What to do when in southern California?

With SuperBowl fever raging in Florida, I was truly grateful that I planned my winter escape for southern California instead.

On the flight from Detroit to L.A., I met a new friend, Heidi B., from the outskirts of Los Angeles. She provided wonderful ideas for sightseeing.

With home base situated at the lovely Peacock Suites in Anaheim, Heidi suggested the following attractions:

The Getty Museum in Los Angeles - Heidi loves the museum for its interesting artifacts and gourmet restaurant

Huntington Gardens in Pasadena - With the camellias in bloom in February, the grounds of this amazing home are among her favorite places. The teahouse comes with her recommendation, as well.

When I mentioned that we hoped to do some hiking in the balmy Southern Cal weather, she rushed to suggest some beautiful destinations, though they require a drive of up to eight hours to reach:

In Carmel, the Point Lobos State Reserve, complete with sea otters

Monterey Bay area

Up Highway One to Big Sur and the Julia Pfeifer State Park, where we might find our favorite activity, horseback riding

Ojai area

Santa Barbara area

Hearst Castle

For attractions in the San Diego/LA stretch, she recommended:

Palm Springs with its arial tramway

Dana Point where we’d find whale-watching cruises

Scripps Oceanographic Museum


With so many activities to choose from, I can’t wait to see which ones we’ll end up doing in the next five days.

Thanks, Heidi!