the Torrey Pines cliffs. The northern end of the beach is run by the State and nudity is tolerated in that area. While the southern end is run by the city of San Diego which enforces a strict no-nudity law.
The beach itself if very beautiful and uncrowded, but getting down from the parking lot is a chore. You would have to climb down steep ramps or steps.
In spite of the difficulty, it is popular with surfers and naturalists.
Maritime Museum
Maritime Museum anaheimerI passed by this place many times without giving it a second glance. It is in Downtown San Diego’s Embarcadero and right in front of the waterfront park.
During this last visit I decided to venture inside and I was pleasantly surprised. At first glance, it looks to be very small with few exhibits indoors, but the real value is outside with several ships and submarines on display.
The museum hosts a collection of 11 vessels with the main building being a converted ferryboat. Some of those ships are active and provide short cruises for visitors.
San Salvador
The newest addition to this collection is a replica of the San Salvador. The ship was built in full public view (2011 to 2015) at the Spanish Landing Park in San Diego. It was a great opportunity for everyone to witness how a tall ship is constructed.
Star of India
This majestic ship rests at the harbor with all of its sails proudly unfurled and melding with the San Diego skyline. Before this resting place, it suffered a tumulus history.
This fully-rigged iron windjammer started its life as the Euterpe with a collision and a mutiny. A year later it was caught in a gale and lost its mast.
After this rough start, the ship spent many years ferrying immigrants to New Zealand. Before settling in San Diego as a museum piece, the ship spent time carrying fishermen to Alaska as the Star of India.
The best way to enjoy San Diego attractions is by getting a Go City Card. You pay one price and get all the attractions you want. Go San Diego Card
USS Dolphin Sub
Descending into this submarine and walking through the very narrow hatches and hallways, I was wondering how can a group of sailors live for extended periods under the sea in those cramped conditions.
This class of subs is known for their extreme-deep diving capability. This particular one set a depth record of 3000 feet in 1968 and launched the first torpedo at that depth.
B-39 Sub
This submarine has a more intriguing and colorful history. It was a Soviet-era sub that stalked US ships and subs during the cold war and was involved in the historical events at the Bay of Pigs near Cuba.
As traverse this huge sub you will relive events that shaped the world history during the Cuban Crisis. One Russian navy officer, Vasili Arkhipov, is credited with saving the world from the brink of nuclear war.
Although the crew of this sub is considered heroes to history, there were faced with inquiries and humiliation upon their return to port.
More Info
The museum’s website is full of information about exhibits, hours and admission prices
You can also find important information at Wikipedia.
San Diego Botanic Gardens
San Diego Botanic Gardens anaheimerThe Botanic Gardens north of the city of San Diego is a great place for the whole family to spend a few hours walking among plants from around the world – and learning about the different environments and the species that inhabit them.
On a recent Saturday, I took the family to explore the gardens for the first time. Our trip was right after the reopening during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, not all the exhibits were open – but on the plus side, the place was less crowded.
The gardens cover 37-acres and have more than 5000 species of plants in 31 distinct areas. There is so much to see; you probably won't be able to cover it all in one day. So it might be a good idea to plan ahead and target the areas that most interest you.
For example, if you have young children, you may want to visit one of two children's gardens (or both).
At Hamilton Children's Garden, the kids can climb a treehouse, play in a stream, or chase quail around.
At the Seeds of Wonder Children's Garden, families can connect with nature while playing in a dinosaur garden, playhouse, topiary, and a miniature garden railroad.
The whole family can spend time in intriguing places like the Bamboo Forest, Subtropical Fruit Garden, or the Mediterranean Garden.
One of my favorite places to sit and enjoy nature is the pond with floating lilies at the Bamboo forest. You can find other tranquil ponds at the Native Plants Garden and at the Rain Forest.
Another great place to visit is the waterfall on the way to the overlook. The overlook is a great place to get a birds-eye view of the whole area - and to get a glimpse of the ocean in the distance.
The botanical gardens have a shop where you can buy souvenirs and plants for your garden.
300 Quail Gardens Dr
Encinitas, CA 92024
San Diego Dining
San Diego Dining anaheimerOver the years I frequented many restaurants around the city of San Diego and SD county in general. Here is a compilation of my favorite eateries:
Downtown
Full Moon
A great place for Sushi lovers with unique Rolls, Sushi and Sashimi along with a full hot-dish menu and bar.
I tried the Full Moon and New Moon rolls. Both were very tasty and filling. I also enjoyed a flight of Sake with a good variety of flavor and texture.
Full Moon is on 5th street in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Royal India
The first thing that grabbed my attention was the fanciful decorations and authentic statues and pottery. But I soon forgot about the ambiance as I browsed through the mouth-watering buffet choices.
I usually avoid buffets, but in this case, it was a nice way to sample different dishes. Everything I tried was very flavorful and fresh, but my favorite was the Chicken Tikka Masala and Samosa. The kheer (rice pudding) was a great way to end the meal.
Royal India is on Market Street in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Meze Greek Fusion
on sixth street. This restaurant offers authentic Greek cuisine with a California flair. Meze means small plates, but the menu offers full meals for every appetite. For starters, you must try the Lentil Soup, Baba Ghanosh, Dolma or Fiery Fetta Dip. For the main meal try the Lamb Chops or traditional Greek favorites like Falafel or Gyro plates. And finally, don’t skip the Baklava for dessert.
Meze is on 6th street in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Tapas and Beer
This little place specializes in small plates - Spanish style and a large selection of beers. The menu also includes full-sized dishes.
During our visit, we tried the Buffalo Chicken Wings, Tacos (Shrimp and Chicken), Garlic Shrimp, and Crostinis.
For drinks, we tried several IPAs and an Apple Cider. Food, drinks, and service were excellent.
Taka Suhsi
Taka is more than a Sush restaurant. They have a full menu of authentic Japanse cousine. Although other items on the menu were very tempting, we went for the Sushi. We ordered Salamon Sashimi, Shrimp Tempora handrolls, Rainbow roll, and Spicy Tuna roll.
We loved all the rolls, but we were pleasently surprised with the 2 desserts we ordered. Green Tee Creme Brule and Black Seasame Creme Brule.
Ramaki
This little hole in the wall restaurant is understated, but a great place for Japanese cuisine lovers. Stop at here to get some great Raman, Poke, and Sushi.
Located on the edge of the Gaslamp Quarter on 6th street.
Breakfast at the Hyatt
I love breakfast, so I am always on the lookout for great breakfast restaurants. I found this gem inside the Grand Hyatt downtown San Diego. The Hyatt is right on the edge of Seaport Village.
The Seaview restaurant offers a daily breakfast Buffett with a large selection of favorite dishes and an omelet station. The omelets are cooked to order with a wide selection of fillings.
The Buffett tables are full of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pastries, and fruits. To end the meal you can enjoy fluffy pancakes.
The price is a little on the high side, but it is expected at a place like this.
Le Parfait Paris
This French bakery offers a large selection of pastries and desserts. It was hard to choose our treat, but we ended up with 2 flavors of macaroons - best macaroons ever.
We liked this place so much, we went back the next day for breakfast. They actually offer much more than dessert. You can order Crepes, Quiche and Panini.
You can find this Gem on G street in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Ghirardelli
For a dessert or a snack, you must try Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop. Their ice-cream flavors on waffle cones are to die for.
Once you are done with your dessert, you can go shopping for a collection of chocolates for your family and friends – or indulge yourself.
Ghirardelli is on 5th street in the Gaslamp Quarter
El Chingon
This San Diego Gaslamp Quarter multiple personalities. You can sit outside and enjoy your meal while gawking at people walking by or you can sit inside with the noisy sports bar as your background music. We went for the third option, a quiet second floor that overlooks the bar below.
While sitting in our secluded balcony, we were served home-made chips and salsa. They bring a tray with several flavors of house salsa in bottles.
Along with the chips and salsa, we tried their “Al Pastor”, the slow-cooked pork taco. It was very rich and tasty and full of meat. Our only disappointment was when we ordered the house margaritas. We had to wait a very long time for our orders and they weren't anything special.
You can visit El Chingon on 5th street in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Davanti Enoteca
This restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes with a few American standards. I especially like their tasty focaccia with cow cheese and topped with honey – a sweet and sour delight.
Greystone
You can’t go wrong with any of the meats. Try the New York Steak or Filet Mignon. If you are hungry, try the short ribs tacos for starters. The place is a little pricey, but if you go during happy hour, you will get to try different cuts at reduced prices.
You can find this place on 5th street in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Outside of Downtown
Embargo Grill
A small place in a strip mall next to SeaWorld that offers great Caribbean dishes. Try the "Key West" - a grilled marinated chicken with curry and Rum Cranberries. You can also build your own dish by picking your meat, sides and sauces.
On West Point Loma Blvd in Diego.
The Donut Bar
Yes, it is a donut place, but their creations and huge and delicious. The menu changes daily depending on available fresh ingredients.
Mendocino Farm
A unique place for gourmet sandwiches. All ingredients are sourced from local farms. I had their farm club sandwich. It was filled with layers of turkey, bacon and veggies. Other choices are tuna melt, the hot Italian and Enlightened Falafel Wrap.
Two Locations in La Jolla Village and Del Mar.
Sea Salt Bistro
This restaurant has a large patio overlooks the Peñasquitos Marsh next to Torrey Pines State Reserve. It is a nice stop after a day of hiking.
During my last visit, I enjoyed their Salmon Burger with fries. It was delicious and filling. You can also order Crab Cakes, Coconut Shrimp, Fish Tacos or Pasta.
The view from the patio makes the meal feel like a campout.
Located on Carmel Valley Rd in the city of Del Mar.
Dini’s Bistro
This oceanfront restaurant is a perfect place to watch the sunset while sipping drinks and enjoying dinner.
Its location on Carlsbad’s busy waterfront makes a great place to start or end the day while visiting the Flower Fields or Lego Land.
During a recent visit, we tried the Reuben Sandwich, Salmon Sandwich, and Avocado Toast. All 3 selections were very tasty and filling.
Located on Carlsbad Blvd in the City of Carlsbad.
Chart Hour at Cardiff by the Sea
Enjoy a great meal right at the beach - the only thing separating you from the sand and surf is a thin screen window. Feel the breeze as you sip your drinks or partake in the unique menu items.
Along with the delicious taste, feast your eyes on the presentation too.
During our last visit, we tried the Coconut Crunch Shrimp, French Dip, Fish Tacos, and the Fish and Chips - and we completed our lunch with the Key Lime Pie.
Chart House is part of the Landry's Select group. Make sure to get a Landry's membership before you go for good dining rewards.
2588 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo anaheimerIt is always a fun adventure for the whole family when we visit the Zoo. But San Diego Zoo provides the ultimate experience in open-air animal exhibits and interactions.
The world-famous Zoo takes up around 100 acres of land at Balboa Park with 18 distinct areas an extensive collection of habitats. You will need to come back often to experience it all.
The park is spread out over several hills and valleys, so expect to walk a lot and climb steep hills.
Balboa Park is a sprawling complex of parks, museums, and sports venues. Read about Balboa Park here.
Covid-19: During the pandemic, the Zoo is implementing additional health screenings at the entrance. Expect some delays.
With so many areas and exhibits, how do you plan your visit? My recommendation, use the park website and decide ahead of time which areas are important to you – and straight to it.
I am sure you will have a lot of fun distractions along the way, but as long as you have a goal in mind, you will do fine.
Here are some of my favorite places to visit and things to do at the Zoo.
Guided Bus Tour
The guided bus tour takes you through 75% of the park, with informative narration from the tour guide. It is usually included with the admission ticket.
So if you are a first-timer, ride the bus, get to know the various sections, then walk back to explore your favorites in more detail.
If you are looking for a more personalized guided tour, try the Discovery Cart Tour. You get the whole cart for your group of up to 6 family members and enjoy an hour with an expert.
Skyfari Aerial Tram
Another way to avoid long walks is to take this cable car from one end of the park to the other.
The tram starts from Oasis Outpost near the entrance and ends at the Polar Bear exhibit.
Discovery Outpost
If you start your walk through the park on the left of the entrance – going clockwise – you will first encounter the Discovery Outpost showcasing several species of reptiles.
In reptile land you will see small creatures like the green iguana, and large reptiles like Chinese Alligators and Galápagos tortoises.
Lost Forest
The Lost Forest is my favorite part of the park – where you can find Tigers, Monkeys, and pygmy hippos.
Follow the Tiger Trail to explore the tigers, tapirs, fishing cats, and milky storks.
On the Hippo Trail, you will encounter the Hippos and their cousins, the pygmy hippos. You will also see a weird animal that looks like a cross between a Zebra and a Giraffe – it is called the Okapi.
Between the Hippo Trail and the Monkey Trail, you can pass through the Cripss Aviary. Walk through a lush rain forest with a brook, ponds and a waterfall and look around to spot the African Birds.
The Monkey Trail starts at ground level where you can watch Gorillas and Bonobs in their rocky habitats. You can then observe several species of monkeys at ground level or follow the trail to the canopy level to see them climbing and jumping between trees.
Kangaroo Bus
The bus is a convenient way to skip long walks and reach your destination quickly. It has four stops throughout the park and you can hop on and off at any stop.
The bus does not go through Discovery Outpost or the Lost Forest.
Panda Trek
You can’t find the Giant Pandas at the San Diego Zoo anymore - they were repatriated to China a few years ago. In their place, you can find the Red Panda, who also like to eat Bamboo and have cute faces like the Giant Pandas, but they are from a different species.
Northern Frontier
The Northern Frontier is home to the Polar Bear, Arctic Fox, Mountain Lion, Reindeer, and Zebra.
The polar bear habitat simulates the Arctic in summer. The bears are happiest when they are playing and fishing the large pool. You can view their aquatic activities from the underwater observation deck. You can then go above water to see them sunbathing.
Dining
There are a lot of snack and quick bite options throughout the park, but for best experience head to Albert’s in the Lost Forest.
Albert’s offers full-service dining where you can enjoy open-air deck seating overlooking a private waterfall, or inside seating overlooking the Treehouse gardens.
The food and prices are what you expect at an amusement park. There were some great dishes like Tandoori Grilled Chicken, Seared Ahi, and the – and so-so dishes like the Fish Tacos.
If you prefer to eat outside the park, you can take an 8-minute walk to Balboa Park with several options.
We especially like Prado – next to the Railroad Museum – with a beautiful garden terrace and great views. Read more here.
Membership
If you live close by and plan to visit the zoo often, or of you just like to help, you can become a member.
There are several membership options ranging from $100+ for annual passes to Thousands of Dollars for donner club memberships.
Sea World San Diego
Sea World San Diego anaheimerSea World is the only park in which you can get up close and personal with sea creatures and get an education while having fun. You can meet the Orcas (killer whales), watch the Dolphins play their tricks, visit the sharks in their natural habitat, go to the North Pole on an icy safari and peek at the Penguins – and you get all that fun for a bargain.
You can add “experiences” to your visit, like Dolphin Interaction Program or Beluga Interaction Program.
The park also offers a large variety of dining options and the prices are much more reasonable than other Theme parks.
