Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Vacation In Southern California

By Coleen Smith

If you're in the market for some place to go have some fun, there's no place better than Southern California. You can get some sun and enjoy the ocean in a laid back atmosphere at one of the many beaches. There are a lot of things your family can do in Southern California that don't cost a dime, but are still entertaining and unique.

The local beaches can offer fun for the family when soaking up some sun or while going in the water. There is something for everyone at all ages; the kids can enjoy swimming while the adults can enjoy a cool drink at the bar. If you want to see what it's like to be a Californian, take surfing lessons in Orange County or San Diego. So bring your umbrella and cool off with some cold drinks to get the full experience while on the beach.

Old Town in San Diego can be a very historical journey through time; it is considered the first settlement of Europeans. Wander the streets and explore the many shops selling crafts and souvenirs. Visit at least one of the restaurants while you're there. Give yourself a couple hours to absorb all of the surroundings and don't forget to enjoy a margarita with some tacos.

There are many parks in Southern California, some near the coast, others in the mountains, canyons or even in the desert. Go jogging, hiking or biking in one of these scenic locations to get the flavor of California while getting a little exercise at the same time. Bird watchers can catch sight of some beautiful birds, like the red tailed hawk, which hunts even in populated areas. Binoculars can also be useful for watching surfers or boats out on the waves.

The world famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are well worth the trip. Orange County's Santa Ana Zoo is much smaller and is ideal for families with small children. You could spend weeks exploring San Diego and Orange County alone. If your time is limited, try to see at least one park or zoo with native animals, the beach and some of the cultural heritage, like one of the beautiful Missions, which have been preserved for visitors. There is a lot of history to be found dating back more than a hundred years all of which are restored and well maintained.

Of course no visit to a far away location would be complete without sampling the local fare. The local cuisine has been well influenced from Mexican, European and Central America making it unique. Asian fusion has become very popular in Southern California recently, a result of the influences of the multiple Asian cultures of people living there. There is something for everyone's taste. Don't leave the area without trying something new.

San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles offer many museums with themes including history, art, science and more. Tours are offered routinely so you can be sure to get a firsthand experience. Finding out about the history and art of California by visiting art galleries is sure to be delightful for art lovers. Whatever your preference when it comes to taking a glance at the past you can find it.

When you want to find things to do in Southern California there are many things that can catch your attention. The cities offer fine dining, art and culture, while the many beaches offer relaxation and fun in the sunshine. A trip to a museum can take you back in history when the area was first settled. The Southern California are has an almost endless supply of fun things to do whether you're a local or from out of town.

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