Attractions , 1238 S. Beach Blvd., Anaheim — 714-236-9300 www.adventurecity.com Located a few blocks from Knott’s Berry Farm, this is a little theme park for kids up to age 8. Admission fee of $13.95, (seniors 55 and over are $9.95), provides entry into the petting zoo, face painting, puppet shows and storytelling in the outdoor theater, and unlimited use of all rides. The park is small enough to allow parents to keep track of their children, yet large enough to provide a day of entertainment for young children. Birthday party packages available. Open Saturday through Sunday during winter, daily in the summer.

BEACHES is known for its beaches and the coast has over 75 miles of beach, all accessible from Pacific Coast Highway. Some of the more popular beaches are: • Hermosa Beach (310) 372-2166) is a great spot to surf, play volleyball, or take a ride on the bike path. In the summer it has a fun and busy atmosphere, but manages to keep a laid back attitude. Bike and skate rentals are available and the bike path runs north and south for miles. Volleyball courts are also available. • Leo Carillo State Park (818-880-0350) This beach, located north of Malibu, offers swimming, surfing, windsurfing, and a shaded campground. There are sea caves and tunnels for the explorers, and animal watchers can look out for whales, dolphins, and sea lions attracted by offshore kelp beds. • Manhattan Beach (310-372-2166) is a hot spot for surfing, body surfing, or boogie boarding. This beach is where found the inspiration for their surf music. • Marina and Playa Del Rey Beaches (310-821-1081) Basin D, known as Mother's Beach, is a safe environment for young children because there is no surf in the swimming area. A lifeguard, plenty of picnic tables, and barbecues make this a great location for family outings. • Playa del Rey (310) 821-1081) is a beautiful beach for those who want to stay away from crowds, but it sits under the LA airport, which makes it noisy. The white sand beach with small dunes allows nice views of the Marina del Rey harbor. There are plenty of volleyball courts available, a grass park with a lagoon and playground equipment for the kids. Dogs are allowed on leash in the park. There are basketball courts and a baseball diamond. • Redondo Beach and Pier (310) 372-2162) located in Redondo Beach, offers excursion boats, fishing and boating, plus an arcade and boardwalk. This is a family-oriented beach, because of its proximity to the pier. There are tons of activities to keep you busy all day, and a nice beach break for the surfers. Also, there is a park directly behind the beach where you can have a barbecue. • Santa Monica Beach (310-394-3266) This is one of L.A.’s most popular beaches and also one of its largest. It is the closest to UCLA. This is a great place to watch people; you can also swim, surf, fish and play volleyball. offers dining, shopping, fishing, and rides, and it hosts rock and jazz concerts on Thursday evenings during the summer. Santa Monica Pier and the South Bay Bike Trail are also here. • Topanga Canyon State Beach (310-394-3264) is a rocky beach that goes from Topanga Canyon down to Coastline Drive. It is one of the most popular surf spots in the area. • Venice Beach (310-394-3266) famous for its Boardwalk, is located just south of Santa Monica Beach. An urban beach with lots of people and lots of noise, this beach has its own unique culture (artists, street performers, vendors and body-builders). You can buy a day pass and pump iron at Muscle Beach or take a yoga class on the beach in front of the Breakwater. You can also find handball and basketball courts, punching bag hook ups, rings, parallel bars, and a rope to climb. The bike and skate paths continue north and south. • (310-305-9545), located in Pacific Palisades, just north of Santa Monica. This 3 mile long sandy beach offers fishing, surfing and bodysurfing. Volleyball is the main attraction. Be cautious of water conditions because a large storm drain is located here. It is generally safe to go in the water 48 hours after a rain storm. Ask the lifeguard if you are uncertain. • Zuma Beach County Park, located in Malibu (310-457-9891), has a large, sandy beach with lots of volleyball courts. Playgrounds and lifeguards make it ideal for family outings. Zuma Beach is well known for its surfers.

For surf and weather conditions call the L.A. County Lifeguards at 310-379-8471. A 22-mile beach bike path runs from below Pacific Palisades to Palos Verdes Estates.

