Southern California - Do It Like a Local

There are a lot of very popular touristy places here in Southern California, then there are others that you'll probably only find the locals at. Here's where you want to go if you want to blend in.

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The Westin Pasadena
Away from the maddening crowds of the Westside, Hollywood, and Los Angeles, Pasadena is a lively city all on its own with hundreds of great restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and more. It also has the added benefit of being easily accessible to the rest of L.A. via the excellent Gold Line light rail line that connects Pasadena with downtow... More >
Away from the maddening crowds of the Westside, Hollywood, and Los Angeles, Pasadena is a lively city all on its own with hundreds of great restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and more. It also has the added benefit of being easily accessible to the rest of L.A. via the excellent Gold Line light rail line that connects Pasadena with downtown Los Angeles in under 30 minutes. Great hotel in the middle of everything, another hint...the adjacent McCormick and Schmick's restaurant serves a mean cheeseburger and fries for only $1.95 during happy hour. Rates start a bit above $150.
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Redondo Beach Pier
Overshadowed by the better known pier in Santa Monica, you'll find a more local crowd here on this horsehoe-shaped pier. A few really standout restaurants, a top-notch live music venue, gift shops, and bars hover over the Pacific on this historic pier. Free but there is a nominal charge for parking.
A few really standout restaurants, a top-notch live music venue, gift shops, and bars hover over the Pacific on this historic pier.
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Kincaid's Bay House
Situated right on Redondo Beach Pier with a spectacular ocean view is this nice restaurant that is known for some of the best prime rib around. What's not so well known is that they also have a chicken and waffles plate that beats Roscoe's. For $21, you get a great waffle topped with a mountain of 4 pieces of chicken. Another treat ... More >
Situated right on Redondo Beach Pier with a spectacular ocean view is this nice restaurant that is known for some of the best prime rib around. What's not so well known is that they also have a chicken and waffles plate that beats Roscoe's. For $21, you get a great waffle topped with a mountain of 4 pieces of chicken. Another treat is the made-at-your-table clam chowder and their great $25 a bottle wine list.
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Gambrinus
In the marina next to the pier is this Russian restaurant that served such Eastern European fare as pirozkies, pemlinis, and crawfish along with a nice selection of eastern beers on tap. Suprisingly delicious and affordable. Starts at under $10 per person.
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Laguna Beach
Okay, you may have heard of this one but most tourists come to Southern California are headed to either Venice or Santa Monica for their beach day. I say skip both and head down to this incredibly beautiful beach that will remind you of the South of France. Great main beach, but we prefer the little cove just north of it called Heisl... More >
Okay, you may have heard of this one but most tourists come to Southern California are headed to either Venice or Santa Monica for their beach day. I say skip both and head down to this incredibly beautiful beach that will remind you of the South of France. Great main beach, but we prefer the little cove just north of it called Heisler Park where you can folic in a nice little cove and go snorkeling when the water is calm. Free but you'll pay for parking.
Probably the last thing you're thinking of when you come to the area is snow.
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Tony's Little Italy
It may not be Chicago but it's the best deep dish pizza you're gonna find here. In a secluded strip mall...just a hole in the wall really...Tony Manzella and his family run this Second City themed pizza parlor. Outstanding pizza in a room filled with mementos of the city the family left behind including an entire wall devoted to a mu... More >
It may not be Chicago but it's the best deep dish pizza you're gonna find here. In a secluded strip mall...just a hole in the wall really...Tony Manzella and his family run this Second City themed pizza parlor. Outstanding pizza in a room filled with mementos of the city the family left behind including an entire wall devoted to a mural of Wrigley Field. It's small and can get real crowded on a Saturday night. Call ahead...it takes about 40 minutes to cook a deep dish pie...and they'll have it ready with a reserved table when you get there. Less than $10 per person.
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Bear Mountain Resort
Probably the last thing you're thinking of when you come to the area is snow. There are actually several places you can ski or snowboard here but this is the best. Part of the twin resorts of Snow Summit/Bear Mountain, this one has more terrain and better challenges. It's never going to be mistaken for Park City, but it can be surpr... More >
Probably the last thing you're thinking of when you come to the area is snow. There are actually several places you can ski or snowboard here but this is the best. Part of the twin resorts of Snow Summit/Bear Mountain, this one has more terrain and better challenges. It's never going to be mistaken for Park City, but it can be surprisingly good if it has snowed recently. Lift tickets are $56 for adults and $46 for kids. For $33, you can experience the cold and serene quality of night skiing at neighboring Snow Summit.
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King Taco
Southern California is a melange of differing ethnicities. You have to sample some food from the biggest group. Started by an immigrant from Mexico as a taco truck, King Taco has expanded into a fast-food empire. Very good, very cheap, and not gringo-ized, you'll love the tacos here. There are locations throughout the area but the best experience is to go to the original location (which has a Gold Line station right in ... More
Southern California is a melange of differing ethnicities. You have to sample some food from the biggest group. Started by an immigrant from Mexico as a taco truck, King Taco has expanded into a fast-food empire. Very good, very cheap, and not gringo-ized, you'll love the tacos here. There are locations throughout the area but the best experience is to go to the original location (which has a Gold Line station right in front) in East L.A. where the original truck sits in its own shrine in the parking lot. They still cook from it late at night, too. Under $5 per person.
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Maurice Car'rie Winery/Van Roekel Vineyards
California is justifiably known for its wine and that includes Southern California. The largest grape growing and wine production region here is Temecula, east of Interstate 15 between Corona and Escondido. The wineries all are good and fun to visit, but Maurice Carrie is a must stop for us to get a bottle of their great wine and the bread bowl filled with melted brie cheese for a picnic on the lawn out front. Less than ... More
California is justifiably known for its wine and that includes Southern California. The largest grape growing and wine production region here is Temecula, east of Interstate 15 between Corona and Escondido. The wineries all are good and fun to visit, but Maurice Carrie is a must stop for us to get a bottle of their great wine and the bread bowl filled with melted brie cheese for a picnic on the lawn out front. Less than $10 per person.
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Belmont Park
Pop down to San Diego for the day. There's all kinds of things to do. This tiny, beachfront amusement park in Mission Beach has a great, restored antique wooden roller coaster that anybody can ride. $6 per ride.
Away from the maddening crowds of the Westside, Hollywood, and Los Angeles, Pasadena is a lively city all on its own with hundreds of great restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and more.
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About the Author

Darryl Musick
Darryl Musick
I produce a travel blog with my son, Tim, who uses a wheelchair. You can see our adventures at http://wheelstraveler.blogspot.com and you can send us a message at dmusick61-at-gmail.com
Websitefacebook.com/darryl.musick
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