My husband and I stopped at the Queen Mary for the Glory Days Tour. The tour was wonderful; we enjoyed seeing parts of the ship that would've been off limits without the tour. Our tour guide Bill was so great that we decided to stay the night. Bill was friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. He made the whole trip worthwhile. Our stay on the Queen Mary was a lot of fun. You can walk around the ship, exploring, almost like you are on a historical cruise. We ate at the restaurant on the ship - the food was amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

I stayed here for 1 night before my cruise. I chose the Queen Mary because I could walk to the cruise port. Honestly, the ship is beautiful but there are a couple of reasons why I wouldn’t stay here again… 1. The room was FREEZING! I had to triple up on blankets. The rooms are not individually temperature controlled so whatever temp the ship is, that’s what your room will be. 2. I question the cleanliness of the room, quite a bit of debris and hair on bathroom floor and I was told the bottled water was complimentary but one was half gone, so maybe there’s not a lot of attention to detail? 3. Bed was extremely hard and pillow lumpy. 4. Walls are so thin I could hear the person next door who wanted to watch tv and talk ALL. NIGHT. LONG. I did eat dinner in the cafe and the food was good and hotel staff are very friendly. I do feel like the stay and food were pricey. If I cruise out of Long Beach in the future I will probably stay elsewhere. But I won’t knock the experience because again, the ship is beautiful, there’s lots to see, staff is friendly and food was tasty.

I love history and all things nautical--- and this ship completely surpassed my expectations. I could tell from the website that it was going to be an accurate depiction of an ocean liner in the heyday of transatlantic sea travel, but I had no idea how much history, architectural elegance (including some really interesting artistic details), and impressive engineering was a part of the Queen Mary before my visit. I found that one night at the hotel wasn't enough... I'm going to stay longer next time because there are several tours I want to try. On top of all that, the staff/tour guides were very knowledgeable (you can tell they love the ship), helpful, and friendly. I only had two disappointments... and both are understandable, so I'm not going to take off stars for those. #1 - the walls are thin (it's a 90 year-old ship and normally there would be engines humming), but I was pleased to find earplugs in the room (I'm a light sleeper). And #2 - you can't always get into some of the larger spaces (such as the Royal Salon) on your own. BUT I discovered that many of the tours will take you into those spaces. The tours do cost money (I get it, they need to be able to maintain the ship somehow)... but I was pleased to find out that if you stay at the hotel, general admission to the ship is taken care of. One final note... if you are looking for current-day cruise life, do NOT board this ship expecting the same experience. It really is more like sleeping overnight in a beautiful museum (which is what I loved about it!).

History Nerds will love it! Yuppies and Trust Fund Kids will hate it... I got some sort of deal for $235 for a weekday night, and a $50 breakfast credit...not too bad! PROS: -An almost authentic historic experience stay aboard a somewhat "Titantic" cruise ship. -Well restored sections of the ship throughout -Observation Bar and the Semi Secret Speakeasy with live music were both fun. -Historic First Class Cabins are actually quite roomy and comfy. Loved the ambience and time travel! -We were here for a Swing Dancing/Lindy Hop event...so fun! -Excellent Breakfast Buffet we used the $50 credit for. -Friendly staff all around. CONS: -It's an almost 100 year old boat! It's going have some quirks, creaks, aches, noises...all of which are expected, even on a modern cruise ship. Fun Fact: RMS Queen Mary was significantly bigger than the RMS Titanic in terms of length, beam, and gross tonnage. The Queen Mary was over 130 feet longer and its gross tonnage was nearly double that of the Titanic. That said, this is probably the closest thing to a Titanic Experience.

This is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had on a boat in general it might’ve not moved but for a few days I felt as if I was on the Titanic in the best way possible. From the service in the restaurant which was exquisite by the way to the room is feeling like they were straight out of the 1920s. The entire field of the boat was nothing more than beautiful including the ghost tour where you were able to feel and learn how everything happened. Would 10 out of 10 recommend coming to the ship for anybody who loves history cruise ships or ocean liners in general. So beautiful it could make you shed a tear. Oh and by the way the swimming pool area is one of my favorite areas of the whole ship it really is a spectacle to see.

If you are looking for an historical experience, the Queen Mary should probably be on your bucket list. Our room was large, clean, and fairly comfortable. Keep in mind that this is an OLD ship that has been preserved as much as possible. Because of its historical standing, you cannot adjust room temperature. You can get a fan or an extra blanket. It was fine for us. It was nice to have a place to stay so close to the Carnival Cruise Terminal. We dined on property and enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner. We did not participate in any of the tours, but would consider it for another time. Lastly, I want to mention the great staff. The front desk staff were very nice, but the Bell Boys were fabulous!

My husband and I stayed at The Queen Mary for 1 night. We like History and are interested in the supernatural so when we decided to visit LA The Queen Mary was at the top of our list! The ship itself is AMAZING!!! The history it holds is mind blowing and it is beautiful. The rooms are as expected for a historic hotel trying to keep the esthetic alive. Overall it was comfortable and the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. We would definitely recommend it to others.

I had a great experience here. I visited on a weekend and everything was smooth, no wait to get in, and the staff were friendly and organized. The exhibits are beautiful, especially the large tanks with sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish. The lighting and layout really make the underwater scenes feel alive. I’m also proud to support my local aquarium. Buying a ticket here isn’t just admission, it helps fund research, rescues, rehabilitation, and release programs for animals from the tropical rainforest all the way to the deep sea. Knowing my visit plays a small part in protecting and caring for marine life makes the experience even more meaningful. This is an amazing place for families, kids, and anyone who loves nature and ocean life. It’s relaxing, educational, and easy to explore at your own pace. I definitely recommend buying tickets in advance to make the trip smooth and stress-free. Overall, a fun, memorable, and purposeful visit. I’d happily come back again.

Spent around 3 to 4 hours to soak in all the highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Interactive experiences like the touch tanks and the Lorikeet Forest made the day memorable—actually getting to feed birds and feel sea creatures up close was hands-down awesome. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and staff are always happy to chat and share fun facts about the animals

I’d like to thank some staff members specifically for their dedication to education and incredible service skills. Manny and America at the sea otters show did an incredible job! Sue and Sue’s partner (I’m sorry I forgot her name) in the sea lion-seal show also did a really nice job educating and entertaining us. One staff member that deserves extra recognition is David. David stood next to me for about 20 minutes at one of the touch areas and took me around - giving facts on animals and finding the best ones to touch. He was so kind and even told me about the sea otter show. Clearly the staff is passionate about the work they do. This aquarium is accredited AND the shows are just during feeding time (what a good way to give people a show while respecting the animals). I wish I lived her cuz I would come all the time. Try to get in as soon as it opens to avoid the large crowds from field trips if you go during the week.

Amazing beautiful aquarium, bring good shoes it's a lot of walking. I loved not just the beauty of the place but how welcoming it is to kids. My son loved the coloring, the lights and all the different touch tanks. 10/10 would come back again!

A delightful experience for about the third of the face value of a ticket to Sea World. You have touch pools for sting rays, sharks, starfish, and even jelly fish. There's a sea lion show that's actually pretty good. Parking is only $8 with validation. If your kids are 'young' enough or you just want to see another aquarium, you can totally go here. Sea World is obviously bigger and has more stuff to see, but it's a few hours south and costs more.

The tickets were a bit pricey (~ $45/adult) and I spent almost $8 on a single can of diet coke, but it was still a fun time. Lots to see, but very busy on the weekend. The parking garage was $8 and we had to go to the 4th floor to find a spot. It took us (2 people) about 2.5 hours to get through everything (leisurely taking pictures along the way). There's a cafe of you feel like getting something to eat (we didn't, so I don't know if the foods any good). My favorite part was seeing to the jellies and the big Zebra Sharks. Never seen a Zebra shark before, but man are they cool! Apparently, they breed them there as there was a tank full of eggs. Definitely recommend going and supporting them.

I've recently got myself a membership and the Aquarium has been my place to go whenever I want to distract myself for a little. I tend to go on weekday mornings as there isn't much people in the first hour. It's an excellent place to see and learn about marine life. I've even gone as far as downloading the app and learn more about the aquatic and non-aquatic creatures. It's also a great place to relax and just enjoy the cold, aquatic ambient (whenever it's not too busy.)

We had a great time! The lines moved as we expected for a Saturday. The slides were super fun! Loss of star for two attractions being closed. The drop out slides and the pool where the Lilly pads are. Food was good, lots of choices for all lifestyles. Overall a great time!

I visited the water park recently, and unfortunately, the overall experience was quite disappointing. The park feels very outdated — a lot of the infrastructure looks old and definitely in need of renovation. The rides themselves were okay — nothing too special, but they did the job. Unfortunately, it was hard to enjoy them because the waiting times were extremely long. We had to wait between one and two hours for almost every attraction, which really tested our patience. There was hardly any shade or seating in the waiting areas, which made the experience even more uncomfortable. Overall, the visit was underwhelming. For the price, we expected a lot more — especially better crowd management and perhaps some more modern attractions. If you’re planning to visit this park, be prepared for very long wait times and a rather outdated experience.

A place that’s even better than I expected. Although the ticket price is a bit expensive and comes with various additional fees, buying a ticket that includes a meal makes it relatively more affordable. There are all kinds of water slides, and it’s a great spot to visit occasionally during the summer. Just be careful of sunburn and slipping.

My family had a blast at Raging Waters.💜We visited September 7, 2025. The parking was $25 and you ride a shuttle to the park. The ticket line wasn't long you scan it at a kiosk. The lines were kinda long but not as bad as some say. There is something for everyone to enjoy.Will come again next summer!

