Adventure Tour

Ritz Carlton Huntington Resort
The stately Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel & Spa is your passport to graceful elegance and uncompromising personal service in the grand European tradition. Faithfully restored, this turn-of-the-century country estate just ten miles from downtown Los Angeles is set on twenty-three acres of beautiful gardens in the San Gabriel Valley in a prestigious residential area of charming Pasadena.

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Tour Key Largo Florida
Vacation paradise and Dive Capital of the World. The first and longest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo's main feature here is the Florida Reef at John Pennecamp State Park, a preserve of living coral reef, probably one of the most colorful in the world. Excellent location for snorkeling, scuba diving and glass-bottom boat tours.

Six Flags Magic Mountain - The Xtreme Park Magic Mountain is a 260 acre theme park and entertainment complex located a short distance north of Los Angeles. There are over 100 rides (including 16 super-scream roller coasters), shows and attractions.

NBC Studios Tour - Burbank
Of all the commercial TV networks, only NBC Studios in Burbank offers the public a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of its television operation. Most of the shows which appear on the NBC television network aren't actually taped at NBC Studios in Burbank.
Southern California Movie Studio Tour - More Info this Topic.

Warner Bros - VIP Studio Tour - Burbank CA
One of the best kept secrets of Hollywood is this private 2-hour tour in groups of 15 that drive in a VIP oversized golf cart to visit the famous movie sets of Warner Bros Studios. The tour begins at a small visitors center near Gate 4, off Hollywood Way. You have a pretty good chance of seeing a star in the flesh along the way.

Universal Studios Hollywood
A large theme park that takes guests for a behind the scenes look at a major film and TV studio. First time guests should take advantage of the na tram tours. The world-famous and newly enhanced Studio Tour where you will visit the Universal Studios backlot, home of Universal Pictures.



Travel Town - Griffith Park
This outdoor transportation museum features steam locomotives and other early railroad equipment. The outdoor exhibit area features early Los Angeles wagons, automobiles and fire-fighting equipment dating to the period 1869-1940.

Los Angeles Zoo - Griffith Park
The 113 acres of landscaped hills are home to more than 1200 mammals, birds and reptiles, including many rare and endangered species. See Adventure Island - the Children's Zoo that showcases animals native to the American Southwest. And Mahale Mountain, the Chimpanzee Exhibit, is another popular exhibit.

Griffith Observatory and Planetarium
Located on the south slope of Mount Hollywood, the observatory is popular place for viewing either the night time sky or the city light of L.A. Includes Planetarium and Science Center.

Pasadena Tournament of Roses
New Years Day Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game
Featuring over 120 units including majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands. Starts at 8AM on New Years Day and will be televised across the nation. Definitely the biggest annual parade event in the world. Followed later in the day by championship collegiate football.



Queen Mary - Long Beach CA
Famous 1936 luxury ocean liner and Russian submarine on public display in Long Beach Harbor.

Raging Waters
111 Raging Waters Dr, San Dimas, CA; (909) 802-2200; Waterpark Website;
Open: Daily 10AM Memorial Day to Late Sept;
50 acre aquatic theme park with surf, sand, rides, slides and other water attractions provide 50 million gallons of good clean family fun. Includes children's activity pools, chutes, lagoons, speed slides and sunbathing beaches.

Kellogg Arabian Horse Center - CalPoly Pomona
Public Horse show : 1st Sunday of month 2PM (Oct - May);
Equine research farm and stables dating back to 1929 and then donated to CalPoly Pomona Equine Sciences school and College of Agriculture.



Popular Points of Interest:

Getty Center
One of the world's largest art institutions is located in the Sepulveda Pass.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Over 150,000 acres of rugged mountain, parkland, beaches and hiking trails overlooking the L.A. Basin and Pacific Ocean.

Tour Santa Catalina Island
Private Recreation and tourism resort on the largest of the Channel Islands. Boating, Camping, Wildlife and Watersports.

Los Angeles County Arboretum
301 N. Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007; 626-821-3222;
Open: Mon-Fri 9AM-4:30PM / Sat-Sun 9AM-6:30PM;
127 acre botanical garden with trees and schrubery arranged by continent of origin. The Arboretum offers many classes, programs, seminars, lectures, and other educational resources for people of all ages. It also hosts many horticulture-related shows & expositions.
California Philharmonic - Summer Concerts at the Arboretum.

