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California Dreamin’
By Jonathon Freeman-Anderson
Welcome to cool, friendly Southern California where the world flocks to find fun every summer. Aptly stereotyped, California is renowned as the land of sun. The surreal nature of Southern California is almost impossible for most local residents to believe, but as the summer months approach and the weather adjusts to perfection it is all too clear as to why so many call this gorgeous locale, home.
Featuring amazing sunsets, parks, beaches, golf courses, concert venues, art, food, and the beautiful Pacific Ocean, there is no wonder why the west coast is the end of manifest destiny. Valley Scene hopes that this brief overview of summer in So Cal can help newcomers find enriching, creative experiences unlike anywhere else in the world, as well as, introduce experienced locals to a few hidden treasures beckoning more discovery.
Despite Hollywood's attempt to convert every possible live effect into a digital CGI comparison, there is no substitute for an amazing sunset. For starters, the world famous Santa Monica pier offers a phenomenal view of the sunset, ocean, and a good expanse of the coastline. Offering a variety of entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences, including the thrill rides of Pacific Park; a historic 1922 Carousel, and an interactive aquarium, the beautiful Santa Monica Pier is open 365 days a year, admission is free, and parking is available on both the Pier Deck and the Beachfront nearby. Limited short-term parking is also available. For more information, call (310) 458-8900.
For San Fernando Valley residents, there is a closer prime viewing spot for the sunset and a terrific 360-degree view of the Los Angeles skyline all the way to the ocean just off Mulholland drive known as the NIKE radar tower, off "Mulholland dirt." This viewing spot is also spectacular for fireworks on Independence Day, July 4. Project Nike was a U.S. Army project, proposed in May 1945 by Bell Labs, to develop a line-of-sight anti-aircraft missile system. Almost all Nike sites in the continental United States were deactivated by April 1974. The NIKE radar tower on Mulholland was used to defend against a possible attack from the Pacific Ocean with NIKE missiles ready for launch under the L.A. reservoir, and was declassified and turned over to parks and recreation by President Clinton. If heading south on the 405, take the Skirball/Mulholland exit, make a left over the freeway, and follow to Mulholland, make a left, and follow the road less than five miles to a large dirt road on the left. Follow the road to a gate to the fire road, which is generally left open. If closed, park and walk about a mile and half up. There will be a sign on the left. Climb the tower, and be prepared for amazement, unless of course there is a nice layer of stereotypical L.A. smog blocking the view. The smog is hit or miss, but on a clear day, the view is priceless, and the dirt path also makes for a great bike ride or hike.
For an amazing view, take a spectacular sunset flight over California's magnificent coastline. The romantic sunset flight takes off from Van Nuys Airport, aboard a high-wing Cessna airplane with every seat on board having a fantastic view. As the sky turns amber, head west over the San Fernando Valley, fly out along the beautiful Santa Monica Mountain range, and see the Santa Monica Pier and Malibu's million-dollar homes as the sun slowly descends. Prices per person range about $100, and the ride lasts about an hour. Go to http://www.viator.com/tours/Los-Angeles/Los-Angeles-Sunset-Flight/d645-2532ROMANCE
Every great sunset is better with a cold, cocktail in hand and a special loved one nearby. If looking for the best possible romantic ocean view with a bar, then look no further than these quality locations. In Malibu, Duke's Malibu Restaurant & Barefoot Bar sits so close to the Pacific that the occasional wave slams the wall. 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy., 310-317-0777. The Malibu Pier Club's vintage-style bar has mai tais that are made from a super-secret Hawaiian recipe providing a literal Hawaiian punch. Malibu Pier, 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy., 310-456-9800. Moonshadows is the bar where the infamous Mel Gibson incident of 2006 occurred. 20356 Pacific Coast Hwy., 310-456-3010. Paradise Cove Beach Cafe is a bustling Malibu beach bar featuring flavored margaritas or guava mojitos with fried calamari served in an enormous martini glass. 28128 Pacific Coast Hwy., 310-457-2503. The Sunset Bar is a low-key romantic hillside hideaway with valet parking and candlelit tables. Cushion benches by the windows provide an amazing view. 6800 Westward Beach Rd., 310-457-5521.
