PDF Toy Boat, Toy Boat, Toy Boat Southern California The Best Of ...

The Best Of Southern California

Family Friendly

w w w. Tr a v e l C o s t a M e s a . c o m

Welcome to Costa Mesa, The Best of Southern California, nestled strategically in the heart of The OC. Rich in venues, events and activities, this mecca for sun and fun has something for every member of the family. Minutes away from the Pacific Ocean, and just 35 miles south of Los Angeles, Costa Mesa's central location makes it an ideal "base camp" for exploring all that Southern California has to offer.

Attractions

Bowers Museum of Cultural Arts and Kidseum

714.567.3600

2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana

visit/kidseum.jsp

The Bowers Kidseum is dedicated to providing a fun, educational and culturally-

rich environment where imagination and creativity are not only encouraged, but

nurtured. The giant "multicultural closet" allows kids to dress up like an Indian

princess or a Mexican caballero. They can also play instruments from across

the globe which foster math and literacy skills, try on masks from a variety of

cultures or listen to languages from near and far.

Santa Ana Zoo

714.835.7484

1801 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana



The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is a 20-acre site focusing on the animals

and plants of Central and South America. The Santa Ana Zoo hosts more than

270,000 people annually. Joseph Prentice donated land for the zoo with the

stipulation that the city must keep at least 50 monkeys at all times. The zoo

maintains an extensive primate collection with over a dozen species from

around the world. The foci of the Santa Ana Zoo are recreation, education and

conservation. One of the most popular attractions at the Santa Ana Zoo is the

Zoofari Express children's train.

Discovery Science Center

714.542.CUBE

2500 North Main Street, Santa Ana



Lie on a bed of nails, play virtual volleyball and experience an earthquake at

Discovery Science Center, Orange County's premier science destination! Get in

the game with Dino Quest ? the world's first interactive dinosaur adventure ? and

continue your adventure at home with Dino Quest Online. Easily recognized by

its 10-story-tall cube and 85-foot-tall delta rocket that tower over Interstate Five,

Discovery Science Center features more than 100 interactive exhibits designed

to spark children's natural curiosity. Annual events include BubbleFest, Spooky

Science, the Science of Gingerbread and special summer exhibitions.

Aquarium of the Pacific

562.590.3100

100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach



Take a journey of discovery through the world's largest ocean at the Aquarium of

the Pacific. Dive right into the exhibits, explore sunny Southern California and

Baja, the frigid waters of the North Pacific, and the colorful reefs of the tropical

Pacific. Come face-to-face with, and even touch, the ocean's ultimate predators

in Shark Lagoon. Hand feed lorikeet birds. Go on a Behind-the-Scenes tour.

Enjoy Monsters of the Abyss, a film that combines stunning state-of-the-art, 3-D

technology and digital animation to explore the deep ocean.

Medieval Times

714.523.1100

7662 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park



Medieval Times is an exciting, family-friendly dinner attraction inspired by an

11th century feast and tournament. Guests are served a four-course banquet and

cheer for one of six Knights as they compete in the joust and other tests of skill.

Expect lots of jousting, swordsmanship, thrilling hand-to-hand combat, displays

of extraordinary horsemanship and falconry as part of an exciting yet touching

story set in Medieval Spain. Medieval Times also features an excellent bar, dance

floor, Hall of Arms displaying Medieval artifacts and a Medieval Torture Museum.

Irvine Park Railroad

714.997.3968

1 Irvine Park Road, Orange



Come enjoy the great outdoors at Irvine Park Railroad. Guests can do anything

from ride a train, bike, pony, horse, or paddle boat and hike.

Adventure City

714.236.9300

1238 South Beach Boulevard, Anaheim



A world of excitement, entertainment and education awaits guests at Adventure

City. Rides that spin, twirl and zoom, shows that captivate both the young and

the young-at-heart and a collection of small town buildings that remind us of

simpler times, all blend together to create a city filled with fun!

Hobby City and Doll Museum

714.527.2323

1238 South Beach Boulevard, Anaheim

This shop and museum contains more than 6,000 distinct toys and dolls.