Lake Baldwin - small lake fed by a natural underground spring
Tropical Forest - plants and trees of the Americas includes ponds and aquatic plants.
Festival on the Green -The Arboretum is home to California Philharmonic’s Festival on the Green (June-Sept.). Group tickets are available at (626) 844-6600.
30-minute tram tours
Tropical and begonia greenhouses
Reference library
Bird sanctuary
Historic Queen Anne cottage and coach barn
Hugo Reid Adobe
Santa Anita railroad depot

Los Angeles County Fair [SEP]
1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA. 91768; 909-623-3111; Fair Website;
Fair Open Wed-Sun in September at the LA County Fairplex in Pomona;
Get your fix of extreme monster truck and motocross action, cheer on a raucous demolition derby, or kick out the jams with some of the biggest names in rock n’ roll, disco, funk, R & B and country music. With the most rides, great food, spectacular attractions, nighttime concerts, and vendors from all over the world, the L.A. County Fair is one of Southern California’s greatest traditions. 300 unique food and beverage vendors serving more than 3,000 American and international culinary delights. Over 1.4 million annual visitors puts the LA Fair consistently in the top ten ranking of the biggest fairs in North America.

Los Angeles Fairplex
1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA. 91768; 909-623-3111; Fairplex Website;
Fairplex is the home of the historic L.A. County Fair and other quality year-round educational, multi-cultural and entertainment events tailored for business and industry and for the enrichment and enjoyment of Southern California's adults, youth and families.

Other Fairplex Events
Highland Games - Memorial Day Weekend - presented by United Scottish Society of Southern California at the Fairplex.
Harvest Festival - Last Weekend in Nov - over 300 artisans with more unique handmade arts and crafts than ever before.
The Irish Fair - March - With 8 stages featuring true Irish music from the likes of Celtic Spring, Des Regan Band, The Mulligans, Diane the Bard, and many more. Other events include Sheep Herding Demonstrations, the Scottish Athletic Association, and an Irish Dog Show.

Pasadena Hilton Resort
The Hilton Pasadena hotel is a cozy boutique-style hotel in the heart of Pasadena, California. Each of the Hilton Pasadena hotel's 296 guestrooms are designed with technology in mind and equipped with the 'Smart Desk.'

Whittier Radisson Resort Hotel
The Radisson Hotel Whittier is located in the heart of historic uptown Whittier Village, makes it an ideal base for travelers doing business here. Recreational amenities include a beautiful garden courtyard pool as well as a fully equipped fitness center. Shopping is just a casual stroll away.

American Museum of Ceramic Arts
340 S Garey Ave, Pomona CA 91723; 909-865-3146; Museum Website;
Open : Wed-Sat / Noon-5PM;
Since 2004, AMOCA is one of the few museums in the United States devoted exclusively to ceramic art and historic innovations in ceramic technology. It is located in an area abounding with ceramic history and internationally recognized clay artists from the Arts and Crafts Movement, the 60's Clay Revolution and the current Studio Pottery Era.

Armory Center for the Arts
145 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103; Gallery Website;
Community arts center for the visual arts. Programs, exhibitions, calendar, studio art classes, and support.

Art Center College of Design - Pasadena CA
A leader in art and design education for nearly 75 years, The College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines.

Covina Historical Society
125 E College St, Covina, CA 91723; 626-966-9871; Museum Website;
The society operates two history venues in Covina, California - each with a collection of treasures showing the history of the community.
The Firehouse Jail Museum - built in 1911 and open every Sunday from 1-3PM at Covina City Hall Plaza
The Heritage House - this historic home is open on the fourth Sunday of each month from 1-3PM.

Glendora Historical Society Museum
314 N Glendora Ave, Glendora, CA; 626-963-0419;

Centennial Heritage Park
725 E. Mauna Loa Ave., Glendora, CA; 626.335.2078; Park Website;
Open :2nd Sat of Month 9AM-4PM / 2nd Sun of Month 1PM-4PM;
The site was constructed to depict a late 19th century to early 20th century citrus ranch and the Hamilton House, the Orton Englehart workshop, a working printshop, and numerous antique farm implements.

Hurst Ranch Living History Museum
1227 S Orange Ave, West Covina, CA; 626-813-0116; Museum Website;
Trained docents help young people experience life on a ranch in the early 20th century. Learn about early 1900's farm life, responsibility and teamwork. This museum has a good collection of antique farm equipment and machinery.

Aquarium of the Pacific - Long Beach CA
New Giant Aquarium Exhibits - Long Beach, CA



Kidspace Museum
Brookside Park, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626-449-9144; Museum Website;
Kidspace's award-winning exhibits are designed to inspire wonder and ignite creativity for children ages 2-9. With an emphasis on exploration and investigation of nature, and creating outlets for creative expression, Kidspace provides young children and their caregivers a beautiful and safe setting for unleashed imagination.

