Recommended
Day Trips
Disneyland
1150 West Magic Way • Anaheim, CA 92803
714-781-6565 • www.disneyland.com
For generations, Disneyland® Park has been the place
where dreams come true with exciting new attractions joining
classic favorites. Located just steps away is another world
of fun and adventure at Disney California Adventure™ Park.
Long Beach Cruise Terminal
231 Windsor Way • Long Beach, CA 90802
www.carnivalcorp.com
Carnival is a global cruise company and one of the largest
vacation companies in the world. Our portfolio of leading
cruise brands includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America
Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line in North
America; P&O Cruises, Cunard Line and Ocean Village in
the United Kingdom; AIDA in Germany; Costa Cruises in southern
Europe; and P&O Cruises in Australia.
Palm Springs
Known as a playground for the stars of classic Hollywood,
Palm Springs still makes a quiet and relaxing getaway for
Angelinos. Spend the weekend at one of the area’s day
spas for the ultimate in desert relaxation or view local
wildlife and landscapes from one of the areas many hiking
trails. For a unique experience, take the Aerial Tram to
the top of the mountains and discover the cool, woodland
climate high above the city. You’ll also find plenty
of restaurants and a few bars frequented by the local folk
who live there year-round. On your way back, stop at the
outlet malls for some great deals, or try your luck at the
Morongo Casino. For more information, visit the Palm Springs
Bureau of Tourism. Approximately 100 miles from Los Angeles.
San Diego
As the other large city in southern California, San Diego
offers an urban environment with a laid-back surfer attitude.
It’s considered to have the best weather on the west
coast, so there’s truly no bad time of the year to
make this day trip from Los Angeles. The Gaslamp District
is full of shopping and restaurants, while Old Town offers
a historic look at southern California. Also popular are
the famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and Lego Land (for the
kids). For more information, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitor’s
Bureau. Approximately 120 miles from Los Angeles
Santa Barbara
A popular vacation spot for Hollywood types, Santa Barbara
is a relaxing alternative to the activity of the city. With
its multitude of historic Spanish missions, you truly get
a sense of California’s cultural past. Wine-tasting
can be had at several vineyards which dot the surrounding
landscape. Students of the University of California Santa
Barbara create a college-town atmosphere with enough shopping
and nightlife for those who want to get away for the weekend
without giving up entertainment. The drive from L.A. along
the scenic Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful, and short
enough that you can make this a true day trip if you can’t
stay for the weekend. For more information, visit the official
Santa Barbara Visitor’s Guide. Approximately 95 miles
from Los Angeles
San Luis Obispo & Hearst Castle
A few hours up the coast lies San Luis Obispo, a friendly
beach community that serves as a great launching point for
exploring the central coast. Drive north 45 minutes to tour
the lavish former home of William Randolph Hearst, or drive
south 15 minutes to dine on fried clams in Pismo Beach. If
you’re looking for an experience to remember, stay
a night in the famous Madonna Inn, which offers unique themed
rooms and a kitschy pink bar/restaurant. Because of the distance,
San Luis Obispo is better for weekend getaways than day trips
from Los Angeles. For more information, visit the San Luis
Obispo County Travel Guide. Approximately 200-250 miles from
Los Angeles.
Sea World San Diego
500 Sea World Drive • San Diego, CA 92109
1-800-257-4268 • www.seaworld.com
Sea World takes you on a one-of-a-kind journey to the wonders
that exist in the sea! It features roller coaster and splash
down rides, sea animals, and live shows including Cirque
de la Mer, a brand new cirque solei. There are seven Orcas
that currently live and perform at Sea World San Diego: Corky, Kasatka,
Ulises, Orkid, Sumar,
Nakai, and Kalia. You have an opportunity to get up close
and personal with a few of them with the Dine with Shamu
programs. Your Dine with Shamu ticket also gets you backstage
access to the whales and their trainers!
South Catalina Island
Spend the day on Santa Catalina, an idyllic island 22 miles
offshore that’s been compared to Mediterranean jewels
like Capri. Passenger boats and helicopters leave from Long
Beach to reach this beautiful parcel of land. The crossing
takes an hour by boat and 10 minutes by helicopter. All year
long, Catalina Express (800-481-3470) operates up to 22 daily
ferries to Avalon Harbor, and Island Express (800-2-AVALON)
lands at the heliport a short taxi ride away.
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