40 Best Stops Between Pacific Grove and Greater Palm Springs
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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Pacific Grove to Greater Palm Springs?
The direct drive from Pacific Grove to Greater Palm Springs is 452 mi (728 km), and should have a drive time of 7 hrs 15 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Pacific Grove to Greater Palm Springs, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Monica, San Jose, Temecula, Laguna Beach, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Malibu, and Pasadena, as well as top places to visit like Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Sign, or the ever-popular Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center.
Top cities between Pacific Grove and Greater Palm Springs
The top cities between Pacific Grove and Greater Palm Springs are Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Monica, San Jose, Temecula, Laguna Beach, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Malibu, and Pasadena. Los Angeles is the most popular city on the route. It's 6 hours from Pacific Grove and 2 hours from Greater Palm Springs.
San Jose is a sizeable urban center located in Silicon Valley, a major technological hub within the Bay Area of California. The city's downtown district features various notable architectural landmarks that range from the Italianate-style Oddfellows building constructed in 1883 to Spanish Colonial Revival structures. Additionally, the downtown area boasts an attraction known as the Tech Museum of Innovation which is dedicated to exploring and advancing science and technology.
4% as popular as Los Angeles
35 minutes off the main route, 16% of way to Greater Palm Springs
Santa Clarita is a city located in the northern part of California, situated near Los Angeles. The area is famous for its amusement parks, such as Six Flags Magic Mountain, known for thrilling roller coasters and the adjacent Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, which features high water slides and a wave pool during summer months. The Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park offers visitors an opportunity to witness prehistoric stone formations that have been featured in many movies. Additionally, the William S.
2% as popular as Los Angeles
4 minutes off the main route, 68% of way to Greater Palm Springs
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Malibu is situated on the west coast of California, known for its stunning beaches and celebrity homes. The wide and sandy Zuma Beach and Malibu Lagoon State Beach, also known as Surfrider Beach due to its waves, are popular among visitors. The Spanish Revival-style Adamson House features local history exhibits at the Malibu Lagoon Museum. Inland trails lead through canyons, waterfalls and grasslands in the Santa Monica Mountains.
3% as popular as Los Angeles
20 minutes off the main route, 70% of way to Greater Palm Springs
Santa Monica is a coastal metropolis on the western side of downtown Los Angeles. The city's famous Santa Monica Beach is situated adjacent to Palisades Park, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The iconic Santa Monica Pier features a historic Looff Hippodrome Carousel, Pacific Park amusement park, and an aquarium. Muscle Beach, established in the 1930s as an outdoor gymnasium, sits close to the pier.
15% as popular as Los Angeles
11 minutes off the main route, 73% of way to Greater Palm Springs
Long Beach, a coastal city in Southern California, offers a variety of attractions and experiences. Visitors can explore the historic RMS Queen Mary ocean liner, the Aquarium of the Pacific with its touch tanks and shark lagoon, and the Museum of Latin American Art. The city also boasts Rancho Los Cerritos, a 19th-century adobe home and museum surrounded by expansive gardens.
5% as popular as Los Angeles
21 minutes off the main route, 74% of way to Greater Palm Springs
I'll never travel to Greater Palm Springs without this trip planner again
Los Angeles is a vast city located in Southern California and renowned for its film and television industry. It features various studios such as Universal, Warner Brothers, and Paramount Pictures providing behind-the-scenes tours for visitors. Hollywood Boulevard showcases celebrity hand- and footprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre while the Walk of Fame honors thousands of luminaries, with vendors selling maps to stars' homes nearby.
Most popular city on this route
3 minutes off the main route, 76% of way to Greater Palm Springs
Pasadena, a city in California located northeast of downtown Los Angeles, offers a mix of modern and historic attractions. Old Pasadena is a popular district known for its Victorian and art deco buildings, offering diverse shopping and dining experiences. The Norton Simon Museum showcases impressive European and Asian art as well as a sculpture garden. Additionally, the Rose Bowl stadium hosts the annual Rose Bowl Game.
2% as popular as Los Angeles
3 minutes off the main route, 76% of way to Greater Palm Springs
Laguna Beach is a small town located on the coast of Orange County, California. The area is known for its numerous art galleries, beaches and coves. Main Beach boasts tide pools and a boardwalk leading to Heisler Park's paths and gardens. Surfing enthusiasts can enjoy popular Aliso Beach Park while Crystal Cove State Park offers designated underwater park areas. Visitors can also explore Laguna Coast Wilderness Park's coastal canyon trails.
2% as popular as Los Angeles
30 minutes off the main route, 77% of way to Greater Palm Springs
Anaheim is a metropolis located in Southern California, near Los Angeles. It boasts the renowned Disneyland Resort, an enormous amusement park filled with Disney-inspired attractions, eateries, lodgings and stores. In addition to this tourist hotspot, Anaheim is also home to professional sports teams such as the Anaheim Ducks ice hockey club which plays at the Honda Center indoor arena and Angel Stadium where the Los Angeles Angels baseball team plays its home games.
24% as popular as Los Angeles
11 minutes off the main route, 78% of way to Greater Palm Springs
Temecula, a charming city in southwestern Riverside County, California, is steeped in history and boasts a population of over 110,000. Established in 1989, it offers a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. One of its notable attractions is the 1909 Temecula restaurant, located in a historic tin-roofed warehouse that was once a trading post and livery.
4% as popular as Los Angeles
31 minutes off the main route, 83% of way to Greater Palm Springs
Best stops along Pacific Grove to Greater Palm Springs drive
The top stops along the way from Pacific Grove to Greater Palm Springs (with short detours) are Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Park, and Griffith Observatory. Other popular stops include Disney California Adventure Park, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Aquarium of the Pacific.
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Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center
Park
Nature & Parks
Geologic Formations
This scenic park with prehistoric rock formations has been the backdrop for many movies & TV shows.
4 words: "Out of this world!"
I can see why some movie sets were taken place in this terrain. It absolutely has the desert, futuristic, and alien feel. I love how the rocks erupted out of the ground. The place wasn't quite as busy during the time we were there. Our children had a blast climbing the steepest rock. My only wish was that we brought better shoes. Regular shoes don't offer enough grip, so I highly recommend hiking shoes which makes for a much less strenious climb.
All-in-all, an excellent place to do some rock climbing and take in the scenery.
Thea — Google review
Rocks pointing out the sky. Didn’t check scientific background but, definitely, it must be chaotic when it had happened there. No problem in parking. No entrance fee or parking fee. Restrooms are near around. Climbing the rocks is not hard. The trail around the rocks is recommended.
GH C — Google review
Wow ,such a visual treat visiting Vasquez canyon . Driving within Santa Clarita through local roads via Sierra highway felt like driving in the countryside with ranch houses and exquisite skies in the evening peeking the mountains as I drove. We planned during sunset time to look these rocks and the experience is satisfying and amusing. Don't hesitate much and plan if you all want to visit here and I strongly recommend to visit during sunset to avoid heat temperature and ofcourse doing a trail is worth. I am so lucky to visit this place during Full moon where the moon looked beautiful in the rocks and is bigger. Watching the moon itself is a great feeling in the nature. If you are in Santa Clarita don't miss this place.
vajra deep — Google review
We did the short Nature Heritage trail. It is a bit hard to follow because people have created several smaller trails, so you have to pay attention, but it really isn't that bad since there are several markers. The rock formations are gorgeous. We discovered that it's easier to climb to the top of the rock formations near the access road from the rear and not from the side that faces the gift shop and museum. It's a vigorous climb up but it's safe enough because the rocks aren't very crumbly. The view from the top is breathtaking. We saw a hawk fly closely above us. Just beautiful. The gift shop is very small but has some jewelry and clothing among movie related knick knacks. There's a good amount of parking available.
Anna V Garibay — Google review
The Vasquez Rocks Park is one of our favorite places to hike around in Southern California! The views are out of this world and you can choose how breezy or difficult your hike will be. The terrain inspires curiosity of what it would be like to stand on another planet. Pretty awesome to note that The Flintstones movie and many other films were shot onsite. The welcome center and museum is also a fun place to explore. If you are close to the area be sure to check out The Vasquez Rocks!
Nashville Review — Google review
Such a unique park with wild rock formations, along with some old history and legends to go along with them. The park has FREE admission and parking. Once parked, simply get out and explore! There are really no limits as to where you can go which leads to the adventure aspect. There are jagged rocks of all shapes, sizes, and various hiking paths all throughout the park.
Braedyn — Google review
This review is for Vasquez Rocks Trail which was a ~3.3 miles round trip that took ~1.5 hours to complete.
Trail was wide for the most part with some narrow sections. A few steep inclines throughout the trail. Follow the trail posts! Stunning views from beginning to end!
Free parking inside the park or outside on the street. If you're lazy to walk a short distance to the rocks, you can actually park next to the rocks.
Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/LV29ErBaZUM
Ed — Google review
Easy drive. Easy hike and beautiful scenery for photos! The only thing you need to pay attention to is when they close parking. You don't want your car to be locked in when you try to leave.
Desiree Henderson - Ezer Photo — Google review
What an incredible natural area! We spent half a day to explore the rocks and walk the trails. Amazing views when you can make your way to some of the highest spots. Definitely worth the visit even if you’re just passing through.
Nas Sol — Google review
Step into the planet MARS, where the surrounding feels like you are in another planet. This iconic park is a must see, hike and walk around. The absolute best time to go is after it rains, the blue skies and clouds along with the rock formations make it a spectacular view. If you plan to climb up the rocks, make sure to wear proper hiking shoes, it can get a little slippery and make sure to hold on to something. If you make to the top, the views are stunning, I suggest to sit and let the time pass and enjoy the moment.
There is plenty of parking when you enter the park and the end where the rock is location. There are also potter potties if you need to use the restrooms.
Highly recommend this place!
Russo Mutuc — Google review
Entry: free
Parking: free and lots of spots in the dirt
Roads: unpaved and rough
I've been to the rocks at Joshua Tree and here. Honestly Vasquez is better and a fraction of the drive for most people in so Cal. Vasquez also let's you climb the rocks.
The area is crawling with lots of animals like squirrels and possibly coyotes. People hike here or do photo shoots.
Easy to access. Worth a visit especially if you want to see a filming location
alan royse — Google review
I found out by chance, so I went hiking with my puppies, and it was a very good hiking road.
First of all, the natural scenery was excellent and it was even considered phenomenal.
I was able to go inside and park, but I blocked the words I went to, so the place to park the trailer was narrow.
It was nice to be able to look around a place like this for free and it was a very useful time, I strongly recommend it.
Kai Dwd — Google review
Vasquez Rocks is featured in so many movies in Hollywood for a reason, it is breathtaking to view the rock formations that surround you from the plates shifting below. The jagged edges pointing at an angle to the sky is just amazing. It does look like another planet. There are some Petroglyphs on some of the rocks, but be careful for the fake ones.
Akiko Ashley — Google review
Had to make the Trekkie Pilgrimage to these hallowed grounds. Went with an awesome hiking group that took us around the many winding trails surrounding the iconic rocks. I highly recommend people branch off from the main rocks and enjoy the hiking trails with the disclaimer that the trail branches off in many ways and it can be easy to get lost
Nash Holcomb — Google review
Stunningly beautiful and so easy to reach from Los Angles. It is a county park, but it will impress you more than many National Parks! No wonder it has been featured in countless Hollywood movie and tv productions. Parking and admission is free and there is a splendid visitor center on site. This place is special.
Wayne Clark — Google review
I found out about this area on my way from Vegas to Six Flags and it’s pretty interesting.A lot of easy trails and some rock climbing for the kids.Beautiful scenery and quite green in March.Free county park
Globe Trotter — Google review
Beautiful features. Majestic really and other worldly. You get why movies and TV shows get filmed here immediately. The walk to the main rock feature is not difficult nor any walking trail i went down. You can make it difficult by climbing the rocks. Free, close and really cool place. Recommended
Kevin Webb — Google review
I came here because I heard BTS film their music video for on here. I’ve been watching it a lot and I think it’s pretty amazing that they filmed their music video for that song if you’re a BTS army and have watched the video or haven’t, please go watch it. You will recognize the location and the song itself is One of the hardest, BTS songs to sing. But I’m sure if you’re an expert, you’ll get it down. I will definitely come back here again and be reminded of the song and the video. If you’re a BTS army, please go check this location out
Brittany Rodiger — Google review
4.8
(2439)
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4.5
(208)
10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91390, USA
The theme park Universal Studios Hollywood is a perfect mix of film studio and amusement park. It offers rides, restaurants, shops and shows that will transport visitors to a new universe. The world-famous studio tour provides insights into how Hollywood really works.
I love this place! They always keep updating the attractions. There is a significant variety of food options to choose from. I would definitely try to avoid going there on the weekend if possible, especially during spring break. It gets super busy. But the thing that I love the most about this part is how efficient everything is. Compared to other theme parks such as Magic Mountain, the people that work here are very good at making sure everything stays organized and moves quickly. Customer service is outstanding, if not exceptional. Everyone is very friendly. I would definitely recommend getting an express pass, especially on the weekend. It will save you a lot of time and misery, especially in the summer. Definitely recommend visiting here
Amit Somani — Google review
Get up close and personal with Hollywood! Great way to spend a day. The new Nintendo World is AWESOME! They have really outdone themselves with this one. You really need to go and see it.
This year through Aug, they have “Dark Nights” at Hogwarts. Don’t miss it if you’re there , It is really cool!
All in all a great day spent riding some fun rides and making memories!
ANDREA DIXON — Google review
It's basically the best theme park on the planet. But also because of that, every attraction has at least 1 hour queue time during a Tuesday. Those new popular ones, such as super Nintendo world will need over 2 hours. The food in the park is surprisingly delicious and everywhere has handicap access. Lastly, make sure you bring sun screens to avoid sun burn!
Yuepeng VV (Vincent) — Google review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who loves entertainment and thrills, my recent visit to Universal Studios in Los Angeles was an absolute dream come true! The park itself is immaculately maintained and truly lives up to its reputation as the entertainment capital.
From the moment I stepped foot inside, I was graced with an array of stunning attractions and experiences. The rides were beyond thrilling, with heart-pounding moments that left me breathless. Transformers: The Ride 3D and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter were definite highlights for me, as they truly transported me into the worlds of my favorite characters.
The attention to detail in design and the craftsmanship of the themed areas were truly mind-blowing. Whether exploring the streets of Springfield or walking through the iconic Jurassic Park gates, I felt like I was stepping into my favorite movies and TV shows.
But it's not just about the rides and attractions - the park offers so much more. From incredible shows and performances to delicious dining options, there was never a dull moment during my visit. The staff members were friendly, helpful, and full of enthusiasm, adding to the overall positive experience.
I highly recommend Universal Studios in Los Angeles to everyone, regardless of age or interests. It's a place where magic truly comes to life, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories. I cannot wait to return and experience more of the incredible world that Universal Studios has to offer!
Gary Mitchell — Google review
This was a great theme park to visit, the attractions are exciting and getting some behind the scenes looks at movie sets was really cool. We went on a weekday and it was still very crowded. The new mushroom kingdom was great, but it was extremely crowded. I’d recommend researching peak times and trying to go when it’s not that crowded to get the best experience
David — Google review
Fantastic place to take the family. We had loads of fun. Many attractions to have fun in. I would recommend the Express pass to the park, zero wait time with it. Instantly got on the rides. Get the early access passes for Super Mario World.
2WarVet _ — Google review
Holiday decorations were plentiful and all around very well done. While I can't fit on most of the rides at Universal the ambiance and overall feel was awesome to walk around and enjoy. The blocks of time for nighttime tree lighting and Hogwarts displays were done very well. Really helped make it so you didn't feel like you'd miss anything. To maximize the day I'd recommend arriving at park opening, just allows a few quick near walk-ons in the opening hour.
Food options a plenty and can be had on a whim for the most part. Mobile order? Who needs it, if you're hungry just walk up and grab food (well save for some popcorn stands and Starbucks). As a quick-tip if you're looking for the Minion holiday popcorn bucket, head to Minion Cafe and get it there, then take the receipt to any popcorn cart to get filled.
For safety stuffs: Security and Vaccine/Negative test checks were easy and quick (though still thorough). I'd say most guests were masked and in general all around very pleasant. No fuss, no issues, it was an all around chill atmosphere with everyone enjoying.
All around 10/10 - if you want a holiday theme park visit this fits the bill nicely.
Toluallii Nielsen (KoD7085) — Google review
The park was absolutely amazing and fun! We had a blast! Must try the Transformer, mummy ride, and Harry Potter inside the castle. Those are the absolute best! I recommend upgrading to the express unlimited tickets. Cost was like $307 each but we did not have any wait times and rode rides back to back and the same people were still standing 1hr plus away after we would pass through like 2 times. We completed the park by 5pm and had arrived at 9:30am. We were only able to do this because we had the express.
Ginger Renee — Google review
We went on memorial day and expected it to be super packed. Happily, it was not. We had plenty of room to walk around. We purchased the lightning passes and I loved it. We got to ride every ride we wanted to in the park except for the rides in super Nintendo world. If you plan on going specifically for that, I recommend you plan ahead and purchase the "get into the park an hour early" pass so you can get in line early. The super Nintendo world was very immersive and was like walking into a fantasy land. If you love Mario I highly recommend visiting. All in all we had an amazing time. I liked the mummy coaster ride the best. I totally didn't think I would but it was so much fun! Go check it out! ❤️
Cassey Hawkins — Google review
It's a completely different experience than Disney Land. All of the attractions, shows, and games make for a great time. The Harry Potter area was great and the kids came out saying that was the best part of the whole trip. Nintendo World is a great visible experience, Mario Kart Browser Challenge not so much (the game effects were great), don't get me wrong it was fun, but after spending 3 hours in line due to a maintenance issue, the 5 minute ride no longer had an appeal. Without the issue expect to wait at least an hour and a half. Also make sure to reserve your virtual wait time very early or you may not get the opportunity to do so. Hope you all have a great experience visiting Universal Studios!
William Rodriguez — Google review
As always, arrive early to get a good parking spot. It is worth it to get the universal express pass, which is like their version of a fast pass. I was able to walk right onto the Jurassic World ride. The wait times are usually not that bad if you get there before noon on the weekend, or during a weekday when it’s not the summer. It’s so amazing there. I had an absolutely wonderful time. CityWalk is also great. They have so many wonderful restaurants. I would highly recommend that you visit in Universal Studios, if you are visiting Los Angeles.
Laura B — Google review
Exceed my expectation! So much fun especially with the Mario experience. The Mario cart ride is interactive and lot of fun!
The Harry Potter ride is really good and feel realistic especially the broom ride portion.
Drinking in Moe’s Tavern is a dream come true! And Duff beer is pretty good. No wonder Homer love it.
The most important part here is the studio ride! The movie sets are excellent and love the transformer, fast and furious, and the Meg live action. The raining and flooding part is also great!
At first my trip in LA does not include visiting Universal Studio.. and luckily we change our plan and didn’t regret a bit!
Day deSIANG — Google review
Universal Studios Hollywood was so fun. The lands are all so detailed with so much care in the detail. The staff were amazing and so many are so good at posting their characters. We went early with early access to start with the Nintendo Land. Definitely worth it as you cannot get into the Toad cafe most likely as almost every reservation went immediately. Avoided lots of crowds for the big things too like the Mario Kart ride which is really fun. The whole Nintendo area is very immersive and interactive. I would say that Harry Potter and Nintendo are my favorite, but I enjoyed each place we went to. Go in knowing that each Land mostly has one main attraction asking with shops and food and you won't be disappointed!
Jordan Hurguy — Google review
Fun for all ages. I love the new attractions in the studio tour and of course, the Super Ninetendo World. The theme park seemed to be less crowded now than when I visited during the summer. I love the Christmas Lights and Decors all over the park. Make sure to download the app to see wait times if you are not planning on adding the VIP / Express pass. It sure helps a lot.
F&I — Google review
Super Mario’s World!! So much fun, the games and the toadstool cafe! Would totally recommend! If you’re trying to get into the toadstool cafe, make sure that you head into super Mario’s world first to secure a spot by scanning the QR code.
Harry Potter world was also so much, make sure to stop by to get butter beer, head into their candy shop for some unique candy and the rides were super fun!
Would totally recommend buying tickets online and if you can, head in during a weekday.
Mayra Saavedra — Google review
There's action packed attractions around every corner. This is a great getaway from reality. You can immerse yourself in the magic of Hollywood. The park is clean and easy to navigate. The staff here was friendly and helpful. The newest attraction is Super Nintendo World. This is very popular. One can buy an electronic wristband for $40 to further interact with gaming activities here. Not only do you feel like you are stepping right into Mario World, but also stepping back in time. Download the app for more control over your visit. Plenty of info such as real-time maps, attraction wait times, and mobile food ordering. I found the food ordering on the app to be time-saving and easy to use. I visited the park with another adult. We arrived at open and stayed till close. We were able to enjoy all the attractions we wanted with the help of the app. There's also plenty of meet and greet opportunities of movie characters.
John Hannan — Google review
Was it worth the almost $800 for a family of four? On balance, just about yes. If possible, visiting outside of peak holiday times will improve your experience significantly. Several rides has 1-2h waiting times, so be prepared to spend the full day there. The Universal Studios Tour is one of the best attractions, and has a shorter waiting time.
Kostya L — Google review
We did the VIP tour and it was incredible! I would highly recommend it if you don’t want to spend the entire day waiting in lines. Our tour guide was very nice, and took us on every one of the rides in the park with zero weight. Note the weights even in the express lines was 30 minutes for some of the more popular rides. We had a couple of hours before and after our tour to wander the park on our own. We were able to ride all of our favorite rides multiple times. Even though the VIP pass is supposed to put you into the express line when you were not on the tour, our experience was at the staff lots of VIPs to the front of the line even when they’re not on a tour. In the entire day we waited less than five minutes in line ever. The buffet lunch was also very impressive. Much better food that he would normally get in a park. Add to this included breakfast in valet parking, and the VIP pass is a great deal compared to the express pass. You can save money and spend the entire day waiting in 70 to 90 minute lines, or you can get the VIP pass and do everything you want. On the back lot tour we were able to get off the tram and walk around through some of the movie sets. It was really fun to see the set of the good Place, as well as one of the crash scenes from war of the worlds.
Eugene Lin — Google review
First time here and it was magical! All the staff are helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. The park is fairly easy to navigate with the front/back lots and the upper/lower lots. We were able to go to every attraction and show and each was unique and fun. This park has lots of fun for all ages.
It’s important to note that unlike the other universal studios this one has a huge lot tour, where you’re able to see different sound stages and behind the scenes sets. Due to this, they have less thrilling rides compared to other locations. Highly recommend coming here and would also highly suggest the express pass to bypass the lines!
Steph — Google review
We came specifically for Super Nintendo World & it did not disappoint. It was so neat to experience. We waited almost 3 hours to ride the Mario Kart ride so that wasn’t fun, but we’re glad we did it. The rest of Universal was a bonus. The Harry Potter ride was pretty cool if you aren’t prone to motion sickness.
L S — Google review
Went on a sold out Thursday to go to Mario World. We didn't do early tickets. Missed most of City Walk and the one section of the park. Lines were 2 to 3 hours. Had a fire alarm go off in Mario World and the whole attraction stopped. The only good thing that came out of it, is we got to eat at Toadstool. The Mario Kart Race broke down and we had to wait 30 minutes for that.
Jurassic Park water ride also broke down and we waited. Potter world was jammed packed, barely could walk in the stores. The rides were cool in HP.
The rides were fun, Mario World was great. If we were to go again, we would try to find an off peak day to enjoy it more.
Jennifer Peterson — Google review
Fun times, if planned accordingly you can get to everything in one day. Plenty of clean bathrooms and water fountains. Food prices are very theme park but mostly good.
The longest wait was Super Nintendo 1 hr since it's the newest attraction.
In the process of making a roller coaster that will run next to the stairs. Good to see improvements.
Alondra Tarin — Google review
So much fun. This is the place to go if you love movies. Their accessibility services are moving online, so be sure to check it out ahead of time. They're using a company that verifies your needs through a doctor note, then gives you a one year accessibility note good for many different theme parks; or you can still wait in a long line at guest services each day. They do not give an accessibility pass for mobility only, claiming all ride queues are accessible (not true). I don't know how they handle the non accessible queues without the pass.
CLSH — Google review
We had a great time. We used to go for years, but now we were able to bring our daughter for the first time to grinchmas and enjoy the rides. She was just shy of 48" so there were only 2 rides she missed (the mummy and the Harry Potter and the forbidden Journey) but were able to do the child switch so we could still enjoy it. We did get the unlimited fast pass, which was worth it. My daughter got to go on multiple rides multiple times. In the 8 hours we were there we probably rode 16 rides (including the tram tour and a break for eating and also did the water world show) probably one of the best experiences we've had due to the fast pass.
We also saw the light show at the Hogwarts Castle, and it was fantastic! The first time we stayed to watch it and it was a winter spectacular.
I also strongly recommend Hollywood horror nights to those who like scary movies. We've gone many years.
If you are going to do a fast pass, you should decide when you get the tickets since if you go during a busy time, they may run out, and you may not be able to upgrade at the park.
Aaliyah Gomillion — Google review
I would not come back, no real rides it’s all virtual stuff. For the price we paid for tickets the rides could be better. The park is clean and well organized, Mario world is impressive but there is only one ride there. The road cafe was booked by the time we got there so we did not get to experience it. Harry Potter world has the best rides in my opinion, there is an actual roller coaster which was a breather of fresh air. We purchased the express tickets, I am sure they are worth it on a busy day but when we went it was very slow at the park. We got to do every ride which was fun. City walk right outside the park was fun, it has many restaurants and stores. I think I enjoyed this the most. The kids really wanted to get the giant donuts at the Simpson section, they each got one and ate it over the course of a week. I did not try them but they both said they were good. The price for the donuts is more than reasonable. We had lunch at Panda Express, it was good but don’t get the beef with broccoli, literally it’s all broccoli.
paola baez — Google review
I have never been to a place like this before as always thought I’d hate it.
Went with wife and adult daughter and I had one of the best days out in years (excluding Grand Canyon visit the week before!)
Studio tours- very interesting
Rides - Jurassic park and Mummy were faves!!
Mario - didn’t really know what you were supposed to do but was interesting anyway.
Went on 19th March (thinks it spring break) busiest ride was 30min wait on that day. Couldn’t justify paying £165 odd for express passes but for us it was fine and we did every ride at lower level and all the ones we wanted on upper level. We were there about 8 hours.
Staff super helpful, parking easy.
Lush shake too…..😊
Jeremy Smith — Google review
One of the greatest experiences visiting the adventure park. Definitely worth the money you spend with all the rides and entertainment. Food and the merch there is pricey. But once in a while it is worth away from the hustle and bustle of the busy work schedule and school. Loved every bit! Would definitely visit again. The studio tour was worth it as u will know inner dynamics of the shoot process. Nintendo world is more for little kids but if you have been a Mario fan since childhood super nostalgic experience. The wait times here are way longer and super slow. Overall great experience!!
Anjana Pradeep — Google review
Mind blowing experience. Covered as much as possible in 1 day pass. Missed to get express pass so have to wait in queue for 1 Hr for few rides. Lot of dining options, better to install universal studio app in the phone so you can order food and collect directly else have to stand in queue and spend time for that. Easy to reach using LA metro and free shuttle operated by studio from metro station
Prabhu S — Google review
Universal studio was amazing. Harry Potter land was top three places/ theme parks I've ever been to in my life. If you want to go all in on the robe, the hat and the wand you're looking about 200 to $250 easy. The butterbeer tasted like butterscotch ginger ale. If you plan on going to Universal you definitely need to go ride Super Mario and the other big rides very early because after 10:00. Oh my god it was so freaking busy. Not to mention if you don't like heights or escalators then don't go because you climb at least 1,000 ft if not more in elevation on escalators. Also don't go in the winter because the wind was so bad that it was in the low 60s but it felt like the 40s because the wind was whipping around and it was freezing. The rides were very well done and very well thought out. You can tell that they're a movie company. Because they're production level of the special effects on each and every ride was 10 times more than Disneyland. There's a cool little mall outside of one of the parking garage is that has a lot of interesting shops on the way in. Definitely didn't know what to expect since this was my first time, but I will definitely do this again. We went for one day but I think it would be easier to do it over a 2 or 3 days just because of the amount of stuff there is to ride and see.
RasBe — Google review
It was beyond any expectations!
Felt like a child and was super happy all day long during the stay!
Attractions, good music, nice people, fabulous works of art and tour around the filming “cities” was wonderful!
Would come here again and again
Anastasiia Petrenko — Google review
It's a small park compared to Orlando's but I thought it was just as good.
The part of the Mario Bross game is small but very cool.
I think you can visit it in a day. I recommend it to anyone who can use the tickets that allow them to go faster in the queues because that way you can enjoy the park more.
Luciana Côrtes — Google review
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4.5
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100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA
Located atop Mount Lee in Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign is a world-famous symbol of the entertainment industry that offers impressive views from official viewpoints. If you have the time, make sure to stick around for both sunset and dusk at Griffith Observatory, which is a fun experience to witness.
After having lunch and the Beachwood Cafe (highly recommended!!!) we went for a great walk up to the Hollywood sign.
