Field Trips in San Diego Archives

Best Places To Enjoy The Snow In Southern California

Posted on December 7, 2018 | Filed Under: Field Trips in Riverside, Field Trips in San Bernardino, Field Trips in San Diego | 21 Comments

A few winters ago, I took Field Trip Boy and Field Trip Girl to play in the snow at Mt. Baldy. Boy, did that not go over so well! I forgot the most essential clothing item…winter gloves! My kids lasted, oh, maybe 20 minutes and then we got back in the car and headed down the mountain. So much for that adventure!

I am bound and determined to never repeat that same mistake twice! This winter I plan to rent a cabin in the mountains and reintroduce my children to the concept of “having fun” in the snow. But this time I will be sure to bring gloves!

Best Places To Enjoy The Snow In Southern California

Here are some of the best places in Southern California to play in the snow:

Idyllwild

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Idyllwild is a cozy little mountain top community located above the San Jacinto Mountains in Riverside County. The village itself is quaint and beautiful, especially during the winter time. It does snow in Idyllwild, but there is no snow skiing allowed. Therefore, it is typically not as crowded as other mountain communities such as Wrightwood or Big Bear.

Best Places To Enjoy The Snow in Southern California

photo credit: Mark Buckawicki

Mt. Baldy

My family has been to Mt. Baldy twice. Once, in 2016 to go snow tubing at Mt. Baldy’s Tubing Park, and in 2017 to play in the snow. You can easily get to Mt. Baldy in about 1 and 15 minutes from anywhere in Orange County. At the top of the mountain, they offer skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. My favorite part about Mt. Baldy is that you don’t have to go very far up the mountain to find the snow. My children and I like to go half way up and then stop on the side of the road to play. We also bring our own snow sleds.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Back in 2010, my family and I rented a time share and spent the weekend in Palm Springs. While in town, we took the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to enjoy the view of the valley and play in the snow at the top of the mountain. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway starts at Valley Station and travels more than 5,800 feet up to Mountain Station in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. There’s plenty to do once you reach the top including snow shoeing and cross country skiing.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is a unique mountain resort surrounded by the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and cross-country skiing. The drive to get to Big Bear is fairly quick too. About a 1-3 hour drive from any major city in Southern California. Other fun activities in the area include visiting the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, the Big Bear Discovery Center and inner tubing at Big Bear Snow Play.

photo credit: John Murphy

Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is another mountain top community located in the San Bernardino National Forest. It is a great place to spend a weekend playing in the snow. Families can stay at a cottage near the lake and head over to the Lake Arrowhead Village for some shopping and eating. There are also numerous day hikes around the area.

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Drive Thru Nativity Scenes in Southern California

Posted on November 29, 2018 | 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, Field Trips In Ventura, Holiday Events | 39 Comments

The first living nativity was created by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223 to help explain the birth of Jesus to his followers. Throughout Europe, Central America, and South America the manger scene is a primary decoration at Christmastime. In the United States, the manger scene is often displayed in a church or as a part of a neighborhood Christmas display. In Southern California, we also have several drive-thru nativities that take place throughout the month of December. And the good news is that they are FREE community events! Here is a comprehensive list of live, drive and walk thru nativity scenes in Southern California for your enjoyment!

Live Nativity Scenes in Orange County

Drive Thru Nativity, First Christian Church, Huntington Beach

December 5–7 @ 6:00-9:30 pm

The Live Nativity at First Christian Church of Huntington Beach has been a staple in the community for more than 50 years. Actors and live animals tell the story of Jesus’ birth through 9 different scenes. Whether you’re driving through or walking, the true magic of Christmas will be remembered as you celebrate with friends and family. Come for the Live Nativity and stay for Christmas Carols in the Chapel, a photo opportunity for the family and crafts for the kids.

Walk Thru A Night in Bethlehem, Liberty Baptist Church, Newport Beach

December 7 – 9 @ 6:00-8:00 pm

Experience the sights, sounds and excitement of the very first Christmas! Bring friends and family to experience a first-century marketplace. Meet Bethlehem’s citizens. Create interesting crafts. Enjoy delicious treats. And receive a free family photo as a memento of your evening in Bethlehem! See a wonderful promo video here.

