Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Mendocino to Carlsbad?
The direct drive from Mendocino to Carlsbad is 613 mi (986 km), and should have a drive time of 9 hrs 52 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Mendocino to Carlsbad, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with San Francisco, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Napa, Calistoga, Santa Cruz, San Jose, and Paso Robles, as well as top places to visit like Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge, or the ever-popular CHANDON.
The top cities between Mendocino and Carlsbad are San Francisco, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Napa, Calistoga, Santa Cruz, San Jose, and Paso Robles. San Francisco is the most popular city on the route. It's 3 hours from Mendocino and 7 hours from Carlsbad.
Calistoga, a charming city in California's Napa Valley, is famous for its hot springs, mud baths, and picturesque wineries. One of the notable wineries is set in Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-style castle. Visitors can witness the regular eruptions of the Old Faithful Geyser of California and admire works by Italian artist Carlo Marchiori at the Ca'toga Galleria D'Arte.
3% as popular as San Francisco
17 minutes off the main route, 23% of way to Carlsbad
Napa is a city located in Napa County, California that serves as the center of the Napa Valley wine region. The downtown area boasts historic architecture from the late 1800s and early 1900s, as well as a riverfront promenade with various shops and restaurants. The arts scene is anchored by the Napa Valley Opera House while the Oxbow Public Market offers a farmer's market and cheese shop.
4% as popular as San Francisco
17 minutes off the main route, 29% of way to Carlsbad
Need a place to stay?
WhereWhere are you going
When
–
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
When
–
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
San Francisco is a major center for culture, commerce, and finance in California. This bustling city offers an abundance of activities to keep visitors entertained, including Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. For accommodation options, Airbnb is recommended due to the diverse and fascinating neighborhoods found throughout the city. Walking tours are also highly recommended as it allows one to fully immerse themselves in the unique character of each neighborhood.
Most popular city on this route
10 minutes off the main route, 31% of way to Carlsbad
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.
3% as popular as San Francisco
18 minutes off the main route, 36% of way to Carlsbad
Situated on the coast of central California, Santa Cruz boasts a lengthy pier that extends into Monterey Bay and features various eateries and shops. The city is home to the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which offers visitors a chance to experience vintage rides like the 1911 Looff Carousel and Giant Dipper roller coaster. Pacific Avenue in downtown is lined with cafes, galleries, and stores selling vintage clothing.
3% as popular as San Francisco
41 minutes off the main route, 38% of way to Carlsbad
I'll never travel to Carlsbad without this trip planner again
Paso Robles, a city in California, is renowned for its wineries and olive groves. The Estrella Warbird Museum in the northeast showcases military planes and artifacts, while the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum exhibits historical relics such as farming tools and a reconstructed jail. Nestled among hills, Barney Schwartz Park offers a serene lake and picnic areas. For those seeking aquatic fun, Ravine Water Park features thrilling slides and a wave pool.
2% as popular as San Francisco
46 minutes off the main route, 55% of way to Carlsbad
Santa Barbara is a coastal city located in central California, with the Santa Ynez Mountains serving as its stunning backdrop. The downtown area features buildings made of white stucco in a Mediterranean style with red-tile roofs that reflect the Spanish colonial heritage of the city. State Street offers upscale boutiques and restaurants that serve seasonal fare and local wines. On a nearby hill lies Mission Santa Barbara, which was founded in 1786 and currently houses Franciscan friars along with a museum.
6% as popular as San Francisco
48 minutes off the main route, 74% of way to Carlsbad
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.
11% as popular as San Francisco
8 minutes off the main route, 84% of way to Carlsbad
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.
72% as popular as San Francisco
2 minutes off the main route, 86% of way to Carlsbad
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.
17% as popular as San Francisco
3 minutes off the main route, 89% of way to Carlsbad
Best stops along Mendocino to Carlsbad drive
The top stops along the way from Mendocino to Carlsbad (with short detours) are Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland Park, and Venice. Other popular stops include Griffith Observatory, Disney California Adventure Park, and Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Chandon winery, located in Yountville, California, is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts. The winery offers fantastic wines and friendly service with beautiful scenery that can be enjoyed all day long. Visitors can also explore the nearby vineyards and quaint town of Yountville. While some websites claim to offer free tastings at Chandon and other popular wineries, these claims are often false clickbait tactics aimed at increasing website traffic.
Well…that was fun. We arrived without reservations and they kindly accommodated. They were very busy, so it started a little slowly but we were lucky to have Kenny G. as our wine guide. He was awesome. He was funny, generous, gregarious, he was perfect. I would say that he made the experience except the wines themselves held up their end of the bargain. I’m not a huge bubbles guy but these wines are exquisite. They span the full spectrum of the sparkling wine experience and were dialed in and elegant. And the view on the patio was the ideal setting to enjoy these wines. If you’re into bubbles, this feels mandatory. If you’re not, be a good husband and let your wife have the time of her life. If you get Kenny G, you’ll both be rewarded.
Corry Manderson — Google review
This experience was first class. It is a bigger winery than many in Napa. However we were treated very personally and while we planned to just stay for an hour it ended up being two hours because we enjoyed our time, the service and the sparkling wine so much.
We did the Terroir tasting and that was perfect. The property is newly renovated and stunning.
Tyler McClung — Google review
This is the influencer winery due to their scenic property and contemporary tasting room. Was able to come here on a Monday during their Bubble Bar event, where their wines were served a la carte instead of a tasting. Reservations are required, as they did turn away plenty of people who were trying to walk in. Since the winery is owned by Moet & Chandon, the winery is known for their sparkling wine and I was not surprised that most of their product did taste like Dom Perignon. Everything was decent, but I would say the Mt Veeder sparking wines were better than the others.
Richard Fung — Google review
Most of the grounds were under construction while we visited, unfortunately. For a big house, I think this is what you would expect. Our wine guide was very nice, though. They had a vegan cashew cheese mushroom pizza that was so good! Though, they were out of the oysters for my partner, which was a bummer. Vibes were okay, sparkling wine was okay.
Lyndsey Campbell — Google review
Absolutely racist and nasty staff.
Right before my turn, he was serving some folks and we saw him chatting happily. Attitude changed 180 degrees when he had to serve us two asians. I asked if he could explain the drinks and what he recommends, he gives a one liner and says “it’s up to you.”
Probed again to ask to provide more details of the drinks, he gave a frustrated look and give a one liner. I wonder why is there such a difference in attitude?
Granted, scenery is beautiful but the staff whose name is Jesus, is just plain rude and takes away the joy of a supposedly beautiful experience.
tiffany tay — Google review
Since I love champagne, I really wish I could have given this place 5 stars.
My bestie & I visited here in Sept and the weather was perfect for sitting outdoors, which was where the tasting was - and you don't have a choice. A little odd I would think, since you're paying for it.
We were treated to some small bites along with each tasting. The staff wasn't very friendly or personable. Lovely grounds but they didn't seem to flow smoothly, they were detached.
I did enjoy the time and the champagne. Of course the only restroom is in the retail store, lol. I bought a few bottles and found later I was charged twice, not too nice.
Add a little more charm and this place would be worth another visit, construction or not
Teresa Ramirez — Google review
Fantastic wines and very friendly service! You can’t beat the scenery. It is absolutely beautiful and I feel like I can spend all day here. I appreciated that the staff allowed us to relax and enjoy our wines and we didn’t feel rushed at all. It’s also near my favorite bakery (Bouchon). I can’t wait to go back again!
Alyssa K — Google review
Chandon was an amazing experience!! Such a beautiful courtyard and facility. Part of it was closed to renovation and one of the pinnacle flight champagnes was out. Without asking they refunded half of our tasting fee. A great place to start or end your day in Napa. Thank you so much, Chandon!!
Bret Wallace — Google review
This was an absolute highlight for our trip to Napa! Very well priced options and the ability to just walk in and enjoy a few glasses with the view. Incredible quality and outlook. I could have gladly sat here all day!
Jordy manning — Google review
Our group wanted champagne so we included Chandon in our itinerary. For our visit, much of the building is under construction so we were outside. The grounds are nicely laid out and the bubbles are great! We are looking forward to when the work is complete so that we could have a more complete experience.
Christian Dodder — Google review
One of the best tastings I’ve had in wine country. I highly recommend the adventure tasting as it’s a “choose your own” option.
Service what phenomenal even for the last tasting of the day. No rush to leave and left with a great bottle purchase (packages beautifully).
Loved the light bite menu, especially the macarons.
Would highly recommend to all my friends!
Must-go in Napa for sparking!
Jenna Misciascio — Google review
A little mix up at the beginning with our large group was quickly resolved and we had a lovely time. Delicious food, great staff, and top notch ambiance. Would recommend and can’t wait to come back.
Lisa Michelle — Google review
We got here later in the day. It's a good size beautiful winery. The service is very good and professional. The raw oysters were delicious! There was a open bar as well as the wine tasting bar. We had a wonderful experience. After wine tasting, we took a stroll around the back and took lots of pictures.
Nanhkeodonedi — Google review
Overall, it was a great experience. The Educator who led us through the tasting was incredibly knowledgeable. The tasting pours are very generous. You are also given “small bites” that pair with each glass.
Amanda Gaunt — Google review
They take walk ins on Monday and it was an amazing experience! We will be back
Enormous amusement park filled with high-speed roller coasters & rides, plus wildlife attractions.
It’s good, sort of feels smallish compared to some other parks I’ve been to. For example, I like the Arlington TX Six Flags Over Texas slightly more.
Medusa is a great warm up ride, having a good blend of speed, smoothness, and g-forces. The Superman and Batman rides are a touch more intense, and both excel in different ways. Superman has the speed and a “flight” feel. Batman is crazy in all the different forces, and seems to fit Batman’s style.
I was excited about trying Flash but… closed. Same for Wonder Woman, also down for maintenance once we got in line.
Joker is the most bonkers, and turns it all up to 11. When we went, this one had the longest line by far. If you’re in the area and have the time… wow. Check it out
Bathrooms were clean. The food at Johnny Rockets was actually good, the Burger and chicken strips didn’t task like park food :-)
Jared Meaux — Google review
We went on a weekend :/ First mistake. But, we live close and ended up splurging for the season pass as after 2 uses it pays for itself. Next outing with be during the weekday. Lines were pretty terrible. When you start looking around the park more closely everything is covered in weeds and cobwebs. The overall appearance of the park is run down and dusty. Disney would never let their parks get so run down. Flow of parking was set up really well; although it was a haul to get to the park (you’ll definitely get your steps in just getting from the parking lot to the park!) They do offer bus service we just didn’t want to wait for it. You can bring in food and beverages we saw many strollers bringing in their own items. They also have refillable water stations so we will absolutely bring our water bottles next time. (We spent $30 in just water alone). Overall, it was a fun experience but we have some tips and tricks to have a more enjoyable experience next go.
Katy Werstler — Google review
We love going here for family time...especially during the holidays! Fun watching the kids stretch their boundaries and try new rides!
Do wish there was a schedule of which rides were open when with all the staffing requirements/schedules, and wish park was cleaner (rides and show seats especially), but overall ok.
Laura “BehaviorMomma” Matlock — Google review
I went today! I have been before, but I have never been on any of these roller coasters until today! This park is doing so much better! I only got to spend 3 hours in the park due to the hours being cut short. But I still got 2 Joker rides, a Superman ride, and a Sidewinder Safari ride! The cool part about being there in the rain, there was hardly any lines! I think the longest I waited for a ride was like 15 to 20 minutes for Joker! Joker! The one that always has long lines! The park was so dead! And they did give us free tickets since they cut our day short. So I will definitely be back!
Splash Mountain Dorrier — Google review
This place have lots of potential. If they make everything new and put more rides and more of there rides to be active. I promise more people will come. This park is kinda sad. Most rides are not working and everything looks really old. Please bring the park back to live so more people can enjoy it. I hate to see parks likes this look like this. Although they do have some cool animals.
ramesh reshad — Google review
Really fun place. It was pretty hot but later in the day turned out fine. Lines really long but maybe it was due to 4th July weekend. There was some really wild rides. I think the Joker was the ride to go on everyone loved it even our youngest of 9. Firework show was fantastic.
John Ferreira — Google review
For a late autumn day, lanes were really long. In a whole day (10am-6pm) we rode 5 rollercoasters, otherwise, we were srtanding in the lanes. Some areas of the park were closed. The rides were fun, but waiting for 2 hours and then seeing rides going around half empty was really annoying. Introduce the single passenger fast line, and make the experience better for everyone.
Mia Šimičáková — Google review
We had a fun first experience here during Oktoberfest and the kick off of Fright Fest.
It took some time orient ourselves but we got lots of walking in and toured the entire park. No paper maps available just digital.
Being the first night Fright fest haunted houses were a bit delayed and staff was confused about the one you had to pay extra for (which was a big disappointment after spending so much already) and we didn't get to see that one. The houses themselves were done well with some scare actors inside. Some lines moved quickly and some were very slow. The halloween park decorations were pretty good overall.
Oktoberfest food kiosks were incredibly slow. One person taking orders, money AND getting the food while others were around but not helpful. And the next day we bought the sampler pass but when we came back in the evening everything was closed so we didn't get to use it. :(
Overall the butterfly house and big coaster were our favorite, it was nice they were close together. We'd go back, you can do most all of it in a day.
Lovely Rita — Google review
The kids and I had lots of fun when we went during black history month last year in February 2022! The lines weren't too bad, and the price of the food was just a tad bit pricey but not too heavy on my pockets, lol! We got season tickets and can't wait to attend again for a family trip!
Tee — Google review
We just went to the park for the first time this year over spring break.
We have been coming here for years. We get a season pass which makes sense for our family since we live close to the park.
We also do the season dining pass, which if you go a lot this is a good deal rather than buying a meal each time at $20 each. This pass has changed since we started coming to the park. It used to include a snack and the annual refillable drink bottle. Now it is only 2 meals. And the park has closed a few of the food venues in the last couple of years so mostly burgers and chicken wings is what is offered around the park, with the exception of the food court.
The park no longer takes cash so you need a card, or have to purchase a park card at guest services.
Quite a few of the rides were closed as well, but I assume this is due to school still being in session so not as many employees.
Naomi Alfaro — Google review
There wasn’t any long lines that really needed the flash pass besides Superman which was my favorite ride there. It is cheaper to buy online that way you know what day is available including on blackout dates. We were able to feed sea lions with a purchase of food and see the other animals available
Fatima — Google review
Absolutely wonderful! The park has so many accommodations for people with special needs. My daughter had fractured her hip and can’t stand or walk for long periods, and my son has severe Tourette’s, making going out sometimes very difficult.
The line for an ADA pass was long, but a worker heard my son getting louder and louder and helped us immediately. The workers at every ride were polite, friendly and were mostly all smiles! And very patient!
I actually lost my ADA pass, but the worker could see my daughter was in a wheel chair and let them right on the ride while I got another pass.
With the ADA pass they had little wait times which made it possible for us to go! If it wasn’t for this pass we wouldn’t be able to go. Most workers looked at the pass and let us right on! They didn’t make us feel uncomfortable for using the pass!
Only downside… food is pretty horrible and overpriced and very long wait times…. But again the staff was very friendly.
Only problem we had… I could see my daughter and she needed help, but where she was, was turned into an exit, from the last five minutes I was with her… He staff would not let me go up to help her… they made me walk a mile around to where she was… and actually laughed that I had to do that… so although most workers were amazing, these 2 women had no empathy or compassion. So six flags still has work to do with a few employees! Thank you for a great time six flags!
Also after the dolphin show they let my son hang out five minutes and interact with the dolphins! My son rarely uses his words and all he could talk about when he got home, was how he got to train the dolphins… it really made his night and it will be an experience he will always remember! They were awesome with him.
Also FYI, I couldn't find any family restrooms...My son is a wonder and needs a companion with him at all times, so he had to use the female restrooms...
kara hallenbeck — Google review
We use to love 6 Flags before Covid. Now everything is more expensive but nothing has changed. It takes 30 minutes just to get from the freeway to park. Another 30 minutes to a hour to get into the park. And then half the rides are closed, the lines are long, most of the restaurants were closed even on a Friday during spring break so the lines to get food were crazy at places that were open. The app to buy food ahead still had a 45 minute wait and a long line to pick up. On top of that it wasn’t working and wouldn’t let you check in even when you were there. Even the bottles they sell for drinks are smaller. We paid $38 for a refillable cup which is about 2/3 the size of the old bottles. My mom and I walked around and looked at what’s left of Marine World Africa USA and did enjoy our day which is why I still rated a 3. But the kids only rode 2 rides in 5 hours (lines too long and the last one which would have been the 3rd ride they got to the front and it broke down after a hour and a half in line.
Maryrose Sweeting — Google review
Very fun like always!!! Enjoyed our much needed family trip. All my kids loved the experience and wish to come back soon!!!! All the employees very courteous and pleasant. No issues with rides we went on. Wish they still had the killer whale and sharks. Thanks 😊
The Lemana Family — Google review
Despite the outrageous prices of EVERYTHING nowadays we took our daughter here to spend a couple of days for her most recent birthday and there was something for the whole family. It was our toddler’s first time going and he LOVED IT. Our daughter had been before but was very hesitant about rides — but this time she got on all of the looney toon seaport rides AND took on most of the moderate thrill rides! As a parent it was very cool to watch her have so much fun and evolve. Season passes and dining passes made the experience more affordable and the new additions to the amusement park - more animals, excellent animal shows that were educational, and rides - made it a great place to have lots of fun. Plus the firework show was fantastic! We spent two full days there — one where the park was open later for the fire work show and one where it closed on time — from 11 am to closing and we STILL didn’t experience everything there was to see! We will definitely be going back and hope to try the new hurricane harbor also.
Lyneda Lincoln — Google review
Went for our friends bachelor party. Rode the Batman and Medusa; great rides. $15 beers not exactly worth it. Free shows were definitely worth it. Got to see one of the workers scream at kids feeding the sea lions. *Don't dangle the fish, just drop them*
Ryan Alexander — Google review
The park isn't what it used to be, but they do have incredibly fast roller coasters and definitely worth the discounted ticket price of $40 during a weekday! I hope they bring back the Looney Tunes show for the kids and fix the broken rides. Some rides need more than 1 employee working it because the line moves really slow... like on the Gorilla Ride....
