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Visit These Water and Amusement Parks in the OC

Couple at theme park

California is home to some of the most famous water and amusement parks in the world, and a number of these can be found in the OC. From Knott’s Berry Farm to Disneyland, here are some of the must-visit water and amusement parks in Orange County.

Knott’s Berry Farm
The very first amusement park in the OC, Knott’s Berry Farm can be found in Buena Park, and was once a farm that belonged to the Knott family, who invented the boysenberry there. Today, this theme park features a wide range of attractions, with the Old West attractions, from the Bigfoot Rapids to the Xcelerator, being amongst some of the highlights. When it comes time for a bite to eat, be sure to head to the restaurant at the front of the park, as here they serve up Mrs. Knott’s original fried chicken recipe, as well as fresh boysenberry pies as an homage to the farm that once lay here.

Knott’s Soak City Water Park
Located just across the road from Knott’s Berry Farm is the Knott’s Soak City Water Park, so it would make sense to combine a visit to both. This 13-acre water park provides the perfect way to cool off from the OC’s summer heat, with everything from 17 tube slides to a lazy river.

Disneyland Resort
Located in Anaheim, the Disneyland Resort needs no introduction, and prides itself on being “the Happiest Place on Earth”. This is one of California’s top attractions, as you will find so many classic Disneyland rides here, from Pirates of the Caribbean to Space Mountain, with many of the rides still being considered some of the best in the world.

Disney California Adventure
Just outside of the Disneyland Resort is Disney California Adventure, which does not require a ticket to visit. This theme park offers visitors the chance to experience all of California in just one day, bringing together all of the state’s highlights. From California-themed rollercoasters to traditional boardwalk games to a bakery that serves up fresh San Francisco sourdough bread, this is the park to visit if you are interested in everything else that California has to offer too.

Adventure City
While all of the parks mentioned above are great for visiting with children, they may end up left out of some activities, whereas Adventure City is an amusement park that has been designed with kids in mind. In addition to the fun rides that they have here, including the Giggle Wheel and the Crazy Bus, there are many other child-friendly attractions, such as the petting zoo, children’s theatre and rock climbing wall. When it comes to food options, you will find everything from fresh pizzas to curly fries to churros, ensuring that your kids will really be spoilt for choice.

When visiting Orange County, many people do end up spending the day at a theme park, because the parks that you will find here are truly iconic. From the world-famous rides at Disneyland to the child-friendly attractions at Adventure City, these are some of the finest amusement and water parks in the OC.

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What You’ll Find at the Long Island Aquarium

Father and son at aquarium

The Long Island Aquarium opened on Long Island in 2000 and is themed around the Lost City of Atlantis. With its fascinating mixture of science and nature, this is an educational yet entertaining attraction that is suitable for just about every age group.

Indoor Exhibits
The Long Island Aquarium boasts a range of both indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as special interactive displays. The indoor exhibits are always fun to explore, with the American Alligators, which are native to the southeastern United States, being one of the highlights. Archerfish, which actually spit at their prey, are another creature that you will see, as are the Discus Fish, which is one of the newest exhibits in the aquarium. Another must-see display is the Coral Reef, which is actually one of the largest all-living closed-system coral reefs in the Western Hemisphere.

Feeding penguins

Outdoor Exhibits
The outdoor exhibits at the Long Island Aquarium are where you will find a few of the aquarium’s larger creatures. The Penguin Pavilion is open year-round, and is home to African penguins, while the Sea Lion Coliseum is where you can go to watch majestic sea lions play together. The Otter Falls is home to two North American river otters, while the Koi Pond contains multiple species of koi, which are the national fish of Japan. For those who did not get enough of the alligators in the indoor exhibits, there are more to see outdoors at the Gator Invasion exhibit. This is open from June to September, as these are the months when the huge American alligators crawl up onto the banks of the Peconic River. From July to Labor Day, there are talks held at this exhibit to teach visitors more about these incredible reptiles.

