Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach, CA)
The Aquarium of the Pacific features more than 10,000 animals representing over 500 different species all around the world. They hold many exhibits and events so you can learn about various types of animals. In addition, it has various activities for kids so it is family friendly. The staffs are very friendly and knowledgeable and can answer any of your questions. The weekends can be a bit crowded, so weekdays are probably your best bet to avoid that. Overall, there is a lot to see and a lot of opportunities to interact with animals.
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Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is a small city located in San Bernardino County surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. This place has a lot of great outdoor activities include: mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, hiking, and camping. If you want to get away from the big cities and come to a peaceful place, then this is one of the peaceful Southern California attractions that you can go to. In addition, there are a lot of restaurants and views. No matter, which season you are planning to go visit, you’ll enjoy your stay.
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Palm Springs
Palm Springs is one of the many peaceful Southern California attractions. It is located in the Sonoran Desert and it is known for its stylish hotels, golf course, spas, and hot springs. There is fine mid-century modern architecture that embraces the desert environment and attracts visitors. The surrounding Coachella Valley offers horseback riding, biking, and hiking trails. The only con about Palm Springs is that it can get really hot during the summer time, over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (San Diego, CA)
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a 2,000-acre coastal state park located in San Diego. There are many kinds of wild life and flora in this region. This Natural Reserve attracts many tourist, hikers, beach-goers, and sight seekers. It’s peaceful and enjoyable like other Natural Reserves. Make sure to bring lots of water and comfortable shoes because they have good hiking trails that you don’t want to miss. Parking is a little pricy (around $15) but you can find free parking near the beach. There is no food allowed in the Reserve but it is fine on the beach. In addition, dogs are not permitted anywhere in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
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Monarch Butterfly Grove (Pismo Beach, CA)
For butterfly enthusiast, this place will be perfect for you. From late October to February, thousands of vibrant orange and black Monarch Butterflies migrate to Pismo Beach to avoid the freezing northern winters. Monarch Butterfly Gove is so heavily populated with Monarch Butterfly that you can see huge clusters of them hanging from Eucalyptus trees. Because this area averages about 25,000 butterflies, it attracts a lot of attention and people from various states come to view them. From time to time there will be educational booths set up, as well as art activities for children. If you love butterflies, then this would be considered one of the greatest Southern California tourist attractions.