Tip: As usual, it pays to plan ahead. Go to SeaWorlds website and browse the various activities and show times.
Shows that you shouldn’t miss are Orca Encounter; Sea Lions Live; Dolphin Days; A trip to Wild Arctic; Shark encounter and Sea Lion Rescue.
For thrill-seekers, try one of the rides: Journey To Atlantis; Manta; Electric Eel; Shipwreck Rapids and Wild Arctic (the ride).
All those shows, exhibits, and rides will be described below in more detail. Also, see special Christmas and Lunar Year celebration details at the end of this article.
Watch the video at the bottom of this article for an overview of the park.
Explorer's Reef
As you enter the park you will immediately be greeted by an into the world of sea creatures.
Explorer’s Reef is a covered but open exhibit that allows visitors to interact with a variety of fish, mantas and sharks. Young children especially enjoy petting Mantas, Cleaner fish and Bamboo Sharks.
Right next to the reef you can explore the newest souvenir store, The SeaWorld store. You probably should refrain from taking the kids there as you enter the park. Otherwise, you will be carrying their souvenirs all day long.
Orca Encounter
in this revamp show, the killer whales (Orcas) show off their natural behavior as they interact with their trainers. The show used to be called One Ocean but was upgraded to the current show recently.
Tip: The old One Ocean shows was replaced recently with this new toned down encounter with Orca whales. The trainers try to show the Orcas natural behavior instead of forcing them into unnatural tricks. To many, this made the show slow and boring, but the reasons for the change are commendable. It is safer for the whales and the trainers.
Expect to be dazzled by high-flying tricks, the music, the multimedia presentations, the new fountains and the playfulness of the whales.
The show is about 25 minutes, but the pre-show is part of the experience. During your wait, you will be presented with video clips about our planet and oceans. The clips will educate you and inspire you to take better care of our environment. Also, while waiting, you and your kids can use the SeaWorld App to interact with the sea creatures.
Tip: You will get enough warnings about this one, but here is my warning too: If you sit in the first 8 to 12 rows you are guaranteed to get wet. The Orcas really enjoy drenching the audience. You can always buy a plastic poncho and brave the tidal waves.
At the back of the Orca stadium, you can get even closer to the whales. The glass window viewing area provides an amazing look at the whales playing or feeding.
You can also dine with the killer whales. This restaurant is right at the huge whale habitat. You grab your food from the buffet-style counters and take it to the outdoor tables.
Dolphin Days
This shows used to be called "Blue Horizons" and some time ago, "Dolphin Discovery".
The Dolphins are always the main actors and they still like to show off their flying tricks and enjoy splashing the audience.
Along with dolphins, you will see appearances by pilot whales who like to play with the Dolphins.
The show is about 23 minutes. As usual, get there early to get good seats.
Tip: You can buy the Quick Queue with reserved seating. Then you can arrive a few minutes before the show and get one of the best seats in the stadium.
Dolphin Point
Used to be called Rocky Point Preserve. This is where you get to meet the Bottlenose Dolphins up close and personal. You can actually touch the dolphins and feed them (only fish purchased at the nearby stand). You can also peek at the dolphins through the underwater viewing glass while listening to educational information.
Due to the popularity of this encounter and dolphin diet requirements, SeaWorld set specific times for feeding them. Check the times on the map/schedule and get there early. You may have to wait in line for a while to get to feed the dolphins.
Tip: Watch out for seagulls trying to steal the feed fish from your hands.
You can also watch Otters play or feed nearby.
Sea Lions Live
Watch the sea lions spoof some of the most popular TV shows and movies like CSI; Idol; Dancing with the stars. And don’t miss the pre-show. Show duration is about 20 minutes.
Penguin Encounter
Take a peek at the lives and times of 300 cold weather Penguins in their natural habitat. You will encounter many species of penguins like Emperor; King; Adelie; Gento; and Macaroni. Watch them above water, on the snow and then watch them as they dive into their underwater habitat.
Tip: The temperature is very cold inside this exhibit, so make sure you are prepared. Also, the exhibit tries to mimic the natural Antarctic environment so except the exhibit to be very dark during summer (Antarctic winter).
You can enjoy this exhibit in 2 ways: Go on the conveyor belt and be guided through the habitat, or go up the stairs and stroll at your own pace. The upstairs viewing deck has benches and TV screens for some educational programs about the Penguins.
Tip: As you step out of the exhibit, make a sharp left and enjoy the warm weather Penguins playing in their small garden and pond.
Shark Encounter
Come face to face with sharks of all shapes and sizes as you walk through their habitat.
Tip: Sharks loose their teeth all the time. If you look closely along the edges of the tunnel you will find some shark teeth.
The highlight of the exhibit is a 57 ft. acrylic underwater walkway.
You will see sharks swimming all around you. Some of the species you will encounter are Sand Tiger; Bonnet Head; Black Tip and White
Sesame Street Bay of Play
If you have kids make sure to schedule a stop at this play area for kids of all ages. This gives the adults a chance to relax and the kids a chance to let loose.
This Sesame street-inspired area is full of rides, games, and interaction with characters. It replaced the long-running Shamu's Happy Harbor and I think it is a big improvement. New rides are Abby's Sea Star Spin; Elmo's Flying Fish; and Oscar's Rockin' Fish.
Activities left over from the old play area are The cargo nets, slides, bouncer and water play area. For a little workout, you can join the kids climbing the nets and going down the slides.
Wild Arctic
Wild Arctic is a way to explore the North Pole without venturing into the cold weather. You start your arctic exploration by riding on a jet helicopter – which is a motion simulator.
The chopper takes you on a wild ride to a remote research station. Along the way, you will see the breathtaking icy wilderness and you will encounter a few mishaps.
Tip: Riders who prefer a smoother ride, select the middle seats of the helicopter.
If you don’t like simulator rides, there is an alternate route that takes you directly to the observation area. You can watch the same scenery – from the helicopter point of view – on a giant screen and then head to the research station on foot.
Once you land at the research station you can observe polar bears, white beluga whales, walruses, and seals. your observation starts from above the ice and water – then gradually takes underwater. Along the way, you will pass through an ice tunnel with a 25-foot long ice wall.
Tip: put your hand on the ice, see your hand sinking in the ice and making a print, and find out how long you can last.
The gift shop at the end of the exhibit is full of cute stuffed polar bears and beluga whales.
Tip: the weather in Arctic is freezing cold. so make sure you have a jacket or sweater.
Shipwreck Rapids
Get ready to be very wet. This is your typical water ride that twists and turns between shipwrecks, live turtle habitats, and waterfalls.
Tip: For people who don’t like to stay wet, SeaWorld provides drying booths near the exit of the ride.
Ride the tube rafts and start your whitewater rafting adventure. You will get splashed a little along the way, but you are guaranteed to be drenched by the end of your ride.
Tip: If you skip the ride because the line is too long, you can take your revenge and have some fun. Use one of the water cannons along the path from Shipwreck rapids to Cirque del la mar to drench the raft riders.
Manta
This is one of the newest attractions at SeaWorld. It is a high-speed rollercoaster ride. It has a lot of twists and turns but never goes up-side-down.
The ride starts deceptively slow and relaxed. You will first go through an underwater tunnel. Using giant HD screens, sound effects and slow rocking motion, you will feel like you are really underwater – with great views of Mantas and sea creatures. Then all of a sudden a door opens and you are launched onto the high-flying adventure. This rollercoaster has a lot of twists and turns but no 360 loops. The ride lasts close to 2 minutes.
Once you are done with the ride, head over to the new Manta aquarium where you can pet the mantas or see them in action through large acrylic windows.
Journey to Atlantis
Atlantis is a water ride and rollercoaster for thrill-seekers. You start your ride with a 60-foot plunge into water then you go through a calm period with your boat floating through a river.
Along the way, you will encounter evidence of the lost civilization of Atlantis and you will come face to face with sea creatures.
At the end of the calm boat ride, you are lifted up and then dropped onto a winding rollercoaster.
Tip: This is a busy ride. Expect long waits. Best time to visit is when the park opens or when the big shows are in session (Whales and Dolphins).
Electric Eel
This the one of the newest thrill rides at SeaWorld with multiple launches, upside-down spins, steep drops, and backward acceleration.
It is not for the faint of hurt. With speeds of up to 60-miles an hour and climbs up to 150 feet, prepare for a lot of screams.
The Electric Eel is part of a new area of the park called "Ocean Explorer". At the entrance of this area, you can explore Eels, Mantas and Octopi in their natural habitat.
Emperor
Are ready to dive like an Emperor Penguin into the icy waters of the antarctic? This crazy rollercoaster promises to be the most terrifying ride you ever attempted.
The ride takes you up a 14-story vertical drop and then hurtles you down at 60mph with various loops and inversions.
Full disclosure: When I saw the vertical drop, I chickened out. Do you dare to try it?
Sea world Sky Tower
A 320-foot tower with a climbing, rotating cabin. While spinning around at a very leisurely speed you can enjoy commanding views of San Diego and the bay. you get a totally different flavor of the ride depending on the time of day. try a ride around sunset and a nighttime ride. Only one regret about this ride: I wish the viewing windows are kept spotless so I can take better pictures.
Where to Eat
Seaworld is still lacking high-end dining, but there are a few good options for snacks and main meals.
Tip: The park offers an all-day dining package. Unless you are planning to stay the whole day and take advantage of several meals, it is not worth the money.
Mama Stella's Pizza Kitchen
If you love Italian food, this place is for you. You can find all the favorites pizza and pasta or get sandwiches and salads.
The restaurant has several seating areas. While sitting in the covered outdoor areas, watch out for hungry seagulls.
Explorer's Cafe
This cafe is close to the main entrance and offers American favorites like Cheese Burgers, Chicken sandwiches and salads. It also has a beer station with many draft beers.
This restaurant has plenty of tables indoor and outdoor.
The food was above average. We enjoyed our Cheeseburger and Chicken combos - with fries and a Cesar salad.
Shipwreck Reef Cafe
Shipwreck Reff cafe is my favorite dining experience at SeaWorld. The place offers fruit, salads, chicken strips, quarter leg chicken, and beef ribs.
For sides, make sure to order the waffle fries. For dessert, you must try the carrot cake, cheesecake, or chocolate cake.
With popularity comes the crowds. Expect to wait in log lines before you can order.
Chinese Lunar New Year
During the Lunar new year celebrations, SeaWorld adds a few far east touches with shows and demonstrations.
Close to the main entrance, a group shows off their skills with Japanse Drums. But the real treat is the Chinese Acrobats show at the Mission Bay Theater.
The 25-minute show dazzles with amazing feats of contortion, acrobatics, plate spinning, and hoop diving.
The show was well choreographed and performed with high energy.
SeaWorld Christmas celebration
SeaWorld turns into a winter wonderland during the holidays. Christmas decorations adorn every corner and some of the sea creatures are celebrating too. Just walking around between attractions will put in a festive mood and fill you with the holiday spirit.
As you enter the park you will be greeted with an amazing tall Christmas tree festooned with beautiful ornaments and lights. Your favorite characters, like Shamu, will be on hand to take pictures with your family.
Some of the must-see holiday attractions are Polar express 4d; Snow World; Shamu Christmas show; Clyde and Seamore Christmas show and Christmas Tails (Pets).
Polar Express 4D is a special version of the popular movie of the same name. The 3D effects will put you inside the action, but the added dimension of special effects tricks your senses into believing. There are a few surprises that I don’t want to spoil for you, but a warning too:
Tip: Do not set in the front seats. Try to find a place in the middle rows and right in the middle of the row you select. Obviously, you have to get in early to be choosy. We were late getting in and had to settle for the 2nd row. We still enjoyed the show, but we had to strain our eyes and nicks to see everything. We also missed an amazing special effect that did not reach the front rows.
Snow World is an area set aside for snow play – with real snow and a sledding area. Kids of all ages can play with the snow and have snowball fights, but the sledding area is reserved for kids 12 and under. Also, expect to see falling snow along the path to Snow World.
The Otter Show: Santa gets held up and can’t deliver the Christmas gifts. “Biff” fills in for him and finds out that OP makes the naughty list again. OP and his accomplices “borrow” the list to make changes. The whole team goes looking for the list, but OP sneaks it back to its place – just in time for the gifts deliveries.
Clyde, Seamore and OP otter have a new story to tell at the Sea Lion and
We missed the last Christmas Tails show (at 3:15), but I heard from a lot of people – especially with young children – that they loved it. The basic storyline is that the dogs, cats, and birds threw a big holiday party.
All in all, it was a very great way to celebrate the holiday for the whole family.
Halloween Spooktacular
A nice and safe way to celebrate Halloween with the kids. The kids can dress up in their favorite costumes and lineup from some treats around the park.
Some rides and shows were also dressed up for the event. At night you can enjoy the Sesame Street Parade.
Unlike the huge scary event at Knott's Berry Farm, this one is low key and targeted to the young crowd.
Sea World San Diego
500 Sea World Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
(800) 257-4268
Get a Go-City Card with passes to Seaworld and many more attractions here
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Torrey Pines State Reserve anaheimerJust before you reach the city of San Diego, there is a large area set aside to preserve the natural beauty of coastal pines and sheer cliffs. It is a 2000-acre State Park in La Jolla Village – but close the city of Del Mar.
The park is home to a large variety of animal and plant species like bobcats, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, cacti, coastal chaparral - but most prominent inhabitant is the rare Torrey pine.
With 8-miles of trails running through this park, it is a major attraction to hikers. Both casual and serious hikers come to enjoy the challenges of the hike and the stunning views overlooking the ocean.
The beach far below is also very popular with swimmers and surfers.
Tip: Entrance fee for cars is $20. After you enter, note that there are 2 main parking lots. One is at the bottom, close to the beach and another at the top next to the Visitors Center. If you can, park at the top which is closer to the trails.
If you do park at the lower lot, then expect a long and steep hike just to get to the first trail.
Trails
The park offers 8 trails of varying difficulty and scenery.
Guy Fleming Trail
Also known as the north grove, it is the easiest hike with ¾ a mile loop. As you start through this diverse trail you will see the pine trees handing of off cliffs, the Peñasquitos Marsh down below and some strange rock formations.
Further down this trail and as you make a left turn into the loop, you will start enjoying views of the beach way below.
Along the trail, there are a few strategic overlooks where you can take a rest and pose for photos. And up in the distance to the south, you can see La Jolla Village.
During my last visit, the trees on the highest hill were shrouded in fog giving the hike an eerie feeling.
Razor Point Trail
This is a slightly longer trail, about 1 and ½ miles long, with views of ravines and badlands. It starts from the upper lot next to the visitor’s center – with restrooms right at the trailhead.
This trail does not have a lot of Torrey Pines, so it is not well shaded. So, bring lots of water and make sure you are protected from the sun.
Tip: This is a natural reserve, so the main goal is protection and restoration. To help with that goal, there is a strict rule about No dogs, no food or drink above the beach area – except for water.
Along the way enjoy wildflowers, deep ravines and lots of shrubs with the occasional wild animal if you are lucky. There are plenty of benches for resting and admiring the views.
Towards the end of the trail, you can view the ocean from well-placed overlooks.