This review is based mainly on hygiene, food, and amenities. The park all in all needs a good cleaning. Since there aren’t enough places for people to settle their belongings, nor for grandparents to rest while waiting, one must search for an empty little corner, but what one can find is trash, food containers, and forgotten items. Not very welcoming for the elderly that just go along to be with family. The bathrooms are filthy and the stench of urine is terrible. Power washing is not enough with the amount of people they allow in. There are many good cleaning products for example Ajax with beach, Clorox, etc. and the work wonders when used with a brush. The food, we paid ahead with the ticket and we regretted it. First, the wait in line at Sharky’s was 45 minutes!!! For nasty, extremely salty hard french fries and dry chicken tenders. The waffles were toasted and there is nothing other than catsup for the $16 dollar average size hotdog. We only rode 3 slides, visited the beach and river for 20 minutes each.

Was a pretty cool water park. Gotta get there early to avoid the lines. Parking is a rip i think . $25 for general parking which is like a mile away. You have to take a tram to the park. Or 75$ for preferred parking which is right next to entrance.

There are a lot of different rides and slides, which makes it fun but you will always have to wait long lines (unless you have the expensive VIP tickets). It would be a 10/10 experience if we didn’t have to spend 75% of our time waiting in the lines. The staff were very friendly and helpful. You can rent the overpriced lockers to leave your belongings. There are plenty of showers and bathrooms.

Such a fun environment. Stores and restaurants were open. I didn't know people hung out there at night. We got some yummy churros. Walked the pier and enjoyed hearing the live band. Beach was nice. Parking wasn't too far. However, restroom was nasty. Need constant cleaning.

I'm a frequent visitor to Redondo Beach Pier, often coming here on weekends, but my recent weekday visit was a game-changer! The pier was less crowded, and the best part was the absence of long lines for food - it was a breeze to grab a bite and enjoy the view. Parking was also a stress-free experience, which added to the overall relaxation. If you're looking for a more laid-back experience, I highly recommend visiting on a weekday. The pier is always beautiful, but the weekday charm is something special. Can't wait to come back!"

The Baseline: For a “Point of Interest” the area needs to stand out for what it is, be a safe/welcoming environment, show off why it is interesting, and be an experience you want to be a part of for the moment that you are there. Service: No real interaction with anyone maintaining the pier but the parking here is automated. The pier uses the ParkMobile app which lets you monitor you parking add add if you going over. I saw staff maintaining the public restroom area so the pier area is monitored. Selection: Lots of selection of restaurants to choose from here at the pier as well as some souvenir/knick-knack shops to make it fun. The restaurant choices range from seafood to Asian to Mexican to ice cream. Value: The range of prices for food and touristy trinkets run the gauntlet of how much you may wish to spend. The beach area is free but the parking isn’t. The ParkMobile app charges a 35 cent service fee no matter your time and 2 hours of parking cost me $4. The parking areas are monitored by staff and police in the area so it is a safe place to park and enjoy the pier.

We've been enjoying the Redondo Pier for many, many years. We've seen all of the updates and transformations over the years. This is a great place to enjoy with your family, friends, celebrations, etc. There's plenty of room for fishing, swimming, sunbathing, flying kites, and bike riding, and they even offer a large game room for those who enjoy the machines. It has a large multi parking structure with handicap parking. Swing by and enjoy the food and music 👍🏼

Love Redondo Beach. Beach area is better than people say, it's lively, good food, snacks and shops. The fish market is my favorite area. Fresh seafood not by expert chefs but worth the experience. I missed the arcade underground sorely

Redondo Beach Pier: a classic! This spot’s got that unique horseshoe shape that makes it feel like you’re walking into the ocean and back. I love looping the whole pier for a walk. easy route, good breeze, and always something random going on. You’ll catch fishermen, live music, little shops… It’s a little touristy but never feels too crowded if you’re just here for the views.

Best Pier in SoCal, It looks like Pier 39 at SF but smaller. There is live music in weekend (summer) Can watch the sun in sunset Easy access the pier from parking slot in Waterfront Parking Below ($2/hr)

Clean, well-maintained, and pleasant shopping experience · *Free parking:* Huge plus - no hassle finding a spot! · *Family-friendly:* Perfect for a fun day out with loved ones · *Great restaurants:* Outdoor seating areas make dining a delight Highly recommended for anyone looking for discounts and a great shopping vibe! I’m so down to explore Citadel Outlet It’s an open-air shopping paradise.

Citadel Outlet is one of the best shopping places in Los Angeles. There is a huge selection of brands, constant discounts, and great sales. The area is beautiful, clean, and designed like a fortress — it looks impressive. Parking is convenient and the staff is always helpful. Today I walked around the stores and found everything I wanted, and at great prices. The atmosphere is always pleasant here, perfect for walking, relaxing, and enjoying shopping. Highly recommend!

A very nice shopping place, where we visit frequently. It's adjacent to the 5 freeway. So for most of the time, coming here is not a problem. However, if you come late, you may have a hard time finding a parking spot. A lot of good shops are here. It's worth a visit, if you haven't done so

This a solid outlet mall. Basically every storefront is populated with major brands, there are some decent food options, vending all over, and - critically - large and clean bathrooms! The location isn't "convenient" per se, but right of the 5, we find ourselves at least passing it pretty often. Whenever we stop, we usually find something worth checking out. Mostly clothing and fashion, but there are a few housewares stores, cafes, chocolates, other luxury goods, and novelties. The major drawback is parking. The way it's laid out always kind of makes entering feel like a bottleneck. There's a big lot in the middle for valet, and you sort of have to either park in the structure near the front and walk, or drive through the whole thing to get to the surface lot. Either way, you're stuck going through this little entry drive. But once you're in, it's a good an outlet mall experience as you're likely to find anywhere.

A lot of good brands and clean restroom Less option for food and no sitting inside for a coffee if you are going in the hot weather. They just have tables and chairs outside Need more big trees to walk under the sun

Truly an LA favorite — awesome spot! Smart, dynamic, and super friendly service. We were treated well everywhere, every store. I’ll keep coming back. Best place around!

This shopping center was wonderful to visit. Many stores to shop and buy things. Very exciting experience. Easy free parking available. The mall has good restaurants and clean bathrooms. Everything you need in one place. Good location in Los Angeles for shopping.

I’ve been here several times. Although it’s called a library, it actually feels more like a botanical garden — the area is huge. If you really enjoy wandering slowly and taking your time, you can easily spend the whole day here. I recommend reserving their afternoon tea; the atmosphere of sitting by the rose garden, sipping tea, and chatting is perfect for family gatherings, friends, or bringing kids along. My favorite part is the Chinese Garden — it’s incredibly similar to those in Suzhou, and it also reminds me a lot of Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai. Currently, the ticket price is about $29 on weekdays and $34 on weekends, which is a bit pricey, but they do offer one free admission day every month.

It never gets boring. No matter which time of the year, the garden has a priceless beauty. I personally like the wilder areas more than the highly architectural ones. Alltogether, this is always a nice showcase to take out-of-town guests, who typically as a little plus indulge in the store at the end of the day. PREVIOUS REVIEW 2 Such a beautiful place, particularly now in the spring when everything starts to blossom. Since my last visit (before Covid), several sections have been expanded, eg the Chinese Garden, and others are under construction. The Huntington remains a super fav! PREVIOUS REVIEW 1 What do the Huntington Library, the beach, and High Sierra (e.g. Mammoth) have in common? The incredible display of nature that make each one of them an irreplaceable ingredient for L.A. quality of life. No matter how full it is, there is always the inevitable peace to rebalance from the day-to-day stress. The richness of conjoined plants with their wilderness, beauty, danger, independence, and durability that spans decades and centuries but observes subtle human-made changes puts many things into perspective. And its beauty is simply relaxing… P.S. … never regretted the membership … (Originally posted by me on yelp)

Absolutely amazing experience. We went for our wedding anniversary and it was worth the money. We did the free tour around the grounds, plus we went through two of the museums and lots of the gardens. Our favorite was probably the rose gardens and the subtropical area but all of it was really pretty in it's own way. We will be back with our mother's soon. 😁

Absolutely brilliant visit today. The weather was perfect — warm but not too sunny — and there is plenty of shade throughout the gardens, which makes wandering the trails comfortable and relaxing. Accessibility was great as well. The pathways are wheelchair-friendly, and it’s easy to navigate between most of the major garden areas without feeling limited. One important note: buy tickets ahead of time. They can sell out for the day, especially on weekends or during special events, so planning ahead will save you the trouble. If it’s your first time, the must-see highlights are: • The Chinese Garden – peaceful water views, beautiful architecture • The Japanese Garden – serene paths, koi ponds, and iconic landscaping • The Rose Garden – colorful, fragrant, and perfect for photos It’s the kind of place you can spend hours exploring without even realizing it. A stunning and well-maintained escape in the middle of the city — highly recommend for locals and visitors alike.

I have been wanting to come here for a long time! Had to buy tickets online as it was a holiday and guess they are needed for Friday's, Saturday's and Sundays. Went right away in the morning and spent over 4.5 hours here! At over 100 plus acres and 16 themed gardens there is a lot of walking involved. Galleries to enjoy, gift shop ,tea house, cafés and more. Gardens included desert, Japanese, Australian, jungle, roses and many more. There was a cute water play area for children. I saw tram shuttle for people that wanted a ride back as some places are far away from the entrance and it got very warm. Definitely worth the price to see this beautiful place!

I can not wait to visit the museum and gardens again. I attended later in the day so I did not have enough time to spend in every garden but the taste I got on my first visit was a dream. There is nature everywhere. So many beautiful varieties of plants and flowers. Some of which I have never seen before. I spent most of my time in the gift shop and really had to hold back not spending too much money. It is well organized and caters to all lifestyles. The passionfruit vegan chocolate bar is thee best chocolate I have had. The Huntington is an amazing place to go alone, on a date or with family and friends. Perfect place for writing or people watching as well. They have free first Thursdays and if you own an EBT Calfresh card you will receive a discount. I was not too impressed with the food in the cafeteria area. There were tons of people getting food, tea and coffee. I was able to put a vegan meal together at the bowl place but the food was cold. The hot water spout for tea was not working so the guy on the other side had to give us hot water from the bar which was scolding hot. I thought to myself how dangerous that could be if I did not double my cup sleeve. The grab and go section was good. Fruit was super fresh and there was an area with desserts also. After I nibbled I walked until closing basically. After some time the people at the table are gone and you can just walk through to whatever garden you want but really it's only about 30 minutes before closing. Please visit. It a dream place to be.

