1. Aquarium of the Pacific: An Under-the-Sea Experience
A 5-acre vivarium on Rainbow Harbor with more than 500 species, the Aquarium of the Pacific features three galleries showcasing the marine life of Southern California and Baja, the Northern Pacific and the Tropical Pacific. Other attractions include Shark Lagoon with 150 sharks and rays, Lorikeet Forest with five subspecies of rainbow lorikeet, and June Keyes Penguin, an underwater space dedicated to penguins.
2. RMS Queen Mary: The Famous Luxury Liner
A retired ocean liner dating back to 1936, the RMS Queen Mary, built by John Brown & Company in Clydebank, Scotland, operated as a weekly express between Southampton, Cherbourg and New York. The ship, retired in 1967, survives as a local attraction with a hotel, restaurants and a museum which features a collection of Princess Diana's gowns, dresses, personal accessories, photographs and family heirlooms. Voted one of the Top 10 Most Haunted Places in America, the liner also offers tours of its "off-limits" areas.
3. Naples: Experience Some Italian Flavor on your California Vacation
The Italian-inspired Naples is set on three islands in Alamitos Bay. Divided by canals, the islands offer gondola rides as well as a marine park and beach. The neighborhood hosts the Christmas Boat Parade and watersports such as kayaking, paddle boarding and hydro biking. La Bella Fontana di Napoli is a quaint spot for picnics and the Los Alamitos Bay features a boardwalk with views of the water. 2nd Street is a local hotspot for shopping and dining.
4. Shoreline Village: Fun for Everyone...Really!
Shoreline Village features shopping, dining and more. From fine dining to funnel cake, the village has something for everyone. Retail shops range from the latest fashions to the work of local artists. Kids can entertain themselves on the carousel or at the arcade. Explore the beauty of Long Beach by Segway or have your picture taken with exotic birds at Smile for the Birdie. You can also rent a powerboat or charter as well as take a narrated harbor cruise or sunset dinner cruise.
5. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden: Discover a Garden Paradise
A Japanese garden covering 1.3 acres on the California State University campus, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden was inspired by the Imperial Gardens in Tokyo. Annual events include a Koi auction and a chrysanthemum show. The garden also hosts a summer jazz picnic with live music and catered bento boxes. The spectacular gardens can be rented for weddings, photo sessions and special events.
6. Hollywood: The One and Only
Hollywood is hard to miss, what with its name plastered famously across the hillside, and missed it should be not. Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most well-known streets in the world, home to the Walk of Fame. Huge Hollywood theaters host high profile movie premieres along this stretch, and the history of movie making is referenced at every turn. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrity sightings!
7. Universal Studios Hollywood: Movie-making Madness
The greatest behind-the-scenes-look-at-Hollywood is found at Universal Studios, a theme park dedicated to movie-making magic. Besides boasting awesome thrill rides and over the top parades, the park offers views into the actual back-lots where sets are built. The Studio Tour puts visitors right in the middle of recreated movie sets from famous films like King Kong and Jaws.
8. Santa Monica Pier: Palm Trees, and the Pacific
The Santa Monica State Beach is where the social life of Los Angeles shows its colors - from ocean blue to deep tan. Land to sea, the comings and goings make for a people-watching paradise under the sun. The iconic Santa Monica Ferris Wheel towers over the scene at the old-school pier down the way, a funfair for everyone to enjoy. An aquarium offers indoor exploration for rainy days, while Palisades Park provides oceanside glory away from the hot sand for a bit of variety.
9. Getty Center: The Gem of SoCal
Overlooking LA is the world renowned Getty Center, a beautiful complex for art, research and conservation. The buildings and gardens themselves are a sight to behold, with elegant architecture, water elements and landscaping. Inside the museum, there is even more to see - most notably "The Royal End" by Paul Gauguin and "Irises" by Vincent Van Gogh.
10. Beverly Hills: The 90210
Beverly Hills is a neighborhood whose reputation precedes itself. Rodeo Drive is its famous thoroughfare, known for upscale shopping and celebrity sightings. The nearby Beverly Gardens Park offers gorgeous rose gardens and recreation. For dedicated fans, the more residential streets of Beverly Hills are host to self-guided celebrity residence tours.
