Things to do Memorial Day Southern California

Theme Parks are the number one destination for Memorial Day Weekend. Disneyland is expecting record crowds. For a slightly less jam packed experience both Knott's Berry Farm is offering $25.00 off adult tickets.

The next most popular destination are Southern California Beaches. Huntington Beach in Orange County and Mission Beach in San Diego have huge crowds on Memorial day.

Camping is right at the top of the list for Memorial Day Weekend Activities. Popular destinations are The Kern River and any campsite that is near or on the beach. Get an early start if you plan on going camping.

If you plan on staying near home there are plenty of  Festivals,events and activities.

Southern California Day Trips Over 2,000 fun things to do and places to see on Memorial Day or any other time of the year.

Annual Topanga Days Country Fair - Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday through Monday at The Topanga Community House, 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290

Fiesta Hermosa hundreds of artists and crafters are featured, including painters, ceramicists, jewelers, sculptors, and handicrafters.Food Court, which offers 18 different kinds of ethnic food. Memorial Day Weekend.

Aquarium of the Pacific is its a kids place that parents like too. From the moment you walk in and see the huge life size blue whale hanging from the ceiling you know your in for a fun day.
Palm Springs Air Museum - has scheduled its Memorial Day Flower Drop for 1 p.m. Monday at the museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs. A World War II-era B-25 Mitchell bomber will lay red and white carnations on the museum's aircraft ramp. Visitors are invited to collect a flower to take home. 760-778-6262.

Catalina Island is a quick getaway for those that don’t have the time to travel to some remote faraway location. Just about any traveler can find something to do on the island.

Santa Barbara is within easy day trip distance from Los Angeles. If you are planning on making the journey get an early start because there are plenty of things to do in this beautiful coastal town.


For lots more options on Things To Do Memorial Day visit our main website.

Things to do Memorial Day Updated 2013

Things To Do Thanksgiving Weekend Los Angeles

Los Angeles Thanksgiving weekend events, attractions and things to. One day to fill up on turkey and three days to explore the Los Angeles area. Here is a list of our favorite places to visit this weekend. Most od these activities are free or low cost all of them can be enjoyed in one day or less.

Los Angeles Zoo Botanical Gardens
Located on a 113-acre site in Griffith Park with more than 950 animals and almost 7,500 plants. Excellent Zoo and gardens with some outstanding animal exhibits.

Chinatown Los Angeles
Shopping, dining, and waking tours of this historic area of Los Angeles. This 16 square block district is filled with family-owned shops and ethnic restaurants. Chinatown is only a short walk form Union Station and a must see in LA.

Little Tokyo Historic District
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Little Toyko is a fascinating place visit. Plan on spending at least a half day exploring this historic area of Los Angeles. Japanese Village Plaza is the heart of Little Toyko and a perfect starting point/

LA Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum
Tar has seeped up from the ground in this area for thousands of years, forming sticky pools. Miracle Mile district of Los Angeles. Free admission the the grounds surrounding the Page Museum and tar pits

Fillmore & Western Railway
Train ride through the Heritage Valley in Ventura County Travel through miles of orchards and classic California towns. See what California used to look like in the good old days.

Santa Barbara Zoo
Excellent medium size zoo with a wide range of displays. The Santa Barbara Zoo is very kid friendly and even has a miniature that circles the zoo. Perfect location overlooking the coast

Big Bear Lake
The only place in Southern Cal that can offer you four seasons. Year round vacation and day trip destination.

Mission San Juan Capistrano
Birthplace of Orange County. Historic mission is a must seeboth locals and tourists.

Discovery Science Center
120 hands-on exhibits, shows, and laser show. A full day of family fun in Orange County

Southern California Water Parks

Looking for a cool place to visit on a hot summer day, if you live in Southern California you have quite a few wet destinations to choose from.  Here is a list of water parks in Southern California many of them are offering discounts tickets and coupons to attract visitors.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor - Located in Valencia this water park has 23 rides and attractions. Hurricane Harbor is adjacent to Six Flags Magic mountain.
Wild Rivers Irvine - There are about forty rides and attractions at Wild Rivers. Located where the 5 meets the 405 Freeways in Irvine. South Orange County.
Knott's Soak City - Located next to Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park. About 32 water rides with areas set aside for younger children. Knott's also has water parks in Plam Springs and San Deigo.
Legoland Water Park - This is Southern California's newest water. Legoland water park has the usual water rides the difference being they are all Lego themed. Legoland offers park hopper tickets that include admission to the water park.
Ranging Waters - This is the Disneyland of Southern California Water parks. Raging Waters is the biggest water park with the most rides and attractions. Raging Waters is located in San Dimas.

San Bruno Mountain State Park

San Bruno Mountain State Park offers Stunning 360 views from the top of the mountain on a clear day. The most popular tail the 3.5 mile Summit Loop trail. After you reach the top there is a wonderful view of the Pacific and downtown San Francisco. San Bruno Mountain Park hidden gem in the Bay Area. Its usually not crowded and the entrance fee is only $5.00. The park is only a 15 minute drive of downtown San Francisco and well worth the trip.

From Highway 101, take the Bayshore Boulavard/Brisbane exit. Continue on Bayshore Boulavard to Guadalupe Canyon Parkway. Turn west on Guadalupe Canyon Parkway toward the Mountain and go to the park entrance.
From Highway 280, take the Mission Street exit. Go north on Mission Street to Market Street. Turn right on Market street and proceed northeast. At Guadalupe Canyon Parkway, turn right and go eastbound to the park entrance.

Mount Baldy San Gabriel Mountains

Mount Baldy is Southern California's other mountain destination. The correct name for the highest mountian in Los Angeles County is Mount San Antonio, although most people call it Old Baldy or Mount Baldy. During the winter months Mount Baldy is often covered with snow and visible form all of Los Angeles and Orange counties. Many people mistake Mount San Antonio for Big Bear but the two are two distinct mountains. When Baldy gets a really big snow fall its the closest Southern California ski area that compares with resorts in the Sierra Nevada. The steep terrain provides a local "big mountain" experience without the four hour drive north. Mt. Baldy is the steepest ski resort in Southern California and usually has more snowboarders than skiers beacuse of the technical challenge the terrain offers. There are four lifts and a total of 26 trails. Mt. Baldy is located about 45 miles from L.A. and Orange Counties. Mount Baldy ski area is located at Mt Baldy the end of Mt. Baldy Road Mt. Baldy, CA 91759 Phone Snow Report: 909-982-0800

Enchanto Amusement Park Lost But not Forgotten

Enchanto Amusement Park was located in Agoura California in what is now known as the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Operating from about 1930 to 1960 the theme park boasted a huge swimming pool, a fishing and boating lake plus numerous amusement park rides.Today the property is called Peter Strauss Ranch and run by the National Park Service. All the rides are gone and the lake is no more, the theme park could not compete with Disneyland to the south and plans for a major renovations never came through. About the only remaining structure is the bath house for the massive swimming pool. Mulholland Highway passes by what was once the theme park and you can stop in at Peter Strauss Ranch which has free parking and admission. This area of the Santa Monica Mountains is a wonderful place to visit with many interesting things to do and see. Read more about Enchanto Amusement Park.

Things to do Thanksgiving Weekend Southern California

The long Thanksgiving is upon us with most people having at least four days off. Amusement parks and attractions are offing discounts that can save you as much as fifty percent. If your budget is tight, we have included free and low cost things to on Thanksgiving weekend. Whatever you decide to do take at least one day to explore Southern California. We have the best weather in the country plus more things to do and places to see than any other state. Get out there and enjoy the long weekend with friends and family. Here is a list of the most popular things to do Thanksgiving weekend in Southern California.
San Diego :
Legoland Save $15 dollars on a one day Hopper ticket (Legoland-Sealife Aquarium) or $17 on a two day triket.
San Diego Zoo - Buy a best value package and get Guided Bus Tour, Express Bus, Skyfari Aerial Tram, the Children's Zoo and all exhibits and shows.
Sea World San Diego SeaWorld 2 Days of Fun ticket is valid for two days admission to SeaWorld San Diego within 7 days of first use. Second day is only eight dollars.
USS Midway Guests off all ages can enjoy over 60 exhibits, 25 restored aircraft, optional flight simulators, out door café and gift shop. Admission also includes a self-guided audio tour, featuring USS Midway.
Palomar Observatory Take the winding road up Palomar Mountain and enjoy the view. Admission is free, bring along a picnic lunch of Thanksgiving leftovers.
Mission Trails Regional Park Just eight miles from downtown San Diego. Visitors can explore nearly 6000 acres on one of the many hiking trails. Start your trip at the informative visitor center.
Orange County:
Knotts Berry Farm Lots of new rides and places to eat for the whole family. Knotts usually has discount coupons and tickets year round.
Disneyland All time favorite for kids and adults. One day discount tickets are just about non existent but you can save on two, three and five day passes. On your birthday Disneyland is free.
Upper Newport Bay - Ecological reserve protects over 75 acres of wet lands. The back bay loop is very popular with hikers, runners and bike riders. You will be amazed how beautiful the back bay is. Perfect for a hike or family bike ride.
Mission San Juan Capistrano - Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Birthplace of Orange County, was founded more than two hundred years ago. The historic mission is a must see in OC.
Discovery Science Center - 120 hands-on exhibits, live science shows, and a 3D laser show. Kids participate in live science and more. One of the best places to take kids in Southern California. Discount print at home tickets available.
Irvine Regional Park - Perfect for a family day trip. Bring along a picnic and and sit under a shady oak tree. Ride the miniature train, go fishing, pony rides, paddle boats or rent a 4 wheel surrey. Very affordable and fun day for the entire family.
Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory - The Griffith Observatory has been a major Los Angeles landmark since 1935. Admission and parking is free. The Hollywood sign can be see from the grounds of the Observatory.
Downtown Hollywood - Los Angeles's most famous city is one of the first places visitors from around the world head. Lots of things to do and see including historic buildings and the walk of fame along Hollywood Blvd.
Universal Studios Get two days for the price of one. See all the shows, ride all the attractions and take the movie tour and come back the next day for one low price.
Santa Catalina Island - Just off the coast of Southern California is an island that looks much like California did two hundred years ago. The trip to the island takes about two hours and depart from Long Beach, San Pedro and Orange County.
Little Tokyo Historic District - Japanese Village Plaza is the heart of Little Toyko Locates in downtown Los Angeles,Little Toyko is a facinating place visit.
Los Angeles Zoo Botanical Gardens -
Located on a 113-acre site in Griffith Park with than 950 animals and almost 7,500 plants. Excellent Zoo and gardens with some outstanding animal exhibits.
Find hundreds more things to do at Daytrippen.com

Southern California Halloween Haunts and Scary Events

Halloween in Southern California is celebrated by most amusement parks and attractions. Events range from family friendly to down right scary. The biggest and best is still Knott's Scary Farm. Over 1000 monsters roam the park at night and do their best to scare the hell out of you. With the success of Knott's the other them parks have all come out with there own versions of fright night. Not all the haunts are scary some are mild and let younger kids enjoy Halloween in a safe and friendly environment. Here is a list of Halloween events in Southern California form mild to wild. included are some links for discount tickets.

Knott's Scary Farm Haunt. The world's first and largest theme park Halloween event is back for a 37th year, with 13 terrifying mazes (including such all-new attractions as Uncle Bobo's Big Top of the Bizarre and Dia de los Muertos in 3D), 7 live shows, 3 horrific scare zones and 1,000 monsters roaming the grounds.Save $23.00 on Knott's Scary Farm Haunt

The Empty Grave Haunted House at The Anaheim GardenWalk - Haunted House is a themed Halloween attraction featuring state of the art special effects, live actors and animatronics. Completely redesigned for 2009, The Empty Grave promises over 50,000 square feet of terror. Empty Grave Haunted House $10.00 off admission

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights -
The most horrifying movies have come to life at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. For the first time ever, you’ll take on the infamous traps from Saw in an all-new maze. And if you survive, you’ll face Michael Myers from Halloween and the masked miner from My Bloody Valentine. If you’re still standing after that, check out the Bill and Ted Show, all new for 2009. Then experience a tribute to the cult phenomenon, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights $10.00 off admission

Old Town Haunted House Matinee for Kids Pasadena - Descend into the basement of the historical Union Savings Bank Building, where mysterious occurrences have taken place in the building's spooky110-year history. In fact, something lives down there in the dark....not someone, but something. This is a lights on, kid friendly, tour and walk through of the normally terrifying Old Town Haunt. Old Town Haunted House Matinee for Kids save $5.00

Old Town Haunt: The Award Winning Haunted House Adults Pasadena - Award-winning walk-through attraction, guests can explore the haunted history of Pasadena, including the basement of one of the oldest buildings in Old Town that has its own spooky past. The haunted house will be filled with sets and props from movies and TV shows, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Old Town Haunted House Aave $10.00

Queen Mary Shipwreck 15 Nights of Terror -FiveTerrifying Mazes.
Vampire Village: This haunted village dates back long ago, with twists and turns and fog below. Located to the north of the Shipwrecked Queen, some villagers have been known to scream. Alas, have no fear, for there are friendly Transylvanians near.
The Graveyard: The Un-dead have awoke from a long blissful sleep, to chase those whose footsteps will not give them peace. Tread lightly if you dare, and are so bold, for from out of the fog may pop-out something cold!
Isolation ward There is no escaping this straight jacket of a maze, patients may enter and exit in a haze. Handle them with care with good bedside manner, or be forced to answer to the dreaded Nurse Slasher!
Blackbeard's Revenge (Pirate Maze): Angered Pirate Spirits haunt the sea, from years of trying to overthrow the Queen Mary. This maze will delight the scurviest of mates, with a dozen or so Pirates that will give chase.
Paranoia's House of Horror: Take a trip down memory lane, where Classic Haunted Characters are ready to bring the pain! Thru the dark depths of the ships bowels you will be, restrooms are nearby if you need to pee. So run, hide, scream all you want, nothing will stop these Masters of Haunt. Price: General Admission - $29 Per Mortal. ($19 Preview Nights on October 2 & 3)

Six Flags Magic Mountain unveils Fright Fest Six Flags Magic Mountain Valencia amusement park brings back some traditional Halloween treats, including coasters in the dark, a Mr. Six dance party and my all-time favorite: Colossus backwards. Fright Fest 2009 runs Fridays through Sundays in October at Six Flags Magic Mountain (except for Friday, Oct. 2). The Halloween event is included in the price of general admission to the park. Save $20.00 off Six Flags Magic Mountain Tickets

San Simeon State Park Camping

San Simeon State Park is the most affordable place to stay near Hearst Castle. During the summer reservations are a good idea. From October 1st through the middle of March campsites are first come first serve. There is a self pay system where you mark your camping spot number on an envelope and deposit it in a box along with the fee. There are two campgrounds here San Simeon Creek Campground and Washburn Primitive Campground. If your on a budget camping is a great way to cut down on expenses. However if you don't have your own RV staying at a hotel might end up being cheaper when you add in the cost of gas plus your rental fees on the RV. Here is a list of places to camp along the California central coast San Simeon State Park is located 35 miles north of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1, and 5 miles south of the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument Visitor Center. The community of Cambria is located 2 miles to the South and offers gas stations and grocery stores. close to: San Simeon

Safari West Wildlife Preserve and African Tent Camp

How would you like to take an African safari tour without ever leaving California. Safari West Wildlife Preserve near Santa Rosa California makes it possible with three hour tours of its wildlife preserve. Climb aboard a real life safari truck and head out into the bush for wild animal spotting. The animals are not local but wild African beasts including cheetahs, zebra and giraffe. If your looking for even more adventure there safari tents for overnight camping. For a really unique day trip or weekend outing Safari West Wildlife Preserve is definitely worth checking out.

