Southern California is full of memorable ways to have fun. Whether you're a local who's lucky enough to live here all year, or you're just visiting this beautiful part of the world, there are many unique and unforgettable tours that will give you a taste of the culture and beauty that SoCal has to offer. Here are 10 tours that we think capture a special side of SoCal. Which tours on this list are your favorite?
Please note, The Museum of Jurassic Technology is temporarily closed.
1. The Getty Villa -- Pacific Palisades
Choose from an architecture tour, a garden tour of the four Roman gardens, or go on a culinary tour of the edible plants, fruit trees and herbs that can be found throughout the Getty grounds. Each tour is 45-minutes long and will take you on a guided exploration of this beautiful setting. Tours are free with the price of general admission into the Getty Villa.
2. Jet Propulsion Lab/California Institute of Technology -- Pasadena
You can totally geek out at the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena during one of the free tours offered to the public. It's an amazing way to expand your mind and get a close-up look at space-age technology while checking out some cool robots. Check out jpl.nasa.gov for more details on this fun and educational tour for the whole family.
3. Dodgers Stadium Tour
For you Dodgers fans out there, this 90-minute tour is a treat. You'll be taken on a guided walk to the dugout, walk out on the field, and even get a look inside the Vin Scully Press Box. Talk about a bunch of great photo opps! Check out the Dodgers website for prices and more details.
4. The Museum of Jurrassic Technology -- Culver City
If you have a curious nature then you'll want to put this tour at the top of your list. To avoid any spoiler alerts I won't share any specific details here about this unique museum, as this is one place where you just want the experience to unfold without any preconceived ideas of what to expect. Curious yet? You can find more details about museum hours and prices on the Museum of Jurassic Technology website.
5. Dolby Theatre -- Hollywood and Highland
If you've always dreamed of attending the Oscars, then here's your chance to step inside the Dolby Theatre where the Academy Awards is televised. Enjoy a fun and informative guided group tour that will get you up close to where the glamorous red carpet action happens every year. The Dolby Theatre website has more information about tour prices.
6. The Last Bookstore -- Downtown Los Angeles
If you have a love for books, art, or anything made of paper, stepping into this bookstore in Los Angeles will make your heart go pitter-pat. Although there isn't an official guided tour of this rare and unique Southern California gem, wandering through it on your own will be just as thrilling. You'll find both used and new books, an art gallery, a gift shop, and some interesting displays such as hallways and tunnels made out of hundreds of books.
7. Bates Nut Farm -- Valley Center
You don't have to be a kid to get a kick out of these old fashioned farm tours offered at Bates Nut Farm. Choose from a variety of tours that will get you out on the farm and exploring the wonders of nature in a relaxed and peaceful setting. Head to batesnutfarm.biz for more information about tour times and pricing.
8. Beehive Tour -- San Diego
This unusual and memorable two-hour beehive tour will have your adrenaline buzzing in no time. You'll cover up in a bee suit before you head into the heart of a beehive to learn all sorts of fun facts about these wonderful flying creatures. For only $39 per person, this might be the most economical way to spend an unforgettable weekend. For more information, contact Girl Next Door Honey in San Diego.
9. Angel Stadium Tour -- Anaheim
The ballpark tour at Angel Stadium is another must-see tour for all SoCal sports fans. On this behind-the-scenes look at the stadium you will be taken on a guided tour to areas that are typically unavailable to the public. This tour is both fun and educational, and will turn you into an even bigger fan. Head to the Angel Stadium website for pricing and tour times.
10. A Hollywood Studio Tour
Just because you're a local doesn't mean you can't play tourist for a day. If you're a Californian, take advantage of the fact that you live close to the heart of Hollywood and go on an epic studio tour. There are many studio tours to choose from, so find one that's closest to you and plan a mini staycation right here in your hometown. Pictured here: Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
Of course there are plenty more tours in SoCal that you can take that will give you a taste of this part of the country. Any memorable tours that you've been on that you'd like to see on this list? For more ways to experience Southern California at its finest, here are 16 Stunning Places To Explore In SoCal.
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