Amazing hidden gem within San Marino area that most people don't realize has a world-class garden and multiple art galleries! Excellent place to bring the family from young to old to enjoy some beautiful outdoor setting and rare artworks. It also has a kids garden with play area and the food options are very healthy! It's not huge but they made it where there is endless landscapes taking you from one garden to the next. They offer multiple membership programs which also qualifies for tax write-off as donation to non-profit. The one we got allow us to go in as early as 8am which is an hour before it's opens at 9am. The membership is totally worth it and allows for many morning walks and exercises with barely anyone there.

An absolute must-see in LA! We visited on a clear weekday afternoon and it was an unforgettable experience. The views of the Hollywood Sign and the sprawling LA basin are simply breathtaking, definitely bring your camera! We explored the free exhibits inside which were both fun and educational, perfect for all ages. But the real highlight was staying until sunset. Watching the city lights begin to twinkle on as the sky turned orange was pure magic. The atmosphere was so peaceful, with everyone just soaking in the incredible scenery. The best part? Admission to the grounds and exhibits is free, which is amazing for a landmark of this caliber. Parking can be a bit tricky, but it's absolutely worth the effort, you can also choose public transit to get there! Whether you're a tourist or a local, the Griffith Observatory offers a perfect blend of science, nature, and iconic views. A true Los Angeles gem!

The view was beautiful from the roof of the observatory. You can see the whole city of Los Angeles as well as the Hollywood sign on the mountain. There is a telescope structure that you can carry in with no charge. You can see the telescope inside, and the roof of that telescope structure can spin, so the telescope goes through the whole roof, which is really cool. I would suggest walking around the rooftop and having a good look at that mountain and also the city from above. The weather is good. You can also see the downtown Los Angeles from far away. Transportation is simple. You can either drive there and pay $10 for car parking, or take a bus.

I visited the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, and it was an incredible experience! The view from the terrace is absolutely stunning — you can see the entire city skyline, the Hollywood Sign, and on a clear night, a sky full of stars. Inside, the giant pendulum is mesmerizing to watch as it marks the Earth’s rotation, and the telescopes are a real highlight — especially the public telescope on the rooftop, where you can see the moon and planets up close. The exhibits are fascinating, the atmosphere is inspiring, and the sunset view is unforgettable. A must-visit landmark for anyone exploring LA!

After living in LA for 9+ years I've finally decided to go inside this building. I had always view this place as a tourist trap; was I right? Yes. But it has its charms. The view of La is amazing. This place is filled with international tourists. The line to the main telescope is very long and may or may not worth the wait. The parking situation during peak is incredibly bad. Highly recommend to park below and hike up if you don't mind a bit exercise. Great place to take a date.

In my almost 7 years of living here in SoCal (moved from Florida in March of 2019), I've had the pleasure of witnessing the splendor of this great Observatory in person several times (at least 3 or 4 times). If it's your first time checking it out, your best bet is to undertake the Ferndell Nature Trail (you can Google Map that name, or you can also put 2333 Fern Dell Dr, Hollywood, CA and you should be able to have the precise address on where to drive to). Entering Griffith Park from the south corner of Los Feliz Blvd and Fern Dell Drive will give you plenty of street parking options. Then the actual trail is about 1/4 of a mile up (sloped on certain areas) and 1/4 of a LOT EASIER mile down (sloped down, so gravity helps a lot). Griffith Observatory has a lot of free Exhibits, including the Foucault pendulum, a Tesla Coil, and several Halls displaying how telescopes work, how they have progressed over the years, technology-wise, and lots of exhibits about celestial skies. It's an incredibly rich and fulfilling experience, especially if you have family in town and want to show them one of the highlights of L.A. This observatory was also featured in Rebel Without A Cause, so a bust in honor of James Dean is on the West side of the observatory. 10/10 experience. Will definitely be back.

We were visiting LA for the first time this summer and this was on our list of main attractions. Some say the views are what makes this place a destination to visit, I would say its because of GTA V. Anyways, glad we came, super busy and packed (as expected). We visited towards the evening to catch the sunset. Parking can definitely be a hassle but we got lucky and found a spot in the parking located at this location. We werent sure if food was allowed but it appears people take food an have picnics. Not sure if thats allowed or they just don't tell you anything (and it's not allowed). Anyways, recommend coming here if you are a tourist, and locals should be proud they have such nice locations to go on a date or simply to catch views of the city.

It was amazing place for adults and children. And free!!! You will see very much model sytem related with universe such as seasons, solar sytem order and their speed… Btw you can see a real telescope at the roof but you will probably wait al least 20-30 min. And of the story you can see amazing LA view at night. Some exhibits need extra payment but most of the area visiting is free. You give at least half day for this place.

We can say we walked the pier. It was a bit busy and there were people fishing. Enjoyed seeing the sights looking out from the end of the pier. We didn't go to the amusement park but the kids would really enjoy it i'm sure. Lots of places to eat and drink there.

The Santa Monica Pier is such an active and lively place — there’s always something going on! You’ll see people preaching the gospel, families grabbing food, crowds waiting in line for rides, and vendors selling everything from snacks to souvenirs. Toward the back of the pier, there’s even a store offering discounted Santa Monica merchandise, plus a restaurant that’s relatively affordable compared to other beachside spots. Before you even enter the pier, you’ll notice a cool boat and dragon display. When you step onto the boat and pedal, it makes mist come out of the dragon’s nose — super neat and a fun surprise for kids and adults alike! One thing to keep in mind: there are no foot-washing stations nearby. So if you spend time in the sand, just know your feet might stay sandy for a while. There’s also a workout area if you want to burn some energy or just enjoy the fun beach fitness vibes. Overall, this is definitely a full-day experience and a great spot for family fun. Lots to see, lots to do, and a classic California adventure! 🌊🎡🌴

The Heart of the California Coast! 🌴🎡🌊 Santa Monica Pier is one of those places that just never gets old. Every time I visit, it feels like a mini vacation the ocean breeze, the views, the lights, the music… everything about it gives that perfect California energy. The pier is beautifully maintained and super easy to get around. You can find everything right in one spot fun rides 🎢, games, great food, and of course, that breathtaking ocean view. The sunsets here are unreal watching the sky light up over the Pacific is something everyone should experience at least once. 🌅 What really stands out, though, is how welcoming the atmosphere is. The staff at the restaurants, shops, and attractions are always friendly and patient, even when it’s packed. You can tell the management keeps things running smoothly because the whole area feels organized and clean despite the constant crowd. There’s also something for everyone families, couples, solo travelers, or friends just hanging out. Whether you’re taking photos, grabbing funnel cake, riding the Ferris wheel, or just sitting by the water, it’s pure good vibes all around. Santa Monica Pier isn’t just a tourist stop it’s a full experience. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel happy and relaxed no matter how many times you’ve been. 🌊💙 Definitely a must visit when you’re in Los Angeles the energy here is unmatched! GTA 5 in real life

Santa Monica Pier was nice to see once, but nothing too special. It’s a classic boardwalk vibe, but if I had to choose between here and Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, I’d pick Rehoboth. We visited in November, so parking was easy and only $7. The water was cold, as expected that time of year, but it was still a beautiful, sunny day and a fun quick stop.

The Santa Monica Pier is one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal landmarks, offering a perfect blend of seaside fun, entertainment, and history. Extending into the Pacific Ocean at the end of Colorado Avenue, the pier features a lively amusement park with its famous solar-powered Ferris wheel, roller coaster, arcade, and classic carnival games. Visitors can enjoy oceanfront dining, street performances, and breathtaking sunset views over the water. Originally built in 1909, the pier has become a symbol of the laid-back California lifestyle and a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. With its vibrant atmosphere, ocean breezes, and timeless charm, the Santa Monica Pier captures the spirit of the Pacific coast.

Enjoyed a nice walk around the pier. Caught the walk before some rain, but that made for a cool breeze and minimal people. A few spots were open along rhe pier but nothing too exciting. All in all made for a good scenic view, a comfortable walk and a location visit checked off. Oh and apparently the seagulls dont mess around.... look at my picture of the seagulls ;p

Nice to walk around and lots of people from all backgrounds. We were entertained and were able to take lots of photos. Having Pacific Park in the pier was cool. We went there with an 8month old baby and found it a bit hard to navigate as pier itself is not pram-friendly and couldnt find any family rooms. If there were, I wish there was signage.

This location is enchanting mesmerizing and has a wide selection of shopping recreation..adventure...beach activities and ample parking. The views of the ocean simply draw you closer to everything including self. The pier..gardens entertainment for all age groups explains the footfalls..so happy to be here..clean serene

Downtown Santa Monica, aka Third Street Promenade, is large open air mall a few blocks from the beach. Pre-pandemic I’d have given third street Promenade a five stars rating, however things have changed a lot over the last years and it is especially true for this place. Unlike a good wine, it aged pretty badly. Many stores are empty and the one opening their doors are somewhere between low quality merchandise’s and bad tourist souvenirs. A few restaurants and bars seem still to attract people. On my side, I still go there to check on the AMC which is often less crowded than other cinemas on the West side or to pass by the Apple Store or the Barnes and Nobles. There is a great potential for this open mall, however they need to do a better job attracting flagship stores and make it a true enjoyable experience.

Still a cool place to visit once a year. They have human-size outdoor games (connect four and chess) and cool rotating? chairs. Still a tourist destination. **Many stores are permanently closed. Parking is much better than before and it's more pedestrian- and bike- friendly. Street performers are still a main attraction.