Everything from Star Wars to Strawberry Shortcake can be found within its

extensive collection. There are also plenty of rarities, including European dolls,

all housed in a half-scale replica of the White House. The only problem for the

younger set is that this isn't an interactive museum; everything here is strictly

hands-off. Nonetheless, it still makes for a wonderful visual experience.

Balboa Fun Zone

949.673.0408

600 East Bay Avenue #R, Newport Beach



For a fun date at the beach or a night out on the town, Balboa Peninsula has

something for everyone, whether it's basking on Balboa's pristine beaches or

exploring the sites of this picturesque community. There's the Balboa Pier, and

the Catalina Flyer, one hour to Catalina Island. The Balboa Island Ferry is only

one dollar. Other activities include harbor cruises, whale-watching cruises, sport

fishing, quaint shops, great restaurants and, of course, the Balboa Fun Zone.

Since 1936, the Fun Zone's ferris wheel has been both a day and night landmark

on the Newport Harbor scene, beckoning all to join in the fun.

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center

949.494.3050

20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach



Pacific Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the

rescue, rehabilitation and release of stranded marine mammals as well as

increased public awareness of the marine environment through education

and research. Groups are welcome to come experience the marine mammal

rehabilitation facility first hand. Fieldtrips include a guided tour of the animal

care facility, a slide show presentation of typical animals and medical conditions

treated and an opportunity to visit the current patients being rehabilitated in the

outdoor pools.

Boomers

949.559.8336

3405 Michelson Drive, Irvine



What could be more fun than boarding a bumper boat for a little adventure

cruise, satisfying your competitive edge in the batting cages, laser tag, miniature

golfing, rockwall climbing or enduring high speed go-karts and kiddie go-karts

for speed demons under 58" tall? The huge, state-of-the-art gameroom contains

a wide assortment of games. Lead your own starship battle group into a deep-

space shootout of cataclysmic proportions. Dance, Dance, Dance `til you drop.

Don't forget about the exciting redemption games ? win tickets and claim instant

prizes at the expansive, on-site redemption center.

Amusement Parks

Disneyland, Disney's California Adventure, and Downtown Disney

1313 Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim

714.781.4565



Located steps away from Disneyland? Park is another world of fun and

adventure! Disney's California Adventure? Park takes you places where only your

imagination could take you before. And, of course, there's plenty of Disney-style

fun just waiting to be discovered in each of the Park's uniquely themed lands!

Don't forget to check out the Downtown Disney? District, a wonderful gathering

place for spontaneous fun and nighttime entertainment. With live music and an

amazing variety of restaurants and shops to explore, one can't help but be happy

and in high spirits in this relaxed, uniquely Disney atmosphere.

Knott's Berry Farm

714.220.5200

8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park



What was once an actual berry farm is now 160 acres of world-class rides,

unique family shows and one-of-a-kind attractions. Experience GhostRider, the

world's best wooden roller coaster, Supreme Scream, 30-stories up, 3 seconds

down and the high-octane thrill of Xcelerator, rated the world's best launch

coaster, sending riders 0-80m.p.h. in 2.3 seconds. For a different type of thrill,

stroll on over to Camp Snoopy, home to the beloved Peanuts gang.

Soak City USA

714.220.5200

8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park

soakcity

Offering more than 20 rides with a 1950s Southern California theme, this water

adventure park features single-rider, high-speed slides, inner-tube slide flumes,

a wave pool, lazy river rides and a children's pool and activity area.

Legoland

760.918.5346

One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbads

california

Legoland California is the only LEGO theme park in the US. Much of this 128-

acre theme park is constructed with Lego blocks designed as a "country just for

kids" aged two to twelve, with rides including a Dragon roller coaster, attractions

and mini-lands such as Ancient Egypt, made from some of the 30 million Lego

blocks. The park is steadily adding new attractions: In 2008 alone, the new Land

of Adventure, with first-ever "dark ride" Lost Kingdom Adventure, Cargo Ace

airplane ride and Beetle Bounce have been added.

