#1 DISNEYLAND!

 

Disneyland is the happiest place on earth!  Disneyland consists of Downtown Disney and two parks: Disneyland and Disney California Adventure along with three on property hotels: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel, and Disney’s Paradise Pier.  Disney really has something for everyone from thriller rides to easy going family rides, new attractions and those much-loved classics like the Haunted Mansion, shows, and interactive experiences.  If you have never been to a Disney park, now is your chance!

 

Of course, check out ticket rates through the local installation ticket offices, but also checkout Dreams Unlimited and Mickey Travels for deals on packages and hotel stays.

 

#2 OTHER AREA THEME PARKS!

 

There are so many theme parks in the area you should visit while in the Los Angeles Metro area.  Some of the most popular parks include Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland California Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Pacific Park.

 

Knott’s Berry Farm is a wild west themed park with a Peanuts (Snoopy) presence.  Knott’s includes not only the theme park, but a waterpark (Knott’s Soak City), the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel and the well-known Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.

 

Legoland California Resort is a Lego themed park ideal for families with children between the ages of 5-8 years.  Legoland is filled with family friendly rides, shows and activities.  On the property is also a waterpark, a sea life aquarium and two hotel options.

 

Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and an active film studio.  The park includes a number of film themed rides and attractions, the CityWalk (an outdoor dining and shopping space) and their World-Famous Studio Tour.

 

Six Flags Magic Mountain is known for their rollercoasters, many of which are thriller rides.  Although, there are a number of rides geared towards family and children.  This park also includes arcades and live entertainment.  You will see appearances from the Justice League and the Looney Toons.

 

Pacific Park is a theme park at the Santa Monica Pier.  It is the smallest of the major parks in the area with six rides and five games to choose from.

#3 STUDIO TOURS!

 

There are a few active film studios in the area that offer tours.  Sony Pictures, Warner Brothers and Paramount Studio all offer daily tours.  On these tours you will get to see real sets, props and memorabilia of different films and television shows.  See the set of The Goldbergs and the Barbara Streissand Scoring Stage at Sony Pictures, sit on the Friends couch at Central Perk at Warner Brothers and at Paramount you will see the famous bench from Forest Gump and the Bronson Gate.

 

#4 SEE A LIVE TAPING!

 

Whether you want to see a game show like The Price is Right or Wheel of Fortune, see a sitcom like Mom, or a competition-based show like American Ninja Warrior or America’s Got Talent, you have the opportunity to do so.  You can snag some show tickets at TV tapings and On Camera Audiences.

#5 HOLLYWOOD SIGN!

 

You are living right outside of Hollywood, so you must go checkout the amazing Hollywood Sign, right?  Whether you chase down the sign by car, head to the Griffin Observatory or hike your way to the sign, it is something you should experience.

 

#6 THE WALK OF FAME!

 

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is more than just a stretch of roadway with celebrity dedicated stars, there are shops, restaurants and museums.  Spend an afternoon finding your favorite stars, getting a bite to eat, shop and go enjoy some museums like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, the Hollywood Wax Museum and the Museum of Illusions. Don't forget to stop by the historic TCL Chinese Man Theatre.

#7 CRUISE TO MEXICO!

 

You are not far from the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, take advantage of it by sailing to Mexico!  There are cruises of varying lengths and itineraries to meet everyone’s needs.  Vacations to Go is a great resource for browsing itinerary options for the different cruise companies.

 

#8 VISIT BIG BEAR LAKE!

 

Big Bear Lake is a small city outside of Los Angeles which sits on the banks of Big Bear Lake.  It has a couple ski resorts and many boutiques and eateries on the streets of Big Bear Village.  Big Bear is nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest.  Big Bear offers several activities including, but not limited to skiing, hiking, biking, off-roading, zip-lining, boating, segway tours, golfing, water skiing, and horseback riding.  There is also a museum and a zoo.

#9 VISIT TEMECULA!

 

Temecula, about 90 minutes south of Los Angeles is a wine region, most known for its bubblies.  Take a day trip or spend the weekend and enjoy some wine tasting.  The most notable winery is Wilson Creek Winery, famous for its almond champagne and Sunday brunch buffet.  For a more affordable tasting experience purchase a SIP Passport.  If you get tired of wine, or if it’s just not your thing try their two local speakeasies: Thompson & Twain (a western themed speakeasy) inside of the restaurant Crush and Brew and The Apparition Room (traditional-style speakeasy).

 

#10 VISIT LAS VEGAS!

 

You are only four hours away from the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas!  Whether it is world class shows, concerts, or other attractions that interest you, Vegas is a great weekend getaway.  Before you book your hotel and shows, make sure to inquire about a military discount and check out Nellis AFB’s ITT list.  While there get a military players card from MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment for free parking and discounts on hotel rooms, shows, attractions and the spa.