Catalina Island
Thanks to the speed of the Catalina Express, you can easily journey to Catalina Island and back in just one day.  This high-speed catamaran will take you from one of its convenient ports in Dana Point, San Pedro or Long Beach, to Catalina in about 50 minutes.  Experience luscious dining, tons of sightseeing, plenty of golf and your pick of water sports.  877-612-5252.  www.catalinaexpress.com.

Want to know more?  Click here for a deeper look into all that Catalina Island has to offer with Explorer.  Let her be your local tour guide.

Calico Ghost Town
Located on the side of towering King Mountain, this place is as “purdy as a gal’s calico skirt” with a history to match.  One third of the town is original, the remaining carefully reconstructed to recreate the spirit of Calico’s 1881 Old West past.  A narrow gauge railroad operates within town limits and a hardrock silver mine offers up underground exploration.  And walking ghost tours are available every night.  Calico is about two hours from LA, set in the city of Yermo.  800-TO-CALICO.  www.calicotown.com.

USS Midway
How many opportunities will you have to explore an historic US Navy aircraft from boiler to bridge?   Experience the adventure of a lifetime aboard the USS Midway in downtown San Diego.  910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego.  619-544-9600.  www.midway.org.

Santa Barbara
Known as the American Riviera, lush, sun-drenched and relaxed Santa Barbara is nestled seductively between LA and San Francisco.  It’s also one of America’s best-kept secrets.  From State Street and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the rugged Channel Islands and the burgeoning wine country, Santa Barbara basks in sunshine, creativity and culture.  805-966-9222.  www.santabarbara.com.

Solvang
Set amidst the sunny fields in the beautiful oak-studded Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is the Danish Capital of America.  Quaint old-world architecture blends with flower-lined streets to create this picturesque, walkable village.  Spend the day shopping for imported European goods from over 200 delightful shops and merchants.  It’s only about two hours up the coast from LA. 800-468-6765. www.solvangusa.com.