Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor pursuits. The park features a large reservoir known as Puddingstone Lake, where fishing, boating, and swimming are popular pastimes. Anglers can cast their lines in search of catfish, bass, trout, and more, while boaters can take to the water in canoes, kayaks, or paddleboats. Some of the other facilities include an RV Park, hot tubs, an equestrian area and a boat house. The park also boasts numerous picnic areas, hiking trails, and expansive open spaces perfect for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. There's also a playground for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
Built in Art Deco style, this observatory was constructed in the early 1930s and is a highlight among the landmarks in Southern California. See incredible light shows at the Oschin Planetarium, which puts to use the latest technology. Outside the observatory, you'll find sweeping views of the nearby area that are breathtaking during the day as well as at night. Exhibits and planetarium shows will fascinate visitors. Some visitors might recognize the observatory as the site where the climax of Rebel Without a Cause was filmed. On clear nights take advantage of the free public telescopes to see the stars up close.
Inspired by Tokyo's Imperial Gardens, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden opened its doors in 1981 and is a part of the California State University. The donation of funds came from the namesake's widow, and her passion for gardens led to the creation of this space. A serene garden and a sight to behold, it is dotted with several trees, including Japanese black pines, pink cloud cherry, fern pines, saucer magnolias, and Chinese flame trees. A koi pond with a bridge and fish, garden art, a pagoda, a tea house, fountains, and a zig-zag bridge add to the beautiful landscape. The garden is a much-favored spot for weddings.
Spanning 58 acres (23 hectares), the Oak Canyon Nature Center is a beautiful oasis of nature in the city. The sanctuary, flanked by three canyons is home to a diverse array of animal and bird species. Well-marked hiking trails offer a great opportunity to discover the park's many wonders. Stop by at the John J. Collier Interpretive Center to learn more about the natural features and history of the place.
The perfect thing to do on a bright sunny day is to head to Rancho Los Alamitos. Admire the 19th Century ranch house that houses an interesting museum about local history, then explore the surrounding area. Make sure you stop by the barn and check out the livestock, which is often the highlight for children. You can also stroll through the beautiful garden. The gift shop has interesting things to take back home too. Overall, a historical place with lots of education, along with fun thrown in.
This museum is not named after that lovable alien character from the 80's sitcom, but after high school teacher and amateur paleontologist Raymond Alf. He began as a hobbyist in 1936 and with trip-after-trip into the Mojave Desert, Alf garnered a vast collection of fossils. The museum is located on the campus of The Webb Schools, a private high school founded by Thompson Webb and it is the only museum in the U.S. with its location at a prep school. There are two main exhibits, the Hall of Footprints which features some of the most varied fossil 'trackways' in the world and the Hall of Life that expounds upon the Earth's 4.5-billion year history.
With more than ten tours, Guideline Tours is perhaps the largest in the area. Specific destinations include downtown, Malibu, Santa Monica, the Getty Center, Universal Studios, Disneyland, Queen Mary Seaport and more. Its most unique tour is Nightlife L.A. which visits Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Century City, and Melrose Avenue. Tour prices sometimes include admission to major theme parks and other attractions. Internet discounts are available. Tour times vary, so call for specific times and to make reservations, which are required.
Run by the Burbank Historical Society, the Gordon R. Howard Museum is located in the historical Victorian Mentzer House. Built in 1887, you can explore this historic home and admire interesting displays and artifacts about life in the past. This small museums showcases the local Burbank history where you can view photographs that show the evolution of Burbank from a small settlement to an entertainment wonder. Tours are by appointment only.
The West Coast Theatre is one of the oldest theaters of the city. It's a part of the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the must-visit places in the city.
Built in 1837, La Casa Primera de Rancho San Jose is one of the oldest standing buildings in Pomona Valley. Built in an area of 1.6 acres (0.65 hectares), this was the abode of the Ygnacio Palomares that had 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dining room, 3 fireplaces, and a pool. It was the first home to built of a thick wall of abode bricks This historic house was declared a National Landmark in 1954 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Huy Fong Foods, Inc will take you on a flavorful ride in their factory. What began as a domestic work of making spices flourished into a well-established business, owned by David Tran. The factory is a producer of appetizing sauces, supplied in many of the Asian restaurants around. They are one of the main producers of chili garlic sauce, Sriracha and Sambal Oelek. Book a tour with them to go a on savory ride, where you can learn how they started up and how their sauces are made. Also, visit their rooster room to collect some interesting souvenirs like t-shirts. If you have some great recipes to share made with their spices, then you get to be a part of their website's recipe section.
Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, Saint Michael's Episcopal Church was build in 1876. In 1955, the church was moved to its present location along West South Street. Today the church remains an important part of the community holding weekly events and services. Be sure to visit the website for services times and more information.