ASMH Military Museum
1918 North Rosemead Blvd, South El Monte, CA; 626-442-1776; Museum Website;
Since 1962 the museum has collected and restored military vehicles from all four branches of the United States Armed Forces - Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines.

Mount Wilson Observatory
Public viewing through the 60-inch telescope is available to individuals and groups. The Hooker 100-inch telescope can be seen from the Visitors' Gallery inside the dome and there is a small astronomical museum on the observatory grounds. During the first half of the twentieth century Mt. Wilson was successively home to the world’s two largest telescopes as well as the most powerful facilities in existence for studying the sun.

Pacific Asia Museum
46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA; 626-449-2742; Museum Website;
Open: Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM; Free to all every third Sat.
Historical, cultural and art exhibits from Asia and the Pacific Islands. Ongoing special exhibits and student gallery compliment the permanent collection of 14,000 artifacts that traverse over 5000 years of history. Building is designed as a Chinese treasure house surrounding an Imperial garden and koi pond.

Pasadena Historical Museum
Fenyes Mansion
470 W. Walnut Ave., Pasadena, CA; 626-577-1660; Museum Website;
Guided 45-minute tour: Thur-Sun at 1PM/2PM/3PM;
The Pasadena Museum of History offers a wide range of activities and programs designed to share the rich history of our community with adults and children of all ages. Tours of the Fenyes Mansion and Finnish Folk Art Museum, changing exhibits in the History Center Galleries, lectures and seminars, luncheons and teas, classes and workshops fill the calendar with a variety of intriguing, educational, and entertaining events.

Pasadena Museum of California Art
490 East Union Street, Pasadena, CA; 626-568-3665; Museum Website;
Open Wed-Sun : Noon-5PM;
The only museum in Southern California devoted exclusively to California art, architecture and design. Inspired by the state's rich mixture of cultures and impressive geography, California art has long been defined by a spirit of freedom and experimentation.

Monrovia Historical Museum
742 E Lemon Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016; 626-357-9537;

National Hot Rod Museum
Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum
Fairplex Gate 1, 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona; 909-622-2133; Museum Website;
Open year-round, Wed-Sun 10AM-5PM (except Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas);
Opened in 1998 by NHRA founder Wally Parks. Housed in a 28,500-square-foot building on the edge of the historic Los Angeles County Fairplex, the museum mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret the vehicles, stories, and artifacts that represent the influence of automotive speed and style in all its forms. The place to view and learn about hot rods, customs, racecars and speed records, and the West Coast's role as the historic center for their past and present development. Photographs, trophies, helmets and driving uniforms, artifacts, paintings, and other memorabilia chronicling more than 50 years of American motorsports.
NHRA - National headquarters office located in Glendora CA on historic Route 66. The association promotes championship drag racing.
Southern California Motorsports Guide - More info on this topic.

Norton Simon Museum - Pasadena CA
World famous art museum and gallery featuring over 51,000 sq ft of art exhibits along with outdoor sculpture garden and landscaping.

Pacific Railroad Society Museum
210 E Bonita Ave, San Dimas, CA 91773; 909-394-0616; Museum Website;
The museum maintains a diverse collection of railroad equipment in operating condition include a locomotive, caboose, luxury railcars and street cars. The society also coordinates special railroading excursions.



Pomona College Museum of Art
Since 1958 the museum has been home important holdings such as the Kress Collection of 15th- and 16th-century Italian panel paintings; over 5,000 examples of Pre-Columbian to 20th-century American Indian art and artifacts.

Pomona Museum of History
Ebell Club Bldg, 585 E Holt Ave, Pomona CA; 909-623-2198; Museum Website;
A vast collection of manuscripts, documents, papers, maps, books, and photos of early Pomona Valley pioneers.

Tournament of Roses Museum - Dec 29 to Jan 2nd.
A unique exhibit collection featuring artifacts and history of the Tournament of Roses.

Pico Rivera Historical Museum
9122 Washington Blvd, Pico Rivera, CA 90660; 562-949-7100; Museum Website;
The museum is housed in what used to be a train depot built circa 1887, one of a few original depot buildings remaining in the country.

Workman & Temple Family Museum
15415 Don Julian Rd, City of Industry, CA 91745; 626-968-8492; Museum Website;
The Homestead Museum features the Workman House, an 1870s picturesque country home constructed around an 1840s adobe built by William and Nicolasa Workman; La Casa Nueva, a 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival mansion noted for its architectural crafts. Its historical significance, park-like landscaping, meticulous restoration, and educational programs have received numerous awards.

