Around the Valley
Universal Studios Tour -- Located between Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. Get ready to be engulfed behind the scenes of the most famous television studio in the world. Tour the back lot, get the inside scoop on all that Hollywood magic, and enjoy the many thrill rides and live-action events for the entire family. For further entertainment, take a stroll over to the City Walk located literally right around the corner from the studio. There are roughly a gazillion things to do there, from shopping to dining to watching movies, street performers, live blues, magic, and laser eye surgery. OK, you can't get eye surgery there ... yet.

On the other side of the hill
Hollywood Bowl -- Located in Hollywood on North Highland Avenue, the Bowl is one of L.A.'s premier locations for a relaxing evening of beautiful music, dancing, appreciating films, and fine dining under the stars ... not to mention spectacular fireworks! It's a great place to create great family memories and start new traditions while enjoying performances from some of the biggest and most brilliant performers around.

By the beach
Third Street Promenade -- Located in Santa Monica. Not only is the Promenade near the beach, it also offers an abundance of entertainment: great restaurants, movie theaters, playhouses, nightclubs, and shopping. Fun for all ages. If you are in the mood to take advantage of the ocean, which is just a hop, skip, and jump away, spend a sunny day at any of the beautiful local beaches. Pacific Ocean Park at Santa Monica Pier features a beautifully restored carousel and a Ferris wheel overlooking the surf.

Old Town
Old Town Pasadena -- Located in historic Pasadena. This is an ideal spot to go to with the whole gang -- morning, noon, and night. Right off the 210 Freeway, this area is so popular for its shops, restaurants, clubs, and beautiful Craftsman and Victorian architecture that once a year they close all the streets and have a big parade. There's also a big football game or something around the same time. If you'd prefer to take a relaxing stroll while enjoying the fine arts, the Norton Simon Museum is located right in the same neighborhood.

On the mountaintop
Six Flags Magic Mountain -- Located just north of Hollywood in Valencia (also home to CalArts), Magic Mountain is one of the most exciting amusement parks around. This is the place for roller coasters. Everything from "Wow, that was fun!" to "I think my spleen came out!" Enjoy the coasters and several different themed areas and shows for all ages. It's easy to get lost in all the excitement even on the hottest day ... then you can cool off at Hurricane Harbor, a premier water park located right next door.

Most important while in Los Angeles, be sure not to forget to visit ...

The Happiest Place on Earth
The Disneyland® Resort -- Where else would you want to spend an entire day but at the Happiest Place on Earth? It all starts when you walk down Main Street, U.S.A. Ten steps down the street and you'll be transformed into a six-year-old with eyes full of wonder ... only now, you're tall enough to ride everything! This growing resort is packed with an abundance of thrill rides, live shows, and themed areas for all ages, everything from New Orleans Square to Mickey's Toontown to everyone's favorite, Fantasyland. If you want to stay and enjoy the entire Disney experience, the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim is moments away. It is a truly unique and magical place.

For the Outdoorsy Types

It's true, in California you can spend the morning snowboarding and the afternoon surfing. Depending on the time of year, though, you can have frozen sand or melting snow. But, hey, give it a shot! With miles and miles of beaches, thousands of miles of hiking/mountain biking trails and campgrounds, lakes, rivers, and ski resorts to choose from, you can have a different outdoor adventure every weekend for years to come. Here are a few of the more local options to get you started. Then, you're on your own.

On the briny
Call me Ishmael. California is just the place for impetuous sea captains to take to the open waves. If the whole Moby Dick thing doesn't work out, there are always swimming, surfing, tanning, boating, fishing, and basically anything else that ends in "ing" that would be more fun to do on a beautiful sunny beach than anywhere else. See some photos here and read more about our Southern California beaches here.

Camping, hiking, biking, etc.
If roughing it is your thing, we've got you covered. Here are a few resources to check out for getting back in touch with nature. Please be responsible and keep our natural resources protected for your children and their children. If you don't, we'll set a dozen angry squirrels loose in your house.
Angeles National Forest -- Thousands of miles of hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and everything else you could imagine. And all of it right here in the local mountains.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area -- More of the same, and also very conveniently located.
Sierra Club -- Angeles Chapter -- Information on all of the local nature areas with links to even more.

For your four-legged friends
There are many places you can take your dogs to frolic, and they'll love you for it. See totalescape.com for details on this and many other getaway ideas.