Great vehicle, plenty of power across RPM range. Very stable despite the tall stature. Roomy enough unlike the American SUVs that drive like boats on wheels and can't corner at 40mph without leaning like pizza tower! Drives like a sedan, accelerates like a BMW 5 series, looks and feels luxurious. The only downside is that you really cannot and should not take it off-road. I mean maybe if you're desperate to try, you can drive it over a few puddles, but nothing more. This is not your Range Rover. It will get stuck like a dog, trust me.

Downtown Santa Monica is a lively and beautiful place that has so much to offer. It’s perfect for shopping, dining, and just enjoying a walk. The Third Street Promenade is full of stores, street performers, and energy, making it a fun spot both during the day and at night. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes, offering everything from quick bites to nice sit-down meals. The atmosphere is friendly and vibrant, with a mix of locals and tourists, which makes it feel welcoming and exciting. One of the best parts is how close it is to the beach and Santa Monica Pier, so you can easily combine shopping with a relaxing ocean view. Parking is available but can be busy on weekends, so it’s good to plan ahead.

My favourite place in the world, im from the UK so coming here is so relaxing and live the beach ⛱️

So many stores have closed in this area and looks run down. The whole area stinks of urine and is being overrun by food trucks and make shift carts. No longer a fun family brick and mortar shopping area but more of a street vendor's surrounded by homelessness.

This beach is a nice and large beach with many tourist attractions along it's length like Muscle Beach and the Pier. It is often crowded, and if you dont come in from the bike path, parking is really tough. The views are nice though, and there is a bikeway along the entire length of the beach.

Beautiful ! Plenty of parking and. not free I paid $15 so....plan your trip Wisely. The beach is really nice and it's a little bit of a hike from the parking to waters edge. Come prepared to walk a bit. Also, choose your bike rental wisely too. I paid $95+ tax for a bike for a good 4hrs. Come to find out there were cheaper options.

Santa Monica State Beach is absolutely beautiful! The wide sandy shoreline, clean ocean water, and stunning views make it the perfect place to relax or take a walk. The atmosphere is lively yet peaceful, with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. Watching the sunset here is unforgettable, and the nearby Santa Monica Pier adds extra charm. A must-visit spot if you’re in Los Angeles!

A timeless, iconic beach with an urban backdrop. Not so much for the pristine waters and the seclusion, like, say, a beach on the south orange county coast, but more for the cosmopolitan panache that reflects what most visiting tourists might think of when they visualize Los Angeles. The drawbacks are its crowds, especially during summer, and now, the grime that has been an inevitable side effect of a metro light rail line that runs from downtown LA to the coast...

Santa Monica Pier and Beach offer the perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and stunning ocean views. The pier is lively with street performers, shops, and great spots for food and ice cream. The Ferris wheel ride gives a beautiful view of the coastline, especially during sunset. The beach is clean, wide, and great for walks, picnics, or just soaking up the California sun. Parking is convenient and there are plenty of nearby restaurants and attractions. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, Santa Monica Pier and Beach never disappoint — a must-visit spot for that true SoCal vibe!

I’ve lived in California most of my life, but finally took the time to spend a full Saturday at Santa Monica State Beach—and I gotta say, it’s got a lot going for it. The views are honestly hard to beat, especially if you get there a bit earlier before the crowd rolls in. I parked way down past the pier because, man, the parking lots right by the sand are pretty expensive and fill up fast. You’ll have a little walk, but I didn’t mind—actually kind of enjoyed checking out the local businesses on the way. Once I hit the sand, it was nice and clean, no trash around, and plenty of space to toss a frisbee or just chill. Brought my own towel and umbrella—recommend doing that because rentals are nuts. I ended up near a volleyball game for a bit, and the people playing were friendly enough to let me jump in for a round. Water was cold (like, freezing at first), but after the first thirty seconds you get used to it. I’m not a super swimmer, but the waves were manageable, and lifeguards were on point. Took a walk up to the pier, which is honestly worth the trip whether you’re first-timer or local. Tons of food stands and little shops—got a burger that was solid but overpriced, but so is everything around here. Roller coaster was fun, arcade is slightly run down but still gives you that old-school vibe. Ran into some street performers who were surprisingly legit, and ended up watching a skate demo near the boardwalk. Annoyances? For sure. Restrooms could use a serious deep clean, and if you’re like me and try to avoid public bathrooms, be prepared—most days they’re kind of gnarly by noon. Also, traffic out of Santa Monica at sunset was a joke. Took me 40 minutes to get onto the freeway. Would’ve been nice if cops helped direct more, since lots of folks just stand around blocking the crosswalks and it gets messy. Still, all things considered, it was a killer day. Beach, water, people-watching, and just hanging out with friends with the ocean right there—hard to complain. Deducting a star mainly for the parking and those restrooms but, honestly, I’ll be back. If you can roll with big crowds and keep your expectations set, Santa Monica State Beach delivers the classic SoCal experience.

Santa Monica State Beach is a true California gem – a perfect blend of natural beauty, classic seaside charm, and cultural history. Stretching over 3 miles along the Pacific Coast, this iconic beach has been a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike for over a century. Its history dates back to the early 20th century, when Santa Monica became a popular seaside retreat for Hollywood stars and Los Angeles residents looking for a break from city life. Over the years, it has become a symbol of the California beach lifestyle. The beach is wide, clean, and well-maintained, with soft sand and stunning views of the ocean. The famous Santa Monica Pier, built in 1909, adds a nostalgic charm with its vintage amusement park rides, small aquarium, shops, and restaurants. It’s also the historic endpoint of Route 66, making it a meaningful stop for road trip lovers. There are plenty of activities for everyone – biking, volleyball, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the waves. The beach paths are great for long walks, and the sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking. Whether you’re into beach fun, coastal views, or historic landmarks, Santa Monica State Beach offers an unforgettable experience. It’s more than just a beach – it’s a piece of California’s cultural and cinematic legacy.

I took these photos from the side of the Griffith Observatory. My zoom isn’t the best 😬. Staying till after sunset, I don’t know why but I thought the sign illuminated - it didn’t. It would be good to see it glow, even if just for a short period of time. I am not sure if you can get nearer but google maps gave me this location. Enjoy. The Griffin Observatory is a nice site and park walkway. 💫

I visited the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, and it was an unforgettable experience! The drive through Griffith Park was scenic, and the panoramic view of the city from the top was absolutely stunning. Seeing the iconic white letters up felt surreal — a true symbol of LA’s magic. I recommend going early in the morning or near sunset to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photos. A must-visit spot for anyone in Los Angeles!

Love the Hollywood Sign. The view was amazing.. 🫶🏼 Just make sure you parked your car before you arrive your destination. Because it hard to find parking when you get closer to the sing. Also make sure you wear comfortable shoes 🥲😃 You will need to walk a little bit

The Hollywood Sign is definitely a must-see when you’re in LA! It’s such an iconic spot, and seeing it up close feels unreal. I walked all the way to Lake Hollywood Park, which is an easier route it took me around 40 minutes, and it was totally worth it. The view from there is amazing, especially during sunset so gorgeous and peaceful! It’s a great spot to relax, take photos, and just enjoy the LA vibes.

What can I say that hasn’t already been covered? The views are majestic, the hike is tough but enjoyable. And the atmosphere is just great.

Great place for photos and the views are amazing. The sign looks much better in person than expected. Parking can be a little tricky, but once you get to a good viewpoint it’s definitely worth it.

Iconic landmark in a great area. Fun hike to see it from multiple vantage points.

We went on a Sunday in late October. There were minimal lines to get on the rides and the weather was nice and cool. Got to ride all of the rides, enjoy the studio tour, have lunch, a few snacks, and enjoy our time together. We definitely will be back. Keep in mind that the park closes early during the Hollywood Horror Night season & that is a separate entrance fee.

PERFECT 2-Day Weekday Trip - We Did It ALL! Just got back from a fantastic 2-day trip to Universal Studios, and going on a weekday was the absolute best decision! The crowds were so much more manageable than on weekends. We were able to ride every single major attraction, some of them even two or three times without breaking a sweat. The attention to detail here is incredible. From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (butterbeer is a must-try!) to the mind-blowing Studio Tour and the intense Jurassic World ride, every area was immersive and so much fun. The new Super Nintendo World is a total game-changer, it feels like you've literally jumped into the video game. If you can swing it, I 100% recommend the 2-day weekday strategy. It felt relaxed, we saw everything we wanted, and it was worth every single penny. An unforgettable experience!

It was great! We purchased the daily express pass, and within 6 hours, we completed all the rides, including the studio tour. We were a group of four, and we had a blast. We went on a Saturday. The park was not really busy, and the weather was fantastic (74°F). Even the parking was easy; we parked in the general parking area, which cost $35, and the walking distance was not bad. Of course, the whole cost of the day was high, but we had a lot of fun and no regrets.

Universal Studios is an incredibly fun and well-designed park with tons to enjoy. The rides are exciting, immersive, and full of great special effects—definitely a highlight of the visit. The themed areas are impressive, and it’s easy to spend the whole day exploring without getting bored. The only downsides are the long lines during peak hours and the higher prices for food and drinks, which can add up quickly. Even so, the overall experience is fantastic. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is lively, and the park offers something for all ages.

Amazing place for a full day of fun! The rides, shows, and movie sets are exciting and entertaining for all ages. The staff is friendly, the park is clean, and every visit feels like a new adventure. Highly recommend for families and tourists!

A great park. A lot of fun to visit. The wizarding world is fun if you're into Harry Potter, and the whole park has some great rides. My son loved Nintendo world. He had a great time on the Mario Kart ride, and we got him a power band so he could play all the interactive stuff. I really enjoyed the backlot tour, and seeing some of the sets and locations from Hollywood History. Overall, this was a one-day park for our family. We had a fun day, and we enjoyed it, but more than one day would have been too much. Be warned that you should check the hours before you visit. Some days it opens at 8, some days it opens at 10.

