Day Trips in Southern California
Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and Long Beach are cities that under normal circumstances, are top destinations in California. However, the ongoing pandemic has affected many sectors such as food, tourism and hospitality.
Los Angeles offers a wide variety of attractions, such as the Staples Center, which is a venue for games and concerts. The surrounding area known as L.A. Live was once the epitome of nightlife for both locals and visitors.
Here are some recommendations for things you can do in the famous Southern California.
Luxury Hotels with Breathtaking Views
Visitors have multiple places to choose from to accommodate a stay, including hotels like The Ritz-Carlton which offer travelers a wide range of amenities. Located within L.A. Live, the hotel boasts a rooftop pool, soaking tub and luxury rooms with breathtaking views of the city.
Another must-visit place is the Hotel Maya, a DoubleTree by Hilton in Long Beach, California. This hotel is on the beachfront, located a walk from the Queen Mary and a short drive from the Aquarium of the Pacific. The hotel features rooms with balconies and an on-site Latin restaurant, Fuego.
Photo: Hotel Maya DoubleTree by Hilton on Facebook
Amenities to Make the Trip Extra Special
Some of the amenities that hotel guests can take advantage of while visiting are the bike path and enjoy a sunset ride along the water. The hotel offers single and family bicycle rentals, along with lounging areas with fire pits.
The Olympic-size heated pool and lounging area make it great for both families and solo travelers. While in Long Beach, there is the option of taking the AquaLink or the AquaBus as a transportation method across the port.
With a low fee of five dollars each way, the AquaLink can be boarded right beside the Queen Mary. The following stop is Alamitos Bay Landing, followed by the Aquarium of the Pacific. Offering a connection to the LBT bus line makes the AquaLink the longer of the two rides.
Photo: Aquarium of the Pacific on Facebook
Tourists also have a second option – the AquaBus. Although the AquaBus does a smaller loop, it has more stops than the AquaLink. The points of interest include the Queen Mary, Hotel Maya, Aquarium of the Pacific, Pine Ave and Shoreline Village.
The points of interest in Southern California defined:
Alamitos Bay: Waterfront dining, water bike rentals.
LBT Connection: Bus connection to Main Streets Seas Beach or Belmont Shore.
Queen Mary: 1930’s vessel featuring tours and dining.
Aquarium of the Pacific: Founded in 1998, offers educational programs and tours.
Shoreline Village: Offers parasailing, marina sailing, dining and shopping.
Hotel Maya: Waterfront luxury hotel.
Although the pandemic has impacted all of these places of interest, some are still operating following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention orders.
Written by Miriam Frutos
Featured Photo: Avi Richards on Unsplash
