Top-Rated Day Trips from Los Angeles

Within an hours' drive of Los Angeles, beyond the halting traffic, the landscape becomes rugged and refreshing. This area of Southern California has gorgeous unspoiled beaches and a sunny Mediterranean climate, similar to the French Riviera, year-round, giving the impression of an endless summer. Take a one-hour drive to the upscale oceanfront community of Malibu, where sunbathers bask on sandy beaches, and surfers ride the impressive waves. Drive about one and a half hours to arrive at the quintessential So-Cal town of Laguna Beach, the fun-loving seaside village of Balboa Island, or the picturesque coastal city of Oxnard. To really get away from it all, sail to idyllic Santa Catalina Island, an hour ferry ride away from several cities near L.A. Families with kids will want to visit Disneyland, which is conveniently located only 30 miles away. Several places on this list are two-and-a-half to three-hours' drive away but are worth the extra journey: the sophisticated beach town of Santa Barbara, the fashionable wintertime oasis of Palm Springs, the unique California desert of Joshua Tree, and the inspiring nature retreat of Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains.

1 Santa Catalina Island:

Santa Catalina Island has been luring visitors since the 1920s, when it was used as a location for Hollywood films. Today, tourists can take the hour-long ferry ride from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, or Newport Beach to the island's port of Avalon or Two Harbors. The moment after stepping off the ferry, the island's idyllic atmosphere becomes obvious. Slow down to the leisurely pace, soak up the sunshine, admire the ocean waves, and just relax, or take advantage of the island's recreational activities. Hiking, cycling, sailing, sunbathing, and picnicking are all popular activities.

The picturesque town of Avalon is the largest community on Catalina Island. As a top tourist destination, the town has a great selection of hotels, shops, and restaurants. Beach lovers will appreciate Avalon's sandy, palm-fringed beaches. All the beaches have gentle, crystal-clear waters, and most are ideal for swimming. Descanso Beach is a private beach with a beach club, but the admission is only a few dollars, and it's a great place for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming.Descanso Beach Club offers restrooms, dressing rooms, outdoor showers, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and cabana rentals, as well a restaurant with outdoor seating. South Beach has lifeguards on duty during summer and is within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Another pleasant seaside town is Two Harbors, named for the ports that are separated by a strip of land. On both sides of the Two Harbors pier are unspoiled sandy beaches with swaying palm trees. One of the beaches has a sand volleyball court. Nearby are places for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

2 Disneyland:

Most families with kids will already have Disneyland on their list of places to go. Often it's a destination in itself, however Disneyland is an easy day trip from Los Angeles, less than 30 miles away. This world-famous amusement park is a "Magical Kingdom" that delights children of all ages. Little kids love the charming rides like the oversized Caterpillar cars of Alice in Wonderland; the big-eared planes of Dumbo the Flying Elephant; the Mad Tea Party, with its giant spinning teacups; and the musical boat ride of It's a Small World. Older kids enjoy exciting attractions like the Matterhorn's bobsleds that careen through a scene of the Swiss Alps, the drama of Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Indiana Jones Adventure that features thrilling rides, a cliffhanging journey, and a "cursed" temple. Parents will appreciate that Disneyland also has good restaurants and shops.

3 Santa Barbara:

Known as the "American Riviera," this balmy beach town, 100 miles north of Los Angeles, is a popular getaway destination for Hollywood movie stars. However, almost everyone would agree that Santa Barbara is a lovely place to visit. Handsome, historic Spanish-style buildings; towering palm trees; and miles of sandy shores beckon visitors to take a leisurely sightseeing stroll or just sit back and soak up the sun. The top tourist attraction is Mission Santa Barbara, one of the most well-preserved of the mission churches. This beautiful 19th-century landmark is surrounded by a lush 12-acre garden, the Huerta Historic Garden, which may be viewed on a docent-led tour. An interesting fact is that the garden's olive, citrus, peach, pomegranate, and peach trees were planted from cuttings of plant remnants found at original mission sites. While discovering the town's impressive architecture, be sure to visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse,which combines architectural styles including Spanish, Moorish, Islamic, Romanesque, and Byzantine elements. Other sightseeing highlights are the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the botanic garden,and the 30-acre Zoo.

