Southern California is a fantastic vacation destination for people of all ages, and not only because there is so much to do and see. A few other reasons why everyone needs to visit Southern California at some point in their life are that the weather is beautiful, the history is unique, the roads lead to new and exciting places, and the food is extraordinary.
While California, as a whole, is amazing, it is the southern portion that draws travelers in from all over the world. Whether they are looking for culture in the big city, infamous people in another large city, fun and games at a theme park, or tranquil parks and sandy beaches, this area has it all.
Here are 4 areas that everyone must visit when they travel to Southern California:
Los Angeles
The hills rise high above the neighborhoods in this massive Californian city, which makes people wonder how the city ended up in the middle of such beautiful landscape. Not that anyone complains, because something must offset the tall skyscrapers and the miles of never-ending traffic jams.
One of the first things that everyone must do when they arrive in Los Angeles is walk down Rodeo Drive, as they imagine themselves capable of spending thousands of dollars with little thought at all. This is an excellent spot to capture a glimpse of a celebrity, although many of them will be inside the stores in personal dressing rooms that are off-limits to the general public.
The Getty is another destination that everyone loves in LA, as marble buildings stand above a circular garden, pools, and flowing fountains. The views from this area are spectacular, and many people are surprised at how quiet is seems despite the 405 freeway being right below it.
There are plenty of unusual things that visitors can do in Los Angeles, but a favorite is taking a stroll through the underground tunnels of the city. These tunnels are officially off limits, but a few people have managed to slip into them behind the Hall of Records on Temple Street. These tunnels were used by officials and their friends during prohibition, so that they could imbibe out of sight of the public.
Hollywood
Hollywood may be part of Los Angeles, but many people think of it as its own fabulous space outside of the city. This has long been where the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world occurs, and everyone will find themselves walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame at some point during their visit. That long walk is not easy to miss, so even if a person doesn’t plan on seeing it, they will stumble upon it eventually. This Walk of Fame goes along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street and there are currently more than two thousand six hundred stars down on the sidewalks.
One of the best ways to see the most of all the iconic items in Hollywood is to take a guided walking tour. There are plenty of them available, with popular ones including Behind the Scenes Walking Tours, Hidden Hollywood Walking Tours, and the Hollywood Ghost Tours. If a traveler isn’t that keen on walking, a tour on the Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus will accomplish the same goal with less of a workout.
Numerous television shows are taped in Hollywood and it is possible for visitors to get tickets to sit in the audience for many of them. People may need to request these tickets in advance, so that they are guaranteed entrance on the day of their choice.
Disneyland
Disneyland may not have as many parks as Disney World does, but that doesn’t mean that visitors of all ages will not enjoy the fun and excitement that Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park offers. Disneyland has eight themed lands including Main Street USA, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Tomorrowland, Mickey’s Toontown, Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Critter Country, while the Adventure Park also has eight themed lands that focus on the stories of the characters from Disney, Pixar, and other exciting venues.
While everyone will love the rides, it is the entertainment that really shines in these two parks. Whether guests are meeting their favorite characters or watching the Paint the Night performance, everyone will have a great time. No one will want to miss the Pixar Play Parade or Mickey and the Magical Map, and everyone will be singing along with the cast of Frozen at the Hyperion.
San Diego
San Diego offers quite the charm, especially with its laid back vibe that impresses even the most wound up visitor. This is one of the best places for a person who wants to learn to relax and completely change their lifestyle.
An entire day or longer can be spent wandering around Balboa Park, which is only two miles from the center of the city, as visitors stop in the gardens, the Old Globe Theatre, or the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater. The fun doesn’t stop there though, as everyone can then spend some time at the San Diego Museum of Art, the Fleet Science Center, and the Museum of Man. As soon as everyone thinks that they have seen everything at Balboa Park, they will discover that there is still a zoo full of animals waiting for them.
The San Diego Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States, and with one hundred acres, there is plenty of space for the giant pandas, koalas, giraffes, polar bears, and other animals to live. Trails link one exhibit to another, which means people will need to grab a map if they want a chance at seeing it all. The Skyfari is an excellent option for those who want an overall view of the zoo before they begin their adventures.
Inside the Seaport Village within San Diego, visitors will find the Looff Carousel. This carousel was built by Charles I.D. Looff and originally installed in Texas in 1895. It made its way to many other locations in the United States before settling in this spot in 2004.
Anyone that isn’t afraid of heights will want to head over to the Bankers Hill neighborhood to walk over the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. This bridge is three hundred and seventy-five feet long and looks down over the Sessions Canyon, which is seventy feet below it. The suspension bridge was constructed back in 1912, and while it was used by many people when it was new, it is now known as a romantic destination for people looking to find a few minutes away from the rest of the world.
Travelers that are looking for family friendly activities, romantic getaways, fantastic road trips, beach vacations, or big city fun will find it all in Southern California. It is one of the few areas that offers it all and allows travelers to experience a little of everything during one trip.
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