Disneyland Park and Disney's California Adventure

Southern California has not one, but two Disney Parks! Disneyland offers the classic Disney experience, with Sleeping Beauty's Castle, time-honored rides like It's a Small World, and parades to thrill any Disney fan of any age. Disney's California Adventure brings something different to the Disney experience. California Adventure has more thrill rides for adventure-seeking visitors, a California style boardwalk, and fun new attractions like Cars Land.

So which park will you visit? When in doubt, find time to check out both parks! Don't forget to take a stroll through Downtown Disney as well!

Surfing

Whether you're visiting "Surf City USA," commonly known as Huntington Beach, exploring the famous Trestles surf spots at San Onofre, or catching some huge waves at The Wedge in Newport Beach, Southern California is always a great place to surf!

Mission San Juan Capistrano

This mission is over 200 years old and full of California history. It has now been restored, with 10 acres of gardens. A free audio tour is included in the admission price to guide you through the ruins, gardens, and museum displays. You'll learn a lot about California history, and also get to spend the day on the beautiful, peaceful mission grounds.

Dolphin and Whale Watching

May to October is blue whale season, while from December to May we see gray whales taking their annual migration between Alaska and the lagoons of Baja. Fin whales, minke whales visit us all year, and occasionally we also see killer whales, humpacks, pilot whales, and more! The Southern California Pacific is also home to more dolphins than any other place in the US. Dana Point is an especially great place to view whales and Dolphins. The underwater canyons near the coast of Dana Point are popular locations for the smaller fish that dolphins like to eat, which means more dolphins off our coast!

LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND California is incredibly family friendly, with over 60 rides for kids of all ages, and hands-on attractions that will keep kids entertained and curious, not to mention the amazing Miniland USA made of over 20 million LEGO bricks! LEGOLAND also has a waterpark and and aquarium, so you may want to visit more than once!

The San Diego Zoo & Safari Park

Southern California's mild climate makes it a comfortable place for many different animals to live. The San Diego Zoo houses over 3,700 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies and is one of the few zoos in the world to house a Giant Panda. The San Diego Zoo specializes in natural enclosures that mimic animal's native habitats and also features huge free-flight aviaries as well as a rare plant collection. For an even more immersive experience, visit the San Diego Safari Park. The Safari park offers many different tour options, including open air caravans, trike rides, and ropes courses!

Knott's Berry Farm

Knott's Berry Farm is bursting with family friendly fun in every season of the year! If you're visiting in October, experience the thrill of Knott's Scary Farm. During the holiday season, soak up the cheer at Knott's Merry Farm. In the spring sample a vast array of boysenberry cuisine at the Boysenberry Festival, and of course, don't forget Knott's Soak City waterpark in the summer!

At Knott's Berry Farm you can meet Snoopy and the other Peanuts characters, and experience a bit of the old west in the Ghost Town. Make sure to eat at Mrs. Knott's Chicken dinner, and buy some boysenberry preserves to take home with you! With rides and attractions for all ages, and more budget-friendly ticket prices than some other local theme parks, Knott's is a great choice for traveling families.