4 Palm Springs:

Synonymous with Old Hollywood glamour, Palm Springs became a legendary winter resort in the 1930s, when movie stars like Frank Sinatra and Marlene Dietrich came here to relax in style. Many people still flock to this fashionable desert oasis ( 107 miles from Los Angeles) during wintertime to bask in the sunshine and take part in recreational activities such as swimming, tennis, and golf. Palm Springs' dry desert climate is ideal from January until April, but can be unbearably hot during the summer. For those who want to explore the desert landscape, the best place to go is Palm Canyon, six miles from downtown Palm Springs. This rugged canyon has a small oasis with a creek and waterfalls. A variety of wilderness trails range from easy walks to longer hikes. Another magnificent nature site is Mount San Jacinto, a 10,000-foot, snow-dusted mountain that can be ascended by an aerial tram. From the 8,500-foot drop-off point, the views of the desert floor are spectacular. To balance the outdoorsy activities with cultural attractions, visit the Palm Springs Art Museum that displays interesting modern art as well as Native American art.

5 Joshua Tree National Park:

Joshua Tree National Park was named after the distinctive yucca trees that are found here in abundance. The Joshua Tree, known scientifically as "yucca brevifolia," is a member of the agave family and only grows in the Mojave Desert, an extreme ecosystem that includes Death Valley. Native Americans appreciated the tree for its practical uses: the fibrous leaves were woven into baskets, and the edible flower buds and seeds were a nutritious addition to the diet. In the 19th-century, Mormon pioneers named the tree after Joshua, the biblical figure, because they thought the twisted spiky branches resembled outstretched arms leading them to the Promised Land.

Since the park is 131 miles from Los Angeles (about a two-hour and 45-minute drive away), those visiting Joshua Tree National Park just for the day will want to try one of the shorter hikes or walks. The 49 Palms Oasis trail is a moderately strenuous three-mile roundtrip hike that features strands of fan palm trees and refreshing pools of water. For a short and easy walk, take the one-mile (two-miles round-trip)Cottonwood Spring trail that leads past an oasis to dry falls, which rush with water during wet years. Bighorn sheep often visit the freshwater springs, and the birdlife also draws birdwatchers throughout the year. The Hidden Valley trail is another moderate nature walk that would appeal to day trippers. The one-mile (round-trip) loop travels through a valley enclosed by rocks and includes a picnic area.

6 Laguna Beach:

 A Quintessential So-Cal Town.About 55 miles south of Los Angeles, this quintessential Southern California beach town has a dreamy, carefree ambience. The sunny town is blessed with a mild climate year-round, an average of 281 days of sunshine, and seven miles of sandy shoreline. Sunbathers and nature enthusiasts come for the spectacular scenery, and surfers come for the great waves. During spring and summer, tourists can take a whale-watching and dolphin cruise and get incredibly close to these amazing marine mammals.

More than just a place to sunbathe and surf, Laguna Beach also has lavish gardens, wonderful hiking trails in the rolling hills, as well as art galleries and cultural events. The JoAnne Artman Gallery (326 North Coast Hwy) displays a collection of award-winning art that has been in museums or private collections. The Laguna Art Museum (307 Cliff Drive) focuses on California art and hosts Laguna Beach Live! that entertains visitors with classical, jazz, and world music performances on the second Thursday of every month. Another lively event is Jazz Wednesdays at the Ranch at Laguna Beach in August. The Festival of Arts takes place the last two weeks in August and features artwork by more than 100 local artists from Orange County.

