Embark on Unique California Adventures

Hotel El Roblar: Historic Charm in Ojai

Experience the essence of Old California at the Hotel El Roblar in Ojai, reopening in June 2025. Dating back to 1919, it holds the title as the oldest hotel in town. The hotel spans 2 acres on Ojai Avenue, featuring 39 guest rooms, 11 bungalows, a pool, event space, gym, and two restaurants: the Condor Bar for dinner and La Cocina for breakfast and lunch. Residents include Abra and Cadabra, a pair of tortoises. Bungalows boast kiva-style fireplaces, and the Cocina room wall showcases colored bottles resembling ghost town bottle-houses.

The hotel has been central to Ojai’s main street for over a century, witnessing various dramas, closures, and fitness retreats. After its latest restoration, new owners have embraced Old California vibes and the wild energy of the Ojai Valley. The Condor Bar features “California Mexican” cuisine cooked using a Santa Maria-style wood-fired grill. Nightly rates start at approximately $525.

Discover Sea Caves at La Jolla Shores

Beginner kayakers will find the journey between La Jolla Shores and sandstone cliffs ideal. Paddle about a mile from the shore to the cliffs, often accompanied by seals and sea lions. If conditions permit, explore sea caves before returning with the tide’s assistance. The typical tour lasts 90 minutes to two hours, and wetsuit rentals are available in cooler months.

Five kayak tour and rental companies operate near Avenida de la Playa, bringing together over 100 kayaks on sunny summer days. Rates for summer adult tours are around $96 for singles and $108 for doubles with weekday discounts. Excursions may also include kayaking and snorkeling for encounters with garibaldi fish or harmless leopard sharks. Popular companies include Bike & Kayak Tours, Hike Bike Kayak Adventures, La Jolla Sea Cave Kayaks, and Everyday California.

Explore David Geffen Galleries at LACMA

At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the David Geffen Galleries offer an innovative look at the city, inspired by four bodies of water. Interiors mix artworks and time periods, showcasing local artists like Dora De Larios and Betye Saar alongside Henry Matisse and Francis Bacon. The layout can be disorienting but exciting as viewers enjoy a day lost amid captivating art.

The new $724-million concrete structure designed by Peter Zumthor is contentious, yet its art is universally celebrated. Admission hours vary by day, with special pricing for LACMA members, youth members, and L.A. County residents. Admission is free for county residents after 3 p.m. Monday to Friday with valid ID.

Visit Canzelle Alpaca Farm in Carpinteria

At Canzelle Alpaca Farm, visitors meet around 40 alpacas and two llamas on a 20-acre hillside near Carpinteria. These friendly creatures are fleeced each spring and enjoy being pet year-round. Guided tours are available, lasting an hour. Visitors can engage with all animals, including alpacas, dogs, horses, a peacock, chickens, and a black sheep. Feeding opportunities and photography abound.

Tours are offered Friday through Sunday with advance reservations required for all guests. Children are welcome, while dogs are not allowed. Group tours are priced at $37.10 per adult, with sound bath sessions at $65 per person, and private tours for up to 30 people at $636. Gift cards are available for purchase.

Hollywood Bowl: A Summer Tradition

Since the early 1920s, the Hollywood Bowl has hosted performances as the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Its diverse lineup for 2026 features pop, rock, jazz, Broadway, opera, film scores, and classical music alongside famed artists like Paul Simon, Chance the Rapper, Herb Alpert, Tower of Power, and Andrea Bocelli.

Parking proves challenging; however, the Bowl offers transportation options including rideshare zones, park-and-ride lots, and shuttles to the Hollywood-Highland Metro station. Arrive 90 minutes before showtime to picnic—a cherished tradition—and check regulations for bringing food and beverages.

Visit the Getty Center Before Its Closure

The Getty Center in Brentwood, known for its art and architecture, will close temporarily from March 15, 2027, for modernization. As one of the richest art institutions, its 110-acre campus and $10.4-billion endowment boast notable works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Hockney, complementing stunning gardens. Admission is free, though parking costs $20, and visiting times must be reserved.

The West Pavilion highlights photography and Impressionists, and the cactus garden appears to float. Across town, the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades offers a focus on Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities.

Indulge at the Lush Baby Grand Hotel, Coronado

San Diego’s Baby Grand opened in May, featuring Mediterranean vibes in a traditional locale. The hotel offers a unique experience blending faux rock walls, waterfalls, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a secret oyster bar. Its quirky boutique style recalls an art historian’s aesthetic vision.

Situated near Hotel del Coronado and Coronado Beach, guests should check local water conditions due to occasional beach closures. Baby Grand offers 31 guest rooms starting at $350 per night, each adorned with fiberglass clamshell headboards, custom furnishings, and Moroccan sinks.

Paramount Drive-In Theater: Nostalgic Movie Nights

At the Paramount Drive-In Theater, enjoy films in a cozy setting. Tickets are $14, with reduced prices for children ages 3-11. Spread out within your own car to enjoy freedom from other moviegoers’ gazes, and tune into sound through FM radio across its vast parking lot.

The drive-in began in 1947, closed in 1991, and reopened in 2014, welcoming viewers to two 75-foot-wide screens. Concessions offer snacks, yet visitors can bring their favorites from home.

