Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Universal Studios Hollywood
Movie-themed rides, special-effects shows and a working stu-
dio backlot tram tour entertain tweens and teens.
Legoland
In San Diego's North County, this fantasyland of building blocks is made for tots
and youngsters.
Aquariums & Zoos
adult/child from $44/34, 2-day ticket incl San Diego Zoo $79/61; 9am-7pm late Jun-mid-Aug, to 5pm or 6pm
mid-Aug-late Jun; )
Journey around the world with exotic wildlife at California's best and
biggest zoo, then go on safari in suburban Escondido.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Get acquainted with coastal California's aquatic citizens next door
to the Central Coast's biggest marine sanctuary.
15/13; 10am-5pm, closed Christmas; )
What was once the home of retired circus animals
is today a center for endangered species conservation, most famously California condors.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Long Beach's aquarium houses critters from balmy Baja California
to the chilly north Pacific.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Santa Cruz's university-run aquarium makes interactive
science fun, with tide pools for exploring nearby at the beach.
Birch Aquarium
La Jolla's kids zone is as entertaining as it is educational, thanks to the su-
per Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
Beaches
Los Angeles
Have carnival fun on Santa Monica Pier, drop by Manhattan Beach's beach
volleyball courts, or drive up Hwy 1 to Malibu's perfect beaches.
Orange County
Take your pick of Newport Beach's kiddie-sized rides at Balboa Pier, La-
guna Beach's miles of million-dollar sands, surf at Huntington Beach (aka 'Surf City, USA'),
or old-fashioned Seal Beach.
San Diego
Head over to Coronado's idyllic Silver Strand, play in Mission Bay by SeaWorld,
lap up La Jolla or unwind in a half dozen surf-style beach towns.
