Field trips in Los Angeles Archives - Page 2 of 40

Where To See Wildflowers in Southern California

Posted on March 5, 2020 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego | Leave a Comment

Even though California is on the verge of another dry winter, it doesn’t mean you can’t catch Golden State blooms up and down the coast and out in the California desert. Peak season for seeing wildflowers in Southern California can vary somewhat from year to year, based on rainfall amount and temperatures. So, it pays to check official websites to get the most updated information.

Where To See Wildflowers in Southern California

Wildflowers are already starting to bloom in certain areas across the state. To help you find the best places to see wildflowers in Southern California, here’s where and when to find them in California’s national parks, state parks, public beaches and gardens this spring—and beyond—super bloom or not.

Just remember proper etiquette is not to touch the flowers, pick them or go into the fields. The flowers are here for everyone to enjoy!

Where To See Wildflowers in Los Angeles

Spring is my favorite time of year to go on a hike with my family and explore the various areas in and around Los Angeles where you can view wildflowers. Now through May is prime time for flower fans like myself. From Antelope Valley all the way down to the coastal shores of Malibu, you can see several species of wildflowers including the California Poppy, Giant Coreopsis and Hummingbird Sage. To enjoy the views, take a look at this round up of 20+ places to see wildflowers in Los Angeles.

Where To See Wildflowers in San Diego

San Diego is a wildflower enthusiast’s paradise! From the annual Flowers Fields in Carlsbad to the beautiful backcountry roads on the way Julian, there are numerous places to stop and enjoy the sprauling wildflower fields in San Diego.

There are also many opportunities to join other wildflower enthusiasts. Check out the ranger-led programs at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park or stop by the visitor center at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. To help you find the ideal location, here is a list of the best places to see wildflowers in San Diego.

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The Art of The Brick at the California Science Center

Posted on March 3, 2020 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles | Leave a Comment

On Sunday, my daughter and I had the opportunity to preview the new exhibit called The Art of the Brick at The California Science Center in Los Angeles. Hailed as “the world’s largest display of LEGO art”, The Art of the Brick consists of one million LEGO bricks transformed into more than 100 sculptures by artist Nathan Sawaya. I was absolutely amazed to see what you can create with LEGO!

The Art of the Brick at The California Science Center

The Art of the Brick: The Science of the Brick is the brainchild of former lawyer, now artist, Nathan Sawaya. Featuring intriguing works of art made exclusively from one of the most recognizable toys in the world, the exhibit inspire visitors of all ages. What’s mind-boggling is to think that only one artist created all this artwork.

The critically acclaimed collection includes Sawaya’s original sculptures as well as re-imagined versions of some of the world’s most famous art masterpieces, such as Michelangelo’s David, Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

Other highlights include a 20-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton, a 7-foot tall Easter Island Moai statue and an innovative, multimedia collection of LEGO brick infused photography produced in tandem with award-winning photographer Dean West.

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Where To Go Whale Watching in California

Posted on January 22, 2020 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in San Diego, Field Trips in Santa Barbara, Field Trips In Ventura | 7 Comments

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Did you see the video last spring of the birth of a False Killer Whale that a group of tourists who were whale watching in California got to experience off the coast of Dana Point? The whales were swimming alongside the catamaran, when suddenly a little calf was pushed up by his or her mother to the surface to take its first breath. The false killer whale is the third-largest member of the oceanic dolphin family and lives in temperate and tropical waters throughout the world.

In addition to the 40 or so False Killer Whales that they saw, they also got to see 27 Gray Whales, 1 Fin Whale, a Minke Whale, over 2,000 Common Dolphins, a dozen Bottlenose, and a handful of Pacific White-sided Dolphins.

Best Time To Go Whale Watching California

Southern California is a wonderful place to see whales at their finest. During whale watching season in Southern California, which takes place along the coast from Santa Barbara to San Diego, you’ll find plenty of ways to see the migration.

The season itself runs from mid-December through April with migrating Gray Whales being the most common species. Every winter, more than 20,000 Pacific Gray Whales travel 10,000 miles round-trip from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California. To see females with their calves, it’s best to go late in the season as they take their babies back up north with them.

The best way to see whales migrating in Southern California is to go on a whale watching tour. Most whale watch trips are fairly short and some companies even guarantee that you can go again for free if you don’t see any whales the first time.

Whale Watching Near Los Angeles

Anytime you want to go whale watching in Los Angeles your chances of spotting whales are very high. From January through May you can actively spot California Gray Whales in the Greater Los Angeles Area. On the way down to Mexico, the majority of pregnant females end up giving birth just above Los Angeles and swim down along the coast with their small babies in tow.

