Want to see the redwoods and what else in the area?

[babylisa4]

Leaving for GC in two days but wanted to check about some other things to do. We have two teenage sons. We're seeing Lion King in LA and Disneyland and Calif. Adventure. I'd love to see the Redwoods? Can someone tell me how where the closest ones would be? Also with limited time- what closest beach would be unique or good to see? Not sure if we want to do more theme parks but looking for other ideas for a day away from the parks. We are Disney vacation Club members so we go to Orlando a lot and don't have to do tons of Disney. We don't get to CA much and my boys would like to do "cool stuff" . We have a great time together but I try to work at finding things the boys will find interesting. Something they can talk to their friends about. They can't tell their friends they are just going to Disneyland! Also looking for good or cool places to eat! Thanks for your help

 

[Judy from Boise]

Cool things for teenages might include a trip to the Beverly Center, Mann's Chinese Theater, Venice beach, Rodeo Drive.
The redwoods would entail an overnight trip.

 

[TigerBear]

Where are the closest redwoods located?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>The redwoods are located along the coast of California, starting from San Francisco area, and going up north. These are the tallest trees in the world.

The sequoias are the largest trees in the world (not as tall as a redwood, but much wider in diameter). The closest sequoias are located in Sequoia National Park. It's about a 5.5 hour drive to get there.

We were there last year - this link shows the pictures I took while we were there. The General Sherman is located there & is the largest living thing in the world. One of it's branches is 6.7 feet in diameter. Here's the link: MJ's Sequoia trip Click on Day 3 to see a picture of the kids by a sequoia.

Other things to do while down here... boogie boarding at Newport Beach. You can rent the boards there if you get there early enough (by 10 or so).

Medieval Times is a good place to eat & watch a dinner show of knights fighting.

Knotts Berry Farms is well known for its delicious chicken dinners, and you don't have to enter the park to eat at the restaurant.

Mission San Juan Capistrano and the surrounding area for a nice visit.

Catalina Island for a day or overnight.

You could do the following in one day, as these are basically in the same area:
Visit the La Brea Tarpits, where you can see the tarpits where mammoths and other animals of the time perished. There is a museum there with the fossils they've pulled out. This is the location where the movie Volcano was filmed, where the volcano actually erupted. Very close are Rodeo Drive, and Farmers Market

You can also go up the hill to the Griffith Park Observatory , and finish out your day in Hollywood, visiting the Mann's Chinese Theater and reading the stars on Hollywood Blvd.

Hope some of this is helpful.

 

[JenniferW]

Depending on your interests, the Paul Getty museum is fantastic if they like art even a little, it's north of the 405 freeway maybe 1.5 hour away. Also, if they like serious rides and you don't mind the different atmosphere Magic Mountain in Valencia is a great park with all the super scary rides that soemtimes teenagers like, I know I used to...

Anyway, Newport Beach is a good area to hang out. You can go to Balboa Island and lay out on the beach, shop and go to the restaurants.

My favorite is to go to San Diego because it is so beautiful particularly if you like animals. Have you ever been to the Wild Animal Park? It's great!

Have fun.

Jenn