STORY WRITTEN BY MONICA BADOLIAN
IMAGE FROM TRIP ADVISOR
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice is a thriving coastal town with luxury neighborhoods and business districts. The artistically vibrant and free-spirited Venice Boardwalk is home to hip stores, street performers, and murals. A skate park and Muscle Beach outdoor gym are also present. There are trendy shops, coffee shops, and hotspots for foodies on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Modernist houses line the canals that form a lovely neighborhood. It’s one of the nicest beaches to visit during the summer.
Disneyland
Most people are familiar with the famous theme park, and although it does get most crowded during the summer time, it’s still one of the most fun and magical places to visit. Between the rides, attractions, delicious dining and sweets, events, and more, there is so much to do to spend the day at Disney, whether it’s with friends and/or family.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Locals and visitors can easily access Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, which boasts some of the best views along the Pacific coast. There are a number of trails that include both gentle strolls and strenuous hikes involving many stairs, so it’s ideal for those who enjoy walking, running, hiking, and watching wildlife. In addition to wetlands, the reserve provides a resting place for migrating marine birds and is a haven for wildlife. Additionally, people can also swim, soak up the sun, or enjoy a picnic at Torrey Pines State Beach (accessible via the Beach Trail) below the cliff-top trails.
Malibu Surfrider Beach
Located on a 32-mile stretch of Pacific Coastline, Malibu is the weekend getaway destination of Hollywood’s rich and famous. Many of these residents have snapped up oceanfront properties. Besides surfing, Surfrider Beach offers fishing, water sports equipment rentals, souvenir shopping, and whale watching excursions, as well as charter boats and fishing. It’s not too far to visit from here and a perfect beach to visit during the summer.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
A guided tour of Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, in Los Angeles, California, is offered by Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. Over a two- to three-hour period, the tour allows guests to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the oldest film studios in the world. This is great for those who are interested in seeing some of famous tv shows and movies like Friends, Big Bang Theory, the Harry Potter series, Gilmore Girls, Pretty Little Liars, all of the D.C. series, and so much more.
Beverely Hills
Beverly Hills is known for its Rodeo Drive, an upmarket shopping district, and is home to many Hollywood celebrities. There is a Beverly Hills Trolley Tour that highlights celebrity homes and gives you an overview of the city. There are a number of historic sites you can visit in this area, including Greystone Mansion and Gardens, the Paley Center for Media, and the historic Saban Theatre. A Melting Pot Food Tour gives foodies a taste of Beverly Hills.
Griffith Park
In the middle of the city of Los Angeles, this park covers more than 4,000 acres. L.A. may not have a grassy, centralized park, but Griffith Park’s hilly wilderness offers a wonderful alternative. Griffith Park’s trails offer a variety of flora, views, coyotes howling at night, and twinkling lights from Downtown down the canyons. Take in the unparalleled views from the Griffith Observatory’s grounds even when the observatory is closed (it is open Tuesday through Sunday).
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier, one of Santa Monica’s most well-known monuments, is home to the Looff Hippodrome Carousel as well as the historic Looff Hippodrome Amusement Park, Pacific Park, and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. For those interested in art, there are over 20 galleries at Bergamot Station, the 18th Street Art Complex, and the Edgemar Center for the Arts. While surfing and paddleboarding are excellent at Bay St., cyclists can enjoy the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail. There are also tours around the city that are held.
Catalina Island
There are several easy ways to get to Catalina Island, by taking a ferry from beaches such as Long Beach, San Pedro, or Dana Point, or the Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach. Along with snorkeling, swimming, horseback riding, boating, and camping, the island offers the Catalina Island Undersea Expedition, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Besides beaches, visiting the Catalina Island Museum and the Catalina Art Gallery is also open. Golf carts are also available for rental for as long as needed.
San Diego
San Diego is the ideal vacation destination for those who love the arts and culture. There are many excellent beaches, water sports, and abundant family-friendly entertainment. Families can visit Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, and Sea World. One can take a visit to see the beautiful Balboa Park. Hotel del Coronado is right on Coronado Beach, one of the famous beaches in San Diego. Additionally, the San Diego Padres play at Petco Park, so there are many baseball games to catch during the summer.