It was a warm day however was well worth the truck up. You can’t get up in front of the sign but you can get up right behind the sign. There are ample opportunities for you to take photos on the way up where the sign is very clear. If you could do it I would say go all the way to the top, the view is absolutely rewarding and it is 360°
We passed several people however the walk up is not crowded. Make sure you bring lots of water on a hot day!
Sheri Lucas — Google review
Spent about 4 hours hiking from Bronson parking lot and back. The view was amazing but it’s super host despite being February. We hiked to the view point, then back to take the trail up to Mt Lee summit.
The summit was definitely worth the hike. The view was not as touristy as the viewpoint but I liked it because there are less people and it’s a great exercise. The view up north is great too!
Fang Phattha — Google review
The Hollywood Sign is an iconic symbol of the entertainment industry and the city of Los Angeles. Located on Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills, the sign is a landmark that has been featured in countless films, TV shows, and photographs over the decades.
Despite its popularity, the Hollywood Sign is not always easy to reach. Visitors can hike to the sign from various starting points, but the trails can be steep and challenging, particularly in hot weather. Nevertheless, the hike is worth it for the breathtaking views and the opportunity to stand in the shadow of such an iconic symbol.
Hussein Al Ghafri — Google review
Park at Griffith Observatory to hike to the Hollywood sign, free parking in the morning until maybe 10AM if I remember correctly. Trails are VERY POORLY marked, better have a good sense of direction, not many places to stop to pee so you have been warned....I suppose must people have cell phone navigation but I am not in the 21 century yet. A large portion of land near the sign was added to the park thanks in part t a rather large donation from the Hugh Hefner Foundation.
scrabbleking1965 — Google review
I always enjoy the sign from the Griffith observatory.
Always plan ahead of visiting during weekend as parking is limited.
I suggest to park down and opt for a free shuttle.
It’s is the list easiest and cheapest way to get to the Griffith Observatory.
You may hike if you like to hike, there are plenty of different beautiful hikes.
RIMAL & SHIVANGI PATEL — Google review
The area wasn’t exactly what I was expecting but it was cool seeing the sign. It is quite a drive to the top of the hill though. Parking on the side of the road can be dangerous. Just be careful not to get hit by oncoming cars.
Tina Smith — Google review
AMAZING 5.1 mile round trip, out-and-back hike to the top of the Hollywood Sign. Must mention that the last 1/4 mile or so really winded us, but wife and I are both 70 years old, and we made it! We began at the Innsdale Trailhead, and there was plenty of on-street parking available on this weekday morning.
Prepare yourself with trail maps, as there are a couple "hidden" turns along the path which he was well aware of. I've attached a few photos, one of which shows the switch-back trail below and in the distance that we hiked as we headed to the top. You can do it!
This was the highlight of outdoor activities we did while on our week-long Los Angeles vacation.
Robert Kramer — Google review
Hiked on 12/12/21 via Brush Canyon Trail. Moderate uphill 6.5 mile out and back. Uphill climb most of the time, well maintained trail, no shades, bring plenty of water, can get hot in the middle of day. Free parking, parking lot A (bigger) and parking lot (B) small and closer to trail. Beautiful view of LA on top of Mt Lee.
Maria Alfaro — Google review
Amazing view of Hollywood sign from Griffith Observatory
What’s amazing about the Hollywood sign is the fact that it’s right in people’s backyard. You drive through neighborhoods to get there then wonder how it would be having so many tourists driving through your neighborhood. It was just plain old fun being there.
Shubham Khandelwal — Google review
Fun hike up there. The key here is to find a spot/angle where not everyone’s crowded at. You can get some cool pics with the sign in the background.
Nick Rivas — Google review
Very awesome hike! Definitely had a fun hike upward to get on the top of the Hollywood Sign. Mane reason for coming is to get pictures, which I can say I love the view and photos I took. I will definitely have to make a return for more.
Isaiah Garrett — Google review
We took the tour at 9am, and it took us 1 hour and 30 min to go from Buena Park to the place where we met with our hiking group.. make sure to plan ahead to avoid delays because of the insane traffic.
The hike and the view are very nice
Anabel Pachano-Arismendi — Google review
The hike is very tiresome, especially if you're coming from the east side of the park, but worth it. What an amazing view! I was lucky enough to see the sunset from the top! Oh what a moment!
Guilherme Cavalcante — Google review
I was there last summer, and i can tell you the view is perfect. Google maps navigated me by the longer route, but luckily i find the shortest path there.
Trail duration was about an hour walking at my speed. I entered trail on Mullholland highway.
Easily acessible by car, and even metro. You can drive by metro till north hollywood, and then enter the Beachwood Canyon Dash, and he will drive you right to the hill.
Equipment needed: lot of water, drinks, bcs air is dry, and that's it.
You can see Los Angeles like your hand, and Pasadena on the way there.
There is a little photos from jurney.
The Walk of Fame is a popular tourist attraction located on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA that features stars emblazoned with the names of some of the most famous celebrities in history. The stars are spaced out along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard, and have been installed since 1958.
We were in Los Angeles for a four days and the walk of fame is a must if you ever go. It is free and you can chill and see as little and as much as you want. A lot of interesting shops and things to do along the way to break it up. Well worth the visit.
Daith? Kilcourse — Google review
Once in a lifetime experience. You feel like Hollywood star when you walk here. Would recommend to everyone to visit if possible. You will get amazed to see hand and foot prints of your favorite actors. You will keep searching your favorite actors name and will find everyone. You can go either day or in nights but feeling is same.
Akter Hossain — Google review
It could have been sooooo much better, they need to take care of the cleanliness there, probably caused by a lot of homeless people on the side street. I got a mixed feeling about the Walk of Fame, some parts are good and others just don't fit the feel. They are good shops around to buy souvenirs and grab some food to eat.
David Klepak — Google review
Awesome! And take a bus tour while you're at it. They really teach you a lot about Hollywood and surrounding communities and how they came about. It's so interesting. It's currently $50,000 per star to get a star after nominated. Super fun walk up and down
Kim K — Google review
Hollywood walk of fame is about the legacy of stars from various fields of film making who worked towards excellence and carved a niche with their lifetime works. It is great to see the signs but it would be great if the local city council does special events to explain it’s significance and maintain the neatness of the walkways. It’s free to walk around but finding ideal car parking space in Hollywood city is challenging
Vin K — Google review
Came here really only to see the stars & take some pictures of the most iconic names. If your going with children I definitely recommend checking out the other attractions that are around. It can all be done in a day however I would definitely prepare yourself for a lot of walking. I also very highly recommend that if your going to buy any souvenirs you buy them around here !!! GREAT PRICES! Overall amazing experience. 5 ⭐️🤩. RIP TINA TURNER Queen of Rock n Roll 🙏🏻
Michael C — Google review
A must see to check the box on your bucket list. Not the most glamorous part of time. Always have trouble trying to find a reasonable parking place for a reasonable rate.
The Kodak Theatre is part of the walk and is a nice place to sit and relax. There are some options for lunch and drinks.
Marshall Azar — Google review
Great for tourist but leave before 3 otherwise you'll be stuck in LA traffic which is bumper to bumper from 3 to 6:30pm. Some sidewalks have homeless and less desirable smells. See your favorite stars use trader Joe's on vine for public restrooms.Restrooms. North and vine has public parking 4$ for 2 hours amaizing deal for parking ramp fees.
Stephanie Duffy — Google review
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an iconic destination that lives up to its legendary reputation. Stretched along the bustling streets of Hollywood, this attraction is a tribute to the entertainment industry's brightest stars.
Walking down the sidewalk, you'll be surrounded by the names and symbols of some of the most celebrated actors, musicians, directors, and other luminaries. It's a stroll through the annals of Hollywood history and a testament to the enduring allure of show business.
What struck me most about the Walk of Fame is the sense of nostalgia and excitement it evokes. As you spot the stars bearing the names of your favorite celebrities, it's hard not to feel a sense of connection with the entertainment world. The opportunity to take photos with your beloved stars' stars is a highlight.
While the Walk of Fame is often crowded, it's worth navigating through the throngs of fellow admirers. The street performers and costumed characters add to the lively atmosphere, creating a unique blend of entertainment and culture.
One thing to remember is that the area around the Walk of Fame is quite touristy, and you'll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions. It's a great place to experience the energy of Hollywood, but also be prepared for the typical tourist scene.
In conclusion, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Los Angeles. It's a chance to walk in the footsteps of the stars and immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world. It's a reminder of the dreams and legends that continue to shape Hollywood.
Clément Muth — Google review
It's definitely underwhelming, but worth a quick stroll through (an hour is enough). The homeless population is a big issue and they have severe mental health issues. Please ignore them for your own safety.
Angithya Nightingale — Google review
It was good to see it. I expected more but it was cool. About 30 minutes to walk it from end to end. Good vibes in the streets and plenty of street food options. Make sure to try it!
Parking is hard to find. We parked at the beginning of the street in a public car park for 25$ for 2 hours (they also do full day for 35$).
Fakhri Selmi — Google review
Love it here, easy parking to find . I enjoyed the
date time View it’s more for family that have kids. During the daytime there’s a lot of things to do with the family . The nightlife here it’s OK to bring your kids but it will be overcrowded with a lot of adults. The nightlife is so much fun so many things to do I will definitely recommend this place to everyone.
Jenny Baeza Jewell — Google review
Full of people.
Full of souvenirs shops.
Full of homeless. Some parts smell really bad.
Chinese theater is awesome.
The Dolby is a landmark itself.
Of course, the stars in the walkboard are nice to see. Nothing special to me, but a lot of people find them amazing.
Nicolas Sotelo — Google review
What can I say.. it’s crowded, people constantly trying to sell you their music, food, water, shirts. There’s a few stores around and restaurants. If you want to take a picture of a star you have to rush. It’s a once in a life time to me anyway. Sad to see all the homeless people around there which make the experience less than great.
Benjamin Larios — Google review
A must do for your 1st time visit to Hollywood… I myself have been there a few times but finally was able to walk this strip… Wear comfortable shoes… I prefer the morning times 10am… Less foot traffic and not as hot. You have time to look for at each Star without bumping into people. Have a few $ for cool souvenirs and follow the map!
*Watch for the amount of Homeless and aggressive pan handling*
WILLIAM J. — Google review
Off course, a must visit place of you are in LA, but is does not mean a nice and comfort spot to spent time. It is a very long street with thousands of Hollywood iconic names on the floor.
I expect the place is a nigh class and we'll maintain, but no, it is just a street with a lot of souvenirs shops. The areas a bit dirty though.
The good part, you can take picture of Hollywood sign from distance from on of the shopping mall.
Rustam Effendie — Google review
Had a fun time here! Got to get some pictures ideas here and Im satisfied how they turned out! Other then grate photos spots here, the scenery is very beautiful and lights up gorgeous at night!
Isaiah Garrett — Google review
Hollywood Walk of Fame is popular Hollywood sidewalks emblazoned with stars & celebrity names since 1960's.
It is near to Griffith Observatory where the famous Holywood sign and the beautiful sunset from the movie LaLa Land can be enjoyed.
As there are many homeless people around the area, I recommend the sightseeing in the day time or near the place where movie theaters are.
Hyunje Jo — Google review
Pretty cool. Cannabis smell is everywhere i personally don't mind but if you do just know your gonna be smelling that a lot finding parking was pretty easy prices were ok also quite a few homeless mething around besides that pretty cool place to visit.
Armando Aguilar — Google review
This was the first time doing the walk of fame with the family. We went to see Tupac and Dr. Dre's stars. Be aware that this place is filled with unhoused and can get a little scary for the light hearted, but overall was a cool experience.
nfin8rider — Google review
Walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame was a fascinating experience, offering a glimpse into the entertainment industry’s history. The diverse array of stars, from actors and musicians to directors and fictional characters, highlighted the industry’s broad impact. Street performers added to the lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in entertainment history. Finally seeing Betty White’s star was a personal highlight, adding a touch of nostalgia to an already memorable stroll.
Smith Culberson — Google review
This is my first time checking out the Walk of Fame. It’s one of the most iconic places in LA and there are many celebrities and actors on the stars. Just be careful of people in costumes trying to get you to take a picture as those are tourist scams. Definitely a must see in LA!
Kiet TT — Google review
I came here to see what the big deal is. It was surreal to see a place with such cultural significance. I would never return but it’s cool to see it at least once. I don’t have any special reverence for any celebrity. I simply came here because it’s a tourist attraction and I thought it would be fun.
Audi Ahmed — Google review
Can’t visit LA without stopping at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was my first time there and I’m not going to lie, I was highly disappointed. It was very dirty and there were homeless people everywhere. I’m so mad at myself for not visiting years ago when it was most likely cleaner. I did like seeing the stars and it kind of felt like a scavenger hunt trying to find names I recognize. But honestly, I would not recommend.
D Green — Google review
I had a fantastic time visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame! The iconic stars on the sidewalk, each representing a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, were truly impressive. It was a bit crowded, but the energy and excitement of the place were contagious. I enjoyed taking photos and strolling down the boulevard, trying to spot my favorite celebrities' stars. It's a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history of Hollywood and the entertainment world.
Zaim Jee — Google review
Very cool, classic Hollywood scene.
There’s plenty of free street parking as well as paid parking lots nearby. The stores are fine and definitely overpriced but this is to be expected. Some homeless people around but they don’t bother anyone. I never felt unsafe.
Maria Camila Galvis — Google review
First time ever checking out The Hollywood Walk Of Fame and it was really cool. It's also like a scavenger hunt trying to find names. Good amount of homelessness but if you just mind your own business you should be good. Lots of people trying to take photos for money and selling stuff too. Worth checking out!
Jason Williams — Google review
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3.5
(17851)
Hollywood Boulevard, Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
Griffith Observatory is a popular attraction in Los Angeles with stunning panoramas of the city and surrounding area. The observatory sits atop Mount Hollywood and offers free public telescopes for viewing the stars. It is also home to a planetarium and exhibition space, which hosts monthly star parties for visitors to ask questions about astronomy.
What a nice park. The observatory is perched on top of Mount Hollywood with easy parking and free at the observatory if one arrives early and on a weekday before 12am. Wow! The Hollywood sign is visible from the observatory. What! Hiking down the mountain is easy but going up isn’t so easy so keep that in mind. Bring water and comfy hiking shoes. Great place
Kaz — Google review
It was good. The views are great from outside and the exhibits and displays inside are really great. They are interactive and fun to engage with. The staff was very knowledgeable and courteous. My one complaint is that they didn't open until noon. A later opening is understandable, but not until noon. There were a couple hundred people waiting around outside for them to open. In the summer time, a 9 or 10 opening seems more than reasonable. Overall, good experience.
Michael Lovely — Google review
Amazing, educational & a must see in LA. This is our first trip to California and this was our first stop. Parking can be an issue though.
We drove up through the Hollywood Hills to Griffith around 5pm. Once there, we drove to the top in search of a parking spot. We found one near the top but all the nearby meters were broken. 🤷♂️
We walked around, took pics of the Hollywood sign, looked at the amazing exhibits inside, & watched 2 shows. Side note: "Signs of Life" costs ($10 adults, $8 teachers/students/seniors, kids 5-12 are $6, kids under 5 are free) but is a MUST SEE. You need to arrive 15 min before your show.
When we go again, I'd get there a little earlier. We missed the telescope. 😞 (The telescope closes at 9:30) Oh well, next time. Can't wait!
🌠 🔭 🙂
Ray Flores — Google review
I visited Griffith Observatory during the mid-Autumn festival, hoping to catch a glimpse of the moon. Unfortunately, the evening was cloudy, and the moon remained elusive. However, my disappointment quickly turned into delight as I explored the fascinating world of nighttime science at the observatory.
The Griffith Observatory, perched atop the hills of Los Angeles, offers an exceptional experience for both astronomy enthusiasts and casual visitors. Despite missing out on lunar views, there was so much to see and learn inside. The planetarium shows were captivating, shedding light on the mysteries of our universe, and the interactive exhibits provided hands-on learning experiences that were both entertaining and educational.
The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the telescopes on the observatory's terrace. Even though the moon was hidden from view, the knowledgeable staff was more than willing to guide visitors through the night sky, showcasing stars, planets, and other celestial wonders. It was a unique opportunity to connect with the cosmos and appreciate the beauty of the universe.
The observatory's location is also a treat in itself. The panoramic views of Los Angeles from the terrace are breathtaking, especially at night when the city lights twinkle below. It's a serene escape from the bustling urban life of LA.
While I couldn't fulfill my moon-gazing dreams that night, my visit to Griffith Observatory was a memorable and enriching experience. It's a place that not only ignites curiosity about the universe but also offers a serene retreat to contemplate the mysteries of the cosmos while enjoying the captivating science of the night.
regis kwong — Google review
Parking can be challenging, but if you drive up to the observatory a few hours after they open you can still get a spot on the side of the mountain. It's about a 20 minute trek up, so make sure to bring a hat, water and good walking shoes. We only spent an hour there, but it was really cool to see the breathtaking views, Hollywood sign and LA spread out before us.
Frances Lynch — Google review
A must-see California landmark, with a lot of opportunities to learn. The exhibits inside are always worth a look. When I was there, it seemed to have plenty of parking and it wasn't very crowded, but it still required at least an extra 20 - 40 minutes to account for parking and finding your way. Be sure to take in the sights and enjoy the outdoor area - in addition to the building and exhibits itself. You won't find too many better views in the L.A. area - day or night.
Jonathan Haeber — Google review
Beautiful park and view. On a clear day, you can see all the way to downtown LA, and the Hollywood sign too. It would be a great place to go for a picnic family hike, plenty of trails with all kinds of length and difficulty. The greenery and wildlife are absolutely stunning, and overall it’s just a very iconic view of the city.
Jeffrey Zhou — Google review
This is a must-see place if you’re in LA. The views of the LA skyline, the Hollywood sign, and the surrounding mountains are incredible. The observatory’s architecture is beautiful and I like the domes on top. The admission is free and you just have to pay for parking. All around a beautiful place worth checking out!
Kiet TT — Google review
This is one of my favorite places to go to in Los Angeles.
The Good:
—The views on all sides are absolutely breathtaking!
—You can see the Hollywood Sign on the right side up on Mt. Lee.
—You can park for free on West Observatory Road, West Canyon Road, and the upper parking lot by the Observatory on Monday through Friday from opening until 12:00 P.M. and on Saturday and Sunday from opening until 9:00 A.M.
—There are a lot of trails near there, and there are many ways to get a great workout.
The Bad
—Parking is $10.00 per hour in the upper parking lot and on roads near the Observatory anytime Monday to Friday after 12:00 P.M. and on Saturday and Sunday after 9:00 A.M.
—Currently, the buildings are only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Marcus Oberlander — Google review
Accessibility: there are some disabled parking spots in the parking closest to the Observatory, but it is still not a very short distance, be aware. If you can walk but have difficulty walking, I do recommend bringing your own wheelchair. Once you get up to the Observatory, there are ramps on both the left and right side of the Observatory to go inside of it and skip the stairs directly in front. The doors are propped open to get inside the Observatory, and there are elevators to get from the first floor up to the top of the Observatory, and a separate elevator to go down to the gift shop and separate exhibits. This place is surprisingly accessible. I did not see any wheelchairs here to rent, though. It is SUPER busy on the weekends, so if you want to skip some of the crowd, try to go during workday hours in the week.
Experience: this place is super cool and beautiful. There are incredible views from everywhere here, and the Observatory itself is amazing and educational. Even kids will enjoy this place! This is one of those must-see places in Los Angeles. 5 out of 5 stars!
Tip: no pets allowed inside the Observatory, but you can have your pet on a leash outside the Observatory.
Alexandra — Google review
A classic landmark with a beautiful view of both the city and the stars and a long, rich history behind it. They've shot everything from Rebel Without A Cause and The Terminator to Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Back To The Future here. If you go inside they have some awesome space and science exhibits (even a functional Tesla Coil!). If you stay outside, you can get some nice photos of the L.A. skyline as well as the Hollywood sign. Lots of great hiking trails all around too. Highly recommend everyone checking it out at least once, whether you're a tourist or a native. You're bound to find something you enjoy.
DiSS ENT — Google review
From the moment we approached the iconic building perched atop the Griffith Park hills, we were captivated by its grandeur. The architecture itself is a masterpiece, evoking a sense of timeless elegance that made us feel like we had stepped into a scene from a classic Hollywood movie.
The highlight of our visit was, without a doubt, the awe-inspiring view of the cityscape and the glittering night sky from the observatory's terrace. As the sun set on the horizon, the city lights began to twinkle like stars below us, creating a surreal ambiance. It was a surreal feeling that transported us right into the iconic scene from the Terminator movie, where the observatory played a pivotal role in the plot.
In conclusion, our visit to the Griffith Observatory was an unforgettable experience that left us feeling inspired and enlightened. The blend of science, history, and breathtaking views was truly exceptional, and we can't wait to return
Rav Misra — Google review
Saw this place more than hundred times on TV, but you don't realize how astonishing Griffith Observatory is until you are here in person.
The building of the observatory itself is such an elegant architecture situated up on the hill of Hollywood, plus the story of Mr. Griffith, this is definitely a must visit place when you are in LA downtown area.
Meanwhile, this is also the perfect location to appreciate the night view of the Great LA metropolitan area, just utterly beautiful.
Bill Lin — Google review
I love to come here and just walk around as a place in LA to explore. What’s great is that there are trails for us to walk here if you love to hike that are close as well.
In any case, the Griffith Observatory is a free place to come to whether if you love to have a friend to explore with, by yourself, and just looking for something to do, or want to go on a date with someone without spending a lot of money.
The views are nice and usually there are a great amount of parking, which is better of course if you are coming over a weekday versus the weekend.
Long story short, come on and check it out if you haven’t already done so because it is a fun, free place for people to come to. (unless you were going to check out the other movies that they have and which you will have to pay a ticket for)
Until soon !!
Gemivision (Playmeite) — Google review
It's a great place to visit, even if you are not interested in the universe. There are a lot of trails with great views of the city, and it's a perfect place to come in the midsummer night. It's beautiful, and the temperature is pleasant up there. It might take some time to find parking. There were a lot of visitors. However, they were all seem very surprisedly polite and happy, couldn't say the same thing to a lot of tourist place we had been.
S W — Google review
Amazing views of the city and Hollywood hill outside the observatory. Lots of interesting items and information on astronomy on display inside the observatory. You can walk around the observatory at your leisure. Entry is free unless you want to visit one of their exhibitions. Must visit if you are in LA.
akhil shanbhag — Google review
Definitely worth going to at least once. Beautiful views, nice exhibits (the weigh yourself on various planets was pretty neat) and the planetarium show was very lovely. live narration with a very soothing voice - dangerously close to putting me to sleep if it were not so fascinating.
Highly recommend either taking transit ride share to the top or you can just hike to the top - parking situation is ugly close to the observatory. Get there early - the more the day goes on the more crowded it gets.
kevin x — Google review
A beautiful building located in a scenic location. It was raining and foggy the entire time we were there so couldn't get the sprawling view of LA this time around. However, it was still worth a visit with a beautiful interior dome and quite a few exhibitions to look at..There are more options if you buy a ticket.
Consider using the free Dash bus services instead of going through the hassles of finding parking here, which is quite limited
A C Nayak — Google review
Took the scenic hike up the trail and was surprised at how empty it was. I recommend it over driving, from Hollywood or through the golf course it takes around 30mins and you avoid the parking hassle and the people. It was called the Boy Scout trail. The view is splendid and the museum seems nice, but very busy during the weekend
Arthur Bouffard — Google review
What can you say, the GO is iconic on a number of levels. It's much larger than I expected and the displays are very interesting. My wife and sons saw one of the planetarium shows and they thoroughly enjoyed it. I stayed out on the upper terrace enjoying the unbelievable night view of the city and surrounding area. It'd be nice if the parking system was better but I guess you can only stuff a finite number of cars on a mountaintop. Recommended!
Charles Walker — Google review
Los Angeles " Observatory" Center
Griffith Observatory Center
Hollywood, California
I have toured this place for many years, (since the 80s), and every time I go their, this place amazes me. The view here is heavenly. It is on top of the Hollywood mountain or Hill.
Please take your good camera with you, there's a lot to see and remember.
You will be able to see or observe the Stars above through a big long telescope, also you will observe the city of Los Angeles for miles long.
Very close by is the Griffith Park, The Los Angeles Zoo, and more.
While you're their, check out the ⭐✨ Stars Walk on Hollywood Blvd. And Universal Studios is a couple of minutes away from their.
Enjoy your tours and be safe!!
E. Kibazze — Google review
Excellent place to visit, don't be put off by the seeming 'big' queues, the queues move quickly and it's worth the wait.
Parking can seem like a chore, you can park on the side of the road leading up to the Observatory or drive up to the top. Either way you'll pay $10/hr to park, This sounds a lot but it actually keeps the place 'moving' and prevents people parking all day 👍
If you don't want to hike up the hill just join the queue for the Car Park at the top, you won't wait long to get up there and get a Parking space 😉
As for the Observatory, it is really good 👍😎 great views across LA from its many Balconies and Terraces, the main part is free to visit and has some great exhibits.
Well worth a trip 😎
LuDster — Google review
A great place -if not the best to watch sunset in LA. You can have a great view of downtown LA and the city, as well as the sun setting behind the Hollywood sign! There usually is a lot of people coming to see the sunset, so be sure to be there pretty early if you want some good parking spots, not too far. It is very crowded, but it's cool. Plus, inside is a pretty cool exhibit explaining various astronomy and space exploration techniques, so it's very instructive. I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a spot to watch sunset in LA, not too far from the city.
What The Puck! — Google review
This place was beautiful! So many hiking trails and beautiful views of the city and surrounding areas and not too crowded. The terrains are steep but nice and clean and whole are pretty well maintained. But man the view was spectacular at the observatory hands down.
T G — Google review
We hiked up from the Dell Nature Trail, short hike up the hill, great way for the observatory to slow come into view as you hike up the hillside. Steep in some areas but the kids were up ahead and made it no problem.
The observatory is outstanding and worth it to visit. It can be busy, but it is L.A., would be strange if it wasn't. Has big capacity and there was lots of exploring to do.
Did the hike up to the lookout points as well, amazing views of the city up there. We were up during the day time, would be great in the evening too.
Marcus O'Reilly — Google review
This should be where you start your hiking adventure when visiting Los Angeles. The panoramic views from the summit are stunning and the entire family can take part in this fun exercise. And yes, there is that boring old Observatory if you have enough energy left to visit after hiking. Parking is limited near the Observatory and your best bet is to park in the Greek Amphitheatre parking lot and take the free bus up.
Wayne Clark — Google review
This is a wonderful place to visit. There are so many informative displays and it is just pleasant to walk around both inside as well as outside. The views from here are amazing and you can get some great photos of the surrounding hills and the Hollywood sign. I visited for the first time a few weeks ago and I would highly recommend it. My friend and I stayed an hour and had a nice time walking around.
Carina Jahn — Google review
It's worth parking lower down, there is a lot of congestion in front of the upper car park. Or there is a free bus from the city. The view is stunning, the cafe is good, you don't have to wait long for the telescope. The telescope is open from 7-9:30pm.
Kropf Attila — Google review
It’s a classic and historic destination. It’s free entry and interesting exhibits. From observatory has beautiful views over Los Angeles and mountains. The architecture and views are wonderful. It’s a perfection match for science, nature and architects. Limited parking on top. Many trails nearby.
Dilip Kumar Kacher — Google review
While I did not go in the building, this site was truly breathtaking. I’m a wedding photographer and visited this landmark for a session with a couple and it was absolutely stunning. I really think it’s one of the best views of Los Angeles and highly recommend visiting just for the views outside and nice short walking trail. I can’t wait to go back!
Raquel Curriel — Google review
The observatory is a beautiful park which has an amazing view of LA sunset. However, the crowd felt really overwhelming and took out a lot of the enjoyment for me. The parking lot gets filled so fast we decided to take the parking lot further than the one by the observatory, the walk wasn't too bad. Perhaps the influence of La La Land is too strong but I'm glad I got to go at least once.
Amalina Ariffin — Google review
Don’t drive up there but take the hike up instead! Take the Firebreak trail . The hike is short. About 1.7 mile but don’t let it fool you! It looks so close and near by from the bottom! It us very steep with angle about 70-90 at certain spots! When you are near the top , you can turn right and lead you to the observatory or left to see the Hollywood sign! A Los Angeles icon and a must for all tourist!!view of downtown and surrounding is a marvel!!!
This massive museum is home to exhibitions on a variety of topics, including space exploration and biology. It also has an IMAX theater and a number of special exhibits that are open to the public with a special exhibit or IMAX theater pass.
3/28/2022 reservations are required as well as vaccination record and your mask! It is clearly stated on their website so I won’t get into more details. This place has the actual space shuttle that took on many missions and alone that was worth the trip. The exhibitions are good for K-12 but catered more for smaller children. We overall enjoyed it.
Violet Bauer — Google review
It was great to see the space shuttle up close. Free after 3pm. Very educational displays. Love the variety of the exhibits The journey of the shuttle from the airport to the museum is amazing to see. Great movie and there is a virtual ride that last 7 minutes for a fee. There are 3 levels grab a map a start your adventure!!!