Bikes and in-line skates can be rented from the following beach areas: Washington Blvd. Beach Lot - 310/821-9047 Venice Blvd. Beach Lot - 310/821-9338 Rose Ave. Beach Lot - 310/396-1959

CATALINA ISLAND, (310-510-1520) www.catalina.com

Located 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina feels like a world away. Stroll the quaint streets of Avalon or explore the adventurous village of Two Harbors, where you will find grazing buffalo and wild pig. Catalina offers hiking, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, golfing, horseback riding, shopping, dining, and sightseeing activities. The Catalina Casino, a circular Art Deco building, has been the focal point of the island entertainment and culture since it opened in 1929. There is no gambling at this facility. Rather, the massive twelve-story building is divided into a spectacular grand ballroom and movie theatre. It is also available for events and weddings. The Casino hosts most of Catalina’s major indoor events, including the annual New Year’s Eve Celebration and the Catalina Island Jazz Festival. Tours of the Catalina Casino are available daily. The Catalina Visitors Country Club is open to the public, but this wasn't always so. The facility was originally built for William Wrigley’s baseball team, the Chicago Cubs. Now, after a lavish renovation, the club’s eclectic mix of Spanish Colonial design and sports memorabilia exists in elegant ambiance. Live jazz at the Catalina Island Country Club is offered in the summer. Catalina is accessible by boat, plane or helicopter.

DISNEYLAND, 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim (714-781-4565) www..com. The Magic Kingdom has its classic rides, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, and the roller coasters: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, the Matterhorn and Thunder Mountain. Newer attractions include Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters, and Finding Nemo, Submarine Voyage. Hours vary according to the season and may be abbreviated due to weather conditions.

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Located next door to Disneyland, California Adventure is dedicated to the state of California. The main attractions are Sunshine Plaza, Golden State, Paradise Pier, A Bug’s Land and Hollywood Pictures Backlot. Paradise Pier is dedicated to the "Golden Age" of amusement parks, offering rides, restaurants and shops. A Bug’s Land features Flik and other favorite bugs from the movie “It’s a Bug’s Life.” There is also a play area and rides for the younger set. The Golden State attractions include Grizzly River Run, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and don’t miss Soarin’ Over California where you are suspended over an IMAX screen. Your feet dangle in the air as you "fly" over various sights around California, sniffing the oranges and sea air and feeling the breeze as you fly by. Toy Story Mania is the newest attraction, an interactive ride where you board a vehicle, put on your 4-D glasses, and zip off into a world of mid-way style games. Use your spring-loaded shooter to throw virtual projectiles at targets and rack up points. , Rex, Hamm and more!

One day admission to either Disneyland or California Adventure: $69.00 for adults, $59.00 for children 3-9. Parking is $12.00. Multiple day packages also available. UCLA discount tickets from the Central Ticket Office are sometimes available.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY, connecting Disneyland and California Adventure, offers dining, entertainment and shopping. Restaurants include ESPN (sports bar and grille) Naples Ristorante and Pizzeria (Southern Italian dishes) Rainforest Café (wide variety of dishes served amid a tropical rainforest setting), Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (Louisiana cuisine), and the House of Blues (Cajun-Creole). There are many unique shops such as Marceline’s Confectionery (candy shop) Illuminations (candles), Compass Books and Café (the West’s oldest independent bookstore), Department 56 (specialty gifts and collectibles), Starabilias (original, restored American memorabilia from the 1880s-1980s), Build-A-Bear Workshop, the LEGO Imagination Center and more.

DODGER STADIUM: 1000 Elysian Park Ave., Los Angeles (213-224-1500) www.dodgers.com (323-224-1448) for ticket information. -Home of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team; over 80 games are played each season from April to October. Seats range in price from $9 (nose-bleed section) and up. For $35 advance purchase ($40 at the door) you can get a seat in the All You Can Eat Right Pavilion and consume as many Dodger dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos and sodas as you can eat, but these seats are better at night as there is no shade. Parking is $15.00. EXPOSITION PARK ROSE GARDEN: 900 Exposition Blvd., L.A. (213-748-4772). www.laparks.org/exporosegarden This is one of the largest rose gardens in the world. Over 16,000 rose bushes are located in a 7- acre garden. See the website for the history and other information about the gardens. They are open from 9 am to sunset daily.

