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Community Corner

SoCal Getaways, Near and Far

You can spend a little money or a lot sampling some of the many attractions of L.A. and Southern California.

The dog days of summer are rapidly approaching, and if you are anything like me and my family, you have got one word on the brain: vacation!

Living in Southern California, we not only reap the benefits of those warm SoCal rays, but we've got plenty of vacay options right here. With so many possible places to go, what are you and yours planning to do for fun and relaxation this summer?

There are three types of getaways: the day trip, the weekend trip and a full-blown vacation. With fuel prices skyrocketing, many families are trying to save some money and stay local for their vacation fun. If your family is one of them, at least one of these Southern California destinations is sure to please:

Disneyland – Head on down to Anaheim for some fun with Mickey. While there are many hotels in and around the theme park, going for the day from the Sherman Oaks area is a very feasible option. But don’t forget that Southern California residents get special discounts on two-day park-hopper tickets.

San Diego – Mmmm... drink it in, it always goes down smooth (a little nod to all of you Will Ferrell fans out there!) In just a little over two hours, you can be whisked away to the beautiful ocean town of San Diego, which offers plenty of day or weekend-trip possibilities: Visit Shamu at Sea World, check out the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, head downtown for a Padres game, or just chill out in Ocean Beach. You're bound to find something to your liking.

The beach – There is nothing like jumping in the car in the a.m., spending the day at the ocean and being home before dinner. You might enjoy the quirky boardwalk scene in Venice. For those with children, Santa Monica may be your style, with games and rides on the pier offering a break from the sun. If you would rather relax in a quieter space, Zuma Beach in Malibu is a beautiful, clean option for a day in the sun; and with $10 all-day, come-and-go parking, you can’t beat it.

Griffith Park – Save some serious gas money and take a day trip to L.A.’s Griffith Park. Did you know that Griffith Park is the largest municipal park with urban wilderness area in the United States? Probably not… even more reason for you to go check out some of its many attractions and activities. For families, there are pony rides, the Travel Town outdoor railroad museum, miniature-train rides and, of course, the L.A. Zoo! If you spring for a family membership to the zoo for $89, you will get free admission for tw0 parents and children for one year—plus members-only bonuses. In just two trips, your membership will pay for itself.

And, while you're in the park, check out this free, longtime attraction: Griffith Observatory. With views of the famous Hollywood sign and a breathtaking panorama of Los Angeles, this iconic Los Angeles landmark offers timeless entertainment without breaking the bank.

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