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SoCal's Top Ten Activities

Activities for the Active and not so Active

At Welcome to SoCal Magazine, we want to make your stay a memorable and exciting one. Our editorial staff searches high and low to find fun, unique things for your family to do. In this issue, we are excited to share with you our Top Ten list of extraordinary activities throughout Southern California. The good news is this list is just the tip of the iceberg. A complete list of many more activities is available on our website, welcometosocal.com.  We hope you’ll give it a thorough look.

We’ve selected what we consider to be the Top Ten Activities and are confident you’ll find several among them that will be a good fit for your family. Some are extreme and some are just plain fun. There is no order to their presentation here, but they were chosen with your family in mind. Your kids can participate in all of the activities, although some may be better suited to older kids or teens. Be sure to visit welcometosocal.com and check out all the choices. There are lots! Our suggestion is, “Forget about work – it’s time to enjoy some of the best Southern California recreational activities…today.”

Due to space limitations, we have included brief information about each activity and basic prices. Visit welcometosocal.com for reservations, dates of operation, locations, purchase, and additional information.

Authentic Military Flight Simulators – Anaheim

If you have ever wondered what it might be like to be a real fighter pilot, now is your chance to find out. Those 13 or older can pilot a fighter jet in an authentic military flight simulation center. Flight gear, training and in-flight instruction are provided to ensure a challenging aviation-themed adventure. This is no video game! You’ll be amazed when you climb aboard the simulator and settle into the ejection seat. The live instrumentation, full immersion audio, HOTAS throttle and joy stick combine to convince you you're flying a real fighter jet.

Seven networked simulators allow pilots to go solo, fly as a team or take the ultimate challenge and experience head-to-head air combat. A pre-flight mission briefing gives you the instruction you need to survive in the cyber skies. You'll also get all the mission support you need from our staff in the control tower.

Choose the 40 minute Bravo Mission for $49 or 60 minute Delta Mission for $69. Bravo includes take-off, basic maneuvers, air-to-air combat (dogfighting), and airport landing. Delta includes all that plus night airport landing, aircraft carrier trap landing, and night aircraft carrier trap landing.

Duffy Harbor Cruise – Newport Beach

Enjoy a scenic cruise around beautiful Newport Harbor aboard a chauffeured Duffy electric boat and discover all the wonders this beautiful harbor has to offer. Seating a maximum of 11 people, a Duffy cruise is a perfect opportunity for your family to enjoy relaxing time together while doing something spectacular! From the world famous Balboa Pavilion, to the islands, ferries, birds, sea lions, majestic yachts and waterfront real estate, it’s truly a treat for the senses. Enjoy year-round comfort in an all-weather protected boat that allows cool breezes or warmth from within see-thru vinyl panels. Electric boats emit no noise and don’t pollute the waters, providing a peaceful, serene cruise. 

Choose a catered gourmet lunch cruise, dinner cruise, hors d’eouvres cruise or one can be customized just for your family. All cruises begin at $89 per person. They are two hours long, and the staff’s dedication and attention to detail promise you a treat you’ll want to repeat.

If you’ve had boating experience, you may want to don your captain’s cap and skipper the Duffy yourself. You can even bring your own picnic onboard if you’d like.

Rock Climbing Lessons - Anaheim  

Have you ever looked at the rock climbers and thought to yourself, “That looks like fun!” Well here’s your chance to give it a try in a safe environment where you’ll learn the necessary skills. Whether you are brand new to climbing or ready to take your climbing skill to the next level – there’s a class for you.

If climbing is a new experience for you and your family, the Climbing 101 course is strongly recommended. You’ll learn all about rating systems, belaying, knot tying, belay commands, equipment, and basic climbing techniques. The class includes a harness, shoes, and a three week unlimited membership. Children as young as four years of age can participate.

For those ready to accelerate their climbing ability, the lead climbing course will teach you how. Leading a climb requires advanced climbing skills along with a higher sense of mental awareness. You’ll be taught knot tying, how to belay properly, the most efficient ways of  'clipping in', and new climbing techniques to better prepare you for outdoor climbing. This class also includes a three week unlimited membership. The class fee is $55 for one person, $90 for two people, and $55 for the Lead Climbing Course.

