Spend a few hours or an entire day at any of these local attractions,
all nearby your Strand vacation home.
 

Aquarium of the Pacific- More than 10,000 fish in 17 major habitat tanks and 30 smaller exhibits. Shoreline Drive and Aquarium Way, Long Beach 562-590-3100 www.aquariumofpacific.org

Catalina Island- Only 22 miles off the coast of LA, but it feels like a world away. Stroll the quaint streets of Avalon and experience the adventurous village of Two Harbors. Catch the Catalina Express boats in San Pedro or Long Beach. 310-519-7971 www.catalina.com

Disneyland- Enjoy 60 attractions in eight themed areas. Ball Road at Santa Ana Freeway, Anaheim. 714-781-4565. www.disneyland.disney.go.com ( We enjoy Disneyland so much our family has season passes)

Disney¹s California Adventure- Disney¹s newest theme park dedicated to California. Ball Road at Santa Ana Freeway, Anaheim. 714-781-4565 disneyland.disney.go.com/CaliforniaAdventure

Getty Center- On a 110-acre hilltop, this architectural masterpiece houses the J. Paul Getty collection of Greek & Roman antiquities, European paintings, drawings, sculptures and manuscripts. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles 310-440-7300 www.getty.edu/museum/

Hermosa Beach Farmer¹s Market- An abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. Fridays 12noon- 4pm Valley Drive between 8th and 10th Streets  We go every week, there are many stands and a great variety of organic fruit and vegetables, as well as seafood and baked goods. Buy fresh and local!

Hollywood Bowl- Experience music under the stars at this world famous venue. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood 323-850-2000 www.hollywoodbowl.com

Knott¹s Berry Farm- Thrill rides, roller coasters and Camp Snoopy, plus Knott¹s famous chicken dinner at the restaurant. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park. 714-220-5200 www.knotts.com

Knott¹s Soak City- 13 acres of water rides and attractions for the whole family. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park 714-220-5220 www.soakcityusa.com

La Brea Tar Pits- One of the world¹s most famous fossil localities with an unusually diverse collection of extinct Ice Age plants and animals. 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 323-934-7243 www.tarpits.org

Legoland- 128-acre theme park features rides and spectacular miniature lego towns. 1 Lego Drive, off I-5 at Cannon Road, Carlsbad 760-918-5346 www.lego.com/eng/legoland

Lomita Railroad Museum- Features authentic station house, steam locomotive, caboose and railroad memorabilia. 2137 West 250th Street, Lomita 310-326-6255 lomita-rr.org

Los Angeles County Museum of Art- Permanent collection includes nearly 100,000 works of art from ancient times to the present. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 323-857-6000 www.lacma.org

Los Angeles Zoo- 113-acres in Griffith Park features a children¹s zoo and unique exhibits, including the Red Ape Rain Forest and an orangutan habitat replica. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles 323-644-6400 www.lazoo.org

Manhatta Beach Farmers Market-  Just started up a few months back. Have yet to go. Located on Valley Dr, one block North of Manhattan Beach Blvd..

Manhattan Beach Roundhouse Aquarium- Sharks, eels, lobsters, octopi. Free admission. End of Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach 310-379-8117

Museum of Contemporary Art - A collection of art created since 1940 in all media. 250 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles 213-626-6222 www.moca-la.org

Redondo Beach Farmer¹s Market- Flowers, fruits and vegetables straight from the farm. Thursdays 8am ­ 1pm Just south of the Redondo Beach Pier on Harbor Drive .

Redondo Beach Pier- Shops, restaurants, fishing, entertainment for all ages. At Torrance Blvd. and the ocean. Redondo Beach www.redondo.com/pier

Redondo Beach Whaling Wall- 2nd largest marine mural created by Wyland, the most influential marine artist of our time. 1100 Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach

RMS Queen Mary- The most luxurious ocean liner ever built offers daily tours and several award winning restaurants. 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach 562-435-3511 www.queenmary.com

Seaside Lagoon- Seasonal enclosed saltwater swimming area with slides, sandy beaches, volleyball courts, play equipment and picnic areas. 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach 310-318-0681 www.redondo.org/recreation/seaside

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor- Water park with more than 22 water slides and other attractions. Magic Mtn. Parkway, I-5, Valencia 818-367-5965 www.sixflags.com/parks/hurricaneharbor

Six Flags Magic Mountain- More than 100 rides, shows and attractions including some of the world¹s top roller coasters. Magic Mtn. Parkway, I-5, Valencia 818-367-5965 www.sixflags.com/parks/magicmountain

South Coast Botanic Garden- An 87-acre garden with over 150,000 plants & trees. Walking/shuttle tours and picnic areas. 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula 310-544-6815

Universal Studios Hollywood- Take a tour of actual movie sets enjoy the numerous movie themed attractions. Hollywood Freeway at Lankershim Blvd., Universal City 818-508-9600 themeparks.universalstudios.com

Wayfarer¹s Chapel- Famous glass church designed by Lloyd Wright overlooking the ocean. 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes 310-377-1650

Whale Watching- The annual migration brings these amazing mammals right along the shoreline of the beach cities. Trips leave from the Redondo Beach Marina, January ­ April. 310-372-2111

Wilderness Park- Discover a mini wilderness in the heart of Redondo Beach. Picnic areas and overnight camping. 1102 Camino Real, Redondo Beach 310-318-0668