Trade comfort for speed

Famous for being the location of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, nestled at the armpit of the San Gabriel Valley, San Dimas, CA is also home to one of the area’s famous water parks, Raging Waters.  Since Southern California is so prone to heatwaves, one should always have a water park in one’s back pocket as an alternate activity for the children.  (Also, children are a good thing to have when you just want to go to a water park but you feel ridiculous going without them).

Far less pricey than other famous area amusement parks, a day ticket to Raging Waters (also with locations in Sacramento and San Jose – only “S” towns allowed) is only Read More »

From guest blogger Marsha Takeda-Morrison of Sweatpantsmom

Along with the myth that everyone in L.A. has had plastic surgery, one of the big misconceptions about Los Angeles is that everyone has a swimming pool in their backyard. This isn’t true, of course – some of us can’t afford them because we’ve spent all our money on nose jobs and liposuctioning our butts.

So what do the unfortunate among us do when we need to beat the heat and cool off? Here are some ways you can take the plunge, or at least feel like you did.

Water Parks – We have two here, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and Raging Waters. I have to admit I’ve never been to either, or to any other water park for that matter. It may or may not have something to do with an aversion to being immersed in water that is home to the body fluids of five-hundred strangers. But my tween daughters have been bugging me to take them, and I may just break down and, uh, take the plunge. I guess that’s what antibiotics are for.

Aquarium Of The Pacific in Long Beach – Okay, there’s not actually anywhere you can jump in and take a swim here, but there’s something so refreshing about watching the seals and sea lions glide through the huge tanks. Also, you can put your hands in the water in their outdoor Ray Touch Pool – at least your wrists will get a chance to cool off.

A Friend’s Pool – Besides a nice pair of Manolo heels, the absolute must-have accessory in Los Angeles is definitely a friend with a pool. I suggest seeking out these people with the determination one might reserve for finding a good mate or more importantly, a good plastic surgeon. Once you find them, nurture these friendships and you’ll be rewarded with numerous invitations to “come and swim.” Make sure you show up with a nice bottle of wine now and then, or at least a jug of chlorine.

The Beach – This is a no-brainer, and if I hadn’t already mentioned it ad nauseam in previous posts, I would extol the virtues of our wonderful beaches once again. Let’s just say you can’t have a bad time lying on the sand, frolicking in the waves and soaking up the sun.

Lake Balboa – Sure, it’s man-made and is usually totally overcrowded with families desperate for the sight of a body of water. But it’ll do in a pinch, especially if you don’t have the two hours it would take you to get to Big Bear Lake or Lake Arrowhead. I don’t think swimming is allowed in the lake, but you can take a ride on a paddleboat or kayak. Word of advice: Don’t ignore the signs that say ‘Don’t Feed The Ducks’ since even one measly crust of bread will have an entire gaggle swarming you and may result in you having to throw away not one, but three perfectly good Subway sandwiches in order to get them off your back. Not that it’s ever happened to anyone I know.