By Evelyn Block
Southern California is a travel destination both for Americans and visitors from all over the globe. Located in the southern part of America's most populated state, Southern California is one of the most beautiful and varied parts of the state, offering mountain ranges, deserts and
beaches as well as the exciting glamor of Hollywood and
Los Angeles.
Beaches
Southern California boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Venice beach is the most-visited beach in Southern California and is best known for its famous boardwalk and shops. Muscle Beach hosts tourists and fitness buffs and is easily recognizable from the many movies that have been filmed there. Malibu's beach is home to many famous actors and actresses and yet, by law, is accessible to all. The Queen Mary calls Long Beach its home and Huntington Beach is the famous "Surf City." Laguna Beach has some beautiful coves and is home to many artists and art galleries.
Los Angeles
For a visitor, Los Angeles is the city in Southern California that truly has something for everyone. There's culture at the Disney Concert Hall, the Getty Museum, the Sculpture Gardens and LACMA. For party-goers, Los Angeles boasts a variety of hotels, restaurants and clubs where you might even rub elbows with an actor or actress. There at least five separate great shopping neighborhoods and, of course, the world-famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. There's great hiking, eight great beaches and the glamor of Hollywood. A tour of stars' homes in Hollywood is a delightful way to end a busy day in Los Angeles.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is an attractive recreational area boasting great golf courses for parents, ATV rentals for teens and a tram that climbs 8,000 feet up the mountain for the little ones. Many of Southern California's rich and famous people spend their winters in Palm Springs.
San Diego
World famous San Diego Zoo is just one of the attractions in this beautiful city. Balboa Park is home to several historical museums and a great place to picnic. There's also the Automotive Museum. the Aerospace Museum and the Railroad Museum. A harbor cruise allows you to explore some of the Navy's ships and allows for a different perspective of this vibrant city.
Amusement Parks
Southern California's recreational areas and amusements are enjoyable all year long because of wonderful weather. Disneyland, also known as "the happiest place on earth" and it's next-door neighbor, California Adventure, offer shows and rides and entertainment for the whole family and are often a destination spot on their own. There's also Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, Legoland in Carlsbad, Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, Universal Studios in Universal City, Raging Waters in San Dimas, White Water Canyon in San Diego and the Santa Monica Pier.
About the Author:
Evelyn Block has almost 30 years of experience as a family therapist, educator at the elementary and university levels, consultant to corporations and parent. She is a graduate of City College of New York, the College of New Rochelle, and the PHD program at the University of Texas at Dallas where she studied Human Development and Communication Sciences.