In the valley, a few specific locations cater to the well-off cocktail connoisseurs with stylish and exciting happy hours. The Woodland Hills' Morton's Steakhouse has "Power Hour," offering specially priced beer, wine, and spirits starting at just $4 and 'Bar Bites' starting at just $5 a plate from 5pm - 6:30pm and 9pm - close. 6250 Canoga Ave. Suite 111, 818-703-7272. Next to the Van Nuys airport is the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant, which provides an all-inclusive award-winning dining experience. Happy Hour: Monday - Friday from 4-7PM. The 94th Aero Squadron is located at the end of Raymer Ave., off Woodley Ave between Roscoe Blvd. and Sherman Way. Also, try the fine dining at the luxurious and contemporarily decorated, Kravings, in the heart of San Fernando Valley. Kravings is a world fusion steak house with a serving concept inspired by the Brazilian Rodizio. The grill masters bring sizzling fire-roasted meats on skewers or cedar planks to carve tableside without limit for a fixed price. $4 draft beer specials and $1 oysters during Happy Hour: 4:30 PM - 7 PM, 7 days a week, and 10:00 PM - 11:30 PM, Wed - Sat. Kravings is located at 18663 Ventura Blvd. #100 in Tarzana. (818) 881-7111. The Odyssey Restaurant's happy hour features a panoramic view of the valley. Located in Granada Hills at 15600 Odyssey Dr., the Odyssey is nice for a summer sunset. Happy Hour: Monday - Friday, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. The Odyssey also offers a special Sunset Diners series, with tantalizing dishes to match the view.
Travel inland to one of California's many state parks, and find the best of what Mother Nature has to offer locally. Within and around the San Fernando Valley are many beautiful parks to visit and enjoy a picnic, read a book, take a walk, or play outdoor games like Frisbee or football. Topanga State Park covers 36 miles, and the California State Park system designates Topanga as "the world's largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city." Take a leisurely walk on a wide variety of trail choices with a variety of difficulties for any hiker. North Hollywood's Campo de Cahuenga is an amazing historical park where the Treaty of Cahuenga was signed, officially marking the end of hostilities in the Mexican-American War on January 13, 1847, between Lt. Col. John C. Fremont and General Andres Pico. Tour the beautiful grounds of this marvelous historical location and enjoy an educational activity for everyone. Campo de Cahuenga is located in North Hollywood at 3919 Lankershim Blvd., right across from Universal Studios.
For fun on the sand, check out some of these amazing beaches for surfing, people watching, walking, volleyball, bonfires, romance, fun for kids, a nice getaway, or overall astonishing experience. Locals love surfing Zuma Beach, just north of Malibu, for its good waves and clean water. For people watching, Venice Beach caters to the most interesting and outlandish gathering of characters next to Hollywood as being the location of the most famous, and most-filmed, boardwalk in the world. For simply walking, good surf, or beach volleyball, Manhattan Beach is fantastic, featuring a long, paved walking path with a view of the Santa Monica Bay. Check out Paradise Cove, a small, private beach offering a charming, old-fashioned beachside restaurant. Dockweiler Beach is a west-facing three-mile-long section of Los Angeles shoreline that is seldom crowded, and is the only place where Los Angeles County offers bonfires, as well as, the only beachfront RV Park. For romance, check out the secluded pocket beach north of Malibu El Matador Beach.
If interested in going on a fun cruise or water adventure this summer, check out Hornblower Cruises & Events, with locations in Newport Beach, Marina Del Rey, and San Diego in Southern California alone. Offering an array of exciting cruise options, Hornblower features exclusive tours and varied options are available. Looking to inject some education and Hollywood glamour into a seaside outing, Hornblower Cruises offers "exclusive narrated dockside tours" on the yacht, the Wild Goose, formerly owned by acting icon John Wayne. Hornblower Cruises has more than 30 yachts, and boasts a cache of summertime (and year-round) options, including champagne brunch cruises, whale and dolphin watching cruises, weekend dinner cruises, cocktail cruises and private cruises, among other personalized options. To book a cruise, call (310) 301-6000.