Vertrence Terrell — Google review
Very interesting museum with free admission.
Unfortunately, some items need maintenance but it is absolutely worth it.
Being able to see the space shuttle Endeavor live is a truly fascinating experience.
Alessio CC — Google review
Good for kids. It’s free! There are there are 3 floors but highlight is on the second floor. First floor is just a gift shop and food court. You can spend half day here.
Steve Tung — Google review
Awesome place, used to come here as a kid, still love it as an adult. My kids had so much fun exploring all the exhibits. The Endeavor was my favorite. Best part is it's free. Parking is $15 great deal for a family of 4.
Paul Randall — Google review
I recommend to visit. Just remember about masks, and book online your visit, because it's limited!
I thought it just usual Science Center for kinds, you know, like most of them in general. But when came there, I change my mind. For me I open many interesting and useful things. I learned how does work some things that surround us! You can see there history about aerospace , aquarium tunnel and some aquarium that you can seat and watch the fish. Also thanks about fire safety. And the most exciting thing for me was "Endeavour". I just barely heard about it, but didn't pay attention. And there in center, you'll be able to learn more about this space shuttle that was Unbelievable 25 times!!! Also you can see all history of missions, crews and useful things that they did. Just imagine this shuttle was in space in total 299 days, traveled around Earth orbit 4,671 times. Traveled in total almost 123 thousand miles!!!
Dmytro Lytvynenko — Google review
A great place to take your children young or old for a memorable weekend getaway. There are 3 levels of fun and excitement that takes about 3 to 5 hours of detailed browsing and playing. The space shuttle Endeavor is my favorite exhibit. I get goosebumps every time I go visit it. It is the symbol of the pinnacle of human ingenuity and endeavors. The whole place is free to visit and the Rose Garden outside is very photogenic.
Ed C — Google review
Went for a field trip, there's so much to see and the store isn't actually that expensive! (Some of these pictures are from by a museum right behind, and I'm not sure if they are apart of the same thing. If your able to check them both out, you'll be happy 😁👍
Kimmy Kim — Google review
Had a wonderful time! The Mayan exhibit was phenomenal and breathtaking. Very informative and interactive. It's unfortunate that that was about the only thing we had time to see, because we got there so late and the place closes at 5 🤷♀️ Nonetheless, it was a great place to visit.
Courtney Trebesch — Google review
My kids had a lot of fun here. We enjoyed all the exhibits and the featured Maya exhibit. The space shuttle endeavor is always cool to see. If you are look for a cheap thing to do with your kids this is a good option.
Leathon Magee — Google review
It's a cool place for kids and adults alike with plenty of exhibitions about many different subjects. It has the largest collection of minerals/rocks that I have ever seen. There is no cost to gain access to the center.
Iberto Hernandez — Google review
Awesome place to spend with family for a day of science a learning. Exhibits and explanations are just amazing. The wow factor for me was to understand the history of US space shuttles and to see Endeavor space shuttle for real. The scale and size of Endeavour makes you realise the power of humans and the marvel behind the architecture.
A must visit destination for family with kids and space enthusiasts. There is no entry fee but they charge a parking fee.
Monk and the Genie — Google review
I never get bored with this place. The entrance is free, they charge only for the special exhibit, IMAX shows and parking . The highlight of this place is the space shuttle, Endeavour. The cafeteria food is pretty good. Perfect place for the families and people of all ages. It is surrounded by other museums like California African American Museum , Natural History Museum, Coliseum, expo center, stadium and last but not the least the beautiful Rose garden.
Swapna Madhan — Google review
The big attraction here is the shuttle, for obvious reasons. It is truly amazing to see it so close and have a sense of its massive dimensions. The rest of the museum is fine, but nothing spectacular. Still, it is worth visiting if your group has some young kids and you can expect to spend about 90 minutes visiting the museum (maybe some additional 30 minutes if you decide to stop by every exhibit). Parking is easily available in front of the museum.
Alex Lopes — Google review
Absolutely must to go place with young kids. A lot to learn and witness historic endeavour space shuttle - stationed here after retirement. You can visit all type of actually used space capsule with the astronauts details. Very cool. Aquatic section is also fun and don’t miss flash flood demonstrations.
Prasenjit Das — Google review
A great place for kids and those interested in science! All of the exhibits are interesting and many are interactive! And being able to see a space shuttle and an aquarium in one trip is something you can’t do anywhere else! Would definitely recommend to anyone in the area that has any interest in science!
Juran _O — Google review
Neat facility that has plenty to offer to adults and kids! Admission is free but I’d recommend finding a nearby neighborhood street and park there. I can’t justify paying $15 for parking to go to a free museum. Overall, the facility offered unique displays, artifacts, and various zones/sections. Whether you’re an avid space enthusiast, biologist, or nature lover, there’s no shortage of things to see and do that will keep you here for hours!
Braedyn Beal — Google review
The California Science Center is one of the best free experiences in LA. I have been going here since childhood and I still learn something new every time.
We came by on a Sunday afternoon, it was crowded but not too busy. It was easy to wander around and explore. My personal favorite was the reptile exhibit. Definitely bring kids! There are plenty of interactive exhibits too.
The food court is a little lacking, but overall the entire museum is a gem. Will be back soon!
Isadora — Google review
4.7
(17734)
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4.5
(3995)
700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA
The Battleship USS Iowa Museum is a beautiful and fascinating maritime museum that features exhibits about the ship's history and that of the United States Navy. It is permanently moored in San Pedro Bay and can be explored by visitors from its decks, bridges, and cabins. The museum was built in 1943 and served during various wars including World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War.
A quick stop 2 hour tour of this magnificent battleship that plied the waters in service of the United States from World War 2 to its final decommissioning in 2011 to become the floating museum it is today.
The self guided tour takes you to nearly every quarter of the ship. There are other exhibits not associated with the Iowa aboard.
Aside from various small bits aboard screwed down to avoid breakage by guests...the Iowa looks as though she could set sail with a hardy crew ready to helm the ship.
Docents roam the deck ready with history and facts.
The cost for 4 adults is a healthy $95 + change. There is of course discounts for students, seniors and veterans.
Is it worth it?
I say yes. The amount of history aboard alone is worth the cost of a few hours, the friendliness of the docents is more than worth the money and time.
There is a gift shop at the end of the tour... The amount of goodies and curios will keep battle ship fans for another 30 minutes....
Don Hartwick — Google review
As an Iowan and a Navy family, this was a must-see on our trip. To start, if you are from Iowa, you get free admittance, so that was a great perk. The view from the ship is breathtaking. The ship is breathtaking. It has been very well maintained and each of the individuals along our self guided tour were insightful and more than welcoming. It was a great piece of history that all of my kids enjoyed (9 years old to 18). I was blown away by its size alone, but seeing how our service men and women are "housed" at sea was even more interesting. One part that surprised me were the living quarters for the women, and how they were separate at the time of this ship's service. I would highly recommend stopping here!!
K B — Google review
The incredible history behind this ship and all those who served in it is indescribable. It draws you in to stay forever in the ship! As you approach the deck, some of the veterans will greet you and be available for questions. Throughout the ship, you'll find yellow arrows as a guide with professional posts describing the areas being visited. These arrows will also lead you to an awesome bookstore full of items to cherish forever. All in all, one visit won't be enough to totally make justice to this important and most awesome part of the United States history. You'll be thrilled by it.
Ozeas Da Silva — Google review
The Iowa is history well preserved. Hosts are very friendly and knowledgeable. Self guided tour routes are well marked. Would liked to have seen more placards describing what it was I was looking at as far as some inner rooms. Saw no mention of a medical facility. Having now seen both the Iowa and the Missouri, the Iowa has more detailed restoration. Very well done. A heart felt salute to all that served on her.
Stan Arnold — Google review
The battleship history is amazing. Good way to know the technology, dimensions and equipment used in that time. I recommend to visit this on a weekday.
You can see free the exterior, but I recommend to visit it. If you never have been in a similar battleship.
There is a big parking lot close to the battleship.
There is access for stroller but you can't access to the tour with this, because there are many stairs.
Yo RJ — Google review
Adults, kids, & teens in our group all agreed that this battleship tour was more enjoyable than they expected. As a military veteran, I was pleased to see that our young folks found the ship and its hands-on history appealing and interesting. Nice, at-your-own-pace activity on a summer day… and good for the budget-aware. Oh, and Monday is a great day — few visitors.
M. Abbott — Google review
My cousin stopped by from the boat he was in from San Francisco before going to Florida on Nov 02, 2023 so we passed by to meet him for lunch. Next to their boat was the Battleship USS Iowa and it looked incredible. People who worked in the area were nice and friendly as well. We wanted to come inside and buy tickets but we didn't have the time, I will come back here and see when I get the chance and update my review.
Johnnef C Mendoza — Google review
This was such an interesting tour and very informative. We purchased the tickets at the gate and proceeded to walk through the various areas of the ship. They have so many signs to read and there are also several volunteers around the ship who are willing to answer your questions.
They have a neat museum as well with different interactive exhibits, a gift shop and the most delicious hot dog stand!
Such a great reminder of the sacrifices our service members make for us daily, especially those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
Well worth the ticket price to see such amazing history and being able to be aboard a ship that has also seen three US President's.
Kristi Larson — Google review
I really enjoyed my tour of the Iowa. We had the chance to view the Captain's berth and see the tub that had been installed for FDR. The tour guides were friendly and informative. We had lunch on the fantail of the ship. The hot dogs they sell there are delicious. There's a good amount of container ship traffic so you can sit, eat your lunch and watch the ships go by. Schedule half a day for your tour.
Charles Walker — Google review
Very big ship. Expect 3 hours for this visit.
Used the gocity pass for this attraction. Totally worth it.
History, photo opportunities (look outside the shop too), and look at the life of sailing with different aspects (eating, tailor, barber etc.)
It's quite a long attraction (with lots of printed material) so time yourself well in case you need to visit other attractions nearby.
Follow the markers and you are ready. There's an app but note that the AR experience is difficult given the poor network.
Jason Foo — Google review
Hats off to the volunteers. They're welcoming and have a wealth of knowledge. The ship is in pretty good shape with some spots being renovated. My family enjoyed seeing the ship, seeing the living quarters, battle stations and the mess hall.They have a cool little game for the younger kids. It's worth visiting and exploring the ship.
Aaron Aardal — Google review
This is really an amzing ship. The tour is a bit tiring with the up and down ladders... but its part of the journey. One can really feel how hard is the life of the navy men ans women wbo live in this ship.
What i find very important is the significance of the ship during world war 2. Its interesting to learn more about the men and women who shared their lives in order to maintain the ship and delivered strategic goals for security and peace.
Though we wanted to have the presidential tour... it was just fully book at the time. Must book days ahead next time
Magilas Salvacion — Google review
Worth a visit. Kids had a great time. Lots to learn from history. About two hours to see everything. Lots of walking and climbing stairs. Wish the tour had included more of the guts of the ship such as the engine room. Several exhibits really rounded out the experience.
Carlos Reyes — Google review
Great place to experience history! Unfortunately we visited on a day when it was raining and experienced standing water that soaked our shoes. Someone pushing water out of these area would be nice. Also, there are some pretty steep stairs you must go up & down. Be aware if touring with the very young, seniors or those with mobility issues.
Ann Nelson — Google review
My brother in law, my father, and I had an incredible time aboard the USS Iowa, and with our excellent tour guide. We spent a scant four hours aboard and nearly got the whole run of the ship on our $75 guided tour. And we all concluded we have to return to see even more. What a great experience to see such a ship like that, and go through it in such detail. Special commendations to our tour guide, Bob Abelson, for letting us go in, out, up, down, and all around this great ship! A very worthwhile experience.
That said, the website is a mess, and something must be done about the experience. The site says the general access pass must be bought before the tours, but it doesn't say that the page will take you to the add-on page following checkout. Clear as mud overall. Same with scheduling for the tours; not the most clear. Also, the hot dog stand was closed early. But everyone aboard the ship was nice, we bought our add-on tour once we there, and everything is in fairly good condition. Will return again!
Nick Hernandez — Google review
If you are in the area this is a self guided tour that is amazing. I would give yourself a couple of hours at the minimum. Make sure to knock out restrooms before you start the tour. However, there are restrooms, food, beer and an awesome place to relax at the end of the tour. Enjoy.
R F — Google review
This is a literal piece of history. Well worth the price of admission. Take time while you're there to speak with the staff, you will learn a lot. Great for kids!
Dustin Alkire — Google review
This was our second trip to see Iowa, we were here 2 years ago and seeing the ongoing restoration of her is absolutely amazing. Last time we also did the gun tour (highly recommend!!) The staff is always friendly and telling stories of the artifacts.
Chris Tock (TickTockZoom) — Google review
A visit to the USS Iowa is a treat for people who are interested in local and global history. The docent who relayed the stories about the construction and use of this massive ship was very knowledgeable and interesting. His enthusiasm was contagious. It is important for people to wear walking shoes that are not slippery or high heels. The steps are steep on the ship, but the safety reminders at the start of the tour were very helpful on how to negotiate the steps. All in all the ship tour was well marked, great with explanations of each room, and very interesting.
The only downside was the lack of a real place to eat that wasn't a hotdog stand. But, that didn't really matter with the number of local restaurants within walking distance.
Louise Sattler — Google review
It was a very nice experience.
The ship was huge and it gives such a good opportunity n experience to visit a battleship which otherwise you can't anywhere.
It is a self-guided tour of the entire ship and shows how sailors life is, on the ship.
The view is spectacular from the ship and it actually is an enriched experience that u get while walking through the entire ship, There are no restrictions on taking pictures
I really loved it.
komal singh — Google review
I've been to this ship a couple of times now and always have a great time. The first time me and the wife and I went and checked it out and loved it. This is the second time we've been back to its current location, and we brought my daughter to this time, and we all had a blast. Prior to this, I saw her when she was in Oakland being renovated before being put down where she is now. Highly recommend for any families.
Richard Cooke — Google review
This ship is spectacular, hands down one of the highlights of my road trip. I have visited aircraft carriers and this is maybe even more fun. Very interactive, super hands on, for all ages. If you like boats, you will love coming here.
The Los Angeles County Arboretum is a large botanical garden and arboretum located in Arcadia, California. It is one of the sister gardens of the Huntington Botanical Gardens. The gardens contain over 1,200 different types of plants from around the world, as well as many animal habitats. The grounds are sprawling and feature wandering peacocks and a Queen Anne cottage.
I have always liked the Arcadia Arboretum and especially the peacocks. Our son recently gave us a membership so that we can go year round. The grounds are great although it is a little early for the rose garden. Everything is in a great variety. The normal entry $15 charge is very reasonable and the memberships quickly pay for themselves.
Jimbo G — Google review
I LOVE this arboretum! What a wonderful experience. And the little cafe is a great place to get a snack and a cup of coffee and watch the peacocks in the trees. Lots of great gardens to walk through and take in all the sights and smells. Parking was easy. The coffee and lemon cake were delicious. If I lived closer I would consider getting a membership. I highly recommend this fantastic place.
Dayna Jo — Google review
My mother and I visited this botanical garden while we were staying in Arcadia. It was one of the best botanical gardens I have been to. The grounds were gorgeous and there were peacocks running around all over the place! We spent about two hours walking around and it was so nice and relaxing. If you enjoy outdoor activities, and are in the Arcadia area, definitely check out the Los Angeles County Arboretum!
Rosie Turkin — Google review
Such an amazing place for a walk with family or the loved one.
Every inches of the garden is a beauty.
It took us almost an hour to drive from home but it was nothing after we entered the garden.
Loves the Peacocks "the guardian of the doors", LOL.
Tips:
- wear comfortable shoes
- buy tickets online!!
Nda Putri — Google review
Been here twice, both visits were awesome. The house here is from a TV showed called Fantasy Island. The flora and fauna are not to be missed. The grounds are immense so wear comfortable shoes. The peacocks and peahens are plentiful. There is lots to look at and explore. Enjoy!
Ambrose Rodriguez — Google review
Beautiful park crawling with wildlife and captivating natural views. I love the waterfalls and rose garden the most. It’s spring so the animals are very active at this time and love to get close up to you. Be prepared for a lot of walking and heat but it is a perfect outing for the entire family!
Nicole Smith — Google review
It’s been a few years since I’ve been back and they have a couple of changes. For starters, the entrance is being remodeled so you now enter in the middle of the parking lot area. There are also some green houses that I do not remember seeing 4 or 5 years ago. It’s pretty nice.
I bought tickets a month in advance and picked a later time in the day. I am glad because the weather ended up being pretty hot! Going at 4pm was still sweat-inducing and there isn’t much shade.
What hasn’t changed are all the peacocks that roam around, needing to watch the ground so you don’t step on poo, and the water fall is still one of the main attractions!
There is a nice view at the top of the waterfall of the tree tops and mountains.
Queen Anne’s cottage is being renovated right now but we did see a cute turtle roaming around on the grass freely.
Didn’t get to take the tram this time but the grounds are very expansive. Be prepared to walk a lot! Bring water! It’s fun to explore though.
Jessica You — Google review
Perfect arboretum to study different plant families and native trees! It's a walk, so we dressed comfortably. There are two parking lots, so there is plenty of space. The peacocks are so sweet, and the cafe had great lunch options. Hopefully, the gift shop will open up soon for our next visit!
S. Salomon — Google review
The LA County Arboretum is such a nice place to visit anytime of the year. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and the Arboretum is always immaculate while maintaining its natural beauty. I love going and just meandering through the different areas amongst the peacocks, Canada Geese and other critters. Besides the amazing collection of flora, there ponds, waterfalls, sculptures and historical buildings & more to enjoy. It is definitely someplace that distracts me into a calm and content state. (At this time- The Arboretum participates in the Museums for All program and waives the typical cost of admission for anyone with proof of EBT benefits and photo ID and 1 guest)
Tami Trueblood — Google review
A beautiful, fairly expansive and well-maintained park that also has Peacocks walkin around!!
It is a great place to spend a couple of hours.
I bought tickets online about 1 hour before going on a weekend.
The citrus and rose gardens are absolutely gorgeous in early spring (do not pick, just admire!).
Nothing very strenuous for the elderly or kiddos--all pretty flat and concrete paths.
Imaan — Google review
Lovely, but not too many colorful gardens too see. I was expecting to see lots of different colored flowers.
There are lots of trees of all kinds, cactuses, maguey, etc.
Speaking of animals, we only saw ducks and peacocks.
$15 admission fee per adult (must be purchased online)
* we got to see a peacock pecking the front cars' tire, at the EXIT
Denisse Medina — Google review
We had our wedding here on 7/9/23 and we couldn't have asked for a better experience and a more beautiful venue. We had our ceremony in the gazebo on the Event Lawn, and the reception at the Peacock Cafe. We were able to take beautiful photos all around the arboretum.
Carlos and Nicole who run the on-site Peacock Cafe also take care of weddings, and they were AMAZING! Carlos helped us set up all the logistics and made sure everything we wanted was able to happen. Nicole made us a completely vegan menu (dumpling-based buffet( that was DELICIOUS! She was lovely to work with and we couldn't believe this was her 2nd-ever vegan wedding. Everyone raved about the food!
Altogether we were so happy with our experience here. Carlos and Nicole are incredibly kind and are excellent at their jobs. They also helped us secure a wonderful DJ and helped us plan a beautiful wedding while staying in budget. The whole staff at the Arboretum made the night go amazingly smoothly. I couldn't recommend them enough!
Molly Artwick — Google review
Lovely gardens to wander around during the daytime. Plenty of things to see. Parking is free and can get kind of packed so getting here earlier is better. You can buy tickets online or at the door. The arboretum often hosts events like wedding pictures so you might come across a neatly dressed group. There are some nice themed gardens to walk through, and there is a variety of wildlife such as turtles, peacocks, and ducks to enjoy. It’s a big park and worth coming back again. If you’re grabbing a snack or a drink nearby this is the perfect afternoon detour. Definitely recommend!
Ying Liang — Google review
Haven’t been here for a while. Redid the entrance area, looks nice. Came with friend to see the bonsai winter show. Amazing details in this art. It really is an act
Kat — Google review
Less expensive than the Huntington Gardens and so worthwhile! Fantastic wildlife, vista views, and beautifully landscaped lawns. The garden/lawn with native flora was stunning with all the blooming poppies. The parking was full when we arrived, but we found parking down a side street, accompanied by plenty of peacocks showing off. We did not buy tickets in advance, although you can if you like. Thank you, LA Arboretum - can’t wait to visit again!
Lily Dove — Google review
My happy place. A large arboretum with a variety of plants from all over the world. Wonderful birds, including waterfowl, parrots, hummingbirds, and various migratory species. If you live nearby, the annual membership is a bargain and you can visit during extended hours.
Rachel Orfila — Google review
Ummmm first time to this event and I don't feel the need to go again. The lights are okay the food area was yummy pricey but good food. It wasn't a smooth trail a lot of traffic just standing there waiting as people held up the line taking pics. One of the sides had technical issues the music turned off, I just had high expectations and was looking forward to this but I could of passed
PrettyQute — Google review
We had a lovely 2 hour walk through the whole arboretum, taking our time. It has different sections with different types of plants, a coach barn, a beautiful home, and even an old train station (we unfortunately were too late for the museum). Very calm place. Saw plenty of peacocks, and they even hung out in the parking lot and the nearby neighborhoods. We bought our tickets online morning of but I'm not sure we even needed too. On a nice day, parking is a bit iffy. We had to drive around the lot a couple times and wait for someone to leave to get a spot.
Steph Couvrette — Google review
Went to the Lightscape Reimagined 2023. First time seeing this type of special event. Had friends visiting from Toronto. Went to dinner across the street at the mall. A bit crowded. Use the shuttle to park at the mall side. Nice walk through lit displays of lights and music. Really enjoyed the slow walk.
S Chang — Google review
A wonderful way to spend an afternoon. There was no wait to get in 11am on a Saturday. Expect to do a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and bring water. So many places to sit in solitude and enjoy the scenery. We went during the Ikebana exhibit which displayed stunning Japanese floral sculptures. Don’t miss the Tropical Greenhouse or the Garden of Quiet Reflection.
Nicole Ridgely — Google review
It’s always a pleasure to be at the Arboretum. This is my first time back after the remodel. Didn’t get much pictures this time but I’ll be back soon 🌼 some of these pictures are from prior visits I made to the garden 🪴
Jacqueline Solis — Google review
If you’re into the outdoors or care about your mental health, you’ll appreciate the Los Angeles County Arboretum! There is much to see within the garden, including multiple paths, trails, bodies of water, water fountains, a waterfall, a greenhouse, an array of beautiful plants (tropical, native, and others), plenty of benches, old (historic) structures, wide open grassy areas (for children to run!), a cafe, three parking lots, and more! I know you’ll enjoy it!
Raúl Güereque — Google review
Lightscape show was beautiful and fun to watch, took us about an hour and half to walk the whole light trail. Music was great and we had an amazing time, highly recommend bringing the whole family for the experience.
Javier Acosta — Google review
Beautiful lush forest like setting $15 entrance parking free there is small lake a waterfall and winding wooded path lush green pathways gardens birds and peacock 🦚 roaming the whole area peacocks are big attraction there nice little caffe excellent 2 to 4 miles hike amazing place must visit in spring San Gabriel mountains in the backdrop make it a great picnic spot to bring family kids friendly ducks 🦆 sone old barns and historic home on the property takes back in time love it 🙏
Live horse-racing track with several bars & restaurants, plus wedding & event facilities.
What a tremendous day we had even though it was raining, we still had a fabulous and fantastic day looking at the horses and enjoying the day filled with great company in this beautiful place. We will be coming back very soon, hopefully it won’t be raining but if it does we will still have fun!
Jose Correa — Google review
If you like horse racing even a little bit. This is the place, lots of events, especially fun events in the infield. We like to come up to the restaurant and watch the races from there at Silks. The people are great and the place.
Is beautiful and an amazing place to watch. Horse races, 🐎 🐴 🎠 🏇 🐎 eat food and drink with friends and family.
Roman Rios — Google review
So nice to be able to go back post-covid and enjoy this great historic horse racing park. I miss the donuts at Clockers Corner, but I love the early AM, crusty old guys, pre-computer era clientele that embrace the beautiful patio at Clockers corner, mentally processing the days racing lineup with a paper program of the day. Sadly, I'm sure some patrons succumbed to the COVID pandemic, remember them in your thoughts and prayers when you come to the races. This property should be guarded with one's life, I'm sure land developers lick their chops over their visions. Great that it is in the Registry of Historic Places certification, so that it's presence will remain on Southern California soil permanently. Amen.
Mike Miloserdoff — Google review
I love horse racing and this was my first visit to a racetrack Stateside. It was magnificent. So authentic and original but with great screens graphics. Table service was excellent and the backdrop just amazing. We were in Silks. It was an incredible experience. For any racegoers just go and enjoy 😀
Paul — Google review
I had a really fun time here. It was my first time and I will be back. The fair was going on the horse raved the 5k run. Didn't get much pictures
Elizabeth Ayala — Google review
State Fair ENT. LA. Admission + Parking + service fee is $27.50. No advance ticket needed. No cash used in the fair. I got there on Friday. Not many people than I expect. Really good place for family and couples. Didn’t see long lines for waiting. Very safe place for fun. Parking is easy. Tripod allowed. Recommend to go
GH C — Google review
The building is quite old and full of history. I went on Saturday, and there were not many people. The interval between each horse race was too long, usually at least half an hour, and the longest was more than 1 hour and 10 minutes, and each horse race was only 1 minute. It was too long to wait.
I was there for 6 hours and only saw 7 races.
It's fun to bet on. Quite excited.
Weiqin — Google review
Went for the celebration of life For Jerry Antonucci we had a private reserved and catered event. It was very nice and they dedicated a race to him and brought out the immediate family with the winning horse and jockey and took pictures and filmed it for us.
Thomas Branaman — Google review
First time here and I was blown away by the retro ambiance. This venue took me to the races in the Wayback Machine. Can't wait to see it come alive for the Breeders Cup!
Janet Lake — Google review
A vibrant place to be on a weekend with friends or family. Large racetrack and facilities with meaningful history. It’s just lovely to watch a horse race out here against the beautiful backdrop (and of course place bets if that’s your cup of tea). There were some food vendors but less than I was expecting. Plenty of seating/space both indoors and out. Some lingering cigarette smoke near the track so go further out for some fresh air. Lots of parking so just follow the signs. Loved all the little details like the trimmed trees and neatly arranged courtyards. Staff was friendly and helpful. There’s a place to greet the horses too. Tickets are $10 for nonmembers going in to the club house, past the security check. Would recommend you check it out if you’re in the area!
Ying Liang — Google review
I always have fun times at Santa Anita Park. It’s a great place to take friends, family, & out of town guest. There are some changes they made post covid. Food ordering is from a QR code & they bring the food to your table in bags. The staff is really helpful in telling you where things are. Bring cash if you want to bet on horses. Since my party got Silks seating the race program was free. Look over the race program before you bet because my party didn’t see the professional picks until we were about to leave. “Silks” is outdoors, but if you prefer indoor seating then checkout “Frontrunner” restaurant. If your debating between regular admission or getting a table, the tables are worth the $20. I’m not sure if it’s because post covid or because it was a rainy day, but the race track was not packed at all. I know years ago the race track would bring people from all over, but it looks like attendance is dwindling. Hopefully more people come out & support Santa Anita Race track. I have made wonderful memories with family & friends here. Hope to visit again soon. Parking is free.
Eve L — Google review
I truthfully came for the annual National Corgi Races - and based on that event (laugh, I know it’s funny) I give 3/5 stars.
For the history it holds in the sport of Horse Racing, (ex equestrian here) you’d think it would be a bit nicer of a track. I likely won’t be back but it wasn’t the worst venue ever.
Alyssa Flynn — Google review
I went to the track on Derby day and there wasn’t much of a line to get in, but there were a lot of people at the track. The day was fun and the track was beautiful with the hillside course used for one race. Beautiful track.
Aquarium of the Pacific is a large and popular aquarium located in San Diego, CA. The aquarium offers exhibits with displays of marine life from around the world, as well as behind-the-scenes tours for those interested in learning more about the animals. There are also touch tanks for kids to explore, as well as educational programs for all ages.
This was a fantastic aquarium experience for all of us, kiddos and adults alike. Very nicely priced. So much to see and experience. The kids got to touch sting rays, starfish, anemones, and even jelly fish among other creatures. It wasn't very crowded for a spring break weekday. All the staff members were super sweet and kind to the kids. They answered all questions in the best and most interesting ways to keep the kids wanting to know more. The theater was also a big hit with the kids, as well as the interactive tablets and stamp collections for the booklets(which they had in a huge variety of different languages, it was so refreshing to see this). We all can't wait to go back and see all the critters and creatures again.
Erika Hernandez — Google review
Absolutely wonderful experience! So many amazing exhibits and very informative and interactive displays. Parking was very easy and they even validated the parking. The cafes were good, and not packed. It was really cool to get to see the scuba divers feeding the fish, getting to pet sting rays, and feeding birds. We highly recommend putting this on the list of must see while in the long Beach area.
