a major los angeles landmark since 1935. it sits on the southern slope of mount hollywood where it commands a stunning view of the los angeles basin below. thousands of people enjoy the view from its balconies, especially at night.

good for days when you're hoping for a slow pace, this large and attractive arboretum boasts beautiful plants and trees but kids will probably remember the ducks and peacocks that make their home here. there's also a lake, a cafe, and a few historic houses. tt's best to visit the arboretum and gardens in the cooler weather or in the early morning as there is little shade.

catalina island is a place where the gentle rhythm of the waves makes time slow down. it’s a place where paddling through crystal clear waters in the crisp morning air is followed by mai tai’s and sun soaked massages on the beach. where moonlit walks are the norm and a sense of timelessness surrounds you. that catalina feeling of tranquility is better known as island time.

sandwiched between the two parks, the downtown disney district was created to provide a respite from the parks as well as a place where guests can shop, dine, or enjoy evening activities such as cinema, nightclubs, and more. young couples and singles enjoy spending time at the house of blues and the uva bar. street musicians, jugglers, and other entertainers appear frequently throughout the district and are popular with all ages

ah yes, by far one of the bigggest zoos in the country, this is none other than the los angeles zoo of course! go see some zebras, and lions.

newport landing provides multiple whale watching tours, departing daily from newport beach. newport landing is centrally located in orange county, minutes from los angeles. newport landing is ideally positioned to take advantage of the annual grey whale migration, which brings hundreds of grey whales along the laguna beach coastline and within minutes of newport harbor. along with viewing grey whales you can expect to see dolphins, sea lions, and marine birds. killer whales, sharks, and many other marine creatures may also be observed.