It's a great value for the family, for sure. Every kid would love coming here especially during summer break.
Friendly Notary — Google review
I bought the diamond passes for my kids and husband. I also bought a speedy parking pass. Which I learned comes with the diamond pass, so I wasted money. It wasn't clear online what came with the pass! I had a few different employees explain it to me, and they were incredibly nice about it.
We arrived at the park 15 minutes before opening and we got through parking super fast and we left at 6 pm.
We fed the sea lions and pet stingrays and saw lots of different animals. The staff are very well educated on the animals and their names. We were talking with a sweet old lady(employee) at the puma and Wolf's, and she was telling us all these amazing facts and had my kids engaged and excited.
We waited between 5 minutes to an hour for rides. We got to ride most of the rides.
We had so much fun exploring the park, and there are lots of places to sit down and rest. If you're not a fan of rides, there is still lots to do between shows and animals to see!
I'm very excited to spend the summer with my kids here!
Carolanne Leavitt — Google review
Relatively small but entertaining place around bay area. Lot of rides for all ages and quite clean as well. Young adults and kids will have lot of fun. The staff are cordial and good.
Vikram Samal — Google review
It's been about 10 years since I have been to this theme park, and today I came with my daughter for her first time, she had a blast! She is just above 48inches tall so she was able to ride a handful of rides except for Medusa, superman, wonderwoman, and 2 more she will need to have a summer growth spurt for 😊 The theme park was clean and customer service was wonderful! Merchandise and extracurricular gaming and activities are priced fair! Shows and kids entertainment was fun and sighted some characters here and there! I suggest going in the morning to see animal engagement, but overall a family fun experience guaranteed.
mp espinoza — Google review
This was from October 2023 visit.
You cannot walk in to purchase tickets. You have to purchase online. The weird thing is, I tried several times to get tickets online but the thing is, the website is not accepting my card. They should do something about this and either accept payments upfront (what the hell are the terminals there for?). But they did make consideration for us when I explained to them that the site does not accept my card. So ⭐️ for that.
Some employees were lazy… some were constantly checking the time and saying outloud that she’ll be out in 2 hours. I mean, come on, it was not a busy day.
A P Y — Google review
I want to be clear that the location and the attractions are all very good. This Six Flags has some great rides and the animals are great. However, it is very irritating that because of mechanical or other issues that we were only able to go on three or four rides total during the day. Multiple times we stood in line for more than an hour just to have the ride shutdown for some reason unknown to everyone. To compund matters, some rides did not ever open so the lines for the rides that were running were very long. We will not return to this Six Flags or any others. We'll stick to Universal Studios or Disneyland/Disneyworld. This place is definitely not worth the money if you are not able to go on more than a few rides on any given day.
Charles Jenks — Google review
My family and I live in Idaho and visited Sacramento during Covid where lots of places were shutdown. The park wasn't in full operation.
We Bought the tickets online. Two adults tickets and two for our kids.
We tried to get there per the schedule on our tickets.
For unknown reasons they weren't going by that schedule time on the tickets.
We thought were trying to control crowd by giving out those schedules.
I'm not sure why the tickets have those time slots if they're needed.
We arrived late afternoon and they were done with almost all of the shows for the day.
We were lucky to enjoy the dolphin show. We loved to watching the dolphins display so we decided to put it on our to do list anytime we visit Sacramento again.
We were there again in 2022 .
This time too we missed our favorite dolphin show. The did the dolphin show earlier that day were visited. We were sad that on two different occasions we never got to enjoy to the fullest.
I recommend if you want to visit the place and get full benefits then plan to go early regardless of the time you see on your tickets so you don't miss some of the shows.
Plant to spend the whole day there should in case you have to stay later to enjoy all the shows.
I will suggest the management put the schedule of their shows for each day online so people can plan their trip accordingly.
Aside the rough schedule,the kids enjoyed the seeing the marine kingdom
Paulina Baffoe — Google review
Easy to get to park, general and preferred parking is pretty close to each other. $50 for parking, food prices are ridiculous $20 corndog and fries. not sure if you could bring food but definitely find out. Dippin dots were $10 each. I guess thats normal sur charges for amusement park.
Rides are great. Didnt wait too long for each ride but arrived when it opened.
Lila S — Google review
Great roller coaster park. Friendly staff, great rides.. but as expected.. Food cost isn't cheap. If you are only going one time, pack a lunch and grab a locker just outside the gate (or keep it in your car)
Or if you have a season pass, and are going to go 4-5 times.. get the food pass and eat up!
C Varty — Google review
We had a great time here! It's like sea world,but with more rides. My boys loved the wonder woman ride and batman ride. We also got to feed seals. The lines were not long wait times and it was all decorated for Christmas. Lots if gift shops and games.
The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is a long, stately span connecting San Francisco and Oakland. It also has a pedestrian and bike path.
Beautiful view especially when taking the ferry at night. You are able to see the whole city. The bridge is huge! Never really realized how long it is. The lights are so beautiful. They twinkle. It’s a great sight to see at night.
Little Green — Google review
The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge stands as an engineering marvel, providing breathtaking views of the Bay Area. For first-time drivers, I highly recommend starting from the East, journeying from Oakland to SF. Whether you're crossing it by car, strolling along the pedestrian path, or simply admiring it from a distance, this iconic structure is a must-see.
The bridge is also beautifully visible from Treasure Island, offering a unique horizontal perspective. The double-decker design of half the bridge adds to its charm. With its distinctive architecture against the backdrop of San Francisco's skyline, it promises a memorable experience for any visitor. Don't miss the chance to witness this architectural wonder.
Nixon Caparas — Google review
We enjoyed viewing and going on the bridge.
We enjoyed it more then the golden gate Bridge.
The two levels look cool and at night lights up.
Adam — Google review
December 2022: A must visit in the night if you're in the Bay. 86 years ago, the Bay Bridge opened to the public, connecting San Francisco and Oakland. The views here are incredible and the lights twinkle across the bridge in the night. A very underrated bridge, and would highly recommend going here for that scenic look, and some memorable photos.
Anu — Google review
The Bay Bridge, officially known as the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, is an impressive feat of engineering that spans the picturesque San Francisco Bay. Connecting the bustling cities of San Francisco and Oakland, this iconic bridge is not only a vital transportation artery but also offers stunning views that make it a must-see for locals and visitors alike.
The bridge itself is a marvel, consisting of two major sections—the older western span that leads to San Francisco and the newer eastern span that reaches towards Oakland. Each offers a unique architectural style, with the western span known for its classic suspension design and the eastern span celebrated for its sleek, modern aesthetic and the eye-catching, self-anchored suspension structure.
Driving across the Bay Bridge provides sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the surrounding waters. During the day, the scenic vistas are breathtaking, and at night, the bridge is illuminated by thousands of LED lights, creating a dazzling display that can be seen from many vantage points along the bay.
In addition to its functional role, the Bay Bridge has become a symbol of resilience and innovation, reflecting the dynamic spirit of the Bay Area. Whether you're crossing it by car or admiring it from a distance, the Bay Bridge offers a spectacular blend of natural beauty and architectural prowess, making it a landmark worth experiencing.
Enes SEN — Google review
The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, known locally as the Bay Bridge, is a complex of bridges spanning San Francisco Bay in California.
GOVIND CHAUDHARY — Google review
Wow, underrated bridge. Not as pedestrian friendly as Golden Gate but close to SF Giants stadium and the piers and offers nice view of bay and Oakland.
Luis Daniel — Google review
Just as cool as the Golden Gate without the notoriety. Very long spanning bridge with great views of San Francisco.
Scott Coble — Google review
Amazing bridge. Fantastic look at night with lights blinking on this bridge. One of the cool bridges in San Francisco. This bridge connects San Francisco and Oakland through Yerba Buena Island. 7$ for bay bridge toll.
Naveen Kumar — Google review
I love this bridge. It is a different experience when you travel each way. I live here but if you are wanting to travel over it, then you will start under the lower deck if going from San Francisco to Oakland and this is the older half of the bridge. My favorite is taking the bridge from Oakland to San Francisco on the upper deck. This starts at the new half of the bridge which you enter through the toll plaza which is about a span of 12-16 lanes wide. It’s a marvel every time, unless you use it to commute, then it may be redundant and something you don’t enjoy.
kirk stanczyk — Google review
This bridge connects San Francisco downtown and Oakland and has number of view points. You can view this bridge from Coit Tower, Alcatraz Island and from all the different piers on the bay. The views at night are splendid, it is lit with variety of colorful lights. A drive through this bridge at night must be an addition to your itinerary if you are visiting San Francisco.
Vinit Sorte — Google review
While it isn’t a bridge that has walking paths for pedestrians along the side, the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge has beautiful views
Anonymous User — Google review
The Oakland Bay Bridge is an engineering marvel that connects the vibrant city of Oakland to San Francisco. The mesmerizing lights of the bridge at night are a sight to behold, and the views of the bay are breathtaking. It's not just a commute; it's an experience. Whether you're crossing it during the day with the sun glistening on the water or at night with the bridge illuminated, it never fails to leave you in awe. A symbol of the Bay Area's innovation and beauty. Don't miss a drive across this iconic structure!
Mehmet Kaya — Google review
Beautiful to drive over at sunset! I love driving past the city after you cross over the bridge coming into the city.
Jess Lin — Google review
When you get into the great Oakland Bay Bridge, you can forget about the commute traffic, it's smooth sailing once you pass the toll gate.
Blake Henderson — Google review
We drove through the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge, couple of times. The iconic bridge connects San Francisco and Oakland and offers impressive views each time. Every time we drove through the bridge was busy with constant flow of vehicles, even after 10 pm. Additionally, you need to pay a fee to drive through.
Tasnim Ara Islam — Google review
What a feat of engineering, love this bridge, so incredibly constructed and a real marvel to look at it. Additionally, I do think it is highly under credited and appreciated in comparison to its rival, the golden gate. But I have to say I think this bridge, while maybe not holding quite the iconic title as the golden gate with its beautiful rust tint, in my personal opinion the Bay Bridge is much more spectacular in its bridge glory.
Karina O'Flynn — Google review
The Oakland Bay Bridge is an iconic structure that connects Oakland and San Francisco, spanning the San Francisco Bay. As a frequent traveler between the two cities, I have had the opportunity to cross this bridge many times and it never fails to impress me.
The bridge’s sleek design and towering presence make it a standout feature of the Bay Area skyline. The views from the bridge are breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset when the sun casts a golden glow over the water. The sight of the city skyline in the distance is truly mesmerizing.
In terms of functionality, the Oakland Bay Bridge is a vital link for commuters and travelers alike. The multiple lanes and efficient traffic flow make for a smooth journey across the bay. The bridge is also well-maintained and feels safe to drive on, even during peak traffic hours.
Overall, the Oakland Bay Bridge is a must-see landmark for anyone visiting the Bay Area. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, crossing this bridge is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Its beauty, functionality, and historical significance make it a true gem of the region.
Pritika Maharaj — Google review
Amazing bridge. No pedestrian access but it has beautiful views going over it. Often quite busy but the views make up for it. Whenever I go from the city to Oakland I always take the bay bridge and has gotten me to a lot of track meets and more. Overall it’s an amazing bridge
Lucas Chang — Google review
4.5
(2664)
•
4.5
(1815)
San Francisco – Oakland Bay Brg, San Francisco, CA, USA
Stanford University, a leading private research institution established in 1885, is renowned for its exceptional academic programs in law, engineering, business and medicine. It boasts of being one of the best private universities globally with an outstanding campus lifestyle that is super clean and organized. The university's buildings and structures exude a dreamland aura full of castles that are perfect for exploration by multiple visits due to the enormity of the campus.
What cozy and beautiful campus! The community is vibrant and feel the youth energy there! Plus the diversity and diversity make this university so fantastic!!!
Le monde Tibet — Google review
This review is on the walkability and grounds of Stanford University rather than the academics or admissions. Quite simply one of the most beautiful college campuses in the U.S., abs worry the visit even if one is not currently shopping colleges. Stanford is vast and mostly flat. There are many areas shaded by trees that helps with cooling on a hot day. Those from warmer climates will appreciate the gorgeous weather most of the year. There are plenty of areas to sit but restrooms are hard to come by for visitors. The campus is also great for skateboards, bikes, both manual and electric. The chapel is gorgeous and the Rodin Garden is lovely. A wonderful place to get your 10k steps!
KGQ NYC — Google review
Stanford campus is one of the must-visit Bay Area sites. Campus is vast and beautiful. The weather is almost perfect all year round. It typically take about 4-6 hours to have a full tour of the enormous campus. I have taken a few pictures for us to share. Hope you would like them.
American Credit — Google review
Picturesque university with beautiful church and buildings. Great for afternoon walk around the campus and even you can go up the Hoover tower for fabulous views.
Subhankar Das — Google review
Enormous campus. Very beautiful. In town from Wisconsin. Bookstore didn't have wrestling gear. Had to go on a journey to find the other store near track stadium. Wish that info was clearer. But got to explore campus
Brian Hinkle — Google review
I had lived in the Bay area for 10 years and never made it to the Stanford campus.
I'm so glad I got to come here today and loan a little bit about the Stanford story.
Education is for everyone.
I feel humbled to have been in the space where the greatest minds belong and innovation is at the heart of it all.
The clock tower, the church and the quad are just beyond beautiful.
Div Manickam — Google review
One of the best private universities in the world with their academics and campus lifestyle. Everything here is super clean and organized. The buildings and structures in the campus makes you feel as if you are in dreamland full of castles. The campus is super huge, so one might as well take multiple visits to explore.
Prajna Shenoy — Google review
It is a well-known university. It has been seen in several American movies. There are not too many tourists, easy to access and easy parking. I advise you to go there outside school hours so that it is quieter.
Steven Rancourt — Google review
I’m not a student, but this place is something that you can not miss!
Amazing architecture, Rodin garden with unique sculptures with big hands, and a spirit of student life are the most important things which give you a full impression.
Parking lot is huge.
Church has working hours and not open for visitors all day long.
Restrooms and cafeterias are working for you.
Ksusha Malysheva — Google review
The place with nice vibe. We had just a small walk here. I was never dreaming about studying in such a place. But the understanding that here is The university with huge history, so old and beautiful made me happy
Anna Shtatskaya — Google review
No doubt one of the top universities in the world. Silicon Valley is the proof! Got a quick tour today. Not able to attend the Mass due to time limit. Wish kids can have the chances to study here one day.
Edward Zhang — Google review
A trip to Stanford University during our summer vacation turned out to be an extraordinary experience, leaving us in awe of the excellence and beauty that this prestigious institution has to offer. From the moment we set foot on the sprawling campus, we knew we were in for a treat.
The first thing that struck us was the picturesque setting of Stanford University. Nestled amid lush greenery and framed by majestic palm trees, the campus exuded an atmosphere of tranquility and sophistication. The meticulously maintained grounds and stunning architecture created a sense of grandeur, making us feel like we had entered a world of academic brilliance.
The Hoover Tower, with its commanding presence, offered a breathtaking view of the entire campus and the surrounding landscape. We stood in awe as we took in the panorama, realizing the vast potential that Stanford University holds for its students to make a positive impact on the world.
If you're looking for an opportunity to ignite curiosity and inspire young minds, a visit to Stanford University is an absolute must. The blend of academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and picturesque surroundings make it an unforgettable destination for families and aspiring scholars alike.
Rav Misra — Google review
Our recent visit to the Stanford Campus was an absolute delight. From the moment we stepped foot onto the grounds, we were captivated by the refreshing atmosphere, lush green landscapes, and unique vibe that permeated every corner of this prestigious institution.
One of the most striking aspects of the campus was the abundance of trees and verdant landscapes. As we strolled along the pathways, we found ourselves surrounded by a picturesque natural setting that provided a serene backdrop for our exploration. The meticulously maintained gardens and vibrant flora added a touch of tranquility to the entire experience.
During our visit, we had the opportunity to explore the renowned East Asia libraries with a day pass. The libraries proved to be a treasure trove of knowledge, housing an extensive collection of books and resources. The ambiance was both serene and studious, allowing us to immerse ourselves in a world of intellectual discovery.
As the day drew to a close, we made our way to the Oval, where we witnessed a truly breathtaking sunset. The vast expanse of the Oval provided an ideal vantage point to soak in the vibrant hues painting the sky, creating a scene that was nothing short of magical. It was a moment of pure serenity and beauty, etching a lasting memory in our minds.
What truly struck us during our visit was the palpable sense of history and stories that seemed to resonate from every corner of the campus. Whether it was the iconic buildings or the quiet nooks and crannies, there was an undeniable aura of significance and heritage. It felt as though each space held its own narrative, inviting visitors like us to become a part of the rich tapestry of Stanford's legacy.
In conclusion, our visit to the Stanford Campus was an enchanting experience from start to finish. The refreshing ambiance, abundant greenery, and unique vibe create an atmosphere that is both invigorating and serene. Whether you're academic enthusiasts, nature lovers, or simply seeking a place of beauty and inspiration, Stanford Campus offers a captivating journey filled with history, natural wonders, and stories waiting to be discovered. We wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this remarkable institution.
Ashwini Suryavanshi — Google review
The campus is very nice to walk around. The buildings, Rodin's sculpture garden, and the art museum are all worth a visit. The bookstore is full of things to buy as gifts.
Amy W — Google review
Very large campus with some attractions. Visit the Hoover Tower (elevator) and the Hoover exhibition halls. The Memorial Church with its beautiful windows all with free entrance. Also the Rodin-Replicas outside the Cantor Arts Center are in open air and free to visit. For parking, you can use a website to pay per hour, even foreign credit cards works. Wait for good weather, it's nothing you wanna do in the rain.
Manuel Girisch — Google review
The architecture is phenomenal. Loved the church, the arena, and the labs! It's summer, so lucky me! Plenty of parking around 7 pm on a Wednesday! So guess what's gonna happen in the Fall!!
The Winchester Mystery House is a sprawling landmark built by Sara Winchester in the late 1800's. It is said to be haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles, and contains many strange features designed to confuse ghosts.
Cool tour. The tour guides were amazing. I highly recommend taking the extra tour after taking the first tour, it made the overall experience that much better. Gift shop to shooting range, axe throwing to house tour, this site holds a lot of adventure to be had.
