Top destinations in Travis Newport Beach? Known by locals as “The Back Bay,” Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserves is a large coastal wetland or estuary. Consisting of approximately 1,000 acres, it is one of the largest coastal wetland areas in southern California. The preserve is a popular place for bird watching because it is an important stopover for some 35,000 birds that are traveling on the Pacific Flyway, the major north-south migration path that extends from Alaska to Patagonia. In addition to bird watching, other popular activities include biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The park also features the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center which is a great place to visit with kids.
For a pleasant stroll, there is no better spot than the peaceful (and Instagram-worthy) Venice Canals. Developer Abbot Kinney, who was hoping to recreate the appearance of the canals found in Venice, Italy, installed several human-made canals in 1905. In 1910, other developers made six more. While the original canals fell into disrepair and were ultimately filled, the other six were restored in the ’90s. Now the Venice Canals are a much sought-after location for living and a hit among visitors to LA, thanks to their combination of tranquility and vibrant color. One of Los Angeles’s best-known hiking destinations is Runyon Canyon Park, comprising some 160 acres of land and trails that start just two blocks north of Hollywood Boulevard. The untamed chaparral and stunning views draw many joggers, walkers and hikers (and their dogs), while celebrity sightings are common thanks to the park’s proximity to the Hollywood Hills.
Balboa Island is a manmade island that is located between the Balboa Peninsula and the mainland of Newport Beach. The island started as a mudflat surrounded by swamps. Dredging of the bay began in the early 1900s and the sand and silt that was brought up from the floor of the bay was deposited at a place that would eventually become Balboa Island. If you are wondering what to see in Newport Beach, Balboa Island is a great place to visit. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge on the northeast and the Balboa Island Ferry runs between the island and the Balboa Peninsula which lies to the south. Read even more info at Travis Newport Beach.
One of Los Angeles’ newest cultural attractions, The Broad opened in late 2015 and was immediately an overwhelming success. Tickets are free of charge but are generally booked out a month in advance, and lineups for standby tickets, which are first-come, first-served on the day of admission, can be hours long, particularly on weekends. The museum focuses on contemporary and postwar art, with some large and dramatic installations. More than 2,000 works of art are on display in this unique building, with a “veil-and-vault” concept. The museum was founded by Eli and Edythe Broad, who have been long time collectors of postwar and contemporary art. The Los Angeles Farmers Market first started in 1934 as a very modest affair that sprung from the hardships created by the Great Depression. At the height of the economic depression, eighteen farmers came together and set up stalls on a piece of open land near Wilshire Boulevard in order to sell their produce direct to the consumer. This experiment was so successful that the market continued to expand. At that time, it truly was a fruit and vegetable market, but over the years the market has grown to accommodate more and more vendors. Today, there are all kinds of fruit, vegetable, and other food stands, along with restaurants and specialty shops. You can find everything from jewelry and candles to kitchenware and toys.
Located around an hour’s drive from Downtown Los Angeles in Orange County, Disneyland was the first of Walt Disney’s chain of theme parks. It’s been the star tourist attraction in the City of Anaheim since 1955. Adjacent to the original park is the relatively new California Adventure, which features rides and attractions inspired by the Golden State. “Park hopper” tickets give visitors access to both parks. The meticulously maintained amusement parks are laid out in themed areas ranging from Tomorrowland and Fantasyland to Hollywood Land and Cars Land. Costumed performers wander the parks, offering children once-in-a-lifetime encounters with their favorite Disney characters.
Korean Bell of Friendship: This is one of our most beautiful LA tourist attractions. Intricate relief patterns represent spirits and goddesses of liberty, victory and peace, while architectural details impart the colorful nature of Korean culture. Best visited on a clear, sunny day for a picnic and a stroll, the area features pristine views complemented by the yachts and charter boats of the harbor below. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels: One of L.A.’s most innovative buildings and the largest Catholic cathedral in the country, it inspires visitors with its inviting grounds and museum, perfect for introspection. Discover even more info on Travis Newport Beach.