Utter the word ‘California’ and it conjures up images of Universal Studios, Hollywood and glitzy Los Angeles, but it is much more than that. Southern California, particularly, offers unique experiences—from beaches to deserts, from expansive landscapes to theme parks. Here’s a guide to discovering southern California.
Santa Monica Pier
Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Pier symbolises the heart of the city. No visit is complete without a stroll on this historical pier. You can take a spin on the Ferris wheel or the roller-coaster, pick up souvenirs, grab a bite, take pictures of the ocean beyond, or go on a historical walking tour. After all, the pier has been around since 1909. Learn all about its checkered past and even its association with the popular comic strip character Popeye. Tours, available on weekend mornings and at sunset, cost $25 per person.
Joshua Tree National Park
The stunningly stark and bewitching beauty of Joshua Tree National Park with its two distinct desert ecosystems—the Mojave and the Colorado—can put you under a spell. Its surreal geological features, sculpted by strong winds over millions of years, along with the peculiar looking Joshua trees add to the wonder of the 8,00,000 acres of mesmerising terrain. Take a guided tour or book an activity with a local expert. Go stargazing, off-roading, learn about native American cultures, or hike to some hidden spots. You can also camp under the desert sky at one of the numerous campgrounds. Passes cost $30 for a private vehicle.
Frank Sinatra’s Home, Palm Springs
After making his first million in 1947, Frank Sinatra commissioned a home in Palm Springs. Spanning 4,500 sq. ft., the property sleeps eight and has four bedrooms, seven bathrooms (go figure!), and a swimming pool that many feel looks like a piano. It’s here that Ol’ Blue Eyes (as Sinatra was referred to) lived with his wife, actor Ava Gardner, from 1951 to 1957. The home has a vanity wall full of his pictures, his records with the original record player, and a crack in the sink supposedly caused during a fight. The house, called Twin Palms, named after the two palm trees by the pool side where Sinatra often hoisted his Jack Daniels emblem flag—which indicated an invite to his friends that revelry and cocktails were in order—is today available for rent on Airbnb. Prices fluctuate but average around $4,400 per night; it has to be booked for a minimum of three nights.
Spa Day in Palm Springs
Nothing spells vacation like a day at a spa. Palm Springs, known for its mineral-rich water, is a haven for spa lovers. The 73,000-sq. ft. spa at Séc-he is the latest addition to the numerous spring-fed luxury spas. A day pass for $145 gets you a 15-minute soak in one of the 22 private indoor baths, where the mineral-rich water does a remarkable job of coaxing dead cells from your skin. You can continue your soak in a zero-edge mineral outdoor pool, where you’ll also find a waterfall pool, jacuzzi, and daybeds. Choose from aromatherapy showers, salt caves, and sauna spaces. And of course, a massage, starting at $250.
SeaWorld, San Diego
Whether you are travelling with family or alone, San Diego’s SeaWorld is a must-visit. The park offers up-close experiences with animals; and you are unlikely to forget an orca encounter or a dolphin adventure. Interact with sea lions and admire beluga whales, penguins, and northern sea otters. Book a special educational trip online (spots fill up fast, so book in advance). While the San Diego Zoo is also remarkable— its video was the first-ever on Youtube — SeaWorld has its charm as we don’t get to interact with as many marine animals in India. Tickets are priced $122.99 but are now available for $59.99 due to the spring break sale.
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