Torrey Pines Gliderport: Witness Flight and Adventure

See paragliders launch from the Torrey Pines Gliderport between UC San Diego campus and the Pacific. Watch as a steady stream of pilots takes off, or breakfast at the Cliffhanger Cafe. One-hour tandem flights cost $190-$200 during favorable winds.

Nearby, Black’s Beach offers scenic hikes, and live music is often performed in summer. View the architectural marvel of the nearby Salk Institute, which provides tours.

Adamson House: A Malibu Riviera Experience

Stroll the Adamson House’s grounds to see Pacific vistas, Spanish Revival architecture, and Malibu Potteries tile. Built in 1930 for Rhoda Rindge and Merritt Adamson, the house became historic in 1979. Tours impart insights into the family’s original furnishings, while photographs are only allowed outside.

Docent-led tours operate 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays; adult admission is $7, ages 6-17 $2, under 5 free. The state park system maintains the property with surrounding grounds open from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Taste El Moro’s Churros in Echo Park

Since 1935, El Moro has specialized in churros, coffee, and hot chocolate. The Echo Park location, opened in January, matches its iconic Mexico City counterpart with blue and white décor. Visitors can savor Dodger-themed churros.

Echo Park’s vibrant setting is enhanced by churros and provides proximity to Dodger Stadium.

Join the Venice Electric Light Parade

Every Sunday at sunset, gather for the Venice Electric Light Parade along the beachfront. With founder Marcus Gladney at the helm, riders embark on a musical journey punctuated by volunteers ensuring safety. The eight-mile route concludes back at Windward Plaza.

Plan for a three-hour adventure, including 90 minutes of riding. Rentals from Jay’s are available for bikes, e-bikes, three-wheelers, and tandem bikes.

Echo Park Lake Swan Boats: A Leisurely Ride

At Echo Park, pedal-powered swan boats offer relaxing rides across the man-made reservoir. On warm days, navigate around fountains or enjoy illuminated swans after dark. Wheel Fun Rentals manages the boats, with reservations required and rates at $13 hourly for adults, $7.50 for minors.

Parking options include the nearby lot or street parking.

Revive Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s Rich Culture

Hollywood Forever Cemetery provides yoga classes alongside screenings and shows amid its famous resting grounds. Tread center stage alongside legends Mel Blanc, Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, and others.

The venue mixes pop culture with historic tributes and offers cremation services.

Observe the Cosmos at Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory invites visitors to watch distant stars or view Los Angeles’ city lights. Known as the city’s “hood ornament” since 1935, the observatory says you can experience prime views of the Hollywood sign.

Due to limited parking, consider hiking from nearby areas or using public transit services. The observatory’s telescope, planetarium shows, and exhibits are supplemented by a café with balcony views, while hiking trails offer further exploration.

Embrace Greenery at L.A. State Historic Park

Positioned at Chinatown’s edge, L.A. State Historic Park offers 32 acres of urban greenery. Explore flat expanses and skyscraper views, while cargo snack shack serves refreshment. The park includes a thriving farmers market and concert offerings on weekends.

The park’s young history began as a railyard known as “the cornfield,” transitioning into public space by 2006. Completing its current form in 2017.

Sawdust Art Festival: Unconventional Inspiration

Started in the 1960s, the Sawdust Art Festival embraces diverse art amid winding paths of booths. Witness glass blowing and ceramics or partake in wine tours and classes. A Winter Fantasy edition promises handmade gifts.

Exhibits include eclectic artwork from mushrooms to photorgraphy.

Ventura Adventures on the Pier and Promenade

The oldest pier in California, Ventura Pier extends 1,620 feet. Reopened in 2024 after storm damages, it bustles with fishing and strolling visitors. Nearby eateries serve fantastic food, while the Ventura Promenade offers scenic walks.

Visitors enjoy views of seabirds, surfers, or explore the beachfront Aloha Steakhouse.

Catalina Island Getaway

With a ferry ride about 22 miles from Los Angeles, escape to Catalina Island. In Avalon, embrace no-car zones with bikes or golf carts. Enjoy submarine tours, snorkeling, and more weekend activities.

For a more rugged experience, Two Harbors offers solitude and camping options.

Irvine Great Park: Adventure Beyond Ordinary

Irvine Great Park transcends typical park designs with sports fields and hot air balloon rides. New additions continue expanding opportunities.

Visitors enjoy ice skating, music concerts, and a waterpark within a dynamic space constantly evolving.

Hollywood Hills Exploration on Horseback

Sunset Ranch Hollywood offers trail rides near the Hollywood sign. Experience two-hour journeys unveiling stunning basin and valley views, or enjoy sunsets brightening city landscapes.

Trail tours provide scenic glimpses of Griffith Park’s vistas not accessible by car or foot.

Balboa Fun Zone: Classic Amusement

The Newport Beach Balboa Fun Zone has entertained visitors since the 1930s with its carnival options. Engage with Ferris wheels, arcade games, or Sea Doo rentals. Balboa Pier, adjacent to the attraction, connects through ferry rides.

Legacy continues through a transitioning electric fleet.