Southern California, which generally covers an area that includes Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego, offers many activities for the traveler. These include surfing the beaches, hiking the national parks, shopping at gigantic malls or visiting theme parks. You may discover that some of these diversions work best on Sundays, especially if you need to return home or go to work the next day.
Though Venice Beach, near Los Angeles, boasts the surfing, boardwalks and sunbathing common to many area beaches, it's best known for representing a microcosm of Southern California. This delight is only available on weekends and only when the weather is good. On its crowded boardwalk, expect to see many examples of the L.A. native, including fitness junkies exercising on outdoor equipment, starlet wanna-be's parading their bikini-clad bodies, gaudily-dressed tourists working their cameras, artists hawking their wares and police officers enforcing order.
If you travel by car, arrive before 10 a.m. for any hope of snagging the Sunday free parking that surrounds the beach for several blocks. You may need to walk a few minutes in exchange for the freebie. If you arrive after noon, there may be no room for you to park even at the expensive commercial lots.
Try walking north to Santa Monica to view the quintessential Southern California beach. You'll find plenty of eateries and shops to amuse you on the way. Santa Monica itself boasts a pier and a fun fair for further diversion.
Venice Beach
Venice Boulevard and Ocean Front Walk
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-2775
venicebeach.com
On Sundays, Amtrak's Surfliner service travels often and cheaply enough between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara or San Diego that a day trip among those destinations is less tiring and less time-consuming than using a car.
In Santa Barbara, you can wander the mission style architecture of downtown shops and restaurants, which are just a walk from the station. In Los Angeles, experience the Mexican ambiance of Olvera Street, and the Japanese environment of Little Tokyo is either a quick walk or bus ride away. And in San Diego, explore the antique shops and restaurants that surround the Old Town station.
Consider buying a business class seat, which is only $14 above the regular fare (as of September 2009). This guarantees you outlets for your devices, more legroom, complimentary snacks and a reserved place on this often-crowded train.
For more information, call (800) 268-7252 or visit amtrak.com.