Warning: I and my guests experienced paranormal activity while in the house. My experience was not nearly as bad as my guests but be aware, paranormal experiences are possible and my not be suitable for all people.
Drew Lichty — Google review
In March we took the House tour and loved it. We came back in July to take the Walk With Spirits Tour.
We had a blast! We love the tours here. Staff are so knowledgeable and friendly. The house is amazing, great for those into history and spirits.
We bought our tickets online prior, which made it so easy, no wait at all. Highly recommend all of the tours they offer here.
Sheri Mccolloch — Google review
I absolutely love the house. It's cute, quirky, and inspiring. However the tickets were way overpriced, considering it wasn't even the whole house and the inside was incredibly hot (I get that AC is quite impossible but feel like some of the money on the ticket could be spent on more and better fans), and that the tour is quite short for the price (the turnaround rate is high, which again I get, but I wish we had more time to check out every room, instead of being rushed by the next tour.) Worth visiting and it was super fun, but get ready to spend.
Yu Jung Hou — Google review
We were in San Jose for a concert and found the Winchester Mystery House while searching for things to do during the day, and I'm glad we did. The one hour tour was great, and our tour guide gave us some great history while injecting a lot of humor as well. It was a really good time, and we enjoyed learning about and seeing the house. All of the different features meant to confuse the ghosts were fun to see.
(They were set up for a Halloween event, so some of my photos have those items in there that normally aren't set up.)
Jamie Lawson — Google review
Definitely a must see in San Jose, I attended a walk with the spirits tour. It lasted around 1 hour, or guide Katy was kind and very informative. The tour takes you through a lot of the house and there’s tight spots where you have to duck and wear a hard hat. So if you have mobility issues it could be a little challenging. Theres also stairs to climb. But overall a great tour. My group had a lot of fun!
Kennedy F — Google review
It was interesting, the house was a novelty and a fun piece of history. Sarah, our guide, was nice and very knowledgeable. My other thoughts: the tour ran about 90 minutes, which was a little long for me at the end, though the most elaborate rooms are at the end so it ends on a high note. The price is very high, totalling $90 for the two of us. I've been to a lot of historic monuments, palaces, castles, etc. and that's the highest price I've ever seen. I don't think it's worth it-as a comparison, the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey is almost half the price. Interesting, but priced too high. Tickets sell out so you might want to reserve online.
Michelle Mitton — Google review
We were there on March 12, 2024. Amazing house. We loved some of the woodworking details. Sarah had put a lot of thought into the details of the house. Some things weird, like stairs going up but nowhere, walls behind doors, etc. Our guide was knowledgeable. I would like to see a smaller group (about 4-5 persons less) so everyone can get into the rooms. Loved the bedroom areas
If you are in the area, you must visit. We enjoyed it.
Pam Sulak — Google review
We did an afternoon tour on a weekday. Drove there and was able to purchase tickets for the next tour. Each tour lasted about an hour and it was packed with fun facts about the house.
I highly recommend this tour. Very unique house full of mystery and history. My kids and I all enjoyed it. Our guide was awesome!
Sharon Black — Google review
This place is amazing. We were fortunate to go during the narrow window of time when they were offering an extended version of the tour to areas that are usually off limits. Very cool. The tower room with the crazy acoustics was probably my favorite part. I love the entire house and property though. Fantastic experience. I'm so grateful that this place has been preserved. It's really cool.
James Angelo — Google review
What a fun experience. The house is lovingly maintained and the grounds are exquisite especially the garden. It was fun to walk around after the tour. The tour guide was informative if not rehearsed but I guess that's to be expected after saying the same thing all day every day. Kind of funny to see this house and grounds smack in the middle of the city with condos and offices around but also loved the old photos of what the area looked like when it was originally purchased. Gift shop was well stocked with everything you could imagine. Fascinating story of Sarah Winchester.
Allison M — Google review
We had a wonderful time at this fabulous old home! Our guide Griffin was exceptional; kind, patient and very knowledgeable. The home itself is fascinating and beautiful, and the gardens are lovely! Buy tickets in advance and for first thing in the morning during the summer months as it does get hot!
Traci B. — Google review
Loved our visit to this place! Me and my bestie have always wanted to see the Winchester Mystery House and it did not disappoint! Only thing disappointing was that urban sprawl has encroached upon the surrounding area and has the essence of putting this beautiful property in a little hole. My friend always imagined it as being away from the city and on its own little land high on a hill somewhere. But still, the mansion was cool and mysterious, even during the day. My friend said she felt anxiety in one of the rooms and, for some reason, the seance room was much colder than any of the other rooms. I thought a window was open, but there wasn't! Our tour guide had a dry humor, but it was appropriate for this kind of establishment. Slightly creepy, very interesting, and just the right amount of historical facts to make the tour enjoyable. Bring your walking shoes! This place was huge!
Theron Langhorne — Google review
For 13 years I've been waiting for this tour and it was worth every penny. The tour guide was fantastic, the gardens were easy to navigate and the gift shop was pretty alright. The gift shop was a tad expensive but if you want memorabilia it was perfect. I love this place and I hope to return another time.
Casey Johnson — Google review
The Winchester Mystery House tour is amazing and so completely worth visiting! Our guide, Kai, was knowledgeable, captivating, and friendly. He shared facts, not fiction, while sharing the story of Sara Winchester's life. The house is a piece of fascinating, historic architecture, full of interesting tales and visuals. I would totally take this tour again, it was so fascinating I am sure I missed things because I was so enthralled! The gardens are beautiful and so peaceful to stroll through. We went on the regular tour but will definitely go back for the Candlelight tour! Oh! And the Menagerie of Oddities & Curiosities Market that was taking place was super rad with local artisans and artists, can't wait to go back!
Cami Cipolla — Google review
Impromptu visit on Saturday--reserve your tour ahead of time online. They seem to fill up fast!
Wish the tours had a smaller group limit so that we could see a little more of the house and spend more time with tour guide.
Overall, the home is amazing.
If you enjoy Victorian design and stained glass, then this is a must see.
Great way to spend some time in downtown San Jose if the weather is nice.
Brenda was our guide and she was very friendly and hospitable.
Lauren B — Google review
Loved this place. The house and grounds are beyond stunning. Parking was easier than I expected and the tour guides were fun. I enjoyed learning about the history. We did both tours and felt the price for the explore more tour was not a great value, but the $ you pay helps fund the restorations needed so I'm okay with that. Also we arrived basically one minute before our scheduled tour and they were very accommodating and offered to change our time before I could even ask.
Charlie Ramey — Google review
We toured on our weekend getaway. What an AWESOME experience! Very unique! Just wish there was a little more time in between rooms; not only for pictures but to allow the available presence(s) to come through more. Faces are within paintings/pictures in pictures. Definitely does not sell short of the energy in that building! Beautiful architecture! Captivating! Now, we just need a midnight tour or sleepover! ☺️
Elaina Kirshman — Google review
We were driving through and I wanted to stop to see it. I have heard so much about the house. My wife and just gone on the house tour and "spirits" tour several weeks before with her girlscout troop. The girls really enjoyed both tours. We walked around the grounds and gift shop, but did not go inside. It is a beautiful home. They do a great job taking care of it! It is amazing to think it used to be a working farm, surrounded by orchards. Now it is surrounded by office buildings and apartments. If you are in the area, you have to stop and see it.
Scott Wolf — Google review
Historical aspects that were beautiful to see. Great tour guide with a sense of humor. We went in August so it was hot but we still enjoyed the tour. Lots of walking, lots of stairs, some original items, but most things were brought in to recreate the home dynamic. We definitely want to go back and see the other tour options.
Teasha Vasquez — Google review
Have never been here before so I will review everything I did individually….
Oct 6- Unhinged experience VIP 930pm
This is a fun experience for kids, but pricey and in my opinion not worth the price.
Oct 7- spirit tour 150pm
Fun and informative. Vic was a great host with a lot of stories and experience (I believe he has been there since 2018)
Answered any and all questions- great host! A+
Oct 8- mansion tour
Also fun and informative! Victoria was our host this day. It was only her second day and you would have never known it! She was wonderful. Answered all questions and was so much fun. Everyone truly enjoyed her, I feel she has a long time employment here (maybe even into the afterlife 🤣)
I bundled the last 2 tours which made it a great deal. Also, these 2 tours take you to different parts and rooms of the house so I highly recommend doing both! I really loved all the stained glass in the house.
Robin McFaul — Google review
A must-see experience for every fan of the eccentric or unusual or even Victorian architecture. It's difficult to convey my feelings about the Winchester Mystery House. I'm not a believer in spooks or spirits, so the exact reason why my memory of the house has lingered at the front of my consciousness for weeks after my visit is peculiar to put it mildly. My initial impression was simply how overwhelming the maintenance of the house must be on an ongoing basis. We paid for the 10:50 am "Guided Mansion Tour" on a Saturday. Tickets were $41.99 each. Our tour guide was Marissa, a lovely young lady wearing a period costume. She was professional, enthusiastic about the property (she referred to the Winchester House as a "home" throughout the tour), and a delightful host. We heard some of the other tour guides that overlapped ours due to the layout of the house, and I am pleased that we were lucky to be assigned Marissa for our tour. She was great! Highly recommended!!!
Lloyd Lindberry III — Google review
We absolutely loved this house! Our tour guide Olivia Maldonado went above and beyond for our tour. We loved the architecture, history, "haunted" part and everything else. Olivia let us rest when my Make-a-Wish kiddo needed a break and we got to use ghost hunting tools in the house. We got to hear the history behind doors that lead to nowhere, the stairs that lead to nowhere, the number 13 throughout the house and so many more fun tidbits. Their gift shop is huge and super well priced. Olivia made the tour so enjoyable! 100% worth your time to go and enjoy as there's something for everyone.
Briana Taylor — Google review
We made a detour on our camping trip on our way home from the Coast of California and visited the Winchester Mystery House. You must do this tour! You'll be telling friends forever that they should go too! After we had a really great lunch in town at an upscale Mexican Restaurant just a 5 min. Walk from there. Great day!
shelley murphy — Google review
Creepy but fun! Definitely has spooky vibe, but we had a good time. We had a novice guide so she did her best. Would like to go back during October and do the nighttime tours! 👻
Sweet Ness — Google review
The Winchester House offers an unforgettable experience. The mansion's beauty is matched only by the quality of the guided tour. Each corner reveals intriguing stories, expertly explained by the guides. Exploring its mysteries is a true delight, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an enriching and captivating experience in history and architecture.
Clément Muth — Google review
My wife and I had the opportunity to attend a TAPS Paranormal investigation at the Winchester Mystery House. I have been to the Winchester house about 4 times with my first time being about 55 years ago, but never at night and in the dark. The event was top-notch with friendly staff and knowledgeable staff from TAPS West Coast. The TAPS crew were using a vast array of equipment, and each of the guests had their own K2 EMF detector. We went into areas previously unavailable to the public. If they ever offer this experience again, do it.
Phil Wilson — Google review
Beautiful house. I did enjoy my tour guide, Milo. Very quirky and fun. Gets really into it and knew a lot of other facts not mentioned. Although the introvert in me wouldn’t mind a self guided mobile tour as well. Very touristy with the gift shop but I did get a shirt and magnet. Was a nice piece of history. The cool part of history. Was eye easy to buy tickets online and go right inside to the waiting area.
Allieya DePaolantonio — Google review
Emma. The tour guide was awesome and lovely to listen too Very outgoing and well prepared and spontaneous. Loved every minute was thrilling and exciting to learn very informative. Definitely recommend to take some time and take the tour of this beautiful home.
Look forward to do the extended tour with spirits soon.
Triple777black — Google review
Experience: really good experience. The house is exactly how you would imagine, quirky rooms, strange staircases, lots of windows and very unique features.
The tour guide was very informative and knowledgeable but he went too fast. As soon as he finished telling us about the area we were in, it was time to walk on to the next area. So there was not much time to take it all in.
It would have been nice if he spoke just a tad slower and paused before moving on.
In their defense though, there is ALOT of information to cover. The house has so much character.
I recommend visiting if you have a spare couple of hours.
holly brooks — Google review
I love this place. It's been twenty plus years since I've been over here so I thought I should check it out again. It's amazing how much you forget over the years. It's just a neat old quirky house. The story behind it really does enhance the experience. We only did the house tour because it was raining. Like I already said, I loved it. The guide was great and there was plenty to see. Would recommend. Not a lot of pics because I was too busy looking with my eyes.
Herb Busler — Google review
Well worth a trip to see the kooky Winchester mansion. It's well furnished, and the Christmas decorations were fun and fitting in the house. The multiple sets of stairs on the standard tour are worth consideration if you're going with children, seniors, or mobility restricted people. The tour is about a mile of walking. They do offer ADA tours as well.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a historic amusement park located on the beach in Santa Cruz, California. It features a variety of rides and games, as well as an arcade and various attractions. The boardwalk is particularly popular among locals and tourists alike and is renowned for its charming old-fashioned look and feel.
Lots of fun, and a good place to spend some time for both nearby locals and tourists alike!!
Me and my honey travel to Santa Cruz pretty frequently, and in doing so we're presented with a lot of options of coming to the boardwalk during the season. A word of advice: if you're in a similar boat, definitely get the season pass. It's $100 and when rides cost anywhere from 2-10 tickets per single ride, it becomes well worth it. Especially when an unlimited day wristband is just half the price! It'll pay for itself in no time.
Ashley — Google review
We went on a Friday in December. The arcades are open, but none of the rides are open during the week until spring or summer. However the boardwalk is open to walk and check out. It was a very nice calm environment… A stroll down memory lane. My wife and I went here years ago when we were dating and it was fun to visit the same place without crowds and chaos.
If you want a chill place to walk with lots of fun stuff to look at go mid week; if you want to enjoy the rides and crowds visit on the weekends.
There is a parking lot across the street for five dollars, or you can park on the street and feed the meter.
You need an app to pay parking meters with a credit card, or …. Meters still take good old American quarters.
Brad and Cheri — Google review
Super great! Buy the tickets and game card online before we went and it was a great decision. The lines weren't super long and the weather was absolutely perfect. The bathrooms weren't bad. Food is pricey!! So be prepared to spend some money! The boardwalk is cashless though so keep that in mind when you visit.
HIGHLY recommend the mini golf. It was 10/10 fun 😊
Sesheta — Google review
Not a ton of rides or shops but definitely a fun afternoon. Do not be fooled by the oldest roller coaster. It is an insanely fun & thrilling ride. Lines weren’t too terrible but going earlier in the day is smart. The beach is beautiful & a nice spot to have lunch.
Elizabeth 098 — Google review
We went on weekend with children and grandchildren and we all lost in crowd and fun. The ride Typhoon and the Haunted Castle terrifying. The Sky Gliders and the one wooden boat water ride were exiting. We enjoyed good food alongside. We played hilarious Jungle Climb and The great water race and yes the Break the Plates was rewarding and a great fun. At the beach we played to the full of our energy and also with the forming waves, it was really very good experience we ever had, than we relaxed. In the evening it was too cold for us. The Board Walk and the beach, as we felt, is safe and secured and good for full day family outing. Though a bit heavy on pocket.
Arjun Gargava — Google review
The boardwalk is a bit pricey (free to enter, but $69.95 for an unlimited ride wrist band at the time of our visit), but genuinely it felt worth every penny. Each ride was better than expected. The Giant Dipper is a national historic landmark and the 5th oldest coaster in the US, but it rides like something built recently. Wipe Out is also a sneaky good time. The food fare is pretty solid, but I recommend packing a cooler to enjoy the excellent beach as well.
Mark Ackermann — Google review
I’ve been dreaming to go this place since 2021 when I saw it on US (movie). My dream came true in August, 2023! It was a sunny day! Very hot btw, so please wear your best beach outfit (shorts, sandals, Sleeveless blouse or T-shirt), use sunscreen! The boardwalk is free! However, if you want to play you need buy a card or a bracelet. I do recommend to buy a card, because you can gain points in arcade and buy things with the points that you’ve gained through the day. Also, the card never expires ;)!
In arcade games, you don’t need to wait. But if you want to get on the roller coaster, you need to wait. I went on a Sunday, at 10am, there was no line but after 12pm, You had to wait around 30 minutes for each game.
Water and food: I recommend bring your big bottle of water and food! There’s a lot of places to buy food here but it’s not cheap and they give you a small portion. Imagine if you go with your big family, you have to buy A LOT, so it’s better if you bring sandwiches! :D
Parking: there’s a private parking that cost $30 a day. We parked our car in the street and it cost 2/hour but at the end of the day, they didn’t charge us anything ^-^ awesome!
After all that has been said, I do recommend this place if you want to play, spend your day with your loved ones and ending the day walking around the beach or if you only want a little adrenaline and escape :)
Elisabet G — Google review
I have to come here and spend the day. I love the boardwalk rides, the food/drinks, the beach, and the wharf. It is so spectacular and so much fun. You have got to come and experience it😁‼️
Julie Davidson — Google review
What an amazing place to visit. We were here on our daughter's spring break and absolutely enjoyed our time at the boardwalk and beach. The boardwalk is packed with rides, shops, food, and fun. We spent the entire day soaking it all in. Plenty of restrooms, so no long walks from one end to the other looking for relief. The rides are fun and clean, and we really enjoyed taking the gondola over the crowd. If you're lucky, you can see seals in the ocean or dolphins. Parking out of the area was free and only a short walk to the boardwalk. Lots of memories were made here during our stay.
Gary Piazza — Google review
I loved this place! It has good vibes. Beach and rides I like both! Boardwalk has a lot of food options too. The restrooms were clean when I visited. Long lines for some rides though (not too bad). I went in the afternoon so there were many parking spots right in front of the boardwalk. I would love to visit this place in the evening some day with lights!
Saba Farooqui — Google review
Great rides! Not a lot of under 48"rides yet they have some.
Amazing carnival food!!
Spectacular view!!!
After 5pm we got unlimited rides for $20 and the family had a blast! The moon was full and reflected of the ocean for a magical glow. Definitely recommend!
Shontell Woods — Google review
I've been going here since I was a kid. One of my favorite places. It's not cheap. Pack food and drinks to save money. Rides are around $8 each per person, but there's no entry fee. Beach is quite crowded but still doable. Free concerts in the summer. I saw Eddie Money here years ago. Family friendly and a lot of fun if you don't mind dropping $50-100 per person.