A Walk Thru Bethlehem, EV Free Fullerton, Fullerton

December 6, 7, 8 & 9 @ 4:00-9:00 pm

Christmas BLVD is a popular family-oriented Christmas experience that is returning to North Orange County this year! Join us for an evening filled with holiday festivities, food and fun. As a part of the celebration, is an authentic Walk Thru Bethlehem experience. Step back in time and walk the recreated streets of this tiny village to the night when one birth changed the whole world. The live nativity includes real animals and costumed characters from the little town of Bethlehem on the night that Jesus was born.

The Living Nativity, The Church at Green Hills, La Habra

December 14 @ 7:00 pm & 8:00 pm and December 15 & 16 @ 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm & 8:00 pm

You will see the true Christmas Story come to life right before your eyes! See Mary riding on a donkey, the Wise Men riding on magnificent camels, sheep by the manger, and then enter a toy shop where toys come to life. Plus you will be treated with hot chocolate, cookies, candy sticks and more. Admission is FREE.

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Sweet Cyber Monday Entertainment Deals in Southern California

Posted on November 26, 2018 | Filed Under: Field trips in Los Angeles, Field Trips in Orange County, Field Trips in San Diego | Leave a Comment

The holiday season is a great time to check out many of the local entertainment venues here in Southern California. A lot of the local tourist spots in Southern California are offering exclusive discounts to residents only. Better yet, some tickets are even free (a small service fee applies).

Goldstar.com highlights events in Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire and San Diego with everything from family-friendly theater to comedy shows to concerts and more.

So, here’s a roundup of the best Cyber Monday Entertainment Deals in Southern California for families! As always, if you find a great deal that you like, make sure to purchase it immediately. Once tickets are sold, they are gone forever! Discount tickets also make great Christmas presents and stocking stuffers.

Happy Holidays!

Jilleen

Southern California Entertainment Discount Tickets

$5.00 Tickets to Magical Chinese Lantern Festival at The Fairplex, Pomona

Evening skies blaze with color and light at the Fairplex in Pomona during the Magical Chinese Lantern Festival. This all-ages experience features over 1,000 hand-crafted lanterns, live entertainment and delicious food for purchase. Chinese folk artists demonstrate their ancient crafts, including a live kung fu showcase and on-stage coaching, all with the ambiance to reconnect with nature and to create lifelong memories with friends and family. If you need a unique place to snap a few stunning Instagram-worthy photos, this is the place to do it. Witness illuminated cheetahs, jumping koi fish, majestic cranes and even dinosaurs of beautiful paper and silk.

$13 Tickets to Queen Mary Christmas, Long Beach

Take a voyage from Long Beach to the North Pole, and discover new traditions mingled with good old-fashioned Christmas cheer. As you stroll the beautiful decks of the legendary ship, see thousands of synchronized twinkling lights, carolers and musical performances. There’s even an outdoor skating rink atop the Sports Deck, plus meet-and-greets with Santa, memory-making activities for the whole family and more. Make your holidays extra special this year, and experience all the glittery and joyful magic aboard the historic Queen Mary! This offer is good for any non-peak dates between November 23 and December 20 (so December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 are excluded).

$11.00 Tickets to Enchanted Forest at Descanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge

Descanso Gardens is famed for its daytime beauty all year round, but when the holiday season approaches, it brings a special treat. It’s a whole new experience to see this SoCal treasure illuminated in glorious light. As the sun sets, the gardens transform into an enchanted forest and your ticket is an invitation to venture in and discover the magical world that waits under the glowing foliage. During this colorful and interactive experience, you can stroll through a mile of Descanso Gardens’ most popular areas while marveling at the gorgeous lighted displays. Located in La Cañada Flintridge, Descanso is a 160-acre outdoor wonderland featuring a Camellia Forest, a fragrant Rose Garden, and the carefully-tended Japanese Garden and Oak Woodland. At Enchanted: Forest of Light, the beauty of these beloved sights is enhanced by the bewitching brilliance of the lighted displays.