Jennifer Lemus — Google review
My weekend at the Aquarium of the Pacific was fantastic. Getting tickets in advance made things super easy. What really impressed me was how well everything was taken care of.
The staff did an amazing job making sure every exhibit looked great. From colorful displays to clean tanks, their hard work made the whole visit even better. It was not just educational but also visually stunning.
Big thumbs up to the team for making it such a great day!
Claudia K M — Google review
Me and my good friend had a great time here. We’re excited to see the seals!! They’re adorable and cute! I’m also surprised by the interactive activities here like jellyfish lab and ray touch lab. I’ve never had any experience to have a close look of these species. It’s so interesting. We are also expressed by the bird zone and also the sea otters. Everything here is very cute!
Fiona Zhang — Google review
Great experience for kids with its abundant information about the aquatic life and beyond - a lot more interactive activities. Got there on a weekday afternoon and it was fairly packed. Really a great gem!
I heard that there were a lot of upgrades to the existing so I couldn't tell aside from really enjoying it all!
Currant7 — Google review
I really loved the "touch" experiences. The opportunity to pet a shark, feel a star fish, even a jelly fish was amazing. There's plenty to see. We spent a couple of hours there and could've stayed longer if we had stayed for the short films, but figured we can watch videos on nature anytime. It's by the Shoreline Village which offers a scenic and pleasant stroll with shops and restaurants. We took a shuttle from our hotel so can't comment on the parking situation. It was timed entry tickets so a stroll was nice but found places to sit and wait outside.
Rosalind Smith — Google review
We've wanted to visit for years - I'm so glad we finally made the time to go. It's a great aquarium! My 17 year old and I spent hours walking around and really enjoyed all the exhibits. There are some unique animals that we don't have in any of our local aquariums.
I was able to get discount tickets through my union which made it even better!
Kalani Crosby — Google review
My kids and their cousins had so much fun here! They enjoyed the big tank show. They are thrilled with touching some sting rays, jelly fish, starfishes and sea urchins.
Ella — Google review
If you like oceans and seas and everything that is connected with them, then you should definitely visit this aquarium. In addition to seeing the ocean inhabitants, I learned a lot about them, the guide tells a lot of interesting facts, I also learned that during the pandemic, the owner of the aquarium sold everything she had and moved to live there and slept on a cot, just to have money to keep the aquarium, also many families donated money to help, on the territory there is a long wall, where engraved thanks to each family that contributed. I think this is the highest level of kindness and humanity, all the animals are kept in the best conditions ♥️ we were able to not only see but also pet some of the sea creatures, it's incredible!!!! There is also a small park with parrots, an aquarium with seals, a separate aquarium with penguins. I was impressed by what I saw and definitely recommend this place and wish it prosperity 👍🏼
KSV — Google review
The aquarium is really big. There are a lot of exhibitions everywhere, inside and outside. The staff is everywhere if you need more information about the species. They have food and drinks. Place is really good for kids. Everything clean and organized. The jellyfish are my favorites.
Antonio Neves — Google review
Hands down one of my favorite places to visit! I’ve been multiple times and each time is just as amazing as the last.
It’s never too busy the times I’ve gone so I’ve been able to enjoy each exhibit. One of the highlights was definitely the parrots. One perched on me which a friend got a photo of. Really fun experience.
Recommend it for family trips, a date, or even a solo trip!
Jose Navarro — Google review
My kiddos had a great time- I loved all the jellyfish and appreciated the stations of hand sanitizer throughout the museum. ** Don’t forgot to support your local street vendors. The fruit stand and ice cream truck outside offer yummy snacks.
YANI Cova — Google review
The aquarium is a nice place for the whole family. We had fun looking at the variety of sea animals. My favorite were the sea otters. They also have many places to get a quick snack or a bit to eat. The aquarium is not big, so it took us about 3 hours.
Carlos Miramontes — Google review
I haven’t been to an aquarium for many years, and it was the first time my husband and I ever visited one together. It is huge, with so much to see! We spent a few hours there enjoying the experience. My favorite creates to see were the sea lions, jelly fish, seahorses, sharks, turtles, and sting rays. And the many colorful fish and sea life - all of it was really interesting and invigorating to observe. It’s unreal how large these creatures can be, and it’s cool to learn about.
I love the layout of the exhibits, and the fact that they provide you a map (we would have easily missed things without the map, so it was great to have).
The highlight of the experience was the opportunity to touch a moon jelly fish! It was really, really cool.
Marcella E. — Google review
Fun for all ages. Helpful and friendly staff. A huge plus that they now serve alcohol. I wish someone told us to go feed the birds first thing upon arriving. I heard it was a great experience. Seeing them was nice. Even saw one bird do his cool mating dance only to get royally rejected. The jellyfish are beautiful and probably the most interesting to see. They have a very large tank with hammer head sharks and beautiful manta rays. This great exhibit makes you feel like part of the ocean. It's beautiful to see all the variety coexisting. It's a bit tough to see the octopus in his/her smallish tank. Some displays were down for repairs upon our visit so we'll have to return to get the full experience. The longest lines will be in the gift shop check out for some odd reason.
Jos? A — Google review
We visited the Aquarium of the Pacific and feel it was money well spent. There are loads of interactive displays, learning opportunities, friendly volunteers to answer your questions and most importantly, loads of aquariums! We arrived right at opening and didn't have to wait to get in. The aquarium is well organized and they do a great job of highlighting when and where presentations will be held. They have numerous aquariums filled with very cool sea life. They also have a shark, penguin, and sea lion / seal area. There are tide pools where you can "pet" the creatures if you'd like. I think the hidden gem here is if you're interested in whale watching you can book it through the aquarium along with access to the aquarium. For us, this was perfect because we could go early and checkout the aquarium and then jump on a boat to go look for whales. The cost was incredibly reasonable (we saved over $200 for our family of four to do both rather than just a whale watching excursion). The excursion comes with a knowledgable crew and you go out for a significant time. We were out for three hours! You'll want to bring sunscreen and hold onto your hats because it gets windy on the open waters. We were lucky enough to see a pod of common dolphins and a blue whale (we went in July). If you're going to whale watch use this route because it's cheaper and you're on the water for longer.
Alex Henricks — Google review
Husband and I come here once a year. I love the sea turtles and otters. Fun place. Can get crowded. There are plenty of places to sit down if needed. Snack bar food available.
Lisa C. — Google review
This was one of my best visits in california.Aquariums teach kids about nature and caring for one helps them learn responsibility. If you watch the videos, you see how educative and interesting the place is.
There are tour guides who will explain and educate u on the animals and fishes.
Snip Chiemeka — Google review
It's not worth it. I was really excited to be there but was not happy once I was done.
Nothing much or different I would say as compared to other aquariums.
The ticket is expensive as compared to the experience.
If u buy the ticket through city pass make sure you book your time slot. No one informed that to us and we were not allowed to enter without a time slot booking and it was full so could not book one on the spot. Had to go there the next day which screwed our itinerary because it's far n secluded.
I planned IOWA n aquarium the same day as they are close by n secluded with the rest of tourist attractions.
I gave three star for the space n set up along with shark's to see. N they had a fun activity of stamping a booklet and at the end they give u a prize. N you also get to touch some floral things that are there underwater (added a video of it)
Though the prize is the same for everyone -a tote bag.
komal singh — Google review
The whole staff was great and friendly despite the amount of children on field trips on Tuesday 11/14/23.
It had been a while since my last visit so I needed, I was having some questions on where to find certain areas and staff was friendly to answer all of them. Excellent service!
Moon jellyfish were my son's favorite area although they were a little on the hidden side of the aquarium.
I had forgotten how fun this place is! Thinking of getting their membership since it is at good rate.
Cinthia — Google review
It's been so very long since I've last been here. It's a lot smaller than I had remembered. Maybe I was just that little back then. But as an adult, it is still a fun place to visit with kids. The interactive activities with sea life are fun and educational. So many penguins, sea lions, sea otters, sharks, sting rays, many many different fish, octopuses, and my favorite - jellyfish! I also enjoyed the stamp stations! Also, surprisingly the cafe has pretty decent food!
Cristine — Google review
Wow this aquarium was awesome! My parents were visiting and we took my 3 year old daughter and all had a great time! We spent 5 hours there! Highly recommend checking out the shark and moon jellies touch pool. The highlight for my daughter was in the Art Gallery area. You could color a fish or shark on a tablet and then send it to swim in a virtual coral reef projection, it was so cool!
Brittany Morrison — Google review
Super cute, lots of touch stations. There was a pretty big croud, mostly because of school trips, but was able to enjoy the experience. An activity for everyone are the stamps that you can do along the way shown on the vistor guide & map
Celene Gomez — Google review
Ticket $44.95 (₹3753.15)
Spent around 2 hrs inside. It was a really good experience. Recommended if you are in Long Beach and haven't seen ocean species before and didn't encounter them.
It's walking distance from Long Beach convention hall and Hilton hotel. Book a ticket from their official website. Or if you are a AAA member you can get a discounted ticket ($36). If you are booking a ticket for 2PM they will allow you to enter at 1:45PM. Cheers.
Himanshu Gupta — Google review
Pretty good aquarium to spend the day at. Not the best aquarium I have been too but this one seems pretty well designed space for the animals and they seem take good care of the animals. Great for kids with many interactive touch sensory areas for the kids… also with plenty of hand washing areas at each area. Good time for adults and kids.
The ticket price seems a little high for adults and kids (3 or older)
Greg Kuebler — Google review
Such a beautiful aquarium, I adored all the exhibits, especially the shark lagoon made me happy. The volunteers and staff were all very friendly!
What a wonderful space for learning about our amazing ocean and everything that comes with it!
The daily ticket price does feel a bit too much. Honestly, I would consider getting a membership since daily ticket fees are not that affordable for young adults who aren’t students however I’m still unsure personally.
Jay Basu — Google review
Went with someone else and we both loved it. Spent several hours here. They had multiple activities and plenty of staff for help and/or educational purposes. Got to touch sting rays, starfish, and several aquatic plants. Absolutely loved this place. It is a must visit if you're in LA. This is the best aquarium I've been to within the US. Make sure to get your parking verified upon exit makes parking only $8.
Giselle Salazar — Google review
Aquarium of the Pacific was a great experience for the whole family. We booked in advance and arrived a few minutes after 9am, when they open. I am really glad we arrived early. We had plenty of time to pet the sharks and stingrays. We loved the stingrays so much we went back later. There were way too many people to enjoy them even an hour after opening. Parking is $15 in 2024. The Aquarium validated my parking, saving me $8.
I highly recommend booking a Whale Watching tour for an additional $35 per person. Check out my Harbour Sea Cruise post for more info.
The Queen Mary is an iconic ocean liner that has played a major role in maritime history since its construction in the 1930s. With a fascinating history dating back to the Depression era, the luxurious ship sailed across the Atlantic with celebrities and royalty including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Winston Churchill between 1936 and 1967. Today, it attracts tourists with its Art Deco interior, fine dining options, pools, and spa.
I love history and I love haunted places, so this was a great place to explore from me. You can explore so much of the ship at your leisure, or you can participate in a haunted tour. I roamed around the ship from 2:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. by myself just exploring freely and spooking myself out. We stayed in a cabin for a couple of nights and it was very comfortable. They had a great mix of comfort and convenience along with original fittings, fixtures, decorations that really take you back in time.
The ship has numerous exhibits, Museum areas, tons of information to learn from. The staff were very friendly, including the captain who we met at one of the bars on board - he was not drinking, just doing the rounds and introducing himself.
We ate at the Winston Churchill restaurant, the food was fantastic and the atmosphere was phenomenal. I enjoyed being on this ship so much and I would love to go back.
Oliver Warne — Google review
It said it was closed on my Google app. We were going to the cruise ship and I saw it and I was interested in seeing what it was like inside. I remember going there several years back and having Queen Mary beer and had a good experience there and they blew the ship horn. It was very interesting. Would like to see it open again. Looks like it needs some paint and some TLC
Kevin Petalos Vegas Realtor — Google review
Before we get started, it is important to understand that this ship is still being renovated and is nowhere near her former glory yet. With that being said, we chose to stay here because of its proximity to the Carnival Cruise terminal. It is literally less than a minute's walk across the parking lot! Now on to the good, the bad, and the ugly.....this Ship is neat and a peace of history. Once all the renovations are done on this ship, she will be amazing! With that being said, she needs our help to get renovated. They do tours, and the hotel all helps her get renovated to her former glory, so check out the website listed. Now, about our stay....if you come in before check-in, they will hold your luggage for you while you explore either the ship or Long Beach. The room we stayed in was just a standard room with 2 queen beds, but it was huge for a state room! We did have a problem with the AC, but so did everyone on our side of the hall on our floor. We opened up the port holes and were given a fan to put in front of the windows, and it was ok for the night ( we are from Texas, so the weather was pleasant to us). There are a few places around the ship that you can tell definitely needs work, but like I said, she is a work in progress. We plan on coming back and cruising out of this port, so we will see the Queen Mary again!
Myrna Talasek — Google review
Convenient for a pre cruise or post cruise stay. Rooms are small but comfortable and serviced every three days. Bath took a long time to fill. We were there on a storm day and all the internal tours were cancelled, which was disappointing as it wasn't necessary and would have given us something to do. Parts of the ship have free displays but even guests have to pay for tours. Free tea/coffee was provided on the storm day. Would it be too much to have this everyday? Nearby water ferry takes you across to aquarium and large selection of restaurants. We ate on board once and the corned beef sliders were very good. Bellboy Jeff and Jesus were the most helpful staff members. Reception staff were giving people checking in different information to that given us as we were waiting to check out and weren't overly helpful and quite vague at times. Art deco bar is nice and Starbucks coffee shop was OK but basic. We're glad we've had the experience of staying here but won't rush for a return visit.
Danae Bird — Google review
TLDR: We were charged $200 and randomly assigned a tour we didn't chose at a time we couldn't attend and were never told and now they are refusing to make it right.
Our family of 6 (2 adults, 4 children) went to the ship for lunch and a tour. We were excited because we used to love visiting and wanted to support their reopening. When we got there we paid $200 for admission and were told nothing, but according to the sign out front that included one of three tours. They handed us the ticket and we went inside and ate lunch. We then proceeded to the Tour Center to book our tour, only to be told we had been randomly assigned a 6:15pm Glory Days tour. We were never asked what tour we wanted, and we were not able to attend a tour at 6:15pm on a Sunday when our children have school the next day and we live more than an hour away. We tried to explain this at the Tour Center and were immediately and very rudely told there was nothing they could do. We tried again at the ticket counter, but after waiting around awhile were eventually told we would have to email to get a refund. I sent the email the same day (Sunday) along with all my documents (receipts, etc) and it is now Tuesday with no response. For $200 (and we spent another $125+ at the restaurant too) they could have at least explained that we were going to be randomly assigned a tour and told the time! (Really, for that price we should have been able to pick the tour and the time!) Ridiculous. We were going to book a room and the New Years Eve party but will definitely NOT being doing that now.
Angela Bentley — Google review
What an interesting place to stay. The well maintained and restored parts of the ship are beautiful. There are some older parts that need work, but I am sure that they are trying. The food in the restaurant was superb. The staff was all very nice, but we had to wait a long time for our room. They may not have enough staff. We were going on a Carnival cruise the next day, and it was a short walk to get there. It is a convenient and fun location as a place to stay the day before a cruise.
Edward Adamsky — Google review
I had a great experience with my daughters and my husband. We did the haunted tour and our guide was very nice and shared wonderful stories about the Queen Mary. The ship is absolutely beautiful although it gives a creepy vibes it’s still beautiful to see. I took lots of pictures just in case and sure enough going back through the pictures at home I’d notice some strange reflections and orbs. Pretty cool and scary! Definitely will be scheduling another tour soon.
Paola Anaya — Google review
A totally unique and beautiful setting for an evening out. I love going on Tuesdays during happy hour at the observation bar with live music. It is a glamorous and historic setting like no other.
I would say that there are some missed opportunities. Several areas are always closed, like the large ballroom on the promenade deck. but they would definitely make great venues for live music like in the observation bar. It would also free up some space as the bar can get quite busy. That would be a great addition to evening happy hour and would enhance the experience. It would be nice if more of the ship would be open especially in the evening because other than the bar there are not many open places. But the ship is a beautiful place to go regardless. I hope to see more work done to restore the queen Mary because it deserves a lot of care and improvement.
Jacob R — Google review
When I went a few months ago the inside was closed but I did get some great exterior shots! I'd call before you go if you're looking to take a tour or stay the night.
In 2004 however my mother and I did go aboard for a tour and to walk around on the ship and it was an amazing experience! The tour even took you through the broiler rooms! Gift shop had alot of neat trinkets as well!
So even revisiting it from the outside brought back memories.
Tom V — Google review
I'm so excited to get back to the Queen. It's literally been 10 years. Made a trip back before covid and it was closed for renovations. Back up and running, and I can't wait!! The tours are amazing. So full of legit history. Haunted ghost tours at night are pretty fun from what I hear. Like any historical place, I'm sure it's got it's share of the "dark side". The food was excellent and there were events happening all around. Such a great place to stay.
Tidy Car — Google review
The itinerary is very fast and there is no time to stay. I just enjoy its beauty and historical stories outside. I can see decommissioned submarines, torpedoes, and the majestic Queen Mary. It is a pity that I could have stayed until six in the evening and enjoyed ten yuan. The ticket discounts are available for a visit, and I will come back next time.
Christine — Google review
What an amazing experience! The history and displays and tour are so fun. The hotel rooms are very clean and up to date. We had dinner at the onboard restaurant Chelsea’s Chowder house. Everything we tried was so perfectly prepared and delicious. Just an all around wonderful experience and I wish we could stay for a few more days!
Rich Watkins — Google review
This was such an experience. Honestly the ship was so much bigger than I had dreamed it would be. From the moment we stepped on board we were treated like esteemed guests. Interaction with a crew member was fantastic. The gift shop was stocked with things that I could not pass up. The whole place was elegant and timeless. I got lost a couple times just exploring the beauty and grandeur of the ship. I wish I had more time but my feet were already killing me.
So I would have given this a five star review but I knocked it down one for two reasons 1) the haunted tour stopped at like 5, and was booked all the way to the next day at 11:30. That was unfortunate and I feel like at Halloween they should have more tours and offer them later at night. 2) the food options were minimum, one of the restaurants was closed, the other had a private event, and the last was insanely expensive. I would have even paid for the expensive one but it was like a two hour wait and I was tired so we door dashed. It seems like a missed opportunity to have one on the deck, or a restaurant out front so you could see the whole ship. All together though definitely an amazing stop on our trip through California.
Oh and I think I caught a ghost in the picture of the pool, zoom in on the left corner of the pool and tell me that isn't a man in a black hat...
Michael Cochran — Google review
Great location by the Port! There's a lot of history that they preserved. I did a really fun ghost tour that I attended and thoroughly enjoyed! The tour is done after hours at night. The event I went to was really lovely. Great picture opportunities all around! I haven't had a bad visit yet minus the summer heat. It does get hot at the queen Mary during summertime. During fall, it is perfectly chilled and a comfortable stay. It's just really old stuff around you. Be mindful there are many stairs around the ship, so wear proper shoes. Smoking is not allowed by any means inside the ship due to the highly flammable and sensitive wood that they kept to preserve the authenticity of the ship. It's worth checking out if you've never been, and it's bigger than the Titanic. If you see an event there, plan ahead and see about how parking will be because some events will only take a shuttle or rideshare to get there.
CC B — Google review
The history of the ship is really neat. It is a growth place to visit. However, my room was not worth the price. It had plenty of room and well kept but they were not able to controll the temperature. My room was boiling and I am sensitive to heat so I did not get much rest. Despite that I would encourage people to visit the ship as a museum and help support the historical value of the ship. The staff were great and brought fans ti help cool down the room. The bar was also fun to hang out at on the ship. There was live music and the drinks were great. The ships restaurants were all booked which forced me to have to off site to eat. I would recommend having a restaurant guaranteed spot for hotel guests.
travis mcivor — Google review
We did the paranormal ship tour and our guide Paul (Uncle Paul) was amazing. He had history with the Grand Lady and not only told us about some of her amazing history along with that of some of her passengers. Paul guided us to many areas of the ship Including the infamous room B340, the Captains room and crew quarters, and many other areas closed off all the while getting both history and paranormal information. You can tell he has an amazing love for This beautiful lady and it's not hard to see why. I myself had the Experience of being touched by something that I can not explain. She is a beautiful ship and I beyond happy that she is being restored. We want to thank Paul for the experience we had and his wealth of knowledge! And much of the profits are out back into The Queen Mary restoring her beauty. I can't wait to return and see her again!
Stefanie Mccleary — Google review
Staying on The Queen Mary is an amazing experience! As you walk in the ship you walk back in time! Our room was amazing, looking out over the bay. Lunch and breakfast were both delicious and the servers amazing. Everyone working here is very knowledgeable and happy to share the history of this magnificent ship! Loved the ghost tour! And if you go, make sure you check out the huge Lego ship!
Sandy Fragasse — Google review
Such a beautiful ship and a great place to stay the night. The history and stories behind this ship make the stay even better. Also can’t ignore the wonderful ocean views, sunsets, and dinners provided during your stay. Would recommend to anyone
Isaac Gould — Google review
Took a tour of the QM and learned all about this ship's amazing history. They are currently working on renovations, so we weren't able to stay the night, but I would love to return at some point in the future and stay on the ship. Highly recommend a tour once they open back up if you are in the area!
Jen Sanford — Google review
Randomly visited the Queen Mary and purchased the self guided tour. It was pretty awesome to walk through the engine room and through the halls. There’s labels through the tour that explain in details what’s what. I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would and would do it again. We ended our tour by having a drink at the bar and enjoying the scenic view of Long Beach.
Tanya Salas — Google review
Our stay at the Queen Mary Hotel in Long Beach was an incredible journey back in time! The moment I stepped into the room, I was captivated by the historic wood panels and charming porthole windows, which added a unique and nostalgic touch.
The ample closet space and dresser drawers were a pleasant surprise, making it easy to keep everything organized during my stay. The rooms were adorned with historic art, creating an atmosphere that truly transports you to the 1930s era of ocean voyages.
The Observation Bar was a real gem, providing a delightful setting to unwind with an evening cocktail. I loved the immersive feeling of being on an actual ocean voyage from the 1930s, even though the ship wasn't moving.
To top it off, the 30s and 40s big band jazz music playing throughout the ship added a magical touch to the whole experience. I highly recommend the Queen Mary Hotel for anyone seeking a memorable and nostalgic getaway. It's a true gem where history comes alive!
Andrew Allen — Google review
We loved staying at the Queen Mary. The history is amazing. The only thing that was sad is that we weren't able to see the gift shop, the museum, the isolation deck or partake in the ghost tour. I wasn't made aware when booking that you had to reserve for the ghost tour. I'm glad that we were able to eat on the ship but barely made their last night's reservation. It sounds like the ship reopened after covid. Perhaps they are low staffed or just getting to know how things work. Regardless, the staff was amazing, We loved our room and definitely will be back to do what we couldn't do with just one night's stay.
Deanna Noteboom — Google review
What a unique experience. We loved it. Walked around the whole boat. Stayed the night in a secure, quiet, comfortable room. The restaurant is always busy so book. Dessert menu is delicious. Highly recommended to do something different and memorable.
Jill Hansen — Google review
We did the paranormal tour here with our Girl Scouts...it was phenomenal.. nice and thorough, went at a good pace with lots of time for pictures or your own investigative equipment. They even held the tour for a few minutes because of traffic from an event nearby....so thoughtful!! Thanks for the wonderful experience.
Krystle Busby — Google review
This unique hotel is a decent value when you consider the insane hotel prices around LA. A fantastic bar on the forward deck area overlooking Long Beach harbor. Rooms are a bit dated and claustrophobic, but very clean and have a historic feel. Plenty of parking and great access for cruisers at the port within steps of the entrance. The breakfast was above average and the gift shops are great. Lots of history all over the ship. Haunted tours available.
Brady Bernhart — Google review
What a fun experience! Most of the ship you can tour yourself but they do offer several tours that you pay for. The room was nice and cleanly, but there is no air conditioning. We asked for a fan and that made all the difference. The beds weren't very comfortable, TV remote wouldn't change the channel, and there was a very limited amount of electrical outlets. We didn't experience anything supernatural in our room but did around the ship. The hotel staff were very pleasant and kind.
Deanna McMullen — Google review
Did the evening 2 hour tour of the ship. Parking is free after some point, not really sure when but we stayed until midnight. The tour was not crowded this late and the kids were not scared with all the ghost stories. Highly recommend for a different experience than the norm. Fyi the shops close at 8pm and dining was very good at the Promenade Cafe.
Alan Cabural — Google review
We were looking for a great experience while we were in Long Beach and this was such a great find. The ship is lovely, we stayed in a lovely suite on the M deck I believe. We had dinner-it was just "ok" and took part in the extended paranormal walking tour which we thoroughly enjoyed. We had the breakfast buffet before we departed the next day. If you are looking for a great evening and stay this is it, do the tour, enjoy the food, and stay the night!
Lisa Wright — Google review
I visited Queen Mary a week ago today and had an absolutely wonderful time. I'm an ocean liner enthusiast, and Queen Mary is my favorite ship. Finally seeing and experiencing her in real life was a real treat, a big thing I can check off my bucket list. All in all, I was aboard the Queen for about 7 1/2 hours and I felt like I could've stayed with my beloved ship forever. The only thing I wish I could've done is stay aboard one night, but that's okay, that just gives me more reason to visit the Queen again! I think a lot of people visit her without truly appreciating that she's a 90-year-old ship that once crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a regular basis for three decades, not some typical hotel. The modern amenities we're so used to with hotels aren't always going to be there aboard the Queen. But history and beauty? She has it in spades! I love this ship, and I'm grateful to the City of Long Beach and Evolution Hospitality for the constant restoration work being done aboard Queen Mary. She's in such great shape and there are more great things to come. Well done. I must also give a shout out to the guide who heads up the Glory Days tour. I'm frequently leary about tours otherwise, but this was really great. I wish I could for the life of me remember his name. Ah well. Anyway, thanks for the wonderful time!
Zach Hilgefort — Google review
Awesome experience. 1st time inside the Queen Mary . We pay 10 per person after 545pm just to look around without a tour . Awesome experience to be inside an amazing ship and the history that follows.From WW2 era to its paranormal activity and sights. Can't believe this ship has almost 100 years yet it holds strongly in beautiful Long Beach for people to stay, dine , tour and just to make great memories.Will be going back for a pay tour later on .
Josue Leyva — Google review
Staying on the Queen Mary was a dream come true. She’s gorgeous, she’s grandeur, and while at times there were some uncomfortable moments, if you’re someone who appreciates the paranormal, the opulence, art deco and history, this is a must. Despite dealing with a few drunks while on the paranormal ship walk tour, the tour itself takes you into many reported hotspots and places on the ship not open to the public. Additionally, if you’re into art deco, the Observation Bar is a must. All transports you back in time of war, opulence, and luxury. The bed in an inside stateroom I had wasn’t the most comfortable, and certainly you’re at the ship’s mercy of varying temperatures and stuffiness. But overall, the staff were friendly, the gym was both historic and massively functional, the food was fantastic, and it’s certainly worth either a day trip or overnight. I cannot wait to go again!
Ashley Keller — Google review
we had the BEST time here. incredible, once in a lifetime experience stepping straight onto a historic time capsule. the staff was amazing and accommodating. we ate at the restaurant and the food was delicious and our waitress was amazing. the on board gift shop was so cute and wandering around the ship was very fun. we stayed overnight and our room was everything we hoped it would be. everyone needs to visit the Queen herself.
lor — Google review
I did the paranormal ship tour with Christopher. I had all but given up on ghost tours because I’ve had a lot of duds. This was hands down the best ever. Christopher is so knowledgeable and you can tell he has a lot of compassion and respect for the people who have passed. He encouraged us to use tools which I have never seen before on a tour. We got a lot of activity and I can’t wait to go back.
Lyndsey McCracken — Google review
My wife and I did the Queen Mary "Haunted Encounter Tour" with Mr. Bill as our tour guide. Even when we did this tour at 10:30 am and with a small group, Bill was still able to spook us with the ghost stories of this ship. Bill narrated very well and the fact that you actually go into the rooms/parts of the ship where the ghost stories happened made this a worthwhile tour! It was definitely an amazing experience.
We also toured the parts of the ship on our own and man, the ship's intricate engine room and the Finest Hours part of the ship were amazing as well!
Added bonus: when you do the tour, you can also ask the staff to keep your luggage for the interim and they would store it in a locked room for free!
James Leonard Catipay — Google review
We did the self guided tour during their Off-Hours and it was great way to spend a few hours. We enjoyed exploring the vessel at our leisure. Kids were kept entertained with all the different levels and stairs. Parking was $25 which seems a bit much, plenty of room available. Our favorite part was the engine room. I would have enjoyed seeing the staterooms- I'm not sure if they're tourable
The Knott's Berry Farm theme park is a well-known and highly rated amusement park in California that features thrilling roller coasters, old-fashioned charm, and famous fried chicken. The park is extensive, with a range of attractions including the historical ghost town, the theme park with many thrilling roller coasters, the onsite Knotts Berry Farm Hotel, and the famous Mrs. Knotts Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Specials, deals, and events are always available on their website.