Surf Camp – San Clemente

Always wanted to learn how to surf or perfect your technique?  Summer surf camps are the ideal way to jumpstart your dream. Learn to surf at a five day, full-featured surf camp located at San Onofre Bluffs near San Clemente in South Orange County.  Sessions are five days and run from June through the middle of September. To accommodate your schedule, choose from overnight, full day or mornings only. Kids and adults are welcome, and it’s a great opportunity for healthy, outdoor family fun.

San Clemente is a wave rich area. Surfers from around the world are attracted to its world class waves and warm summer climate. Legendary surf spots like Old Man's and the Point, as well as world renowned Trestles are all within a short distance of the camp. You’ll surf from dawn till dark and only be a short walk from the comforts of camp, including showers, big screen TV, DVD, VCR, foosball, air-hockey, snorkeling, skateboarding, and other entertainment. Meals are provided for overnight and full day campers. They are prepared with health in mind and are hearty to ensure plenty of energy for hours in the water. Vegetarian diets are also accommodated.

Seasoned surfers provide instruction. They are all CPR certified and schooled in water safety. Chosen because of their skilled surfing qualifications, instructors have years of ocean experience and the ability to work well with people. Instruction is offered to all levels and types of surfing from shortboarding to longboarding and tandem. A low instructor to camper ratio ensures individual attention for each camper. Emphasis is placed on learning and perfecting the necessary skills for surfing while simultaneously promoting water safety and ocean awareness. All necessary equipment is provided, including hardboards and softboards, wetsuits, leashes, wax, etc.

5 Day Surf Camp (mornings only):  $300
5 Day Surf Camp (full day):  $495
5 Day Surf Camp (overnight):  $895 The overnight surf camp offers the camper a total immersion into the surf lifestyle. You will actually live, eat and sleep SURF for an entire week!

Surf Lessons – Laguna Beach

If you don’t have the time for a five day surf camp, try single day surf lessons. Expert instructors will get you up and wave riding in no time. There is no better place to learn to surf than in Southern California. And surfing Orange County is where you will find consistently great waves and wide open beaches. Private or group surf lessons, from beginners to intermediates, will let you enjoy the full California experience.

Like a batter waiting for a pitch, the surfer waits for the perfect wave, and the timing required comes from experience. The goal is to get each student to reach a safe surfing level whereby he or she has an understanding of basic surfing techniques. Teaching methods are adjusted accordingly, but the end goal is the same...to get you surfing at a level where it is safe for you to practice on your own. Your safety is of utmost concern and having fun is the mission!

Beginners start in the sand with instruction on paddling, how to 'pop-up' on your board, stance and balance. All instructors are certified in CPR and First Aid. Your instructor will cover ocean safety, picking waves, and of course, surfing etiquette. Then it's into the surf! With your instructor's hands-on help, you'll practice catching waves and standing up on your board. Typically, after one lesson you'll be good enough to practice on your own.

Boards and wetsuits are provided. All you need to bring is a towel, bathing suit and sunblock.
Price:
$125 for 1 person
$225 for 2 people
$300 for 3 people

Astronaut Adventure Biplane Ride - Fullerton

Prepare to be transformed into a modern day astronaut when you fly an Extreme Stunt Biplane! You’ll have a chance to perform the same required aerobatic maneuvers as a pilot in astronaut training. Accompanied by a highly trained, highly qualified professional pilot, you will be flying this amazing machine that flies more like a jet fighter than a biplane. You’ll feel up to five times the force of gravity as you pull the aircraft to the vertical. Then you will feel the most amazing thing... nothing! Achieve zero gravity (weightlessness) as you push across the top of multiple parabolic arcs. During your approximate 45 minute flight, you’ll be empowered to become the best astronaut candidate you can be. The best part is no experience required!