Pasadena Sheraton Resort
The hotel features a full-service, 24-hour business center and a well-equipped fitness center with Life Fitness treadmills, Lifecycle and multi-station gym equipment. Guests can enjoy California-style dining in Restaurant Soleil, or a delicious happy-hour hors d'oeuvres buffet from Charlie's Bar.

Norton Simon Museum
411 W. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101; (626) 449-6840; E-mail: art@nortonsimon.org;
Open: Wedz-Mon Noon-6PM (Exc Jan 1st / Dec 25th / Thanksgiving);

The Museum was founded in 1924 as the Pasadena Art Institute. The present building, designed by Ladd & Kelsey, opened in 1969 as the Pasadena Art Museum. It was reorganized in 1974 under the direction of Norton Simon. To make the galleries of the Museum more compatible with the art in the superb Norton Simon Collection, the Museum has undergone an extensive remodeling of the building and gardens, complete October 1999. In collaboration with the Museum board and the art department, acclaimed architect Frank O. Gehry has redesigned the Museum's 51,000 square feet of gallery space. Noted California landscape designer Nancy Goslee Power has transformed the outdoor space into a new 79,000 square foot sculpture garden inspired by Claude Monet's Giverny, with a natural pond at its center.

Located at the corner of Colorado and Orange Grove Blvds, exhibits art from the early Renaissance to the present. Also other artwork including Southeast Asian and East Indian sculpture.

Major collections include:


14th-16th Century - Early European paintings, sculpture and tapestry
17th-18th Century - Rich in works from Italy, Spain, France and the Netherlands
19th Century - Art from Barbizon School, Nabis, Impressionists and Post-Impressionists
20th Century - Notable works by European and American artists
South Asian - Art of the Indian sub-continent and Southeast Asia
New Acquisitions - Showcase of recent gifts to the museum

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Big directory of local theme parks and other spectacular attractions, entertainment, dining, world-class resorts, sports, recreation and much more. Includes special features on Sea World, Legoland, Balboa Park, La Jolla, Coronado, local beaches, parks, museums, special events and other famous venues.

The Huntington Library
Library, Art Galleries and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino 91107; 646-405-2100; Library Website;
Open Tues-Fri : Noon-4:30PM / Sat-Sun 10:30AM-4:30PM;
Art Gallery Tour - Southern California - More Info this topic.

A collections-based research and educational institution established in 1919 by Henry E. and Arabella Huntington. Henry Huntington, a key figure in the development of Southern California in the early 20th century, was also an active collector of rare books and manuscripts, art, and plants. The institution serves some 1,800 scholars each year conducting advanced research in the humanities.

Library Collection
The library’s rare books and manuscripts constitute one of the world’s largest and most extensively used collections in America outside of the Library of Congress. Researchers who use the collections produce the leading scholarly books and articles in their fields. These, in turn, become the basis for the textbooks that are used in elementary, secondary, and undergraduate education across the nation. The Huntington also serves some 20,000 school children in the Los Angeles area, providing informal botanical, art, and library education through extensive on-site programs. Among the treasures for research and exhibition are the Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, a Gutenberg Bible on vellum, the double-elephant folio edition of Audubon’s Birds of America, a world-class collection of the early editions of Shakespeare’s works, original letters of Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Lincoln, and an unsurpassed collection of materials relating to the history of the American West.

Art Galleries
The Huntington’s art collections are specialized in character, focusing on 18th century British and French art, and on American art ranging from the early 18th to the early 20th century. Other objects of the same period round out the collection including French paintings, French and British sculpture, tapestries, furniture, porcelain, and silver, and British drawings and watercolors. The collections have continued to grow, both by gift and purchase, particularly in the area of American art. Temporary art exhibitions include shows derived substantially from The Huntington’s collections, as well as traveling exhibits from other museums throughout the United States and abroad. The Huntington is world-renowned as home to Gainsborough’s The Blue Boy and Lawrence’s Pinkie.

Botanical Gardens
The library’s 120 acres of botanical gardens are divided into multiple thematic areas: the Rose Garden, Shakespeare and Herb Gardens, Desert Garden, Japanese Garden, Australian Garden, Subtropical and Jungle Garden, Palm Garden, North Vista, and Camellia Collection. The newly constructed Rose Hills Foundation Conservatory for Botanical Science is home to multiple interactive educational exhibits.

Mission San Gabriel Arcangel
Fourth of the original landmark California missions founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra to serve the local Shoshone indians that came to be known as Gabrielenos. Originally located in the Whittier Narrows until flash floods in 1776 forced it to present location.