The Blue Whale season starts in early summer. June through September you can see one of the world’s largest animals, weighing up to 400,000 lbs, feeding on krill and swimming right off the LA coast.

You can take a highly rated whale watching boat tour for one, two or four people in Los Angeles with either LA Waterfront Cruises or San Monica Cruise Tour & Travel Center.

Best Places To See Whales Near Long Beach

When you go whale watching in Long Beach, you never know what you might see! You could catch a glimpse of the majestic Pacific Gray Whale during its annual migration from Alaska or you just might see the incredible Humpback Whale flip breach the surface. No matter the time of day or season, creatures of the sea are never far from view, from orcas to fin whales, minke whales to dolphins, and so much more.

Harbor Breeze’s Whale Watching Cruise is your best chance to channel your inner Jacques Cousteau and create some lifelong memories. And since one of the country’s best aquariums is right next door, you’re in good hands on this seafaring adventure. An educator from the Aquarium of the Pacific will guide you as you marvel at gray or blue whales (depending on the season), plus others majestic creatures, like the distinctive humpback, killer whales and several kinds of dolphins.

Marina Del Rey Whale Watching

The waters around Marina del Rey teem with seasonal gamefish. Beneath the ocean’s surface, halibut, sand bass, and barracuda swim from Rocky Point to the Big Kelp Reef. Sea lions, dolphins, sea birds, and several whale species also make their home in the water.

This diversity of wildlife prompted the owners of Marina Del Rey Sportfishing to start their whale and eco tour, during which sightseers can admire the ocean’s majestic creatures and the teams of Aquamen who groom them.

Marine Del Rey Whale Watching offers a 3-3.5 hour on water adventure that departs at 10 am on weekdays, and at 10 am and 1:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. From a 65-foot-long sightseeing boat, passengers might spot gray whales, blue whales, fin whales, and other species. Other wildlife may make appearances, including dolphins, sea turtles, and seals.

Whale Watching Near Newport Beach

Newport Beach offers some of the best whale watching California has to offer. With one the largest marine protected parks just outside of Newport Bay, whales and dolphin of all types can be viewed as soon as you leave the bay. It is not uncommon to see giant blue whales and finback whales just outside the bay during the summer and fall months. Multiple gray whales are often seen in this same area during the winter and spring months while on their annual migration.

Some of the top rated whale watching companies in Newport Beach include:

Whale Watching Near Dana Point

Dana Point is located about halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles. Along with hosting such events as the Festival of the Whales, Dana Point also is home to the Ocean Institute a non-profit research educational center teaching kids about marine life and marine mammals.

As you would expect, whale watching in Dana Point is a very popular activity amongst locals and visitors alike. Dana Wharf Boats and Dana Wharf Whale Watching offers a great captain narrated two-hour tour through the Pacific in search of gray whales, dolphins, and sea lions.

Whale Watching Near San Diego

If you want to get up close and personal with Pacific Grey Whales migrating along the San Diego coastline, a whale watching tour around San Diego harbor is your best bet. You can book a tour through any number of whale watching companies. Most depart from Point Loma, San Diego Bay or Oceanside. Besides seeing some beautiful whales, you will often spot sea lions, dolphins and other types of marine life.

Some of the top rated whale watching companies in San Diego include:

Whale Watching Near Santa Barbara

Whales splash around Santa Barbara entertaining onlookers eight months out of the year. Tour companies offer gray whale watching trips from late December through mid-April from Ventura and Oxnard while Blue and Humpback whale watching trips are available from mid-June through mid-September.

Humpback and endangered Blue whales feed on swarms of unsuspecting krill around Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary. Feeding whales tend to be near the western end of the northern Channel Islands and the journey there is often filled with playful visits from dolphins, seals, and California sea lions, and occasional visits from Orca whale pods.

Blue whale watching trips take visitors on a journey past Painted Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world on the west end of Santa Cruz Island. Weather and sea conditions permitting, you might have the opportunity to see the cave up close. Gray whale watching is a half-day adventure that takes about 4 hours. Since Gray whale watching occurs in the winter, visitors are encouraged to dress warm.

Channel Islands Whale Watching out of Oxnard specializes in Eco-Tourism and Wildlife Adventures. Their whale watching trips take place in the pristine waters surrounding Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary. During a whale watching tour, the company offers wildlife interpretation with informative narration of this unique region, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Northern Hemisphere.

Happy Field Tripping!

