Catalina Island is a beautiful day trip departing from Long Beach California! You can take the “Catalina Express” ferry or if your up for it you can even take a helicopter! If you choose the ferry you will likely see pods of dolphins following along as you cruise to the island! When on this scenic island you will find an array of things to occupy your time such as restaurants, beaches, snorkeling, bars, a casino, an arcade, a submarine excursion, and jeep excursions which take you to the other end of the island to see wild buffalo!

Universal Studios Hollywood was a long time favorite for Jessica and Garrett! They had season passes to this amusement park and spent MANY weekends frequenting the park! Guests of all ages can find something to do at Universal! Whether you spend your day in the magical place that is Harry Potter Land or you take a ride through Jurassic Park, there is something new and fun to see! And after you are done with the park you can walk through the Universal City Walk just outside the park doors and grab dessert at the very popular “Voodoo Donut!”

Jessica and Garrett have spent many days and nights frequenting Santa Monica! They especially love to rollerblade on the path along the ocean that goes from Venice to the Santa Monica pier! Not to worry if you aren’t packing your rollerblades this trip, you can rent bikes all over Venice beach to do your own journey to Santa Monica (2.5mi). If you’re not up for biking to the pier, Santa Monica is a great activity to visit in itself! On top of Santa Monica Pier there is “Pacific Park” with amusement rides such as a Ferris wheel overlooking the ocean! There is also an arcade, restaurants, shopping, souvenirs, street performers, and at the end of the pier you will often see fisherman and local sea lions trying to steal their fish! If you decide to go to the pier make sure to grab a cone of the blue Cookie Monster ice cream and don’t forget to check out “The Original Muscle Beach” just down stairs from the pier!

The Griffith Observatory is a free observatory and museum overlooking the city of Los Angeles! While at the observatory you can check out the Tesla coil, learn about the cosmos, and enjoy the view! From the outdoor patio you will overlook all of Los Angeles and on a good day the ocean can even be visible in the distance! On your way out make sure to grab a photo in front of the Hollywood sign and if you’re feeling adventurous put on your hiking shoes for some fun trails just across the parking lot!

In the land of movies and stars why not go on a studio tour? The Warner Brothers Studio tour is sure to be fun for guests of all ages! See the set of Friends, Ellen, The Big Bang Theory and so many more, as well as props from some of your favorite movies such as Batman’s The Dark Knight and the Harry Potter films! While you’re touring this historical studio you will learn about insider scoops and behind the scenes intel of how your favorite movies and tv shows come to life!

It wouldn’t be a trip to California without a visit to the most happy place on earth, Disneyland! Whether you are young or old, there is something for everyone at Disney! A lot of people are surprised to hear there are two separate Disney parks located in Anaheim! There is Disneyland as well as Disneyland California Adventure Park right across the street! You can purchase separate tickets to each park or a park-hopper ticket which allows you entry into both! When inside you can ride rides as well as meet your favorite characters! You can also take a stroll through downtown Disney which is free to the public and explore all of the shops and restaurants there! If you're looking for a little piece of Chicago and bite to eat, the only Portillo's in all of California is located in Anaheim as well, just outside the park!

If you’re looking for a beautiful beach destination away from the city while your visiting California then we recommend Malibu! Drive along the famous Pacific Coast Highway past Santa Monica until you reach Malibu! While there grab lunch and drinks at The Malibu Cafe where you can also enjoy jumbo yard games such as chess, jenga, and even play pool! When you’re done with lunch it’s time for the beach! A very special beach to Jessica and Garrett in Malibu is Leo Carrillo State Beach! This beach has everything you could want from surfers, to hermit crabs, tide pools filled with sea life, beach caves and of course beautiful seaside cliffs. Leo Carrillo is even more special because it is where Garrett proposed last July! If you stay for dinner we love Maestros Ocean Club right on the ocean, but if you’re looking for more a causal meal to end your day we recommend Dukes Malibu! And if a large meal isn’t on the itinerary before you head back to LA you can also catch the sunset, and if you’re lucky a dolphin sighting, while grabbing a drink and appetizer on the oceanfront balcony at Moonshadows Malibu!