Interactive Experiences
While watching the creatures of the Long Island Aquarium is definitely an educational experience, there is often so much more to be learned from being able to have the opportunity to directly interact with these animals, which is where the aquarium’s interactive experiences come in. The Penguin Encounter has guests meeting the African penguins up-close while learning how the aquarium keepers care for them, while the Pirate Snorkel Adventure will see you finding treasures below the water while swimming with a wide range of tropical fish. For those who are seeking more of an adrenaline rush, the Shark Dive might be just the activity for you, as this puts you nose-to-nose with some of the largest predators to be found in the ocean. If you are visiting the aquarium on a hot day, then do pay a visit to the Interactive Salt Marsh, which you will be able to walk through while being taught about the many inhabitants that reside here, from the horseshoe crabs to the whelks.

The Long Island Aquarium has frequently been voted as one of the best in the country, thanks to the way in which it emphasizes the importance of marine life, as well as environmental preservation. For those who are interested in marine life and the environment, this is a New York attraction that you will definitely not want to miss.

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Here’s What You Can See From the Chrysler Building

Chrysler Building, New York

Marc Venema / Shutterstock.com

One of New York City’s most famous skyscrapers, the Chrysler Building was, at one short point in time, the tallest building in the world, before it was overtaken by the Empire State Building eleven months later. However, although it may not be the world’s tallest building any more, it is still one of the tallest in New York, meaning that it offers some of the most incredible skyline views in the city.

The Lobby
The lobby of the Chrysler Building is the only part of the building that is officially open to the public, although there are still several ways to access the top floors. The lobby is open on weekdays from 8am to 6pm, and is an incredible example of Art Deco design, from the mural on the ceiling to the custom designed elevators.

Central Park
If you manage to make your way to the top floors of the Chrysler Building, one of the first features that will catch your eye is Central Park. This green oasis is the heart of the city, and the aerial view that you will have of it, surrounded by tall buildings and the grid layout of New York, will definitely impress.

Grand Central Terminal, New York

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Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is the busiest train station in the entire country, but your view of this iconic station from the top of the Chrysler Building will give you the opportunity to see it without all of the crowds. The station itself is over 100 years old now, making this a truly historic part of the city.

The East River
A salt water tidal estuary, the East River is actually a waterway rather than an official river, and connects Long Island Sound to the Upper New York Bay. From the Chrysler Building, you will be able to see all of the twists and turns that the East River takes, and, on a clear day, you may also be able to catch a glimpse of the Roosevelt Island Tramway snaking its way around the river.

Times Square, New York

Tinnaporn Sathapornnanont / Shutterstock.com

Times Square
New York’s Times Square is world-famous, and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. However, just like with the Grand Central Terminal, this is an attraction that tends to be filled with people, so those who want to experience it from a quieter point of view can do so from the Chrysler Building. While you will not be able to really take in the vibrancy of Times Square from above, you will still be able to see its flashing lights and exuberance, and you will soon understand exactly why it is so popular.

While there used to be a public observation deck at the top of the Chrysler Building, this was closed in 1945, and the top floors are now only accessible by the businesses that reside there, as well as those who are visiting said businesses. However, many determined urban explorers have still managed to find their way to the top of the building, and while it may take a bit of effort, the view that you will be rewarded with is most definitely worth it.

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Must See NYC Landmarks

New York City is filled with a mind-boggling array of famous landmarks, making it quite difficult for the first-time visitor to figure out which ones are actually worth seeing. From the Statue of Liberty to Times Square, these are a few of New York City’s must-see landmarks.

Times Square

Luciano Mortula – LGM / Shutterstock.com

Times Square
Many would consider Times Square to be the most frenetic part of New York City, as this area of flashing lights and pushy crowds can definitely cause sensory overload. However, this is also one of the most iconic parts of the city, making it well worth a visit, although, if you do not tend to like chaos, you may want to keep this visit quite short.