If you really can't afford other parks, or wasn't able to go to one because of the law, Knott's Berry Farm should be perfect and more affordable to save you from your troubles! They have neat merchandise for yourself or your friends and family, intense rides that will make you scream, like my personal favorite... the Silver Bullet from Ghost Town, and enjoy some awesome attractions and food! Heck, their chicken is fast, easy and high-quality, but also deliciously tasty! When you have your kids with you, you can take them to Camp Snoopy to meet up with your favorite Peanuts characters for some cute photos! If you haven't went to a theme park for a long time because of the pandemic or you're waiting very eagerly to go there, then America's #1 Theme Park of this will be awesome for you. Have fun and be very safe!🎡🎠🎢🚂
Anthony Merchak — Google review
AMAZING!
Knott’s Berry Farm is a very fun place for the whole family!! This place has many different types of attractions, whether it’s intense rides, mellow rides, rides for young children, popcorn stands, restaurants, games, and so much more. The way the rides are there, people from ant age can find a ride that fits them and they can ride it and enjoy it. The food there is also very good, including restaurants such as Johnny Rockets and Panda Express, and there are many delicious desert places and candy shops. Overall a 10/10, highly recommended for anyone looking to have a fun filled time!!
Gabriel Raco — Google review
I haven't been here in over a decade and was pleasantly surprised with my experience there yesterday. It was not busy at all for Sunday and the longest line we waited in was just an hour. The performances of the castmates in the Calico Ghost Town were a nice touch that I don't recall ever experiencing before. We got the meal pass which was a great value as it allowed us to eat one entree and side at almost any of the dining options every 90 minutes. I do just wish there were better food choices. Our favorite was Panda Express.
Ryan N — Google review
A visit to Knott's is akin to comfort food. I know just what to expect and there's never a dull moment. Each visit is a unique experience and tremendous fun. It is best to arrive early and simple knock out most of the park before nightfall. Highly recommend going for a season pass and visiting about every other month; definitely the best value in So Cal!
Jorge Rivera — Google review
It's a very fun park, it has a lot of roller coasters, some might be very intense for some people. There are other rides for adults and kids and have many other attractions only for kids.
Be aware that you might get wet in a couple of attractions, and usually they have a free storage for you to place you belongings while riding.
Anabel Pachano-Arismendi — Google review
This time of year Knotts is all decorated for Christmas with lights everywhere and it "snows" in different areas. It's so beautiful. They also have the Snoopy ice skating show, which is amazing! It's a lot going on in the show for everyone to enjoy, get in line early to get better seats. The lines are pretty long for the rides once 1:00 comes, but if you go early when they open you can get on a few rides before the lines start to get long. Parking also gets super full too. I highly recommend coming here to enjoy a day of thrills.
Camille Rios — Google review
You have to Go!🤘😎👍 This is my family’s first time visiting this park. This is so different than Disneyland and so much fun. The roller coasters run through the park and sometimes fly right above you. We went during the Boysenberry Festival and that was yummy. Get a tasting card to see what’s on it. This is a very fun amusement park. There is so much to do and experience and so much to eat and drink. You definitely have to go on 👻 Ghost Rider and Silver Bullet and you can’t miss the 1881 Steam Engine Train 🚂💨 Also take a break at sunset and go ride the Sky Cabin ride to enjoy the view above the park. We really enjoyed the whole park. The food was great they even had a 🐼 Panda Restaurant inside. You must stop by the 🚒 Fireman’s Brigade BBQ 👨🚒 and get a funnel cake with ice cream. Also you can’t go wrong picking something up from the bakery. We grabbed the unlimited all day refills cup about $20 you could refill every 15 minutes if you need to. We stayed from opening to closing and would do it all again. Be patient and be kind to the those working there. Have fun!
Adam Golling — Google review
A great theme park! If you like well themed parks and interesting and different rides this is the park for you! Dark rides, Coasters, Flat Rides, Water Rides, Interesting and unique foods! Boysenberry flavored EVERYTHING. Can't wait until I get to go back and have more fun with friends! Oh and dont forget the chicken dinner! It's a ridiculous amount of food for the price!
Chris Messick (Fuzzy Reviews) — Google review
Loved it, went during the boysenberry festival. There was so much to do. There were so many shops, and tons of new food items to try. Entire ghost town and many parts of the park are filled with gorgeous flowers and arrangements. Great for family pics. There's also a bunch of shows and activities going on for the festival. Workers are friendly and even give good advice on what to try or what times are best to avoid crowds. On Sunday after five the crowds died and it was so nice to see the different parts of the park all lit up. We really enjoyed our time and definitely got our steps in.
Grace Tapia — Google review
Great park. Size is good, not so big you’re trekking miles all day, not so small you’re done in two hours. Crowds were very manageable but we went on a weekday. Food choices are a big limited, unless you like burgers and fries. The Fastlane option is expensive but really worth it as it virtually eliminates any waiting for rides. There’s some really cute themes throughout the park and it’s very clean and well organized.
Only complaint is that there largest coaster is currently down and has been since 2022 yet the website didn’t mention that.
Neal Panhuyzen — Google review
We had a great time. It was the perfect day, not too crowded. It was our first time on the Hang Time ride and it was awesome! The only bad thing is that $50 for parking is just ridiculous, not sure we will be back anytime soon with those prices.
HEATHER HORD — Google review
Phenomenal! I haven't been here in 30 years and came to take my son who is 3. He loved it. It was hot, it was sunny, but we did the entire camp snoopy, got 4 meet and greet photos, watched one show and did 2 big kid rides. I loved it. It's an adorable park for my son and we stayed for four hours before it was nap time. Lots of shade, lots of space to walk and roam, cute photo ops, great food choices and honestly it was a fabulous time and I hope for him a core memory.
Vanessa C — Google review
SUPER FUN TIME! first time to Scary Farm and it was so good. The scare, the laughs, the rides, the clowns (good job), the shows ... everything was good.
The parking was a little far but the walk was just the warm up for the night. Starts at 7pm ends at 2am. Never a boring moment! Prices go up the closer it gets to Halloween and online is cheaper! Get your parking online too.
Chrys M — Google review
It is really nice. I love all the shops and that you can shop without entering the park. It was neat and clean and so nice! They have more rides that may be called old fashioned, but that's why I enjoyed it! Just simple good fun and good for all ages. The employees were kind and accommodating. We had a great day at the park!
Rosalene Mullins — Google review
It's been more than 10yrs since I been here at Knotts. Had trouble with tickets on line would not display the purchase. Showed the young lady at the booth and got management to help and they validated the purchase. A few rides close but still had fun and enjoyed a good meal.
Lorenzo Garcia — Google review
Small but good park with great rides. Went during Boysenberry Festival highly recommend for adults with or without young kids. Lots of booths , get the tasting card for sure or try them all . Really good portion sizes and great flavors.
1st time visiting this park. Good family park with lots of things to do for kids.
We will return again one day.
Adrian McCallister — Google review
A great alternative for families on a budget and who hate waiting in long lines. Less action then Disneyland that's for sure. No parades, no real fun atmosphere and no ongoing entertainment. Never saw Charlie Brown or Snoopy. No singers. No dancers. Didn't see any shows going on. The staff is definitely less friendly and actually saw a couple staff personnel yell at customers. I was actually shocked. Everything closes at 6pm and the park is very dark once the sun goes down -- awful night time lighting.
Lots of unhealthy food options, which is a bummer. I'm giving them 4 stars based on the fact that it's way more affordable than their competitors and also for short wait times on most of their rides. But there is definitely room for improvement. Staff should be more friendly and professional and less condescending and rude to customers. They should have better healthy food choices.
They definitely need better forms of entertainment. While waiting in lines all we could hear was boring outdated music from a distance. Should have a light show at night, which would also improve the awful nighttime lighting and increase sales. A Snoopy and gang musical parade, a fireworks show and dressing up the park with lights on trees are just some basic things that would elevate the park tremendously.
The rides were fun, fairly short but some are scary in a good way. My personal fav was finding 4 beautiful baby pigs taking a nap in the barn area (see my photo). The funnel cake was really good and the BBQ Place was decent, loved their corn bread -- a bit pricey but good.
James D — Google review
Had such an awesome time even though it was super busy.
Annual pass holder however had two first timers with me and they loved it.
The characters in Ghost Town are amazing at what they do, kept us entertained for a couple hours doing a few chores, deliveries and being thrown in jail… not even DL has this experience and is unique to Knotts!
A theme park for all ages… food could be improved but it’s above average for a theme park, end of the day it’s not a fine dining restaurant.
Roberto Alcaro (ITA80Y) — Google review
Had a lot of fun here! Lots of great rides. Many of the rides we waited 30 min or less for. The Silver Bullet was our favorite. We also enjoy the Sidewinder, River Ride, Jaguar, Coast rider and Hang Time.
There were 5 rides that were closed which was disappointing - especially the Ghost Rider - we were really sad that we couldn't ride that one.
Definitely recommend getting the All Day dining pass and the souvenir cup (purchased separately as drinks were not included in all day dining). You get so much food. We got 2 all day dining passes for our family of 4 and there was plenty of food for us. Little to no wait time for food. Food was all really good too.
The churro sundae was also so amazing! 1 was enough for 4 of us!
The App was a waste of time as the wait times were not updating and we're always wrong.
Lots of walking but overall, I would recommend and would go back again.
Mel Rhodes — Google review
Absolutely fantastic theme park, 10/10. They are the first theme park in the entire United States, and they've always been a top dog in coming up with new types of rides and implementing new innovations in them. There is a fantastic variety of rides for both the daredevils and the more laid back people. I would definitely recommend going early, ideally on weekdays, but at least arrive before the doors open at 10am if you're coming on a weekend. Sometimes they will open the front gates and let you enter the front of the theme park at 9:30 but not let anyone walk to rides until 10. Ghost Rider and Silver Bullet are my two favorite rides, and Hang Time or the drop tower might be the scariest rides I've ever been on. Lines for the rides can get up to 2hrs, download their app so you can choose the rides appropriately.
Eric Yang — Google review
Knott's Scary Farm was a fun experience. Our family attended while on vacation and really enjoyed it. The haunted attractions were well done and the actors walking the streets were great! I would recommend skipping the ride lines since they take so long and there isn't enough time to do the rest of the attractions once you've waited for 1-2+ hours for a single roller coaster.
Gerald Gabriel — Google review
If you want thrill rides, this is the place to go. The rides vary from family friendly and fairly tame to some of the most extreme thrills I've ever had at an amusement park. Seriously, intense doesn't even begin to describe some of the more advanced rides. Food is a bit pricey, but to be expected at such a place.
Brian Popelka — Google review
The staff here was not helpful most of the time. You could just tell they wanted no part in being there. The vendors that they brought in were nice. Some of the stuff they were selling was cute and crafty. The wait times for rides was atrocious but the ride line up is good. Some of the coasters don't live up to the hype. The snoopy on ice show was amazingly adorable, and all the boysenberry products were delectable! The chicken to go outside the park was delicious! We went back every visit to take a meal to go. The food in the park was better than most other theme parks we have visited! All in all a nice little gem to go to. Parking is the only thing that can be somewhat confusing, depending on what lots are open that day.
Stephanie Bean — Google review
I brought my kids Monday for the Boysenberry festival. I also had my partner who is currently unable to bear weight on his leg due to an injury so we rented an electric wheelchair & they had us go to guest services to get a disability pass so we could bypass the lines and get assistance. Well we were told we would be let on and bypass the wait but whatever the wait time was we would have to wait that time to ride that specific ride again, which was understandable. After about 3 rides, we had someone tell us no we need to wait the wait time to ride any ride throughout the whole park. So I think everyone needs to be on the same page and we need to be informed properly to begin with. The food this year was definitely not as good as last year which was a bummer. I didn't even use up half my tastings I paid for. Like any amusement park it's packed & crowed. People don't know how to move for people in wheelchairs. This is the cheapest theme park in CA so I feel like everyone comes here. The rides are fun, some shops are great. I love the glass blowing. I definitely recommend going during the week. Less annoying kids / people.
Michelle Chesmore — Google review
Beautiful Amusement Park! It was full of gorgeous Christmas decor. Festive and well-laid out. We visited on December 29; it was super crowded. The lines for the rides, restrooms and food were incredibly long; yet, we had a wonderful time. There were 21 in our group, and we had a blast. The park is ridiculously expensive. Bring your own food, drinks and snacks. They will check your bags thoroughly and take your photo upon entering. The crowds around the Christmas Season are huge; just grin and bear it. Make the most of it. Plenty of paid parking lots...$30 regular fee; $50 for preferred parking. Be ready to spend your $$$$ and have a great time; we did!!
Ruth Jones — Google review
Took the family on a little trip. The park was very clean the lines weren't terribly long and no rides got shut down. Be aware if you don't have a fast pass it can be frustrating. Sometimes they just let the pass holders on the rides leaving the normal line to just wait and if the pass line fills up again they just load them up again. They also don't like to fill up all the seats on a ride for some reason. The food is good but very expensive ($15-$20) as are the drinks so plan on eating and drinking accordingly. You can get water for free or buy all day food and drink passes. The adult beverages are more expensive than a bar or restaurant too. One spot had a single tequila shot for $20, mixed drinks and beers were about $12-$15.
a negrete — Google review
It's a fun place with something for everyone to enjoy. From kid friendly rides up to the adrenaline junkie. Those who want to sit down and enjoy a good show to those who want to place games and try to win something. Plus with over 15 places to dine, you definitely will find something your stomach is craving. I recommend their famous chicken family meal right outside the park. If you go before December is over they have special holiday menu items, decorations, and carolers. If you live within 2 hours, I recommend buying to season pass, right now it's on sale for $105, you can make $7 monthly payments after a $35 down payment.
Simon Perkins — Google review
We went on Super Bowl Sunday, so it wasn't too crowded, lines much shorter than usual. We had a great time, good funnel cake, Everything was clean, and the employees friendly. Good dinner at Mrs. Knott's chicken place. Will be back.
Large, popular water park with dozens of slides & attractions, plus an area for tots & a sand beach.
This park is so much fun; I would recommend bringing the kids! Only about 3 rides weren't operating that day, which was great! We got on all of the others! The longest line we waited in was 15 minutes! I will admit, I was expecting a longer wait times. Food was AWESOME!
Make sure you remember sun screen AND reapply! Stay hydrated! 💦
I would visit again 😍🤞🏼
REEM ALMIJMAJ — Google review
The place is a good place to visit with family and friends, to have fun in the water, the rides are good... Just that making a line for so long! It's crazy, by the time they close, you don't enjoy all the rides, maybe a few, and if you want the line to be faster, you have to buy a pass that is a bit pricey 🏊🏼♀️🌊💦⛲😎☀️well other than that my family and I had fun, did our best to enjoyed as much as we could
Claudia E Zu?iga (Clau) — Google review
It's Raging Waters. How can you not have fun? The chicken tenders are definitely expensive at $15 but they're really good if that's any consolation. The fries are also good. The lazy river is fun as long as you're in a tube. The water is very dirty so you don't really want to get in it. The rides are all great and the staff is friendly. It's a good time. Alot plenty of time for parking. While they have several shuttles and a bus, it's alot of people to move around.
Damon Fleming — Google review
I see that there’s a lot of negative reviews on this place but that is not the case on my experience. We had a great time here with the kids. The food is descent but if you want to bring your own food you can. Staff were always friendly to us and helpful. When we went it was clean and the stores were organized. The bathrooms were clean and there was always someone in there cleaning the bathrooms. Overall it was a great experience and would return for summer!
R Marchese — Google review
Love working here! Definitely a great team dynamic, plenty of room for advancement, and effcient way to earn some income during the summer months. Also grew up coming here as a guest with family and friends and have made some amazing memories along the way. Seen the transformations and improvements of the park over the years and hope to continue seeing the park provide guests with fun-filled experiences. I recommend a season pass!
Tiffany ?Tiff? S. — Google review
Cool family spot but there are a lot of negatives. Pizza at the cabana sucks. Preferred parking is $50! Like wow. Ice was not cold in the drinks. Tubes in the lazy river are first come first serve basis. Waves in the wave pool are not even high. Lol But I would come back tho.
Melystikal — Google review
We got the tickets online the night before, there was a Labor Day sale, one adult ticket was $39.99 plus a service fee around $4 ($8 service fee for 2 tickets). We also bought the standard parking ($25) and H2Go standard pass ($55). The parking was fine, we got there early as the park was opening. You have to ride a tram so I would recommend getting there early if you buy standard parking. We thought the H2Go pass saved a lot of waiting on a Saturday and allowed us to go on more rides. It was not overly crowded. A Beyond Burger w/ fries was around $18, so was the small locker which fit one backpack. It was fun! Lots of enjoyable water rides, my favorites were High Extreme and Bombs Away 😎
Li K. — Google review
Nice and relaxing day once we were permitted to go in area for Cabana we reserved! Gates opened at 10am, wasn't allowed in area to check-in for Cabana til after 10:15am,then not allowed in Cabana area til 11:00am...
Wasted time just standing around.
Need better procedure to accommodate guest.
Jackie Garner — Google review
A summer day perfectly spent with kids and friends!
Pristine wave pool , kiddie pool, and those big slides huh!! The big slides are more than enough for your adequate adrenaline flow...
Please remember of the long lines you will be experiencing for all big rides..
This was my second visit in 4 years and as always I found 2 to 3 rides were under maintenance.
Make sure you have enough of sunscreen and a sunglass.
Food inside is too expensive ,and not that savory , if you are taking premium parking $50, you may bring food and keep in cooler.
Have a waterproof mobile pouch or keep it in locker. Complete park is now cashless.
Njoy
Koushik Mukherjee — Google review
It's a great place. If you are looking for fun for a day, this would be a perfect water park for you.
But if you are looking for something very exciting, this may not be the best place for you.
There's a shuttle bus for a USD 20 parking pass. Not too far from the park.
We arrive at 1120, leaving around 1700. Save your favorite spot to the last could save your time on queuing.
The summer sale of USD 39.99 per person is a great deal.
I believe that the raging racer is the best facility for those who like exciting facilities and dislike queuing.
C.J. Wang — Google review
Group of 6 friends and I came on Father’s Day and it was -awesome- no long lines on any of the rides, we managed to do every single ride in the park. Snacks and stuff were pretty $$$ but that’s expected at any theme park. The wave pool had very small waves, but the lazy river was fantastic.
Devin Johnson — Google review
No outside food, coolers, or chairs allowed. But was fun! Great family environment. If you map your drive be sure to type " Raging waters parking" it will save you some miles!
Stara Letomaston — Google review
Raging Waters Los Angeles deserves a resounding 5-star rating for its exhilarating water park experience. While the $50 preferred parking is optional, I highly recommend purchasing it for the convenience and ease it brings to the day. The thrilling water rides and attractions make a waterproof cellphone case an absolute must-have, allowing you to capture every exciting moment worry-free. However, finding available lunch tables can be a bit challenging as some visitors leave their belongings on them without renting lockers. Nevertheless, this minor inconvenience pales in comparison to the overall enjoyment the park offers. While the $20 slush with one-time refill availability may not be the best value, the fun-filled activities and joyous atmosphere more than compensate for it. Raging Waters Los Angeles guarantees an unforgettable and splashing good time for everyone, making it an ideal destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Jun C — Google review
We went to the water park . The service was good and the slides were fun. The lines were decent in length. At the worst it was a fifteen minute wait.
Biggest advise is to arrive before 10 in order to secure a table for your family.
Do be aware that they have college students as lifeguards and workers at the water park. They were very a good people and friendly .
We also had problems with the parking which will cost $25 . But the bus was so fast to pick up. The food was kind expensive and not every thing they have as cappuccino they don’t have….
Sam — Google review
Pros = This is the best water park in SoCal, lots of different slides for all ages, a good lazy river, big kids play area, decent food and amenities.
Cons = The $50 "Preferred" parking lot is bullshizzery! You used to be able park close to the entrance if you got there early for the standard fee, but now it doesn't matter, $25 puts in the overflow lots a mile away and you have to wait for a tram, the preferred was half empty all day, that sucks especially for people with little ones.
They also could use some more shade structures around the food area, standing in line for 30-45 minutes in direct sun is brutal at 90+.
A Ev — Google review
Unless you pay $50 bucks for preferred parking, the experience is terrible. Even though it’s no where close to being sold out the tram comes once every 20 minutes. It’s also not very well maintained, slides have holes, speakers are rusted.
San Thach — Google review
Great place to keep Kool on a hot summer day but they have a lot of issues, one day they didn't have parking. It's a cashless park and their whole system was down not able to take payments at the front gate when purchasing tickets. Lines to purchase food can take up to a couple hours to get your food. They need to improve these things and the experience would be better.
Omar Valenciano — Google review
Very bad organization! There is not enough parking space for cars. very long queues for rides and for food. there is not enough space to put your things! no free tables to eat. if you bought a parking lot for $25, get ready to take a bus to the park and then back, there is a very long line back, so it's better to get out early. The food is not very tasty, it is better to take something with you
The Downtown Disney District is a central attraction in Disneyland Resort that features shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. The district is open-air and decorated with Disney themed elements, making it an ideal place to spend a day while in Anaheim.
The Downtown Disney District is a gem of the Disney brand and local area. This area has a host of restaurants, eateries, and shops for all ages.
A great spot to grab some adult beverages when on a date night or have a bite to eat with the family.
Downtown Disney District is within minutes walk from the Anaheim Convention Center and a host of various hotels and resort accommodation in the area.
Extremely clean and safe for hours of wandering and exploring.
Cameron — Google review
Love some of the seasonal updates that have been made. If you're heading down this Fall/Halloween season you're in for a treat. There are lots of new Fall decorations, along with seasonal food options for Halloween, Fall, as well as Hispanic Heritage month which I think is pretty awesome! They also have some some great food truck options and live entertainment on the Disney stage for Hispanic Heritage month and a free activity for both children and kids at heart. Expect crowds as always, but not too bad. Many of the stores have cute decorations as well as seasonal offerings.
Connie — Google review
It's been four years since we last visited Downtown Disney. It's a fun area to hang out with the family. We did an 1 hr 15 minutes of bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes and we had a lot of fun. They charge $25 dollars a person. Their drinks and food was really good compared to other bowling places. There is a waiting period to get your bowling lanes so we went shopping around to kill time. Grabbed some Starbucks drinks and all was good. The only downside is that there were a lot of people. A bit overcrowded. Oh! Don't forget to validate your parking ticket. If you spend $20 dollars you get 3 free hours of parking or just eat at one of their restaurants validate it and you get 5 hours free parking. Enjoy!
Cisco 1946 — Google review
If you guys a Disneyland lovers , you probably have been here.. It's a great walk, it's wonderful. If you want a quick Disney taste, food, and even soccer apparel.. I definitely recommend..
Rogelio Jimenez — Google review
I think this is the nice place to visit if you want to have a Disney theme in your day without visiting the park. No ticket except for the parking. The shops are nice including Lego and World of Disney, you can look for more Disnet merchandise here. The bar/cafe/restaurant also nice.
Yanti Rahardjo — Google review
What a wonderful family place. Lots to see and do. The lights at night are so pretty too. I wish they had another big Disney store with more older characters. Definitely something for everyone to do and for all ages. Ten out of ten would totally recommend for family fun and yummy dining. Brandon at Naples is the best. The pizza is to die for.
Lisa Smith — Google review
Disneyland truly deserves a five-star rating! It's a place where magic comes to life, offering an enchanting experience for all ages. The attention to detail in every corner of the park is awe-inspiring, and the attractions are a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. The friendly staff goes above and beyond to make your visit unforgettable. Whether you're meeting beloved Disney characters, enjoying thrilling rides, or savoring delicious treats, Disneyland offers a world of wonder. It's a place where dreams come true, and it's impossible not to leave with a smile on your face. A five-star experience for sure!
Lawrence Battle — Google review
I recently was made aware that you can visit Downtown Disney without an admission ticket! You do have to go through security but you do not need a ticket just to visit the shops and eat at the carts and restaurants!
I had a half day with no plans while in Anaheim recently so I spent half a day just walking, shopping and eating at the happiest place on earth! I enjoyed a street cart corn dog, candy and met up with my husband later for some ice cream! Highly recommend for a fun little excursions and tasty treats!
Krystle Pyrzynski — Google review
Downtown Disney is a vibrant haven that seamlessly blends entertainment, dining, and shopping into a dazzling experience. From the moment you step foot, you're enveloped in an energetic ambiance. The array of dining options caters to every palate, serving up delicious cuisines from around the world. The eclectic shops offer unique finds, making every stroll an adventure. The live entertainment adds a whimsical charm, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether it's grabbing a bite, indulging in retail therapy, or simply soaking in the lively vibes, Downtown Disney is a must-visit for anyone seeking a delightful and diverse outing. 🐭🏰
Bo Taylor — Google review
Downtown Disney District is a very fun and entertaining extension of the Disney parks. The crown jewel is probably the world of Disney store which is humongous and has most of all the merchandise that can be found in the Disney parks.
There are tons of neat stores and fun restaurants, one of my favorites is Ralphs Jazz kitchen. Call ahead to find out when they have live jazz music, it’s a great experience. They also have a awesome Star Wars store at the very end of the district that has got tons of Star Wars merchandise.
Finding The Force — Google review
We went to Downtown Disney in Sept to enjoy the Halloween decorations before it would get busy in October to see them. But the parking is so ridiculous now! For the first hour, you have to pay $10 (whether or not you plan on buying anything from the businesses and restaurants). Then after that initial $10, you need to purchase a minimum of $20 to "validate" an additional 2 hours or so. So altogether, that means you still have to pay a total of at least $30 to spend any decent time in downtown.
$30 would only really be justified for actual theme park parking, such as if you are enjoying the Disneyland and/or California Adventure parks for the entire day.
After we found that out, that's our last time visiting downtown Disney. Unless we get dropped off and then picked up right outside the Downtown Disney district, and we walk to and from the area.
I don't mind the metal detectors because I feel like they are necessary in a lot of public places these days.
But I really think that Disney is getting too greedy. I remember a very long time ago when parking in Downtown Disney was free for 3 hours when it first opened about 20 years ago. Then they scaled that back to 2 hours of free parking. But now, the parking arrangement is ridiculous! What can you really do for the very first hour there? And to make matters unreasonable, you still have to pay $10 for that first hour, regardless of whether or not you buy anything from the restaurants of businesses.
In my opinion, if we purchase a certain amount from the restaurants or businesses there, that should at least be sufficient to validate at least 2 hours of time there.
I think my family and I will look for more reasonably priced ways to enjoy Disney. The Halloween decorations were really nice! But it's not really worth it to go to Downtown Disney anymore if you have to drive and park your car there for ridiculous hourly fees. This really takes the fun out of even enjoying your time there.
Mich L — Google review
The world of Disney is huge so if you're looking for something that you may have missed in the park you might be able to find it here. They have a lovely array of different items from throughout the park and just inside of the store itself. Then there are other shopping opportunities and eateries throughout the whole district it is also connected to the Grand California hotel so if you'd like to go in there and look around or you have reservations to eat it is a good place to go and look around before you go to the hotel.
T. Hutson — Google review
There's a lot of restaurants to choose from. It's always clean and decorated nicely. I last went during fall, and they have pumpkins everywhere. However, my new favorite detail are the succulent everywhere, espeically the planters hanging from the lamp posts. They're beautiful and drought resistant. I think if they added some string of rubies or bananas to dangle from them, they would be even more beautiful.
L G — Google review
Downtown Disney is kind of it's own experience. They have a variety of shops and restaurants and are a good option if you can't make it into the parks to get last minute souvenirs or visit an eatery. They also do shows on stage near the entrance opposite of the one near the entrance to the parks (more near the Disney hotels). It is definitely more of a money sink than an actual Disney experience and you do have to go through security to get in there. Still a nice visit though
Alex B — Google review
After you've explored the park, take a pleasant walk to enjoy some tasty, high-quality food or pick up a couple of meaningful souvenirs.
Plus, you can catch the fireworks from a unique perspective right here!
Behrang MI — Google review
What a fantastic experience. Downtown Disney is a wonderful experience, neat shops - from the Disney store, to LEGO store, Star Wars Trader post, great restaurants, breweries and more! You wont want to miss a trip down here!
Timothy Watson — Google review
Trendy and Upscale Shopping District with Different types of stores and eateries that caters to general public and Disney Park Visitors. Prepare to shell out top dollars for everything! A short walk from the paid parking area (you get up to 3 hrs of parking for.$10 with Purchase of.over $20 from retailers) . Plenty of things to browse and buy. The Vibe and Ambience are great. !
knight raider — Google review
It was a great experience for any Disney fans but not wanting to go to Disneyland. There are lots of shops, eateries and live performances here.
It was like we experienced first hand what would be like in Disneyland without going into the famous park, and it’s FREE!!! We plan on going to Disneyland next year so this was like a rehearsal :)))
Great experience overall!
Judy Margaret Chen — Google review
At 60+, it was the best experience ever with my Son and his family! Just make sure to rent a scooter ($85 and you get back a refund deposit) for the day i used it from 11 am to 11pm...and still didn't get to see everything!
