Showing posts with label Vacation Spots in California. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vacation Spots in California. Show all posts

Places to Visit in Long Beach California

Places to Visit in Long Beach California
best beaches in southern California
If you’re looking for a warm winter destination in the US to escape the cold winter months, Long Beach has to be one of the best places to getaway to in the states since it's also a short drive away to Los Angeles.

Long Beach is also one of the most popular places to visit along the California Coast, and if you’re looking for a vacation spot that boasts great weather, city attractions and water sports opportunities, you'll love spending time there.

Besides museums and art galleries, Long Beach also boasts lots of cultural events all year-round which include:

- The Bob Marley Reggae Festival in February
- The Cajun & Zydeco Festival in May
- Puerto Rican Salsa Festival and the Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival in June
- Boricuafest and Long Beach Jazz Festival in August
- The Blues Festival and the Brazilian Street Carnival in September


Long Beach is one of the most laid-back destinations in So Cal boasting a nice atmosphere and friendly people. To give you an idea to what's not to miss, have a read below at a great list of top places to visit in Long Beach California:

Long Beach Harbor

The Harbor is, undoubtedly, one of the top attractions in Long Beach California since it's there where you’ll be able to book anything from whale watching tours and romantic dinner cruises to fun tours of the harbor. Besides fun tours, Long Beach Harbor other attractions which include:

Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is located near Shoreline Aquatic Park and it’s definitely one of the top places to visit in Long Beach California with kids.

The aquarium has lots of cool marine life on display like jellyfish, sharks and sting rays which you’re allowed to pet. The aquarium also offers educational talks about the life of sea lions and seals, which call the Harbor home.

Shoreline Aquatic Park

Shoreline Aquatic Park is literary next door to Long Beach Aquarium and it’s one of the top places to visit in Long Beach Florida for a day in the sun enjoying water activities.

You can rent things paddleboats, canoes, windsurfers and sailboats, and during the summer months, Shoreline Aquatic Park also offers summer youth camps.

Shoreline Village

Shoreline Village is another Harbor-side attraction located near Long Beach Grand Prix Circuit. The Village is a touristy little street in which boasts many gift shops, restaurants and cafes.

RMS Queen Mary

The cruise/naval ship RMS Queen Mary is another attraction that you simply can’t miss on your list of places to visit in Long Beach California.

The ship is not longer in operation but it has been turned into a hotel/ museum, and you’re allowed to tour various areas of the ship such as the engine and wheelhouse. If you’re traveling to Long Beach California during Halloween, Queen Mary hosts a cool Halloween event called “Terrorfest”.

Long Beach Museum of Art

The Museum of Art is located in Downtown Long Beach, near Bixby Park, and it’s another place to visit in Long Beach to see cool art exhibits. The museum boasts beautiful mural painting on the wall of the first floor, and from the top floor, you'll be able to get nice panoramic views of the ocean.

Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)

The Museum of Latin American Art is located along Alamitos Avenue in Downtown Long Beach, around 20 minutes walk from Shoreline Village.

A visit to the MOLAA is a great chance to see great artworks by renowned Latin artists such as Felipe Ehrenberg and many others. You'll be able to enjoy guided tours as well as a variety of events such as educational events for families and kids.

Long Beach Entertainment Venues

If you are wondering about entertainment places in town, Long Beach boasts various arenas and centres where you can catch all kinds of entertainment, so be sure to check when you arrive in town. the top entertainment venues in Long Beach include:

*Coliseum & Sports Arena - located near the Expo Center – is a large stadium where you can catch college football games and music festivals such as the Electric Daisy Carnival.

*Walter Pyramid – located at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center – is the place to be to see the local basketball and volleyball team play.

*Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center – located near Shoreline Aquatic Park – hosts regular events such as dog competitions, symphony orchestras and motorcycle shows.

*Carpenter Performing Arts Center – located inside the California State University - is a great place to catch musicals and ballet performances.

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is also located at the California State University and it’s also free to get in, unless there is a booked event.