Beach Trail
This trail is very popular because it takes people to a beautiful beach. It is about ¾ mile long and considered easy.
Along the way you will come across a variety of brush, trees and cacti - some are perched on rocky hills.
Once you are down at the beach level you can just walk on the sand to the lower parking lot. But be aware that during high tide, this route is not passable unless you are swimming or wading.
This trail also has almost no shade, so be prepared for the sun and bring lots of water.
You can also start your hike from the lower parking lot, down the beach and then climb up the Beach Trail to the visitor center.
The Visitor Center
This museum and ranger station started life as a restaurant. Now it showcases the flora and fauna of the area.
The best feature is the outside balcony that overlooks nice views of the trees and the wetlands. There is also a theater showing a film about the park.
To get more information about this magnificent park, go the official website or Wikipedia.
Where to Stay in San Diego
Where to Stay in San Diego anaheimerYour decision on where to stay depends on many factors like what are you planning to do, your budget, and your arrival time.
If you are planning to mainly explore downtown, then you should consider one of the hotels right in the Gaslamp Quarter or downtown waterfront. Some of the best choices are the Marriott Marquis Marina, Hilton Bayfront, and Grand Hyatt. For a budget hotel in or close to downtown, you can try Porto Vista, Wyndham Bayside, or Westin.
If your main goal is to visit SeaWorld, then try the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Masson Bay or the Bahia Resort. For budget choices, try places like Holiday Inn Express, Wyndham Garden, or Travel Lodge SeaWorld.
I recently stayed at the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa for two nights and loved every minute of my stay. The resort is right on the bay and has everything you need for fun and relaxation. The 2-queen-beds room was very comfortable with a great view overlooking a garden and the beach. Right on-premises, you will find a nice heated pool, several Jacuzzis, and watersports activities. At night you can enjoy SeaWorld’s fireworks show from your balcony or from the waterfront. See the full review here.
Interesting Facts: The City of San Diego was rated the fifth-best place to live in the United States in by MONEY Magazine in 2006.
Another great choice is the Grand Hyatt at San Diego Bay. It is very conveniently located next to Seaport Village, the Headquarters, USS Midway, and the Gaslamp Quarter. You can just walk to those popular destinations. The rooms have comfortable beds with great views of the harbor and downtown. See the full review here.
During my last visit, I stayed at Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn. The location is a little isolated from main attractions, but it is a beautiful place for a staycation. If you stay here, you should plan on spending most of your time at the hotel and the surrounding area. It is very easy to do so because the hotel offers many entertainment choices and amenities. A large swimming pool, highly rated restaurants, an outdoor theater, and free bike rentals to name a few. See the full review here.
And of course, you can camp while in San Diego. The Koa campground is very nice with tent and RV sites along with 1 and 2-bedroom cabins. The campground has clean bathrooms, hot showers, and a lot of activities. Read more about KOA campground here.
Camping at KOA San Diego
Camping at KOA San Diego anaheimerWe love visiting San Diego, so we end up going there several times a year. We like SeaWorld, the Zoo, Balboa Park, Old Town, Downtown, La Jolla and Seaport Village – to name a few.
We usually drive to San Diego and back the same day. Occasionally we stay overnight at a hotel. Some of our favorite hotels are the Manchester Grand Hyatt or Comfort Inn and Suites (kid’s room). Read more about San Diego here.
This year we decided to try something new: Camping at the KOA San Diego Metro, located in Chula Vista. The location is close to many area attractions and shopping which makes it ideal for our base camp.
The camp itself is beautifully landscaped with lots of trees and clean bathrooms and showers. Sites are available for tent or RV camping. The camp also offers 1 and 2 room cabins. We stayed at the 1 room cabin. The cabin was cramped with a twin bed and 1 set of bunks for the kids, a small table with one chair, hooks, windows, inside and outside lights. Outside the cabin, we had a small porch with a swing chair, a picnic table, barbeque and a large lawn. The best feature was lots of shade trees that hid the scorching sun in the afternoon. The office also delivers a fire ring and firewood on request. We definitely ordered ours for the traditional s'mores.
Tip: A big chain grocery store (Food for Less) is located right next to the KOA camp. To avoid carrying a lot of groceries with you on the road, you can plan on buying most of your needs at this store. I wish I knew that before I packed my SUV full of groceries.
To avoid the heat, we took advantage of the large refreshing swimming pool next to the office. The water temperature was just right for summer with lots of lounge chairs and some shade. Next to the pool, there is a small park with a playground. This is usually the location for many of the camp activities.
Related Books:
- Frommer's San Diego 2009 (Frommer's Complete)
- Top 10 San Diego (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE)
- A Photo Tour of San Diego (Photo Tour Books)
Some of the activities were: Make your own Tie-dye shirt; All you can eat pancake breakfast; Make your own ice cream sundae; Bingo nights; Movie nights with free popcorn; Family Games. My kids made great looking Tie-dye shirts that they can actually wear. The pancakes at the Sunday breakfast were delicious. We skipped the other activities in favor of running around town.
The camp also offers: Bike rental, coffee shop and barbeque stand. The kids took advantage of the 3 wheel bikes and had fun exploring the camp on their own.
Tip: As with most camping spots, we had to deal with a lot of bugs. Bring your favorite bug repellents and sprays. You will need them. Also if you are going in the summer, consider bringing a portable fan.
From this base camp we visited the following attractions:
Cabrillo National Monument: A monument to explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who was the first to set foot on the west coast of North America. This park offers museums, tide-pool exploration and a stunning view of San Diego from a high vantage point. If you are interested in the tide-pools, make sure to check the low tide schedule. See http://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm for more details.
SeaWorld Summer Nights: SeaWorld has too many rides, shows and exhibits for one day. We usually buy the annual pass and enjoy it over many days. During summer nights the park is transformed into a rocking party of sights and sounds. The whales and Dolphins perform their tricks to great music and Pyrotechnics and acrobats perform their amazing feats to the beat of music near the main gate.
We also enjoyed a great view from the top of the sky cabin and a trip to the Wild Arctic on a Helicopter simulator. See more details about the rides in the SeaWorld page here or go to http://www.seaworld.com for more details.
Mission Bay: We explored the Mission Bay Park area. The kids liked the playground. We were also planning on renting bikes and riding around the long bike trails, but the weather was too warm for such activity. See http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/missionbay for more details.
Balboa Park: It is located on 1000 acres of land and offers several great museums, Science center, San Diego Zoo, Carousel and Spanish Village Art Center, hiking and biking trails – to list a few. See http://www.balboapark.org for more details and visit the Balboa Park page here.
Old Town San Diego: This is a state park that is dedicated to capturing the history of the area. Old Town San Diego is considered the "birthplace" of California. San Diego is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. It contains several historic buildings, shops, trolley tours and museums. See http://www.oldtownsandiegoguide.com for more details.
111 Nnorth 2nd Ave Chula Vista CA 91910 (800) 562-9877Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa
Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa anaheimerThe city of San Diego and the greater San Diego County are home to beautiful beaches, popular attractions, hiking trails and many more adventures.
Many people come to the city to enjoy SeaWorld’s exhibits and shows or the world-famous San Diego Zoo, but there is much more to explore around town.
You can spend days visiting the museums at Balboa Park, take a sunset dinner cruise in the harbor or climb aboard an Aircraft Carrier.
Read the full San Diego review here.
On a recent visit to San Diego, we stayed at the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa for two nights and loved every minute of our stay.
The resort is right on the bay and has everything you need for fun and relaxation.
The room
The 2-queen-beds room was very comfortable with a great view overlooking a garden and the beach.
The beds were the right firmness for my wife and me, with plush comforters and many fluffy pillows to choose from. The large quilted headboards made sitting in bed very comforting.
Our room had a breakfast nook which contained the fridge, microwave and coffeemaker. Straw furniture overlooking the patio, garden and beach provided a nice relaxing place to sip our morning coffee.
Tip: The best way to enjoy San Diego attractions is by getting a Go City Card. You pay one price and get all the attractions you want. Go San Diego Card
The room has adequate lighting, plenty of outlets for our electronics, a small desk, chairs, a closet and clean and well-stocked bathroom. My wife especially liked the selection of shampoo and body wash and the fluffy towels. We also enjoyed the large flat screen TV with plenty of digital channels.
Build your own discounted San Diego Go Card Here - Multi-attraction Pass.
Our building has a courtyard with pools and waterfalls and a family of ducks running around or swimming. In one corner of the courtyard, we enjoyed a secluded Jacuzzi with towel service. It was always a nice ending to our day – to just soak in the hot water and relax.
Right outside the patio, there is a very well maintained garden and a beautiful gazebo. The gazebo was decorated with vibrant flowers with the bay view in the background. An amazing spot for some romantic pictures.
The Resort
Right on premises, you will find a nice heated pool, several Jacuzzis and watersports activities. At night you can enjoy SeaWorld’s fireworks show from your patio or from the waterfront.
The main pool area is spacious with a heated pool, lounge chairs, cabanas, a fire pit and a Jacuzzi. Right at poolside, you can enjoy snacks and drinks at “Fresco's Bar & Grill”. Also during summer nights, the whole family can enjoy a poolside movie.
The resort sits right on the Bay. You can stroll along the boardwalk or you can rent a bike from the “Sand Box” rental shop. The rental shack has surreys, beach cruisers, kids bikes and trailers and beach toys.
For those who love watersports, you can rent power boats, paddle boards, aqua bikes, sailboat or Jet Skis.
If you want to stay in shape, the resort has a fully equipped fitness center with lockers and showers. The workout machines are state of the art with screens to monitor your progress or to watch a movie or TV show.
There is also a store next to the lobby with many essentials and souvenirs. If you need a quick snack, water or beer you can find it here. Or if you forgot to bring a swimsuit, hairbrush or toothbrush, they have it all and their prices are reasonable.
Dining
Several dining options are available right inside the resort. You can enjoy sandwiches and drinks poolside at Fresco's Bar & Grill or you can have a nice sit-down dinner at Acqua California Bistro.
We tried Acqua for breakfast and for dinner. On both occasions, we opted for patio seating with a great view of the bay.
For breakfast, we chose the all you can eat buffet. I usually try to avoid buffets, but we looked the food over before we ordered and we like what we saw. The buffet was stocked with all our favorites like scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, French toast and pancakes. We also had a large choice of pastries and fruit.
The dinner was also delicious and done right. I wasn’t very hungry so I ordered the Roasted Butternut Squash Soup and Mixed Green Salad. The soup was creamy and tasty. My wife ordered the Mushroom Crusted Filet of Salmon. She said it was cooked just right.
On the first night, we didn’t have time to stop for dinner so we ordered room service. We ordered BLT sandwiches. They were very tasty and filling. We actually couldn’t finish them and we had enough for snacks the following day.
Location, Location, Location
I think the Hilton resort San Diego be a destination by itself. You have everything you need for a relaxing or active vacation right around you.
But obviousl,y you didn’t come here to stay in your hotel room.
From your room, you probably can see SeaWorld in the distance. At night you can actually enjoy their spectacular fireworks show from the bay shore. Some rooms have a direct view to Seaworld from their windows. The resort offers a free shuttle to SeaWorld. Check with the front desk for information.
A short drive away you can enjoy Coronado Island, USS Midway, Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village and Balboa Park – to name a few.
You can take a trolley to all of those destinations and leave your car behind. Read about the historic Trolley Tours here. Ask the front desk about a shuttle that will take you to the first stop on this trolley tour of San Diego.
Build your own discounted San Diego Go Card Here - Multi-attraction Pass.
Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn
Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn anaheimerI stayed at Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn on several occasions and loved every stay.
The location is a little isolated from the main attractions, but it is a beautiful resort with many activities and entertainment options.
If you stay here, you should plan on spending most of your time at the hotel and the surrounding area.
It is very easy to do so because the hotel offers many entertainment choices and amenities like a large swimming pool, highly rated restaurants, an outdoor theater, and free bike rentals, to name a few.
The resort is on Shelter Island, a small island in the San Diego Bay, and is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land.
There are several Marinas, hotels, restaurants, parks, and public boat ramps on this small island.
While staying at Humphrey’s, you can explore this island on foot or by bike. 1-hour free bike rental is available at the hotel.
At the resort, you enjoy swimming in the tropical landscaped pool, pamper yourself with a massage, attending a concert, dancing, or having a nice dinner.
Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with great views of the bay and the marina.
One way to enjoy this resort is to get the dinner and concert package. The package includes Dinner at Humphreys Restaurant with Soup or Salad, Entree & Non-alcoholic beverage, and a Choice of dessert and Priority Seating.
Marriott Marquis Marina
Marriott Marquis Marina anaheimerWhen visiting San Diego, I always return to this waterfront Marriott resort for comfort and amenities.
The hotel is a short walk away from the Gaslamp Quarter, Convention Center, Seaport Village, and excellent waterfront dining and destinations.
The most important part of a hotel is the rooms, and they don't disappoint. The beds are comfortable with a couch and a desk, and the bathroom is well-appointed with fluffy towels, the TV is excellent, a coffee maker, a fridge, and the WiFi is dependable. What more can you ask for.
Well, the amenities, of course! And this hotel has a lot to offer, from a large heated pool to a garden with comfortable seats and firepits for relaxation to a full SPA and gym.
The pool area has a kids' pool and an accessible jacuzzi. Also, next to the pool and overlooking the Marina, you will find Roy's Hawaiian restaurant.
We enjoyed a buffet-style breakfast at the Marina Kitchen, which included an omelet station, pastries, fruit, and a waffle maker.
Back in the room, the view was amazing. We could see the Marina, bay, and Coronado bridge from the large windows.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park anaheimerSomeday I would love to go on a real African Safari and come face to face with a Lion or a Tiger – but until that day comes, I can go to the next best place right here in California.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located in San Diego County close to the city of Escondido. It spans 1800 acres of land and is stocked with 2600 animals from 300 species. It is also home to thousands of plant species – some of them in a protected preserve. The main attraction is a vast open area with free-ranging animals that vary from fierce lions to tame Giraffes. The only way to enjoy this vast flora and fauna is to join a Safari. More on Safari options later.
The Safari park and the Zoo in the city of San Diego are run by the non-profit organization “San Diego Zoo Global”, which also runs a research institute. The organization dedicated to the reproduction, protection, and exhibition of animals, plants, and their habitats.
So the big question is: what is the best way to enjoy the Safari park? It all depends on how much you are willing to spend on your experience. You can spend $50 per person for entrance and the Africa Tram Safari or you can go for the Caravan Safari for $139. If you are really into the wild, you can build a custom Safari experience, but be ready to pay $600 or more.
Tip: The best way to enjoy San Diego attractions is by getting a Go City Card. You pay one price and get all the attractions you want. Go San Diego Card
If this is your first visit and you are not sure what to do, I suggest just going on the included African Tram Safari tour. Once you are inside you can decide whether you want to pay extra for additional Safaris.
Before or After the Safari
As you are walking from and to your Safari experience you can enjoy several shows and exhibits along the way.
Near the park entrance, stop at “WINGS OF THE WORLD” to view some varieties of wild and rare birds. In this exhibit, you actually enter the enclosure with the birds and can view them in their “simulated” natural habitat.
