ImageMap - turn on images!!! so cal links

If you are going to be in the LA area for a few days and are looking for things to do, or just wnat to stay current with what's going on, this page has links of interest. Browse and learn about some of the cool sites and places around SoCal.

As you venture out, you may want to check MapQuest or MapBlast for directions. The street address for the Pasadena Hilton is 150 South Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101.

Field Trips

  • Disneyland
    Hey, it's the happiest place on earth, okay? It's about 33 miles southeast of Pasadena.
  • Hearst Castle
    About 250 miles north of Pasadena on the coast, Hearst Castle is, well, Hearst Castle. Combine this with a visit to Santa Barbara or Monterey. Watch "Citizen Kane" before going.
  • Joshua Tree National Park
    Joshua Tree National Park lies 140 miles east of Los Angeles. Its 794,000 acres span the transition between the Mojave and Colorado deserts of Southern California. Activities include rock climbing, hiking, camping and bicycling. Breathtaking scenery.
  • Lake Arrowhead
    90 miles east of Pasadena, Lake Arrowhead is in the San Bernardino Mountains. A recreation bonanza, whether it's hiking, biking, swimming, boating, fishing or skiing (in the winter), this is the place to visit.
  • Long Beach
    Once upon a time, this was a naval town. No more, now it's a tourist mecca (or at least it's trying to be!). It's about 33 miles southwest of Pasadena, and is home to the Museum of Latin American Art, the Queen Mary (if you go, check out the Russian submarine now moored next to it) and the new Aquarium of the Pacific.
  • Monterey Peninsula
    360 miles north along the coast lies Monterey. It's a beautiful beach town, and if you have the time, it's a fantastic drive along the coast on Highway 1 (rent a convertible for the ultimate California experience on this drive). It is also home to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is well worth a visit.
  • Palm Springs
    107 miles southeast of Pasadena, Palm Springs will introduce you to the desert, from the comfort of a hotel swimming pool or air-conditioned room. Plenty of golf courses, restaurants and shopping make this a great getaway. Tip: avoid coming during Spring Break. If you go, be sure to take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
  • San Diego
    126 miles south of Pasadena, San Diego is a jewel of a city with perfect weather year round and lots to do and see, including the world famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and the Wild Animal park. Good jumping off point for a foray into Mexico (the border is just 18 miles south of San Diego).
  • Santa Barbara
    98 miles north of Pasadena, Santa Barbara is a beautiful coastal city with a mission, lots of good restaurants and shopping.

Interested in venturing further afield? Check out the California state government's travel and tourism pages.

Newspapers

Local Radio

Okay, so you've rented that convertible and you're ready to start cruising. Before you go anywhere, make sure you've got the car radio stations properly programmed for easy surfing.
  • KBIG
    104.3 FM, easy listening/pop rock
  • KCRW
    89.9 FM, public radio from Santa Monica City College
  • KIIS
    102.7 FM, contemporary hits
  • KKGO
    105.1 FM, classical
  • KLON
    88.1 FM, jazz & blues
  • KLOS
    95.5 FM, classic rock
  • KLYY
    107.1 FM, modern/alternative rock
  • KPCC
    89.3 FM, public radio from Pasadena City College
  • KRTH
    101.1 FM, oldies
  • KUSC
    91.5 FM, public radio/classical music from USC
  • KZLA
    93.9 FM, country western

Local TV

Local trivia: KTLA (channel 5) was actually mentioned in the O.J. Simpson trial - it had to do with verifying the time that a noise was heard (it's the natives' favorite local news station, and home to an icon of local news: Stan Chambers).