Harry Slaughter — Google review
Loved it!! I visited there on my birthday 🎂 and enjoyed a lot all day.. Beautiful place, shows, rides and good food. Beach ⛱️ is beautiful but there is no cleanliness like other beaches. But overall good experience!! I like horror show and skyline. Highly recommend as it's not so far and you can explore all day... Have to go again soon 💕
Seema Arora — Google review
Amazing experience visiting the place.
The rides are decently priced as compared to famous theme & amusement parks.
There is not so much waiting time for ride to enjoy.
The food stalls in the area are good. However, I felt couple of addition of small souvenir shop can make it more appealing.
Because of my experience, would love to get the common room area (washroom) to be more maintained
Shefali Shanker — Google review
Grew up in Cali, never been to Santa Cruz till the last summer. Rode famous roller coaster, an Ariel tram. Was amazing! Would recommend getting the seasonal pass if you are going to go for more than a day. It takes more than one day to ride all the rides due to the wait times an lines. Did the freight walk.. awesome!!!!! Bought matching sweatshirts for me an my daughter. Had more fun in the 3 hrs we were there than at six flags.
Rohan Sunrunner — Google review
🌞⛱️🎢🎠 A Day of Pure Fun at Santa Cruz Boardwalk! 🌊🍦🤩
I recently spent a fantastic day at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, and I can’t say enough about the incredible experience! It was a true dose of California beach magic.
The moment I stepped onto the boardwalk, I was greeted with the sound of crashing waves and the scent of salty sea air. The vibrant colors of the rides and games set against the backdrop of the ocean were simply breathtaking.
And let’s talk about the food! I indulged in some scrumptious cotton candy, tried a variety of delicious treats, and relished some of the best clam chowder ever.
The best part was the genuine, laid-back, and friendly atmosphere. It’s a place where families, friends, and even solo adventurers can have a blast. Everyone was so cheerful, and the staff was incredibly helpful.
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a perfect blend of seaside serenity and thrilling amusements. It’s a gem on California’s coast that never loses its shine. I’m already planning my next visit because one day is just not enough to experience all the fun and beauty this place has to offer. 🌅🎡🏖️🌊🎉
Jake Shapiro — Google review
If you don't like The Boardwalk something is wrong with you. I take my daughter and a friend here at least twice a years and it's always a blast. It's clean, the staff is always nice and there's tons of shops and food options. Plus, you're right on the beach and just a few minutes away from the pier. I even buy a wristband for myself so I can go in the rides with the kids.
Daniel Ferguson — Google review
The beach is very accessible by walking from the street. Once you reach the beach, you do have to walk a bit from the beach through the boardwalk to reach the end where you can get an amazing view of the ocean and inland. But totally worth it. Give yourself an hour to stroll through the boardwalk and an hour more if you are grabbing food here.
The boardwalk itself offers great options to be entertained.
Sriram Sundararajan — Google review
Went with the wife and kids
And we had so much fun!
So many cool rides, shops, and food.
I had lost my wallet while riding the giant dipper roller coaster but thanks to guest services for finding it ! You guys are awesome. Thank you . We will be back 😎
J C — Google review
Such a fun spot to spend a whole day roaming along the boardwalk, playing games or just taking in all the different activities. It’s great to see the diversity of people at all life phases who come out and enjoy it. We played a few games to try and win toys, took a ride on the chairlift that goes across and did a few other rides while visiting for a post lunch afternoon on a mostly sunny day. We’ll be back to check out the mini golf and other rides we didn’t get to try.
Vikram Haer — Google review
Good place for a family outing by the sea. Many restaurants and entertainment options are available with rides, stalls,games and other entertainment options.
A clean and well maintained place with adequate and clean rest rooms make things convenient.
The sea beach is inviting and on a warm day one can wade into the water.
Subir Das — Google review
We came to the boardwalk for spring break and had an amazing time! The staff were helpful and kind, there was a free magician show, and the rides were super fun as well. The beach area was also super clean. We are looking forward to our next visit!
Ellie Pinnock — Google review
What a amazing day with so much of fun and rides were amazing especially the luck games and few other rides . i liked it personally as we had fun riding . Tickets can be taken directly near the place and recharge based on the requirement .must visit place
Sushmitha JK — Google review
Haven't been to the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk in years. We were here on the weekend, so we thought we'd take a look see.
I am impressed. The last time we were here, the area was very sketchy. Loitering, crime ridden, etc. The city and the owners of the boardwalk have done a tremendous job of cleaning up the area of trash, and crime.
I watched families and children gather for fun times. Security was saturated as well as police patrols. I felt very safe, but was during the day. In all a very satisfying experience.
Blue Ocean Whale Watching is the only whale tour I'll ever use. While I understand much of whale watching is luck, Kate and her crew found us 4 species of whale, numerous species of birds, otters, and sea lions over the course of our trip. The crew was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and the tour itself was very comfortable despite increasing winds making for some chop. As it was my first time, I was of course very impressed, but many people on the small tour I undertook were regulars-- a sure sign of the quality of this tour group.
Stephen Eades — Google review
We’ve been on quite a few whale watching tours and BOWW’s is one of the best. Their boat is well-maintained and just spacious enough, with a nice variety of inside and outside spaces to see wildlife. You can pay a bit extra to be on the upper deck, but the views are great regardless of where you are. The crew was friendly and the guide/narrator was an actual marine biologist with some great insights into whale, dolphin and seal behavior. We got a very close view of humpbacks feeding and cruised along with a huge pod of Common Dolphins! Highly recommend this tour.
Blake Ilstrup — Google review
What a amazing day to see several pairs of whales. The crew, who is most knowledgeable, made the experience even better. This is a small company that pays attention to their customers. From the minute you step on board you feel comfortable and you’re in for an enjoyable journey.
Steven Rank — Google review
Probably the best whale watching agency in Moss Landing!
What we saw: A lot of humpbacks, about 8 blue whales and a massive Mola fish.
Me and my friends went whale watching last weekend with Blue Ocean Whale Watch and I am very happy I chose them out of the many options.
Blue Ocean Whale Watch had a smaller boat AND a reduced capacity, so that there was always enough space on deck to walk around and get a good view of a whale when it pops up. There were two marine biologists on board who would give fun facts or answer questions. Additionally the captain was very knowledgeable and she was very passionate about showing us the whales. She would always try to get a good view of the whales while not disturbing them.
One of my friends went with Sanctuary Cruises and we saw another agency while on the water and both had bigger ships and were way more packed. According to my knowledge their prices are even about the same as Blue Ocean.
I can definitively recommend them to anyone who wants to maximize their chance of seeing these beautiful creatures!
aakkus aakkus — Google review
I wasn't sure this was for me, but I had a great time. We saw a humpback whale nicknamed "Gulper" who came up to the surface repeatedly near our boat.
What really set the experience apart for me was the excitement and interaction with Captain Kate (sp?) and the other crew members. Their mood really brought me into the experience and made it special. They were very knowledgeable and answered all my questions. I would highly recommend this company.
Nikola Hall — Google review
Great couple of days whale watching with Captain Kate and Eric, marine biologist and her great crew. We had lots of whales to choose from! Captain Kate took us out to see a different variety of wildlife and different behaviors, ie. whale tail slapping, spy-hopping. The smaller boat experience was great from both the top deck and below! I look forward to going whale watching with her again!
Linda S — Google review
Awesome experience! Not over crowded at all and the boat is quite so you can hear all the whale sounds. The crew and captain are super friendly an knowledgeable. We were on whales instantly!! So awesome!!
Greg Caulkins — Google review
Our whale watching experience was amazing. The day was extremely well planned and executed and the crew was outstanding. We saw TONS of humpback whales and Captain Kate was determined to show us something epic - and she delivered. Brian was the other crew member and he was incredibly knowledgeable, energetic and passionate. Definitely pack warm clothes as you’ll want to be outside for the entire time. Highly recommend!
Emily Landesberg — Google review
Team was incredible. Lots of fun and saw TONS of dolphins and a huge feeding with hundreds of seals and what looked like a dozen whales. Manageable amount of people on the boat and well worth the difference in cost. Would highly recommend!!!
James Harris — Google review
What a great experience! Everytime I go out of moss landing it's great. Blue Ocean was great. It was like a private charter. ( only 8 plus crew) We started seeing Humpbacks within 30 minutes of leaving the dock. In all we saw more than 20 Humpbacks, 2 different types of dolphins. Sea lion, seals ( which we got to see them schooling fish) multiple times and what seemed to be a thousand birds and 1 sea otter. The crew was laid back and informative. Great excursion!
George Bryson — Google review
This is a belated review since I did my whale watch with Captain Kate and her crew in late April, but I certainly recommend Blue Ocean if you’re looking to go on a whale watch in Monterey Bay. Captain Kate and her crew were all very friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable. Plus, even though they must go out on whale watches quite regularly through this service, it was fantastic to see how excited the crew got with each whale sighting. It made it feel like they truly enjoyed being out there and this was more than just a business they’re running.
On a similar note, I really liked their reduced-capacity format. While other whale watching boats I saw during the watch had decks lined with people standing shoulder-to-shoulder, being out with the Blue Ocean service really felt like I was just out on an excursion with this crew and some of their friends.
Plus, Captain Kate’s ‘whale sense’ truly is great! During the watch, she stopped in one spot because, in her words, it felt ‘whaley’. Not five seconds later, a couple of humpbacks surfaced for air not far from the boat!
Even though this was my first whale watch to go on, I could tell there was something special about Blue Ocean Whale Watch. Highly recommend!
Keith K — Google review
Captain Kate was excellent. Crew was extremely friendly and knowledgeable.
Whales weren't very cooperative, unfortunately. We saw 3 humpbacks, loads of sea lions, and some otters. Will definitely be back.
Nicholas Del Vecchio — Google review
We had a fabulous time with Blue Ocean. The crew (we had Kate and Brian) were so knowledgeable and made the experience fun. We saw sea lions, otters, a humpback whale, a grey whale, killer whales and 3 types of dolphins. The upper deck felt like the VIP section, and it wasn’t too cold for mid-March to be up there. The bathroom was much bigger than expected too. Much appreciated!!
Kelsey D — Google review
A very enjoyable trip. We got to see everything whales, dolphins, even a white dolphin. Excellent service, excellent training. recommended.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a wildlife haven that offers visitors an opportunity to interact with different animal species, including giraffes and stingrays. The zoo has undergone significant improvements, with ongoing construction to add more exciting features. Despite the pandemic, the zoo remains open for visitors, and Mondays offer an ideal time to visit as there are no long queues or waiting times at exhibits. The safari area is recommended for lunch due to its freshly prepared food and reasonable prices.
It’s a great little zoo! The improvements they are making are wonderful. They updated the dinosaur part which is awesome now! The little water play area was neat but I’m sure gets over crowded when busy. Overall a fun place to spend a few hours and the food is good too.
Jamie Buck — Google review
It's always a great experience for those whom enjoy the animals, The zoo has upgraded some of their areas and the results are astonishing The Asian theme and the new animal areas are amazing 😍🤩 great view for pictures. Can't wait to come back once everything is completed 🦒🐆 the cheetahs were my favorite on this trip
Eddie Navarro — Google review
We love the zoo! We buy the yearly memberships and go at least once a month. All of the upgrades they have done and exhibits they have added are amazing! All of the food is awesome as well!
Courtney Good — Google review
We arrived on a weekday and it was packed with school field trips. The lines weren’t long to enter for general admission. My family and I were able to walk around in a 3-4 hour time span to see all of the different animal exhibits. Our favorite animal attraction was seeing the bright, and colorful pink flamingos in their natural habitat. It was also quite an experience getting real up close to feed the giraffes.
Overall, it is a beautifully kept zoo grounds. The staff were inviting and didn’t hesitate to answer any questions or help with guidance around the park. My family and I will definitely be returning and getting ourselves a yearly membership.
I would really recommend coming to this zoo!
Sarah Ryan — Google review
Lots of improvements have been made and there is construction currently for more amazing things to come. We went on a class trip, first one since the pandemic began. Visited on a Monday morning and it was perfect, no lines to go in, no waiting for exhibits. Definitely recommend grabbing lunch by the safari since the food is being freshly prepared and the prices are reasonable.
Elvira Brown — Google review
We love the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. This little zoo has grown and grown, adding wonderful exhibits and valuable family entertainment. We went to see the new exhibit Kingdoms of Asia. This is absolutely worth the visit. The new tiger habitats are large and the animals have space to roam around. The viewing areas are easy to use, wheelchair accessible and roomy. There are more new exhibits coming... I can't wait to see what they do next.
RhE ?R? — Google review
We always enjoy ourselves at the Chaffee Zoo! I especially LOVED the Butterfly exhibit. I was in aaaww to the point of a sore jaw. The holiday decor is BIG & COLORFUL with twinkling lights galore. Magical to the eyes...
Chris Alvarez — Google review
There are lots of animals to view at this large zoo. You can pay an extra small fee to touch stingrays and feed the giraffes. You can be really near kangaroos and emu. They just ask not to touch or feed them.
You need a minimum of 4 hours to get through almost everything without rushing. There are multiple areas to take pictures. I went when they were setting up illumniNature so there were extra props to take pictures with.
There are some vending machines, some food establishments and a souvenir shop. I did not get to eat there, but one of the food establishments had a beautiful view near the elephants.
Restrooms are at the entrance once you pay to enter.
For toddler parents: There is a large park near the zoo but no nearby restrooms, and when I asked to quickly use one nearby the zoo. The admission employee said no one could enter until we paid for our admission, even though family members were already at the register paying.
The restrooms by the entrance are not very clean, but supplies are well stocked. One stall even had poop smeared all over the floor, and one of the soap dispensers was broken. The restroom in Kingdoms of Asia area is just one toilet, so it may be a wait, but it is very clean and well stocked.
Sarah C — Google review
My wife and I take our daughter to the zoo every year and we LOVE going. The staff is always friendly and the environment is always nice, clean and preserved. It seems like every year we go there is more see than the previous times. Its an amazing family time and beautiful animals to see.
Omar Hernández — Google review
Loved the zoo but getting in was kinda ridiculous. We bought a membership and there was only about 3 families in front of us yet it took almost an hour. When we got to the window it took us about 3 minutes to activate our membership. Not sure what took the rest of the first groups so long.
The zoo itself was quite nice, while a little small. The exhibits were well placed with a lot of areas to view the animals. Would have been 4 stars if we didn't have such a bad experience just getting in.
Joe ?Joey? V — Google review
I take my boys an average once a month here. We live an hour away but this place is always amazing I have never had a bad experience here. They do amazing holiday themed events my absolute favorite themed event was for Christmas. I have never seen a zoo go above and beyond for their patrons. The Christmas lights were stunning they had to put at least a week or more putting everything up, they had a free picture with Santa they also had hot chocolate with some yummy fireball for adults and extra activities for the kids. Even on none holiday events they do wonders. This place is always clean no trash anywhere their bathrooms are always clean and smell good. Their workers are always super nice. Just have zero complaints and that's rare for me. I will continue to have a membership to this zoo! It also beats the San Francisco zoo and that's hard for any zoo to do..
Kristin Stewart — Google review
I was pleasantly surprised on how nice the zoo is for being in Fresno. Once they finish the new are at the end of May 2023 it will be even better. We went on a Monday so was very empty, which was nice. It did get hot but there is a decent amount of shade around the park except for the Africa side of the park. Lots of cool animals and exhibits I did not get photos of. The Africa exhibit is pretty incredible and woth the food court right there with a bunch of different options of freshly made food as well as beer/wine options, all set with outdoor seating with an incredible view of the open Africa exhibit; it was pretty amazing. Highly recommend this place to anyone in the area or visiting. No complaints here. Great for kids and adults.
Jim Freed — Google review
The zoo is a great place to visit. The measure Z money has made this place amazing. Go see the tigers the enclosure is huge and it’s so great to see these animals have room to roam. The Asian animals area is beautiful and the art was selected with input from the local south East Asian community.
W. Kyle Hamilton — Google review
Perfect for families and children! This zoo stands out with its newest renovations like it’s Kingdoms of Asia! It seemed like a Disney adventure through Indiana Jones! Kids loved it! Seems like they are constructing other great areas with some areas closed down or shut off.
Big positive was the many shaded areas and places to eat. They had a wonderful large shaded area to have lunch and look at the large Savannah animals of Africa!
Tickets were easy at the kiosk but be aware that parking is smattered and the later you arrive the further the walk to front entrance. Realize that general admission ticket does not include the sting ray exhibit and butterfly exhibit.
Ray Torres — Google review
Have been here several times and I am happy to see all the improvements they are making. Habitats are much more natural. Less looking through bars. They just expanded their entire Asia section and it's really cool! A few areas are still under construction. It's awesome you can interact with some of the animals. You can walk through the kangaroo pen now. You can feed giraffes, pet and feed stingrays. My only complaint is that both of these activities cost extra. They added a butterfly garden which looks lovely, but this too costs extra. If you don't want to pay more than the entry fee you can still have a lovely time, but just be prepared to dish out some extra cash if feeding the animals is something you really want to do. I fed the giraffes once and it was a really cool experience. Also there is an extra fee of $5 or so for parking for the day. Overall, it's worth a visit.
BlackMairead — Google review
One of the best zoos I've been to. Just the right size, clean, everything worked, staff was friendly, restrooms were clean, food and souvenirs weren't too expensive but most of all every exhibit that was open (a few were closed for renovations) was well organized and the animals looked healthy. We saw more animals close up than I've ever seen at even the San Diego zoo! Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! And let's not forget the stingray petting/feeding and giraffe feeding.
I highly recommend this zoo for a family day trip. Totally worth the time and cost.
Eric Humphreys — Google review
I went to see the zoo lights and it was very beautiful. There was a lot to see and some animals were out, such as the flamingo, red lemurs, and stingrays (which you can touch for free). I’m not sure for the butterfly exhibit since I wasn’t able to pass by there.
They had one or two shops open, also the cafe. Overall, the walk is 2-3 hours but I’d say it’s worth because there is so much to see and lots of pictures to take with the lights.