As you exit “wings of the world” you will pass “NAIROBI VILLAGE” – a large lagoon with a Congo River fishing village. In and around the lagoon you will find a large variety of bird species like pelicans, storks, shoebills, and ducks, herons, and egrets. The most impressive were the pelicans with graceful one-footed stand and the huge storks. One way to really enjoy this area is to climb to the top of the wooden structure (tower) for a bird’s eye view.
As you are walking to your Safari station you will pass a large glass viewing area overlooking the Lions habitat (Lions Camp). The area looks like a battered Safari camp overrun by lions. There are always a few milling about or napping. While we were visiting one of the lions got up and walked right up to the glass window, as if he was visiting the zoo of humans and viewing the various species. A great photo opportunity.
Also on your way, don’t forget to visit the Lorikeet feeding area. Those tiny colorful birds are very friendly. As you are holding a cup of nectar they will land on you and start drinking right off the palm of your hand. It is an amazing experience – not to be missed.
If you are lucky and arrive during the seasonal Butterfly Jungle exhibit, then you must see it. When you are buying your tickets you will an allotted time for your visit. Make sure you make it around that time. Once you are in your will be face to face with thousands of butterflies from various species. Some of them will land on your clothes or hats. One of them landed on my cheek and tickled me to death by fluttering her wings and antennae – a unique experience caught on camera.
Safari options
Build your own discounted San Diego Go Card Here - Multi-attraction Pass.
The park offers many ways to interact with the animals. Some of them more up close and personal than others. The only drawback I can see for this abundance is that you have to pay a lot of money for every additional Safari.
Also, some Safari’s get sold out early, so it is advisable to make a reservation. For example, if you really want to be on the Caravan Safari, you have to book it ahead of time.
Here are the available Safaris …
Africa Tram Safari
This is the Safari that is included in most admission passes. It is a guided tram ride through the African Plains.
When you first get into the tram, try to find a seat on your left side (or the side facing the Animal habitats). This is the side with the majority of views and provides for the best pictures. If you end up on the right side of the middle you will still enjoy the Safari but your pictures may have other people or tram poles in them.
The guides/drivers are very knowledgeable and seem to really love the wildlife and believe in the mission of the conservancy. You will get a steady stream of information about the various animals and habitats. If you heard it all before, bring your electronic device with you.
Some of the most famous inhabitants of this area are herds of curious giraffes, massive rhinos, graceful gazelles, and impressively horned antelope, ostriches, African crowned cranes. We especially enjoyed watching a herd of Giraffes feeding from the trees.
Tip: You can go on the tram tour as many times as you desire.
Caravan Safari
This is probably the best safari experience at the park. You get to ride in the back of a truck and get into areas that are usually only accessible by staff. The tour is about 2 hours long, much longer than the tram tour.
Some of the highlights are feeding the Giraffes and the Rhinos. The Giraffes grab the leaves right out of your hands.
Try to get on the first tour of the day. The animals are more likely to approach at this time – maybe they are still hungry in the morning.
This Safari costs around $95 (or $139 with entrance).
Balloon Safari
Have you seen pictures of hot air balloons floating over the African plains chasing the herds of animals in their feeding grounds? The Balloon safari tries to simulate the experience by taking you up in a single large hot-air balloon. The balloon is tethered to the ground but goes up high enough to allow a great view of the whole area. Bring a pair of binoculars to enhance your experience.
Flight-line Safari (Zipline)
This is a great experience for adventure seekers. You will first get some lessons and gear, and before you go on your zipline adventure you get to practice on a scaled-down run.
Once you are ready, you ride a truck to the upper launch area. Your harness is hooked to the line, you are comfortably seated then you start your long slide above the rhinos, deer, and other animals.
This Safari costs around $70 (or $114 with entrance).
Cart Safari
Riding a small cart with an experienced guide through the park gives you a more personalized tour of the African or Asian animals. The guides provide a lot of information about the animal’s characteristics, feeding habits, and habitat. You will also get to watch while the guide offers some treats to the animals.
The cart Safari costs around $40 (or $84 with entrance).
Behind the Scenes Safari
Are you curious about what it takes to run such a huge wild animal park? How do they care for and train the animals? If so, then the behind-the-scene safari is for you.
Go to places that are off-limits to the general public: Visit a lion or tiger bedroom; feed some rare animals; visit the veterinary hospital or the research labs.
This Safari costs around $70 (or $114 with entrance).
Roar and Snore Safari
When you are on an African Safari you will probably spend several nights in a campground between expeditions. If you love camping close to the animals you can enjoy this experience at the Safari park. Several options are available for your accommodations and activities. Some programs are for adults only (over 21) and others for families with kids 6 and over. The campground overlooks the African Plains and offers great views of the animals in their natural habitat.
Depending on which option you pick, expect to pay from $184 to $264.
The Ultimate Safari
This Safari option allows you to custom design the Safari of your dreams. The professionals at the park will guide you through the various options that meet your needs and interests. Do you want to spend more time interacting with the wild animals or visiting exhibits? Do you prefer your visit to be on the adventurous side or on the mild and relaxed side?
You have to plan for this experience ahead of time. Once you arrive for your experience, a private tour guide is assigned to you and spends 5 or 8 hours with you – depending on which option you picked. The tour includes one meal.
Expect to pay $599 for 5 hours and $950 for an 8-hour experience – per person.
Build your own discounted San Diego Go Card Here - Multi-attraction Pass.
Other places to try: Thorntree Terrace for sandwiches, paninis, salads, and burgers; Mombasa Island Cooker for BBQ favorites, burgers, vegetable skewers, entree salads.
If you prefer you can bring your own food and eat at the shaded picnic area.
Escondido, CA 92027-7017
San Francisco
San Francisco anaheimerI love San Francisco! Nature and human ingenuity came together to make this a wonderful place for visitors and residents alike.
San Francisco sits on a beautiful bay, surrounded by water almost in every direction. Tall modern buildings fill the skyline at the center, while Victorian buildings of every size and shape adorn the surrounding neighborhoods.
To connect everything and keep the city moving, San Francisco has one of the best transportation systems in the US. You can take an electric bus to your destination, ride one of the famous Cable Cars, take a taxi, ride a ferry boat or, if you insist, you can drive. Whenever I visit San Francisco, I ditch the car. Parking is difficult to find and expensive. Moreover, if you are not used to it, driving up and down the hills could be challenging. If your destination is a neighboring city or the airport, you can take the BART train.
Connecting San Francisco to Marin County is the most famous bridge in the world: The Golden Gate Bridge. On the other side, if you are going to Oakland, you will cross over another beautiful bridge: The Bay Bridge.
San Francisco is also a haven for active people. You can walk to many destinations or ride the bike. Walking and biking are the best ways to explore the city when you are not in a hurry. Obviously, you have to avoid the big hills – unless you are a professional cyclist. You can always rent an electric bike to help with those hills.
There is so much to see and do in San Francisco and the surrounding areas. It is just not possible to do it all in one visit.
One of the best ways to experience San Franciso is by getting a CityPASS
that includes many SF attractions.
You can start by doing the touristy thing: Go to the Fisherman’s Wharf and have a bowl of clam chowder; Visit Pier-39 with all the shops and restaurants; Walk and shop through Chinatown; Take a bus tour; Go to the Golden Gate Bridge; or take a cruise to Alcatraz.
Then you can really start exploring the area: Go to Golden Gate Park; Hike through the Muir Woods; Go on a wine tasting tour of Napa Valley; Take the ferry to a neighboring city; Join a guided bike ride over the Golden bridge and into Sausalito; Hike through Angel Island; Visit the Museum of Modern Art; or take the kids to The Exploratorium.
Getting there and around
I highly recommend flying into San Francisco, then taking a shuttle or the BART train to your hotel. If you fly in, you will not have to worry about parking or driving the crazy hills. BART is cheaper, but you will have to disembark at a station close to your hotel, then take a bus or taxi. Go here for details.
If you drive, try to find a hotel that offers parking, or find one close to large parking structures. Ask the hotel for parking information. Here are some tips on driving in S.F.
Finally, if you are going to drive from LA to S.F. then consider taking the Pacific Coast Highway for a most amazing road trip. More details in another article, but watch this video for a taste of this amazing trip.
Must see and do
Here is a list of the main attractions that most tourists will visit when they come to San Francisco. Although those places are very touristy and commercialized, you will still enjoy your visit. The only drawback is the large crowds. You can avoid most of the crowds by going during the weekdays.
Pier 39
Start by exploring the shops at Pier 39, where you can find souvenirs, gadgets, snacks, and games. The pier is also home to the Aquarium of the Bay, where you can get acquainted with SF Bay sea life.
Deeper into the pier, you can get the “7D Experience”. A roller-coaster, 3D movie and laser tag experience.
While at the pier, don’t forget to try the Musical Stairs, where you can make music by going up and down the stairs.
For the young and young at heart, try the Carousel or catch a puppet show.
Save 45% on San Francisco's Muni and 4 other attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!
One of the biggest attractions at the pier is the large population of Sea Lions that made the docks their home. Just walk to the edge or sides of the pier and enjoy the boisterous Seals and their antics.
Right next to Pier-39, you can book an adventure on land or sea. You can go on a sailing boat cruise, or you can jump on a fast boat to Alcatraz or the Golden Gate Bridge.
Also, close to the pier, you can rent a bike for a whole day or go on a guided bike tour. I suggest doing both a cruise and a bike tour to see the Golden Gate Bridge from all angles. More details later about both tours.
Pier-39 has a lot of dining options, including restaurants with amazing views of the bay. My favorite at the pier is Neptune’s Waterfront Grill & Bar. It has good food and the best view.
But for a more authentic San Francisco experience, start walking towards Fisherman’s Wharf.
Fisherman's Wharf
As you walk west from Pier-39 you will start seeing bike rental shops, gift shops and several fleets of cruise ships. Keep going until you see the famous seafood street vendors, where you can get your fill of fresh crab sandwiches or clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. If you like your dining a little fancier, take a look at the restaurants right on the docks.
At the wharf, you can also visit the SS. Jeremiah O'Brien – a fully functional Liberty class warship. Also near the wharf, you can experience the strange and unusual at the “Ripley's Believe It or Not!” museum.
After your lunch or dinner, continue to head west on Beach or Jefferson. Along the way, you will encounter many street performers and arts and crafts vendors. Some of them will show off their steel drum rhythms, others will play the guitar and sing.
At Beach and Hyde you will come across Aquatic Park and one of the main Cable Car stations. You can end your walk here and take the Cable Car to another destination, or you can continue on to Ghirardelli Square, home of the famous chocolates. Ghirardelli Square is also home to “Kara's Cupcakes” with a large variety of the scrumptious little treats.
Cable Cars
The cable cars in San Francisco are the most recognizable icon of the city. They were started by a new arrival from England who witnessed a bad accident with a horse pulling a carriage uphill (see more about the history here). In 1873, the first cable car line started public service on Clay street.
The cable cars are a functional mode of transportation and a tourist attraction at the same time. Locals use them to get from place to place, and tourists jump on them just for the thrilling experience.
Tip: Be warned that during peak times many cable cars will pass you by before you can find an empty spot. Your best bet is to start at one of the stations. See rider’s guide here.
You can hop off at any stop along the way, but don’t expect a guaranteed spot if you decide to continue the route later.
The Hide & Beach station is right at Aquatic Park, which is a nice walking distance from Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.
While waiting for your turn to ride the cable car, you are usually entertained by street performers – some are excellent and others are plain annoying.
The ride from this station will take you all the way to Powell and Market station, passing by Lombard Street, the Cable Car Museum, Nob Hill, Chinatown and Union Square. Along the way, you will also enjoy great views of both bridges.
Lombard Street
A short walk from Pier-39 or Embarcadero is a street you must see to believe. After walking for a few blocks on a normal looking residential street, you will start noticing the twists and turns going up the hill.
The climb up the last few blocks of the street is very steep with hairpin turns. Those sharp turns earn it the title of the “crookest street in the world”.
If you would rather not walk up Lombard Street, you can still enjoy this unique sight from the Powell-Hyde Cable Car Line.
Chinatown
This is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and spans several city blocks. It is only a half hour walk from Fisherman’s Wharf or Pier-39.
Chinatown is a delight for shoppers and Asian food connoisseurs. You will find everything Chinese you can imagine. Gift shops, Jewelry, Dim Sum restaurants, Vegetable markets, Tearooms, and a fortune cookie factory.
The best way to enter Chinatown is at the intersection of Grant Ave. and Bush St. This is where the famous dragon gate is located.
Tip: Unlike most stores in America, haggling about the price is acceptable – especially in gift and souvenir shops. If you find an item you like don’t be afraid to ask for a discount.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable and visited San Francisco landmarks. It is also considered the most photographed bridge in the world. You really have to visit this engineering marvel at least once in your life.
The bridge officially opened in 1937 and connected San Francisco and Marin County for the first time. The Golden Gate Bridge held the record for the longest span—4200 feet (1.28 km)—for a long time.
There are two visitors centers—one on each end of the bridge. Both have spectacular views of the bay and the city and the long span of the bridge itself, but the south Plaza was recently renovated.
Tip: Parking is very limited at the plazas. It is highly recommended to use public transportation or biking.
If you are up to it, you can walk the length of the bridge to the other end – stopping frequently at the vista points. The hike along the bridge is about 1.7 miles (2.74 km) long. If you don’t feel like hiking the whole distance, go up to the middle for a great view.
While you are looking down and across the bay, you will see plenty of cruise ships passing under the bridge. You will also have a good view of Alcatraz Island.
Save 45% on San Francisco's Muni and 4 other attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!
Bay Cruises
Another way to explore San Francisco area and view the two bridges is to take a cruise in the bay. Several cruise fleets operate between Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier-39.
You can go on your typical cruise ship, a sailboat, or a rocket boat depending on the pace you want to set.
A typical bay and bridge cruise takes from 1 to 2 hours. Some cruises include a visit to Alcatraz and may take half a day.
If you want a thrill ride, try the Rocket Boat operated by the Blue and Gold fleet. This speed boat can get up to 50 miles per hour (80.47 km/h) and will take around 30 minutes to complete the cruise. Be ready to get drenched – especially if you are sitting in the back seats.
For a more relaxed and leisurely pace, take a Catamaran Sail Ship around the bay.
During my last visit, I went on a Golden Gate Bay cruise with the Red and White Fleet. The boat was large, with seats and tables on the lower deck and benches on the open upper deck. They also had a bar and snacks.
The tour itself was excellent. We got to see the Golden Gate Bridge and go under it, we got very close to Alcatraz, and we always had great views of the San Francisco skyline. All throughout the cruise, we had headsets to listen to some useful information. The only drawback is that the headsets sometimes stopped working and gave out an annoying noise.
Tip: No matter how nice the weather is in San Francisco, you will probably need a sweater or jacket during the cruise. The strong wind and sea water make the temperatures feel much cooler than they really were.
Ferry Building and Bay Bridge
You can use a ferry to get to many cities around the bay, like Tiburon, Sausalito or Vallejo. The ferry building is the main port for all ferries, and it is also a marketplace with many shops and restaurants.