Awesome experience.
C. Davis — Google review
The parking is definitely different from what I remember. It's been a while since last time I visited DT Disney District.
We visited on a Saturday around 5 pm. Parking lot entrance was very busy, but it was moving at a decent pace. $10 for the first hour. We paid $24 for very close to 2 hours.
Make sure you remember where you parked. Easy to lose your car in the parking lot. Outside parking.
There is also a security check line before entering the District. It also move at a decent pace. It took us about 10 minutes to get in.
Inside, nothing has change too much. It was nice today seeing all the Christmas lights on. I recommend eating before or after leaving Downtown Disney. All of the restaurants had a very long line.
We just walked into Starbucks and got some coffee, 20 minutes from start to when we had our coffees, not bad at all.
J G — Google review
Was my first time here. We had an amazing time. I didn't actually go into Disneyland, but the downtown district was amazing. Great stores and the fireworks were amazing!!
Sheila Weaver — Google review
My kids and I walked around and it's totally different from when I went there with my ex-husband about 13 years ago. It's really nice with shops, restaurants and people if you like to people watch like I do. 😉
Fe Deirdre — Google review
It's nice and clean. A great outdoor mall. It has several different restaurants and confectioneries. Clothing apperal and toy stores for all things Disney are all over the place of course. There is a must see Lego store there with huge figures. It also contains several flowers, multiple water features and a great walking space.
Disneyland Park is a world-famous amusement park located in Anaheim, California. The park features rides, shows, and themed lands from various Disney movies and cartoons. It is one of the most popular attractions in the world and has been operational since 1955.
We had an amazing time going to Disneyland it was an absolutely wonderful time. You can do so much fun stuff at Disneyland and you can eat so many different things There. I loved the rise of the resistance ride it was so fun and there was so much detail to it. I do have a few recommendations. Number 1 is to get genie plus and the app l. It makes your whole experience better. Also if you want to go somewhere like the blue bayou make sure to make a reservation in advance.i think it was like 60 days. Also getting the genie plus gives you access to the lightning lane witch makes the lines go by quicker sometimes so much quicker. I would highly recommend going to Disneyland it is such a fun experience.
Luke Heberlein — Google review
There's an undeniable magic to Disneyland. I mean, they literally infuse the smell of homemade cookies on Main Street. There's an atmosphere and vibe that is difficult to replicate anywhere else, especially if you are a fan of Disney's entertainment.
Some personalities may not enjoy the long-line waiting, buying tons of merchandise, and the exorbitant prices of tickets (or food inside the park). Price is a huge thing. Is it worth it? That will be up to the individual to decide. I think if you are going with children aged 6-12 it could be incredibly "magical" to watch them experience Disneyland, enjoy the rides, meet some of their favorite characters, etc. If you are going with only other adults, it may be best to make sure that everybody is a fan of Disney - because otherwise it may provide a lackluster experience and it may be better to go to a roller-coaster focused theme park. If you are going with extended family, hope to the universe that whoever is getting fast-passes for you gets it for a ride you like because you likely don't have much of a say in anything.
Overall, you are going to get your money's worth and have an enjoyable time, for sure. This is Disney's biggest money maker. It brings in more money (the theme parks in general) than basically any other portion of their business, and they own a ton. If you want to go and can afford it, it's worth experiencing at least once in your life - possibly more if you fall in love with it.
Nate Church — Google review
This was an amazing experience that we enjoyed in the rain and cold weather, we got the genie app and lightning lanes which helped out immensely. With the app we were able to see real time waits for ride lines couple days before, and schedule accordingly on the days that we were there. You can also search anything, like restrooms and restaurants. We were able to book walk up appointments for some of the restaurants and also mobile order food and coffee at some locations. This was very convenient while managing our time between meals attractions or shows........
Somesh Patel — Google review
We went for one day and tickets cost $164 each. Parking was $30, in which we also purchased ahead of time. Definitely plan ahead. We purchased a week and a half before our trip and although it wasn't the day we originally planned, everything worked out. My teens first Disneyland visit and they had fun. The only downside was waiting in line for the rides. Definitely get the Genie Service, it's only $20 per ticket, which I somehow mistaken the price. We arrived by 9am and waited for parking for about 15 minutes. Then walked towards the tram and did the security clearance [bag check, metal detector]. The tram was quick and they had multiple going at a time, back and forth, so the wait was less than 10 minutes. We were on the Disneyland Park side, so we walked and enjoyed the day there [was there for about 9 hours]. We didn't stay for the parade or fireworks. By the end of the day, the sun was too much. After being there all day, we realized it's better to go just before the sun sets, less sun exposure, shorter lines. Merchandise and food was definitely pricey. We will be back but for California's Adventure.
ANNE YIM — Google review
🎢Avoid Weekends if possible, we went on a Friday, each ride took more than 30 minutes we had a Genie+.
📱 Download the Disneyland App, there’s map on the app. And list of attractions, restaurants, rides etc.
🎟️ Genie+ is a must. Otherwise each ride will take an hour+, it’s worth your money believe me.
💧Stay hydrated. There’s water filling station everywhere, bring your own water bottle.
Karrie Chey — Google review
Crazy as it may seem. Disneyland wasn’t as packed as we expected. The wait times was less than we thought. Most of time waiting for a ride was less than a half hour. Of course the newer rides had longer lines. The earlier you get there the better chances of getting on the rides you like. We especially enjoyed getting on some of the original rides that were there when Disneyland opened. Kind of like Disneyland better than Disney World. A great day out. The only downside are the ticket prices these days.
Eddie S. — Google review
A great time! It always manages to make you feel like a kid again. The music stays with you but in a very subtle way. If you plan it right you don't have to spend a ton of money once you get in the gate to still have fun. I wish Genie+ was set up a little better, I think Fastpass we were able to do a lot more with. Lots of neat places to just hang out and enjoy.
Alex B — Google review
The happiest place on earth! Absolutely LOVE Disneyland! My family and I usually come here once or twice a year, normally around the holidays for their food. Honestly I've never had a bad experience. It does stay crowded no matter what day of the week you go but I'd think the weekdays would be better than weekends. There's always a bunch of tourists wanting to experience the magic as well.
Prices have skyrocketed every year so expect to pay around $200 during peak seasons for a one park ticket. And food, of course, will also be very pricey. But it's Disney - for some it's a once in a lifetime experience so if you're planning a visit here I'd definitely say indulge yourself and have a great time!
Lines for rides can be a bit long. My family and I usually go on Sundays so it's quite busy then. But if you download the Disney app ahead of time that gives you an estimate of wait times for rides.
You can also order food through the Disney app so you're not waiting in line! It'll give you a notification when your order is ready and you can also pay through the app so it's super convenient.
Highly recommend everyone experience Disneyland at least once in their lifetime!
Darien D. — Google review
I always have a great time at Disneyland with family. They had a great function during new years and the fireworks and band were very nice. Went with 26 people recently and oh boy was that a fun time.
k G — Google review
Amazing experience every time we go. The new Star Wars was better than expected. It felt so real! There’s always a crowd but well worth it! Loved the Star Wars Rise of the Resistance ride, it really felt like entering the Empire’s ship. The smugglers run was also enjoyable. The park was clean and well maintained. Using the app made planning the day easier. We also used the water refill stations throughout the park. Mobile ordering was easy and faster than standing in the line. Overall awesome experience and of course we will be back!
Hang Nguyen — Google review
Fantastic! Still the great Disneyland that I remember since I was a kid. Great rides and attractions plus the crowd control seems to be a little better (didn’t feel like I had to wait hours for rides). The app was helpful though could definitely be improved. And I do recommend getting genie+ if you wanna get on rides without the wait (definitely worth it.
Ricardo Seah — Google review
For early September, it wasn't too bad on crowd level. With Oggie Boogie going on its best to hit the rides after 6pm!! After 48 years, I was not disappointed! Great place for All ages!! Love Disneyland ❤️
Terri Bass — Google review
Fantastic place, first time visiting in over a decade. I highly recommend buying tickets, making the reservation, and buying the parking all in advance. If you're just going to Disneyland Park, I recommend parking in the Toy Story parking area. They have a shuttle that comes very often, and it saves you the walking (you'll be walking a lot in the park anyways). Even on a Tuesday the rides were packed and the walkways were FILLED with people. The new Star Wars attraction and the design around that area is absolutely beautiful. It looks like you're actually walking in Star Wars. They even have a life-size millennium falcon next to one of the rides. You should download the app so you can see the wait times by ride, as they update pretty often. Mid September is usually one of the least busy times of the year, and Tuesday is the least busy day of the week. Clearly it was still very packed, so be prepared. I would also recommend packing snacks and food because the food is very expensive inside. It also saves you some time ordering and waiting for food in the long lines.
Eric Yang — Google review
The Disneyland park is always clean and the cast members are usually nice. The parks were busy when I visited but it's almost always going to be busy. The things they sell are usually overpriced but it is a big tourist stop so it isn't surprising. The rides are fun but lines are super long and you have to pay for lightning lanes and such.
Frog N Friends — Google review
The Star Wars area is definitely the best part imo. Food was not as pricey as I thought it would be, but that mega pizza is definitely not mega size. I would suggest bringing your own lunch if you want to save $$. The rides were all really fun. I think the Lightning pass is worth it, especially if you are trying to do it all in one day! I would also suggest buying gear outside the park (same thing & cheaper).
Jorge Contreras — Google review
Always a great time during the Holidays! It is definitely getting to be extremely expensive for a family to go, but it also creates amazing memories for your kids. I really liked the idea of reservations to get in the park as it kept the crowds from becoming too overwhelming. And if you go… spend the money on the Genie Pass… it was worth it to be able to ride everything we did.
Disney California Adventure Park is situated in the heart of Anaheim, California and features some of the most innovative attractions on the West Coast. From Cars Land to Pacific Wharf, this amusement park is full of fun and entertainment for all ages. If you're looking for a family-friendly amusement park, Disney California Adventure Park is definitely worth checking out!
We loved California Adventures! They have some great rides, we loved radiator springs! Great place for kids!!! The entire Park smaller in size so there is less walking for little ones. Guardians of the Galaxy was one of favorite rides.
L. Helems — Google review
Great experience, more stuff to do for adults in this side and more interaction with the characters. My kids enjoy Disneyland more they are in the 5-6 year old range. Yet they still enjoyed seeing the Marvel characters. Food was cool looking but was not that great, it lack freshness. I will stick with the normal vendors next time. All in all we had a great will definitely visit again since we have the yearly pass. Next time I will take better photos 😂
Ken Gibson — Google review
A Captivating Park You Won't Tire Of!
Avengers Campus, a part of this remarkable park, promises endless excitement. I could easily spend my entire morning there. If you're a Marvel enthusiast, this is an absolute must-visit. The campus features a multitude of rides, with the standout being Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout. This ride ingeniously transformed the old Tower of Terror into Guardians and is undoubtedly the best attraction in both parks. For any Marvel or Guardians fan, this ride is a must. Even waiting in line is a treat, with plenty of entertainment and props to keep you engaged.
Don't miss out on Cars Land either! The Cars ride sends you zooming around a high-speed circuit, and you'll often spot full-size Cars characters driving around the area. The California section is a delight, featuring the massive roller coaster, 'The Incredicoaster,' a giant Ferris wheel, a picturesque lake, and a variety of delectable food options. I highly recommend trying the mango beer, although be prepared for higher alcohol prices. Grabbing a hot dog on Main Street is also a wise food choice.
We also had the pleasure of dining at 'Lamplight Lounge' on the pier, which is located at water level. We watched the captivating light show from this vantage point, an absolute must-see. We opted for this over the fireworks show. After experiencing both parks (Disneyland Resort and California Adventure), it's evident that California Adventure is the less crowded of the two. There's more space to wander around without feeling the same level of congestion as you might at Disneyland Resort.
Nixon Caparas — Google review
We went on Monday Tuesday and Thursday. I was more pleased with Thursday due to it being less crowded in the parks. The Food and Wine Festival was happening at the same time we went and it did get crowded in some areas, but it was manageable. My sister told me it's better to go on Wednesday or Thursday for less crowds and Sunday is the worst day for crowds.
Raechel Sinclair-Dahlquist — Google review
We are not Annual Pass holders, but we have been visiting Disneyland twice a year since 1973 (except for when the park was closed for the pandemic). Although the prices are higher for everything, it is still a very enjoyable experience. Downtown Disney has new restaurants with excellent food choices. All I can say is "GO" and enjoy yourself!
Anthony Jose — Google review
We enjoy our time here most by going on Soarin’ and the Radiator Springs Racers.
We have the Magic Key so we get to visit as often as we want. But there are some things we’ve noted;
We prefer riding the Radiator Springs Racers at sunset or when it’s dark. The ambiance is more enjoyable, at least for us. Also, we usually pay for Lighting Lane but the last time we tried the single rider lane- just to see if it was worth saving a few bucks.
Of course, your group is separated when you do this but you still get to enjoy the ride. With that said, I still rather pay to sit with my family. But, we did have a conversation with a man who had a big family and he said it’s too expensive for so many people and I have to agree. So, depending on how big your group is and the cost that comes with that- the single rider lane will be much faster than the stand by lane.
I only mentioned our two favorite rides but there’s plenty more to do here.
Also, if you have interests in art I urge you to visit “Off the Page”, it’s a gallery where you can buy some really amazing pieces from some really talented artists (my favorite is Brett Owens). Some pieces are $$$ (mostly canvas) but you can always ask if they have the same piece in print or for even less, as a postcard. There’s so much more to discover here… so check it out!
Enjoy your time here but please visit both parks if possible.
Maria — Google review
My 1st visit to the park🎢 on a family vacation. Everyone had a blast!! 😃Awesome rides,🎡 good food 🍗, helpful & courteous staff. We stayed for the evening water show- absolutely the best, hands down...!! If you are a fan of Disney parks, this is a must see. 👀 Our family had a truly wonderful experience from beginning to end😁😄
Lanell Williams — Google review
This was a fun place to visit. Our kids enjoyed the rides and the activities.
The Avengers Campus is pretty cool and the Spider-Man ride was a lot of fun.
The Turtle Talk with Crush was really funny for both kids and adults.
Food was readily available everywhere you go.
Ride wait times we crazy, ranging for 30 min - 2+ hours.
Kat Brown — Google review
DCA!!! My favorite of the two parks!! Slept in til 10am and the lines were CRAZY! Would definitely recommend going closer to 8am. World of color ONE was truly amazing. Everyone in our party loved it and was in complete awe. If you stand in front of the gates by little mermaid and wait it out you’ll get a great view!! And maybe even a little surprise fountain.
Pauline Flores — Google review
The park is fun but waiting in line for an hour and then the ride “ breaks down”makes it a nightmare and a waste of time. Disney of course takes no responsibility and or no compensation is offered to customers for time wasted. Overall the park is great and is well organized, if you don’t buy the lightning pass be ready to wait a list 1 hour in line for any of the rides.
One start for clean bathrooms and some of the employees were really helpful.
Hugo Martinez — Google review
There really isn't another theme park out there like a Disney park. They spare no expense, it's so very clean, the staff are all professional and well organized plus there's lots to do. It's crazy expensive from parking to entry to food to merch but our currency exchange sure doesn't do us any favors either. It's an easy place to visit again and again. You really can't knock it until you've tried it.
They had just transitioned to Christmas when we arrived in late November...
Lee V — Google review
Awesome Disney themed park right next to Disney. It's totally worth visiting on a different day than Disneyland.
Many stand with really yummy food, desserts, drinks, wine & beers and cocktails.
Has a bit of a "grown up" vibe but still really fun for the kids.
Don't miss it, worth the extra day and the extra ticket.
jose orellana — Google review
Sadly, I found my visit to the Disney Calif. Adventure Park underwhelming.
I've got to say the Incredicoaster was fantastic and ideal for thrill seekers. The Cars-themed area was also really amazing to look at - so, so realistic. All employees we encountered were helpful and enthusiastic and the Disneyland app helps to plan your day, plus there's maps and wait times on there too.
Just like at many other theme parks, expect to spend many hours in lines for rides here, many which turn out not to be worth the wait. Even if you purchase Genie+, you can only choose a lightning lane once every couple of hours, and some rides have a separate lightning lane, which is just wrong when you've already paid extra. We chose to dine in at a cafe here which actually just turned out to be a Starbucks in disguise and was disappointing, though I probably should've looked into it a bit more.
If you're a Disney fan, it's worth a visit. Although maybe you'd prefer Disneyland, which you can walk across to in a few minutes. However, if Disney isn't all that important to you, Universal Studios was a much better experience in my opinion.
Roan Knowles — Google review
Really exciting place to visit. Really clean place, lots of places to eat with very tasty flavours. Lots of rides and roller coasters to choose from. Really busy at night. Not to bad in the morning. I would definitely recommend he king this place if your already going to Disneyland. Cast members once again are super friendly besides at the cars ride.
J — Google review
Honestly, going on a weekday during the school year is the best time to go. We were able to hit all the big ticket rides as soon as the park opened. We didn't see waits of over 30mins until close to 1pm
Samantha McDaniels — Google review
Truly a magical experience. The entire family had a great time with something fun and exciting for everyone. The biggest challenge to spending the whole day there (we were there 10am to about 10pm) was planning for the right clothing to bring to adjust to the temperature variance. We rented a locker to put extra clothes and snacks, and to put souvenirs so we didn't have to carry purchases around all day. A day at Disney is getting less and less affordable, but we feel it's worth saving up to come here.
Leo Lin — Google review
We truly enjoyed everything about this park especially guardians of the galaxy! All of the food was excellent and prices were on par it was our second time visiting and wont be our last! The only thing maybe was its graduating season so you get big crowds of youngsters that kinda mess things up but we know not to visit in May next time 🤣
Mr Fregoso — Google review
Had a Disney day by myself for the first time, and I had a blast. It was way better than I expected. I can't wait to do this again next week and this time I'll be staying a lot later to watch the fireworks. 🥳🥳🥳
Christopher Agustin — Google review
Great park for families and movie lovers. Pixar pier, Avengers / Marvel and Cars sections were fantastic! Lots to see, characters walking around for photo ops, it was fantastic. Definitely recommmend getting the Lightning pass due to wait times, some rides had an over an hour wait.
Newport Beach, a charming coastal city in southern California, boasts a bustling harbor filled with boats and two iconic piers - Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier. The area also features the nostalgic Balboa Fun Zone, an amusement park offering classic rides and stunning ocean views. Visitors can enjoy various beaches such as the famous Wedge with its impressive waves and Corona del Mar State Beach. Additionally, art enthusiasts can explore modern and contemporary works at the Orange County Museum of Art.
The Balboa Island Ferry connects motorists to the exclusive island of Balboa and its eclectic boutiques, restaurants, and yacht clubs. The 800-foot crossing takes just a few minutes, making it an ideal way to explore the area while on your way to or from Newport Beach.
$1.25 for adult
$.50 for kids
Take this ferry and go to the other side where the beach is. It's perfect to walk around and spend your afternoon.
When you get off this quick ferry try the corn dog right there by where you get off! The best batter corn dog!!
We had a great afternoon hanging out there!
Takako Cannon — Google review
Amazing place for a date outing. The ferry ride was beautiful and we got to see few se aliens and dolphins en route.
Aiswarya Abhisek Mohapatra — Google review
Balboa island ferry is a fun ride for all the family members, kids or grownups enjoy it, the staff are super friendly and helpful, the ride only takes about couple of minutes but it is very enjoyable, it costs around a dollar and a half to go one way, maybe more for a car, it can take up to 3 cars and about 10 to 15 passengers, it is always available and the view is outstanding when you are in the middle of the water with all the boats around you, highly recommended to go to the other side of the island with the ferry, worth the wait
Andy Gabra — Google review
We really like taking this Ferry! We ride it just for fun! It’s expensive and you can get out of your vehicle during the ride. You can also walk or have bicycle on the ferry. It’s a family tradition for us to come when we get a new car. We enjoyed the ride
James Lugo — Google review
This is one of the best and most relaxing and luxurious way to get between Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island. We need to make sure as residents we do whatever we can to preserve this unique transportation. It has so many special memories for me ✨
Camelia Nemat — Google review
There is a BBQ place on this boardwalk called Balboa BBQ! that has the ABSOLUTE BEST HOT DOG AND BUN THAT I HAVE EVER EATEN IN MY LIFE!!!!!.....(Picture included)
I have never had a Hot Dog 🌭 that tasted like that ever! I was visiting from N.Y. and it Blew My fiance and I away!..... TRUST ME!
Bryan Regis — Google review
Experience the ferry here for the first time, it's great! A ferry can carry three cars and some pedestrians or bicycles. The sailing time is about 10 minutes, and the children are very happy. A car + two adults and two children, a total of 5 dollars one way.
Denzel Pitt — Google review
This very short ferry ride over to Balboa Island shouldn't have been of any importance. But stepping on and sitting for just the couple of minutes it takes to cross was somehow very tranquil. And bonuses: since there are multiple ferries running at the same time, we didn't have to wait, and, amidst a day of high prices for everything, getting a ride anywhere for $1.50 made it that much better.
Brad Smith — Google review
A different experience to enjoy the ferry from Newport beach to Balboa island and vice a versa. You can take the car with you on this ride. It's a 5min ferry but it's fun. I believe they accept only cash and it's $5 if not mistaken. But on busy days there could be a waiting time because each ferry takes only 3-4 vehicles onboard. Staff is friendly. Would definitely recommend to use this if visiting the island.
Viraj Gadgil — Google review
We had an amazing one day trip to Catalina Island our toddler enjoyed the trip. We are so glad we didn't bring a stroller as it is a hassle to carry and board the ferry. We brought a a duffle bag with our bathing suits towels and clothes for 3 and a backpack with snacks and sodas/water and it was all we needed for our one day trip. They also rent the E-bikes in the ferry for $100 a day and you get priority boarding on the way back. There is a parking structure where you can park until 7pm and get the ticket validated at the Catalina Flyer booth during the week.
Make sure to be ON TIME 9AM AND 4:30PM. They leave on time! Enjoy your trip to Catalina Island! 🏖🏝🛥
Cristy G — Google review
We dint see whale.. bt had amazing ride.. n they r having snacks n lunch for sale in boats.. so it was great time n we saw many many dolphins.
Swati Nagalikar — Google review
Just a great little ride over a short stretch of water, captain and mate excellent and only cost $1.50
Andrew Thomson — Google review
This was a fun little ride that someone recommended to me. It is cash only, which I didn't know. I had enough, but it was close. It was $1.50 for my car and I think $1 for me.
Molly Smith — Google review
Absolutely LOVED IT!!!! Not only did I get to see whales, also got to see dolphins! My first time going whale watching....Larry and Bryce were amazing guides and very knowledgeable! They made the experience even better!!! I am looking forward to my next trip!
T Boyden — Google review
Took my elderly father here to experience a boat ride, something he hasn't done since he was in the navy. A nice time was had by all. 😁
Bikes, Burgers and Blues — Google review
Fun, short, inexpensive boat ride between Balboa island 🏝️ & the Balboa Pier. Great walking and some great places to eat and walk around the ferry with lots of boats and beautiful homes to visually partake in.
Chris Bart — Google review
Balboa island ferry is such a fun and unique way to explore the town!
Balboa itself was not super super exciting. There are some cute gift shops and arcades. Other than that it’s mostly for the views in my opinion. But, a great way to spend your evening if you’re in the area
Adalie Burgard — Google review
Balboa Island is a beautiful place to visit especially on the holidays people do one of the best home decorations with so many lights ornaments that people like me that does not live there enjoy as much as if I go to the south coast plaza
luis mendoza — Google review
It's a cheap and fun experience to take your car across the ferry. Definitely worth it
D Yarrington — Google review
It’s just a delightful break from all the driving and enjoy that beautiful bay line and views for a sec.
It’s one of the things that defines Balboa island / peninsula and would definitely recommend if you’re with the kids or on a date (;
Balboa Island is a charming harborside community in Newport Harbor with beach-focused activities, dining and shops. It has an entirely different feel to the bustling metropolis of San Francisco, with its quaint restaurants and chic shops. The island can be reached easily by car or ferry ride and is home to a number of attractions such as museums, galleries, sport fishing and whale-watching cruises.
This a great place for a date or a family outing. We love to walk around the smaller Balboa island and finish it off with a famous Balboa bar ice cream treat (on main street) or eat dinner at one of the many restaurants. There are also some public beaches to enjoy.
Curtis Jessup — Google review
Interesting island seems many properties are rentals. Saw many people partying outside their homes and really interesting front yards. Relaxing although parking is super hard.
You can spend an hour here walking through town and see some beautiful sunsets and have a frozen banana dipped in chocolate.
Scott Yu — Google review
So relaxing, great food and people are so friendly and took a car fairy to get to another island was awesome. Good experience for the kids and family.
Andrew Kerce — Google review
The view is breath taking . Great for walks , bike riding . Rent a boat to see all the beautiful homes and boats
Mo Tafolla — Google review
Such a beautiful place to walk around on a sunny afternoon!
Aurora Vintilescu — Google review
so beautiful, tranquility, peace, fresh...my favorite place
Steven Nguyen — Google review
Pros:
🤗 Fun and comfortable place to enjoy with family or a significant other.
🍌🥤 Offers snacks like banana frozens, smoothies, and juices.
🚴♂️🛥 Can rent and ride bicycles or boats.
🎄🚤 Houses and boats are beautifully decorated during the Christmas season, creating a fantastic ambiance.
Cons:
🚗🅿️ Traffic and parking can be very congested, especially on weekends and public holidays. Entering and leaving the island can be time-consuming.
🏝 Due to its small size, the island can be toured quickly.
📸 Criticized for being too touristy.
Cali Explorer — Google review
One of my favorite spots in the OC, and perfect pit stop on any LA to San Diego trip. Get a Balboa Bar or Frozen Banana and take a walk around the little island. Especially pretty at sunset!
Tristan Torgersen — Google review
Watching multi-millions dollars island homes is one blessing here, but I like even more is the paths around the island providing to the public to stroll. There are so much to explore including sitting by the beachfront watching various of water activities, enjoying blue skies and sunsets. Thanks to the local government and residences that are willing to share this piece of treasure to outsiders. Thank you very much.
Peng Tang — Google review
Balboa Island is a hidden gem in Orange County that is definitely worth a visit. The island has a charming, small-town feel and there are plenty of great shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. The atmosphere is relaxing and peaceful, and the views of the harbor are breathtaking. The beach is just a short walk away, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. Overall, Balboa Island is a must-visit location in Orange County for a fun and relaxing day out!
Mei Zhang — Google review
One of the best islands, and I will visit it again for sure
Sultan alnawmasi — Google review
My grandmother grew up here long ago when there was no lights or electricity and long before the ferrie existed. Love this little island and love the peninsula and pier. My girlfriend and I frequent the beach here almost every weekend and I'm never let down
Johnny B — Google review
I had a great time here I toured the island on bicycle. The town is very historic and the beach is very long. There are numerous activities on the beach with people playing football, basketball and persons were fishing on the pier. There is parking and public bathrooms. The beach also has a bike trail.
Lynden Sands — Google review
Always a beautiful place to eat, shop and walk on the boardwalk...the most beautiful island!
Shelley Perlin — Google review
Great place fun experience, I’m a repeat tourist to this beach area!
Stephanie Wallis — Google review
Cool place to hang out for a while!
Parking is always bad here, unless you are really early. BUT, if you type on your GPS “The Crab Cooker” restaurant, there is an inside parking lot right behind it. $15 for 2 hours, plus $2 every 15 minutes after that. Or you can do $50 for the whole day. We chose the 2 hours plus 15 minutes. We paid $19 for 2.5 hours. This parking structure is about a 3 minute walk from the beach!
Then we rented bicycles. $9 for 1 hour or $18 for 3 hours. It was fun just cruising up and down the bike path. But it does get really hectic around all the bars and restaurants area. But it was all cool! With it.
You can also just walk around. At night the restaurants and bar area get really lit! Fun times.
J G — Google review
This is an absolutely amazing place. Very beautiful and amazing place to spend your day. The island is second largest in the harbor and it is damn good. Less crowd which makes it one of the few places in Southern California you can visit safely (given covid times). You can play games, enjoy food especially traditional american cuisines, do private boat riding, watch whales and dolphins on a ferry or watch the million dollar houses along the sea line. In case you plan if coming to this place , I feel plan your stay between 5-6 hours. If you are in fishing business, don't forget your fishing 🎣 net.
Kumar Vaibhav — Google review
Terrific place for tourists and locals equally. Lots of restaurants and ice cream joints; a great place to put in your daily steps, especially in wintertime when it gets dark early. Parking on the main street could be a challenge, drive the island streets to find a spot.
Nelly Gerasimov — Google review
4.8
(719)
•
4.5
(1434)
Newport Beach, CA, USA
20
California Route 66 Museum
History museum
Museums
Museum dedicated to Route 66, famed Main Street of America, has stories, photos, artifacts & more.