Jilleen

More Things To Do with Kids in Southern California

Free Kids Fishing Clinic with Dana Wharf Sportsfishing

14 Things To Do in Downtown LA with Kids

Best Pop Up Museums in Los Angeles

Vist a Wolf Sanctuary in Southern California

60+ Places To Explore With Kids in Orange County

14 Things To Do in Downtown LA with Kids

Posted on January 20, 2020 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Downtown LA is a great place to take kids to explore the cultural and rich history of Los Angeles. The downtown area is a walkable, Metro-friendly destination complete with museums, unique restaurants and beautiful buildings. Some blocks are cleaner and more family-friendly than others. So, it’s important to do your due diligence and keep an eye out when walking around. To help plan your day, here is the list of the best things to do in downtown LA with kids.

Things To Do In Downtown LA with Kids

Angel’s Flight

Angels Flight, which you may recognize from the movie La La Land, is one Los Angeles’ most enduring landmarks. Constructed and opened in 1901, it’s billed as the “shortest railway in the world,” the funicular has two cars, Olivet and Sinai, connected to the same cable and counterbalancing one another.

Angels Flight only runs for one block (298 feet to be exact), but it’s a steep one. It links the Grand Central Market at the bottom to the Water Court shopping mall at the top, connecting Hill and Olive streets.

Angels Flight operating hours are 6:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays. A one-way ride costs $1. No reservations needed. Simply show up and hop aboard.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Walt Disney Concert Hall is home to the LA Philharmonic and the LA Master Chorale. The complex includes the 250-seat Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theatre, a restaurant and a roof garden. Free audio tours are the best way to explore the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

The self-guided audio tour takes visitors through the concert hall’s history from conception to completion. Narrated by Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow, the tour provides insight from architect Frank Gehry and other key contributors. An augmented reality video walk is also available to experience.

credit: Discover Los Angeles

OUE Skyspace LA

Are you an adventurous family looking for a fun time in Downtown LA? If so, you should take a ride down the glass slide at OUE Skyspace LA , the tallest open-air observation deck in California. The one-of-a-kind slide goes along the outside of the iconic U.S. Bank Tower, which is approximately 73 stories tall and sits 1,000 feet above the ground.

The tower is the tallest building west of the Mississippi River and the 12th-tallest building in the United States. You can see some of the best views of Los Angeles from the top too. Get discount tickets to OUE Skyspace LA here.

Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market is a European-style food hall, which has been operating on the ground floor of the iconic Homer Laughlin Building since 1917. It’s a great spot to grab a quick lunch, do some meal shopping or enjoy a cup of coffee or dessert. From gourmet burgers to Filipino rice bowls and falafel, you’ll want to take your kids to enjoy some of the best food in Los Angeles.

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2020 Chinese New Year Celebrations Near Los Angeles

Posted on January 11, 2020 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego | 1 Comment

Celebrated for thousands of years in various countries around the world influenced by Chinese civilization, the Lunar New Year remains one of the world’s most celebrated holidays. 2020 marks the Year of the Rat, the first of all zodiac animals. In Chinese culture, rats are seen as a sign of wealth, surplus and luxury.

This year’s Lunar New Year falls on Jan. 25, based on the appearance of the new moon. The holiday climaxes with the Lantern Festival, which falls on Feb. 8, 15 days after the new moon.

The celebration of Chinese New Year is a festive, colorful, loud, and incredibly fun holiday to enjoy, even if you aren’t Chinese. So, check out this list of the Best Lunar New Year Celebrations in Southern California and mark the special occasion by attending one with your family.

Best Lunar New Year Celebrations Near Los Angeles

Lunar New Year Festival, Monterey Park (Jan. 11 – 12)

The city of Monterey Park will ring in the the Year of the Rat with this annual 2-day festival. Over the course of five blocks of downtown L.A. streets, festivalgoers will enjoy everything from Asian cuisine, carnival rides, art, lion dances and much more. Admission is free.

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Venice Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library, Venice (Jan. 15)

Listen to a story, make a paper lantern, and learn the easy brush painting technique of sumi-e as you celebrate Chinese New Year at the library. Snacks provided. All ages welcome.

Lunar New Year Red Envelope Giveaway, Citadel Outlets, Los Angeles (Jan. 15 – Feb. 16)

Citadel Outlets will be honoring the ancient Chinese “Red Envelope” gifting tradition January 15 – February 16, by giving away red envelopes filled with gift cards and center promotions at the Customer Service Center. The tradition, symbolizing good luck and well wishes for the New Year, is a gift meant to express appreciation for the center’s wonderful shoppers and visitors from all over the world.

credit: Universal Studios

New Year Celebration Traditional Chinese Music Festival at Bonita Center For The Arts, San Dimas (Jan. 17)

Acclaimed musicians from China and the US will be performing at this event to celebrate the 2020 New Year concert. The concert will be held at Bonita Center of the Arts on Jan 17th from 7:00 – 9:30 pm. Tickets available online.