From this area, you also have a great view of the Bay Bridge. The bridge lights up at night with 25,000 individually programmed lights for a dazzling show.
Out of the Ordinary
Bike Tours
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience parts of San Francisco is biking. There are a lot of bike rental and tour operators in S.F. You can rent a bike for the whole day, or you can join a guided tour.
I booked my tour with Blazing Saddles. They have several locations throughout the city, but I started my trip at the Hyde street location. This tour passes through many S.F. points of interest like Fort Mason; Palace of Fine Arts; Presidio National Park.
The highlight of the tour is biking from the Fort Point to the Golden Gate Bridge and continuing over the bridge for 1.7 miles (2.74 km).
Tip: The climb from the bottom of the bridge (at Bay level) to the top is very steep. If you don’t think you can make it, you can rent one of the electric bikes. They have a small motor that will assist you on the difficult climbs.
On the other end, you will be biking downhill to the beautiful city of Sausalito with its houseboat communities, shops, and restaurants.
Once you arrive at Sausalito you can ride the ferry back to San Francisco or you can go exploring the great bike trails in Marin County. The ferry ticket is included in your tour price.
A short bike ride takes you to the neighboring town of Tiburon. You can take the Tiburon ferry back to San Francisco.
Tip: During peak season and weekends the places set aside for bikes on a ferry get filled up quickly. You may have to get in line and wait for the next ferry.
Ferry Rides
Using the ferry is a great way to explore neighboring towns and attractions. Locals use them for commuting but that doesn’t stop tourists from jumping on for a ride.
You can get to places like Sausalito, Angel Island, AT&T Park, Oakland and Vallejo.
At Sausalito downtown, you can enjoy the shops and restaurants close to the ferry terminal, or you can take a bike ride to the Redwoods, Mill Valley or Tiburon.
On Angel Island you can go hiking, biking or just enjoy a picnic on the beach. The island also has a café offering unique sandwiches and wraps.
AT&T Park is home to the SF Giants Baseball major league team, but it also hosts other major events like Cirque du Soleil.
The city of Vallejo is a ferry ride away and is host to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – an amusement and water park.
Angel Island State Park
This state park is located on the biggest island on the bay. The whole island is set aside for recreational activities.
To get to the island, you will need to take a ferry or use a private boat. Ferries run multiple times a day but are limited during winter months.
You can start your visit by taking a tram tour of the island to familiarize yourself with the park. You can also take a Segway or Diggler (a kind of scooter) tour.
Tip: The last tram tour is at 2 PM. so make sure to get there early enough to catch the tram.
The island has several sandy beaches which are protected from the normal breeze hitting San Francisco beaches.
You can also enjoy the long and winding hiking trails which take you from the sea level to an elevation of 788 ft (0.24 km). Those trails provide a remarkable view of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.
Finally, you can bike on the main roads which circle the island. You can bring your bike or rent one at the park.
You are welcome to bring your snacks or picnic, but you can also dine at the Café, which offers unique sandwiches and wraps.
Coit Tower
Most tourists miss this white cylinder jotting from the top of Telegraph Hill, even though it is very prominent from most places in the city. After all, it is only a column of white concrete.
But is really worth a visit or two. At the lower level, you can enjoy huge murals covering all the walls. After a short elevator ride, you will reach the observation deck with a great 360-degree view of the city and the bay.
You can reach the tower by car, but for the best experience, try to hike to the top from the Embarcadero.
Start near Lombard Street and find the Greenwich steps. Going up the steps might be intimidating, but you will find many places along the way to rest and take some photos of the gardens and the bay.
The Marin Headlands
I always pass under the headlands when going over the Golden Gate Bridge. It never occurred to me go up there. Going to the top of the headland opened my eyes to a whole new experience in SF.
The winding road from the bridge level to the top commands amazing views of the bridge below and the city skyline across the bay. Many vista points are available along the way where you can park and get out to enjoy the view and take pictures.
At the highest point, there is a large parking lot and hiking trails that take you to the top of the hill.
During our last visit, this hilltop was in the middle of the clouds. Where we stood, we could see clouds passing above us and clouds passing below. It was an awe-inspiring feeling.
Muir Woods and Wine Tasting
Muir Woods is the last remaining grove of Giant Red Wood trees in the Bay Area, and it is located right outside the city of San Francisco. In 1908, it was declared a national monument and named after the naturist John Muir in recognition of his conservation efforts. It is a must-see spot for nature lovers and hikers. This also was the filming location for the 2011 movie “Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)”. See the full article here
Golden Gate Park
It is one of the largest urban parks in the US. It rivals New York’s Central Park in size – around 1,017 acres of multi-use lush land. The park is full of fun and activities for residents and visitors.
The park is home to the famous Conservatory of Flowers and Japanese Tea Garden, several playgrounds, lakes, picnic areas and sports venues.
At the west end of the park, you can find an authentic windmill that was actually used to irrigate the park lands. Next to the windmill, you will find Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden – a perfect match to the windmill.
Park visitors can enjoy music events at the Music Concourse or visit the Academy of Sciences museum. The Academy of Sciences offers a lot of fixed and visiting exhibits. Some of the most interesting exhibits are the Planetarium; Aquarium; Rain Forests of the World. The building itself is an exhibit on how to build green and sustainable habitats.
55 acres of the park are dedicated to the San Francisco Botanical Garden, a vast collection of plant species. The collection includes Magnolia species, high elevation palms, and cloud forest species.
A great way to experience this vast park is to bike through the long walkways and trails. You can actually bike from Fisherman’s Wharf to the middle of the park in about 50 minutes (6 miles (9.66 km)).
The lakes (or ponds) are stocked with fish, so you can go fishing – or you can have a leisurely ride on the paddle boats.
For more information go to the official website.
Attributions:
Some of the photos in this article were downloaded from Wikipedia under the Wikimedia Commons license.
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Angel Island State Park
Angel Island State Park anaheimerThis state park is located on the biggest island on the bay - a short boat ride away from San Francisco. The whole island is set aside for recreational activities.
San Francisco is a vibrant city with many iconic places to visit. Read the main San Francisco article here.
To get to the island you will need to take a ferry or use a private boat. Ferries run multiple times a day but are limited during winter months. Check the schedules to make sure you don't miss the last boat.
You can start your visit by taking a tram tour of the island to familiarize yourself with the park. You can also take a Segway or a Diggler (a kind of scooter) tour.
Tip: The last tram tour is at 2 PM. so make sure to get there early enough to catch the tram.
The island has several sandy beaches which are protected from the strong breeze hitting San Francisco shores.
You can also enjoy the long and winding hiking trails which take you from the sea level to an elevation of 788 ft. Those trails provide an amazing view of San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.
Finally, you can bike on the main roads which circle the island. You can bring your own bike or rent one at the park.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks or picnic, but you can also dine at the Cafe, which offers unique sandwiches and wraps.
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf anaheimerAs you walk west from Pier-39 you will start seeing bike rental shops, gift shops and several fleets of cruise ships. Keep going until you see the famous seafood street vendors where you can get your fill of fresh crab sandwiches or clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. If you like your dining a little fancier, check out the restaurants right on the docks.
San Francisco is a vibrant city with many iconic places to visit. Read the main San Francisco article here.
At the wharf, you can also visit the SS. Jeremiah O'Brien – a fully functional Liberty class warship. Also near the wharf, you can experience the strange and unusual at the “Ripley's Believe It or Not!” museum.
After your lunch or dinner, continue to head west on Beach or Jefferson. Along the way, you will encounter a lot of street performers and arts and crafts vendors. Some of them will show off their steel drum rhythms, others will play the guitar and sing.
At Beach and Hyde you will come across Aquatic Park and one of the main Cable Car stations. You can end your walk here and take the Cable Car to another destination, or you can continue on to Ghirardelli Square home of the famous chocolates. Ghirardelli Square is also home to “Kara's Cupcakes” with a large variety of the scrumptious little treats.
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park anaheimerIt is one of the largest urban parks in the US. It rivals New York’s central park in size – around 1,017 acres of multi-use lush land. The park is full of fun and activities for residents and visitors.
It sits on the western end of San Francisco and provides a lot of attractions and activities for locals and visitors.
San Francisco is a vibrant city with many iconic places to visit. Read the main San Francisco article here.
The park is home to the famous Conservatory of Flowers and Japanese Tea Garden, lots of playgrounds, lakes, picnic areas and sports venues.
At the west end of the park you can find an authentic windmill that was actually used to irrigate the parklands. Next to the windmill, you will find Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden – a perfect match to the windmill.
Park visitors can enjoy music events at the Music Concourse or visit the Academy of Sciences museum. The Academy of Sciences offers a lot of fixed and visiting exhibits. Some of the most interesting exhibits are Planetarium; Aquarium; Rain Forests of the World. The building itself is an exhibit on how to build green and sustainable habitats.
55 acres of the park are dedicated to the San Francisco Botanical Garden, a vast collection of plant species. The collection includes Magnolia species, high elevation palms, and cloud forest species.
A great way to experience this vast park is to bike through the long walkways and trails. You can actually bike from Fisherman’s Warf to the middle of the park in about 50 minutes (6 miles).
The lakes (or ponds) are stocked with fish so you can go fishing – or you can have a leisurely ride on the paddle boats.
More information go to the official website.
Attributions:
Some of the photos in this article were downloaded from Wikipedia under the Wikimedia Commons license.
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Muir Woods and Wine Tasting
Muir Woods and Wine Tasting anaheimerMuir Woods is the last remaining grove of Giant Red Wood trees in the bay area and it is located right outside of the city of San Francisco. In 1908 it was declared a national monument and named after the naturist John Muir in recognition of his conservation efforts.
It is a must-see spot for nature lovers and hikers. This also was the filming location for the 2011 movie “Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)”.
You can take a shuttle from the ferry terminal in Sausalito to Muir Woods and stay car-free. Or you can drive up to the woods. For shuttle service information go here.
Tip: On busy days you may not find a parking spot at the monument. It is strongly suggested to use public transit.
Once you get there you have a choice of several easy trails or longer trails into the surrounding Mount Tamalpais State Park.
The monument trails are boardwalk loops of various lengths (from .5 to 2 miles) and very easy with no elevation gain. The main trail, which is about 2 miles long, runs along a stream with mid-sized redwoods on either side. Three bridges cross the stream. You can loop back at any of those bridges or just cross over for better views.
For a more challenging hike, head to the upper trails in the state park. You can take the “Tourist Club Loop” which is about 4.5 miles long and offers views that most visitors will miss.
The park has a good snack and gift shop closer to the entrance. The snack shop offers deli-style sandwiches. Clean restrooms next door.
Another way to experience this natural wonder is with a bus tour. I recently went with “Best Bay Area Tours” on their Muir Woods and Wine Tasting Tour.
We rode in a luxurious Mercedes van with our driver and tour guide Mike. Mike was pleasant and knowledgeable about Muir Woods and Sonoma wine country.
During the first part of the trip, we went up the hills on Pacific Coast Highway to the monument. Along the way, we learned about the history of the park and various plants and trees. We spent about 2 hours hiking the trails and stopping for amazing photo opportunities.
After a stop at the snack bar for coffee and a restroom break, we headed out to Sonoma. Mike continued to educate us about the different types of wine and the 2 Sonoma valleys.
Our first wine stop was at the “Cline Cellars”. The building looked like an old plantation house surrounded by vineyards. A big fish pond on the side offers entertainment to non-wine drinkers. There is also a museum on the premises. You get to sample 5 non-preserve wines for free. You can get a flight of preserve wine for $5. The wines offered were not especially good - just average.
The next stop was at the “Larson Family Winery”. This winery looks like an old converted barn, with 2 friendly Lab dogs greeting visitors. The dogs are a hit with the kids. Kids also can play some games in the backyard while adults are sampling the wines. The wines were above average with a few that were very good. I especially liked the Merlot offering.
For lunch, we stopped in the city of Sonoma. Sonoma is a nice quiet old town with a historic downtown plaza. AT the center of the plaza you will find the beautiful colonial city hall building. On three sides of the plaza, you will find a large selection of shops and restaurants. I enjoyed a declivous salad at the “The Girl & The Fig”.
After lunch, we met Mike at the cheese factory where you can taste their cheese and fudge selection. I also enjoyed a tasty dessert of Gelato ice cream.
Our last stop was at the “Jacuzzi Family Vineyards”, which is right across the street from the first stop “Cline Cellars”. We also learned that both wineries are owned by the same parent company - but a difference between the two.
The jacuzzi is more upscale and situated in a very nice building. They offer free wine tasting and free olive oil tasting. The tasting host is very knowledgeable about the wines and about the Jacuzzi family history. Did you know that the Roy Jacuzzi invented the water pump and designed a very light propeller? The history lessons were a great bonus, but the wines were a hit. I liked several of their offerings and the prices were reasonable. Don’t forget to visit the tour with commanding views of the valley and the hills.
On the way back we drove through the beautiful town of Sausalito and up to the Marin Headlands. I always pass under the headlands when going over the Golden Gate Bridge. It never occurred to me to go up there. Now I know what I was missing. The view of the bridge and the city from above is breathtaking.
As a whole, I really enjoyed my trip with Best Bay Area Tours. I only have one small critique: The time allotted for each stop is too long. We get done quickly with wine tasting and exploring then we have to wait for the Van to pick us up.
Best Bay Area Tours offers other wine tasting tours as well as city tours and Yosemite day tours.
Pier 39 - San Francisco
Pier 39 - San Francisco anaheimerPier-39 is a must-see attraction in the city of San Francisco. The pier is a nice walk on the waterfront with many shops, restaurants, and attractions.
San Francisco is a vibrant city with many iconic places to visit. Read the main San Francisco article here.
You can just walk around through the main walkway and enjoy the bustling activity or you can stroll along the outside pathways with a great view of the bay, Alcatraz, and passing cruise ships.
At the tip of the pier, you can visit the Aquarium of the Bay where you can get acquainted with SF Bay sea life.
Deeper into the pier, you can get the “7D Experience" - a roller-coaster, 3D movie, laser tag experience all-in-one.
While at the pier, don’t forget to try the Musical Stairs where you can make music by going up and down the stairs.
For the young and young at heart try the Carousel or catch a puppet show.
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One of the biggest attractions at the pier is the large population of Sea Lions that made the docks their home. Just walk to the edge or sides of the pier and enjoy the boisterous Pinnipeds and their antics.
Right next to Pier-39 you can book an adventure on land or sea. You can go on a sailing boat cruise or you can jump on a fast boat to Alcatraz or the Golden Gate Bridge.
Also close to the pier you can rent a bike for a whole day or go on a guided bike tour. I suggest doing both a cruise and bike tour to see the Golden Gate Bridge from all angles.
Pier-39 has a lot of dining options including restaurants with amazing views of the bay. My favorite at the pier is Neptune’s Waterfront Grill & Bar. It has good food and the best view.
San Jose
San Jose anaheimerSan Jose is the capital of Silicon Valley and the third largest city in Northern California.