Natalie San — Google review
Such a great zoo, if you’re in the area it’s worth a visit.
One of our first stops was the reptile building. We loved it. So many amazing animals to see.
We made our way through the park and eventually began the, “African Adventure”. It’s an amazing area with a lot to see. The sheer size of the area and the amount of animals to see is wonderful. Feeding the giraffes is so worth the price. My son couldn’t stop giggling as the majestic and gentle creatures ate from his hand.
All the exhibits were great, we made sure to check everything out as we made our way through the rest of zoo. I would definitely recommend this zoo to anyone in the area looking for a place to spend a day.
The Winged Wonders Bird Show was another hit for us. Overall a great experience and well worth every penny. We had lunch at the Kopje Cafe/Lodge and while the wait time was a little long and it was a little pricey (it’s a local attraction so obviously prices are a little high), the food was great and staff was friendly.
Again, this zoo is well worth the visit.
Mark W — Google review
We loved the Zoo very clean and well kept. There is a lot of areas for little ones to play and the bird show was fun yet short. If its too cold some animals will not be in display. It took us three hours to walk around and see everything. Very kid friendly and awesome for them to see very different animals close by.
Gabriela Del Mar — Google review
This is one of Fresno’s true treasures. It’s so well designed and themed. The vistas for the animals are great. The staff are so friendly and knowledgeable. Special shout out to Brian who followed up on an item I lost. He was part of a really nice team that helped with that.
Joey Elswick — Google review
Such a great visit to the zoo today! The new exhibits are amazing. Great bathrooms in the Africa pavilion. Impressive and beautifully kept grounds.
Maria Bezerra — Google review
My kids love the zoo. So I bought a membership so that whenever we wanna go or spend time together we hid out to see the animals at the zoo in fresno my youngest love touching the stingy ray... best place to spend Quality time with your little ones.and learn about the different animals that I tell my kids that God created 🙏 ❤️ ♥️ 💖 🙌
Linda Nazareno — Google review
Visiting Fresno Chaffee Zoo was an amazing experience! Every exhibit was captivating, the staff was friendly, and the size was just right. The admission prices were unbeatable, making it accessible for everyone. The Kingdom of Asia was breathtaking, and the African Adventure with the rhinos felt like a journey to Africa. My kids absolutely loved it - it was truly an unforgettable visit!
The Tobin James Cellars Winery is a winery located in the heart of Paso Robles wine region, featuring an inviting tasting room with a grand, 150-year-old bar. The winery crafts intense fruit driven wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrahs, Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Dessert Zinfandel.
Tobin James is one of me favorite wineries. There Reseve Chardonnay is fantastic. Can't leave here without a case everytime. There are so many wonderful tasting wines. The staff is awesome, kind, helpful, nice and so much fun to do tastings with. Staying on the property is awesome. The room are fantastic. Very clean. Well equipped it all your needs. What a wonderful experience.
Tracey Rapp — Google review
First time at Tobin James and our first stop in Paso. We had a wonderful experience and Andrew made it even more enjoyable! The wines are great, the atmosphere is welcoming, and every staff member was awesome! They truly lived up to their great reviews. I would totally recommend going here if you want good wine and a warm and inviting experience! I was having such a great time I forgot to take any photos of the wines. Also, as a side note- the little birdie wine topper is a must! It chirps when you pour 🐦
Robin — Google review
It was a really great experience here at Tobin James! Everyone was nice and very helpful. Highly recommend coming here while in Paso Robles!
Payton Parks — Google review
We stopped by TJ today for the first time, and enjoyed a tasting with Crystal who was very friendly and informative! She was a large part in our decision to join the wine club. My wife and I sampled over a dozen wines. We had a great experience and left with a few souvenirs. We are looking forward to our first 8 bottle shipment in April, but we will probably be back before then.
Brett W — Google review
Stop by on your way to and from Palo Robles. It’s a big place with country of staff outside seating and picnic area. The manager is very attentive, and the wines are excellent. $20 tasting fee is waived if you buy a bottle.
Taufiq Habib — Google review
The party events are incredible. 4 bands playing through the night and food galore by over 25 food vendors all night long.
Carlos Leal — Google review
I really wanted to love this place, in fact at first we wanted to stay for two days. It is that beautiful. Our plan was to do a photo shoot on the second day, as there are so many unique buildings, antique fixtures, and just overall lovely scenery. The ladies who checked us in were so friendly too. As Harvest Host members it is 'requested' that we spend $20 at a property, and we always spend much more than that. This particular property, however 'required' that we spend $20 per person. The wines were mediocre, which I could have lived with. What turned us sour on our stay was the bartender. I literally felt as though I was a waste of his time. I tried to communicate with him, but all I ever got in return was, "which one do you want to try" There was no verbal communication of what the wines were like, what they paired well with, or upsell of any sort. At one point the bar tender left us to talk to a fellow employee. I witnessed him whisper to her as he pointed at me and my husband. I could go on but I think you get the picture. We wasted no time leaving.
Cherri Rodriguez — Google review
Just finished my first wine tasting experience at Tobin James… AMAZING atmosphere. I absolutely LOVED Veronica, and her recommendations were spot on. You don’t always find a place that has great wine AND great people. If you haven’t checked them out, I HIGHLY recommend making this a top place to stop if you’re coming to Paso Robles. Added bonus is they are visibly supportive of our nation’s military. Will definitely be back!
Brit Hens — Google review
I recently visited Tobin James Winery, excited to use a wine passport I earned after completing a marathon. This passport was supposed to grant me a complimentary visit, and Tobin James was explicitly listed as a participating winery. Unfortunately, they did not uphold their end of the agreement. Despite my attempts to resolve the issue, pointing out that other wineries had accepted the passport without question the same day, the staff simply dismissed its validity.
Despite this disappointment, there were some highlights to my visit. A few of the wines were delightful, and one server was particularly helpful, enriching my experience with his deep knowledge of their wines. His passion for sharing and educating was a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating experience.
However, the situation soured again when I tried to leave. I hoped for some understanding or a solution regarding the passport issue, but instead, I met with dismissiveness from the staff. This lack of support and customer service left me feeling overlooked and undervalued.
While I enjoyed the wines, my visit was overshadowed by the winery's failure to honor their commitment and their poor handling of the situation.
Cian Amor — Google review
We didn’t make an appointment and just last minute decided to stop by and buy wine.
We came at 5pmish (they closed at 6) and they graciously let us in!
We were able to sample 3 before buying their moscato! It was sooo good :0) And the lady was very friendly but I unfortunately forgot her name.
Their main room is huge and the bathroom was really clean!
I would come back here with an appointment.
Jessica You — Google review
We had a blast! Rachel, our host, was amazing. We ended up buying lots of amazing wine, and a turtle aerator! This was the last winery before heading back, and we highly recommend it!
Konstantin Goldin — Google review
A must visit on your wine tasting trip! Great atmosphere, friendly staff and amazing wines across the board. While the trend in Paso seems to be to raise tasting fees, increased bottle prices and higher bottle limits to wave tasting fees, TJ has kept their prices on the ground. If you want a really great atmosphere and wines that are very reasonable, this is the place to visit!
Tricellceo — Google review
9/18/22 We visited here when we vacationed in the central coast. It hasn't changed since our last visit in May. No masks required. They do reservation for busy weekends and holidays. Very popular winery. The receptionist up front was very nice. We didn't have a reservation but she let us in. Luckily it wasn't busy. The pourer selected samples of what I would like. He was great. The charming and wonderful ladies who rang up the sale were very helpful. Nice surprise was the discount for buying 6 bottles. This is our favorite place to visit. There is a grassy doggie area for the furry travelers.
We stopped here on the way to the coast and back. Lots of free parking with handicap access. Tall shady trees with patio seating. Very friendly and extremely helpful hostesses. They fill in the list of the wines you want to sample and or puchase at the entrance. I came here to purchase specific wines that luckily were available. You take the list to the cashier inside. They get the wines from the back and ring up the sales. They accept credit cards. My last visit here was 10 years ago. The staff are as helpful and friendly as ever. The interior is the same western decor. Their wines are world renowned. This is our favorite winery in Paso Robles. We will return.
L. Consoli — Google review
The location is convenient and good, but there is no winery vibe. I missed the attention of the staff. If you don't ask anything, you won't hear anything. It seems to me that more work needs to be done to prepare the customer for the purchase. Today there are a lot of offers, so it is important not just to give a try for money
Elenchik K — Google review
Tobin James winery is a Gem in Paso Robles. We tried varieties of Reserve and Red wines. All tasted very distinct and loved them all. A big shout out to Donna, she took great care of us. Vibe of the place makes it extraordinary. Specially loved the bar table decor. Would highly recommend this winery in central coast.
State Street is a spacious and elegant thoroughfare situated in downtown, connecting the shorefront with various local businesses, an auditorium, and eateries. Dotted with palm trees along its length, this avenue is home to numerous stores offering diverse products and services. The street also features a cinema where one can catch up on the latest movies. Alongside these attractions are several dining establishments serving delicious cuisine for locals and tourists alike.
4.5
(2396)
California, USA
I'll never travel to Carlsbad without this trip planner again
The city courthouse, Santa Barbara County Superior Court of California, is a beautiful edifice in the Spanish-Moorish style popular throughout the city. It is home to the court system for Santa Barbara, and it is one of the best free things to do in town. The courthouse features colorful gardens and a four-faced clock tower. There is also a mural room with painter Daniel Sayre Groesbeck's romanticized version of Santa Barbara's history on display.
This is one of the most beautiful buildings in the United States! I know like that seems like an exaggeration, but I'm not joking. Walking around the building reveals countless architectural details, from stained-glass windows, to tiny stone bridges. The inside is even more striking--long, colonnaded hallways lined with tapestries and heavy, carved wooden furniture. The mural room, which has a 360 degree mural, is jaw-dropping. The clock tower is free to enter and offers an unimpeded view of Santa Barbara, from the oceans to the mountains; this is where you realize why Santa Barbara is called the American Riviera! the surrounding gardens are amazing too--tropical palms, green grass, and redwoods offer a perfect place for a picnic. From its painted ceilings down to its tiled-floors, the Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a must-see!
Sullivan Israel — Google review
I never look for locations in movies and TV shows, but as a Psych fan I took advantage of a business trip nearby to find this building. I was somewhat surprised the show took the theme of this building and included it in the police station scenes.
This was an enjoyable stop. I walked around the building for pictures and enjoyed the gardens in the back. Signs said the building was closed, but upon walking to the entrance in the overhang, guards motioned me inside.
There is a tower you can reach after a few flights of stairs. At the top you have a wonderful panoramic view of Santa Barbara with displays explaining some landmarks. I walked parts of the building enjoying the architecture of a functioning county court building. The courtroom was open and available for public viewing.
This was a fun stop I ordinarily would not do.
Adrian Nagle — Google review
Such amazing architecture and the murals are just beautifully designed. An amazing historical location to visit. We spent hours taking pictures here. They were in the middle of construction, so it was a bit loud.
Pa Her — Google review
If you're planning a trip to beautiful Santa Barbara you have to visit this gorgeous building.
Cecilia Campa — Google review
It is deemed the Most Beautiful Government Building in the country for a reason! This building was built in 1929 after the 1925 destroyed most of the city. We took the self guided tour and there are guided tours available. The architecture and details were so beyond beautiful. These pictures don’t even do it justice. The Law Library rivals anything seen in Europe.
A must is to climb the clock tower stairs (or take the elevator) for the amazing 365 views. Many people get married here in the Sunken Gardens on the property.
Heather Mac Farland — Google review
I love the Santa Barbara Courthouse! I have been photographing couples here for a couple of years and it is hands down one of my favorite locations. It is so effortlessly beautiful! I highly recommend this location for your wedding. Staff is awesome too!
Alejandra Scott Photography — Google review
A gem in the downtown of Santa Barbara. Beautiful architectural building with equally magnificent gardens and decorations. A must visit if you’re the area.
Andreas ?Aris? Aristidou — Google review
Who would've thought a court house would be so visually grand! This is such a beautiful place to visit. It's a must for anyone visiting the Santa Barbara area. We loved strolling along the corridors and admiring the amazing architecture. We spent over 2 hours here and even then we felt like we were rushing to get through.
Helen Di Domenico — Google review
The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is an incredible architectural marvel that still operates as a courthouse today. Its breathtaking design and intricate details are truly awe-inspiring. The clock tower is particularly impressive, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city from the top. It's unbelievable that this historic and visually stunning building still serves its original purpose, making it a must-see destination for anyone in Santa Barbara.
VI & Bars — Google review
Probably the prettiest city hall in all of California. We love documenting weddings here and can't wait to do more. If you are considering having your wedding - trust us that it is beautiful and will be the perfect backdrop for your wedding.
Fig and Willow Studios — Google review
Beautiful grounds and building. Take the free tour to learn all about the history but you can also self guide your own tour. I took the free 10:30am tour and I really enjoyed it. You’ll need to go through a security check before entering. There’s bike parking on the grounds just past the entrance door kind of tucked in behind the arch way to the right. There is a observation deck all the way at the top and on your way up, you can see the bells that ring on the hour. You can walk stairs or there’s an elevator.
Reviews By Nitra — Google review
I don't think there is a more beautiful courthouse anywhere than the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Its Spanish-style architecture fits perfectly with the uniform Spanish-style of the city.
Lee O'Connor — Google review
Great place to visit for a day trip! Lots of history from Spanish mission and the architecture. Must go- the observation deck on top floor. 360-degree panoramic views of Santa Barbara. Nice to take the dog there on the green as well.
Shelly Shi — Google review
Nice place and is free to visit. Very historic with paintings from the 1800s. Worth to visit if it is your first time
Marc Cua — Google review
A historical court house with rich history and a nice garden. It has great view of Santa Barbara town. Definitely worth to pay a visit. Plenty parking space along the street and lots of information inside the building.
J. X. (JX2069) — Google review
Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Designed by William Mooser III, it was completed in 1929 and has since become one of the most iconic buildings. The building's exterior is a sight to behold, featuring elaborate ornamentation, intricate tile work, and a soaring clock tower that dominates the skyline. The courthouse's interior is equally impressive, with a grand atrium that is filled with light and surrounded by ornate balconies. Architecture is a remarkable achievement in both form and function. Its unique blend of Spanish and Colonial Revival styles, combined with its impressive scale and attention to detail, make it a must-see for anyone interested in architecture or history.
We prefer doing shipping in here especially on occasions like thanksgiving and Christmas from where you get the very best deals you cannot find on shopping Malls. Parking is always available . Accessable for people on wheels chair and moms with kids on strollers.
Zen Meneses — Google review
Huge outlet area along the 101, plenty of free parking and easy access by car, walking all the stores from one end to the other means crossing large intersections and parking areas. Food, markets and large Walmart, Target stores, most big brands are here
Joe Traveler — Google review
I come here once or twice a year to shop for myself and for gifts. I visited again in February. It was not crowded and the weather was cool. There were many sales going on at all the stores.
There are several restaurants with inside and outside seating. This outdoor mall has a lot of benches and other seating areas. There are plenty of restrooms that are clean and well stocked.
There are three sections of the outdoor mall. I try to get there before it opens at 10 AM, grab a coffee from Starbucks and plan my route. By lunchtime it gets pretty crowded. During the end of year holidays it can be difficult to find parking (which is free).
I prefer to to go to the stores I really like first, then while walking around a section, stop at other stores.
I park near a store I frequent, then when finished with a section drive to another.
Sales go on continously - often you will receive discounts on top of the posted sale price.
To treat myself when I come here, I often stay at the Hampton Inn, over night, which is practically across the street.
C. G. — Google review
Good collection of outlets and offers during black friday. Must visit and you can spend whole day and savings here 😂
surya k — Google review
I definitely recommend this outlet . The tax is low, and there are good offers and a variety of exhibits. I liked the Gucci exhibition, and I bought from Jennifer, as she is the best seller in Gucci
Ibrahim N — Google review
The most best shopping place and brands in one place , try it and you will love ❤️ it almost guaranteed.
Abdo Aly — Google review
0 stars 🌟 the outlet us great huge huge variety of stores, all brand names are there, Including high-end stores.
The outlet is very nice and clean till.... you enter the restrooms 🚻
OMG!!! This is behind normal, what I have seen today was outrageous.
I would expect a place like this to have a much better maintenance service.
I'm sure they are charging a high price tag from the stores owners for the rent.
I hope they read my review and take care of it.
I attached pictures so you'll see I'm not over exaggerating.
**The food court was nice and clean! It's only the restrooms that needs more care.
abc1 Capital — Google review
Camallio outlet is located in the north of Los Angeles.
Spacious outdoor retail stores, entertainment and parking lots.
Outlet prices are great.
Parking is free.
However there are fewer luxury brands compared with the Cabazon outlet in Palm Springs.
Great location stopping by while traveling to 101 fwy or Malibu beach.
Theo “ahacool5” Kim — Google review
Whenever I'm in Los Angeles and I want to shop, I go to Camarillo outlet mall. The mall is 45 minutes away and it's HUGE! It's got every store I love, and they keep adding more and more. The prices here are the best and it's so easy to move around. There are 3 parking lots with stores all around which makes it easy to just stroll around, shop, put the bags in the trunk of the car and continue shopping. That way your hands don't hurt from carrying all the bags. There's always parking and we just take our car from one parking lot to the next 🤗
Elisheva B.A. — Google review
I love these outlets! Especially Joe’s Jeans!
Always great fit and prices too- I stock up once a year to get the best deals. Thank you Joe’s!
Also got a great deal on Chelsea boots in Cole Haan!
We also got excellent pieces at Vince.
Maria McCabe — Google review
Not the best prices for outlets but you can find good stuff here.
Designer shops like Gucci, Boss, Ralph Lauren, Adidas, etc
If your close ro the area, you should definitely pay a visit.
Fernando A — Google review
Food court is full of people with dogs and they put them on top of the tables where we all eat, told about it to the janitor and they said they’ll call the manager or security but no one ever came, I don’t suggest to eat in the food court
Dj Barney — Google review
The prices here are no different than at regular stores. In fact, I could find better deals online. Not even sure why this outlet center exists.
Presidential history displays, a former Air Force One, a replica Oval Office & Reagan's burial site.