THE GREAT WESTERN FORUM: 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood (310-330-7300) www.laforum.com Well-known pop and rock stars perform here.

GRIFFITH OBSRVATORY, located in Griffith Park, 2800 East Observatory Road Los Angeles, CA 90027 (213-473-0800).

Since 1935, the Observatory has given millions of visitors the opportunity to become observers. With a new dome, star projector, laser digital projection system, seats, sound system, and theatrical lighting, the 300-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium Theater is the finest planetarium in the world. The opening show – “Centered in the Universe” - takes visitors on a cosmic journey of exploration and discovery; live presentations are scheduled every hour. Griffith Observatory's three solar telescopes provide a different real-time view of the sun, including sunspots and solar flares. On any given night, Observatory staff may set up one or more free-standing telescopes on the lawn or East Observation Terrace to enable more people to put their eyeball to the sky. Once a month, the L.A. Astronomical Society and Sidewalk Astronomers hold a star party at the Observatory in which many more telescopes are available for public viewing. In addition, the Observatory has mounted a number of coin-operated telescopes to enable visitors to look at objects in the Los Angeles Basin and surrounding mountains. The Observatory's brand new gift and book store offers a cosmic array of Observatory insignia items, as well as astronomy-related and space-themed books, gifts, clothing, toys, and other items. Open weekdays (Tuesday- Friday) from noon-10:00 pm. On weekends (Saturday-Sunday), open 10:00 am-10:00 pm Closed on Mondays. Visit www.griffithobservatory.org/ for details.

GRIFFITH PARK, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive (323-913-4688) www.laparks.org This is L.A.’s largest park, with over 4,000 acres of trees and hills providing hiking and riding trails, golf, tennis, barbeques and playgrounds. Within the park are the L.A. Zoo, the Greek Theatre, Griffith Observatory and Traveltown, plus the L.A. Equestrian Center (see the “Museum” and “Theater” sections in this guide). Free guided tours. Open 5:00 am – 10:30 pm

KNOTT’S BERRY FARM, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park (714-220-5200) www.knotts.com The oldest theme park in Southern California has over 165 rides and attractions plus live entertainment. Visit the Boardwalk, Fiesta Village, Indian Trails, Ghost Town, Wild Water Wilderness and . The Boardwalk offers several thrill rides, such as Xcelerator, which launches you off the line at an electrifying top speed of 82 mph in 2.3 seconds through an exhilarating 205-foot ascent and immediate descent at a 90-degree angle. Ghost Town is an 1880's California Boom Town with cowboys, gunfights, stage-coaches, a steam , the world's first ride and panning for real gold. Camp Snoopy's offers rides for the younger guests, including the Timberline Twister kiddie , the Huff and Puff® pedal cars, the Red Baron airplane ride, Charlie Brown Speedway and more. Hours vary according to the season. Admission (good for all rides and attractions except Pan for Gold and arcade games) are $44.00 for adults, $22.99 for seniors, and children aged 3-11; children 2 and under are free. Discount tickets are available at the UCLA Central Ticket Office. For Southern California residents, there are often seasonal promotions which offer discounted admission with proof of residence (California Driver’s License). Parking is $10.00.

L.A. MEMORIAL COLISEUM: 3911 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles (213-747-7111). www.lacoliseum.com Home to USC football and other sports and artistic events. See the website for the schedule of events.

L.A. MEMORIAL SPORTS ARENA: 3911 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles (213-748-6136). This stadium hosts a variety of sporting and entertainment events. Ice shows, track meets, concerts and car shows are held here.

L.A. ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS, Griffith Park: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles junction of the Golden State Freeway and the Ventura Freeway, L.A. (323-644-4200). www.lazoo.org The zoo is divided into continental areas and contains 2000 animals from around the world. They also have a fantastic collection of plants as well as animals The Winnick Family Children’s Zoo brings kids and animals together. There are many special attractions such as the World of Birds Show, Keeper Close-up and more. Don’t miss the Red Ape Rain Forest Exhibit, part of the Great Ape Forest. Hours: Daily 10:00 am-5:00 pm Closed on Christmas. Admission: $12.00 adults; $7.00 children 2-12; children under 2 free; $9.00 for seniors. Free parking

