Coming to Southern California, regardless of the reason, is truly a reason to take a vacation. SoCal is a huge place with an awesome number of vacation spots, attractions, beaches and a boatload of Hollywood wanna be's!
In this post I want to highlight a few places that may interest you. I'll touch on the major attractions that tourists tend to know about and a few perfect "hidden" gems that those of us who live here have come to love and appreciate.
DISCOUNT ON THEME PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS
Even as a California resident, it's a rare opportunity to get a major discount on admission to Disneyland Parks, but you enjoy some savings when you pair it with admissions to other attractions. Check out Southern California City Pass and the Go Los Angeles Card if you plan on visiting more than one theme park or attraction.
DISNEYLAND RESORT
As I mentioned before, Disneyland is about a 25 minute drive from the Pelican Hill Resort. But did you know there are TWO theme parks to choose from, Disneyland and California Adventure? Not only that, but you can also enjoy Downtown Disney where you can find shops and dining options. This is not to say Disneyland Resort is the mega-city with it's own freeway system that you will find in Orlando because it is literally steps from the outside world, but you will still get lost in the magic of Disney once you enter the resort. And hey, us Californians are mighty proud of it!
The advantage to being so close to the outside world is that you can stamp your hand for re-entry and leave the resort to dine at any number of restaurants that surround the resort or at Downtown Disney. There is also a Picnic Area just outside of the ticketing entrance where you can rent big lockers for the day at about $12. My family and I always choose this option. We store sandwiches, salads, chips, fruit, fresh veggies, candy and beverages in the locker and dine at one of the many picnic tables that they offer, saving us a ton of money on food. Heck, we have even gone as far as bringing BBQ chicken and potato salad prepared at home! YUM!
Of course, you want to ride! So I strongly encourage getting a FASTPASS. It's like making a reservation for a ride. You show up at the assigned time and you are whisked right on past the long lines and onto the ride! There is no other way to enjoy Disneyland, I promise. It's the difference between waiting 5-20 minutes for a ride or joining the masses waiting sometimes over 2 hours! My family especially enjoys Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain and Captain EO, the 3-D adventure featuring Michael Jackson.
KNOTT'S BERRY FARM
Let's face it, most people don't think of Knott's Berry Farm when they think of theme parks in Southern California, but it is actually America's very first theme park! It is also home to Snoopy and Woodstock. But don't let the age of the theme park and the cute Peanuts characters fool you. Whereas Disneyland is fun and brings out the kid in you, it doesn't offer much in the way of thrills. If you are looking for screams and thrill rides, Knott's is your place. It is literally 5-minutes down the street from Disneyland. It is home to one of the longest and tallest wooden roller coaster's in the world, GhostRider AND the world's tallest, most radical thrill adventures, Supreme Scream. Admittedly, I have NEVER ridden either because I am a chicken but my kids run for these rides every single time!
As far as price goes, it is a great deal more reasonable than Disneyland, especially if you print your tickets at home ahead of time. And to sweeten the deal, you can get in for under $30 after 4pm. Being that classes end at Backstage Bridal Pro Academy a little early a few nights, you can totally plan to spend your evening checking out Knott's for this amazing price. Most nights the theme park is open until 10pm throughout the summer months. Double check park hours HERE.
As far as places to eat are concerned, I never miss an opportunity to eat at Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant where I also snag a slice of boysenberry pie and take home a jar of her delicious boysenberry jam. Mmm mmm good!
The Real Side of O.C.
Perhaps you watch Real Housewives of Orange County or The O.C. but I am here to tell you that locals watch those shows and think, "This is NOT how it is here! Hollywood strikes again!" Yes, there are people who live like the people on those shows but it is NOT representative of the majority of the population there. Maybe 2%. . . MAYBE! I say this to warn you that if you are coming to the O.C. with the expectation that you will be whisked into a world of superficial, botox injections and a nip and tuck community who spends and lives as if money were coming out of their ears, think again.
Surfing is a big part of beach life in the O.C. and there is no better place to enjoy watching it than Huntington Beach's Surf City. Huntington Beach boasts the longest stretch of uninterrupted beachfront on the West coast, over 8 miles to be exact. It's perfect for barefoot strolls and late night bonfires. You can also learn to build a sandcastle or take a lesson or two in surfing!
Both Laguna Beach and Newport Beach offer excursions to do a bit of whale and dolphin watching. In addition, you can rent a bike, do a little kayaking or even explore the hiking trails.
As a guest at Pelican Hill Resort, you can take advantage of the free shuttle service to Crystal Cove Beach. Situated just below the bluff, there are tidepools and three beach areas to explore: Reef Point (with access to to two coves), Pelican Point (with a 3.25-mile trail), and Los Trancos (which offers access to a historic district with 1930's style houses). Just off shore is a 1,140 acre underwater park, a wonderland for snorkelers and scuba divers. No need to take your beach towel, water or sunscreen. Pelican Hill will provide that for you! AND to up the ante of a pampered luxurious experience, they will even set up a chair and umbrella so you can relax in style!
Explore the Mission San Juan Capistrano. A historic landmark and museum, the Mission San Juan Capistrano is the birthplace for Orange County. Pay a visit to Nixon's Library and Birthplace. Or catch a game at the Anaheim Angels stadium! There is a lot to do and explore in Orange County!
EXTENDED STAY AT PELICAN HILL RESORT
Pelican Hill is offering a special rate of $355 per night to each student who wishes to extend their stay. If you are interested in adding a night or two, please contact Lisa and I at seeyou@bbproacademy.com and we will assist you in making that happen!
Not registered yet? What in the world are you waiting for! We are still offering payment plans to interested students. Get set up on our payment plans today. An initial payment of $350 is all that is needed to get you started! Click HERE to register today!
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