NEARBY GETAWAYS
Santa Barbara County > Los Angeles
SANTA BARBARA
America’s Riviera, Santa Barbara is a relaxed, sun-drenched destination just 30 miles north of Harbortown Point with incredible Pacific Coast beaches, spectacular golf courses, delectable restaurants, world-class shopping, charming wineries, theaters, and thrilling activities, events and festivals. Annual highlights include Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Harbor & Seafood Festival, Old Spanish Days, Amgen Tour of California, and the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Festival. Beach hangouts such as East Beach, Rincon Beach Park, Leadbetter Beach, Hendry’s Beach and Goleta Beach County Park are hotspots for swimming, surfing, picnicking and sunning.
SANTA BARBARA MISSION
The official literature calls Mission Santa Barbara "Queen of the Missions for its graceful beauty." Founded on December 4th, 1786, it was the tenth of the California missions to be founded by the Spanish Franciscans. Padre Junipero Serra, who founded the first nine missions, had died 2 years earlier. Serra had planned to build this mission, raising the cross at the presidio of Santa Barbara in 1782. It still functions as a church today. Self-guided tours daily.
SANTA BARBARA ZOO
Located on 30 acres near the ocean in Santa Barbara, California. It was formerly known as the Child’s Estate Zoo. The zoo has been ranked numerous times as one of the nation’s best small zoos. It has 600 animals in numerous exhibits, including capybara and Californian Condors, and is famous for having had a giraffe with a crooked neck. The zoo first opened in August 1963.
WINE COUNTRY
SANTA YNEZ
The heart of the Santa Barbara Wine Country – is a magical landscape of over 70 boutique wineries, lush vineyards, fruit orchards, lavender farms, horse ranches. Sample acclaimed wines at world class wineries and tasting rooms throughout Santa Ynez and the Valley.
SOLVANG
The community of the Solvang Village is nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley as a preserve that was founded by a group of Danish teachers. Solvang is the Danish word meaning “sunny field” and when you visit this historic town you can see the Hans Christian Anderson Park and walk through town amidst traditional Danish windmills. This charming Danish inspired village offers an array of attractions and activities. Enjoy shopping in 200 European style shops, antique stores, art galleries, boutiques, antique stores, and Danish bakeries. Savor delicious cuisine-from Danish to gourmet wine-country fare – and local wines at charming restaurants and tasting rooms.
CHUMASH CASINO
Located on Highway 246 in Santa Ynez, is the Chumash Casino. Owned and operated by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. The gaming floor includes 2,000 slot machines, dozens of table games, bingo, poker and daily cash and prize giveaways. One of the hottest destinations for gaming and entertainment on the Central Coast.
OJAI VALLEY
Just a few miles up Highway 33, but a world away is the small town of Ojai. About 12 miles inland from Ventura, Ojai is the smallest city in Ventura County, and they are darn proud of it. Ojai’s charms are many. The community has long been known as a haven for artists, musicians and health enthusiasts. Ojai is a vibrant place with so much natural beauty that it gained fame decades ago when the area was photographed to represent Shangri-La in the 1939 movie, The Lost Horizon. (Ironically, Ojai was totally cut out of the movie after the premier showing in New York, because many complained the movie was just too long. However, the Valley remains the inspiration for the film.) Filled with delightful shops, art galleries and a host of places to retreat from the fast-paced lifestyle, Ojai invites you to walk its oak-shaded paths, taking some time to drink in the serenity of it all.
LOS ANGELES
ATTRACTIONS & AMUSEMENT PARKS
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
The world-famous movie studio and theme park featuring movie studios, tours, attractions, rides, restaurants and more. The movie studio tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at special effects and movie-making techniques. The rides and attractions are based on major movies that have been produced by Universal Studios.
LOS ANGELES ZOO
Animals, reptiles and birds in their natural habitat. The Zoo costs less than a movie but offers far more entertainment value. It’s in Griffith Park, north of downtown Los Angeles, in the general area of Universal Studios.
PACIFIC PARK, SANTA MONICA
A carnival style amusement park located on the Santa Monica Pier. A Ferris wheel offers spectacular views of the Santa Monica Bay, the Pacific ocean, Santa Monica, Ocean Park and Venice Beach. There are carnival games, a roller coaster and other rides.
MAGIC MOUNTAIN
If you like roller coasters then you’ll love Magic Mountain. The emphasis is on thrill rides, and some of them are heart-pounders! The park also offers theme attractions, carnival games, arcades, food, shows and more opportunities for an entire day of thrills and fun.
HURRICANE HARBOR
From thrilling speed slides to cool kids’ areas to gallons of water adventures, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is a tropical paradise and the perfect place to cool off and work on your California tan.
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC
Features ocean-based exhibits and marine life of the Pacific Ocean. You can explore the various ocean habitats of Southern California, Baja California, the frigid waters of the North Pacific and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Come face-to-face with, and even touch, the ocean’s ultimate predators in Shark Lagoon and hand feed lorikeet birds.
RAGING WATERS
California’s largest water theme park featuring a 50-acre aquatic recreation park which includes water slides, speed slides, rides, chutes, lagoons, children’s activity pools and beaches for sunbathers. Open during the summer months. [North of Pasadena, near Pomona]
DISNEYLAND
Southern California’s most popular amusement park. Emphasis on theme attractions and rides. Disneyland is a “must see” attraction. You will feel the magic of Disneyland as soon as you enter the park! Plan on spending a whole day!
DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
Disneyland’s sister park is located near the main gate of Disneyland. Come celebrate the fun and adventures of California -- Disney style! You’ll be immersed in the California spirit through the magic of Hollywood, the thrills of a beachfront boardwalk and the adventures of the great outdoors. You can visit California Adventure in one day or less, so a 2-day Park Hopper lets you enjoy both parks and gives you extra time to explore Disneyland.