We hadn’t been to the Reagan Library for a few years. It was nice to return. All of the docents are very helpful and friendly. In addition to their regular impressive historical displays, they had the World War 2 Exhibit which was was so moving and large. There are multiple displays on two floors. There was so much to see. Not to mention the outside views were beautiful. Cannot wait to go back!
bEp pen — Google review
My wife and were in the Los Angeles area recently and we decided to go and visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. I always considered Ronald Reagan as on of the greatest Commander in Chief we have ever had. The Library locations is just beautiful and understand why they picked this place to build it. Great views, nice people and a great testament to a great leader. We had a great time. We are now members !
Rafael Buelna (Rafael) — Google review
Great Food!!! $28 with a drink. And the place was awesome and very educational. It took us 4hrs to walk through everything, counting the eating lunch. We went through 2 exhibits on the 4th of July.
Benny Arrieta — Google review
One of my favourite museums!!! It's so well made. Very nice exhibition, with a lot of old photos, everything is well explained, loved seeing and visiting Air Force One, and some other nice planes! I'd recommend it 150%, it's so cool. Plus it's pretty much in the middle of nowhere so the view around is great! 10/10
What The Puck! — Google review
Amazing Museum bringing us back to an important era of history. The museum does a great job of telling the story of Ronald Regan from childhood through his many experiences, which prepared him for leadership of this country during a time somewhat similar to today. Exhibits also recount the story of the love story between the former president and Nancy. The exhibits are interesting, and the highlights for me were the replica of the Oval Office containing actual Regan artifacts, Airforce One and the piece of the Berlin Wall which you will see at the end when you go outside. I highly recommend fitting this museum into your travel plans with its beautiful backdrop of rolling hills with incredible views.
K G — Google review
Review for April 26th 2022. The Ronald Reagan Presidential library is located in Simi Valley california. It is a very well taken care of museum. There is so many original artifacts including Air Force One that are authentic. There is just so much to see here. This month of april, they have a special exhibit which is the world war II exhibit. There is so much influence that President Ronald Reagan had in the United States of America as well as the whole world. This was definitely an excellent experience, the staff here are exceptionally great. From the moment I entered I was greeted with the warm welcome. I definitely recommend this place for anyone to come and visit and check out the Ronald Reagan presidential library.
annuit c?ptis — Google review
I visited the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library this weekend and it was good. Very informative and interesting. They have a replica of the oval office. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours to tour. Arrive in the morning parking does fill up fast.
Saramay Benavides — Google review
If you go you need to spend time in the air force one gallery. The views are unbelievable. They have recently installed the Sally Ride statue outside which is cool. They have an F14 an Abraham's and a F117 outside which if you are into military hardware is definitely a must see. Parking is a little tough so if you get there later in the day except to park on the road and take a shuttle up. We are at the upstairs cafeteria and it was pretty good quality.
Kevin Judd — Google review
It was my dream to see President Reagans Presidential Library in person. What an experience you have to come see the oval office and to relive history. I loved going on Air Force one and marine one and seeing all the personal stories and many personal belongings of the president a must see. I even bumped into Michael Reagan what a treat!!! It's about one hour from lax airport area and I took an Uber cost me 70 dollars each way.
Joshua Rothman — Google review
President Reagan's library is the fourth of 13 presidential libraries on my bucket list, and by far, the one i was most looking forward to visiting. It was fantastic!
Aside from re-visiting the 80s again -- my favorite era -- being able to walk through Marine one and Air Force One and BE where history was made was SUPER cool!
Had I known the Auschwitz display was in residence the day we visited, we would have come earlier and did both. Regardless, it was a great visit to a beautiful museum on a picture perfect day. Five stars easy!
Chris Rehberg — Google review
This place was very humbling. President Reagan was one true Champion. The view was beautiful. Everyone should visit this unique destination to remind us how truly blessed we are. So beautiful and peaceful. Parking is free. The outside exhibit is free.
Ellen Montgomery — Google review
This museum is fantastic! A lot of history of Reagan and his legacy. An Air Force One is on display inside and an F-14Tomcat on display outside. I lucked out and got to enjoy a WW2 exhibit on display when I visited. This place is huge and you will definitively get plenty of walking in. The staff is friendly and gift shop has plenty to choose from. Admission was not expensive. They have several photo pass type areas that was a nice add in for the whole experience. I had a great time here and would highly suggest it to others.
Brian B — Google review
Amazing experience! Learning all about President Ronald Reagan and all that he has done while he was the President Of The USA. Learning about his life and what he had been through is extraordinary. I am personally a history junkie and I throughly enjoyed this visit. I will intend to go to other Presidential Library and learn the history of that President and the "Ins and Outs" of that President had to go through when he was in office and that particular time in US History
F&I — Google review
Went there with my wife,daughter, and her boyfriend to view the Auschwitz display. It was very somber to view such tragic living in the prison camp and how all the people were treated with such disregard. The library was very interesting to see how President Reagan worked with congress and world leaders in an effort to make the world a better and safer place to live. So much accolades from world leaders to his presidency.
Kino J — Google review
Absolutely excellent!! Wow! Took me 5 hours but I stopped at each and every thing. The Oval Office is so cool and Air Force One is spectacular!
Jim B — Google review
My wife and I really enjoyed ourselves at the library. This was my first time visiting. They don’t make presidents like Ronald Reagan anymore. We also visited the Auschwitz exhibit. Absolutely amazing!
I’d highly recommend this as a place to visit. 👍🏾
Dwayne Sanders — Google review
This was our second time visiting the library. It is always an emotionally moving experience to witness President Reagan's accomplishments as both Governor of California and as President of the United States.
He was definitely a man of his word.
The staff working as ushers and tour guides are all pleasant and ready to assist everyone.
Security staff are all visible providing a safe environment.
Highly recommend a visit.
John Sachs — Google review
Brought my 19 yo daughter to Ronald Reagan Presidential library. This month they have Star Wars in rotation, so an extra fun bonus while learning about our history and all of Ronald Reagan's and Nancy's adventures. The location in Simi Valley is gorgeous, the gardens were beautifully maintained, the many employees were informative and guided us through each area. There is plenty for pre-teens and teens to enjoy;a platform for speeches given was neat to see how the words moved depending on how fast you spoke, there is a photo op area where you can sit on a fake horse with Reagan in the background, a replica of the Berlin wall you can read the inside while crawling behind the wall, a tour through the retired Air Force One and the helicopter and there is jets on the grounds outside the library.
The current Star Wars gives history of the director, the filming itself and some authentic pieces from the films plus it ties our military Star wars to the displays.
The food in the cafeteria was surprisingly good for cafeteria style. Lots of choices, soup. Pizza, burgers, salad, sandwiches, etc. We chose to eat outside on the deck to enjoy the scenery.
Melissa Taft — Google review
I absolutely loved my visit here and will be back as soon as possible! There are a lot of very knowledgeable volunteers located throughout, all giving great information about everything in the immense museum. There's so much to love about the Reagans, and about all his life contributed to this country. I can't wait to come back!
Vesta Pena — Google review
This is a beautiful museum! The grounds are beautiful and emasculate.
All the staff is super friendly and helpful. Inside is very nice and exhibits are done very nicely.
We also saw the Auschwitz exhibition. Which was put together beautifully for something that was so horrific.
I didnt take to many pictures it didn't feel right but did take some pics of the art that was pretty moving.
Second time I have visited this museum and not disappointed. Will definitely go back.
Laughter Heals — Google review
This a mammoth facility with impressive grounds and amazing exhibits. I literally ran through it and it still took two hours! Anyone who actually reads the placards and listens to the audio offerings should count on 4 to 5 hours. The view from the library overlooking Simi Valley out to the ocean is worth the price of admission alone. Navigating the complex can be tricky, so take a look at the brochure’s map before embarking or you will miss something. Also note that you can walk inside Air Force one and the helicopter. I would skip the audio tour, which costs extra and relies on a device that you must place next to your ear; this needs to be updated to headphones/earbuds.
Wayne Clark — Google review
Beautiful Museum with incredible views of the surrounding landscapes. They often have special exhibits which usually require a special ticket but always well worth it. Ample parking and a really good Cafe to have a bite while visiting.
Nuclearwally — Google review
Today we visited this beautiful place with my family who traveled from Arizona to this place the weather was beautiful we loved the food area we were served by a very kind lady who helped me with my salad, my pizza wow we loved her attention to the pizza It was very Delicious, it was a Hawaiian pizza. She was really very attentive and helped us well in our choice of food. We tried to tip her but she didn't accept it. Nice lady 👍We loved everything. Thank you.
Ernesto Garcia — Google review
We enjoyed our experience at the Reagan Library. The staff are very warm, helpful and informative. The exhibits were well done and provided plenty of context and information about the life and impact of our 40th President. The highlight of the tour was walking through Air Force 1 and the Marine 1 helicopter.
Andrew — Google review
Way more than we were expecting. It's amazing how many different rooms and displays there are to help us learn more about this good man. Airforce One and Marine One are a highlight, of course. I wanted to buy everything in the gift store LOL
Teresa Anderson — Google review
What a remarkable museum! There are lessons to be learned at every corner of this stunning site. Although I was very familiar with the Regean presidency, and many historical milestones referenced throughout the extensive experience, I left feeling enlighten and educated about the type of people both Ronanld and Nancy Reagan were. Regardless of political parties, there is much to appreciate about history, beauty, and the inspiring lessons to be learned while visiting here.
Also, the outdoor picnic area is ideal if you want to enjoy some birdwatching while savoring a meal. During our visit, we were privileged to see both hummingbirds and California Scrub-Jay.
The audio tour added some additional insights and context to the physical exhibits. Also, the chance to walk through a retired Air Force One plane is pretty amazing.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is a popular amusement park with many adrenaline-pumping roller coasters. It's perfect for thrill seekers of all ages, with something for everyone. In the summer, fireworks light up the sky over Valencia in celebration; in October, Fright Fest features dozens of Halloween-themed rides and attractions.
Great experience! Roller coasters were awesome and completely worth the wait. It was an incredible day with lots of fun! I would recommend buying tickets in advance online, Because if you buy them in person it is more expensive. There was no wait to get in, but of course the rides had a wait time from 10 minutes to almost 3 hours. The one coaster that had a long wait time for the entire day was the X2. They were only running one cart, so it was packed all day and moving very slowly. It was still awesome and I highly recommend it! 😎
Payton Parks — Google review
Haven't been here in years, and it definitely did not disappoint! So much fun! Only about 3 rides weren't operating today, which was great! We got on all of the others! The longest line we waited in was 45 minutes! I will admit the wait times on the app were RARELY accurate. West Coast Racers was AWESOME! Great concept and even better ride!
It wasn't an insane scorcher today but it was definitely hot, and for some reason the misters in the lines weren't on or working. That would've put our experience over the top, but that could be due to the drought. Make sure you remember sun screen AND reapply! Stay hydrated! They have a great deal for 2 bottles of water for 8 bucks. We bought 3 of those deals because the water from the water fountains weren't cold, so filling up the bottles didn't help cool us off or quench our thirst. This park is so much fun, but I would recommend holding off bringing the kids until they are old enough to ride the big rides, you will finish with the kiddie zone super quick with the little guys. Highly recommend Six Flags for all adults and middle school/teenage kids.
Kristen Abrina — Google review
Absolutely amazing! I loved the park so much. Many attractions were closed, yet it was still phenomenal. World class coasters, different from any other park you'll find in the world. If you're looking for something to do: somewhere to go, go to Six Flags Magic Mountain. I promise it's worth it.
Brayden Johnson (GBrayJ) — Google review
Beware Magic Mountain is going down hill!! I have been visiting this park the last 20 years and am shocked how bad it has gotten, cleanliness, efficiency and prices. It's not too expensive to get through the gates but once in get ready to spend, spend, spend. You will spend a lot of time waiting for rides and food and a lot of money! We went this past weekend and waited hours for rides just to break down. Wonder Women ride broke down multiple times a day. Parts of the park are extremely run down and are not maintained well. Refill water stations not functioning and bathroom cleanliness a big issue. You'd expect better upkeep when charging $17 a beer and $18 hamburgers. An employee told us they plan to charge $20 a 12 oz beer this summer. Oof! We ended up making the most of it and enjoying our time together as a family. Good thing we spent time together because now I have to work overtime just to cover the expenses visiting this park. Magic Mountain CEO.... you can do better!
Kristen LaFavor — Google review
It's my first time here. memberships and day passes are not clear to understand. For entry by car they charge you $40 per person to park 2 miles from the park entrance. The lines are long (I went on a Tuesday). The food is expensive and poor quality. come on! If you charge expensive, at least could be of regular quality? I bought the middle fast pass ($100) and i did wait in line anyway? Also you have to get an appointment to ride. Once you have used your fast pass ticket to ride, you can get another. I completly understand that you are a roller coaster monopoly but you don't even offer a decent service. I'm not basically complaining about the prices, I know I can go and pay it but the price-quality ratio is disastrous. I can't imagine how expensive an entire family has to pay to wait in line all day!
Nicolás Alejandro Iac (Nicolás) — Google review
Great place for family fun! Our family goes several times throughout the year. They have the best stage shows. The rides are super fun! They accommodate all ages so lots of fun for everyone. We have of course had one bad experience, an employee got into a verbal altercation with a guest and used some choice words. As anywhere You can not judge the park off of one person or one bad incident and I’m sure the employee was handled appropriately. So while the parks got a few flaws overall it’s a great place full of fun.
Wyona Ann — Google review
I always enjoy my time here. The rides are so much fun. I have a lot of favorites. The decorations for the different events are always well done. I had a good time getting on rides as well as walking around seeing the different areas. I would highly recommend visiting.
Fernando Rico Jr — Google review
My kids always have fun here. I remember going as a kid during my summer break with my family and taking my kids now on their summer break is something to look forward to. We enjoy the water park first then go to the theme park in the evening. It's always fun, and on weekdays it's not as crowded. The only bad thing is that the refill station is always broken or very dirty.
Mayra Matias — Google review
A bit different than what I remember. Fun time riding big roller coasters. I miss some the old ones, but new ones were thrilling. Didn't feel to crowded walking around, but most lines were over an hour. Overall, great time!
Debbie Fogel — Google review
We were there on a Friday at the end of September, it was quiet during the day with a maximum wait of 30-40 minutes but most roller coasters only 5-10 minutes. In the evening, it was fright night, it got busier but with the express pass, we got in everywhere quickly. Super fun park, many roller coasters (3 closed) and really much better than fright night at Walibi Netherlands.
Thomas Online — Google review
This park is 100% recommend for adrenaline junkies. It holds some of the best coasters in the U.S. however, for those of you that prefer a park with more varied rides like simulators and shows then this one isn't for you. There is absolutely nothing here for adults other than white knuckle rides. Also It's built on a mountain so if you have any mobility issues go to Florida.
Dean Livingstone — Google review
Amazing place to go with your family and friends. So enjoyable rides. Went there many times to enjoy those super cool rides and to watch the amazing stage shows. My favorite thing there is the Hall of Justice. I would definitely visit again. ❤💥
Dina Fletcher — Google review
Six flags was awesome. I definitely recommend using the extra money to buying flash passes. Group of 3 we rode 12 rides within one day and also had time 2x out of the day to sit down and eat. I recommend bringing your own flask or water bottle (empty). The rides were awesome as always! I will say this.
X2 was a really rough ride to be on. There's some serious whiplash into the ride. The timing where the seats spin and when the coaster is dropping is off. I slammed my leg into the side of the seat at the end of the ride.
Adonis Lagandaon — Google review
Amazing selection of roller coasters. I went twice within a year, and there were different ones opened or closed depending on circumstances. Food service is alright, sometimes you will have to wait a while just to get to the window to order. It's much faster to order via the Six Flags app and pickup at the window.
Deducted a star due to quality of cleanliness. Bathrooms, refill stations, and the rides themselved would become very dirty throughout the course of the day. Would be better if staff could periodically clean over the day to keep it looking good.
Jacob Thomas Danao — Google review
This park was a dream come true for me. I do not live in America but every coaster was bigger, faster and better then I’m used to.
The park has a few downsides as well though. A lot of the coasters were riding with 1 train. The queues were all above an hour (we’ve seen 190 minutes), in summer season you really need the highest capacity you can get. The food was good but very expensive.
Overall, we spent 2,5 days here and I would go back again.
+ it’s real pretty with a lot of greenery
Naomi __ — Google review
This place is so much fun! We come here every year for our family vacation. We come for 2 full days so we can make sure we have maximum time at the park to do everything. We always go on Tuesday and Wednesdays because those are the least busiest days of the week. We will get the Flash Pass on Wednesday (because it’s busier than Tuesday). If you plan on riding as many coasters as possible, it’s worth it to get the flash pass. We get the middle tiered one which give you 50% less wait time but it always works out where we barely have to wait at all.
There’s fun for our little ones (3 & 4) and for our oldest (14) and for us! The kids love all the kid rides and the carnival games.
The first ride I rode this year was the Wonder Woman…OMG. I almost peed my pants and cried at the same time - it was terrifying! My 14-year old just laughed the whole time while I held on for dear life screaming and swearing. You ride in a single file and the track is so small, it’s just incredibly thrilling!
I also recommend if you’re going to go for more than one day to get the highest level of season pass (Diamond Pass). You will get free preferred parking which is in itself worth over $50. You also get a discount on anything else you buy in the park like food and souvenirs so it’s definitely worth it!
Rebecca Rix — Google review
Great experience and it was a lot of fun. The only drawback was that on a Sunday which we were there, some of the rides were closed so they are understaffed, but you still pay the regular entry fee which is not always that cheap and do come prepared to pay $40 for parking if you haven’t purchased parking online. Of course, when you buy food or drinks, they’re going to be expensive than your usual one dollar per bottle for water and more for food so be prepared for that as well.
Nevertheless, the experience is worthwhile if you’re going to Six Flags once or twice a year and willing to spend the money.
For sure recommend going to Six Flags.
Innovative Constructions — Google review
My friends and I visited Six Flags recently and can't stop talking about how amazing it was. If you are looking for a day full of thrills and fun, this is the place to go.
In short, Six Flags is a place that provides an intense dose of excitement and fun for the whole family. The rides are thrilling, the staff is friendly and the variety of dining and entertainment options is impressive. Despite the admission prices, the Six Flags experience is well worth it, and we will definitely be back for another day full of exciting adventures!