$11.50 Tickets to visit L.A. Zoo Lights, Los Angeles

L.A.’s brightest holiday tradition returns as bright as ever, with an expanded route and dazzling new additions for the 2018/2019 season. While most of the animals are asleep, make unforgettable memories as you take an evening stroll through the zoo, which has been transformed into a fantastical “wild wonderland” populated by glowing light animals rendered by lasers, 3-D projections and musical water-and-light displays. The insta-worthy Twinkle Tunnel has been reimagined with dynamic swirls of light, and there’s a whole new area of the zoo to explore. Delight in mischievous light-monkeys run amok, a stained glass menagerie, fanciful animated elephants and a giant glowing snake. This year’s event also features real reindeers, seasonal goodies and a chance to hang with Santa on select dates. Complete this festive cheer with holiday treats and hot chocolate to warm your fingers on a wintery night.

$39.00 Tickets to Knott’s Merry Farm, Buena Park

Holiday spirit shines even brighter at Knott’s Merry Farm this year, taking place November 16 through January 6. Experience Knott’s largest Christmas display ever, with a full park transformation that includes all-new seasonal décor. There’s tons to keep you and your entire family amused by land, water and air at Knott’s Berry Farm’s 160 acres of roller coasters, games, shopping, live entertainment, dining and children’s rides in Buena Park.

Complimentary Tickets to Winter Fest OC @ OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa

Winter Fest OC is coming to town for 18 days and nights, blowing tons of family fun into the OC Fair & Event Center. Winter Fest OC is a giant wonderland of immersive wintry fun, featuring ice tubing down an 8-lane, 150 foot real ice summit; massive snow play and slide area with fresh snow blown in daily; an all new SoCal Dickens Village, where you can take a trip down memory lane through the 1800’s with holidays past, present and future. Decorate Christmas cookies, listen to holiday storytelling, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus (through Christmas Eve), enjoy a pony ride, and visit the new Victorian holiday shops. Make sure you don’t miss the magic of Santa and his Reindeer flying over the fairgrounds through Christmas Eve. Winter Fest OC also includes the all new Festival of Lights walk-through with more than 2 million lights, nightly Christmas tree lighting celebration with spectacular fireworks and snowfall and ice skating under the stars on SoCal’s largest outdoor ice rink. Winter Fest OC is also packed with over 30 carnival rides, attractions and games, a petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train through the Festival of Lights, interactive model trains, craft-making activities and plenty of Instagram-worthy picture opportunities.

$8.00 Tickets to Holiday by the Bay at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, San Diego

SoCal gets a merry makeover when Holiday by the Bay brings a sleigh-full of fun to every corner of Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Bring the whole family and celebrate the magic of the season with plenty of festive attractions, entertainment and activities. This holiday adventure park features Reindeer Run, an exhilarating two-story 100-foot ice tubing slide; the Iceberg Bumpers ride; plus Shine, an hourly interactive dynamic light show. Get creative with stocking trimming at Santa’s Workshop and cookie decorating at Claus Kitchen. Then, curl up with sweet and savory treats from Elven Eatery and Kringle Bakery or sip cocoa and toast s’mores at a private Fireside Lounge.

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14 Fun Holiday Boat Parades in Southern California

Posted on November 18, 2018 | 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, Holiday Events | 3 Comments

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There’s nothing better than watching a parade during the holiday season. Wait!…maybe there is. It’s a boat parade!

You can’t help but get into the spirit of the season with lights gleaming off the cool ripples of the water and the holiday sounds coming from the lavishly decorated vessels. That’s why at SoCal Field Trips, we have created an extensive list of Holiday Boat Parades in Southern California for your enjoyment!

From Santa Barbara to San Diego, we have listed over 14 spectacular events. You can either attend a large one like the L.A. Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade with over 100 boats or a smaller one such as the Naples Island Annual Boat Parade, which has a hometown feel.

So spend the evening with your family and friends down at the water front enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season!

Holiday Boat Parades in Orange County

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, Dana Point (Dec. 7, 8, 14 & 15) ~ FREE

Boat parade by water’s edge at 7:30 pm. 100 boaters compete in the categories of style, intricacy and outlandishness. Past years’ entries have featured towering light displays and inflatable snowmen riding motorcycles and planes. In 2008, one boater even outfitted his craft with rotating wooden attachments that gave the appearance of dolphins swimming alongside.

