My Favorite Three Weekend Escapes in Southern California

We all know, the world over, that Southern California has a myriad of great beaches, tourist trap areas, and excellent shopping. What you may not realize are the opportunities to get off the beaten path and experience new adventures. While I personally do love touristy crap, I also try to make a point of sampling more off-beat activities. Here are my three favorites.

Beach Shoot San Diego

While visiting my son recently, we contacted Dan Woods to see about a kayak trip off Palos Verdes Peninsula. Dan usually books down around the San Diego area (thus the name) but we found he was more than open to making arrangements closer to the Los Angeles area. We were thrilled. This is mainly about the photography during your adventure, but Dan arranges everything for you.

When we arrived at the preset meeting spot, Beach Shoot Sand Diego already had the kayaks down at the waterline for us, and helped my handicapped self get down the cliff as well. He gave us kayaking instructions, launched us, and off we went! Luckily the weather was glorious this March day and we had a wonderful adventure with Dan.

While we kayaked around the peninsula, he kept taking tons of pictures... all the while acting as a sort of area tour guide and cracking jokes. His outgoing personality really makes the trip oh so much more than it could have been. If you are the more adventurous sort, you can book a combo kayak & Snorkeling trip with him. Those less athletic or energetic can opt for a simple romantic beach shoot. He also has biking & segway deals at his website, and I get the impression he is pretty much game for anything you can think of as long as he can take photographs.

You can call Dan at (858) 952-2847, or visit their website for more information. Packages start at around $149 and go up from there depending on what you want. Dan will give you a discount if you purchase a photo package in advance of your trip.

Charter a Private Plane

At the little-known Torrance airport, you will find a ton of private plane owners. You might miss it if you are not looking for it. You can find it at 3301 Airport Drive. This is where my own son keeps his plane. All of these pilots are licensed to various degrees, and most are more than willing to work a deal with you for a most excellent air tour of Southern California. Prices are going to vary with current gas prices, how long you want to be in the air, and your own skills at negotiations.

I went up for a short flight over to Catalina Island and loved every single minute of it. We took off from Torrance, flew over to the island and landed at the Sky Port for a quick buffalo burger and souvenirs, then took back off and circled around the back side of the island for some outstanding views and pictures. After that, we flew as close to Long Beach Harbor as air rules allow for even more pictures of things like the Queen Mary and various cruise ships, then landed back again at Torrance Airport. It was totally awesome! Since this was my son's plane I paid only the $100 for the gas, but he and others will make similar trips starting at around $200, which includes the landing fees.

I mean, sure, you can take a ferry over to Catalina for cheaper, but you do not get the amazing views, exhilaration, and experience of flying there. Plus, you can find a pilot any weekend to take you pretty much anywhere you wish to go. Helicopters are also available here for hire. Walk in and ask, or call ahead. Either way you are sure to have a fantastic time.

Catalina Island Get-away Package

Speaking of Catalina Island... while you are there go ahead and book a romantic weekend at the amazing Catalina Island Inn. You will find this inn at the Avalon area of the island, meaning it is right there among all the shipping, dining, and adventure on the Pacific Ocean.

If you did not take my advice and fly over in a chartered plane, you can take advantage of the Inn's packages which include boat transportation to and from the island, taxi service from the boat to the hotel, and your choice of adventure trips. These include romantic trips over to Seal Rock, Glass Bottom boat tours, walking tours of the Casino area, etc.

Of course, the prices also include Queen Rooms for 2 with glorious balconies overlooking the bay. This particular hotel is very accommodating and will make your weekend get-away a most memorable occasion. Best of all, these packages start at an amazingly low $130 per person. Call 1-800-246-8134 for reservations. You might even be able to talk Dan of Beach Shoot San Diego into meeting you on the Island for a photo shoot adventure there. In fact, I know he would.