Keisha & Corey
Things To Do
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory has been the leader of public astronomy in southern California and around the world since it opened in 1935. More people have looked through Griffith Observatory’s telescope than any other telescope on Earth. In addition, its iconic façade has been featured in more than 300 films and television shows. The Observatory is a Los Angeles landmark and worldwide tourist destination for over a million visitors a year. Our mission, “Griffith Observatory inspires everyone to observe, ponder, and understand the sky,” is realized each day in the exhibit halls and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium and each night as visitors gaze at the cosmos with their own eyes through the historical 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope or our lawn telescopes.
The Getty
Admission is free, but a timed-entry ticket is required. Located in Brentwood, this museum attracts nearly 2 million annual visitors to its aesthetically impressive campus. Overlooking a stunning view of Los Angeles, the museum features an array of artwork from various regions and eras of art history. You’ll find both Van Gogh’s "Irises" and an extensive photography collection among the cavernous halls.
The Broad
The Broad houses LA’s most experimental art. Pronounced “the brode,” Angelenos come from all over the city to take photos inside the museum’s coolest exhibits like their rain room, color-changing light room, and a room that looks like an infinity of stars. Plus, it houses work by Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and more.
Motte Museum
In 1951 John Victor Motte bought a Chevrolet Touring for $15, overhauled the engine, and restored the car in the late 1970's. That Chevrolet was the car that began the private collection, and fueled the Motte Brothers desire to restore antique automobiles. The 1926 Chevrolet Touring is currently on display at the Museum, and the preservation of the rest of the restored automobiles continues today. Barn Address: 28380 Highway 74, Menifee, CA 92585 Office Address: 445 South D. Street, Perris, CA 92570 Email: info@mottemuseum.com Museum Phone: (951) 928-3210
The Original Farmers Market
Sprawling historic market features a range of trendy shops, restaurants & gourmet grocery purveyors.
The Burbank Studios
Tickets to sitcoms, game shows, and reality TV shows are available. Why not take this once in a lifetime opportunity to make up the laugh track for your favorite sitcom as a member of the studio audience? Plenty of shows tape each season, just check tvtix.com.
Universal Studios Hollywood Citywalk
Universal CityWalk is the name shared by the entertainment and retail districts located adjacent to the theme parks of Universal Parks & Resorts. CityWalk began as an expansion of Universal's first park, Universal Studios Hollywood, and serves as an entrance plaza from the parking lots to the theme parks.
Shoreline VIllage
Shoreline Village, located near Downtown Long Beach, is a fantastic way to spend a summer afternoon. Not only is it home to the top rated Aquarium of the Pacific, there are also over a dozen restaurants located on the waterfront, all with scenic outdoor seating. Add in beautiful water views, souvenir shops, whale watching cruises, a quick walk to the beach, an amazing beachfront walking/biking path, and entertainment, and you have a full day of fun activities. Tip – go up to the lighthouse in the evening for fabulous city views! Tip: Sign up to receive Groupon deals in the L.A. area. Various restaurants, whale watching cruises, and attraction deals are often offered in Long Beach, as well as other areas in Southern California.
Marvin Braude Bike Trail
22 miles of easy riding along Southern California’s gorgeous coastline awaits you on one of the best paved bicycle trails in the country. Along the route, you will pass by numerous beautiful beach towns, each with their own unique look and attractions. Never ending views of the coast, plenty of fun stops along the way, and an awesome workout all rolled into one – who could ask for more?! Highlights along The Strand route include the Manhattan Beach Pier, Venice Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier. To date the most fun bike path I have ever experienced! A must do on any visit to Southern California! Address: Torrance Beach to Will Rogers State Beach
Runyon Canyon Hike
When thinking of Los Angeles, the first terms things most people think of include crowds, tourists, Hollywood, traffic, smog, and pollution. With a metro area population of over 12 million, things can get pretty hectic and crowded. However, if you venture into the mountains, you will find pockets of peaceful natural beauty, and if you visit during the right time you just may experience a little peace and quiet. Because L.A. is surrounded by mountains, it is home to a number of great hiking opportunities. Two of the best hikes within the city limits are the trails at Runyon Canyon and Griffith Observatory. Both of these hikes offer terrific views of the city, the iconic Hollywood sign, and the beautiful Griffith Observatory.
