I wish you were here

One of our most memorable stops in Anaheim was the renowned Anaheim Packing District. This vibrant culinary hub at 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805, is housed in a beautifully restored packing house dating back to 1919.

The district blends history with modern flavors, creating an eclectic and exciting dining experience that's hard to match.

Open daily, the Packing District offers food from early morning into the evening—perfect for any meal or a delicious snack.

Ventura County includes the cities of Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai - each with its unique character and attractions. It is a tiny county compared to neighboring LA but full of sites and adventures.

Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks is the first major city you encounter as you leave Los Angeles County. The town is your typical southern California town with sprawling homes and a few large corporations, shopping centers, and parks.

But within this urban sprawl, you can find quite a few things to do and see. Here are some of my favorites:

Crystal Cove State Park serves as a pristine coastal oasis, beautifully blending a sandy beach with an expansive, rugged wilderness. This diverse state park offers a wide variety of scenic hiking trails tailored for adventurers of all experience levels. 

This stunning three-mile stretch of beach along the Pacific Coast Highway remains one of the most remarkable jewels of the California state park system. Crystal Cove State Park is fully open and operational, welcoming hikers, campers, and beachgoers year-round. Beyond its clean coastal shores, the property encompasses roughly 3,000 acres of protected rolling hills, steep canyons, and clearly marked paths.

The city of San Diego and the greater San Diego County are home to beautiful beaches, popular attractions, hiking trails and many more adventures.

Many people come to the city to enjoy SeaWorld’s exhibits and shows or the world-famous San Diego Zoo, but there is much more to explore around town. 

You can spend days visiting the museums at Balboa Park, take a sunset dinner cruise in the harbor or climb aboard an Aircraft Carrier. 

On a recent visit to San Diego, we stayed at the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa for two nights and loved every minute of our stay. 

The resort is right on the bay and has everything you need for fun and relaxation. 

Venice, the city of canals, is a dream destination for many travelers. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and maze of canals, it's a city that promises romance, adventure, and a touch of mystery.

Whether you're wandering through its narrow alleys, crossing its ancient bridges, or gliding through its canals, Venice never ceases to enchant. In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through Venice, highlighting both its iconic attractions and some lesser-known treasures.

Later in this guide, I will share three proposed itineraries to help you discover the best of Venice, but first let us explore the main attractions.