The Gamble House
4 Westmoreland Pl, Pasadena, CA 91101; 626-793-3334; Landmark Website;
One-Hour Tour starts every 20 minues Thur-Sun Noon-3;
Located near 300 N. Orange Grove Blvd (by Walnut St.)
This 1908 bungalow style house was designed by renowned architects Charles and Henry Green. It features remarkable woodwork and stained glass.

El Molino Viejo
1120 Old Mill Rd, San Marino, CA 91108; 646-449-5458; Landmark Website;
Open Tues-Sun : 1PM-4PM;
Completed about 1816 as a grist mill for Mission San Gabriel, the original two-story structure measured 53 by 26 feet. It is the oldest commercial building in Southern California. The lower walls are five feet thick and are composed of oven-baked brick and volcanic tuff, while the walls of the upper level are built of layers of sun-dried adobe slabs.

Fenyes Estate
Pasadena Museum of History
The museum is housed in the 18-room Fenyes Estate. This 1905 landmark features its original furnishings and paintings. The Finnish Folk Art Museum, Research Library and History Center Galleries are also open to the public.

Cabrillo National Monument
Located on the tip of Point Loma - this major landmark offers the best scenic views of the San Diego skyline and a host of other great features. It is also a great vista to watch the big ships sail in or out of San Diego Bay.

Tournament House and Wrigley Gardens
391 South Orange Grove Boulevard, Pasadena CA; 626-449-4100; TOR Website;
Tours Thurs 2PM-4PM (Feb-Aug only); Gardens Open Daily;
This ornate mansion, once owned by chewing gum manufacturer William Wrigley, Jr., was built between 1908 and 1914 and today serves as the headquarters for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. A two-year restoration was recently completed on the house.



More Area Museums, Libraries and Galleries

Romantic Getaways of the Southwest
Lake Tahoe - Popular wilderness destination winter or summer.
Morro Bay - California Central Coastline resort destination.
Sedona - Famous Arizona red rock desert resort community
Lake Mead - Watersport recreation area located near Las Vegas
Park City - Hosted many wintersport competition venues during the 2002 Winter Olympics
Big Bear Lake - Southern California mountain retreat.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden - Claremont CA
RSABG is the largest botanical garden dedicated exclusively to our state's native plants. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the meandering pathways of this 86 acre natural setting which offers panoramic mountain views throughout the year.

Mt SAC Wildlife Sanctuary
The school has a 15 acre Wildlife Sanctuary since 1964, that supports a large variety of native species of birds, mammals, and insects. The Sanctuary supports a natural stream and a pond which has become a home and visitation spot for many bird species.

Descanso Gardens - La Canada Flintridge CA
The 160 acre Descanso Gardens features forests, streams, a lake, and bird sanctuary highlighted by 80 acres of colorful flowers, including camellias, lilacs and roses. Group and tram tours available. The Gardens host flower festivals, outdoor music, educational programs, showcase house, and weddings.

San Dimas Canyon Nature Center
1628 Sycamore Canyon Rd, San Dimas, CA 91773; 909-599-7512; Center Website;
Open Daily : Mon-Fri 9AM-3PM / Sat-Sun 9AM-5PM;
Located near the Angeles National Forest, this park offers visitors a variety of nature trails that traverse over one thousand acres of chaparral and riparian vegetation. There is also a natural history museum and a zoo. Throughout various times of the year, the park sponsors wildlife fairs that include animal exhibits, crafts, native Indian dance programs, and food booths. The park also has a junior ranger program. Reservations are available for tours, youth group camping and organized group picnicking.
San Dimas Canyon Nature Center Association - - Nature Center Associates lead school tours, bird walks, outreaches, as well as raise the funds for animal food, medical requirements and habitats.

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Forest Lawn Memorial Park - Covina Hills
21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina, CA 91724; 1-800-204-3131; Park Website;
Open Daily : 8AM-5PM;
Within the peaceful, natural setting this memorial park features some of the world's greatest religious art. In addition to the world's largest religious mosaic, the Life of Christ Mosaic, be sure to visit the Mausoleum of Christian Heritage to view mosaic recreations of the greatest scenes from Michelangelo's immortal Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings and beautifully crafted stained glass windows. The Church of Our Heritage, a re-creation of old St. George's Church in Fredricksburg, Virginia.

Oakdale Memorial Park
1401 S. Grand Avenue, Glendora;
Memorial Park and Cemetary.

Rose Hills Memorial Park
3888 S. Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601; 562-699-0921; Park Website;
Largest Memorial Park and Cemetary in California. Facilities include five chapels, including world-renowned SkyRose Chapel; the Pageant of Roses Garden, site of North America’s only international rose trials;