Statue of Liberty

Chris Parypa Photography / Shutterstock.com

Statue of Liberty and Battery Park
The Statue of Liberty was gifted to America by France in 1886, and is not only still one of the greatest of American icons, but is also famous for being a world symbol of freedom. This is the largest statue in the world, standing at just under 152 feet tall, and weighing an impressive 450,000 pounds. While it is possible to visit Liberty Island and see the statue up-close, those who would prefer to view it from Manhattan can do so from Battery Park, which offers splendid views of New York Harbor. This is also the spot at which you can catch a boat to take you to the statue, as well as to Ellis Island.

Empire State Building

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The Empire State Building
Just like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building is another of the city’s world-famous landmarks, and first opened its doors in 1931. While the exterior of the building is already impressive, it is well worth taking a trip to the two observation decks at the top of the building. On a clear day, you will be able to see up to distances of 80 miles, and can even peek into the neighboring states of Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Brooklyn Bridge

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The Brooklyn Bridge
When the Brooklyn Bridge was first completed in 1883, it made record books for being the longest suspension bridge of its time. While many other bridges have since overtaken it, the Brooklyn Bridge is still a much-loved landmark in the city. To make it even better, the bridge is easy to walk across, and offers spectacular views no matter which side you begin on.

Central Park

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Central Park
One of the largest city parks in the world, Central Park is a lush, green oasis in the heart of New York, with many considering it to be the green lungs of the city. Within the boundaries of the park are a number of different attractions, from the Lake, which can be paddled in in the summer or ice skated on in the winter, to the Central Park Zoo to the Strawberry Fields. While it is easy to walk around the park, bikes are available to rent for those who would like to get from site to site a bit quicker.

New York City is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. From Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, these are just a few of the landmarks that you simply have to see when visiting the Big Apple.

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NYC Summer Arts and Dance

New York Wall Mural

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

Arts and culture have always held an important place in the heart of New York City, and this focus on the arts is only increasing as the years go on. For those of you heading to the Big Apple this summer, here are a few of the arts festivals and dance events that you may be lucky enough to catch.

The Meadows Music and Arts Festival
The Meadows Music and Arts Festival is held in Queens each year in September, meaning that while the weather will still be warm, it will not be uncomfortably hot. The music lineup for the festival is always filled with big names, and this year is no exception, with artists such as Jay Z, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, the Gorillaz and Foster the People on the schedule. In addition to the music, the festival also showcases a number of artists, each one based in New York. Some of the artists in attendance this year include Dek, who is known for his vibrant street art, Minus, whose large-scale murals are instantly recognizable, and LOVENOTES, who creates emotional, female-inspired pieces.

Battery Dance Festival
Formerly known as the Downtown Dance Festival, the Battery Dance Festival is the longest-running free public dance festival in the city. The audience each year is wonderfully diverse, showing the true potential reach of the acts, with everyone from senior citizens to the working population in attendance. The festival is held in August each year, and features a wide range of dance acts, with everything from the Zeynep Tanbay Dance Project to the Buglisi Dance Theatre, all of which promise to educate and inspire at the same time.

Ballet dance

Fall For Dance Festival
The Fall For Dance Festival is held in New York City at the end of summer in September, and features everything from world-renowned dance companies to up and coming artists. From the beautifully talented Hong Kong Ballet to the primal moves from Australia’s Bangarra Dance Theatre, this is a festival that showcases dances from all over the world.

Allentown Art Festival
The Allentown Art Festival is being held this year on the 10th and 11th of June, and takes place in the Allentown Historic Preservation District, in Buffalo, New York. The festival is always attended by tens of thousands of guests, all of whom have a strong interest in the arts. There will be around 400 exhibitors on-site this year, each of whom have had to go through a vigorous selection process, guaranteeing that all of the arts and crafts on display here are of the highest quality. This is a festival that has quite historic roots, with its first edition held in 1958, and the quaint charm of Allentown itself certainly highlights the history behind this festival.

The arts have long since been an important part of New York City, and while they can be experienced throughout the year, the very best festivals are always held during the summer months. From the international dance acts at the Fall for Dance Festival to the daring street artists at the Meadows Music and Arts Festival, these are events that enthusiasts of the arts will definitely not want to miss.

