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Aquarium of the Pacific – Plan plenty of time
for any visit here, from moon jellies to sea otters, in
exhibits from the Bering Sea to Southern California to tropical
reef environments. The huge, three-story-high tanks are the most popular
exhibits, but don't miss touching epaulette sharks in Shark Lagoon, water play areas, and feedings. |
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If you're visiting in the summer, get in early
so you won't have to hold kids up to see exhibits over the crowds. |
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Shoreline Village – There are lots of little shops, snack
places and a nice outdoor area for strolling here. |
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 Shoreline
Bike Path – Rent bikes and cruise the bike path from Shoreline Village
to Alamitos Bay. The path has two lanes for bikes
and a lane for pedestrians, perfect for a leisurely ride. |
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Aquabus
ferry – For a small fee, the most fun way to get around is the
Aquabus ferry to the Aquarium; you'll also avoid hunting
for parking spots over and over. |
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Harbor cruises and boating – The choices seem
endless in this port town: everything from quickie harbor cruises, to seasonal
whale watching. |
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Whale
watching – From December to early April, take a cruise to spot
gray whales on their yearly migration. You may see the whales "spyhopping,"
poking their heads above the water a bit, or "breaching," a spectacular
display as the whales propel themselves out of the water and fall back with
a big splash. Bring your binoculars. |
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If
you want to power your own boat, rent an electric powered boat from
Anchors Away Boat Rentals, and explore the canals of Naples Bay and Alamitos Bay. |
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Beaches and water sports – Splash around! The
city boasts over 5 miles of sandy beaches, and every imaginable water
sport. |
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Marina
Park – If you have toddlers, head for "Mother's Beach"
at Marina Park (Appian Way). Lifeguards on duty in summer, sandy beach and
gentle waves, barbeques, grassy areas, and a whale to climb on that spouts
water. |
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Sea
kayaking is very popular in southern California and lessons, just a
few feet from the sand, can be fun if you don't have a lot of experience.
Smaller kids can go tandem with a parent in a kayak. |
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Go fly a kite – Palm trees swaying
outside your hotel window? Take advantage of it! A great way to enjoy the
beach on a windy day is to buy a kite. Buy a cheap one and toss it when
you're done, or start your own exotic kite collection from different places
you visit. |
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El Dorado East Regional Park – El Dorado Regional Park seems to have something for everybody. Rent a rowboat or pedal boat, or put 'em on board the children's train. You can also follow
well laid-out hiking trails, bike on the bike path,or just
have a picnic while the kids run wild in the playgrounds. |
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Nearby,
the El Dorado Nature Center has streams and lakes and hiking trails
making it a great place to stretch your legs. The Center is set in a meadow
surrounded by trees and is home to everything from turtles to weasels to
rabbits. It's free to walk or bicycle in, but there is a small parking fee.
At the Center Museum, kids will love the hands-on exhibits and workshops. |