The Japanese is a pleasant and relaxing place to visit if you need to getaway from the crowds, and it also a chance to marvel at beautiful exotic Japanese trees and plants.

El Dorado Regional Park

El Dorado Park is one of the largest city parks in Long Beach and it is located adjacent Long Beach Towne Center (around 20 minutes drive from Downtown Long Beach).

El Dorado Park is another cool place where you can do fun recreational activities with family or friends such as fishing, rollerblading and jogging, as well as enjoying a picnic and a barbecue.

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Places to visit in Monterey CA

Places to visit in Monterey CA
Northern California Beaches
There is no doubt that Monterey California is a top cultural city boasting art galleries, annual events such as the Monterey Jazz Festival; many historic houses, and family attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium (pictured).

Monterey boasts some of the best beaches in southern California, and it is also one of the best places to visit along the California Coast to see marine life and enjoy the magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean.

If you’re wondering what to do and where to go in Monterey, below I have a nice handy list of places to visit in Monterey CA that everyone can enjoy:

Monterey Youth Museum


The Monterey Youth Museum is located a short walk from the State Theatre, near Jacks Park, and it’s a great place to visit with the entire family.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Monterey with kids, you definitely won’t want to miss visiting MY Museum.

Monterey History & Maritime Museum

The Monterey Maritime Museum is one of the few free attractions in Monterey and it’s another great place to visit if you’d like to learn more about the history of Monterey.

There are loads of information and interesting exhibits such as scaled down size of Bixby Bridge, model battleships and the cool lighthouse Fresnel lens.

Old Fisherman's Wharf

A visit to Monterey wouldn’t be complete without seeing Fisherman's Wharf and enjoying a whale watching tour to catch a glimpse of the majestic whales and dolphins, and soak in the beautiful views of Monterey Bay.

The Old Fisherman's Wharf is one of the best places to book a whale watching tour since there are many whale watching companies to choose from.

You can enjoy a whale watching tour pretty much any time of the year, though if you’d like to see the migration of gray whales come to Monterey between December and April.

Presidio of Monterey Museum

The Presidio Museum is located in Presidio of Monterey Park, just a short 10 minute walk from Old Fisherman's Wharf.

If you’re a war buff, or would like to know more about Monterey as a military location, you’ll find this museum a very interesting place to visit since there are many exhibits and old photos of the Presidio.

State Theatre

The State Theatre is another of the places to visit in Monterey CA if you fancy seeng out an old fashioned style theatre. You can enjoy a fun and relaxing evening out in the oldest movie place in Monterey and soak in the theatre’s old school feel.

Pacific Grove Art Center

Pacific Grove Art Center is located in the nearby town of Pacific Grove; around 20 minutes walk from Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The Pacific Grove Art Center is another of the places to visit in Monterey CA for free, and features regular changing exhibits and three permanent art galleries.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Visiting the Monterey National Marine Sanctuary is one of the best things you can do in Monterey with family or friends.

This marine sanctuary is located opposite Scholze Park, and it’s the biggest of its kind in the states. You’ll get a chance to either see marine life like sea lions and whales up close without even stepping on a boat, though the marine center does also offer whale watching tours.

Old Monterey Historic Houses

If you’d like to do more history-related activities while in Monterey, you can take guided tours of Monterey’s historic houses with or without a Monterey State Historic Park guide.

Two of the historic houses that can be explored independently are Custom House and Pacific House, which have been turned into museums; while Stevenson House and  Larking House can only be explore with a guide.

Point Pinos Lighthouse

If you’re looking for more interesting things to do in Monterey, Point Pinos Lighthouse in the nearby town of Pacific Grove is worth passing by. This lighthouse is the oldest on the West Coast, and if you’ve never been inside one before, you’ll get a chance here since this one is open to the public.

Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History is also located in the town of Pacific Grove and it’s another of the nearby places to visit in Monterey CA.