The city is home to many of the world's biggest tech firms and is considered one of the wealthiest major cities in the world, with the third-highest GDP per capita and the fifth-most expensive housing market.
It is home to one of the world's largest overseas Vietnamese populations, a Hispanic community that makes up over 40% of the city's residents, and historic Japanese and Portuguese neighborhoods.
San Jose sits at the southern tip of San Francisco Bay in Santa Clara County and is considered a gateway to the city by the bay.
You can find a lot to do in San Jose, and it could be your base camp for more fun in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Monterey.
Here are some of my favorite attractions in the area:
Museums
Winchester Mystery House
This mansion tour is full of mystery and intrigue and is a must-see during a visit to San Jose.
The house is a 24,000 square feet architectural oddity with 160 rooms, 10,000 windows, 2,000 doors, and stairs leading nowhere.
So who built this crazy house and why?
Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester was the widow of William Wirt Winchester, the inventor of the Winchester® Repeating Rifle.
Tragedy befell Sarah – her infant daughter died of a childhood illness, and a few years later, her husband was taken from her by tuberculosis.
She soon moved to San Jose, California, and started building the house. No one knows for sure what, but legends state she consulted a Psychic who told her:
"You are haunted by the spirits of those killed by your husband's rifles. To thwart their efforts, you must build a house and keep building until the day you die".
And the rumors say that the sounds of hammers and saws never stopped until she passed away in 1922.
Nowadays, you can go on a 90-minute tour of the three-story mansion and experience lazy stairs, secret passages, doors to nowhere, antique furniture, and hear the sad history of Sarah and her home.
Or you can take the Flashlight Tours for some spooky tales, take up Ax Throwing, or even try an escape room.
The Tech Interactive
"The Tech Interactive" is a science and technology museum that offers hands-on activities, labs, design challenges, and other educational resources in downtown San Jose.
The center is mainly geared towards hands-on experiences and experimentation with some dedicated exhibits.
For example, at the Social Robots Hall, you can design robots for human interaction, while at Cyber Detectives, you can learn to crack codes, spot scams, and prevent crime like a cyber security pro.
At Body Motion, explore how your movement and interactions with others affect your physical, social, and emotional health.
The IMAX Dome shows mainstream movies as well as educational films. Some of the films shown recently are Everest, Wings Over Water and Ireland. Find the movie schedule here.
The Tech offers in-person and virtual field trips to school groups and provides field trip scholarships to underserved schools.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
What a nice find in San Jose. A museum with the largest collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities in the Western United States.
It was founded by the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC). The Rosicrucian Order continues to support and expand the museum and its educational and scientific activities.
The museum is divided into 4 main galleries: Afterlife, Daily Life, Rulers, and Religion.
At the afterlife exhibit, expect to find many examples of mummies on display, including mummified animals.
The daily life exhibit is filled with items used in Daily Life by the ancient Egyptian people, including a game board, a mirror, and even a marriage contract.
And of course, you have to meet the pharaohs at the Rulers exhibit.
Religion was at the center of every activity in ancient Egypt, and the Religion exhibit features many of the gods and goddesses worshiped in the ancient Egyptian religion.
You can take 360-degree tours of those galleries here.
The museum also has a children's play area with hands-on games. Kids can pick up a "Passport to Ancient Egypt" and collect stamps and write about things they learn as they make their way through the museum.
The passport also contains a great chart that deciphers the Hieroglyphic Alphabet.
Parks and Hiking
Municipal Rose Garden
The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden was opened in 1927 and has been a main attraction for generations.
It recently won the title of "America's Best Rose Garden" by the All-American Rose Selections in a Nationwide competition. The Garden is free and open to the public.
The gardens have more than 3,500 plantings and 189 varieties. You can find some blooming roses any time of the year, but the best time to visit is late May.
Ed R. Levin County Park
Nestled in the hills to the northeast of San Jose, this Santa Clara county park offers a lot of outdoor activities.
The park's recreational facilities include a hang gliding and paragliding area, a dog park, horseback riding, fishing, hiking trails, and a kid's playground.
The park has two lakes, Sandy Wool Lake and Spring Valley Pond. Both of them are reservoirs that collect runoff water from the hills.
You can enjoy a leisurely walk around the lakes, take a more challenging hike through the hills, or just have a picnic.
Alum Rock Park
Alum Rock Park is California's oldest municipal park, established in 1872. It is located in a valley in the Diablo Range foothills on the east side of San Jose.
The park's age adds a fairy-tale atmosphere with its rock bridges, creeks, and mineral springs.
The 720-acre park offers 13 miles of trails, from the easy hike along Penitencia Creek to strenuous hikes along the ridges.
The has a visitor center, a small museum, picnic areas, playgrounds, lawns, sand volleyball pits, mineral springs, lush plant life, woodlands, creek play opportunities, and group camping.
The ridge trails offer views of Santa Clara Valley and of the valley in which the park is located. Some trails in the park are a part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail; the Todd Quick trail connects with the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority's 1,600-acre Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve.
Some trails allow horses and mountain bikers, while others are restricted to hikers only.
Important Note: The park is closed in in early 2023 due to the California rainstorms.
Expect to see a lot of wildlife at this park, including several Hawk species, deer, foxes, bobcats, and the occasional mountain lions.
Baylands Park
Baylands is outside of San Jose in the City of Sunnyvale. This park has a unique blend of naturally preserved wetland areas, with a traditional city park's picnic and playground areas.
Baylands Park provides over seventy acres of parkland, offering active recreation, pathways, and picnic areas for families and large groups.
An additional 105 acres of seasonal wetlands is protected as a Wetlands Preserve, providing habitat for plants and wildlife.
My favorite feature at this park is a bridge to nowhere – it is actually a boardwalk that jots into the wetlands. As you walk along this path, you can enjoy the views and the many kinds of waterfowl.
River Park
This park comes up often when you look for things to do in San Jose, so we went to explore.
The idea of a walk along the river was appealing, but we were disappointed because 1 - It was challenging to find, and 2 – it was rundown and looked like a drug haven.
I would avoid this park.
Shopping
I am not a great fan of shopping, but good malls can be fun anyway. You can find VR Games, Massage Chairs, Movie Theaters, and great dining.
I visit a few places with my wife to check them out.
Santana Row
Santana Row is a residential area with an open shopping mall with a mix of brand-name shops, local boutiques, restaurants, nine spas and salons, a theater, and a hotel.
On the main thoroughfare, Stevens Creek Boulevard, you can find name-brand stores like Crate & Barrel, The Container Store, Best Buy, H&M, Tesla, Nike, lululemon, and Madewell.
Walking around the pedestrian-only promenade, with its gardens, fountains, and statues, is a treat.
The Row hosts various events, from fashion shows to live music and outdoor yoga classes to the annual tree lighting ceremony.
While visiting, we had lunch at one of my favorite healthy food places, Mendocino Farms. This restaurant offers creative sandwiches and salads made with fresh ingredients.
And across the street on Winchester Blvd, we visited the Winchester Mystery House.
Westfield Valley Fair
Vallet Fair is one of the larger malls in California and the thirteenth largest in the US. It has 214 stores and 58 dining options.
For fun and entertainment, you can visit Immersive Gamebox, Lego store, Young Art Lessons, and ShowPlace ICON theaters.
At GameBox, you can play immersive games with family and friends with motion tracking, projection mapping, touch screens, and surround sound.
Some of the stores found here are Forever 21, ecco, Bloomingdale's, Dockers, Banana Republic, Apple Store, Ann Taylor, and Abercrombie & Fitch. Get a full store list here https://www.westfield.com/valleyfair/stores.
Great Mall of the Bay Area
If I really need to do some shopping, I always end up at an outlet mall, and the Great Mall in Milpitas has what I need.
It is a large indoor factory outlet with many famous brands like Adidas, Aeropostale, American Eagle, Burlington, Calvin Klein, Champs, and GAP.
Interesting Fact: The mall is laid out as an oval racetrack because the existing main structure was originally a Ford automobile assembly plant.
For fun, you can visit Dave & Buster's, Bounce-A-Rama, Century Theaters, and LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
My favorite restaurants at the mall are Dave & Buster's, Olive Garden, Kelly's Cajun Grill, Outback Steakhouse, and Sarku, Japan.
Dining
Elyse
ÉLYSE is located in downtown San Jose and bills itself as a French Vietnamese restaurant.
The food and service were excellent, but I saw nothing Vietnamese or French except for the decor and one dish.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the decor, the food, and the service, but I would call this place fusion cuisine.
During our last visit, we tried the Roasted Lamb and Seared Salmon. Both were tasty and satisfying.
We finished our meal with a delicious Belgian Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla ice cream.
Of course, we posed for pictures in front of the Eifel tower and pretended we were dining in Paris.
The downtown area is usually bustling with activity, but on a weekday after 5 it is almost dead.
Luna Mexican Kitchen
Luna is an excellent place for authentic Mexican cuisine made with fresh ingredients. It is located in the Alameda neighborhood of San Jose, with many stores and restaurants.
The restaurant is always crowded – a good sign - and does not take reservations, but you can check in on Yelp to get on the waitlist.
Parking is challenging, and if possible, use ridesharing services.
During our visit, we tried the Chile Relleno Picadillo, Salmon tacos, and Enchiladas Placeras. All were excellent and with huge portions - we had a lot of leftovers.
We enjoyed Luna Ritas and Prickly Pear Hisciscus Ritas with our meals, and we ended it with a mouthwatering Choco Flan.
Sushi Arashi
I love Japanese cuisine and am always on the lookout for a good Sushi place, and Arashi fits the bill.
This Willow Glen restaurant has many rolls and nigiri to pick from. We ordered Ninja, Mango Crunch, Rainbow, and Unagi Lover rolls. My favorite was the Mango Crunch Roll.
We loved every one of the rolls. The sushi rice was perfect, and the fish was fresh.
You can also order combo plates and lunch Bento – and they deliver.
Sevens Grill, Sonesta
We stayed at Sonesta, Milpitas, and breakfasted at Sevens every morning. The breakfast buffet was well-stocked, and everything was perfect.
The service can use some help. They usually have only one server to take care of all customers.
Despite this shortcoming, I would recommend this place for breakfast whether you are staying at the hotel or nearby.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo anaheimerSan Luis Obispo is a city in San Luis Obispo County, California. It is the county seat and the most populous city in the county.
It is located on the Central Coast of California, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The city is situated in a valley between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
San Luis Obispo enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, but summers can get hot and dry.
Along with the city of San Luis Obispo, the county has several towns that attract visitors for beaches, parks, wineries, and historic sites.
Let us start with the city of San Luis Obispo
The city is known for its historic architecture, vineyards, and a vibrant downtown with many shops, bars, restaurants, a river walk, and the mission.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is a Spanish mission founded on September 1, 1772 by Father Junípero Serra.
It is the fifth of the 21 California missions, and was named after Saint Louis, Bishop of Toulouse, France.
Interesting Fact: Obispo means Bishop in Spanish.
The best way to admire the mission’s Spanish colonial architecture is to go on the free docent led tour. The guide explained the history of the mission and pointed out unique architectural features.
Across the mission, an unmarked path leads through a gate and down into a shaded river walk. It is a nice respite from the heat on summer days.
Other popular cities in San Luis Obispo County:
Pismo Beach
A beach town with a long stretch of sand, tide pools, a popular pier, parks, hiking trails, and nature preserves.
Read more about Pismo Beach here
Oceano
Oceano is a small town on the border with Pismo Beach and share with it the long Pismo Beach State Park.
Visitors flock to this small town to visit Oceano Dunes SVRA, to play on the dunes with their offroad vehicles.
Read more about Oceano Dunes SVRA here
Morro Bay
A harbor town on Pacific Coast Highway with a working fishing fleet, Morro Rock, a boardwalk, seafood restaurants, kayak and boat rentals, and Morro Bay State Park.
Paso Robles
Is a town known for wineries and olive groves. The region is home to 250 wineries and specialized in Zinfandels and other red wines.
Avila Beach
Another typical California small beach town with a charming Main Street, a working wharf, and Avila Hot Springs.
Pismo Beach, CA
Pismo Beach, CA anaheimer Pismo Beach is a city in San Luis Obispo County, California, on the Central Coast. It is located along the Pacific Ocean, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Travelers usually just zip by on the way to other destinations like Hearst Castle, Monterey, or San Francisco, but this beach town deserves a visit on its own.
Pismo Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, popular pier, parks, nature preserves, and hiking trails.
Nearby, in Oceano Dunes, visitors enjoy offroad vehicle fun on the dunes.
We recently spent a few days exploring this town and found many things to do.
Pismo State Beach
This 17-mile stretch of beach is the longest in California and extends through the towns of Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, and Oceano.
It is one of the most popular beaches in California. It is known for its beautiful white sand, which is soft and powdery.
The beach is also home to various wildlife, including shorebirds, sea lions, and dolphins.
Interesting Fact: Pismo Beach is a popular surfing destination, and is home to the Pismo Beach Surfing Classic, a surfing competition that has been held annually since 1964.
At this State Beach, people enjoy swimming, surfing, sunbathing, beachcombing, and camping.
The Oceano Dunes section is one of the rare places where you can drive your vehicles right on the sand and in the surf – although 4-wheel drives are strongly recommended.
People also bring their dirt bikes, UTEs, and ATVs or rent them from several places in town.
Read more about Oceano Dune here.
Pismo Beach Pier
The pier is a popular hangout for locals and tourists and is considered one of the longest piers in California, at 1,370 feet.
From the pier, you can watch the surfers below trying to catch the best wave, and you may find the occasional Otter and Dolphin. The pier is also a popular spot for fishing and whale watching.
The promenade connected to the pier offers a nice walk and many dining choices.
Interesting Fact: The name "Pismo" comes from the Chumash word "Pismoot," which means "tar." The Chumash used tar from the area to seal their baskets and canoes.
The pier and connecting streets can get crowded, and parking is hard to come by. If possible, use public transportation or ridesharing.
Dinosaur Caves Park and Margo Dodd Park
I am listing both parks together because they are connected and part of a longer walk that connects Dino Park, Margo Park, and the Shell Beach Coastal Conservancy.
The parks and conservancy are on a bluff overlooking the ocean with beautiful landscaping and stunning views.
The park's name comes from a giant concrete dinosaur that used to connect to Caverns of Mystery.
The Dino burned down, and the caverns have since collapsed, but the park was transformed into its modern incarnation in 1992.
It now has a grassy lawn, playground, walking trails, picnic tables, slides, swings, and a public restroom.
It also has Jurassic and ocean-themed play structures for children, including giant dinosaur eggs, a small concrete brontosaurus, dolphins and whales, and a boat called the USS Imagination.
A trail goes through the park and the beautiful wildflower garden, connecting to the Margo Park and the conservancy.
Pismo Preserve
Across the freeway from Dino Park, you can find this preserved area with an extensive trail system.
We didn’t have a predetermined route to follow, so we just started walking on the Spring-to-spring trail heading to Loan Oak.
The first part of the trail was noisy, with a lot of traffic from Highway 101, but we soon entered a wilderness with moss-covered oak trees.
