Southern California includes many attractions that are designed for families with young children, but middle-aged couples also can find plenty of to do while on vacation in the area. The region has warm weather year-round, making it an ideal destination if you enjoy outdoor activities such as walking on the beach or sailing.
Santa Monica Pier
Step back in time with a visit to the 100-year-old Santa Monica Pier, located in the town that shares its name. The pier is home to a more sedate fairground than you might expect from Californian theme parks, including a carousel that dates from 1922. You can enjoy a stroll along the planks and be entertained by live street musicians and performers or relax with a drink while you watch the sunset. Take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel to get a great view of the town and the coastline.
Take the Train
The Fillmore and Western Railway Company runs scenic trips through Southern California every weekend. You can book a table for lunch in one of the vintage 1930s passenger cars as you depart the town of Fillmore headed for Santa Paula or the Loose Caboose gift emporium. The same company also runs themed trips such as murder mystery dinners, wine express trains and various holiday specials. Train enthusiasts can book ahead and ride in the cab of the locomotive.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island, off the coast of Southern California, has plenty of activities to offer anyone who loves the great outdoors. You can try scuba diving, rent your own boat or go fishing from the beach. Organized tours include whale watching, sea kayak excursions and trips around the island by sea or even by air. You can stay overnight in one of the many guest houses on the island such as the historic Old Turner Inn, and restaurants such as The Lobster Trap and Avalon Seafood serve fresh produce caught locally. Boats travel to Catalina Island regularly from the mainland towns of Long Beach, San Pedro and Newport Beach throughout the year.
Living Desert Zoo
Located just 15 miles from the town of Palm Springs, the Living Desert Zoo aims to preserve an area of the Colorado Desert in its natural state. The zoo features indigenous North American animals alongside African species more used to the Sahara desert. Activities include daily animal shows and the chance to get up close with some of the creatures, and camel rides have just been introduced at the attraction. The zoo is open every day, all day in the winter and until early afternoon in the summer. The Living Desert Zoo gives visitors the chance to learn about their environment while enjoying watching animals in natural habitats.
On the Water
Southern California is an area dominated by its coastline and seaside towns. You can enjoy boat trips from many coastal harbors, some for pleasure and sunshine while others travel further out to sea for whale watching. Sail San Diego organizes various tours on sailing boats, and you can choose how much you want to join in. If you want to take sailing lessons, this can be arranged, or you can just sit back and enjoy the feel of the wind through your hair as you sail up the coastline. Sail San Diego also runs two whale-watching trips a day on one of its sailing vessels between December and April.
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