While most of the United States begins to really cool off in November, Southern California consistently posts temperatures in the 70s. But it's not just the weather that makes Southern California a great destination in November. The region offers plenty of events to keep even the pickiest people fully entertained.
Starting in mid-November, put on your ice skates and glide across the frozen rink in Pershing Square, located in downtown Los Angeles. It's the largest outdoor skating rink in Los Angeles and offers a family-friendly environment with holiday-themed concerts and refreshments. As of 2010, one-hour sessions start at $6 per person. Skate rental is $2 per person. On special days, you can even check out championship skating exhibitions by professional skaters. It's easily accessible by bus and Metro rail.
Pershing Square
532 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
818-243-6488
From Nov. 5 to 14, 2010, grab a pint and enjoy San Diego's Beer Week. Nearly 300 events around the city celebrate the city's vibrant craft beer culture. Enjoy beer dinners, rare bottle tastings, brewery tours and beer classes. This 10-day festival helps spread the knowledge of the regional brewing heritage and showcases San Diego's pubs, breweries and restaurants. Events are listed on the Beer Week official website.
San Diego Beer Week
sdbw.org
On Nov. 5 and 6, 2010, experience the finest chocolates and wine tasting at the Orange County Chocolate Festival in Fountain Valley, California. More than a hundred vendors exhibit chocolates, gifts and wines just in time for the holidays. Tickets start at $30 per person, including eight chocolate samplings and three wine tastings for those 21 and older. There also will be live music and a chocolate-themed fashion show.
O.C. Chocolate Festival
Fountain Valley Sports Park & Recreation Center
16400 Brookhurst Street (at Heil Avenue)
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
714-847-7714
occhocolatefestival.com
Whether you ski or snowboard, Bear Mountain in San Bernardino County offers fresh powder and exciting runs for both beginning and advanced skiiers. Enjoy two full-service resorts, 26 lifts, more than 55 runs and some of the most incredible pipes and rails in California. Those wanting to learn or simply polish their skills can sign up for Snowsports School and receive lessons from trained professionals. Bear Mountain also has plenty of real snow all winter long to provide reliable skiing and snowboarding. As of 2010, lift and lodging packages start at $69 per person.
Bear Mountain Ski Resort
43101 Goldmine Drive
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
909-866-5766
bearmountain.com
Watch Disneyland transform itself into a winter wonderland on Nov. 12 through the holidays. Sleeping Beauty Castle shows off snow-capped turrets and sparkling icicles. Fireworks displays build to a crescendo of falling snow. Kids can see real reindeer and participate in holiday activities at Santa's Reindeer Roundup in Frontierland. And for a touch of holiday fright, find out what Jack Skellington from "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" has been up to in the snow-covered Haunted Mansion.
Disneyland
1313 South Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
714-781-4565
disneyland.disney.go.com
