If you are like me, you are watching your travel budget carefully, asking where you can go that’s interesting but affordable. I might suggest you consider a SoCal vacation. There you will find theme parks, beaches, great weather and a lot more.
Another possibility would be Hawaii. You can almost feel that warm ocean water right now, but remember that there are offsetting advantages to the Golden State. For a discussion about differences between California and Hawaii vacations, check out the SoCal Vacations Guru. The beaches in SoCal do not have as many rock outcroppings and the sun is less intense (as is the humidity). You’ll find the ocean water to be warmer in the Aloha State, but the cooler California water might actually seem more inviting on a hot summer day.
Of course, the vegetation in Hawaii is often magnificent and the local culture adds much to the experience. But don’t forget the melting pot of many different cultures to be experienced in California, as well as the mountains, desert and coastline.
The beach is not the only attraction in Southern California. There are a half-dozen major theme parks to be visited. There are a half-dozen major theme parks to be visited. If you are traveling with a lover of thrill rides, then Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott’s Berry Farm should be on your list; Six Flags and Knott’s roller coasters are especially noteworthy. Those parks both boast many coasters and similar adrenaline-pumping rides. Disneyland has a few attractions that would be considered thrill rides, but not nearly as many as those other two parks.
There aren’t many roller coasters to be found in Hawaii, unless you consider wintertime surfing to qualify in that category. In terms of the budget, there may be great vacation specials to both destinations, but you can drive to California if airfare is too costly.