Visit Los Angeles: Summer on sale.
An old joke says that being the Los Angeles weathercaster is the easiest job in the world, because the forecast is always the same. Christmas or the Fourth of July, the forecast reads, “Late night and early morning clouds and fog followed by brilliant afternoon sunshine. Highs in the 70’s at the beaches, the 80’s inland.” Translation: “Beautiful!” Throughout July, August, and September, the forecast always fits. And, this year, Los Angeles accommodations and attractions are on sale.
Of course, southern California beaches are legendary. They have their own unique music, language, and culture. The Beach Boys crooned it, and millions of visitors will confirm, “The west coast has the sunshine, and the girls all get so tan.” During the summer, the water warms enough for even timid swimmers, and the waves remain gentle enough that even toddlers can learn to surf. From Malibu all the way south to Laguna and San Clemente, beach-goers roast to fresh golden tans and bathe in the pure blue waters of the Pacific.
Come for the beaches, but stay for the theme parks. Also capitalize on some little-known geography. The Disneyland Hotel, as magic as any other place in the Magic Kingdom, is only about ten minutes from the beach. Hardcore LA vacationers can sun all day and ride until 1 a.m., using two-day passes for Disneyland and California adventure. Working with travel planners at Disney vacations or Delta Airlines, you can stay in Anaheim for less than you will spend keeping the family at home.
Of course, Disneyland is simply the best-known among Los Angeles theme parks. Just a few minutes north of Disneyland, happy tourists find Knott’s Berry Farm, an extravagant collection of thrill-rides and attractions that developed to keep customers amused while they waited to dine on still-famous and delectable Mother Knott’s chicken dinners. Further north, Universal Studios beckons with both rides and tours, showing visitors a little about how their favourite movies and television programs are produced. A little further north, roller coaster enthusiasts thrill to some of the world’s best rides at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
In between theme parks, of course, visitors must take time shop with the stars on Rodeo Drive. Rebecca Marston, travel expert at Patterson Forbes partners, keeps tabs on celebrity sightings, assuring, “On any given day, you are pretty much guaranteed seeing at least a dozen Hollywood celebrities shopping on Rodeo Drive. Hilary Duff and Kerry Russell are regulars, and Mylie Cyrus is a frequent shopper.” Rodeo Drive attracts the stars with inviting fashion-forward boutiques representing all of the world’s most celebrated designers.
This year, because the American economy remains sluggish at best, all Los Angeles accommodations are deep discounted, and major travel partners are collaborating to offer promotional packages priced to make your jaw drop. Start packing your bikini and tank top, because you have absolutely no good reason to stay home.
