Toddler activities santa rosa ca: 12 Fun Things to Do in Santa Rosa with Kids (for 2022)

12 Fun Things to Do in Santa Rosa with Kids (for 2022)

Gather your loved ones ang go on the vacation of a lifetime by bringing them to Santa Rosa, California.

At this city oasis, you can create memories that will last a lifetime by enjoying a plethora of fun-filled activities.

Your children will particularly love interacting with animals at a wildlife preserve, spending the day at a lovely park, and touring a fun-filled museum.

Other attractions for you to discover together are grand theaters, superb skating rinks, outdoor adventure parks, and numerous more.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Santa Rosa with kids of all ages.

Take a look at the list below to jump-start your thrilling journey.

1. Safari West

3115 Porter Creek Rd
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(800) 616-2695

Safari West, encompassing 400 acres, is a wildlife preserve home to more than 1,000 animals representing at least 98 different species.

Why We Recommend This Kid Friendly Activity

Start your vacation right by enjoying one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa with kids this weekend, touring this wildlife preserve.

Some of the many animals you can view here are cheetahs, lemurs, flamingos, zebras, rhinoceros, and tons more.

It also offers a wide array of tour packages for your enjoyment, for example, the Classic Safari Adventure, where you can explore the area aboard an open-air vehicle.

Another option is the Ultimate Private Safari, which allows for a more intimate experience.

Recommended Ages

The Ultimate Private Safari has no age restrictions but, the Classic Safari Adventure is strictly for kids aged 4 and above and their parents.

2. Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center

2301 Hardies Ln
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 579-4452

The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, which opened in August 2002, preserves the history and legacy of American cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. His most famous work is the Peanut comic strip.

Why We Recommend This Kid Friendly Activity

Can’t decide what to do in Santa Rosa with kids?

Then take them to this one-of-a-kind museum that features numerous of the original Peanut strips.

Here, you can view things like colossal murals of comic strips and wooden sculptures depicting the evolution of snoopy.

It also offers countless fun-filled classes, workshops, and guided tour options to keep you and your children well-entertained.

Recommended Ages

This museum is spectacular for you and your kids of all ages.

Many classes cater to school-aged children and special programs for kids between the ages of 3 to 5, like Camp Freeze Mini, which includes fun arts and crafts projects.

Related: Best Things to Do in Santa Rosa

3. Spring Lake Regional Park

393 Violetti Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
(707) 539-8092

Spring Lake Regional Park, spanning 320 acres, is nestled on the banks of a beautiful lake for which it gets its name.

Why We Recommend This Kid Friendly Activity

Take your youngsters on an unforgettable day in nature at this beautiful park.

It is also perfect if you want to enjoy free kid-friendly things to do so that you can save up on expenses but still have a grand time.

It has amenities like picnic areas to comfortably eat your meals, campgrounds, a boat launch, and trails for varying purposes.

Some of the activities you can do here are swimming, making sandcastles at its beach, boating, kayaking, fishing, and canoeing.

Recommended Ages

Spring Lake Regional Park is kid-friendly and has seasonal lifeguards providing extra security for children of every age.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: AC Hotel by Marriott Santa Rosa Downtown

4. Howarth Park

630 Summerfield Rd
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
(707) 543-3425

Howarth Park, known as the jewel of Santa Rosa, is a 138-acre urban park.

It is a local favorite for its numerous facilities and limitless recreational possibilities.

Why We Recommend This Kid Friendly Activity

To enjoy a boat-load of thrilling kids activities in Santa Rosa, CA, I highly recommend visiting this picturesque park with your loved ones.

It is the perfect destination to enjoy a wide array of activities.

Your little ones will love riding the train or carousel, or jumping in a bounce house, or interacting with farm animals at a barn.

Meanwhile, your older kids can have a blast as they go stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and enjoy fun sports games such as tennis and softball.

Recommended Ages

Haworth Park has something fantastic to offer you and your youngsters, no matter what age they may be.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel La Rose

5. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County

1835 W Steele Ln
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 546-4069

The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County is a museum dedicated to the enjoyment and advancement of kids in a fun-filled learning environment.

It features numerous indoor exhibits to explore and a beautiful outdoor explorative garden.

Why We Recommend This Kid Friendly Activity

Do you want to take your little ones on a thrilling vacation to keep them happy and thoroughly well-entertained?

If you do, one of the top things to do in Santa Rosa with toddlers is exploring the wonders of this museum.

Bond with your youngsters as you discover its many galleries, like Fairy World, featuring a magical miniature forest, and Storybook Cottage, where your tots can have a terrific tea party.

When visiting with a baby, a must-visit at this attraction is TOTpia, featuring a safe environment where they can play comfortably.

Recommended Ages

This interactive museum is best for kids ages 10 and below.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Vintners Resort

6. Annadel State Park

6201 Channel Dr
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
(707) 539-3911

Annadel State Park, established in 1971, encompasses over 5,000 acres.

It is officially known as the Trione-Annadel State Park.

Why We Recommend This Kid Friendly Activity

Are you searching for the best places to take kids in Santa Rosa to spend some time in the great outdoors?

If you are, I strongly recommend this gorgeous state park.

It features ADA-accessible facilities, trails used for varying purposes, well-maintained restrooms, and a small fishing lake.

Some of the many activities you can enjoy are hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Its onsite lake is also the perfect place to teach your kids how to fish for the first time.

It comes alive with blooming wildflowers of every color, from early Spring to early Summer, providing the ideal photo opportunity for you and your family.

Recommended Ages

There are no age limitations when visiting Annadel State Park.

However, it better suits your older children and teens.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kenwood Inn & Spa

Also See:
Things for Kids to Do in San Francisco
Things to Do in Sacramento for Kids

7. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts

50 Mark West Springs Rd
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 546-3600

The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, which first opened in 1981, is a magnificent performance venue with a capacity of over 1,600.

It was once known as the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts.

Why We Recommend This Kid Friendly Activity

One of the top family activities in Santa Rosa that you should do before leaving is watching a phenomenal show at this performing arts venue.

Here, you can watch things like concerts, music or dance recitals, sing-a-long shows, comedy acts, and so much more.

Depending on when you visit, it also offers engaging classes and music lessons that your children will enjoy.

Recommended Ages

The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is best for you and your kids from grades PK to 12.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Vintners Resort

Related: Best Restaurants in Santa Rosa

8. Redwood Empire Ice Arena

1667 W Steele Ln
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 546-7147

The Redwood Empire Ice Arena, founded in 1969, is better known as Snoopy’s Home Ice.

It is a premier skating rink offering endless fun opportunities indoors.

Why We Recommend This Kid Friendly Activity

Enjoy cheap family fun with your loved ones by spending the day at this brilliant ice skating rink.

Have a blast as you go skating, play a game of ice hockey, or watch live shows, such as figure skating competitions.

It also offers fun-themed camps where your children can learn how to skate and enjoy games on ice as they dress up in costumes, like their favorite superheroes or rock stars.

For your little ones, it offers Toddlers On Ice, where you help them hone their skating skills alongside a professional instructor.

Recommended Ages

The themed camps for children from ages 5 to 12 and the Toddlers On Ice experience are for tots aged 18 months to 4 years old.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Rosa Sonoma

Also See:
Kids Activities: Berkeley
Things to Do in Half Moon Bay with Kids
What to Do in Lake Tahoe with Kids

9. Pacific Coast Air Museum

One Air Museum Way
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 575-7900

The Pacific Coast Air Museum, founded in 1989, is an open-air museum featuring at least thirty aircraft used for varying purposes.

Why We Recommend This Kid Friendly Activity

One of the best attractions for kids who have a fascination for airplanes is this spectacular museum.

Here, you and your youngsters can look through an impressive collection of aircraft used in various wars, like the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

A fantastic experience that you should try with your children when visiting is its state-of-the-art 3D flight simulators, which allow you to experience what it’s like to soar through the clouds on different aircraft.

Recommended Ages

The Pacific Coast Air Museum welcomes all age groups to view its exhibits but might be more entertaining for your kids aged 5 and above.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Windsor Sonoma Wine Country, an IHG Hotel

10. Sonoma Zipline Adventures

6250 Bohemian Hwy
Occidental, CA 95465
(888) 494-7868

Sonoma Zipline Adventures offers a myriad of tours across the treetops of the Redwood forest.

Why We Recommend This Kid Friendly Activity

Go on a nature retreat that is fun for teens and adults alike by scheduling a tour with Sonoma Zipline Adventures today.

You can do things like zip-lining at speeds of 40 mph, crossing sky bridges, and exploring its many charming treehouses.

If you want to try a one-of-a-kind experience with your teenagers, try their Night Flight Tour, where you can explore the wonders of the forest high up on the treetops after dark.

Recommended Ages

Sonoma Zipline Adventures has an age requirement of a minimum of 10 years old to participate in their tour programs.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Occidental Lodge

11. American Made Miniatures

1 Sonoma Mountain Rd
Petaluma, CA 94954
(707) 778-2060

American Made Miniatures is a family-operated farm sanctuary and ranch.

It offers a handful of tour packages and up-close encounters with friendly animals.

Why We Recommend This Kid Friendly Activity

When looking for stuff to do with kids near you, consider making a trip to this farm sanctuary and spend the day outdoors with friendly horses and miniature ponies.

Here, you sign your kids up for horseback riding lessons and interact with the charming creatures by petting, feeding, and hugging them.

You can also view other animals like zebras, donkeys, and the like.

Recommended Ages

The accommodating staff at American Made Miniatures gladly welcomes guests of all ages.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Petaluma, Ca

Also See:
Things to Do in South Lake Tahoe, CA with Kids
San Jose Attractions for Kids
Kid Friendly Things to Do in Santa Cruz

12. Rebounderz Rohnert Park

555 Rohnert Park Expy West
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707)385-5867

Rebounderz Rohnert Park is a popular recreation center and trampoline park.

It features several attractions for its patrons, like 75 trampoline beds and a Ninja Warrior Course.

Why We Recommend This Kid Friendly Activity

There are tons of fun things to do in Santa Rosa with kids, like having a blast indoors at this top-rated, highly renowned trampoline park.

Make long-lasting memories as you do things together, like playing a fun game of dodgeball or jumping into a foam pit.

It has a playground, an arcade, colorful climbing walls, and plenty of other enjoyable amenities to keep your youngsters happy and entertained.

Recommended Ages

Rebounderz Rohnert Park has something great to offer its visitors of every age.

However, the indoor playground is only for kids between ages of 0 to 10.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country

List of image sources

Santa Rosa Kids Activities: 12 Family Things to Do for 2022

• Safari West
• Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
• Spring Lake Regional Park
• Howarth Park
• Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
• Annadel State Park
• Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
• Redwood Empire Ice Arena
• Pacific Coast Air Museum
• Sonoma Zipline Adventures
• American Made Miniatures
• Rebounderz Rohnert Park

Child Activities, Safety & Clubs for Families – First 5 Sonoma County

American Red Cross

(707) 577-7600

http://www. redcross.org/local/california/northern-california-coastal/chapters/california-northwest
5297 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa

Infant and child CPR and first aid. Babysitters training. Food safety and childcare classes. Disaster prevention, preparation, and response.

Child Parent Institute

(707) 585-6108

http://www.calparents.org
3650 Standish Avenue, Santa Rosa

Infantgym (crawling-15 months), kindergym (15-36 months), and other activities for children.

Children’s Museum of Sonoma County

(707) 546-4069

http://www.cmosc.org
1835 West Steele Lane, Santa Rosa

Designed to inspire creativity and stimulate curiosity to discover the world through playful exploration.

Community Action Partnership

(707) 544-6911

http://www.capsonoma.org
1300 North Dutton Avenue, Santa Rosa

Services for low-income parents with children ages 0-5. Playgroups for 3-year olds.

Early Learning Institute

(707) 591-0170

http://www. earlylearninginstitute.com
311 Professional Center Drive, Suite 100, Rohnert Park

Community playgroups for children 0-5.

Ives Pool

(707) 823-8693

http://www.ivespool.org
7400 Willow Street, Sebastopol

Family swim, public swim & swim lessons. Open all year, 7 days/week.

Looking for something to do this week?

http://www.sonomafamilylife.com

Find family activities in your neighborhood:

Parent Voices of Sonoma County

(707) 522-1413 x132

http://www.parentvoices.org
131-A Stony Circle, Suite 300, Santa Rosa

Parents who are dedicated to making quality child care accessible and affordable to all families. Dinner and childcare is provided at meetings.

Petaluma’s Mother’s Club

(707) 238-2204

https://petalumamothersclub.org

River to Coast Children’s Services

(707) 869-3613

http://www.rccservices. org
16300 First Street Guerneville

Kindergym, Infantgym, and art for kids. Safety events held in West County communities. Car seat safety program, bike rodeos, and car seat safety events.

Rohnert Park Recreation Department

(707) 588-3456

http://www.ci.rohnert-park.ca.us

Programs for children (6 months-7 years), adults and families. Swimming classes in the summer.

Safe Kids Sonoma County

(707)525-5902

http://www.safekidssonomacounty.org/
1165 Montgomery Drive Santa Rosa

Low cost care seats to low income qualifying individuals

Santa Rosa Mother’s Club

(707) 525-5902

http://www.santarosamothersclub.org

Sebastopol Community Cultural Center

(707) 823-1511

http://www.seb.org/
309 Morris Street Sebastopol

Kindergym (6 months-3 years). Classes all year for kids of all ages.

Sonoma County Family YMCA

(707) 545-9622

http://www. scfymca.org/
1111 College Avenue Santa Rosa

Offers swimming, recreation, education, day camp, school age child care, trips, youth and young adult programs.

Sonoma County Mothers of Multiples

http://www.scmom.org

The HealthSource at KidSake

(707) 546-4656

http://thehealthsourceatkidsake.com/
2999 Cleveland Avenue, Suite C Santa Rosa

Health and safety education. Trainings include CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), first aid, and stress management. Programs in first aid and CPR for day care providers and teen babysitters.

Volunteer Center of Sonoma County

(707) 573-3399

http://www.volunteernow.org/
153 Stony Circle, Suite 100 Santa Rosa

Promotes volunteerism and strengthens community service efforts in Sonoma County.

Windsor Community Services Department

(707) 838-1260

http://www.townofwindsor.com/
9291 Old Redwood Highway, Building 300 Suite D Windsor

Summer camps and cooking, music, tap, and jazz classes for preschoolers. Parent education classes.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

2-1-1 of Sonoma County

24 hours a day 7 days a week phone line providing comprehensive Information and Referral Service for health and human services.  They link the inquirer with an available, appropriate and acceptable community based service. Spanish spoken.

www.211sonoma.org

Sonoma County Family Wineries Guide

For parents, wine country is all too often snivelling country. It’s no secret that watching a bunch of adults tasting and discussing wine is not on the must-do list of kids. But the following wineries offer so many fun alternatives that the little ones will smile during their visit, just like their parents.

Make a splash

Image Source: Yelp

Francis Ford Coppola Winery
300 Via Archimeda
Geyservile, CA 95441
(707) 857-1471
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 500 reviews
Booking: Mandatory for pool cabanas.

Director Francis Ford Coppola visited local wineries and saw small children looking at the fountains, begging their parents to let them in. He decided that someday he would build his own dream winery with a swimming pool. The result is a fun and family-friendly Coppola Winery with two pools, bocce courts and a comfortable restaurant with poolside seating (pools closed for the winter).

There are cool Coppola movie memorabilia indoors, like Don Corleone’s desk from The Godfather and the original car from Tucker: The Man and His Dream. While the children are fascinated by the surroundings, adults can taste the delicious wines produced on site.

Insider tip: Rent a cabana by the pool for the day for your private dressing room and shower.

Stroll through the sculpture garden

Image Source: Yelp

Paradise Ridge Winery
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr.
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 528-9463
TripAdvisor: 4. 5 stars, 165 reviews
Booking: Not required

Paradise Ridge offers one of the best places for kids – or anyone else – to experience art. Instead of telling the kids at the museum to shut up and keep their hands behind their backs, tell them to run and explore the items found in the winery’s four-acre sculpture garden. Some of the sculptures are located among the gnarled oaks, while others are on the lawns. Everything is connected with simple footpaths that you can walk along.

Next to the grove, next to the winemaking building, there is another artistic garden with many sculptures. Once in the tasting room, look around the bar; Craftsman David Marks spent over 300 hours creating the vine inlay using seven different exotic woods. As if that wasn’t enough beauty and wonder, Paradise Ridge offers wonderful panoramic views.

Insider Tip: Popular Wednesday night wine and sunset runs from May to mid-October. Enjoy fine wines, live music and incredible sunsets from the winery’s large veranda and terrace.

View California Mission Scale Models

Image Source: Yelp

Cline Cellars
24737 Arnold Dr.
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 940-4000

required

Each year, over 4,000 schoolchildren visit the Cline Winery to see the California Mission Museum, built specifically to house the 21 scale models shown at the 1939 World’s Fair on Treasure Island. The models were created by a group of German cabinetmakers led by Italian artist Leon Bayard de Volo, and are all faithful representations of the original missions.

The study took two years. Children can also feed the carp in the pond, watch the birds in the aviary, and smell as many of the 5,000 rose bushes as they can.

Insider Tip: Not only is the museum and other activities free for kids, the winery also knows how to treat its adult guests by offering free tastings of five Rhone-style wines.

Take a tram ride in the open air

Image source: Yelp

Benziger Family Winery
1883 London Ranch Road.
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(888) 490-2739
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 441 reviews

A highlight for kids is the open-air tram ride, which takes visitors on a tour of the vineyards and wine caves. The Benziger family winery is a leader in biodynamic farming, which is why they have some interesting educational environmental exhibitions.

The parking lot pond has signs explaining biodynamic farming, and the frogs sitting on water lilies in the pond always seem to attract a group of curious children. Higher on the hill there is an “insect” where you can learn about beneficial insects.

Insider tip: The Benziger Tram Tour is consistently rated by locals and visitors as one of the best wine tours in the area.

Excellent family atmosphere

Source of Image: Yelp

Family Winery Larson
23355 Millerick RD
Sonoma, California 95476
(707) 938-3031
Tripadvisor: 4.5 stars, 900 recalculations: Right 9000) still retains the homely cowboy vibe it had when the place was the largest rodeo ranch in Northern California (the championship horse Seabiscuit once trained here). Larson is family owned and laid back, and is pet and child friendly.

Families can relax on the large green lawn and have a picnic or play in the bocce and horseshoe court. Kids have a great time watching horses, goats and other farm animals and don’t be surprised if some very cute and friendly family dogs come up to you.

Insider tip: Try the popular Three Lab Cab, named after dogs.

Free horse-drawn carriage tour

Image Source: Yelp

Attractions Vineyards
101 Adobe Canyon Rd
Kenwood, CA 95452
(707) 833-0053
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 51 reviews
Booking: Not required

third-generation Sonoma Valley farmer Pat Prather, who loves to educate people about viticulture practices, winemaking techniques and the history of Sonoma wines. Guided tours are available on Saturdays from May to mid-October, weather permitting. Afterwards, relax on the lawn or take a walk in the garden and admire the scenery.

Insider Tip: The Landmark Cottage, located on the grounds of a winery, offers the perfect getaway for a small family or a romantic getaway for a couple. The one bedroom cottage sleeps two in a king size bed and the living room has a pull out queen sofa bed.

Cool Caverns

Image Source: Yelp

Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves
9711 W Dry Creek Rd
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 473-9171
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 213 reviews
Booking: Not required

Bella offers a tour of the vineyards in a very cool vintage Swiss army car to start. It’s a fun, bumpy ride and once you get to the top of the hill, the views are amazing. As if riding the Pinzgauer isn’t enough to wow your child, the wine cave has a tasting room that’s mesmerizing, leaving you some time to relax and enjoy great wines and all.

Insider tip: Bring a picnic lunch so you can relax on the lawn after the tour. It’s laid-back and kid-friendly, and there’s even a game to play with.

Walk

Image source: Yelp

Bartholomew Park
1000 Vineyard Lane
Sonoma, California 95476
(707) 935-9511
Tripadvisor: 4.5 stars, 60 reviews in the heart of the 400-acre Bartholomew Memorial Park in Sonoma. In the hills behind the vineyard, there are three miles of marked hiking trails from which you can see San Francisco on a clear day. The hikes are beautiful but not easy and not suitable for strollers or small children.

However, the park’s picnic area overlooks the vineyards, as well as a replica of Agoston Haraszti’s villa: Haraszti was a legendary Hungarian-American winemaker who was considered “the father of California viticulture.” The villa is park-served and open on weekends, and inside the winery is a historical museum with many paintings and artefacts.

Insider Tip: Enjoy a fine fresh Chardonnay after your walk. Bartholomew specializes in white wines and all of their wines are organic.

Art Gardens to Explore

Image Source: Yelp

Cornerstone Gardens
23570 Arnold Dr.
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 933-3010
TripAdvisor 910 Stars Not Booked: 2.5 stars

required

For a great family outing with the chance to sample some wine along the way, visit the fun and trendy Cornerstone Gardens. Designers from all over the world have created about a dozen different gardens that you can just walk around and enjoy. When kids stumble upon yet another nook, there will always be plenty of excitement. There is a market near the gardens with shops, restaurants, and three tasting rooms, including Keating, Meadowcroft and Poseidon Vineyard & Obsidian Ridge.

Insider tip: Bring your camera. There are so many unique details and works of art that even the most ordinary shots look like works of art.

Sonoma County is full of sites for kids, including Sonoma County Wineries that provide just as much fun for kids as they do for adults.

★ Southern California Attractions ★

• Stargazing and more at Griffith Park and Observatory
• Sample wines in Santa Ynez Valley wine country
• Ride the Pacific Wheel at Santa Monica Pier
• Get a glimpse of Hollywood life
• Sunset Strip Cruise
• The Grove Store
• Be a kid again in Disneyland5 looking at Venice Beach
• Movie Studio Tour
• Check out the merchandise at the Rose Bowl Flea Market
• Coastal drive to Malibu
• Eat a hamburger at the Original In-N-Out
• Scuba Diving off Catalina Island
• See Wildflowers or Solve a Mystery in Death Valley National Park
• Climb the Rock in Joshua Tree National Park
• Explore Ghost Town
• Be Active at Big Bear Lake6 9017 in Salton Sea
• Tram ride to San Jacinto Mountain in Palm Springs
• San Diego

Traveling to Southern California? If you have never been, you may be surprised to find that it offers much more than beautiful beaches and beautiful people. While you’ll find a lot of this, you’ll find plenty of other interesting things to see and do while you’re in this diverse southern region of the Golden State.

Griffith Park and Observatory Griffith Park and Observatory

Stargazing and more at Griffith Park and Observatory

Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the entire US. This is a great place to spend time offering something for everyone. Go hiking and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Hollywood sign and the surrounding hills, then head to the hilltop observatory overlooking the city. The observatory gives you the opportunity to look at the starry sky with telescopes for free. The park is also home to the Greek Theatre, an equestrian center and the Los Angeles Zoo.

Ynez Valley Wine Country Ynez Valley Wine Country

Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Samples

Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country, located about 120 miles north of Los Angeles, is an ideal destination for wine lovers in southern Los Angeles. region of the state, as it produces an incredibly diverse array of wines made from grapes grown near the Pacific Ocean in Lompoc. to the innards of Happy Canyon. Head to Los Olivos and enjoy tasting at over a dozen tasting rooms, as well as visit several boutiques and art galleries. If you’re a fan of Sideways, stop by Los Olivos and Wine Merchant – you’ll recognize it from the dinner Miles (Paul Giamatti) exclaims “I don’t drink a damn” **** Mr. Merlot! ”

Santa Monica PierSanta Monica Pier

Pacific Wheel Ride at Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier has been a staple in the Los Angeles area for over a century. This iconic landmark is not only home to a variety of shops, restaurants and galleries, but also to Pacific Park, including the 1922 carousel that was featured in the 1973 classic The Sting. But the highlight is the Pacific Wheel. The world’s only solar-powered ferris wheel. At night, it’s especially stunning, with over 160,000 lights lit up, but during the day, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the coastline from over 130 feet above the pier. If you want to spend more time in Santa Monica, from here you can walk to the scenic beaches nearby, taking advantage of the almost always sunny weather.

HollywoodHollywood

Get a taste of Hollywood life

Almost everyone who visits Southern California wants to see what Hollywood is like. Long associated with the film and television industry, this Los Angeles suburb is home to iconic attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, a working theater with movie star footprints and handprints offering the chance to put your hands in those of known. It’s also a popular location for major movie premieres, and during major screenings, the public can stand outside along the red carpet and watch the stars arrive. Many will stop and say a few words, and sometimes even shake people’s hands before going to watch a movie.

Sunset StripSunset Strip

Sunset Strip Cruise

Hollywood is a world-famous cultural must-see. while you are in the area. You’ve seen it in movies like Almost Famous and Sunset Boulevard, but there’s nothing better than seeing it in person. Cruise down the Sunset Strip to get a taste of what it’s all about – during the day you can enjoy high-end shopping and al fresco dining, and after dark take a peek at legendary sites like Whiskey Go Go, The Roxy Theatre, The Blues House and vipers. You never know who you will see along the way!

The Grove, S.C. The Grove, S.C. you will also notice that the celebrity is shopping too. This open-air mall has over 50 stores, including Barney’s New York and Abercrombie & Fitch, but one of the main reasons to visit is the Original Farmers’ Market, which has been open since 1934 and located next to The Grove. This is a great place to dine, offering everything from fresh produce to international culinary delights. Don’t forget your camera because if you head to the top of the parking structure you will get one of the best views of the city around.

Disneyland. where there are restaurants, shops and hotels. Although it’s crowded and expensive, it’s usually more than worth it and you should definitely experience it if you’ve never been. You’ll find something for everyone, from tiny toddlers to a big baby in the shower – there are over 85 attractions combined, including the Haunted Mansion, Matterhorn Bobsleigh, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Tours, Radiator Springs Racers and a heart pounding California screams roller coaster . And that’s not all – there are spectacular parades, fireworks, live performances and even concerts, not to mention the opportunity to meet iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Goofy and the Little Mermaid.

Venice BeachVenice Beach

Are there people who look at Venice Beach

This world famous beach is not only a place to see and be seen, it is a mecca for eccentrics, which means that this one of the best places to experience the beach life of South California , and the best that people can watch. A wide stretch of golden sand rests on a path that is always filled with cyclists, skaters, walkers and joggers, and on its west side there are all kinds of performers, from jugglers and mimes to musicians, break dancers and vagrants, as well as hundreds of street vendors. Don’t miss the chance to see muscle builders pumping iron under the scorching sun in the area known as Muscle Beach and, of course, dipping their toes into the sparkling Pacific Ocean waters.

paramountprimary

Film Studio Tour

As the entertainment capital of the world, this is also your chance to visit the massive Paramount film studios on Melrose, where stars like Bob Hope and Bing Crosby took their iconic “Road” shots in the back of MGM, now Sony Pictures , in Culver. The city is the place where Gone with the Wind, Ben Hur and The Wizard of Oz were shot. The Sony Tour is a 2-hour walking tour that offers what many consider to be the most authentic “behind the scenes” look as it is one of the busiest studios in Hollywood. The Paramount tour is pretty low-key – it might be best to drive up Melrose to Bronson Avenue and take pictures of the famous gate.

Rose Bowl Flea Market Rose Bowl Flea Market

Check out the Rose Bowl Flea Market

If you’re here on the second Sunday of any month, be sure to include Rose Bowl Stadium on your itinerary. This is when the stadium hosts one of the most famous and largest flea markets in the world. Located in East Los Angeles in Pasadena, this is the perfect place to find a souvenir you’ll appreciate for much longer than any T-shirt without having to spend a fortune. Look for treasures including a wide selection of antiques, arts and crafts, collectibles, furniture and more among over 2500 vendors – you might even see one or two celebrities at a time as even the rich and famous know this is the place to be for more unique finds.

MalibuMalibu

Coastal drive to Malibu

This famous beach town is well known as the setting for many movies, TV shows and music videos, including Clock Cove, Charlie’s Angels, Two and a Half Men ” and many others. Just above the beaches, you will see many magnificent houses, many of which are owned by Hollywood celebrities. Malibu Lagoon State Beach, also known as Surfrider Beach, is a great place to swim in the summer. If you want to experience something truly unique, you can do that with Malibu Wine Safari too. It sounds a little crazy, but you can sip wine as you walk around to see all kinds of animals from zebras, camels and giraffes to water buffalo and llamas.

In-N-OutIn-N-Out

There’s a hamburger at the original In-N-Out

The very first In-N-Out is in Baldwin Park, about 20 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. It is considered to be the first drive-through restaurant in the world and of course it is famous for serving the best burgers in the country. The couple that founded it in 1948, Harry and Esther Snyder, couldn’t afford the property needed for car parking, which was standard equipment at the time, so they used a drive with speakers instead. -thru. Not only is this a great place to chill and have a burger, but since Californians are so passionate about their In-N-Out Burger’s, it makes for the perfect selfie as a representation of your time here. Plus, unlike most fast food conglomerates, this one only uses fresh ingredients that are no more than 500 miles away from the restaurant – and you’ll be able to tell from the first bite. Chef and travel guru Anthony Bourdain sings his praises, noting that he visits the diner as soon as he leaves LAX, praising In-N-Out for its consistently high quality and fresh ingredients.

Catalina Island, California Catalina Island, California

Scuba Diving Off Catalina Island

Just an hour’s ferry ride from Southern California’s coast, Catalina Island is a beautiful island retreat with surrounding waters offering one of the best snorkeling spots in the continental United States. The waters are clear and transparent and are home to a variety of marine life and giant algae. Lover’s Cove has one of the heaviest concentrations of fish found anywhere off the west coast and has been voted one of the top 10 snorkeling spots on the planet by CNN. Whether you are on land or water, dolphins and sea lions are often spotted too. Other activities here include sailing, kayaking, golf, biking and hiking. You can also try your luck at gambling at the famous Catalina Casino.

Death Valley National ParkDeath Valley National Park

See wildflowers or solve a mystery in Death Valley National Park

You may be surprised to find that Death Valley National Park is full of life, at least at certain times of the year. While summer is quite ominous, spring brings a spectacular display of vibrant wildflowers. During a good year, which means ideal conditions, the desert will be filled with a sea of ​​gold, purple, pink or white flowers. If you are arriving during a “non-working” year, or at other times of the year, you can experience a phenomenon known as “sailing stones”. These stones, weighing around 700 pounds, mysteriously move on their own across the sandy surface of the playground. – sometimes more than 650 feet away. They leave visible marks and puzzle scientists for decades. Many blame aliens, paranormal activity, magnetic fields, and there are even those who refuse to believe that this is anything but the work of scammers who want to attract more visitors to the area. Still others suggest that wet clay and strong winds, which can reach speeds of up to 90 mph, but no one is 100% sure what is causing it.

Joshua Tree National Park, California Joshua Tree National Park, California

Climb the rock in Joshua Tree National Park

Just two hours east of Los Angeles, step into Joshua Tree National Park and you will feel who have set foot on another planet. Filled with bizarre locally shaped plants like the Joshua tree, as well as giant boulders that rise hundreds of feet into the sky, the landscape looks like a scene from a sci-fi movie. It is a popular destination for photographers, hikers, nature lovers and rock climbers who come from all over the world to scale the soaring unique cliffs with over 4500 established climbing routes. After dark, it turns into a stargazing paradise, and the glorious dark night skies are the perfect backdrop. There are many natural springs, artificial reservoirs and many places to stay overnight. If you’re not camping, you’ll find several lodging options and some fantastic eateries in Joshua Tree Village, an artist enclave home to an eclectic mix of artists, hipsters, and retirees.

ghost town ghost town

Explore the ghost town

There are several ghost towns scattered throughout the region, but if you want to experience the most colorful natural surroundings of any of them, head to Calico, a former silver mining town in San County -Bernardino. It peaked in the 1880s but soon began to decline, and silver prices fell in the following decade. By 1907 he was practically dead. Restoration starts at 1950s and today it is a county state park known as Calico Ghost Town. About a third of its original buildings still stand, along with a few nifty additions such as a golden pan and a “mystery hut”. It’s worth a visit just to explore some of the structures that date back to its operational years, such as the city office, Lil’s Saloon, Joe’s Saloon, a general store, and the former home of Lucy Lane, now the main museum but originally the city’s post office and courthouse.

Big Bear LakeBig Bear Lake

Be active on Big Bear Lake

Southern California isn’t without its share of mountain towns. Located about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake serves as a year-round destination. During the summer it is the most popular spot on the lake for all the usual water sports such as fishing, kayaking, jet skiing and canoeing, as well as land based activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking. . There is even an alpine water slide, zip line rides, parasailing, 4X4 tours and more. No matter your taste or budget, you’re sure to find the perfect place to unwind at the end of a long day, whether it’s camping under towering pine trees and starry skies, staying in a charming B&B, or a luxury vacation rental.,

Salton SeaSalton Sea

Check out the ruins at Salton Sea

Bombay Beach, located on the banks of the Salton Sea, is a virtual ghost town. It was a popular playground for vacationers in the 1940s and 50s and was about to become California’s version of the French Riviera. But due to a series of floods and increasing salinity, the Salton Sea has experienced major fish and bird extinctions, leaving the area abandoned. While Bombay Beach is still home to a few residents, almost everything is in ruins. The coastline was completely flooded and the salt buildup destroyed the buildings and trailers that were here. Although the beach looks like sand, it is actually the crushed bones of millions of fish. It really makes for a very interesting and productive stop for urban grunge photographers as well as those who are passionate about off the beaten path places. 9San Jacinto Mountain Palm Springs 350 sunny days a year. Known as a golfer’s dream with many outstanding golf courses, it is also home to the Living Desert, a 1,200-acre wildlife and botanical park, and a cable car that will take visitors to the top of the 8,515-foot mountain. San Jacinto. Upstairs, you’ll find the Peaks Restaurant, which offers panoramic views, as well as dishes such as seafood and pasta. You’ll also have access to the 54-mile hiking trails at Mount San Jacinto Park.

San DiegoSan Diego

San Diego

San Diego, one of California’s most popular holiday destinations, not only offers a year-round mild climate and miles of gorgeous sandy beaches to take advantage of the abundance of sunshine, but there’s so much to do, that you could spend weeks here and not look and do it all.