7 Malibu's Beautiful Beaches:

This famous beach town, about 33 miles from Los Angeles, is known for its gorgeous 21-mile coastline and celebrity residents. Many Hollywood movie stars have opulent oceanfront homes, and the paparazzi are known to lurk around the beaches in hopes of spotting stars. Although the affluent town is known for its glamour and exclusivity, anyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Malibu. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area with dramatic coastal bluffs, Malibu has several excellent public beaches. The beaches have strong waves ideal for surfing but not for swimming. The Malibu Lagoon State Beach is known as one of the best surfing beaches; it's also a stunning nature site that has picnic tables and a saltwater marsh with amazing birdlife. Zuma Beach is a wonderful public beach, with a wide shoreline of fine white sand. El Matador Beach is another beautiful sandy beach but also has interesting sea caves.

8 Oxnard:

Oxnard is a lovely waterfront city with plenty of recreation and entertainment to draw in visitors. It's worth taking the 60-mile drive from Los Angeles to enjoy the town's relaxing atmosphere, fresh air, and outdoor activities. Tennis, hiking, cycling, and golf are popular. Oxnard has miles of pristine white-sand beaches, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, sailing, and kayaking. Sunsets at the beach are incomparable, with the glimmering Pacific Ocean waves and the glowing afternoon light reflected on the Channel Islands in the distance. In addition to the natural attractions, Oxnard is known for its excellent restaurants, shopping, community performances, and concerts. Spring and summer are packed with a schedule of outdoor events and festivals. Oxnard's enticing California Strawberry Festival is in May, and the energetic Salsa Festival is in July. In January, the International Restaurant Week showcases the city's superb selection of international restaurants.

9 Big Bear Lake: 

Hiking, Water Sports, and Relaxation.At Big Bear Lake, visitors can escape to a stunning nature site 97 miles from Los Angeles. Big Bear Lake offers fresh mountain air and invigorating alpine scenery. Surrounded by pine forests, the lake has sparkling crystal-clear waters that are ideal for fishing. The lake is also popular for summertime recreation, especially swimming, jet skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. Other favorite activities in the area are hiking, horseback riding, and golfing. Many visitors enjoy having picnics and BBQs on warm days. For a more luxurious meal, try one of the mountainside or lakefront restaurants with splendid views. During winter, Big Bear Lake is a great place for cross-country skiing.

10 Balboa Island:

Balboa Island is a tiny island within Beacon Bay of Newport Beach, about 45 miles from Los Angeles. Visitors may arrive by ferry, which drops off near a colorful Ferris wheel. With its sunny vacation ambience, this quaint seaside town invites relaxation. Take a leisurely stroll down Marine Avenue, a pleasant street lined with enticing restaurants and shops. Learn how to sail, jet-ski, or paddleboard, or just spend time at the marina watching others participate in water sports. The town also has a sandy, palm-fringed beach with gentle waves. During wintertime, whale-watching is a popular activity. Another attractive beach town, Corona del Mar, is just two miles away from Balboa Island.

11 San Gabriel Mountains National Monument/Angeles National Forest:

Travelers can escape from the Los Angeles metropolitan area by taking a 50-mile drive to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument/Angeles National Forest, a pristine and peaceful wilderness environment. During the summer and fall season, advanced hikers can take on the challenge of ascending Mount San Antonio, affectionately known as "Mount Baldy" because of its barren landscape. During winter and spring, the mountain is usually covered in snow, and mountaineers approach it with ice boots, crampons, and ice axes. The 10,000-foot peak is the highest in the San Gabriel Mountain Range as well as the highest point in Los Angeles County.

Looking for a less extreme adventure? The area has many easy and moderate hikes as well as campgrounds, picnic sites, and swimming areas. A variety of hiking trails wind through the forest, and some trails accommodate mountain bikers and horseback riders. Hiking Tip: Watch out for "Poodle-Dog Bush," a shrub with bell-shaped lavender flowers that can cause skin irritation and blisters similar to a reaction from poison ivy.