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Enjoy Pinknic New York

New York

Pinknic New York debuted last summer in the stunning grounds of Governors Island, and featured a two day extravaganza of rose wine, champagne, food, and live music. This year, the festival is being held on the 24th and 25th of June, and promises to be even bigger and better than it was last year.

Pinknic Baskets for Two
As is the case with any picnic, the food is always one of the highlights, and Pinknic New York has hired celebrity chef Chris Santos once again to create three different Pinknic Baskets for Two. The first is a vegetarian basket, featuring everything from nori wasabi-dusted tofu to Thai-style papaya salad, while the second basket option is a nut-free one, with dishes such as the shaved charred sirloin sandwich and the grilled peach and burrata salad. The third Pinknic basket features a bit of everything, from a pork belly BLT to a truffled black quinoa. These baskets can be ordered in advance until the 9th of June, and then picked up by customers at the event itself. In addition to the baskets, there will also be a Pinknic Food Court available on site, with dishes including the sushi grade tuna tataki, and the jerk spiced all natural chicken.

Rose wine

The Drinks
Being a rose wine festival, it should come as no surprise that Pinknic only pours the highest quality drinks. This year, the rose wine will be sourced exclusively from Chateau D’Esclans in Provence, and there will also be rose champagne from Pommery, which will then be used to create decadent rose cocktails. Keep in mind that alcohol stops being served at 5pm, so you may want to stock up on your rose before that.

Live Music
While the food and wine takes centre stage at Pinknic, the live music performances are also a major part of the festival. From a live set by Classixx and Tortured Soul to a DJ set by Penguin Prison, the music that you will hear here is eclectic, and really adds to the lively ambience of the whole festival.

Woman in pink

Dress Code
While the dress code for the event is not mandatory, the sea of pink that you will see all around you is definitely impressive, and it is well worthwhile joining in by sticking to the dress code. The majority of the 12,000 guests here will be dressed predominantly in pink and white, and will be accompanied with rose-colored picnic blankets that have been designed by up and coming local designers. However, when picking your outfit, keep in mind that this is a picnic, meaning that you will likely be spending a large amount of time sitting on the floor. This makes comfortable clothing a must, as well as only wedges or chunky heels, as anything else will simply keep sinking you into the grass.

While Pinknic may be one of the newer festivals to enter New York’s summer festival scene, this is one that shows great promise. Not only is this the largest rose picnic in the city, but the incredible food and diverse music guarantees a memorable day out.

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Enjoy Fun & Games at the Casino Del Sol

The Casino Del Sol in Tucson, AZ

Run by the Pascua Taqui tribe, the Casino Del Sol is a casino resort located just ten miles from Tucson International Airport. With everything from slots and table games to live music and outdoor concerts, there is plenty of fun to be had throughout the year at the Casino Del Sol.

Slot and Table Games
The Casino Del Sol is home to an incredible array of different games. Slot machines are always popular, and you will find over 1300 slot and video poker machines here. If you prefer the live action of table games, there are 24 to choose from, and the friendly dealers make it easy for beginners to try their luck. With everything from War Blackjack to Three Card Poker, the range of table games here are unique, setting the casino apart from its competition. For those who are really hoping to strike it lucky, playing a few games in the High Limit Lounge is a must. In addition to the many games featured here, there is also a bar and lounge area, ideal for relaxing in between rounds.

Bingo Hall
The casino’s Bingo Hall is a large one, with enough room to seat 600 players. With the largest and most exciting linked progressive jackpots in Arizona, you are guaranteed to have an exciting time when playing one of the diverse bingo games held here. There are also several daily special events that you can take part in, as well as the latest bingo technology that tracks your cards for you, so that you can simply sit back, relax, and wait for your winning number to be called.

