By Robert Vaux
Southern California offers more attractions and events than almost anywhere else, and the scope isn't limited to adults. The warm weather and ease of travel make the area a natural vacation destination for families from all over the world. Finding attractions that appeal to young children is a snap; indeed, there are so many different options that a given vacation usually only scratches the surface of all the things families can see and do.
Disneyland
The Happiest Place on Earth is often enough to base a vacation around all on its own. Popular rides include the Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, the Matterhorn roller coaster and the Indiana Jones Adventure. Parades featuring Mickey Mouse and his pals take place every day, and fireworks displays are held every summer evening once the sun goes down. The Disney corporation also has a pair of other attractions--Disney's California Adventure and the Downtown Disney shopping district--within easy walk of Disneyland itself.
Disney Attractions
1313 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
Telephone: (714) 781-4565
The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park
Two hours south of Los Angeles lies one of the world's great zoos: first founded in 1922 and now host to over 800 different species of animals. A second attraction, the Wild Animal Park, opened in the nearby San Pasqual valley in 1972. It features much more expansive habitats matching the savannahs of Africa and Asia--facilitated by Southern California's perennially pleasant weather.
The San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, CA 92112-0551
Telephone: 619-231-1515.
Wild Animal Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road
Escondido, California 92027-7017
Telephone: 760-747-8702
Beaches
Southern California beaches are among the most beautiful in the world, featuring warm water and white sands. Among the most notable are the Santa Monica beach (featuring rides and attractions at the nearby Santa Monica Pier) and Laguna Beach (featuring tide pools hosting a number of aquatic plants and animals).
Santa Monica Pier
350 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-9621
The La Brea Tar Pits
The George C. Page Museum lies on Wilshire Blvd just west of downtown Los Angeles, and houses one of the most unusual paleontological collections in the world. 10,000 years ago, the area contained a number of tar pits, which trapped and preserved fossils from thousands of prehistoric animals. The museum remains a perennial field trip destination for Southern California kids, and sits right next to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (which is less kid-friendly but still worth a visit).
The La Brea Tar Pits
5801 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Telephone: (323) 934-7243
Griffith Park Observatory
Griffith Park stands on the hills just north of Los Angeles. It first opened in 1935, and was designed to draw public attention to the wonders of science and astronomy. It remains a beloved Los Angeles institution, with exhibits ranging from a Foucault Pendulum to a number of solar and stellar telescopes. Griffith Park itself contains dozens of hikes and nature trails, and the entire area is visible from most of greater Los Angeles.
Griffith Park Observatory
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Telephone: (213) 473-0800
About the Author:
Robert Vaux has been a professional writer and editor since 1995. He has traveled throughout Europe and North America as well as parts of North Africa. Since 2000 he has been a professional movie critic at Flipside Movie Emporium, the Sci-Fi Movie Page and Mania.com. Vaux has a Master of Arts in English literature from Syracuse University.