What a fun museum. Such a beautiful layout of Route 66 memorabilia and archives. Delvin is a volunteer whom we had the pleasure of speaking with. He is so knowledgeable about the route and has fun facts to share with anyone who wants to listen. He is very friendly and his excitement to share his stories is contagious. He is great at pointing out some of the smaller details that might get lost in this plethora of goodies. The museum has several cute little photo ops and some larger ones too. This museum is put together well and they take care to display their items so it isn't a bunch of stuff just put in a corner. Would highly recommend the California Route 66 Museum for all ages.
Lora Parral — Google review
We stopped here on our way to Vegas. It is free. The staff is very welcoming. We got many souvenirs from there at very affordable prices. The place has so much history to show. Kids loved the cars displayed there. There is also a train station just opposite to the museum. Luckily kids got to see two trains during the visit.
Syeda Namrah Khalid — Google review
Must visit this place, the staff is so friendly and show the kids what was used prior to electronics, a phone, so awesome. My family had a blast, a nice visit for sure!! Three rooms to explore....
Tere Garcia — Google review
Excellent! Volunteer Lou made our day showing us around and sharing his extensive knowledge! Fun interactive exhibits too! Thanks to our tour operator, Two Lane America, we got to see this treasure! Definite must do!
Joy Albanese — Google review
Great place for families and friends to go to. From outside looking in it seems like a small place, but it's huge when you get inside. There are 3 room full of antiques, photos, books, etc. The main room has merchandise/souvenirs. FYI they are close Monday to Wednesday.
Kervin Lau — Google review
Excellent tour! Victorville is rich in history and surprising facts! Everyone was so knowledgeable and friendly. A fun and educational time! Oh...tips go a long way
Stay Humble — Google review
Excellent place to visit. Definitely a must. So much to see in this little museum. Plenty of information for Route 66. Ron and Lou are extremely nice and informative. Excellent parking available.
Baltazar Zavala — Google review
California Route 66 Museum
Route 66 Victorville, California
February 2022
We visited the California Route 66 Museum last year and we decided to revisit the Museum once again this year on our latest road trip. The reason for this trip was to actually see more of the Museum and see more of the displays. Our previous trip was more of a Photographic trip. There is always something you miss or probably didn't see on a previous visit. This was the case. We looked more into the old photos to learn more about the history. Thankfully we had some much needed help from several of the volunteers such as Delvin Roy Harbour and Benita Morgan-Bushop. There was one other volunteer at the museum but unfortunately I did not get her name. Delvin showed us some older photos and what building were there at that time period. It was fantastic looking at these photos and listening to its history. Of course we still manage to take lots of photos in the museum..
The Museum is a great place to visit. There are lots of photo opportunities especially for selfies or with family and friends. Take a seat in The VW bus or take a photo by the classic car or even take a photo in front of the Victorville Outhouse. With several rooms and displays you can learn so much about this Route 66 Town and history. The museum also has a gift shop with great merchandise. We have added a few photos of the merchandise in this post.
We definitely will be returning in the near future. It's a fun place to visit with great volunteers and lots of fun things to see.
Mullen Teodoro (Chuck&ElmerRoadTripping66) — Google review
The volunteers here are so personable and interesting! They've got so much knowledge of the area and the history, it was a joy to speak with everyone today!
Jessica May — Google review
It’s a great place to go to, very unique stuff and the staff there are so kind and welcoming.
I definitely recommend visiting the 66 museum and feel the historical significance
Alaa Oussi — Google review
It is located along the way that we must pass, so we decided to stop by and take a look. It turned out to be absolutely amazing! The staff welcomed us warmly, and we learned so much about the history of Route 66 and experienced the true essence of a road trip! 😎
Thanapat Wongsangiam — Google review
We arrived there but it was closed! Later we saw in Google that in Tuesday and Wednesday it's closed so it was our fault we didn't see the museum inside!
The 3 star is only because the neighborhood was a bit sketchy. A lot of shady and homeless guys! We were afraid to even let our car in the parking! And we arrived around 14:00. It wasn't even late in the afternoon!
AudiobookHolics — Google review
Loved this little gem located in Victorvillle. Didn't know about this museum until I did a search on Google on stops driving to Vegas. The museum is free, but they do accept donations. Cool vintage items inside and plenty of photo-op opportunities. Highly recommend checking out when in the area.
Melystikal — Google review
Small, but packed with neat stuff! The friendly volunteers told us lots of stories, and I bought a cool watercolor print to remind me off the day.
Ej Hall — Google review
What a great hidden gem. Our family enjoyed walking around the quaint museum run by very friendly volunteers.
Diana Reyes — Google review
This is a small museum full of interesting history about how Route 66 was built, friendly staff and a souvenir shop. Full tour is going to take about 20 to 30 minutes.
NASCAR Racing Experience and Richard Petty Driving Experience
Racecourse
Classes & Workshops
Sports Camps & Clinics
High-speed racing venue where visitors can drive or ride along in an authentic NASCAR vehicle.
Went to a race in February of 2023 and it was a fantastic experience. Besides getting in which was just waiting in a long line of cars, the racing experience itself was fantastic. The food options were endless, there was a pretty solid selection of merchandise. It was a very entertaining race and the best part was Kyle Bush (the winner). Definitely sad they’re turning it into a short track, but still happy I was able to see track before the renovations. 10/10
Joaquin Zaldivar — Google review
Amazing NASCAR Experience!!!
The NASCAR Racing Experience is one of the best NASCAR schools in America! For anyone who wants speed and thrills, come to this experience! The team is really awesome and nice, and the drivers are great! And the experience itself is really awesome!! For anyone who wants speed, come to this experience! It’s a ton of fun!
Christian Roberts — Google review
The roar of the engines is defending and the gush of wind that follows is tremendous while more than you can count race cars go flying across the track at 180, 190+ mph miles per hr. It's hardcore entertainment.
Mary Ann Abbott — Google review
So much fun
Margaret Jennings — Google review
Have you ever dreamed of getting behind the wheel of a real NASCAR race car? Well, believe it or not, this is a dream that can come true with a visit to the Richard Petty Driving Experience in nearby Fontana.
During this incredible experience, you’ll drive an authentic NASCAR race car. These cars have been driven by NASCAR greats, and you never know, you may end up driving one that was driven by one of your racing heroes.
Ankit Patel — Google review
They asked us to arrive 25 minutes ahead of time & we ended up waiting 2.5 hours
Yash Jindal — Google review
Never go here. Horrendous service with shady last minute cancellations and no refunds. Crazy that a place like this is allowed to operate a business.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is a landmark Spanish mission founded in 1775. The site has been a place of cultural, historical, and religious significance for over 240 years and is home to an impressive collection of artifacts and art. The Mission also organizes events and exhibits that are popular with tourists, including a free audio tour that provides interesting stories about the site's history. Admission to the Mission includes access to the chapel, museum, gardens, and padres quarters among other areas.
So much history to learn. Inside of the mission grounds and exhibits are well taken care of and the exhibits are set up with numbers for an audio tour you take at your own pace. Membership is available. Friendly staff. Variety of items inside shop. If you collect flat pennies there are 2 machines located inside the mission...
Eleanor Post — Google review
I was completely blown away by the beauty and the history of this mission. What also impressed me is that the facility still plays an active role in serving their community, gardening for their food pantry. Missions have a complicated history with the indigenous peoples of the Americas but I noticed that there was special attention taken to acknowledge the sacredness of their culture as well as the Catholic faith. Another interesting part of the mission what the generous donation given by a local Jewish couple to restore some of the artwork. There’s a definite feeling of community beyond one set religion and it provided a welcoming environment for all. Oh, and it’s absolutely beautiful was well. A must see.
Deborah Zitomer — Google review
Always a great place to visit. Audio tour free with admission. Easy to use device. I've been visiting for probably 50 years and I learned a lot of new info by using the audio tour. New exhibits since the last time I visited. Cute area around mission also with shops and places to eat.
Wally 73450 — Google review
Stunning historial site to visit and book for photo sessions as well ($50-80 per hour). The grounds are meticulously kept, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Highly recommended! The surrounding Los Rios neighborhood and restaurants are worth visiting, too.
Lucia Diaz — Google review
Beautiful well kept grounds and gardens to wander as you enjoy the mission. Some ruins among other areas which have been restored. Plenty of history to these grounds…enjoy!
M Payler — Google review
We drove up from San Diego for the day and visited the mission. We were able to find free parking on the street, paid our $18 per person entrance fee, and walked around the grounds. It's beautiful, especially on a sunny day. Lots of beautiful photo spots. We chose not to take the free audio devices - we just followed the map and strolled around for about an hour. There are multiple restrooms inside and a gift shop. They were removing the Christmas decorations the day we visited (January 2), so if you want to see it decorated, go before the New Year.
Cori Nichols — Google review
Beautiful place to visit for some history. I love the audio option as you walk through the mission. The garden area is beautiful and such an awesome scenery to take it. The church is amazing and there’s plenty to see when coming here
Val Gutierrez — Google review
Was recommended to visit, so I took a trip. I don't think they have a designated parking lot, but the street parking wasn't far, so it was okay. The weather was great, and inside the mansion was pretty enough to visit more than a time. (I got the yearly membership, which was less than two visit's price, and they gave me free fish food, so that my kids can enjoy feeding the bit coy fishes, in two different ponds). I recommend the membership, if you go there! I will definitely go there next time! The town, garden, inside gallery, and historical museums are worth visit.
Samuel Eun — Google review
May just might be the ultimate month to visit. It was not hot or cold and there were millions of things in bloom. As far as the eye could see, there was delight, architecture, butterflies, children, brides and grooms families, beauty. Parking was very challenging, especially with a special needs child and an elder. Plan ahead and find parking before you visit this town. If your elder is not able to walk much, there are benches everywhere. But if it's a hot day, bring an umbrella for shade for this elder. There was people of all ages enjoying this historical site. The staff were fantastic and knowledgeable and very protective of the mission, not even letting the children put their fingers in the koi pond. We appreciate it. This level of commitment. The gift shop is gorgeous and full of wonderful things to bring back to friends and family. The town is full of restaurants but get a reservation ahead of time to save on dragging elders and little children around when they're fatigued. We noticed the street parking was for 5 hours which is probably enough for a family to scout around the mission, which is way too much for little children to take in in one day, but plenty of things to fascinate them at the same time. There is an art gallery inside, there's the soldiers barracks which kids love, there's an active Catholic chapel which deserves quiet, respect and modest clothing, there are the gardens and the ruins and the list goes on. Can't say enough good about this wonderful historical spot. Be sure to get your digital tour that you hang around your neck and listen to as it's very informative and not burden some in terms of length of listening which worked well for the children. Happy family memories are made at San Juan Capistrano.
Frances Peterson — Google review
I recently visited Mission San Juan Capistrano and I have to say, it was a truly magical experience. This landmark is a true gem, with so many amazing things to see and do. The chapel is absolutely stunning and I was in awe of the beautiful artwork and architecture. The museum was also fascinating, with so much history to learn about. And the gardens were simply breathtaking, with so many vibrant colors and beautiful flowers. I highly recommend visiting Mission San Juan Capistrano if you get the chance – it's a must-see destination for anyone who loves history, art, or nature.
SIRLUNA (David) — Google review
What a beautiful setting full of History and a great testament to the early Missionaries. There is the new and preservation of the old. Very dedicated personal work at the Mission San Juan Capistrano location. They explain the past very well. Plenty of restaurants nearby. Nice shopping also nearby. Easy access via the train from Los Angeles or San Diego Amtrak or Metro Link.
Jim Manion — Google review
Beautiful historic site which is explains the history of the Mission in Orange County. Has a beautiful chapel inside. Free audio guide included with admission. Has several exhibitions on different things: treasures, the mission’s operations history, different historic living quarters, etc. there is a gift shop as well that sells various religious things. While the site mentions the Native Americans who built the place, not much else is discussed about them, which is kind of annoying. I wish they would have included more recent scholarships on how the arrival of the Mission from Europe and other places affected the local Native American populations, both the positive and the negative. I also wish they dedicate a section/two of the place for the Native Americans who built this place. Aside from that they have a room on St. Junipero Serra which contains historical info about his life and ministries.
Han Setiawan (Han) — Google review
What a wonderful place to spend a few hours enjoying a historical sight. The entire site is beautiful with a fascinating array of plants. I felt like I went back in time and could easily imagine those who built and invested their lives in Mission San Juan Capistrano. The audio commentary is excellent and simple to use. There is a serenity to this place that is palpable. I will definitely go back and take others who
Ward Cushman — Google review
This is a great take to take the family to take the family, and it's easy to spend at least a couple of hours experiencing a piece of California history. This location is famous for the annual return of the swallows on the celebration of St. Joseph on March 19.
Buying tickets in advance is convenient, but if you are active duty military or a veteran, I advise buying tickets in person so you can take advantage of the $1 discount on tickets. Adults are normally $18 for admission as of the time of this review and $10 for youth (5-17). If you are military (active duty or veteran), visiting on certain holidays is free such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, etc. There are also events such as concerts and civic celebrations that occur all year, so if you are a local to Southern California I would consider getting a membership as you can visit all year for free, and the passes are not linked to an individual, so if you have family or friends visiting, you can have them use the passes as well.
The grounds are absolutely beautiful, and your admission includes an audio tour that consists of a hand set that has recorded descriptions and backgrounds of various locations on the mission grounds. The two large fountains also have koi and smaller guppies. The chapel on the mission grounds is very beautiful for a small worship space, and it is amazing how much history is here. The gift shop is located at the exit and has many religious articles for sale as well as general souvenirs.
Definitely recommended as a place to visit and experience, especially with the family. My 8 year old normally isn't interested about historical locations but thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audio tour descriptions and feeding the koi. Not many places can do that, and any place that does is special.
Theodore Mac Quidem — Google review
Quiet and peaceful visit. Audio tour is rich in historical detail. So much to see, plan for at least 1 hour. If you have time, the visit could be 2-3 hours if you really take your time and take it all in. The chapel is amazing.
Gary Roehm — Google review
The best preserved mission we have visited! Such a wealth of information. Plan on spending at least two hours here during your visit to Old San Juan Capistrano. Tons of elementary students here during the week, so plan accordingly. Plenty of parking in the two lots nearby.
James Bray — Google review
Such a beautiful historic site. You can get the audio tour *easy to use* , the history is so rich. The cathedral is very serene. We saw many photographers taking pictures of couples for special occasions, makes for a great background.
Patricia M. — Google review
Wonderful place to visit and well worth the entrance fee. We spent over an hour exploring the grounds and buildings, and enjoyed the audio tour on our visit, learning about the mission and its people. It was a soggy day when we visited and they kindly provide umbrellas so you can still tour the outside areas.
Amy W — Google review
nice historical meaningful place . It is preserved pretty well. Has an audio tour option as well . Also has alot of flowers and butterflies freely roaming . Very beautiful place !
Guspacho M. — Google review
Came to watch the festivities on Swallows day. Rich in History. The volunteers and people were really nice. The grounds are in good shape. All kinds of friendly, nice people. Hope to be back next year
Garrett R. — Google review
Visited on St. Joseph's day. This is the day the swallows return to Capistrano. It was also the first day of spring. Program for today included mariachi, school kids, storytellers and more. Beautiful temperate day. Plenty to look at, spring flowers in bloom. In spite of this being one of the busiest days at this mission, there were still places to find a quiet place to reflect. I spotted other artists besides myself, painting on-site. Visited by tourists and locals alike.
Jodie Goodwin — Google review
If you want to support the conservation efforts of California's rich history, this would be a great stop. I didn't know that there are several of them across the state. This was a lovely stop during our staycation. They did a phenomenal job with the restoration. It's a good source of education for all of us. I loved seeing the kids do their video reports explaining what they have learned during their visit.
I also like the garden and how peaceful it is. They give discounts to Active Duty and Veterans.
Danna Keller — Google review
Beautiful, historic mission. The grounds were lovely, and the various displays and rooms were interesting. Items were labeled and the purposes were explained well. The selection of art was stunning! Nice gift shop with a good selection of sacred and secular items.
Pamela McBride — Google review
4.8
(3922)
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4.5
(1613)
26801 Old Mission Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA
Family-friendly park with restaurants & a farmer's market, plus a steam train, pony rides & more.
Had a blast. Bought the 13 ride tickets for$40. We had five kids. Worth it. The kids liked the train and ferris wheel. Stayed for the magic show and some live music. Stayed for about 4 hours and spent money on food and snacks but it was all priced well for an adventure spot. It's a little slower paced so just wander around enjoy. Also the kids are super excited over this pineapple cream cheese pie and giant cinnamon roll
Jessica Watson (Psychomelon) — Google review
Took my cat for a fall walk. She loved it. I enjoyed it. Everyone was nice and accommodating to my kitty. No one bothered her nor tried to pet her without first asking. Vendors were pet friendly. there was a band playing late afternoon which made the place a bit friendlier and lively for people but too loud for my girl.
Janeth Vasquez — Google review
Cool place to shop and eat also lots of fun attractions for the kids as well. My wife always loves shopping in the stores here and the grandkids always love the rides and the animals and of course the candy it's a fun place for all ages here. Great place to have some fun for a few hours and be close to home.
Arty Jacobs — Google review
Great place to spend time with your family.
Lots to do. Family friendly. Feed the fish and turtles.
Restaurants, pizza place.
They have a really nice store with bake goods,
beer, wine etc.
Also a furniture store.
Can't go wrong visiting
this place.
Susan Ortega — Google review
An inexpensive spot for a quick outing. A $1 for admission and then additional tickets needed for ride attractions. The peacocks/wild birds were beautiful, and the pony rides provide a fun activity for kids. There are various dining options across the property that seemed to cover the basics (pizza, burger, chicken, etc.) As well as snack vendors for popcorn and such. I wouldn't say it's an all day attraction, but at least enough to spend a morning or afternoon at.
Matt Hernandez — Google review
My family and I love to come here on a Sunday. We love getting food and drinks. It's so nice to just relax and listen to the live band. They have many food options. We love the pizza, but we also love to buy the hot bread and pair it with meats and cheese from the deli. At the hamburger place, they have the best fries, and we also love the fish n chips. The roasted corn 🌽 😋 is amazing. The kids enjoy the candy store, and they have a huge variety of old school candies, which I love. Also, different nuts from chocolate covered to chili covered and plain. We also enjoy an ice cream cone from the ice cream store right outside the candy store. The veggies from the market are great quality as well.
Monique Ruiz — Google review
The all in one farm at Toms Farms. Awesome stores, awesome restaurants (pizza, burgers, etc). Huge parking lot available & plenty to see.
Customer service is amazing!
Local-forum.com
Local Forum — Google review
Stopped by after a Medicare appointment. This place is as iconic as the Madonna Inn. Great place to shop and buy specialty foods and bread baked on site. The cheese jalapeno dinner rolls are amazing, especially when topped with the port cheese spread. Yummy.
Cynthia Nakaya — Google review
Wonderful place to visit. Second counter height hardwood table we purchased from them. First one lasted over 20 years and is still in good shape, just growing tired of it, wanted something fresh and new.
Steve Prime — Google review
Always a great time. Awesome band and magician in Amusement park area. Tasty food, popcorn, & ice cream. Staff is always so friendly!
Kat Brown — Google review
Had fun. Had blueberry pancakes which are awesome! Did a little bit of shopping! Had some ice cream. As I was leaving in the afternoon I could hear a band starting. Overall, pretty good place to come for an afternoon! The furniture in the furniture store was incredibly beautiful! Very well made high end!
Melanie La Pan — Google review
I have been going to Tom's Farms since it was a vegetable stand on a 2 lane Rd. on the way to Lake Elsinore, ca. Pics show it has changed just a little😊 If you are headed that way it's a short hop off the I-15.
Barbara Cournoyer — Google review
Came here on a Sunday with my wife and daughter and this place was busy. Parking wasn't bad. We first went into the Furniture and Gifts shop and I was AMAZED at what they had in here. If you need to find a gift for anyone, you WILL find it here. I could spend a couple hours in here for sure. We then headed out to the cheese and wine shop. Loved it in there as well. We bought some bread and some pop and a brownie the size of my face!! Then, we walked over to the games and rides they have in the area. Great for the kids. We then went to have some burgers. The food was great and reasonably priced. We then hit the Candy shop!! Awwww man! Glad we saved it for last. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. We definitely recommend and we'll definitely be coming back.
Juan Lozano — Google review
This was a fun place for our group of moms and toddlers to spend the day. Kids 2 and under are free for admission and rides. The little ones live the train and carousel, and the moms had fun getting margaritas and listening to the mive music. My only complaint is that the pumpkin patch was really small.
Linda Saunders — Google review
Pizza and potato salad were really good, the Huckleberry Cream Ale was delicious! My chili was cold or else I would have given 5 stars. But even cold, it was tasty. They have a farmers market and store with lots of yummy food and produce. We picked up some goodies!
Angela Sorrell — Google review
the location is small but it’s a nice place to take your little one! the petting zoo was rather tiny but good enough for my 3yr old and most of the rides seem to be about $5 per ticket. the rides are very tiny tot friendly and i’m only disappointed that the bounce house didn’t have any time up. the train ride was short but decent to ride! my kiddo loved it and we plan to return again for the carousel!
Elizabeth Wallace — Google review
4.5
(7166)
•
4.0
(247)
23900 Temescal Canyon Rd, Temescal Valley, CA 92883, USA
Happening dance club & lounge featuring nightly entertainment, from comedy & music to salsa dancing.
I love the Tukut Lounge!!
Please bring back The Reel Band on Saturdays!!
And the DJ that was there when they performed on Saturday, May 20, 2023!
Great Band! Should be on the rotation for Saturdays and not just for Karaoke,
What a waste!
The 2 solo/leads were OFF THE CHAIN!!
May I also request The BIG BAND ON SATURDAYS AS WELL. They were there in 2022, about a year ago and haven’t been back since.
Thank you,
347806, Diamond
Gayle Brown — Google review
Never met a man who’s so disrespectful and impolite and Ignore me just because I have 15 mins before close time. His name is James . Super disgusting and disrespectful. I had the guys that fix the beers Sergio before him . They called him and he walked up and said I’m not serving you. What kind of employee does this: he hid behind the bar after asking his name multiple times .
Marlon Servellon — Google review
We were there Saturday September 28th, 2019.
10 dollar cover charge with players card. Limited seating and the BOE (Best of everything Band) was great. DJ Gary is one of the better old school DJ's that you will find.
We had an Excellent night out! Will be back to visit soon.
Nick Mendoza — Google review
Nice lounge, dancing music - mix of Latin music and r&b. (Went on a saturday night 1130 to 130) Drinks are very weak. Go to rock and brews first, they have strong, good drinks.
Jessica Santamaria — Google review
Horrible. Went for what I thought was a free concert then found out we had to pay a fee. Super Small area. I was willing to pay the fee but then was told that I was not allowed in because the dress code doesn’t allow sandals without a heel strap… RIDICULOUS!!! It doesn’t even say anything about their dress code on their website OR at the place!!!!
Valentina Sanabria — Google review
I am having a bad experience right now. Waitress Ibeth spilled drinks on us just because she got distracted by saying hi to her friends ..even tho she brought the drinks we didn't ask for. It's been 30 min and we haven't had what we asked. We complained about it with "Jorge" twice ... he did NOTHING about it. Don't come to this place. They charge you to enter and for the table that is not even worth it.
Luz Ramirez — Google review
I can't say enough about how TERRIBLE this place was. What a waste of money!! Those teenage looking managers were on a huge power trip and were so rude,They desperately need a course on customer service. I Celebrated my 40th birthday with a huge group and had to pay $20 a person just to enter another $50 just to sit and $8 for each little 1/4" shot in a Dixie cup. $300 later they CHANGED rules half way through the night to force masks WHILE we were all dancing. I called ahead to reserve a table and wasn't told any of this before hand. Such a disappointment
Monica Blanco — Google review
Good place for live music and to associate with others or get togethwr with friends. Good waitress. Not enough bartenders and the bar is too small for the actual needs of crowed. Drinks are served to perfection. Not all bartenders are good but the times ive gone they been really good.
The March Field Air Museum is a hidden gem that hosts over 70 historic military aircrafts, including operational jets. The museum offers an extensive collection of treasures to learn from and contemplate, with the planes on display being just the beginning. Visitors can get up close to these massive machines and marvel at their power.
This is a hidden gem. The museum is much larger than I thought it would be and absolutely filled with treasures to learn and reflect upon. The planes out on the flight line are just the tip of the iceberg - and there are a lot of planes to comprehend. The ability to get so close to these massive machines is breathtaking. My favorite exhibit however is tucked in the back corner of the museum - the story of a WWII aviator in his own words by the letters he wrote home. The story starts at his recruitment in Buffalo NY to basic training to his death is the Pacific and to the recovery of his body. Powerful first hand understanding of the War experience. Look for it during your visit. You'll enjoy it too!
Geoffrey Hart — Google review
What an incredible experience. You don’t have to be aviation fan to enjoy this beautiful museum. Amazing technology created decades ago. You get to see the SR-71A Blackbird the worlds fastest aircraft up close. And the magnificent B-52 which is a monstrous aircraft. A very broad selection of fighter jets. There’s a lot to see at this museum so plan to take your time if you want to fully appreciate world class aviation.
Nas Sol — Google review
March Field Air Museum was a fantastic surprise for me, as I just happened to be in the area for business. They have several dozen classic military aircraft on display, and many in the process of being restored - I actually got to see a technician working on an F-4 Phantom as well as an F-86. Any military aviation enthusiast will love this facility. It’s a little more rough around the edges than more major air museums, but I loved that about it. You can tell the museum is a passion project for those involved.
Steven Hallmark — Google review
Having been to a bunch of aviation museums, including Dayton AFB, the USS Intrepid, and the Smithsonian, I would put this up there as one of the best.
They're very well stocked with tons of cool aircraft, and the staff is really enthusiastic. Plus they're right next to an active airfield with F-35, F-16, F-18, and Predators. I wish I had more time and will definitely be going back next time I'm in the area.
Alex Andrews — Google review
March Field Air Museum is Incredible! - Was there for the Ulises Cabrera For Mayor 2024
Campaign Kickoff and Birthday Celebration. It has changed dramatically since I was last there with many outstanding new displays and friendly staff members. I encourage everyone to visit March Field Air Museum!!
Fred Plimley — Google review
This place is wonderful for the family. We loved every part of the exhibit. The museum is well curated and maintained. The vets working in there are amazing and kind. We had a very good time.
Miguel Enr?quez — Google review
My family had an amazing time here! The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable with first-hand experience. So much to do and see. Nice gift shop. A wonderful history lesson!! Just wish we had more time to stay. I would plan on spending at least 3 hours to see and do everything!
Justin — Google review
This museum is fantastic if you ever wanted to see the Blackbird (The 'top secret' fastest plane in the world) up close and personal this is the place to go. I suggest you do not use the coupons mentioned on the first page. Check picture number two with the admission prices.
Philip arthur — Google review
March Field Air Museum was absolutely fantastic. Generally admission is $15 but Veterans get a discount. They have a gorgeous SR-71 inside with the canopy open so you can get a look inside the cockpit. Totally awesome. The flight line outside has a wonderful collection of aircraft from many decades of service. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and a joy to talk with while visiting the museum.
Scott Schaefer — Google review
This place is truly a hidden gem, offering more than just the opportunity to see airplanes and artifacts; it provides an unforgettable experience of meeting former pilots such as the great Walter Fus. He shared captivating anecdotes and tales of his journeys, showing us pictures that filled us with pride for our men in uniform and the Air Force. I learned a tremendous amount from listening to him. Witnessing the dedication and effort required to maintain these engineering marvels was eye-opening. Exploring the cabin and being surrounded by controls, switches, and buttons was an exhilarating experience. This place is at the level of the NASA Visitor Center in Florida. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to bring your family and friends along and take advantage of this fantastic place where you'll create great memories that you and your family will cherish forever.
CoIin AIberto — Google review
If you live in socal, you owe it to yourself to visit March Field Air Museum and learn some history about such an important location that's been the home to some of the most famous aircraft in history. To live so close to such a historic place, it'd be a disrespect to our veterans and currently serving men and women not to visit. One of the coolest museums that I've ever been to where you can be within breathing distance of some of these iconic aircrafts. Oh and before I forget, yes they have dessert and they serve that as soon as you walk in in the form of the SR-71 Blackbird and it is magnificent.
Ruben Del Valle — Google review
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome! So glad I made the drive down here. Worth the traffic. Parking is easy and the museum has plenty of air conditioned indoor space. It can get very hot and, other than under wings, there is little shade in the outside areas. This whole facility is way more than I expected it to be. A huge selection of aircraft, vehicles, uniforms, and much more. Covers all the major conflicts, space, and civilian aviation. The inclusion of memorabilia from other nations is a really nice touch as well. On par with the Air Force museum in Dayton, OH.
Brent Hofmann — Google review
From my point of view, this air museum is one of the best among similar establishments in Southern California. It has a vast collection of military aircraft, including WWII and decades of the Cold War. My favorite airplane at this museum is SR-71. It was a unique reconnaissance aircraft capable of cruising for hours three times faster than the speed of sound. It carried incredibly sofisticated photo cameras and various advanced sensors. Visitors can see this amazing airplane from a close distance and even take a look inside of its two cockpits. There is a nice gift shop inside the museum. The museum's personnel is very friendly and knowledgeable. They also have many volunteers who are happy to answer any questions. It's a really nice place for any aviation and history buff.
