Los Angeles Hidden Hot Spots

Monday, March 5, 2012

Hidden hot spots in Redondo Beach vol. 2

There is something I have been thinking about doing for a long time..

On a beautiful Sunday morning in March, I finally took the boat "Voyager" to meet the Grey Whales in Redondo Beach.

"Voyager Whale Watching"

233 North Harbor Dr

Redondo Beach CA 90277

(310)944-1219

http://www.voyagerexcursions.com

It was about 80 degrees and the ocean breeze felt so amazingly great.

First, these guys passed by us with smiles.

Sea Lions were everywhere in Redondo Beach.

We went straight out to sea for about a half hour and then waited around a little bit. During we were waiting the people working on the boat entertained us so I never felt bored.

As soon as the first whale came out more and more seemed to appear!

A Grey Whale can be 45 feet (14 m) and even their newborns measure about 16 feet (4.9 m).

The boat turned off the engine for silence and I heard the sound of a whale's blowhole spraying behind me. I quickly found the whale and I felt one of the most precious moments I have ever experienced.

I ended up seeing more than 10 whales that day.

On the way going back to the port, I saw a group of Dolphins!

They chased our boat and seemed to be enjoying the gorgeous day too.

Off course all the sea lions loved the warm Sunday.

After the boat ride I found my favorite seafood...

It is Sea Urchin! California sea urchin is best in the world.

There was the state fish of California "Garibaldi" here too..

There is so much to see in Redondo Beach.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Hidden Hot Spots in Watts.

In South Central, there is a landmark that is a symbol of Los Angeles.

This is called "Watts Tower".

An Italian guy, Simon Rodia, made these towers all by himself in 33 years.

I felt a very strong passion the first time I saw this and I came back for a tour. I was very glad to see the inside of the tower and excited to find out why he made this.

"Watts Tower"

1727 East 107th Street

Los Angeles, CA 90002
(213) 847-4646

http://www.wattstowers.us

He used only recycled junk such as dishes, pipes, tile and glass with no special equipment.

There are many hearts you can find and he used many cute colors such as pink, yellow and peppermint green.

This tower is actually in the shape of something...

When you stand at this point you become the captain of a ship to Italy.

*You must join their tour to see inside of the tower. Please make sure of the tour schedule with this site. http://www.wattstowers.us

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Hidden hot spots in Long Beach

Here is one of the largest ports in the world.

Many people are attracted to Long Beach everyday.

I would like to share some of the hidden hot spots here.

This is my favorite little museum.

"Long Beach Museum of Art" is right in front of the pacific ocean and overlooks the Long Beach Harbor.

Every thursday and friday evening it is free admission to the public.

"Long Beach Museum of Art"

2300 E. Ocean Blvd

Long Beach, CA 90803

(562)439-2119

http://www.lbma.org

There is a cute restaurant at the museum that is in the Historic Anderson House with an amazing ocean view patio.

"Claire's at the museum"

2300 E. Ocean Blvd

Long Beach, CA 90803

(562)439-2119

http://www.lbma.org/cafe.html

Long Beach has many famous restaurants. Among them let me suggest "La Creperie Cafe" in Belmont Shore.

Belmont Shore is a fashion and gourmet area around 2nd street. It is fun to check out the Long Beach style from an open cafe.

La Creperie Cafe is one of the cutest French restaurants and serves yummy crepes.

"La Creperie Cafe"

4911 E. 2nd Street

Long Beach, CA 90803

(562)434-8499

http://www.lacreperiecafe.net

Another fashionable area in Long Beach is "Retro Row" which is around 4th street. This is where you can find Long Beach vintage fashion.

During the shopping you must try the famous hand cut steak fries at the Pike.

"The Pike Bar & Fish Grill"

1836 E. 4th St

Long Beach, CA 90802

(562)437-4453

http://www.pikelongbeach.com

I was looking for the power spot to feel a perfect evening.

The lighthouse seems to be the spot especially when you realize you can be on the island.

The entrance was right behind the aquarium, I've been having the aquarium membership for years but I've never realized there is the most gorgeous park behind there with free parking.

From here you can see Long Beach Harbor for 360 degrees.

"Shoreline Aquatic Park"

Aquarium Way

Long Beach, CA 90802

(562)570-3100

http://www.longbeach.gov/park/parks_and_open_spaces/parks/shoreline_aquatic_park.asp

One of the highlights of the view is the Queen Mary. This is the best spot to see the ship from the other side.

The Queen Mary became a hotel, restaurants and a museum now.

"The Queen Mary"

1126 Queens Highway

Long Beach, CA 90802

(877)342-0742

http://www.queenmary.com

If you want to see the whole city of Long Beach, this is the spot.

Hilltop park is another local power spot to get great energy.

"Hilltop Park"

2351 Dawson Ave

Signal Hill, CA 90755

(562)989-7330

http://www.cityofsignalhill.org/Facilities.aspx?Page=detail&RID=3

Monday, January 2, 2012

Hidden hot spots in Lake Arrowhead

To welcome in the new year, I choose to stay at Lake Arrowhead.

About 1.5 hours driving from LAX there is a beautiful snowy lake.

The day was very warm like 70 degrees but there was still a little snow around the lake.

The drive to the lake was clear and it had a gorgeous view.

I stayed at a fantastic lodge "Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa" for 2 nights.

This is dog and kid friendly hotel!

There is a comfortable game room that includes air hockey, foosball and wii games all free!

The resort has 2 outside jacuzzis with a lake view. It is nice to have a hot tub in the winter season!

"Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa"

27984 Hwy 189

Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352

(909)336-1511

http://www.laresort.com

I had a fancy breakfast at "BIN189" in the hotel.

My Norwegian smoked salmon was delicious and our server was very professional.

"BIN189"

at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa

(909)337-4189

http://www.laresort.com/lars/bin189.htm

My biggest purpose here was snowboarding at "Snow Valley Mountain Resort" which is about 25 minutes driving from the lake.

I was here for December 31 and there wasn't any crowd. I could practice at the park without rushing and there was no wait for the lift.

It was a perfect hot day to enjoy a beer in a snowy paradise.

"Snow Valley Mountain Resort "

35100 State Highway 18

Running Springs, CA 92382

(909)867-2751

http://www.snow-valley.com

Right next to the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, there is Lake Arrowhead Village that has about 10 restaurants, a large supermarket, and many gift stores.