Poker Room
While the poker rooms at many casinos may be designed just for the high rollers, the poker room at the Casino Del Sol is suitable for every skill level and budget. With daily tournaments and uncapped bad beat jackpots, there is something for everyone here. For those who are new to the game, the poker room is also where you will be able to find a mentor who will be able to teach you the basics.

Special Events
For those hoping to catch a live concert or event, there are several scheduled throughout the year at the Casino Del Sol. At the end of April, the Latin Royal Tribute will be held, paying homage to Latin Grammy winners, such as Gloria Estefan and Ricky Martin by showcasing Latin music. In May, there will be a live boxing match, Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN, featuring Diego De La Hoya against Erik Ruiz, as well as a performance by hilarious comedy duo Cheech and Chong. June sees George Lopez take the stage, as well as Journey, one of the most popular American rock bands of all time.

The Yaqui people have had a long history in the region, fighting the Spanish and Mexicans for nearly 200 years in order to preserve their way of life. By spending time at the Casino Del Sol, you will be supporting the many programs put into place for the tribe, from their medical clinic to their recreation center, and helping to conserve their unique traditions.

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Take a Drive Through Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

Also known as the Catalina Highway or the Sky Islands Scenic Byway, the Mt. Lemmon Byway can be found in Tucson, and is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in southeast Arizona. Being the only paved road that leads to the Santa Catalina Range, and the upper reaches of Mt. Lemmon, a drive through the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is one that you should definitely do at least once in your lifetime.

The First Half of the Drive
The best place to enter onto the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is at Tanque Verde Road, because after this, the road quickly starts to climb through the high Sonoran Desert. The area will soon be filled by what are known as hoodoos, which are tall, thin spires of rock that gather together in extraordinary formations, with different ones being revealed at each turn in the road.

Windy Point
About halfway through the drive, you will come across one of the area’s most spectacular viewpoints, known as Windy Point. Here, you will be able to enjoy a 180 degree view of the valleys and mountains below, as well as several hiking trails leading off from it, which are ideal for those who would like the chance to stretch their legs. Although the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway is driven by over one million visitors each year, Windy Point is really the only place where you are likely to come across other people, with the rest of the drive being relatively quiet and tranquil.

The Second Half of the Drive
After Windy Point, the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway continues to climb, and the vegetation continues to change, soon making you feel as though you are in the Pacific Northwest rather than in Arizona. The road ends in the shadow of Mt. Lemmon, where you will find a picnic area, a trail head, and a Forest Service ranger station, where you will be able to gather more information on the available trails. When it comes to driving back down, try to make the most of it by coinciding the drive with the sunset, so that you can watch the golden rays set from Windy Point, before enjoying the twinkling lights of Tucson as you end your drive.

Elevation Climb
The Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway climbs over 6000 feet in total, which is the equivalent of travelling from the Sonoran Desert all the way up to a Canadian conifer forest. As the road continues to climb, you will notice quite a significant drop in temperature, providing quite the respite from the scorching desert eat. Thanks to this huge increase in incline, you will pass through several different ecosystems on your drive, each featuring its own unique range of flora, fauna and wildlife.

The entire drive through the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway will take between one and two hours, depending on how many stops you make along the way. While the road is navigable throughout the year, winter storms can often result in some restrictions, so be sure to check this on your day of travel if you are planning to do the drive in the winter.

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What You’ll See at the Reid Park Zoo

Reid Park Zoo

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the Reid Park Zoo is sprawled out across 24 acres, and is home to over 500 animals. From viewing a herd of elephants to taking a ride on a camel, these are just a few of the things that you will be able to see and do at the Reid Park Zoo.

The Animals
The Reid Park Zoo has four main animal zones, each containing different habitats for the animals that live in them. One of the most popular is the African Animals Zone, which is home to lions and giraffes. In addition to this, it also features a seven acre expansion that was put in in 2012, called Expedition Tanzania. This area, with its mud pits and 90,000 gallon pool, is home to a herd of elephants that guests can watch play and interact, and includes a young female elephant who was the first to be born in Arizona. The South America Zone is also popular, with its jaguars and spectacled bears, while the Asian Zone is where you will the tiger and Malayan sun bear. Finally, the Adaptation Zone is home to a pair of grizzly bears, as well as an Aldabra giant tortoise.

