Southern California Dreamin' 2022

 Unless we change our minds, San Diego is going to be an annual winter trip for us. We’re getting to know the town and finding new places to see.  And it’s fun to return to some fun spots as well.

New on our exploration drive was Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, a tribute to all veterans.   A beautiful setting, high on Mt. Soledad (no kidding) and it was a beautiful day.

A very tasteful memorial overlooking San Diego

Some of the thousands of  veteran tributes

Overlooking La Jolla

The San Diego Maritime Museum offered a variety of vessels. One problem, the HMS Surprise had sailed away to dry dock somewhere. Maybe next visit (third time’s the charm) we’ll actually get to go on board. We were able to take a tour of Juan Cabrillo’s flagship,  a submarine, and the gift shop. There were some very extensive displays of World War II and Vietnam era vessels.

On the water exhibits at the Maritime Museum of San Diego

Replica of the San Salvador

Fun with periscopes on board the USS Dolphin

We went back to Balboa park and toured the Natural History Museum (can’t tell if that’s the head or the tail of the ankylosaurs) and the Air and Space Museum (honorary SS officer Charles Lindbergh met us at the door.) 

Ankylosaurs: past Darwin Award runner-up

Greeted at the door of the Air and Space Museum by an animatronic Charles Lindbergh

The least aerodynamic plane at the museum

We also attended an anti-war, anti-Putin rally. Actually, traffic in the park was completely snarled, and we just happened to find ourselves in the middle of a mob. Ukraine Glory!!!

An important get together, well worth the traffic snarl we had to endure

Later that day we went to Mission Beach for some quality “toes in the sand” time.

Tasty waves and cool buds (no, not really) in Mission Beach

After a couple of wonderful meals and some warm sunshine, we went north to Anaheim.  There was a fog upon L.A but who cares when you’re at Disneyland??? 

Uncharacteristically cool temperatures at the Magic Kingdom

Checking out Galaxy's Edge and Black Spire Outpost with the kids

The new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge addition is a fantastic place for fans of the movies, and Rise of the Resistance is a world class theme park ride.

We ran into a couple of close friends – Sam and Alex – and had a great time with them.

Photo op with Alex and Sam after a jostle on Indiana Jones

Next day, we hit the Sunset Strip, and took a walk at the Will Rogers ranch. 

Will Rodgers State Park, in the heart of Bel Air

Then on to the heart of Hollywood and the Hollywood Museum.  Max Factor makeup rooms, many walls covered in autographs, and displays of items from some great movies.

Thousands of publicity stills and head shots from the old days of Hollywood

Autographs of the entire Casablanca cast

Back to Disneyland, it was Cars Land and as many other rides and experiences as we could handle. Soaring over California tugs at the heart every time.

Speed and daring in Cars Land

Alex and Sam took time out from the high adrenaline rides to spend some time with the old folks

One of the main reasons for the trip was to visit the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This is a must see for movie buffs like us.  The displays and viewing rooms were first rate.

The Academy Museum on Wilshire Boulevard

Dozens of screens showing hundreds of clips from the world of cinema

The view of Hollywood from the observation deck of the museum

These ARE the droids you are looking for

Who knew Rosebud was red?

Another place on our list was Angel’s Flight, a funicular trolley ride up a steep hill in the heart of the L.A. business district. We went up then we came back down.

Angels flight in downtown LA.  Site of more than a couple of  murders in our favorite cop shows

View from the top

Had a mammoth good time at La Brea

Our last day was spent at Dupar’s for breakfast, LaBrea TarPits (a must see), and on the 405 south to the John Wayne airport.  Hurray for Hollywood and Viva Southern California. We’ll do it again.

Tasty Travel Tunes

Here in California - Dave Alvin & Christie McWilson 

Origin of Species - Chris Smither

We Can Fly! We Can Fly! We Can Fly! - Peter, Wendy, and John

I Love LA - Randy Newman