Wild Rivers

949.788.0808

8770 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine



Wild Rivers is a family amusement waterpark offering over 40 water rides and

attractions for all ages. There are slides, inner-tube rides, two wavepools,

activity pools and lounging areas. The activities range from exciting, fast and

thrilling to scaled-down rides and attractions for small children. Open mid-May

through September.

Retail

Puzzle Zoo

714.662.1600

3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa



Puzzle Zoo offers a wide variety of puzzles all shapes and sizes, themes and

even 3-demensional options, as well as action figures, collectors' cards and

lunch pails.

Toy Boat, Toy Boat, Toy Boat

949.729.9800

879 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach



With classic toys for girls and boys, Toy Boat, Toy Boat, Toy Boat carries the

best brands from A to Z: Alex, Breyer, Corolle, Darda, Educational Insights,

Folkmanis, Gund, Hasbro, Int'l Playthings, Jack Rabbit, Kettler, Leap Frog,

Madame Alexander, North American Bear, Ohio Art, Playmobil, Quiddler,

Ravensburger Puzzles, Small World Toys, Thomas Trains, University Games,

Vogue Dolls, Wild Planet, X-Concepts, Yomega and Zapf Dolls...just to mention

a few!

Disney Vault 28

714.300.7004

1580 South Disneyland Drive, Suite 104, Anaheim

disney.eventservices/disneyvault28/

Expect the unexpected as the hippest trends collide with Disney couture. This

contemporary boutique has the latest fashions, unique accessories and stylish

products ? with a Disney edge. An ever-changing mix of clothes for men and

women makes this a "can't-miss" Southern California shopping experience. This

location also features trunk shows, art exhibits and other special events as well

as apparel, accessories, jewelry and home d?cor.

Kiddie Kandids

949.823.9506

111 Fortune Drive, Irvine



Kiddie Kandids caters to a special age group of infants and toddlers. Families

continue to visit the studios for years beyond that; however, a great deal of

training and emphasis has gone into infant and toddler photography with

supporting props and backdrops.

Beaches

Newport Beach The setting for the popular television show The O.C. is modeled after Orange County's posh Newport Beach. The city is filled with miles of sandy beaches, the largest small-craft yacht harbor in the United States, championship golf courses and a variety of aquatic recreational activities, from kayaking in the Newport Back Bay, to relaxing on a chartered harbor cruise, to whale-watching or sportfishing. See multi-million dollar homes along the boardwalk on Balboa Island before heading to the island's popular Marine Avenue for a Balboa Bar, a favorite, local ice cream treat. Cross the harbor to the Balboa Peninsula aboard the famous auto ferry and play at the Balboa Fun Zone or explore the area's nautical history. This sophisticated beach city also offers upscale shopping at Fashion Island, as well as a diverse menu of award-winning restaurants and a stylish ultra lounge.

Laguna Beach The striking coastal town of Laguna Beach is known worldwide as an artists' colony. Its picturesque and rugged California coastline has inspired artists for decades. Each summer, Laguna Canyon hosts the famous Pageant of the Masters tableaux vivant, the Festival of Arts, the Sawdust Art Festival and the Art-a-Fair Festival. Other creative treats include cooking lessons at Laguna Culinary Arts, the Laguna Dance Festival in October and the monthly First Thursdays Art Walk. Laguna is the perfect location to explore on foot. Boutiques, art galleries and sidewalk caf?s line the downtown streets. Historic Main Beach features a vintage lifeguard tower overlooking an idyllic shore with volleyball nets, basketball courts and a meandering boardwalk.