Interesting Fact: Pismo Beach is known as the "Clam Capital of the World." Pismo clams were once so abundant that they were harvested with plows. Today, clamming is still legal in Pismo Beach, but due to overharvesting and the presence of sea otters, clams are much less common.
Amid this small forest, we found a picnic table where we took a much-needed break.
After the break, we kept climbing until we connected with Discovery Trail, which was our high point on this hike.
At the connector, we decided to follow the Low Road trail going downhill and back to the parking lot.
Our hike was one option along the ten miles of trails. You can find good descriptions and reviews of the best trails at the preserve here.
Monarch Butterfly Grove
The Monarch Butterfly Grove is a nature preserve located at Pismo State Beach and is home to thousands of monarch butterflies that migrate to the area each year to overwinter.
During our visit in June, this preserve was closed, so I am describing it from other visitor’s reviews.
The grove is a small area of eucalyptus trees that provide the butterflies with shelter from the chilly winter weather. The butterflies cluster together in the trees, forming a colorful blanket of orange and black.
The Monarch Butterfly Grove is open to the public from November to February during the overwintering season.
Visitors can walk through the grove and observe the butterflies up close. A small interpretive center also provides information about the butterflies and their migration.
San Pedro and USS Iowa Museum
San Pedro and USS Iowa Museum anaheimerPortions of San Pedro are also known as “Los Angeles Waterfront” and “Port-o-call Village”. The town is part of the greater Los Angeles city and home to the Port of Los Angeles.
This doesn’t make it sound like a major tourist destination, but it is a nice fun outlet for locals and visitors.
The Port-o-Call Village Plaza offers several Seafood restaurants, gift shops, a cruise ship terminal and the Battleship Iowa Museum. A cobblestone walkway connects the shops with nice views of the harbor and the Vincent Thomas Bridge connecting San Pedro to Terminal Island.
Metro Bike Share has a station next to the USS Iowa. You can pay and rent a bike for $3.5 per half hour or get a discounted rate if you buy a pass.
Dining
There are a lot of dining choices in the village. You can have a nice sit-down meal at a highly rated restaurant or you can grab a sweet snack from the vendor. Some restaurants offer weekend and holiday brunches.
Ports O' Call Waterfront Dining
This is a highly rated surf and turf restaurant with a wide selection of Steak and Fish dishes. They also offer daily happy hour from 3 to 7 and a Sunday Brunch.
If you like to sample a collection of their best appetizers, try the Chilled Seafood tower.
If you are really hungry, try the Deep-Fried Whole Bass or share it with someone.
The balcony seating overlooks the Chanel with the best views of passing ships.
San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant
At this place, you can order Seafood from the menu or you can buy your own Seafood and have them cook it to order.
If you are in a hurry, order fish-and-chips, clam chowder, or calamari from the fast-food counter and take to the huge outdoor patio.
The menu has a large variety of dishes to satisfy any appetite. To try a sampler of food, choose their fried fish plates or fish kabob skewers.
Acapulco
If you love Mexican food, then stop by Acapulco restaurant where you can find all the traditional Mexican cuisine in a family dining experience.
On Sundays, they offer an all-you-can brunch buffet. Fill up on breakfast and lunch favorites with made-to-order Omelets or Tacos.
Battleship Iowa Museum
The USS Iowa was commissioned in 1943 and served through WWII and the Korean War. It was also used during the cold war. This battleship also hosted 3 presidents and earned the nickname Battleship of Presidents.
Since 2011, the battleship has been on display at Port of Los Angeles with daily self-guided tours. This is a fitting final resting home for this warship since San Pedro was the home of the US Battle Fleet from 1919 to 1940.
The ship is very impressive the moment you lay eyes on it as you approach it from the parking lot. It is, even more, owe inspiring as walk-on decks and under the largest guns (16"/50 caliber) on a U.S. Navy ship.
As you traverse the halls of this ship you get a glimpse into the lives of sailors on board and you get to learn about the history of this war machine.
Did you know that President Roosevelt planned the invasion of Normandy from aboard this ship?
The museum is operated by the non-profit Pacific Battleship Center (PBC) and with the help of many volunteers who are always happy to explain the various exhibits.
I especially enjoyed going through the sailor living quarters, mess hall, and the meeting room from which the D-day invasion was planned.
At the end of the tour, you can browse through the gift shop and enjoy a flight simulator ride.
Beaches
San Pedro has several nice beaches, some of them are within walking distance from Port-O-Call village.
Cabrillo Beach
This popular beach area in San Pedro offers several activity options and only about a 45-minute walk from Port-O-Call (LA waterfront).
This is a historic beach and is named after Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer who was the first to sail up the California coast.
The beach includes an Aquarium, Pier, Watersports youth center, and walking trails. It also has the historic Bath House building which was the last bathhouse built in California in 1932. It is now used for restrooms, showers, a snack bar, and community meeting rooms.
Adjacent to this beach you can find Point Fermin Park with hiking trails, a playground, an amphitheater, and a picnic area. The park is located on bluffs overlooking the ocean.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara anaheimerSanta Barbara is a coastal town sandwiched between the steep hills of Santa Ynez mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
The Spanish Colonial architecture, white buildings with courtyards, homes terraced on the hills overlooking the ocean, and the inviting sandy beaches – all gave Santa Barbara its nickname "The American Riviera".
There is plenty to do on the American Riviera. During my visits to Santa Barbara, I went on walks on the beach, hikes in the mountains, Biking, Whale Watching, kayaking.
I also visited the Botanic Garden, the Zoo, a historic building, and dined on State Street. Here are my favorite places to see and things to do.
A walk on the beach
Santa Barbara has a long shoreline with many beaches, a harbor, and a Wharf. You can walk through most of it with a leisurely walk starting from Shoreline Park on the West end, through SB Harbor, passing through East Beach, and ending at the Andree Clark Bird Refuge.
Along the way, you can stop for a snack at the Harbor, Sterns Wharf, or the restaurants dotting Cabrillo Street.
Right after the Wharf, as you go east, you will find another unofficial bird sanctuary. It is fun to watch all the birds gathering at Mission Creek – right at the beach.
Sterns Wharf
The Wharf is an excellent place to catch some good views and enjoy a meal. There are several restaurants to choose from, a wine tasting bar, and several snacks and treat shops.
Both Harbor and Moby Dick restaurants offer good seafood and splendid views. The food is just average, but you are paying for the views.
The Deep-Sea Tasting Room is an excellent choice for wine lovers. They offer great food and drinks with second-floor balcony seats.
The Wharf allows cars in, which makes it a bustling and noisy place, but once you pass the main road, you can escape the noise by going behind the restaurants and shops on the sides overlooking the water.
State Street
State Street is probably the most popular destination for visitors and residents alike. It cuts through downtown Santa Barbara and extends to Sterns Wharf.
It is a very lively place with many restaurants, bars, and shops – and a historic place. The old Stagecoach route ran through this street.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, long sections of this street were converted to pedestrians only. Most of the restaurants added an outdoor seating area extending into the street. This gives it a more European vibe.
State street is long, so expect to walk a lot. While walking, you can admire the Spanish colonial buildings, theaters and museums, and hidden courtyards.
Santa Barbara Car-Free offers good self-guided walking tours. Try the Red Tile Walking Tour that includes stops at historic landmarks.
This walk starts and ends at the Courthouse – another beautiful historic site. This is a functioning courthouse with a large courtyard, a clock tower, and a statue fountain.
Santa Barbara Harbor
Renting a berth at the harbor will cost you a lot, but you don't have to be rich to enjoy some water adventure.
You can rent a boat, jet skis, kayaks, or take surfing lessons. You can also enjoy a nice meal with a view at one of the restaurants.
From the harbor, you can also go on a whale and dolphin watching trip. You can also visit the Maritime Museum.
Do you want to splurge a little? You can hire a yacht with a full crew and a live band.
Santa Barbara is also a springboard to the Channel Islands National Park, where you can hike and explore the pristine wilderness. Read about Channel Islands National Park here. /content/channel-islands-national-park
Botanic Garden
The botanic garden is an excellent way to get introduced to California's diverse habitats – from the redwood forest to desert sands.
The garden is divided into several sections based on the environment. You can visit the Arroyo section with plants that thrive around creeks, or the Canyon section, which takes you through a lush, shaded wood on the banks of Mission Creek. In the desert section, explore the hearty plants that survive with minimal water. See more garden sections here.
The garden is currently leading an effort by citizen scientists to reclaim and restore local trails after the recent wildfires.
Get more info about garden sections, guided tours and events here.
Museum of Natural History
This museum is tucked away in the hills above Santa Barbara and provides a great way to learn about the history of the region.
Indoor and outdoor exhibits highlight the plants and animals who make this area home – and native American tribes that thrived here.
I especially enjoyed the Chumash life exhibit. It is full of artifacts and dioramas showing the daily lives of the tribe.
Another exhibit worth mentioning is the Mammal Hall, with large dioramas depicting mammals in their natural habitats.
It is not the largest or the best museum in the country, but it is worth a visit if you have a few hours to kill. It is also a big hit with the kids.
Hiking
The Santa Barbara area, with its long coast and surrounding mountains, offers plenty of hikes for every level. You can take a leisurely stroll on the waterfront, or you can follow one of the trails through the canyons. You can also head to the Santa Ynez mountains for a more strenuous hike with amazing views.
Some of my favorite hikes:
Lizard's Mouth
For an easy hike with a picnic area, head to Lizard's Mouth. From West Camino Cielo Road, you can take a half-mile roundtrip hike to a rock formation that resembles a Lizard's mouth. At the top, you can set up a picnic and enjoy the ocean views.
Seven Falls
This is a moderate hike to a seasonal waterfall and three pools. Don't expect to see running water during the summer months.
The round trip is only about 2.5 miles (ca. 4 km) long, with an elevation gain of 800 ft (0.24 km).
The hike is not easy. Make sure to wear hiking boots and be ready to do some rock hopping. But your reward at the end is nice cool pools to splash in.
Parking is limited and strictly enforced. Get there early to guarantee a spot, or take a Lyft or Uber.
Trailhead: End of Tunnel Road
La Cumbre Peak and Inspiration Point Loop
This hike is longer and more strenuous, but it is worth the effort. The 10-mile hike takes up 1000 ft (0.3 km) with stunning views of Santa Barbara, Channel Islands.
This is not an easy hike. Be prepared with hiking boots and gloves. You will be doing a lot of rock scrambling.
Trailhead: End of Tunnel Road
You can also get to the summit via E Camino Cielo.
Channel Islands
It is hard to find a secluded area in Southern California to step away from civilization and commune with nature. But luckily for us, the Channel Islands are a short boat ride away with beautiful nature and great adventures.
The eight islands constituting the Channel Islands are only a few miles away from Santa Barbara, but they might as well be worlds away. So, you can make Santa Barbara your Basecamp for your adventure.
Those islands have never been connected to the mainland, so they have their unique species of animals and plants.
The islands are full of hiking trails, campgrounds, and adventures. You can spend a day hiking, kayaking, or snorkeling. Read the full Channel Islands Guide here.
Electric Bike Tour
We recently went on a private electric bike tour with Cal Coast Adventures and loved every minute of it. The e-bikes were very steady and comfortable, and the electric assist helped us climb some steep hills. Read the full article about this tour here.
Dining
Santa Barbara adapted quickly to the pandemic and converted long sections of State Street to pedestrians only use.
Most of the restaurants added an outdoor seating area extending into the street. This gives State Street a more European vibe.
But also because of the pandemic, you can't just walk in and expect to find a table. Plan and make reservations days in advance. A Few restaurants don't offer reservations, but you can check in ahead of time via Yelp or by calling the restaurant.
State Street does not have a monopoly on good restaurants. You can find wonderful places close to State or even further away.
Santa Ynez Wine Tours
During a recent visit to Santa Barbara, we decided to check out wine country in the Santa Ynez valley. We booked a full-day tour with Sustainable Wine Tours.
During this tour, we visited 3 wineries that only cater to private tours and wine club members. All three were very gracious and generous with their samples.
Electric Bike Tour of Santa Barbara
Electric Bike Tour of Santa Barbara anaheimerWhat a great way to explore Santa Barbara! We recently went on a private electric bike tour with the Cal Coast Adventures and loved every minute of it.
Brody was our guide on this tour, and he quickly exhibited his love and knowledge of the area. He took us on a long but leisurely ride on beautiful bike trails, beaches, and city streets.
The bikes were very steady and comfortable, and the electric assist helped us climb some steep hills.
The tour started from Cal Coast Adventures office in an industrial area, but soon we were on the beach path and headed to a well-appointed bike trail.
Our first destination was the city of Montecito, but before we got there, we came across the Andree Clark Bird Refuge – a serene marsh with thousands of birds swimming and flying around.
Right above the sanctuary, you can spot some animals from the Santa Barbara Zoo. The most prominent are the Giraffes trying to eat from the tree branches.
We kept going through winding paths and some hills until we reached the homes of the rich and famous in Montecito. Brody pointed out the majestic mansion of Ty Warner, the maker of the famous “Beanie Babies”.
As we progressed on our tour, we came across a lot of expensive estates and resorts, but what grabbed our attention the most is the beautiful Butterfly Beach. The beach got its name from the migrating Monarchs who rest in the area along their journey.
After enjoying the views at the beach, we headed back to Santa Barbara, passed by Sterns Wharf, and climbed up a steep hill to SB College. The college is surprisingly large, with commanding views of the ocean. We relaxed at “” with a great view of the harbor and the hills.
The final leg of our tour took us through the famous State Street with lots of shops and restaurants. Did you know that State street used to be the old Stagecoach route?
Talking about history, close to state street, we visited the Courthouse – considered the most beautiful public building in the United States. This is a functioning courthouse with a large courtyard, a clock tower, and a statue fountain.
We really enjoyed our tour and will definitely come back for more tours and adventures. While at Cal Coast Adventures office, we noticed that they offer other adventures like Surf Lessons, Kayak Tours, and Mountain Bike Tours. You can also rent bikes, kayaks, and surfboards. Check out their services here.
Santa Barbara Dining
Santa Barbara Dining anaheimerSanta Barbara adapted quickly to the pandemic and converted long sections of State Street to pedestrians only use.
Most of the restaurants added an outdoors seating area extending into the street. This gives State Street a more European vibe.
But also, due to the pandemic, you can't just walk in and expect to find a table. Plan ahead and make reservations days in advance. A Few restaurants don't offer reservations, but you can check in ahead of time via Yelp or by calling the restaurant.
State Street does not have a monopoly on good restaurants. You can find great places close to State or even further away.
Here are some of my favorite restaurants:
On State Street
Jane
Jane is billed as an American, international, Vegetarian-Friendly restaurant – and it does offer an exciting fusion of cuisines.
It is a place where you can order a Duck Breast, Curry Chicken, Veal Marsala, or a Cheeseburger.
During our recent visit, we enjoyed the patio seats as tried the Lamb Chops and the Chicken Curry. Both were perfectly cooked and very tasty.
We ended the meal with Toffee Sundae and Pecan Tart, for an excellent finish.
