SoCal Non-boating Advice

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Ashley Lynn

New member
The wife and I are heading to Huntington Beach for a week this August and are looking for suggestions for things to see and do in Southern California.

I grew up in Norwalk, but haven't been back since 1983. My wife has never been to California.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.
 
I like to drive down PCH along the coast between Long Beach and San Clemente. Stop at Long Beach Marina, drive through Huntington Harbor (Admirality Island)--and Sunset Beach. Do some bird watching at Bolsa Chica Preserve. Watch the Surfers and have lunch at Hunting Pier. Newport Beach is fun--drive down and take the Balboa Ferry across to the Peninsula. Check out the art in Laguna Beach.

Up in the Hollywood area--is the Peterson Auto Museum. Farmer's Market and the "Grove" shopping center. Santa Monica pier, with POP, and the walk down to Torrance--if you have the endurance!

A day trip to Catalina would be fun, stop in Avalon, walk up to the Wrigley Mansion and the old bird park. arrange a trip up to the Isthmus, walk across the Island and take the last boat home. (check on schedules--depends on the day of the week).

Huntington Library and grounds are worth a day--in Passadena. There are also the movie studios--Universal tour. Of course Disney Land!

When you move away from S. Calif. you forget what great places there area.
 
The San Diego area has some must see spots, also: the Zoo (world famous), Sea World, Point Loma Lighthouse (for the harbor view), Torrey Pines State Park, the overlook above Swami's in Encinitas (for the surfing), and some of the beaches in La Jolla. I grew up in a small beach town in northern San Diego County in the 1950's, and it was a bucolic paradise then. Now, it is heavily developed, but still lovely beyond belief.
 
There is also one of the largest liquor stores I have ever seen. Hi Times in Costa Mesa/Huntington area.

In San Diego, I always go to Old Town for food. Mexican Cafe and Freds are my faves.

If you are a beer fan, there are a ton of good brews there. Stone Brewing in Escondido is one of my faves. Off the 78 near the 15.

In Carlsbad, I always go to Pizza Port for lunch.
 
In Long Beach (my home town) I forgot the Queen Mary--not sure it is worth it, but the Aquarium is worth a stop. Of course walking the docks of Alamitos bay is one of my all time favorite pastimes...
 
Thanks again everyone.

Its nice to have a loose plan of what to see and do.

I have seen where my wife grew up and now I finally get the chance to show her my childhood home, school, and some of the places I remember--if they are still there.

Planning this trip has been a stroll down memory lane.

Again---thanks everyone for your ideas and insight.
 
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