9th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration in Beverly Hills at Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills (Jan. 18)

The Chinese New Year celebration in Beverly Hills showcases traditional craftsmanship, performing arts and culture. The 2020 Chinese New Year event will be divided into three parts: a variety show, a “Jing-Jin-Ji” photo exhibition and a cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration.

The variety show will feature performance groups from Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei with Chinese acrobatics, martial arts, folk dance, traditional music, Peking opera and more. The cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration will include Chinese culture painting and folk arts. During the VIP reception, guests can engage in a ceremonial tea service and paper cutting demonstration, while enjoying folk music and elaborate Peking Opera costumes.

Chinese New Year Celebration at Granada Hills Branch Library, Granada Hills (Jan. 18)

Come learn about traditional Chinese Music and Culture from musician Jie Ma. All ages are welcome. Free.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Lincoln Heights Branch Library, Lincoln Heights (Jan. 18)

Celebrate the Year of the Rat at the library while you learn more about the Chinese zodiac and make your own calendar to take home. Children of all ages are welcome. Free.

2020 Lunar Year Celebration at The Americana at Brand, Glendale (Jan. 19)

Celebrate the Year of the Metal Rat with lively performances, gourmet food, and cultural activities on The Green. This event is complimentary and open to the public from 2:00 – 5:00 pm.

Chinese New Year Spring Couplets Writing at Los Angeles Central Library, Los Angeles (Jan. 21)

Join us for a Chinese New Year Spring Couplets writing program. Free for all ages.

Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood, Hollywood (Jan. 23 – Feb. 9)

Celebrate the Year of the Rat during Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood. Join Po and Tigress from DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda in Po’s Village and savor Asian dishes at Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop. Meet Hello Kitty, Illumination’s Minions in traditional Chinese attire and Mandarin-speaking Megatron from TRANSFORMERS. Plus, enjoy fun activities, live entertainment and more.

Midnight Temple Ceremony at Thien Hau Temple, Los Angeles (Jan. 24)

LA Chinatown kicks off the Year of the Rat at Thien Hau Temple where attendees can experience traditional incense burning, make offerings to deities, watch traditional lion dancers, and witness 500,000 firecrackers in action.

Chinese New Year: Shanghai Nights at the Queen Mary, Long Beach (Jan. 25)

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2020 aboard the majestic Queen Mary! Chinese New Year: Shanghai Nights will celebrate the Year of the Rat with traditional Chinese culture, cuisine, and exhilarating entertainment. Located in the beautiful Grand Salon, this limited seating buffet dinner and show will be a feast for the senses surrounded by stunning decor.

Performances by Wushu Shaolin Entertainment will include Chinese Martial Arts, Dragon and Lion Dances, Ribbon Dances, Face Changer, and more. Chinese New Year: Shanghai Nights offers two seating times – 4pm and 8pm – with a variety of ticket options for your party.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica (Jan. 25)

Celebrate the Year of the Rat! Join us for traditional cultural performance, arts & crafts, and enjoy special offers from participating stores & restaurants at Santa Monica Place.

Lunar New Year on the LA Waterfront at Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles (Jan. 25)

Join the Port of Los Angeles in celebrating Lunar New Year on the LA Waterfront. This free cultural festival offers free parking and free admission, with live entertainment, arts and crafts, face painting, and more.

Lunar New Year Festival at USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena (Jan. 25)

Join us for our annual Lunar New Year festival celebrating the Year of the Rat! Enjoy free admission to the galleries, live performances, art making workshops, food trucks, and more!

Chinese New Year Celebration at Citadel Outlets, Los Angeles (Jan. 25 -26)

Citadel Outlets is thrilled to welcome good fortune and joy in the Year of the Rat with vibrant, family-friendly celebrations for both the local community and Los Angeles-bound travelers. Live dancers will perform a variety of exotic lion dances, folk dances, traditional songs, drum ceremonies tai-chai displays and more.

Enjoy take-home art from calligraphy and watercolor artists, festive red and gold lanterns, twinkling lights and an authentic 17-ft Chinese pagoda decorating Center Court.

Chinese New Year Kung Fu Show at Shaolin Wushu Center, Los Angeles (Jan. 25 – 26)

Enjoy a Chinese New Year Kung Fu Show featuring Master Hu Jianqiang, Zhang Yaowen. All tickets include a raffle, red envelopes for kids and dinner after the show.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles (Jan. 26)

There is a Kung Fu demonstration, magic show, acrobatic performances, lion and dragon dances, craft stations and more. Admission is free.

Chinese New Year Gala 2020 at Almansor Court, Alhambra (Jan. 26)

Enjoy a holiday buffet banquet, VIP Speaker, cultural activity booths, spectacular performances, raffle prizes and more! Ticketed event.