The Museum of Natural History is located a short walk from the Pacific Grove Art Center, and it’s worth visiting if you’re looking for educational activities.

Big Sur Coastline

Big Sur is probable the most beautiful stretch of coast along the California Coast and a must see place if you’re in Monterey for the first time.

Big Sur stretches from Carmel all the way down to San Simeon, though you don’t have to drive the entire stretch to appreciate Big Sur since there are plenty of viewing spots along the way such as Point Lobos State Reserve.

If you’re using car rental in Monterey, drive south along Cabrillo Highway (Highway 1) to Point Lobos State Reserve which is an hour or so driving time.

El Estero Park

El Estero Park is located adjacent St Johns Cemetery and it’s one of the best city parks in Monterey to visit with friends and family. You can enjoy fun recreational activities like taking a ride on a paddleboat, fishing off the piers at El Estero Lake and skating.

See. 3 Day Vacation Ideas in California
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Vacation Spots in California

Vacation Spots in California
US West Coast Tourist Attractions
The state of California is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular holiday destinations and best places to vacation in the US.


With its diverse landscape, California boasts plenty of outdoor opportunities and if you are a true outdoor enthusiast, you’d love exploring the Sierra National Forest where you can explore areas such as the Sierra Nevada Mountains which are located near Kings Canyon National Park.

If you are planning a summer vacation with the family and are planning on enjoying plenty of water activities by the beach, places such as Long Beach and Huntington Beach offer the perfect location for a beach vacation.

Apart from camping, hiking and swimming, California is popular with tours such as the ‘Jelly Belly Factory’ tour in Sacramento.

California is also famed by the Napa Valley region where you can enjoy winery tours, scenic drives and hot air balloon rides.

There are many hot-destinations in California, and where you go depends on what activities you are planning to do.

Having said this, five of the most popular vacation spots in California are as follows:

Vacation Spots in California: Top 5

South Lake Tahoe CA

If you are looking for a destination that offers both outdoor opportunities and water activities with pristine beautiful scenery, the city of South Lake Tahoe is a great summer destination, especially amongst families.

South Lake Tahoe California is surrounded by the El Dorado National Forest, and it is located by the banks of Lake Tahoe where you can enjoy anything from canoeing and swimming to jet skiing.

Los Angeles CA

Home to the famed Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles California is one of the most popular vacation spots in California.

Apart from offering plenty of fun attractions and beach opportunities, Los Angeles California is known for having a lively nightlife that range from nightclubs and live venues to theaters and outdoor entertainment.

Santa Rosa CA

Santa Rosa CA is known as the gateway to the Napa Valley region. If it is wineries and recreational activities what you’re looking for, Santa Rosa CA is home to many regional and state parks, as well as over ten wineries within the area.

San Diego CA

The city of San Diego CA is one of the most popular family destinations in southern California, and home to the famed SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo.

If you are looking for a destination in California geared towards families with kids, San Diego CA is the one for you.

San Francisco CA

San Francisco CA is known for the Golden Gate Bridge and the Island of Alcatraz, made popular by the movie ‘Escape from Alcatraz’ starring Clint Eastwood.

One of the best things about San Francisco CA is its varied and diverse nightlife, which is geared to suit all tastes.

IF you enjoyed this list of five of the most popular vacation spots in California, you may like to know some interesting facts about the state of California:

Interesting facts about California

- California has the largest population in the country, and it is along Texas one of the largest states in the United States.

- California is bordered by Oregon in the north, Nevada and Arizona in the east, and Mexico in the south.

- The state is nicknamed the ‘Golden State’ due to the amount of sunny days the state enjoys all year around.

- California landscape ranges from semi-arid desert areas and rugged hills.

- California became the 31st state in 1850.

- The state is home to the lowest point in the United States, named Badwater Basin, which is 280 feet below sea level

- As much as 60% of California enjoys a climate similar to places such as Perth WA in Australia, Crete Greece, Morocco and Cape Town South Africa.

- California is one of the most ethnically diverse states in the United States.

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