Luis Villaverde — Google review
Really great time at Magic Mountain. For a guy who loves coasters this is like the go-to park. The rides were amazing, as well as the food. Although quite expensive its usually how it is at every theme park. I recommend buying tickets before hand that way when the park is open you can get on some of the rides you spotted on the way in first. Died down around dinner time though. Thank you Magic Mountain for an amazing experience and will 100% come back when I'm back in L.A!
Jakes — Google review
I started going to Magic Mountain when I was about six or seven years old with my dad and my sister. I remember going here on so many different occasions. I finally finally came back and brought my daughter today. I think it’s been 20 years since I last went here.
It cost $40 to park. I was not expecting it to be that much just to park your car. But I understand. We got here early so that we could get in the park right at 10:30 when it opened up. We immediately went to revolution and didn’t wait that long to get on.
I’m not gonna give you all the details of every ride that we rode but we had a bunch of the big coasters and had a super fun time. One of the reasons that I’m giving it a four star review is because none of the drink fill stations by the water fountains worked for your water bottle. I feel like if you’re at a theme park all day long out in the heat that the employees, staff, should really make sure that these are working. Overall, my daughter and I had a fantastic day.
Neal Benson — Google review
We really enjoyed Thanksgiving here, it was crowded but not as bad as it could have been. The food plan was good--you know food is always going to be super expensive and this kind of takes the stress of that away and it became part of the fun. They do have slow food service at some places, I think it's intentional to manage crowds and consumption, but it all worked.
It's more expensive to buy online tickets if you wait until the morning you're going, more by about $15/ticket. Buy the week before.
A lot of the rides broke down to the point that at the end of the day there were maybe half a dozen not running. I wondered if that was typical or intentional. I hadn't seen at other parks.
It was chilly in the evening, bring jackets! We ended up buying sweatshirts and they weren't too bad ($35). I don't know that paying for up close parking is worth it, unless you plan on going back to the car during the day. A fun way to spend Thanksgiving.
Michelle Mitton — Google review
Had so much fun here it felt illegal. The roller coasters are AWESOME, we had almost no wait in line, and the prices are all very reasonable.
10/10 would recommend.
Maria Camila Galvis — Google review
The thrill capital of the world was indeed an amazing time. The park was overall in good condition with only one major coaster down on a Sunday in March. The staff were engaging and helpful. Was able to ride the majority of coasters with minimal waits minus two due to one train ops on most coasters.
Paul Kauti — Google review
We had a blast here with the big kids and the little kids. Went on a Friday in March, typical wait times for an amusement park on all of the big popular rides. For the little kids we hung out at the kiddie area with almost no wait times on any of the rides. We waited 3x for 5 minutes a piece. Seemed like a typical non-Disney park where teens/young adults are the only employees and don’t have much to offer by way of answering any questions, so as long as you’re self-sufficient in that regard, it’s no problem. All the ride attendants were pleasant and helpful getting the littles loaded and moving on with fun. We are in AZ and bought season passes to Hurricane Harbor and get free admission to all Six Flags locations with our passes, so we will likely be back a couple times this year.
Garcia Family — Google review
Arguably the best Amusement Park in the USA. If you are visiting on a busy day then a Flash Pass is worth the money. So many awesome Rollercoasters!!! Well themed Park. Great layout.
Kevin Farrell — Google review
The rides are pretty intense and for all tastes.One gotta be in shape and young to take all that speed and twisting from the roller coasters.Came in on a Saturday and some lines were quite long but moving kinda fast.Food is good but a bit pricey as expected.Worth the trip from Vegas but it’s one and done!
Globe Trotter — Google review
It was my first time going to six flags, I passed out over 6 times on rides because I’m not much of a roller coaster person, but it was SO worth it! The food was delicious, I had a lot of fun here exploring the rides! I recommend coming here lol, I came around December 23, 2023, was definitely worth the trip! Food was worth the price and tickets for sure.
Yang Soo-Yun — Google review
4.5
(46497)
•
4.0
(5525)
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355, USA
Located in Zuma County Beach Park near Malibu, California, Zuma is one of the region's most popular surfing destinations. With gentle waves and plenty of lifeguard towers throughout the beach to protect visitors at all times, it's perfect for first time surfers or families looking for a safe spot to enjoy the ocean. The large beach is also great for swimming, bodyboarding, windsurfing, and fishing.
Malibu’s best beach. It’s clean and well maintained with public restrooms and showers to rinse off sand. You can take a 5+ mile walk. Porpoise often visit the surface of the glossy waves. There is a medley of birds that inhabit the beach including green parrots.
Gena Vazquez — Google review
Pretty nice, very windy at the time.
Some garbage, but it's of season.
Nice treat to see a Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter run drills in front of us.
Chris Brussow — Google review
Great sandy beach. Saw dolphins nearby to beach, didn't swim, water was cold. The beach is amazing and was not so crowded. $6 for parking but you can do free parallel parking for checking the beach.
Muge BN — Google review
Hands down the most beautiful public beach in Malibu. It was clean, there aren’t many people there, and very peaceful. Do not pay the $15 for parking. You can park in the street and just walk over the barrier onto the beach.
fabixn — Google review
This is a fabulous place to visit during the weekdays when it is truly more secluded. A great place to take to take a break, meditate, read and write, or just do nothing.
Jojopahmaria Nsoroma — Google review
I would currently not at all recommend that beach. We had to pay 8$ for the day and got really nothing apart from closed restrooms, dirty and not working showers, trash cans which were more than full.
I can definitely understand why people park outside next to the highway, it's a shame to charge money for the current situation. Seems like they are renewing some things, but can't tell how long that will take.
Safe your money and go somewhere else.
Lara Stockmaier — Google review
What can you say about this beach besides the SoCal jewel. The sunsets, the mountainous backdrop, the perfect surf. Only drawback is all the people and struggle to find parking, but what can you expect at one of the best beaches in California. Zuma Beach will always have a special spot in my feels.
TheLeakingGenius — Google review
Today, amidst Topanga-bound travel, I went
here and had QUITE THE TIME swimming in
the ocean. Water was cold yet the contrast
between water temperatures and daytime
heat was wonderful. I got way out until my
foot could no longer touch the bottom for
a while, easily navigating waves without a
lot of them causing any problem for me at
least. Only downfall is lack of natural shade
so it's best to bring some of your own if you
wanna spend a lot of time here while the sun
happens to be very bright. Even saw one fish.
None chuck — Google review
Beautiful beach with scenic views and tons of parking. The beaches are clean and well maintained as well. They also have volleyball nets.
When you enter the first area even has another body of water with ducks and seagulls. You are more likely to see marine life there.
Mahwish Nasrullah — Google review
4.7
(2458)
•
4.5
(834)
Malibu, CA 90265, USA
I'll never travel to Carlsbad without this trip planner again
This iconic beach in Santa Monica is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. With its mild surf, wide range of businesses and easy access for visitors, it's perfect for all ages. The beach stretches 3.5 miles and can be divided by North of Pier and South of Pier so visitors can get their bearings. In winter, the beach becomes unrecognizable without the masses of people that flock to it in peak months, making it great for early morning walks.
Located just west of Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica Beach is a prime example of the famed Southern California state beaches.
With large expanses of beach, bike trails and many other things to do, Santa Monica Beach has everything you’re looking for:
Plenty of space–3.5 miles long
Soft, sandy shores for little feet
Walkable to hotels, shops and restaurants
Offers a variety of activities and attractions
Remember:
Santa Monica beach is not a dog beach. Leashed dogs are permitted along the boardwalk.
Karin S. — Google review
The beach is very big and clean. There are so many things to do at the pier. Various kind of rides and local food shops at the pier makes it a happening place. We tried coffee and veggie burger at two nearby shops and though little crowded, they were worth the wait. Be sure to keep masks with you, entrance in the shops without mask is restricted. There are also bicycle rentals just after the public parking area at the beach. The parking is available from sunrise to sunset with 7$ fee. There are many sand volleyball courts too. We loved our time there and will visit it soon.
Harpiytravel — Google review
Beautiful beach with plenty of things to do. There are volleyball areas, trail for walking, jogging and biking. Places to eat and hangout. Gets crowded even in the morning.
Town Traveller — Google review
Extremely neat and clean beach of Los Angeles, loved the vibe of the beach, felt extremely relaxed. Restrooms are available. You can view Santa Monica pier from this beach, the water is crystal clear and the sound of waves will make the ambience so amazing, I recommend visiting this beach if u are in LA.
Devang Mistry — Google review
Santa Monica is definitely one of our favorites beaches! 😍
It has really has golden sands, there is a huge area to enjoy sports, beach games, relax, rest, have drinks or simply lay down and enjoy the sun!
The beach is delicious, water temperature is just perfect (or at least it was in summer). The pier is beautiful and it has a great vibe and a lot of things to do and eat or drink 👍
There are many restaurant, bars and small stores in a huge side walk, perfect to ride bikes, rollerblades, or walk ;0)
Antonio Perez Coss — Google review
Great time for all enjoy a nice day in sun or beneath a tree on the lawn. Food a plenty with multiple vendors & stores to visit either on the beach or pier, where amusement rides & other tourist favorites are..
- photos: by Chris Dolan
Chris Dolan — Google review
Nice beach with beautiful scenery and atmosphere, Located on the Pacific Ocean, The pier has many places for food and along the pier you listen to a beautiful music and song from different cultures, I recommend.
Luie — Google review
We spent one evening at this place , nice outings, very good view of the skyline and beach . it
has amusement rides also over there and many restaurants etc . it has long neat beach.
RAKESH DESAI — Google review
There is always a moment in the day when you can relax on the beach. The best, in the morning with the fresh breeze of the sea or in the evening at sunset, magical, enchanting and sometimes cold!
You can swim, the water is surprising, be careful with the waves that can put the little ones on the sand. Otherwise it is magic a beach like this one in some miles of the city.
X R — Google review
Nice place to relax, take a swim, watch the sunset or take a beautiful picture. Also pier is close by with some food options as well. I would recommend to plan 3-5 hours for this place, depending if you like the beach, waves and getting your feet wet.
Ivan Hontić — Google review
A very huge and very famous beach in Los Angeles. It is well known from hollywood movies and others. I liked very much, that is clean and the sand is soft are bright. I was also swimming and Ocean in September was still warm.
The paths along the beach are very nice. Separated for bike and pedestrians. Of corse did I photos from the Rescue huts- famous from Baywatch.
The rescue guard gives a safety feeling, but I felt never in any danger or had any fear.
R. Ant — Google review
Awesome beach and very accessible. Very neatly maintained and good for a nice evening jog or walk
Shaik Wajeed — Google review
Beautiful sandy beach that is so busy with tourists and locals. Close to eateries, the pier, boardwalks, and lots of parking nearby. Very expansive and you can walk for miles and miles or sit and enjoy the views or sunbathe.
May Zhagro — Google review
Nice beach, lots to do. Beautiful scenery and atmosphere. Sits right along the pacific highway with the mountains in the background. The pier has multiple places to get food, rides, and games. Definitely worth a visit if you are in L.A. family friendly too.
Will Gressock Grisak — Google review
u already know . it’s beautiful , the mountains are beautiful the ocean is beautiful the vibe is lovely . good skateboarding / cycling / whatever paths too
Haley (haley) — Google review
The Santa Monica state beach is a very clean and beautiful place to go if you want to see the beautiful sunset of just if u want to have fun with friends or family and it will always be my favorite beach to go to with my friends or family. In my opinion its the best beach I've been to my whole life.
Jessica Martinez — Google review
One of the most iconic beaches of the all the West Coast with the historic pier amusement park and adjacent picturesque city. It tends to be crowded with tourist and local beachgoers alike so just be prepared if you’re planning a visit on a weekend or any time in the summer
Santa Monica Pier is an iconic seaside destination in Santa Monica, California. The pier features a range of shops and cafes, as well as an amusement park and aquarium. It draws in visitors at sunset for its beautiful views of the sky bursting into fiery shades of red and orange. Apart from its stellar scenery, there are plenty of activities on offer at the pier such as amusement park Pacific Park and fish aquarium Santa Monica Pier Aquarium.
Lively place, full of entertainment with so many fun activities nearby happening. Amazing place to roam around in the evening time specially. Always remains crowded, mainly due to the pacific park in the pier which is super cool with tons of rides and games to enjoy. Ample parking places available nearby, so parking is not a problem here. Probably one of the most happening night beach in California. Highly recommended to visit while in LA.
Anthony Merchak — Google review
Had a great time here! Be ready for the crowds of people that come here and bring your jacket because it can get pretty cold. There are many great spots to take pictures and spend time with family and friends here. We enjoyed the views entering the pier area and leading down to the actual pier. There are a variety of food options and many vendors providing custom gifts. We had some amazing funnel cakes and bought souvenir pictures for our group. This is a great spot for a day or night experience.
Sandy B — Google review
Santa Monica Pier is fantastic place to visit both for tourists and locals. I'm sure locals don't come here on a busy weekend evening but our friends who live in Malibu come here quite a bit when its not crowded. It really is a fun and historic place... from being the last stop on Iconic Route 66 to the food shops available, street food, street performers and fantastic sunsets, this pier is huge with tons of life and activities.. You can easily spend 4 hours here so plan accordingly. The parking can be tricky as the weekends are very very busy but there are many underground nearby parking lots and if you don't mind taking a walk there is lots of parking deeper into Santa Monica away from the beach. The pier is just lots of fun and easily top destination when visiting Southern California. Also, the cost of trinkets and souvenirs is not that high since there is a lot of competition. Overall people are very friendly and patient.. everyone is here to enjoy themselves and eventually wait for the beautiful sunset.. so plan to get your spot on the pier to record an amazing California sunset.
Anantha Krishnan — Google review
A very popular local and tourist spot. Parking has gotten so much better with availability on the pier and close by beach parking. Tons of rides, eateries, activities, and places to hang. There are day passes as well as all acces annual pass as well ranging from $20 for kids to $40 for adults. Annual pass is $99 standard. A fun place with family and friends of all agree groups.
Faisal Patel — Google review
So many good things here. Music, shops, food, entertainment, the amusement park. We had a group of ten who spent he evening there. It felt safe. Beautiful view from the Ferris wheel. I had so much fun.
Tina Smith — Google review
This place is awesome! Tons to do, beach is amazing! Games are fun to play with kids. Some of the games were not open, because we went during the week. Parking was good, pier is a fun experience for any family. I highly recommend stopping here if you get the chance.
richie asay — Google review
This is a neat place to visit. There weren't many people when we came because it was right after the tsunami warning expired. It was nice to casually tour without too much foot traffic. Parking costs, so be prepared for that. We paid $10 and parked across the street in a garage. It's a nice place to see if you're a tourist.
Mary Mitchell — Google review
We went on a Sunday. Beautiful weather and plenty to do. It was just a day trip, so we only spent a couple hours there. I can't wait to go back so we can take our time and experience more. Great place to spend the day. Very kid friendly, we took our 10 year old. The beach is clean and wasn't too crowded. It was really nice and worth seeing, even with limited time.
Maria J — Google review
Loved it beautiful area, large parking lot right under pier. While parking is $15.00 it was free for disabled visitors. The assortment of restaurants, souvenir shops, rides and attractions not to mention the fantastic ocean views is perfect for guests of all ages.
S. Scott — Google review
Place with many tourists, of all nationalities. It is very busy but worth the visit. Great place to go with the family, see the sunset, has various activities for children, has some things to eat and buy souvenirs. Clean and affordable bathrooms.
Parking on site is a bit difficult but if you think it is vacant, it is paid.
Keli Almeida — Google review
What an amazing spot. The views are breathtaking. I'm impressed with how alive the place is, full of colours, buskers, and nice folks (and the occasional druggie shouting at something). I recommend you come watch the sunset from the pier. It's amaaazing!
Guilherme Cavalcante — Google review
The pier is too crowded and the beaches aren’t as nice. There are lots of birds and they will eat all of your food when you are trying to enjoy the beach. But I like how you can drive and park on the pier which makes it very convenient.
Kiet TT — Google review
Lively place, full of entertainment with so many fun activities nearby happening. Amazing place to roam around in the evening time specially. Always remains crowded, mainly due to the pacific park in the pier which is super cool with tons of rides and games to enjoy. Ample parking places available nearby, so parking is not a problem here. Probably one of the most happening night beach in California. Highly recommended to visit while in LA.
Sourav Kumar Ukil — Google review
Beach is so beautiful.
Nice sandy beach and nice pier.
There is a parking fee of $15 .
Be ready to face crowds during summer holiday seasons.
Lot of rides for kids to have extra fun.
Some grip of street entertainers are also entertaining people with some dance and stunt show.. even drone shows after sunset.
In sort complete entertaining place for family ..
RIMAL & SHIVANGI PATEL — Google review
Santa Monica Pier is easily in my top 5 favourite places ever! I live in Canada, but I have made the effort to fly to LA at least once a year just to go to the pier, for the last 10+ years. The all-day wrist bands are priced well, and the rides are endlessly awesome! I highly recommend riding the roller coaster during sunset. It is breathtaking. The food options are great along the entire length of the pier, and the scenic views are lovely from all sides. This is a great place for a date night, family day out, or just a friends day! I even got a tattoo of Santa Monica Pier a couple of years ago; I really do love it!
Dylan H — Google review
It's a iconic location but beyond that there's little to experience in my opinion. The attractions are small (which is understandable on top of a pier) and pricy so you'd only ride them to be able to say you were there.
So the conclusion is that the ambiance on and around the pier is nice to experience and the real fun factor. The pier itself is not that special. After half an hour you've seen it all.
Glad to have walked on and around it, but no more than that.
Geert Baeten — Google review
Great food. Beautiful views. Lovely music. Lively atmosphere. High tourist concentration. Chaotic parking. Highly suggest parking in a cheaper garage and walking down here. We ate at the Albright before walking down to the end of the pier. We passed several musicians and singers along the way. The sunset from the end was stunning. Overall the entire experience was a chill, very relaxed walk down to the ocean. On the way back, we bought some churros from a lady selling them near the start of the pier. A great experience just to walk it. Didn’t do the amusement park.