 Source :http://www.planetware.com

Read More

City of Potosí

In the 16th century, this area was regarded as the world’s largest industrial complex. The extraction of silver ore relied on a series of hydraulic mills. The site consists of the industrial monuments of the Cerro Rico, where water is provided by an intricate system of aqueducts and artificial lakes; the colonial town with the Casa de la Moneda; the Church of San Lorenzo; several patrician houses; and the barrios mitayos, the areas where the workers lived.

Brief synthesis :

Potosí is the example par excellence of a major silvers mine of the modern era, reputed to be the world’s largest industrial complex in the 16th century. A small pre-Hispanic-period hamlet perched at an altitude of 4,000 m in the icy solitude of the Bolivian Andes, Potosí became an “Imperial City” following the visit of Francisco de Toledo in 1572. It and its region prospered enormously following the discovery of the New World’s biggest silver lodes in the Cerro de Potosí south of the city. The major colonial-era supplier of silver for Spain, Potosí was directly and tangibly associated with the massive import of precious metals to Seville, which precipitated a flood of Spanish currency and resulted in globally significant economic changes in the 16th century. The whole industrial production chain from the mines to the Royal Mint has been conserved, and the underlying social context is equally well illustrated, with quarters for the Spanish colonists and for the forced labourers separated from each other by an artificial river. Potosí also exerted a lasting influence on the development of architecture and monumental arts in the central region of the Andes by spreading the forms of a baroque style that incorporated native Indian influences. 

By the 17th century there were 160,000 colonists living in Potosí along with 13,500 Indians who were forced to work in the mines under the system of mita (mandatory labour). The Cerro de Potosí reached full production capacity after 1580, when a Peruvian-developed mining technique known as patio, in which the extraction of silver ore relied on a series of hydraulic mills and mercury amalgamation, was implemented. The industrial infrastructure comprised 22 lagunas or reservoirs, from which a forced flow of water produced the hydraulic power to activate 140 ingenios or mills to grind silver ore. The ground ore was amalgamated with mercury in refractory earthen kilns, moulded into bars, stamped with the mark of the Royal Mint and taken to Spain. 

The city and region retain evocative evidence of this activity, which slowed significantly after 1800 but still continues. This includes mines, notably the Royal mine complex, the biggest and best-conserved of the some 5,000 operations that riddled the high plateau and its valleys, dams that controlled the water that activated the ore-grinding mills, aqueducts, milling centres and kilns. Other evidence includes the superb monuments of the colonial city, among them 22 parish or monastic churches, the imposing Compañía de Jesús (Society of Jesus) tower and the Cathedral. The Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint), reconstructed in 1759, as well as a number of patrician homes, whose luxury contrasted with the bareness of the rancherias of the native quarter, also remain. Many of these edifices are in an “Andean Baroque” style that incorporates Indian influences. This inventive architecture, which reflects the rich social and religious life of the time, had a lasting influence on the development of architecture and monumental arts in the central region of the Andes. 

Criterion (ii): The “Imperial City” of Potosí, such as it became following the visit of Francisco de Toledo in 1572, exerted lasting influence on the development of architecture and monumental arts in the central region of the Andes by spreading the forms of a baroque style incorporating Indian influences. 

Criterion (iv): Potosí is the one example par excellence of a major silver mine in modern times. The industrial infrastructure comprised 22lagunas or reservoirs, from which a forced flow of water produced the hydraulic power to activate the 140 ingenios or mills to grind silver ore. The ground ore was then amalgamated with mercury in refractory earthen kilns called huayras or guayras. It was then molded into bars and stamped with the mark of the Royal Mint. From the mine to the Royal Mint (reconstructed in 1759), the whole production chain is conserved, along with the dams, aqueducts, milling centres and kilns. The social context is equally well represented: the Spanish zone, with its monuments, and the very poor native zone are separated by an artificial river. 

Criterion (vi): Potosí is directly and tangibly associated with an event of outstanding universal significance: the economic change brought about in the 16th century by the flood of Spanish currency resulting from the massive import of precious metals in Seville. 