1311 State St, Santa Barbara, CAOpal
Opal offers Italian American dishes with international influence. You can find many pasta dishes on the menu, but if you prefer to skip the carbs, you can enjoy duck, chicken, and steak dishes too.
For our last visit, we tried the Fettuccine With Tiger Shrimp and the Chicken Chipotle. The food was delicious, and the portions were huge.
We also enjoyed their wine list. I had a Merlot, and my wife enjoyed a Riesling. For dessert, we tried their Gelato and Crème Brulee.
1325 State St, Santa Barbara, CASanto Mezcal
We went to Mezcal for convenience. It was right next to our hotel. But we ended up enjoying an excellent Mexican meal with lots of drinks.
This place is bustling and does not take reservations, but you can get on the waitlist at yelp.com.
The ambiance was a little loud for us, but it would be heaven for sports fans. Lots of screens all around to catch the latest game.
During our visit, my wife ordered: “Tlacoyo De Huitlacoche Y Hongos“ - a very long name that really means corn tortilla and huitlacoche mushroom.
My meal was more traditional Mexican cuisine – the Enchiladas Verde.
We finish our meal with Pan De Elote – a Toffee Caramel with vanilla ice cream.
119 State St, Santa Barbara, CAClose to State
Helena Ave Bakery
For a culinary adventure, head to Helena Ave Bakery. This café and bakery offer the best bread, scones, and biscuits. They also make unique and delicious sandwiches.
Your breakfast can be as simple as French bread with butter and jam or as elaborate as Breakfast Sandwich on Brioche or Green Eggs & Ham on a Biscuit.
Lunch choices include Turkey Sandwich, Cous Cous Salad, or a BLT.
131 Anacapa St c, Santa Barbara, CABlack Sheep
Black Sheep chefs like to source their ingredients locally, keep it organic, and experiment with their creations.
Although it is not on State street, it is only a few blocks away. They have several patios to choose from and some indoor seating.
On our visit, we ordered the catch of the day – which happened to be scallops and the Duck Leg Confit. They were both cooked right and delicious.
If you feel adventurous, try the Menu Gastronomique, a 4-course meal selected by the chef.
We tried their Lemon Drop Martini and the Manhattan. The drinks were a little above average, and the selection was short. If you prefer wine with your mean, they do offer a good selection of wines.
We finished our meal with the Almon Finacler and the Chocolate Tort. Both were excellent.
26 E Ortega St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101OKU
OKU is right at the corner of State and Cabrillo streets – facing the beach - and serves creative Asian-inspired dishes.
The covered patios are a great place to relax, enjoy the views and the delicious food.
The menu includes a delightful selection of Sushi, Sashimi, freshly caught seafood dishes to share. You can also order steak, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals.
Our meal consisted of Miso Soup, Spicy Yellowtail Roll, Shinpbi Roll, and Rainbow Roll on our recent visit. The rolls were fresh and tasty and the service was excellent.
For a great finish to a great meal, I recommend the Meyer Lemon Tartlette.
29 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CABouchon
aIf you feel like being pampered while enjoying great food, a visit to Bouchon is a must.
This restaurant offers French/American dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients - served with excellent attention to detail.
Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable, explained the various options, and made good wine recommendations.
We were not very hungry so we shared a Rack of Lamb and each ordered the butternut squash soup.
The lamb was perfect but the soup was very bland. We still enjoyed our meal and we ended it with the warm lemon berry cake.
The dessert was very tasty and delightful for the eyes.
9 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA
The Roundhouse
This restaurant is inside the Hilton Beachfront – right on the beach. We were staying at the Hilton so it was convenient to have breakfast at this place.
We were not expecting a lot but were pleasantly surprised by the food and the service.
You can have the traditional American breakfast, build your Omelet, French Toast, or a Mexican style Chilaquiles. You can also go light and have a Granola & Yogurt or mixed fruit.
633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CAChad's Cafe
aAnother great place for breakfast. This cafe is right on Cabrillo Street, which is the main street overlooking the bay.
The location is great but the food is even better.
During our visit we woke up too early for the hotel's breakfast, so we walked a few steps to the cafe and enjoyed our coffee and food.
Before we ordered, the server offered us fresh muffins to go with the coffee.
We ordered the Huevos Rancheros and Mom's Pancakes. The food was very tasty and portions were large. We had enough for the next day's breakfast.
216 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Further away
Boat House
This hidden gem is located right on the sand in Hendry's Beach. The beach itself is gorgeous and very popular, so you may not find a parking spot.
We went for breakfast and ordered the Breakfast Burrito and Pancakes. The burrito was exceptional, and the pancakes were fluffy and tasty. Other good breakfast choices are the Signature Breakfast, a delicious creation of snow & rock crab cakes under poached eggs – or the Quinoa Breakfast Bowl.
2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CASanta Barbara Food and Wine Tasting
Santa Barbara Food and Wine Tasting anaheimer
Santa Barbara Wine Tasting
The best way to learn about a new city is to join a tour, and if you are a foody, then a tasting tour is a must.
After some research, I decided to go with Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours. They offer two food tours in the Santa Barbara area with the option to make it a private tour.
We decided to go with the private tour for two due to COVID-19 and to customize our tastings.
On State Street, we met Georgia, our tour guide, at the entrance to El Paseo Plaza.
We were delighted to learn that Georgia used to be a history teacher and loves to talk about SB history and architecture – and we loved to learn it.
Interesting Fact: The Chumash people populated this territory for about 13,000 years.
Our first tasting happened to be at the Grassini Family Wines – one of the many tasting rooms in SB –but this one had a nice garden where we sat and enjoyed a flight of wine. The server also offered a “Grazing Box” – a small box full of fruits, nuts, and crackers.
Note: During a previous visit, we went on a wine-tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley, where we spent some time at the Grassini winery. Read more about it here.
Our visit to Grassini was a great start for this 3.5-hour tour. As we walked around to our next tastings, we learned about how SB got started, the reason for the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, landmark buildings, and discovered a few hidden gems of shopping plazas.
Interesting Fact: After a devastating earthquake in 1925, the city planners decided to rebuild with the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. They passed ordinances to mandate this style and limit the building heights to 4-floors only.
Our next stop was at Los Arroyos for some unique tacos and drinks. We tasted their “Tajas Con Queso Tacos” – a vegetarian taco with grilled pasilla chiles, onions, monterey jack & queso fresco. The tacos were full of flavor. If I weren’t expecting much more food later, I would have ordered more delicious creations.
For the drinks, we tried Jamaica and Horchata – both were very tasty.
After trying Californian and Mexican, we headed to Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar to try some Thai cuisine.
This place was tucked away inside the Santa Barbara Public Market, which is an incubator for future restaurant ideas. If someone has a good idea for a food offering, they can rent a space here and try it out before committing to a big storefront.
Interesting Fact: The city was recognized as the first “Hollywood of the North” for producing a large number of silent films in the early film industry.
The empty bowl offered us a Papaya salad and potstickers. The potstickers were great, but the papaya salad will take some getting used to. This restaurant also offers traditional Thai dishes like pad Thai, several noodle choices, and lettuce wraps.
The public market has a lot of other food choices from around the world - you can try Japanese, Middle Eastern, Mexican, and Italian.
Talking about Italian, our next stop was at The Chase Restaurant and Bar. This place is right on State Street and offers indoor and outdoor seating.
We sat outside to enjoy the busy pedestrian street and tried an Italian food sampler. The food was delicious and plenty for a sampler, and we had leftovers for dinner.
We ended our tour back at El Paseo Plaza to visit Cebada Wines. The sommelier presented four wines for our tasting. They were all good, but we enjoyed the Blueberry Wine so much we ordered a bottle to take back with us.
While enjoying our last wine tasting, Georgia grabbed our dessert from McConnell’s Ice Cream. We had a long list of flavors to pick from, but we ended up with Cookies and Cream, Banana Salted Carmel, Pistachios, and Chocolate Chip. They were all very creamy and tasty – probably the best ice cream I had had in a long time.
Interesting Fact: Mac and Ernie McConnell spent months developing their own recipes based on the French Pot ice cream-making process. In December 1950 they opened their first shop which went on to become very popular.
The tour was very well-planned, and the food choices were excellent. Georgia was an excellent guide with her friendliness and wealth of information.
I recommend this tour to anyone visiting Santa Barbara. It is an excellent way to learn about the city and to discover new places to eat.
Santa Ynez Wine Tour
Santa Ynez Wine Tour anaheimerDuring a recent visit to Santa Barbara, we decide to check out wine country in the Santa Ynez valley. We booked a full-day tour with Sustainable Wine Tours.
Karina, our tour guide, picked us up from our hotel in Santa Barbara at 10 am. Our ride was a luxurious Mercedes van.
Interesting Facts: The Santa Ynez valley is sideways. This means it runs East to West instead of the usual North to South. That creates unique growing conditions and allows for a large variety of grapes.
Karina was a wealth of information about Snat Ynez, the wineries, and wine tasting. We found out that she started tasting wine at the age of 8 – but at that young age, she had to spit it out after tasting.
During this tour, we visited 3 wineries that only cater to private tours and wine club members. All three were very gracious and generous with their samples.
Interesting Facts: Other than wineries, the valley is home to Solvang, a unique Danish town with many restaurants and bakeries.
Along with tasting great wines, we enjoyed the scenery throughout the valley. The vineyards were spread out over hills and valleys, and the weather was California perfect.
Mckinney Family Vineyards
Our first stop was at the McKinney Family Vineyards. We were greeted by Jared who took us on a tour of the vineyards while enjoying the first two wine tastes.
We learned about the different types of grapes and how they are processed and aged. Jared reminded us that they don’t sell their wines at stores or restaurants. They are only available through direct purchase and to wine club members.
Interesting Facts: Matt Mckinney, the owner, used to run wine tasting tours before starting his own winery.
We tasted six wines during our visit – all were very good, but my favorites were the Sauvignon Blanc and the Pinot Noir.
Interesting Facts: Santa Ynez is also home to the Chumash tribe reservation. When you had enough wine tasting head to the Casino for some slot machine fun.
At lunchtime, Karina, our guide, brought in sandwiches and chips. The turkey sandwiches were especially good with sips of wine. We enjoyed this relaxing lunch out on the porch with comfortable chairs and great views.
Note: The wines we tasted were the most expensive we had on this tour, but the quality was also the best.
You don’t have to be on a guided tour to do some wine tasting. You can arrange for a private 2-hour tour and wine tasting for $50. The fee is waived if you buy three or more wines per person.
Grassini Family Vineyards
I loved this place as soon as we passed the gates. Immaculate vineyards, a private lake, and lots of trees. All this before reaching a rustic-looking building and gardens.
Our host here was Dean. He greeted us outside the beautiful building in a covered patio with an elegant dining table and chairs. They have tasting rooms inside the house, but the outdoor seating is appropriate for California weather and Covid-19.
Interesting Facts: In 2019, the vineyards received the “Best Santa Barbara Winery” award from the Independent magazine.
Dean was a wealth of knowledge about winemaking in the Santa Ynez valley. He introduced us to five of their estate wines. They were all delicious, but I especially enjoyed the Afiora Rose.
You also enjoy their wines in the tasting room in Santa Barbara. Both the tasting room and the vineyards receive multiple awards.
Note: Wine prices here are more reasonable. Their wine clubs are a good bargain.
Happy Canyon Vineyards (Piocho Ranch)
Piocho Ranch is one of the biggest vineyards in Santa Ynez. They grow many varieties of grapes using a variety of techniques. They pride themselves on using manual sustainable growing and harvesting methods.
Interesting Facts: The ranch name “Piocho” is a native American name that means Where the two rivers meet and go to heaven."
The owner, Sean, greeted us at the main tasting room and explained his passion for winemaking. He had the wine flights ready for our taste buds. He also prepared a plate of crackers, cheese, and chocolate to pair with the wines.
Interesting Facts: Heading back to Santa Barbara, try to take the 154 highway – AKA Chumas Highway. This scenic highway crosses over the Santa Ynez mountains while passing through a lake. As you descend into Santa Barabara, you will have a commanding view of the city and the ocean beyond.
We enjoyed all of the wines, but my favorite was the Piocho Red Blend.
Piocho Ranch is also home to a popular Polo field and tournaments.
Note: The Piocho wine prices are very reasonable. This also makes their wine clubs affordable.
Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz, CA anaheimerThe city of Santa Cruz, California is known for its moderate climate, natural beauty, amazing coastline, and redwood forests.
This sleepy beach town is within a one-hour drive from San Francisco or San Jose.
You can certainly make Santa Cruz a stop on your Bay Area itinerary, but I think it deserves to be its destination. There is so much to do and see – you can easily spend a week without getting bored.
During one of my visits, I made Santa Cruz my base camp and made side trips to San Francisco. I got to enjoy the slow-paced life of a resort town while satisfying my craving for a bustling city every once in a while.
Santa Cruz can also be a stop on the epic California Highway 1 road trip. During that trip, you can experience Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Pismo beach with its adjoining 4wheeling state park at Oceano, Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Cruz.
Fun facts: Santa Cruz is known as the real surf city, even though Huntington Beach tried to patent the name. Many songs mention Santa Cruz like the Beach Boys’ "Surfin' U.S.A”. The first surfers ever recorded in the USA were three Hawaiian princes exhibiting their skills in July of 1885 to a crowd of swimmers and onlookers – at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River.
Getting there and getting around
If you are driving, then highway 1 or highway 17 are your only connections to Santa Cruz. Both highways are scenic and entertaining.
If you prefer, you can fly to San Jose and take public transportation or a rented car. Bus service is frequent and affordable between San Jose and Santa Cruz. You just pay around $9 for a round trip.
Once in SC, you can walk to many destinations. Pick lodging close to the beach or downtown.
Fun facts: The inspiration for Alfred Hitchcock’s movie “The Birds” happened right here in Santa Cruz. Hitchcock was living in the town when it was attacked by hordes of birds smashing into windows and biting residents.
The beach trolley frequently runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and shuttles you between downtown and the Wharf.
You can also take other buses to further destinations like UCSC, Capitola Mall, and even San Francisco. So leave the car behind and enjoy a car-free vacation.
Where to stay
Being a resort town, Santa Cruz's lodging is expensive – especially if you want to stay close to the beach. You can find some bargains if you go further inland or stay in surrounding towns.
Dream Inn
During one of my visits, I stayed at Dream Inn right above Cowell Beach – north of the Wharf – a very convenient location.
The hotel itself was great, with each room overlooking the ocean, a heated pool and Jacuzzi, and an excellent restaurant called Aquarius. The room was very comfortable with a TV, Cable, Wi-Fi, Coffee maker, and bathrobes.
Fun facts: Another Hitchcock movie inspiration also happened in Santa Cruz. “Psycho” was inspired by the McCray Hotel which many residents thought was haunted.
But for the amenities and the location, we paid a hefty price. The minimum price is around $450 a night (during high season).
Best Western
During another visit, I decided to try a Best Western motel property close to the Boardwalk. I paid $200 a night for an average room.
If you plan ahead and go during the off-season, you might be able to find great deals. For example, the same motel next to the Boardwalk is $129 in May.
The Darling House
For a change, I decided to try a Bed and Breakfast for one of my