Activities to Take Part In
The zoo hosts several different activities that visitors can take part in, enabling them to interact with animals from a new perspective. The Giraffe Encounter allows guests to meet and feed the giraffe’s at the zoo, giving you the opportunity to really get up-close and personal with these majestic creatures. The zoo’s camel rides are also popular, and these are available throughout the week. In addition to these, the zoo also hosts several daily activities, which are scheduled at the zoo gate, and give you the opportunity to do everything from watch an animal training demonstration to chat with a zoo keeper.

Special Events
The zoo strives to bring the community together, while educating them on the importance of biological diversity, and they do this by hosting a series of special events throughout the year. There are several events designed for children, such as the Little Critters Workshop and the Young Explorers Program, which teaches them about different aspects of being a zoo keeper. For adults, there is plenty to choose from, but one which definitely should not be missed is the annual Brew at the Zoo, which is being held this year in June. This event gives visitors the opportunity to sample a variety of local craft beers, alongside pub-style food, live music and other fun and games. The purposes of these events is to raise funds to support the zoo, with the money raised used to build new animal habitats and improve the zoo overall.

The Reid Park Zoo is open throughout the year, but closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. While tickets can be purchased at the zoo gate, buying them online will save you from having to queue up on the day, giving you even more time to explore all that the zoo has to offer.

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West Coast Beach Getaways

Now that the weather is warming up, it is time to begin planning a few beach vacations for the year. Whether you are seeking out peace and tranquillity or fun-filled crowds, here are a few destinations along the West Coast that are well worth considering.

West Coast beach

Coronado, California
A small, laid back island town, Coronado has long since been a favored vacation spot amongst the rich and famous, because not only does it boast a near-perfect climate and incredible natural beauty, but it is also steeped in history and culture. Many would argue that the best beach in town is the Coronado Municipal Beach, because thanks to a mineral called mica within the sand, the beach literally sparkles. The stretch of sand is wide and flat, with the waves being quite gentle, making it perfect for families and swimmers. At low tide, keep an eye out for tide pools, as well as a shipwreck that dates back to the 1930s. When you want some time away from the sand, Coronado’s historic downtown area is the place to go, as you will find everything from award-winning restaurants to stylish boutiques to lush green parks here.

Cannon Beach, Oregon
With mile after mile of secluded beaches, sloping sand dunes, and dense forests, Cannon Beach has been an inspiration to Oregon’s creative community for many years now. Haystack Rock will likely be one of the first landmarks that you will see here, with this rock famous for being the third largest monolith in the world. Surrounding Haystack Rock is a National Wildlife Refuge, where nature lovers will be able to see everything from crabs to local puffins.

Beach in Oregon

For even more marine life, head to the tidal pool at the Hug Point Recreation Site, just five miles south of Cannon Beach, as this area is known for being a wonderland for natural diversity. When it comes to the town itself, Cannon Beach is known for its impressive array of art galleries and eclectic shops, with the arts being something that is really important to the local community.

South Padre Island, Texas
The beaches that you will find on South Padre Island have a sense of rugged wilderness about them, making them seem even more beautiful. On the southern tip of Padre Island lies the South Padre Island National Seashore, which is famous for being the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of barrier island in the world, making this spot definitely worth a visit. This is another destination that is well-suited to families, as there are many family-oriented activities hosted on the beach here, from beginners’ surfing lessons to sand castle building sessions. There is also a huge emphasis placed on wildlife here, from the baby sea turtle hatchlings that are released into the sea early in the mornings to the dolphins that splash around at the Dolphin and Nature Research Center.

The West Coast is home to such a wide range of beaches, meaning that no matter the type you are seeking, you are bound to find it here. From the untouched beauty of South Padre Island to the hustle and bustle of Coronado Beach, each of these destinations guarantees an unforgettable vacation.