California Attractions
Are you and your family planning a trip to World Ag Expo in February and would like to spend some additional time in California? From local attractions to beaches and wineries, here are a few suggestions for places to visit before and after World Ag Expo. For additional ideas check the Valley Yellow Pages at MyYP.com for a complete listing of local businesses, restaurants and attractions.
Attractions
California has long been known for the diversity and creative spirit of its residences. Between museums, art galleries and the 21 Spanish Missions, there is much to see and experience.
J. Paul Getty Museum
Perched on a hill over looking Los Angeles, the Getty Museum, funded under the J. Paul Getty Trust, houses a vast collection of art. Ranging from The Middle Ages to Present, visitors are treated to a revolving schedule of pieces from all over the world.
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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
Upon its opening in 1913, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles has displayed ancient artifacts and ancient specimens covering 4.5 billion years.
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Hearst Castle
The sprawling estate of the late newspaper mogul, William Randolph Hearst, boast 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, indoor and outdoor pools and over 120 acres of lush gardens. The property is open daily for tours.
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Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is one of the most infamous California landmarks. This former federal penitentiary housed well known convicts such as Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly. Cruises and guided tours are held daily.
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Yosemite National Park
Spanning over 700,000 acres, Yosemite National Park displays the beauty of the western Sierra Nevada mountain range. Under the guidance of the National Park Service, established by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1916, Yosemite exhibits the natural beauty of California. With activities like hiking Half Dome, camping on the valley floor, touring and exploring the Yosemite Park is sure to be a trip that will not be forgotten.
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Walt Disney Concert Hall
Designed by Frank Gehry and funded by the family of the late Walt Disney, this eye catching building opened in 2003. Home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Walt Disney Concert Hall welcomes a vast range of musical artists.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium
Located in the famous Cannery Row, this aquarium is home to birds, fish, reptiles, marine mammals and other sea creatures. The Aquarium has saved thousands of animals from predators, illness and environmental hazards.
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Aquarium of the Pacific
Located in the Long Beach Harbor, the Aquarium holds a collection of over 12,500 animals from over 650 different classes of species. When it opened in 1998, the Aquarium of the Pacific aimed to mimic the temper of the natural ocean. This way a visitor can see animal’s behavior more naturally.
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Griffith Observatory
Perched on a southern facing slope, the Griffith Observatory holds beautiful views of downtown Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Basin and the famous Hollywood sign. Along with the breath view, the Observatory features an assortment of space and science related exhibits and is a fully functional planetarium.
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California Mission
When Father Junipero Serra, a Catholic Priest, founded the first Mission in San Diego in 1769, he wanted to encourage the spread of Christianity. After the success he continued to move up the coast of California. By 1823 he had founded 21 missions from San Diego to San Francisco. All Missions are in their original state and can be toured daily.
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Beaches
California sits along the Pacific Ocean and boasts more than 1,100 miles of beautiful coastline. This vast span of ocean views allow for relaxation, surfing, swimming, beach volleyball, hiking, tanning and sand castle building.
Click her for a complete list of beaches, local events or any other information
Theme Parks
With mild temperatures year round, Californians enjoy the outdoors. This fact translates into the many theme parks around the State.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is the only park to combine wildlife and ocean life with a theme park. This park covers over 136 acres and houses more than 50 rides, attractions and shows.
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California’s Great America
Formerly known as Marriott’s Great America, this theme park is sister to Great America in Chicago. Great America host rides that range from classic wooden roller coasters, high tech scream coasters and even a water park.
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Knott’s Berry Farm
Known as “America’s 1st theme park,” Knott’s Berry Farm is owned by the jam/preserves company J.M Smucker. Opened in 1920 as a roadside berry stand, today attractions like Camp Snoopy, Wild Water Wilderness and Ghost Town attract visitors from around the world.
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Six Flags Magic Mountain
Located just north of Los Angeles, this park has been famous for cutting edge roller coasters. In 1978 the fastest, at that time, wooden coaster opened. From then on out Magic Mountain has excited visitors and pushed the laws of gravity.
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Universal Studio Hollywood
Hollywood has long been known as the headquarters of both the television and film industry. This theme park sits on the grounds of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios. Attractions include special effects and stunt shows like Back Draft along with rides like Jurassic Park and The Simpsons Ride.
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Disneyland
Found by the visionary Walt Disney in 1955, Disneyland is the ultimate California theme park. Known as “The Happiest Place on Earth”, Disneyland houses rides, animated attractions, educational exhibits, parades and nightly firework display. In 2001 Disney opened Disney’s California Adventure, a theme park devoted to the wonders of California.
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Wineries
Since Franciscan Monks began planting vineyards in their Missions, wine has been a vital part of California. With the wonderfully diverse ranges of climate and soil within California, each region specializes in different wines.
Click here for a complete list of wineries, tour options, events and other information