Alexander Viduetsky — Google review
March Field Air Museum is one of the larger museums that I have visited. There are quite a few.modern warbirds. Sadly most are in terrible condition. The paint is peeling, wind screens are cloudy and many have flat tires. I would rather see preservative plastic on the glass than what I saw. When you can see the cockpits, they are in a decaying state.
It would be wonderful if someone could clean up the interiors.
Not a lot of prop driven planes, mostly jets.
I did enjoy watching KC-135's doing touch and goes. Plus a pair of F-16s took off, that fun watching.
March Air Museum is a great teaching location. Children will learn about military aviation throughout history.
Bradley Nakaji — Google review
Thank you, Mike, for the best tour ever!! Very fascinating information. This place was so much larger than we had expected, and it is really well done. Don't hesitate to stop by here!
Elizabeth Webb — Google review
Awesome museum! Super friendly people. Love the exhibits up close and free to touch most of them. Hands-on experience on may exhibits. Super Awesome flight simulators are free to use. Bring your good walking shoes. You'll need them outside for their extensive collections of well maintained military aircrafts. If you don't feel like walking, that's okay. They offer a guided tour where they do all the driving and will stop at every aircraft and give you an excellent description of every aircraft.
Love this place!! S
Gerundio Reoyo — Google review
Fantastic visit to March Field Air Museum! A treasure trove of aviation history with engaging exhibits and friendly staff. Great for all ages. Highly recommended!
Dmitry Kabachenko — Google review
The March Field Air Museum is a great air museum with a vast and interesting collection of aircraft and other items. Highly recommend visiting if in the area, and the numerous planes outside the museum are a great sight to see.
Brendan Kiely — Google review
The workers are very nice, very friendly, professional and above all they answer all your questions about the place. In fact, I think most of them have been working there for a long time because they know a lot about it. There are two areas. The inside area is history and The outside area has all the airplanes you can imagine. I really loved the museum.
Carlos Chavez — Google review
Stopped by the Museum on our way from Joshua tree to San Diego. My kids had a wonderful time doing a scavenger hunt for critters inside the museum/hangar. It was wonderful to see retired aircraft’s and learn about their history. Bring your kids along and have a blast…highly recommended!!
Bala Ramachandran — Google review
Outstanding museum, if you like airplanes or want to learn more. The mini bus ride around almost every plane is a must do (about 45 minutes). The military radio history is pretty good also. The people that work there are mostly volunteers and really enjoy what they do and are very knowledgeable. This place is a great tribute to those who served. Real glad we went.
Mike Harrigan — Google review
I’m impressed with the amount of aircraft that are on display. The docents are so willing to share their knowledge and sometimes experience in the exhibition. I recommend you a lot time to see the vast amount of aircraft on display.
Tim Taylor — Google review
4.8
(2275)
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4.5
(387)
22550 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518, USA
Big Bear Lake, a small city in Southern California, is nestled on the shores of the picturesque Big Bear Lake and surrounded by the rugged San Bernardino National Forest. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts with its Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski resorts, as well as its mountain trails. The town offers a charming village with boutiques, gift shops, and restaurants. The area's stunning landscapes have made it a sought-after filming location for Hollywood producers.
Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a large sanctuary that provides shelter for various wildlife in need and helps them recover before releasing them back into their natural habitat. This impressive zoo offers visitors an up-close view of animals that they may not have seen before, such as the snow leopard. The bear exhibits are particularly impressive and allow visitors to get closer to these magnificent creatures than ever before.
Amazing little zoo!! Didn't expect a whole lot going in and boy was I wrong. This intimate little zoo allowed us to see these animals way closer than expected! Went on a weekday, so it wasn't very busy. All of the exhibits were great, but the bear exhibits truly stood out. I have never been able to get that close to a bear before. It was truly magnificent. The thing that puts this zoo ahead of all others I have been to is how closely all of the animals can be viewed. Also my first time seeing a snow leopard. Definitely recommend!
Jamie B — Google review
We love the new Alpine zoo. Heads up though- the gift shop is closed due to the county COVID order. This may not affect too many people however our kids love to shop the stuffed animals as they’ve done every year.
All of the indoor exhibits are also closed. However, still a great time walking around, watching the animals and occasionally hearing some insights from zookeepers as they feed the animals.
Chris Robertson - Real Estate Broker — Google review
An inexpensive adventure to take in few bears, birds, and a variety of other mountain type animals. Was a bit of a warm day and the animals weren't that active. Recommend going in the morning. Heard some of these animals were recovering. Would have been great to read some background on them. My 2 year old spent half his time playing on the playground equipment 1/2 way through the enclosure. Had a nice souvenir shop. Very nice employees throughout the zoo 👌
Michael Brandin — Google review
Small and cute zoo, we finished in less than an hour. The highlight was the shiny racoon! I also love the QR codes that lead you to the stories of the animals. Although kids there were a bit out of control, pushing people aside so they get a better viewing spot, howling to the wolfs and stuff, while the parents just stood there and took videos. Please respect other people who also paid to enjoy the zoo.
Yu Jung Hou — Google review
This is a small zoo/animal rehabilitation center but my kids loved it. We came in January and were still able to at least see all of the animals. It's clean and the animals seem well taken care of. There is a nice picnic/play area on the opposite end of the entrance with tables and a small playground. Decently priced especially considering the money supports animal rehab.
Matthew Centofranchi — Google review
Very nice and well maintained small zoo. I remember coming to Big Bear and seeing this place near the ski place many years ago. I think it used to be called a sanctuary before, now labeled a zoo. Everything is new and the animals appeared to be taken care of. Nice place to visit with the kids when in the area.
T K — Google review
We enjoyed our visit here. Yes, it's small and yes, the enclosures are way too small for the predator animals like the Mountain Lion & Coyotes. But it's clean and there is a variety of animals to see. The staff were nice. It's a little pricey, but the money goes to a good cause!
Backpacker_ Hiker — Google review
I loved seeing the animals!!!! My kids and I saw a lot of animals we've never seen before, up close too was so cool!!! There were a couple animals that didn't have a description or info on them I was disappointed about that but nice Lil zoo with a cute kids play area :) we were there for ì'd say an hour ish? And omg we saw a blonde racoon!!! Lol
Nathania Andrade — Google review
I love zoos and this one did not disappoint. It’s a small sanctuary where the animals can live out the rest of their lives in a safe environment. The zoo was very clean and informative. The front lady was also very sweet.
Jenna Laine — Google review
Enjoyable experience for the family. 15 dollars for adults.
Lots of parking in the lot.and free.
This is the new location! Construction on roads can be difficult to find the entrance even if youre right there looking at the zoo.
Needs better signage. Had to drive all the way around.
Costs about 15 for adult tickets.
You can see bears, ravens owls foxes wolves coyotes, raccoons, deer, eagle hawk snow leopard.
No shade in here only by restrooms. Bring sunscreen and water. No water provided.
Children have a small playground inside.
Gift shop available.
Small zoo. I'd say you can see all the animals in 30 to 1hr taking your time.
But its cool to see 👀 ravens tear apart mice during feeding time.
Juma Nyumba — Google review
Nice little zoo in Big bear! It will be fun for kids and usually takes less than an hour to walk around! There are many animals and birds to see but keep in mind that they will be in the shadows if it’s too hot when you visit!
Chetan Rawal — Google review
Great place to take the kids, small but very nice Zoo with bears, birds, deer, and foxes. Small playground is an added bonus. I suggest going early in the summer months as it is in the sun. Small gift shop with very reasonable prices. I look forward to going again.
Joy Jones — Google review
We had a blast with our two year old. It’s a small zoo nestled in the mountains and the views are GORGEOUS. It’s set up so that even toddlers can have a great view into every enclosure and there were a couple of play places. This zoo provides the opportunity to get the closest we’ve been to bears before. Very cool.
Jake Newsome — Google review
I've been to many zoos small and large and this one had the saddest looking animals, with the smallest and most barren enclosures. The bears seem to be the star attraction and they're kept in dirt and concrete with a few trees and a water feature. The four owls in a single enclosure with almost no shade was depressing as well. The only animal remotely happy was the fat squirrel. Again I've been to smaller zoos before, but the animals had much more shade/privacy, usually the great frustration with zoos is that the animals are tucked away and hard to see, not here though, completely exposed.
Marcus Wagner — Google review
Alex was such a friendly and welcoming staff member that provided incredible fun facts about each of their animals. Definitely a great place to visit any time you're in the area.
Jason Garcia — Google review
It was a very nice day. It is a very small zoo. It was a beautiful day cool weather and it felt like Winter. I must say the animals were very sluggish. It wasn’t very expensive free parking and $11 dollars for seniors.
Richard Poirier — Google review
Nice zoo with a nice path to see all the rescued wildlife animals. There were so many animals, owls, eagles, raccoons, bears, foxes, coyotes. Very clean a lot of traffic but easy to maneuver around. Gift shop was way to busy to buy anything. I will be back.
Raina Reign (RainaReign) — Google review
The staff was really nice, well maintained.Clean restrooms. Small snack shack. Free parking. They have QR codes that you can scan and read the history of the animals. We were there for about 1.5-2hrs.
M. Ort — Google review
Only been here once (March 2024) and loved it. It's not a giant zoo but you see a lot of animals and the playground for children was in great condition, my kids loved it. My favorite was the birds, especially the Golden Eagles!
Brian Calderon — Google review
The staff was really nice and the place was well maintained. I noticed all the animals were well maintained and well taken care of. My husband and I really enjoyed our time at the zoo and also learned a couple of things about each animal(QR you can scan) which we found really cool
The Old Town Temecula Community Theater is a state-of-the-art performing arts theater that features both a 354-seat proscenium theater and a small 48-seat black box space perfect for intimate music performances. The venue offers stunning live entertainment from top artists, making it a must see for any visitor to the area.
Every seat in the house is good to go! The seats may be tight for those with a girth. We've been to a few plays and concerts here and have enjoyed each one. The folks who work there are top notch. And they have a snack bar outside the theater that also sells beer and wine if interested, should you choose to arrive early and relax on the spacious patio.
Tee Vee — Google review
HIGH-QUALITY PERFORMANCES! The Old Town Temecula Community Theater is outstanding! Each event I’ve attended here has been fun and enjoyable. I’ve seen play productions, concerts, and recently the Annual Jazz Festival! The seats are SO comfortable here and there’s plenty of ramps for disabled guests. The volunteers and staff are very welcoming and helpful. The venue is intimate which allows each seat to provide a great view! The theater seats have a lot of leg room. There’s upstairs seating, but it’s limited. You can also find a small balcony section on each upper side of the theater, however, they’re also limited in space. Most seats will be found at the bottom level. The theater’s box office can be found in the neighboring venue, The Merc. Additionally, the theater has a set of restrooms across from it and a snack shop that has wine, soda. candy and other goodies. The venue is family friendly and has a great atmosphere. Being in the heart of Old Town Temecula, one has several food options before and after an event as there’s many restaurants and bars nearby! I have an appreciation for this theater as they really reach out to the community and tickets aren’t overpriced!
Lorenzo Warfel — Google review
stretch your comfort zone and do something different while supporting local businesses. Go watch a play, bring the young adults with you.
Anywhere you sit is a great seat so dont' worry about that.
This place has also hosted ted talks, like a mini one but still quite good
It is kinda hidden, and even if you don't attend a play you should go check it out. Beats hanging out the in bars all the time.
Harry Gardner — Google review
What a fantastic facility! We came for the community theater and its performance of the Music Man. Bottom line... one of the best performances I have see in a long time. All the actors were great. The seats are comfortable. I hope Mom and Dad will bring me back again the next time I visit!
Geoffrey Hart — Google review
Great little theater. The Mary Poppins Musical had a great cast with amazing voices! We look forward to going here a lot more.
Karri Wagoner — Google review
The theater is a delightful small town venue, tucked behind Front Street. There is not a bad seat in the house! All of the seats are comfortable and offer a great view of the stage. The snack bar is convenient with drinks, adult beverages, and snacks. It is cozy and quite enjoyable reading the donors names on the artistic metal sculptures and plaques. The Addam's Family Musical was well done and entertaining with a quality cast. It was not as family friendly as we had hoped in language and content, yet still enjoyable.
Teresa McDonald — Google review
It is an awesome place to see a play, a show, singing group. Small enough to see from every seat. The wifey n I saw west side story. Our friends son wan acting in it. The sound of all the singing sounded great though the whole place. So go enjoy a show there if you can, sells out quickly!
Captain jack — Google review
I really like this venue. The theater is very nice. The price is right. The acting is above average and the variety of shows is very good. There is a snack bar with beer, wine, coffee, tea and bottled water. Also lots of restaurants nearby.
William — Google review
Nice place to visit, you will find good places to eat, listen to good music and buy endless souvenirs
Ariel Partida — Google review
Wonderful community theater. No bad seats! Lovely outdoor patio and lots of ladies rooms (!) Saw Music Man. Top notch cast, super kids singing and dancing, had the entire audience singing to 76 Trombones. A must for family Sundays and evening date nights.
Barbara Laurienti — Google review
Saw Led Zepagain here and it was a great venue! Sound & lighting were were really good. Seating was comfortable. There were no signs posted for the entrance so we walk around building twice to find it. Parking is $26 in the lots & you have to pay thru your phone. Not even the lot attendant could get it to work right. I had to park 4 blocks away at the city hall parking structure, which is free but made us miss 25 minutes of the show.
Mark Shifflet — Google review
Small venue, but that is a good thing. We sat in the balcony. Interestingly, the balcony is just one row of seats. That makes egress and access difficult. But the center seats in the balcony have the best view, so tripping over your neighbors is worth it!
John Steindl — Google review
Most wonderful Theater. Such a jewel and enrichment for the community. Great selections of shows as well!
Junee — Google review
We always have a good time at the theater. It's always clean, and the staff is helpful. Ticket prices are reasonable, my only complaint is the cost of parking.
Sharon Evans — Google review
We saw the Makaha Sons on Wednesday the 27th. Purchased tickets in January and surprised that 2nd row seats were available. Amazing seats and atmosphere. The acoustics were excellent as were the band and hula dancers. Looking forward to their return next year as well as other future performances.
Rick Pahoa — Google review
A must see when you're in town. Lots of restored old buildings, food options (try Goat and Vine restaurant) and shops. Make sure to also go down the side streets as there are other shops around that are worth visiting. Lastly, there's a public parking about 2 blocks up away from the main street that helps avoid competing in finding parking.
A Stint Abroad — Google review
Great venue, not a bad seat in the house. The place has the feel of a Broadway theater, with a gorgeous outdoor courtyard serving as a lobby. Saw the Andrew Lloyd Webber spectacular and it was a great tribute to the composer! Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Wilson Creek Winery is a sparkling wine winery that offers play areas, a restaurant, and live music. The wines are made with almonds and the winery has won awards for its almond Champagne.
Beautiful winery the grounds are amazing. The watermelon wine is so good and smooth. Staff was very friendly and accommodating.
Pablo Calderon — Google review
It was my 1st time, we left late but I had a good time. The grounds are kept nice and so was the restrooms. The white and sparkling wine was the best, the one red that I tried not sweet enough. They need a better and or bigger food selection. The staff is very pleasant, friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. This place is a beautiful picturesque place I will visit again.
Joely Simpson — Google review
We frequent the wineries of this area often. We are members at a few different wineries but not here yet but we have friends that are so we end up here often.
We have attended special events here as well. The family story is great and you should ask or read while there.
This is a nice spacious area with lots of gathering places. They usually have live music on weekends but it tends to get very crowded. Not a fan of crowds. They are very popular but their wine just doesn’t do it for me. Though I do love their peach champagne.
We will be back because we enjoy time with our friends but expect a crowd on weekends. And with a crowd comes lots of different types of people. That is fine and good but come on guys put on something other than your best NASCAR t shirt and ball cap. Look good for your girl and like your somewhere special with someone special. 😍
David Molner — Google review
We just got married in March of 2023! Rose, the event coordinator, is organized, communicative, and flexible. She really helped us meet our financial goals while making sure that WCW was going to be set up the way we wanted. She also made us feel right at home when we came and was generous with her time. The staff were supportive and helpful, genuinely excited for us and our big day. The venue was gorgeous even in a non-leafy season, and the ready rooms were perfect. There were plenty of places for exquisite photographs as well. The food was flavorful with good variety, and of course, the selection of wines was delicious. Our only complaint would be the cake was served a bit late and most of our guests did not get cake but we believe it was due to a communication error. They were generous with complimentary amenities and worked well as a team to execute a beautiful wedding day!
Erin and Chad Hicks — Google review
This place is full of love and care for its visitors. Fantastic wine, food and service. I would not hesitate to recommend Wilson Creek. There is a very upbeat positive vibe across the property. We loved the helpful recommendations and especially lived the sparkling wines. Thank you for a memorable day!
Craig M — Google review
Great place to visit. We took a winery tour led by 'Motor City' Mike, who was both a knowledgeable guide and a great singer! It was interesting to learn about the winery's history and wine production process. We tasted many different wines, all good. The restaurant food was good too, and our server was friendly. They even gave us a free dessert. The atmosphere on a Sunday was great!
Leonardo Ferreira — Google review
Wilson Creek is an excellent winery. Their selection is great. The servers know their wines and can offer great information on what to choose. They also know how to mix a few wines together, to give you an incredible drink. The seating area is large and clean. The vineyards are easily accessible and you can walk through them, while actually picking some of the grapes of the vine, to taste.
They have a restaurant that offers good food but in my opinion, is too costly for what they serve.
But if you're looking for a great winery to spend a day at, this is the one.
O M — Google review
We came for a wine tasting, which was fantastic.
We decided to hang out in the outdoor area, which was beautiful. We took advantage of the bar and grill and purchased a bottle of the Rosé and a charcuterie box. The wine was delicious, unfortunately the charcuterie box, when we eventually got it, was very disappointing. Once we paid, we waited by the bar, since nobody communicated to us where we would pick up our order. After about 20 minutes, we asked, someone explained that the food would be under the umbrella, we then moved to that location, the gentleman (same one that had rung us up), asked us what we were waiting for, which he then said that “maybe” the box on the counter was our order. Pictured is what you get for 20something dollars.
I would definitely come again for the wine, but definitely skip eating at the bar and grill.
Fiona D — Google review
Came here on Easter weekend and it was fabulous! We tried the new Coconut Nui Champagne and the watermelon champagne- they are to die for!!
Tastings are definitely worth it as you get to try 6 different wines.
We had some pizza and a chicken sandwich from the grill.
We also enjoyed an alcoholic slushy- which was peach Bellini flavored that day with a sangria float. 🤤🤤.
Definitely recommend this place for a fun tasting.
Tarah Ward — Google review
Lovely rustic atmosphere. Excellent food. Inspirational wine.
Stopped in with family to enjoy lunch and wines. Had a Reuben sandwich with a glass of their Barbera. Spacious venues throughout, allowing for a casual tasting with friends or a formal occasion.
James Wolan — Google review
This is a really beautiful winery. Michael gave the best tour that I've experienced in years. He shared the stories of how the Wilson family started the business here and introduced many interesting aspects of vines, grapes, and wine-making. My little kids enjoyed it very much. Highly recommended for families.
K S — Google review
Had a great experience doing a wine tasting here!! All of the 6 wines we tasted were fantastic and the bartenders were extremely friendly. They have a huge outdoor seating area and a playground for kids. Definitely will return.
Molly S — Google review
Huge space! it was a weekend we visited and was packed! Beautiful outdoor space. The shuttles around the parking lot was nice service and they were friendly. Shops and bar service was kind of slow (it was busy so understanding) and mostly go get your own style so if you plan to spend ALL day there without time limitation, it will be a nice slow fun day.
Hitomate packbag — Google review
Wilson Creek Winery is truly a picturesque destination. Its welcoming ambiance invites guests to mingle while enjoying wine tasting at the counter. Additionally, there's a separate restaurant on-site. While we didn't have the chance to experience the wine tasting or restaurant firsthand, our review is based solely on the inviting atmosphere and scenic environment of the winery.
Xavier K — Google review
We had a reservation for the Library room and had a fantastic time which was due to one person...Sarah. From the moment we arrived Sarah was happy to help us and made us feel welcomed. After Sarah got us settled at our table she did an excellent job at explaining the wines and guiding us through our tasting. While we had our favorites, we liked all of the wines we tasted. Throughout the entire time Sarah's energy matched ours and she was knowledgeable, attentive, fun, helpful, caring, and overall a joyful person. I definitely recommend this winery and look forward to my next visit. Thank you, Sarah!!
Penny Quantz — Google review
Had an excellent time at Wilson Creek Winery with my wife for our anniversary. Taylor the hostess was great. She is very knowledgeable on the wines, and made the wine tasting experience very enjoyable. In addition, we ate at the restaurant and the food was great. Most definitely will return with family and friends to enjoy the wines, great customer service and food.
Ron Bright — Google review
A beautiful spot for wine and relaxation. Even a hot day you can misters, cool wine, great view of the vineyards, and a relaxing setting. Some weekends they have great music and other weekends it’s just mellow music.
Highly recommended if you enjoy wine! Their tasting samples are great plus the price is far cheaper then elsewhere. They also have delicious cocktail combinations.
Their tours are well thought out, quite educational, and tell a great story of history and taste. Check them out! You can’t go wrong at Wilson creek!
Griffen Stapp — Google review
We visited Wilson Creekside Grille for lunch and wine tasting! We had a great experience from the weather, to the staff, super fun vibes, and delicious food! We spent over half our day here walking around, lunch and winery, so I recommend absolutely going and making the time to truly enjoy yourself! 5/5 & 10/10 Recommend
Lauren Monet — Google review
Definitely worth the trip to the far reaches of Temecula's wine country. If for nothing else, then to sample their star-studded lineup of flavored sparkling wines. There's not a bad flavor among the 8-10 different bottles. The employees were very nice and friendly, and the lead bartender at our bar was very knowledgeable. Beware, this place is so popular it fills up quickly. I recommend you make this the first stop on your tour of the wine country.
Mike Rossi — Google review
We have been members of this beautiful winery for a few years. Even though this is a busy winery, we feel important. The service is always excellent, the music good, the food good, the atmosphere good. The wines are excellent and their bubbles, oh my, perfect for summer and celebrations. My favorite is the Peach Bellini. Hubby loves the creative concoctions prepared by the staff, who mix the various sparkling wine flavors.
Seating areas throughout the beautiful grounds allow for group gatherings or intimate chats.
Rosie Wilson, one of the founders, who is in her 90s, always makes an appearance at every special event and mingles. This is so special.
Rosy S — Google review
We got lost on the way there with our limo driver. We ended up stuck on a dirt road. Be careful. I seen a paved parking lot and the main road once we arrived so you don't need to be on a dirt road at anytime. Anyhow.. the winery itself was fine and the service was great. The wine tour was ok too. The wine tasting itself was good as well, although I felt they should have provided something to clear the palette to help distinguish the wines in between tasting. I would return.
I must mention the food which was on point!
The Ponderosa Running Springs — Google review
Got attacked by a drunk individual and the security and staff basically did nothing. When I retaliated, we got asked to leave even though everyone around us vouched for us and informed the staff that the others involved have already been starting fights with others and we were not to blame. I asked to speak to the manager and their response was to ask us to sit down to de-escalate the situation and they disappeared. Customer service is nonexistent and wine is at best gas station quality.
Laith Quntar — Google review
Very good customer service for young and newbies. Felt welcomed. Can picnic. You can bring your wine tasting glass to picnic outside. I love it.
Kristina — Google review
Beautiful winery with great service. Our group came on a really packed Saturday, and as busy as it was, the service was 5 stars. We really loved the wine tasting experience here and the ambiance was really great! There was something for everyone, we enjoyed being upstairs for the tasting and chatting with staff as well as the more lively crowd downstairs, and then still the kiddos have a play area downstairs by the creek. Food was ok, but the slushie was stellar. If you get a chance, go!
Shae Rouzan — Google review
We had the pleasure of hosting my daughter’s Bridal Shower at Wilson! Linsey, the event coordinator was AMAZING! We had a vineyard brunch and the food was delicious! Wilson was so flexible and provided outstanding customer service! We will choose Wilson over and over again!
C Howe — Google review
Great place for a day at the winery! This place is huge!! And the wine selection is great. I came for a graduation party during the week and it was not as packed as they can get, which was nice. Service was very friendly and food was yummy. Great scenery for a date or just a good time with friends and family.
Andrew Rodriguez — Google review
I had a wonderful time visiting this boutique winery! It was a lovely day and the atmosphere was festive! While sampling wines we got a visit from Santa!
The staff were friendly and helpful during our wine tasting!
The parking lot was huge, but there was a cart that came through to take you from your car to the front entrance of the winery!
Wonderful memories were made during this visit!
Shane J — Google review
We did not stay at the hotel. We went to their wine tasting at the winery. Unfortunately, we found their white wines, including the chardonnay, to be overly sweet. We sampled two of their red wines but found them to be undrinkable. Despite this, we appreciated their charming shop and the friendly, albeit busy server.
Marie Kang-Scott — Google review
4.6
(1961)
•
4.5
(910)
35960 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591, USA
Upscale outdoor shopping center featuring high-end designer fashion outlets, plus casual dining.
They have over 50 stores here with all premium brand name outlets. The surrounding views are great to check out the picture I posted.
Gregg Towsley — Google review
It’s an outlet as you know. Many stores with lower prices than we thought. Some stores had a line outside of them. Very clean and neat place. It’s right before Morongo Casino if you come from LA. It has huge parking lot. You can see a tall Mt. at background. There are many windmills around.
GH C — Google review
The Outlet Mall is filled with plenty of places to shop and buy. From food to clothing. From shoes to sunglasses. From A to Z. Look for the best deals. Plenty of places to choose to eat at. Make sure you see everything. The mall extends across the street. Over 130 stores to shop from. Great place if you just want to walk around and enjoy the outdoors.
Robert Herrera — Google review
Less than 10 miles from Palm Springs, but always feels like an adventure when I go there.
This time of year, it has so many sales...some as high as 70%. Top Designer brands can be found here.
The food court appears to be upgraded, now has Boba tea.
Lots of benches for those that feel a need for a break. Lots of parking.
Kathy Condon — Google review
Desert Hills Premium Outlet is close to Palm Springs and it takes more than an hour to drive from LA. Traffic is pretty heavy during rush hour. This outlet is one of the largest outlets with many luxury brands. You could spend a while day shopping at this outlet. Some stores offer great discount up to 75% off.
Danny Chen — Google review
Outlet Mall has the weirdest parking (parking garage in the back). Some of the Outlet entrances have been barricaded. Put on your walking shoes!!!! Lots of stores, good luck finding a directory/map!
Glenda Newman — Google review
It arranged excellent and the distribution is very excellent. My goal was to buy from Italian brands such as Gucci, Fendi, and others... I think the experience was excellent, but the prices were not enthusiastic and the assortment of goods was acceptable. Important note: 🔴 There is no wifi and signals the mobile was not excellent
Ibrahim N — Google review
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE this place! High end outlets or shopping areas are hard to come by in the suburbs-this place fits the bill! Gucci and Versace had folks lined up like a mob! This was January 2nd AFTER Christmas!! Crazy!
Sarah Says — Google review
This outlet is surrounded by hills, amazing view. It houses many luxury brands such as Prada, Burberry, Coach, MK and the list goes on. Food and drinks are available. I have a great time shopping here.
christine wong — Google review
This place has all the fancy stores and the not-so-fancy stores. There are so many options but very few directories. They attempted to make this sign (in picture) a directory but it’s so vague. You’ll end up walking around for hours so prepare yourself. The people in this mall are very uppity. I’m sure that most are tourists or vacationers but a lot of them have a stick up their ends. With this in mind, please prepare especially if you’re of color.
Myia W — Google review
Great selection of shops, especially the high end brands. Pretty, outdoor mall with great water features.
Coryne S Suzuki — Google review
There are various outlet stores. There are a lot of extra sales at the sale price. One thing that's disappointing is that there are not many restaurants. There are some restaurants on the street that sell in tents, but it's uncomfortable to sit down and eat.
James Han — Google review
One stop outdoor mall for all major and popiular designer brands. If you are looking for duscounts this is the mall to go. Lots of parking but weekends are packed. There is a limited food shops for snacks and fast food. A must visit in socal for fashionistas and bargain hunters.
Bruce Montana — Google review
Always a fun place to come and shop! Enjoy a smoothie inside the food court, pizza or burgers. Great place to get your walking in.
Heidi Kindel — Google review
If you love to shop, this is the place to go! This shopping center has almost every store in one place. It's a great place to walk around and it's kept very clean. They don't have restaurants but they have a few food stands.
Nicolle Moyer — Google review
A lot of good and not most common stores. It’s hard to find an outlet for certain brands that I find here. Very chill environment and most as crowded every single day like some.
Love it. Coming back!
Kordilia Foxstone — Google review
These outlets are Amazing. Clean facilities with great parking and so many stores you can't count them all. Smiley happy employees ready to help everywhere I went. Discounted items in every store as well so be sure to ask what is going on with sales. Cool place to shop! Something for everyone!
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