Avalon also known as Catalina Island
Commonly referred to as simply Catalina Island, this group of islands is 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, technically a part of Los Angeles County. Both snorkeling and scuba diving are popular endeavors on Catalina Island, and Sea Trek is a diving experience in which even beginner swimmers can wear high-tech diving helmets for an underwater guided walking tour. If that’s too daunting, there are plenty of glass-bottom boat and semi-submarine rides as well. If you’re interested in a tour of the wildlife and history on land, there’s also a zip line eco tour available.
Venice Beach
Visiting Venice Beach is definitely a unique once in a lifetime experience…we saw someone walk on glass which was pretty crazy! You also have the opportunity to visit Muscle Beach, once a prime spot for bodybuilding competitions (Arnold Schwarzenegger was once a regular here!). Basketball Tournaments that were highlighted in White Men Can't Jump. Skateboarding, Street vendors, and performance artists are a staple of Venice Beach. Venice is just one of many great rest breaks along.
Laguna Beach
Laguna is one of the most beautiful beaches in Orange County, if not all of Southern California. I love jogging along the sand, listening to the waves early in the morning before the crowds hit. Dramatic cliffs and ocean views make this beach a hot spot for photographers. After your beach visit, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and art galleries to visit.
Mount Baldy
Baldy Bowl – Ski Hut Trail climbs 3,900 feet over 4.5 miles to the highest summit in the San Gabriel Mountains. The trails ascends the southwest side of the mountain and is the shortest route to the top that does not involve the use of a ski lift. Expect an aggressive climb for most of the hike rewarded by views over San Antonio Canyon. Halfway up the mountain, the trail passes a Sierra Club Ski Hut that makes a good resting point. Baldy Bowl Trail can be combined with the other major route to the summit, Devil’s Backbone Trail, to form an impressive 11.3-mile loop on Mount Baldy.
Deep Creek Hot Springs - Adults Only
Deep Creek Hot Springs located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains is perhaps the best natural hot springs in Southern California. Most hikers take the shortest route to the hot springs and park at Bowen Ranch. From the parking area, the hike to the hot springs is about two miles. Keep in mind the trail downhill and the climb back out is almost all uphill. Bring plenty of water for the hike, you will need it. Nudity is common here although many visitors do wear shorts or swimwear. You might even encounter a naked hiker along the way. Weekend crowds are not uncommon even during the hot summer. The best time to visit is during the week when there will be far fewer visitors. The crowds at the pools is a mix of twenty-year-olds out for an adventure, hippie types, locals, and hikers. Some people bring their dogs but unless your four-legged friend is used to hiking leave him at home.
NHRA Hot Rod Museum
Whether it’s a 6,000 horsepower, fire-breathing Top Fuel dragster, a short wheel based, wall-seeking Funny Car, a high-winding, 200-mph Pro Stock vehicle, or one of the thousands of unique sportsman entries. If you feel the need for speed, then a trip to Wally Parks’ NHRA Motorsports Museum at the Fairplex in Pomona is a must. Created by Parks –Founder, President, and the Chairman of the Board of the National Hot Rod Association, the 28,500-square-foot museum is well curated and is pretty much the king of drag racing history with an incredible collection of cars. From nostalgic drag racers, street rods, vintage gassers, funny cars, and even a dozen or so motorcycles.
Graber Olive House
At Graber Olive House, they’ve been experimenting with olive production since 1894. It’s believed that the first olive trees were brought to California by Spanish missionaries way back in 1769. When C.C. Graber discovered olive trees growing on his land, he began experimenting with old rancher’s recipes. October to December is the harvest season for the olives. The Graber properties buzz with excitement and activity. It’s an excellent time of year to plan a visit and purchase some gourmet goodies to go. They make excellent holiday gifts for the fine food fans in your family and amongst your friends. Graber Olive House Gift Shop The Graber Olive Sampler is an excellent “starter kit”, however, there is far more on offer than these salty savory treats. Graber’s Classic Combos are a favorite with visitors to the house. Perfectly paired best-selling Graber olives with roasted almonds, jumbo Medjool dates, and other local specialties.