Huntington Harbor Boat Parade, Huntington Beach (Dec. 8-9) ~ FREE

A Space Odyssey this year’s theme which means decorators will have a wide list of planets to choose from. Besides the fun and excitement, they have 16 trophies to award in categories ranging from ‘Most Religious’ to ‘Best Commercial Entry’.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Newport Beach (Dec. 19-23) ~ FREE

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The Christmas Boat Parade is one of the oldest and most popular holiday traditions in southern California and even the nation. In 1908, a gondola and eight canoes decked out in Japanese lanterns started the tradition, which has grown into a spectacle expected to draw more than a million viewers over its five nights. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. with boats leaving from Bay Island, making their way around the harbor, and returning at 9 p.m. In all there are just under registered 100 boats taking part in the contests.

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Where To Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Southern California

Posted on November 15, 2018 | 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, Field Trips in Santa Barbara, Field Trips In Ventura | 8 Comments

The joy of cutting down your own Christmas tree has always fascinated me! The smell of fresh cut greens, cool winter nights and the sweet aroma of drinking hot chocolate while walking through the treefarm, is as memorable as it gets. And I loved every moment of it as a child! Now I look forward to creating these precious memories again with my own children as we search for that “perfect” Christmas tree together this holiday season.

So your convenience, I have created this list of 20+ Places to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Southern California. From Santa Barbara to San Diego and everywhere in between, there is at least one Christmas tree farm in Southern California that is within an hour’s drive of your home.

I hope this lists helps you find that perfect festive Christmas tree for your family too!

Where To Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Los Angeles

Hagle Tree Farm

3442 Somis Road, Somis, CA 93066

Located about an hour’s drive from LA, Haggle Tree Farm has a very popular choose-and-cut selection of Monterey Pines and Leyland Cypress trees that quickly go out of stock every season. So, the sooner you select a tree, the better. The farm has everything that you need to cut down your tree including saws, wheelbarrows, tree netting, twine and man power. Furthermore, on designated weekends, the farm offers an array of family attractions like a petting zoo and pony rides.

Christmas Ranch Tree Farms – Simi Valley

3800 Cochran St., Simi Valley, CA 93063

Christmas Ranch Tree Farms in Simi Valley is a full service tree farm opened weekends only that offers a large selection of Choose & Cut Monterey Pines, Aleppo Pines and Leyland Cypress in all sizes, plus a nice selection of pre-cut Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, Grand Fir, Fraser Fir and Nordman Firs — ten different species available, all offered at reasonable prices. To help cut your tree down and take it home, the farm has bow saws, wheelbarrows, mechanical shakers to clean out dry needles, tree netting, twine, stands and more. In addition to beautiful trees, they also offer firewood for sale plus free candy canes, coffee and hot chocolate!

School tours are offered any time of the year by appointment to preschool and early elementary grades. They provide information about growing trees which compliments the curriculum for teachers available through the National Christmas Tree Association.

Christmas Ranch Tree Farms – Thousand Oaks

1586 Pederson Rd., Thousand Oaks

Christmas Ranch Tree Farms in Thousand Oaks is a full service tree farm opened 7 days a week that offers a large selection of Choose & Cut Monterey Pines, Aleppo Pines and Leyland Cypress in all sizes, plus a nice selection of pre-cut Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, Grand Fir, Fraser Fir and Nordman Firs — ten different species available, all offered at reasonable prices. To help cut your tree down and take it home, the farm has bow saws, wheelbarrows, mechanical shakers to clean out dry needles, tree netting, twine, stands and more. In addition to beautiful trees, they also offer firewood for sale plus free candy canes, coffee and hot chocolate!

For the adventuresome, the Thousand Oak’s location hosts a jeep ride that takes customers over a steep hill to the far end of the farm to get their tree.

School tours are also offered any time of the year by appointment to preschool and early elementary grades. They provide information about growing trees which compliments the curriculum for teachers available through the National Christmas Tree Association.

Nancy’s Ranch

25039 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

The Roatcap family has been in the Christmas tree business for over 45 years, growing local trees for families to choose and cut and importing beautiful firs of all types from the Pacific Northwest. Choose your favorite from Noble, Fraser, Grand, Silver, Douglas and Nordmann firs, all guaranteed fresh through Christmas. Click here for a coupon for $5 off any tree purchase over $20.00.

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