Integrity

Within the boundaries of the property are located all the elements necessary to express the Outstanding Universal Value of the City of Potosí, including the ensemble’s industrial mining and urban components such as the system of artificial lakes, the mines, the mineral processing mills, the architecture and urban form and the natural environment, all dominated by the majestic presence of Cerro de Potosí. No buffer zone for the property has been delimited. 

Authenticity:

The City of Potosí is authentic in terms of the ensemble’s forms and designs, materials and substances, and location and setting. Still dominated by the majestic Cerro de Potosí, the “Imperial City” of Potosí’s streets, squares, civic and religious buildings, parishes and churches remain as faithful witnesses of its great splendour and tell the important history of mining in the Americas. 

The degradation of Cerro de Potosí (also called Cerro Rico [Rich Mountain] or Sumaj Orcko) by continuing mining operations has long been a concern, as hundreds of years of mining have left the mountain porous and unstable. The Bolivian Mining Corporation included the preservation of the form, topography and natural environment of the mountain as one of the objectives for its future exploitation. Nevertheless, recommendations by a World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS technical mission in 2005 to improve the security and stability of the property, as well as other conditions necessary to allow for sustainable mining activities, were not addressed and portions of the summit of the mountain have collapsed. The authenticity of the property is thus threatened, and urgent and appropriate action must be taken to protect human lives, to improve working conditions and to prevent further deterioration of this vulnerable component of the property. 

Protection and management requirements

The City of Potosí is protected under the Constitución Política del Estado (Political Constitution of the State), Art. 191; Ley del Monumento Nacional (National Monument Act), 8/5/1927; Normas Complementarias sobre patrimonio Artístico, Histórico, Arqueológico y Monumenta (Complementary Standards on Artistic, Historical, Archaeological and Monumental Heritage), Decreto Supremo (D.S.) No. 05918 of 6/11/1961; Créase la Comisión Nacional de Restauración y Puesta en Valor de Potosí (Establishment of the National Commission for the Restoration and Revitalization of Potosí), D.S. No. 15616 of 11/7/1978; Normas sobre defensa del Tesoro Cultural de la Nación(Standards for the Protection of the National Cultural Treasure),Decreto Ley (D.L.) No. 15900 of 19/10/1978; and Act No. 600 of 23/2/1984 to finance the implementation of the designation of the City of Potosí as a “Monumental City of America” by the General Assembly of the Organization of American States in 1979. In addition the Plan de Rehabilitación de las Áreas Históricas de Potosí - PRAHP (Rehabilitation Plan of the Historic Areas of Potosí), its Regulations and several studies also encompass the protection of the property. There is no participatory conservation management plan for the property. 

Restoration work is realized by international support from UNESCO, the Organization of American States and the governments of Spain and the Federal Republic of Germany. The Ministry of Culture of the Plurinational State of Bolivia is in charge of conservation and preservation work. The Proyecto de la calle Quijarro (Quijarro Street Project) was developed in 1981 to encourage rehabilitation of homes in the historic downtown areas; basic services are provided in collaboration with the Municipality - of Potosí. However, it should be noted that there is a strong economic downturn in the region. It is expected that cultural tourism will help provide social, economic and educational support. 

Sustaining the Outstanding Universal Value of the property over time will require fully implementing the emergency and other measures identified by the 2011 technical mission; finalizing and implementing an approved Strategic Emergency Plan, including rationalization and planning of industrial exploitation in the area; developing and implementing approved measures to ensure the structural stability of the top of the mountain; modifying Article 6 of Supreme Decree 27787 to halt all exploration, extraction and any other interventions under and above ground between altitudes 4,400 m and 4,700 m; completing an analysis and modelling based on recent geophysical studies to further identify the anomalies affecting the mountain; putting in place a monitoring system; finalizing and submitting a participatory Management Plan for the property; and delimiting a buffer zone for the property.

Source :http://whc.unesco.org

Read More