LEGOLAND: One Legoland Drive, just off Interstate 5, in Carlsbad. (760) 918-5346 www.legolandca.com Legoland has more then 50 rides, shows and attractions. Venture into the wilds of Africa on Safari Trek and see life-sized giraffes, zebras, and lions, all made of LEGO® bricks. Dino Island is an interactive area that allows children to test their paleontology skills as they dig for the "skeletal remains" of dinosaurs buried in over 30 cubic yards of sand. Miniland USA includes reproductions of seven areas of the United States, all constructed with 20 million LEGO bricks. The park is specifically geared towards children ages 2-12. One day admission is $63.00 for adults, $53.00 for seniors and children. Generally open from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, until 8:00 pm in the summer. Check the website for current hours. Parking is $10.00

MANN/GRAUMAN’S CHINESE THEATRE: 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. (323-464- 8111) www.manntheatres.com/chinese The jade-green bronze roof of the theater rises 69-feet into the air and the interior of the theatre is decorated in exotic art from China. But the most famous thing about the Chinese Theatre is its Forecourt of the Stars. At any time of the day or night, fans and tourists can be found "trying on" and "checking out" the hand and foot prints and signatures in cement. To date, nearly 200 movie idols have left their marks on movie history. The 3-1/2 mile Walk of Fame passes in front of the theater and continues all along Hollywood Blvd and Vine. You can also take a VIP Backstage tour of the theatre. Call in advance for tour times, which are offered 7 days a week, and prices (323) 463-9576

PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO: 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood (323-956-4385). www.paramount.com Take a 2 hour guided tour of the studio; get a historical and informational look behind the scenes of the daily operations of a major motion picture and television facility. Cost is $35/person, no one under 12 years of age admitted. Call (323) 956-1777 for reservations (required). You can also get free tickets to watch a live taping of a TV show. To see what shows are available, visit www.hollywoodtickets.com.; tickets are available at www.tvtickets.com

ROSE BOWL: 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena (626-577-3101). www.rosebowlstadium.com This stadium is well known for the annual Rose Bowl game held each New Year’s Day. Other events including UCLA football are held here and a large swap meet is held the first Sunday of every month in the adjacent area.

SANTA MONICA PIER, at the end of Colorado Ave., Santa Monica. More than three million people visit the Pier each year to dine, shop, fish or play. Visit the , with its nine-story Ferris wheel, or try the 70-year-old restored wooden . The carousel building can be rented for children’s birthday parties (310-395- 4248). The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is located here; see listing under Museums. Also at the Pier are the Santa Monica Twilight Dance concerts, held in the summer and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (see “Museums” for details).

SEA WORLD AT SAN DIEGO: 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92109 Recorded park information: (800) 25-SHAMU www.seaworld.com Opening and closing times vary by season. Hours are extended during holiday periods and Rockin' Summer Nights (May through Labor Day). Call for hours of operation. Exciting adventures, amazing animals, and fun shows. Come learn what your pets already know at Pets Rule! Dolphin Discovery showcases bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales in a splashy, high- energy show. Roll up your sleeves and touch a starfish or a sea urchin in the California Tide Pool, or watch 350 Antarctic penguins in the Penguin Encounter. A 90-minute guided walking tour is offered daily (weather permitting) with a personal guide to take you behind the scenes. Rides include Shipwreck Rapids, a raft-like inner tube ride, Journey To Atlantis water coaster and Wild Arctic, a simulated jet helicopter ride (included in park admission), Southwest Airlines Skytower and Bayside Skyride (extra charge). Admission: $65.00 for adults, $55.00 for children ages 3 through 9, free for children 2 and younger. Parking is $12.00 per car.

SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP LAKE SHRINE, 17190 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades (310-454-4114) Home to the Gandhi World Peace Memorial and the Court of Religions, this ten-acre hillside meditation garden is known for its beauty and peacefulness. Open Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm and Sunday 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

SIX FLAGS CALIFORNIA, 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia (661-255-4100), Off the Interstate 5. www.sixflags.com Known as a thrill ride haven, features 16 world-class roller coasters and over 100 rides, games and attractions. Thrill rides include Superman, X, Goliath, The Escape, Batman: The Ride, Scream, Tatsu, and The Riddler’s Revenge. Attractions include Wile E. Coyote Critter Canyon with a petting zoo, Warner Bros. Kids Club, an audience participation game, and more. The park is open at 10:30 am daily; closing hours vary. Admissions: $59.99 adults, $29.99 for children under 48 inches. Parking is $15.00. A combo ticket for both Six Flags parks is $69.99.