Aliza Brown — Google review
Wonderful place. It was nice on a thanksgiving day but a few things you should consider visiting the pier. No business except the McDonalds offers guest access to restroom. So I recommend taking a pitstop well before you reach there. The multistory public parking was much cheaper than the surface parking (people with flags). Take your time, you will find the spot. Few well spent hours there!
Md Towhid Ur Rahman — Google review
The Santa Monica Pier is a vibrant coastal gem, teeming with life and energy. As you stroll along its iconic planks, the eclectic mix of interesting people captivates your attention. From the mesmerizing sounds of sitar players to the hordes of diverse individuals gazing over the vast expanse of the ocean, the pier is a sensory delight. The lively atmosphere, combined with the breathtaking views, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique blend of culture and seaside charm. Try not to get clapped by a pickpocket in the process though.
TheGuide — Google review
Santa Monica Pier is beautiful beach just 20 minutes drive away from Los Angeles, California. It is the best place to visit with family and love ones. It has its own amusement park equipped with world’s only solar powered ferries wheel and roller coaster.🎢
Love the Pacific Ocean views here. ❤️❤️
Hubashia Ali — Google review
This is the best place to see in Los Angeles a lot of fun things to do! Pure beauty nice people nice vibe! Nothing can go wrong, I highly recommend. The fun fair was expensive so we didn't do any ride, with the same price I got a bunch of things from around the corner shops.
El Sa — Google review
Santa Monica Beach is amazing. So many things to do. I like walking or riding on the beach trails. Walking on the pier, relaxing on the beach, eating at the restaurants on pier and watching the live entertainment. The people are really friendly and the weekend are always busy. Downtown Santa Monica is just steps away.
Carol — Google review
Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean at the intersection of Ocean and Colorado, it symbolizes the heart of Santa Monica and is one of the most photographed locations in the world.
Discover more than just a Pier, this is a destination where people come together to enjoy local culture and to reconnect with the Pier’s storied past.
Whether you are here to take in the incredible views, ride Pacific Park’s Ferris Wheel, hosting an event, or joining for another family-friendly activity, Santa Monica Pier is always a good place to be.
Karin S. — Google review
Good vibes, lots of people, vendors, food, and rides. Walking down the pier is such a fun experience and it is beautiful on a sunny day. You can find gift shops and vendors hawking their wares. Worth it for the touristy experience. Really great views at night to take photos of!
Be careful of the guys who are handing out CDs, don’t bother stopping and checking them out, otherwise they’ll ask you to pay for a CD that you don’t even have the means to play.
May Zhagro — Google review
This was definitely a pretty pier, but they didn't have as much "pier food" as I was expecting. They had a couple windows, but it was mostly actual restaurants. No milkshakes or fried dough or anything. Great view, great rides. Arcade is $2 a game (better than the $5 you see some places...what happened to 10 cents a game? The good old days...) Anyway, parking can be far and a bit pricey, so be prepared to walk. Like I said though, excellent views of the water even at night!
Livy F — Google review
My family went to Santa Monica Pier, and the first thing that surprised me was the huge sandy beach. It was the first time it took so long to walk to the beach. It was really impressive. What's more impressive is that there was a small theme park, so I got on the ride, and when I went up high, the view of the pier in the night sky was so beautiful. It feels like a different world, and it seems like it was in a video game, so I think all of my family will leave a good memory.
김종우 — Google review
Nice place to spend evening. It's the final stop for historical route 66. Don't miss to try Street Mexican foods, so yummy and cheaper. Easy to reach by LA metro
Prabhu S — Google review
The environment is very comfortable. Walking here will make you feel relaxed. Even though it is a famous tourist attraction, it will not feel too crowded.
Stanley Yeh — Google review
4.6
(114633)
•
4.0
(19320)
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, 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
4.6
(152731)
•
4.5
(37541)
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.
Venice is a vibrant beach town with both upscale commercial and residential areas. The free-spirited Venice Boardwalk offers funky shops, colorful murals, a skate park and Muscle Beach outdoor gym. Foodie hot spots, stylish boutiques and coffee bars can be found along Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
4.0
(10914)
Los Angeles, CA, USA
I'll never travel to Carlsbad without this trip planner again
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!!!
Outlet mall Citadel Outlets features a variety of high-end retailers and restaurants. The mall is well-maintained and features beautiful decorations for Chinese New Year. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and the staff in the stores are always happy to help. Parking options are plentiful, and walking around the mall is a fun experience. The food court here is great, with lots of options for various dietary needs.
Citadel is a beautifully decorated and maintained outlet shopping experience. This time they had decorations for the Chinese New Year. The atmosphere and shopping is excellent. The staff in the stores is friendly and welcoming.
Ranfhery Albino — Google review
This place is very disappointing.
When you read outlet, you think lots of stores. The options at this place are very small (not many sales and I came on labor day weekend) and I frequently have walked away empty handed!
There is no store here I can rave about.
The malls are even better than this “outlet.”
I gave it 3 stars because it is clean, parking is plenty&easy, and bathrooms are nice.
Jessica You — Google review
They have practically every outlet you can think of - from gap, guess and old navy to high end like emporio Armani and Tumi. Of course, there’s also Michael kors, coach, Kate spade, Disney, Steve Madden and Calvin Klein.
The building itself is quite impressive and the mall is well laid out.
There are many restaurants and food options too from Starbucks and jamba juice to chipotle, Cinnabon and auntie Annie’s
Natalie Pote — Google review
The Citadel Outlets is a popular shopping center located in Commerce. It's known for its outlet stores offering discounted prices on a variety of brand-name products. The center features over 130 stores, including fashion, accessories, and home goods. The architecture resembles a Babylonian fortress, giving it a unique and visually interesting design. It's a destination for bargain hunters and those looking for a diverse shopping experience.
Parking can be a madhouse so bring some extra patience with you when you come.
Jason Camorlinga — Google review
We found the Citadel Outlets really pleasant to shop at. It was not overly crowded like some of the Simon Premium Outlets we have been to in other cities in USA and Canada. Their Savings Passport, which you can sign up online to obtain, is actually useful and the shops allow you to use it to obtain further discounts
William Lin — Google review
Citadel outlets is huge shopping outlets mall. Lotta parking options. Lotta walking. Huge food court. Many hugh street shops. Great place for family.
Dominique Vivek — Google review
Not the biggest outlet town but it has majority of the big brands available. Place is nicely designed and there are signs and maps everywhere to help you get your way around instead of getting lost trying to find your favourite outlets.
The food available at the outlets could definitely be improved though, as there are less than 10 shops/restaurants there selling food. As the weather is cold, maybe would be good if there are more indoor seats around for people to rest in between shopping.
The staff in each of the outlet stores are mostly pleasant and helpful. No racism was encountered and they even assisted to unlock further discounts!
Jing Huang Lim — Google review
Here you’ll find stores like Coach, Nike, Kate spade, true religion, DKNY, and many others at this outlet. Considering it’s an outlet mall, they don’t always have the best offers.
The mall is nice and clean and plenty of parking space available.
I wish they had more stores and some better offers.
Overall it’s a 3.5 stars for me.
Fernando A — Google review
I'm from Arizona, the plants alone are amazing to look at. Lots of great stores and good deals. The food court wasn't too shabby either.
Greg Stanley — Google review
I love it here! Window shopping is the best🤩 Although I didn't buy anything, I went inside some stores just to look at stuff. I've been here a couple of times in the past and never got bored visiting this great place. Would definitely come here again in the future 😊
Jen — Google review
Fire hazard issue during open business hours the entire mall was designed with several entrances and exits, but they only keep one open.
Thats a public safety hazard in case of fire, emergencies, earthquake and so on people will stay trap in here hopefully the President CEO of this Outlets have all doors open during business hours before a tragedy happens. April 24, 2022 11:00 am
Jorge Sotelo — Google review
I have visit citadel outlet mall for the first time in this mall is absolutely amazing.
They literally have everything high-quality for cheap price
The mall have the best stores that you looking for .
They have more than three different areas with public restrooms, which is very comfortable. They have great food court and they have a lots of parking areas.
The place looks very clean and the stores are really cheap and high-quality .
This place is great to visit during the week to not have some traffic’s .
Harry Potter — Google review
Citadel is MUCH better than it used to be years ago. It's definitely the best outlet center in the Greater LA Metro, and you no longer have to drive all the way to Cabazon (almost Palm Springs...) to find good prices.
Paolo Pizzi — Google review
Convenient to drive there, close to residence. Parking area is inside building which is good.
Not big, price is not competitive,doesn’t have much discount.
Weiqin — Google review
A decent size outlet with most of the shops that you would want.
I didn’t like the Nike or Coach outlets here as they barely had any of their items in stock, most of the other shops were all good.
We went over the Christmas period so it was very busy and hard to find parking, we ended up using the valet service for $8 which is well worth it for the day.
Sukh Sapra — Google review
Best outlets in Los Angeles.Disney store is the must visit store to score some Disney stuff with discounted prices.my kids loved all the Disney toys 😊
Mounica Mylapalle — Google review
There's FREE parking structure with remaining parking spots left indicators. There's also an elevator and stairs. It is also lighted and well lit when it gets dark. There are also vending machines near the elevators and stairs on the bottom level. Love the seasonal decor. Great place to shop for great deals and enjoyed walking.
Chung Liew — Google review
The place was so nice especially in the winter with black Friday, their deals when it comes to black Friday kinda changes to 50% and up but the deals are immaculate. Its a nice place to go either way
Gwi Nam Yoon — Google review
Loved the Christmas vibes throughout.
Great deals over Thanksgiving weekend. Kate Spade had 50-70% + 25% storewide. There’s also a pop up Lululemon but designs are limited in my size.
Pro tip: visit very early in the day, or closer to closing time to avoid the massive crowd. The place was PACKED!
Genie — Google review
Wow
Superb and great place for shopping where you will find most of the brands.
Prices are very reasonable as well.
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 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.
The Catalina Casino features a movie theater on its lower level, offering patrons a serene space to view new releases. Constructed in the 1920s, the casino's architecture is stunning and well-preserved. The theater and ballroom are particularly impressive, with the former designed to distribute sound evenly throughout without requiring microphones. Tickets for movies can be purchased at the casino itself, though visitors should note that navigating through multiple ramps is necessary.
Very cool to learn the history of the town. Definitely, a place to stop and visit if you're visiting the island. Can't ruin the surprise but the theater was amazing! The price Is worth the experience. And the historian was knowledgeable and seemed to love the town.
We stopped here as part of the cruise. Was a short walk from the docs. Looks far but with so much to see on the walk there, definitely glad we walked and not rented a golf cart.
Jesus Mexia — Google review
Amazing experience. The casino is built way back in 1920's and it looks terrific. Theater and ballroom were brilliant. Theater was built so well that sound goes up to be distributed equally and without the need of microphone the guide was able to speak to group of 30 or so. Tickets can be bought at the casino, there is a bit of walking and climbing up few ramps involved. Views from the balcony are terrific and you get a glimpse of entire island. The tour takes about 45 mins, it is available at 10.30 and 2:00pm only and is mostly self guided. Definitely worth the price.
Aditya Samalla — Google review
This Casino is not a gambling place rather a cultural institution where there are performances, meetings and gatherings. It’s very pretty.
Suchitra Kamath — Google review
Woooooowww! Very beautiful landmark we first approached it while on the Haunted Tour and it was definitely a good opportunity for capturing photos. It was amazing they show movies there and while outside you can get a view of the ocean and boats in the distance. This was one of many awesome places we visited while on Catalina Island.
Sammy D. — Google review
It's not a casino. it's a historic building that has a theater where movies are shown or different events are held. It also has a viewing point at the top where you can see views of the island. It also has a dance hall.
Angelina — Google review
mesmerizing place that reminds u of the great Gatsby
Theodore Le — Google review
Interesting tour behind the scenes of this iconic landmark. Fun fact: the “Casino” doesn’t have gambling. The building was named before the word “Casino” became synonymous with gambling.
Dave Hanson — Google review
We toured here in April and loved our experience. The guide was so nice and very knowledgeable about the history of the casino. She let us take our time in the ballroom and in the theatre. It is a beautiful building with cool history that is totally worth seeing while you’re in Catalina!
Megan Liddiard — Google review
Visiting the Catalina Island Casino while in Avalon is a must do at least once. It’s an absolutely beautiful and interesting building from a long ago era and it’s well maintained. If you do a self guided tour there isn’t much in the way of informational signage to learn more about the history, but it’s still cool to see. There are even interesting old-timey bathrooms on the upper levels that are worth checking out. It’s a bit pricey and you likely won’t spend more than an hour walking around.
Reed B — Google review
such a breathtaking building! I recommend visiting the catalina museum first to learn its history and see concept sketches for the murals you'll see inside. it makes the experience so much more magical! also you don't need to take a guided tour to see the inside -- you can roll up whenever and pay general admission to wander about. the views from the terrace are excellent. one of the most unique and beautiful buildings I've ever seen, it's an absolute must.
Meg Smitherman — Google review
Great place to visit for a day or stay, there’s a lot to do but if I may suggest, bring snacks and drinks with you since the food is extra expensive because of the added freight by boat to the island. Than later have a meal at the Avalon shore, there are so many good restaurants to choose from with different cuisine, souvenirs shops, trailer/Bus tours, or you can rent a golf cart, electric bikes, walk?
Have a great time!
Joseph Fischer — Google review
The Catalina Casino is a historic landmark in Avalon. It was opened in 1929 and still has a lot of its original (or close to original) features. This is not a gambling Casino and never was.
They have self guided or guided tours available during the day. It is an interesting stop and definitely recommended if you have time.
They used to use the theater for first run movies, and a person played the organ in the front while waiting for the movie to start. They now play older movies on some weekends. It is still a fun place to watch a movie. There is artwork on the walls, curtains as you enter the theater, and many historic features in the theater portion that you can access with theater admission.
Tracy Foster — Google review
Our visit to The Catalina Casino was an absolute delight. This iconic architectural landmark on Catalina Island in Southern California exceeded our expectations. Apparently it was built in 1929 and it captures your attention from the moment you arrive in Catalina. We were sadly surprised to discover that it wasn't a gambling establishment. The Casino Ballroom on the top floor has breathtaking ocean views which added an extra touch of splendor to the experience. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring the casino's rich history, marveling at its grand design, and being part of the vibrant cultural experiences it offered. The Catalina Casino is undoubtedly a must-visit destination, combining architectural brilliance, and an enchanting atmosphere that left us with cherished memories.
Patrick Mederos — Google review
I recently visited Catalina Island with a group of friends, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. This charming island, located just off the coast of Southern California, provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and enjoyable getaway. From the delectable food to the delightful ice cream and the scenic Descanso Beach Club, Catalina Island exceeded our expectations in many ways.
Upon arriving on the island, we were immediately captivated by its natural beauty. The crystal-clear waters and picturesque landscape were truly awe-inspiring. The island's tranquil atmosphere instantly put us in a vacation mood, and we couldn't wait to explore all that it had to offer.
One of the highlights of our trip was the wide range of dining options available. Catalina Island boasts an impressive selection of restaurants and eateries that cater to various tastes. During our stay, we indulged in numerous delicious meals, each one leaving us satisfied and craving for more. From fresh seafood to mouthwatering local specialties, the island's culinary scene did not disappoint.
Among our dining experiences, the Descanso Beach Club stood out as a true gem. This waterfront venue provided an exquisite setting for a leisurely lunch. With its stunning ocean views and relaxed ambiance, we felt instantly transported to paradise. The menu offered a diverse selection of dishes, and we savored every bite while soaking in the soothing sounds of the waves crashing nearby. The attentive service and friendly staff added to the overall exceptional dining experience.
In addition to the fabulous food, we found ourselves unable to resist the temptation of the island's delectable ice cream. Numerous charming ice cream shops lined the streets, offering an array of flavors that catered to all tastes. We indulged in creamy scoops of homemade goodness, which provided the perfect treat to cool down on warm summer days. Whether it was a classic flavor or a unique creation, the ice cream on Catalina Island was simply divine.
When we weren't satisfying our taste buds, we took full advantage of the island's recreational activities. From hiking and biking to snorkeling and kayaking, there was no shortage of things to do. We explored the island's stunning trails, discovering hidden coves and breathtaking viewpoints along the way. The crystal-clear waters beckoned us to dive in, and we marveled at the vibrant marine life that thrived in the area. Each day brought new adventures and countless opportunities for fun and relaxation.
Overall, our trip to Catalina Island was a resounding success. The combination of beautiful scenery, delectable food, and delightful ice cream made it an unforgettable experience. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a fun-filled vacation with friends, Catalina Island is the perfect destination. It offers a little something for everyone, ensuring that you'll create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
regis kwong — Google review
The Catalina Casino is full of rich history! I would highly recommend that you visit if you have the chance. The guided tour will likely be your best option, and at the price of $35, it's totally worth it for all the behind the scenes areas you get to check out.
Guess what? It's called a Casino. But it's not a casino at all! What is it? A giant ballroom, and a huge movie theater / stage. Built and operated by Mr. Wrigley (the gum dude), there are some amazing pieces to highlight. A few must sees are the black oak wood panels as you enter the casino (worth approximately $4m today). As you head upstairs to the ballroom check out the chandelier. Each chandelier, made by Tiffany's is $8m a pop, specially designed for the casino, making them one-of-a-kind (4 of a kind?). There is also an early rendition of a disco ball. The wood panelled floors are original. The outdoor patio views are amazing. Nearly 360 views of Catalina and the ocean, are worth the visit just in itself! Fun fact: a worker lives at the Casino 24/7.
Tips:
- It's not really a casino. Mr. Wrigley never drank or gambled, so know what you're getting into ahead of time! It's a movie theatre and ballroom.
- If you're super hot in the summer on Catalina (as there can be minimal shade), pop into the Casino for a tour!
- Yes, some parts of the Casino are haunted (so they say!) Most paranormal activity is in the women's bathroom on the mezzanine level, and near the coat check room.
- While some parts of the Casino are ADA compliant, much of the building is not. Be mindful if you're bringing a wheelchair, or even a stroller.
- No discounts provided. Including AAA.
- Don't opt for the self guided tour yet, as they're still building it out. For a few more dollars, get the guided tour!
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 (;
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)
•
4.5
(1613)
26801 Old Mission Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA