California Things to Do Tips by LoriPori Top 5 Page for this destination

VENTURA

Incorporated in 1866, the city of San Buenaventura or simply VENTURA had its beginnings when Padre Junipero Serra founded the Mission San Buenaventura in 1782.
After the American Civil War, settlers came to the area, buying land from the Mexicans.
Ventura has some of the best surfing in Southern California, especially Surfer's Point.
Downtown Ventura on Main Street, where we mostly visited, is home to the Mission, museums, shopping and dining. What I couldn't get over was how many thrift shops there were. Had to be four or five stores and every one of them was well stocked and busy.
Our dear friend and VT member, Kathleen (Keida84) took us here for a nice little visit. Thanks KitKat. You're the BEST!

Directions: North of Los Angeles
South of Santa Barbara

HOLLYWOOD BEACH

An hour's drive north of Los Angeles, HOLLYWOOD BEACH is one of southern California's best-kept secrets. Located in Ventura County, this beach community has a collection of beach homes, town houses and condos, in between the Harbor on one side and the Pacific Ocean with views of the Channel Islands on the other. Its wide, mile-long strip of white sand beach is absolutely wonderful. Hans and I so enjoyed walking along the beach. I had fun collecting beach glass and even found one white shark's tooth.

Directions: One hour north of Los Angeles

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Yosemite National Park Review

Spectacular views can be seen throughout YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK. I especially loved the grandeur of EL CAPITAN. This massive granite monolith stands 3593 feet from base to summit. Tunnel view is one of the most photographed vistas in the world. It provides a beautiful view of Yosemite Valley, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks and Bridalview Falls.

DRIVING DOWN LOMBARD STREET SAN FRANCISCO Review

This was a total thrill to go down the "crookedest street in the world". LOMBARD STREET has eight sharp turns, known as switchbacks, on a 40 degree slope. There are also stairways on both sides for pedestrians. Located in the Russian Hill District, the descent begins at Hyde Street.
We went down not once, but twice. What a blast!!!

Address: The descent begins at Hyde Street.

Directions: Located in the Russian Hill District

BEACHES OF SANTA MONICA SANTA MONICA Review

Nothing symbolizes the Southern California lifestyle more than the bluffs and BEACHES OF SANTA MONICA. Three and a half miles of beaches line the Pacific. Sunset walks along the beach can be enjoyed all year round.

Address: Santa Monica California

SANTA MONICA --PACIFIC PARK SANTA MONICA Review

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, PACIFIC PARK sits right on the historic Santa Monica Pier. This old-fashioned amusement park offers unbeatable views of the coast from the top of the nine-story ferris wheel and is open all year round.

Address: Santa Monica California

SANTA MONICA PIER SANTA MONICA Review

On Monday, August 2, Hans and I visited Santa Monica, home of the famous SANTA MONICA PIER with Pacific Park amusement park and its nine-story Ferris Wheel. Along the boardwalk, there's also your typical fare of midway games, specialty food outlets and seaside shopping.

Address: Santa Monica California

THE BREATHTAKING BEAUTY OF THE BIG SUR BIG SUR Review

You must take in the beauty of the Big Sur. It winds along the Pacific Coast and is a 90-mile stretch of awesome beauty. As we drove along the coast, it was just one incredible view after another.

Address: Along Pacific Coast Highway

Directions: North of San Simeon and South of Carmel

Website: http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEALS PCH--Pacific Coast Highway--Highway 1 Review

Northern Elephant Seals can be seen on the beaches 12 miles north of Cambria, south of the Peidras Blancas Lighthouse. These creatures have huge noses that give these beasts their name. These large mammals may seem slow and docile but can be very dangerous when provoked. Hans and I were thrilled when we got to see a large elephant seal emerging out of the water and then make its way up the sand, so he could lay in the sun with the others.

Address: 12 miles north of Cambria

Directions: Along the Big Sur

CALIFORNIA SUNSETS SANTA MONICA Review

When in California you must see the beautiful sunsets. This picture was taken at the SANTA MONICA PIER

Address: Any California Beach--This one is at Santa Monica

Directions: Santa Monica Pier