Field Trips In Ventura Archives

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

This post may contain an affiliate link.

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

2020 Best Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Southern California

Posted on December 20, 2019 | 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 | Leave a Comment

Are you looking for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve Celebration to take your kiddos to this year? If so, then SoCal Field Trips got you covered with the Best Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Southern California! In fact, if you attend one of these events you might just be able to tuck your children in before the ball drops at midnight in Times Square. Please visit each individual celebration’s website for dates, times, pricing and locations.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in the Inland Empire

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit, Big Bear, 12/31 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (FREE)

Ring in 2019 at the 55th annual Snow Summit Torchlight Parade. Watch 200+ skiers and snowboarders light up the night as they make their way down the face of the mountain in the dark with torches to create a spellbinding spectacle of light before the (snow)ball drops. Other activities include DJ entertainment, activation booths, face painting, champagne toast, stilt walkers, fire dancers, a photobooth and bounce house for kids. Come early and enjoy the snow!

New Year’s Eve Grape Drop, Temecula, 12/31 @ 6:00 pm – 12:30 am (FREE)

Ring in 2020 Temecula-style at the annual Grape Drop with two countdowns – east coast style (9 pm) and west coast style (midnight). The celebration offers live bands and a free fun zone for kids (open 6 pm – 10 pm) with hat making, calligraphy art, face painting and a giant slide. Patio heaters and some chairs provided. Bring jackets to keep warm and extra chairs for extra seating.

Festival of Lights Family Celebration, Main Library Plaza, Mission Inn, Riverside, 12/31 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (TICKETED)

If you want to have an early night, there will be a family-friendly New Year’s Eve event with music, activities and a confetti celebration in addition to the usual Festival of Lights happenings.

Wyatt’s New Year’s Eve Party, Big Bear Convention Center, Big Bear, 12/31 @ 5:00 pm – 1/1 at 1:00 am (TICKETED)

The family-friendly celebration at the Big Bear Convention Center includes activities for the kids, games, live music with the Doo-Wah Riders, party favors, shuttle service and champagne at midnight. Reservations required.

Pennypickle’s Workshop New Year’s Event, Temecula, 12/31 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm (TICKETED)

Celebrate the New Year Pennypickle-style…at noon instead of midnight! You won’t want to miss the Professor’s very special party for those too young to stay up late. Call 951-308-6376 to reserve tickets. Space is limited.

John’s Incredible Pizza, Riverside and Montclair, 12/31 @ 7:00 pm – 1:00 am (TICKETED)

John‘s Incredible Pizza will celebrate New Year’s Eve with special hours and celebration packages. Each John‘s location will be open from 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Los Angeles

LA Zoo’s Family New Year’s Eve Party, Los Angeles, 12/31 @ 6:00 – 9:00 pm (TICKETED)

Attend the annal LA Zoo Family New Year’s Eve Party! Celebrate the new year in style with express entry to the LA Zoo Lights, a dinner buffet that includes soft drinks and dessert, a carousel ride, games, dance party, and live broadcast of the Times Square ball drop. Raise a toast to the new year with complimentary champagne for adults (21+) and sparkling apple cider for kids. Festive photos courtesy of PRIMs Photo Booth. After the party, families are welcome to enjoy L.A. Zoo Lights until closing. Fun for all ages!

Annual New Year’s Eve Musical Revue, Santa Monica Playhouse, Santa Monica, 12/31 @ 6 pm & 9 pm (TICKETED)

A scrumptious and sumptuous complimentary buffet supper starts off the night, followed by a highly entertaining, family-friendly Rudie-DeCarlo musical revue, with door prizes, sing-a-long songs, dancing in the aisles, humor and other delights culled from 5 decades of beloved Santa Monica Playhouse productions. There are two shows – a 6:00 pm show, followed by a 9:30 show with a midnight meet ’n’ greet with the cast.How about some good old-fashioned fighting? No, really, old-fashioned—as in knights in armor jousting and clashing broadswords. Medieval Times Dinner Theater has a family-friendly New Year’s Eve bash planned

Old Town Music Hall New Year’s Eve, Los Angeles, 12/31 @ 8:30 pm – Midnight (TICKETED)

The New Year’s celebration at Old Town Music Hall features music, great performers, a grab bag of classic shorts and a surprise feature film. Guests can enjoy complimentary light refreshments and sparkling apple cider. For ages 10 and up. Reservations required.

Grand Park N.Y.E.L.A, Downtown Los Angeles, 12/31 @ 8:00 pm – 1:00 am (FREE)

Dance your heart out and into 2020 with best friends, sweeties, friendly neighbors, and those cousins from out-of-town at the West Coast’s flagship New Year’s Eve celebration. Grand Park and The Music Center’s N.Y.E.L.A. is the place to dream together and welcome new beginnings with a countdown on City Hall, live music, food, and photo booths in one big, beautiful, colorful Angeleno experience to remember! This will be an alcohol-free, family-friendly event.

New Year’s Eve Family Fireworks Cruise, Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach, 12/31 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm (TICKETED)

Harbor Breeze Cruises is hosting a special evening lights and fireworks cruise on the waters of Long Beach Harbor. Boarding at 7:30 pm you will have a narrated cruise to view Long Beach harbor lit up at night. Observe the awe-inspiring firework displays performed at 9 pm.

New Year’s Eve at the Waterfront, Shoreline Village, Long Beach, 12/31 @ 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm (FREE)

This free family-friendly celebration takes place from 5:00 to 10:00 pm at Rainbow Harbor. There will be live music, a photo booth, face painting, interactive games, arts & crafts, food, jugglers and stilt-walkers. Then at 9 p.m., the sky will light up for an East Coast countdown with a fireworks spectacular from Rainbow Harbor’s lighthouse peninsula!

New Year’s Eve Glow Party, Burton Chace Park, Marina del Rey, 12/31 @ 7:oo pm – Midnight (FREE)

Join us for a Glow Party at 7 pm with fun activities for the whole family! Featuring Live DJs, dance music, dancers, circuit breaker robot, face painting, bubbles, photo booth, food trucks and more. At 8:59 p.m, there will be 30-second countdown and view of the Times Square ball drop followed by an amazing 10-minute fireworks display. Then at 11:59 pm, there will be another 30-second countdown to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Marina del Rey followed by another amazing ten-minute fireworks display. Watch the spectacular fireworks from Burton Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, or the many waterfront restaurants in Marina del Rey! Parking is $8.00.

Boomer’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration, Upland, 12/31 @ 11:30 am (FREE)

Who says you have to wait until midnight to celebrate? Join Boomer’s in Irvine as we ring in the New Year with a fun, new twist! The party starts at 11:30AM— that’s right, AM! There will be a fun photo op, party hats and noisemakers, a traditional countdown to 12 o’clock, a balloon drop when the clock strikes noon and a new year’s toast with kid-friendly bubbly. All the fun and excitement of New Year’s without missing bedtime!

[Read more…]

Where To Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Southern California

Posted on November 12, 2019 | 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 | 10 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.

[Read more…]

Drive Thru Nativity Scenes in Southern California (Updated 2019)

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.

Live Nativity Near Me

In Southern California, we also have several live 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 or Walk Thru Nativity, First Christian Church, Huntington Beach

December 4, 5 & 6 starting @ 6:00 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. Free admission.

A Walk Thru Bethlehem, EV Free Fullerton, Fullerton

December 6, 7, & 8 @ 4:00 pm – 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. Free admission.

Walk Thru A Night in Bethlehem, Liberty Baptist Church, Newport Beach (2019 Dates TBD)

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. Free admission.

Living Nativity, Village Bible Church, Garden Grove

December 14 & 15 @ 4:00 – 9:00 pm

Take a tour through Bethlehem as you celebrate the birth of Jesus. Every 15 minutes, a tour will walk through the streets of Bethlehem and find their way to the nativity. There will be live interactions along the way that tell the Christmas story about Christ’s birth. This year there is also a petting zoo. Tours last approx. 20 minutes. Free admission.

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

December 13 @ 7:00 pm & 8:00 pm and December 14 & 15 @ 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.

[Read more…]

14 Fun Holiday Boat Parades in Southern California (Updated 2019)

Posted on November 2, 2019 | 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 | 6 Comments

This post contains an affiliate link.

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. 6, 7, 13 & 14) ~ FREE

This year’s parade theme is “Tiki Holiday”. 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. The parade starts by the water’s edge at 7:30 pm.

QUICK LINK: Discount Tickets for Dana Point Christmas Boat Parade of Lights with Davey’s Locker Ships

credit: alisolagunanews.com

Huntington Harbor Boat Parade, Huntington Beach (Dec. 14 & 15) ~ FREE

A “Rock and Roll Fantasty” is this year’s theme which means decorators will have a wide list of songs and start to choose from. Besides the fun and excitement, they have 16 trophies to award in categories ranging from ‘Most Religious’ to ‘Best Commercial Entry’. Unlike many other boat parades, the Huntington Harbour Boat Parade is an entirely volunteer effort.

credit: Huntington Harbor Boat Parade

Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Newport Beach (Dec. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23) ~ FREE

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.

QUICK LINKS:

credit: christmasboatparade.com

[Read more…]