Beach Trips

A trip to the ocean ranks at the top of many visitors' lists. There is no more popular attraction in Los Angeles than the sands of the Pacific. Great beaches exist all along Southern California's coast. Some are rocky rather than sandy, but they have their own beauty and grace. Any guide book will give you an idea of the best beaches to visit.

Catalina Island

Chamber of Commerce, Avalon
310-510-1520

Catalina sits 24 miles off the coast of California, a haven of quiet from Los Angeles. While it's a great place to relax, there is also a lot to do—swimming, scuba diving, shopping, dining, golfing, horseback riding, and a lot more. The inland portion of the island is inhabited by goats, buffalo, and other wildlife that can be viewed on bus tours. Electric carts are a favored means of transportation by residents on the island.

Boats depart for the seaside town of Avalon (Catalina's hub) from Long Beach and San Pedro. The trip by boat takes anywhere from one to four hours, depending on point of departure. Advanced reservations are suggested; call for information on schedules and fares.

Catalina Express 800-360-1212; departing Long Beach and San Pedro
Catalina Cruises 800-228-2546; departing Long Beach
Catalina Passenger Service 714-673-5245

Helicopter rides are also available from Island Express (310-510-2525) departing from San Pedro and Long Beach. Call for information on schedules and fares.

San Diego

From Redlands, take the I-10 West to the 215 South.
Take the Junction 60/215 South toward San Diego—the junction is easy to miss so watch for it.
The 215 will join the 15 near Murrieta Hot Springs.
The 15 will take you into San Diego.

San Diego Zoo
Balboa Park View map
619-234-3153

Over 4,000 rare birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians fill the world famous San Diego Zoo. The zoo boasts over 100 acres of award-winning gardens and $50 million of new and innovative bioclimatic habitats. The San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park, along with museums and an IMAX theater.
Take the I-15 South to Hwy 163 South,
exit Park Boulevard and follow the signs.
From I-5 South, take the Pershing Drive exit and follow the signs.

Open Summer:
9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; grounds close at 10:00 p.m.; park hours vary the rest of the year, call for information.

Admission: $15/adults; $6/children 3-11; senior discount available. Parking is free.

San Diego Wild Animal Park
Near Escondido View map
619-234-6541

This 1,800-acre wildlife preserve, established in 1969 and opened to the public in 1972, allows visitors to view herds of exotic animals as they might roam in their native habitats of Africa or Asia.

If you are coming from Redlands, follow directions to San Diego.
Exit at Via Rancho Parkway and follow the signs.

Open Summer:
Monday-Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., grounds close at 9:00 p.m.;
Thursday-Sunday, 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., grounds close at 10:00 p.m.
Park hours vary the remainder of the year; call for up-to-date information.

Admission: $18.95/adults; $11.95/ages 3-11. Parking is $3.00.
A combination ticket is available for purchase if you plan to visit both parks. Ticket is valid for one visit to each within five days of purchase. $31.95/adult; $18.35/ages 3-11.

Sea World of California
1720 S. Shores Road, San Diego View map
619-226-3901

Southern California is a land of contrast, and this ocean-oriented amusement park is a good reflection of that. As the world's largest marine life park, Sea World offers great diversity. Shamu, the killer whale, is part of a very popular show. The shark exhibit is also a hit, especially with youngsters.

To get to Sea World follow directions to San Diego, and take the 8 West until it ends. Turn right on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard into Sea World. About a two-hour drive from Redlands.
Open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. in the summer; hours vary the rest of the year, call for details.
Admission: $32.95/adults; $24.95/children 3-11.

Santa Barbara

Conference and Visitors Bureau
510 State Street View map
805-965-3201
800-676-1266

Beautiful Santa Barbara is a great weekend trip, and for the avid driver, even a great day trip. It's about a three-hour drive each way. There is enough in the way of art, culture, beach life, and natural beauty to keep a visitor occupied for many trips. There is also much to see and do within a half hour's drive of the city. Be sure to visit the quaint little tourist town of Solvang, with its Danish heritage, and Ojai, a popular artists' colony and resort.

Everything in Santa Barbara is compactly located, and much of the city can be traversed on foot. The Conference and Visitors Bureau has a free guide to a scenic drive in and around the town. There is also a free walking tour guide available called the "Red Tile Walking Tour."

Bicycles can be rented, as well as sailboats and powerboats, on an hourly or daily basis. Horseback riding is available at the San Ysidro Ranch (900 San Ysidro Lane, 800-368-6788). Trail rides into the foothills are offered every hour.

For good lodging, we recommend the Ambassador by the Sea (202 W. Cabrillo Boulevard, 805-965-4577). It overlooks the ocean and offers a complimentary breakfast; or visit Country Inn by the Sea, a small beach area hotel that blends casual country elegance with charming European decor (128 Castillo Street, 800-455-4647).