Things To Do
Whenever possible, ALWAYS make a reservation. Few things are worse than SoCal traffic and wait times.
Wayfarers Chapel
This must see, also known as "The Glass Church" is located in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. It is noted for its unique, modern architecture and location on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean.
Cost: FREE
Point Vincente Lighthouse
To the landsman, the lighthouse is scenic delight and continual attraction to sightseers, tourists, photographers and painters. Local storytellers claim the Point Vicente Light Tower is home to a lady ghost who lost her lover at sea. Realists give a technical explanation. The shadowy images that looks like a woman are just reflections from the third order Fresnel lens atop the 67-foot tower.
Cost: FREE.. Tours are available the second Saturday of every month from 10-3 pm.
Marvin Braude Bike Trail/ The Strand
This 22 mile bicycle path runs along most of Pacific Ocean shoreline. You can ride it all the way up to Santa Monica Pier and back down past Hermosa Beach and into Torrance County Beach.
Cost: Varies depending on type of bike and length of rental. Prices for all day rentals can start at $21.
Griffith Observatory
This observatory hosts fascinating exhibitions and features a top notch planetarium. Its location also gives its visitors impressive views of the Los Angeles basin.
Cost: Going there and touring is completely FREE. Planetarium show ticket prices range from $3.00 to $7.00 depending on whether you are an adult, senior, student, or child.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Comprised of over 2,600 5 pointed stars and stretching 15 blocks of Hollywood Blvd. is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The stars are permanent public monuments to achievement in the entertainment industry and bear names of actors, directors, theatrical groups and more.
Cost: Walking the blocks, finding your favorite entertainers is FREE.
Hollywood Homes Tours
If you want to see where some of your favorite celebrities live and enjoy some of the best views in the city, this is a perfect tour for you. A variety of minibus tour companies provide opportunities for you to spot homes owned by the rich and famous.
Cost: $35 and up depending on company. May find deals on Groupon.
LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is an art museum located on Museum Row, adjacent to the La Brea Tar Pits, on Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile vicinity of Los Angeles. LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States.
Cost: $0-25
Runyon Canyon Park
For those looking for something a little more active, Runyon Canyon Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in LA and often shows up on publishers’ lists of best hikes in LA. This 130-acre dog park is located in Hollywood on the east end of the Santa Monica Mountains, providing hikers with a few overlapping loops and great views over Hollywood.
Balboa Island
Whether you drive, walk, bike or take the Balboa Island Ferry to the island. Balboa Island’s Marine Avenue is home to chic coastal shops featuring unique nautical designs, stylish beach fashions, art and jewelry. It’s also home to quaint Balboa Island restaurants and bistros serving up a variety of dishes bursting with flavor.
Costs: If taking the ferry ride for adults is $1
Whale Watching
The month of November is great for a whale watching tour. You can hope to see humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins and killer whales while out at sea.
Costs: Approximately $26.00.Prices vary depending on whale watching company. Deals can usually be found on Groupon.
Malibu Wine Hikes
What to expect:
• Join together with other small groups for a guided 2.5 mile moderate hike through the vineyard and private estate
• Meet the exotic animals on the ranch
• At the conclusion of the hike, you'll shuttle over to the Malibu Wines tasting room for a flight of wine
The full experience lasts 2 hours (approx.) and you must be 21 and over.
http://www.malibuwinehikes.com/
Malibu Wine Tasting Room
Looking to skip the hike and go straight for the wine? Check out the Malibu Tasting Room! They do not serve food, but feel free to bring a picnic & non-alcoholic beverages for your enjoyment.
There is no cost for walk in admission, just a minimum of one bottle purchase for each group of 2-4 people.