This place has grown since i last visited and all for the better. So worth the price of admission and can't wait to go back. The Simpsons, Harry Potter, Nintendo, Transformers, Jurassic World; where can ya go wrong? Harry Potter and Nintendo was the highlights attractions and loads of time could be spend there. Can't wait to see the new coaster in play, looks amazing!

Free parking can be hard to find. The only option for free parking is on the street, and you’ll likely need to arrive outside of peak hours to secure a spot. The beach itself is clean, less crowded, and generally peaceful—especially compared to Santa Monica. Public restrooms are available, but there are no public washing areas. Be prepared to share the beach with plenty of seagulls, which are a common sight here.

Beautiful 1.8mi sandy beach with tons of street parking and a huge lot. There are showers in some spots. Great views of the coast and mountains.

We spent Father’s Day at Zuma Beach with friends, and it couldn’t have been better. Clean sand, beautiful views, and plenty of space to spread out even on a busy day. The water was perfect for wading and boogie boarding, and the lifeguards were super attentive. Parking was easy and close to the sand, which made hauling gear and coolers a breeze. Just an all-around perfect SoCal beach day. Highly recommend Zuma for families, friend groups, or anyone looking to enjoy the coast.

It's been a while since I visited Zuma Beach, and the atmosphere is a bit calmer than other places.

After many years in California, Zuma Beach still tops my son and I list of favorite surf spots — best enjoyed off-peak, of course: Monday to Friday, outside holidays, and early mornings before the crowds wake up. This is Malibu at its purest — long golden stretches of sand, clean waves, and that endless Pacific view that makes weekday emails feel like a bad dream. Surf’s great midweek when it’s mostly locals and dolphins sharing the lineup. Yes, it’s definitely not rare to surf among dolphins, great and unforgettable experience that you never get bored of. Weekends? A bit of a scene — come early or embrace the parking safari. Personally I avoid it as much as I can, if I can. Pro tip: pack snacks, wax up, and stick around long enough to watch the sun turn the whole beach into liquid gold

My favourite beach in LA. Clean and quiet. In non-seasonal time parking just $3 instead $18 of summer time. Fresh air and great sunset is great spot to relax.

Gorgeous sunset with a peaceful, calming view of the ocean and waves, soft light and cool breeze. Bring a light jacket if you plan to visit near dusk/sundown, the temperatures can drop around that time even in the summer. Parking can be found on 7301 Westward Beach Rd.

recently did a photoshoot at El Matador Beach in Malibu, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. This hidden gem offers dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and unique rock formations that make every shot feel cinematic. The natural light at golden hour was absolutely magical soft, warm, and perfect for capturing that dreamy, coastal aesthetic. The beach has a romantic, almost untouched feel to it, which added an organic, peaceful vibe to the shoot. Whether you’re aiming for editorial, lifestyle, engagement, or creative content, El Matador is an ideal backdrop. Just a heads-up: there’s a steep trail and stairs to get down to the sand, so wear comfortable shoes and travel light. Overall, El Matador Beach brought so much life and depth to my photos. I’d definitely go there again.

Only cost $10 to park. A lifeguard is on duty on the hill and can be down to you in a minute! The rock formations are so cool. One looks like an elephant!

El Matador State Beach is breathtaking! We came at sunset and the views were unforgettable—dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and golden light. It’s a bit of a walk down, but totally worth it. Perfect for photos, picnics, or just relaxing. Must-visit spot!

This beach is particularly visit for photo sessions, it has rock area that simulates like a cave. Unfortunately was so pack that I couldn't take a good Pic this time. Parking lot available at entrance is $3 x hour, automatic machine available to pay. Easy access to the beach and beautiful scenic views, worth the drive.

Beautiful beach with convenient parking. The views at sunset were amazing. Be warned that the parking lot closes at sunset and they start to close the gate before that to stop people coming in.

A surprising gem snuck in the base of the cliffs. Really crowded, but what beach in So. Cal. isn't? We were able to employ one of the tidal caves for a shaddy spot to play 5 Crowns and enjoy the afternoon. There lots of people taking pictures of people, so it must be a beautiful beach.

Peaceful beach that I'm looking forward visiting again. You have to be careful while walking down the old wooden stairs, but it's worth the effort!

An absolutely unique place that is a must-see. In addition to the main exhibition for $5, it is better to buy tickets for $20 and see the second part of the exhibition, which is located right across the street. Everything is much more interesting there, since in addition to absolutely unique cars, you can see and hear musical rarities more than 100 years old in action. It is useless to look at photographs - places like this need to be seen with your own eyes

I did not know what to expect but The Nethercutt Collection was absolutely positively gorgeous and well worth visiting. The automobiles were overwhelmingly beautiful and jaw-dropping in their uniqueness. The music section was unbelievably impressive. I can't wait to go again.

Such a fun experience, you can be in and out of there in well under an hour if you're looking for a quick family activity and are in the area. They have a wonderful collection of cars and the train is pretty awesome. Great for just $5 and kids 12 and under are free.

If you’re into cars, music, or history of America’s early 20th century, this museum is a must. If you can, do the Nethercutt Collection tour and go during the day where they let you see the train.

If you appreciate vintage cars, this is the place to go. With the guided tour, you're allowed to get up close (but don't touch!) both domestic and foreign cars from the early 1900s to the 1970s. The Bugatti was gorgeous. Well worth the $20 tour fee to see these preserved cars, and learn some local history.

A true hidden gem in California. The Nethercutt Museum is pure class from top to bottom history, craftsmanship, and preservation done right. Every car tells a story, and the staff makes sure you feel the passion behind it. The detailing, the atmosphere, and the way they treat visitors all speak of excellence. Whether you’re into cars or just love seeing timeless art in motion, this spot is worth every minute. 🚘✨ #LouieKsUp #GoogleTourWeek #LegacyInMotion #HistoryOnWheels

Unbelievable collection of antique automobiles with various provenance, music machines of all sorts and sizes along with automobilia.

Awesome hiking experience! There's a learning center there, picnic tables, and loads of rocks to climb on for the more adventurous types! My partner and I enjoy taking our two dogs on a nice hike and have lunch there. It's great for all ages, dogs, and we've seen horses on the trails, too! Definitely check it out. We live about 40 minutes north, but we've been several times since moving to SoCal. We'll be back again for sure 😁👍

We were visiting the area and read about this place as a must see. It is a hidden gem with unique rock formations and has good hiking trails. We learned that several movies were filmed here. The Star Trek Historic Film Site was dramatic.

Well this was an absolutely fabulous hiking experience for all to enjoy there are many things to do rock climbing motor biking gorgeous hiking trails scenic picnic and camping areas and a nature center to explore the vast history. Many landmarks along the way number four on the list is the witch's hat you go right through the back door of the center and just under half a mile you'll be there for your photo shoot even saw plenty of dogs way high up on the rocks and even a baby in a backpack local biker club n plenty of families solos friends tourists something for everyone in this glorious outdoor wonderland! Oh and there's a water station inside the center if your out there are posted heat warnings that say limited shade but there's plenty of rock formations you can cool down underneath if need be bring sunblock my fine friends and happy exploring!

Brought the family here and the kids loved being able to see the lizards running running around in thier homes when we first came in. I have been to Vasquez many times but never saw the visitor center. When I first came in the center was really nice on the inside better than I expected it to be and they showed the different types of animals and history of animals and past indigenous peoples that had lived within the area. The associates they're really nice and even took us to another room where they showed us a wolf and eagle taxidermies as well as tools that were used of the indigenous peoples during their time. Though I do wish there was more history on Vazquez and his posse during those times. Besides that we loved climbing the Rocks there and seeing art inscribed in those rocks from past indigenous people, really enjoyed our experience of being there.

I’ve lived in LA for 26 years and just visited Vasquez Rocks. It’s worth the drive to check out. Lots of hikes to choose from of varying difficulty levels, or you can just wander amongst the rock formations. Definitely check out the nature center too. It’s fun to see how many tv shows and movies were shot there. I’ll be going more often now that I know it exists!

A Hidden Gem in the Desert An absolute must-see! Stunning rock formations and a breathtaking landscape — it almost feels purposefully designed. Be sure to wear long pants and bring a hat! It gets hot, and you might encounter snakes or other fascinating creatures. The visitor center is small but well-curated, and you can learn a lot about the area’s history. Parking is free.

Great park. Close to freeway access (4 mins from the 14). It has different trails. Make sure to bring water because shaded areas are scarce. You’ll see beautiful rock formations. it’s a wonderful landscape for the geologist, hiker, student, learner, etc

I recently had a rare and wonderful opportunity to visit this inspiring and educational site with two good friends What an incredible place! The library is tucked back into the hills of Simi Valley with breathtaking views of beautiful Eastern Ventura County. Upon entering the premises of the Ronald Reagan Library, I had the special opportunity to view the Scrolls. Very informative and educational . The docents and the staff at the Library did an incredible job of making me feel welcomed. The Library is also a tribute to a wonderful and great human being, Ronald Reagan. There is a large gift shop as well as a cafeteria that has a pretty good selection of burgers, pizzas and salad. I had a delicious hamburger outside and had the wonderful opportunity to dine outside overlooking the hills of Eastern Ventura County. If you ever have a chance to visit the Ronald Reagan Library, please do, you won’t regret it.

What an amazing experience! We came specifically for the Deas Sea Scroll exhibit while it was here. And it did not disappoint. But for that matter the all of the exhibits throughout the facility we're great. Getting to walk through the Air Force 1 display was pretty cool. I would absolutely recommend a visit!

I am glad I bought the year long pass & I recommend it to anyone that can make the visit twice or that plans a visit to any of the other Presidential libraries. My first trip here was mostly visiting their temporary exhibit but I plan to make another trip this month. I love how the exhibits are set up in different rooms and it is like walking through a timeliness of Reagans life. Getting the opportunity to walk onto Airforce One was a highlight of this trip. Make sure your phone is charged if you take a lot of pictures. 😀

First visit and the experience was amazing in several different ways. The extensive exhibits on the life of the president and the political moments during his terms in office are thorough and well documented. Since it is his presidential library, there are very few references to negative decisions made during his years in office including long term effects of economic decisions. The aircraft exhibits for Air Force One are stunning and the tour of the aircraft is excellent, although I found the design of that portion of the exhibit space to be confusing and difficult to find the exit path from the bottom level of the aircraft exhibits.

Never been to a presidential library before. Learned about a former president. Walked through Air Force One and Marine One. Experienced history in the best way. Do something different and go see a presidential library if there is one near you.

While visiting LA this was a must visit. We spent close to 3 hours and could have spent even more. Make sure to bring your Presidential passport to get it stamped. Wonderful place and really honors the legacy of in my opinion one of the best presidents ever.

Such a beautiful library with great exhibits (Dead Sea Scrolls now through beginning of Sept 2025)! Amazing scenery! My favorite is the Oval Office and Air Force One. Extremely friendly and helpful staff and docents as well! There’s a reason why this is the most visited presidential library - a real must-see!!!!

My daughter and I went for fright night. The staff was amazing and we enjoyed watching them scare. 2 of the rides we were waiting for broke down so the wait times were pretty long. I was also recommend being careful when you purchase a meal deal. This is yhe second time I've had an issue with it. It included a meal, drink, and snack. We usually get the snack first earlier in the day then go back for dinner. 2x now the staff marked the wrong item and tried to say we used the meal when we had only used the snacks. They did still end up giving them to us but it was a hassle both times.

Great place to go, they open 10.30am and close at 9 but you can hang out a bit more after that. The Flash pass is an amazing upgrade once you get a hang of it, we saved more than 3 hours of wait time! Truly recommend it! You have burgers, pizza, sandwich, chicken tenders and more! All that we tried was delicious! Rides we Amazing specially X2 and Colossus!

Best park I have ever been to. I got to race a car and then got my spine broken on a wooden coaster right after. Then I failed the riddlers riddle so I had to stand up on his ride then I wondered why the train wont stop on Wonder Women (seriously guys like, it dosent even stop at the loading station so you have to jump in and hope you lock in in time) but I rode it like 6 or 7 times anyways. Then Batman turned me upside down and in the procces I got kidnapped by Lex Luther and got dropped from 400 feet onto the biggest pendulum ride in the world. As I stumbled away I suddendly got a green cup that let me get a free refill. Idk what that ment so I stepped onto a orange coaster because I thought there would be some Fanta there but instead it made me Scream on Scream. After that I tried something else that was orange and instead got strapped onto a ride that used to hold the title for worlds tallest ride and into a tunnel on Goliath. Ready to give up hope I sit in a nice green colored seat... only to race a blue coaster train in Teisted Collosis. When I thought the ride was over it faked me out and went for a 2nd loop around the track. Then I spotted a coaster with a loop and I remembered something, "This is a great begginer coaster called the New Revolution, to get a good warmup in you should ride this ride to eliminate the fear of hights" (Random Youtuber). So I step on and instead i get a launch at 80 mph while hearing "Wait I forgot the shoulder straps" and got put into the worlds highest top hat loop on Full Throttle. I later found out what a top hat loop was when i went on top of the loop into a near vertical 160 ft drop at the end. By then I found a cool red coaster called Viper, after mistaking it for a Coca Cola (its an honest mistake anyone can make) I broke my neck in 12 deffrent locations (please dont ride it it will hurt, goos layout though a refurbishment would be great for it) It started to get dark so I got into line for something called Tangy since I thought it was a food center for tangy foods. Instead I got on a ride where I hung allmost 200ft above the air and went on the worlds biggest pretsal loop. Then I thought I found the exit. But then I got strapped into a ride. After all the rides I went on that day I knew this cant be much worse. My first tip off that it was worse was when the train started to move backwards out the station. After reaching the peak at around 200ft I go on the first drop backwards. After screaming my lungs out the train bobs up and turns out that was a 10 ft dip. Then music starts playing and I fall backwards at 200 ft while doing a backflip at a 90° straight down angle then forced into a 180ft tall raven loop and doing a turn to see the whole park lit up. Then I do a flip again and get blazed with flamethrowers on a smaller loop before flipping again and pulling into the station. It was so good I got everything in the store related to it (I dont have pictures of it right now but it wasent a lot just a patch and a shirt) and rode it again because that was the best experience in my life. Then I finally exited and I was sad because even though every ride sounded like some sort of extreme tourture you would go through for commiting a horrible crime... it was still fun in the end. 67/10, I will be coming back here as soon as possible to ride X2 again. Cant wait to see what else you guys cook up. Thanks :).

Amazing theme park. If you're looking for intense rides, this is the spot. Many types of roller coasters and attractions. Drinks are a bit expensive, so I just recommend to bring your own water bottle and fill it up. The food they sell there is pretty good. Heads up though, the lines are long to rides if you don't have a flash pass, so it's also a good idea to get one if you're a frequent guest.

Major shout out to all the Six Flags magic mountain staff especially the ADA staff you guys are truly setting the bar for excellence when it comes to regards to the customer service our family had a lot of fun and your park was very accommodating with ADA passes shout out to the ADA department at Six Flags you guys are awesome absolutely setting the bar no breaking the bar for excellence with regards to customer service. I appreciate all the help that you offered my family and I as a disabled veteran I feel accommodated. Looking forward to many more visits at Six Flags, Magic Mountain and Valencia, California.

Major shout out to Six Flags Magic Mountain had a lot of fun with family there very grateful to the ADA staff members who went above and beyond to help me and our family. We greatly appreciate all of the service that they provided at the ADA accommodation building thank you Six Flags Magic Mountain for providing such an awesome experience looking forward to visiting again.

Love Magic Mountain, great as always. Lines were better than ever and most rides were open. Only complaint is they HAVE to figure out having to stand in the did line just to get a re-fill! It's insane to wait 30 min to over an hour just for that, when other parks have figured it out. Otherwise this place is amazing.

It’s a pretty nice outdoor outlet mall with a good mix of stores to shop from, even though a few have moved out recently. The food court isn’t anything to get excited about, but luckily there are better spots to eat nearby like Finney’s and a couple of other restaurants. It’s a good place to walk around, especially on a nice day, and you can usually find some decent deals too.

It’s really hard to find parking on the weekends. They need more maps. This place is huge. And they keep adding on all the time. Bring water and sunscreen screen. Stay for the day. We had lunch at. Nice restaurant that serves Pancakes all day. We had a salad it was huge. We split it my grandson had a burger n Fries . Look so good !! Go during the week if you can. That’s what we did. Found lots of parking 😎😊👍

Great place to shop at, they have great prices and great selections

All outlets were having Sales! Best time for shopping. Adidas rocks! 5 items under 100. I would recommend. Lots of parking.

Wow! What a terrific outlet mall and it's huge. Great stores including American Eagle outlet, Guess, Michael Khor, Banana Republic, Levi Strauss and so much more. A great please to walk and get your steps in while shopping for good deals and selection. The customer service is stellar and they have a food court and a few restaurants. Highly recommended

Best premium brands at one place with discounted rates

It is a really nice location. It was rather quiet on our visit. Many many brand stores around.

It was my first time here. I was very excited to experience. All the poppies, but unfortunately, due to the weather, there weren't very much. It was pretty dry. However, I did try to make the best of it, and I still walked the trails. They had there to check out the views. They were some poppies, but not as it normally would look orange all over the fields. There are different flowers. That you can look at plenty of lizards and birds. But not too many poppies. They had a cool visitor center which sold a lot of items that were very cute. With poppies on them. They do have parking there.You do have to pay an admission.They also have restrooms 🚻. Please be mindful and pick up any trash that you have. Hopefully, next year, the weather will be perfect for the poppies to Bloom. There was no super Bloom this year.

I went here for the first time and we liked it. We loved that the trails lead you back and no chance to get lost. Though cold, there are flowers especially on the side that does not have much wind. It’s beautiful. Fresh air. Greatfull to experience nature.

I went years ago with the kids and it was in full bloom at the time. As soon as you see a bloom, I recommend going. I don't see any on the live cam yet which is too bad since it's late March already.

We were unable to find any information about the best time to visit the park for the flower blooming season. After spending two hours traveling there, we were disappointed to find that the flowers were not in bloom.05/03/2025

I overall enjoyed this place. The hikes were not very long. The incline was about 2% grade. Now to see the poppies in Bloom, it would depend on the weather. The poppies are sensitive. When I went, just before Spring, in late March, It had rained a lot causing the poppies too Suffer, due to lack of oxygen. So, as a warning look on their live webcam first or ask the ranger station if you can get a live person and ask them the conditions. The staff mini ATV vehicles riding around, but they seem to have missed many holes on the pathway that need filling in regularly. Good luck. 🙌🏼😅👍🏼🌅

There's no puppies this year but if you love nature you still enjoy visiting this park. You will be amazed by the variety of other flowers you will see. The tiny tiny chamomile gives the hills that vibrant yellow color that you will love.

Incredible hiking trails full of all of the wild flowers you could imagine this year! We got there at 730am and the park was already busy. $10 to get in and worth it in every way. Definitely stay on the trails as to not damage the flowers or disturb any wildlife.

This is a good place to take a break and have a meal while driving along the west coast line. The location is like an island, you feel you're out of crowd of city. The parking is free, if you can find a spot. The restaurant is good, both service and food. The sea view makes you feel very relaxing when eating outside. Strongly recommended to drop by .