For 62 years every summer, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission has provided a selection of free summer concerts. May through October, highlights include the Mariachi Divas, at San Fernando Recreation Park (208 Park Ave., San Fernando) on Sunday, August 9, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Conjunto Los Pochos in October will perform Latin and world music at Encino Park (16952 Ventura Blvd.). All summer long, at Warner Center Park, located in Woodland Hills, at 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, for the 34th annual Valley Cultural Center (VCA) are free summer concerts. Mostly starting at 6:30 p.m. concert highlights include the June 7 Playboy Jazz Community Concert, June 14 Sha-na-na, and June 28 Orleans. On July 4, Council-zman Dennis Zine sponsors a free fireworks extravaganza with performances by Don Sweeney & the SRO Big Band. On June 21, there is a musical tribute to Cole Porter, by Pat Longo & His Hollywood Big Band; Iron Butterfly performs July 19's "Classic Rock All Stars," while Asia performs August 9. Visit valleycultural.org. Check out some of the fun concerts in the park and get your groove on this summer in the sun.
Though the outdoors is fun, many prefer the comfort of an air-conditioned indoor activity. Some great summer hotspots include the MB2 raceway for indoor go-karts, indoor skydiving at the new Universal Studios facility, making jewelry at the Bead Lounge in Westlake Village, or painting pottery at Color Me Mine. For those who love to paint, Color Me Mine is a chain of art studios/pottery painting stores providing visitors the opportunity to pick a special, unpainted ceramic item, add on pre-made graphics or a personal pattern/design, paint, and have it fired in the store's kiln. Products are ready for pick-up soon after. For a fun party choice, Color Me Mine is around L.A. in Calabasas, Encino, Porter Ranch, Studio City, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica. MB2 Raceways is located north of the valley on Balboa, enclosed in an industrial center, up about half a mile on the left, just after crossing over the 5 freeway. Featuring fast go-kart racing fun all day long, MB2 offers group specials and party planning opportunities for the speed-racer in all of us. The Bead Lounge is a unique jewelry boutique, where people can design and create their own jewelry in a relaxing and warm environment. No experience in jewelry making is necessary because their friendly and knowledgeable staff will walk through designing and assembling everything. Recently installed at Universal Studios Citywalk is iFLY where people are literally flying as they soar on a column of air inside a vertical wind tunnel. iFLy is indoor skydiving that uses multiple fans located at the top of the flight chamber to produce a wall-to-wall airflow that is smooth and fun to fly in. All of these are cool and exciting indoor activities for the whole family.
For an older audience, summer is a great time to hang out on the green and simply golf away. The Westlake Village 18-hole Golf Course, located at 4812 Lakeview Canyon Road, is beautiful during the summer weather. The elegant Sherwood Lake Club golf course is also open to guests of the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village and located in a beautiful and private location. Golfers should drop by the more-than-85-year-old 18-hole Woodland Hills Country Club conveniently located in the San Fernando Valley. Located at 3301 Lost Canyons Drive in Simi Valley, with 36 holes, the one of a kind Lost Canyons Golf Club is the only golf course open to the public in all of Ventura County.
For the hottest days of summer, there is nothing better than a nice ice cream, chocolate gelato, or frozen yogurt. For over 25 years, Humphrey Yogart has been offering up an enticing array of frozen yogurt, ice cream, and a huge assortment of toppings. The original Humphrey Yogart location is still open, and is located in Sherman Oaks at 4574 Van Nuys Blvd. (generally open until 11p.m.). Purchase exquisite chocolate treats from around the world at Tifa Chocolate, a sweet Mom & Pop sweet boutique and gelato shop where the service is personalized, the samples are ample, the gelato selection is exquisite, and the prices are fair. Tifa Chocolate is located at 5013 Kanan Road, in Agoura Hills, open until 11 p.m. on the weekends, until 9 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday and Sunday, and until 7 p.m. on Monday. Yozen Frogurt has a location in West Hills, and shops recently opened in Thousand Oaks and Westlake. Yozen Frogurt offers eight flavors (the "Only 8" line) which have only eight calories.
Almost all the people of the world will still say they love California, or the idea of California; sunshine and warm weather practically 365 days a year, beautiful people, wine, and beaches unique to our state, Hollywood, Silicon Valley, Disneyland, etc. The verdict is in; California is a phenomenal and amazing country, especially for summer. According to The World Factbook published by the CIA, if California were an independent state, it would have had the tenth largest economy in the world featuring amazing sunsets, parks, beaches, golf courses, concerts, art, food, and the Pacific Ocean. Valley Scene Magazine hopes your summer is as cool as it is hot. Have a good one!