Cheap Things to do Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is the traditional end of summer. Back to school and back to work starts on Tuesday so don't waste this weekend.

If you are on a tight budget there are plenty of places to go that are free or low cost. Even the major attractions are offering discounts trying to bring in visitors before school starts. Here is a list of free, low cost and discounted things to do on Labor Day weekend.

Griffith Park Observatory is one of Los Angeles most visited destinations. Free parking and admission.

Downtown Hollywood Los Angeles's most famous city is one of the first places visitors from around the world head. Free to walk around and if you don't mind a short walk there is free street parking.

Chinatown Los Angeles 16 square blocks of family-owned shops, ethnic restaurants and art galleries. The main street in Chinatown is Broadway.

Little Tokyo Los Angeles The cultural center for Japanese Americans in Southern California. Free to walk around and lots of low cost places to eat.

Getty Museum Center is a fun and educational place to spend the day and admission is free.
Old Town San Diego 32 restaurants, specialty shops, 27 historic buildings and sites. Admission is free.
Mission San Luis Rey "King of the Missions" is located a few miles inland from Oceanside California. Free admission with a small charge if you want to see the museum.

San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is the historic heart of downtown San Diego. The district is eight square blocks off shopping, sidewalk bars and restaurants, boutiques and small specialty shops.

Crystal Cove State Beach one of the most beautiful places in Southern California. There are three miles of pristine beach plus over 2000 acres of park inland from the beach. Beach is free parking 12.00 unless you bike in.

Attractions with discounts for Labor Day Weekend
Legoland California Buy One Day, Get the Second Day FREE or Save $15 on a 1 Day Hopper Ticket!

SeaWorld San Diego SeaWorld Single-Day Tickets only fifty dollars on week days

Six Flags California Magic Mountain Save $24.00 off gate price with print at home tickets.

Things to do Labor Day Weekend Southern California

Things to do Labor Day Weekend Northern and Central

CaliforniaThings to do Labor Day Weekend Las Vegas

Little Tokyo Los Angeles Nisei Week Festival

Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles is celebrating the 69th annual Nisei Week Festival with booths, musical performances, art exhibits and free admission to the Japanese American National Museum. This year's Nisei Week Japanese Festival theme is "A Year of Celebrations" celebrating many centennial milestone anniversaries of community-based organizations and the golden anniversary of the first ever sister-city of the City of Los Angeles, Nagoya, Japan. Here are some pictures from the Little Tokyo Los Angeles Nisei Week Festival.

This little dog had to be the star of the festival. While its owner participated in the fashion show NeNe checks out the crowd.

Lanterns sway in the wind at the Los Angeles Nisei Week Festival in downtown Los Angeles.

Chefs barbecue food at Japanese at the Nesei Festival Los Angeles.

Dogzilla Japanese style hot dogs. Thes dogs are huge and and are a big hit at the Nisei Week Festival.

A Karaoke group performs on stage at the Los Angeles Nisei Week Festival.
Los Angeles Nisei Week Festival continues today with a parade at 5:30. Events and food all day long. More about Los Angeles Little Tokyo Here.

Sonoma Coast State Beach

Sonoma Coast State Beach consist of about 16 miles of Northern California coastline. The weather here is usually mild to cold with lots of wind and fog.

During the summer months, the morning fog usually burns off to create pleasant, sunny afternoons.

 Even during the summer, its wise to dress for the possibility of wet, cold weather. Activites include fishing,
camping and hiking.

During the summer months the Jenner Visitor Center is open on weekends. Learn about the natural and cultural history of area while enjoying a spectacular view of the Russian River.

 Camping—Wright’s Beach Campground has 30 developed sites near the beach. No shower facilities are available. At Bodega Dunes Campground, 98 developed sites have restrooms, a campfire center, hot pay showers and a RV sanitation station. Advance reservations are advised.

 From June through September, camping stays are limited to 10 consecutive days and a total of 30 days annually. Sonoma Coast State Beach Bodega Bay, CA 94923