The aircraft and the cockpit are small, like a single seat racecar, so size does matter. Smaller and lighter are better since you want to have a most enjoyable and comfortable experience during your lesson. Certain physical requirements must be met to be able to participate. Of course there are a few exceptions to the height and weight restrictions, so if you have a specific question, please ask before you buy the flight. If you meet the following requirements, then you’re probably ready to sign up:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Be in good physical condition
• Be able to hear, understand and speak English
• Be less than 6'3'' and 240 lbs and less than 20'' wide at the hip
• Be willing and able to sign a Release of Liability form before the flight
• If under the age of 18 and at least 12 years of age, you must have parental consentBe able to enter and exit the aircraft safely in the event of an emergency

The cost of your 45 minutes of modern day astronaut adventure - $575. The amazing feeling you’ll have upon landing – priceless!

Grand Tour of LA/Movie Stars Homes

Get ready for the most accurate sightseeing tour of LA! During the 7 ½ hour tour, experts will take you to the hottest and most famous spots that define LA, as well as over 40 breathtaking celebrity mansions! You’ll see some of the world's best known landmarks, located in the heart of Los Angeles, one of the most complex, sophisticated, and varied cultural scenes in the world. You will be driven all through Hollywood, the entertainment capital of the world, where movies are made and the stars live. A few of the exciting sites include:

• Hollywood Walk of Fame – See where your favorite stars are immortalized in cement
• Hollywood Bowl - Home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra
• Grauman's Chinese Theatre - Here you will find the footprints and handprints of the most famous movies stars in the world, including Shirley Temple, John Wayne, Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Al Pacino and many more
• Kodak Theatre - Home of the Academy Awards and American Idol
• Olvera Street - Created in the '30s and known as the birthplace of Los Angeles
• China Town - A fascinating place where the mix of chinese culture and the west seem so seamless.
• L.A. County Museum of Art - The largest encyclopedic museum west of Chicago. Explore a collection of over 100,000 works of art here.
• La Brea Tar Pits - Famous cluster of tar pits located in the urban heart of Los Angeles.
• Walt Disney Concert Hall - Here you will see true architecture at its finest. Built in 2003 by world renowned designer Frank Gehry.

As we all know, LA is the place to shop. Shop where the stars shop, and don’t forget to bring your money. You’ll need it! There are several popular shopping centers within a five mile radius of one another, so the choices are endless. On the tour, you will see the famous Hollywood & Highland entertainment complex, which features more than 75 shops and restaurants. You will also be driven down world famous Rodeo Drive to see the stores where the rich and famous shop. Celebs are constantly in and out of the neighborhood, so bring your camera because you never know who you might see!

Sunset Strip is most definitely the place to spot today’s young, hip celebrities. It is filled with boutiques, restaurants, bars and hotels where all the stars meet, eat and play. During the ride along the Strip, you may see the likes of Paris Hilton or Hilary Duff!

You'll find there's no place like home for stars that may include Tom Cruise, Ozzy Ozbourne, Madonna, Jackie Chan, Nicolas Cage, Dr. Phil, Sean Connery, Angelina Jolie, George Marciano (best known as the founder of Guess clothing line), Peter Falk, Bob Barker, and Ronald Reagan. You may also pass the former estates of such legends as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Gregory Peck, Jack Benny, Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and some of your favorite TV and movie locations. This tour is filled with exciting and informative sightseeing, as well as possible celeb spotting. You definitely want to bring your camera for this one!

Price
$82 per adult  (includes free hotel pickup from most major L.A. hotels)
$62 per child  ages 3-11
Children 2 and under - free of charge

Canyoneering Adventure

Come discover a true hidden gem of Los Angeles as you spend a full day exploring a local canyon and getting wet while rappeling down multiple waterfalls. You'll receive hands-on experience and personalized instruction in this one-day adventure course. By the end of the day, you’ll know how to tie all knots and hitches, the figure "8" family, clove hitch, water knot, double overhand fisherman and the girth hitch.