Stearns Wharf is in Santa Barbara. It's the oldest working g wharf in California. It was built in 1873. 2300 foot long. Yes it's that long, to allow ocean ships back then to tow up at low tide. John Peck "JP" Stearns opened a lumber yard in 1867 and needed a way to ship lumber. He got a backer, Colonel William Hollister, to help him finance and build the wharf. Fast forward to today, they have a restaurants, shops, bait & tackle shop, boat rides, and a Sea Center aquarium. The crazy thing about the wharf is that you can drive your car out onto it and park. The wharf acts as a parking lot too. Wild! We drove our car out there and parked. Parking is free for the first 90 minutes. $3 for each additional hour. There is a public restroom but it was a wet mess. A layer of water was on the ground as if they hosed it down. So if you are unsteady on your feet, precede with caution. Folks can fish off the pier. We saw a young man catch a thresher shark. Wow. The vibe of the pier was casual, even the eateries. Walk out to the furthest point and catch the 360 views. Beautiful! I bet the sunset is spectacular against the drop into the ocean's horizon.

Stearns Wharf is the best. It may be one of the last wooden wharves in CA you can still drive out in. Over looking the harbor. There is a lot to do with restaurants to eat at from nicer sit down to fish and chips window ordering. There is a bunch to do with kids including the Sea Center or fishing off the end of the pier.

Stearns Wharf of Santa Barbara is an historic destination that may be one of the most famous of piers on the California coast! The present day pier has been reconstructed since the original commercial wharf was developed in 1872 by John P. Stearns, with funding help from W. W. Hollister. Unlike other piers down the coast, this one is geared up for visitors, with signage, exhibits, memorabilia,, gift shops, restaurants, boat rides and of course restrooms. I enjoyed the views of the calm ocean as well as the overview looking back towards land. It seemed as tho wherever I stopped to take pictures, other visitors were also taking in the scene beside me! There’s easy access off the end of State Street, where public parking’s available. I found free street parking just south of the pier. There’s also more secure paid parking areas within walking distance. The pier is compatible with handicap access and convenience.

Great pier, clean beach, ample parking right on the pier and free if you park for less than 90 minutes. Clean restrooms. Will definitely be back.

Arriving here on a cloudy day, it felt a little deserted and dreary. However, there were many people cycling and running, which brought a sense of life to the place. These looked like a good place for sea fishing.

This pier is very nice. On the pier you can find many restaurants. The view from the pier is very nice. The only downside is that the planks on the floor is very old and needs a replacement. But overall a very good pier.

The Santa Barbara Courthouse is hands down one of the most stunning elopement and wedding locations I’ve ever photographed. The Spanish-style architecture, lush gardens, and warm California tones make it feel straight out of a fairytale. It’s elegant yet intimate, and there’s magic in every frame taken here. Highly recommend it for couples dreaming of a classic Santa Barbara celebration!

Such a beautiful and historic gem! The Spanish Colonial architecture, tile details, and views from the clock tower are breathtaking. The courtyard and gardens are perfect for photos — especially weddings or quinceañeras. Definitely a must-see in Santa Barbara! It’s also walking distance to major shops at Old Town Santa Barbara. Be there on Saturdays when they close the streets so you can freely walk without the traffic.

I’ve been to a lot of different cities and the last thing anyone recommends me to go checkout is the courthouse. When I read online that the Santa Barbara courthouse was a must while I was in town, I figured why not go and check it out. I did not know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by it all. I mean just from outside, it looked really different from the superior court of Los Angeles as it was a lot smaller, but what caught my eye was how antiquated the building looked. I liked seeing the big murals on the walls and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. I found it interesting that despite its older structure, it’s still in use. Walking around inside was a lot of fun but the highlight was the tower with views of the city and everything. You can take an elevator or go up the stairs to get there. One other thing that really stood out to me about this place was the gardens right outside. There was a lot of people taking photos there or just hanging out on the lawn. I mean, they are really beautiful and well kept and seem like a great place in town to hang out and kill time. Also, the older woman at the information booth was really helpful. She narrowed down some activities for me to do while I was in the city and even recommended me places to go and eat food. She was sweet and took her time showing me a map of the city with all the points of interest. Give her a raise!

Amazing views from the Clocktower and the Mural Room is a must see! There were a handful of weddings taking place so we also witnessed multiple brides and grooms coming and going, further adding to the scenery.

I visited the Superior Court of California in Santa Barbara and honestly didn’t expect it to be this interesting. The building itself is beautiful, clean, and full of history and character. It feels almost like a museum with how nicely everything is designed. You can walk around, explore different areas, and there’s always something to see — from the classic architecture to the peaceful courtyard outside. The atmosphere is calm and respectful but still open enough that you can really take in the space. It’s definitely worth visiting, even if you’re not there for official business. Super cool experience, I totally recommend checking it out.

This is the best tour spot in Santa Barbara downtown. The garden is very beautiful and we happened to see a wedding on that day. We also went to the top of tower to have a view from all 4 directions of the city, it seems that the tower is the highest point of the city. You'll need to pass a security check when going to the tower, so leave you guns behind you.

Probably one of the most beautiful buildings you can find in this part of California. The architecture is so iconic of Spanish colonial times, but it looks even more impressive inside with the murals. Artistically, it is so impressive. You can visit it for free and spend as much time as you want. You can also go up the tower to get a 360 view of Santa Bárbara and the mountains.

We visited the Old Mission Santa Barbara and really enjoyed it! The grounds were clean and well kept. Although we didn’t take the paid tour inside, walking around outside was still very pleasant and peaceful. The gift shop had lots of cute souvenirs to browse, and we especially liked strolling through the olive tree garden. It was a perfect sunny day for a visit!

Always a lovely time at the Mission. I'm born and raised in Goleta/Santa Barbara and I have so many fond memories of this incredible Mission. It's always so peaceful and everyone in the public seems to be as respectful as they can here! Really wish that it could be that in the whole town, but it's a start!! Also, there's so many angels to take amazing photos or to have a picnic on the adjacent lawn.

Old Mission Santa Barbara is a beautiful and historically significant place that’s well worth a visit. The elegant architecture and peaceful gardens create a special atmosphere, and the museum provides interesting insights into California’s past. The chapel is charming and adds to the sense of tradition and heritage. Fans of classic television will also recognize this location — many exterior scenes from the iconic Santa Barbara series were filmed here. A must-see spot that combines history, culture, and a touch of nostalgia.

Stayed in Santa Barbara for a while right by the mission. Got the chance to not only bask in the beauty of the gardens and Santa Barbara weather, but enjoyed seeing local artists compete in a chalk art contest. I mean, I struggle to draw a stick figure so I was blown away by the talent. Also love seeing a community get locals together. Highly recommend stopping by and hoping you’re lucky enough to enjoy some local artists compete there as well!

Very pretty mission well maintained. 250 years old. Tour works well with audio guide. We spent over an hour on the tour. Nice exterior grounds that have a picnic area also.

The mission is impressive, but the $18.00 per person ticket price is steep in my opinion, this is the only mission where we’ve encountered such outrageous ticket prices. We visited because this is the last of the missions we needed to see to have visited them-all. The church and grounds are beautiful but we thought it was odd that in the missions historic rooms there was an exhibit about sea life but not about the mission? Mission La Purisima in Lompoc was so much better at explaining and experiencing the history of the mission and life at the mission, and it was free.

This was on my must visits while in Santa Barbara. The history and amazing buildings. We came on in on Monday right in time for the last self guided tour. There was a padre there to ask questions which was more than I thought. We were able to view the gardens, church; cemetery and view some info inside what looks like a museum. The cemetery was very interesting. Mausoleums with turn of the century inhabitants. We went through the little gift store and then walked over to the olive tree area with the stations of the cross. I love seeing the pictures of when the building was first built. It’s amazing g to see that there was nothing else around but now homes and parking lots. Great view of the ocean.

Okay. This was a fantastic venue! This place has all the elements of greatness for sure! Buck Ownens was a great singer, and he left behind a great restaurant. This place is a stop off for all up and coming country singers. This is also the Place that Garth proposed to Trisha... [Garth alert]. Food was above and beyond expectations! They served the best baby back ribs of any I have ever had! Service was good, and the waitress was nice. Can't wait for a next time!

My husband initially mentioned Buck Owens Crystal Palace while we were dating, stating his intention to bring me to this location. We are now celebrating our wedding anniversary here. Although the food and music are superior, the service from “Sierra” was deficient and disappointing! We experienced a prolonged delay in receiving our beverages and an additional wait for her to take our order; it is worth noting that the next table received service first, despite our prior arrival. Sierra made an error with my order, neglected to place my husband's order, and exhibited an unfavorable demeanor when presenting the bill. We would have preferred a different server, our night would have been perfect!

☀️ Buck Owens' Crystal Palace Made it back to Bakersfield! The Crystal Palace is for sale, hopefully it will remain open, but there is a chance it will be closed for good soon. The idea for the Buck Owens Crystal Palace originated in the mid-1980s. Buck spent most of his early career performing in small, smoke-filled bars and honky-tonks around the country. He wanted a high-class place for country-western music to be performed. Buck also wanted a place where he could "be himself". There is a museum with numerous memorabilia throughout his career. Live music and great food. And of course the buck-mobile hanging behind the bar. Once made for Elvis, Buck used it in The Streets of Bakersfield video.

First Timer! Dinner date with the wife. Great service provider Skylar, sweet, patient, kind and quick. Food was delicious! Will be back.

A club atmosphere with dining and seating on many different levels to view the stage for many different music venues. Nice atmosphere and facilities and the dining area is clean and offers great service. The parking is protected by security guards on electric bikes who will follow you to your car, unless a show has emptied the building and everyone is leaving. The venue offers a gift shop and a museum of country music (Buck Owens of Hee Haw fame) the only negative would be the acoustics in the very back areas where the surrounding walls prevented clear music sounds reaching out ears properly 😔... Fortunately, a table was cleared and I was able to moved up to hear past the offending wall enclosure. 👍

Enjoyed this venue very much. If you're a country music fan this place is for you! So much memorabilia all over the place. Great picture opportunities. There is not a bad seat in the house. The environment and crowd was great. Brought my teenagers to see Charlie Crockett and we all had a great time. Tickets are affordable. We did not eat as kitchen closed at 10. I would see a show here again!!

Amazing place to dine at. First time me and my wife came here and it was definitely worth it. We got to see the famous Bakersfield sign, and also loved the museum part of the restaurant. The food was heavenly, i had a chicken fried steak sandwich, which was huge, and fries. Wife got a chicken fried steak meal, with baked potato, and loved it. Started off with some onion rings, which were divine. Ended the meal with chocolate cake, and oh boy, im glad i saved room for it. This place was really amazing, live music, cool bar has a Cadillac behind it, museum to wonder around and check out, made for a fun night. Definitely will be back here again soon.

Had a really great time checking out the animals at the zoo. Been quite a few years since I was last here, but it definitely has a cool vibe. Not too hot for an August day but definitely has plenty of shade for when it did start warming up. Definitely recommend checking out the zoo is you're nearby.

I love coming here, the lion cubs a growing so fast! The food here is good, I enjoy the chicken stips at the African Safari Restaurant. Also the cleanest restrooms are located here at the African side. I made sure to get the Zoo souvenir cup for my fountain drink. Refills for the life of the cup are only $1! Yes just $1 for a 32oz refill! I really enjoy the animal chats, during which you can get up close to their training time! My favorite ones are the tiger and the sea lion talks! This is great for the whole family! Keep I mind if you have a EBT Card and can show a valid government ID that matches the name on the EBT Card you and 4 others can get in for just $5 each every Wensday! This can be a great savings for some! Please go and support our local zoo!

Great little zoo! You can feed the Giraffes, pet the sting rays, hang out with the butterflies, and see a lot of great animals! The staff are knowledgeable and friendly! The food at the Kopje spot wasn't very good though, expensive for cold and dry food. We had a great time and the weather was perfect!

This zoo was great! Good value and the atmosphere was great. The close proximity to some of the animals was outstanding as you weren't straining to look over a barrier to catch a glimpse of an animal. There was a good variety of animals and some I'd never even heard of before. There was some construction going on so we didn't get to see everything but it was still worth the price of admission. The staff we talked to were all very helpful, plenty of restrooms and benches as well as a good variety of food options. I'd say you're definitely going to get your money's worth. We'll be back for sure!

We loved the zoo boo lights and idea but trying to get in there was insane. We had to park so far away. They oversold the tickets. If I had known it was that crowded I would not have spent as much money as I did for tickets. The booths were set up very nicely and it was nice the reptile exhibit was open but most of it was just people networking with the parents. I want expecting to have have live advertising, which is nice if that was what you intended to go for I guess. We wanted to go for our kids, candy, and expecting more. The shows were overcrowded and there was nowhere to sit. We couldn't even see what was going on. It was nice to get out with the family and see the lights but I wouldn't do that ever again

We arrived at opening and there were no lines. We loved the giraffe feeding experience on the lower level. Definitely worth the extra $15. The kids enjoyed stingray bay. It took extra efforts to get their hands low enough into the water to actually touch them. The stingrays seemed to swim right towards us and breach a little then dive just out of their reach! There is lots of shade in the Asia exhibit which provided a nice break as the day heated up. The park was very clean, as were the restrooms. The dining experience in Africa was definitely worth it. There were lots of options for traditional kid friendly meals as well as light sandwiches, salads and vegetarian options. While we didn't use it, there is a mobile app so you can order ahead and just go in and grab your food. Finally, bring an extra set of clothes for the kids. The splash park was a perfect way to cool off and the kids LOVED it! The only hiccup we had was the Park Mobile App required for parking. I entered the lot number but the transaction would not process due to lack of internet access. As a result, we ended up with a parking ticket for $40 instead of the $6 if the app was working. It ended the day on a little bit of a sour note. Not necessarily the fault of the Zoo, more of Park Mobile experience that happens in a number of locations.

If you go often, look into the family membership. It's a great value. I suggest walking straight to the back of the zoo where the Elephants or Giraffes are, and then working your way forward to the entrance/exit area. Make sure you visit stingray bay, and the reptile room.

Amazing! We were looking for something to do as we transition from Sequoia National Park to Yosemite and this was perfect. It’s an amazing place, with a great story of resilience. You’ll love it! Stopped at Max’s Bistro and Bar for lunch after to have an incredible Italian meal to celebrate Baldasare Forestiere heritage and creation! This was an unexpected highlight of our trip to CA.

We took our 8-year-old son and granddaughter to the Forestiere Underground Gardens, and it was such a fascinating experience! It truly feels like stepping back in time. The craftsmanship and creativity are unbelievable — it’s amazing what one person with a vision and determination can accomplish. Even though it was a hot day, it was much cooler underground, which made the tour even more enjoyable. Highly recommend for families — interesting, educational, and unlike anything else!

My last visit was in 1981 and our tour on October 23, 2025 was very enjoyable. So fascinating to see and learn about. We purchased a few limes and pomegranates at the gift shop. Tour lasted an hour and was extremely informative. Parking was alongside near the hotel. Will definitely return again in the future.

I am so happy I went on this tour on a quick layover! An amazing story and history, and any photos don't do it justice with how cool and absolutely beautiful this space is. Loved Kai as our tour guide, all of the staff were great, very cute gift shop. If you are going to ride share here, be aware that there is construction out front and you are better off getting dropped off on the side street so you don't have to do a u turn like us!

This was my first time touring the garden. After living many decades in Fresno and The Central Valley combined I don’t know why I have never taken the time to tour this beautiful and interesting place. It is certainly a gem. The staff was professional yet friendly. They welcomed us as soon as we walked in the door. The tour started promptly at the reservation time. Our tour guide was Morgan. She has a friendly voice yet projection was adequate; therefore, she was easy to understand. She allowed an appropriate time to look without being rushed, yet not too long where we were standing around staring at each other. The story is amazing and she never portrayed not knowing the facts. She easily answered the questions the group had. I would definitely go back again and refer others. I can’t wait to share this place with my family and friends and I hope I am lucky enough to have Morgan again as my tour guide.

What a great experience! We love touring gardens and totally get into the history. This is a must see if you’re ever in Fresno. They do take reservations, we lucked out and they had room for us! Our guide Lashika was absolutely amazing- if you can, request her!

I've driven by for about a year thinking I wanted to make time to visit. We'll, I finally did and wish I hadn't waited so long. This place is unbelievably unique. One man who spent 40 years building a dream. The guide Melinda (I think that was her name) was knowledgeable, friendly, and did a great job of keeping everyone engaged.

Super cool old west town from the gold rush era. The place is closed to cars so one parks around the town and there are plenty of parking spots. We ended up grabbing a beer and a personal pepperoni pizza from the east saloon. The town itself had several open stores from clothing to antique, to a general store and even the wagon front store and the Wells Fargo store. There is also an area where people can search for gold. This will be a great spot to bring the entire family. Highly recommended.

This was my first visit, it’s been on my list for some months now. There is a drive to Columbia is beautiful in its own right. The history of the city is fascinating. There are some fun activities while you’re there. from a horse drawn carriage ride. Old school bowling, exploring the old buildings. The Jail, School house and cemetery were amongst my favorites. Cool off with some ice cream, grab some old school candy and have a picnic at the boulders. Once you’re done eating. Have some fun climbing around the boulders. It’s a cute village.

Absolutely n love this place grew up here as a kid came back from the nostalgia! Miss this place so much I definitely recommend to people who never been here or just passing through to see Yosemite!

An experience you must have!! Must make a full day to be able to have ice cream at the ice cream parlor, candle making and eat at the Saloon and go shopping and support local businesses. Don't forget the stage coach ride! There's also camping nearby, so plan accordingly. Also, don't miss the old school, school House.

We went on Columbia's Gold Rush Days, second Saturday of each month. This is a MUST VISIT PLACE. There are many businesses you can visit such as the General Store, the What Cheer Saloon, Candy Kitchen, Blacksmiths and so so many more business. People live in this town so be respectful. Dog are allowed there but not in any business or building. Entry to park, tours and museum is free. But there are restaurants, stores, a real Blacksmith shop, ice cream parlor and much more to spend money on if you choose too. There is so much to do. Like take a picnic, do a self walking tour, join a guided tour for free, buy a ticket to the stage coach and so much more. Th stage coach is so fun and the driver was great. It was worth the $17 tickets and don't forget to have something for the bandits!! 😊 You can eat at the Saloons, restaurant, grab picnic stuff at the mercantile or pick up a snack at the candy store or bakery. We brought our own picnic from home but next time we will just buy at the Columbia Mercantile. Also buy the fresh Bread there it's soooo worth it. Wild flower Honey on the sourdough mmmmmm yum! Columbia's Gold Rush Days is free event every 2nd Saturday of the month, the Docents are dressed in period clothes and they will give tours plus answer any history questions you might have about Columbia at that time. Very knowledgeable people!! The militia guys do a march to raise the flags and a gun salute (fake bullets). It was super cool (loud, only for a second) and they stayed after to answer questions. I can't say enough about this place, take your time, wear walking shoes and enjoy all the cool history. Every staff member at the business and the volunteers for the park that we spoke with were Just Amazing, nice and super helpful. Amazing people!!! If you bring a picnic you could spend the whole day not spending money just enjoying your time OR you can treat yourself to lunch & a snack and still spend the whole day having a blast!!! There are lots of shaded picnic areas, clean public restrooms and places to walk. We are going back for the Christmas event in December.

Really cute little town to wander around for a few hours. Some shops were closed when I went on a Tuesday and the ice cream wasn't locally made, so that was a bit disappointing. But the museum was interesting. The shops had some fun handmade items. I liked the free wooden bowling lane. I didn't pan for gold, but it looked like fun, so did the horse drawn carriage ride. It's primarily shops and restaurants, but worth a peek if you're in the area.

This place was so cute, I want to live there! There's lots to do and it's very kid friendly. It's a great place to visit whether you want to shop and do activities or just look around. You can pan for gold too! People are very friendly.