Huntington Beach The Huntington Beach Pier is the longest concrete municipal pier in CA, stretching 1,856 feet into the Pacific Ocean. It is a favorite spot for fisherman, families and romantics who flock here daily to enjoy the "million-dollar" sunsets. For more than a century, the Pier has been an iconic coastal symbol. Surfers can always be seen from the Pier since surfing still remains one of the most popular activities. The waves here have a unique natural effect caused by edge-diffraction of ocean swells by the island of Catalina. Because of the curve of the coastline, the beach actually faces southwest. This beach is also very popular for kite surfing. Numerous activities are held on the beach including surf and other sport competitions and community events. Dog Beach is a part of Huntington City Beach. This area of the beach is dog-friendly and a paradise for dog owners. It is not unusual to see a dog and his owner tandem surfing. The northern and southern beaches, Bolsa Chica State Beach and Huntington State Beach, respectively, are state parks. Only the central beach, Huntington City Beach, is maintained by the city. The Bolsa Chica State Beach is located across Pacific Coast Highway from the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Bolsa Chica's surf is mellow and rolling with consistently rideable waves, making it a perfect place for beginners. Huntington State Beach is very popular with families. More than 600 fire rings are available on the city and state beaches for nightly bonfires.

Dining

Pirate's Dinner Theater

866.439.2469

7600 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park



Pirate's Dinner Adventure, acclaimed as "the world's most interactive dinner

show", is an attraction that puts guests and their families right in the middle

of all of the swashbuckling action. Guests are entertained with an astonishing

display of special effects wizardry, aerial artistry, swashbuckling swordplay,

dynamic duels and daring-do; a classic story of good vs. evil that offers a perfect

blend of action, adventure, comedy and romance, as well as a sumptuous dining

experience. The show is perfect for children and adults alike.

Rainforest Caf?

714.424.9200

3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa



Combining good food with entertainment and education is a winning mix; every

12 minutes an audio-animatronic display of wild animals "comes to life" and

every 18 minutes the entire establishment experiences a "thunderstorm." The

menu includes a variety of specialty items from seafood, beef and chicken to

pastas and pizzas. A mouth-watering array of desserts, including the famous

Coconut Bread Pudding, tops off the meal.

Ruby's Diner

428 East 17th Street, Costa Mesa

949.646.7829

3333 Bear Street, Suite 120, Costa Mesa

714.662.7829



Ruby's is a nationwide chain, adorned with red vinyl booths, formica tables, soda

fountains and retro posters, waitresses in ultra-adorable, red gingham Ruby's

costumes. Timeless American food -- burgers, fries, shakes and malts -- plus

hospitality that keeps diners coming back.

Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel

714.781.DINE

1150 Magic Way, Anaheim

Rub elbows with Goofy and his pals at this winningly whimsical buffet with many

inventive culinary surprises. Goofy's Kitchen is a great place to throw birthday

parties too; so, if you are celebrating a big day, be sure to come party Disney-

style! There are plenty of great choices for kids of all ages, including: Mickey

Mouse shaped waffles, omelets made to order, peanut butter and jelly pizza,

Goofy's hot chocolate cake and fruit yogurt with yummy toppings. Don't forget

to bring cameras to take a souvenir snapshot with your Gawrsh-darn favorite

Disney character!

Southern California Attractions

Aquarium of the Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562.590.3100 Honda Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.704.2634 Autry Museum of Western Heritage . . . . . 323.667.2000 Balboa Park, San Diego . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 619.235.1100 Bowers Museum of Cultural Art . . . . . . . . 714.567.3600 Costa Mesa Historical Society . . . . . . . . . . 949.631.5918 Disney's California Adventure . . . . . . . . . . 714.781.4565 Discovery Science Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.542.2823 Disneyland Theme Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.781.4565 Getty Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310.440.7300 Knott's Berry Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.220.5200 Legoland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 760.918.LEGO Los Angeles Museum of Art . . . . . . . . . . . . 323.857.6000 Orange County Market Place . . . . . . . . . . 949.723.6660 Orange County Museum of Art . . . . . . . . . 949.759.1122 Queen Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562.435.3511 Richard Nixon Library & Birth Place . . . . 714.993.0575 San Diego Zoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 619.234.3153 San Diego Wild Animal Park . . . . . . . . . . 760.747.8702 Sea World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 714.939.6212 Universal Studios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 818.622.3801

COSTA MESA

w w w. Tr a v e l C o s t a M e s a . c o m

This information was compiled from reliable sources by Debbie Miller.

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download