Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Rancho Palos Verdes


Los Angeles has many power spots.
One of the strongest power spot is in Rancho Palos Verdes.





The power spot is right by the lighthouse where there is a Whale Museum "Point Vicente Interpretive Center". This is a free museum (donations welcome) and it features some very interesting exhibitions.

31501 Palos Verdes Drive West

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310)377-5370





I discovered many new things about the peninsula and it's history. You can find the names of local shells and learn about how the ocean life was a big part of the culture of the native people. The peninsula was the homeland of the Tongva Native American peoples for thousands of years.


The most surprising thing about this spot is that it was once the home of "Marineland".

Marineland of the Pacific was the world's largest oceanarium in 1954.
The killer whales made the park a popular tourist attraction.  Marineland was   purchased by the owners of SeaWorld in 1987.  The new owners moved the marine animals to their SeaWorld San Diego location and closed down the park for good.
They still have the original billboards, gifts and time schedule of their shows.        







Behind the museum there is whale watch site that is perfect to view the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale, from December through April. 







I visited twice in February during the evening and did not see the whales. I did see an endless line of dolphins  swimming in a line and that was an amazing view.


There are some volunteers observing the whales everyday in the season. They are very friendly and I suggest talking to them to find out more information.










February is the beginning of spring in Southern California.








You can also find many beautiful birds and flowers here.








The ocean radiates full of energy during the dusk.


You just need to breathe and feel.


Every time when I'm here I feel like I'm on top of the world.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Hidden hot spots in Manhattan Beach







Manhattan Beach is one of the closest beaches to LAX (Los Angeles Airport), however it is also one of the most beautiful places around the city.




I spend my day at Manhattan Beach often because they have plenty of beachside parking and there are numerous great restaurants and shops around the area.
I felt like doing yoga by the beach and found a perfect studio "Yoga Loft" right in   front of the pier.
They have an amazing view from the studio and their teacher is excellent. I had  a perfect 1 hour session at lunch time.
1112 Ocean Drive
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310)372-7334



I've been wishing there was a special cafe, so I was very excited to find this new cafe "The Tea Exchange" which just opened last summer.

They sell many kinds of tea but also sell great coffee.


It is a spacious place that has a nice outside area.  It is also very kid and stroller friendly.



They have an artistic atomosphere such as abstract paintings on the wall and there is a table with colored pencils and a drawing book. I found the above drawing in the book.  It is about Japan and made me a smile.


451 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310)545-9889










I want to keep as a secret... but I'll tell you the best Thai restaurant in the entire Southbay.


Their salads are outstanding, especially this yummy duck salad!!
1015 North Sepulveda blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
 (310)546-4147