Places to Go

Take a journey through the ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific. See more than 12,500 water creatures as you explore different regions of the world and engage yourself in hands-on experiences and attractions.?

Castle Park's 25 acres includes four 18-hole miniature golf courses, a two-level arcade and The Big Top Restaurant, which is perfect for that special birthday party. Castle Park does not charge an admission fee; ride tickets and game tokens can be purchased inside the park.

Just “26 miles across the sea,” you can escape to California's most popular island – Catalina. The island, featuring two popular points of interest, Avalon and Two Harbors, offers various tours, water activities, horseback riding, camping, shopping, dining and more.

The museum promotes intellectual curiosity & self-expression through inventive and interactive exhibits and programs. Though it is fun for all ages, it features an emphasis on primary school-aged children.

Idyllwild offers hiking trails, a Nature Center & scenic views. Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, the area is known for its variety of shops, art galleries, antique stores, cafes and restaurants.

The J. Paul Getty Museum offers a large collection of European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts and European and American photographs. In addition to its impressive collection, the Getty Center's architecture and gardens are items that can't be missed.

One of the great wonders of Southern California, where beauty and ruggedness meet, is Joshua Tree National Park. Located northeast of Palms Springs, it offers hikes for all ages and abilities.

The KidZone is a creative center for hands-on learning through permanent and traveling exhibits. The KidZone invites families and children to experience interactive learning, in areas of math, science, technology and the arts, with an emphasis on kids from tots to teens.

Boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping and picnicking are all available at this natural oasis near Moreno Valley. The man-made lake has two beaches, boat launch ramps and a family campground.

If you are looking for one of the best fishing holes in the Inland Empire, this is the place to go. Angling is the main attraction here, either from a boat or the shore. Rental boats are available and fishing supplies can be found at this lake's marina. A California state fishing license is required for ages 16 and over.

LEGOLAND California is a 128-acre interactive theme park for families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. Kids can drive, pedal, squirt, climb, jump, stomp, slide, steer, pull, click, push, gallop, laugh and build through more than 50 rides, shows and attractions.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art features a collection of more than 100,000 works of art from all over the world. The collection is housed in a massive glass-and-concrete structure located in the Miracle Mile section of Los Angeles. Family tours, workshops, jazz concerts and classes are available. The museum also has two restaurants and a museum store.

The museum, adjacent to March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, is home to more than 60 historic aircraft and displays on the history of March Base. Outside the museum is the Heritage Courtyard that includes the 15th Air Force Wall and the War Dog Memorial Sculpture. The museum also holds Open Aircraft Days during the year when visitors can get an up-close look at the historic planes.

It has a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels and has a variety of programs for children and adults. The museum has one of the world's finest collections of historic ships, including the world-famous Star of India.

This world-renowned cultural area located in Downtown L.A. serves as a center for El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, the site of the earliest settlement in Los Angeles. Dozens of shops line this famous Mexican market street, selling everything from souvenirs to Mexican leather and artwork to mouth-watering churros.

This is the West's largest collection of railway locomotives, passenger and freight cars, streetcars and other artifacts dating from the 1870s. On weekends and most major holidays, you can ride on some of the operating trolleys and passenger trains.

Summer or winter, the aerial tram outside the city of Palm Springs takes you to high ground, climbing from 2,643 feet from the Valley Station to 8,516 feet in the Mountain Station. At the top, where at least snippets of snow remain year-round, you'll find 54 miles of hiking trails and primitive campgrounds. Bring a picnic.

The museum educates about the vital role of the World War II combat aircraft and its pilots through a variety of displays. You can enter a number of planes and gaze at some of the others in the 26-plane collection.

Experience the thrill of skydiving without actually having to jump out of an airplane. The Perris facility is open to both adults and children and includes class training, full gear suit-up and two one-minute sessions in the flight chamber.?

Once called “The Inevitable Ship,” the Queen Mary has witnessed the turning points of history that have changed mankind. She played a role in classic World War II events, as well as served as transport for millions of people and items. The Queen Mary now sits docked in Long Beach and hosts haunted tours, fabulous parties and fine dining.

This working apple orchard is also a living history farm that serves as a venue for various historic re-enactments, such as Civil War and Revolutionary War battles, Old West events and Mountain Man reunions. Riley's Farm is also a popular destination for school field trips, weddings, company picnics and banquets. The farm's Chesterfield Colonial Village is a re-creation of a small American town of the pre-revolutionary era.

Ride the Wgasa Bush Line Railway and explore the park's vast field exhibits filled with herds of wild critters on a 5-mile, 60-minute guided tour. The expedition takes you to the remote Africa and Asia enclosures to see animals as close to their natural habitats as possible. Get up close and personal at the lion exhibit. Or, take the family on a stroll through the Savanna Cool Zone for a wild time.

Enjoy a trip with the entire family into a world of jungles, rain forests, deserts and more while observing and learning about wild animals, from across the globe. Hop on a guided bus tour, take a ride on the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad and coast over treetops on the Skyfari Aerial Tram to enjoy spectacular views of the animals, plants and surrounding Balboa Park.

San Diego's landmark for waterfront shopping and dining offers much to do for locals and tourists. With 57 one-of-a-kind shops and galleries, four award-winning restaurants, 13 sidewalk eateries and special monthly events, the variety will ensure a fun-filled day.

Founded in 1964, SeaWorld San Diego is known for impressive animal shows, interactive attractions, aquariums, rides and dining facilities. Over the years, the park has grown from a small display of marine animals into one of the largest and most respected marine zoological facilities in the world, with more than 20,000 animals. SeaWorld San Diego is open year-round and offers numerous programs the whole family can enjoy.

During the winter, snowboarders and skiers unite and take on the slopes with a picturesque view of beautiful snow-covered mountains. Snow Summit offers a relaxed setting while enjoying mountain sports.

The desert, botanical gardens, plants and animals are an unbeatable combination for families of all ages. You would be hard-pressed to find an environment that serves so many age groups. Best visited during cooler months.

Shopping, dining and walking, all within close distance of the Santa Monica Pier, is a great way to spend the day. There are many different restaurants and unique shops to choose from, not to mention interesting people hanging around the promenade.

Starting out as little more than a produce stand 30 years ago, Tom's Farms is not only a great spot for buying the freshest fruits and vegetables, it is also a family fun destination. It now boasts a wine-and-cheese shop, restaurant and a family-fun center, featuring a steam-powered train and old-time carousel.

A virtual sidewalk circus, the famous boardwalk is a plethora of musicians, jugglers, acrobats, magicians, comics, eateries and funky shops. The 3-mile sandy beach also sports volleyball nets, and courts for basketball, handball, shuffleboard and paddle tennis. Muscle Beach, the bodybuilder's paradise, is always an entertaining gawk, and the children's playground on the edge of the beach gives kids a view of the surf while slipping down slides.