By now you might be wondering, just what is canyoneering? Imagine hiking up a mountain trail that parallels a deep canyon, where down below you hear water flowing over the rocky canyon bottom. You reach a point where the trail crosses the stream. After dressing for the descent, you begin following the watercourse down canyon, dealing with obstacles as they come. Ropes, harnesses and specialized training become the method of travel as you rappel off waterfalls. You may swim, wade or downclimb as you hike your way through the canyon. This is Canyoneering!

This course is perfect for beginners without any rope or harness experience, or for those who have been through a few canyon routes but without proper training. This year-round sport does not require the same physical fitness levels as rock climbing. You need to be fit enough to hike one to three miles up a trail, and then be able to make your way down a canyon. Rappelling by itself is a relatively easy activity where you get to enjoy the beauty of the canyon as you rappel down a waterfall!

Instructors not only teach technical skills, they inspire and have a desire to provide freedom and personal happiness. They have a wilderness medical certification, years of experience, and work hard to ensure everyone is safe throughout the adventure. They make sure your experience is fun, thrilling, and unforgettable!

2008 Schedule
March 1st
April 4th & 5th
May 16th & 17th
June 6th & 7th
July 18th & 19th
Aug.  22nd & 23rd
Sept. 5th & 6th
Oct. 3rd & 4th
Nov. 7th & 8th
Dec. 5th & 6th
Price
$120 per Guest

Arrive and Drive Indoor Kart Racing

Speed! Power! Racing! Competition! Victory! That’s what it’s all about when you drop in for an “Arrive and Drive" Racing Session and experience the thrill of wheel-to-wheel racing in high performance Italian karts. Race against the clock, a friend or other racers for Fastest Time of the Week or Fastest Time of the Month. Then take on the challenge of becoming the top racer.

Each session lasts about ten minutes and may include 1 to 12 drivers. Experience the racing sounds and adrenaline rush just like the professionals by competing in the thrill of speeds up to 40 miles per hour. At this indoor racetrack, you race against all racers by getting ranked against the entire facility.

The electric, fully computerized pro karts are the best for safety and provide more horsepower and torque than a gas kart. The 20 HP (instead of 6.5 or 9 HP gas karts) makes them much faster with better handling and of course no smog, grease or gas smell. They also have a roll hoop, racing harness, and even reverse gear if you get stuck.

The racetrack is professionally designed and made of asphalt to maintain the same feeling and performance as an outdoor track. An overhead scoreboard monitors and displays your time, speed and positions as you race. Lap times are recorded to the 100th of a second. At the end of each race you will receive an individualized and detailed result card. Safety is top priority and all racers will receive a briefing session on racing safety and regulations before the race begins. Children are allowed, but must meet a height minimum.

Price:
$20 per person for one race (14 laps)

Kayak & Snorkel Tour – La Jolla

Here’s a delightful activity for your family, those whose children are ten years or older, and able to swim. Enjoy a 2 ½ hour guided kayak and snorkeling tour of gorgeous La Jolla Shores Caves by an amateur naturalist. You’ll paddle on stable, open-top single and tandem kayaks and will often see seals, sea lions, and occasionally dolphins and fascinating, but harmless leopard sharks! The leopard sharks (Triakis Semifasciata) that come each summer to the shallow waters near La Jolla are absolutely safe. Your family’s kayak caravan will be led over to where the sharks hang out, and you’ll be able to watch these gorgeous creatures by snorkeling on top of the shallow waters.  While there is no mistaking their shark-shaped bodies, these three to seven foot long creatures are harmless to man, preferring to feed on small fish and invertebrates.

These tours are perfect for the whole family (ages ten and up and able to swim). You’ll each be outfitted with a life jacket, paddle and wet suit (if desired), followed by a brief paddle instruction and safety talk. Then, be prepared to get wet!

Price
Single Kayak - $60 per person
Double Kayak - $100 per kayak ($50 per person)

We hope you’ve enjoyed our Top Ten SoCal Activities and that you are inspired to choose several to make your family’s vacation a memorable one. Remember, visit welcometosocal.com for location and reservation details, costs, purchase, and additional information.