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Newport Beach: Tons of Fun on the Colorful Coast!

If a day in the sun is your idea of a great vacation, look no further than Newport Beach, California. With picturesque sandy beaches, dramatic coastline views, and a seemingly infinite number of recreational activities and cultural attractions, Newport Beach has everything one could ask for in a Southern California vacation destination. Plop down a towel on one of the beaches around Balboa Bay. Rent a charter vessel for a day of sport fishing in the Pacific. Learn about the area's relationship to the sea while visiting the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum. Tee it up at one of the region's excellent golf courses. Go shopping out on Balboa Island. Have lunch at a seaside bistro. Newport Beach can stand alone as your vacation destination, or serve as a jumping off point into nearby Los Angeles! Whatever you do in Newport Beach, you will never forget your time in this endless summer community!

Los Angeles: Tons of Fun in the City of Angels!

Los Angeles, California is an eclectic mix of high dollar shopping, trendy restaurants and night clubs, tourist attractions, and laid back beach and residential communities. The city was built around the entertainment industry and was the birthplace of Disneyland, the world's first amusement park. In contrast to the studio areas, Los Angeles is also a great place to enjoy the great outdoors. From beaches to mountains, deserts to islands, Los Angeles has more to offer vacationers than practically anywhere else on earth!

Start your LA vacation with a trip to the Griffith Observatory, located in Griffith Park. One of the most famous of the city's attractions, the observatory offers incredible views of the surrounding area. A great day of hiking in the park, followed by seeing the Los Angeles skyline twinkling all around, should be a part of every LA itinerary.

Head downtown to Hollywood, the center of the city's entertainment community. Take a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard, between Gower Street and La Brea, and see all the celebrities enshrined in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And true movie buffs will want to visit the excellent film memorabilia stores lining the street.

For a journey to "The Happiest Place on Earth," head to Anaheim and pencil in Disneyland in your itinerary. See where the Disney phenomena began. Ride the rides and eat on Main Street U.S.A. Get spooked in the Haunted Mansion. Get soaked on Splash Mountain, one of the largest flume rides in the world. California Adventure, with more rides and such, recently opened on the Disney property.

Los Angeles is known for a lot of things. But hardcore shoppers know two words: Rodeo Drive. This street is a Mecca for those who have money to spend and upscale taste. Designer clothing, original works of art, and jewelry recently worn by starlets while attending the Academy Awards are just some of the items on display. More discerning shoppers will want to venture to Santa Monica and the shops on the Third Street Promenade. More eclectic than upscale, vintage clothiers mingle with antique shops set against the backdrop of the beachside carousel.

From Long Beach to Malibu, the beaches around the Los Angeles coast are full of white sand, sun bathers, and all kinds of beach activities. Manhattan Beach, home of the Beach Boys, Redondo Beach, and Hermosa Beach, are known for their relationship to America's sufing king, George Freeth, who brought the sport to California from Hawaii in 1907. Venice Beach, just south of Santa Monica, has a gorgeous stretch of sand, but is equally famous for the Venice Boardwalk, a symphony of artists, performers, roller-bladers, t-shirt vendors, retail shops, sidewalk eateries, and poseurs of undefined description. Los Angeles prides itself on its diversity, and that pride is on display daily in Venice. Down south, Long Beach City Beach comes by its name honestly. This is one of the longest, widest beaches in all of the Los Angeles area. The beaches near Santa Monica Pier are also a great spot for soaking up some sun and for people watching.

For a worthwhile excursion, head north on PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) and enjoy the scenic views of the coast as you make your way to the wonderfully affluent town of Santa Barbara. With the Santa Ynez Mountains looming as a backdrop, Santa Barbara is a mixture of beautiful beaches set against local Adobe architecture, reflecting its rich Hispanic and Spanish heritage. Movie stars make their homes here. Visitors will enjoy the shopping areas along State Street. Beach lovers can catch some sun at beautiful Carpinteria State Beach, noted for an offshore shelf that calms the tide and makes for great swimming. Take some time and visit Mission Santa Barbara, the only mission continuously used by Franciscan monks throughout its 200-year history.

Further north, San Luis Obispo waits with open arms, famous mansions, and beautiful beaches. Hearst Castle, located in nearby San Simeon, should not be missed. This magnificent estate, built by William Randolph Hearst, has 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, pools, terraces, and walkways. Take some time to visit one of San Luis Obispo's farmer's markets. The mild but varying climate makes the area ideal for agricultural diversity. Fruit, vegetables, peppers, and flowers are available on practically every street corner. Beach lovers will love the white sand at both Avila and Pismo beaches. Avila is known as the sunniest beach in the area, and both are great spots to try out a kayak or to catch some rays.

If you need a break from the sun and surf, head east to the San Bernardino Mountains to either Big Bear Lake or Lake Arrowhead. Both of these resort communities are excellent choices for summer and winter fun. For some crystal blue mountain water, or prime skiing, snowboarding, and sleigh riding, Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead are great side trip destinations.

Los Angeles is a great spot for a weary heart. The "City of Angels" will rejuvenate you with her penchant for non-stop fun. Take a tour of famous movie studios and even sit in on the filming of your favorite sitcom. Hear a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Take in a Dodger game. Drive around Topanga Canyon or see the affluent little village of Malibu. LA is a vacation paradise. Dive right in; the water's fine!