SIX FLAGS HURRICANE HARBOR, a 22-acre water park, is located next door. They offer 23 water-logging rides and 2 of the tallest enclosed speed slides in the world. Castaway Cove is a large water play area designed exclusively for the younger set. Admission is $29.99/adults, $20.99/children. Parking is $15.00. Open from May to September. http://www.sixflags.com/parks/hurricaneharborla/

STAPLES CENTER, 1111 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. www.staplescenter.com Located in downtown Los Angeles and home to the L.A. Lakers, the L.A. Clippers, the L.A. Sparks (women’s basketball), the L.A. Avengers (arena football), and the L.A. Kings. In addition to hosting world-class sports and entertainment events, the Staples Center also provides numerous services and support programs designed to benefit the entire Los Angeles community. The Staples Center seats 20,000 for basketball and 19,000 for hockey.

TRAVELTOWN, 5200 Zoo Drive in Griffith Park (323-662-5874) www.cityofla.org/rap/grifmet/index.htm or www.scsra.org/ttown/ In operation since the 1950s, Traveltown has a variety of authentic old locomotives while the museum houses an elaborate model train set up and a collection of historic fire engines. A small train circles the grounds; rides are $2.00 for adults and children, $1.50 for seniors over 60, kids 18 months and under ride for free. Open Monday-Friday from 10:00 am-4:00 pm and weekends from 10:00 am-5:00 pm. The train rides stop one hour before the park closes. No admission charge.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City (1-800-864-8377) www.UniversalStudios.com Behind-the-scenes tour of Hollywood’s biggest backlot. The original movie sets from Steven Spielberg's film, "War of the Worlds," are the latest new feature to be added to their behind-the- scenes Studio Tour, On the tram ride, you will get up-close views of the dinosaur-destroyed research laboratory compound from "Jurassic Park: The Lost World," the snow-covered town of Whoville from "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" and the Psycho house and Bates motel from "Psycho." Nickelodeon Blast Zone is a play zone for kids. Ride offerings are Shrek 4-D, Revenge of the Mummy, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park and more. Don’t miss Terminator II: 3-D, which is a virtual reality and live-action extravaganza. Admission: $67.00 + 48”, children under 48” are $57.00; under 3 free. Open 10:00 am-6:00 pm (Discounts available for UCLA employees.) Parking is $20.00 per car for preferred parking and $12.00 per car for general parking.

UNIVERSAL CITY WALK: Located right next to Universal Studios, City Walk offers dining, entertainment, and shopping. Restaurants included Buca Di Beppo (Southern Italian dishes) Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (Seafood), Hard Rock Café (wide variety of dishes served amid Rock ‘n’ Roll setting), Tony Roma’s, Wolfgang Puck Café and B.B Kings Blues Club (Southern cuisine and live music). Shops include Abercombie & Fitch, EB Games, The Dodgers Clubhouse (official store of the team), Guess, Hollywood Harley Davidson, Hot Topic, The Raider Image, Sketchers, Sparky’s, Universal Studio Store and more. City Walk is open Sunday-Thursday 11:00am to 9:00 pm and Friday-Saturday 11:00am-11:00pm. Universal Parking fee applies.

WARNER BROTHERS STUDIOS VIP TOURS, 4200 Warner Blvd., Burbank http://www2.warnerbros.com/vipstudiotour/ Small group tours emphasizing the technical side of TV and filmmaking. The 2-1/2 hour tour via cart takes you through backlot streets, sound stages and sets. You might walk onto a set of a hit TV program, see how sets are constructed, walk through rows of costumes and watch a special effects demonstration. $45/person. (No children under 8 allowed because the tour visits working areas.) Tours available from 8:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with expanded hours during the summer. Parking is $5. For detailed information call the VIP Tour Info Line at (818) 972-8687